Devotion for Today

The Power of Speech

March 11, 2013

Submit yourselves therefore to God . . .
–James 4:7

You have a tongue and a voice. These instruments of speech can be used destructively or employed constructively. You can use your tongue to slander, to gripe, to scold, to nag, and to quarrel; or you can bring it under the control of God’s Spirit and make it an instrument of blessing and praise. The 20th-century version of James 3:3 says, “When we put bits into the horses’ mouths to make them obey us, we control the rest of their bodies also.” Just so, when we submit to the claims of Christ upon our lives, our untamed natures are brought under His control. We become meek, tamed, and “fit for the Master’s service.”

Prayer for the day

I would be under Your control, Lord Jesus
Christ. Take away the pride that keeps me from complete submission.

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27 Comments

nancy m says 3.12.2013, 7:36 p.m.

To Marilyn...to print, fist copy and paste to a word program and print. I do this.

Marilyn says 3.11.2013, 6:09 p.m.

I have tried unsucessfully to print out these devotions for unsaved friends, and, thus far have not been able to. Can someone please tell me how to do this?

Loi says 3.11.2013, 09:55 a.m.

I thank you my BGEA brothers and sisters for your wonderful posts of INSPIRATION and ENCOURAGEMENT. Let go and let GOD!!! GLORY, GLORY, GLORY!!!

Eileen says 3.11.2013, 09:27 a.m.

THAT WHY IT IS SOOOO IMPORTANT TO STAY IN THE WORD WITH DEVOTIONS LIKE THIS, IT REMINDS US TO BE SOOO VERY CAREFUL IN OUR WALK W THE LORD!!

christine Haiyan Jin says 3.11.2013, 09:24 a.m.

Dear lord God holy of holiest,Thank thee for your all inclusive nature, and brightening our eyes, sharpening our everything, clearing our ears and healing our dull of listening, teaching and holy Godly controlling our tongue, defeating satan.

Nini says 3.11.2013, 08:23 a.m.

Have mercy on me O Lord for everything evil I have said with my mouth

Joe says 3.11.2013, 07:35 a.m.

Amen.

MARK says 3.11.2013, 06:50 a.m.

Susan I have AND will keep you in my prayers, along with my family and those who seek to destroy me.I have this problem and can do nothing to change pride is not my problem,it being alone the LORD with me THANK GOD .Im nothing but a poor sinner.

Gerry says 3.11.2013, 06:45 a.m.

Words spoken in anger can have a devastating, longterm, effect. It is very difficult to undo the damage and hurt they cause. Choose carefully what you say and pray for Godly direction when those situations arise.

Lavanya says 3.11.2013, 04:06 a.m.

Thank you brother for your word.

hannah says 3.11.2012, 1:08 p.m.

Our tongue is just a little part of the body, but very powerful, let us be careful of what we say concerning our lives. As a man thinks in his heart so is he, positive thinking will bring positive speech. GOD BLESS.

Carol says 3.11.2012, 1:03 p.m.

Let us use our mouths to pray for the protection of Israel gen 12:3 an for America to turn back to god an let us witness to the lost our Jesus amen! God bless bgea..

Annie says 3.11.2012, 08:40 a.m.

My mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips: (Psalms 63:5). Every word I speak shall bring glory to Your Holy Name.....! Amen!

Gerry says 3.11.2012, 08:20 a.m.

We all have the free will to do whatever we wish. Good or bad. I pray for strength to make wise, Godly choices, each day.

Lydia says 3.11.2012, 07:46 a.m.

It has always been my problem. Only recently have I tried to stop myself from cursing but I have little control. Lord I please help me put my tongue under control.

franklin says 3.11.2012, 04:24 a.m.

the Lord looks at the heart. we must know that he is no respecter of persons. the joy of the lord is our strength.

Joe says 3.10.2012, 03:40 a.m.

I can remember watching the early days of Billy Graham ...we attended Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church in Charlotte...a church with ties to the Graham family...I am taken back to those days when I watch the archives....every message is timeless..

Annie says 3.8.2012, 5:51 p.m.

Holy God, You created me for Your glory......! Therefore I ask You LORD, before I speak a word, give me wisdom to speak pure gentle words and bring glory to Your Holy name......! My mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips.....! Amen!

Bolou says 3.11.2011, 5:35 p.m.

The mouth of the righteous is a well of wisdom..!

dona says 3.11.2011, 12:29 a.m.

I love reading the words of our Lord Jesus

Rich says 3.11.2011, 10:30 a.m.

Dear God, Please continue to guide me and others as I work through this crisis. I have no where else to turn. Also prayers for the earthquake victims in Japan.

THOMAS PRABHAKARAN says 3.11.2011, 09:10 a.m.

How true it is a person like me the need to control my flying tongue and subject it under the control of the Holyspirit. It gives me control of my spiritual life and christain witness. I thank you Dr Graham.

Aimee says 3.11.2011, 08:19 a.m.

'Don't miss the connection between understanding and patience. Before you blow up, listen up. Before you strike out, tune in.' by Max Lucado.When you feel frustration comming on, take it straight to the Father. You will leave the throne of grace different then when you approached it.

susan says 3.11.2011, 07:41 a.m.

Please pray for me. I am going through the most difficult period of my life. (We would like to pray and provide some encouragement. Please call 1-877-247-2426 to talk and pray with someone. There are people here who care. Or, you can send a private email to help@bgea.org. We will continue to keep you in prayer. The BGEA Internet team.)

sam says 3.11.2011, 06:25 a.m.

The days we speak vile saps our strength. The days we speak well thrills the spirit. To God be all the glory.

Gerry says 3.11.2011, 05:37 a.m.

All we have in life is, God given. My meager accomplishments are only because of your daily intervention in my life. Without your Holy presence I am an absolute failure in all areas.

Elizabeth says 3.10.2011, 12:26 a.m.

Thank you, I think pride is my problem.