A great devotional from EdYoung.com that I just received. One of the tough things to do in life but God can give us power.
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:3-6
A horse is a powerful animal with a strong, wild nature. But a bit, as small as it is, can control the entire animal. The same concept is true with a large ship. A small rudder has the ability to steer the entire vessel through the wind and the waves.
In the same way, your tongue, which is small in comparison to the rest of your body, has the ability to control your life. And it can either do good or do harm, depending on how you use it.
Scripture tells us that the tongue can kill, maim and destroy or it can heal, save and build. It is up to you and how you use your tongue. Don't spew words that do damage to those around you. Because when you do, you are really causing damage to your own life as well.
Instead, use your tongue to guide and direct your life toward Christ. Build others up with your words. And discover the true power your tongue has to help you experience the life God has laid out before you. -Ed & Lisa Young
A Prayer for Today
Dear Lord, I know that my tongue has tremendous power to steer my life and influence the lives of those around me. Help me to communicate only those words that will glorify and honor you. And as I continue to build others up, help me to grow closer to you. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:3-6
A horse is a powerful animal with a strong, wild nature. But a bit, as small as it is, can control the entire animal. The same concept is true with a large ship. A small rudder has the ability to steer the entire vessel through the wind and the waves.
In the same way, your tongue, which is small in comparison to the rest of your body, has the ability to control your life. And it can either do good or do harm, depending on how you use it.
Scripture tells us that the tongue can kill, maim and destroy or it can heal, save and build. It is up to you and how you use your tongue. Don't spew words that do damage to those around you. Because when you do, you are really causing damage to your own life as well.
Instead, use your tongue to guide and direct your life toward Christ. Build others up with your words. And discover the true power your tongue has to help you experience the life God has laid out before you. -Ed & Lisa Young
A Prayer for Today
Dear Lord, I know that my tongue has tremendous power to steer my life and influence the lives of those around me. Help me to communicate only those words that will glorify and honor you. And as I continue to build others up, help me to grow closer to you. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.