My Words...

My wife and I always believed in the power of our words.  We tried to watch what we said and as much as possible, to say the right word at the right time.  Piper liked to make daily confessions about herself from the Word of God, so that she could see and live her life through the eyes of God, as recorded in our Bibles. 

In fact, if you were to look through any house that we lived in over the years, you would find personalized, hand written scripture verses attached to the refrigerator, the bathroom mirrors, on the large mirror of her dresser in the bedroom, as well as on some of the cabinet doors in the kitchen!  I don’t recall any in the cabin of her vehicles, but you could rest assured that she had a couple of confession cards in the glove box, for easy access!  I still have one of her old hand written sheets taped to the mirror in my bathroom today!

Proverbs 18:21 tells us that, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love to talk will have to eat their own words.” (God’s Word ©)  The Message paraphrase of the Bible is much more blunt in its translation by stating matter-of-factly that: “ Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose.”  To me… that says it all!

I found the words that people spoke quite interesting as Piper’s health deteriorated over the last eight years of her earthly existence.  Some just said nothing in her presence, others talked words of (death) and despair, while a few made jokes that, to be honest… turned my stomach… not because of any vulgarity, but due to the individual’s seemingly complete lack of discretion over the situation.

BUT… on the other side of the coin, were those wonderful individuals that not only spoke natural words of (life) and hope to her, but more importantly, spoke the Word of God into her!   Those were the one’s that made her eyes glow with joy, even as she was no longer able to show any other type of physical recognition!

When someone Piper knew was sick, she would immediately speak God’s Words of healing over them.  When someone was in trouble and/or had made a mistake in life, she would immediately fill them with sweet words of grace and love.  That’s why when her Dad was diagnosed with cancer and I thought… “What would Piper Do?” that I wrote numerous letters to him, in her stead, filled with God’s Word of encouragement, faith, healing and love.

When people are down and out, they need faith in God to give them the victory that they so desperately need.  Not words that judge and condemn them, so as to discourage life, joy, peace and wholeness.  And what better way to build their faith than by speaking the Word of God directly to them?  Romans 10:17 declares, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (EMTV)

I found a terrific DAILY personal confession today in the Bible from Psalms 1:3 that I wrote down in the first person saying:

“Today I am standing firm like a flourishing tree planted by God’s design, deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss, bearing fruit in every season of my life. Therefore, I am never dry, never fainting, ever blessed, and ever prosperous.”  (The Passion Translation)

Now that’s a fantastic confession that you and I can jump start every day with!  To me, that truthful confession coming directly from God’s heart to yours and mine, is better than my morning coffee… But then… Why not have both?  Start the day with a LIFE-GIVING confession over yourself and then let it percolate through your heart, soul, mind and body as you enjoy that first cup of steaming hot java!

But Of Course, in order to reap the full BENEFITS of that verse, you first have to read, study out, commit to and then strive to live verses one and two, which basically say that we DELIGHT in God, His Word and in His Ways.  Grab your Bible and check it out!  (Psalms is the easiest book to find in the Bible as it is practically right in the middle!)

Then print out this blog post (go to: http://pjberruto.blogspot.com/), cut out the confession, make multiple copies and tape them to your bathroom mirror, refrigerator and everywhere else where it will catch your daily attention.  Then speak it aloud throughout each day, in faith and conviction and at all times, EXPECT to see its results in your life!

Have a great week.  Keep a watch on your Words, and speak only those things that bring life, peace, joy, faith and hope into the lives of those around you!  That’s what I EXPECT to happen when I open my mouth… HOW ABOUT YOU?