Praise the Lord for Lee Bryan, Alyssa Yang, and Natalie Garner, who publicly declared their faith through baptism today!
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
THE POWER OF WORDS
Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
The Bible emphasizes the tremendous power of the tongue.
James describes it as a small member capable of great influence, likening it to a rudder that steers a large ship or a spark that can ignite a forest fire (James 3:5-6).
This vivid imagery reminds us of the responsibility we have in choosing our words carefully.
Words have the ability to shape our lives and the lives of those around us.
They can create connections, heal wounds, or tear relationships apart.
Jesus provides the perfect example of how words should be used.
Throughout His ministry, He spoke with compassion and purpose.
His words brought healing to the sick, hope to the hopeless, and truth to the lost.
Consider when He told the woman caught in adultery, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11).
His words both comforted her and challenged her to live differently, demonstrating the power of speaking truth in love.
His words were not only intentional but also filled with grace, reminding us to reflect the same in our conversations.
Our words hold incredible power—they can heal or hurt, uplift or tear down.
Every interaction gives us an opportunity to use our speech for good or harm.
Reflect on the times when someone’s kind words encouraged you or when careless words left you wounded.
Just as those words impacted you, yours have the same potential to influence others.
The tongue may be small, but its effect can ripple across relationships, communities, and even generations.
God calls us to be intentional with our words.
Speaking carelessly or out of anger can leave lasting damage, but speaking with grace and love can build relationships and minister to the hearts of those around us.
Proverbs 16:24 reminds us, “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
Let this inspire you to think before you speak, ensuring your words reflect God’s love and truth.
The way we speak reveals what is in our hearts, making it essential to stay rooted in God’s Word and His character.
With each word, we have the chance to reflect His love and share His light with others.
Imagine your words as bricks in a construction project.
Every kind and uplifting word you say adds a brick to someone’s life, helping them build confidence, hope, or joy.
But each hurtful or negative word removes a brick, leaving gaps or tearing down what has been built.
Over time, your words can create a strong, lasting structure in someone’s life—or leave it fragile and broken.
Think about the relationships in your life.
Are you building with care or recklessly removing bricks?
The choice is yours, and every word matters.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the gift of communication. Help me to use my words wisely and lovingly. Teach me to speak in a way that reflects Your grace, bringing encouragement and hope to others. Guard my tongue against harshness and negativity, and guide me to use my words to build up rather than tear down. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
ASSIGNMENT: Today, focus on building someone up with your words. Choose one person to encourage, either by sending them a heartfelt message, complimenting them sincerely, or expressing gratitude for their impact on your life. Let your words reflect God’s grace and love, and watch how they minister to the person you’ve chosen.
As you consider the power of your words, ask yourself: Are my words building others up or tearing them down?
What changes can I make to ensure my speech is a source of grace and encouragement?
Write down your reflections and pray over them, asking God to help you become a vessel of His love through the way you speak.
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Liz Knight
Jessica Headrick
Linda Lanier
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Danny Jarrard – Riverside in Covington
Dale Lake
David Newby
Darlene Wiggins
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
James Burnette
James Parker
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Marynell Ford
Matt Barron’s Mother
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Roach Mitchell
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher