THE TONGUE OF FIRE!

Journal Journeys
James 3: 1-12
May 22, 2011

“Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.
The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body."
James 3:5-6

The Heart of the Matter
Controlling our tongue is one of the toughest battles we will face in our spiritual lives. Our words were never meant to tear down and destroy. Our words were meant to glorify God and build up those around us.

The Characteristics of the Tongue (Vs. 3-6)
The Tongue: Small but Powerful!
The Tongue: Small but Dangerous!
The Tongue: Small but Revealing!

The Controlled Tongue (Vs. 7, 8)
Be Quick To Listen – Slow to Speak.
Keep a Tight Rein On It.
Refuse to Tear Others Down.
Speak Only What is True.
Pray For God’s Help.

The Constructive Tongue (Vs. 9-12)
It is Addicted to Witnessing.
It Speaks the Truth in Love.
It Encourages Others.
It Continually Praises the Lord!

Questions of the Week
In this past week, how have you used words to build up those around you?
In this past week, how have you used words to tear down those around you?
In this past week, how have you used words to glorify God?
Do you feel excited or worried about the fact that you will one day be held in account for everything you have said?
How can you bring your words under God’s control?

Our God Provides!

May 15, 2011

The Heart of the Matter: Sometimes it seems that God is not moving in our areas of struggle. We must remember that it only “seems” that way. God can quickly, and sometimes through unorthodox methods, turn our “empty” state to an endless overflow of His blessings.

God Provides Through the Ordinary and the Extraordinary.

“You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” 1 Kings 17:4

“Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” 1 Kings 17:9

God Provides Through Obstacles.

“Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son.” 1 Kings 17:13

God Provides Through Our Obedience.

“She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah.” 1 Kings 17:15, 16

Questions of the Week

Have there been times when you have put your faith in the instrument of provision rather than on the Provider Himself? How do you think that makes God feel?

Has God asked you to give more out of the little that you have? What was your response? What was God’s response?

Discuss the following statement: “If we move only within the realm of what is natural and reasonable, then we will never see God’s supernatural work in our circumstances. Man’s faithful obedience ‘primes the pump’ of God’s supernatural activities.”

Mother’s Day
May 8, 2011

The Heart of the Matter
Mothers have a vital ministry. God won’t bless you with Motherhood then leave you to hang out to dry. He’s given you His Word to encourage you, to help you to bless you, to comfort you and to give you direction.

When You Feel Discouraged.
…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31

When You Feel Angry.
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry…
Ephesians 4:26

When You Need Help
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

When You Feel Alone.
I will never leave you; I will never forsake you.
Hebrews 13:5

When You Are Tired.
Come unto Me, all you who labor and are over-burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28

When You Are Worried.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

Questions of the Week
• In what ways is your hope in the Lord a source of encouragement to you?
• Is it a sin to be angry? Is it a sin to remain angry?
• What areas of your life do you need to submit to God?
• How has God shown you that you are not alone?
• Share how true rest is found only in Christ.
• Worry and worship are both simply focused attention.

This week, try to move your focus from worrying about the problem to worshipping the One who has the solution.

Christ Revealed! Luke 24

Saturday, April 30, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011

The Heart of the Matter
In two amazing post-resurrection encounters, Christ takes his disciples through a process of increasing revelation - beginning from his person and ending with his power. It is the same process that every believer must move through if he is to become a true disciple.

Christ Reveals His Person.
Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
Luke 24:31

He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
Luke 24:38-39

Christ Reveals the Prophetic.
And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
Luke 24:27

He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
Luke 24:44

Christ Reveals the Passion.
They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
Luke 24:32

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
Luke 24:45

Christ Reveals the Plan.
He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”
Luke 24:45-48

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:11-20

Christ Reveals the Power.
“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Luke 24:49


Questions of the Week
1. How has Christ revealed his person to you?
2. How has Christ revealed his prophetic to you?
3. How has Christ revealed his passion in you?
4. How has Christ revealed his plan for your life?
5. How has Christ revealed his power in your life?

All You Need Is Jesus Part 5 Our Loving Christ

Part 6 of 6
Colossians 3: 12- 4:6
November 21, 2010

“Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together.” Col. 3: 14

The Heart of the Matter
In his letter to the Church in Colossae Paul shares some of the many facets of love that the Father possesses. He urges all who hear to strive to replicate them in their lives. Paul has saved the best for last. Love is his bow on the gift of this letter of wisdom.

To Live a Life of Godly Love We Must Possess:

1. A Pardoning Love

“Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you.” Col. 3: 13

2. A Peaceful Love

“Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together. Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.” Col. 3: 14, 15

3. A Preparatory Love

“Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other..” Col. 3:16

4. A Practical Love

“Wives..” “Husbands…” “Children…” “Parents…” “ Slaves..” Col. 3:18 – 4:1

5. A Prayerful Love

“Never give up praying. And when you pray, keep alert and be thankful.” Col. 4: 2

6. A Pleasant Love

“When you are with unbelievers, always make good use of the time. Be pleasant and hold their interest when you speak the message.” Col. 4: 5, 6

Questions of the Week

1. Is there someone whom you need to forgive?
2. Is there someone you need to make peace with?
3. Is there someone you need to confront or instruct?
4. Is your personal life in order as outlined in Col. 3:18 – 4:1?
5. What is the correlation between love and prayer? Do you pray lovingly?
6. Is your love pleasing to the non-Christians in your life?

All You Need Is Jesus Part 5 Our Victorious Christ

Colossians 3: 1-11
November 14, 2010


“…..set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.” Colossians 3:11

The Heart of the Matter
Christ’s ascension is indisputable proof of His triumphant victory. If we are going to have overcoming victory in our lives there are things we must grasp and things we must release.

To Live a Victorious Christian Life You Must:

1. Desire the Realities of Heaven.
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. V. 1

2. Dwell on Heavenly, Eternal Things.
Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. Vv. 2, 3

3. Destroy Sinful, Earthly Things.
“So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.” V. 5

4. Dress in Your New Nature.
“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” V. 10



Questions of the Week
1. What things of this world compete with God and His plan for your life?
How can you be victorious?

2. How can dwelling on heavenly, eternal things help you live a victorious life?

3. Does it make sense to trust God with our eternity and not trust Him with the uncertainties of tomorrow or the storms of today? What lifeboats do you need to cut loose?

4. If it’s true that “the clothes make the man”, what spiritual articles of clothing do you need to wear more often?

Our Authoritative Christ
Part 4 of 6 - The “All You Need is …. Jesus” Series
Colossians 2: 8 - 23
November 7, 2010

“For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.”
Colossians 2: 9, 10

The Heart of the Matter
In this portion of Paul’s letter he shows us that we are to take authority over the philosophical systems or religious regulations of this world. We are to hold fast to Christ and his accomplished work in us because He is the only dependable, unchanging authority; all else are passing shadows. No other powers can control us, as they were all defeated on the cross.

1. Take Authority Over the Bad Doctrine Proclaimed by the World.

Take Authority Over Philosophical Systems.
“…Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.” V. 8

“Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels, saying they have had visions about these things.” V. 18

Take Authority Over Religious Regulations.
“So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come.” Vv. 16, 17

“…..So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “’Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!’? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them.” Vv.20 - 22

2. Take Authority Over the Good Works Accomplished in You.

Take Authority Over Your New Life
“When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature.” V. 11

“You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.” V. 13

Take Authority Over Your New Identity
“For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.” V. 12


Take Authority Over Your New Freedoms
“He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.” Vv. 14, 15

“You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world…” V. 20

Questions of the Week

1. What philosophical systems do you need to take authority over? How will you accomplish it?
2. What religious regulations do you need to take authority over? How will you accomplish it?
3. How can you take authority over your new life in Christ?
4. How can you take authority over your new identity in Christ?
5. How can you take authority over your new freedoms in Christ?