The Preparation: 7-Day Devotional for the Soon-to-Be WifeSample

## Lipstick: Controlling Your Words I’m not sure if you’ve ever been asked the question: “What is the one make-up item you cannot go without?” If you would have asked me this question in my teens, I would have said eyeliner without hesitation. Now that I’m a more “seasoned” adult, my answer would be a smudge-proof liquid lipstick, specifically a classic, bold red or a simple, everyday nude. I’m sure most would agree that a smudge-proof liquid lipstick is probably the best invention ever because there’s nothing cute about walking around with lipstick on the side of your mouth or on your teeth. I remember my matron of honor asked me several times throughout my wedding day if I needed to reapply my liquid lipstick. Surprisingly, my lips stayed photo ready all day long with no extra application needed. In today’s devotional, I want to give you your lipstick which symbolizes your words . Proverbs 10:21a (NIV) says, “The lips of the righteous nourish many...” Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV) says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.” From the scriptures above, lips and tongues represent our words. Proverbs has many scriptures on how it is important to be wise when it comes to what we choose to say. People who obey God and live by His commands will use their words to feed or encourage others by lifting them up. As a woman and soon-to-be wife, it is important to learn to control your words even when you are angry or upset with your spouse. It’s kind of like smudge-proof lipstick - it is controlled and stays on until you are ready to wipe it off with makeup remover, whereas regular lipstick can make a mess and stain things it comes in contact with. Our harsh words can cause a “stain” or wound on the people we cast them on. We have the power to speak life or death into our husbands with our tongues. It is more beneficial for our marriage and pleasing to God if we are gracious with our words in order to build up our homes. So, let’s make the conscious decision to speak life and to praise God every day like a nude lipstick. Additionally, let’s use our words to be bold in prayer as we intercede on behalf of our loved ones and war against the enemy, just like a bold red lipstick. Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me the ability to have power in my words. I repent for the times when I have used my words to tear down instead of build-up. I know it is not good to praise Your name in one breath and curse someone else in another. May You give me wisdom and self-control with my tongue as I enter into marriage. Help me to be gracious and never hesitate to repent when I have fallen short in this area. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.