Don't Dis
It is crucial to be circumspect in the things we say and do. Even the smallest, seemingly harmless words we speak may have a
dynamic impact on our Christian Victory. As we clean out the negative, how much greater effect a positive confession will have on
our life and world!
“Dis” is a prefix that changes the meaning of the word it precedes to exactly opposite of its’ original intended meaning. The literal
translation from the Latin means “to separate into pieces.” Long before American youth began to use “dis” as a slang
abbreviation for “disrespect”, this little three letter prefix was being used to affect the blessing that God has for us.
If we look at a list of “dis” words, we uncover some of the things the “enemy of our souls” is trying to steal:
dis-courage
dis-respect
dis-able
dis-contented
dis-function
dis-appoint
dis-ease
We are not suggesting denial of situations, as if they do not occur, but in response to the challenges we face daily, we are to:
Be of good courage.
Respect one another.
Be more than able in Christ
Contented through it all
Function in God’s perfection purposed for an appointed time.
At peace and ease about life
We respond in faith, rather than “dis”; calling those things that be not as though they were. (Romans 4:17)
(Deuteronomy 31:23)
(Ephesians 5:33)
(Hebrews 7:25)
(Philippians 4:11)
(Ephesians 4:16 - AMP)
(Habakkuk 2:3)
(Proverbs 3:2)
Notice that “dis” doesn’t create anything new; it merely alters a positive word into a negative one. Some meanings of positive
root-words are evident, some are more obscure, and some, quite profound. The promises that God has spoken to us are good.
He calls us to reflect them in our own thoughts, words and actions. Anything else would “dis”-agree with His will. “Submit
yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
Even as a proper noun “dis” is linked to evil and mythological realms of demons and hell. Now before you go through your
“Webster’s Dictionary” and cross out every “dis” you encounter; the prefix isn’t the problem. We need to discuss, with
discernment, the real issues. It is necessary for us to understand the battle-at-hand. “Dis” is being formed against our ease,
appointments, courage, respect, and contentment – just to name a few. When we begin to describe ourselves, circumstances or
other people with these “dis” words, spiritual sirens ought to go off and a warning flag, go up. If we catch ourselves (or, a brother
or sister in Christ) using one of these “dis” words, we should immediately recognize that our perception and feelings about the
situation are being manipulated by something other than the Word of God. We should then immediately correct our speech and
our thinking.
The following prayer will help us stay on track:
Heavenly Father, I boldly confess that I am strong in the LORD (the Absolute Dominion and Supreme Authority) and in Your
mighty power. I put on the full armor of God so that I can take my stand against the devil's schemes. Please remind me, precious
Holy Spirit that our struggle, is not against flesh and blood. Therefore, I take authority over the rulers, the powers of darkness and
over spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. I bind you and render you harmless and ineffective against me and those for
whom I pray, in Jesus’ Name. I put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, I may be able to stand my
ground, and after I have done everything, to stand. I stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around my waist, with the
breastplate of righteousness in place, and with my feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition,
I take up the shield of faith, with which I can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. I take the helmet of salvation and the
sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. I pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this
in mind, I am alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. I pray also, that whenever we speak, words may be given us so
that we will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which we are ambassadors. I pray that we may declare it
fearlessly. I confess that no weapon turned against me, or my brothers and sisters in Christ will succeed. We will silence every
voice raised up to accuse us. We enjoy these benefits because we are servants of the LORD. Our vindication will come from
You, for You, the LORD (the Absolute Dominion and Supreme Authority), have spoken!
(Matthew 18:18; Ephesians 6:10- 20 NIV; Isaiah 54:17 NLT)
Love In Christ,
Gregory & Linda Emler
It is crucial to be circumspect in the things we say and do. Even the smallest, seemingly harmless words we speak may have a
dynamic impact on our Christian Victory. As we clean out the negative, how much greater effect a positive confession will have on
our life and world!
“Dis” is a prefix that changes the meaning of the word it precedes to exactly opposite of its’ original intended meaning. The literal
translation from the Latin means “to separate into pieces.” Long before American youth began to use “dis” as a slang
abbreviation for “disrespect”, this little three letter prefix was being used to affect the blessing that God has for us.
If we look at a list of “dis” words, we uncover some of the things the “enemy of our souls” is trying to steal:
dis-courage
dis-respect
dis-able
dis-contented
dis-function
dis-appoint
dis-ease
We are not suggesting denial of situations, as if they do not occur, but in response to the challenges we face daily, we are to:
Be of good courage.
Respect one another.
Be more than able in Christ
Contented through it all
Function in God’s perfection purposed for an appointed time.
At peace and ease about life
We respond in faith, rather than “dis”; calling those things that be not as though they were. (Romans 4:17)
(Deuteronomy 31:23)
(Ephesians 5:33)
(Hebrews 7:25)
(Philippians 4:11)
(Ephesians 4:16 - AMP)
(Habakkuk 2:3)
(Proverbs 3:2)
Notice that “dis” doesn’t create anything new; it merely alters a positive word into a negative one. Some meanings of positive
root-words are evident, some are more obscure, and some, quite profound. The promises that God has spoken to us are good.
He calls us to reflect them in our own thoughts, words and actions. Anything else would “dis”-agree with His will. “Submit
yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
Even as a proper noun “dis” is linked to evil and mythological realms of demons and hell. Now before you go through your
“Webster’s Dictionary” and cross out every “dis” you encounter; the prefix isn’t the problem. We need to discuss, with
discernment, the real issues. It is necessary for us to understand the battle-at-hand. “Dis” is being formed against our ease,
appointments, courage, respect, and contentment – just to name a few. When we begin to describe ourselves, circumstances or
other people with these “dis” words, spiritual sirens ought to go off and a warning flag, go up. If we catch ourselves (or, a brother
or sister in Christ) using one of these “dis” words, we should immediately recognize that our perception and feelings about the
situation are being manipulated by something other than the Word of God. We should then immediately correct our speech and
our thinking.
The following prayer will help us stay on track:
Heavenly Father, I boldly confess that I am strong in the LORD (the Absolute Dominion and Supreme Authority) and in Your
mighty power. I put on the full armor of God so that I can take my stand against the devil's schemes. Please remind me, precious
Holy Spirit that our struggle, is not against flesh and blood. Therefore, I take authority over the rulers, the powers of darkness and
over spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. I bind you and render you harmless and ineffective against me and those for
whom I pray, in Jesus’ Name. I put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, I may be able to stand my
ground, and after I have done everything, to stand. I stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around my waist, with the
breastplate of righteousness in place, and with my feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition,
I take up the shield of faith, with which I can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. I take the helmet of salvation and the
sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. I pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this
in mind, I am alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. I pray also, that whenever we speak, words may be given us so
that we will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which we are ambassadors. I pray that we may declare it
fearlessly. I confess that no weapon turned against me, or my brothers and sisters in Christ will succeed. We will silence every
voice raised up to accuse us. We enjoy these benefits because we are servants of the LORD. Our vindication will come from
You, for You, the LORD (the Absolute Dominion and Supreme Authority), have spoken!
(Matthew 18:18; Ephesians 6:10- 20 NIV; Isaiah 54:17 NLT)
Love In Christ,
Gregory & Linda Emler
