I need to hear this again.

I’m still surprised some days at how practical God is as he speaks to me from his Word.  Yes, there are many complicated topics in the Bible and, yes, there is a lot of violence especially in the Old Testament.

But God speaks out of all of it when I’m listening.  This is my 9th year reading through the entire Bible and I’m amazed at how obvious God is as he reaches out of the pages to touch my heart and transform my mind.

God stopped me here today.  I have memorized this chapter so these words are etched on my mind and heart and God is highlighting them for you and I –

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”  James 1:19

Wow!  I needed to hear this again.  It’s hard to listen – I have been working on this and God is saying I need to continue to work on it.  Got it!

It’s hard to be slow to speak – I’ve got an opinion about everything 🙂  God is telling me I have a ways to go on this one as well.  Got it!

Well, here’s one I don’t have a lot of issues with – anger.  I get frustrated but I have learned (most of the time) to keep my mouth shut during these situations.  It really helps when I consider whether I want to deal with the consequences of what I’m going to say before I say it.  Once it’s said, I can’t take it back.  I can say I’m sorry, but the unhelpful words are still out there – remembered and hurting.

This one verse holds so much wisdom for each day.

Being slow to speak will help me keep away from the temptation to say things I shouldn’t say.   It will give me more time to listen.

And, when I am frustrated, I need to do both – be quick to listen and slow to speak.  I want the words coming out of my mouth to be full of grace and wisdom.  That doesn’t happen when I’m frustrated.

Thank you for speaking to me on this verse again today, Abba Father.