We Have POWER

 Prov. 18:21   "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."

James 3:2-6, 9-10  "If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, withersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that is defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so."

Eph. 4:31-32 (NLT) "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."

I Peter 2:1 "Wherefore, laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings."

Oh, my dear brothers and sisters, my heart is so burdened this morning for us as God's children! We so badly need a deeper understanding of how much power we really do have. God says our tongues can do things-powerful things!

Our tongues can bring death. They can speak lies, and allow Satan an entrance into a situation, because he is a liar and the father of all lies. And when Satan comes in, he brings death. (John 10:10) Our tongues can speak criticisms and discouragements and blame and slander, and in doing so, bring death to our relationships, our homes, our churches, our testimonies for Jesus, and ultimately, in our spirits. 

But our tongues can bring life! They can speak truth, love, encouragement, and kindness into situations that look and feel impossible. Jesus came that we might have LIFE, His life. And He gave His life to us "more abundantly!" We have vast stores of goodness and truth and love at out disposal! And God has called us to use them!

But we have to choose what we are going to do with our tongues moment by moment. God never forces us to obey or honor Him. He WANTS us to and will help us to, but we have to decide to. 

So let's have more Jesus and less lies. More Jesus and less blame. More Jesus and less unkindness. More Jesus and less gossip. More Jesus and less death.

LET'S HAVE MORE JESUS AND MORE LIFE! MORE OF HIS LIFE!