AFFIRMATION

My mouth is pure, redeemed, and growing into the purposes of God. I choose words that are excellent and praiseworthy, full of faith and favor. I release blessing over others and myself. I refuse to partner or participate with negativity, pessimism, gossip, slander, self-slander, rage, belittling, comparison, cursing, cussing, or taking God's name in vain. When I feel these words enticing me to react, I will stop, and respond to the Holy Spirit by pausing, taking a breath, and choosing the language of honor.

Psalm 19:14 (NLT)

May the words of my mouth
    and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

The mouth is a journey. Old habits die hard. But they are not invincible. I still struggle with ugly things coming out of my mouth when I experience pressure or anger related to my computer, traffic, or my hubs.

This does not excuse my words though. If we are in Christ, we carry the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. Certainly, that means we carry enough power within us through the Holy Spirit to guard our tongues.

• If you struggle with self-deprecation…

• If you just can't "not share" that conversation you overheard…

• If you scream ugly things at your technology… (hello, I’m Rachel, and I'm guilty)

• If you are a self-proclaimed pessimist…

• If your temper sends you sputtering and muttering…

• If you don't have a filter because it broke years ago…

• If you've talked like a sailor for 40 years and think that's just "who you are"…

THERE IS HOPE!

Write out this affirmation and verse on a 3x5 card today and take it with you. Speak life and blessing over every person you encounter. Notice the clerk at Target. Compliment the Starbucks barista. Pray favor and blessing over that person that bugs the junk out of you. Release encouragement instead of cynicism. Besides, critics and cynics are miserable.

God is really happy, joyful and peaceful. He's not fretting about what's on the news. He is stronger than ALL negativity.

Use prayer to develop intimacy with God and to declare His Kingdom over your circumstances. Don't waste your words on complaining. He is very aware of your situation, so your words are better spent on thanksgiving and alignment with His Kingdom. Faith pleases God, not whining.

• If you want to speak revenge…thank God for His vindication that sets you be free to forgive and be joyful.

• If you are upset with your spouse…release God's kindness and ask God to stir up hunger and thirst for His Word and values. If there is a particular thing they do that is bugging you, ask God to help them "notice" and awaken to the Holy Spirit's promptings. (All of the sudden they might  "notice" the dishwasher needs to be emptied…it can be that practical.) Release selflessness over your marriage - that means you too.

• If you are lonely…thank God for being your friend, and for always listening to you. Then spend time just hanging out with God.

• If you are angry at your computer, or the IRS, or your bank statement…take a breath, and ask God for help. Declare that you're resting in Him to take care of the issue.

Kingdom Principle: Whatever you're experiencing that's negative, release the opposite force with your mouth. Example: If you're experiencing fear, release the faith of Jesus over yourself.

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Instead of going on and on about the negative issue, declare the good thing and God-thing you expect to see come to pass.

Speak as if God actually has the power to change things. 

It's a better way to pray.

It's a better way to live.

It's a better way to speak.

Have a week full of beautiful words!

Joyfully,

Rachel B.

PS - My online store is temporarily closed until Wednesday, September 25, 2019. I’m on a bit of an expedition in Ireland. #amazing