Today, as I write this week’s thoughts on Taming the Tongue, an assorted group of scientist have successfully landed a spacecraft on a comet. This historic achievement that cost well over 1 billion dollars is part of an ongoing attempt to discover the origins of life. Some hope that contained within the elements gathered by … Continue reading –>
Read James 3:9-12. What truth does James illustrate using the fountain, the fig tree, and the grapevine? The idea of both blessing and cursing coming out of the mouth of a Christian is disturbing, to say the least. What about watching profanity-laced television programs or movies during the week and attending church on Sabbath to … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for Taming the Tongue November 11, 2014] 1. But it’s so strong! Have you ever heard that the tongue is the strongest muscle in the human body? That’s actually a myth. When it comes to strength, the tongue comes in behind the strongest group of muscles—those that close the jaw. Do both types of … Continue reading –>
We’ve all experienced it. Something we said gets magnified, perhaps even exaggerated, to the point that we don’t even recognize it anymore. As James says, See how great a forest a little fire kindles (James 3:5, NKJV). Read prayerfully and carefully James 3:6. What is he saying about the power of our tongue, of our … Continue reading –>
Several years ago one of my superiors made a false accusation against me at church. I asked a couple of friends how I should refute what was said. One friend answered wisely, “Don’t defend yourself against the accusation. Doing so will only give the accusation merit.” My friend was right. Sadly, the leader who made … Continue reading –>
Key Thought : Words hold tremendous power. Words can soothe and reassure, or poison and contaminate. [Lesson Plan for Taming the Tongue November 10, 2014] 1. Have a volunteer read James 3:1,2. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is. b. Why does being a teacher … Continue reading –>
Read James 3:3-5. What do the two illustrations have in common, and how do they relate to the tongue? Both the bit in a horse’s mouth and the rudder of a ship are very small compared to what they control. Yet, with a slight movement of the hand, the horse’s or the ship’s direction can … Continue reading –>
For we all stumble in many ways (James 3:2, ESV). What a refreshing admission, especially considering James’s emphasis on behavior! Still, our acknowledgment of the real need not dim our belief in God’s ideal for us as His representatives on earth. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, … Continue reading –>
Read James 3:1. What important point is he making here about accountability? Teachers in the church and in Christian schools have an especially heavy responsibility because they shape minds and hearts in ways that will last for years. This effect includes the rippling impact they will have on many others beyond their immediate sphere of … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: James 3:1-12; Deut. 6:6-7;Luke 9:51-56; Prov. 16:27; Matt. 7:16-18. Memory Text: For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned (Matt. 12:37, NKJV). Words hold tremendous power. A word fitly spoken (Prov. 25:11)-praise, poetry, stories can shape lives in profound ways. What we … Continue reading –>
