04/01/2026 - Ps Matthew Destry

Everyone is an influencer; the question is, what are you influencing people toward?

“The whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind.” 1 Kings 10:24

“The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10:22

And Ecclesiastes 5:10 warns: “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money… this also is vanity.”

Words outlive wealth. Gold loses its shine; wisdom gains interest forever.

Three ways words build worlds

1. Words shape identity

Practical:

This week, audit your words.

What are you calling people?

Do your words shrink people or stretch them?

Are you naming them as beloved or labelling them as burdens?

Speak to the destiny in people, not the dysfunction in them.

2. Words create culture

Practical: Ask yourself this week:

What culture am I creating through my words?

At home – do I create safety or suspicion?

Online – do I contribute noise or nourishment?

In church – do I speak faith or fatigue?

3. Words reveal treasure

Practical: Listen to yourself this week. What theme dominates your conversation – worry, wealth, gossip, gratitude?

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1

Application: Three practices this week

1. Bless deliberately.

2. Culture check.

3. Treasure test.

That is the new world we now live in – the world created by the Word made flesh. The story of the Bible begins and ends with speech – God speaking, blessing, creating, redeeming.