The Kingdom of God is a kingdom of words. In Genesis chapter one, we see that everthing that was created was done with the spoken word of God. We also see that (if we seek knowledge and understanding of God's word, the original meaning in many words portrays a courtroom setting. We acknowledge there is a just and righteous judge, an adversary that takes on the persona of a prosecuting attorney, and we have our Advocate, Jesus, that acts as our defense attorney. The Holy Spirit bears witness and testifies to what He knows. We, too, are called as witnesses and our words are our testimony. This is not intended to be a complete teaching on the reality that there are courts in heaven where judicial matters are dealt with, but may it serve as a reminder of this truth.
The kingdom of God as well as the kingdom of darkness is built with words. It is how the enemy ensnares people, and forms his assignments against mankind. That is why the words we speak carry such weight. Born again believers have the Spirit of God living inside of them, and as such, we have the ability to create what we speak, just like God. There is a principle found in Romans 4:17-18 that we are to call forth the things that are not in faith and they shall manifest. By the same principle, we also have the potential to create a negative future based on the words we speak. We can either speak life, or negativity and words that carry the power to act as a destructive force. We want to remember to speak words of life, because according to Revelation 12:11, our ability to overcome any situation lies in the power of the blood of the Lamb, AND the words of our testimony. A testimony is a spoken statement given in a court of law, with the intention of determining the outcome of a legal matter.
The following article has in mind specifically how our words have affected our children and family members, but it can also apply to anyone that we may have spoken about with negative, careless or critical words. Words carry power in the spirit realm and create a ripple effect that is far beyond what we can imagine. Sound waves create vibrations and are a force that impacts other things. The prayer at the end was written with children an families in mind, because we are in a profound time when God is healing families and restoring the lost back to Him. Children, just like anyone else, can be deeply hurt and offended by our words. Jesus pointed out to take extra precautions not to treat children with disrepect because they have guardian angels that are always in the presence of the Father. Matthew 18:10 says,
“Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father."
Angels are messengers, and if they are always guarding our children don't you think they are also reporting back to the Father the things that are hurting and offending them? As parents, guardians, coaches, mentors or leaders, we have a responsibility to also act protectively towards all children, not just our own. We should be careful that we are not a source of pain, offense, or a stumbling block to them coming to Christ. We don't want them to see us as insincere or hypocritical Christians. Allow me to group together some key texts from scripture then I will elaborate on what God put on my heart to share. I have underlined some important words for the sake of emphasis.
Let all the little children come to Me and never hinder them. Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! (That word, 'woe,' is a warning - don't create offense in others! I would go so far as to include, don't slander, disrespect, shame or humiliate others thrugh the careless, negative words you speak. Be careful not to offend others and become their stumbling block!) Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Since each of you are part of God’s family, never complain or grumble about each other so that judgment will not come on you, for the true Judge is near and very ready to appear! Confess and acknowledge how you have offended one another and then pray for one another to be instantly healed, for tremendous power is released through the passionate, heartfelt prayer of a godly believer!
James 4:11 is a powerful reminder that we are responsible for the words we speak.
"Dear friends, as part of God's family, never speak against another family member, for when you slander a brother or sister, you violate God's law of love."
James 5:9 speaks of a judge standing near as well as a judgment. This is a reference to a courtroom setting.
"Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door!"
Stop and think about that for a moment. Consider what you've said about others, maybe even those closest to you. Are you building them up, or tearing them down?
We also know there are books that must be opened prior to courts going into session, according to Daniel 7:9-10.
"I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like purest wool. He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire, and a river of fire was pouring out, flowing from his presence. Millions of angels ministered to him; many millions stood to attend him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened."
These are books of things that have been recorded, such as books of destiny, and words that have been spoken that pertain to God’s will being done on earth, as it would be done in heaven. In every court system there are witnesses who give testimony. Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us there is a great cloud of witnesses. This isn’t just those who have passed on. We also bear witness and offer testimony with the words we speak about others. That is why our words matter so much. Matthew 12:36-37 says,
"But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
If we have been careless with our words, those words are documented by scribe angels. How else would every word we have spoken be called into account? Indeed, they are recorded and bear witness in heavenly courts. This is very important to understand! Careless words also have the potential to hurt and offend others. But Jesus warned us in His word to be careful about the words that we speak. I don't think I fully understood the significance why until now, but it is the same as bearing false testimony (again, likened to a courtroom situation) , speaking against the reputation of someone else.
Careless words often are spoken from a limited understanding of a situation. How often have you spoken carelessly about someone when you are disappointed, frustrated, angry or upset? How often have you made a rush to judgment? People have a limited understanding based only on what they know regarding a situation. Often times they never stop to consider how the words coming out of their mouth might impact someone else, or how it can boomerang back into their own life as a judgment that blocks their prayers from being answered. These are emotional words, not truth or based on facts. Therefore, those word are equated to giving false testimony against the reputation of another God has called into the kingdom, to live victoriously. Speaking negatively against others is no small matter! In a court of law many other factors are taken into consideration before a verdict is issued. Speaking out of frustration, anger or hurt causes offense. It is not only hurtful to those we speak about, it also grieves the Holy Spirit. Those careless words must be expunged - completely erased - from the records because when we judge others, according to Luke 6:37, a judgment is placed on the books under our name. Words spoken carelessly about others can become a judgment against us, making us guilty before the court. Romans 8:33 says,
“Who then would dare to accuse those whom God has chosen in love to be His?”
The enemy is also sure to repeat those words in the ears of those it is about, in an attempt to bring them into agreement with them. Ecclesiastes 10:20 reminds us that birds of the air (spirits) will carry the words we speak about others to them.
"Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird in the sky may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say."
Hurt and offense has the potential to create unforgiveness, bitterness and rebellion to God. That is how Satan releases his assignment into their lives. He uses words to stir up misunderstanding, resentment, mischief, and create offense against us and others. Earlier I mentioned that Matthew 12:37 tells us we must give an account for the words that we speak, and every careless word that has been spoken will be brought up in the court records. “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” The words we have spoken gives the enemy legal grounds to withstand our prayers. This is why we must take care to confess and repent for those things because it makes us guilty before the court. When we are guilty of judging others and speaking critically of them, that outstanding judgment and sin of bearing false testimony is now recorded in our books. Speaking poorly against others places us in agreement with the accuser, and because of that, there is a penalty for that action. Those words can hang in the spirit over loved ones that we are praying for. It can cause our prayers to be hindered until we repent and confess our sin to God, and ask that the blood of Jesus cleanses us of all unrighteousness. Many people are gaining knowledge of how to go into the court of heaven to try to gain a favorable verdict from the Judge (our heavenly Father), but you know what happens when you show up to court when there's an outstanding charge against you? The Adversary (prosecuting attorney, Satan) is going to tell the judge that he has legal grounds against you to withstand your prayers. You might even receive a penalty! As God’s ambassadors, we have a judicial responsibility to properly distinguish the content of our words, whether they release life or death. And, as His intercessors, we bear the responsibility to plead for mercy, not to agree with Satan and falsely accuse someone else, which signifies guilt. Matthew 5:22-24 tells us,
“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be guilty before the court, and whoever says to his brother ‘You good for nothing’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says ‘You fool’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
We must cancel out any agreements we have made, knowingly or unkowingly, with the enemy and the spirit of accusation, because God will not bless what is in alignment with Satan. James 5:16 is another reminder that even our healing may be blocked until we have confessed our sins and asked for forgiveness.
"Confess and acknowledge how you have offended one another and then pray for one another to be instantly healed, for tremendous power is released through the passionate, heartfelt prayer of a godly believer!"
Humility and repentance are the keys to healing emotional wounds, misunderstandings and resentment that has contributed to brokenness in families. God wants to heal the broken trust issues. Our goal is to remove all hindrances to answered prayer so that Heaven’s courts may rule in favor of those we pray for. We also have the responsibility, through intercession, of legally dissolving contracts with the devil that allow him to carry out his assignments. The job of the body of Christ is to prepare the way for the Lord to act.
PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I repent for any negative words towards my children/spouses/grandchilldren (name them). I repent for speaking any negative, careless words that may have been used against them for the enemy to form an assignment. If I have ever said or done anything that made them feel insignificant, ridiculed, humiliated, disrespected, or anything that caused them to doubt who You created them to be, please forgive me.If my words have brought offense to them, please cause me to remember what I spoke and to make amends to them, and ask for forgiveness. Please forgive me, Lord, for the sins of bearing false witness, judging and releasing words of death over my children and family members. I condemn those words and ask that you forgive my sin, and theirs, and put the blood of Jesus over every wrong, careless word spoken to them or about them. May we be cleansed of all unrighteousness. If I have in any way contributed to their hurt and caused emotional pain, please heal those wounds. Let them not remember any hurtful words, and please silence the voice of the enemy in their ears. If anyone else has been hurt or tormented by my careless words and actions, please help them to forgive me from their heart and wipe away all negative memories. Please forgive me Holy Spirit, if I have grieved You. Heal my heart from any rejection issues, and let every unloving spirit be driven out of me and my family in Jesus' name.
Lord, please help my children to bring every thought into captivity and discern what comes from the enemy and what is from You. I declare they choose the power of God to overcome any lies and temptations of the enemy, and they turn away from evil. I ask You to create a compassionate, grateful and teachable spirit in them. May my children choose love, humility and forgiveness. Let the mind of Christ be formed in them so that they reject all thoughts from the enemy. Let the peace of God guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. I declare my children hear the voice of God and follow You. Give them abundant grace to help them in their transformation and deliverance.
Now, Father, I ask that all judgments on my books and those of my children, or anyone else where my negative words are recorded, would be expunged from Your records.Please cancel any judgments or accusations that testify against either of us. I would like to repent and cancel any negative words I have spoken over anyone. I pray for Your mercy over all our lives. I ask that all careless words be expunged and erased from our books of destiny and any other books where our names are recorded. I also ask that any legal grounds the enemy has used to withstand my prayers would be expunged from the records, and You would issue an acquittal of all charges against me and my family members. May every demonic spirit active in my children’s life be bound and cast out now, in the name of Jesus. Let every demonic assignment be cut off and destroyed. Please Father, release your angels and messengers into my children’s lives, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Scripture references: Mark 10:14, Luke 17:1, Luke 6:37, James 5:9, James 5:16, Daniel 7:9-10, Psalm 139:16, Romans 8:33, Hebrews 12:1, Matthew 12:37.
