Positive Speaking

For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. Matthew 12:37

Do you catch yourself saying any of the following negative speech? 

I am just going to be fat.

          I can't lose weight as I am too old.

I am a worrier.

You know how it is when you get old. 

I  am too old to look for work.

My joints ache cause I am old. 

I hate winter. 

I can never get ahead. 

I hate summer. 

I can't get well. 

They will never hire me.

Okay you see what I  am getting at. Negative speech can become a habit that you may not even be aware you are doing. Positive speaking is what God wants us to do. Don't criticize your self. Don't say you are unable to do something. Satan is the one who puts negativity in your heart. Beat him at his game.

The more you get in the habit of saying positive statements the more you will start to believe them. Why put yourself down by your own words. God is a positive God not a negative one. Do not fall into the trap of digging a hole for yourself by making  'wrong confessions' out of your mouth.

Try this. Get up and say positive things. Call things as not as though they were as it says in Romans 4:17. Try to get negative, derogatory, or unloving speech out of your vocabulary and instead focus on saying things like "something good is going to happen to me today!" 

PRAYER: Lord I have said condemning things before about myself but I know at any age you have good things in store. I know no matter what your plan for me is wonderful and I can do all things with your help. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Debbie Downer

 Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. Proverbs 17:28(NIV)

 Impulsive people have trouble in life. I tend to be impulsive and am working on taming this monster of fast reactions. It is especially helpful to be able to control it when it comes to talking and emailing. If we react to something then do not wait and think and immediately respond then we can cause trouble which was never intended to happen.

My husband always reminds me of this too. "Why pass on bad news to the kids he will say" if I see something about a storm or accident for instance.  We should only want to pass on that which will build up or uplift not possibly drag down. But if you are impulsive and do not think things through first, or wait 24 hours because you just have to act on something, then things could backfire or create turmoil and misunderstanding.

Yes indeed in life it is good to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry as it says in James 1:19.

 PRAYER: Today Lord I need your help to be calm and peaceful and wait. Help me think before I act or react. Forgive me if my impulsiveness has ever hurt anyone. Put a watch over my mouth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

GROUCHY? GET SOME BLUE TOENAILS

 

This is the second go round for this devotion. The first written a few days ago was lost in cyber space. Never even had a draft to use to recreate it so with God's help I attempt to do my best again. The title asks a question, are you grouchy? Maybe you do not think you are but what kind of words constantly flow from your mouth? Are they words of praise or words of condemnation? Are they words of love or words of judgment? Are they words of hope or words of despair? Are they words that build others up or tear them down? Think on that for a moment.

So many folks may get in a habit of griping, judging, gossip, unthankfulness, criticism and not even reallize it. Maybe it has been a part of them for a long time and even Christians can be this way. Pray and ask God to reveal to you if you are this way and if you feel you are try to make changes.

I like the motto for the "Life is Good" company which is "Do what you like and Like what you do". Does that describe you? If not why? Are you in a mode of comparison perhaps? Do you feel you are worth little or perhaps too old for something? If you are an "older person" and keep talking about aches, pains, and all that, then try to change your habit of assuming things happen at a certain age and go on with life. If you are say 60 and feel you are washed up, shame on you. God can and does use people of all ages to serve Him and work for Him. The world we live in makes it sound like we assume we need to throw in the towel, so to speak, at age 50 or 60 or 70 or even 80 etcetera. Why? Some may say, "Act your age" and I say "What fun is that?"

The other day my friend Pam was in town visiting and we went for a pedicure. Normally I get the traditional red or pink shades of polish but I said "I will take the bright blue". Yes I have blue toenails and I kind of like them. I am getting ready to celebrate a "milestone" birthday so what better way to make yourself feel young than getting a crazy toenail color. It makes me laugh just looking at it. Do something fun, get out and get going. Start making your speech be positive. Even in your prayer life start it by praising God and telling Him how great and wonderful he is! Romans 4:17 mentions 'Calling things as not as though they were' or in other words do not use negative talking saying things that drag you down. Believe in miracles. Believe in hope. Believe in the impossible!

Mark 9:23(NLT) says "What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes." Sear that in your brain that ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! Start a habit of positive speech. Say things like "Thanks Lord for a beautiful day. Thanks Lord for life. Thanks Lord for being a God of mercy. Thanks for my family. Thank you Jesus for hearing my prayers." You can probably think of others. God is a God of hope so try to make your speech give you and others hope and not drag them down. Keep focused on above and if you need to laugh and smile, go get some blue toenails (well maybe not my male readers). Have a blessed and God filled day!

PRAYER: Today is your day Lord. Each and every day is a day to lift up your name. You alone are mighty and powerful. You care about me Lord. I choose this day Lord to start thinking positive and talking positive. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click this link below and get ready to worship God in song and lift your spirits.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_2qG22SPwU&feature=share&list=RD026_KXsMCJgBQ

WORDS, GLORIOUS WORDS!!

Oh that wonderful little mouth. It can be a source of joy or anguish. The words that come out of it can make or break someone's heart and make or break someone's day. That is why the Bible says so much about our words. They can lift up or tear down. They can make a person feel good or make them feel belittled and terrible.

How are you words? Do you gossip? Do you lie? Do you nag? Do you complain? Do you curse? Do you say hurtful things to others? Are your words hopeful and encouraging or do they bring despair and misery? These are just some things to think about.

Your words are extremely powerful. Let's say all you do is sit around and talk about your aches and pains or bad things that might happen. If you do this on a regular basis you get in the habit of starting to feel less than hopeful. There is a verse in Romans 4:17 that speaks of 'calling things as not as though they were' or in other words step out and believe in faith that healing will come or a situation will change instead of filling your mind with doubts, despair, discouragement, and fear all the time. Just do it! Have yourself a little praise fest. Start praising God and lifting your hands up in praise to Him and tell Him how great and mighty He is and the things you are in despair over tend to go away.

I have said in previous writings that bad thoughts are not from God but are Satan. Satan does not give hope but God does. Satan does not restore but God does. Satan does not set the captive free, but God does. Satan does not bring joy, but God does. Only through the power of your believing and speaking positive will you start to transform your words each and every day that come out of your mouth. A friend of mine caught me saying something about not being able to do something cause of my ACL tear and she said "remember Becky, those ladies prayed for you and you are healed!' I needed that gentle reminder.

Today really think about what you say. Are you positive and cheerful or negative and discouraging? Jesus wants you to be joyful. He is not wanting you in torment. He wants you to speak positive. If you want to say something tell Satan to leave you alone and stop tormenting you and putting doubts in your head that cause you to speak in a despairing manner. Have hope my friend! Jesus is Lord!

As I was getting ready to write this devotion I passed a billboard for a local church that had Romans 12:12 and I thought it would be great to end this devotion with. 'Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.'

PRAYER: Lord thank you that when I tend to forget to be positive you are there or me to lift me up. Help me Lord not be a pit dweller and constantly be thinking negative but help me to start being positive and speaking positive. It is the enemy who wants me to feel doom and gloom ,not you. I choose to look up, not down. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link to worship the Lord in song.

http://youtu.be/D5V8_k70KnI

JUNIOR MOMENTS ARE GREAT!

Since I am part of a group called "Hopelifters" I need to be spreading hope. That means being positive and joyful and trying to look up and be grateful and not look down in despair and anguish. Some of my readers may not be old enough to ever have used the term "senior moment" and may in fact think 40 is extremely old. It's not. My job today is to spread hope so no longer will we say "senior moment" or put yourself down when you forget some thing okay?

No matter what age you are I am certain you have misplaced keys, forgotten your sunglasses, locked your keys in the car, did not write a compete address on a letter and so on. I am sure we can add to the list.

If you are blessed with say fifty or more years do not keep saying "I am having a senior moment" but try saying "I am having a junior moment" instead. I did it the other day at a post office when I had to mail back a folder that came back to me with one number wrong in the address. Stuff happens okay?

We have the "mind of Christ" and I am pretty sure Christ would not be walking around making himself into a joke or putting himself down. Try to focus on positive things once again. If you are say 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and beyond you have much to contribute. You are not washed up. Even though our modern world likes to only highlight youthful people in their advertisements unless it is for some product like laxatives we are to be thinking on "things above".

Let me leave you with a verse to memorize. 'Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.' Philippians 4:8(NIV)

Now go out no matter what your age and make a difference in the world around you.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for each year of life and for the mind you have given me. Help me Lord to not be negative or put myself down but to rejoice and be glad in each and every day of life you have given me to shine for you. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Check out the following website:
Www.hopelifters.org

SING PRAISES INSTEAD OF SPEAKING WORRIES

Our mouth is a powerful tool for good or bad. We can use it to uplift or to belittle. We can use it to hurt others or to praise them. When it comes to things we tend to worry about we can speak fear and worry or faith, hope, and trust.

God inhabits the praises of His people it says in Psalm 22:3. Matthew 12:37 says "For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

---

The Bible says in Colossians 3:2 to "set your mind on things above not about things on earth." Focusing on what terrible things might happen takes you further away from the Lord. He wants you to trust him that He will see you through.

What is bothering you today? Are you able to let this burden go knowing full well your useless worry makes you sick inside and brings glory to the enemy Satan who is a peace robber? The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:7 to "Cast all your cares on Him for he cares for you." Do you believe that? It is true!

The power of life and death is in the tongue it says in Proverbs 18:21. If you sit around only speaking negative that is probably what you will get and your mindset will be negative. For God's People to have peace you have to fill your mind with good thoughts! Remember is says in Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Today why not trust Him and know He has all things under control by His mighty hand and His outstretched arm. His love does endure forever. Let me leave you with this comforting scripture. Psalm 37:25 says "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread." Trust Him today.

PRAYER: Father God when it seems the world is caving in around us I know Lord you are in charge. I know you love me with an everlasting love. I know you care. Father God help me to lean on you and forget the issues and problems of the day. Help me keep my television set off and instead pick up my Bible and start reading the Psalms and Proverbs. 'The Today Show' and 'Good Morning America' will not bring me peace and will waste a big chunk of my time. Lord your word brings me comfort. Help me to read it daily. Forgive me when I have forgotten to spend time with you. Father God the sun rises and sets each day whether I worry or do not worry. When I stay focused on you and your word it is much easier to have peace. When the world around me seems to be spinning out of control I know Lord you are there and will rescue me. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link to worship the Lord.

http://youtu.be/aziNybUDDF0

RIGHT TALKING CURES WORRY

I sure bring up talking and the mouth many times in my devotions. That is because our mouth can either help us or hurt us and we need to get it under the control of the Holy Spirit.. It is a daily process. In James chapter 3 it says "No man can tame the tongue."   Isn't that the  truth? Take some time and read that entire chapter.

Positive confessions spoken out loud help cure worry. If you tune in to God the cares of the world seem to fade. What good does sitting around speculating about what might happen going to do? Answer. Nothing. So what is the alternative? Speaking God's word out loud and letting it get own in your spirit. I guarantee you if you do this you will feel better. No matter what the situation, turn it over to God.

Here are just a few good positive scriptures to read out loud.You may not be where you can speak out loud and if not still read them but later when alone read them out loud.

I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.  See 2 Corinthians 5:21
I am the head and not the tail. See  Deuteronomy 28:13
My children shall rise up and call me blessed(for moms)  See Proverbs 31:28
I am precious in God's sight.  See  Isaiah 43:4
I will run and not be weary. See Isaiah 40:31
I will resist Satan and he has to flee. See James 4:7
God has a plan for my life. See Jeremiah 29:11
 My children will not depart from the godly training they received. See Proverbs 22:6
 I can do all things through him who gives me strength. See Philippians 4:13
 No weapon formed against me shall prosper. See Isaiah 54:17
 I will give God my worries as he cares for me. See 1 Peter 5:7
 He is my shelter in a storm. See Isaiah 25:4
 God is my help in times of trouble. See  Psalm 46:1
 God will direct my path. See Proverbs 3:5-6
 I am not afraid because God is with me. See Psalm 23
 Not afraid of what mere man can do to me. Psalm 118:6

There that should help you for the day and for the week. Saying things out loud helps. Try it.  When you know that you know that you know that God is in control and say so what reason do you have to keep worrying?

PRAYER: Father I want to lean on you for freedom from doubt and worry. Help me not listen to wrong or negative messages but to fill my head with good and positive thoughts and Bible verses. I am thankful you are in control. In Jesus Name. Amen.

LITTLE MARY SUNSHINE OR OSCAR THE GROUCH??

When people talk about you would they tend to think of you more as a delightful joy to be around or a 'Little Mary (or Harry) Sunshine or a 'Oscar the Grouch' type constantly being ugly and temperamental? Ponder that for a while. Most of us probably think we are okay but is your demeanor reflective of joy, peace, happiness and love or criticism, judgment, evil and hatred? When people talk about you do you think it is in the positive or negative?

How do you respond to waiters, store clerks, telemarketers, and those that may rub you the wrong way? Do you spout off or do you stay under control treating all people with respect? Do you speak to your spouse the same way you did when you were dating or treat them ugly and vindictive? On the road driving, do you cut people off and angrily look out the window at them as you pass by?When things do not go your way do you respond with grace or do you lose control? It is clear that as a believer we need to have our emotions under control and if the area of words and anger is a problem to ask God to help deliver you from bring mean and hurtful. When you speak to someone it should be with kindness and love. It is so easy to get in an argument. It is a bigger person who finds a way to walk away and stop it . Proverbs 16:32 says "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city." James 1:20 says "Man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires."

 We are to be Christlike and to do that we need to be trying to show Christlike qualities. These would be love, caring, sharing, selflessness, humility, joy, and forgiveness to name a few. Does your life reflect these both out in the 'marketplace' and in your own home? We are to treat members of our own family as better than outside world but the stories you hear often on the news of family violence do not reflect this. In Psalm 101:2 it says "I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart."

James 1:19 could apply to all of life and communication but I have mentioned before it is a good one for newlyweds to commit to memory and live by. It says "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry". Ephesians 4:29 says " Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Proverbs 17:1 says "Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife."

So whether you are out in the community, at work or especially at home  you need to tame the anger and the tongue. Make believe you are Jesus and let's say a clerk is rude to you. The saying 'What Would Jesus Do' is a good one to really ponder. What would he do? Try to be like Little Mary Sunshine and let the Oscar the Grouch personality have a rest.

Proverbs 12:16 says "A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult ".

PRAYER: Father it is my desire to treat all people with kindness, love, and respect. Show me where I need work in this area. Help me when I feel like getting mad to stop and pray. Forgive me if I have ever hurt anyone by my words or actions. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Click on link below and enjoy a worship song.
http://youtu.be/uor3TPX0of8

MY FATHER IN HEAVEN SAYS......

I am a child of God (John 1:12)
I am set free(John 8:36)
No weapon formed against me shall prosper(Isaiah 54:17)
I resist Satan and he has to leave me alone(James 4:7)
I am the head and not the tail(Deuteronomy 28:13)
I am forgiven (1 John 1:9)
I am redeemed(Isaiah 43:7)
I can rejoice in this day(Psalm 118:24)
I have victory in Jesus Christ(1 Corinthians 15:57)
I am healed(Exodus 15:26)
I have perfect peace(Isaiah 26:3)
I shall not fear(2 Timothy 1:7)
I am not afraid of mere men(Psalm 56:11)
I will not keep a record of wrongs(1 Corinthians 13:5)
I am loved by God(Galatians 2:20)
I am bought with a price(1 Corinthians 6:20)
I won't worry(1 Peter 5:7)
I have a purpose(Jeremiah 29:11)
I am salt and light in His kingdom(Matthew 5:13-16)
I am a representative of Jesus wherever I go.(Ephesians 6:20)
I do not have to get angry(James 1:20)
I will be give thanks(1 Thessalonians 5:18)
I will not stop praying(1 Thessalonians 5:17)
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength(Philippians 4:13)
I will run the race to win(1 Corinthians 9:24)
I can crush a troop and leap over a wall.(Psalm 18:29)
I will pray for my enemies not hate them(Matthew 5:44)
I will seek first the kingdom(Matthew 6:33)
I will set before my eyes no vile thing(Psalm 101:3)
I will talk with purity(Colossians 4:6)
I will forget the past(Philippians 3:13)
Mediate on God's word and search the scriptures daily. The enemy, Satan, is the father of lies and can even deceive well meaning Christians into believing a lie.(See Colossians 2:8). Be on your guard because he prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may destroy. (See 1 Peter 5:8).

Do not let others steal your joy. Do not  allow the lies of the enemy to defeat you. Get up and say these things above OUT LOUD. Try it you might like it.

PRAYER:  This is your day Lord and I will get up and rejoice and say thank you. I ask your help in letting me treat all people with kindness and respect. Let me shine your love into every corner of the world you place me in. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link and worship God this Saturday morning in song.
http://youtu.be/x_bEzvAHbvo

Further note..Yesterday I worked over 3 hours on this devotion in a remote location without Wi Fi and for some reason it did not save and I lost all my work except for a rough draft I was able to find. Satan must not have wanted this one to get out there. I did my best to recreate the original.

TALKING POSITIVE IS POSITIVELY WONDERFUL

 Is anyone out there a fan of people who constantly are in a negative mood or mindset? I mean nothing they say brings much joy or positive affirmation. At times it makes you want to scream. People who are a certain age, for instance, start saying that they are too old for things. Now that, my friend, is negative talking. You are never too old. Do not talk down to yourself. I have heard stories of people starting many adventures later in life.  Recently there was a story in a paper I read about a lady over 50 being on the top of a water skiing pyramid. If you start in the 'old negative mindset', guess what? You are going to convince yourself by your negativity that you are no good and have nothing left in life to contribute and the enemy loves that.I have met a few flight attendants in my travels over 50 and some started after 50.  Satan  would like you to sit in a rocking chair and feel sorry for yourself. If you are in good health you can do whatever you want. This is only one example of negativity. I am sure you can add to the list. But the point is you have to stay focused on thinking of good things.

 

Philippians 4:8 says "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Your mind needs to be set on the positive to stay uplifted. Thinking negative defeating thoughts will keep you downtrodden. Look up and rejoice! Philippians 2:5 says "Let this mind be in you which is in Christ Jesus." Christ is not negative. Try to be like Him why don't you.

 

Practice saying the following things out loud and see if you do not feel more positive:

I am redeemed.

I am a child of God.
I am loved by God.
I am special to God.
Jesus will restore the years locust has eaten.

God can and will heal and set me free.
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
I am valuable to God.
I will resist Satan and he has to leave me alone!!

I do not dread the future for I know God is in charge and has great things in store for me!

I can do what I set my mind to.

 

Are you a half full or a half empty sort of person? Start today to be aware of when you slump into a negative mindset. Do not allow it to happen. You are not here by accident. Start thinking of good things that lift your spirit. Think of dreams you have that are not met. Try to go after some of them. What is stopping you? Do not say you are too old! Stop that negative talk right here and now.

 

It is sort of like the quote in the Hollywood film 'The Help' where the maid said to the  little girl she took care of "You is kind, You is smart, You is important." Not the best English in the world but the thought and meaning is certainly sincere. She was affirming this small child of her value because the childs' own mother neglected to do so. If you have children make sure to tell them daily how you much you love them, that God has a special plan for their life and that they are special.

 

And one more thing. Try smiling. It helps keep things more positive. Do not give the enemy glory by being a sour puss.Psalm 37:4 says "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

 

PRAYER: I want to try to stay positive Lord. I know it brings no glory to you nor does god for me when I have wrong thoughts.Help me keep my focus on good  things and on you.I will not allow situations or people to drag me down into their negative pitiful pit.  In Jesus Name. Amen.

Click on link below for a worship song to lift your spirits:

http://youtu.be/SXaSWUvTb8w