James, the half -brother of the Lord Jesus talks about the power of the tongue in his general letter the the scattered church across Israel and Asia. He says this in 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. 2 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. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 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.5 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! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.
A few weeks ago, Apostle Jackie from “Heal the Land Ministries” in South Africa told us that the Jewish year 5786 was the year of the mouth. We learn from proverbs that there is life and death in the power of the tongue; Proverbs 18:21.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.
We speak life or death to ourselves into others when we complain are we doubt God's purpose for our lives. Cheryl shared this word with me that she had read this past week, and I thought it was a good word to share with those of you who receive our emails.
It's time to get out of the stadium seats, or off the bench and back into the game because we are entering the greatest and most challenging days of the church. Lawlessness in crime are trying to destroy that what the Spirit of God is trying to release in our nation. We learned from Matthew 13:41, the Lord is going to release the angelic host to remove both lawlessness and wickedness out of the world before the final great harvest.
The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers,
Like Daniel found out in Daniel Chapter 9, the angelic hosts are waiting for us to engage with our mouths and our words through prayer, Intercession and Spirit led declaration for activation against the powers of darkness. If we don't engage, I believe the harvest will be delayed as it's the enemy’s strategy to delay the timing of the Lord. Thus, let me share this word from Jessica Jecker.
“A few years ago, I had a dream and in the dream, I saw many that are called to preach, prophecy, teach and declare truth in this hour sitting on a bench on the sidelines of a big game. Each one had their mouths sown shut and I heard the Lord say that the enemy had silenced their voices. He had heaped discouragement on them until they eventually just took themselves off the playing field. He had attacked them with rejection, weariness, hate, frustration, accusations, abandonment, lying spirits… one fiery arrow after another until they stopped being mouthpieces for the Father.
They stopped speaking truth and benched themselves because benchwarmers don’t get hit. But then I heard the voice of the Lord thunder as He spoke, “open your mouth or you will be like them!”
The enemy is after the voices of this generation.
He is trying to snuff out anyone who stands for holiness and declares truth in this hour.
He understands that there is the power of life and death in your words.
He understands that your words carry breakthrough.
He understands that your words release the supernatural.
He understands that your words unleash healing.
He understands that your words bring freedom.
He understands that your words break strongholds.
He understands that your words shift atmospheres.
He understands that your words shatter the curse.
There is still power in the voice of the blood bought and hell still knows what that power can do.
It’s not easy being on the field.
That’s where the attack happens.
That’s where the hits come from.
You are vulnerable when you’re in the game. But, benchwarmers don’t see victory. It’s safe when you keep quiet and to sit on the sidelines. But, you aren’t called to be safe. You are called to break the powers of hell with your voice. Don’t let the enemy silence you in this hour.”.
As the Lord spoke to Joshua as they prepared to go in and conquer the “Promised Land” in Joshua 1:6-9.
Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success[a] wherever you go.8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”