Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Thursday, September 28.

 

I was raised with the childhood rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” We used it on the playground, and wherever necessary, to repel the name calling or teasing of other children. Unfortunately, I learned that this sing-song shield is ineffective against verbal attacks – curses wound souls! Proverbs 18:21 plainly states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” We can’t ignore this reality and expect to be healthy people! The psalmist teaches us a better way to use our tongues – praising God heals souls. Psalm 148:1-5 declares:

 

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all stars of light! Praise Him, highest heavens, and the waters that are above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord, for He commanded and they were created.

 

God used powerful words in Genesis 1:3, “Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.” In praising God with our words, we become like Him in how we bring life and light to the world around us. We must decide to use our words to bring life and light in the world, because our words are powerful. Paul instructs us in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” You have the power to bless people, so start your day off right by praising God. Train yourself to speak only blessings!

 

Seize the moment and pray Psalm 148, meditating upon the power of your words. Use your words to declare the glory of God, creating life and light in the souls of other people. Guard your tongue wisely (James 3:2-12).

 

God bless you!