Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 10-12; James 4
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:7-8,10 NIV) .
My attitude, today, has not been the best. I’ve been grumpy, focusing on my own aches and pains, and easily annoyed with others. It took me quite awhile to figure out why. I didn’t start today with God. That’s pretty normal for me on the weekends. During the week I’ve gotten pretty good at setting a part some time everyday, but on the weekends I get distracted. My husband’s around, and we’re usually out and about running errands, doing something with friends, or just enjoying the beautiful summertime in general.
Today I felt a nudging from the Holy Spirit, but I ignored it and started my day. It was a matter of going downstairs to get my laptop, but I didn’t feel like going that far out of the way. I was more interested in breakfast, and the company currently staying at our house. And so I neglected to spend time with God, even though I knew I needed to.
And I’ve felt grumpy ever since.
Now it’s almost dinnertime, and I’ve finally wised up. I holed myself up in my room, away from all the distractions, and spent some time reading the word of God. I’ve found myself weak, humbled, and award of my inadequacies. I’m ready for my heart to once again be purified. And I’m praying that the rest of this day, however little is left, is much better than the first. I’m praying that my attitude improves, and that joy of the Lord will once again be my strength.
What about you? How are you doing on your daily quiet time with God? Does your attitude or heart need an adjustment today?
Showing posts with label James. Show all posts
Showing posts with label James. Show all posts
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
The Power of the Tongue
Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 7-9; James 3
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness” (James 3: 9 NIV).
The tongue is a dangerous weapon. Physical wounds can heal faster then the wounds of a tongue. As I’m sitting here typing, I can bring to mind hurtful things people have said to me from ten or even fifteen years ago. Once again I can start to feel hurt, angry and abused. I can start to get my feathers in a ruffle over things that person has long ago forgotten. They might not even realize they said the hurtful thing to me. Yet, I can still get hurt all over again by it.
Words are such a powerful tool. They can hurt, or they can build up and affirm a person. Sometimes simply telling someone that you love and admire them can change their whole day. Instead of being glum, a smile is brought to their face that they can’t seem to shake. Their whole outlook has changed.
James 1:19-20 says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (NIV).
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not very good at this. More often then naught something spews out of my mouth before I’m even thinking about the consequences. I say things that hurt and wound those around me, without even meaning to do so.
So my prayer for today is that I’ll speak just a little bit slower. My prayer is that the words of my mouth will come from God, not from me. My prayer is that I’ll never forget just how powerful words are in this world, and that I’ll use my words to build up, instead of tear down.
What about you? What are your words portraying about you today?
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness” (James 3: 9 NIV).
The tongue is a dangerous weapon. Physical wounds can heal faster then the wounds of a tongue. As I’m sitting here typing, I can bring to mind hurtful things people have said to me from ten or even fifteen years ago. Once again I can start to feel hurt, angry and abused. I can start to get my feathers in a ruffle over things that person has long ago forgotten. They might not even realize they said the hurtful thing to me. Yet, I can still get hurt all over again by it.
Words are such a powerful tool. They can hurt, or they can build up and affirm a person. Sometimes simply telling someone that you love and admire them can change their whole day. Instead of being glum, a smile is brought to their face that they can’t seem to shake. Their whole outlook has changed.
James 1:19-20 says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (NIV).
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not very good at this. More often then naught something spews out of my mouth before I’m even thinking about the consequences. I say things that hurt and wound those around me, without even meaning to do so.
So my prayer for today is that I’ll speak just a little bit slower. My prayer is that the words of my mouth will come from God, not from me. My prayer is that I’ll never forget just how powerful words are in this world, and that I’ll use my words to build up, instead of tear down.
What about you? What are your words portraying about you today?
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Words
Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 1-3; James 1
“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (James 1: 13-15 NIV).
I love sitting in coffee shops and writing. The music, the bustling, the sugary drinks, it’s a wonderful atmosphere to think, and to observe. As I was reading my devotions today, I couldn’t help but over hearing a conversation nearby. Across the room from me four people were sitting, a boy and three girls. From what they were saying they had to be college age, enjoying a dinner at this coffee shop. While I in no way no their hearts, their conversation was less than holy. I’ll save you the details, but I was saddened by the kind of personal information they were sharing so freely. Where has our world come to that nothing is kept holy? That anything and everything is up for public conversation? When did the name of the Lord start being used as a swear word? And the bonds of marriage no longer considered set apart and holy?
I really don’t want to preach today. I don’t want to stand up on a soap box. But I really was bothered today. I was bothered by what I heard. And I was at a loss for how to change it. Maybe I should have stood up, walked over, and asked them to change their topic of conversation. Maybe I should have said something. I’m no sure. But it was interesting how their conversation lined up so closely with what James had to say about the dangerous powers of the tongue and the temptations of this world.
“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (James 1: 13-15 NIV).
I love sitting in coffee shops and writing. The music, the bustling, the sugary drinks, it’s a wonderful atmosphere to think, and to observe. As I was reading my devotions today, I couldn’t help but over hearing a conversation nearby. Across the room from me four people were sitting, a boy and three girls. From what they were saying they had to be college age, enjoying a dinner at this coffee shop. While I in no way no their hearts, their conversation was less than holy. I’ll save you the details, but I was saddened by the kind of personal information they were sharing so freely. Where has our world come to that nothing is kept holy? That anything and everything is up for public conversation? When did the name of the Lord start being used as a swear word? And the bonds of marriage no longer considered set apart and holy?
I really don’t want to preach today. I don’t want to stand up on a soap box. But I really was bothered today. I was bothered by what I heard. And I was at a loss for how to change it. Maybe I should have stood up, walked over, and asked them to change their topic of conversation. Maybe I should have said something. I’m no sure. But it was interesting how their conversation lined up so closely with what James had to say about the dangerous powers of the tongue and the temptations of this world.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Day 23: Job 36-37; Matthew 15:1-20
Words are powerful things. Words are how Job’s friends are getting themselves more and more in trouble, as each chapter of the book progresses. They believe Job is a hypocrite because he is grieving over all that is lost, but really, they are in the wrong. They have judged him wrong, and are using their words to abuse his character.
Reading this reminded me of times I had unintentionally hurt people with my words. I can still see the crushed faces of my friends, as my jesting words struck a chord deep down. It hurt them. And there was no turning back.
James 3:6 refers to the tongue as a “flame of fire.” It is a small thing that can do a lot of damage. With one word, a spark ignites, catches fire, and may cause tons of pain in the end. This pain may spread, build up, and carry on for years. It may build a wall, ruin a friendship, or brutally tear down a person’s self esteem. The power of the tongue should not be taken lightly.
As Jesus says in Matthew 15:17-20, it’s not what goes into our mouths, but what comes out that defiles us. I believe Jesus’ words serve as a caution to you and me. We really need search our hearts and ask if our outward words and actions are really showing what we believe deep down. And then we need to take the correct steps to remedy the problem.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to start any fires.
Prayer: Lord, please tame my tongue. Help me to think before I speak, so that every word I say brings glory to you.
Reading this reminded me of times I had unintentionally hurt people with my words. I can still see the crushed faces of my friends, as my jesting words struck a chord deep down. It hurt them. And there was no turning back.
James 3:6 refers to the tongue as a “flame of fire.” It is a small thing that can do a lot of damage. With one word, a spark ignites, catches fire, and may cause tons of pain in the end. This pain may spread, build up, and carry on for years. It may build a wall, ruin a friendship, or brutally tear down a person’s self esteem. The power of the tongue should not be taken lightly.
As Jesus says in Matthew 15:17-20, it’s not what goes into our mouths, but what comes out that defiles us. I believe Jesus’ words serve as a caution to you and me. We really need search our hearts and ask if our outward words and actions are really showing what we believe deep down. And then we need to take the correct steps to remedy the problem.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to start any fires.
Prayer: Lord, please tame my tongue. Help me to think before I speak, so that every word I say brings glory to you.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Day 17: Job 22-24; Matthew 12:1-23
Hello everyone! How has your reading been going? I have to admit that the book of Job is starting to sound a bit repetitive. Just the same, I was able to glean some wonderful insight from today’s passage. It really got me thinking, and forced me to do some deeper searching.
Here’s the portion of scripture I picked out from today’s reading:
“But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned a side. I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food” (Job 23: 10-12).
As I read these verses, I was convicted. I found myself asking, what would happen if God judged me today? Could I say that I would come out of that judgment as “pure as gold?” Or would I be slightly tarnished? How would God judge the way I live my daily life? I am assured that I will go to heaven someday, but just the same, all of us will still have a day of judgment. For more on this Final Day of Judgment I encourage you to read Revelation 20:11-15 & Matthew 25:31-36. It’s quite fascinating. On this final Day of Judgment God will look at our lives, everything we did and said, and then separate us into those who are saved and those who are not. The saved will spend eternity in heaven with him; the unsaved will go to a place of unending torment called hell. I know, you’re all squirming in your seats now. Judgment day is one of those topics often avoided in polite conversation, but it’s oh so real just the same.
After reading about the Final Judgment Day, I was encouraged all a new to live my life for the Lord. I was saved by grace, which I’m oh so thankful for. On my own I could never measure up. Now that I have accepted that salvation, I need to live out my daily life for the Lord: “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faiths without works is dead” (James 2:26, HCSV). (For more reading on faith and works, see James 2: 14-26).
Questions: How have you been living for the Lord? Can you say that you have truly “treasured his words more than daily food?”
Prayer: Lord, please help me to always put you first in my life. Show me ways to serve you throughout the day. For I do treasure you more than anything.
Here’s the portion of scripture I picked out from today’s reading:
“But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned a side. I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food” (Job 23: 10-12).
As I read these verses, I was convicted. I found myself asking, what would happen if God judged me today? Could I say that I would come out of that judgment as “pure as gold?” Or would I be slightly tarnished? How would God judge the way I live my daily life? I am assured that I will go to heaven someday, but just the same, all of us will still have a day of judgment. For more on this Final Day of Judgment I encourage you to read Revelation 20:11-15 & Matthew 25:31-36. It’s quite fascinating. On this final Day of Judgment God will look at our lives, everything we did and said, and then separate us into those who are saved and those who are not. The saved will spend eternity in heaven with him; the unsaved will go to a place of unending torment called hell. I know, you’re all squirming in your seats now. Judgment day is one of those topics often avoided in polite conversation, but it’s oh so real just the same.
After reading about the Final Judgment Day, I was encouraged all a new to live my life for the Lord. I was saved by grace, which I’m oh so thankful for. On my own I could never measure up. Now that I have accepted that salvation, I need to live out my daily life for the Lord: “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faiths without works is dead” (James 2:26, HCSV). (For more reading on faith and works, see James 2: 14-26).
Questions: How have you been living for the Lord? Can you say that you have truly “treasured his words more than daily food?”
Prayer: Lord, please help me to always put you first in my life. Show me ways to serve you throughout the day. For I do treasure you more than anything.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Love is... not easily angered
The attributes in 1 Corinthians 13:5 can be really tough to carry out sometimes. The Apostle Paul tells us that love is not easily angered, but how do we live this out?
I have to admit that I’ve already had a few times today when I’ve become angry and resentful. It’s easy for me to hold a grudge when I feel that I’ve been wronged, and harder for me to show the love and graciousness God calls me to.
For me not being angry includes holding my tongue.
Proverbs 29:23 says that “An angry man stirs up dissension and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.” I know I have said many things in a moment of anger, only to regret them later. This verse from Proverbs reminds us that sin often results from anger. Isn’t it true that we often do and say things in a moment of heated argument that we often regret later? As James tells us, the tongue is a dangerous weapon. It is poison in our lives (James 3:8). In moments of anger it hurts deeply… the wounds it causes are hard to repair.
The destruction an angry tongue causes are not products of love. What does love look like then? How does a Christian respond to moments of irritation?
Instead of anger, those who love with the Love of Christ must exhibit patience. Listen to the words of wise King Solomon: “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11).
Sometimes, holding one’s tongue is what love is all about. Sometimes all it takes is a little God given patience to get past those moments of irritation and move one. For love is being patient when those we love the most annoy us the most.
Prayer: Lord, please replace any angry moments in this coming day with patience and love.
I have to admit that I’ve already had a few times today when I’ve become angry and resentful. It’s easy for me to hold a grudge when I feel that I’ve been wronged, and harder for me to show the love and graciousness God calls me to.
For me not being angry includes holding my tongue.
Proverbs 29:23 says that “An angry man stirs up dissension and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.” I know I have said many things in a moment of anger, only to regret them later. This verse from Proverbs reminds us that sin often results from anger. Isn’t it true that we often do and say things in a moment of heated argument that we often regret later? As James tells us, the tongue is a dangerous weapon. It is poison in our lives (James 3:8). In moments of anger it hurts deeply… the wounds it causes are hard to repair.
The destruction an angry tongue causes are not products of love. What does love look like then? How does a Christian respond to moments of irritation?
Instead of anger, those who love with the Love of Christ must exhibit patience. Listen to the words of wise King Solomon: “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11).
Sometimes, holding one’s tongue is what love is all about. Sometimes all it takes is a little God given patience to get past those moments of irritation and move one. For love is being patient when those we love the most annoy us the most.
Prayer: Lord, please replace any angry moments in this coming day with patience and love.
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