James 3: 2 “For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.”
Dear God,
My plan is that my whole heart and mind will think and say Your praises today in the wisdom and strength of the Holy Spirit. I believe and have found, that Your love for me is real, and I know in my present circumstances, I could not rise above things, and face the tasks of each day, unless You had rescued me and fulfilled the promises in Your word. As a child who loves a father, only more so, I am invited by You my heavenly Father to respond with my words, which is amazing for I have read in scripture, that You are divine, all knowing and powerful, with infinite and boundless love.
In James 3, we are reminded about the power of the spoken word. However we do not always desire to speak the words that You our Lord would have us speak, as pointed out in my opening quote of James 3: 2. I am glad that under inspiration, James has reminded me of the great power in the words I speak, whether this be upon another and/or myself; which has the potential to quickly have a positive, negative or utterly devastating effect. James goes on to remind me (us) that something as small as the tongue, can have the power, akin to the ability of a bit and bridle which can direct a horse, a rudder to steer a ship, a spark to start a fire, V5 “Even so a tongue is a little member and boasts great things.”
Now I think of the loving gracious words that Jesus spoke whilst here on earth, founded on the scriptures He knew so well; coming out of His prayer life with His Father and communion with the Holy Spirit. You God, offer me no less, and today please forgive me for the times when I use Your gifts poorly, which includes my insufficient use of time learning scripture and in prayer. As well as the times I rush on, using words formed out of my own human knowledge and not in the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
Please be my strength and wisdom, as I determine to read and attempt to learn more scripture, to pray much, and to slow down and listen, as I ask for an infilling of the Holy Spirit.
Amen