The Implanted Word
Wednesday, July 15, 2020 Good morning, Lord V.O.D.: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.—Hebrews 11:1 M.O.M.: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 Today's reading: Psalm 16-17 Acts 20:1-16
The Implanted Word
James 1:19 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20 for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly receive the word planted in you, which can save your souls. 22 Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.…
God's desire for us-to be righteous, humble, doers of the word.
We are to get rid of moral filth and evil. That stands to reason but it follows the statement about anger. God is trying to get us to understand that moral filth and evil in our lives opens the door for uncontrolled emotions.
Outbursts of anger are the worst-why? If we allow our tongues to run wild in anger, words are spoken that will never die. If you allow this in your life, your witness for the Lord can be damaged beyond repair.
Beyond repair? We can spend the rest of our days trying to bury angry words when we should be following Jesus words.
So, if it has happened, if you have let your anger go unchecked and have hurt people, do what you can. Apologize, repent, and get back to reality. Verse 22 says to not just listen to all this instruction written in your heart, but involve yourself in employing it in your life. Let God's word move you where it will.
Otherwise-anything else-we are just lying to ourselves-deceiving ourselves-living a plastic existence-an artficial spirituality.
Get in front of God-drop the pretense-quit deceiving self-tell the truth-surrender.
The word is planted in our souls by the very Spirit of the Living God and deserves our total attention-anything else is sin.
...work to be done...but don't fret and worry...don't just get into the word of God-let the word of God get into you.
...because He loves us... Father in Heaven, Forgive me for allowing my emotions to rule me and not Your eternal word planted in my heart. Strengthen my resolve to be a doer of the word. Mighty and merciful Lord of all! In the name of Christ Jesus Amen