Father, You are the anchor in my life. You are what keeps me grounded. Thank You for Your presence. Thank You for Your patience. Thank You for Your love that is in constant pursuit of me.
James 3:2-12 (<<click here)
Every day is stock full of choices. Some are insignificant “what kind of cereal do I want today?” “Do I pick up that unsolicited phone call or let it go to voicemail?” In the grand scheme of things they don’t have a whole lot of impact.
But, Lord, some of the choices I make today can have far-reaching effects. Today’s passage addresses the tongue and throughout this day and every day I have to decide whether I will use it for good…or for evil.
One of many things that James compares the tongue to is fire. A single spark can set a forest ablaze causing much loss and destruction. But fire in and of itself is not Inherently evil. It just needs to be controlled. It needs to be contained.
A song from my youth comes to mind. “Pass It On” by Kurt Kaiser was written in 1969 and has been sung by many young people around glowing campfires at church camps and retreats.
The first verse is…
It only takes a spark
To get a fire going
And soon all those around
Can warm up to its glowing
That’s how it is with God’s love
Once you’ve experienced it
You spread His love to everyone
You want to pass it on
Fire can be a very good thing – we just have to be in control. Lord, may Your fire fill me. May my tongue be used by You to kindle a fire that will welcome those about me to gather round to feel Your warmth and love. Help me to use my tongue for the good.
Sept 9th, Fri, 6:47 am
