Mishee Vlog

VERSE OF THIS DAY
PROVERBS 18:21 NIV

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

The Power of Life and Death

Think of a time you said something you regret, or were the target of undeserved gossip. Now, reflect on a situation where you encouraged a friend who was hurting, or felt the life-giving effects of someone else’s words.

Words matter. Your words matter. And God has given you the freedom to choose how you use them.

Are you using your words to tear down or build up? To provoke destruction or stimulate restoration? Do your words stir up drama or encourage peace?

“What you say flows from what is in your heart,” Jesus explained in Luke 6:45.

Fruit reveals the health of a tree, just as a tongue reveals what is happening in the heart.

Most of us want to use our words for good and not for harm. We don’t want to be unkind or critical. But James 3 tells us that the tongue is unstable and cannot seem to be tamed.

So, what can we do? Is there a way to control it?

Self-control is a fruit the Holy Spirit produces in us, which means we can’t manufacture controlling our tongues on our own. But, we do have a part to play in the process: we need to stick close to Jesus.

When we read His Word, seek His face, and walk in His ways (no matter how many times we mess up and have to begin again), love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control begin to grow in our lives. The biblical term is abiding: staying, continuing, or remaining in Jesus’ presence.

As we abide with Jesus, the Holy Spirit begins to curb the way we speak and change the way we act. When that happens, our words start to bring life and hope to the people around us.

So this week, how will you use your words to bring healing and hope to people? If this isn’t something you’re used to doing, it’s never too early to speak words that spark life.

VERSE OF THIS DAY
Revelation 21:4 NIV

that promises God will remove all human suffering, specifically stating that He will wipe every tear from their eyes, there will be no more death, and no more mourning, crying, or pain.

Promises of Comfort

One of the hardest truths to reconcile in the Christian life is the presence of evil in the world God created. Whether we’ve seen evil, or evil has been done to us, it is hard to make sense of why God would allow evil things to happen.

The truth is: the world we live in is broken. Because we have neglected God’s path for living, the world is not as it should be. But even though evil exists, God’s promise still remains: evil will not win. The brokenness of our world will not last forever.

The book of Revelation gives us an insight into the future of all things. While there are a lot of odd symbols and events in Revelation, there are also some very clear and hopeful pictures of what will happen.

One of the promises that we hold onto in dark times is in Revelation 21:4. God promises He will wipe away every tear—which means He will be our everlasting Comforter. He promises that in heaven there will be no death nor mourning, no crying nor pain.

While our temporary time on earth might be filled with pain and grief, we look forward to the future when we will join God in heaven and be free of death and decay. This truth should fill us with hope and endurance in the midst of pain and sorrow.

If you’re currently going through a difficult time, take some time to pray to God, and ask Him for help and courage. Ask Him to fill you with hope and endurance. Keep in mind His promises to make all things right in the end, and let that hope carry you forward as you follow after Him.

VERSE OF THE DAY
JAMES 1:19 NIV

My dear brothers and sisters,
take note of this:
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

Practice Makes Progress

When we’re in difficult situations, it isn’t easy to stay calm or hold our tongues for very long.

But in James 1:19, we learn how we should respond…

Be quick to listen.
Be slow to speak.
Be slow to anger.

The world is more like the opposite:

Be slow to hear what others have to say.
Be quick to voice your own opinions.
Be quick to accuse, argue, and fight.

Why is it so important to James that Christ's followers don’t behave like this? Because “human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:20)

So what does produce the right kind of living that God desires?

The Word of God.

James told his friends to “get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” (James 1:21)

He said that if they have the Word of God in them, and if they are obeying it, they will be blessed. (James 1:25)

James is clear that if we are to be followers of God, we must know His Word and obey it. That means we need to take time to listen to others, pace ourselves when we speak, and keep our anger at bay.

So next time you’re faced with something that makes you angry, take James’ words to heart. Take time to temper your emotions, think through your feelings and arguments, and humbly pray for God to help you respond with kindness and grace.

Revelation 4:1 NIV

"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being

He is Worthy

We have a powerful Creator, but it’s easy to forget how magnificent He is. We live in a world filled with His miracles, but it’s common to become desensitized to the wonder of it all.

God created something from nothing—speaking life, meaning, and purpose into existence. He's the author of everything. He is worthy of our worship.

Whales roam the seas, bears scavenge the mountaintops, fireflies light up the countryside. People explore the world, build skyscrapers, cook meals, develop languages, and form complex relationships—with God and with each other.

"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
Revelation 4:11 NIV

“All things,” as the verse says, includes everything we can see and even the things we can’t—both the visible and invisible. “All things” also includes you.

You were intentionally and uniquely designed by God. You were put on this planet on purpose, at this specific time in history. You have been empowered to shine and share His love, in a distinct and special way that’s completely unique to you.

So take a moment to recognize... God made you and He loves you. He is worthy of your praise.

VERSE FOR TODAY

Now is the Time to Reprioritize

As much as the world around us tries to lure us into self-dependency, God created us for each other. For community. For a life that’s not lived alone.

The author of Proverbs said it like this:

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭17:17‬ ‭NIV

We’ll all face hard times—sometimes when we least expect it. But a friend’s genuine care can mean the world, a sibling’s unconditional love can’t be replaced, and a neighbor’s practical help is priceless.

We need each other more than we realize: emotionally, practically, and spiritually.

If you’ve found yourself in a busy season where you’ve unintentionally neglected your true friends or been too busy for your real family, now is the time to reprioritize.

If there’s unresolved conflict with a friend or family member, and it’s slowly deteriorating the relationship, now is the time to set aside your pride and choose to make things right.

If you’re silently struggling on your own, now is the moment to let someone in. Give them a call, send them a text, or show up on their doorstep. If you can’t be honest and vulnerable, it will be difficult to get help.

Not only do you need people, but those same people need you.

You have strengths, gifts, talents, and a personality that’s unique to you and beneficial to them—and vice versa. Why bury them in the ground, in the name of autonomy, when they can benefit others?

Sometimes we need to ask for help, and sometimes we need to be the help.

Do you need help, or can you offer it? Could you use a hand, or do you have some extra time, money, advice, or expertise to give?

If you’re tempted to self-isolate, don’t forget: we were meant to live life together.

VERSE FOR TODAY

Love in Action

Scripture has a lot to say about the way we treat people. If we have been saved by God, and have been shown the mercy and goodness of God, then we ought to show mercy and goodness to other people. Essentially…

What we believe should determine how we act.

All of us who have received grace freely from God ought to also give grace freely to others. In Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, he encourages them to be kind and compassionate to others. This idea is spread across all of God’s Word…

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
1 John 4:11 NIV

“…All of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
1 Peter 3:8 NIV.

“You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”
Luke 6:36 NLT

Showing other people compassion is one of the primary ways that we can communicate God’s love to other people. If we fail to love others, we also fail to show them God’s love.

Paul also says we should forgive other people in our life, just as we have already been forgiven by Jesus. Forgiveness and compassion go together. When we do not forgive others, we fail to show them the same compassionate love that Jesus has shown us. A love that, as it suffered for us and because of us, still allowed Jesus to say, "Father forgive them—they don't know what they are doing." We ought to be careful that we do not deny others the same love we’ve been freely given.

If you want to learn more about how to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving toward others, you can read through the stories of Jesus’ life and ministry found in the books Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

But right now, take some time to think about the people in your own life who you may have the opportunity to show compassion to. Is there someone in need who you can help? Is there a person you can forgive? Is there someone who you can encourage?

Today is a great day to show people the same love, compassion, and forgiveness that you have received.

VERSE FOR TODAY
Matthew 6:25 NIV

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Guided scripture

Don’t Overthink It

How much time do you spend thinking about what to eat, or worrying about what to wear? Do you obsess over having—or being—enough?

While there’s nothing wrong with meal planning for the weeks ahead or creating a monthly budget, Jesus explains that worrying doesn’t help:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus never said not to think about your basic needs—He said not to worry about them.

God knows what you need before you do. God knows your prayers before you pray them.

Recognizing your physical needs can remind you of your spiritual needs—an invitation to trust your ultimate Provider.

Later in the same chapter, Jesus reminds His disciples that if God provides for the birds and the flowers, He will provide for His people that much more. Then He adds, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬)‬‬

Life is more than the food we eat, the drinks we consume, and the clothes we wear. In fact, Jesus is life. He is “the way, the truth, and the life,” to be exact. (John 14:6)

So, let’s seek Him first. Let’s do the work entrusted to us while trusting in Him for provision. And let’s not waste another second overthinking it.

VERSE FOR TODAY JEREMIAH 31:25
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faith

The Meaning:
It represents God's deep compassion and promise of divine renewal. The text assures believers that when they are drained, burdened, or struggling through life's trials, God is ready to pour into their souls and provide the rest and comfort they need.

VERSE FOR TODAY

Matthew 17:14-20 recounts Jesus healing a boy with severe seizures after his disciples fail to do so. When asked why they couldn't cast out the demon, Jesus explains it was due to their "little faith" and famously declares that even faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains.

What you worry about most often reveals where you trust God the least.

So pause for a moment.

What is it for you?

Your finances? Your future? Your family? A relationship or an emotion you are holding onto?

What do you do when you realize you aren’t trusting God in that area?

Jesus gives us the answer in Matthew 6:33. He says, “Seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

When you’re anxious, when you feel overwhelmed, when life feels too heavy, seek Him first. Run to His presence, trust His goodness, and let Him handle the rest.Amen