Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr.
Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join James, a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life's biggest questions and helps us find God's solutions to life's struggles. Learn the power of living by God's grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!
Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr.
Transforming Your Speech: The Power of Words in Life and Relationships
Can a single word ignite a firestorm? Discover the transformative power of your speech in today's soul-stirring episode of "Lessons for Life" with Pastor James Long Jr. Drawing from James, chapter 3, Pastor James unpacks the profound impact our tongues have on our lives and relationships, for better or worse. From the destructive potential of careless words to the redemptive power of godly speech, this devotional will challenge you to reconsider how you use your voice in light of divine teachings.
Join us as Pastor James offers practical steps to harness this power for good and invites you to reflect deeply on your recent words. Learn how to be slow to speak, speak to uplift, and seek God's guidance in taming your tongue. With heartfelt prayers and actionable advice, this episode promises a journey towards peace, hope, and joy through the teachings of Jesus Christ. For those yearning for lasting change, Pastor James also highlights additional resources available at jameslongjr.org. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your heart and your words!
ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE
Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are in search of freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!
Links
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Well, the devotional today is entitled the Tongue is a Fire. It comes from James, chapter 3. The power of words is undeniable, as James vividly describes. The tongue, though small, holds immense influence. It has the capacity to bless or to curse, to build up or to tear down. Today's devotional reminds us of the destructive potential of our words and challenges us to reflect on how we use our speech in light of God's Word.
Speaker 1:Well, hello, my name is James Long Jr. I am a pastor, counselor and university professor. Welcome to Lessons for Life, where I help people whose pain from their past or their present is influencing their perspective on life Through teaching them about a person, the Lord Jesus Christ, principles and promises from God's Word and giving them a pathway for change. My goal is to guide you towards peace, hope and joy. In today's lesson, we will be exploring how God's truth can transform your life and how to experience the joy of forgiveness and the freedom found in Jesus Christ alone.
Speaker 1:Well, the passage of scripture that we will be looking at today is found in James, chapter 3, verse 6. It says this and the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. Here's the devotional thought. James gives a vivid picture of the tongue. It is a fire capable of igniting a blaze that can quickly spiral out of control. Just as a small spark can set an entire forest ablaze, so too a single careless word can cause destruction. James goes on to say that the tongue is a world of unrighteousness, capable of staining the whole body and influencing every area of life. Why does James emphasize the danger of the tongue? Because words have power. Words spoken in anger, gossip or pride can cause lasting damage. They can ruin reputations, destroy relationships and spread bitterness. The source of this destructive power is not merely human. James points out that the tongue is set on fire by hell itself, a tool that Satan uses to bring about discord and devastation. Yet there's hope. Though no human being can tame the tongue, we see that in James 3.8, god can. He can give us the grace to control our speech, to use our words to bring life rather than death.
Speaker 1:As believers, we must rely on God's power to transform our hearts and, by extension, our words. Our speech is one of the ways we reflect God's image, and when we surrender our tongues to him. We can speak words that bless and build up rather than tear down, bringing it home, applying what we've learned. Three points. Number one reflect on your speech.
Speaker 1:Take time today to reflect on the words that you've spoken recently. Are they words that bless or words that harm? Ask God to reveal any area where your speech needs transformation. Number two be slow to speak. Make it a point to pause before speaking. Consider the impact of your words and ask God to guide your speech so that it will reflect His love and grace.
Speaker 1:Number three use your words to build up. Commit to using words that encourage and bless others. Speak life into the lives of those around you, knowing that your words have the power to uplift and strengthen. Well, let us pray, lord. Thank you for the gift of speech. Help me to use my words wisely, speaking in a way that honors you and builds up those around me.
Speaker 1:I confess that sometimes I speak carelessly, causing harm instead of good. Please tame my tongue that it may be a tool for your glory. In Jesus' name, we pray Amen. Well, thank you for joining me today. If you found this lesson helpful, I encourage you to explore more resources and support on my website, jameslongjrorg. That's jameslongjrorg. There you can also join our Lessons for Life monthly membership or our online group coaching program, where you will find powerful coaching videos, a supportive community and step-by-step guidance for lasting transformation. A supportive community and step-by-step guidance for lasting transformation. Remember that true change is possible when you walk in God's grace and for His glory. Until next time, may you find peace, hope and joy in Jesus Christ alone. No-transcript.
