Strengthened by our words - Daily Devotional November 3rd, 2009

Daily Bible Reading - 2 Chronicles 32, Daniel 12, Acts 13

Strengthened by our words

Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." This verse has always been one of my favorites but just like anything in life when something becomes your favorite it can often be taken for granted. As I read through today's Bible reading I notice that I have greatly devalued the power of my words. As Christ followers we must understand that our words have the power not only to strengthen ourselves but also strengthen those around us.

In 2 Chronicles 32 Hezekiah understood the power of his words. As the Assyrian army was coming against Jerusalem not only did King Hezekiah take military measures to secure the city and get ready for battle but he began to speak words of life into the people of Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 32:6-8, "And he set combat commanders over the people and gathered them together to him in the square at the gate of the city and spoke encouragingly to them, saying, 'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles.' And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah".

As Christ followers we must take note of how Hezekiah responded in this desperate time. The Assyrians in the natural were much stronger and bigger and should have easily won this battle. This was an insurmountable situation and all the odds were stacked against Jerusalem. Many people today are finding themselves in insurmountable circumstances. From a failed economy a struggling marriage or scary health issues people are fighting against the enemy that is coming against them. As the church we must do all we can to help meet their needs and we must never underestimate the power of our words. Just like Hezekiah do all that you can to protect and prepare people in the natural and then do Proverbs 18:21 and speak life into the situation.

Look at what King Hezekiah did in this situation. Hezekiah gathered all the people together, he then used this opportunity to speak life. His tone and choice of words according to the Bible were very encouraging. He spoke faith into their immediate situation by telling them to focus on their strengths and to not focus on the enemy they were facing. He then does what we must always do and turns their attention to The King of kings and the Lord of lords, saying focus on Him and as you do He will fight for you. In doing all of this their was personal victory in their faith before the results were even played out. Look here again at 2 Chronicles 32:8b, "And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah." This was the beginning of their victory before Assyrians were ever defeated in vs. 21-22.

Today we all have the ability to be like Hezekiah and choose the right things to say so that people will be strengthened by our words. Today we can choose life not only for ourselves but for others. What things are you saying today? Choose the right words encourage one another in the Lord and watch and see God fight our battles.

Tomorrows Bible Reading - 2 Chronicles 33, Hosea 1, Acts 14-15

Dream Big
Ben