Psalm 19:14 (ESV), “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Generally speaking, I am consciously careful of what I say and how I say it, knowing how powerful words are once spoken. Then again, at times I hear myself say things that make me cringe! Words of folly, pride, gossip or unkindness sometimes spill out like an unwatched pot boiling over and making an unnecessary mess. Words can build or demolish. Words can heal or bring death. As it states in Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits” (ESV). And since “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:35), I begin this day emptying my heart of bitterness toward anyone, in repentance to God, by allowing the Holy Spirit to fill my heart and the Word of God to shape what I say to others. LORD, in Your mercy, cleanse me, fill me and use me to glorify You and to lift and encourage others.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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