Tongues….

When I say ‘Tongues’ it immediately brings to our mind speaking in tongues which was a dramatic miracle that helped the Christian church begin (Acts 2). Here I am not going to debate about speaking in tongues, instead I am going to explore a bit about the four different kinds of tongues under: untamable vs. tamable tongue.

The Latin word for To Tame is Domito,

Domito is defined as: to tame, subdue, break in.

      The word "tame" is from the Greek word damadzo,

      Damadzo means:  to domesticate, to subdue, to tame, or to bring under control.

Synonyms for tame

[bridle, check, constrain, contain, curb, govern, hold, inhibit, keep, measure, pull in, regulate, rein (in), restrain, rule, control]^1,2

Some examples of untamed tongue would be gossiping, putting others down, bragging, manipulating, false teaching, exaggerating, complaining, flattering, and lying. An example of a tamed tongue would be encouraging others and not putting another person down. Proper speech is not only saying the right words at the right time, but it is also controlling one’s desire to say what you should not.

The word tame (damadzo) occurs in the New Testament passage in Mark 5: 4; apart from James 3, about the maniac of Gadara. This helps us to establish the proper meaning of the word in the book of James. The word ‘taming’ has nothing to do with domesticating animals or training them to perform. The meaning here is control or dominion. Mankind in general can control every other little creature, but no one can control their own tongue.

Book of James chapter 3 talks about the dangers of the tongue and he compares the damage the tongue can do to a raging fire. Satan uses the tongue to divide people and set them against each other and spread destruction like a raging fire in a forest. The Untameable Tongue Jam 3:5-12; ⁵ Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. 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 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. ⁹ With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. ¹¹ Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? ¹² Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.^[b]

I would like to classify tongues under 4 categories and their meanings are self explanatory.  

a. caring tongue;

b. careful tongue;

c. careless tongue; and

d. conniving tongue.

Our tongues are a system and a world of iniquity, which can set fire on the whole course of life, and used by Satan very often to accomplish whatever the world system wants! James explains that man is made in the image of God (Gen: 1:26; 27; 5:1), so to curse people and bless God is inconsistent (Jam 3:9). The fall of man has distorted God’s image in man, but with the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit and His wok in a person we can tame our tongue, one of the smallest organ in our body. We can ask ourselves in which of the above category we fall, and we can work towards perfection for His glory. Jam 3:13-18; talks about worldly wisdom vs. godly wisdom. The wisdom from God is pure and always promotes peace, ending in righteousness (Jam 3:17-18).

Our contradictory speech often puzzles our inner core and destabilizes our state of mind. At times our words are right and it pleases God, but often they are violent and destructive. My question here would be which of the speech patterns reflect our true identity? The tongue that is our speech very often gives a true picture of our basic human nature and our relationship with God.  God loves to work in us inside out; and the Holy Spirit is able to purify our heart and give the necessary control so we speak the right words that please God.

Even if we may not achieve perfect control of our tongues, we can still learn enough control to reduce the damage our words can do. The Holy Spirit will give us increasing power to monitor and control what we say, so that when we are offended, the Spirit will remind us of God’s love. When we are reminded of God’s love, we will not react in hateful ways when we are criticized, and the Spirit will heal the hurt, and we will not lash out with our tongues which can dishonor God! ^“For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body” Jam 3:2.

References: 

1. Dr. Ed Murphy. The Handbook for Spiritual Warfare. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1992, 1996, pgs: 432-436.

2. Jay E. Adams. Critical Stages of Biblical Counseling, Finishing Well, Breaking Through, Getting Started.  New Jersey: Zondervan, 2002.
3. Jay E. Adams. How to Help People Change, The Four-step Biblical Process. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1986.
4. John F. MacArthur, JR. Wayne A. Mack & The Master’s College Faculty. Introduction To Biblical Counseling, A Basic Guide To The Principles And Practice Of Counseling. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1994.
5. Jay E. Adams. Lectures on Counseling. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978, p.192-203.

6. The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Women of Destiny Bible. Women Mentoring women Through the Scriptures, A Spirit Filled Life Bible. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1982.

7. Warren W. Wiersbe. Devotions for confidence & Integrity, Hebrews & John. Colorado, Springs, Colorado: Honor Books, @2006.

 

Notes:

1.        Taming Synonyms, Taming Antonyms | Thesaurus.com

thesaurus.com/browse/tamin

verb: domesticate, make compliant. Synonyms: break , break in, break the spirit ... verb: train in new skill. Synonyms: accustom , condition , educate , gentle , get ...

2.        Synonyms of tame | Infoplease.com - Thesaurus Search Page ...

thesaurus.infoplease.com/tame

tame: synonyms, definitions, and usage ... Synonyms for tame Verb 1. tame, chasten, subdue, change, alter, modify usage: correct by punishment or discipline

 

Website References:

1.        Speaking in Tongues | Bible.org - Worlds Largest Bible Study Site

bible.org/article/speaking-tongues

Lehman Strauss writes on the subject of speaking in tongues ... Introduction. This is not the final chapter to be written on the subject of speaking in tongues.

2.        What the Bible Says About Speaking in Tongues | Grace Communion ...

www.gci.org/bible/tongues1

Chapter 1: JESUS' PROMISE "What you are seeing is real," a church member told the visitor. "These people are filled with the Holy Spirit." The visitor was seeing a ...

3.        Bible passages about speaking in tongues: Glossia and Xenoglossia

www.religioustolerance.org/tongues3.htm

Bible passages which deal with speaking in tongues (glossia & zenoglossia)

4.        Related searches for Tongues in Bible

a.        Bible References to the Tongue

b.        Bible Power of the Tongue

c.        Speaking Tongues in the Bible

d.        Different Tongues in the Bible

e.        Talking in Tongues Bible

f.         Speaking in Tongues Bible References

5.        Bible Tongue Speaking and Modern Impostors!

www.bible.ca/su-tongues-today.htm

First century: Today: Spoke a known language. Acts 2:8: Today don't even claim to use known languages. Were understood. Acts 2:6; I Cor. 14:19: Don't claim to ...

6.        James 3:2 NKJV - For we all stumble in many things. If - Bible Gateway

www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+3%3A2&version=NKJV

For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

7.        James 3:2-6 NKJV - For we all stumble in many things. If - Bible ...

www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+3%3A2-6&version=NKJV

For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses ...

8.        James 3:1-9 - Scion of Zion

www.scionofzion.com/james3_1-9.htm

James 3:2 (KJV) 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.

 

Contentment….that lasts!

Once the millionaire Bernard Baruch was asked, how much money does a rich man need to be satisfied?” and Baruch replied, “Just a million more than he has.” I have seen educated people to whom God has given enormous wealth, good family, good position in the society and yet they are not contended and they want more! They have no peace within them, and they tend to compare themselves with people who are given more and they want more! Alas….they fail to realize that a shroud, a coffin, and a grave are all that the richest man in the world can carry from his ‘thousands.’

Contentment - happiness with one's situation in life

Happiness - emotions experienced when in a state of well-being

Satisfaction - the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation; "the chef tasted the sauce with great satisfaction"

Discontent, discontentedness, discontentment - a longing for something better than the present situation. 

Contentment cannot come from material things, for they can never satisfy the heart. Only God of the universe can satisfy the longings of the heart, and when we have God, we have all we need, because He is the only one who is going to be with us everlastingly. All the material things will decay, or when we leave the earthly tent we have to leave it all! The Bible asks us to compare ourselves only with Jesus Christ who owned nothing and His goal was to fulfill the will of the Father. This is a very high standard and a holy calling.

The opposite of contentment is covetousness which is the desire for more, whether it is needed or not. “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Heb 13:5. Covetousness is an overeager desire of the wealth of this world, envying those who have more than us and this is SIN. Once we understand this is sin, it should be subdued because it may lurk in the heart in the secret chambers and shows it ugly head in odd places, we would be in a downward spiral of discontent and this would eventually destroys our soul!

A good way to be contended is to know whom we believe: and trust Him for today and tomorrow. He is God of the present, past and the future and He is Omniscient. Be satisfied with such things that we have: present things; for past things can not be recalled and future things are only in the Hands of a mighty God! Sometimes what God gives for each day may fall short of our expectation, but be contend with what you have for that day.

^6 “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain^[a] we can carry nothing out. ⁸ And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. ⁹ But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows”.1 Tim 6:6-10.

If God gives us the necessary support of life, we ought to be content with that. We may not have dainty food and costly raiment, but if we have food and raiment convenient for us, we ought to be content. If we look around, those who have set their hearts on enormous wealth of this world have fallen into temptation and snare. When the love of money lurks in the hearts, Satan sees which way their lust will carry them, and soon bait his hook accordingly. Men of God should be taken up with the things of God, and the Word of God asks us to flee from the worldly things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness.

Godliness and contentment are indeed rare gems, but since they can only be found inseparably combined, they are the rarest of gem to be found in man. "Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in Faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him?" (James 2:5).

Unlike the covetous of the world, Christians are to be content with their lot in life-- rich or poor, pleasant ways or a difficult road-- since they understand their physical circumstances to be both God's opportunity to mold them and reach the world. "To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some" (1Corinthians 9:22). Once it is fully realized that your physical circumstances ought to be treated only as secondary to your spiritual necessities, i.e., "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His Righteousness; and all these things [food, clothing, shelter] shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33), then it becomes immediately possible to be truly content.

How do we  apply the above principle to our heart?

 

On a scale of 1(least) to 10 (most), how content are we with the things we have right now? Let us create an antidote for discontent, by completing the sentence below:

“When I am discontent next time, I will remember ------------, and then I will-------------.”

References: 

1. Dr. Ed Murphy. The Handbook for Spiritual Warfare. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1992, 1996, pgs: 432-436.

2. Jay E. Adams. Critical Stages of Biblical Counseling, Finishing Well, Breaking Through, Getting Started.  New Jersey: Zondervan, 2002.
3. Jay E. Adams. How to Help People Change, The Four-step Biblical Process. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1986.
4. John F. MacArthur, JR. Wayne A. Mack & The Master’s College Faculty. Introduction To Biblical Counseling, A Basic Guide To The Principles And Practice Of Counseling. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1994.
5. Jay E. Adams. Lectures on Counseling. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978, p.192-203.

6. The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Women of Destiny Bible. Women Mentoring women Through the Scriptures, A Spirit Filled Life Bible. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1982.

7. Warren W. Wiersbe. Devotions for confidence & Integrity, Hebrews & John. Colorado, Springs, Colorado: Honor Books, @2006.

Website References:

        1. John 1 NKJV - The Eternal Word - In the beginning was - Bible Gateway

www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1&version=NKJV

The Eternal Word. 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through ...

   2.        1 John 1 NKJV - What Was Heard, Seen, and Touched - Bible Gateway

www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+1&version=NKJV

What Was Heard, Seen, and Touched. 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our ...

  3.        John 1 New King James Version | The New Bible.com

https://www.bible.com/bible/nkjv/john.1.nkjv

Bible.com is all new! Enjoy a free online Bible from You Version. Now, the simple, ad-free Bible experience loved by millions is available at Bible.com.

      4. contentment - definition of contentment by the Free Online ...

www.thefreedictionary.com/contentment

con·tent·ment (k n-t nt m nt) n. 1. The state of being contented; satisfaction. 2. A source of satisfaction: the contentments of a comfortable retirement.

       5. Contentment | Define Contentment at Dictionary.com

dictionary.reference.com/browse/contentment

noun 1. the state of being contented ; satisfaction; ease of mind. 2. Archaic. the act of making contentedly satisfied. Origin: 1400–50; late Middle English ..

6.       contentment: Definition from Answers.com

www.answers.com/topic/contentment

contentment n. The state of being contented; satisfaction. A source of satisfaction: the contentments of a comfortable

      7. Bible Scriptures about Contentment

www.bible-scriptures.org/.../bible-scriptures-about-contentment.htm

Bible Scriptures about Contentment from the KJV Bible. ... online access to study passages, for Biblical studies, contained in the words, ...

8. 1 timothy 6:6 NKJV - Now godliness with contentment is great ...

www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20timothy%206:6&version=NKJV

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. ... NKJV Fire Bible for Kids: Becoming God's Power Kids, Imitation Leather, Orange 

      9. 1 Timothy 6:6-19 NKJV - Now godliness with contentment is great ...

www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+6%3A6-19&version=NKJV

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with ..

10.    What the Bible Says About Contentment

www.whatsaiththescripture.com/Fellowship/What_Bible_Contentment.html

Godliness and contentment are indeed rare gems. They are the rarest of gem to be found in man.

 

Killer Instinct…..

We are living in a world where the “killer instinct” is on the rise more than ever, even in educated circles too. Here I am going to use the example of a wild animal lion in a Zoo. They may look like a cat but their internal disposition is completely different and unlike a cat, and they have to be kept in a Zoo behind bars! When you visit them and see them sleeping peacefully one may not realize the killer instinct in them. But my question here is would you allow them to roam around?

Now I am going to extrapolate the above “Zoo” example to our emotions, and especially to ‘anger.’ Anger is not in itself sinful. Paul’s distinction between being angry and sinning: “Be angry and sin not.” Anger is a powerful emotion and its power to motivate must be used, and not abused. This motivating power is used properly when it drives one to begin rectify any wrong situation between brethren as quickly as possible. (God is angry with the wicked); Ps: 7:11.  (God was angry with Solomon); 1 Kin: 11:9. (God was angry with Israel); 2 King: 17:18. (Jesus was angry with the Pharisees) Mar: 3:5.

The only reason some people have never actually murdered any one physically is because of the “bars” that have been put up with. When you are living in a society, there is always fear of arrest, shame, penalties of the law, and the possibility of death for uncontrolled ‘killer instinct.” As a believer very often we fail to realize, that we are going to be judged by the ‘law of liberty’ according to James 2:12 ^“So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty”.

I have mentioned in one of my blogs before, heart is the center of man’s character – who he really is (Matthew 15:18). Heart is the seat of physical life, Acts 14:17; Jas. 5:5; the seat of moral nature and spiritual life. In general “condemning heart” or “an accusing conscience” is one that robs us of peace, and God sees and understand that heart and also given us a provision and a way of escape. Here are three questions one had to ask themselves when one is angry:

a).What did you do?

b).What did you want to do?

c).What would you have done if you had been at liberty to do as you pleased?

Now we can understand why Jesus equated hatred with murder Matt 5:21-26; and lust with adultery Mat 5:27-30. Hatred is not definitely murder, but when left unbridled it leads to murder and the proof of this would be to read or listen to ‘daily news.’

How to handle anger Biblically and Righteously?

Using God’s way   Anger ---------------------à * Problem (solution oriented)   Anger ------------à Not towards others and self

1.      Turn anger toward the problem (P) and not toward the people.

2.      Be solution oriented rather than problem oriented.

3.      Redirect anger: Think of Scriptures like: Prov: 15:1; 26:4-5.

4.      “If you do not want a quarrel to grow to larger proportions, don’t let it get started in the beginning. Take immediate action to see that it does not go beyond the first nasty word.”

Learning to deal with anger constructively is a peace making process which requires great patience, reflective listening, and knowledge of God’s Word.  For Christians self-control is an important fruit of the Spirit. Anger can be understood as a sign that something has gone wrong internally and or interpersonally. Word of God calls us to reckon with truth about ourselves and each other and with God. When we learn effectively to deal with our own anger or assist someone to express their confusing feelings in a healthy way, we are helping each other to develop a growing capacity to accept God’s love for us. This may allow us to respond to each other with more compassion and sensitivity.

Questions to our heart!

Think of some of the emotions you have felt recently or expressed that were stronger than you thought? Are those God honoring? Do they mask deeper feelings?

References:

1. Dr. Ed Murphy. The Handbook for Spiritual Warfare. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1992, 1996, pgs: 432-436.

2. Jay E. Adams. Critical Stages of Biblical Counseling, Finishing Well, Breaking Through, Getting Started.  New Jersey: Zondervan, 2002.
3. Jay E. Adams. How to Help People Change, The Four-step Biblical Process. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1986.
4. John F. MacArthur, JR. Wayne A. Mack & The Master’s College Faculty. Introduction To Biblical Counseling, A Basic Guide To The Principles And Practice Of Counseling. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1994.
5. Jay E. Adams. Lectures on Counseling. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978, p.192-203.

6. The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Women of Destiny Bible. Women Mentoring women Through the Scriptures, A Spirit Filled Life Bible. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1982.

7. Warren W. Wiersbe. Devotions for confidence & Integrity, Hebrews & John. Colorado, Springs, Colorado: Honor Books, @2006.

Website References:

        1. John 1 NKJV - The Eternal Word - In the beginning was - Bible Gateway

www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1&version=NKJV

The Eternal Word. 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through ...

   2.        1 John 1 NKJV - What Was Heard, Seen, and Touched - Bible Gateway

www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+1&version=NKJV

What Was Heard, Seen, and Touched. 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our ...

  3.        John 1 New King James Version | The New Bible.com

https://www.bible.com/bible/nkjv/john.1.nkjv

Bible.com is all new! Enjoy a free online Bible from You Version. Now, the simple, ad-free Bible experience loved by millions is available at Bible.com.

4.Online Anger Management | AngerClassOnline.com

www.AngerClassOnline.com

Comprehensive & Affordable Course With Certification. Register Online.

5.       Anger - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anger

Anger is an emotion related to one's psychological interpretation of having been offended, wronged, or denied and a tendency to react through retaliation. Sheila ...

        Psychology and sociology

Symptoms

Causes

Neurology

Physiology

      6. anger: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com

www.answers.com/topic/anger

anger n. A strong feeling of displeasure or hostility. v. , -gered , -gering , -gers . v.tr. To make angry; enrage or provoke

    7. Controlling Anger -- Before It Controls You

www.apa.org/topics/anger/control.aspx

Anger is a normal, healthy response to a threat and may be used for a constructive purpose. When anger becomes uncontrollable or is unexpressed, it may lead to ...