God's Mission

James 1:19-21

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, 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.

Pondering Point

As James describes it, God desires to see righteousness produced in us. And, as He further points out, our anger derails production of that righteousness. So he encourages to "be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry" – and to "get rid of moral filth and evil that is so prevalent" (they obviously don’t help either).

With an air of meekness behind it all, James calls us to humbly accept God's word planted in us which can save us. It can save us from our angry outbursts; it can also save others from our angry outbursts, and it can save us from snap judgments that we may regret later. God's desire is to see people saved with His righteousness – and for His people to produce the fruit of righteousness rather than sinfulness.

Prayer

Father God, I want to humbly accept Your word, not just planted in me but rooted and producing fruit in me as well. Help me learn to stay connected to Jesus the Vine so that I can produce such fruit. When opportunity to become angry arises, help me be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. And teach me to love people in all situations, including those who arouse anger in me. I want to be more like Jesus in whose name I pray. Amen.

Micro-Meditation

Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God

Micro-Meditation

Psalm 119:73-80 10th letter: Yodh (י)

Your hands made me and formed me;
give me understanding to learn your commands.

May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
for I have put my hope in your word.
I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant.
Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause;
but I will meditate on your precepts.
May those who fear you turn to me,
those who understand your statutes.
May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees,
that I may not be put to shame.

Read the versus of the Psalm.

Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.

Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.

Teaching or Command of God

Psalm 131:3

Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.

The Promise

Psalm 147:11

The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Pondering Point

Pondering Points: Who do you rejoice over (v.74) when they walk in the room? Consider why that is. Does it have anything to do with God? How does God shine out of you in ways that cause others to rejoice?