TOPIC: SPEAK WORDS OF LIFE
DEUTERONOMY 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
Let's explore its meaning further.
In this verse, Moses presents a clear choice before the Israelites. He declares that God has set before them life and death, blessing and cursing. The choice between life and death here is not merely about physical existence but encompasses the quality of life, both in the present and in the context of their covenant relationship with God.
Moses exhorts the people to choose life so that they and their descendants may live. This choice is not only for their personal benefit but also for the well-being and prosperity of future generations. By choosing life, they align themselves with God's purposes, blessings, and the fulfillment of His covenant promises.
The verse highlights the significance of human free will and responsibility. God, in His justice, allows His people to make choices and face the consequences of those choices. By calling heaven and earth as witnesses, Moses emphasizes the seriousness of the decision and the accountability that comes with it.
"Choosing life" involves more than just a decision; it encompasses a wholehearted commitment to follow God's ways, obey His commandments, and seek a relationship with Him. It means embracing His truth and walking in His paths, which leads to a life characterized by blessings, favor, and the fullness of God's presence.
While this verse originally addressed the Israelites, it carries a broader principle that applies to believers today. It reminds us that we also have choices to make in our lives. We are called to choose the path of life by embracing Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).
Choosing life involves accepting Jesus as our Savior, surrendering to His lordship, and seeking to live in accordance with His teachings. It means embracing the abundant life that comes from a relationship with Him and living in alignment with God's purposes and principles.
Deuteronomy 30:19 serves as a reminder of the importance of our choices and the impact they have on our lives and the lives of those around us. It encourages us to choose life by wholeheartedly following God, walking in His ways, and experiencing the blessings that come from a life lived in alignment with His will.
The decision is yours. You are free to select blessings and life. Or you might decide on death and curses. When you decide what to say, you make that decision.
PROVERBS 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
The first part of the verse emphasizes the power of the tongue. It suggests that our words have the potential to bring either death or life. Our speech holds the power to bring destruction, pain, and harm (symbolized by "death"), or it can bring encouragement, healing, and blessing (symbolized by "life").
The second part of the verse speaks to the responsibility we have for our words. It states that those who love the power of the tongue will eat the fruit of it. In other words, the words we speak have consequences, and we will experience the outcomes of our speech.
If we love using our words to uplift, encourage, and speak truth, we will reap the positive fruit of those words. Our relationships will be strengthened, conflicts may be resolved, and we will contribute to a positive and life-giving atmosphere.
Conversely, if we misuse the power of our words by speaking negatively, engaging in gossip, spreading falsehoods, or tearing others down, we will face the negative consequences of that speech. It can lead to broken relationships, bitterness, and a toxic environment.
This verse serves as a reminder to exercise wisdom and discretion in our speech. It encourages us to use our words to bring life, build up others, and speak truth in love. It also cautions us against the destructive potential of our words and the importance of guarding our tongues.
As believers, we should strive to align our speech with the principles and teachings found in the Bible. We are called to speak with grace, kindness, and integrity, reflecting the character of Christ in our words. By doing so, we can contribute to positive change, foster healthy relationships, and honor God in our communication.
Proverbs 18:21 reminds us of the power our words hold and the responsibility we have to use them wisely. By recognizing the impact of our speech and seeking to harness its power for good, we can create an environment that promotes life, edification, and the building up of others.
JOHN 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Let's explore its meaning further.
In this verse, Jesus contrasts the spirit and the flesh. He states that it is the Spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no profit. This statement emphasizes the limitations and insufficiency of the physical realm in providing true and eternal life.
Jesus then goes on to explain that the words He speaks are spirit and life. Here, He is referring to His teachings and the message He communicates to His disciples and to all who hear His words. Jesus' words are not merely human words; they carry a spiritual dimension and have the power to impart life.
By saying that His words are spirit, Jesus indicates that they originate from the realm of the Spirit of God. They have divine authority, truth, and power. His words are not limited to the physical or temporal realm but have a spiritual essence and significance.
Additionally, Jesus states that His words are life. His teachings are not empty or meaningless; they have the ability to bring spiritual life and transformation to those who receive and believe in them. Jesus' words offer eternal truths, divine wisdom, and the path to a renewed and abundant life in relationship with God.
This verse serves as a reminder of the significance and power of Jesus' teachings. His words have the ability to bring spiritual life, understanding, and transformation to those who accept and embrace them. They offer a way to connect with God and experience the fullness of His life-giving presence.
As believers, we are called to listen to and internalize Jesus' words. We are invited to receive His teachings, meditate on them, and allow them to shape our thinking, beliefs, and actions. By embracing His words as spirit and life, we open ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit and experience a deeper communion with God.
John 6:63 emphasizes the spiritual nature and life-giving power of Jesus' words. It encourages us to value and prioritize His teachings, recognizing them as a source of spiritual nourishment, guidance, and transformation in our lives.
However, the outside world teaches us to speak death. We have been trained to talk words of doubt, dread, and death by our culture, which is influenced by the devil.
Here are some cases.
This is almost driving me mad! I'm yearning to go there!
That thrills me to death!
I laughed myself to death!
I'm dying of embarrassment! That absolutely terrified me to death!
That just makes me sick!
I'll be damned if I do!
These are not the phrases you should use if you want life and blessing. Speaking is an expression of a decision. You should only speak (life- and blessing-related) words if you want to choose life and blessing.
For you, Jesus overcame the devil and destroyed his power. Therefore, the devil tries to persuade you to use foul language, giving him a chance to cause havoc in your life. So be mindful of what you say!
SAY THIS: The words I choose to speak determine the kind of life I will live.
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