Yom Shli-shi, Iyar 12, 6002 – April 9, 2017

Helpful Tools

Last night as I studied scriptures before I went to bed, I read a scripture from James that hit home with me.

James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

Often I have heard it taught that James said we cannot control the tongue. While I do not agree that is what this scripture teaches, let us set that argument aside for a moment. Here is something that tends to be true. It is difficult for the mind to both think words in a “running stream” and talk at the same time. When we are not talking, that stream is running and our mind gets the thoughts into the heart. There is another scripture that also discusses what we say.

Luke 6:44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.
45 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.

Here it says out of the abundance of the heart the mouth will speak. So if we are struggling with our thoughts, we can begin to speak out loud the correct thoughts and actions. This will end up in our heart, both by speaking and by hearing it. If we just speak what is in the “running stream” in our heads, then the evil can be reinforced. The goal is to remember in those moments to begin to say out loud the correct thoughts and behavior, thereby taking control of our hearts and minds. Praise God! We have a tool to help us win!

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King! Bless the name Yahuah! Father, let Your will be among us in this earth. Send today Your overwhelming provision such that it overflows to those around us. Forgive us our transgressions, and help us all to forgive those that have transgressed against us. Cleanse our hearts and minds, and heal up the wounds there. Restore and build up the right relationships among us. Restore unto Your people all the prosperity of lands, goods, and treasures that have been taken or held back in any way from Your people, and that one hundredfold. Rise up, O Mighty King, and strike at the evil. Grind it to powder, and carry it away in the whirlwind. Show us a sign for good, that all men might know that You alone have done this thing. We ask all these things in theh name of our Messiah Yeshuah (Jesus). Amen.