Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 26, 2018
Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]. James 5:16 -AMP
When we say out loud what is heavy on our heart, we set ourselves up to be freed from our silent suffering. Our burden may be the self inflicted wound of unwise choices. We knew in the moment our hasty decision may not be best, and now we need to own our mistake, confess to the Lord and to those we offended, so we might be healed and restored. Our burden may be the wound of another deep in our soul that needs to see the light of love from God and those who love us. Our spoken words help heal our pain.
James understood and taught this principle of the healing power of the spoken word. He could have contrasted his words by saying, “conceal your sins from one another, and pretend things are ok, that your pain might be prolonged and that your relationships might remained fractured”. But instead, the brother of Jesus stresses the requirement of authenticity and vulnerability that acknowledges sin and hurtful feelings, submitting to the healing power of confession, prayer, repentance, love and God’s grace. When our prayers for each other move beyond surface sentiment to deep, dark desires–healing happens.
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24).
Do you have a safe environment to express your fears and failures or your temptations and trials? A community of caring Christians is an expression of Christ’s love, accountability and healing. Jesus left us with the Holy Spirit so we are empowered for holy living and wholly living. Holy living which embraces our identity in Christ, as we grow more into His likeness and less like the old dead version of ourselves. Wholly living means our entire life is hidden in Christ: our body, mind and soul are led and influenced by the Spirit, not the flesh. In financial decisions we ask, “Lord, what is your heart for the resources You have entrusted to me?” Physically, “Father how can I care for Your creation, my body, in a way that frees me to love others well?” Mentally, “Holy Spirit renew my thinking to reflect the mind of Christ.” Speak out loud to your Savior and His followers and in the process your wounds will heal and God’s desires will become yours.
“But as for me, afflicted and in pain—may your salvation, God, protect me” (Psalm 69:29).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the courage to speak freely about my pain that paralyzes my ability to think clearly and serve willingly, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What community of like minded followers of Jesus can I join and grow close together in our walk with Christ?
Related Reading
Job 16:6; Psalm 30:2; Proverbs 28:13; Hebrews 12:1l
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When we say out loud what is heavy on our heart, we set ourselves up to be freed from our silent suffering. #WisdomHunters #speakoutloud
Worship Resource
4 minutes – Brian and Jenn Johnson:
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