Cover to Cover... Proof~Perseverance~Powerful Tongue

What lingers from our readings this week? I could tell you all about doubting Thomas. Well, after reading again, I better since too often I am just like him.

"...But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." (John 20:25-27) Then he goes on to say in verse 29... "Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

If I'm ever in a tough spot, I want to remember these next verses. I need to read them S-L-O-W-L-Y every time I face a difficult situation!

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. (James 1:2-6)


These next verses about taming the tongue are the story of my life. So many times I have hurt people with my words. Probably more often than I am aware. I tend to speak before I think and blurt things out, only to later regret what I have said to someone. I know how important my words are and realize they can either hurt someone or bless them. It's weird how I remember something a loved one told me nearly 30 years ago and the thought still makes my heart sink. On another note, I wrestle with tongues all day long at work. I have to be very careful. (In case you didn't know, I am a dental hygienist.) A strong tongue can make it almost impossible to take xrays and can cause a severe gag reflex. If I can get my patients to relax their tongue, it makes life a whole lot easier! The tongue is very powerful. I can only tame my tongue with the help of the Holy Spirit.

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. (James 3:3-9)


If I've hurt you by anything I've said in the past, I want to apologize. If you need to hear some encouraging words, please go to Bev's blog and you will be blessed beyond measure! Have a great week!
Love,
Angie xoxo

p.s. By the way... it's never too late... :)