Hearing is such a wonderful, precious and much needed gift from God. Most people take it for granted. Yet, for those who lose their hearing, they will tell you just how precious it is. However, there is something just as important. It’s the way one hears. I can hear someone say something, and I will interpret it one way. Yet, another person can hear the exact same thing, and they will hear it another way. So the filter in our brains choose the way they want to hear something. Then there is the other very important thing to hearing, and that it whether one chooses to hear and listen to what is being said. Revelation 2:7 says: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” In other words, people can hear something, yet refuse to listen. And in refusing to listen, they will not benefit from God’s wisdom and truth, and unfortunately they will land in ruin. We see this all the time. People know the danger of drugs, yet they continue to take drugs. People know that smoking will give you various life-threatening illnesses, yet they continue to smoke. Jesus said this about those who refuse to listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to this generation: “This is the reason I speak to the crowds in parables: because while [having the power of] seeing they do not see, and while[having the power of] hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand and grasp[spiritual things]. In them the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, ‘You will hear and keep on hearing, but never understand; And you will look and keep on looking, but never comprehend.” (Matthew 13:13:14 (AMP)). Today, the Lord reminds us, His Holy Spirit is speaking to us and giving us guidance. Let us not refuse or reject His voice and instructions. His words and life. Choose wisely today!
Mom said: “wash your mouth out with soap!”
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.”
