Tag Archives: speak life

August 13, 2025 · 5:37 AM

Speaking Encouraging Words

I read a story of a pastor in Ukraine who was about to flee when the war broke out. As he was preparing to evacuate, he heard the Lord tell him to stay and serve the weary. He began each day seeking God for encouragement that he could give whoever the Lord brought. He then would open the doors of the church to whomever would come in. Soon he began making soup to feed the people who were stopping in. He listened to their stories, encouraged them through God’s Word and prayed with them. People said that he gave them hope to get through one more day. Through his obedience and encouragement, he changed the spiritual climate in his city.

In Acts 11, the Early Church in Antioch came under attack. Stephen had been one the first martyr of the faith and people were scared. Instead of going behind closed doors, the ones preaching began spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles too. The leaders in Jerusalem heard what was happening and they sent Barnabas to them. When he arrived, he saw what was going on and began encouraging everyone to stay true to their faith. He knew the believers and the preachers needed more help and went to find Paul to bring him to Antioch. God also used this son of encouragement to change the spiritual climate of a city.

Isaiah 50:4 says, “The Lord Yahweh has equipped me with the anointed, skillful tongue of a teacher — to know how to speak a timely word to the weary. Morning by morning, he awakens my heart. He opens my ears to hear his voice, to be trained to teach” (TPT). God is looking for people who will seek Him each morning to hear from Him so they can encourage the weary. He will give you the words to say and how to speak a word in season if you will yield to Him. We live in a world whose spiritual climate needs to be changed. Each of us can play our part through by listening to God and speaking the encouraging words He gives us.

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May 9, 2025 · 5:56 AM

Life Giving Words

One of the things I try to do is to stop negative words from coming out of my mouth. Our words have a profound influence on our lives and on those we speak to. They have the power of life or death in them, so it’s important to be careful with them. Jesus said He came to give life to us. As a follower of Him, it’s critical that we do the same. We must ask ourselves if the words we’re using are life giving or not. They act as seeds in our mind. They take root, grow and produce fruit in the lives of those who hear what we speak, including ourselves. The book of Proverbs has a lot to say on how important our choice of words is. Take time to ask the Holy Spirit to help you speak life giving words. It will change your life and those you speak to.

Here are some Bible verses on speaking life giving words:

1. Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken at the right time.

Proverbs 25:11 AMP

2. A person’s words can be a source of wisdom, deep as the ocean, fresh as a flowing stream.

Proverbs 18:4 GNT

3. Winsome words pour from a heart of wisdom, adding value to all you teach.

Proverbs 16:23 TPT

4. Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, And from the opening of my lips will come right things.

Proverbs 8:6 NKJV

5. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

Proverbs 18:21 NLT

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September 27, 2024 · 5:44 AM

Choosing Words

Studies show that an adult person speaks 7,000 – 20,000 words a day. That’s 2,555,000 to 7,300,000 words a year, and between 158,410,000 to 452,600,000 in your adult life. That’s a lot of words we speak. How many of those are careless versus carefully chosen? Our words carry weight with the people who hear them. Someone will hear something you say and it will stay in their mind for the rest of their life. Beyond that, your words will echo for eternity because one day we will be judged by what we have said. When we put those millions of words we say into perspective, it reminds us to be more careful in what and how we say things. There’s a lot more riding on them than you think. Once they’re spoken, you can never recapture them.

Here are some Bible verses on choosing words:

1. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.

Proverbs 18:21 AMP

2. Reckless words are like the thrusts of a sword, cutting remarks meant to stab and to hurt. But the words of the wise soothe and heal.

Proverbs 12:18 TPT

3. Be careful what you say and protect your life. A careless talker destroys himself.

Proverbs 13:3 GNT

4. When you speak healing words, you offer others fruit from the tree of life. But unhealthy, negative words do nothing but crush their hopes.

Proverbs 15:4 TPT

5. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

Matthew 12:36-37 ESV

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August 7, 2024 · 5:39 AM

Choose Wise Words

Have you ever said the first thing that came to your mind and then later regretted it? Once words leave our mouth, we can never get them back. I’ve had other times where I’ve thought long and hard about what to say and how to say it only to still have them take it the wrong way. It’s even worse with texts because there’s no tone. The reader can insert their own tone or put the emphasis on whichever word they want. As a communications trainer, I’ve shown people how changing what word you put the emphasis on can change the whole meaning of a sentence. I’ve learned though that you can control what and how you say something, but you can’t control how they receive it. Even knowing that, it’s still important to find the right words, the right tone and the right body language because how and what you say has the power to heal relationships and people as well.

In Joshua 22, we read the story of where the land was conquered and Joshua released the three tribes who wanted land east of the Jordan from their obligation. Before they crossed the Jordan, they built a large altar that was similar to what the other tribes used to worship God. When someone saw it, they spread word and got all the other tribes up in arms and they showed up to fight the three tribes. They assumed they knew what was in their hearts and assumed it was evil so they confronted them with an army threatening to destroy them. Thankfully they spoke to them first and they explained they were looking generations ahead and wanted to make sure future generations knew they were part of the family. It wasn’t to defy God or even to burn sacrifices on. It was simply a reminder. The other tribes listened to their words and were satisfied. They made a covenant there and allowed the altar to stand. It’s a reminder to us how things can be interpreted and how important our words can be.

Proverbs 12:18 says, “Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal” (GNT). Sometimes we say things purposely to hurt someone, but other times, it’s the thoughtless ones that really sting. You can probably think of a time you’ve been wounded by someone’s words. When you’re offended or are looking for offense, you tend to think that what someone else said was meant to hurt you. You add tone, emphasis and intent where it wasn’t intended. Did you know that Scripturally it’s your responsibility to go to them and let them know they’ve offended you privately (Matthew 18:15)? You can either use your words to tear them down back or bring healing to the relationship. I’ve seen this done Scripturally where someone came to me and said, “When you said this, I took it as that and it hurt me.” In those moments, I’ve thought back to the situation and most times they were thoughtless words that didn’t mean to harm, but they did. Choose your words wisely and choose to speak healing.

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April 16, 2024 · 5:39 AM

Giving Good Words

I’ve had some interactions with famous people before. On one such occasion I met a famous christian singer who wrote and sang one of the anthems everyone would know. After the concert I waited in line to share a special memory one of their songs held for me and how it helped me in my time of need. When I told them, they had a blank stare back at me and said, “Yeah I get that all the time.” It made me feel very small honestly. Contrast that with a famous author I wrote to. One of their stories had me laughing and in tears on a plane ride and challenged me. I couldn’t wait to land to reach out. Within ten minutes, they emailed me back thanking me for sharing. They said, “There are millions of words you could have chosen to share this story with me. It looks like you found the right ones. Thank you for sharing.” I did a screenshot and sent to all my friends when I got that.

We sometimes forget how powerful our words are and their ability to make or break someone’s day. In the New Testament we read Paul’s letters to churches and to individuals like Timothy. In 2 Timothy 1:6-7, he encouraged Timothy to fan into flames his gifts and to remember that God doesn’t give us a spirit of fear. In Deuteronomy 31:7-8, Moses encouraged Joshua who was taking over the daunting task as leader of Israel. He told him to be strong and courageous, and reminded him that is the Lord who will go before him and give victory in the battles ahead. Another example is when Jesus was talking to the disciples giving them comfort on the night He would be betrayed. John 16:33 records Him saying, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (ESV). John remembered those words in his sorrow.

Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” You never truly know what someone is going through or the encouragement they need to get through the day. Speak encouragement to someone today. Give a good word to all you meet. Your words carry life or death in them the Bible says. We are life givers as Christians. Ask God to speak through you today to someone to say what they need to hear so they have fuel to keep fighting or to find peace in troubled times. You don’t have to know what they’re going through to speak a word in season as Isaiah says. You just need to be led by the Spirit and hear who needs encouragement and to hear the words He wants you to say. I’m sure you can think of times when someone’s words either crushed you or built you up. Give good words today and make someone’s day.

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April 1, 2024 · 5:43 AM

Overcoming Discouragement

Has anyone ever tried to discourage you from doing something before? It makes it worse when it’s an authority figure and it is something you feel God has put on your heart to do. I’ve had that happen. I allowed those words of discouragement to hold me back for years. I’ve ignored the discouragement from others. I went with the conviction in my gut to not allow anyone to stand in my way when I’ve felt called to do something. In both cases I had to manufacture the encouragement I needed to move forward or receive encouragement from another person. It’s crazy how words can stop all of our momentum or push us full speed ahead. It’s also important to think about how we respond to others when they’re trying to move forward with something they feel called to do. Are our words encouraging or discouraging?

In Mark 10 Jesus went to Jericho. On His way out of the city, a large crowd was following Him. There was a blind man who had begged there for years who heard the commotion. When he asked what was going on, they told him Jesus was passing by. He began to call out and try to get Jesus’ attention, but the people around him began to discourage him. They told him to be quiet. Maybe they told him Jesus didn’t have time for him or didn’t care about him. Either way, he yelled louder until Jesus heard him and called for him. The people told him to take courage. He threw off his beggars coat and made his way to Jesus who healed him by giving him his sight back. If he had let the crowd discourage him, he may have missed his opportunity for healing.

Psalm 43:5 says, “Then I will say to my soul, ‘Don’t be discouraged; don’t be disturbed, for I fully expect my Savior-God to break through for me. Then I’ll have plenty of reasons to praise him all over again’” (TPT). Sometimes you have to speak to your own soul above the discouragement from others. Sometimes you have to remind yourself to keep the faith when all other reports and words are discouraging. Discouragement is one of the enemy’s greatest tools to keep us inactive, to prevent us from praying or from seeking a breakthrough. He also knows that the power of life and death are in the tongue. We must combat discouragement with the encouraging truth from God’s Word. We must combat it with words of life. If you don’t have the strength or are too beat down by discouragement, then find someone who will speak life and encouragement to you until you can. I believe your breakthrough is coming.

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January 22, 2024 · 5:30 AM

Healing Words

A flight attendant once told me that every day she keeps in mind that every passenger has a story. Each passenger is traveling in response to something like a need for a vacation, work request, to see family or friends. Some are happy to be traveling and others are sad. No matter what, each person has been hurt in their past and is in need of kindness. Knowing this helped her to give grace to the hundreds of people she came in contact with each day. She also felt like it was her duty to bring some joy into their life no matter why they were traveling. Her wisdom changed my perspective. I began to think of the people I see throughout my day and how many hidden hurts and struggles they could be going through. The words I say to them in our interaction could bring hurt or healing.

In 1 Samuel 1 we read the story of Elkanah and his two wives, Peninnah and Hannah. Hannah wasn’t able to have kids and Peninnah was. In that time period, infertility was looked at as a punishment from God. Rather than feel,sorry for her, Peninnah treated Hannah poorly. Verse 7 says, “Year after year it was the same—Peninnah would taunt Hannah as they went to the Tabernacle. Each time, Hannah would be reduced to tears and would not even eat” (NLT). Her husband’s words weren’t much better towards her either. However, in bitter weeping before the Lord, the healing words from the priest told her she would have her request granted by God. She began to eat and had a son named Samuel not long after.

Proverbs 12:18 says, “Reckless words are like the thrusts of a sword, cutting remarks meant to stab and to hurt. But the words of the wise soothe and heal” (TPT). Do the words you speak to those closest to you stab and hurt them or bring healing and relief? What about the passengers of life that you come in contact with? You never know how much the words you say to someone can change the trajectory of their day or life. You have the power of life and death in the words you choose to use each day. Choose words that soothe and heal. Choose to show someone they are loved by the Word, as John referred to Jesus, that gives eternal life. You can bring healing to the wounds that were left by the words of someone else.

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November 9, 2023 · 5:30 AM

Productive Planting

Every spring there are big displays in home improvement stores selling seeds. I like to look through them to see if there’s anything we would like to try to grow. One one side of the packet you have a picture of what the seeds inside will produce. On the other side you have a color coded map that tells you where these seeds grow the best and then some instructions that tell you how deep to plant them, how far apart, when the best time of year to plant them is and how long it will take them to produce. The more closely you follow those directions, the more likely that your garden will produce something from the packet.

Most of the seeds we plant in life can’t be seen and aren’t physically put in the ground. There’s no packet that you can read to tell you where they will grow best, how long until they produce or when the best time to plant them is. When I was a kid, a popular saying in the church world was, “You’ll reap what you sow.” To me, it always seemed to have a negative connotation. They only brought it up when you weren’t doing the right thing. While it’s true that it works for those behaviors, it also works for the behaviors God wants to reinforce in our lives. The law of sowing and reaping was instituted in during creation when the Bible tells us that God planted a garden in the east. He didn’t speak the Garden of Eden into existence like most everything else.

As Christians, we need to pay attention to the things we are planting in our lives, the lives of others and into the world. We don’t have to worry about timing, location or season. 1 Corinthians 15:58 says, “We know that we prosper and excel in every season by serving the Lord, because we are assured that our union with the Lord makes our labor productive with fruit that endures” (TPT). The seeds you’re sowing today are not in vain. They will produce whether you think it’s the right season to plant them or not. The law of sowing and reaping can only come into affect when you plan seeds. God is the one who makes them grow, not you. Don’t hold back in planting where God tells you to or when. Your planting will be productive through Him.

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Throwback Thursday is a feature I’m using to help build some margin into my schedule to pursue other ventures. Each Thursday I’ll be bringing you a previously written devotional that still speaks encouragement to us from God’s Word.

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December 20, 2022 · 5:43 AM

Reviving Your Future

I shared with a friend recently about a time in my life when I had lost all hope. My dreams were over, my future was shot and anything that was important to me seemed to be leaving my life. It was a dangerous place to be. With no hope and dead dreams, my mind began to devise plans that were no good and would put me in prison the rest of my life. I remember thinking, “What does it matter if I go to prison? I have nothing to live for outside of it.” Fortunately God broke through in that time. He sent word to me from someone I didn’t know. He said, “What looks like an end is really a beginning. You are not alone. I’m with you. Where I am taking you, you will experience more joy than you’ve ever known.” In that moment, hope returned and my future was revived.

In Ezekiel 37, Israel had been captives in Babylon for a long time. They had given up hope of returning to their homeland. Their future seemed dead as they looked at their current situation. That’s when God took Ezekiel to a valley of dry bones. God asked him if the bones could live again. I’m sure in his mind, he was thinking there was no way, but he responded that only God knows. God had him prophesy and speak life into these dry bones that represented Israel’s future. Suddenly the bones started rattling and coming together. Sinew and muscles wrapped around the bones and then flesh. An entire army of people stood before him that came to life when he spoke to the four winds to breathe into them. Then in verse 11 God said, “Mortal man, the people of Israel are like these bones. They say that they are dried up, without any hope and with no future” (GNT). He then revived their future by promising to take them out of captivity and back home.

Lamentations 3:21-26 says, “Yet hope returns when I remember this one thing: The Lord’s unfailing love and mercy still continue, Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise. The Lord is all I have, and so in him I put my hope. The Lord is good to everyone who trusts in him, So it is best for us to wait in patience—to wait for him to save us.” If you’re feeling hopeless today, hope can and will return when you remember that God sees you and will move on your behalf. Your future is in His hands, not yours or anyone else’s. He take ends and makes beginnings. He make rivers in the desert. Begin speaking to your dry bones and ask God to bring your future back to life. Dreams you thought were dead can live again. A hopeless future can be full of life again. You may not think it now, but God knows it. Wait with patience and trust in Him, then the future He has for you will revive.

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October 6, 2022 · 5:30 AM

A Limitless Life

They say there are four things you can never take back: the stone after it’s thrown, the moment after it’s missed, the time after it’s gone and the word after it’s spoken. There are many things in life you can undo, but words spoken in anger or in the heat of the moment usually hit their intended target and do damage beyond repair. Words can be powerful weapons that destroy or they can bring life to someone. It’s amazing how much they can affect us.

I was training a sales psychology class where we looked at reluctances and self limitations of people. As we went through them one by one, the test showed that a person in my class was afraid to admit he was in sales. He had made a good living at it, but in that moment, a lightbulb went off. He said, “I know why that’s there. A few years ago, my mom asked, ‘When are you going to get a real job?’” Her words echoed in his subconscious and were affecting his ability to make money.

Those words were spoken only once and in a passing moment, but they stuck and limited him. Each of us have words that were spoken to us somewhere along the line that are limiting our ability to love ourself, to make more money, to love certain people, to see our own potential or to have a higher self esteem. Those words float around in the back of our mind, and keep us from so much. We need to set ourselves free from their power and quit letting them hold us back.

Along the same lines, we need to learn to speak the right words to ourself and to others. In Psalm 141:3, there is a prayer we all need to pray. It says, “Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips” (NLT). Whether it’s words you are telling yourself or to others, give control of what you say to God. Let Him be your filter so you can live a limitless life, and allow others to do the same. You can never get your words back, so choose wisely.

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