FEBRUARY – “Missions: The Heart of God”
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SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
THE POWER OF WORDS
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” – Proverbs 18:21
Our words have the ability to build up or tear down, to bless or to wound, to bring life or to bring destruction. What we speak carries weight, shaping not only our own future but also the lives of those around us. God created the world with His words (Genesis 1:3), and He has given us the ability to shape our surroundings through what we say.
Many of us can recall words spoken over us that either lifted us up or deeply wounded us. Some live under the weight of hurtful words spoken long ago, while others thrive because someone took the time to encourage them in the Lord. As believers, we must be mindful of the power of our tongue and use it to speak life, faith, and truth rather than negativity and destruction.
Peter’s Denial vs. Peter’s Proclamation
Peter’s journey shows how words can either deny Christ or declare His glory.
- Peter’s Denial (Luke 22:54-62)
When Jesus was arrested, Peter found himself in a moment of fear. Instead of standing firm in faith, he denied Christ three times, saying, “Man, I know not what thou sayest.” (Luke 22:60).
After his third denial, the rooster crowed, and Peter wept bitterly, realizing the weight of his words.
- Peter’s Proclamation (Acts 2:14-41)
After being filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter stood before a massive crowd on the Day of Pentecost and boldly proclaimed the gospel of Christ.
His words, once filled with fear, now carried authority, power, and truth.
That day, 3,000 souls were saved—all because Peter chose to use his words for life rather than fear.
Peter’s story is a powerful reminder that even if we have spoken words of failure or fear in the past, God can redeem our tongue for His glory.
A mother once told her child, “You’ll never amount to anything,” and that child grew up believing it. Every time he faced difficulty, he remembered those words and felt defeated before he even tried.
Another mother told her child, “God has great plans for you,” and that child walked confidently in that truth. Every challenge was met with faith, because he believed that God had a purpose for his life.
The words spoken over us can shape our destiny—but more importantly, the words we speak over others can shape theirs.
Speak Life Daily
- Guard Your Tongue – Before speaking, ask: Will this bring life or death? (James 3:5-10).
- Encourage Others – Make a habit of speaking blessings over your family, friends, and church. A simple word of encouragement can change someone’s day—or even their life.
- Speak God’s Word – Replace negative speech with Scripture and words of faith. When tempted to complain or speak in doubt, declare God’s promises instead.
Prayer: Father, let my words be pleasing to You. Help me to speak life, not death, and to use my tongue to encourage others and bring You glory. Let my speech reflect Your love and truth, and may my words always point people to Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Your words carry power—the power to heal, to restore, and to bring hope. Choose today to speak life and watch how God works through your words to impact those around you.
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Robbie Edwards
Linda Hodge in passing of her sister
Roy Loyd
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ann & Robby Stanley
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Newby
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother-in-law
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
Greg Schriener
James Burnette
James Parker
Jessica Headrick
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Kim McClain’s Sister
Lamar Knight’s Family in CA Fires
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mae Jackson
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Mrs. Franklin
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Paula Ferus
Rebecca Smith
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher