Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Friday July 23, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Proverbs, chapters 12-15. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-23

Today's Message: The Power of The Tongue

Once upon a time when a person had to testify in court he had to place his hand on a Bible, raise his left hand, and recite a pledge, vowing to tell the truth. There was something more powerful about placing that hand on the Bible, it was as if one knew he had better tell the truth because he was taking a vow on God's Word. Today those days are few and far between, rarely do people of the world place their hand on a Bible for anything, let alone to tell the truth. God's Word is the most powerful weapon known to man, even a president use to place his hand on a Bible, pledging to do what he promised to do for his country. Sadly, even that is no longer practiced as our nation slowly tries to eliminate the power of God's Word. It is amazing, every religion known to man can come into the states and be accepted, yet, the one that our nation was founded on is rejected time and time again and if we do not do something now we will be turning into a Muslim nation. It is time for all Christians to unite, start praying, and get our nation back to following the way, the truth, and the life. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” - John 14:6.

The tongue is a powerful thing, for example, most businesses receive their customers by word of mouth, the more people that talk good about it the more the business excels. However, if you get just one person saying something bad about it, even if it is not true, it can destroy it. A lying tongue destroys trust in another person's word, just one conversation can do evil that will last a lifetime. God despises liars, in fact, one of the first commandments He wrote with His finger Himself was, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” - Exodus 20:16.We are not to tell lies about anyone. The tongue of a liar strips a man of what makes life beautiful, takes away his good name, and breaks bonds of friendship. “The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble....He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.” - Proverbs 12:13,17-22. God despises even the little white lie, it is just as deceitful and will cause harm in the end. The Holy Spirit that dwells in all believers of Christ guides us and teaches His truths, the more we yield to Him the less we will be able to speak even the smallest of lies.


Just as one persons lies can destroy another persons word it can also destroy God's Word. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them....Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” - Romans 1:18,19,22-25. People destroy God's Word by ignoring it, creating their own version, and lying to others with it. So many people have walked away from God because of a church, man of God, or religion that deceived people by their lies. I admit there was a time in my life when I walked away from God because I was taught that no matter what I did I was going to hell, so, I thought, if I am going to hell what is the use of going to church. Little did I know all I needed was to ask Christ to forgive me and that He was the only way to keep from going to hell. I still get angry at all the years I was being led a lie, but thank God I know the truth and now I can help others learn the truth as well.

The tongue should be an instrument of life controlled by the Holy Spirit. When we allow the Holy Spirit to do the talking for us we become a witness and not a liability, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit....The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.” - Proverbs 15:1-4,29,30. When we use our tongue for God's glory we will find the courage to stand up to the wicked and through it all we will find much joy.

The truth in God's Word is the great need today, every Christian needs to use the power of their tongue, shout it out loud and get involved in keeping His Word alive in all nations. You say you do not know how to do that? Just tell everyone you know about how Jesus can save. The more people we get on our side the strong we become as the whole Body of Christ. You do not have to know every story in the Bible, just the Gospel and if you are saved you know what the Gospel is. If you are not saved, get saved and get to work. Our nation is headed for judgment day, we need to be ready and armed, “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” - Ephesians 6:14-18.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a great weekend.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven?
Be 100% Sure
http://www.godsprice.com

Visit I'm Following Jesus
http://www.imfollowingjesus.com

Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Send me a blank email with the word Subscribe in the Title to:
devotion@imfollowingjesus.com