The Lord Jesus said that we need to be born again. In John 3:3, it says: “Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” The Apostle Peter taught that we were born again by the incorruptible word of God: 1 Peter 1:23 “Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.” So, according to the Scriptures, we now have a new nature. We no longer live according to the dictates of the flesh. Our new nature and DNA comes from God’s Holy Spirit. Galations 5:25 says: “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives”. Paul gave us a snapshot of the difference between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. Galations 5: 19-26 (NLT) says: “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.” It’s very clear and simple. The above verses clearly outline whether or not you are following the Spirit’s leading, or still allowing the old nature to control you. The more time you spend with God’s word and His Holy Spirit, the more the fruits of the Spirit will shine through you! We have a Spanish saying that translated to English is: “Tell me who you spend the majority of your time with, and I’ll tell you who you are”!
Our words are more powerful than most people realize. Words carry pictures, feelings, intentions and the ability to affect other people’s viewpoints and emotions. Words can help to communicate our needs and feelings. Words can frame our future and destiny. Words can also harm, wound and destroy. Matthew 12:37 says: “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” God holds us responsible for our words, because our words reveal the content and decisions of our heart. Our words reveal our real intentions and agendas. In Numbers 14:28, God declared to Moses and Aaron that the Israelites would be judged according to their very own words. Proverbs 13:3 says: “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.” Today, the Lord reminds us of the power in our words, and our responsibility to guard our mouths. Take some time to listen to your words. Do you bring glory to God with your words? Are you building others up and encouraging them? Or are you using your words to tear others down?
Proverbs 12:18 “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.”
Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”
