Daily Devotion: Proverbs 12:18

Proverbs 12:18 "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health."

We quite often hear people speaking of being offended. According to this passage of Scripture, there are those words that offend, or pierce even to the very heart. We seem to live in a time when some are not as diligent as they should be concerning the words that are spoken. It seems to be fashionable to speak the mind, no matter what comes out of the mouth. Words can speak life into another person or they can tear down. We probably have all experienced both of those kinds of words spoken to us. It seems the only defense against hurtful words is to put on the whole armour of God each morning and wear it boldly. But this morning, as I read the words of Proverbs 12:18, my heart is saying that I need to be careful with my words so that I am not the offender. I want to speak words that build up rather than tear down. If I must speak words of correction, may I do it in such a way that they are received as healthy words rather than hurtful words. Years ago, I learned the three gates to be used before speaking. I am sorry to say that I have not always used those gates, but they certainly are helpful. Are my words true? Are my words helpful? Are my words necessary? If I will use these three gates, I believe my life will be better as well as those around me.

Daily Devotion: Psalm 88:1-4

Psalm 88:1-4 A Song or Psalm for the sons of Korah, to the chief Musician upon Mahalath Leannoth, Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. "O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee: (2) Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry; (3) For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave. (4) I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength" I've said this before and I will say it again (and probably more times before we get to the end of the Psalms) - I love the Psalms because I can surely identify with them. Most Psalms start in a low place and as the writer expresses his thoughts, the Lord begins to lift him up out of that dry place. Though this entire Psalm is a fervent cry unto the Lord, the Psalmist tells us specifically in three verses that he cried daily unto the Lord. Just a few Psalms ago, we were reminded that God always hears our prayers. ...

Daily Devotion: Enter With Thanksgiving - Psalm 100:1-5

One of the most beautiful Psalms of Thanksgiving is the 100th Psalm. Please turn to it and read verses one through five. With all my heart I believe we are a people and a nation that has truly been blessed by God. Of all those who “give thanks to Him and praise His name” we should be at the top! It is not uncommon to compile wish lists at Christmas, and draw up a list of resolutions for the new year. But there is another list we often overlook - a Thanksgiving Day list of all for which we are thankful. What would your list contain? Most likely, a good part would be material possessions. I’m convinced that we would find that we have much more for which to be thankful than just our material possessions. Like you, I’m sure my list would include the major things - life, health, family, friends, and the nation we live in, despite all its flaws. But even more than that, I’m thankful for my salvation, my Church family, and the mercy that God showers upon us each d...

Daily Devotion: The Peace Of Christ - John 14:27

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 sit and enjoy the Lord's creation and I feel the cool breeze blow across my skin, I am reminded of the peace that we find when we stop to appreciate the works of God. While we cannot necessarily count on another tomorrow in this world, all of God’s children have the assurance of something purer, something brighter, in the world to come. This brings peace when everything seems chaotic and difficult here and now. Jesus Christ was and remains a complex Person. Not only do we have to wrestle with His dual nature, we must face the depth of His teachings. Many of the Lord’s teachings are easy to grasp even if they are hard to apply. (Have you tried loving your enemies lately?) However, some of the Messiah’s sayings make us think very hard indeed. Isaiah 9:6 famously reveals that the virgin born Son of God would be the Prin...

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