— From the distaff side —

Small but Mighty

"Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.  Even so the tongue ..." — James 3:4,5

Indeed!  Though small, the tongue is mighty.  It can effect great good or evil and be a powerful factor on destiny — our own as well as other’s.  Scripture is prolific regarding the crucial role this little bodily member plays, both temporally and eternally.  "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof" — Prov 18:21.

As Christians, we must realize that the power of choice to work good or evil begins in the heart.  "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh" — Lu 6:45.  Whatever, or more accurately, whoever fills our heart, will determine what our tongue brings forth: God’s Word of truth with its power of life — or the words of death birthed of sin and satan  (Rom 6:16; 8:6; Acts 5:3).  Whom will we serve?  Whom will we glorify?

A tongue that brings forth good treasure is wise, and full of godly praise, declaring God’s righteousness and good works.  Bridled and controlled, it uses knowledge rightly and is kept from sin.  It blesses, is humble and speaks kindly, gently and justly, expressing the truth in love, always edifying others with grace.  Evil treasure comes forth from a tongue rooted in a heart full of sinful self and orchestrated by satan; there’s no neutral ground.  This tongue is corrupt; it lies, deceives and is "like a serpent" (Ps 140:3).  Unbridled, it will proudly curse, blaspheme, speak craftily; flatter, connive and rebel.  It loves devouring, destructive, death-dealing words to accuse, slander, backbite and gossip.  It is the choice weapon of all iniquity (Ja 3:6).

Oh God, help us surrender our hearts to You, so like Your psalmist, David, we can truly pray: "Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.  Concerning the works of men, by the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.  Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.  Shew Thy marvellous lovingkindness, O Thou that savest by Thy right hand them which put their trust in Thee ... Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of Thy wings ..." — Ps 17:3-5,7,8.  Amen and amen.   — D. 

ABOUT US:  Founded in 1993, Hallelujah Living Ministries is a donation-based, non-denominational Christian outreach to uplift, inform and challenge followers of Jesus Christ.  For more information or a copy of our always-free print newsletter, please include a  postal mail address along with your comments and prayer requests. Thank you for visiting  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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