James declares that a believer can keep himself from stumbling if he will simply control his tongue. After all, a person can control a horse that weighs ten times his weight with a four or five-inch bit. Even against strong winds, a pilot controls a massive ship with a very small rudder. And it only takes a spark to set an entire forest on fire.
Our words have the same ability as the bit, the rudder, and the spark. So powerful are our words, says James, that they set the course for our life (James 3:6). Regretfully, most people speak words that set them on the wrong course.
God has a part in protecting us as well. Psalm 91:3,4 says, “Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler” (NKJV).
When we say what God promise us, He will deliver us from every trap of the devil! He will cover us with His wings like a mother hen covers her chicks when danger is near. He will be our shield from every fiery dart of the enemy.
The word “deliver” in Psalm 91:3 means to snatch away; to pluck up; to escape; or to rescue. We can walk through life oblivious to the calamity that the enemy has planned for us as God snatches us out of every snare. We don’t have to fear deadly diseases because the Lord has promised to protect us from every deadly plague. We can be as safe as Daniel in the midst of hungry lions, as long as we consistently to confess the Lord as our refuge and our fortress! He will deliver us!
Even though an enemy threatens to use chemical warfare against us, God has promised that no deadly thing will harm us! As Jesus declared in Mark 16:18, “They [believers] will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them.”
When Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake, everyone’s eyes were fixed on him. The people fully expected Paul to drop over dead. But he shocked them when he shook off the snake and went about his business (Acts 28:3-6). The venom in that snake was a deadly toxin, yet it was deprived of its ability to harm Paul. God can supernaturally counteract or neutralize poison in any way He desires—that’s His part.
Our next responsibility is made clear in verse 5: “You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.”
Our responsibility is to fear not! That is not a suggestion; it’s a divine order. Our confession should be, “I will not fear sickness, disease, or plagues. I will not fear destruction or evil. I will not fear anything, for God is my refuge and my fortress, and He will deliver me!”
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Vikki and Dennis began as youth pastors in 1973 in Southern California where they received tremendous insight into the work of the local church. In 1976, they moved to Ft. Worth, Texas, to work with Kenneth Copeland Ministries. Vikki worked with KCM for three years before entering full-time ministry with her husband. Since that time, their relationship and involvement with Kenneth Copeland Ministries has continued. Vikki and Dennis have had numerous articles published in the Believer's Voice of Victory magazine.
Vikki has spoken in several nations including Australia, Japan, and Canada. She has ministered on television, radio, in women's conferences and marriage seminars. Her desire is to see people raised to a higher level of living through the Word of God. By acting on Gods principles, Vikki has obtained a testimony of victory and imparts encouragement to others.
Throughout the years, Vikki and Dennis have pursued new avenues of reaching people. The Lord has continued to expand their vision. Their dedication has affected thousands as they are impacting God's people with the love of God.