Good morning Lord Jesus, cleanse me by Your Spirit of all that is not of You in me this morning so I can walk out and completely in your presence.,=
“But no human being can subdue the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse people made in Godʼs image. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. These things should not be so, my brothers and sisters. A spring does not pour out fresh water and bitter water from the same opening, does it?” (James 3:8-11)
There seems to be so much, hurt, anger, belittling, cursing, and disrespect in conversations today whether in person, on-line, or TV or other social media. Social media has given people platforms to post opinions and say anything about anything or anyone. And it’s easy to get sucked into it. It’s easy to fire back. Our keyboards on our cell phones and computers are extensions of our “Tongues” by which can flow out both blessings and curses. This morning God, through the writings of James, reminds us of this.
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters! Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. For human anger does not accomplish Godʼs righteousness.” (James 1:19)
Lord Jesus, help me today to control my tongue. I want to use it to bless and encourage others today. Help me to bridle it and not be sucked in to responding and fueling conversations that hurt. Loosen it to speak out to defend or encourage when I am part of a conversation or given gossip that is wrong to put a stop to it. As the Psalmist sings, help me to acknowledge that you are Lord of me and anyone I speak to today in person on on-line. Help me remember the person I am speaking to belongs to you, and to speak to them accordingly.
“Shout out praises to the LORD, all the earth!
Worship the LORD with joy!
Enter his presence with joyful singing!
Acknowledge that the LORD is God!
He made us and we belong to him;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give him thanks!
Praise his name!
For the LORD is good.
His loyal love endures,
and he is faithful through all generations.” (Psalm 100)
My family, I pray your tongue will produce a voice that shouts praise and joy into your day. I pray it will speak out of a heart of thanksgiving and love, blessing and encouraging, defending against injustice, and a sweet, refreshing sound to those that may be experiencing a sour, dry day, in Jesus’ name. Please pray the same for me. God Bless you my friends!
Please share your comments, reflections, and prayers from today’s reading with us in the comments box below.