What you say is important. In fact, the words that come from your mouth today shape your world tomorrow. Your words can bring prosperity and health or they can bring poverty and death. According to the Bible, the words you speak can and will shape your life.
Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
It is true. Life and death are in the power of the tongue. What you say is important. In fact, what you say is so important that much of the Bible is devoted to teaching us what to say.
In the book of James in chapter 3, the Bible compares the tongue to the rudder of a large ship. Although a ship may be large and driven by fierce winds, it is turned by a very small rudder. This is the way the tongue is. It may be a small part of your body, but what you say with your mouth can enhance or destroy your life.
Most Christians have no idea how their words are affecting their lives. Words can either be words of faith – words that confirm the Word of God, or words of doubt – words that destroy faith. The choice is yours. Your mouth is connected to your head, not someone else’s. You have no one to blame for what you say other than yourself. Think of it this way. Your life and your death are in the power of your tongue.
Jesus said in Mark 11:23 “For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, be removed and be cast into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart but believes that those things he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says.”
Jesus said to say to the mountain, “be cast into the sea.” He didn’t say think to the mountain. He didn’t say believe in your heart and that will be enough. He said to believe in your heart and say with your mouth and then you will see the mountain moved.
In Romans 10:9 the Bible says, “if you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Notice it says that we are to confess Jesus with our mouth. It doesn’t say to think in our minds. It says to confess with your mouth, in other words, say with your mouth that Jesus is Lord.
Think of your words as containers. When they are released from your mouth, they contain faith or they contain doubt.
Proverbs 6:2 says we are snared by the words of our mouth. This simply means that you are responsible for your words. You have a choice. With your words you can curse and you can bless.
You may ask, “Then what should I say?” Speak words of faith. Speak words that align with the Word of God. Say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Say, “Jesus is Lord and Satan is defeated.” Say, “He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.” Quote the Word.
Remember Proverbs 18:21 says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
Some people say they can’t help what they say. That’s not true. You can control your words. The choice is yours. Will you speak words of faith or will you speak words of doubt. Depending on what you say from your heart, you will receive either death or life. Speak life.
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.