2 Corinthians 1:21

  I am standing firm in Christ.
  "Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God." NKJV
  "It is God who establishes us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ." JCB
  "and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised." v22 JCB

  The moment the Holy Spirit enters into our hearts, it's like spring has entered our souls. What once was dead and barren erupts into light and life. Sweet blossoms erupt, creating a fresh hope of the fruit to come.
  Oh, I admit there are dandelions in this garden. Although the sunny yellow blooms that pervade the lawn hold a delight for me that many a groundskeeper wouldn't appreciate.
  I admit there's chores and responsibilities as part of caring for the garden of our soul. It must be carefully tended for it to thrive in a hostile environment. It needs living water. It needs fertilizing. It needs praying over.

  There was an experiment done at a public school. Two identical plants were placed in clear boxes to protect them from any outside interference during the exercise. Two recordings played constantly. The students were encouraged to add their voices according to what was being said. One recording was nothing but bullying insults and negative comments. The other contained nothing but words of affirmation, love, and affection. Despite the identical meeting of the plants' physical needs, within a couple of weeks the bullied plant began to wilt. Its leaves began to brown. The other plant thrived, exploding in new growth.
  I am blown away by this. If a plant can be so affected by what is said over it, how it is treated, how much more are we impacted by words? How much do we affect others by what we say? Even when our friends, coworkers, our family members, our pastors, the man behind the donut counter, the driver who sped past, don't hear us say negative words...or good words.
  Plants don't have ears!
  How much more are we than plants!

  Lord, I am Yours, You are mine. You have blessed me with a Helper so that I can live according to Love's promise. I am thankful for the Holy Spirit, for His wisdom, patience and tender tutelage as I learn to live more like Jesus. Let my heart, mind and tongue be filled with only life giving, affirming words. Thank You for Your grace when I fail. In Jesus' name, Amen!