Speaking Life: The Power of Prophecy and Faith

Sep 01, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Speaking God’s Word Over Dry Bones

When you find yourself surrounded by situations that seem lifeless, hopeless, or beyond repair, remember that God invites you to speak His word into those very places. Just as Ezekiel was commanded to prophesy to the dry bones, you are called to declare God’s promises over what looks dead in your life—your dreams, relationships, faith, or peace. What you say, especially when it aligns with God’s word, carries the power to shift circumstances and bring about transformation. Don’t let what you see silence your voice; instead, let your voice, filled with God’s truth, change what you see. [08:20]

Ezekiel 37:4 (NIV)
Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!’”

Reflection: What is one area of your life that feels hopeless or “dry” right now, and how can you intentionally speak God’s promises over it today?

Day 2: Life and Death Are in the Power of the Tongue

Your words have the ability to build up or tear down, to release hope or deepen despair. Proverbs reminds us that life and death are in the power of the tongue, and what you declare over yourself and others can shape your reality. Choose to speak life, hope, and blessing, even when circumstances tempt you to complain or give up. When you align your speech with God’s truth, you partner with Him in bringing restoration and breakthrough into your life and the lives of those around you. [03:44]

Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where your words could have brought life or death—how can you be more intentional today about speaking words that build up and encourage?

Day 3: The Spirit Gives Life—Prophesy to the Breath

It’s not enough to simply see things come together outwardly; true transformation requires the breath of God, His Spirit, to bring life to what was dead. Just as Ezekiel was told to prophesy not only to the bones but also to the breath, you are invited to call on God’s Spirit to fill every area of your life. Without the Spirit, there is form but no power, existence but not true living. Ask God to breathe into your dreams, your faith, your family, and your future, trusting that His Spirit brings revival, strength, and purpose. [18:20]

Genesis 2:7 (NIV)
Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

Reflection: Where in your life do you sense you are merely “existing” and not truly living? Invite God’s Spirit to breathe new life into that area today.

Day 4: Knowing and Declaring God’s Word in Every Season

Victory in spiritual battles comes from knowing God’s word and declaring it over your life, just as Jesus did when tempted in the wilderness. You may not always have a Bible in hand, but when God’s word is hidden in your heart, you can speak it in moments of need, discouragement, or attack. The enemy may return in different seasons, but with God’s word on your lips and in your heart, you are equipped to stand firm and speak life, no matter what comes your way. [17:00]

Psalm 119:11 (NIV)
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Reflection: What is one verse or promise from God’s word you can memorize and declare over your life this week when you face challenges?

Day 5: Trusting God with the Results—Keep Prophesying

You are called to speak life, but the results belong to God. Maturity in faith means trusting that while you have the responsibility to declare God’s promises, only He can bring the increase, the breakthrough, and the resurrection. Don’t stop speaking life just because you don’t see immediate change; keep prophesying, keep believing, and keep trusting that God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all you ask or think. Surrender the outcome to Him, and use every breath to declare, “God, I need you to breathe!” [24:19]

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

Reflection: Is there a situation where you’ve stopped praying or speaking life because you haven’t seen results? What would it look like to trust God with the outcome and keep declaring His promises today?

Sermon Summary

In Ezekiel 37, God commands the prophet to prophesy to a valley of dry bones, a vision that represents hopelessness, loss, and situations that seem beyond repair. This powerful image is not just about ancient Israel, but about every one of us who has ever faced a season where dreams, relationships, faith, or hope felt lifeless and scattered. The question God asks Ezekiel—“Can these bones live?”—is the same question we must answer in our own valleys. It’s a call to look beyond what we see and to trust in what God can do, even when everything around us looks dead.

Words carry immense power. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. What we speak over our lives, our families, and our situations can either build up or tear down. But there is a greater power when we speak not just our own words, but God’s word over our circumstances. When we declare God’s promises in the face of impossibility, we invite His resurrection power into our dry places. God didn’t just tell Ezekiel to observe the bones—He told him to speak, to prophesy, to declare life where there was none.

This call to prophesy is not reserved for prophets or preachers. Through Christ, every believer has direct access to God and the authority to speak His word. It’s not about predicting the future, but about declaring God’s truth over what looks hopeless. When we know the word of God and hide it in our hearts, we are equipped to speak life, even when we don’t have a Bible in hand. Like Jesus in the wilderness, we can answer every attack, every doubt, every dry season with “It is written.”

Yet, even as we speak, we recognize that the results are in God’s hands. Our responsibility is to use the breath He’s given us to declare life, but it is God’s Spirit—the breath, the ruach—that brings true transformation. We are called to prophesy to the bones and to the breath, asking God to breathe His Spirit into every dead and hopeless area. When God breathes, what was dead must live again. So, no matter what you see, keep speaking life, keep declaring God’s promises, and trust Him to bring resurrection and restoration.

Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Words: Our words have the ability to shape reality, bringing either life or death to our situations. When we intentionally speak God’s word over what seems hopeless, we invite His power to transform what looks impossible. The tongue is not just a tool for communication, but a vessel for God’s creative and restorative work. [03:44]
2. Faith Sees Beyond the Valley: God’s question to Ezekiel—“Can these bones live?”—forces us to confront our own faith. True faith is not limited by what our eyes see; it trusts that God can breathe life into what appears dead. Even when surrounded by brokenness, faith dares to declare hope and possibility. [08:20]
3. Every Believer Can Prophesy: Prophesying is not about holding a title or being a preacher; it’s about speaking under the influence of God’s Spirit. Because of Christ, we have direct access to God and His word, empowering us to declare His promises over our lives and situations. You don’t have to wait for someone else to speak over you—God has given you the authority to speak life. [11:50]
4. The Necessity of Knowing God’s Word: To speak life effectively, we must know God’s word deeply. When challenges arise, it’s the word hidden in our hearts that enables us to respond with faith and authority. Like Jesus in the wilderness, we overcome by declaring, “It is written,” standing on the unchanging promises of God. [17:00]
5. The Spirit Brings True Life: Speaking God’s word is powerful, but it is the Spirit—the breath of God—that brings true transformation. We must not only prophesy to the bones but also call on God’s Spirit to breathe into our situations. Our role is to speak; God’s role is to breathe life, and when He does, even the driest bones will live again. [18:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Reading Ezekiel 37:4
[01:10] - The Power to Prophesy
[02:00] - The Story of Oprah and the Power of Words
[03:44] - Life and Death in the Tongue
[05:00] - The Valley of Dry Bones: Hopelessness and Exile
[08:20] - God’s Question: Can These Bones Live?
[10:00] - Moving from What You See to What You Speak
[11:50] - Every Believer’s Authority to Prophesy
[13:30] - Speaking God’s Word Over Your Life
[16:20] - What You Say Can Change What You See
[17:00] - The Importance of Knowing God’s Word
[18:20] - Prophesying to the Breath: The Spirit Gives Life
[21:00] - Trusting God with the Results
[24:19] - Declaring Life Over Every Area
[29:22] - The King of Glory and the Power to Prophesy
[31:22] - Final Encouragement and Praise

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Can These Bones Live?”

Bible Reading

Ezekiel 37:1-14 (ESV)
The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry. And he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live..." (read through verse 14)

Proverbs 18:21 (ESV)
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Observation Questions

In Ezekiel 37, what does God command Ezekiel to do when he sees the valley of dry bones? What is Ezekiel’s initial response to God’s question?
According to Proverbs 18:21, what is said to be in the power of the tongue?
In the sermon, what are some examples of “dry bones” or lifeless situations that people might face today? [05:00]
What happens in the vision after Ezekiel prophesies to the bones, and what is still missing until he prophesies to the breath? [18:20]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God asks Ezekiel, “Can these bones live?” instead of just telling him what will happen? What does this question reveal about faith? [08:20]
The sermon says that prophesying is not just for prophets or preachers. What does it mean for every believer to “prophesy” in their own life? [11:50]
The pastor talks about the power of words and specifically the power of speaking God’s word over our situations. How is this different from just positive thinking or self-encouragement? [03:44]
Why is it important to know God’s word “deeply” and have it hidden in our hearts, according to the sermon? How does this help us in difficult times? [17:00]

Application Questions

The sermon describes “dry bones” as areas of hopelessness, loss, or things that seem beyond repair. Is there a specific area in your life right now that feels like a valley of dry bones? What would it look like to bring that to God honestly? [05:00]
Proverbs 18:21 says life and death are in the power of the tongue. Think about the words you speak over yourself, your family, or your situation. Are there any negative or hopeless things you’ve been saying that you want to change? What is one way you can start speaking life instead? [03:44]
The pastor shared that every believer has the authority to speak God’s word over their life. Is there a promise or truth from Scripture that you need to start declaring over your situation this week? What is it? [11:50]
The sermon emphasized the importance of knowing God’s word so we can speak it even when we don’t have a Bible in hand. What is one practical step you can take to memorize or meditate on Scripture this month? [17:00]
When Ezekiel prophesied, the bones came together but there was still no life until God’s Spirit breathed into them. Are there areas where you’ve done all you can, but you need to ask God’s Spirit to move? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into those places? [18:20]
The pastor said our responsibility is to speak, but the results are in God’s hands. Is there a situation where you need to let go of control and trust God with the outcome? What would it look like to do that? [21:00]
The sermon ended with a call to “keep speaking life, keep declaring God’s promises, and trust Him to bring resurrection and restoration.” What is one area where you want to commit to consistently speaking God’s promises, even if you don’t see change right away? [24:19]

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for one another, asking God to breathe His Spirit into every “dry bone” situation represented in the group, and to give each person boldness to speak life and declare His promises.

Sermon Clips

“I need you to know that your words carry power and that's why the Bible says in Proverbs 18 21 life and death are in the power of the tongue and those who indulge it will eat the fruit and bear the consequences of their words what we say has the ability to build or break our words matter more than we realize they can tear down or build up they can kill hope or release life that's why speaking life over what feels dead speaking life over what is broken over hopeless situations it's impactful when you speak life over what looks dead when you declare hope over what seems beyond repair something begins to shift because what you say carries weight what you say matters and here's the real point I want you to grab if if our words have theability to bring life or death.Imagine the difference it makes when we intentionally speak God's word over our lives.”

“If our words carry weight, then the word or words of God can bring true transformation.That's why Ezekiel 37 is powerful because it shows the transformation that happens when we speak the word of God into dry, lifeless places.Ezekiel 37 opens with the vision and Ezekiel has his vision and in the vision he is standing in the middle of a valley filled with dry bones. Somebody shout dry bones. Scattered, brittle, lifeless. Can you see it? No skin, no muscle, no breath, no strength, no sign of life, only fragments of what used to be. And everywhere Ezekiel looked, he saw emptiness. Everywhere he looked, he saw hopelessness in this valley.”

“God, hear me.took Ezekiel on a tour of the valley in the vision and as he looked around he noticed that the bones were very dry meaning they had been dead for a long time it was a situation that looked beyond repair and please forgive me for being in your business early this morning but can I ask you a question have you ever felt like that like something in your life has been dead so long that there's no way it could live again have you ever faced a situation that felt completely hopeless I mean you just knew it would not get better maybe it was a broken relationship maybe it was a job you thought you would never get back maybe it was a dream that seemed shattered maybe it was watching your finances fall apart am I on your roll yet maybe maybe you felt like your finances were falling apart feeling like you were drowning in debt with no way out maybe it was grief of losing that loved one I mean you thought you would never get through grief and you were wondering when I'm gonna when will I have joy again when when can I experience peace again or maybe it wasn't just one thing maybe it was everything piling up at once leaving you tired and drained and questioning things and wondering God when are you going to turn this situation around.”

“Ezekiel standing in a proverbial valley surrounded by dry bones, dry hopes, dry dreams, dry relationships, dry faith, dry peace, dry confidence, dry strength, dry opportunities, dry marriage, dry worship, dry church. Am I on your roll yet? Friends, let me tell you, sometimes life makes it feel like you are standing in a valley full of dry bones. Lifeless bones and hopelessness has a way of making you feel stuck like you're standing in a valley with no way to escape, no light at the end of the tunnel and no reason to keep believing.”

“Oh, but I came here to help somebody early this morning and tell you don't trip because the same God who stood with Ezekiel in the valley of the dry bones and asked him this important question is asking you that same question today. He says, son of man, can these bones live? Can these bones live? Can what's dead in your life come back to life? Can what feels broken be restored? Can what seems hopeless be filled with hope again? Do you believe that these bones can live?”

“The question is important because it causes us to evaluate our faith because faith sees beyond the valley faith sees beyond the hopelessness and faith trusts that God can breathe life into what looks dead watch the text watch the text because God moved Ezekiel from from focusing on what he saw to declaring what he needed to speak he says I know you see lifeless bones I know you see broken bones I know you see dry bones I know what you see looks beyond repair I know it feels impossible but for a moment I want you to stop focusing on what's in front of your eyes and start declaring my words over your situation.”

“He he he shifts from what you see to what you need to speak the vision may show dry bones the vision may show broken pieces the vision shows emptiness but your voice has the power to speak resurrection over what seems dead did you hear what I said I said the vision may show dry bones the vision may show broken pieces the vision shows emptiness but your voice has the power to speak resurrection over what seems dead don't let what you see silence the power youPower God's word that God's word you are meant to speak.”

“He says, son of man, prophesy to the bones.Speak even when it doesn't make sense. Speak even when you see hurt and whatever you see hurts your eyes and your heart. I know what you see, but prophesy anyway. Somebody shout prophesy anyway.Yeah, and friends, that command wasn't just for Ezekiel. It's for you too, that God doesn't want you walking around discouraged. God doesn't want you walking defeated with your head down or stuck on what it looks like. He doesn't want you to be sitting back complaining or waiting for somebody else to fix it. God wants you to prophesy.God wants you to speak life over your situation. Speak hope into dry places. Speak resurrection over what feels that he is calling you to speak life, to declare his power, to believe what looks dead can live again.”

“For the sake of context prophesy nava is is is the word literally means to speak under influence of divine spirit hear me it's not about trying to license yourself to be a prophet i'm not trying to put a clergy collar on you i i'm trying to help you seeto the people of god just in case they didn't hear from god he would speak directly to the prophet and the prophet would take the word from god and and relay it to the people but in the new testament when jesus died on that cross the veil was torn in two in the temple and now we have direct access to god so you don't have to wait until your favorite prophet comes to town and speak a word over your life you may not even have time to do that that family member may not have time for you to call your favorite prophet i'm here to argue if you know the word of god you better open up your mouth and speak the word of god.”

“I know you may have a little fear but you gotta say i know what i see but i also know what your word says i see sickness but your word says by your stripes i am healed i i see lack but your words you yousays my God will supply all of my needs according to his riches and glory by Christ Jesus I see fear but your word says God has not given me the spirit of fear but power love and a sound mind I see failure but your word declares I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength I'm telling you I see impossibility but your word says with God all things are possible I see weakness but your word says my grace is sufficient for you my power is made perfect in your weakness I see loneliness but your word says that you will never leave me nor forsake me.”

“I'm trying to tell somebody you have the power to speak life over your situation you when you get frustrated and when you get tired you have the power to say I will be successful I am a royal priesthood I will shine like a city on on a hill that cannot be hidden I will overcome every challenge that I face I will not be defined by my failure and by rejections and by my setback I will rise above fear I will rise above doubt I will rise above distraction I willI will walk in purpose and fulfill my calling and leave a mark that cannot be erased. I speak blessings over my life. I speak blessings over my family. I speak blessings over my pastor. I speak blessings over my spouse. I speak blessings over this church. Is there anybody in here who can give God praise that you have the power to speak life into lifeless situations?”

“What comes out of your mouth is more powerful than what meets your eyes.So good, I want to say it again.What comes out of your mouth is more powerful than what meets your eyes. What you see is what you see.But what you say has the power to change what you see.”

“What you see is what you see.But what you say has the power.To change what you see. To shift your circumstances and bring life where there seems to be none. In other words, you have to prophesy to the dry bones.”

“But in order to speak life, you got to know the word of God.You got to study it. You got to study the word of God. You got to be in your word. And again, you may not always have time to open up this physical Bible. So you got to have a word on your heart. You have to have it because the enemy wants to take you out. Because God knows the plans that God has for you. God wants you to prosper. God doesn't want to harm you. And the enemy knows that.So you got to have a word. You got to have a word.”

“You have the power to speak those things that are not as though they were somebody shall prophesy I gotta move I gotta move um but at the first sign of improvement you know you prophesy to the bones don't stop prophesying because Ezekiel opens his mouth the bones rattle can you hear it the sound of God putting pieces back together sounds so good that that the sound of God restoring what what was broken the the sound of God reordering what what looks scattered but but waits the the bones came back together flesh covered them yet there was no life so God tells Ezekiel don't just prophesy to the bones uh prophesy to the breath he says I I I I prophesy as I was commanded that's what the bible says and I as I was prophesying there was a no noise rattling sound bones came back together but no life so God says prophesy to the bones that bones bones bones prophesy to the breath breath wind the spirit ruach it is is that hebrew word um um bones bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bones and bonesand breath prophesy to the bones and the breath breath the wind the spirit that that that the bones did not have spirit which means they were still lifeless so God says I need you to prophesy to the breath I need you to call on my spirit to enter what is dead and watch it live again because without breath you cannot without breath you can have body but no life without the spirit you have form but no power and the spirit is what gives life that's why in Genesis 2 and 7 the Bible says that God formed man from dust of the ground but dust didn't dust didn't move until God breathed in man because when God breathed into his nostrils man became a living soul I'm trying to tell you the same spirit that empowers that empowered Ezekiel to prophesy to the breath you have that same spirit don't just stop with the bones you got to prophesy with with to the breath so that you can have life so many of us are existing but we're not living but the spirit gives you life Zoe it gives you life beyond physical existence but so many us are so many of us are just existing but I've come in to tell you today you will live and I want you to prophesy to the spirit I I want you to open your mouth and say spirit breathe breathe into this dead situation breathe into this broken dream breathe into this weary body breathe into this struggling faith breathe into my home breatheBreathe in my family. Breathe in my future. Whatever there is that, I need it to live again. God, I need you to breathe again.”

“And I got to be responsible because here's the thing. I'm telling you that you have the power to prophesy. But I want to let you know this, that the results are in God's hands.And when you mature as a Christian, you say, I know I don't get the final say so. But as long as I have breath, I'm going to speak life over my situation. Now, I'm not going to worry about the results. All I'm going to do is use the breath that I have to speak into my situation and believe that, God, you're going to turn it around. I give you the results because I know that you have all power. I know that you are able to do exceeding abundantly above all that I ask or think. I know that you are able to do immeasurably more. But I cannot live. I cannot move. I cannot do all of this without you. So I'm willing to spend the rest of my life asking you to breathe on me again.”

“When God breathes, sickness has to bow. When God breathes, strongholds have to break. When God breathes, what's dead must live again. Open your mouth and say, God, I need you to breathe. I'm trying to tell you that God is able to breathe life into your situation. God is able to bring restoration into your relationships. God is able to breathe revival into your faith. Open up your mouth and shout, God, I need you to breathe. God is able to breathe courage into fearful hearts. God is able to breathe life into delayed callings and dreams. Can you use your voice and say, God, I need you to breathe.”

“I'm here to tell you that God is able to breathe freedom from fear and oppression. Open up your mouth early this morning and shout, God, I need you to breathe. I'm here to tell you that God is able to breathe life into your ministry. God is able to breathe life into your neighborhoods. God is able to bring life into this city. Open up your mouth and shout, God, I need you to breathe. God is able to breathe resurrection power.So what's dead shall rise. Open up your mouth and say, God, I need you to breathe.”

“I've come to tell you that you have the power to prophesy. Don't worry about the results. But every day you get a chance to live. Speak life into your situation. You ought to prophesy to yourself and say, I shall live and not die.My faith shall live. You're not prophesying. I said prophesy to yourself. My peace shall live. My family shall live. My purpose shall live. My dreams shall live. My vision shall live. My health shall live. My strength shall live. Can you open up your mouth and tell somebody, I prophesy over you. You shall live and not die to declare the works of the Lord.”

“Open up your mouth and tell somebody, I used my power to speak life over you. Your future shall live. Your worship shall live. Your praise shall live. Your confidence shall live. Your courage shall live. Your anointing shall live. Your breakthrough shall live. Your testimony shall live. Yeah. Your passion shall live. Your prayer life shall live. Your dreams shall live. Your goals shall live. Your heart shall live. Can you open up your mouth and begin to speak in that room? Hope and say, I need you to live. You will not give up today. I speak life in your situation. These dry bones shall live again.These dry bones will live again. Open up your mouth and begin to prophesy. I will make it. I am successful. I am somebody. I can do all things.through Christ Jesus who gives me strength. I can do all things. Tell somebody I shall live. Tell somebody you shall live. Open up your mouth and stand in the room. You shall live.”

“I know what I see, but your word says he was wounded for our transgression, bruised for our iniquity. The chastisement of our peace was upon him, but with his strikes, we are healed. Can you prophesy and tell somebody you cannot give up now? You will not throw in the towel. Don't wave the white flag of surrender. Wipe your eyes. God will take care of you. Tell somebody God will take care of you. God will provide for you. I need you to live. I need you to live until you have peace. Live so you can have joy. Live so that you can be all God created you to be.”

“If you can, can you just walk around and tell somebody you will leave today.You will live today. Depression won't take you out. Not on my watch. I see life and life more abundantly. I say, oh, I feel good this morning. Open up your mouth and begin to speak. I will have good grades. We will have a good season. I will make it up. I won't grow in a towel. I won't give up. Open up your mouth and tell somebody, you shall live. Yeah, you shall live. Open up your mouth and prophesy. You got the power to prophesy.Suicide won't take you out. Tell somebody, lift up your head. Oh, ye gate, be ye lifted up. Ye everlasting Lord and the King of glory, God, shall come in.”

“I've come on divine assignment to tell you you got the power to prophesy you ain't got to wait for your favorite prophet to come to town open up your mouth and say I know the word I know the word I know the word many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord shall deliver them out of them all open up your mouth and shout I know the word.”

“Open up your mouth and declare with power and authority I shall livecome on tell somebody you shall live you will have peace you will have joy tell somebody you're gonna make it tell somebody you're gonna make it tell somebody you still have purpose youOpen you you you you Thank you.tell somebody God ain't through with you open up your mouth and prophesy and if you believe the word of the Lord I dare to clap your hands run, dance do whatever you need to do but this is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it woo”

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