In the Name of Jesus

What we say is SO important. James chapter 3 teaches on this topic:

Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! ... from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.

I believe that speaking out loud attaches a certain power to words that they don't have if they're simply written down, read, or thought.
Paul instructs us both in Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3 to speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Clearly, our words should be used to encourage one another.

I believe we can encourage ourselves by speaking God's will out loud to ourselves, too. I don't think many people think about this. David often instructs his own soul in the Psalms, as in 103 and 104: "Bless the Lord, O my soul! Praise the Lord!" and he goes on to describe some of the great works of God.

When we declare and speak out loud the promises and Word of God, it has power! In John 14 and 16, Jesus tells us to ask in His name. In Acts 16, Paul commands an evil spirit to come out, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!" and as Scripture says, "it came out at that very moment." Philippians 2 tells us that Jesus has the name which is above every other name. At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow!

Jesus Himself is called "The Word" in John chapter 1. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being."

At the creation of the world, God spoke, and said, "Let there be light," and there was light! Can you imagine being there at that moment, when piercing, blinding white light came flying out of the mouth of God?!

To declare something is to announce or to state emphatically. The Psalms command us to declare the awesome deeds of God, His righteousness, His strength, and His lovingkindness.

You might feel silly talking to yourself, but I would encourage you, the next time you are struggling with something, speak out loud to yourself [and to the powers of good and evil that we can't see with our eyes] God's promises, in Jesus' name. Believe me, evil forces will be pushed back, things will be moved in heaven, and angels will rush to your rescue.