The struggles of the Tongue

The tongue, set on fire of hell or heaven?

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness" James 3:13-18.

"As you go through life you are going to have many opportunities to keep your mouth shut. Take advantage of all of them." - James Dent.

"Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue " Prov. 17:28

The tongue set of fire of heaven

"They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them" Acts 2:3. You know the rest of the story, they preached the gospel and 3000 people were saved Acts 2:41. Then the Lord "added to the church daily" 2:47. THIS IS NORMAL and we should see it today! Later "they filled Jerusalem with their doctrine" 5:28 and finally it was said, "These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here" 17:6.

Lay people did it!
"All except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria"8:1. "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went" 8:4.

The early Christians gathered to worship and scattered to witness. If all the "worshippers" on Sunday would "witness" on Monday we could turn the world right side up today. We have worship centers, worship houses, worship services, worship songs, worship leaders and rightly so but WHERE OH WHERE ARE THE WITNESSES? Did you worship on Sunday? Did you witness on Monday? I did not make up the rules. Jesus said, "Preach the gospel to EVERY creature (person). Let's do it and turn our world around for our good and God's glory.

Prayer: Father, forgive us for not obeying You. Help us to give every person a chance to go to heaven by graciously giving them a tract or the good news verbally. In Jesus name. YOU are loved, Calvary proves it. sumner

Husband Part 2

H. Holy in conduct

U. Understanding in relationship with his wife.

S. Sound in judgment

B. Bold (not brash) and clear in communication "Then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD" Josh 24:15. My wife and our children never wondered if we were going to church on Sunday or Wednesday. We all knew "He is Lord" and we serve Him. "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching" Heb. 10:25. It is just the sensible and scriptural thing to do.

A. Ability to provide for his own. "But if anyone dows not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever" 1 Timothy 5:8. Of course there can be exceptions when a man has been injured or physically unable for some reason.

The man who squanders his money on drinks, drugs or debauchery of any kind ought to be terribly ashamed of himself. He promised God almighty to take care of her until death do us part. Now do it.

N. Noble in character.
"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us" Titus 2:7,8.

With these characteristics, it is not hard for a family to follow this husband.

D. Dependable
"Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful" 1 Cor. 4:2. Men, you and I are stewards of our selves, our possessions and our families. Being the head of your wife and family not only gives you great privileges but great responsibilities. That dear wife God gave you had so much dependence in you to leave her father and mother and give herself, body and soul, to you. That precious child God gave you has such trust in you. "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." Rev. 2:10. Kind sir,that will be worth a jillion times more than the Heisman trophy or super bowl ring. You don't have to be a superman to gain this trophy, just a faithful man.

Prayer:  Father, help us husbands to earn the love and respect of our own families above all else. In Jesus name. All because of Calvary, sumner