Speak Life (Ezekiel 37)

James 3:9-11 (VOICE) Ironically this same tongue can be both an instrument of blessing to our Lord and Father and a weapon that hurls curses upon others who are created in God’s own image. One mouth streams forth both blessings and curses. My brothers and sisters, this is not how it should be. Does a spring gush crystal clear freshwater and moments later spurt out bitter salt water?

Beloved, would you be a vessel for darkness? And yet the temptation to speak the things of darkness into existence is strong, but you are stronger. So refuse to give in to bitterness and anger, jealousy and hatred, greed and destruction. Look to the root that wants to bear such fruit and invite Me to move. Then as you trust My sovereignty, watch as I bring forth beauty from ashes and give joy for mourning.

Be intentional, beloved, to speak life into that which you wish to see grow. Bless, and do not curse. Extend grace and forgiveness even when none is warranted. Remember that you yourself were once in need of it from Me and it was not withheld. Life begets life.  So sow life and reap more life. Bless, and share My love simply because you are able. Be a vessel of good, and a mouthpiece of truth – My truth. Be rooted in love, and speak life.

Ezekiel 37:3-10 (VOICE) [including Voice commentary]

Eternal One  (to Ezekiel):  Son of man, do you think these bones can live?

Ezekiel: Eternal Lord, certainly You know the answer better than I do.

Eternal One:  Actually, I do. Prophesy to these bones. Tell them to listen to what the Eternal Lord says to them: “Dry bones, I will breathe breath into you, and you will come alive. I will attach muscles and tendons to you, cause flesh to grow over them, and cover you with skin. I will breathe breath into you, and you will come alive. After this happens, you will know that I am the Eternal.” [God is not only the Creator of life, but He is also the Restorer of life.]

So I did what God told me to do: I prophesied to the bones. As I was speaking, I heard a loud noise—a rattling sound—and all the bones began to come together and form complete skeletons. I watched and saw muscles and tendons attach to the bones, flesh grow over them, and skin wrap itself around the reforming bodies. But there was still no breath in them.

Eternal One:  Prophesy to the breath. Speak, son of man, and tell them what the Eternal Lord has to say: “O sweet breath, come from the four winds and breathe into these who have been killed. Make these corpses come alive.”

So I did what God told me to do: I prophesied to the breath. As I was speaking, breath invaded the lifeless. The bodies came alive and stood on their feet. I realized then I was looking at a great army.