Today’s Reading:
James 1:19-27 (25)
"But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does."
(v. 25 NIV)
Apostle James here teaches us that the best way to maintain and grow in our Christian living is to be mindful of the way we speak. To grow in the knowledge of God, we are to be a good listener and if we are to respond, it should be with godly wisdom. Anger portrays a mind that is not disciplined by being subjected to the control of the Holy Spirit of God.
When faced with diverse ethical confusion, it is wisdom to weigh our words by the standard of the Scripture.
The word of God is to be guidance for us to correct our sinful lifestyles. We are not only to listen to the words and commands of God in different forms; we are to live it.
The moral and ethical teaching of our Christian faith is all encompassed in the word of God, with Jesus as the Perfecter of our faith.
Our relationship with God should go beyond our knowledge of God and his word to the stage of a transforming obedience to his instructions. When we practice what we hear and read, we show our humble acceptance of God's direction. If we do not practice what we read, we will easily forget. James says that our case then would be like the case of one who looks at himself in the mirror now and the next minutes when he moves away, he forgets what he looks like. But when we look intently into the perfect word of God that gives new life and liberty of body, soul and spirit; and continuing with it so that we do not forget, then, we are blessed and we will succeed in whatever we lay our hands to do (vv. 22-25; Jos 1:8-9).
In order not to deceive ourselves, we should examine our actions, speeches, behaviours, attitudes and actions in the light of the word of God. It is only the perfect law of God that can set us free from all that is hindering us from becoming more and more like Jesus.
Olufunmilayo Titilola Adekusibe
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your word that sets my mind free from bondage to sin. As I read, study or meditate upon your word of liberty; guide me with all diligence and give me your wisdom. Make me more sensitive to the leading of your Holy Spirit and give me your obedient spirit, in Jesus name.
Every demonic traditional custom affecting the will of God for my life and destiny, scatter, in Jesus name.
Father make me a channel of blessings in my family and generation, in Jesus name.
Father uproot everything you have not planted in your church and revive your Pentecostal fire and power, in Jesus name.
Father thank you for sustaining Nigeria with your power and mighty presence. Thank you for bringing the nation this far; it is not about what we see, but about what you can do, in Jesus name
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