The Power of Words - a Video Devo With America's Got Talent Winner, Dustin TavellaSýnishorn

Ask Yourself...

What does the sound of my voice accomplish?
When people hear the things I say, what does it do in them?
What does it develop in their hearts—and how does it impact the heart of God?

These are real questions that we must be intentional about answering.

The Bible is full of instructions and warnings about how we use our mouths.
Whatever God gives us, He gives for a purpose—to build up and to glorify Him.
So if you’ve been given a voice, then God intends for it to be used well.

That may feel overwhelming at first, but here’s an encouraging thought:
At any moment, you have the power to shift someone’s entire day.
You could literally pause right now and say,
“Hmm... I’m going to speak life into someone,”
—and then do it.

What a gift. What a responsibility.

Your Challenge Today

Here’s today’s challenge:
How far are you willing to go to develop discipline in the way you speak?

• Are you willing to be the “weird” one who shuts down conversations that don’t honor God?
• Are you serious about putting practices in place to keep what Scripture calls “filth” from leaving your lips?

In the video, Kari brought up that story our pastor told about cranes—birds that couldn’t help but make cackling sounds, which then attracted predators.
Debatable bird science aside, the point stands:
Sometimes our mouths run wild—and it puts us in danger.

You’re not expected to shove a rock in your mouth like the birds,
but we are called to tame our tongues.

So maybe you:

• Write a verse on your hand to remind you to speak truth.
• Ask a friend to call you out (nicely) when your words go sideways. (Kari and I have different code words that we use when we are in public. We do this with our kids as well)
• Create a “reset rule”—if something dishonoring slips out, you do 20 pushups, send 5 kind texts, or read a Scripture.

Make it practical. Make it real.
You set reminders to buy concert tickets, grab groceries, or hit the gym—
Why not set a reminder for something that brings life to your soul and the souls around you?

Prayer You Can Pray:

God, thank You for giving me a voice.
Help me take seriously the responsibility that comes with it.
Teach me how to build people up with my words, not tear them down.
Give me discipline and creativity to develop habits that honor You with my speech.
I want my mouth to reflect Your heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bottom Line:

The words you speak have power. Choose to speak with purpose, discipline, and life-giving intentionality.