The Word Changes Our Hearts

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The Word Changes Our Hearts

Andrea Lende • August 8, 2022

James 1:19 and 21

The Word Changes Our Hearts

You can listen to the devotion and prayer at: https://anchor.fm/andrea-lende/episodes/There-Word-Changes-Our-Hearts-e1m7ffv

James 1:19 and 21

“Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.”

“So, get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit, receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls.”

Wise words written by James!

He tells us to be “quick to hear [a ready listener].”

I need this reminder often because I don’t always want to listen.

Sometimes I’m thinking of something else and don’t want to be disturbed.

Sometimes I just get impatient.

I think most of us would rather be talking than listening which leads us to James’ next wise word of advice.

Be “slow to speak.”

Once words are said, they cannot be unsaid or unheard.

There is power in our words.

We have the power to inspire and build up or tear down.

James also wrote we should be “slow to take offense.”

Most of us need more of this wisdom as well.

We become offended too easily which only puts a barrier between us and the other person, or even God.

So, how do we win this war waged against our natural human instincts?

James gives us the answer in our second verse.

James tells us to be humble and gentle and receive the Word into our hearts.

We cannot overcome our instincts and quick responses without the Word.

And, I might add, a lot of it.

He says the power of the Word can save our souls.

I have certainly found this to be true in my little world.

The more I read about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and all the followers in the Bible, the more my heart is softened and transformed.

I find the Lord in His Word.

I find His compassion and love in His Word.

My desires become more aligned with His desires as I read His Word.

Today I choose to learn more about the Lord so He can shepherd my heart and make me more like Him.

May you find as you spend time in the Word you find more of God’s heart while He transforms yours.

Daily Prayer:

O Lord, thank You for the wisdom in Your Word. Help us listen more intently to others instead of being impatient to speak. Keep us humble so we prefer others over ourselves. May You give us the desire to serve rather than wanting to be served. And help us not be so easily offended in this trying world. Please continue to teach us through Your Word, Lord. Keep us seeking You so Your ways are planted in our hearts. We desire to be more like You and less like the world. Help us bless someone this day. Thank You for hearing our prayer.

Answer: I AM teaching you as read My Word and listen to the still small voice of My Spirit.

Response: Help us learn of You, most gracious God. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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