Lips - Real Consecration - Sealed Orders Part 7

This is one in a series of posts, sharing the Sealed Orders devotions, day by day, from CMI 2010.  They are based on the "Consecration Hymn," Salvation Army Songbook #525

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One part of the body reflects the condition of the soul more readily than any other.  It is the mouth. 

James says, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.” (James 3:9-10)

Perhaps the hurtful words of someone in your life still ring in your ears – they cut down your joy, your confidence or your faith.  At the same time, you can remember the words of another for how they lifted you up – words of encouragement, of comfort, of inspiration.

Jesus understands the power of words.  But he also knows that our mouths are a window into the condition of our soul.  He said, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45) 

Can you recall a time when your words caused pain?  Each of us remembers words that we said that we wish we could take back.  There may even be words that have destroyed trust, hurt feelings and crushed relationships. 

But with God’s help, our words can build up where they might have torn down before.

What messages come from your mouth?  What do your words say about the condition of your heart?  What influence do you have with the words you say? 

Take a moment and ask God to take your lips.  Ask Him to sanctify them along with your heart – that He will cleanse them and use your mouth for His praise.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
     be pleasing in your sight,
     O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
               Psalm 19:14