January 29th 2021
David_Orr • January 29, 2021
Faith That Works
The Power of the Tongue 5 of 5
Deadly Poison
How much Cyanide in your drinking water makes it poison? Any amount at all is harmful and it takes very little to kill you. The same with Ricin made from the Caster Bean. The KGB used to hollow our a pellet much smaller than a BB and fill the void with it. That tiny amount would take days to kill but death was certain and there is no antidote. But there are many toxic materials in our everyday existence and some are even in our food and water. Chlorine is poison but they put small amounts in our municipal water supplies to kill bacteria. The solder I use in my guitar and amplifier wiring and in my stained glass contains 40% Lead. There are safer alternatives but I use it because it flows better at a lower temperature. Our fleshly container still retains the poison of our nature too.
We all still contain death from sin and our container will not escape what our spirit has already defeated? Was James making a big deal out of something we all deal with? The depravity of our human nature is something we don’t like to think about insomuch it has faded from belief. Many that call themselves “Christian” actually believe they have no sin in themselves. The thought that “All Have Sinned” is foreign to them even though it is plainly written in God’s Word. The day I was saved I actually asked my uncle “WHAT BAD STUFF HAVE I DONE!” Apparently he had heard my fussing to myself when dad told me to do things I didn’t want to do. He said “You fuss and even curse about doing your chores” (I had a friend that even at 11 cussed).
The Meekness Filter!
The Meekness Filter is a composite of many Gifts from the Holy Spirit and God’s Word working in us. His Grace within us being the biggest working ingredient; the power that gives us better than what we deserve. We are empowered by that to give the world around us better than what they deserve through Jesus. Our bodies have the Liver and Kidneys that filter out the toxins of life from us and disposes of them. Our Spiritual structure has filters that remove toxic thoughts before they can spread and be sprayed by our tongue.
1. Don’t deny you have a toxin problem – being in this fleshly body guarantees you do.
2. Let your mind be flooded with God’s goodness and Grace moment by moment and listen to His voice.
3. Devour God’s Word daily and build the positive charge to attract and neutralize them nasty negative electrons.
4. Let God teach you what the outcomes of negatively charged thinking does and decide beforehand to trust those deadly things to Him. Exercise and build that spiritual structure that filters out the poison and disposes of it
I have heard many bullies say they can’t control their tongue be totally polite and quiet when someone they feared was in the room. Always remember that the Holy Spirit is ALWAYS in the room. That thought in itself changes everything. James wasn’t saying controlling your tongue was hopeless or impossible because Jesus makes all things possible. He was trying to impress upon you the importance of giving your tongue to the control of the Holy Spirit. Not only does the tongue speak but it also tastes and poisons always have a bad taste. Don’t swallow evil things but spit them out before they become part of you.
Ridgecrest Blog
There’s a difference between walking near someone and walking with them. It's a difference you can feel. I don’t just want to walk beside my wife—I want to hold her hand, to wrap my arm around her, to stay close. And in the same way, God doesn't just want us to stroll behind Him at a safe distance. He wants us right next to Him. Closer than close. The Bible makes that clear—again and again. In fact, one of the most beautiful things is when the same truth is spoken in both the Old and New Testaments. That’s when we know God is driving a point home. Take James in the New Testament. He gives us four practical, life-changing steps that can draw us closer to God: Depend on the Savior Deny the devil Desire to sin less Delight in selflessness These aren’t just catchy phrases—they’re daily actions. They’re reminders that we’re not strong enough to live this life on our own. We need help. We need a Savior. And when we lean on Him, He promises to draw near to us. That message isn’t new. It echoes through Proverbs 3:5-7: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” This ancient wisdom from Solomon aligns perfectly with James. Why? Because truth doesn’t change. God's Word is living, consistent, and always calling us to take that next step closer to Him. Maybe you’re reading this and you feel distant from God. Maybe you’ve been walking on autopilot—doing the right things, going to church, saying the prayers—but deep down, you know there’s a gap. Here's the good news: If you’re not close to God right now, it’s not because He moved. He’s still there. Still waiting. Still inviting. “Draw near to me,” God says, “and I will draw near to you.” That word “draw” isn’t passive. It’s personal. In the original language, it carries the idea of reaching out and hugging someone. That’s the kind of closeness God wants. Not cold religion, but a warm relationship. An embrace. An arm around your shoulder. And if you’ve never experienced that before—if you’ve never known what it’s like to walk hand-in-hand with Jesus—it’s not too late. All you have to do is ask. Ask Him to forgive your sins. Admit you can’t save yourself. Believe that only Jesus can. He will meet you there. Every time. And if you’re already a believer? There’s still room to grow. Every single one of us could walk a little closer to Jesus than we did yesterday. None of us have arrived. And the beautiful part is—He’s not asking for perfection. He’s just asking for your heart. So today, let’s take those steps. Let’s depend. Deny. Desire. Delight. Let’s walk a little closer. Let’s hold His hand. And let’s never let go. Closing Thought: Wouldn’t it feel good to be hugged tight by Jesus? That’s not just poetic. That’s possible. Because He’s reaching out right now—waiting for you to reach back.
We are proud to share that Ridgecrest Baptist Church has been a part of the efforts supporting Together We Foster, an organization dedicated to serving the foster care community of Northeast Arkansas.
Welcome to Ridgecrest Baptist Church! We're thrilled to have you join us today for a time of worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Whether you're a long-time member or visiting for the first time, your presence enriches our community. Let's open our hearts to receive God's word and blessings together. Thank you for joining us at our VBS closing celebration! Today, our kids will receive certificates, perform a special song for parents, and enjoy a slideshow/video highlighting this week's exciting activities. Stick around after the service for a celebration meal with all families. Blessings,
Happy Father's Day! Welcome to Ridgecrest Baptist Church as we celebrate and honor all fathers today. Whether you're a father, a father figure, or celebrating with a father, we're delighted to have you join us for worship and fellowship. Let's take this opportunity to reflect on the blessings of fatherhood and the love of our Heavenly Father. May today's service uplift and inspire you! "Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed." - Psalm 112:1-2 (ESV) Blessings,