A Daily Devotional with Pastor Doug Crouse March 14, 2018 Hurry Up and Slow Down Scripture Reading – James 1:19 - 20 (NLT) “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires." 

Someone once noticed about us that God gave us two ears, and only one mouth - so perhaps we should try to listen and think at least twice as much as we speak. I remember a similar sign on my father's desk at his work place that read: 'Put Your Mind In Gear, Before You Put Your Mouth In Motion'. Today's text calls us to reach for such a heavenly understanding as we, 'Hurry Up and Slow Down'.

For is it not the truth, that at times we can look at a person, or any host of people in our minds, and know exactly what they need to get fixed up, and perhaps often we may even tell them, though more often we just tell our solutions or opinions to others about them.

Yet, rather than speaking at all, heaven's wisdom that we are all encouraged to quickly adopt is that of a willingness to listen. And say perhaps...............nothing.............nothing …………….nothing…………..nothing………nothing at all.

And the areas that God is calling us, yes - all of us to take the foot off of the accelerator pedal on is that quick urge that rises up within us to speak out either our solution or our opinion about or to an individual.

Not only speaking, but even that seething or shooting out of anger that can spurt up like lava flowing from a volcano. The problem with either of those is that someone will get burnt up in the process - either you on the inside, or the one(s) around you upon whom the hot lava encompasses.

The better option is that of humble and honest prayer, which may result in an encouraging word, or an arm around or a shoulder to share and bear a burden of a person that may actually make them think of...............Jesus.......the One who loves us unconditionally......forever. 

Prayer Father in heaven, help me to slow down and I ask You to forgive me for those times I am quick to speak. Holy Spirit teach me to listen and speak only those words that will build up and encourage others I pray in Jesus precious name. 

Memory Verse:  Ephesians 4:2 NLT “Always be __________ and ________. Be _________ with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”