Daily Devotional

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29

Our mouths are an important instrument for bringing the word of deliverance. And for this very reason, we must measure what we say and reflect on whether our mouth is a channel of blessing or cursing.

With our tongue we can heal or hurt. It's up to us to choose what we amplify with our mouths. With awareness of this responsibility, we must control our mouths so that we only speak what we really want to say. The Bible can help us develop self-control. More than a source of wisdom, the Bible contains words that heal and save man.

When we feed on God's word, we begin to speak what our heart is full of. More than that, we begin to act according to the Word and we don't say it with our mouths, but with our actions. May your mouth be a channel of blessing!

Being a channel of blessing:

• Avoid speaking too much, try to think before you speak. The more we choose what we say, the more wisely we act.
• Forget "constructive criticism", try to speak words that lift up your brother. It's not necessary to criticize in order to build, but rather to point out solutions.
• The Bible is the greatest source of wisdom you can find. Whoever feeds on its words is a channel of blessing.

Pray:

Lord, make me an instrument in your hands. Use my mouth as a channel for your good news. From You I receive blessings, so may I - through my words - share Your love and favor. Amen!

⁷ Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”

“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.

“The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”

⁸ Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.

Genesis 22:7-8

These verses tell of a time of great trial that Abraham went through with his son Isaac. It's a well-known story in which God tests Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice his beloved son. It was certainly an unparalleled test, but it was only a test because, of course, God didn't want the boy to die.

Abraham proved that he had faith and obeyed the Lord in everything. He knew that God, who had given him the promised son, was faithful and would, if necessary, resurrect the boy or provide the lamb for the sacrifice.

And so it happened! This story is the one place in the bible where the name for God is 'Jehovah Jireh' (Verse 14) ''The Lord my Provider! And in your life too, He will provide!

Like this story, sometimes our faith is tested. And even if we don't understand the circumstances, we need to trust in the Lord, because through the struggles we face, we learn to depend on Him more. Employment, health care, material resources, what to wear, etc. are all important needs, but seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:31-33). Place your faith completely in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, because He will supply all your needs, in Christ, for His glory!

By faith, God will provide!

• Trust God completely! He is faithful and fulfills His Word.
• Pray and place your whole life in the Lord's care.
• God will provide what you need. This is not always compatible with what you want Him to do.
• Rest in God's provision, but work and take advantage of the opportunities he places in front of you.
• Seek constant guidance in God's Word. He provides the wisdom you need to make the right decisions.

Pray:

Lord God, I want to thank you because you, Lord, have taken care of me. Even with difficulties, I believe that you are in control of my life. Provide what I really need, not what I want. Help my family, your church, my brothers and sisters in Christ and my friends in their daily needs. Bless our country and provide for the needs of our people, Lord! Give me wisdom to manage well the resources you give me. Open doors, Father, and do Your will in me. In Jesus' name! Amen.