Minister Calvin Watt

Let me start off this beautiful morning by saying to you that every day we are given the opportunity to make a difference in someone's life. Every time we open our mouth to speak, we send forth words which have an effect on those around us. Our words, which come "out of the overflow of the heart" (Matthew 12:34), will either cause a positive or negative reaction...our words are rarely neutral. Knowing the power of our words ought to cause us to use them with great care, but there are times when we speak before we think.

Ephesians 4:29 NIV says,
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

What this this means family is that every time we speak, we have the opportunity to encourage and minister. I want you to know family that with just a few moments of our time and very little effort, we have the opportunity to brighten someone's day, to ease their burden, and possibly draw them closer to God…..Amen Somebody! This precious opportunity must not be taken lightly; (Matthew 12:36) says, "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken."

But here’s the thing; if we have received Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our careless words are eternally forgiven. And yet, our words remain a reflection of our heart. God has given us a new heart which ought to be filled with devotion, and our words should be filtered through a desire to bring Him glory and honor. But sometimes we smother this heart and fail to let it shine. Don’t get it twisted; even though we are forgiven, we must also give an account of the damage our words have caused.

(Proverbs 26:18-19).
"Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, 'I was only joking!" Sometimes we speak so fast that we realize how harmful and discouraging our words can be. In other words family sarcastic and joking words are "deadly arrows" which are never useful for "building others up." Over time, these words are sure to destroy a relationship.

Before we speak, we must carefully listen. What is the real question? What are the real needs or concerns? We may only be given the opportunity to speak a few words, but we can make every effort to use our words wisely; "The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil" (Proverbs 15:28).

In closing family; let me say this: Our words are a powerful gift. Let's honor God by effectively using this gift to encourage, and let's speak so those who are listening may benefit and be built up in their faith. Let's continually encourage one another to draw closer to our Heavenly Father and never squander the opportunity of our words. Plain and simple. We need to think before we speak! Amen, Amen and Amen. God Bless You all; Have A Great Godly Day in the Lord.