James 3:14 – “But if there is bitter jealousy or competition hiding in your heart, then don’t deny it and try to compensate for it by boasting and being phony. “ TPT

A reminder of God’s faithfulness and foresight loomed as I prayed, pondered, and read today.  As governor of the land in Egypt, Joseph said twice to his brothers.   “Your actions were intended for my hurt, but God took them and combined all the bad for His good purposes.”  

James reveals something that is most disturbing (to the flesh) and yet revelatory for victory.   Singleness of mind, focus, faith, and confidence are impossible to miss in his discourse.

Controlling the tongue is impossible without the Holy Spirit, and it enables us to bring our whole person into submission to God.  In James 3:14, he identifies the root of most of our trouble – the heart.

We tend to allow our mouths to talk us out of the blessings and victories God offers.  We often speak without weighing our words.  People have said, “I didn’t mean it when they spoke a curse on themselves or another.”  I do not know the motive, so I cannot judge, but if we are to walk in purity, which is needful to walk in power, we must guard our lips by guarding our thoughts.

James 4:6-10 should be memorized and implemented every day.

• Submit to God Totally. 
• Resist the devil in Everything and Every time.
• Draw near to God with Our Whole Hearts.
• Cleanse our hands (not just physical hygiene), but what we do.  Purify our hearts.   Ensure it is with pure motives and biblically correct.
• Humble ourselves and mourn (over sin, wrong attitudes, and actions).

If we seek God, we will find Him; He is always findable.   If we first seek God, then resist the devil out of God’s presence; the devil runs like a scared jackrabbit.

If we do not have it because we have not positioned our hearts to receive it, then, out of that condition, we petition God.   We have the promise of healing, deliverance, provision, power, and purpose.   In that condition, James 5:16 is fulfilled – “The effectual (effective) fervent prayer of the righteous is powerful and pulls down strongholds. “

That begins with confidence in God and obedience.   It flows to singleness of heart and mind.  It is manifest in our words and actions and results in God’s power being manifested.  We must train ourselves to think and talk right and to walk right.  If we press in, He reveals Himself and demonstrates Himself.

Today is your day of victory.   Refuse to be turned aside from the promise by your rudder (the tongue). Let it be a well of life, not death.