Firm Foundation with Bryan Hudson

Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. James 3:2 (NLT)

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Words have significance in three domains:

1. In the Kingdom of God (realm of the spirit)

2. In your life: spirit, soul (mind, will, emotions), body

3. In your circumstances

James 3:1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect [brought to its end, finished, wanting nothing necessary to completeness] man, able also to bridle [to lead by a bridle, to guide, hold in check, restrain] the whole body.

Small things control big things

James 3:3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great [great not in “good” but as is exaggerated or overblown] things.

Taming the tongue begins with taming and the heart

James 3:5, See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles [stain or soil] the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

August is here!

It is good month for a daily devotional. Consider getting one of my 30-day devotional books in print or Kindle edition. Each one is edifying and an easy read. Start each day with the Word of God! Available on Amazon and www.visionbooksmedia.com

~ Bryan Hudson. D.Min.

Exodus 14:14, “The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” And the LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward.”

Have you ever felt like you did not know where to go or what to do? A better question might be: “When was the last time you felt that way?”

Beware of feelings. Feelings are not final reality. I have been on flights that were so smooth that it did not feel like we were moving. However, 12 inches from my window seat there was pandemonium going on outside at 37,000 feet, traveling at 550 miles per hour, with sub zero temperature air and very low oxygen. So, my feeling could not define the reality.

I have been on merry-go-rounds where everything was moving and I was only going in a circle. One day, a guy saw me with my earphones and remarked that I must have enjoyed my music. That was how he felt. In fact, I was listening to the text of a scholarly article.

Feelings and emotionalism are such a problem until people today can’t embrace reality because of feeling a certain way. I am glad that the most important people in my life operate on reality more than feelings: My attorney, my pilots on commercial flights, my doctors, my pastor, my close friends, and more.

Forward defined: To cause to proceed or progress toward a goal. To cause to go or be taken from one place or condition to another.

For you, there is a place called “Forward.” For Israel, their “Forward” was something called the “Promised Land.” The people of Israel did not possess a map to the Promised Land. This was more of a promise of something greater than their present condition in Egypt.

Feeling “stuck” is not uncommon. We all have that feeling from time to time. Israel certainly felt that way as they were staring at an impassable body of water in front of them, with an Egyptian army bearing down on them from behind.

The good news is this: We serve a God who knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10).

God told Moses to tell the people to “Go forward.” This didn’t make sense because of the Red Sea in front of them, but it was an opportunity to trust the Lord in a very special way.

You don’t have to be concerned about things that don’t make sense to you. You only need to focus on His word, His promises, and the spiritual principles that govern you and your circumstances.

Look for a pillar of fire in your life and circumstances.

Your “pillar of fire” is not a miraculous sign (we don’t look for signs - Matthew 16:4). Your pillar of fire is something you know God has done for you. Your pillar of fire is the blessing already present in your life, but may have been overshadowed by your present challenges.

You might be enjoying extended years of life because of God’s healing power. You might have the blessing of people who love you and continue to support you every day of your life. That’s a pillar of fire for you. It is something that removes any doubt that God is with you and continues to keep the enemy from overtaking you.

Today, God is still saying, “Go forward.” Forward is the only direction in which God is moving.

Forward is a place that stretches your faith and exercises your prayer life. Forward is the place and the direction your vision takes you.

How is this? We can always go forward because “forward” is not a compass direction, it is a mindset, a sense of purpose, and a promise from God.

Reflection Question: Based on your faith in God, describe what forward looks like to you.

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight:

1 John 3:17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 19 And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.

As a child, I remember learning in school that a verb is an “action word.” We also learned that a noun is “a person, place, or thing,” Love is the ultimate noun and verb!

John defined the “Love of God,” as an action, not only a thing…something we should always keep in our heart and mind Love becomes life-giving when it is backed up with action. The true measure of love is not only words, but deeds. Our deeds transform love from a “thing” into “action.” Love is the master motivator and an empowering force!

In Verse 19, The Apostle John shared this powerful truth: True love, when lived through our actions, draws us closer to God, strengthens our character, and provides the firm foundation of assurance!

Reflection Question: How has the love of God empowered you?

Key insight I gained today:

Today’s action item based on insight: