Radical Disciples – A Remnant Revolution

Manipulation and Control Jezebel Spirit and/or Matriarchal /Patriarchal Witchcraft

Learn how it effects your children (such as learning disabilities) and your home when a woman is controlling the household

Even though I refer to her (men can have this spirit as well if they use intimidating, manipulation and control with burst of anger to get everyone to submit or get their way).

The Jezebel spirit is born of witchcraft and rebellion. It is an occultic spirit. Anyone who gets into occultism such as divination needs to be in the know and wants to control their destiny. This Jezebel spirit is a very common spirits in operation today, and is a powerful enemy of the body of Christ.

[b]Any behavior not of Christ Character – negative and destructive to self or others, then here is an antichrist spirit operating in a person’s life. [/b]

Jezebel masquerades as a “protector” spirit to gain access, using the inroads already made by spirits of rejection and fear. When a person has rejection with fear, then a person will try to control their lives and control others to be in control. More on this subject later. There is fear when out of control. Fear drives this spirit into manipulation and control of others or self!

Why do you think people fall into occult practices or modalities. They need to control their destination. They need to be in the know which is the same reason Eve feel because Satan provided her something to give her more knowledge. The story of Adam and Eve is the first example of matriarchal witchcraft in the Bible. Adam listened to his wife and did what she wanted instead of obeying God. It is not godly order. And God gave out punishment for their behavior. Because of Christ we now are able to break the curse off. Thank you Lord, for grace and mercy.

Like I said earlier, there is a spirit of deep rooted rejection. Because of that deep rooted rejection in their lives, many times, a person (man or female) will try to gain identity, glory, recognition, power, and satisfy the need for acknowledgment of worth from others (in other words, the “praises of men” Matt. 6:2,5,16). Our identity comes from the Lord but they look to men to meet their needs by controlling to get their important to create an identity. This is an outgrowth of the desire for love and self-worth we all have – with the wrong focus – self. So, there is an unloving spirit operating as well. An Unloving spirit is an antichrist spirit to put yourself on the throne.

Second, the Jezebel spirit seeks to emasculate all men, or divest them of their authority and power over others. It fosters a distrust and/or hatred of men in general, and nurtures motives of vengeance on the victim toward some men in particular – usually as a result of abuse or neglect by a significant male in the victim’s life.

A Jezebel has a hard time trusting any person or anyone (even God) and so they feel they have to control others and their destiny. They are threatened when someone shows independence from them. Fear rises up and the spirit of the antichrist tells them they are loosing control. When that happens the abuse comes into play.

Household Out of Order

They represent the ungodly order that Satan has set up in mankind. We have also learned that this is occultism because it obscures the real thing the Godhead established and declared to be so in the creation of all things including governmentally and familial. Ahab representing the passive male rebelling or refusing to take his place as the king or ruler and abdicating it to his wife. Within this occultic framework is a lot of manipulation. Just a lot of bad fruit.

Spirits that manifest?

Leviathan: Demonic Ruling Prince promoting Luciferian Rulership through Arrogance, Pride, and Ungodly Authority…….

Behemoth: Religious Principality that takes truth and changes it….the Principality behind all Legalism, False Religions, and Deception of Truth. Also these Principalities work with lesser evil spirits to cause even christians to be the “knowing ones”…..found deeply rooted in the misuse of the prophetic movement and can be seen in rigid legalistic movements…typically…a spirit of religion…and error …also can be found operating in people who try to control others in the name of truth, as opposed to proper ecclesiastical leadership.

Scriptures about Godly Order

1 Cor 11:3 “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.” (KJV)

The head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. Three headships in 1Cor. 11:3:

1. God is head of Christ.

2. Christ is head of man.

3. Man is head of woman — husband is the head of the wife.

The head of Christ is God. God and Christ are two separate and distinct persons (1 Tim. 2:5).

1 Tim 2:5 “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (KJV)

Three main personality types of the Jezebel Spirit:

The high-profile type is generally gregarious, outspoken and highly visible. She or he is often seen as the one who wears the pants in the family.

The low-profile type is just that–generally soft-spoken, giving the illusion of being solicitous, protective, even very submissive. The low-profile type may be the most dangerous, as is the most difficult to discern. They have the prefabricated personality that is luring and pretending to be trustworthy, honest, fun loving and loyal while manipulating those all around like puppets on a string at their beacon call or need. The Jezebel relies heavily on manipulation for power, but it is extremely low key and very subtle.

This can be a husband that believes he has to control through violence, screaming to get others to submit to their authority. They use intimidation and intimidation to get their way or to control others. As you can see this spirit is very self-centered because it is all about him. There is usually self hatred operating. If they hate themselves, how can they love their wives?

Within these three types are two manifestations: the SEDUCER and the FRIGID. The SEDUCER uses any type of seduction available to gain control and power, as a method of manipulation. There is a tri angling of alignment with one person with the goal of controlling another person and/or building your own power through a spirit of seduction to seduce others to get their way – to gain control, to climb up the ladder for their importance and to gain an identity.

The FRIGID Jezebel personality can frequently be seen as the efficient (and often plain) executive assistant at the side of a powerful businessman or church leader. This Jezebel often lacks a gregarious personality, but may be very outspoken and aggressive.
Manifestations of Jezebel:

Usually a person with a Jezebel spirit has several spirits operating in them – read the characteristics and how they work:

Insecurity (Unloving and Rejection Principalities)– They are very insecure but their demeanor will show they are confident and very strong.

Fear (their are about 4000 different types of fears) – A Jezebel has fear of loosing control, fear of being controlled by others but also has a fear of man, fear of failure, fear of rejection. They are fearful of being out of control. This might have come from abuse when they were young when they suffered abuse and felt out of control and made a judgment that they would never be out of control or allow anyone to abuse them again. Fear is a very big issue with manipulative and controlling people. Out of fear can come many different manifestations of control. Fear is the opposite of faith and both demand to be fulfilled.

Self Idolatry (out of occultism) – Jezebel worships his/herself (keeps the focus on his/herself, except where a false attitude of compassion or humility serves his/her purposes). She has his/herself on the throne. Like I said earlier there is a Unloving Antichrist Spirit operating that causes his/her to focus on self. This spirit cares nothing about you but will use you for their needs and elevation. They truly do not love themselves, very fearful but yet very driven. Many times seen as an“outgoing fun loving” individual to draw many around for their needs and purposes and hidden agenda. Jezebel has to create an environment that brings about a sort worship from others. She must have dominance and control in her home. Other family members must exist to please them.

A spirit of Jealousy that comes out of the principality of Envy/Jealousy. They are jealous of anyone who receives recognition or attention. They are on the throne and desire all recognition to go to them. This is one of the biggest dangers to the Body of Christ, according to James 3:16, because it opens the door to “every evil thing” to enter in – not just to the Jezebel, but to the entire congregation.

Division – A Jezebel will plot quietly to bring division and destruction in order to get their agenda. They will pretend care and concern while actually telling gossip, lies and deceit to others to bring agreement and ultimately destruction, division and strife within the camp which many times destroys an entity, organization and or church.

Unrealistic expectations on others (perfection, performance and driven ness) – Expectations from others are many times unrealistic. Anyone attempting to relate to a person with this spirit is literally in a no-win situation. Nothing pleases this spirit and is driven by fear.

Perfection, Performance and Driven ness– more on this subject. Perfectionism is a common characteristic of the Jezebel – generating self-hatred in the victim. This is part of the “unrealistic expectations” he/she has toward herself, and an excuse for disrespect abuse, especially those in authority – they don’t “measure up”, or they are so fearful it becomes a love hate within self and they do not have to respect. Especially where a woman and man interact. Jezebel’s are men haters! They usually cannot connect and have friendships or intimate relationships with men. If they do there is strong abuse and disrespect that eventually is acted out like a vindetta to destroy and demean them.

Control and manipulation – This is the strongest nature of a Jezebel spirit. Nearly everything the Jezebel does utilizes one or both spirits to attain his/her goal. Focuses on weaknesses of others – He/She uses honest trust, faults or weaknesses perceived in the person he/she is attempting to control to create feelings of shame or guilt. If you are a very strong person, most likely arrange destruction against you and/or set you up for destruction by others.

a. Jezebels frequently ENJOYS “low-profile” manner in order to lure others around. Many times appearing weak, and needy. For them, it is a tool for attention, sympathy and other forms of manipulation. It usually has one of two purposes – to manipulate others into serving them, to gain feeling loved and attention from others because they truly do not lovethemselves because of the rejection they have received in childhood.

b. He/she will repeat continually stories of trauma and victimization to excuse behavior and get you to have compassion on their need. For example: she will tell you how much pressure she is under and tell you she is working ungodly amount of hours to get a attention and pity from others around to keep attention on self.

False Burden Bearing – So out of this comes many aspects of control and it links up with fear, false burden bearing, false compassion, enabling, extreme co-dependency.

A spirit of Murmuring and Complaining and criticism, – which are “servant spirits” as a stronghold. Uses criticism justify her disobedience of, or lack of respect for, others especially those in authority over this person. They do what they want within the work place, or anywhere they are in fellowship. Yes, Men can operate in this spirit if that do not love their wives like the church. As said earlier, Jezebel’s tends to be driven to control when they feel out of control. He/ She a “poor me” attitude, while using excessive criticism as a tool to manipulate anyone she feels are more confident or stronger than they.

A spirit of Lust – She has a spirit of lust for control and power. It can manifest as sexual lust to manipulate the boss, the minister, leadership for the strong need for attention and significance.
Remember they are truly weak and self hating of themselves. They strive to create division and destruction rather than peace and harmony. The need for attention drives them to gain what they they don’t have. He/she must have attention wherever they go. They have to be liked by everyone.There is desperate Fear of man which causes them to use whatever means they have to make others desperate for their help to make them self important. She can hold back on the husband to control him or get him to do what she needs him to do and many times withdraws from sex from her husband to get what she wants from him. Men with this spirit many times, just create a possesesiveness and demands within the home, and relationship by threatening to remove himself, financial support if she does not conform to his expectations.

They have bitterness and/or self-bitterness – if they do are misunderstood or do not get their way, they will displays many times verbal threats, vicious and sometimes violent physical assault when opposed. Past hurts and offenses are often played over in detail and then creating the martyr/ victim syndrome by the Jezebel spirit, because she knows a it can bring the attention needed for so much lack in her life.

a. Un-forgiveness: having a hard heart; not obeying the word; being rebellious; keeping a record of wrongs. Hebrews 12.15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; they also have unforgiveness towards self. They hold are always the victim! The enemy continually accuses and reminds them of their failures and weaknesses.

b. Resentment: record of wrongs fueled by feelings of holding on to it; starting to meditate; foundation for spirits of fear

i. Fear of man
ii. Fear of rejection
iii. Fear of failure
iv. Fear of abandonment A Jezebel is eaten up by self-resentment – they resent their past, they resent their failures and they resent who they are. They have no self worth. The need for acceptance by others are more important than acceptance of God.

c. Retaliation: Always finding ways to make others pay; find ways to get even; premeditating attack or assault of destruction while pretending relationship. Romans 12:17-21 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. V 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. v19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. v20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. v21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

A Jezebel will have self retaliation. They will punish themselves and will drive themselves to destructive patterns. Many times result in addictive behaviors such as drinking, cutting them selves. They will create verbal and/or written diatribeagainst those they cannot control.

A Jezebel will have self-anger toward self. They have exploding episodes over self when things do not go right and will curse themselves.

e. Hatred: There’s not enough room on this planet for you and me to be in the same place at the same time.

A Jezebel will have a deep seeded hatred for self. They push themselves to no end because they do not have a true identity in Christ and think that works will give them an identity in the things they do but can never meet up to their own expectations.

f. Violence: Before I eliminate you, you’re going to feel my pain; you’re going to know my hatred; you are going to experience it. I will harm you, however I can. Can you begin to see the personality of bitterness?

A Jezebel will have self-violence toward self. They have a punishment type mentality by not sleeping because of the self-hatred operating.

g. Murder: The unlawful killing of one human being by another especially with premeditation. What about murder with the tongue or gossip? Diatribe– must attack publically to shame and destroy.

Spirit of Rebellion (coming out of occultism)– Jezebel hates authority since there is a fear of authority- especially a woman towards men. Remember they can’t relate to men from the love/hate deep within them. There is a conspiracy behind anyone in leadership or authority. Anyone who is placed in authority over her she will plot to destroy them. An early manifestation in childhood is a lack of respect for generally is displayed by the parents or guardian figure, they learn to disrespect self, others, possessions, either theirs or others.

Cursing – Jezebels curse everyone, which brings a curse upon themselves. Criticism is a form of cursing, both of the person being criticized, and of God their Maker. Murmuring and complaining is a cursing of circumstances, not trusting God for where they are, for who they are and for where He has placed them. Jezebel is a master at murmuring and complaining about everything and everyone.

Lack of Identity in Christ – Because of deep seeding rejection, they lack identity and do not understand their identity in Christ and know how to trust and let go. They have to be in control and so it is very hard for them to trust in God for their lives and others. They think they need to make it happen. This is a very big snare of the enemy. Because of the spirit of Fear, it is hard for them to just “BE” in the Lord without works, manipulation or making things happen in their own strength.

Lack in Trust in God – Again, they have a hard time trusting God. They truly believe they have to make things happen and cannot wait on the Lord for him to make things happen. There is extreme fear of failure operating in their lives that they truly cannot rest in the Lord and allow Him to make things happen for them.

Denial – A Jezebel usually cannot see they have a Jezebel Spirit. The victims must first recognize deliverance is needed. It is rare that a person, if directly confronted and told Jezebel is the problem, will believe and accept it. Denial is routine because of a spirit of deception. There is always some other reason for their behavior, and it is true that other spiritual influences may be actively in operation. The best way is to teach and give understanding on what fear looks like and the manifestations. Teach until they can see the truth and lead them into repentance.

When a man does not know how to be the spiritual leader, then it forces the woman to pick it up and be the spiritual leader of a home. Many women do not want this role but because the man is passive,did not have a good role model growing up they thwart godly leadership and model controlling dominating and intimidating nature rather than a gentle leader. At times there are men that are very Patriarchal and abuse the word of God to make his wife and children submit to him through manipulative and dominating intimidation. it is an indication he has self-hatred toward self and truly does not have a very good understanding of God’s love for him. A man is to love his wife as he loves himself.
His role is given by God and its not about skills or abilities it is God’s divine decision.
Scripture references:

To love their wives as Christ loved the Church (Eph. 5:25).

Eph 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (KJV)

To love their wives as their own bodies (Eph. 5:28,33). Eph 5:28 “So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.” (KJV)

Eph 5:33 “Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.” (KJV)

To nourish (Greek: ektrepho (GSN-), bring up, care for, protect, Eph. 5:29; 6:4; Rev. 12:6)

Eph 5:29 “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:”
(KJV)

Eph 6:4 “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
(KJV)

To cherish (Greek: thalpo (GSN-), to foster, warm in one’s bosom, Eph. 5:29; 1Th. 2:7)

Eph 5:29 “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:”
(KJV)

1 Thes 2:7 “But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:” (KJV)

To be joined as one flesh (Eph. 5:30-31)

Eph 5:30-31 “30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. (KJV)

To leave their parents for their wives (Eph. 5:31)

Eph 5:31 “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.” (KJV)

To cleave to their wives (Eph. 5:31; Mt. 19:5)

Eph: 31 “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. (KJV)

Matt 19:5 “And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?” (KJV)

Even church leaders will control its sheep through manipulation and control. You can see this if there is a religious spirit and the gifts are not moving in the church. You will see manipulation through guilt and shame on his sheep.

Diseases on children from a household out of God’s order:
(wife leading entire household )

• Dyslexia, Learning disabilities
• Hyperactivity,ADD/ADHD
• Autism (can be generational)
• Gender confusion

Many times when a person that is matriarchal, if they repent and start trust/depending on God in their husband, the children come into order sickness and disease goes away.

Conclusion:

A woman needs to understand that if she single or has a hurting/broken man in her life, she must look to God as her covering in the areas where the man is falling short.

A man needs to seek God as to why he is not being the loving leader of his family. The roots can be varied, but they all can be dealt with through confession, repentance and deliverance.

The ministry involves repenting for not trusting God and walking in the plans and purposes that He has created for each person.

Prayers if you have a Jezebel Spirit and desire Deliverance from the Spirit of Jezebel or Control and Manipulation

Father in Heaven, I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior and my Redeemer. I thank you for showing me the error of my ways and allowing me the opportunity to make it right with you. I know that you love me and that your outstretched hands are reaching for me even as I speak. I come boldly to you admitting my need for deliverance and healing that only You, through the Holy Spirit, can give.

Father, I admit my wrong attitude toward the authority figures You have placed in my life, You first, and my husband second. I confess that I have rebelled against Your Word through my behavior to get needs met. Please, show me how my need to control and manipulate others came into my life that I may close the door to this forever. I choose now to forgive everyone who has ever hurt or abused me in any way. I forgive the following people by name (call them aloud). I confess my life-style has been sinful and abusive and ask Your forgiveness and cleansing. I humble myself before You and take responsibility for my actions. Right now, in the name of Jesus, I renounce the evil work of all witchcraft control, domination and manipulation and turn away from all such activity in my life.

I choose to break all ungodly soul-ties with those I have sought to control, dominate or manipulate. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord, I break the ungodly soul-ties release (those you have manipulated). By an act of my will, I submit to all authority You have placed in my life. I trust my submission and obedience to Your Word to keep me protect me and bless me.

Open my eyes, Heavenly Father, to truly and clearly see Your Word and grant me the strength of will to walk in it. In the name of Jesus Christ and through the power of His shed blood I bind the strong man of Jezebel, part of the Queen of Heaven, and command her and all associated unclean spirits to leave me.

In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I command the following demonic spirits to leave me now in Jesus name; I repent and renounce participating with ____________ the following spirits and ask for your forgiveness.
i.e.:
Self-Pity, Accusation, Indecision, Aggression, Intimidation, Attention seeking, degrading, Arrogance, Insecurity, Beguiling, Inadequate, Belittling, Intellectualism, Bickering, Backbiting, Brash, Jealousy and Envy, blackmail and threats, Jezebel, Premeditated plotting and scheming, Lack of confidence, Contention, Lying, Continuous murmuring and complaining, Lawlessness, Condemnation, Laziness, Confusion, Manipulation, Counterfeit spiritual gifts, Mistrust, Conditional love, Nagging, Charming, Overindulgence, Controlling spirits, Pouting, Dissatisfaction, Pride, Demands, Perversion (sexual; spiritual), Double mindedness, Psychology, Doubt, Philosophy, Disunity, Projected guilt, Discord, Martydom, Quick temper, Disruption, Retaliation, Distrust, Revenger, Deception, Rationalization, Delusion, Rebellion, Demanding, Strife, Defeat, Slander, malice, Determined plotting maneuvers, Sharp temper, Dominance, Short temper, Emotional outburst, Sorcery, Failure, Shirking responsibilities, Fear, Sensitive, Frustration, Sharp tongue, Sleepiness, control, Shame, hardness, Suicide, Spiritual blindness, False sickness, Self-defeating, Finger pointing, Sorrow, Frigidity, Turmoil, Grief, Ungodly discipline, Hatred of men, Unbelief, Hot temper, Ugliness, Vanity, Hopelessness, Witchcraft, Hypnotic control,self-torment destructive and addictive behavior, Whining, and Irresponsibility. Perfection, Performance and Drivenness.

I break and loose myself from all agreement with these demons and call on You, Lord Jesus, to set me completely free. Thank You Lord. I believe I am set free and I receive my deliverance from Jezebel done, NOW in Jesus name. Amen.

http://www.journey2wholeness.org/other/jezebel/

In chapters 1-2 we have seen how James explains the two characteristics of the mature Christian: patient in trouble (James 1) and practicing the truth (James 2). In chapter 3 he shares the third characteristic of the mature believer: power over the tongue.

The power of speech is one of the greatest powers God has given us. With the tongue, we can praise God, teach God’s Word and lead lost sinners to Jesus Christ. But with that same tongue we can tell lies that can ruin a reputation or break someone’s heart. The ability to articulate truth is one of the most powerful ways we influence others; and yet so often we take this ability for granted. In order to impress on us the importance of controlled speech, and the great consequences of our words, James gave us six pictures of the tongue: the bit, the rudder, fire, a poisonous animal, a fountain, and a fig tree. You can put these six pictures into three meaningful classifications that reveal the three powers of the tongue.

1. Power to Direct : The Bit and the Rudder (James 3:1-4)

“Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.” (James 3:1-4)

Apparently, several people in the assembly wanted to teach and lead, for James has to warn them: “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers” (James 3:1).This is because those who teach the Word face the stricter judgement. Teachers must use their tongue to share God’s truth, and it is terrible when those appointed to teach God’s Word, sin with their tongue. Furthermore, teachers must practice what they teach; otherwise, their teaching is hypocrisy. But teachers are not the only ones who are tempted and sin; every Christian must admit that “we all stumble in many ways” (James 3:2). And sins of the tongue seem to head the list. Control of the tongue is a sign of spiritual maturity.  Is James making a mistake connecting sins of the tongue with sins of “the whole body”? No, because words usually lead to deeds. During World War II there were posters that read ‘Loose lips sink ships’.  But loose lips also wreck lives. Make an unguarded statement and you may find yourself involved in a conflict. Our tongue may force the rest of our body to defend itself.  In selecting the bit and the rudder James presented two items that are small of themselves, yet exercise great power, just like the tongue.

A small bit enables the rider to control a horse, and a small rudder enables the pilot to steer an entire ship.
The tongue is a small member in the body, and yet it has the power to accomplish great things. Both the bit and the rudder must overcome contrary forces. The bit must overcome the wild nature of the horse, and the rudder must fight the winds and currents that would drive the ship off its course. The human tongue also must overcome contrary forces. This means that both the bit and the rudder must be under the control of a strong hand. When Jesus Christ controls the tongue, then we need not fear saying the wrong things—or even saying the right things in a wrong way! “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,” warned Solomon (Prov. 18:21). No wonder David prayed, “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing” (Ps. 141:3-4). The bit and rudder have the power to direct, which means they affect the lives of others. A runaway horse or a shipwreck can mean injury or death to pedestrians or passengers. The words we speak affect the lives of others. A judge says “Guilty!” or “Not Guilty!” and those words affect the destiny of the prisoner, his family, and his friends. Never underestimate the guidance you give by the words you speak or do not speak.  The power to direct: The bit and the rudder.

2. The Power to Destroy: The fire and the animal (James 3:5-8)

“Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.  The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:5-8)

On the night of September 2, 1666, a small fire broke out in the premises of a baker’s shop in Pudding Lane, London, perhaps started by the carelessness of a maid.  In the close-packed streets of London, where buildings jostled each other for space, the blaze soon became an inferno. Fanned by an east wind, the fire spread with terrifying speed, feeding on the tar and pitch commonly used to seal houses. Our best account of the Fire comes from the diaries of Samuel Pepys, Secretary of the Admiralty. He watched the course of the destruction from a safe position across the Thames, and called it,
“a most malicious bloody flame, as one entire arch of fire… of above a mile long. It made me weep to see it. The churches, houses, and all on fire and flaming at once, and a horrid noise the flames made, and the cracking of houses at their ruin …Over the Thames with one’s face in the wind you were almost burned with a shower of firedrops.”

After four days while helpless citizens stood by and watched the destruction of their homes, the wind mercifully died and the fire was stopped. When a dazed populace took stock of the damage, 80% of the city was destroyed, including 13,000 houses, 89 churches and 52 Company (Guild) Halls. The spiritual hub of the city, Old St. Paul’s Cathedral, was nothing but rubble. It was a disaster of unprecedented proportions. Our words can start fires just as terrifying.

“Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife”. (Prov. 26:20-21).

Have you ever had that experience? Of course you have! A hot head and a hot heart can lead to burning words that later we will regret. David had a temper, and he had to have God’s help in controlling it. No wonder Solomon wrote, “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.” (Prov. 17:27).  Fire not only starts small and grows, and creates heat; it also defiles. A friend recently suffered a fire in the entrance to her house, and the smoke and fire damage so soiled the house that she has had to move out while the house was redecorated. Fiery words can defile a home, a Sunday club, a church. The only thing that can wash away that defilement is the blood of Jesus Christ. Fire burns and hurts, and our words can burn and hurt. One of the sorrows our Lord had to bear when He was here on earth was the way His enemies talked about Him. Because He graciously accepted invitations to dine with people the Pharisees did not like they called Him a “glutton and a drunkard” (Matt. 11:19). When He performed miracles, they said Jesus was in league with Satan. Even when He was dying on the cross, His enemies could not let Him alone but threw vicious taunts into His face. Fire spreads, and the more fuel you give it, the faster and farther it will spread. The tongue “sets the whole course of his life on fire” (James 3:6). James suggests that all of life is connected, and therefore, but for the grace of God, we cannot keep things from spreading.

Sunday was VE day – the day we celebrate 60 years ago that the Nazi leaders surrendered and war ceased in Europe. For every word in Hitler’s book, Mein Kampf, 125 lives were lost in World War II. Our own words may not have caused wars or wrecked cities, but they can break hearts and ruin reputations. How important it is for us to let our speech “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6).

Not only is the tongue like a fire, but it is also like a dangerous animal. Some animals are poisonous, and some tongues spread poison. On Monday on our walk we came across this adder – the only indigenous poisonous snake in Great Britain. A couple of folk on the walk stood between the other walkers and the snake as we all passed by safely.

The deceptive thing about poison is that it works secretly and slowly, and then kills. How many times has some malicious person injected a bit of poison into your conversation and you didn’t notice initially? James reminds us that animals can be tamed; and, for that matter, fire can be tamed. When you tame an animal, you get a worker instead of a destroyer. When you control fire, you generate power. The tongue cannot be tamed by man, but it can be tamed by God. Your tongue need not be “set on fire of hell” (James 3:6). Like the Apostles at Pentecost, it can be set on fire from heaven! If God lights the fire and controls it, then the tongue can be a mighty tool for the winning of the lost and the building up of the church. The important thing, of course, is the heart; for it is “out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34). If your heart is filled with hatred, Satan will light the fire. If your heart is filled with love, God will light the fire.

1. Power to direct : The bit and the rudder
2. Power to destroy : the fire and the animal

3. Power to Delight: The Spring & the Tree (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 brothers, 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.” (James 3:9-12)

In hot countries like Palestine the natural spring provides beautiful cool refreshing water people need to stay alive. Water is life-giving, and our words can give life too. “The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters, and the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook” (Prov. 18:4). The tongue is also delightful because it is like a tree. In Bible lands, olive trees are vitally important to the economy: they help to hold down the soil; they provide beauty and shade; and they bear fruit. Our words can help to shelter and encourage, and can help to feed a hungry soul. “The lips of the righteous feed many” (Prov. 10:21). Jesus said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).

1. Power to direct. 2. Power to destroy. 3. Power to Delight. I don’t think any of us would deny that we have problems with our tongues. Some of us struggle more than others, but each of us needs to find a way to tame that beast. Let me give you five practical steps to consider in this process:

1. Be quick to listen and slow to speak
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19)
“It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt” (Abraham Lincoln).

2. Bite your tongue more often
”If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” (James 1:26)

3. Refuse to tear other people down
”Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another… Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged.” (James 4:11, 5:9)

4. Speak only what is true
”Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No”, no, or you will be condemned.” (James 5:12)

5. Surrender your tongue to God
”but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:8) We cannot tame our tongues without supernatural help. To help you surrender your tongue to God, let me encourage you with a little speech therapy. Before you speak something that may be harmful ask yourself these five questions:

Is it true? Is what I’m going to speak the truth? If not, stop. If it is, second ask,
Is it necessary? Jesus said we are going to be judged for every careless word. There are so many things that we say that are not necessary. Third ask,
Is it beneficial? Is what I’m going to say going to build someone up or tear them down?  Fourthly,
Do I have permission to share it?
Before you speak think about what kind of friend you’re being. Finally, ask yourself,
Is my motive pure? Why am I saying this? We all struggle with our tongues to varying degrees. There’s something we can all do about gossip. Remember gossip is when I share with you something about a third person and neither you or I are part of the problem or the solution.

Will you listen more, bite your tongue more, refuse to tear others down, and surrender your tongue to Jesus Christ? This is not some extra thing that God is requesting of us. This is a mandate for being a Christ-follower. Yes, the tongue may be the smallest and largest troublemaker in all the world. It has the 1. Power to direct. 2. the Power to destroy, but also 3. the Power to delight. God can use our tongues to guide others into the way of life, and to sustain them in the trials of life. Give God your tongue each day and ask Him to use you to be a blessing to others.

Should a person in a leadership position going threw a divorce be left in leadership?

I do not believe so in fact I believe it is out of Biblical order. Yet today like so many scriptural teachings we have become user friendly and only apply the scriptures that suit us rather than using the scriptures as a Biblical outline of Church government. I also believe that the emotional stress of a divorce can hinder a person discernment and have found in such instances that they fall for many loose doctrines to support their position. It’s time that the Church gets back to scriptural leadership and do away with the opinions of men.

Over the past 50 to 60 years divorce has swept through our nation and churches are filled with people who had been divorced. As so often happens, the doctrines and convictions of the church conveniently changed to reflect the new culture of divorce. We developed a man-centered, therapeutic faith that was more about making people happy than making them holy. Gradually, divorced people took more and more significant places in the church. As the moral slide continued, divorce turned into a minor issue. Some denominations today are discussing whether to marry and ordain unrepentant homosexuals. In that kind of culture, divorce seems like a much less crucial issue.

Sadly we see that the Church in America has a long history of being led more by our culture than by the Scriptures. When Southern culture approved and defended slavery, so did Southern Christians. As the feminist agenda took hold of our national mindset, women in pulpits became more common. As homosexuality has become more acceptable in culture, it has become more acceptable to Christians. Is this what has happened with divorce? Has the prevalence of divorce caused us to sacrifice biblical moral standards for the sake of convenience? Or, perhaps, did the prevalence of divorce cause us to reexamine beliefs that were long-held and traditional, but not biblical?

I believe that God is a God of forgiveness while at the same time He is a God of order.

I believe in a redemptive view which is based on the transforming power of Jesus Christ and the Cross. This view upholds the biblical standard of lifelong marriage and recognizes that divorce is the result of sin on the part of one or both partners. What this view refuses to do is put divorcees into a special category of sin. And it emphasizes the transformational, renewing power of Christ.

Jesus came to forgive sin and redeem sinners. A murderer can be forgiven and redeemed. An adulterer can have his sin washed white as snow. So can a thief, a drug addict, a prostitute, even a homosexual. In the same way, those who are divorced are forgiven and redeemed by the power of Christ.

Leadership in the church is a matter of character and integrity. Those who lead the church must have spiritual integrity in their walk with Christ and must have demonstrated character to the church and community in their public walk. We are all sinners, though that sin takes different forms. God is working to conform us to the image of Christ. Those who lead the church are those who are farthest in the process of Christlikeness.

What matters is not what I did 20 years ago, but what I am today. Maybe 20 years ago I was a drug dealer. But today I am walking with Christ and people can see what I am. Maybe 20 years ago I robbed a bank. I did my time, got right with God and began to grow. If I have demonstrated that I am a new man in Christ, and have reliable character, I can be a leader in God’s church.

Why is divorce any different? If I am in the middle of a divorce, I am certainly not ready to be a pastor, elder or deacon in the church, even if I am the “innocent” party in the divorce. But if I was divorced 25 years ago, remarried, and have been a faithful husband to my wife for all these years, should that divorce forever eliminate me from significant service?

I believe that blanket elimination of a person who has been divorced from service in the church is a denial of the redemptive power of Christ. Jesus came to redeem sinners and to make them like Christ. To continually throw a sin of the past in the face of someone who has repented and has been renewed in Christ is, to me, an unintentional but real denial of Christ’s transformational work.

Yet I believe that a person who is presently going threw a divorce should not be left in a leadership position. Whether it be their error which is causing the divorce, the spouses error or a combination of the two is mute. That can be handled in regard to restoring one to ministry if the Lord so reads. When we have a culture in the Church with the condoning of leaders getting divorced and maintaining their leadership role I believe that it establishes a very bad moral culture for our younger generation.

But that is my position and I would be glad to hear yours and what scriptures you have to support your position.