Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this. If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing.
-2 Cor. 4:1-3
Do you ever think about what really comes out of your mouth? Do you think about the impact, whether good or bad,your words have on not only those around you, but you yourself? Do you think about the impact it has on the personal view someone else has of Christ, whether they know Him or not?
I am so very excited about SheSpeaks this summer that I can hardly stand it. Yet I am fearful at the same time that I will disappoint not only myself, but my father in some way. Let me explain:
I have never really been great at public speaking. Actually, it terrifies me to think about doing what Beth Moore does. I watch her videos every Tuesday and think “Lord, you want me to do that?!” She is so gifted and so eloquent (and hilarious!)… it just flows out of her like honey.
But last night, as I watched her… something in my heart changed. Not because of her words, but because of Gods words speaking through her:
“Perhaps more than anything else, Satan wants to hinder us from ever learning how to use our mouths.”
Our most powerful tool to defeat Satan and bring others to a relationship with Christ are our spoken words. For what we believe, we speak. (2 Cor. 4:13) As we inhale scripture, we exhale His words. They are like CPR for the soul, as Beth Moore so eloquently puts it.
Yet many times we use our words to hurt, gossip, lie, curse, or be rude or unkind. As Christians, we must guard our words like they are gold. For what comes out of our mouths is what lies in our hearts. I often need to be reminded of this, because so many times I fail to see, in my own daily life, the things that I say that unintentionally hurt both my witness, and also the witness of Christ.
Before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely, Lord. -Ps. 139:4
I don’t know about you, but that verse blows my mind. He knows. I know that He knows. Yet I choose to say ______. Fill in your own blank…
Wow.
I want to be fully used by Christ, in whatever way He chooses. I want His light to shine through out every aspect of my life.
I want to bless His heart while blessing others lives.
I dont want to live in defeat any longer, for that is not my destiny. I want to live a victorious life, not just a mediocre one.
I want to be “Armed and Dangerous” for Christ.
Amen.
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
This is a “character” issue we are dealing with in our children this week. They have picked up sarcasm and speaking unkind words and saying they are “just joking”. I think I shall print this post out and have them read it today
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Wow Heather. I needed this today. Don’t stress She Speaks. You’ll do great. All the ladies there remember their first time speaking and I’m sure even the old pros get nervous. I’ve been wondering lately if I even heard God right — does He want me to speak? to write? just one? both? I need to be in some serious prayer before She Speaks!! so I’ll know for sure what’s coming from Him and what’s just wishful thinking.
Still can’t wait to meet you and get to hug your neck in person!!
Lisa B @ simply Hiss last blog post..I see hurting people.
You are armed and dangerous for Christ! Just what you wrote here is exactly what you should speak about. Being a bit transparent lets your audience know you can relate to them. I have heard many great speakers and the ones that have touched my lives the most were the ones who were real and honest.
Getting a point by point lesson taught with authority is good for ‘teaching’ yet ‘touching’ is entirely different. Do you feel God wants you to teach or to touch? Both are good, but you need to know how God wants to use you.
From what I read on your blog I believe God uses to to touch people.
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Just discovered your blog today,and I am truly blessed by your comment. I, too, am sensing the Lord leading me to speak, and I fear having nothing of value to say…or saying it all wrong! Your words here are powerful and encouraging.
This really spoke to me today — the whole “speaking” fear I have, the “why” I feel God might sometimes call me to speak in spite of my fears (and my lack of skill in that area!), and even a reminder as to the power of our words through our blogs. Those of us who represent Christ have such a big responsibility and I too do not want to disappoint Him!
I’m definitely not a Beth Moore, and my story is tiny compared to the amazing testimony you have, but I still have an opportunity to share what God has done in my life and I don’t want to blow it by being too fearful to open my mouth.
Thank you!
melissa @ the inspired rooms last blog post..Q & A: Who makes the decorating decisions around your house?
Dear Heather…I am praying for everything you want and don’t want to be absolutely fulfilled. I believe, truly, that you are already armed and dangerous for the LORD. You have a testimony that is unparalleled. I would gladly pay to hear you tell about it in person.
Love you!
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I’ve been thinking about Emma. Is she ok?
i totally agree with sisterlisa’s comments – your words have great impact because you are transparent enough to share the honest truth of your own life. thank you. i have been touched.
many blessings to you as you serve our mighty God!!
lynn
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Oh Girl – You are so armed and dangerous – just keep on the CPR – in and out – His words – His truth – and LIVE – We just finished the study you are doing – it has changed me – and it still challenges me to pick up my shield, yield the sword and pray pray pray – it’s easy some days – and others are a struggle – but victory is found when we BELIEVE GOD! Believe him for the calling on your life – Believe Him for his competancy – it is HIM in you that we all see and love – He gives you strength to carry on – to open your mouth – to pray – He IS enuf – and He will give you the words – Believe Him for it! Would be curious to hear your story of being called into your speaking ministry – have you always known you’d be a speaker/teacher one day? Am struggling with my own calling and feeling inadequate – yet knowing God has clearly been the one to place this opportunity in front of me… thx – and hugs – AmandaB.
Hi Heather, I was reading your blog for a time in 2008, and somehow lost track. I’m so glad to have found your site again and will put it on my blogroll. With all of your struggles, you are so encouraging to others, and I’m in need of that right now. God Bless You!
~angela
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Excellent post, Heather!
I just discovered your blog today through The Nesting Place. What a powerful testimony you have. I’ve only read two posts, but I look forward to reading more.
It’s amazing how God uses the dark times to draw us into deeper intimacy with Him. I’m blogging about all of that right now with some very dark times in my life.
God will make it very clear to you what He wants you to do. When He tells you, you won’t be able to get away from it. Keep seeking.
I went to She Speaks in 2005 and loved it. Not intimidating at all. It was fabulous. I think I may be going back this year too. Maybe we can meet.
Thank you for sharing your heart. I’ll be back.
Blessings,
Sandy
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I’ve been reading for over a year now and have really enjoyed your posts. Your faith and outlook is truly inspiring. My sister was recently diagnosed with Lymphoma and our lives have really taken a new turn and we are all turning to God for answers. Reading your words both past and present helps greatly. Thank you and keep speaking.
Fantastic post. You always inspire me !
If you are sharing a message that He wants you to share, then He will qualify you for the calling.
You will be great!
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What an excellent reminder, Heather. I struggle so often with this. In spurts now, thanks to the Lord’s work in my life. But it’s still there. Even more, it’s something we deal with far too often with our kids. I long for the day to be free of this.
Praying for you as you prepare for SheSpeaks.
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Do you ever think the tulip sways in the breeze — and inwardly cried “I’ll never smell like a hyacinth.”
ha ha..
bloom, sweet heather! just bloom.
Pamelas last blog post..A Trillion ….
I just found your blog and I am speechless. Your words are ministering to me….thank you for writing….
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Oh, I remember her saying that! Was it in Believing God or Stepping Up? I have to go find that and reflect back on my thoughts at that time.
I found you through The Nesting Place and have really enjoyed your blog. Wow. I want to come back and read more!
I hope your Emma is feeling better.
I went to She Speaks last year and I bet you will do just fine!!! It is such a great conference. I hope I can go this year, too.
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Dear Heather,
Like you, I used to be terrified to speak to any group of people. As you know, now it is almost impossible to get me to shut up. =0P
There are two points I would like to make:
First, a professional speaker once told me that the action you fear the most is often the most rewarding. If you turn away from those opportunities, you are probably missing the golden moments in your life. This does not mean you should do something foolhardy, but if you analyze
the situation and believe it is the right thing to do – go for it!
Secondly, and most important, remember that God is on your side. When the time comes, He will guide you, He will give you the words to convey the message.
I am sure you have already figured out these points on your own, so just consider this as moral support from one who had the same fears. God bless you and yours.
Much love,
Bob and Betty
Heather, I am an old blog reader who once kept up with your story months ago. I have not been by your site in so very long because I’m basically not blogging a whole lot at all anymore. But for some reason you have been heavy on my mind all day today and so I decided to share something with you that I may have shared before months ago. I’m not sure. Anyway, reading about your fatigue and that Emma Grace is back in a precarious place, I just wanted to encourage you. I know you are a strong woman who has her spiritual head on tight. But I also know we all have our moments of needing to not necessarily be the “strong” one or the one with all the wisdom. Sometimes we just need the freedom to fall apart and be loved while we do. Anyway, my 14th anniversary is next month, and my husband’s father died two weeks beforehand. Our best man was one of my FIL’s employees and a coworker of my husband. We married several years out of college and had originally planned to have no attendants, but Pat, who was raised in a Baptist boys’ home, was diagnosed with a brain tumor a couple of months before the wedding and given less than six months to live. The tumor had been caught at a very late stage and we wanted to Pat to feel included in something normal since THE CANCER was the only subject he seemed to ever get to discuss. Pat took such pride in his role and did a fabulous job for us, especially with all of the raw emotions we were feeling from losing my husband’s father, who also was meant to participate in the ceremony. Pat really came through with some special ways to honor him as part of the wedding. Anyway, the point to this long post is that Pat is still with us today. The church came together to pray for this tumor to stop it’s growth and that is exactly what has happened. Pat doesn’t even attend church anymore as far as I know and our small congregation has completely turned over since he attended there with us, but his tumor is exactly the same size as when he was first diagnosed. It has neither grown nor shrank, and other than the occasional headache, it causes him no problems or loss of brain function beyond the typical forgetfulness that plagues most people our age anyway. Obviously, I realize that you and Pat are different people with different plans that God has for your lives, but I guess I just wanted you to have a more specific and detailed reminder today that GOD CAN DO ANYTHING. You know that already. That’s obvious. I guess I just wanted you feel today the support of one more story of someone who has been where you are. I hope today is a good one.
Sorry, my FIL died before our wedding, not our anniversary. I shouldn’t stay up so late!
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The spoken word can lift someone or tear them down. I’m doing “The Love Dare” and on day 1 it’s says if you have anything negative to say…don’t speak at all.. I’m on day 13 and I feel God’s presence…
I think He will do a wonderful job through you…blessing on ya! =O)
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