Friday, September 14, 2018

 
 
Devotional for Wednesday, September 19, 2018
“Listen, Open Your Ears…”
 
by Dona Hake
 
 
James 1:19 (VOICE)
“Listen, open your ears, harness your desire to speak,
and don’t get worked up into a rage so easily,
my brothers and sisters.”
 
 
A particular word in this  translation of James 1:19 (the Voice) gives a wonderful analogy for us, and it in the word ~harness~.     Many times I have heard it said, “I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying something that would get me in trouble.”    God desires that we keep our mouths guarded by the power of His Holy Spirit for our words can hurt and destroy.  These words can be vessels used by the devil to do his destructive work.
 
Once I remember being  in a pet store and this young woman had a  sweet dog which was a Golden Retriever.   I was puzzled why she had him muzzled.   Yet I understand because I have a German Shepherd that is the sweetest baby ever, but if she perceives fear or if someone would attempt to harm me it would a very bad outcome for them.   
 
This young lady and I continued talking and she mentioned how sweet he was, and she invited me to feel free to pet him.  She saw that I understood how to approach a dog properly and I had no fear.   Dogs are keen to sense possible danger and fear, and they know when you are safe.  You see this pet owner understood what her dog was capable of if he ended up in a situation that he perceived possible danger or he did not like other dogs. She knew what the outcome could be.   We too need to keep not only our mouths harnessed but also our thoughts. We need to remind ourselves of what we are capable if our minds are not under control and renewed by God’s Word. Bad thoughts can become hurtful and destructive words.   We need to stay aware of the situations in which our mouths get us into trouble.   God desires that we seek Him to walk in His self control, and grow in discernment in understanding our weaknesses.
 
Today I encourage you to listen carefully before you speak, and guard your heart from the temptation to think about things that are not worthy to occupy your mind.  Remember that your mind is a breeding ground for good things but it can also be a place that can become the devil’s place that he will render you weak,helpless, and out of control.  He understands how our uncontrolled thoughts can lead us into anger’s uncontrolled behavior.    Let us be careful, thoughtful listeners, speaking carefully chosen words, and live patient with others, and willing to forgive. May we  bless others with a kind listening ear,  spread His sweet grace as we speak, and be peacemakers for Him.