What You Say Matters

We All Need a Refresher Sometimes

Every now and then, we need to go back to the basics. That’s what today is all about—what I like to call a “blocking and tackling” day.

As a football fan, I’ve watched professional teams lose games simply because they forgot how to tackle. Something they learned in grade school cost them in the big leagues. It’s the same with us as Christians. We sometimes overlook the foundational things that make all the difference.

Today, we’re going back to one of those basics—our words.

God Speaks, and So Should We

In Genesis 1, God didn’t build creation with His hands. He spoke, and it came to life. That’s how God operates, and when His Spirit lives in us, our words have power too.

Jesus modeled this in Matthew 21:21 when He cursed a fig tree. By the next day, it had withered from the roots. He went on to say that if we speak to the mountain—whatever is standing in our way—and believe, it will move.

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"Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done." (Matthew 21:21, NKJV)

Your mountain might be your bills, your health, or even strained relationships. Whatever it is, don’t just think about it—speak to it.

Your Tongue Is Powerful—For Better or Worse

James 3:6-9 paints a vivid picture of how powerful our words are. It says our tongue can bless or curse, build up or tear down.

"And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire... Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God." (James 3:6-9, NLT)

James makes it clear that no human can tame the tongue. But when we fill ourselves with the Word of God and lean on the Holy Spirit, life starts coming out of us—especially when the pressure is on.

If you notice cursing or negativity spilling out of your mouth when life gets hard, it’s time to refill your heart with God’s truth.

Life or Death—You Choose

Proverbs 18:21 couldn’t be clearer:

"The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences." (Proverbs 18:21, NLT)

Everything you’re experiencing today is a direct result of what you’ve been saying. That can either encourage you or convict you—depending on what’s been coming out of your mouth.

When you speak what God says, you activate His power in your life. It’s not magic. It’s alignment with the One who spoke the universe into existence.

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What’s Happening in Heaven’s Courtroom

I want you to picture a courtroom. God is the Judge. Jesus is your defense attorney. And Satan is the accuser, throwing every lie he can at you.

God makes rulings based on agreement. So the question is—whose words are you agreeing with?

The enemy wants you to agree with lies like, “I’m worthless,” “I’ll never get ahead,” or “I’m stuck.” But Jesus is standing there reminding the Judge that His blood already covered all of it—your mistakes, your failures, and even your immaturity.

Agree with Jesus. Let heaven confirm the truth over your life.

Stop Speaking Defeat Over Yourself

Be careful what you say about yourself. Don’t casually speak things like, “I’m tired,” “I’m sick,” or “I’m broke.” Even if you feel those things, you don’t have to declare them as truth.

Start saying what God says. “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” “I have the mind of Christ.” “My God supplies all my needs.”

And don’t ever claim sickness or pain as “yours.” It doesn’t belong to you—it belongs to the enemy. Speak life instead.

Speak Life Over Your Family

Your words over your children matter. Never call them stubborn, difficult, or worthless. Call them mighty men and women of God.

I remember when Ethan was little, his children’s pastor taught him to declare, “I’m a mighty man of God.” He’s been saying that since he was five years old. That’s the kind of seed you want to plant in your family.

Speak Life Over Your Spouse

What you say to your spouse—especially in tense moments—makes a huge impact. Don’t tear them down with words like, “You don’t love me” or “You’re selfish.”

Build them up instead. I make it a point to tell Darla that I trust her and that she’s my favorite. And yes, I used to call her “Lumpy,” but the Holy Spirit had me change that to something much more honoring—my “amazing sweetie.”

Speak to Your Circumstances

When life gets messy—whether it’s a broken-down car or a stack of unpaid bills—don’t joke about being broke or hopeless. Speak life to your situation.

Declare, “God provides for me.” “I am healed by His Word.” “He gives me wisdom and creative ideas.”

Remember David facing Goliath? He didn’t back down. He ran toward the giant, declaring victory. You need to do the same.

Practice Speaking Life Daily

David didn’t show up to fight Goliath without practice. He had spent hours perfecting his slingshot skills. Speaking life works the same way. It’s a skill you develop through daily practice. Make it a habit to declare God’s truth over your life.

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Be Honest with God, But Don’t Stay There

It’s okay to tell God how you feel. David did this in Psalm 22:

"My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead." (Psalm 22:15, NLT)

But David didn’t stop there. He shifted to praise:

"I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people." (Psalm 22:22, NLT)

Be real with God, but don’t camp out in your feelings. Shift your focus back to what He’s promised.

Humble Yourself and Cast Your Cares on Him

1 Peter 5:6-7 says:

"So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." (NLT)

You might not feel like you’re winning right now, but stand on His Word anyway. Cast your cares on Him and trust His timing.

Stand Firm and Expect Victory

1 Peter 5:8-10 goes on to remind us:

"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith." (NLT)

After you’ve done all you can, stand. Stand in faith. Stand in truth. Stand knowing that God is faithful to complete what He started in you.

The Power Is in Your Declaration

Your words are seeds. What you declare today shapes your tomorrow.

So listen to what you’re saying about yourself, your family, and your future. Submit your words to God’s truth. Declare His promises. And expect to see Him move. Because He will. He always does.