That Tongue!

It's been a while since I blogged. My apologies to all those who have come here again and again and found nothing new. Trust me, it was not because God was silent. He is speaking and teaching me, and I am soaking it all up like a sponge.

Today's lesson was fun and an eye opener. I am studying the book of Jeremiah, that I may learn the requirements of my God. I read Chapter 8 and verse 6 jumped out at me:

"I have listened attentively,
but they do not say what is right".

I know he is omnipresent, but I had forgotten that he is "the silent listener in every conversation." Like you, I'm busted and ashamed at what he may have heard.

When God created man, he wanted man to have the ability to steer the course of his life, to turn around if he found himself going the wrong way. As such, he created a rudder and a bit that we could use to steer ourselves... the tongue. James 3 talks about the power of the tongue and says something very interesting: I dare say he is able to keep his whole life in check as well, for life and death are in the power of the tongue.

The tongue is always on fire. James says that its fire comes straight from Hell! "If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check." How scary is that?! If in the natural (before redemption) the tongue is lit by hell, it is important for us to exchange the unholy fire of the tongue, for a holy fire when we are saved.

Let your tongue be fired up by heaven. Quench the hellish flame and let heaven light you up to say those things that will bring refreshing and life in every area of your life, and to all who hear you. Life and death is hid in your tongue. Choose life, that you and your offspring may live!

Fresh water and salt water cannot come out of the same fountain. And the fig tree cannot bear olives. You shall know them by their fruit, for out of the heart, the mouth speaks.