"Choice Words"

GOOD MORNING!

DEVOTIONAL:

"’We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!’. So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites..." Numbers 13:31-33

In Numbers 13 and 14 we read the story of Caleb and Joshua, along with the other ten spies, going to explore the Promised Land. As they explored the land for 40 days they discovered that the land was fertile and full of wonderful things. When they came back to report their findings to Moses, ten of the spies came back with a negative and fearful attitude. As they told the Israelites about the "giants" in the land they would have to conquer in order to possess the land the people also became fearful and critical. Joshua and Caleb had a different perspective on the situation. Their faith was strong. They knew God promised them the land and would be with them. They tried to convince the others that God was big enough to handle this plight, but the fear and negative attitude from the other spies was contagious and spread through the Israelites.

Our words have power. Because of the negative and critical heart attitude of the ten spies, approximately 600,000 Israelite’s faith and trust in God were negatively impacted. The result - forty years of wandering in the wilderness.

We have the same affect on people. By our words we can instill faith or fear. In the midst of challenging times, maybe you have strong opinions about something. Before you speak, ask yourself a question - Will my words spread fear or faith? Contention or comfort? Despair or hope?

Much love and care,

Pastor Pat

Greece Assembly of God

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