November 14, 2016 – 40 Days Until My Head Explodes, Or
Devotions to Prepare Us For Christ’s Coming

“For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, 8 but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God.” James 3:7-9

From Yoda to Bigfoot – we are on the path of mythical creature ornaments – or as yet mythical. Perhaps there is a creature out there we have not captured, pictured, or trapped. Perhaps one day we will see space ships from another planet land on the lawn of the Whitehouse and welcome us into the age of Aquarius. And when that portal opens, if they look like Bigfoot, or they look like Yoda, won’t we be just a little flummoxed – and tongue-tied.

G-d has given us all something that can let people know they are loved, can comfort, can provide support – and it can also crush a spirit, and cause long-lasting damage to psyches….and it isn’t “Bigfoot”. That thing is the tongue. Sometimes we lash out at others without even thinking what our words might be doing to their mood, their confidence, or their spirit. We thoughtlessly criticize others, forgetting — at least for the moment — that those people who bear the brunt of our words are made in G-d’s image, and are just as valuable to G-d as we are. Remember, Christ died for them, too. The writer of James says: “…but no one can tame the tongue–a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God.

G-d takes our words very seriously, and so should we. I have been following some of the contents and messages posted by pastors on a denominational FaceBook page – and the comments are just awful. G-d intends that our words be used to build up the Body of Christ, to restore us when needed, and to help us become the best that G-d has planned for us. Even pastors don’t understand that concept at times – especially when we should be trying to build up one another, support one another and try to wade through murky waters together.

I’m going to ask you — and myself! — to think about the words we have said in the last 24 hours? How many of those words have been used to edify others? How many have probably hurt others? Pray to G-d that our words help, not hurt others — and may our words bring people into the Kingdom, heal hurts, lift up people and not tear them down.

Pastor Dave