Slow Down

July 03, 2023

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:" James 1:19

One of the most difficult things we may ever have to do is try to communicate with someone who will not listen to what we are trying to say to them. When a person wants to dominate a conversation, it is difficult for effective communication to take place. When one person does all of the talking it is nearly impossible for them to hear what the other person is saying, and even more difficult for the person to get their point across. Spiritually, we can have the same problem when we go to The Lord in prayer, and we do all the talking and none of the listening. The Scripture reminds us to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. I encourage you today to be swift to hear what The Lord is saying to you. Take some time in prayer today not to do all of the talking and asking The Lord for what you need and want, but spend some time in prayer with your ear attuned to what The Lord needs to say to you. Be swift to hear and slow to speak even with those you come in contact with. You do not always need to make your point, but let them talk, and you may discover more by listening than you will by talking. Do not allow what people say to you to get you upset, but be slow to wrath, and know that The Lord is always on your side. When you are swift to hear and slow to speak and not quickly angered watch how The Lord will bless you. I need to hear a Word from The Lord for my life, so I will be slow to speak, and slow to anger, and quick to hear what The Lord is speaking in my life. Sine I am listening to what The Lord is speaking for my life, I have no doubt, "It's My Year To Get My Thing From My God!

Prayer:

Lord help me to listen to you. Help me to be slow to speak and quick to listen and then do those things that you are asking me to do. I need to hear you speak to me Lord today. In Jesus Name Amen.

Be Inspired, Rev. Dr. Stephen W. Pogue, Pastor
Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church
Mount Vernon, NY