DATE POSTED
Thursday, February 13, 2025, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read it in your Bible or click James 3:1-10 to read it in The Message (MSG).

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
As you read the Scripture today, some might remember a Christian Nursery song that had lyrics something like ‘Oh, be careful little eyes what you see’, and also added verses like ‘Oh, be careful little tongue what you say’! But for today, I believe that the Holy Spirit is challenging us as adults, through James, to apply this principle to all aspects of our lives, especially in what we say and teach. Since our Scripture today makes reference to Christian teachers, I must share my curiosity in knowing the reasons why some accept the invitation to teach, especially in church? In my past church leadership, I am guilty of accepting an invitation to teach a Sunday School (SS) class because the SS Superintendent put me on a guilt trip about them having to shut a class down if they didn’t find a teacher for the current year! I know, that sounds almost comical, but I have no hesitation in also saying that God has blessed me tremendously in teaching SS over the years. I felt so inadequate at times, for I knew there would be former pastors, elders, deacons and/or others in my class who have been in the Word much longer than me. But let’s get to the point of our lesson from James. I believe that we are being challenged to think ahead about opening our mouths without the leadership of the Holy Spirit. As a teacher, we stand before students who may be challenged in life in many different ways. To open our mouths without the power of the Holy Spirit, we will:
—> Spoil a lesson, or message, with way too much of self, and everything we are about personally.
—> Respond to honest and heartfelt questions from students only from personal experiences and knowledge, rather than from a Biblical, or Holy Spirit inspired perspective.
In each of the above cases, I believe we would be a better servant of God if we were to use His Word to respond with. For a few years in my working career, I was an auditor/examiner. My lead examiner would insist that his team members never criticize a branch or employee without quoting the exact location of the rule, or standard, they defiled. Wouldn’t it be awesome to also do the same when responding on God’s behalf to a student hungry for the wisdom of God on how they could live their life pleasing to God? Now, unless we jump to the conclusion that James was discouraging one from teaching or preaching, let me be quick to remind you that many of us would still be unsaved, had it not been for a good Bible teacher or preacher. So, I firmly believe that James is instead warning us to not try and teach God’s Word without Him being front and foremost in our lives, our Bible Study, our lesson preparation and in our classroom. You see, we must always remember that God is the author of a book He gave to us, The Bible, for encouragement, correction, direction and answers to all life’s quandaries. Because He is God, we must only promote His instructions, and not try to change them, nor minimize their effectiveness nor exaggerate their meaning with hopes of convincing our unsaved friends. Furthermore, let’s be careful to live the godly life that we are teaching others to live. They will tend to follow our actions much more than our teachings, and we would never want God’s discipline for the hypocrisy in our teaching if we are disobedient to the very things that we teach. If we know it, let’s live it!

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You set a perfect example for us, by living in full obedience to the Father’s will and instruction. But as we try to duplicate that example here on earth, it is extremely challenging, for our sin and selfish desires kick in while also trying to please others with what we respond. Please direct our thoughts, actions and especially the words that spew from our lips, sometimes without thought, and often without seeking Your direction. Shame on us for using the same tongue that we sing out praises to You with, to also put down our neighbor or totally turn one off from knowing You personally. We desperately need Your help dear Lord. May the words from our mouth and the meditation of our heart be acceptable in Your sight at all times dear Lord, and may our output be incentive for others to praise You today and always. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. One of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin or continue your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals or subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. Friends, I encourage you to find a church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk while you make every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!