Today’s Bible Verse
And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.
James 3:4-5 (NLT)
The Rudder of Your Life
A ship’s rudder is a tiny metal blade. In comparison to the rest of ship, it’s a minuscule part. Yet, it can turn the entire ship in any direction that the captain needs it to go in. It’s amazing that such a small part has such an important role to play. Without its rudder, a ship would be at the mercy of the ocean.
It’s no coincidence that in James 3:4, the tongue is compared to a ship’s rudder. On average, a human tongue is approximately 3 inches long. Although it’s an integral part of the human body, it’s not the anatomical facts or function that fascinates me. What fascinates me most about the human tongue is that although it’s small part of the body, it has the power to build someone up or destroy them, to speak life or death.
How often have we spoken unkind words to our children, spouse, family, friends or ourselves? Do you catch yourself speaking “facts” or truth? Do you look at your circumstances, and rather than speak to the mountain, you speak about the mountain? A tiny spark can set a forest on fire. Are we setting our life on fire, or are we on fire for Jesus and passionate about His Word? A small change in our speech that speaks TRUTH (His word) will yield a better outcome because His Word causes our lives to align with His will for our life. (Sally Tarin, Word of Life Orange)
An Uncommon Life
I encourage you today to begin declaring His Word regardless of the mountain before you. It’s the small changes that will yield significant results. The words that come out of your mouth not only reveal what’s in your heart, but also direct the course of your life. Bitter words produce a bitter life. Faith-filled words produce a fruitful life.
Today’s Declaration
I declare that today, I will begin to change my speech to align with God’s Word. I will not focus on the mountain but will speak to it so that it will be removed.
Today’s Bible Reading
- Old Testament: Numbers 1-2; Psalms 48
- New Testament: Matthew 21:23-32; Romans 1:1-17
