My Daily Devotion

I'm always encouraging people to start their day with a devotion.  It doesn't have to be a long drawn out part of your day.  There are wonderful books filled with 5 minute devotions that often don't take even that long.  My favorite is one that is free and furnished to me by our church; "The Word for you Today".  I love this little thing.  So often it seems to be just what I needed.  It always provides one verse of scripture for the foundation of what it will share, but to keep it in context I always try to read the entire chapter so I know what is going on.  Note: I throw that rule out if it is citing the 119th Psalm.

Today is Wednesday, July 9th and the devotion was so good I wanted to share it with you.  Now remember, these are not my words nor ideas, but as they spoke to me I pray they speak to you.

Proverbs 2:11 "Discretion will preserve you."

EXERCISE DISCRETION

We've all said the wrong thing, at the wrong time, to the wrong person, and ended up regretting it.  A pastor was being honored at a retirement dinner, and a local politician had been asked to make a speech.  The politician was running late so the pastor decided to say a few words: "When I came here twenty-five years ago I thought this was a terrible church.  The first man I talked to said he'd stolen, lied, embezzled, had an affair and done drugs.  I was appalled.  Then I realized everybody isn't like that; this church is filled with good people."  Just then the politician arrived and stood up to speak: "I'll never forget the day the pastor arrived and I had the privilege of being the first church member to talk to him."  Loose lips sink ships!  The Bible says "Discretion will preserve you."  Being discreet means having the ability to keep sensitive information private - including things you may have heard years ago!  The writer of Proverbs said, "He who is trustworthy conceals a matter" (Pro. 11:13 NSA), and in the New Testament Paul cautions believers about discussing "things not proper to mention"
(1 Tim. 5:13 NAS).  Divulging what you know about other people's problems and failures may make you feel good momentarily, but afterwards it has a negative impact on the relationship.  Plus, you get a reputation as a person who can't be trusted.  A wise man said, "If your lips would keep from slips, five things observe with care: of whom you speak, to whom you speak, and how, and when, and where."  That's advice you would do well to pay attention to!

Except for me emphasizing some things in colors (that's a note habit for me) that is word for word from my devotion and I heartily recommend your church offer this awesome quarterly devotion.

How I wish I had read those words ten years ago.  Maybe I could have kept myself from saying stupid things to those who turned out to be less than trustworthy.  Perhaps I could have preserved friendships that meant so much to me that their betrayal still haunts me today.  Ignorance may be bliss, but education comes with a cost and I've paid a heavily for my lack of discretion. 

THAT'S why starting each day in the Word is so important.  You cannot depend on your pastor to be there for every moment of your life.  You need to be responsible for your own growth and certain levels of discipleship must be reached alone.

Let me encourage you as never before to learn from my mistakes and avoid you own, daily build your house upon the rock and grow into the person God has called YOU to be.  Hold your tongue and exercise discretion.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and remember, YOU ARE LOVED!