Podcasts about taming the tongue

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Best podcasts about taming the tongue

Latest podcast episodes about taming the tongue

Sharon Church | Sermons
James | Taming the Tongue

Sharon Church | Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025


The Book of James is a letter to struggling Christians encouraging them to stay faithful in the face of great suffering. It is  full of practical wisdom and truth to help us know and follow God's plan for our flourishing. As we get into James 3, the practical application of this wisdom is focused on how we use our words. Much damage can be done through our words so we must be careful how we speak.

Trinity Reformed Church Podcast
Taming the Tongue (James 3:1-12) - Gage Crowder [Sermon]

Trinity Reformed Church Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 25:33


This is June 8th's sermon in which Gage Crowder points out a unifying theme in the book of James: the righteous and wicked use of words. He then walks through how James calls Christians to respect the power of the tongue, recognize the great potential of the tongue, and understand the purpose of the tongue. Gage Crowder teaches literature and Bible at Providence Classical School in Huntsville, Alabama. In addition to his studies at Birmingham Theological Seminary, he is a contributing member of the Huntsville Literary Association and the Academy of Philosophy and Letters. His poetry and prose can be found in the The Legend, Poem Magazine, the Birmingham Arts Journal, Panoply and elsewhere. Trinity Reformed Church is a CREC church in Huntsville, AL. seeking to extend and unite the Kingdom in the Huntsville area. Check out our website, Facebook or YouTube!

Lighthouse Baptist Church Podcast, Circleville Ohio

Pastor Nathan continues the series in the book of James on Sunday morning, June 8, 2025. (James 3:1-12)

The Grove Church Podcast
Taming The Tongue - The Book of James

The Grove Church Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2025


ROCK OF KC
Taming the Tongue

ROCK OF KC

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 46:21


Pastor Phillip O'ReillySunday, June 1st, 2025

LifePoint Church - Messages from the Smyrna Campus
Taming the Tongue | Proof Week 6

LifePoint Church - Messages from the Smyrna Campus

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2025 39:34


Taming the Tongue | June 1, 2025Proof Week 6Message by Pat Hood [Lead Pastor] 

Road To Life Podcast
Taming The Tongue

Road To Life Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2025 33:22


Pastor Dave emphasizes the profound impact our words have on our lives and the lives of those around us, urging us to realize that the tongue can bring both life and death. He illustrates how our speech can affect relationships, self-worth, and our spiritual maturity, urging listeners to speak positively and avoid negativity, gossip, and curses. The pastor reminds us that our words reflect our heart, and as we allow God to transform our hearts, we can change the words we express. Ultimately, he invites everyone to acknowledge their struggles with words and seek healing and freedom through God.Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.Matthew 12:36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,James 3:2-12 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.Matthew 12:33-34 33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. 34 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

LifePoint Church - Messages from the Riverdale Campus
Taming the Tongue | Proof Week 6

LifePoint Church - Messages from the Riverdale Campus

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2025 36:03


Taming the Tongue | June 1, 2025Proof Week 6Message by Kyle Goen [Riverdale Campus Pastor] 

Trinity Community Church - Sermons Archive
Taming the Tongue

Trinity Community Church - Sermons Archive

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2025 38:11 Transcription Available


We live in an age of endless conversation. Tweets, posts, podcasts, news, and nonstop commentary flood our senses every day. But amid all the noise, how often do we pause to consider the power of the words we ourselves speak?In this compelling message titled Taming the Tongue, guest speaker Dr. Clem Ferris walks us through James chapter 3 to help us understand the immense spiritual weight carried by our speech. Clem unpacks vivid imagery—bits in horses' mouths, rudders steering massive ships, and the spark of a fire spreading uncontrollably—to show how the smallest part of our body can determine the course of our lives.James doesn't hold back. He says the tongue is “a restless evil, full of deadly poison,” and “set on fire by hell.” That's intense. But Clem helps us see the real issue: the tongue itself has no ears—our heart does. And it's what fills the heart that shapes the words that flow from our mouths.The breakthrough comes not through external behavior tweaks, but through internal transformation. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” When our hearts are shaped by God's Word, our words begin to reflect His character—words of life, truth, peace, and healing.Clem ties this truth to Pentecost Sunday, reminding us that God's first act in empowering the early church was to cleanse and commission their speech. The “tongues of fire” didn't burn with destruction—they blazed with holy purpose. God wants to do the same with us today. The very mouths once used for gossip, sarcasm, or complaint can now be tools for encouragement and bold proclamation.We also look to Jesus, who “opened not His mouth” even under accusation, choosing silent obedience to bear our sin. His restraint paved the way for our restoration. Now we're invited to speak with a new voice—shaped not by the world, but by heaven.You may not be able to stop the noise of culture, but you can decide what words will come from your lips. Let God's Word dwell in your heart richly and speak life into your world.We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.Subscribe to our Podcast & YouTube channel to find past sermons, classes, interviews, and more!Find us on Facebook & Instagram

LifePoint Church - Messages from the Stewarts Creek Campus

Taming the Tongue | June 1, 2025Proof Week 6Message by Ryan Garrett [Stewarts Creek Campus Associate Minister] 

Pacific Keep Church
Faith In Action: Taming the Tongue

Pacific Keep Church

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 43:35


Pacific Keep Church
Faith In Action: Taming the Tongue

Pacific Keep Church

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 50:18


Faith Presbyterian Church
Taming the Tongue, Pt. 1

Faith Presbyterian Church

Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2025 34:19


Westend Community Church MacGregor
James 3:1-12 - Taming the Tongue

Westend Community Church MacGregor

Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2025


Speaker: Pastor Myron Friesen

Varsity Bible Church
Taming the Tongue || Fruitful

Varsity Bible Church

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 33:40


Join us for the May 18 sermon! This week Rinus Janson continues our sermon series in the book of James and looks at James 3:1-12.Join us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/vbchurch.ca/ or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/varsitybiblechurch/And, participate in Sermon's Plus, on our website: https://www.vbchurch.ca/sermons

Evangelical Free Church of Bozeman Podcast

Dan Collins | James 3 | May 18, 2025

The Harbor Teaching Podcast
Blueprint of Faith: Taming the Tongue

The Harbor Teaching Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 55:54


Blueprint of Faith: Taming the Tongue

Mosaic Denver
Made For More | Taming the Tongue

Mosaic Denver

Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 38:02


May 11th, 2025 Paul Church In a world full of hot takes, social media rants, and unfiltered opinions, it's easy to forget the power our words carry. In this week's message, Paul Church takes us through the practical and challenging wisdom of taming the tongue. Drawing from the book of James, he unpacks the deep influence of our speech, why it matters in our everyday relationships, and how even small words can spark massive fires. If you've ever found yourself wishing you could take back something you said (or texted), this message is for you. Discover how to use your words for good, find the freedom in humility, and learn what it means to reflect the character of Jesus in every conversation.

Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson
Shiloh Hendrix Was Wrong: Why You Should Always Take Your Issues to the Parents

Uncommon Sense with Ginny Robinson

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 41:48


Today, we're discussing the recent controversy surrounding Shiloh Hendrix, who called a black child a racial slur at a playground instead of taking the concern to the child's parents. This behavior is not only unacceptable—it's unchristian. As followers of Christ, we are called to be above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2), especially when dealing with the next generation. God will not judge us by our skin color, so why are we so quick to judge others by theirs? We can simultaneously be aware of the statistics about certain cultures within particular races, and realize that this is not how we handle those problems. We'll explore the biblical approach to conflict resolution. When there's a problem with a child's behavior, the godly route is to speak directly with their parents—not to attack the child. Christians must hold one another accountable. --https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee

The Biggest Story
Taming the Tongue: The Story of Using Words to Bless Not Curse

The Biggest Story

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 8:50


In this story, we learn that no one can tame the tongue—only Jesus can do that. ✧ Check out more resources in The Biggest Story Curriculum ✧ Follow The Biggest Story on Instagram ✧ Watch The Biggest Story Animated Videos! ✧ Sign up to receive weekly emails about the new story each week!

Sermons from The River of Life Church
2025 04 27 "Taming the Tongue" -Pastor Derricke Gray - Audio

Sermons from The River of Life Church

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2025 31:45


River of Life is an inter-denominational, interracial, Spirit-filled church located in the heart of Wakulla County, Florida. We share the sermons from our services in the hopes they'll reach others determined to worship God in spirit and truth.

Sermons from The River of Life Church
2025 04 27 "Taming the Tongue" -Pastor Derricke Gray - Video

Sermons from The River of Life Church

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2025 31:45


River of Life is an inter-denominational, interracial, Spirit-filled church located in the heart of Wakulla County, Florida. We share the sermons from our services in the hopes they'll reach others determined to worship God in spirit and truth.

Enduring Word
James 3:1-12 – Taming the Tongue

Enduring Word

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 0:43


https://storage.googleapis.com/enduring-word-media/ewpodcast/James3_1-12.mp3 With teachers especially (but not only) in mind, James warns believers about the danger of destroying ourselves and others with the words we say. The post James 3:1-12 – Taming the Tongue appeared first on Enduring Word.

Radiant Church Visalia
Word & Deed: Taming the Tongue

Radiant Church Visalia

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2025 34:23 Transcription Available


Scripture: James 3:1-12, Matthew 12:34-37, Isaiah 6Intro:We're shifting focus from deeds to words, exploring how we represent Jesus through speech.Today's sermon is about the power of our words.The Weight of Words:We spend a significant portion of our lives speaking.Words have power: to destroy, direct, and reveal.James 3:1-12 uses analogies (bit, rudder, fire) to emphasize the tongue's influence.Our tongue has a disproportionate amount of power.The Tongue Directs:Verses 3-5 illustrate the tongue's power to guide.The tongue doesn't just describe; it directs our course.Like a bit or rudder, the tongue needs control.We must overcome contrary forces (sin, circumstances) to control our speech.James connects sins of the mouth to sins of the whole body.Controlling our tongue is crucial for self-control.Self-control involves choosing life-giving actions, even if initially difficult.The Tongue Destroys:Verses 6-8 highlight the tongue's destructive power.A small spark can ignite a great fire; the tongue is a fire.Words can cause deep regret and do lasting damage.Human nature alone cannot tame the tongue.But we have a new nature through the Holy Spirit.The Holy Spirit empowers us to speak words of life, not destruction.The Tongue Reveals:Verses 9-12 show how the tongue reveals the heart.Our words reveal the source from which they come.Matthew 12:34-37 warns that we will be judged by our words.Our words expose the condition of our hearts.We must be mindful of careless words.Isaiah's Example:Isaiah, a prophet, recognized his unclean lips (Isaiah 6).God cleansed Isaiah, and he proclaimed God's word again.Conviction about our speech is appropriate.The solution isn't silence but using our mouths for God's purposes.Call to Action:Confess sins of commission and omission.Receive cleansing through Jesus' sacrifice.Intentionally speak life and blessings.Ask yourself: What will I say over others?What life am I proclaiming over situations?What am I speaking over myself?Conclusion:Our words have power because they flow from the heart.We are called to use our tongues to glorify God and bless others. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.

The Barn
Bible Time at The Barn w/ Dawn | James 3:2-12 - Taming the Tongue

The Barn

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2025 19:50


Send us a textWelcome back to Bible Time at The Barn w/ Dawn! In this episode, we dive into James 3:2-12, a powerful passage about the importance of taming the tongue. Words have incredible power to build up or tear down, and James reminds us that controlling our speech is a crucial part of living a life of faith.Join Dawn as she breaks down these verses, offering practical insights and encouragement for using our words to uplift, inspire, and reflect God's love.

The Way Church Podcast
Taming the Tongue (James 3:1-12) - Elita Friesen | March 23, 2025

The Way Church Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2025 43:59


Taming the Tongue (James 3:1-12) - Elita Friesen | March 23, 2025The book of James describes an integrated faith & life—a life made whole in its holiness. James was the pastor of the first Christian church in Jerusalem, writing to Jewish believers living outside the nation of Israel. The words of James are God's word for us—relevant and immediately applicable to our lives. As we journey through the book of James, immersing ourselves in the symbolic world + pressing concerns of the first century followers of Jesus, we learn to apply James' message to our lives in the 21st century.The Way Church is a church in Vancouver joining Jesus in the restoration of all things. For more information, visit our website at http://thewaychurch.caLINKSConnect Form: http://connect.thewaychurch.caKids: http://thewaychurch.ca/kidsYouth: http://thewaychurch.ca/youthAlpha: http://thewaychurch.ca/alpha

Salt Church UF
James: Taming the Tongue

Salt Church UF

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 39:22


Cornerstone Singapore Audio Podcast

Our words carry immense power. That's why we must tame our tongues – but how do we do it? When our words align with God's, they're backed by the Lord and His angels! He desires for us to live victoriously and be a blessing to others. Join us for this life-changing message – one that speaks directly to our daily lives.

Cornerstone Community Church Vodcast

Our words carry immense power. That's why we must tame our tongues – but how do we do it? When our words align with God's, they're backed by the Lord and His angels! He desires for us to live victoriously and be a blessing to others. Join us for this life-changing message – one that speaks directly to our daily lives.

Take & Read Podcast
Taming the Tongue | James 3:1-12

Take & Read Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 43:06


Season 3, Episode 11 w/ Tyler Smith

The Faith Explained with Cale Clarke - Learning the Catholic Faith

James describes how the tongue can lead others - and ourselves - to either heaven or hell.

Sports Spectrum Podcast
Matt and Jason discuss the importance of "taming the tongue"

Sports Spectrum Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 24:31


Today on the podcast, Matt Forte and Jason Romano discuss the importance of taming the tongue and watching the words that we say as followers of Jesus.Have a question? Got a guest suggestion? Want to advertise with us? Email us - jason@sportsspectrum.comWATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:https://www.youtube.com/@SportsSpectrumMagazineSign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15https://www.theincrease.com/products/sports-spectrum-magazine Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/Have you heard our other Sports Spectrum podcasts?Sports Spectrum's⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠What's Up Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-https://open.spotify.com/show/7CvX5oXnEuKIYI5GCVT7Hi?si=9c61982675f1413dSports Spectrum's⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get in the Game Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -https://open.spotify.com/show/7CFPZVet3TcsSJMZqRHndI?si=d6599c85917146a7

Oostburg CRC Media
Sermon: “Taming the Tongue” | James 3:1-18

Oostburg CRC Media

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 28:39


Pastor Drew Zylstra preaches from James 3:1-18, “Taming the Tongue.” —————————— More from Oostburg CRC Sermons: https://www.firstcrcoostburg.org/sermons Bible Study Resources: https://www.firstcrcoostburg.org/resources Original Music: https://open.spotify.com/album/4P7JbJlHzabPNW8GpdxKcB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJSouYxM1rwWZ4cYAvTIqVA

Auburn Grace Community Church
Episode 240: Straight Talk with Brother James - Taming the Tongue - Part 8 - James 3:1-12 / 2025.03.02

Auburn Grace Community Church

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2025 36:41


Ryan Hooper - Straight Talk with Brother James - Weekend Sermon Podcast - www.auburngrace.com

Vineyard Church
Taming the Tongue: James - Wisdom for Life

Vineyard Church

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2025 17:12


Ebenezer Podcast
Luke 20:26 “Words of Wisdom: Taming the Tongue”

Ebenezer Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 1:43


The Chapel Fort Wayne
Taming the Tongue

The Chapel Fort Wayne

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2025 37:36


We all grew up hearing the phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Has there been a bigger lie? It didn't take us long to realize that there is great power in our words, which have the power to either build people up or tear them down. Join us this Sunday as Pastor Brandon concludes our series on the necessity of watching our words and how best to use them.

Midtown Fellowship: Lexington
James | Taming the Tongue | February 23

Midtown Fellowship: Lexington

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2025


Sermon by Brandon Clements on February 23, 2025.Key scripture: James 3:1-18This week in James 3, we'll dive into practically one of the most challenging areas to live in as a follower of Jesus. The Scriptures will call at times a source of healing and blessing and at other times a “raging fire” and a “restless evil” — our words.

Sermons | Midtown Fellowship: Two Notch
James | Taming the Tongue | February 23

Sermons | Midtown Fellowship: Two Notch

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025


Sermon by Ant Frederick on February 23, 2025.Key scripture: James 3:1-18This week in James 3, we'll dive into practically one of the most challenging areas to live in as a follower of Jesus. The Scriptures will call at times a source of healing and blessing and at other times a “raging fire” and a “restless evil” — our words.

Briarwood Church
Episode 3: Free Speech: Taming the Tongue

Briarwood Church

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 30:38


Pioneer Drive Baptist Church
James: Taming the Tongue (Celebration)

Pioneer Drive Baptist Church

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2025 30:41


the gathering at Pioneer Drive
James: Taming the Tongue (gathering)

the gathering at Pioneer Drive

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2025 29:04


Daily Devotions From Greg Laurie
Taming the Tongue | James 3:7–9

Daily Devotions From Greg Laurie

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 3:47


“People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.” (James 3:7–9 NLT) If you’ve ever ridden a horse, you know the awesome (and occasionally uneasy) feeling of having its power and strength in your hands. The reins you hold and the bit in the horse’s mouth allow you to control the movement of this incredible animal. Experienced riders can control a whole team of horses that way. Years ago, at the Rose Parade, I saw a man riding a buffalo. He was able to control it with a bit in the animal’s mouth as well. Human beings have managed to tame many different creatures. Lions and tigers and bears. Killer whales and crocodiles and cockatoos. Name an animal, any animal. Chances are good that someone, somewhere, has tamed one—and probably taught it to do a goofy trick. The one thing in this world that we haven’t been able to tame, as James points out in the passage above, is the tongue. And that failure rocks us to our core. Because what we say reveals who we are. Socrates once said to a young student, “Speak, so that I may see you.” The idea of “being seen” by our words applies even more so to believers. The tongue is a barometer of Christian maturity. If your life is really transformed by Jesus Christ, your words will be transformed as well. Your faith will impact you in what you say and what you don’t say. Jesus said, “A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart” (Luke 6:45 NLT). As Christians, we may take pride in the fact that we don’t do certain sinful things anymore—and that’s certainly a sign of spiritual maturity. But if we don’t also rein in our words, there’s no gain. We would never think of having someone we don’t like assassinated, but we would assassinate their character over Sunday brunch. We would never think of pulling out a knife and stabbing someone, but we would think nothing of plunging the blade of slander into someone’s back. People who tame wild animals command respect. Crowds breathlessly cheer lion tamers at the circus. People who tame their tongue command the respect of others, too. Others will notice when you refuse to join a gossip session. Or when you talk about people’s good qualities behind their back instead of slandering them. Or when you offer sincere words of praise or encouragement. Because they’ll see that it’s coming from your heart—a heart that’s been transformed by Christ. The people closest to you—your spouse, your family members, your friends—will be the first to notice. Especially if you’ve never given much thought to taming your tongue in the past. It may take a while to convince them that you’re serious. But in time, they will respond to your transformation. Taming your tongue is the big battle. If you fight it valiantly, you open the door to other victories. James 3:2 says, “Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way” (NLT). — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sojourn Montrose
Taming the Tongue - Chase Woodhouse

Sojourn Montrose

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 36:57


James 3:1-12For more information about Sojourn Montrose, visit sojournmontrose.org

Living Word Fellowship
The Unruliest Member of the Church || TAMING THE TONGUE || Pastor Doug Brady

Living Word Fellowship

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 23:49


E/pistle
James 3:7-12 - Taming the Tongue

E/pistle

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2025 5:53


James speaks even further on the power of words, reminding the audience once again that they must share the love of God to ALL people.

Resolute Podcast
Your Words Reveal Your Heart – Stop Getting Into Hot Water! | James 3:9-12

Resolute Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 4:25


A few years ago, I was wrapping up a workout at the gym, drenched in sweat and parched. You know that kind of thirst where you feel like you could drink an entire lake? I wandered over to the cooler, casually chatting with someone, my mind elsewhere. I grabbed my container, popped it under the spigot, and filled it up without a second thought. Still mid-conversation, I raised the cup to my lips, eager for a refreshing gulp of cold water. But instead of quenching my thirst, I jerked back in shock as my lip sizzled in pain. I'd filled my cup with steaming hot water. Instantly, my careless mistake turned what I thought would refresh me into something that burned me. It was a surprising and not-so-gentle reminder to pay attention to the water I was putting in my cup. In the same way, careless words that come out of our mouths can soothe or burn. That is what James is concerned about today. Welcome to the Daily Devo. Our text today is James 3:9-12. With [the tongue] we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. — James 3:9-12 James uses some very vivid illustrations in these short verses: He illustrates that the human tongue can bless God and curse God's people. He illustrates that the human mouth is an orifice of blessing and cursing simultaneously. He illustrates that natural elements act consistently, such as a freshwater spring or a sea of saltwater. He illustrates that plant life is also consistent in its produce. Unlike the natural order, James points out that humanity, specifically believers, are the only creatures in all God's creation that can act inconsistently. The propensity is almost schizophrenic. But here is James's bottom line: The tips of our tongues and the orifices of our mouths reveal our inconsistencies and the nature of our hearts. They expose us. We have all said stupid things. But James is not just concerned about the stupid things you and I say. He is concerned about the inconsistency of our hearts, which think and believe inconsistent thoughts and ideas, thus communicating inconsistent messages that burn us and others. James is leading us all toward deep consistency. Consistency starts in the heart. When Christ rules your heart, your words should follow. So, if you have been compartmentalizing your faith in Jesus, it's time to stop. Let Christ and his Spirit live in all the rooms, hallways, and corners of your heart. Open up to God where you have held onto pain, anger, regret, bitterness, and guilt with others. Start looking at all people through the lens of God, fallen but created by him for a relationship with Jesus. Then speak life, bless others, align your words with God's heart, and maybe you'll stop getting into hot water. #TamingTheTongue, #SpeakLife, #FaithInAction ASK THIS: How have my words both blessed and hurt others recently? In which areas am I inconsistent between my heart and speech? What steps can I take to let Christ rule my entire heart? How can I align my words today to reflect God's love? DO THIS: Speak a blessing to someone you've struggled with this week, reflecting God's love through your words. PRAY THIS: Lord, transform my heart so that my words reflect Your love and truth. Help me speak life and bring blessings to others. Amen PLAY THIS: I Speak Jesus.