Scripture:
James 3:2 “We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way.”
Observation:
James calls out the importance of controlling your tongue in the rest of chapter 3, but I like that he starts it off with this benefit: if you can learn to do this one thing, you can do anything. I just had the thought that controlling my tongue wasn’t just holding it, but also learning to use my words wisely and effectively. Perhaps at this stage of my life I should focus on just holding it.
Application:
Self control is a discipline I really value; holding my tongue is an important step and practice of that discipline. I know the benefits not only include keeping myself from looking like a fool, but also the opportunity to gain understanding of another. Today I will (attempt to) only speak (I should probably add in email as well) if my words have the potential to add value.
Prayer:
Lord, watch over my tongue, help me assess my words before they come out of my mouth – give me and those around me grace when I fail.
Scripture:
Hebrews 3:13 “You must warn each other every day, as long as it is called “today, so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.”
Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are.”
Observation:
Sin often gives me the same promises, or even “better” promises, that Christ gives me; fullness of life. Its deceptive nature leads me astray the moment I cease paying attention. I follow sin’s whispers of fulfillment like a piper, not because I don’t care about the cliff, but because I still believe I’m on the right path.
If sin is deceiving, scripture is perceiving. Rooting myself in the discipline of devotions offers a daily opportunity to identify that I am seeking fulfillment in the wrong place and be guided back to the path I want to follow.
Application:
In addition to maintaining this practice, I need to begin two others. First, to engage a relationship with a friend who will warn me. Second, to engage in a relationship in which I can warn another. Nobody wants to be deceived.
Prayer:
Thank you Lord for the safeguards you provide in my life – help me make the most of them.
Scripture:
2 Timothy 1:7 “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
Observation:
This verse struck me because the contrast of timidity and discipline. I guess the same goes with love. So Paul’s response to fear would challenge the love shown, or the discipline practiced. If I’m really loving those around me, any fear or timidity would melt away as I consider their needs more important than my own – when I don’t do this, I’m loving myself. The discipline part encourages me that this is something I can practice. Acting differently can lead to a different outlook.
Application:
Are there ways I can practice this? Can I place myself in situations that force me to be sacrificial of my fear for self? What are those situations?
Prayer:
Lord – give me these opportunities, point them out to me and remind me of this verse.
Scripture:
Matthew 22:29 “Jesus replied, “Your problem is that you don’t know the Scriptures…”
Observation:
I journaled about this verse six months ago and it still stands out to me. My first thought is about the conversation I recently had with Jenn Williamson about scripture memorization; a practice and discipline that is not part of my life, but I want it to be. I’m always impressed when people can rattle off verses about various topics. Hm, impressing people is not exactly good (or sustainable) motivation. Do I need to memorize scripture? I feel like I have a good overall sense of the heart of God – the basis for all scripture – and I know I can find it easily when needed (a la Biblegateway.com). On a basic level, it seems like a good discipline. But how does it contribute to my holiness? Maybe it has more value in my ability to relay God’s Word to others? I’m reminded of my entry a couple days ago (Exegesis vs Eisegesis) and wonder if perhaps the ability to pull from a broader base of scripture allows for better contextual application of God’s Word.
Beyond the why – the what continues to escape me. Jenn said she sometimes memorizes scripture from her daily reading … I could do that too I guess, but I feel like there’s a more intentional method of going about this.
Application:
Despite not having a solid outline, I do want to incorporate this practice in my life.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for giving me your word. Show me how you want me to use it in my life, and help me apply it purposefully.
Scripture:
Revelation 21:7 “All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.”
Observation:
I’m not a particular competitive person, which means I don’t take part in many competitions, which means I don’t often experience “victory.” I think a large portion of this lack of drive is I don’t really see the value in being the fastest, the best shot, the strongest, or whatever else. In this matter though, the matter of my soul, I strive to be like-minded with Paul – straining toward what is ahead, disciplining myself so I will not be disqualified. I know that victory does not come easy – it is only through sacrifice that one comes by a prize.
Application:
Verse 8 refers to the second death – the death those who have not followed Christ will experience. I do not want to experience that death. I want victory. And I don’t want to barely make it in … rather – I don’t want my relationship with Christ to be just enough. If I truly believe that life with Christ is good (not boring mediocre “good” but rich and full “good”), then everything ought to be on the table to sacrifice. I want a full victory. When I get to heaven, I want to receive a hearty welcome from God and from Christ, as a friend rather than an acquaintance. That will be victory.
Prayer:
Lord – Thank you for welcoming us to heaven with you. Thank you for living in relationship with us now. Train me and give me dedication to and for that training to be victorious.
