Orange Moon Sunday, February 5, 2023 "The Power of the Tongue"

The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…

    

              "The Power of the Tongue"

 

    "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers"(Ephesians 4:29).

   Long before the Apostle Paul warned against allowing destructive words to proceed from our mouths, the Psalmist knew his own need for God's grace in the vital matter:

    "Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips" (Psalm 141:3).

   We do well to join our brother of old in consistently seeking the Lord's leading and enabling of words that build up rather than tear down.  James spoke to this in the most graphic terms, declaring the natural state of our tongue to be "set on fire of hell" (James 3:6).  That is, left to itself, our capacity for words will result in smoke and ash rather than structure and beauty.  No believer is exempt from the possibility that can easily become an actuality.  Our spiritual enemies likely know this importance of words far better than do we ourselves, ever tempting us to speak with content, intent, and tone that tears down rather than edifies.  "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21).

   One called "the Word" created us.  He upholds all things, including ourselves, "by the word of His power."  We were created "in His own image," and through Christ, are being restored thereunto (John 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:3; Genesis 1:27; Romans 8:28-29).  Thus, can anything be more important in our lives than than the words we think and the words we speak?  The Apostle's command, the Psalmist's request, and James' revelation that our tongue will serve as destructive fire apart from the leading and enabling of the Holy Spirit answer the question.  We must maintain ongoing communication with our Lord about our words.  Our tongues can and must bless with the light of Heaven rather than the fire of hell.  We will require the Father of Heaven to enable such grace, however, and our seeking of His power to "speak… the words of this life" rather than words of death and destruction (Acts 5:20).  Yes, "the power of the tongue" will enliven or kill, bless or burn in this day.  May our Lord lead us to bestow life and blessing, as the wise Psalmist yet again prayed...

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."

(Psalm 19:14)

Weekly Memory Verses

   His greatness is unsearchable.

 (Psalm 145:3).  

   His understanding is infinite. 

(Psalm 147:5)

    

   

  

    

     

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