What is the fruit you would like to see in your life in 2014? This is the time of year when people are most likely to set new goals, dream of accomplishments and determine to change unprofitable behavior.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].Proverbs 18:21
Do you speak death or life over your desires?
For example:
Goal: To read the Bible in it’s entirety.
Speaking life: I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me. It is God’s will for me to know Him. This is eternal life, that I would know Him.
Speaking death: I tried to do this last year and I didn’t do it, I’m going to try but I don’t have much time to read. Whenever I try to read I fall asleep etc.
Another example:
Goal: To lose 20 lbs.
Speaking life: Self control is the fruit of the Spirit of God that dwells within me. I am able through Christ to accomplish this. Give me the strength God.
Speaking death: I have no will power and if I do lose weight, I just gain it back anyway.
Sometimes we need to remind ourselves of 1 Peter 3:10
For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good—whether apparent or not] keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from guile (treachery, deceit).
This deceit includes lying to ourselves! We often lie to ourselves by exaggerating the negative and minimizing the positive events that occur in our lives. Ask God to reveal to you any area in your life that you may be speaking lies about God or yourself to yourself!
It’s interesting to me that God says that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Our tongue gives us the ability to make words, and God’s Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14,John 3:16) and whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. Even in God’s tongue exists life and death…eternally!
So you, my son, be strong (strengthened inwardly) in the grace (spiritual blessing) that is [to be found only] in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1 . May you follow God with great intention in 2014, delight yourself in Him and He will give you the desires of your heart. Happy New Year!
Written by Jamie Shaver