Promises for the Battle
Speech
Speech #6—Self-Preserving Speech
Laying aside falsehood, speak truth, to one another, for we are members of one another. … Let no rotten word proceed from your mouth, but only what is good for building up the person in need, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:25 & 29 God has so constructed the Body … Continue reading
Speech #5—Justifying Speech
The mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. Good people out of their good treasure bring forth what is good; and evil people out of their evil treasure bring forth what is evil. … By your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned. Matthew 12:34–37 When we … Continue reading
Speech #4—Guarded Speech
I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue. I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle, while the wicked are in my presence. Psalm 39:1 “Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.” This aphorism is as true in the context of our relationship with God, as it is in … Continue reading
Speech #3—Good Days
If you desire a long life so that you may see more of God’s good works in it, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Psalm 34:12–13 Dad’s aphorism, “It doesn’t matter so much what you say, but how you say it,” is only partially true. What we say matters. It … Continue reading
Speech #2—Wisdom and Justice
The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and speaks justice. The law of their God is in their heart; so their steps do not slip. Psalm 37:30–31 We are righteous as we commit our futures to all that God is for us in Jesus—delighting in him as the one who secures God’s blessing and teaches … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Kisses: Sweeter Than Wine
Many people I have known over the years have confessed that they are saddened by the lack of affection they receive or express. As it turns out, few things express affection as satisfyingly as a kiss. Indeed, one of the wonders of creation is that God designed lips for kissing and for being kissed. Kissing … Continue reading
Living Wisely #5—Wisely Speaking
There is one who speaks rashly—like the thrusts of a sword. But the tongue of the wise brings healing. … A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse one crushes the spirit. Proverbs 12:18; 15:4 As kids we heard that “sticks and stones will break your bones, but names will never hurt … Continue reading
Mentoring #6—Mentoring Words
There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword. But the tongue of the wise brings healing. … A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but perversion in it crushes the spirit. Proverbs 12:18; 15:4 As kids we heard that “sticks and stones will break your bones, but names will never … Continue reading
Team #3—Needed Grace
Do not let any rotten word proceed from your mouth, but only what is good for servicing someone’s need, in order to give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 Gracious words can flow from the joy of our hearts, through others’ ears, to the joy of their hearts. This is amazing! It’s also daunting. … Continue reading
Civility #8—Civil Praise
I am not ashamed of the gospel because the power of God to save is available to everyone, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. Romans 1:16 Yahweh, place a guard on my mouth! Protect the opening of my lips! Do not let my heart incline to evil speech as a way to participate in sinful … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 