Over the past week, we have been exposed to some of the most horrific and devastating images to enter our lounge rooms via the TV. Hour-long news specials reporting the horror of the Victorian bush fires sadly showing the pain and agony gripping the lives of the poor victims in their home towns. Words cannot accurately describe the nightmare these people have been through and will continue to go through in the coming months and years. The huge death toll is unprecedented in Australian natural disasters. Mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, next-door neighbours, mates—all were loved and will be greatly missed.
All the survivors must somehow begin to rebuild their lives, not to mention live with the fact that their lost loved ones won’t be a part of this rebuilding. It’s hard to grasp the enormity of this disaster. The ruined homes, sheds, cars, personal affects, memories, clothes, the children’s favourite pillow, blanket and toy are all gone, never to be seen again.
This catastrophic event inspired me to re-visit the verse from last week’s Front Page, “Speak Words of Blessing”.
- James 3:6 ‘And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. So the tongue is set among our members, spotting all the body and inflaming the course of nature, and being inflamed by hell.’
The Victorian Bushfires imposes a vivid picture of the damage, annihilation, disaster and detriment that evil talk such as gossip, rumour-mongering, manipulation and shady two-faced talk can cause. I heard more than one victim describe the fire as ‘hell on earth’. Maybe it’s as accurate as we will ever know. James knew what he was saying. He warns us to stay free of that world of iniquity.
Is there any wonder that Acts 2 is devoted to receiving a new Holy Ghost language. It helps us realise that allowing the Holy Spirit to control our tongue is a very wise, holy and good decision. Rather than leaving a trail of destruction by our vile words, invite the Spirit of God into your life to enjoy genuine transformation. Please also, pray for these victims and give generously to them.
God bless you awesome, Spirit-Filled Church! Love from your pastor, Daren.
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