Day #20

 

Begin  now praying and asking God for your heart to be made uncomfortable with what we will learn today.  Decide today that you will be a doer of what you learn.

Read James 1:26 and write it in your notes.

Hmm… the MOUTH.  This is a tough lesson for today, ay?  We could all camp out here for a while.  Our mouth is one of the tiniest muscles in the body, but it can do a tremendous amount of damage.  As we learn today, keep this in mind… our goal as Christians is to be described as someone who keeps tight rein (control) on their words, like a bridle controls a horse.

Please read the following verses, write them in your notes, and write anything that you learned from them.

Proverbs 12:18

Proverbs 18:21

James 3:8-10

Proverbs 12:18 explains that for some people, the WORDS they normally use for everyday talk are for CoNsTaNtLy accusing people of wrong-doing.  Their words are typically used to put people down.  They use their words to control people, to make fun of people, and to insult people.  Do you ever do any of these?  Ask God to show you where… no really!  Ask Him!  He will.

Proverbs 18:21 explains that DEATH and LIFE are in the power of the tongue.  You can kill someone with your words, or you can bring life and healing with your words.  Ever killed someone with your words?  Ask God to show you where!!  He will.

James 3:8-10 explains that it is TOTALLY MESSED UP and a SLAP IN THE FACE TO GOD to come to church and bless God in a worship service and then, after the service, curse someone made in God’s image.

Are you hearing this??

God is so dishonored when we live a life with an “uncontrolled” tongue running the show!  Write down in your notes what the explanation of Proverbs 21:18  tells us an uncontrolled tongue does.

DESCRIPTION OF AN UNCONTROLLED TONGUE:

1.    It constantly accuses people of doing something wrong

2.    It puts people down, it is sarcastic, it pursues making people feel STUPID

3.    It tries to control people… silent treatment, drama, irrational emotion, extreme anger, intimidation, crying, gossip, venting, etc.

4.    It makes fun of

5.    It insults

If you don’t think you are doing, or have done, any of the above you are lying to yourself.  No human can control this little muscle called the tongue, alone.  This is something that only Christ can do in a transformed heart.  Once you recognize what your tongue has been allowed to do, by you, talk to God about it.  Admit the wrong done, MAKE your body physically contact the person you have wronged with your uncontrolled tongue and apologize, and then forgive yourself just as Christ has forgiven you.  Don't miss that last part.  If Christ can forgive you, you must forgive you.  Start fresh and new and keep the TARGET in focus…

Our goal as Christians is to be described as someone who keeps tight rein (control) on their words, like a bridle controls a horse.

PS:  Don’t be fooled… talking about someone behind their back or venting is still SIN.  Our sin killed God.  But, He came back to life from that death so you and I could have forgiveness and victory over sin.  God can make you new… and your tongue.

    Click on the MEMORY VERSES tab above.  We have a new memory verse.  Print it out and tape it up several places.

Click on the PRAYER REQUESTS tab above.  Please pray for the ones listed.

Click on the PRAISE tab above.  Type in one thing that you are thankful for today.  Try to make it different than any you have listed.

TARGET OF THE DAY

Be a person of a few words today.  Be sure those words are life giving and healing.