Our talk must change to inherit the promise!
I’ve always been more on the quiet side. When I was younger I was known as being the “shy one.” It’s not that I didn’t have a lot to say. Actually, the complete opposite was often true. I just had a GREAT FEAR of saying something FOOLISH. Why? I knew that once a word was released I could never take it back. Many believe a simple apology is like a magic eraser to all that is spoken. It’s simply not true. Apologies help deal with the initial sting, but if we’re honest it usually takes much time and effort to rebuild the area effected. When we speak, our words are like seeds sown. They become planted in hearts where they take root and grow.
When Joshua was instructed to lead the Israelites into the promise land God gave him instructions to follow so that he would be successful. Part of his instructions said, “This book of the law shall not depart from your MOUTH!”(Joshua 1:8) In other words, “Joshua, if you and the people are going to inherit my promises from this day forward your WORDS must change!”
The good news for us is that Joshua didn’t have the Holy Spirit. He was still under the old covenant. Today, the same responsibility rests upon our shoulders, but we have Holy Spirit to help us. It starts with repentance and it’s followed by daily surrender.
READ AND DISCUSS: Ephesians 4:25-32
QUESTIONS/PRAYER
1. Have you ever been hurt or negatively effected by someone else’s words?
2. Do you regret ever saying something that you shouldn’t have? How long did it take to fix it?
3. What does it look like to surrender to Holy Spirit ‘s leading in regard to the words we speak?
4. Pray for each other. Many times people believe the lie that their speech is just who they are. Their identity is wrapped up in how they talk and interact with people. I’ve heard, “that’s just who I am” and “I’m not so and so!” Ask Holy Spirit to show them a new image of themselves. Once they see themselves as God sees them their behavior will begin to follow.
Share about the “Spirit and Soul” challenge!
