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Articles -
Victory
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Written by Scott Webb
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For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
(James 3:2-5)
In the third chapter of James we read about what a bit is to a horse and what a rudder is to a ship.
The purpose of a bit in a horse's mouth or a rudder on a ship is to steer the horse and the ship. They don't power the object, but they steer it, and keep it pointed in the direction the rider or the helmsman wants it to go. When you drive your car, you get somewhere by using your steering device.
Steering Doctrine
It doesn't really matter what you think about it or believe about it. You could sit in your car and say, "I don't believe in steering wheels. I know what the operator's handbook says, but I don't believe in that steering business. I don't believe in that steering doctrine."
If you just get in your car, turn the key, put the car in gear and press on the gas pedal, but don't take hold of the steering wheel, what will happen? You are going to hit something or you will run off the road - one of the two.
Either way, you will not end up where you wanted to be, and in the process you caused or received damage.
That is exactly what happens to the believer who does not steer his life by putting God's Word in his mouth. He runs into an obstacle, or he winds up in a ditch somewhere. Thank God for steering wheels on cars, and thank God for the tongue, which steers our lives.
Making confessions of God's Word means you submit your tongue to His Word. When you stand up and say, "I am a tither and the devourer is rebuked for my sake," then don't yield to discouragement and say, "It doesn't look like it is working; we are not going to make it."
What you have first said has steered your heart in a particular direction. Don't throw all that away by changing what you are saying.
Learn To Steer For Yourself
You made an investment in the things of God with your words. You are going somewhere; don't change direction! Get in agreement with the Word and stay with it. You have to steer your own car if you want to get anywhere.
I could borrow your car and drive you around for a little while, but ultimately you have to learn to steer that thing for yourself if you intend to travel on your own. I may not be able to stop what I am doing and come steer your automobile every time you want to go somewhere. The best thing for you to do is learn to drive for yourself.
James chapter three will teach you to "drive." You steer a horse with a bit, you steer a ship with a rudder, you steer a car with a steering wheel, and you steer your life with your tongue. You steer your heart with your tongue. You steer yourself into smooth waters or rough sailing with your tongue.
Find out what the promises of God are and agree with them. Put them in your mouth and say them. Learn the language of faith, which is the Word of God. And once you set your course, stay with it.
Steer your life into the favor and blessings of God, into the abundance of peace, health and provision that God has made available through His Word. Your tongue will take you there!
Copyright © Word of Life Christian Center
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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Reverend Scott Webb pastors Word of Life Christian Center in Birmingham, Alabama, which he founded in 1982 after attending RHEMA Bible Training Center. Emphasizing the integrity of the Word of God and excellence in all aspects of ministry, the church has grown and flourished.
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