Daily Devotional for July 3, 2007

Proverbs 10
22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.
26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.
27 The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
28 The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
29 The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.
31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)

Anyone who knows me knows that I can be outspoken. I know, I know… but sometimes my mouth engages a few sentences ahead of my brain! I have asked God to help me with this, and let’s just say it’s a “work in progress.” I’m sure you know someone who seems to have a strong opinion about most things and doesn’t mind sharing it. You could say they have a “froward tongue” on many occasions. But do you know someone who has “righteous lips” and seems to speak well of everyone and always look for the good in any situation?

I know such a person. She is my cousin’s wife, Janette. I know there are times when she is unhappy with someone or something. I know there are times in life when she doesn’t feel well. My cousin suffered for several years with a congenital liver disease that ultimately claimed his life. And I know Janette suffered along with him… if not physically, certainly the mental and emotional anguish of terminal illness. But every time I asked her how she was doing, her reply was, “I’m very well!” And even in the darkest days, she was positive and filled with the joy of the Lord. I know that she has experienced the same acts of unkindness or indignity from others that are a part of everyday life, but she never has an unkind thing to say about them. And if I she hears someone make a negative comment, most often, she will find something positive to say to “spin” things in a different light.

My cousin’s wife isn’t perfect… nobody is… and I’m sure in secret she has some occasional negative or less-than-kind thoughts. But she stays close to God and consumed by the Holy Spirit, and she lets Him guide her thoughts and her mouth. I pray that this would be our goal, and I challenge you to join me in striving to be more like Janette… experiencing the strength of the way of the Lord, and the gladness of His hope.

©2007 Debbie Robus