James 3:7-8—Untamed

Posted by Admin on Feb 6, 2015 in James 3 | Comments Off on James 3:7-8—Untamed

For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race.  But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. James 3:7-8

I have four cats. They are docile (some would say lazy), affectionate, and generally well-behaved. They understand the word NO and usually come when called by name (and using reverse psychology, I can get one to come when I call his rival’s name). They know their rights and responsibilities as feline members of the household. They are domesticated—tamed—by me.

James said every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. Lions, tigers, bears (oh, my!), camels, elephants, whales, rats, crows, chimps, cobras, raccoons, even fleas…most animal species have experienced at least one member among them succumbing to human training and even going along with it (usually for treats—they’re not stupid). After all, in the beginning, God told the man and woman, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth” (see Genesis 1:28).

To illustrate this point in dramatic fashion, I took Genesis 1:28 to heart as a sleep-deprived young teacher. You see, when I lived in a top-floor apartment facing a strip of woods, every spring a woodpecker would arrive on the roof right above my head just before dawn. Every morning I would awaken with a jolt as he drilled, RAT-A-TAT-TAT, loud and relentlessly, probably in search of tasty bugs. I would hop out of bed, slam the window up and down, up and down, and whisper loudly, “Shoo! Go away!” only to be reawakened three or four minutes later, on and on, every morning, every spring.

After four years of interrupted sleep at the beak of this winged jack-hammer, that fifth spring, on the second morning of the woodpecker’s yearly ritual, I was ready. The night before, I left my Bible open on the window sill to Genesis 1:28. Sure enough, like clockwork, before dawn the drilling began. I leaped out of bed, threw the window up and whispered loudly, “You listen to me, Mr. Woodpecker! It says right here in the Word of God that I ‘have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.’ Well, that includes you, you foul fowl, so I command you in Jesus’ name, leave my roof and never come back! Find all the bugs you need in those trees; this roof is now officially off-limits to you and your descendents forever!”

I closed the window, slipped back into bed, and slept until my alarm went off. In fact, that woodpecker never returned. The rest of the spring, I slept until my alarm rang; and for the next two springs I lived there, never again did woodpeckers rat-a-tat-tat above my head.

Before you get excited and think, “What a woman of faith and power!” I must admit one thing. I have failed woefully when it comes to taming my tongue. James was right. “Every species of beasts… has been tamed by the human race.  But no one can tame the tongue…” It’s not that I don’t care what I say—I do. It’s not that I cuss like a sailor—I don’t. It’s just that all too often I find myself diving into conversations that I need to backpedal out of. Or repent concerning. Or apologize for. If you don’t think that’s true for you, as well, just listen to yourself over the span of a week or so and you may change your mind.

When James said that the tongue is a restless evil and full of deadly poison, he wasn’t referring to the words of the wicked or the unsaved. He was writing to believers. He was talking about their tongues—and ours.

Whether it’s the urge to share a juicy tidbit about someone that would undermine their reputation or an impulsive need to talk on and on about how awful (or amazingly super-wonderful) your life is—it’s downright exasperating to control that slippery muscle!

David Guzik, in his commentary on this verse, related a story about a lady who told John Wesley that her talent was to speak her mind. He said that Wesley replied to her, “I don’t think God would mind if you buried that talent.” Summing up his thought, Guzik wrote, “Speaking forth everything that comes to mind is unwise, poisonous speech.” [David Guzik’s commentary can be accessed via the Blue Letter Bible website.]

The human tongue has remained untamed throughout history—in James’ time, in Wesley’s time, and now in our time. A Christian who desires to live holy can receive divine help to keep his tongue under control as he walks humbly before the Lord. But it’s not like mastering the times table or riding a bike—things which once learned stick with you forever. No, the tongue requires constant, vigilant oversight.

Remember when James said that all species of animals have been tamed by men? One of my cats—Ember—knows not to jump on the kitchen table. More than once, though, I’ve walked into the house and there she is, all googly-eyed, staring at me. Once we lock eyes, she’s off in a flash, her training suddenly returning to her.

So it is with your tongue, times a trillion. My cat is not on that table every time I come into the house; just once in a blue moon. Truly, my little black cat is better behaved than anyone’s tongue—James said so. Every hour of every day, your tongue must be forced to toe the line. You and I—as believers who want to live lives of honor and holiness—must recognize this point and be prepared to stand vigilant guard over our words. For the rest of our lives.

The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. Proverbs 13:3

He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles. Proverbs 21:23

Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3

Gotta go—I’ve got guard duty (over my mouth).

Dorothy

James 3:5-6—Fire-starter

Posted by Admin on Feb 5, 2015 in James 3 | Comments Off on James 3:5-6—Fire-starter

…the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. James 3:5-6

The human tongue. It’s as potentially lethal as a can of gas and a lighter in the hands of an arsonist. Let’s break these two verses down to take a closer look.

1. The tongue is a small part of the body.
2. Despite its tiny size, it boasts of great things.
3. A huge forest can be set aflame by a tiny spark.
4. The tongue is a fire.
5. The tongue is a world of iniquity.
6. The tongue is positioned in the body as something that can defile the whole thing.
7. The tongue can set the course of your life on fire.
8. That fire is set by hell.

The tongue is small, but boasts of great things.  “…the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches” (NLT). If you talk big, can you follow-through big? This reminds me of what Jesus said: “For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’” (Luke 14:28-30).

A huge forest fire can be started with a tiny spark.  This is Smokey Bear’s mantra. A tossed cigarette butt, a smoldering campfire, an errant firecracker, a small spark created when a dangling chain on a speeding semi strikes the concrete—each event has created massive forest fires. Often innocent but neglectful actions can create disorder, destruction, and death.

The tongue is a fire.   Have you ever tossed out your words like a discarded cigarette butt? Do you sometimes leave relationships smoldering like partially-doused campfires by the words you’ve said, figuring “It’s all good—I don’t have the time to hassle with it now, anyway”? Have you ever set off fireworks with snippy or snarky remarks? Do you allow the dangling, partially broken-off, metallic baggage and bondages of your life to strike the highway as you speed along your way, setting fires by the sparks created in your wake?

The tongue is a world of iniquity.  “It is a whole world of wickedness…” (NLT). Yes, this is talking about your tongue. And mine. Makes you think, doesn’t it?

The tongue placed in your body can defile the whole thing.  What can the tongue—or your words—defile? Your whole body; your entire life. Some synonyms from other Bible versions for the word defile are “poison”, “corrupt”, and “contaminate”.

It’s safe to say, then, that your words can defile, poison, corrupt, and contaminate your whole life.

The tongue can set the course of your life on fire.  Watching news coverage of some of the huge wildfires which consumed vast regions in recent years, you know that once a fire starts, it becomes treacherously difficult to put out. Your words—whether throw-away, angry, or intentionally demeaning—also have the power to ignite the course of your life—or someone else’s—on fire.

The fire is set by hell itself.  The Phillips version has a different interpretation of this thought which is worth noting. It reads, “…it can make the whole of life a blazing hell.” Think of all the young people tormented—many to the point of suicide—through the words of careless peers on social media. However, most other Bible versions simply express that the fire which is started by words is set, ignited, and master-minded by hell itself. Makes me wonder: What—or who—really directs the tongue much of the time?

Your tongue, though it is small, has incredible potential to destroy your life or someone else’s. Your words are intensely powerful whether you believe it or not; controlling horses and ships is a walk in the park compared to managing your own tongue (see https://www.firstofallpray.com/?p=6072  ).

Peter, another apostle like James, understood this as well. He quoted the Psalms when he wrote, “…the one who desires life, to love and see good days, must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit” (1 Peter 3:10, emphasis added).

The Message Bible pulls no punches. It interprets James 3:5-6 this way:

A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell.

May God grant us the grace, wisdom, and restraint we need to manage our words wisely!

Dorothy

James 3:2-4—Bits, rudders, and your tongue

Posted by Admin on Feb 4, 2015 in James 3 | Comments Off on James 3:2-4—Bits, rudders, and your tongue

For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well.  Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. James 3:2-4

Horses’ bits.  Ships’ rudders. Your tongue. This odd assortment has very little in common—except for one thing. Each determines direction. Which of the three is easiest to operate—a horse with a bit, a ship by its rudder, or your own life with your tongue? It seems like a no-brainer; of course it’s easier to manage your life and your own tongue than to control a massive ship or a spirited horse…or is it?

Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires.

Working backwards in this section, first think about how ships are steered. The rudder, attached to the lower stern of a ship, slices through the water as the navigator directs. As the pilot guides, the rudder moves to the left or right, pushing against the force of the water as the ship forges ahead. This is what enables the vessel to be steered. Despite how massive it may be, the entire bulk of the ship is directed by that small rudder.

Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well.

Horses—fiercely independent, magnificent creatures in the wild—can be controlled by a small bit placed into their mouths. Just a gentle tug on the bridle attached to the bit will direct this strong-willed animal.

If you were to stand next to a horse or catch a boat out to a ship at sea and then were asked to take control over either one, would you feel uneasy about it? With proper instruction and training, you could take charge of either of them and be successful. What would you use to guide them? A relatively small rudder or a tiny bit.

For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.

A horse can be directed through treacherous terrain by its master with a nudge or pull on the bridle, attached to a bit. A ship can be steered through tumultuous seas with the proper turning of a rudder. According to James, your life is also directed, navigated, and steered by something.

He writes that a man bridles his body, and thus, his life, with one small thing—his tongue. If a man does not slip up—ever—in what he says, then he is perfect and is able to bridle his whole body as well.

James set the table with these verses to teach about the deadly potential of the human tongue. He established how humans have mastered both massive vessels and huge animals by comparatively small objects—a rudder and a bit. And a little object—the tongue—existing within each of our mouths, has the capacity of a rudder or a bit to enable us to direct our lives. There’s only one problem as James will reveal—it has power to destroy as well, and it seems to have a mind of its own.

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

If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. James 3:2b

Hang in there this week as we look at just how important our tongues—and the words we speak—really are!

Dorothy

James 3:1—Teachers: Judged by a stricter standard

Posted by Admin on Feb 3, 2015 in James 3 | Comments Off on James 3:1—Teachers: Judged by a stricter standard

Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. James 3:1

Each of us teaches others, both by our words and our lifestyle. Every one of us in the Body of Christ is called to be a minister of reconciliation (see 2 Corinthians 5:18), and all of us share in the role of making disciples (see Matthew 28:19-20). Parents are required to train their children, preparing them for life; unfortunately, the lack of value placed on this vital role is evident throughout our culture. Whoever you are—even if you never step behind a pulpit or a podium—you teach someone something by the way you speak and live your life. This is why it is essential for all of us to be doers of the Word, and not hearers—or talkers—only (see James 1:22). Others hear us, but they watch our lives as well.

True, James was referring primarily to the role of teaching the Word; yet the term “teacher” encompasses not only teaching the things of God, but also instructing concerning the duties of man (see http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G1320&t=KJV). This is a sober consideration for me, for I have taught most of my life.

As a young, unsaved person choosing my major in college, I knew that I could teach; I loved working as a camp counselor for most of my teens and early twenties, teaching things like fire-building, plant identification, shelter building, and how to find elves in the woods. But I had heard something about the study load for a degree in education that determined my decision. Right or wrong—I heard it was easy. And that settled it. I didn’t feel like working hard at studies—I had more important things to do: Party.

Before you choke at my honesty, a year and a half into college, I was saved. Soon thereafter, as I was walking to one of my education classes, the Spirit of the Lord spoke directly to my heart. He said, “You entered education for all the wrong reasons—but you are in the right place.”

During my career, I taught at every grade level from second through ninth grade. Some years were more successful than others; some students gained more ground under my teaching than others. But I realized my first year—in a class of 36 fifth graders—that education was not “easy”. To succeed as an educator—even when teaching the basics—you must exert focused effort, know your material, and develop keen understanding of the people you are teaching.

Teaching the Word of God is not entirely different. Paul told Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Whether you are teaching the Word, ABCs, biology, fire-building, or how to conduct yourself with dignity, you are impacting someone else’s life and future, for good or for ill. And James said that being in the role of teacher renders a stricter judgment. In other words, handle accurately those things you teach, live them yourself, and walk in respect and dignity toward those you teach—because you will be held accountable by the Highest Authority.

When I was in the classroom, I observed diligent, hard-working teachers and I also knew of others who got by with as little work as possible. I’m sure that teaching in the Body is no different. I believe that James would remind all of us that we are under close scrutiny.

Also, when in the classroom, I observed teachers who cared little for their students. I saw others who demonstrated deep concern and empathy for their young people—and those kids thrived under that kind of instructor. This observation could likely be made toward teachers of the Bible as well. James would probably ask all teachers—do you care for those who receive your instruction? Do you show it? There is a higher standard on you than on others. Do not be unaware of it.

When James issued this warning in the very middle of his letter, i.e., the role of teacher is not for everyone, he was specifically referring to the position of leadership for the purpose of teaching the Word of God. So many doctrines and bents are taught throughout the Body of Christ, from straight Bible teaching to instruction promoting man’s opinion as holy truth. James is clear—each man and woman who seeks to instruct others in the things of God will incur a stricter judgment. He stated this quite bluntly so as to steer away from teaching positions those who would twist, add to, or subtract from the Word with their erroneous teaching.

The responsibility of teaching the Word of God is huge. You are not to take it on lightly. Do you point others to the one true Master and Teacher with your instruction? He has the words of eternal life; do your words align with His? Do you study to show yourself approved? Are you a workman who will not end up being ashamed of your teaching? Do you accurately handle the Word of truth? You must ask yourself these questions if you feel called to teach—whether to one person or to a billion. Each one of us who teaches will be held to a much stricter standard.

Pursue the Word of God, let it soak into your understanding and direct and correct your life; then as God calls you to articulate it, you will speak it forth with wisdom and accuracy.

Dorothy

Checking in

Posted by Admin on Jan 26, 2015 in Prayer Perspective | Comments Off on Checking in

I wanted to touch base and let you know that I will be taking one more week away from the blog here at www.firstofallpray.com  to spend a bit more time seeking God with fewer distractions.

It’s obvious that the world out there is in desperate need of prayer—whether any of them realize it or not! You and I are the ones called to that assignment—we are watchmen. As we seek God for those in our lives, those in the news, and folks all around the world—in short, for ALL men, for kings, and for all who are in authority (see 1 Timothy 2)—we can trust that He will hear from Heaven and act on behalf of those for whom we pray.

While you pray, be sensitive to any adjustments, corrections, or leadings from the Holy Spirit He may reveal for your own life—and then trust Him to help you as you yield to these things. You see, Habakkuk 2:1 states, “I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart; and I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, and how I may reply when I am reproved.” In other words, as you seek God on behalf of others—doing the job of the watchman—quite often He will also speak to your heart about you and your ways. This is not a cause for fear but for increase and growth as you receive intimate, personalized discipleship and mentoring from the Holy Spirit Himself. 

Like the groundhog, I plan to emerge from underground and be back online February second. That’s when I intend to resume with the study of the Book of James. But will I see my shadow?

Enjoy God,

Dorothy

Pressing on to know the Lord

Posted by Admin on Jan 5, 2015 in Prayer Perspective, The new year | Comments Off on Pressing on to know the Lord

So let us know, let us press on to know the LORD. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; And He will come to us like the rain, Like the spring rain watering the earth. Hosea 6:3

People all over the church world are taking time now at the beginning of the year to seek God for direction and wisdom, correction and clearer vision for their lives.

We are called to spend time with the Lord on a daily basis, but there are also seasons in which God draws His children into a more targeted, prolonged, and concentrated time of pressing in know Him on a deeper level.

When you press on something, you are focusing your energy, attention, and strength on that particular object. When you press on to know the Lord, you are focusing your energy, attention, and strength on Him and what He has said in His Word.

The fact that God will go forth is established. First, He will go forth in drawing near to you as you draw near to Him (see James 4:8). And then, He will watch over His Word as you place yourself in agreement with it to perform it (see Jeremiah 1:12). But in all of it, your primary focus as you press in is to know Him and to cooperate with His will in your life. The blessings and the promises that result from your concentrated time of seeking Him are gravy—good and glorious stuff, but the best part of pressing in is getting to know Him better.

In the dead of winter, what better endeavor can you pursue than to press in to know your God more intimately? Winter, as long as it seems to be, will be over soon enough. The ground will start teeming with life and the days will grow longer as the chill starts to fade away. And the rains will start falling—the warm spring rains which saturate the thirsty earth and pour out promise of new life, blessings, and more active days. As you press on to know the Lord now, in a concentrated way, He promises to send the rain in due season to your life—the rain of promise, blessing, and renewal. So let us know, let us press on to know the LORD.

I will be spending the next few weeks in a more focused way with the Lord, so I have decided to suspend my First of All Pray blog for this time period. As it stands now, I will return to the blog on Monday, January 26, 2015.

Be blessed, and take some time in your schedule to press on to know the Lord.

Dorothy

Stand, look, and ask

Posted by Admin on Jan 2, 2015 in The new year | Comments Off on Stand, look, and ask

Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.” But they said, “We will not walk in it.”  Jeremiah 6:16

This was the Scripture that I opened to today as I continued a personal study in the book of Jeremiah.  It seemed to me that God was downloading some important counsel for me at the beginning of the New Year, and I believe it’s worth sharing.

Jeremiah was originally called during the reign of Josiah, a good king who enacted major reforms in Judah. The problem with those reforms was this: Although the people of the land went along with them externally, they had allowed the imported ways of the nations surrounding them to capture their hearts and lure them into behaviors which dishonored God. Frankly, they resented being told to let go of those enticing trappings; they felt that God would understand as they continued to experiment with all of it. If He doesn’t get it, they figured, that’s His loss—they wanted what they wanted.

Jeremiah is known as the “weeping prophet”. He spoke to the people of God about their need to turn from the folly of idolatry and adultery and to embrace once again the God of Israel. He warned them again and again concerning the destruction they could avoid if they would but admit their sins and turn to God from their hearts; they, on the other hand, counted Jeremiah to be a false prophet, an egotist, a pessimist, and a nuisance. No matter how he would plead with them, they ignored or rejected what God was saying to them through him. No wonder he wept so much!

It was still during the reign of Josiah that Jeremiah prophesied, “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.”

Unfortunately, when times are comfy, cozy, and carefree, people tend to think that everything will always go smoothly. They fall under the illusion that their cushy lifestyle is the norm and they have no need for a “check up from the neck up.” And as Jeremiah warned them again and again, this thinking would become a deadly—but very avoidable—snare for them.

Stand by the roads, and look…

Are you at a crossroad in your life? The New Year provides a natural crossroad for all of us. Jeremiah prophesied, Stand. Look. Take your time. Reflect on the paths before you. Don’t rush down one because it’s the easiest, the most traveled, the most glamorous-looking, or even the most adrenaline-packed route. Take your time. Paths are important—they can hold either destiny or destruction—or slow decline.

… ask for the ancient paths…

The ancient paths are the paths prepared for you by the Ancient of Days Himself. He has an interest in you and a plan for your well-being. He knows you intimately and loves you with an everlasting love. Although the paths are ancient—as revealed in the Word of God—they are ever new, ever fresh, ever life-giving. As you stand and look, ask.

… where the good way is…

God’s way is always good. It may not tantalize the flesh or desires, but it is very good, healthy, and life-affirming.

… and walk in it…

After reflection, observation, and asking, you will see that good way. Now walk in it. It may not be popular, edgy, or well-received, but if you take a step, and then another step, and then another, you will be walking on the path God has prepared for you—and He will walk with you there.

… and [you will] find rest for your souls…

There’s something about letting go of our own ways and entering the path God reveals that brings peace and rest to our souls. Chaos may surround, agitating words or thoughts may pile up, disappointments may abound, but with every step of obedience, all of that loses its power to bind or to break you. Stepping down the ancient way, the good way, will bring rest to your soul.

But they said, “We will not walk in it.”

As much as God values the obedience of His people, He also guards their right to choose for themselves. Although He refuses to violate our will, He clearly pleads His case to each one of us again and again, replete with counsel, instruction, and promise of reward. And He plainly explains the consequences that can happen when we repeatedly refuse to listen.

You are at a crossroad now in your life at the start of this New Year. Stand, look, and ask. Don’t rush headlong down the best-looking path and then ask questions later. Let the ancient wisdom of the Lord and His Word speak to your heart, and as He reveals that best course for you, walk in it. You will find rest for your soul.

Happy New Year!

Dorothy