Winning Words READY "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Proverbs 16:24 "Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin." Proverbs 13:3 "The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream." Proverbs 18:4 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 "The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:4 "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1 SET Have you ever heard of the old saying, “sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me”? It simply isn’t true. God tells us words have great impact. This includes the way we speak to others and even to ourselves. Words have power, and because they have power, they can hurt and they can heal. As athletes and coaches, we must use words to communicate with one another, and it doesn’t take long to realize that the words we use have power. We can DIRECTLY impact our teams and our teammates performance with how we use our words. God’s Word teaches us exactly that. As we speak about many times, God’s Game Plan for life leads to success both on the field and off of it. Our words can give somone confidence or it can tear it down. Our words to ourselves even matter, a lot. When we make a mistake in a game, in a practice, or in life, do we beat ourselves up and tear ourselves down? Or do we encourage ourselves and have confidence that if we continue to work hard we can do better next time? God is the creator of words and He is the One who gave words power. It is our choice on how we use this power. Positive, encouraging and kind words are words that God tells us are like a tree of life to another’s ears. When we speak with love, we have the power to lift someone’s spirit, encourage them and also represent Christ well to that person. The opposite is also true. God’s Word is clear that unkind, deceitful, or unloving words have the power to break someone down. God's Word teaches us that words even have the power of life and death! When we speak with love and use healing words that honor God and bring life to those who we are speaking to, we speak in the way that God created us to speak to one another. However, it is easy to let negative and discouraging words slip from our lips, especially when we might be upset, tired or angry. Think about your words to the people in your life. Not only your teammates, but everyone. This includes your parents, your friends, strangers, and yourself. For many of us coaches, this includes our spouses, our children, and our co-workers. Also, words matter not only in certain circumstances, but in all circumstances. What words do you use when things are going well and when they aren't? Are they different? How about when you are talking directly to someone or when they aren't there to hear you speak about them? God has called us to use the power of words to speak life and to use healing words even when we don’t want to and when it’s difficult. Speaking life brings joy to the heart of our Heavenly Father. Ask yourself if your words give life to all people and in all circumstances? Your words have power, so how will you use your power this week? GO 1) Think about how you have experienced the power of words in your own life. 2) What people in your life are you speaking life into and what people in your life are you not? 3) How do you speak to yourself? 4) In what specific situations or circumstances can you do better? 5) Apply what you learned this week. Do it for God, for the people he places in your life, and for yourself. You will have more success on the field and most importantly, off of it. WORKOUT "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." Ephesians 4:29-31 Read the verses above each day. OVERTIME “Heavenly Father, thank You for the power of words. I want to use my words to bring honor to You and bring others closer to You. Help me to speak words that are uplifting, encouraging and give life to those around me no matter the circumstances. I love You. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.”