My Bible reading this morning:
2 Kings 22; Hebrews 4; Joel 1; Psalm 140-141
Psalm 141: 3-4a caught my attention this morning.
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door of my lips!
Do not let me heart incline to any evil,
to busy myself with wicked deeds
The last few days I have caught myself several times typing a comment that I stopped to consider before posting as I asked myself, 1- Would it add positively to the conversation; 2- Does it come across as gentle and humble; 3- Is it an argument I need to engage in; 4- Does it bring God glory? I find myself “speaking” out a lot less when I stop to consider these questions before posting my thoughts. These days setting a guard over our mouths involves what we write to others on social media as well as what we speak with our lips. If only I was as careful with my mouth in my own home-somehow with the comfort and familiarity I feel freer to speak my mind, but that is not always a good thing…set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth!
On to the second part of those verses. I have a lot to keep me busy these days and there are a lot of things that would distract me from those things that are good and right. It certainly cannot hurt to make this a part of my morning prayer-asking God to not let my heart be inclined to do ANY evil. It is rather humbling to stop and think about the things I did yesterday (and the day before that and the day before that…) in light of this verse. I was just a little disobedient at times. Wicked deeds? A heart inclined to evil? Perhaps it is time I look at those little disobedient moments through a clearer lens. The reading in Hebrews hit upon this idea again; “Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 4:7b) When I read something like this two days in a row I sit up and take notice. I have heard God’s voice this morning in the reading of His word-now I must have a heart that inclines itself to God; to what is good and right and true, and busy myself with deeds that result from a heart so inclined.
Grace, peace, and mercy,
Debra
2 Kings 22; Hebrews 4; Joel 1; Psalm 140-141
Psalm 141: 3-4a caught my attention this morning.
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door of my lips!
Do not let me heart incline to any evil,
to busy myself with wicked deeds
The last few days I have caught myself several times typing a comment that I stopped to consider before posting as I asked myself, 1- Would it add positively to the conversation; 2- Does it come across as gentle and humble; 3- Is it an argument I need to engage in; 4- Does it bring God glory? I find myself “speaking” out a lot less when I stop to consider these questions before posting my thoughts. These days setting a guard over our mouths involves what we write to others on social media as well as what we speak with our lips. If only I was as careful with my mouth in my own home-somehow with the comfort and familiarity I feel freer to speak my mind, but that is not always a good thing…set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth!
On to the second part of those verses. I have a lot to keep me busy these days and there are a lot of things that would distract me from those things that are good and right. It certainly cannot hurt to make this a part of my morning prayer-asking God to not let my heart be inclined to do ANY evil. It is rather humbling to stop and think about the things I did yesterday (and the day before that and the day before that…) in light of this verse. I was just a little disobedient at times. Wicked deeds? A heart inclined to evil? Perhaps it is time I look at those little disobedient moments through a clearer lens. The reading in Hebrews hit upon this idea again; “Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 4:7b) When I read something like this two days in a row I sit up and take notice. I have heard God’s voice this morning in the reading of His word-now I must have a heart that inclines itself to God; to what is good and right and true, and busy myself with deeds that result from a heart so inclined.
Grace, peace, and mercy,
Debra
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