James 3:9-12

"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father,

and with it we curse men,

who have been made in God's likeness.

Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.

My sisters, this should not be!!!

Can both fresh water and salt water

flow from the same spring?

My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives,

or a grapevine bear figs?

Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water."

Out of our mouths

come our true inner thoughts,

the things that linger in our minds and hearts.

I remember teaching my children young in life,

not to say everything they were thinking.

Self control is a maturing process,

We have our words "in check" when

there is peace & harmony, but.......

in the heat of the moment

when you get frustrated with others,

listen to what comes out.

If we are seeking a "pure heart"

our words will be the evidence.

I memorized Psalm 51 years ago.

David pleads for mercy and forgiveness,

he wants his heart to be right with God,

v. 7-12

"Create in me a pure heart, O God,

and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me from your presence

or take your Holy Spiirt from me

restore unto me the joy of your salvation

and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

Thank you Judi W. for teaching me this

song many years ago!