Habits Week 2 - The Mouth

Day 1: The Power of Habits
Devotional: Habits shape our lives in profound ways. They are actions we perform so often that they become second nature. Jesus is not primarily after just changing your behavior; He desires a transformation of your heart. Without a heart for Him, behavior modification is not going to work. Reflect on the habits you have and consider how they align with your faith. Are they reinforcing what you believe and what the scriptures teach?

Verse: Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Question: What habits in your life need to change to better reflect your faith in Jesus?
Prayer: Lord, help me to recognize the habits in my life that do not honor You. Transform my heart and guide me to develop habits that reflect Your love and truth. Amen.


Day 2: The Impact of Words
Devotional: Our words have immense power. We often praise God and bless Him, but then curse others with the same tongue. This habit of tearing people down with our words is destructive. Jesus calls us to live repentant lives, sold out to Him, and this includes how we speak about others. Reflect on how you use your words and strive to speak life and truth.

Verse: Proverbs 18:21 - The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Question: How can you change your speech to better reflect the love of Christ?
Prayer: Father, help me to use my words to build others up and not tear them down. Let my speech be a reflection of Your love and grace. Amen.


Day 3: Breaking the Cycle of Gossip
Devotional: Gossip is a habit that can easily take root in our lives. It may seem harmless, but it can cause deep harm and division. Jesus died for our sins, and we should not be entertained by gossip. Instead, we should pray for those we are tempted to gossip about. It is hard to spread gossip about somebody when you're praying for them every day.

Verse: Proverbs 20:19 - A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.
Question: Who can you start praying for today instead of gossiping about them?

Prayer: Lord, help me to resist the temptation to gossip. Give me the strength to pray for others instead of speaking ill of them. Amen.


Day 4: Living a Repentant Life
Devotional: The church must start living repentant lives, totally sold out to Jesus. This means continually turning away from sin and seeking to live in a way that honors God. It's those little things done over long periods of time that can also destroy your life if they go unchecked. Reflect on areas of your life that need repentance and commit to making changes.

Verse: James 4:7 - Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Question: What areas of your life need repentance and a renewed commitment to Jesus?

Prayer: Father, I submit my life to You. Help me to turn away from sin and live a life that is fully committed to You. Amen.


Day 5: Building New Habits
Devotional: You can change even the worst of habits. By memorizing scripture and fixing your thoughts on what is true, honorable, and right, you can build new habits that honor God. This transformation is not just about behavior modification but about being transformed by the gospel. Commit to building new habits that reinforce your faith and reflect the teachings of scripture.

Verse: Psalms 119:11 - I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Question: What new habits can you start building today to reinforce your faith and align with scripture?

Prayer: Lord, help me to build new habits that honor You. Let Your word be hidden in my heart and guide my actions. Amen.