A Slow Response is the Best Response

There are a few scriptures God has been having me focus on this year, and James 1:19 is one of those scriptures. It reads: Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. - James 1:19

The words speak and anger in this scripture are action words and are a representation of not just speaking and anger but ANY response. The Lord is telling us before we are quick to respond to a situation, listen to God’s thoughts concerning it so that our response is congruent with His will.

Often situations arise in our life that we feel need a response immediately but I have learned through trial and error and the teaching of Holy Sprit to pause, ask God for His perspective and will concerning the situation, and then respond based on His view. This is not always easy but yields the best results for our lives. Often, God has changed my perspective and how I initially intended to respond.

Remember God never asked us to do life alone. He gave us Jesus who laid His life down so that we can forever be in a relationship with our Father. Society teaches us to be “quick on our toes” meaning have a quick response to every situation. God teaches us to seek Him first because His ways are not like our ways and His thoughts are not like our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8).

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we have been given the gift of Holy Spirit living in us. Luke 12:12 AMPC For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour and moment what [you] ought to say.

Prayer for the Journey

Father, I know that your will is always what’s best for me. Thank you for Holy Spirit who lives in me, enabling me to listen before I respond to situations in life. Lord, help me to see your will and then carry out your plan even if I don’t understand. My views and my perspectives are flawed. Help me to remember that I am seated with you in heavenly places in Christ Jesus and can have an ascended view.

In Jesus Name, Amen!

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Wrong Thoughts, Wrong Destination

The most important thing one can do in life is give their heart to Christ. The second most important thing one can do in life is allow Holy Spirit to renew their mind. Without a renewal of the mind, one can be saved and continue in the same bad habits he/she had when they were unsaved.

To renew your mind is to exchange your thoughts for God’s thoughts.

1 Corinthians 2:11-12 NLT 11 No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. 12 And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.

Through life experiences, a way of thinking is developed and shapes our reactions. God has given us the ability to rewire our thought life by meditation on His Word.

Ephesians 4: 21-23 NLT 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

A transformed mind thinks in line with Christ. When we accepted Christ, we were given the gift of Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit delivers to us the thoughts and purposes of God (paraphrased - 1 Corinthians 2:16). When thoughts arise that do not align with God’s perfect will, we should reject that thought and accept the Christ-centered thought. As we continue to reject the repetitive thoughts that do not align with God’s will and receive Christ’s way of thinking, a new pathway of thinking will develop and automatically produce a Christ-centered thought life.

A victorious life is one that is yielded in thought to Christ.

Prayer for the Journey

Father, I realize wrong thoughts can produce wrong reactions that will eventually lead me to the wrong destination. I must reach every destiny you have planned for me. I will not lean to my understanding but in all my ways I will acknowledge you, and you will direct my path (paraphrased Proverbs 3:5-6)

In Jesus Name, Amen

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Real Love

After watching Mary J. Blige’s halftime performance during the Superbowl, I was reminded of the many songs I liked by the artist. One song I sang often was Real Love. I can recall singing this song as if I was performing on a stage, truly not knowing then what real love was (LOL).

Today we celebrate Valentine's Day, a holiday where we express our love and affection to others. 1 John 4:19 NLT reads - We love each other because He loved us first.

Love is unselfish, loyal, and benevolent concern for the well-being of another. Love is known only from the actions it prompts. God demonstrated His love for us by sending His son Jesus Christ so that we can have eternal life. To walk in love with others, we must truly understand how much the Father loves us.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT

God is love (1 John 4:8)! Because God is love, we can reread 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and grasp God’s love displayed toward us.

1. God is patient and kind

2. God is not jealous, boastful, or proud

3. God does not demand His own way

4. God is not irritable

5. God keeps no record of being wronged

6. Etc.

When we received Christ, God’s love was poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). Understanding and accepting God’s love enables us to authentically demonstrate that love to others.

True acceptance and understanding of God’s love allow us to:

1. Not withhold love when we have been done wrong

2. Demonstrate love to others even if we have not received love from them

3. Be free from the worry of hurt because we express love that may not be reciprocated

Remember, God’s love toward you is not based on your behavior. Romans 5:8 AMPC reads: But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.

So, receive and accept Christ’s love for you so that you can genuinely display that love to others. When we allow the expression of God (love) to be visible in our lives, others can experience God here are on earth and be changed by His presence and power.

Prayer for the Journey

Thank you, Lord, for your Son Jesus. He is the evidence of your love towards me. Jesus’ life and sacrifice are the confirmation that I don’t have to do anything to deserve your love. You sent Jesus to save me from death and resurrect me to a new life. I know I do not deserve this love but I receive it. Help me to truly take hold of your love for me so that I can love others. Help me not to withhold love in fear of being disappointed or hurt. I submit my life into your hands. I yield to being a conduit of your love.

In Jesus name, Amen!

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