Have you ever found when you quote a passage or verse from God’s Holy Word, that more often than not it seems to “startle” an individual one way or another?  That is to say in my personal experience and encounters, when I offer up a quote that is germane to the conversation in which we are having, the person will immediately react!  How do they react? It depends on the circumstances of course, but they all share one thing in common, they all “pause” and reflect before responding.

For example, last week an individual was hurting and sobbing openly about someone they love who is probably at the end of their time on earth. I offered up this very important verse of truth and wisdom from the LORD from Luke 23:43–And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

The person stopped sobbing and said, “do you really think so?” I replied, “Jesus’ words- so Yes! He is pure and speaks the truth and promises this. So of course I KNOW so. I know they will be in paradise soon…“

Words have a way to hurt or help, to comfort or discomfort, to soothe the soul or ruffle feathers. Words are powerful, the tongue can be either a weapon or a friend. The tongue is a very important part of the body. James uses three illustrations to express what the tongue is like and why it must be controlled in James 3:3-5. He illustrates each one brilliantly and offers explanations of such.

• (3:3) BITS –“If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well.” 
• (3:4) SHIPS – “Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.”
• (3:5) FIRES- So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!

Fine example of how powerful the tongue it. We can speak life into a situation or circumstance or speak death! Remember in Ezekiel who the LORD told to speak life into the “old bones” to bring to life? Ezekiel 37:1-14 is about a vision given to the prophet Ezekiel, in which he was taken to a valley full of dry bones. The Lord asked him whether these bones could come to life, and Ezekiel responded that only the Lord knew. God then commanded Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, and as he did, they began to come together and be covered with flesh.

So too can our words affect to this very day. The Word is a powerful tool for our soul, heart, body and mind! God’s Word is life enhancing, life fulfilling, life everlasting!

When we pull up the Word that should be there always hidden in our hearts, we can apply it to all kinds of life altering moments.

–Psalms 119:11 (KJV): Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Being Christian is one thing. It’s how you apply that Christianity in life is quite another altogether.

Do you use your words wisely?
Or do you use them in a useless way?
Do you offer up death to the dry bones?
Or do you speak life into the dry bones, bringing them to life?

That little part of your body, your tongue is a powerful tool. Please use it wisely. And when you have nothing to say, keep it still, be still and let God guide you- (Psalm 46:10). 

Remember you have the ability to make a difference to someone today, tomorrow and the next day- and all the days of your life!

“Father, may I serve you wisely this day, and may I use Your Word as a tool to help my brothers and sisters, and those I encounter throughout my day, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”