JAMES DAY 8 PRAYER
Pray that you will be slow to anger. Pray that you will be driven to get rid of all moral filth and any evil that is so prevalent in your life and that you will humbly accept God’s Word that is planted in you. (James 1:19-21)
James 1:19-21 (New International Version)
19My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
JAMES DAY 8 CHALLENGE
I can’t even get through the first part of verse 19 without being convicted immediately. “Quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Can anyone relate to slow to listen, quick to speak and quick to become angry? I certainly can!
Some years ago when I read this passage I truly felt hopeless. I thought there is no way I can be quick to listen and slow to speak. Even now, I often find myself interrupting people to make sure I get my thought in or point across, and each and every time I do it, I hate it.
So, what helps? First off, I have found that my determination to bring peace into my life and slow my pace down has had a huge impact on my patience and my ability to listen well and talk less. But look at what James tells us right after he tells us about how to listen and speak. “get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you.” Isn’t it funny how sin in our lives can affect us in ways we never thought of? Isn’t it funny that this filth that James speaks of has an impact on how we listen, speak and handle anger? As we study James I love how we can gain these “ah-ha” moments when seeing the impact of sin in our lives. My prayer is that it will drive you to “get rid of all moral filth.”
Here’s a list to start us out:
• What type of shows, programs, movies do we watch?
• What kind of music are we listening to?
• What quizzes are we taking on facebook?
• What books do you read?
• What pictures, paintings, photos do you have in your possession?
• What jokes do you tell?
• What message does your clothing give?
• What topics do you talk about to others?
• What type of language do you use?
• Where is honesty compromised in your life?
A SPECIAL PRAYER/CHALLENGE TO WIVES FOR THEIR HUSBANDS:
JAMES DAY 8 PRAYER
Pray that your husband will be slow to anger. Pray that he will desire to get rid of all moral filth and evil that is prevalent in his life. Pray that he will humbly accept God’s Word that is planted in him. (James 1:19-21)
JAMES DAY 8 CHALLENGE
I don’t know about you, but as I read James and pray for my husband I feel a deep compassion for him. This compassion stems from my thoughts about my husband’s daily battle in life. As a man, he must be tested in this so much. Think about it. How often is a “real” man portrayed as being one who is quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry? What James shares with us here is quite a daunting task, but James goes on, “get rid of all moral filth and evil that is so prevalent.” Wow, talk about counter-culture!
Click here to see the rest of today’s challenge.
