July 19 – Only You Can Prevent A Forest Fire

In today’s episode, Pastor Cory Barnes shares a devotion from James 3, where James compares the tongue to a small spark that can set an entire forest ablaze. Though our words may seem insignificant in the moment, they possess tremendous power to build up or tear down, heal or wound. Pastor Cory reminds listeners that the real issue is not simply controlling our speech, but allowing God to transform our hearts. Jesus taught that the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart, meaning our words often reveal what is happening beneath the surface. Rather than merely trying harder to watch what we say, we are invited to ask the Holy Spirit to expose the deeper attitudes, wounds, pride, or frustrations that fuel careless speech. As we surrender those areas to Christ, He begins changing us from the inside out. When our hearts are shaped by His grace, our words increasingly reflect His love, bringing life, encouragement, and peace to those around us.Today's Reading:July 19 – 2 Kings 17; 2 Chronicles 28; Psalm 46; James 3