EVERY WORD MATTERS
A Holy Call to Speak What Is Pleasing in His Sight
“But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” —Matthew 12:36–37 (NKJV) There are verses in the Word that strike a holy note within our heart. They cause us to pause… to tremble a little… to reflect on the life we’re living. Matthew 12:36–37 is one of these verses. Jesus Himself speaks of a day coming when every idle word will be brought to account. Every careless phrase. Every unguarded sentence. Every whispered criticism. Every sarcastic jab. It will all come to light. And yet—this is the tension we carry as redeemed ones. We’ve been washed clean. Covered by the blood of Jesus. We’ve confessed. We’ve received mercy. So why— Why would any word… Especially a careless, idle one… Still be remembered? Still be brought up? It’s a tender question. And the answer? Just as tender. The blood of Jesus truly cleanses us from all sin. If you have turned from your sin and placed your trust in Christ, you stand justified before the throne of God. There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1). Your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Your past is under the blood. You are not facing the Great White Throne Judgment of sinners. Dear friend your judgment is different. It is called in the Bible the Bema Seat or the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10). And it is not a judgment for punishment—but for your eternal reward and placement in heaven. It’s when we stand before the mercy seat of Christ, not His judgment seat of wrath. Yet still, Jesus says every idle word will be weighed. Why? Because our words matter. Just like our actions. They’re part of our witness. They reveal the heart. What’s hidden deep inside. They carry weight. Eternal weight. And yes—we are forgiven. But the Lord still refines. He purifies our life’s record. Separating what was eternal… From what was empty. Your idle words won’t damn you—they’re already forgiven—but they may burn as wood, hay, and stubble (1 Cor. 3:12–15). Gone in the holy fire of His presence. They will not follow you into eternity. But every kind word… every word of encouragement… every whispered prayer… every time you comforted the brokenhearted… those words remain. They are your treasure in heaven. They determine your placement and reward. And beloved—may we tremble when we find ourselves speaking words of death over others. Some go about casually judging fellow ministers and mocking other ministries. They speak with sarcasm and cynicism about churches, movements, and people they barely know. They call it discernment—but it’s often nothing more than veiled slander. These words are not light. They grieve the Holy Spirit. And they stir division in the Body of Christ. We have to be careful. So careful. Not to curse what God might be blessing. Just because it feels unfamiliar. Just because it’s not what we’re used to. Different doesn’t mean wrong. Style doesn’t equal sincerity. And just because we don’t understand it— Doesn’t mean we’re called to judge it. Or tear it down. If Christ has not assigned us to tear it down, then we must not pick up the sledgehammer. For the measure we use will be measured back to us (Matt. 7:2). This is risky business. Beloved, our salvation is not fragile. But our testimony is precious. And that is what Jesus is reminding us of. He was not speaking to frighten the saints, but to awaken the careless. He was addressing Pharisees whose hearts were full of pride, not humility. His words were a mirror to show them what their religious words were really producing. For those who walk humbly with Him, His words are not a whip, but a whisper: “Be careful, little mouth, what you say… for the Father up above is looking down in love.” Let us guard our lips. Not out of fear—but out of love. Let us speak with the awareness that every word is heard in heaven. Let us weep when we’ve spoken out of anger. Let us run to the mercy seat when we fail. Let us choose to speak life. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” —Psalm 19:14 (NKJV) Dear one… There is nothing we have said in the past that His blood cannot cover. There is no careless phrase that His mercy cannot erase. But may we never take His grace lightly. Let us walk wisely. Let us speak gently. Let us remember that we were bought with a price—and so were our words. At the mercy seat, you will not be shamed—you will be loved. But when the fire of heaven refines your life… May it burn away only the dross— And leave behind plenty of gold. With Love, Steve Porter www.morningglorydevo.com Would you enjoy our daily devotion straight to your email? Never miss a devotion again. The algorithm often hides our posts. Sign up here: 👉 https://substack.com/@morningglorydevo If this devotion has blessed you, please consider leaving a comment. Your feedback encourages others and helps this content reach more people by boosting its visibility through the algorithm. I appreciate your support!
A BRIDAL CALL TO ABIDE IN THE VINE
A Prophetic Message from Steve Porter
It may be the middle of July, but the Holy Spirit is moving—because God has no off-seasons. When He finds a hungry remnant, He comes. This is a call to that remnant. A call to the Bride of Christ to return to deep abiding in Jesus—the True Vine.
In this anointed and heart-stirring message, Pastor Steve Porter delivers a prophetic word that invites us to come out of spiritual dryness, shake off the dust of discouragement, and return to the presence of our Bridegroom. Through the powerful imagery of a withering branch, Steve shares a living parable straight from the heart of the Father: Without abiding, we silently die. But with abiding, we flourish and bear much fruit.
Are you feeling weary, disconnected, or spiritually numb? This message is for you. Jesus is not angry—He’s urgent. He’s not scolding—He’s pleading. “Remain in Me,” He says. Let the river of His Spirit flow again into your dry places.
💧 Learn what it truly means to abide:
— To linger instead of rush
— To dwell instead of visit
— To yield instead of strive
— To love the Giver more than the gifts
🌸 This is more than a sermon. It’s a bridal call—a gentle but piercing invitation to stay near the Vine, to drink deeply from the waters of His presence, and to reignite the fire that once burned bright in your spirit.
📖 Based on John 15 and rich with pastoral wisdom and prophetic fire, this message will stir your heart and rekindle your love for Jesus.
🔥 The withering ends today. The abiding begins now.
Join us in this holy moment, and let the river of living water flow again.
Subscribe to our channel for more Spirit-led messages that bring healing, intimacy with Jesus, and deeper life truths.
Thank you Steve. Very helpful!
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”