Tuesday Writing by Diane Sutton.....11/15/16

Good Morning.

"LISTENING AND DOING" is the title of the devotional written by Diane Sutton today. She has been watching the demonstrations and unrest since the election with feelings of distress and disappointment about this civil unrest. However she points out that we need to remember, that no matter what these times or our future bring, that God is in charge. Diane wrote, "Our freedom is not based on a government but in knowing Jesus Christ, in walking closely with Him and reading His Word."

Hope you will have a peaceful Tuesday as you trust in God.

God bless,

Corinne and Diane

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 Tuesday Devotional 

Listening and Doing

Last week was a tough week for many in our country. I am grateful that we live in a country that allows freedom of speech in many forms. However, I am distressed over the depth of hatred and anger that seems to be so prevalent in our country especially with the young millennials and angered over the outward bias and deception of our media. Hatred, depression, fear and hopelessness could easily find a place to settle in my soul and spirit.

Fortunately we have the Lord to turn to for comfort and advice. These times are indeed uncertain for us all but let us remember that God is the only One who gives us peace and joy no matter what our present and future will give us. Our freedom is not based on a government but in knowing Jesus Christ, in walking closely with Him and reading His Word.

James 1:19-27 spoke to me in these recent days about listening and doing. The words remind me to keep my focus on God, not on the turbulent world.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: 

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak 

and slow to become angry, because human anger 

does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent 

and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.

 Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do

 what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, 

after looking at himself, goes away and immediately

 forgets what he looks like.  But whoever looks intently 

into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—

not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—

they will be blessed in what they do. Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not

 keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, 

and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father

 accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows

 in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Lord, we ask forgiveness for allowing the chains of fear, doubt and anger to affect our tongues and behavior so we do not walk in godly humility and hope. Let us walk closely with you and be sensitive to your voice as you guide us through these times of troubles, restlessness and uncertainty. Let us be your bright and powerful light to the world which needs desperately to know your love, joy and peace. Move through us, Lord to reach all who do not yet know your saving grace. Let us lovingly touch the hearts of each person we meet so they can be forever changed by you. Amen.

Written by 

Diane Sutton

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Prayers are lifted up daily for 

you by the Devotional Writers 

and the Monthly Writing Staff

of Women's Focus Ministries.

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