Fighting Fires... Live for Him!

Firefighters in Texas

James 3:5-6 

See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 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. (NKJV)

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. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.(NIV)

                                                                                    

A fifty-year drought, scorching heat, gusting winds, and parched trees create the perfect recipe for disaster!

Monday, September 5, 2011 started like any other Labor Day... sleeping late, no school, and a big family breakfast. Little did we know, lurking in a wooded area of our community a tiny ember emerged. Within seconds it ignited into a sea of flames. In the blink of an eye fire fighters were on the scene utilizing their skills and talents. Surrounding neighborhoods had about ten minutes to evacuate. Blockades diverted traffic to safe routes. People from all over banded together to help evacuees and fire fighters with food, supplies, water and more. What took years and years to produce was consumed within minutes!

My heart aches for those affected by this tragedy. Questions bombard my mind. The "why's" continue to pour in like a rushing river. It doesn't make sense. Turning to the Word, God opened my eyes to a new and fresh understanding. 

Just as a small spark can set a forest into blazes; the tongue has the power to kindle a fire. One word can either set a conversation into destructive flames or extinguish it on the spot. 

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. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

This week I had the opportunity to practice this concept. I accidentally picked the wrong grocery line. I didn't realize it was a "15 Item's Only" lane. After unloading my 40-50 items on the counter the cashier gently shared guidelines. I offered to put the groceries back in the basket and go to another lane. With disgust he rolled his eyes and said come on through. By this time a woman filed in behind me. She started saying, "I can't believe this! Don't you know you have too many items. Who do you think you are?" Now my stomach made its way to my throat as I tenderly said, "I am so sorry, I didn't realize this was a quick checkout lane." She continued to bad mouth me. I persisted in my apologizes, but she didn't seem to listen. My flesh stirred and the Holy Spirit held back the words trying to exit my mouth. All of a sudden, this thought entered, "Respond with kindness." So, I looked into her eyes and said, "Thank you so much for extending grace to me when I don't deserve it." A look of amazement adorned her face. What would have ignited a flame into action was chocked out by a calm response...  

Challenge for the Week... Do you find yourself Fighting Fires or practicing fire prevention? God gives us opportunities to put into action His biblical principals all the time. This week ask the Lord to help you think before you speak. Allow everything that comes out of your mouth to be filtered through Jesus. Be aware of the areas you need to surrender to the Lord! Remember, one word can either set a conversation into destructive flames or extinguish it on the spot.

Our prayers and appreciation go out to the Firefighters across the United States who have volunteered their time to halt these devastating Texas fires. We continue to pray for rain!

                                                                                                   

RLM News...

 

• Carla Teaching Reflecting Him Live at Crossroads Baptist Church in The Woodlands on Tuesday mornings at 9:30. Come join us! For more information... http://www.crbctw.org/women/contact_us

• Enjoy viewing Pat Pittman, Women's Director at Golden Acres Baptist, as she shares he experience with with you about using RLM for their Women's Retreat...

 

From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal