Change Your Words, Change Your Life (review 1)
Understanding the Power of Every Word You Speak
Joyce Meyer
Read by Sandra McCollom

Faith Words / Hachette Audio
September 11, 2012 / ISBN: 1619691949
Nonfiction / Self Help / Inspirational / Christian / Audiobook – Unabridged / 7 Discs / 7 hrs; 59 mins

AMAZON

Reviewed by Brenda Weeaks

The scriptures chosen speak volumes. This book WILL change you life.

Change Your Words, Change Your Life is at the top of Meyer’s Bestsellers – right next to her ultimate bestseller, Battlefield of the Mind. Meyer’s website mentions it’s actually two follow-up titles to “Battlefield” -- Power Thoughts and Living Beyond Your Emotions in which Meyer builds the premise of this title. I recommend all three titles.

In reviewing the audio version I often stopped whatever I was doing to fully listen and many times would rewind to hear it again…

Meyer asks questions that would make anyone say ‘Oh me…” When you wake up in the morning what are you thinking? Are your daily thoughts negative, critical, judgmental? Do you follow up negative thoughts with words? Do you think giving your opinion about something or someone is harmless? Meyer tells us to be healthy in our soul and spirit “we should chose to take in words that build us up and increase our peace and joy.” We should not put ourselves down, speak negative to ourselves or let negative thoughts becomes accusations towards others.

Meyer’s goal is to help you understand the words you speak and how they affect both you and others spiritually. She begins with the impact of our words as she shares the story of an employee who sent an email (a negative response) to the entire company (by accident) instead of to the person she meant it for… Her position at that job was limited because of it. It’s the same in our spiritual life. Once we open our mouth we become limited….

Meyer teaches on the subjects of: fasting words, knowing scripture, words that grieve the Holy Spirit, keeping your word, truly listening, speaking Faith, gossip, criticism, jesting or teasing, cussing, lying, hate, listen to God’s word not words of defeat (great frog anecdote with this one), don’t feel condemned when convicted, and making this book/audio a turning point. Also included at the end is a “A Dictionary of God's Word” – scriptures to help us live positively, heal and change our words… Some are “strong” reminders in correcting our words and behavior. There are repeated anecdotes by the author but they are well placed and much needed for this subject.

Daughter Sandra McCollom narrates the audio edition with precision and personal conviction. Change Your Words, Change Your Life is one of those “must share” titles. After hearing the first three chapters I hooked my iPod to a speaker.

Here is a list of the chapters

The Impact of Words
Taming Your Tongue
Learning to Say What God Says
The Characteristics of a Mature Christian
What Do You Want in the Future?
Staying Strong Through the Storms of Life
Defeating Your Enemies
How Happy Do You want to Be?
Words That Grieve the Holy Spririt
Fasting Your Words
Speak No Evil
Speak Faith, Not Fear
Don’t Complain
Words of Encouragement
Love Listens and Speaks
“Don’t Let the Devil Speak Through You
Do You Really Have to Give Your Opinion?
Say Something Good or Don’t Say Anything at All
Gentle Words
Keeping Your Word
Watch Your Mouth
Do You Want to Change Your Life?

Reviews to other Joyce Meyer Titles