PROVERBS 18:21 “DEATH AND LIFE ARE IN THE POWER OF THE TONGUE…” | What Follows i am follows you

In my book Proverbs 31 Woman: More Than The Good Wife each chapter is an affirmation of I Am. This is intentional as it is very easy to get caught up in what we do, what we have and how we feel that we overlook who God has created us to be. For example we repeatedly say things like I am tired, I am broke, or I am bored. By repeating these statements over and over we start to take them on and live them out. Basically we are exercising our habits. Bad habits are formed when we either lack purpose or are not certain of the direction we should be going so we resort to what is comfortable and what we perceive as the easier route.

Most animals know exactly what their purpose in life is. Lions are made to protect their pride and lioness are created to hunt. They do not question ​their ability and the rest of the animals in the jungle know exactly who they are and respect their roles. The only time you see these animals acting outside of their purpose is when they have been removed from their natural habitat ie in the zoo or in a circus.  So when you look at it in this way, we can say human beings have also been removed from their natural habitat. 

Interactive discussion. Comment below:

After reading Genesis 1:27 – 29; Genesis 2:15 what were we ordained to do?
In Genesis 3:6-7; 23 what causes us to be displaced from our natural habitat?

When we are removed from God we struggle with our identity. When we lose sight of our purpose we focus on what others say we are rather than who God says we are.

1. What message stands out most in 1 Samuel 16:5-13?
 
 
 
2. What message stands out most in 2 Kings 5:3-5;14
 
 
 
3. In reading Exodus 4:10-15 what does this demonstrate about God?
 
Sometimes we wish we were in different circumstances because of what we see others have that highlights what we don’t have. For example a spouse, children, houses, careers, cars, clothes or status. When we covet these things or find ourselves being reminded that we don’t have these things write down the ways in which you do possess these traits.
-           Not married but I am a companion to the elderly or a friend or relative in need. 
-           Do not have children, but I can guide and show love to at risk kids, teach Sunday school or become a mentor
-           Do not have a house, but I am grateful for the home I have created
-           Not happy with my career, but I am taking steps or courses that will advance me towards the career I want
-           Now complete this section in your own words

Read the following scripture verses and think about what God is speaking to you. Then on the next page write down  the affirmations over your life from each verse. Discuss them in the comments below.

• Genesis 1:27
• Psalm 139:14
• Jeremiah 29:11
• 2 Timothy 1:7
• James 4:7
• James 1:2
• Ephesians 6:7
• Ephesians 6:10
• 1 Corinthians 13:11
• Philippians 4:13
• John 10:10

Personalize the scripture at the end of Chapter 1 of my book, making it a part of your daily prayers.
Ephesians 1:8 I ask – ask the God of glory – to make me intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, my eyes focused and clear, so that I can see exactly what it is he is calling me to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers (like me), oh, the utter extravagance of his work in me who trust him – endless energy, boundless strength!”