“Bearing one another’s burdens is a display of love.”
The Tongue
The Untamable Tongue
James 3:8 “But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” [NKJV]
In the book of James chapter 3 verses 1-12 the author writes about the tongue and gives practical instructions about what a person says, and the words that they use.
A person should always try to use wisdom with their words and speech. Once words have been said, they cannot be taken back. What is said can be encouraging, comforting and supportive or, can do damage that can be irreversible.
The tongue is one of the smallest members of our bodies but has enormous power and if allowed, it will take full control of what is said or done.
James chapter 3 gives several descriptions about the tongue:
Vs 3 compares the tongue as bits that guides horses
Vs 4 compares the tongue as a rudder on large ships
Vs 5 describes the tongue as a little member that boasts great things
Vs 6 describes the tongue as a small fire that can be the cause of a great fire
Vs 6 also describes the tongue as a world of iniquity that can defile the whole body
Vs 8 the tongue is untamable and full of deadly poison
Vs 9 with the same tongue blessings and curses proceed out of the mouth
James chapter 1:19 “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath”
Paying close attention to what is being said helps with slowing down an angry response.
James chapter 1:26 “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but decides his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.”
We can’t always respond with the first thing that comes to our mind.
James chapter 4:11 “Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law.”
Words spoken about someone should be positive and uplifting.
Colossians 4:6”Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
In our daily conversation with others, the words that are used should be holy, courteous, desirable, full of wisdom and respectful. The words that are used should not only honor God, but also be encouraging to others that are around us that can hear what is being said.
Proverbs 15:1-2 “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Vs.2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.” [NKJV]
Father in heaven, may our speech and the words are said out of our mouths, always magnify and glorify You and Your kingdom, in Jesus name…Amen!
Continuing in His service Rev
Rooted and Grounded
When a person is rooted and grounded in the word of God, they are better equipped to endure any storm that comes their way.
Hebrews 4:12-13 “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” [NIV]
More Than Conquerors
Becoming more than a Conqueror
Romans 8:37 “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
The term “more than a conqueror” means that someone not only has achieved a victory, but are overwhelmingly victorious leaving no doubt as to who not only won the battles, but also who won the war.
The following steps will help with becoming more than conquerors.
1st “Claim the victory”
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
2nd “Obtain the strength that you will need from the correct source”
2nd Corinthians 10:3-4 and 5 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. Vs 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, Vs 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ”
3rd “Dress correctly for protection and use the right weapons to become victorious”
Ephesians 6:10-17 “10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.“
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
4th “Vision yourself as being more than a conqueror”
Romans 8:38-39 “for I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—-beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, Vs 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [Amplified version]
When a person is considered to be “more than a conqueror”, they are sometimes seen as; a winner, a hero, a subduer, a vanquisher, a victor, and defeater.
When the enemy comes in like a flood, and a person is facing trials in their lives, it looks like the odds are against you, take a moment to remind yourself that greater is He that is in you, than he who is in the world, then look at yourself as being “more than a conqueror” and claim the victory.
Lord Jesus, thank you for the authority and power to be “more than conquerors” in your precious name…Amen!
Continuing in His service…Rev
