SPEAK LIFE
By Bishop Mike Okonkwo
Sunday 16th July 2023
“In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” Genesis 1:1-3 (KJV)
There was chaos and darkness everywhere. And what did God say? “Let there be light”! God began to give life. He spoke to the mineral kingdom, the vegetable kingdom, and the animal kingdom, and they all became. Then He said, let us make man like us so that they can also give life.
The book of Ephesians 5:1 says: “Be ye, therefore, followers of God, as dear children;” In other words, imitate your God. The Amplified Classic Version says: “Therefore, be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]”. And The New Living Translation says: “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.”
Jesus declares in the book of John 6:63 (NLT): “The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” Do you speak spirit and life to people? Each time you declare the word of God, you are speaking life. Not only in church, but also in your places of work. Speak life to your spouse. Speak life to your children. Speak life to every circumstance of your life. Don’t dispense death with your mouth. Every time you open your mouth to speak, you are either dispensing death or dispensing life. Choose wisely!
The book of Ephesians 4:29 says: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29 KJV). Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful. Let it be life so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Further Reading: Genesis 1:1-26, Mark 11:22-23
Daily Bible Reading: Morning – Psalms 16-17, Evening – Acts 20:1-16