The Open Heaven 16 June 2025 devotional for today is WORDS ARE POWERFUL I.
This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

OPEN HEAVEN 16 JUNE 2025 TODAY DEVOTIONAL
TOPIC: WORDS ARE POWERFUL I
MEMORISE:
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
James 3:2
READ: James 3:2-13
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
RCCG OPEN HEAVEN 16 JUNE 2025 TODAY MESSAGE
When I got married and had children, things were really difficult for me and my young family. However, I would always tell my wife to brace up because things would not remain tough forever. I never allowed any negative confession to come out of my mouth because I knew that they would negatively impact our future.
When the Shunammite woman lost her son, she never allowed any negative word to come out of her mouth. All she kept saying was, “It shall be well” and “It is well” (2 Kings 4:23,26). She refused to utter negative words that would aid what the devil was trying to achieve. Instead, she kept speaking what she wanted until everything became well indeed.
Words are very powerful. In Africa, the elders say that they are like an egg, meaning that once they are uttered, their impact cannot be reversed. You must be careful what you say and how you say it. When you speak negative words, the damage they cause may be irreparable, even if you are genuinely sorry about uttering them.
Don’t speak when you are extremely angry or very excited because you may say the wrong things. You should also be careful with your words whenever you are sad because there is power in your tongue. The power of life and death lies in the tongue (Proverbs 18:21), and you must be intentional about the words you speak.
Proverbs 6:2 says, “Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.” No matter what happens, always think before you talk.
Also, always let your words be in line with God’s word. The word of God is powerful; it can break every negative word that has been spoken over your life and destiny.
Jabez was a newborn baby when his mother made a negative pronouncement over him. She set him up for a life of sorrow and hardship because she spoke when she was in pain. Thankfully, Jabez rejected sorrow and hardship by crying to God to bless him, and God turned his life around (1 Chronicles 4:9-10).
Beloved, whatever you say is what you will get; therefore, use your tongue wisely. If you have made negative pronouncements over your life or your children’s lives, ask God for mercy and begin to overwrite them with God’s word. I pray that His word will continually lift you up and bless all that concerns you, in Jesus’ name.
PRAYER POINT:
Lord, please help me to always use my tongue wisely, in Jesus’ name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Psalms 62-68
HYMN 34: YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION
OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 16 JUNE 2025 COMMENTARY
Words as Spiritual Seeds
This devotional reveals a profound biblical truth – your words are spiritual containers that carry either life or death (Proverbs 18:21). Through personal testimony and scriptural examples, we’re challenged to become intentional about our speech, understanding that every utterance plants seeds for future harvests in our lives and families.
1. Biblical Case Studies of Word Power
A. The Shunammite Woman’s Faith Declaration (2 Kings 4:23,26)
- Situation: Her promised son had died
- Response: “It is well” (Hebrew: “Shalom” – nothing missing, nothing broken)
- Result: Prophet Elisha raised her son
- Principle: She spoke what she wanted not what she saw
B. Jabez’s Counter-Declaration (1 Chronicles 4:9-10)
- Mother’s Curse: Named him “Jabez” (sorrow-bringer)
- His Prayer: “Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed…”
- Divine Response: “God granted him that which he requested”
- Lesson: Negative words can be overwritten by faith-filled prayers
C. Pastor Adeboye’s Family Testimony
- Challenge: Early marital/financial struggles
- Strategy: Refused negative confessions
- Result: Breakthrough came as declared
2. The Anatomy of Destructive Speech
A. Three Dangerous Times to Speak (When to Guard Your Tongue)
- In Extreme Anger
- Leads to curses (James 1:19-20)
- Example: Moses striking the rock (Numbers 20:10-12)
- In Over-Excitement
- Rash vows (Judges 11:30-35)
- Empty boasts (Peter’s denial prophecy)
- In Deep Sorrow
- Job’s wife: “Curse God and die” (Job 2:9)
- Jabez’s mother’s painful naming
B. The African Proverb Insight
- “Words are like eggs” – Once broken, cannot be put back
- Biblical Parallel:
- James 3:5 – How great a forest a little fire kindles
- Matthew 12:36 – Account for every idle word
3. The Believer’s Speech Rehabilitation Plan
A. Immediate Action for Negative Words Spoken
- Repentance: Psalm 51:15 – “Open my lips…”
- Renunciation: Cancel wrong declarations (Mark 11:23)
- Replacement: Saturate with Scripture (Colossians 3:16)
B. Daily Speech Discipline
- THINK Filter Before Speaking:
- T – True?
- H – Helpful?
- I – Inspiring?
- N – Necessary?
- K – Kind?
- Morning Declaration Practice:
- Psalm 118:24 – “This is the day…”
- Numbers 6:24-26 – Priestly blessing
- Evening Reflection:
- Psalm 141:3 – “Set a guard…”
- Review conversations
C. Creating a Word-Rich Environment
- Home Atmosphere:
- No cursing allowed (Ephesians 4:29)
- Testimony sharing
- Workplace Influence:
- Bless even difficult colleagues (Romans 12:14)
- Social Media Caution:
- Digital words also carry power
4. The Transformative Power of God’s Word
A. Sword of the Spirit (Hebrews 4:12)
- Offensive Weapon: Cuts through negative word curses
- Defensive Shield: Protects from harmful speech
B. Creative Power (Genesis 1)
- God spoke creation into being
- We create atmospheres with our words
C. Jesus’ Example
- Never spoke failure over disciples
- Even at crucifixion: “Father forgive…”
Prayer for Tongue Transformation
“Father, purify my speech today. Forgive every destructive word I’ve spoken. Set a guard over my mouth (Psalm 141:3). Fill me with Your Word so that what overflows brings life. Break every negative word spoken over me, and make me a channel of blessing, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Conclusion: Your Words Shape Your World
- Daily Choice:
- Death or life
- Curse or blessing
- Generational Impact:
- Your words affect children’s destiny
- Eternal Perspective:
- Matthew 12:37 – “By your words you’ll be justified…”
Final Challenge:
- 7-Day Speech Fast: No negative words about:
- Yourself
- Family
- Circumstances
Key Takeaways:
Words are spiritual seeds – plant wisely
Anger, excitement and sorrow require extra caution
God’s Word can overwrite negative declarations
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