Tag: direction
Day 4–The Rudder of Your Ship
Scripture reading for April 2: James 3:1-5 “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.”
James is said to write the ‘proverbs’ of the New Testament because he writes with direct and practical wisdom. This dissertation on the tongue was given to warn those in the church that greater judgment comes to those who teach God’s Word. (James 3:1) God holds those who teach to a greater accountability because of the power of words to bring guidance and direction and influence others. Those who teach can also become full of pride and use their tongue to boast and draw attention away from God to themselves. This is how we stumble into Satan’s traps.
James used bridles for horses and our ability to control what comes out of our mouth as an example of how to keep from stumbling or going off course. Bits in the horse’s mouth guide the horse through pressure and even pain causing them to turn as the rider applies the reins. The second example James used was the rudder of a ship. It is a small part of a big ship, but when the pilot moves the rudder, the great ship is guided skillfully along.
This truth is good for us a first responders in several ways. We must be careful with ‘self-talk’ that is negative or defeated. Our mouths need a bit applied to turn away from this mis-direction of our lives. Another application of the ‘rudder’ is choosing our words carefully as we to talk to others or about others concerning our work. Gossip and spreading of details of our work, or making fun of someone needs quick reining in.
Prayer: Father God, forgive me when I have neglected to use the rudder to steer my mouth. Help me to use my words to direct my own life in Your path and to show grace and respect to others You love. Amen.
Courage to speak!
Scripture reading for May 23rd: 1st Chronicles 24-27, Acts 14
Key Scriptures: Acts 14:1-3 “Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So they remained for a long time speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of His grace granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.”
As Paul and his missionary team went from city to city, they went to Jews first at the local synagogue. The Gospel message of Jesus Christ brought great controversy and division. They were prepared for this and continued to speak boldly and allow the Lord to work with them confirming their message with signs and wonders. God’s army moves under His direction.
1st Chronicles 24:19 “These had as their appointed duty in their service to come into the house of the Lord according to the procedure established for them by Aaron their father, as the Lord God of Israel had commanded him.”
Prayer: Lord, thank You for order and direction of Your people enabling them to follow Your example of boldness in the face of opposition. Grant me courage to speak today. Amen.
The Good Shepherd and His Sheep
Scripture reading for April 20th: John 10
Tending sheep and caring for them is an occupation that is common in most places around the world. Sheep are very docile animals that cannot defend themselves and sometimes they wander off. They need someone to care for them and protect them. They will willingly follow a shepherd and get to know his voice. The shepherd also knows his sheep and calls them by name. Jesus took this very common job and applied it to His own life and ministry.
The Jews who saw the healing of the man blind from birth asked Jesus if He thought they were blind too. In response to this question, Jesus told them about sheep and shepherds and gates, making some strong statements to help them understand who He was.
“I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:7-10)
“I am the good Shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know Me–just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father–and I lay down My life for the sheep.” (John 10:14-15)
At these statements, the Jews were divided. Some said Jesus was demon-possessed or mad, but others recognized the miracle and were wondering. Jesus had said that only “His sheep” would recognize His voice and follow Him! Have you heard the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for “His sheep?”