Topic Think Before You Speak [Open Heavens for Teens 16 March 2019]
Memorise: “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of his mouth, this defileth a man.” – Matthew 15:11
Read: James 3:2-6
2 For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature.
3 If we set bits in the horses’ mouths to make them obey us, we can turn their whole bodies about.
4 Likewise, look at the ships: though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman determines.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wood or how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze!
6 And the tongue is a fire. [The tongue is a] world of wickedness set among our members, contaminating and depraving the whole body and setting on fire the wheel of birth (the cycle of man’s nature), being itself ignited by hell (Gehenna).
Bible In One Year: Deuteronomy 28, Mark 15:27-47
MESSAGE:
Communication is a very important part of our lives as humans. No one can survive on earth without interacting with fellow humans. Talking is so commonly placed that most of us have forgotten how powerful our words are. The words you speak can never be taken back once you utter them; you have to live with the consequences. This is why it is foolish not to think before you speak. Matthew 12:36 says we will be held accountable for every idle word we speak. In other words, you are responsible for making sure that every word you utter is for a good purpose.
Your words must be true. As a child of God, lies must be far from your mouth. You must discipline yourself to speak the truth no matter the cost and no matter whose presence you are in. your words must be kind. Some people are known for always speaking harsh words under the guise that they are blunt. Your words must be soft even when you are correcting someone. If your words are not intended to give solution to a problem and make the situation better or inspire someone to be better, then do not bother uttering them.
Key Point: Talk only when it is necessary.
Also Read: Teen Open Heaven Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye
Hymn 13:
1. Is your life a channel of blessing?
Is the love of God flowing through you?
Are you telling the lost of the Savior?
Are you ready His service to do?
Chorus:
Make me a channel of blessing today,
Make me a channel of blessing, I pray;
My life possessing, my service blessing,
Make me a channel of blessing today.
2. Is your life a channel of blessing?
Are you burdened for those that are lost?
Have you urged upon those who are straying
The Savior who does on the cross
3. Is your life a channel of blessing?
Is it a daily telling for Him?
Have you spoken the word of salvation?
To those who are dying in sin?
4. We cannot be channels of blessing
If our lives are not free from sin;
We will barriers be and a hindrance
To those we are trying to win.
Daily Devotional for Teen’s guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.
