Words. Lift Up or Let Down
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Words. Tongue. Say. Tell. Every word matters. We will either lift up or let down ourselves or someone else.
That made me think—deeply—about what matters to me and how my words impact others AND myself. So I decided to focus on the good stuff…the GOD stuff.
May this exercise be a blessing to you. It sure helps me when I remember the impact of my words. I want to lift up not let down…
My husband, my son, my parents, my family, my friends, folks I don’t even know yet as they hear my words spoken to others. WOW. Check point God.
Tell me about:
Your greatest victories
Your biggest fears
Your highest hopes
Your deepest regrets
Your biggest dream
The thing you dread most
What inspires you?
What makes you come or a screeching halt? Or even just slows your momentum down?
How did you feel after each statement? Lifted up or let down? Which do you prefer? Yep, me too! Lift me up, girlfriend…
May your dreams, desires, hopes and victories:
-be the things you do
-be your contribution to humanity
-be your contribution to society
-be fueled by a desire to make a difference
-become your greatest victories, highest hopes, biggest dreams
-be the legacy you were created to leave for your children’s children…and for His kingdom
Numbers 6:22-27 (NIV) The Priestly Blessing
22 The Lord said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:
24 “‘“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’
27 “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”
1 Peter 4:11 (NIV) If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Speak well
Serve well
Praise God
Lift up
Thank you, Jesus. May we honor You with our words. Each and every day. I want to lift Your name higher and higher. May I not let You down. In Jesus name. Amen
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I like your devotional, Susan. And I agree with your analysis 100%. Our words are powerful and effective. It is imperative to use words that encourage, inspire and empower others. Many people are hurting because of a low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy. One words of positive affirmation and faith filled ‘proclamations can change their life for the better. This is what brought me much joy when I was a Substitute Teacher. And I invite you to read a similar article I wrote here on LinkedIn. I welcome your feedback: ” The Incredible Power Of Your Words ~ Parts I & II. ~ Vernita S. – Teacher/ Entrepreneur. Thank you for sharing this inspiring message.
Beautiful Vernita. I shall read your post. Thank you for sharing it with me.
Susan, I love this devotional. And our words are powerful and effective. I agree with your analysis 100%. It is imperative to use our words to encourage~ inspire and empower. There are so many in the world who are hurting and suffer from low self-esteem, but what a joy it is to build them up with positive affirmation and faith filled proclamations. And it was one of the most satisfying accomplishment which ministered to me when I was a Substitute Teacher. And it is inline with an article I wrote on LinkedIn: The Incredible Power Of Your Words ~ Parts I & II. I would like if you to read and give me your feedback . Go to: Vernita S. – Teacher/ Entrepreneur. Thank you for sharing and God Bless you.
I agree! Although there’s a time to talk about our sorrows and failures, I try to build people up whenever possible. And I always appreciate edifying words from others.
Stopping by from Kate’s.
Agreed! Sorrows and failures are part of our story. We simply want to move beyond those versus living stuck in them, right?!
I’m your neighbor over at Kate’s today but I’m afraid your #FMF post didn’t come up with the link you used.
Oh, thank you for the heads up. Weird. I went there to make sure it was working so clicked the link and went directly to my post. Wonder whats going on?
Susan, would you try again to see if you get the same result?
You are so very welcome, Love!
Oh Susan, this post was so rich and full of life! Wow! This was truly the best way that I could’ve chosen to start my day. Thank you so much for sharing this! You have sincerely blessed my heart. Infinite blessings to you, Love! 🙂
Oh Tai, your words bless me! Thank you for letting me know how my words lifted you up today.