DATE POSTED: Wednesday, 2023-03-01
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Psalm 141:3-4
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)

BIBLE TEXT: ³ Guard my mouth, O Eternal One; control what I say. Keep a careful watch on every word I speak.
⁴ Don’t allow my deepest desires to steer me toward doing what is wrong or associating with wicked people or joining in their wicked works or tasting any of their pleasures.

OBSERVATION: Although you could never be God, I wonder what you would want to see differently in me, or others around you! What kind of list might I create for self-correction! In being reminded of the holy and righteous God that we serve, I wonder what our list would be to better align ourselves with His righteousness? Obviously, David found himself in an environment where he could speak to God about his inadequacies. As you meditate on this today, think about where, when and how you will find peace and quiet for your time with God, so that you could truly hear Him.

APPLICATION: Not sure about you, but when considering my strengths and weaknesses, I sometimes wonder how on earth a holy and righteous God would ever consider having a relationship with me. I’ve never been to prison, or even hauled down to the Police station for questioning, but when I look at my list of things that I fall short on, it becomes frightening to think that I could ever be worthy of a perfect God’s love. I believe the difference between David and myself is that David spoke to God as one who knew every little detail about his character and his heart. It’s when we approach God about our sin, while thinking that our actions are a surprise to Him, or a disappointment that may cause Him to turn away from us. In other words, we may feel like there is something that we’ve hidden from Him, until that very moment. Is it any wonder that we shy away from wanting to be in His presence and seek His forgiveness? But somehow, I believe that David was very much at ease in speaking with God on almost any occasion and no matter where he was at. Paul exemplified similar behavior in the relationship he enjoyed with the Master, remember in prison? But notice how David zoned in on the most important parts of his body that tend to get all of us in trouble – the mouth and the heart – our desires. These things will kill the spirit in a church, cause pastors to give up their ministry out of despair, thinking that Satan is just too busy and active among the members. Unfortunately, even though church leadership may feel like the arguments and internal fighting happens behind closed doors, it is very obvious to the visitor who is spiritually led and dependent on the Holy Spirit. David had many who were out to get him as a leader. I believe that in his humble spirit, he was asking God to help him be an imitator of his Creator to even those out to break his spirit and his will. I believe it is a built-in reaction for us to snap back and say inappropriate things when others try to destroy us. Oh, for the heart of David to ask God for power to respond like He would – in love, compassion and after God’s own heart – even towards those whom Satan is leading to destroy us.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Having a heart pleasing to God, is one that is filled with His righteousness and a humbleness – a heart willing to ask for that help and strength from God. May it be so today for the one who knows Jesus as Lord and seeking to live in His righteousness. And for the one who is led by Satan, may the tug on their heart overwhelm their decision to follow Jesus, as Lord and King of their life.

PRAYER: Precious Lord, only You truly know our heart and the pull of Satan in trying to destroy Your soldiers of the cross while trying to live on this earth. I believe You designed us to be dependent on You, Lord, so please give us extra strength each day, and place within us a desire to seek Your face and Your guiding hand to help us through this life while promoting Your kingdom in every way possible. Satan has tugged at the unsaved and kept them walking down a path that’s far away from the way of the cross. It’s a heart matter for those who choose to follow in an opposite path to that which leads to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, so please consider touching the hearts of those we love and care about yet distracted by Satan. May this be the day that they sing out their need for a Savior, and may they turn from their sin and follow you with all their heart, soul and mind. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. You may also visit me on Spotify and listen to Nuggets while you’re out and about. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!