Feb 18 Living A to Z

Father, help me embody the alphabetical list of traits in this Psalm. 

In his old age David gives us instructions for living.  Of course the Hebrew Alephbet goes from Aleph to Tav, not A to Z, but what was true then is still true now.

It’s hard to see evil people prosper knowing that the wrong they do causes harm to others.  And when they seem to be getting away with it, I wonder where Your justice is.   

But as David says, “like the grass, they will soon wither.”  And I must wait on Your justice, which will come.  My responsibility is to do what You have told me to do and live how You have shown me to live.  This is what I am accountable for.

As I trust in You Lord, help me do good to others whenever it is within my power to do so.  Let me find my delight in You, and not be envious of others’ ill-gotten gain.

Help me commit my way to You so I look to You for guidance and direction and not toward my own selfish gain.  Several times I’ve been in circumstances where I was wronged and had a defensible position to press for my rights. I did not speak out because I trusted in You to fight for my cause.

It was hard to do, but You did not fail me.  In time the truth came to light without my having to say a word.  You defended me and my rightness was made even more evident because it was not me who spoke out.

Help me be still before You and wait patiently.  Even when I feel I’m justified in fighting.  Being “still” here means don’t move and don’t make a noise.  So help me not make a move without Your direction, and not rant or rave or carry on.

Remind me that prayer is a mighty weapon.   Help me pray for myself, the situation, and for my enemies to come to a saving knowledge of You, and stop their evil ways.

Help me turn away from anger and wrath.  One kind of anger boils over into uncontrolled lashing out.  Another kind seethes, simmering under the surface plotting and planning revenge, building up, until the perceived hurt is blown out of proportion.

Both of these responses are damaging to me.  I need to remember that vengeance is Yours, not mine.

Following these instructions will allow me to live in peace.  Meekness is not weakness.  But it is power under control.  Help me live a Holy Spirit-controlled life.  Amen

Psalm 37:1-11

Nov 18 Quick to listen, slow to speak

Father, James continues in giving good advice for righteous living.

Help me to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

I can remember being told that “children should be seen and not heard.”   And “think before you speak – after all, you have two ears and only one mouth.”

The message being that you should only speak half as much as you listen.

And “count to ten” when you feel yourself getting angry so as to allow time to cool down and think before acting on your anger.

I was taught these things as positive ways to get along with people.  I didn’t know then they had Biblical roots for godly behavior!

Help me truly listen to others with my mind and heart; not just count off time till it’s my turn to say something.  Help me focus on the person speaking and what they are trying to convey.  Then let me measure out my words carefully and respond, not just react.

And if what I am hearing is not to my liking, and I have a strong emotional response, guard my tongue so I do not create conflict.  Teach me how to keep “a tight rein on [my] tongue;” and help me be a peacemaker.

Father, I am trying to follow James’ suggestion.  He says “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.”

So help me listen more intently and pay attention to what You have to say to me in Your Word.  Do not let me miss anything You have to teach me or say as an encouragement.

And help me follow through and act on what You tell me so I am obedient.

Father, You made my ears and my tongue.  Help me use them to bring You honor and glory. 

Holy are You, Lord!  Hebrew translation:  Hallelu Yah!  Amen

James 1:19-26

Feb 18 Living A to Z

Father, help me embody the alphabetical list of traits in this Psalm. 

In his old age David gives us instructions for living.  Of course the Hebrew Alephbet goes from Aleph to Tav, not A to Z, but what was true then is still true now.

It’s hard to see evil people prosper knowing that the wrong they do causes harm to others.  And when they seem to be getting away with it, I wonder where Your justice is.   

But as David says, “like the grass, they will soon wither.”  And I must wait on Your justice, which will come.  My responsibility is to do what You have told me to do and live how You have shown me to live.  This is what I am accountable for.

As I trust in You Lord, help me do good to others whenever it is within my power to do so.  Let me find my delight in You, and not be envious of others’ ill-gotten gain.

Help me commit my way to You so I look to You for guidance and direction and not toward my own selfish gain.  Several times I’ve been in circumstances where I was wronged and had a defensible position to press for my rights. I did not speak out because I trusted in You to fight for my cause.

It was hard to do, but You did not fail me.  In time the truth came to light without my having to say a word.  You defended me and my rightness was made even more evident because it was not me who spoke out.

Help me be still before You and wait patiently.  Even when I feel I’m justified in fighting.  Being “still” here means don’t move and don’t make a noise.  So help me not make a move without Your direction, and not rant or rave or carry on.

Remind me that prayer is a mighty weapon.   Help me pray for myself, the situation, and for my enemies to come to a saving knowledge of You, and stop their evil ways.

Help me turn away from anger and wrath.  One kind of anger boils over into uncontrolled lashing out.  Another kind seethes, simmering under the surface plotting and planning revenge, building up, until the perceived hurt is blown out of proportion.

Both of these responses are damaging to me.  I need to remember that vengeance is Yours, not mine.

Following these instructions will allow me to live in peace.  Meekness is not weakness.  But it is power under control.  Help me live a Holy Spirit-controlled life.  Amen

Psalm 37:1-11

Nov 18 Quick to listen, slow to speak

Father, James continues in giving good advice for righteous living. 

Help me to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

I can remember being told that “children should be seen and not heard.”   And “think before you speak – after all, you have two ears and only one mouth.”  

The message being that you should only speak half as much as you listen.  

And “count to ten” when you feel yourself getting angry so as to allow time to cool down and think before acting on your anger. 

I was taught these things as positive ways to get along with people.  I didn’t know then they had Biblical roots for godly behavior!

Help me truly listen to others with my mind and heart; not just count off time till it’s my turn to say something.  Help me focus on the person speaking and what they are trying to convey.  Then let me measure out my words carefully and respond, not just react. 

And if what I am hearing is not to my liking, and I have a strong emotional response, guard my tongue so I do not create conflict.  Teach me how to keep “a tight rein on [my] tongue;” and help me be a peacemaker.

Father, I am trying to follow James’ suggestion.  He says “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.”

So help me listen more intently and pay attention to what You have to say to me in Your Word.  Do not let me miss anything You have to teach me or say as an encouragement.  

And help me follow through and act on what You tell me so I am obedient.

Father, You made my ears and my tongue.  Help me use them to bring You honor and glory. 

Holy are You, Lord!  Hebrew translation:  Hallelu Yah!  Amen

James 1:19-26

Feb 18 Living A to Z

Father, help me embody the alphabetical list of traits in this Psalm.

In his old age David gives us instructions for living.  Of course the Hebrew Alephbet goes from Aleph to Tav, not A to Z, but what was true then is still true now.

It’s hard to see evil people prosper knowing that the wrong they do causes harm to others.  And when they seem to be getting away with it, I wonder where Your justice is.

But as David says, “like the grass, they will soon wither.”  And I must wait on Your justice, which will come.  My responsibility is to do what You have told me to do and live how You have shown me to live.  This is what I am accountable for.

As I trust in You Lord, help me do good to others whenever it is within my power to do so.  Let me find my delight in You, and not be envious of others’ ill-gotten gain.

Help me commit my way to You so I look to You for guidance and direction and not toward my own selfish gain.  Several times I’ve been in circumstances where I was wronged and had a defensible position to press for my rights. I did not speak out because I trusted in You to fight for my cause.

It was hard to do, but You did not fail me.  In time the truth came to light without my having to say a word.  You defended me and my rightness was made even more evident because it was not me who spoke out.

Help me be still before You and wait patiently.  Even when I feel I’m justified in fighting.  Being “still” here means don’t move and don’t make a noise.  So help me not make a move without Your direction, and not rant or rave or carry on.

Remind me that prayer is a mighty weapon.   Help me pray for myself, the situation, and for my enemies to come to a saving knowledge of You, and stop their evil ways.

Help me turn away from anger and wrath.  One kind of anger boils over into uncontrolled lashing out.  Another kind seethes, simmering under the surface plotting and planning revenge, building up, until the perceived hurt is blown out of proportion.

Both of these responses are damaging to me.  I need to remember that vengeance is Yours, not mine.

Following these instructions will allow me to live in peace.  Meekness is not weakness.  But it is power under control.  Help me live a Holy Spirit-controlled life.  Amen

Psalm 37:1-11

Dec 2 Your Word – still our prayer

 Father, these exact these words of Daniel, oddly enough, seem to apply to my country and me in these times.   America has enjoyed Your blessing and protection, but her people have turned away from You and Your values.

Judgment and punishment are at our doorstep, and our only hope is to return to You.  If we do not, I fear a great judgment is coming our way.  So using the very words of Daniel, “I pray to You, the Lord my God and confess:

“Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps Your covenant of love with those who love You and keep Your commandments, we have sinned and done wrong.  We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from Your commands and laws.   We have not listened to Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our [government officials], our [spiritual leaders] and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land.

“Lord, You are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the people [Your believers] and the inhabitants of [our cities] and all [America], both near and far…because of our unfaithfulness to you.   We and our [government officials], our [spiritual leaders] and our ancestors are covered with shame, Lord, because we have sinned against You.   

You, the Lord our God are merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against You; we have not obeyed the Lord our God or kept the laws You gave us through Your servants the prophets.   All [America] has transgressed Your law and turned away, refusing to obey You.

“Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, [we are in danger of them being] poured out on us, because we have sinned against you.   You [will fulfill] the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing on us great disaster.  Under the whole heaven nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem.  [And we are in danger of the same fate.] 

Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster [will] come on us, yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to Your truth.  You [will] not hesitate to bring the disaster on us, for You, the Lord our God are righteous in everything You do; yet we have not obeyed You.

“Now, O Lord our God, who brought Your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for Yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong.   Lord, in keeping with all Your righteous acts, turn away Your anger and Your wrath from [America]. Our sins and the iniquities of our ancestors have made [America] and Your people an object of scorn to all those around us.

“Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of Your servants.  For Your sake, Lord, look with favor on [America].   Give ear, our God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the [country] that [has borne] Your Name. 

We do not make requests of You because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy.   Lord, listen!  Lord, forgive!  Lord, hear and act!  For Your sake, my God, do not delay, because [America] and your people bear your Name.”  Amen

Daniel 9:1-17

Nov 18 Quick to listen, slow to speak

Father, James continues in giving good advice for righteous living.  Help me to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

I can remember being told that “children should be seen and not heard.”   And “think before you speak – after all, you have two ears and only one mouth.”

The message being that you should only speak half as much as you listen.

And “count to ten” when you feel yourself getting angry so as to allow time to cool down and think before acting on your anger.

I was taught these things as positive ways to get along with people.  I didn’t know then they had Biblical roots for godly behavior!

Help me truly listen to others with my mind and heart; not just count off time till it’s my turn to say something.  Help me focus on the person speaking and what they are trying to convey.  Then let me measure out my words carefully and respond, not just react.

And if what I am hearing is not to my liking, and I have a strong emotional response, guard my tongue so I do not create conflict.  Teach me how to keep “a tight rein on [my] tongue;” and help me be a peacemaker.

Father, I am trying to follow James’ suggestion.  He says “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.”

So help me listen more intently and pay attention to what You have to say to me in Your Word.  Do not let me miss anything You have to teach me or say as an encouragement.

Father, You made my ears and my tongue.  Help me use them to bring You honor and glory. 

Holy are You, Lord!  Hebrew translation:  Hallelu Yah!  Amen

James 1:19-26

Feb 28 Words can hurt

“When words are many, sin is not absent…”

 

O Lord, twice I have learned the truth of today’s Proverb.

Twice I have given full vent to my anger, spewing words at another person.  And both times the eruptions have caused me much grief.

Even though I felt completely justified at the time for the hurt they had caused in my life or my child’s; the damage to the relationships and the way I felt afterwards was not worth the momentary release of anger and frustration.

The examples I have heard about words spoken are so true:  you can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube – you can’t put all the feathers back in the pillow, you can’t un-break an egg… because you can never undo the impact words have, after they’ve been heard.

“…but he who holds his tongue is wise.”

Since those two occasions, I have become “wise.”    When the anger builds up and the words are on the tip of my tongue, the memory of those two outbursts comes to mind immediately, and I am able to hold my tongue and think before I speak.

Thank You for imprinting them so indelibly on my memory to keep me from sinning in this fashion again.  Thank You for teaching me that these words which so easily roll off my tongue are not the godly way to handle situations.

Keep this lesson in the forefront of my mind so that my witness will not be wasted.  Let me honor You with my words.  Amen

Proverbs 10:19 ESV

Feb 18 Living A to Z

Father, help me embody the alphabetical list of traits in this Psalm.

In his old age David gives us instructions for living.  Of course the Hebrew alephbet goes from Aleph to Tav, not A to Z, but what was true then is still true now.

It’s hard to see evil people prosper knowing that the wrong they do causes harm to others.  And when they seem to be getting away with it, I wonder where Your justice is.

But as David says, “like the grass, they will soon wither.”  And I must wait on Your justice, which will come.  My responsibility is to do what You have told me to do and live how You have shown me to live.  This is what I am accountable for.

As I trust in You Lord, help me do good to others whenever it is within my power to do so.  Let me find my delight in You, and not be envious of others’ ill-gotten gain.

Help me commit my way to You so I look to You for guidance and direction and not toward my own selfish gain.  Several times I’ve been in circumstances where I was wronged and had a defensible position to press for my rights. I did not speak out because I trusted in You to fight for my cause.

It was hard to do, but You did not fail me.  In time the truth came to light without my having to say a word.  You defended me and my rightness was made even more evident because it was not me who spoke out.

Help me be still before You and wait patiently.  Even when I feel I’m justified in fighting.  Being “still” here means don’t move and don’t make a noise.  So help me not make a move without Your direction, and not rant or rave or carry on.

Remind me that prayer is a mighty weapon.   Help me pray for myself, the situation, and for my enemies to come to a saving knowledge of You, and stop their evil ways.

Help me turn away from anger and wrath.  One kind of anger boils over into uncontrolled lashing out.  Another kind seethes, simmering under the surface plotting and planning revenge, building up, until the perceived hurt is blown out of proportion.

Both of these responses are damaging to me.  I need to remember that vengeance is Yours, not mine.

Following these instructions will allow me to live in peace.  Meekness is not weakness.  But it is power under control.  Help me live a Holy Spirit-controlled life.  Amen

Psalm 37:1-11

Nov 18 Quick to listen, slow to speak

Father, James continues in giving good advice for righteous living.  Help me to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

I can remember being told that “children should be seen and not heard.”   And “think before you speak – after all, you have two ears and only one mouth.”

The message being that you should only speak half as much as you listen.

And “count to ten” when you feel yourself getting angry so as to allow time to cool down and think before acting on your anger.

I was taught these things as positive ways to get along with people.  I didn’t know then they had Biblical roots for godly behavior!

Help me truly listen to others with my mind and heart; not just count off time till it’s my turn to say something.  Help me focus on the person speaking and what they are trying to convey.  Then let me measure out my words carefully and respond, not just react.

And if what I am hearing is not to my liking, and I have a strong emotional response, guard my tongue so I do not create conflict.  Teach me how to keep “a tight rein on [my] tongue;” and help me be a peacemaker.

Father, I am trying to follow James’ suggestion.  He says “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.”

So help me listen more intently and pay attention to what You have to say to me in Your Word.  Do not let me miss anything You have to teach me or say as an encouragement.

Father, You made my ears and my tongue.  Help me use them to bring You honor and glory.

James 1:19-26

Feb 28 Words can hurt

“When words are many, sin is not absent…”

O Lord, twice I have learned the truth of today’s Proverb.

Twice I have given full vent to my anger, spewing words at another person.  And both times the eruptions have caused me much grief.

Even though I felt completely justified at the time for the hurt they had caused in my life or my child’s; the damage to the relationships and the way I felt afterwards was not worth the momentary release of anger and frustration.

The examples I have heard about words spoken are so true:  you can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube – you cant put all the feathers back in the pillow, you can’t un-break an egg… because you can never undo the impact of words after they’ve been heard.

“…but he who holds his tongue is wise.”

Since those two occasions, I have become “wise.”    When the anger builds up and the words are on the tip of my tongue, the memory of those two outbursts come to mind immediately, and I am able to hold my tongue and think before I speak.

Thank You for imprinting them so indelibly on my memory to keep me from sinning in this fashion again.  Thank You for teaching me that these words which so easily roll off my tongue are not the godly way to handle situations.

Keep this lesson in the forefront of my mind so that my witness will not be wasted.  Let me honor You with my words.  Amen

Proverbs 10:19 ESV

Feb 18 Living A to Z

Father, help me embody the alphabetical list of traits in this Psalm.

In his old age David gives us instructions for living.  Of course the Hebrew alephbet goes from Aleph to Tav, not A to Z, but what was true then is still true now.

It’s hard to see evil people prosper knowing that the wrong they do causes harm to others.  And when they seem to be getting away with it, I wonder where Your justice is.

But as David says, “like the grass, they will soon wither.”  And I must wait on Your justice, which will come.  My responsibility is to do what You have told me to do and live how You have shown me to live.  This is what I am accountable for.

As I trust in You Lord, help me do good to others whenever it is within my power to do so.  Let me find my delight in You, and not be envious of others’ ill-gotten gain.

Help me commit my way to You so I look to You for guidance and direction and not toward my own selfish gain.  Several times I’ve been in circumstances where I was wronged and had a defensible position to press for my rights. I did not speak out because I trusted in You to fight for my cause.

It was hard to do, but You did not fail me.  In time the truth came to light without my having to say a word.  You defended me and my rightness was made even more evident because it was not me who spoke out.

Help me be still before You and wait patiently.  Even when I feel I’m justified in fighting.  Being “still” here means don’t move and don’t make a noise.  So help me not make a move without Your direction, and not rant or rave or carry on.

Remind me that prayer is a mighty weapon.   Help me pray for myself, the situation, and for my enemies to come to a saving knowledge of You, and stop their evil ways.

Help me turn away from anger and wrath.  One kind of anger boils over into uncontrolled lashing out.  Another kind seethes, simmering under the surface plotting and planning revenge, building up, until the perceived hurt is blown out of proportion.

Both of these responses are damaging to me.  I need to remember that vengeance is Yours, not mine.

Following these instructions will allow me to live in peace.  Meekness is not weakness.  But it is power under control.  Help me live a Holy Spirit-controlled life.  Amen

Psalm 37:1-11

Nov 18 Be quick to listen, slow to speak

Father, James continues in giving good advice for righteous living.  I ask You to help me to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

I can remember being told that “children should be seen and not heard.”   And “think before you speak – after all, you have two ears and only one mouth.”  The message being that you should only speak half as much as you listen.   And “count to ten” when you feel yourself getting angry so as to allow time to cool down and think before acting on your anger.

I was taught these things as positive ways to get along with people.  I did not know then they had Biblical roots for godly behavior!

So, help me truly listen to others with my mind and heart; not just count off time till it’s my turn to say something.  Help me focus on the person speaking and what they are trying to convey.  Then let me measure out my words carefully and respond, not just react.

And if what I am hearing is not to my liking, and I have a strong emotional response, guard my tongue so I do not create conflict.  But help me be a peacemaker.

Father, I am trying to follow James’ suggestion.  He says “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.”

So help me listen more intently and pay attention to what You have to say to me in Your Word.  Do not let me miss anything You have to show me or teach me or say to me as an encouragement.

Teach me how to keep “a tight rein on [my] tongue;” how to listen more and speak less.  I want the blessing in doing this.

Father, You made my ears and my tongue.  Help me use them to bring You honor and glory.

Holy are You, Lord!  Hebrew translation:  Hallelu Yah!  Amen

James 1:19-26

Oct 13 I need Your help

Father, I echo the words in Paul’s prayer here for the Thessalonians.

And I ask that You would “make [me] worthy of Your calling”.

Lord, there are times I do not display the characteristics and attitudes of a faithful and humble follower of You, the Creator and Lord of the Universe.

I know that You have saved me.  You have given me eternal life and paid the penalty for my sin with Your blood.  And You have sent Your Holy Spirit to reside in me.   And yet still, I struggle with unforgiveness, selfishness, greed, anger, resentment, jealousy, lust – those flesh-driven temptations that I need to put to death in myself in order to live a life worthy of You.

In truth, I cannot do it without Your help.

Father, I ask You to use Your power to “bring to fruition [my] every desire for goodness and [my] every deed prompted by faith…so that Your Name may be glorified in [me].”

Often, I desire to do good but things get in the way.  It may be circumstances, busyness, other people, or the timing doesn’t work out.  Or it may be my own emotions and frustrations that hinder and sabotage my efforts.

Same thing happens with ideas that are born of my faith in You.  I have the desire but not the know-how.

But You can show me how to avoid these pitfalls.  You can help me conquer my flesh, my emotions, other people, and problems that arise and can show me the way to go.

I know in the end, You will be victorious.  You will return to the earth in triumphant splendor and with righteous judgment.  In the meantime, help me accomplish those good and faithful things that will bring You the recognition and glory You deserve.  Amen

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Feb 28 Words can hurt

“When words are many, sin is not absent…”

Lord, twice I have learned the truth of today’s Proverb. Twice I have given full vent to my anger, spewing words at another person. And both times the eruptions have caused me much grief.

Even though I felt completely justified at the time for the hurt they had caused in my life or my child’s; the damage to the relationships and the way I felt afterwards was not worth the momentary release of anger and frustration.

The examples I have heard about words spoken are so true: you can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube – you cant put all the feathers back in the pillow, you can’t un-break an egg… because you can never take those words back, or undo their hearing.

“…but he who holds his tongue is wise.” Since those two occasions, I have become ‘wise’.   When the anger builds up and the words are on the tip of my tongue, the memory of those two outbursts come to mind immediately, and I am able to hold my tongue and think before I speak. Thank You for imprinting them so indelibly on my memory to keep me from sinning in this fashion again. Thank You for teaching me that these words which so easily roll off my tongue are not the godly way to handle situations.

Keep this lesson in the forefront of my mind so that my witness will not be wasted. Let me honor You with my words. Amen

Proverbs 10:19

Feb 18 Living A to Z

Father, help me embody the alphabetical list of traits in this Psalm. In his old age David gives us instructions for living. Of course the Hebrew alephbet goes from Aleph to Tav, not A to Z, but what was true then is still true now.

It is hard to see evil people prosper knowing that the wrong they do causes harm to others. And when they seem to be getting away with it, I wonder where Your justice is.   But as David says, “like the grass, they will soon wither”. And I must wait on Your justice, which will come. My responsibility is to do what You have told me to do and live how You have shown me to live. This is what I am accountable for.

As I trust in You Lord, help me do good to others whenever it is within my power to do so. Let me find my delight in You, and not be envious of others’ ill-gotten gain.

Help me commit my way to You so I look to You for guidance and direction and not toward my own selfish gain. Several times I have been in circumstances where I was wronged and had a defensible position to press for my rights. I did not speak out because I trusted in You to fight for my cause. It was hard to do, but You did not fail me. In time the truth came to light without my having to say a word. You defended me and my rightness was made even more evident because it was not me who spoke out.

Help me be still before You and wait patiently. Even when I feel I am justified in fighting. Being “still” here means not to move and not to make a noise. So help me not make a move without Your direction, and not rant or rave or carry on. Remind me that prayer is a mighty weapon.  Help me pray for myself, the situation, and for my enemies to come to a saving knowledge of You, and stop their evil ways.

Help me turn away from anger and wrath. One kind of anger boils over into uncontrolled lashing out. Another kind seethes, simmering under the surface plotting and planning revenge, building up, until the perceived hurt is blown out of proportion. Both of these responses are damaging to me. I need to remember that vengeance is Yours, not mine.

Following these instructions will allow me to live in peace. Meekness is not weakness. But it is power under control. Help me to live a Holy Spirit-controlled life. Amen

Psalm 37:1-11

 

Nov 18 Quick to listen, slow to speak

Father, James continues in giving good advice for righteous living. I ask You to help me to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry”. I can remember being told that ‘children should be seen and not heard’.   And ‘think before you speak – after all, you have two ears and only one mouth’; the message being that you should only speak half as much as you listen.   And ‘count to ten’ when you feel yourself getting angry so as to allow time to cool down and think before acting on your anger. I was taught these things as positive ways to get along with people. I did not know then they had Biblical roots for godly behavior!

 

So, help me truly listen to others with my mind and heart; not just count off time till it’s my turn to say something. Help me focus on the person speaking and what they are trying to convey. Then let me measure out my words carefully and respond, not just react. And if what I am hearing is not to my liking, and I have a strong emotional response, guard my tongue so I do not create conflict. But help me be a peacemaker.

Father, I am trying to follow James’ suggestion. He says “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says”. So help me listen more intently and pay attention to what You have to say to me in Your Word. Do not let me miss anything You have to show me or teach me or say to me as an encouragement. Father, I want the blessing in doing this: Listen more and speak less. Teach me how to keep “a tight rein on [my] tongue”.

Father, You made my ears and my tongue. Help me use them to bring You honor and glory. Holy are You, Lord! Hebrew translation: Hallelu Yah! Amen

James 1:19-26

Oct 13 I need Your help

Father, I echo the words in Paul’s prayer here for the Thessalonians. And I ask that You would “make [me] worthy of Your calling”. Lord, there are times I do not display the characteristics and attitudes of a faithful and humble follower of You, the Creator and Lord of the Universe.

I know that You have saved me. You have given me eternal life and paid the penalty for my sin with Your blood. And You have sent Your Holy Spirit to reside in me.   And yet still, I struggle with unforgiveness, selfishness, greed, anger, resentment, jealousy, lust – those flesh-driven temptations that I need to put to death in myself in order to live a life worthy of You.

 

In truth, I cannot do it without Your help.

Father, I ask You to use Your power to “bring to fruition [my] every desire for goodness and [my] every deed prompted by faith…so that Your Name may be glorified in [me]”.

Often, I desire to do good but things get in the way. It may be circumstances, busyness, other people, or the timing doesn’t work out. Or it may be my own emotions and frustrations that hinder and sabotage my efforts. Same thing happens with ideas that are born of my faith in You. I have the desire but not the know-how.

But You can show me how to avoid these pitfalls. You can help me conquer my flesh, my emotions, other people, and problems that arise and can show me the way to go.

I know in the end, You will be victorious. You will return to the earth in triumphant splendor and with righteous judgment. In the meantime, help me accomplish those good and faithful things that will bring You the recognition and glory You deserve. Amen

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Feb 28 Words can hurt

“When words are many, sin is not absent…”

O Lord, twice I have learned the truth of today’s Proverb. Twice I have given full vent to my anger, spewing words at another person. And both times the eruptions have caused me much grief.

Even though I felt completely justified at the time for the hurt they had caused in my life or my child’s; the damage to the relationships and the way I felt afterwards was not worth the momentary release of anger and frustration.

The examples I have heard about words spoken are so true: you can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube – you cant put all the feathers back in the pillow, you can’t un-break an egg… because you can never take those words back, or undo their hearing.

“…but he who holds his tongue is wise.” Since those two occasions, I have become ‘wise’.   When the anger builds up and the words are on the tip of my tongue, the memory of those two outbursts come to mind immediately, and I am able to hold my tongue and think before I speak. Thank You for imprinting them so indelibly on my memory to keep me from sinning in this fashion again. Thank You for teaching me that these words which so easily roll off my tongue are not the godly way to handle situations.

Keep this lesson in the forefront of my mind so that my witness will not be wasted. Let me honor You with my words. Amen

Proverbs 10:19