1. POWER OF WORDS LIFE OR DEATH WE CHOOSE 1

2. The tongue is one of the most under estimated parts of the body. There is very little that is done by an individual to take care of it. Most know the tongue to be a muscular part of the mouth that has sensory organs and glands that allow one to taste food, as well as gives us the ability to speak. Without the tongue it is fair to say that there would be no use for the mouth. However, the tongue is said to be the smallest organ of the body, and yet it is the hardest one to take and keep control of. As men and women of God you have to work diligently to tame your tongue. It is the smallest part of the body, that gets' people in the most trouble. Jas_3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! Jas_3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. Jas_3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 2

3. Our victory in the Christian walk will rise and fall according to what we say. If we are speaking negative words it is showing we have a heart issue. Mat_15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. Mat_15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. Mat_15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. Let us look at the word of God together 3

4. . Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Matthew 15:18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. Proverbs 12:18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Matthew 12:36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, Proverbs 16:24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. 4

5. Colossians 3:8 ESV But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Matthew 12:37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Proverbs 13:3 Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. Proverbs 21:23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. 5

6. Psalm 19:14 ESV Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. James 3:1-12 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! Proverbs 15:4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. Proverbs 29:20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. s. 6

7. Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. Luke 6:45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speak Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Proverbs 17:27 Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 7

8. John 1:1 ESV In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. Proverbs 16:23-24 The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. Proverbs 17:9 Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. Proverbs 11:12 Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent. 8

9. Proverbs 27:2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. Proverbs 18:13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. Ephesians 5:3-4 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! 9

10. 1Pe_3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 10

11. Father, Right now I make a decision to control my tongue. Help me to control my tongue, in the home, in church in the field. Help me Lord to control my tongue. James said we could do it, the Holy Spirit said we could do it. So by your grace and mercy I am making a decision today to get control of my tongue. Father, right now in Jesus name I pray for those who say Lord, I want to be more like you. I want to be more in control under your headship and leadership. Father, I pray that you grace me to hear what I say and make corrections. That I am are able to progressively control my tongue thus controlling situations in my own body and my destiny and outcome in life. I thank you for turnaround in Jesus name. Father, I ask you to forgive me when I spoke words that tended to death and dissention. I repent for grumbling and complaining and for accusing people. I am sorry Lord, I ask you to forgive me and I purpose to speak right words in Jesus name. I repent for my ancestors in this area. 11

12. I forgive those that have spoken death against me in Jesus name. I break every curse on me and my family that has come from speaking agreement with death and I command the spirits who have enforced the curse to leave in Jesus name. I give you all the glory Lord for setting me free and helping me speak words that heal myself and others. For helping me speak words that maintain freedom and expand your kingdom. In Jesus nam I pray and decree. Amen 12