Wednesday, September 16, 2009

War Against My Words

"But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgement for every careless word they have spoken. " - Matthew 12:36

I shudder, I cringe. I will be held accountable for every word I utter.

My tongue betrays me, no I betray my Lord with it.

A tool meant to bring healing, encouragement and grace. Too often, I surrender it to my enemy partnering with him in destruction through my words.

Help me, help me Lord. Set a guard on my lips. Brand Ephesians 4:29 on my tongue with holy fire. The power of silence I need to learn.

This warrior is tired of seeing my fellow servants cut down. I search for the evil perpetrator only to view the syllables of my words on the tip of the arrows.

I cry out for your victory in this area of my life. Complete blood bought victory to cover my weakness. I have struggled, persevered, gained ground, and yet I slip again. Righteousness, the standard and hill I choose to climb. I wage war in your power and authority against my words.

The battle rages all around us. No longer can I sit by quietly watching from the sidelines. In my vulnerability, sharing my weaknesses, exposing the cracks in my armor, all pride must flee in the light of His truth. Join me, polish your armor and wage war, calling down the victory of God's Kingdom for your life and mine.
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56 comments:

Denise said...

I join you in this battle sweetie, love you.

Morgan said...

It is a hard thing to watch every word, likewise, it is even harder to watch every thought.

TanyaLea said...

I must admit, dear friend, that I find it hard to believe this is a struggle for you. But I love your candid honesty. Truly I have cried out these words myself, as my tongue is sometimes my own greatest enemy...but oh how I desire to take it captive and let only that which is edifying and possitive flow from it's lips. Indeed, I will join you in this battle, and pray that with God's help, it is won that we can overcome and win! <><

love you,
~Tanya

Pilar said...

We share enemy my friend. It is a hard fight and we may lose battle, but God can help us win the war.

Have a great day full of victories in Him.

Pilar

Leah Adams said...

This is a battle for me as well, and so I am focusing my Scripture memorization on verses about my tongue and my words. Proverbs 17:28, Proverbs 15: 2 and so many others. Perhaps if I have these verses chewed up and digested and taken into my heart, I will be less prone to wound with my words.

God's Word always accomplishes the purpose for which it is intended and so I am counting on that promise!!

Leah

Unknown said...

We march on arms linked in battle - resting that He will go before us to strengthen us and build our character to be more like His each day!

We cry out and He saves!

We utter our weakness and He gives us strength!

We bring sorrow to others through our careless words and He brings healing with His love!

Mercy and grace - together are His to replace the pain in which our words have caused.

I join you in praying Eph. 4:29-32 and Eph 5:2.

I praise God for the reminder of 1 John 1:9 and know that we can stand on His love for us! Because love covers a multitude of sins.

We will fight this battle until we are glorified - the mouth is a dangerous weapon! For good - spreading light and love! For evil - killing and destroying.

Hugs my precious friend!
I love you as the cracked pot that you are!
Jill

RCUBEs said...

It's only by His power and grace we can overcome being unable to control this tiny organ that does a huge destruction. Praying with you...Let us not put our guard down. Let's don His Armor so we may remain standing in these evil days. Blessings to you.

Kathleen said...

I'm delighted that you dropped by to meet me! I'm paying a reciprocal visit, and I'm so glad I have. Your words touched my heart ... for all too often I do not edit my words before allowing them passed my lips.

Be blessed, and may the pink days to come be richly rewarding!

Kathleen

SusanD said...

Hey Sarah Dawn, Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. I love this post. All too often we don't even realize the impact our words have on us and others. Thanks for posting this. Blessings, SusanD

Anonymous said...

This is great...I wonder just how much we would say-if we really thought about what we were saying before we let it come out of our mouths? You have such an humble heart and it shows here in your blog. God Bless you and I hope that God delights you with something special-just for you!

natali said...

I'm joining you!

Scrappy quilter said...

I'm joining you too!

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

If we each are honest...we all use our tongue...for that which Christ never intended!

Thanks so much for the amazing Biblical truth....it's cut to the quick of my heart....and I desire to have my lips honor, and glorify my King of Kings!

beBOLDjen said...

What a great post to begin to know you by!

I'm so glad Kathleen was able to connect us! How do you know her? I am a huge admirer of hers. She may or may not know it but some of us younger women watch her VERY closely ;-)

Anyway, we have to meet is real life! You can email me at Jen@thegraftedtree.com I can't wait to hear more about your upcoming adoption!!

Karen said...

Count me in...I have this crack in my armour too...love the words in your supplication....

LV said...

It is said our thoughts are as bad as what we say. We all need to ask forgiveness on a daily basis. It is not easy in today's world. May you continue to receive great blessings.

Eagles Wings said...

I join you also in this battle. I've been really convicted lately about what I am speaking out of my mouth..
I need to be more positive and uplifting!
Thanks for being so honest! Again joining you in the battle!

Heart2Heart said...

Sarah Dawn,

I stand by your side and wage war against the enemy. This too is a difficult battle for me to face. I guess that is where prayer and perserverance is needed. Let us look to God when our words will try to escape our lips and may only sweet blessings replace them.

Love your picture. I could see using this as an award!

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

KAT . . . said...

Sarah Dawn, I am again blessed by your gift of collecting words, stringing them together to not only be a pleasure for our eyes to read but challenge us to be doers of our Father's Word, most especially with our tongues. Please continue. We, your sisters in Christ need the messages you bring and may it be that others not yet sisters will come to this place and find Christ Jesus inviting them to be their Savior too.

Holy Hugs, Kathie

Unknown said...

I am so thankful for your comment on my blog today. How did you find me and my post today? THe blog was my flesh speaking today, because I so wanted to lash out because I was so hurt by someone's words to me. But I knew that God has called me to a higher standard.

How cool that you are with YWAM. My very dear friend is on Staff with YWAM in Colorado. Thanks for being my hands and feet in another land.

Cathy said...

Thank you for those Words today and your prayer.

Katy Montgomery said...

Yeah, I need help with this one too. It will be a loooong meeting when the Lord reviews with me all the careless words I have spoken. Ouch! No time is better than the present to repent! Thanks for this truthful reminder!

Cheryl Barker said...

Sarah Dawn, thanks so much for visiting my blog today! I always enjoy meeting new gals out there in blog-land :)

As I scrolled down through some of your posts, I see your new mission field is in AZ. I have a sister who works for a mission organization in the Phoenix area! Small world, huh?

Blessings to you and your family!

Quinne said...

Hi Sarah Dawn :) Thank you for the challenge to remember. I battle with you, too. Love & hugs, Q

Sonya Lee Thompson said...

Such a heartfelt post. I agree that we need to guard our tongues better! I, too need the holy fire to refine my mouth. Glad He isn't finished with me (us) yet!

Sonya Lee

He & Me + 3 said...

Oh Sarah Dawn this post is for me. That verse needs to be posted in every room. My the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in His sight....
Hugs,
Mimi

About Nancy said...

Love your beautiful blog. So refreshing and true.
Blessings!

Loren said...

Just wanted to come by and say hello and thankyou for visiting my blog and rejoicing with me.

I stand with you and Know our Father has given us the HOLY SPIRIT in which to wage war against our enemy and to help control our tongues! and grace when we fail!

I love your blog and look forward to knowing you. I see we have alot in common in our profiles!

blessings to you!

Larie Carlice Proverbs 27:19 said...

Hey, my tongue is sometimes like a dagger. I'm joining ya!

smooches,
Larie

Unknown said...

How awesome! I'll be keeping an eye on you ;-)

Miss Janet said...

Ouchie

Ouch

Ouch!!! That's all I'm gonna say 'bout that!

Hope all is well, Sarah Dawn! I'm so glad that God provided a home for your family!! I can't WAIT for the day that I get to praise God for that very thing! And I WILL give Him ALL the praise!

I am praisin God with you! He is a good Daddy!!!

Janet
www.homeward4.blogspot.com

nancygrayce said...

Wow, the never ending battle! We all need that branded on our tongues! Thanks for your concern about my vertigo. Thank goodness I haven't had it again.

Carmen said...

Wow Sarah Dawn! WOW! I've been there too, in my thoughts and prayers.I get so disgusted with myself every time I betray or cut down people with my words. I am learning slowly.

I love this line:
"The syllables of my words on the tips of the arrows." Great writing!

Thank you for your comment on my blog. Glad to have you visit!

Sande said...

The power of words!! Daddy, change our vocab so it speaks the language of Your kingdom; not only change our poor words though but the lies framing our beliefs behind the words.

littlethings1 said...

You have a wonderful blog , yes , it is a battle we all share everyday to overcome! You are a blessing & blessed!
Eunice
The Little Things

Penny said...

So true. I have such a problem controlling my tongue. Thanks for the encouragement!! Nice to meet you! =D

Ike said...

"James tells us that the tongue is the most dangerous thing we have. . . . We need to pray for help in this terrific battle against the danger of our own tongues. It is my tongue and your tongue which can kindle a forest fire!"

Edith Schaeffer, Lifelines, pages 188-189.

Unknown said...

Sarah, thank you so much for coming by. I tagged you in "Prayer Chain"...

Hope you have a blessed weekend!

Hugs!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

your focused dedication to be all and give all for God inspires me. I'm in. :}

Linda said...

It is a common "besetting sin" - one I struggle with constantly.
Yes - I join you in this battle.

Anonymous said...

thank you for the reminder. xo

Daveda said...

I think this is an area no one has perfected, except for Jesus. Oh, how thankful I am that we are hidden in Him. As we see the poison in our words and we turn to Him in humility He is faith to remind us of our righteousness because of Jesus and continually change us and our behavior from glory to glory!

Sarah said...

Precious sister,

God is giving you strength and power to win this battle. Your fiery love for Him ensures victory!!

I, too, have asked myself how can blessing and curse come from the same mouth?! Let it not be so! God has created us to bless!

Blessings, courage and stregth to you, sweet sister! You are certainly a blessing to me. You call me on to love Him more.

Sarah

The Byrd's Nest said...

Such a challenge for so many people....I notice it in ILE big time! I just have to remove myself from these tongues because I know they must have alot of things going on in their lives and just pray that I mind my own tongue as well. It is such a dangerous sword. Praying for the words you hearing that they are only of Jesus my friend.

Sharon Sloan said...

I love your prayer and heart. Thank you, friend.

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
Proverbs 10:19

Anonymous said...

Wow! Great writing! Love this, "I search for the evil perpetrator only to view the syllables of my words on the tip of the arrows."

Nancy said...

I will join you in "calling down the victory."

RaD said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog the other day. Curiosity gets the best of me though, how did you find me?

I have tinkered around here for a few days on and off. I understand the hard move you make when God asks you leave and move on leaving behind many loved ones. But obedience always brings blessings as I'm sure you well know. I hope you are settling into your new home quickly. Take Care!

Jen said...

What a wonderful prayer for us all. I have been feeling the conviction lately to watch my words, my tone...everything. I love that "warrior princess" image. Powerful! But them so are we when we fight for the King!

Thank you my sweet friend,

Jenn

natalie said...

This is a battle that I face too. I am looking forward to sharpening my sword with you and fighting this battle together.
Love your new friend,
Natlaie

Esther N.T. said...

As the Bible teaches, a person who fully controls his/her tounge is perfect in all ways and as long as we are in this body with sin nature, we will be tempted. It is God's Holy Spirit who gives us victory, so we can grow from glory to glory. I'm blessed by your blog. Keep on shining for His glory!

Deb said...

You know me too well.

Sweet dreams.

Anonymous said...

Dear Sarah Dawn,

This scripture is sobering. Thank you for posting this reminder which I need so much.

♥Hope

Kissey said...

so sweet to see your comment earlier. reading through your posts, and this too is my battle. earlier today, i gave it over to the Lord before i even read this post. please pray for me as i use my tongue to build up and glorify and love, not gossip or break confidences or tear down. pray for my protection, and protect those i have spoken against, as words have power. i join this battle with you!

Keystone said...

This came out today on another blog called "The Daily Spurgeon" and the concept was so close to your post it made me think of you.

Though Mr. Spurgeon lacked your eloquence with words, he is fully in agreement with your post, coming before his own, on the same topic.

It can be found here:


http://www.thedailyspurgeon.com/2009/10/no-man-can-tame-tongue.html

If folks fail to see the wisdom at one spot, may they find it at the other.

God Bless You Abundantly.

Keystone

Anonymous said...

It was extremely interesting for me to read the article. Thanx for it. I like such themes and everything that is connected to this matter. I definitely want to read a bit more soon.