Daily Devotional For Saturday, May 3, 2025
It’s Super Saturday. Having been a pastor for over 40 years, it is amazing how people who do not know me ask me, “So, what is it you do?” When I say, “Well, I’m a pastor” and many times their response is, “Oh, okay!” I guess it is not as impressive as if I said, “Well, I’m a neurosurgeon or a cardiovascular surgeon.” It does get the same reaction if I said, “Well, I’m an engineer for NASA preparing us to go to Mars.” Saying you’re a pastor sucks all the air out of the room. People start running for cover.
I’ve been around people who had a colorful vocabulary. I knew they knew God because of how much they used His name. When they learn I am a pastor, many of them get apologetic and I appreciate and respect that. As a pastor, I have even had very active church members come down during the invitation time to share a prayer concern with me. Here we are standing in front of the altar and they use some colorful language. Here’s my point. It is getting hard to tell inauthentic fake Christians from authentic real non-Christians.
As Christ followers and disciples of Christ, we are supposed to be different. We are to be holy. I think the reason this is missing today, is there is no fear of God even from God’s own people. Christians take God’s name in vain all the time just like non-Christians do. Anytime we use God’s name or a name for God in a way that is not to praise Him, pray to Him, acknowledge Him, we’re guilty. Many Christians in anger will say, “Oh God!” or “Jesus Christ” They are not calling out to Him. They are blaspheming His name. God’s name is holy because God is holy.
Jesus said this in Mark 8:38, “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels” (NASB). We’d better own Jesus because there’s a day coming when we’re going to want Him to own us. Don’t be condescending, critical, or self-righteous of others, but be an advocate for Jesus. Just say, “You know, I believe in Jesus. He’s my Lord.” James 1:26 says,” If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless” (NASB). The Book of James has much to say about our tongue in James 3. Look specifically at James 3:6-12. Telling others about Jesus and what He has done for us, and having our behaviors reflect Him, are vitally important to our lives and those closest to us if we want Him to be our advocate before the Father.
Assignment: Take a moment to do some personal evaluation. What is your tongue like? Is praising and cursing coming out of your mouth? When you get angry, instead of leading with your tongue, lead with your timing. Maybe that is not the time to respond because you are so raw. Sometimes walking away helps. If you feel you need to say something, start with a Scripture verse. Also, ask those who are most prone to be this way with give you an honest evaluation without any retaliation or defensiveness from yourself.
Scripture To Meditate On: Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare” (NLT).
Prayer To Pray: “Heavenly Father, You sent Your Son, Jesus, to live among us and die for our sins. It is an honor to follow Him. May I never be ashamed to identify with Jesus as Lord of my life and stand firmly for You—even when it is uncomfortable or might result in opposition. Help me to control my anger so that I do not sin. In You, I am secure. Lord, help me to honor You with my tongue, especially with those I am the closest to in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
I love you Southside! – Pastor Kelly