Most people today realize that their words have power and authority, but unfortunately do not harness nor control the words that come out of their mouths. An that is unfortunate because words can change outcomes. Words can heal or hurt, bring joy or sadness, bring forth truth or deception, unite or separate. Words are containers that carry emotions, wisdom, pictures, and beliefs. Proverbs 18:21 says: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit”. King David knew this, so he determined within himself to only speak of God’s righteousness all day long. He said this in Psalm 71:24 (HCSB):”Therefore, my tongue will proclaim Your righteousness all day long, for those who seek my harm will be disgraced and confounded”. He knew that God’s promises are living and active. David trusted God to shut down the attacks of his enemies. He knew that his enemies would be disgraced and confounded. James 4:7 says: “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you”. So as you submit to God this weekend, know that God has identified your enemies, and He is shutting down their attacks against you. The enemy has to flee. Be like David and let your tongue only speak of His righteousness all day long!
Who do you look up to?
As humans, we all look to someone’s life and actions to learn from them. Children observe their fathers and mothers in order to learn how to deal with life’s many challenges. Many children don’t get the privilege of having both of their parents present with them due to unforeseen circumstances, so they look to an aunt, uncle, brother, sister, or foster parent for the needed mentorship. However, the greatest mentorship we can get is looking unto Jesus. He is our perfect mentor. He is the true author and finisher of our faith. He teaches us what true faithfulness, maturity, love, peace, joy, respect, faith and family is. He is the door to the Heavenly Father. It is by His sacrifice that we were adopted into His family. He teaches us what a true, mature and righteous man is and does. He is the finisher of our faith. In other words, He helps us throughout our lifetime in all of our difficulties and challenges, and by His Spirit, continually strengthens our faith so that we can make it to the finish line of life in victory! Yes, we all look up to someone in life, but the perfect model and mentor is the Lord Jesus Himself. Look to Him. He is the author and finisher of your faith!
Hebrews 12:2 “looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]”.
