472. Bible Quiz: What Is It?

“Bible quiz,” Stan began.  “What does the Bible describe as ‘restless, evil, and full of poison’?”

“Sounds to me like the serpent in the garden,” I replied.

“Good answer,” Stan said, “but what I was thinking about is that’s how the Bible describes my tongue.”

“Your tongue?” I responded. “How do you figure that?”

“First of all, that is what James said in his letter that is near the end of the Bible.  Second, I know all too well that it is true.”

Continuing, he said, “I often say things that are so contrary to who I am in Christ.  I say something, and the Holy Spirit says, ‘Why in the world did you say that?  What you just said was full of poison!’”

“Yeah,” I responded, “I see what you mean.  I, too, tend to say things that I immediately regret.  Things that discourage another person, not build them up.”

“You know,” Stan replied, “your answer about it sounding like the serpent in the garden may well be a very accurate description of my tongue. Satan is the master deceiver and he just loves it when I misrepresent who I am in Christ by what I say.”

Continuing, he said, “Another essential part of what James said in his letter about this is that I am incapable of controlling my tongue.  What he wrote is that the tongue cannot be tamed.”

Concluding,  he said, “While James did not say it, I know that the only way I can control what I say is two-fold.  First, I must take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.  Second, I have to give everything about me, including my tongue, to the control of the only one capable of dealing with it, the Holy Spirit.  Give it to Him and follow His lead!”

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But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.  James 3:8.

We are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.  2 Corinthians 10:5.

Prayer:  Thank you, Father, for pointing out the truth that way too often I use the tongue you have given me to say things that are contrary to who and what you intend.  I confess to that and ask for your forgiveness.  I also ask you to help me in following your lead in controlling what I say by giving it all to the indwelling Holy Spirit you have so graciously provided.  He will lead as I surrender.  Please, Father, help me with this.  Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

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Things to think (and journal) about:

1.  What is your biggest take-away from this devotional?

2.  What does this devotional say about God and about us as His people?

3.  What is God saying to you to do personally?

4.  Who can you share this with to make a difference?

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Comments, questions, suggestions, and the like can be addressed to The Storyteller at: waiting4thetrain@gmail.com.