7. For every species of beasts, both indeed of birds, of creeping things, and of sea animals, is tamed, and has been tamed by the will of man;

8. But no one of men is able to tame the tongue; it is an unrestrainable evil, full of death-dealing poison.

James 3:7-8 (HRB)

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In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

Definition of Tame:

1. Reduced from a state of native wildness, especially so as to be tractable and useful to humans: domesticated tame animals
2. Made docile and submissive: subdued

Definition of Train:

1. Teach (a person or animal) a particular skill or type of behavior through practice and instruction over a period of time.
2. To develop or form the habits, thoughts, or behavior of (a child or other person) by discipline and instruction: to train an unruly boy.
3. To make proficient by instruction and practice, as in some art, profession, or work: to train soldiers.
4. To give the discipline and instruction, drill, practice, etc., designed to impart proficiency or efficiency.

Taming & Training

As human beings, we possess an incredible ability to train and tame animals for various purposes, including hunting, protection, entertainment, etc. Our remarkable capacity to tame and train does not stop with animals, as we can train ourselves and other humans to accomplish impressive feats like completing iron-races, mastering a musical instrument, or any accomplishment found in a Guinness World Record book. However, it’s essential to recognize that we can also unconsciously train ourselves to develop detrimental habits that can become ingrained or give rise to unhealthy behavior. This highlights the importance of being mindful of our surrounding influences and evaluating our actions to determine their impact.

The Impossible

The human mind and body are incredible creations crafted by the hands of YAWHEH with unthinkable potential. Certain individuals have tapped into this potential, performing unimaginable things without training or preparation. In most cases reported, dire circumstances, such as extreme stress, desperation, or pressure, played a role in displaying extraordinary abilities that appear beyond human capability. The astounding stories of Angela Cavallo and William Jeracki listed below serve as prime examples of this potential, showcasing a fight-or-flight response and a remarkable capacity for self-sacrifice and self-preservation in times of crisis.

• Angela Cavallo’s incredible feat of strength was on full display when she saw her son’s life hanging in the balance. This middle-aged mom and grandmother summoned tremendous amounts of hysterical strength and lifted a 3,295 lbs 1964 Chevy Impala off of her son. This courageous act not only showcased an extraordinary, unhuman-like strength but also led to her son’s rescue, saving his life.
• William Jeracki, a 38-year-old physician assistant, went fishing to St. Mary’s Glacier in the mountains outside Denver. During the fishing trip, a boulder fell on him, breaking his leg and trapping him alone in the mountains. Jeracki says he tried for a long time to free himself, but it was ultimately useless, and a decision had to be made. Out of desperation, Jeracki decided to cut off his leg in self-preservation. He made a makeshift tourniquet to slow down his blood flow, and he amputated his left leg from the knee down using a pocket knife. Then, amazingly, he embarked on a courageous journey, crawling half a mile to reach his truck and then driving an additional half mile seeking assistance.

How Amazing are Humans?

As we reflect upon the incredible achievements of humanity, from the taming of wild beasts to completing grueling Iron-races and even a regular person picking up vehicles, it can be tempting to believe that we possess the capacity to accomplish anything we set our minds to. However, this belief could not be further from the truth. It’s a false belief in self and promotes viewing oneself as a god, which is idolatry. There’s a tiny component that exists within our anatomy that remains beyond our complete control and mastery – the tongue. Even the most self-disciplined individuals cannot entirely rein in this small muscle.

James 3:8 describes the tongue as an “unrestrainable evil, full of death-dealing poison.” It’s like a hazardous weapon or an uncontrollable wild venomous animal. Fortunately, there is an antidote or solution that can tame and remove the death dealer’s natural inclination toward wildness. The remedy can restrain and make the tongue obedient, submissive, and docile yet wise and advantageous. The cure is freely available to all, but it requires us to surrender everything we have (Matthew 16:24-26) in order to receive it. By submitting to YAHWEH, repenting, and accepting the salvation offered by Yahshua, we can receive the power of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), which can and will control the tongue. However, submitting our will is the key.

From last week’s Food For Thought!

If you notice that your tongue is constantly telling lies, cursing, spreading gossip, idly chattering, exaggerating everything, and launching harsh attacks of slander and defamation, you need a heart check. You need to seriously contemplate where YAHWEH and Yahshua fit into your life because your heart has confirmed to you by your constant word choice that it is indeed contaminated. We are not perfect, but as believers, we are required to examine ourselves. 2 Corinthians 13:5: “Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Or do you not yourselves realize that Yahshua Messiah is in you? If this is not true than you are rejected.“

By David Edwards

The post Wait a Minute, What Did YOU Just Say? PT. 3 appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.

3. Behold, we put bits in the mouths of the horses, for them to obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 

4. Behold, the ships also, being so great, and being driven by violent winds, they are directed by a very small rudder, wherever the one steering wishes. 

5. So also the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how a little fire sets ablaze large forests!

James 3:3-5 (HRB)

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In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

Definition of Bit:

1. A piece of metal or synthetic material that fits in a horse’s mouth, enabling the rider to prompt or control a horse by placing pressure in and around the mouth.

Definition of Rudder:

1. A primary control surface used to steer a ship, boat, submarine, hovercraft, aircraft, or other vehicle that moves through a fluid medium (generally air or water).

According to the teachings of Ya’aqov (aka James, the brother of Yahshua), the tongue holds tremendous importance in our daily lives. In fact, he compares it to a tiny bit that controls even the most stubborn of horses, a small rudder that steers the mightiest of ships, and a little fire that sets an entire forest ablaze. Our tongue is one of the smallest parts of our body, yet it holds the power to paint a picture of who you are to others. Our use of language and the words we choose to speak reveals our heart (Matthew 12:34), level of self-discipline (James 1:19), and the kind of person we are (Proverbs 10:31).

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.

Proverbs 18:21 (AMP)

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In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

Upon closer examination, you can see the insightful observation Ya’aqov implies regarding the tongue and its role and impacts on life with his comparison. Seemingly insignificant devices, such as a horse’s bit or a ship’s rudder, can manipulate and direct what it’s attached to. Despite their small size, these devices possess the remarkable ability to exert control over objects that are much larger than themselves, thus highlighting their profound impact and influence. In comparing the tongue to these tiny things that control the whole of what they are connected to, we are forced to think about the significant power, impact, and influence the tongue has in our lives. Its power to communicate our thoughts and feelings, express our desires and opinions, or even convey our emotions is undeniable. 

Therefore, we must reflect on the forces that guide our speech and ensure that our words align with our faith in YAHWEH and His precepts. Unfortunately, some people allow their tongues to run wild, recklessly speaking whatever comes to mind without regard for the consequences. Others often speak impulsively, allowing their emotions, sinful nature, or negative impulses to dictate their words, which can cause hurt and harm to those around them. In our interactions with others, it is crucial to be mindful of the impact our words have on them. It is necessary to strive to speak with intention, kindness, and compassion towards others displaying the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5: 22-23) and a YAHWEH-influenced life.

She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the law of kindness is on her tongue.

Proverb 31:26 (HNV)

Let not any evil word go out from your mouth, but words that are good and useful for edification that it may impart a blessing to those who hear them.

Ephesians 4:29 (HRB)

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In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

How do we Control Our Tongue?

We must seek the Spirit of YAHWEH and allow the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) to be our bit and rudder, guiding and regulating our tongue toward righteousness. With this approach, we can avoid or at least minimize causing harm and instead use our words to bring about positive change and do good in the world. Indeed, the power of our words is immeasurable, and the way we choose to use them can make all the difference in our relationships, careers, and even our own sense of well-being.

Conclusion

Do not let your tongue set your life or the lives of those around you ablaze! Surrender your will to YAHWEH and let Him guide you.

By David Edwards

The post Wait a minute, What did you just say? PT. 1 appeared first on Journal Thy Journey.