“For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.” – James 3:2

How often does your mouth lead the way into trouble? Hopefully never, but for most believers, it’s far too common. We don’t intend to do wrong. We get some of our worst sins “under control”. But our mouth still runs. We say things we shouldn’t. Saying these things gets us more upset, so we say even more that we shouldn’t. One sinful word leads to hundreds or thousands more. Our words cause our thoughts to become darker and darker – angry, contemptuous, defiant, discouraged… Our bodies often follow the lead of our mouths. Suddenly, the sins we thought were “under control” are back in the driver’s seat!

There’s a popular myth in our culture that “venting” whatever we’re stewing about is good or healthy. That we must verbally unload our frustrations and anger on other people. That it’s good to vomit out vile words about people and situations. You may have fallen for that myth. But it IS a myth. Sinful words are always sinful and never justified. Even secular psychologists have come to agree that venting only makes you feel worse. That it causes your thoughts to spiral downward rather than clearing them up. It’s exactly what James describes – our words shape and guide our minds and bodies. If you can’t control your words, you won’t control your thoughts and actions.

As you follow Jesus and permit the Holy Spirit to control and transform your life, pray especially for the transformation of your words. Control your tongue and pray for God to give you the supernatural spiritual fruit of self-control. Watch what you say. Boastful words are never OK. Hurtful words are never OK. Gossip is never OK. Divisive words are never OK. Fits of rage are never OK. What comes out of your mouth must glorify God just as much as your actions do. #FollowJesus

“Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” – Luke 4:34

The demons always know… they always know exactly Who Jesus is. There’s no question or doubt in their minds. They also hate Jesus. They hate having to obey Him. But they know exactly who Jesus is. It’s so interesting (and startling) that many humans refuse to understand or believe what demons see so clearly.

What’s clear to demons is difficult to persuade humans about. Because of the blinding effects of sin, self, pride, and the veil that darkens spiritually-dead minds. Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God. The Christ. The Messiah. The eternal Second Person of the Godhead. Fully God AND fully human. Crucified, resurrected, and reigning over all creation.

As we prepare to enter into the Advent season, prayerfully consider who in your life needs to know the truth about Jesus, that He is “The Holy One of God”? #FollowJesus

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” – James 1:2-3

Difficult seasons in life aren’t some unfortunate accident or mistake. Whether professional, relational, emotional, educational, political, physical, spiritual, medical, financial, or a combination of these, trying times aren’t just a miserable distraction from what’s important. They’re often a crucial part of growing and maturing followers of Jesus. God permits them to ripen our faith and deepen our relationship with our Savior. There are preachers and teachers that falsely claim bad things won’t happen to believers if they just have enough faith. That is NOT what the Bible teaches!

The Bible teaches that through inevitable seasons of pain, frustration, loneliness, and defeat, Christian faith is tested and refined by fire. It’s impossible for you to know the strength and depth of your faith unless it’s challenged by trials bigger than yourself. You’ll never truly understand how sweet and precious it is that Jesus is with you every step of the way until you’ve been carried by Him through long seasons of pain and struggle. You’ll never realize or rely on the unlimited strength of God within you until your weakness is made very obvious to you.

This is why James challenges us to view trials as a source of joy. Because he knows, that in those trials, we’ll get to know our Lord in a much more personal and dependent way. Because he knows that through them, we’ll learn to walk in His strength and presence rather than our own abilities. Because he knows that through them, we’ll learn to have the steadfast endurance that’s only available through the steadfast love and presence of Jesus in our lives. Count it all joy and #FollowJesus

“For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.” – Hebrews 13:11-12

Every sacrifice commanded in the Old Testament pointed forward to what Jesus did for us on the cross. The entire bloody system of sacrifices existed to prepare people to understand, believe in, and be cleansed by the person and work of Jesus. It visibly demonstrated the terrible cost of sin. Every sin is a rebellion against the God of life. Every sin results in death. Sin can only be covered by the bloody death of an innocent creature. Every sacrifice must be without spot of blemish. The remains of every sacrifice must be disposed of outside the place where God’s people live.

Jesus is the fulfillment of it all. He is the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. He is the innocent and eternal Son of God, fully God and fully human. He lived a perfect life without sin, spot, or blemish, resisting every temptation the devil threw at Him. His innocent blood was shed on the cross to atone for the guilt of your sins. His body was buried in a tomb outside the city walls. Everything about the Old Testament sacrifices pointed toward Jesus.

As the final, ultimate sacrifice, the blood of Jesus washes everyone clean who believes in Him. His blood washes away the guilt and shame of your sins the moment you trust in Him. His resurrection is the proof that His sacrifice was accepted and sufficient to cover your sins. Remember these truths whenever you read or hear about the Old Testament sacrifices. Understand the deep truths of what Jesus did for you. #FollowJesus

“For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”
– Hebrews 12:6

If Jesus is your Lord, then you will never, ever experience God’s wrath, punishment, or condemnation. Jesus took 100% of that on Himself when He suffered and died on the cross. The moment you put your faith and trust in your risen Savior, you became new creation and were adopted as God’s beloved child. Which means that God will discipline you when you need it. He loves you too much not to. God will send difficulty into your life whenever you need it to get you back on the road of obedience to Jesus. The road of joy and blessing. The road of deep delight in the Lord.

God’s discipline isn’t punishment. It’s correction. It’s uncomfortable but it won’t destroy you – it shapes and forms you into the likeness of Jesus. It isn’t done out of anger toward you, but out of love. It only lasts as long as necessary to get your attention and move you to turn back to God in confession and repentance. It’s isn’t condemnation, it’s your Father’s invitation to receive yet more of His amazing grace.

Whenever things are hard and you feel like God is punishing you, remember this truth. If you love Jesus and are submitted to His Lordship, you definitely aren’t getting punished. But God may be loving you too much to leave you in some pattern of sin. He may be tapping you on the shoulder to get you to obey the commands of Jesus more completely. He is inviting you to ask Him to reveal sins of commission (what you shouldn’t be doing) or sins of omissions (what you should be doing). Slow down, pray, study the Scriptures, and respond to whatever God reveals. God’s discipline is only temporary, until you’re back on the path God has made for your blessing. The quicker that happens, the quicker a season of discipline ends. #FollowJesus