WORDS MATTER by Chris Papazis // RC Teaching Pastor
"I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, ~Matt 12:36 (ESV)
As I take a look at my Facebook Newsfeed this morning I am greeted with:
Videos and pics of friends, along with their cute children and pets
Reflections, Bible verses, encouraging words, and deep thoughts
Comic pictures and videos
People destroying other people with the words they have written in their status
Whenever I come across that last type of status, something inside me always grieves. Maybe it’s the dad in me but I just don’t like to see people being unkind to each other. I understand that many times these words are coming from a hurt or even broken heart, and my heart is saddened again.
Many times, these statuses are from people who are not followers of Christ. However, sometimes we as Christians can be the worst offenders…. I think the apostle Paul’s statement is appropriate here:
‘My beloved brethren, these things should not be so!’
As we continue on our fast, let’s ask God to speak to us and help us regarding the words that we speak (or type)!
In the passage referenced above, Jesus also said, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.â€
If we’re having problems with what’s coming out of our mouths, it should be a huge red flag to us. Jesus is telling us that these words are merely symptomatic of a deeper heart issue that must be dealt with if we are to become all God has called us to be.
In 2015 let’s strive diligently to become a people who use words to encourage and build up, rather than to discourage and tear down!
Prayer Point: Lord, I confess I have not always controlled my tongue in the way you instruct me to in Your Word. I ask you to forgive me and help me so that the words of my mouth and the mediations of my heart will be pleasing in your sight.
#DanielFast15 #WeOwn15
PRAYER REQUESTS
RockChurch Prayer Requests
To fulfill our mission of reaching people far from God
That we will love Jesus and love people
That we will effectively help people with their next step(s)
That we will be passionate about bringing guests
This weekend's services (worship, message, response)
All ministry groups, small groups, and related ministries
Kandra - My sister is dealing with a very serious medical condition
Becky M. - For our situation, grace, soft hearts, freedom, unity, and victory in our circumstance
Stella - For me to get a job and help people
Bob - My nephew's marriage
Tiffany - For our sick twins and our financial situation
Sarah - My family lost a loved one this morning (my grandfather passed away)
Becky K. - Nikki has a nodule on her thyroid. She has a needle biopsy on the 12th. Please pray that the nodule is gone.
Tyler - It has been a tough 2 years for me professionally and for my wife and I personally. Pray that this fast will help get me back on track.
Alma - Amy and old habits/behaviors and that she seeks out the grace of our Lord
Lisa - I would like to lift up 3 of our family members that are in search of employment and for one that is having financial hardship with his own company.
Connect Card Prayer Requests (Click HERE to download the PDF)
Do you have a prayer request? Email to prayer@rcpeoria.org.
