Verses to Abide In
“If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!” James 3:3-5 ESV
Digging Deeper
From Bruce Hurt:
The reader might be thinking that James is exaggerating on the potential of the tongue to affect one's whole body (James 3:2). He will now give illustrations of the power of the tongue to control by describing relatively small things that were well known to exert control over something much larger. Note that in each of these "little things," when they are controlled or directed, the larger, much more powerful things are controlled. Winkler phrases it this way
"That the mastery of the tongue aids the mastery of the whole body is illustrated by comparison."
And yet it boasts of great things - …Notice his choice of words ("boasts" a negative word) and secondly the contextual description of the destructive effect of the tongue (great forest fire). The NET Bible renders it "yet it has great pretensions" which emphasizes the evil or negative sense. Similarly the NLT says it "makes grand speeches." So clearly this refers to the naturally self-centered tongue which, energized by the fallen flesh, ultimately results in a wake of destruction (like a fire destroying a great forest).
Guzik - The fire of the tongue has been used to burn many. Children are told sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me. But that child’s rhyme isn’t really true; the bitter pain of a word spoken against us can hurt us for a lifetime, long after a broken bone has healed. What others say to us and what we say to others can last a long time, for good or for evil. The casual sarcastic or critical remark can inflict a lasting injury on another person. The well-timed encouragement or compliment can inspire someone for the rest of their life.
Now imagine a horse running out of control; a ship out of control; a fire out of control; someone’s mouth out of control.
https://www.preceptaustin.org/james-3-commentary
From the Heart
Have you ever left from somewhere, and it truly was a great time, but someone said something to you, and it just put a shadow over everything, easily covering over the greatness and just leaving you with a sadness inside?
Now I flip that thought and ask myself the question, have I ever made someone feel that way with something I have said?
What am I characterized by in how I speak to others?
Do I build up others with my words, or do I tear down others with my words (Ephesians 4:29)?
Do I shine Jesus, or do I start the damage of a forest fire that the enemy would love the opportunity to help spread (Ephesians 4:27)?
What kind of legacy will I leave with my words in the lives of others?
As I was writing to my mom for Mother’s Day, these verses in James 3 were on my heart and mind. I thought of how often my mom has spoken life into me, even nowadays.
My mom has left a legacy of life-giving words to me, and I am so thankful for her.
That is the kind of legacy I want to leave in the lives of others with my words!
Mom and me :)
Let’s Pray
Abba,
We meditate on your word: “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (Genesis 1:3 ESV).
We ponder and are in awe that you could speak light into existence out of nothing.
The heavens declare your glory, and the sky above proclaims your handiwork (Psalm 19:1).
We bow our hearts and acknowledge the power that words have, from when you spoke creation into being to when we speak to give life or death…death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21a).
If a man’s words express what is treasured in his heart (Luke 6:45, Phillips), show us what we truly treasure in our hearts, we ask.
Reveal to us any strongholds, lies, or pretensions that stand up against the knowledge of you, God, within our hearts or minds. Help us to use the weapons you have given us that have divine power to demolish them. Enable us to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3–5 NIV).
Forgive me for any words that I have spoken that were boasting, putting others down, puffing me up, exaggerating, lying, etc. Forgive me for any damage I have done to others with my words. Show me if there is anyone I need to ask forgiveness of.
Thank you for forgiving me.
Thank you for your grace, mercy, and love.
If we are so unfaithful, may you cut off our flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts (Psalm 12:3 ESV).
Your words are pure words,
like silver refined in a furnace on the ground…. (Psalm 12:6a ESV).
Your way is perfect;
your word proves true;
you are a shield for all those who take refuge in you (Psalm 18:30 ESV).
“The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation—” (Psalm 18:46 ESV).
In the name of Jesus, the Word (John 1).
Amen!
Event Updates!
We had a fantastic weekend! Praising God for all the friends we got to fellowship with new and old! A special thanks to Recovery Cafe and Souled Out Coffeehouse for making us feel so welcomed and loved as the family of God! May He continue to move among us for His glory, in the name of Jesus!
Mom and me :)
May God bless you and keep you and shine his face upon you,
Laura
Upcoming Dates
Saturday, May 30, 2026, afternoon (TBA)
Music Festival and Motorcycle Show
Crossing Community Church
80 Lower Silver Lake Road
Newtown, PA 18940
Rain Date: Saturday, June 13
Friday, June 5, 2026, 7:30
No More Chainz Recovery Church
Michael Teaching and we will do a song!
316 Durham Rd. Penndel, PA 19047
(Parking in lot across from church)
Friday, August 1, 2026, 7-9pm
Acts of Grace Coffeehouse
1609 Woodburne Road
SUITE 403B (very back of complex)
LEVITTOWN, PA19057
Monday, August 3, 2026, 7-9pm
Karen's Place Outdoor Concert
Doylestown Mennonite Church
590 N. Broad Street
Doylestown, PA 18901