Saying

Saying

“I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith.” John 16:1 (NLT)

What we say carries either good or harmful power. Today we must live aware of what we speak repeatedly. What we say constantly has creative power: it influences our mood, shapes our thoughts and emotions, determines our actions, our actions form our character, and our character determines our destiny. Jesus Himself was intentional with His words, and He told His disciples: “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith.”

• The content of Jesus’ words.
  What things had He told them? Among other matters, He had just told them not to feel alone because He would send the Holy Spirit, who would act as their Comforter and Advocate. That is what this passage speaks to me personally.

• We must speak the good things of God.
  We must dedicate ourselves to speaking the good and positive things based on the Word of God. Remembering God’s promises will strengthen our faith and the faith of those who hear us and live within our circle of influence.

• What we say produces a result.
  We must remember that what we say produces either something negative or something positive. What we speak constantly will produce something destructive or something constructive—something that strengthens or something that weakens, something that brings death or something that brings life.

• Our words are seeds.
  Our words are like winds that leave our mouths and grow, becoming either destructive whirlwinds or showers of blessing. As the prophet said: “They have planted the wind and will harvest the whirlwind.” (Hosea 8:7, NLT)

• The Holy Spirit strengthens our faith.
  Lord, today we understand that, just as You did with the disciples, You are reminding us that we are not alone and that You have given us the Holy Spirit so that our faith may be strengthened.

Father, help us guard our words so we may be a blessing to those within our circle of influence. We want to use our mouths to say the same things You shared with Your disciples and thus help them strengthen their faith to face life and succeed spiritually, in their families, socially, and financially.

“I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith.” John 16:1 (NLT)

Think About It:

1. Are the words you have been “saying” constantly this week strengthening or weakening your faith and the faith of your family?

2. What specific promise from the Bible do you need to begin “saying” insistently over your current situation?

3. How can you use your words today to remind someone in your circle of influence that they are not alone and that the Holy Spirit is their Comforter?