Weekly Encouragement from
Sunday's Sermon
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on Sunday's Sermon.
5-Day Devotional: Speaking with the Accent of Heaven
Day 1: The Power of Our Words
Reading: James 3:9-12; Proverbs 18:21
Devotional:
Our words carry extraordinary power—they can build up or tear down, heal or wound, bless or curse. James reminds us that the same mouth should not produce both blessing and cursing. As citizens of heaven, our speech should reflect our true home. This week, as you gather with family and friends, consider the weight of your words. Are they seasoning conversations with grace? The tongue may be small, but it sets the direction for entire relationships. Before you speak today, pause and ask: Will these words bring life or death? Your accent reveals your allegiance. Let every word point others toward the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Day 2: Seasoning Our Speech Before the Moment
Reading: Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 5:18-19
Devotional:
Paul instructs us to let our conversation be "always full of grace, seasoned with salt." Notice he does not say to season our words in the moment, but to prepare them beforehand. Just as we season a turkey before it enters the oven, we must season our hearts before entering difficult conversations. This preparation happens in the secret place—alone with God. When we are filled with the Spirit through prayer, worship, and Scripture, gracious words flow naturally. You cannot give what you do not possess. Spend time today in God's presence, asking Him to fill you with His Spirit. Let Him prepare your heart so that when pressure comes, grace pours out instead of harshness.
Day 3: Doing the Hard Work in the Corral
Reading: Psalm 37:5-7; Proverbs 15:1
Devotional:
Horses are not trained in the arena before a crowd; they are trained in the corral with their master. Similarly, our tongues are not tamed in heated moments but in quiet devotion with the Lord. The time to prepare for challenging conversations is not when emotions run high, but in daily surrender to God. Commit your way—and your words—to Him. Ask Him for wisdom to speak truth gently, to respond with patience rather than react with anger. A gentle answer truly does turn away wrath, but it requires discipline developed through consistent time with God. Before you face your day, spend time in the corral with your Master, allowing Him to train your tongue for His purposes.
Day 4: Blessing Instead of Cursing
Reading: Romans 12:14-21; 1 Peter 3:8-9
Devotional:
We are called to bless those who persecute us, to speak kindly to those who hurt us. This seems impossible to our flesh, yet Christ modeled this perfectly. When His side was pierced, He responded with love. When He was mocked, He prayed for His accusers. We carry this same Spirit within us. During holiday gatherings, you may encounter difficult people—those who have wounded you or continue to irritate you. God does not ask you to pretend the hurt does not exist, but He does call you to respond with the accent of heaven. Choose blessing over cursing. Your gracious response may be the only sermon someone hears. Let your words reveal that your citizenship is in another kingdom, one ruled by love.
Day 5: Think Before You Speak
Reading: Proverbs 12:18; Proverbs 15:28; James 1:19
Devotional:
The wise person is quick to listen and slow to speak. Before words leave your mouth, pause and consider: Will this bless or curse? Will it build up or tear down? Sometimes silence is the most powerful response. Other times, difficult truth must be spoken in love. Wisdom knows the difference. Today, practice the discipline of thinking before speaking. Count to three. Breathe. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Not every thought deserves to be vocalized. The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. As you close this devotional journey, commit to being a healer with your words. Let your speech consistently point others to Jesus, revealing that your true home is heaven.
Day 1: The Power of Our Words
Reading: James 3:9-12; Proverbs 18:21
Devotional:
Our words carry extraordinary power—they can build up or tear down, heal or wound, bless or curse. James reminds us that the same mouth should not produce both blessing and cursing. As citizens of heaven, our speech should reflect our true home. This week, as you gather with family and friends, consider the weight of your words. Are they seasoning conversations with grace? The tongue may be small, but it sets the direction for entire relationships. Before you speak today, pause and ask: Will these words bring life or death? Your accent reveals your allegiance. Let every word point others toward the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Day 2: Seasoning Our Speech Before the Moment
Reading: Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 5:18-19
Devotional:
Paul instructs us to let our conversation be "always full of grace, seasoned with salt." Notice he does not say to season our words in the moment, but to prepare them beforehand. Just as we season a turkey before it enters the oven, we must season our hearts before entering difficult conversations. This preparation happens in the secret place—alone with God. When we are filled with the Spirit through prayer, worship, and Scripture, gracious words flow naturally. You cannot give what you do not possess. Spend time today in God's presence, asking Him to fill you with His Spirit. Let Him prepare your heart so that when pressure comes, grace pours out instead of harshness.
Day 3: Doing the Hard Work in the Corral
Reading: Psalm 37:5-7; Proverbs 15:1
Devotional:
Horses are not trained in the arena before a crowd; they are trained in the corral with their master. Similarly, our tongues are not tamed in heated moments but in quiet devotion with the Lord. The time to prepare for challenging conversations is not when emotions run high, but in daily surrender to God. Commit your way—and your words—to Him. Ask Him for wisdom to speak truth gently, to respond with patience rather than react with anger. A gentle answer truly does turn away wrath, but it requires discipline developed through consistent time with God. Before you face your day, spend time in the corral with your Master, allowing Him to train your tongue for His purposes.
Day 4: Blessing Instead of Cursing
Reading: Romans 12:14-21; 1 Peter 3:8-9
Devotional:
We are called to bless those who persecute us, to speak kindly to those who hurt us. This seems impossible to our flesh, yet Christ modeled this perfectly. When His side was pierced, He responded with love. When He was mocked, He prayed for His accusers. We carry this same Spirit within us. During holiday gatherings, you may encounter difficult people—those who have wounded you or continue to irritate you. God does not ask you to pretend the hurt does not exist, but He does call you to respond with the accent of heaven. Choose blessing over cursing. Your gracious response may be the only sermon someone hears. Let your words reveal that your citizenship is in another kingdom, one ruled by love.
Day 5: Think Before You Speak
Reading: Proverbs 12:18; Proverbs 15:28; James 1:19
Devotional:
The wise person is quick to listen and slow to speak. Before words leave your mouth, pause and consider: Will this bless or curse? Will it build up or tear down? Sometimes silence is the most powerful response. Other times, difficult truth must be spoken in love. Wisdom knows the difference. Today, practice the discipline of thinking before speaking. Count to three. Breathe. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Not every thought deserves to be vocalized. The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. As you close this devotional journey, commit to being a healer with your words. Let your speech consistently point others to Jesus, revealing that your true home is heaven.