Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking for God.
1 Peter 18:21

When I was a little girl my father would propose to his noisy household of children to play the "stillest game." Whoever was the stillest, longest, would win a penny. The greatest reward for us was having our father’s attention. He loved the peace and quiet, but that little game left me realizing there is value in being more thoughtful and less verbal.

I sometimes wonder if our Heavenly Father wants His children to play the "stillest game." As children we experienced a simple innocence never realizing how powerful the words we spoke were. Perhaps you, like me, needed to be reminded of this truth in God’s Word. Peter commands us as disciples of Christ to speak as we are speaking for God our Father. Take a moment to allow this truth to sink in. As I evaluated my own daily speech I became ever so thankful for the blood of Jesus which enables me to always receive cleansing and forgiveness. (1 John 1:9)

Proverbs 18:21 tells us life and death are in the power of our words. I know this is true. What a lie the old cliche’ is that says: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Being given a choice between the two I will choose the sticks and stones as opposed to cruelty of words and verbal abuse when someone makes their mouth a weapon of destruction to destroy another person. It truly can bring about hidden pain worse than death. However when words of kindness and love are spoken they bring about healing and life. There is no greater or more powerful words we can speak to one another that the Words of God written in scripture. It truly is alive, and it brings life to the hearer. It not only bring life, but eternal life.

I invite you to join me in slowing down and trying to speak this week as speaking for God Himself, because according to Peter that is exactly what we have the responsibility to do. When speaking with friends and family let us restrain from giving opinions or what we feel. Let us use scripture as our reference point for all we say and do this week. There will be blessed assurance we are speaking words of life and truth. What a difference we will make in our lives and the lives of those we speak with!
In His love.

Teresa Roberts

Masterpiece Fitness

276-237-6680

Photos taken on another early morning run this week on the New River Trail. How blessed we are to live where we do!