Morning Message 01/19/2021

MORNING MESSAGE
January 19, 2021
by Gayle Gordon

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer."
Psalm 19:14

“Teach me, and I will hold my tongue; Cause me to understand wherein I have erred."
Job 6:24

Our loving Father has given us a technical ability unmatched in all creation: sophisticated and complex language. It's placed within our power to control the words we say. But sometimes we fail.
"People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.
Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God."
James 3:8-9 NLT

It happens to us all. We say things based on faulty or incomplete information and embarrass ourselves. We blurt out words that we didn't mean at all, born from temporary emotions. We all have said things we deeply regret - "For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body." (James 3:2).

Words have great power, both positive and negative.
"For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true."
1 Thessalonians 1:5a NLT
Words and their power are knit together tightly. We are privileged to have them, to do the work of God. But, as we know, words can also do great harm and hurt like physical blows.

It's plain that we need the help of God to be strong to monitor and control our words. It falls under the command to "watch and pray". We watch for temptations from the enemy fully armed and ready: "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Ephesians 6:11)
We keep watch and yet, when we least expect it, we hear ourselves projecting some ungodly, inappropriate or harmful words.

In speaking to the Pharisees, Jesus said "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37)
Take heart; there is hope! The one hope for us is the Holy Spirit. He will help us guard our lips, teach us what to say, and when, and strengthen our inner ability to keep silent when we should. Much negative speech, criticism or blatant boasting reveals a person who is in pain, feels devalued or is fearful. When we surrender to Jesus Christ, we benefit from a new frame of mind in Him:
"...be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2)
If you want to be forgiven for the things you regret saying, start by forgiving those who said wrong things to you. Apologize to those you spoke to in any way not pleasing to God. Then commit to speaking joy, love, healing and mercy. Here's where to start:
Praise the Lord!

If you would like to receive the morning message by email, contact Gayle at

gaylegordon58@yahoo.com