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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