~ 1st Sunday in Lent ~

[Lani]

James 3:1-12

1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.



Thos who guard their mouths preserve their lives; those who open wide their lips come to ruin. Proverbs 13:3 (NRSV)




One Sunday during Lent, I told my small group that I was going to try not to say any negative or unproductive words and to speak only helpful words to others. That week I was doing fine. I began each day as usual, reading my Bible and The Upper Room, and meditating on what God was saying to me.

By Friday, however, I faltered. During a conversation with a friend, I let my words get me in trouble. As the Bible tells us, the tongue is difficult to tame (see James 3:8). After seeing how my words had hurt my friend, I felt that God was displeased with me. I apologized to my friend, and then I prayed and asked God to forgive me.
My friend reached out to me in love and reconciliation, but I still felt ashamed. However, I knew God did not want me to dwell on my mistake. I got out my Bible and my copy of The Upper Room and asked God to help me. That day’s suggested Bible reading, Roams 8:31-39, reassured me that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ; and I was able to feel forgiven.



Prayer: Dear God, thank youf or your love and forgiveness. Teach us to honor you in our relationship with others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Prayer Focus of Day: Small Group meetings during Lent.

Thought for the Day: Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips (Psalm 141:3)

Story shared by: D. Wright (TN)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional:3/4/12

[ServeGod]

Thanks for sharing, we are all guilty of it. More important is that as christians we should not easily let it offend us or divide us. And thanks for finding that verse, was soooooo looking for it.