Dave’s Monday Blast – July 30, 2018

Just returned from a little camping trip with my wife. Short story…we were smoked out no matter where we went in Northern California. I must admit I was not happy changing locations 3 times attempting to escape the smoke. I “think” I might have complained about the circumstance a bit more than I should have. It got me thinking about the tongue.

The tongue is just a little 2 oz. muscle, but it’s incredibly powerful. And as the book of Jame points out, while humans have been able to tame all kinds of animals, no one can tame the tongue (James 3:7 – 8)Fortunately, though, we aren’t without hope when it comes to our pesky tongues. The book of James also reveals to us the key to finding victory over the tongue’s dangers and harnessing its power for the glory of God: we need to R.A.C.E. to Jesus. I love this easy acronym from Christian Ministries International:

R = Recognize our desperate plight. James 3:8 reminds, no human being can tame the tongue. Like with every other sin in our lives, attaining victory over the tongue by our own efforts is impossible We need help! (Or at least I do 😁)

A = Accept the hope of the gospel. Jame 1:18 says that through God’s gracious provision of salvation we have been reborn, we have a new nature, a new identity; and along with this we receive the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. It is through the Spirit’s power that we experience sanctification, including the transformation of our tongues.

C – Continue regularly in God’s word. In James 1:25 we are told that those who continue in God’s perfect law that brings freedom will be blessed. God’s word is the fuel that produces freedom and victory over sin. So….stay in the Word!

E – Engage the Lord daily in prayer. James 1:5 says, “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.”

That’s good isn’t it!

Are you struggling with the tongue? Are you wrestling with sin? Do you need the Lord’s wisdom as you fight these battles? If so, turn to him in prayer and He WILL help you.

About The Author

Dave
Dave Wickstrom has been the Administrative Pastor at Auburn Grace Community Church since 2012. Prior to that he worked for private Christian school education as a Teacher and Administrator for 30 years. He is married and has two children and one grandchild. He is passionate about connecting people to ministry, and encouraging believers to give their time and God given gifts to the advancement of His Kingdom.
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