Daily Devotion 08/10/18
James 5:9-12 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.
Words have power in our life to change us. James brings up a great point here. He says that from the mouths of Christians comes both cursing and praising, and he says this shouldn’t be. A spring can not bring forth both fresh and salt water. In the same way, a Christian can’t bring forth both praise and cursing. So how do we change? It is through God’s Word. The more we study it, read it, meditate on it, the more God’s Word changes us and purifies us. It will change our lives so that we bring forth only praise. Continue to be in the life-changing Word of God and God will work.
Lord God, thank you for changing my life already so that I know you. Help me to continue to be in your Word and let your Word change my life that I may be pure and bring forth your praise. Let me rest in the forgiveness that you offer me through Jesus. Amen.