Manna for Your Morning

Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; — James 1:19 (AMP) Death and life are in the power of the tongue (see Proverbs 18:21), so let us choose our words carefully. “Reckless words are like the thrusts of a sword, cutting remarks meant to stab and to hurt. But the words of the wise soothe and heal.” (Proverbs 12:18 TPT) Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29 NASB1995) “ Nothing is more appealing than speaking beautiful, life-giving words. For they release sweetness to our souls and inner healing to our spirits. ” —‭‭ Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭24‬ ‭(TPT‬‬)

Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; — James 1:19 (AMP) We need to be slow to speak so we can choose our words carefully. How good and delightful is a word spoken at the right moment—how good it is! (See Proverbs 15:23 AMP) A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. (Proverbs 15:1 NLT) Let us speak encouraging, positive words of life. Proverbs 12:18 says, the tongue of the wise brings healing. Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29 NASB1995) Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.  — Colossians 4:6 (NASB1995)

Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”  — Habakkuk 2:2-3 (NKJV) Even though the vision God has given you seems slow in coming, wait patiently for it, because it will surely take place at the appointed time. To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: (Ecclesiastes 3:1). “… the just shall live by his faith. ” (Habakkuk 4 NKJV) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1 NASB)

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, — Luke 18:1 (NKJV) And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily…” Luke 18:7-8a (NKJV). But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV). God is working for our good, something that is going to last forever. As you continue to pray, be encouraged and keep your hope alive.

Then he passed in front of Moses, calling out, “The Lord, the Lord, a compassionate and merciful God, patient, always faithful and ready to forgive. — Exodus 34:6 (GW)  The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9, NIV). Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? (Romans 2:4, NLT) God is faithful. He has chosen you and called you into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Corinthians 1:9, NKJV). He will never leave you nor abandon you. When all others walk out on you, the Lord will stand by your side and strengthen you (2 Timothy 4:17). Even if we are faithless, He remains faithful (2 Timothy 2:13a, NKJV). Even when we turn our backs toward Him, He still continues to watch over us. Hallelujah!

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.   — James 1:19-20 (NIV) Slow your roll on anger and taking offense. The Message Bible says to post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. May we be quick to listen to others with the intention of gaining understanding, not to build our defense. Let us also keep our ears open to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit within us, as He leads and guides us. Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear!