| Daily Devotional for August 1, 2023 This week, our church will host The Gathering, which is a three-day event filled with fellowship, continuing education events for the clergy and inspiring worship for everyone. The highlight of The Gathering will happen on Saturday morning when Bishop Scott Jones ordains forty-two new clergy to serve in the Global Methodist Church. It will be a sight to behold. Even though I haven’t worn a clerical robe this summer, I will need to for Saturday’s ordination service. And because it’s been a while, I decided to take a good look to see if it needed to go to the cleaners. That’s when I saw the problem. In our church we shake hands and hug. Which means, from time-to-time, I will get a makeup smudge on my robe. In yesterday’s staff meeting, I asked Pastor Kit and Pastor Leslie if they wanted me to take their robes to the drycleaners, when I took mine. Then I said, “My robe has women’s makeup all over it.” It got so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Then, when I noticed everyone staring at me in disbelief, I realized my words could be taken in all sorts of ways. I said, “That doesn’t sound good, does it?” Everyone agreed. This got me thinking. Never underestimate the power of words to do good or harm. Jesus said, “I tell you, on the day of judgement you will have to give an account of every careless word you utter; for by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned”. (Matthew 12:36-37) I am not cool with that. I don’t want to stand before God and revisit all the hurtful, careless, scarring words I have spoken. I’d rather not. The good news is because of the grace that comes through Jesus Christ, I am forgiven. It’s the same for you. If you, like me, need God’s help to keep your mouth on the straight and narrow just know God will help. All you have to do is ask. This is why King David prayed, “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3) Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me use my words to build up instead of tear down. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. Use your words in the way that makes God happy. You will be glad you did. Also, just for the record, just to be clear, I do not wear women’s makeup. I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter. Tom Robbins |
Published
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 