The power of speech is a talent that should be diligently cultivated. Of all the gifts we have received from God, none is capable of being a greater blessing than this. With the voice we convince and persuade; with it we offer praise and prayer to God; and with it we tell others of the Redeemer’s love. Not one word is to be spoken unadvisedly. No evil speaking, no frivolous talk, no fretful repining or impure suggestions, will escape the lips of him who is following Christ.

The apostle Paul, writing by the Holy Spirit, says, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth” (Ephesians 4:29). A corrupt communication does not mean only words that are vile. It means any expression contrary to holy principles and pure and undefiled religion. It includes impure hints and covert suggestions of evil. Unless instantly resisted, these lead to great sin.

Upon every family, upon every individual Christian, is laid the duty of barring the way against corrupt speech. When [we are] in the company of those who indulge in foolish talk, it is our duty to change the subject of conversation if possible. By the help of the grace of God, we should try to drop words or introduce a subject that will turn the conversation into a profitable channel.

Our words should be words of praise and thanksgiving. If the mind and heart are full of the love of God, this will be revealed in the conversation. It will not be a difficult matter to impart that which enters into our spiritual life. Great thoughts, noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth, unselfish purposes, yearnings for piety and holiness, will bear fruit in words that reveal the character of the heart treasure. When Christ is thus revealed in our speech, it will have a power in winning souls to Him.

We should speak of Christ to those who know Him not. We should do as Christ did. Wherever He was, in the synagogue, by the wayside, in the boat thrust out a little from the land, at the Pharisee’s feast or the table of the publican, He spoke to men of the things pertaining to the higher life.—The Signs of the Times, July 2, 1902.
Ye Shall Receive Power p. 197
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for me as I have a job interview this afternoon. Pray that I get the job if it is God’s will. RJ
—-Please be in prayer for my family. We are in a situation and I am very stressed about it. We need some door opened or some grace and favor. Jennifer
—-July 5th update on Baby Wyatt: The past few days have been on the rough side. We are trying to figure out Wyatt’s gut and why he can’t tolerate formula. We are also trying to figure out the source of his bleeding. We will also have to get an ultrasound done today to check on the fluid inside his liver. We did manage to get a few hours off of dialysis Friday, so we went for a wagon ride. As far as Wyatt’s kidney transplant evaluation, we are still waiting for them to have their big meeting of the 15th. Mary
—-Please continue to pray for E and her children. R
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Dear Friends,

As we read the news, it seems that there is a steep increase in violent crime of all kinds. There is no safety anywhere anymore. We wonder how someone can get to the point where they can attack or kill another person. As we read of details of many of the crimes, I say as did my mother as she got older, “It’s a scary old world now-a-days.”

We shake our heads in disbelief at all of the happenings. Yet how often do we are guilty of killing our fellow Christians with venomous words. How many times we wound someone by spreading rumors about them. Paul warns, “if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” Gal 5:15

The wise man observes, “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.” He admonishes us, “Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” “Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. Prov 18:8; 31:9; 8:6-9

May we put in practice the admonition of Jesus, “as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” Luke 6:31 May we ask our Loving Saviour to speak through us to those around us. May we pray as did David, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Ps 19:14

Rose

Source: https://rosesdevotional.org/the-gift-of-speech.html

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:7, 8.

One worker may be a ready speaker; another a ready writer; another may have the gift of sincere, earnest, fervent prayer; another the gift of singing; another may have special power to explain the Word of God with clearness. And each gift is to become a power for God because He works with the laborer. To one God gives the word of wisdom, to another knowledge, to another faith; but all are to work under the same Head. The diversity of gifts leads to a diversity of operations, but “it is the same God which worketh all in all” (1 Corinthians 12:6).

The Lord desires His chosen servants to learn how to unite together in harmonious effort. It may seem to some that the contrast between their gifts and the gifts of a fellow laborer is too great to allow them to unite in harmonious effort; but when they remember that there are varied minds to be reached, and that some will reject the truth as it is presented by one laborer, only to open their hearts to God’s truth as it is presented in a different manner by another laborer, they will hopefully endeavor to labor together in unity. Their talents, however diverse, may all be under the control of the same Spirit. In every word and act, kindness and love will be revealed; and as each worker fills his appointed place faithfully, the prayer of Christ for the unity of His followers will be answered, and the world will know that these are His disciples.

In loving sympathy and confidence God’s workers are to unite with one another. He who says or does anything that tends to separate the members of Christ’s church is counterworking the Lord’s purpose. Wrangling and dissension in the church, the encouragement of suspicion and unbelief, are dishonoring to Christ. God desires His servants to cultivate Christian affection for one another.—Testimonies for the Church 9:144, 145.
Ye Shall Receive Power p. 194
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Prayer Requests
—-Please continue to pray for E and her children that God will work mightily for them. R
—-I had to have an emergency surgery because I had developed a large internal hernia in an unusual place and part of my intestines were being strangled inside of the hernia. I feel so horrible right now.thank you for all your prayers. Connie
—-With a sad heart, I ask that you pray for my cousin’s family. My cousin Ricky passed away this morning he had a weak heart. He was an Army Veteran. He has 2 special needs sons. Pray for God’s provision and comfort! I’m so glad I got to visit with him at our family reunion back last October. Denyele
—-Please pray for Brenda and her family as her cousin was killed. Please pray that the person who did it will be found. Rose
—-Please pray for me I’m sick and having a hard time. Please pray that I get better. Jennifer
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Dear Friends,
Letely I have been reading some old devotionals that I had written right after my mother’s death in mid-July 2006. Sometimes reading them around the time of some event brings forth memories that has been pushed into the background because of all of the current happenings. I thought I would share one of these old devotionals with you today as it teaches a valuable lesson.
Rose

“My mother had two good friends. One was a lifelong friend (M) and the other (T) had been friends with her for over fifty years. M and T both wrote to my mother but T’s letters came far more frequently. When my mother’s surgery in March caused her condition to deteriorate, M quit writing. T sent many get well cards and letters. T also called frequently.

I knew that I needed to tell them that my mother had died, but it was a struggle to make those calls. The day after my mother died, I finally picked up the phone and dialed their numbers. What different reactions I got from them. T was very sympathetic. She said that she had been expecting it, but she was so sorry. She talked of how much she appreciated their friendship and reminisced of good memories she had of my mother. She offered to send a check toward the airplane ticket that we had to buy for Eileen to come down from Michigan. After talking with her, I felt uplifted and encouraged.

My phone call to M, on the other hand, was far different. M did not appear to be sorry that my mother had died at all. M dwelt upon all of the negative things she could remember about my mother. She dug up all of the mean and ugly memories possible. She wanted to know if my mother had ever explained to me the “why’s and wherefor’s” about those things. I could not refute the things she was saying, but there was no reason for her to say them. By the time she had finished, I was horrified and heartbroken. The conversation ended by M saying, “Let’s keep in touch.” It very doubtful that I will do so.

Just as my mother had two friends—one genuine and one an enemy in disguise, so our Dear Saviour has genuine and false followers. Outwardly both appear the same, but inwardly they are quite different. Jesus gave us a parable that illustrates these two groups. “The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.” Matt 13:24-30

When asked, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matt 22:36-40 Love is the key that separates the false from the true. Only Christ’s genuine followers truly love Him. Only His genuine followers have the corresponding works. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” John 15:8-10) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” Matt 7:15-27

May we truly show our love for God by our thoughts, our words, our attitudes, our actions. May we speak of all of His marvelous works. May we love his followers and live peaceably with them is my prayer.

Rose”

Source: https://rosesdevotional.org/used-as-a-power-for-god.html

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My heavenly Father, I come to Thee at this time, just as I am, poor and needy, and dependent upon Thee. I ask Thee to give me and give this people the grace that perfects Christian character. Wilt Thou have compassion upon this people? Let Thy light shine into the chambers of the mind, and into the soul temple. My Saviour, Thou hast given Thy life to purchase Thine inheritance, that, as overcomers, they may enter the kingdom of God, where they shall go no more out forever. Bless those who have signified their desire to serve Thee. Put Thy Spirit upon them.

I ask Thee, heavenly Father, to let Thy Holy Spirit come to this people. May Thy salvation be revealed. Touch their hearts, and make them very tender. Soften them by Thy Holy Spirit, and help them to see the work to be done for their neighbors, and for souls that are perishing all around them. Oh, awaken them to their responsibilities! May they wash their robes of character, and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. Wilt Thou encircle them in the arms of Thy mercy? Plead with them through the impressions of Thy Holy Spirit, that they may try to let their light shine to those that have not known the truth. Put Thy church in order, O Lord, that they may labor for souls.

My Saviour, reveal Thyself to this people. Let Thy love be expressed. Oh, let it be revealed! Hold Thy people, that Satan may not have his will and way with them. Help them to press through all opposition, that at last they may lay their crowns at the feet of Jesus in the city of God; and Thy name shall have all the glory. Amen.—The Review and Herald, July 16, 1908.
Ye Shall Receive Power p. 190
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Prayer Requests
—-E and children need your prayers for guidance and protection. R
—-Update on Baby Wyatt: “Little update on Wyatt.
He could use a bunch of prayers.
We tried to start half strength formula again yesterday… it didn’t work out so well.
Wyatt has been throwing up all night and has now started to throw up a little bit of blood and has some new blood draining from his gtube. He also has pneumatosis again, which we found out tonight after I advocated for an X-ray. Mary
—-Requesting prayers for our son-in-law, who is COVID+. Because of his Crohn’s complications, the most effective and usual med cannot be used. He is not currently hospitalized, and praying that will remain the case. Prayers also for our daughter during this difficult time. Jeanie
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Dear Friends,
When Esther was a little girl, she often found some tiny space to crawl into and sleep. She liked tight, closed-in spaces just as her children do now. They made her feel very secure. This made it necessary for me to hunt for her quite often. Sometimes I’d find her under the sofa or under a chair. Sometimes she would be inside a cupboard or other closed-in spot.
One day, after having looked in all of her favorite spots, I still could not find her. I searched everywhere. Tinges of fear crept over me. Had she crawled into the refrigerator? I had heard of children suffocating in them. Quickly I ran to the kitchen and threw open the door afraid of what I might find. To my relief, she was not inside.
Finally as I went back into her bedroom, I saw a slight movement in the top shelf of her closet. Soon I saw her face looking down at me. I asked her how she had gotten up there. By putting her arms and legs on each side of the closet door frame, she had “walked” up all that way.
We, too, can have a hiding place just as Esther Marie did. We, too, can have a safe and secure place where we can go for rest. David prayed, “Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.” “Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.” “Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.” “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.” Ps 143:9;119:114;32:7;27:5
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” Ps 91
Our Dear Saviour bids us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matt 11:28-30 Praise God! He is our comfort, our protection from the storm, our guide through all the rugged way. May we put all of our trust in Him finding in Him a hiding place from the raging storms of life is my prayer.
Rose

Source: https://rosesdevotional.org/a-prayer-for-the-outpouring-of-the-spirit.html