The Power Of The Tongue
The Evil Tongue
Much is said in scripture about our propensity to do damage with our words and the difficulty of controlling our tongues. "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...No man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison" (James 3:5-8). "Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me" is a popular ditty, but simply untrue. Hurtful speech can penetrate "like the piercings of a sword" (Prov. 12:18). A thoughtless remark uttered in a moment can cause wounds that last a lifetime. There is no way to measure the harm we can do to another with our words. Our big mouths can not only be destructive to others, but to ourselves. We are warned therefore, "let your words be few," (Ecc. 5:2) and to be "slow to speak" (James 1:19). How many times have we spoken our minds, only later to regret the trouble we could have avoided if we had kept our mouths shut. "He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction" (Prov. 13:3). We do well to remember: "Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles" (Prov. 21:23)
The Blessed Tongue The tongue can destroy, but it can also save. Our words can bring other s to life. "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life" (10:11). By imparting wisdom or offering encouragement, what we say can bring comfort, healing and even salvation. When we speak cheerfully, positively, and sympathetically, our words create an emotionally healthy atmosphere that bathes others in a soothing warmth of goodness. "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb; Sweetens to the soul and health to the bones" (16:24).
A well-timed, thoughtful word of encouragement can rescue a troubled soul from the brink of despair and set him aright again. " Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad" (12:25). "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver" (25:11). "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit... A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!" (15:4, 23f). Carefully measuring our words and speaking gently can disarm aggression and diffuse tension, preventing hostility. "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (15:1).
Our words can change lives and alter the course of the world. Be mindful of the great blessing that kind, complimentary, compassionate and loving words can be to others. Never underestimate the positive power of the tongue to strengthen and encourage; use that power to bless your family, your brethren, your neighbors, your children, your co-workers, and see what a difference the tongue can make.
Tyler Young
The above article was carried as a two-part series in The Cleburne Times Review.
Current Concerns
Alvie Adams has returned from Houston but he will be going back for a biopsy on Thursday, November 2.
Pearl Garvin is going to MD Anderson for tests on November 1.
Cecilia Bethune is going to have tests done in Midland on November 9.
Thelma Smith, mother of Eugene Smith, is in room 411 at Alliance Hospital.
Ruben Chacon Sr., father of Javier, Ruben, and Robert, will have a biopsy done in November.
Gene Calbert, friend of Julie Driver, is in Medical Center Hospital. He has been undergoing cancer treatments and has now suffered a stroke.
Prayer List
Mark Brewer; Darwin Carroll; Captain Clay Combs; Toni DeCristofaro; Ruth Davis; J C Eager; RuLonna Edwards; Linda Hall; David Harris;
Marion Lee; Justine McCollum; Phillip Miles; Wilma Mitchell; Elizabeth Ann Newbold; Ruth Norman; Iris Ramsey; Jackie Rex; Jim Reyna;
Doris Roberson; Montrella Ruffner; David Ryan; Janelle Shirley; Nell O Beth Willoughby; Delora Wood.
Shut-ins
Mildred Bell; Ruby Brown; Mary Dunn; Sharon Fisher; Fay Gann; Cecil and Mildred Hext; Lela Jo McElroy; Virgie Price; Alma Stallard;
Charles and Pearl Tucker
FYI
There has been a great response on the care packages for our college kids. The ladies will be preparing these packages on Tuesday, November 7.
Please bring your items on that night or place them in the basket in the east foyer that has been provided for you.
Events
Watch In Search of the Lord's Way with Mack Lyon every Sunday morning at 7:30 am on CBS, channel 7. On Sunday, November 5, the lesson will be
titled "The Holy Spirit."
The New Mexico Christian's Home will be having their Needs Drive. Their truck will be here Wednesday, December 13. All items are appreciated. Some suggestions items are muffin mixes, brown sugar, and chocolate chips. Monetary donations are also accepted.
We will be having a going away potluck for Rod and Charis Nutter on Sunday, November 9 after the morning worship. Bring covered dishes. Rocky and Brent invite you to help celebrate Don and Hazel Cavanaugh's, 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday, November 11 at their home (5225 New Orleans Dr.), from 2 to 4 p.m. No gifts please. A keepsake card would be appreciated.
Please remember Tyler Young's upcoming debate on November 2-4 regarding divorce and remarriage.
Youth
Our Bible Search practice continues on November 5, at 5:00 pm in the annex. Please continue reading the book of Judges and the book of Ruth.
Don't forget about the memory verses.
There will be a devotional for 5th through 12th grade on Sunday, November 5th after evening worship at Ronnie and Kellie Lanes house. Boys bring cokes and girls bring desserts.
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of November are Mary Bayless and Cindy Crain.
We have had a great response thus far from those of you that wish to continue receiving our weekly bulletin. Everyone on our list will continue to receive the bulletin for at least a few more weeks until our transition is complete. Please continue to send us your interest in our bulletin if you have not already done so. You can reach us by mail at 807 E. 21st in Odessa, TX 79761, by phone (432-337-5313), or by e-mail (Barbara@eisenhowerchurch.org). Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
| November 5, 2006 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Announcements | Charles Wood | Charles Wood |
| Song Leader | Ronnie Lane | Rudy Ochoa |
| Sermon | Roelf Ruffner | Roelf Ruffner |
| Opening Prayer | Charles Wood | Charles Wood |
| Scripture | John Bethune | Bill Brown |
| Second Prayer | Bill Butler | John Carroll |
| Closing Prayer | Don Easlon | Tony Marrs |
| Lord's Supper | ||
| West | Lon Howard Richard Siler Ales Martinez Kirk McFarland |
Marcus Crain Cameron May |
| East | Jimmy Nunley C.M. Riggs Mike Roemisch Bill Tolbert |
Larry May |