Reading for today
Old Testament: Proverbs 24, 25, 26
New Testament: James 1
Thoughts from today’s reading
Proverbs 26:20-22. Strife and contention are a product of the way we use our tongue to talk to people or to talk about them. Strife breaks up unity and inevitably the blessing that God brings because of unity. We must avoid gossip, slander, backbiting, unnecessary arguments and the likes at all costs.
James 1:2-4,12-16. As believers, we will have tests, trials and temptations. All these come to mature us, moving us from the place of children to sons of God. Maturity ensures that we are complete, lacking nothing, and that we receive the rewards God has prepared for His faithful sons.
Prayer
1. Father, we come to you today to repent of how we have used our tongues to create division, confusion and provocation in our midst. We pray that in your mercy you will grant us wisdom and humility to right the wrongs we have created. We pray that you heal the hurts we have caused , and we ask that you restore us to the place of unity. Let the blessing that follows peace be ours always in Jesus’ name, amen.
2. Father, you said you will never let us be tempted above what we are able to bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). We ask for grace and strength today to face any trial, test or temptation that has been permitted to come our way. Lord, you express your confidence in us to overcome them because it is your life, ability and power that works in us. Thank you for helping us this day and for reserving crowns to reward us for successfully surmounting these things.