This morning Pastor Tyler Powell shared with us from the book of James about the power of the tongue and how it relates to our hearts.  His devotion stemmed from what he learned at one of the session of the Desiring God National Conference in Minneapolis, MN hosted by Pastor John Piper of Bethlehem Baptist Church.  The specific talk that prompted Tyler’s devotion came from The Tongue, the Bridle, and the Blessing: An Exposition of James 3:1-12 by Pastor Sinclair Ferguson of First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina.  After going around the room and sharing the many places our toungues have revealed the sin in our hearts and the many areas we need help in bridling our toungues, Pastor Tyler shared these notes below.

Our Purpose (Romans 15:30 paraphrased): I urge you brothers, by the Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in prayer to God the Father for the glory of the name of Jesus.

20 Resolutions on Taming the Tongue from the Book of James

1. I resolve to ask God for wisdom to speak out of a single-minded devotion to him. (1:5)

2. I resolve to boast only in the exultation I receive in Jesus Christ and also in the humiliation I receive for Jesus Christ. (1:9-10)

3. I resolve to set a watch over my mouth. (1:13)

4. I resolve to be constantly quick to hear and slow to speak. (1:19)

5. I resolve to learn the gospel way of speaking to both rich and poor. (2:1-4)

6. I resolve to speak in the present consciousness of my final judgment. (2:12)

7. I resolve never to stand on anyone’s face with the words I employ. (2:16)

8. I resolve never to claim as reality in my life what I do not truly experience. (3:14)

9. I resolve to resist quarrelsome words as evidence of a bad heart that needs to be mortified. (4:1)

10. I resolve never to speak decided evil against another out of a heart of antagonism. (4:11)

11. I resolve never to boast in anything but what I will accomplish. (4:13)

12. I resolve to speak as one subject to the providences of God. (4:15)

13. I resolve never to grumble. The judge is at the door. (5:9)

14. I resolve never to allow anything but total integrity in everything I say. (5:12)

15. I resolve to speak to God in prayer whenever I suffer. (5:13)

16. I resolve to sing praises to God whenever I’m cheerful. (5:14)

17. I resolve to ask for the prayers of others when I’m in need. (5:14)

18. I resolve to confess it whenever I have failed. (5:15)

19. I resolve to pray with others for one another whenever I am together with them. (5:15)

20. I resolve to speak words of restoration when I see another wander. (5:19)

Prayer Requests for our Campus:

1. Joyful, Spirit-filled, missionaries dwelling in unity, loving people as an expression of the gospel
2. Peasant Princess sermon series
3. Praxis
   1. Rhythm of equipping, community and mission
   2. Classes: Bible, Disciplines, Compassion, Parenting
   3. Matt - kids ministry plus new 4-5 grade ministry
   4. Reagan - Jr. Proxy and Proxy
   5. Jeff - Production
   6. Missional expression
4. JD - Redemption Groups and counseling
5. Al and July Hielscher teaching “Considering Marriage”
6. Justin - Prep for class, fall administration, Amy pregnant
7. Matt - Adele due anytime, heavy fall schedule, volunteers needed
8. Mark Bergin - teaching class, elder candidate
9. Tim Quiring - Community Group re-vision toward mission
10. Tyler Powell - teaching a class and entering into a busy season of Acts 29 boot camps
11. Steve - Class prep, focus, priorities, energy, health
12. Facility for the campus!!