#073026

JULY 30, 2026, THURSDAY Entry: 10:37am, Commonwealth QC

VERSE OF THE DAY: PROVERBS 18:21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

THE POWER OF LIFE AND DEATH Think of a time you said something you regret, or were the target of undeserved gossip. Now, reflect on a situation where you encourages a friend who was hurting, or felt the life-giving effects of someone else's words.

Words matter, Your words matter. And God has given you the freedom to choose how you use them.

Are you using your words to tear down or build up? To provoke destruction or stimulate restoration? Do your words stir up drama or encourage peace?

"What you say flows from what is in your heart," Jesus explained in Luke 6:45.

Fruit reveals the health of a tree, just as a tongue reveals what is happening in the heart. Most of us want to use our words for good and not for harm. We don't want to be unkind or critical. But James 3 tells us that the tongue is unstable and cannot seem to be tamed.

So, what can we do? Is there a way to control it?

Self-control is a fruit the Holy Spirit produces in us, which means we can't manufacture controlling our tongues on our own. But, we do have a part to play in the process: we need to stick close to Jesus.

When we need His Word, seek His face, and walk in His ways (no matter how many times we mess up and have to begin again), love joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithful, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control begin to grow in our lives. The biblical term is abiding, staying, continuing or remaining in Jesus' presence.

As we abide with Jesus, the Holy Spirit begins to curb the way we speak and change the way we act. When that happened, our words start to bring life and hope to the people around us.

So this week, how will you use your words to bring healing and hope to people?? If this isn't something you're used to doing, it's never too early to speak words that spark life.

REFLECTION Words matter. Your words matter. And God has given you the freedom to choose how you use them.

SHARE YOUR FAITH Today, make a commitment to speak life. Use your words to bring healing and hope to everyone you encounter.

God, I submit my words to You. Please fill my mind with thoughts that honor You and other people, so that my words will bring life and encouragement to everyone I encounter. Transform me into a new person by changing the way I think -and the way I speak. In Jesus' name, Amen.

JOHN 1:1-3 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through him.

What does this passage show you about the relationship between God the Father and God the Son? Take a moment to meditate on this verse, and offer God any worship that comes to mind.

1 PETER 4:19 So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.

What do you need prayer for today? Make your requests known to the God hears you.