James 3:3-6 New King James Version
3 [a]Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.
See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of [b] iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of [c]nature; and it is set on fire by [d]hell.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
Have you ever seen a roast?
I’m talking about the comedy performance, not the cut of beef.
A roast is when several comedians and celebrities “pay tribute” to a featured guest. The way they pay tribute is through insults.
The tradition started over a century ago at the Friars Club in New York City.
In the 1970s, Actor, Singer Comedian Dean Martin hosted several celebrity hosts as part of his television show. In recent years, however, celebrity roasts have gained notoriety for their quite literally anything-goes atmosphere.
It seems that nothing is sacred anymore, not when there’s roasting to be done.
No topic is off-limits.
No insult is too vile.
The further you push the envelope, the more memorable you are as a roaster.
Some comedians have become famous because of their funny, rather off beat, obnoxious no holds barred, barbs barred, tongues clamped roasting routines.
It makes you wonder why someone would volunteer to be roasted.
Those who do are praised as good sports and being able to take a joke.
Because, after all, it’s all in good fun.
Everything is said in jest.
So there’s no reason for anyone to get offended or take things personally.
But, of course, that’s not reality.
And in recent years, roast participants have talked about how they couldn’t really laugh off some of the things that were said about them. How a single comment had wrecked their self-confidence and even their mental health.
Their experiences highlight the truth of what James says in James 3:5:
“In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire” (NLT).
People will come back and snidely say, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
But, from personal experience that is so not true.
You can probably remember words that hurt you deeply.
Maybe someone said you would never amount to anything. Or that there is something very wrong with your appearance. Those things are hard to forget.
The good news is, so are heartfelt compliments and words of encouragement.
Think of some of the beautiful things your spouse—or your family members or other loved ones—said that still resonate with you today.
That’s the point Proverbs 18:21 makes: “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences” (NLT).
The choice is always going to be our own – what is said, what is heard, believed.
Proverbs 25:11 says, “The right word at the right time is like precious gold set in silver” (CEV).
Saying the right thing at the right time is a gift whose value will increase over time. Your words and my words have the greatest potential to change lives. Ask God, cry out, plead with God, for the wisdom to use them to the best advantage.
Your tongue can leave a wide path of destruction in its wake—or it can leave a cherished legacy of encouragement, healing, confidence-building, and love.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Lets Pray,
Glory from Heaven and Torah
Psalm 19
1 For the music director, a psalm of David.
2 The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky shows His handiwork.
3 Day to day they speak,
night to night they reveal knowledge.
4 There is no speech, no words,
where their voice goes unheard.
5 Their voice has gone out to all the earth
and their words to the end of the world.[a]
In the heavens He pitched a tent for the sun.
6 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his bridal chamber.
It is like a strong man rejoicing to run his course.
7 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other end.
Nothing is hidden from its heat.
8 The Torah of Adonai is perfect,
restoring the soul.
The testimony of Adonai is trustworthy,
making the simple wise.
9 The precepts of Adonai are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The mitzvot of Adonai are pure,
giving light to the eyes.
10 The fear of Adonai is clean,
enduring forever.
The judgments of Adonai are true
and altogether righteous.
11 They are more desirable than gold,
yes, more than much pure gold!
They are sweeter than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
12 Moreover by them Your servant is warned.
In keeping them there is great reward.
13 Who can discern his errors?
Cleanse me of hidden faults.
14 Also keep Your servant from willful sins.
May they not have dominion over me.
Then I will be blameless,
free from great transgression.
15 May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable before You,
Adonai, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
Loving God, Living God, Loving Hope, Living Hope, Loving Living Life His Way! "Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues." - Brother Lawrence (1605-1691), Practicing the Presence of God (1692). 