A Gentle Answer
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)
If a gentle answer turns away wrath, why do we choose to say harsh words? We hear harsh words everywhere we go. People seem to be so angry these days. The southern California freeways are notoriously known for drivers having “road rage.” I do not even want to know what kinds of words are being spoken in the cars of others while driving.
Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Our mouths are speaking right from our hearts. The difficulty with having a “gentle answer” is that the character trait of self-control has to be developed first. If we look at the fruits of the Spirit, the last one is self-control. It starts with love and ends with self-control. We all have the ability to speak gentle and kind words to each other when we want to be kind and loving. However, we do not want to be gentle and kind when we have been criticized or mistreated. These situations require self-control so we can watch our words and answer with gentleness and kindness.
I pray for self-control daily. Not only do I not want to regret my words, but also I really want my heart to reflect the Lord. I see the Lord’s reflection in me when I hear the words that come from my heart. Listen to yourself today. What kind of words do you use? What kind of tone or attitude do you have? Are your words edifying and encouraging or destructive and negative? Then, when you get angry, evaluate your words again. God wants us to have peace: He left it and He gave it. Anger is not a sin but stirring anger up is. Pray for the Lord to take hold of your heart to help you to hold your words. Pray for self-control of your tongue.
God is so good. He always knows how to speak right to the heart or in my case the current situation. I got so frustrated this morning over something so silly, I tried hiding my frustration but I know I didn’t do a good enough job, especially after reading today’s devotion. I don’t know about you but I needed this today. Thank You Lord for keeping me in check. I am going to be in prayer for self-control of my tongue. Gentleness and kindness. A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. I pray someone today is moved by this devotion as I was.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalms 97, Romans 16
A Man who Found His Home
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36)
Several years ago, I had asked my neighbor if she knew of someone who did handyman work. She immediately replied, “Use Larry. He isa Christian and homeless. He only has a car and a beeper.” I had seen this man frequently in the neighborhood. He was very clean-cut and polite. While speaking to him, I knew that the Lord wanted me to ask him about his home life. I said to the Lord (in my mind), “But Lord he doesn’t have a home.” I heard again, “His home in Heaven.” So, I asked Larry about his home life and that sparked a long response as to what happened to him. Larry told me that he used to be a multimillionaire who lived in a 32-room mansion. At first, I was not sure if I believed him, but my neighbor confirmed that his story was true. She knew Larry during those days. Through a variety of circumstances, he became homeless. Now he lives in his car, doing handiwork jobs for a living and ministering to the homeless. He said to me, “I have lived in the best addresses in Rancho Santa Fe but I’m no longer concerned about those addresses. I constantly keep my mind focused on my next Home address.” He said that many people are living in homes but they are truly homeless because they are empty inside. They have no peace. He quoted me his favorite verses that he claimed on a daily basis:
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstances may be. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any, and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:11-12 paraphrased).
After we finished talking with each other, I started meditating on those verses. I noticed that “I have learned” is mentioned twice. Learning to be content is a choice. Larry was not immune to fear, loneliness, worry or doubts. Larry had troubles but he trusted in Jesus’ words. We are only passing through earth in these temporary tents to get to our eternal home in heaven. The world’s promises do not bring peace, but Jesus brings peace. Remembering that we have a reservation in heaven keeps us focused on what matters most.
The fruit of Larry’s homeless life has led many homeless and hopeless people to Christ. Larry learned to live for what matters most. Larry is now at his new permanent address as he went home to be with the Lord in his early 60s. Larry lived the second half of his life with nothing but a car and beeper; however, Larry gained everything because he lived his life here for his eternal home.
For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. What a reminder, The Lord has such a way of dropping nuggets like this into my day and I stand in awe of His goodness and the many blessings in my life. Nothing in this life brings peace, only Jesus! Let’s live our life here for our eternal home and nothing else. None of us are immune to fear, loneliness, worry or doubts but we must trust, as this man did, in Jesus’ words. Let’s stay focused on what matters most. Eternity.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalms 94, Romans 15:14-33
God’s Words, Sweeter Than Honey
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (Psalm 119:103)
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter found in Scripture and is mainly known for its teaching on God’s law.
Psalm 119 is not simply about what to do and not do, but about how God’s law deepens our relationship with him.
In today’s verse, the words of God are said to be “sweeter than honey.” Honey is of course a natural sweetener. God’s words or laws bring a sweetness to the life we live. Just as our tongues crave sweet desserts, our lives should crave the sweetness of God’s words if we are followers of Jesus (1 Peter 2:1-3).
This desire does not come from good works or going to church, but from the one and only giver of sweet things, God (Psalm 119:18).
While we can learn much from God’s word as we listen to a pastor preach or musician sing, we shouldn’t rely on just these as our honey. We need to learn to enjoy God’s Word by ourselves also.
Things like Bible reading plans or devotionals like this can certainly help. But without the desire to read God’s Word, even the most self-disciplined of efforts will fail.
To fall in love with God’s Word requires that we fall in love with the Author himself. So if you’re struggling with a lack of desire to spend time in the Bible, don’t start by trying to manufacture that desire.
Instead, begin by asking yourself these two questions:
Do I love God?
Do I desire to spend time in his presence?
If the answer to question two isn’t a true, “Yes,” then reconsider your answer to question one. Don’t receive this as a harsh chastisement. Instead, consider it a fresh chance to understand where you’re at.
Remember, loving God’s Word means more than loving Scripture—it means loving the Word, Jesus Christ himself.
No matter where you’re at today, join me in praying this prayer today:
God, I want to love your Word. I want to love you more than I do right now… More than I ever have before. Move on my heart and my affections. Give me a deep, burning desire to be near you. To hear your voice. To love your presence. Overshadow all things by your majesty, and become the single longing of my soul. Amen.
There is a lot to this devotion today but when I read it I felt it was filled with such truth and needed to be shared. My prayer today is that this convicts the deepest part of your soul and that you answer the questions honestly, but it doesn’t stop there, earnestly pray that prayer and watch what God will do. He is faithful. To fall in love with God’s Word requires that we fall in love with the Author himself.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 119:103-105
Paying Attention
Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. (Psalm 41:1)
John Newton wrote, “If, as I go home, a child has dropped a halfpenny, and if, by giving it another, I can wipe away its tears, I feel I have done something. I should be glad to do greater things; but I will not neglect this.”
These days, it’s not hard to find someone in need of comfort: A care-worn cashier in a grocery store working a second job to make ends meet; a refugee longing for home; a single mother whose flood of worries has washed away her hope; a lonely old man who fears he has outlived his usefulness.
But what are we to do? “Blessed is he that considereth the poor,” wrote David (Ps. 41:1). Even if we can’t alleviate the poverty of those we meet along the way we can consider them—a verb that means “to pay attention.”
We can let people know we care. We can treat them with courtesy and respect, though they may be testy or tiresome. We can listen with interest to their stories. And we can pray for them or with them—the most helpful and healing act of all.
Remember the old paradox Jesus gave us when He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Paying attention pays off, for we’re happiest when we give ourselves away. Consider the poor.
Father, as we go through our day, show us the everyday folks who need our attention. Grant us the love and the patience to truly consider them, as You have so patiently loved us. Amen.
When I read this I couldn’t help but think what a great way to start out this beautiful Monday. What a reminder, to consider the poor, the less fortunate. Use me today Lord and this coming week to extend a hand of love, encouragement and patience for I truly don’t know what that individual is facing but I can be a light in there life when life may seem so dark to them. Choose not to engage in someone’s outrage or rudeness, who knows what they are going through but pray for them and show them love, grace and forgiveness. Help us Lord not to take things so personal but to be your hands extended. Give someone hope today, it starts with a smile.
Today’s Reading is Psalm 41:1-3
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Peace and Trust
When I was six years old I rode a roller coaster for the first time with my older brothers. As soon as we hit a turn at a high speed I started to yell: “Stop this thing right now! I want to get off!” Of course the roller coaster didn’t stop, and I had to “white knuckle” it, hanging on tight for the rest of the ride.
Sometimes life can feel like an unwanted roller coaster ride, with “downhill” drops and hairpin curves we never see coming. When unexpected difficulties occur, the Bible reminds us that our best recourse is to place our trust in God. It was in a tumultuous time when invasion threatened his country that the prophet Isaiah, inspired by the Spirit, discerned this powerful promise from the Lord: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isa. 26:3).
The peace our Savior gives us as we turn to Him “passeth all understanding” (Phil. 4:7). I will never forget the words of a woman who was struggling with breast cancer. After a group from our church prayed for her one evening, she said, “I don’t know what will happen, but I know that I’ll be okay, because the Lord was here with us tonight.”
Life will have its difficulties, but our Savior, who loves us more than life, is greater than them all.
Lord, help me to trust in You so that I may live in peace.
When I read this it blessed me. We can either allow situations in life to make us bitter or better, we choose. Allow Jesus to be your peace.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Isaiah 26:1-9
Search Me
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)
Relationships take time. And as time passes, we can decide whether we want to go to the next level with a person and eventually open up to them.
This doesn’t have to be a husband or wife thing. It applies to every relationship.
Hopefully, we all have someone we can tell our deepest, most sensitive secrets to. Someone we know can keep our confidence.
Friends like these know when there is something wrong with us, even when others don’t. They have been our friends for so long they can sense our mood without even talking to us.
With an acquaintance, it’s different. We might tell them a little about our life, but we usually let them know all of the good stuff. We wear a mask for them.
Ironically, we sometimes try to wear this mask for Jesus.
When we pray, we might ask him to forgive us of our little sins and ask for good things to happen to us, but we never ask him to search us. We don’t tell him to look deep down in our heart and see if there is anything within us that to change.
We hesitate to open up in this way because it’s uncomfortable. When the Holy Spirit searches us and convicts us of sin, we rationalize it away. Or, we have been living our life with a particular sin for so long, that it just becomes a part of us and we are calloused.
We forget that Jesus already knows what is in our hearts (John 2:25).
Jesus is waiting for us to invite him into our hearts and cleanse us of our grievous ways. We can’t hide our sins from Jesus; only keep them from the healing power of His presence. And by holding our sin so tightly, we do nothing but embrace our own death, while pushing away the author of life.
We should daily pray as the Psalmist does, and ask God to search our hearts. We should open ourselves up to the real healing that only God can give.
Have you let Jesus look into your heart lately? If not, why are you scared to do so?
When I read this my first thought was, guilty! I can think of many times in my life when I’ve done just as they spoke of in this devotion, I go to God and ask him to forgive me of my little sins and ask for good things to happen to me but I’ve failed to ask him to search me and as I thought about it I realized it was in those moments when I got real with God and I allowed Him to search me deep down in my heart and I spoke to Him without walls and barriers that I was able to overcome that thing that held me back and tormented me. He does indeed already know, it’s our place to be so real with Him that we speak truthfully with Him and allow Him to mend us. We aren’t going to say anything He doesn’t already know, you don’t have to have the “perfect” prayer in order to speak to God, just be real and honest with Him. I myself am a work in progress and this is an area I need to work on, I don’t need to wear a mask when I talk to God. He knows me already, He knows you. Let’s be real with God!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 51:1-11
Wisdom with Self Control
Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. (Genesis 45:1)
Personally, I can’t believe Joseph could keep his secret this long. Joseph had God-given self-control. Can you imagine how difficult it must have been to not reveal yourself to your brothers? Joseph handled this situation with such wisdom.
Wisdom and self-control are not natural traits. They have to be developed by and in a person. Wisdom is given by God and self-control is the last attribute listed in the fruits of the Spirit. It is through life experiences that we gain wisdom and it is through intense trials that we learn self-control, However, experience and trials do not necessarily mean that people become wise and self-controlled.
God desires to develop both of these traits in His children. When God can trust you, He entrusts you with greater gifts and callings. Obviously, God tests our hearts through a variety of trials in life. How we react and respond to those trials shows us where we place our trust. How often do we want to look to man or impulsively react to what we think is best? Patience, endurance, waiting and resting are not eagerly sought characteristics today. Thank the Lord that, in Christianity, we are under the covenant of grace which means that we can take the test over and over until we pass.
A person with wisdom and self-control blesses God and others, as well as himself. Joseph is a great role model for each of us. God was so gracious to give us an example of a man who endured years of trials and abuse but overcame the circumstances to be entrusted with governing Egypt. Ask the Lord to show you what’s missing in your walk with Him. Then, ask for wisdom and pray for self-control.
When I read this I couldn’t help but think, what a mighty and loving God we serve. Praise God we can take the test over and over until we pass. Help me Lord to grow in wisdom and self control, remind me in the moments of testing to know who my strength comes from and help me remember not to react impulsively to what I think is best but to look to you for guidance and direction. Today and every single day, let’s keep our eyes stayed on Him!!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalms 84, Romans 9:16-33
Who is Greater Than My God?
Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind: Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire: Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever. Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains. At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away. They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them. Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth. He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down. Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth. O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. (Psalm 104:1-9, 19-20, 24)
Take a moment and read these verses. Take even more time and read the entire Psalm 104. Sometimes we need to be reminded of God’s awesome power and greatness. This Psalm captures the beauty of the Lord in poetic imagery. We can read the verses and almost visualize God’s majesty. He is God and there is none other. He is worthy of all praise and worship.
Who covers Himself with light? God is light. Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain and lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters? God. The same God moves upon the clouds as though they were His chariots and walks on the wings of the wind, because He made them. Who placed the waters in their place and put a border around them? God. The same God put the moon and the sun in their places, for seasons and for days, for light and for darkness. There is but one true God. Creator God. Sovereign Lord. Lord of heaven and earth.
And as if all of this is not enough, He created us in His image. He has a plan for each of us. He loves us beyond our understanding. And He wants to spend eternity with us. He has even prepared the place in heaven that awaits us. What do we have to do in return? Believe in His Son Jesus Christ, and receive the free gift of salvation. Take time today and praise the Lord, not just for all that He has done, but for just who He is.
As I read this I must admit, I cried and cried and cried, my daughter said mommy what’s the matter and I had the opportunity to share with her His goodness. As the children of God we are so rich, I was reminded of this as I read Psalm 104. Wow!! What a mighty God we serve. His majesty is beyond my imagination. After I got my composure I said out loud, wow, that’s powerful!!! I pray as you read this today you feel the strength and power that jumps off the page because He is!! He is good, He is love, He is forgiveness, He is mercy, He is grace, He is I Am, He is beautiful, He is the beginning and the end, He is. Take time today and praise the Lord, not just for all that He has done, but for just who He is. He is my everything!!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 104
Walking With God
Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:6-8)
God does not want just our sacrifices or our good deeds. He will not share us with our ambitions or hobbies. He wants all of us.
Sunday mornings and a few quick prayers said before we lay down to sleep are not enough. He wants us to relentlessly pursue him. Not because he needs us, but because we need him.
We were created for worship and to bring honor and glory to his name. When we don’t give ourselves fully to God, we are the ones who suffer. The endless pursuits of personal pleasure always lead to emptiness. God is jealous, not because our rejection hurts his ego, but because it hurts his heart.
He knows our greatest needs and that he can only truly fill us with joy.
When Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). He made it clear that everything we needed would be given if we would simply put him first. This is in no way a prosperity gospel.
Jesus cast no illusions that the Christian life would be easy. He meant that He is all we truly need. Paul got this. He learned to be content no matter what his circumstances. He learned the secret of true happiness.
When he said “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith” (Philippians 3:9). He was essentially saying Jesus is enough.
Jesus is not one of many great things, He is the only great thing. I am tired of serving the god of self. I am tired of giving Christ only part of my heart. I want to do the will of my Lord. I will seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with my God!
Are you walking humbly with God, or are you serving the god of self?
What a great question to ask ourselves. Once I read this I knew it needed to be shared. I pray it provokes the thought in your mind today. Am I serving God or self? What a statement, Jesus is not one of many great things, He is the only great thing!! May we remember this the next time we are tempted to serve self over God. He is enough, walk with Him today and every day.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 6:33
Challenging Worship During The Worst
Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lordgave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. (Job 1:20-22)
This scene of Job’s right heart toward God is beautiful. Even stricken with grief, he worshiped.
What anguished him was the devastating news he received from four messengers in rapid succession. They brought him the news as follows:
Any one of these messages would have been difficult in their own right, but imagine receiving this news all at once. He simultaneously lost nearly everything he had, from property to his children, and was left with little more than himself and the clothes on his back.
How did Job respond?
He “fell down upon the ground and worshiped.” He worshiped God through His right heart, without sinning.
Often, we don’t think of worship as anymore than more singing songs at church. But let us learn to worship God always as Job did, especially in the hard times.
Remember, our hearts are never so honest as when we are in the midst of trying circumstances. How will the Lord find our hearts in difficult situations?
Worship God with the knowledge that He is unchangeably good, even in the worst moments of our lives.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27). As I finished reading this devotion that scripture came resounding back to my memory. I pray this uplifts and encourages someone today. Ask yourself, how does or will The Lord find my heart in difficult situations? Let’s be encouraged today by Job. Even at the lowest point in his life he worshiped God without sinning. Remember, lo, I (God) am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is John 14:27