Mar 28 2022

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Seeing an individual we do not want to see can make our hearts race and take our breath away. If we managed not to make eye contact, we hope the person didn't see us. We escape from the situation as quickly as we can. During these moments, discomfort runs rampant in our minds.

Most people try to avoid conflict, while some seemingly feed off it. In this afternoon's verse in Proverbs, King Solomon offers wisdom for those moments when our words can either stir up strife or encourage peace with others.

Solomon helps us understand the power of our reactions. A soft or gentle response defuses a hostile situation. However, grievous or harsh words encourage conflict.

As followers of Jesus, we should exercise a level of emotional restraint that sets us apart from the world. When we choose a godly life, we give up the right to say and do whatever we want. Our will, actions, and motives must be surrendered to God, and then we allow the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us.

Even though we may be slow to respond, when needed, we are quick to apologize. If someone snaps at us with angry words, rather than biting the person's head off, we take a step back and ask God to give us the response that will bring peace.

We all face conflicts—sometimes on a daily basis. Learning how to handle these conflicts in a way that glorifies God isn't as big a challenge if we depend on His strength and wisdom.

Dear God, I desperately need your help in controlling my reactions to others. I want to honor you in how I respond to every situation I encounter. Remind me to stop, pause, and pray before I say something that doesn't bring you glory. No matter what, let your love and kindness flow from my heart. In Jesus's name, amen.

Mar 27 2022

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. :

It is a beautiful feeling when everything in life is going well. When we are successful in our jobs, all of our family members are getting along, and our finances are where they should be, we may feel as though life couldn't possibly be better.

We need to be keenly aware that these are the exact times when the enemy attempts to cause us to stumble and fall. When we feel at peace, it can be easy to let our guard down. This false sense of security makes us vulnerable. Maybe we aren't coming to the Lord in prayer with our needs and petitions because our prayers have all been answered. So, that puts a distance between us and God that allows the enemy to step in and fill the void.

A fitting metaphor is encountering road hazards while driving. When we see a pothole on the road ahead of us, for instance, we almost always swerve to avoid it. But if we're distracted, we'll be caught off-guard and likely hit the pothole straight on. It can damage our vehicle and possibly cause us personal injury. To avoid that kind of situation, it's important to always be aware of what is happening around us.

We can think of the enemy as potholes in our spiritual road that we should do everything possible to avoid.

We all fall short in our walk with God at some point in our life. But we can take comfort, knowing that all believers have a similar experience. When we fail and sin against God, we can have the assurance that He will show us grace and strengthen us, so we don't fall as quickly the next time.

Dear Lord, make me keenly aware of the enemy who is trying to devour my soul. I need your power to be vigilant in my walk with you. I want to finish the race of life in your strength and boldness. Use my life to encourage others in their relationships with you. In Jesus's name, amen.


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