JAMES 1:19-21 "WHO IS YOUR GARDENER??"

James 1:19-21(Message)

19- 21Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God's righteousness doesn't grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.

This week I have started asking the Lord some very detailed questions about my life because I have noticed that there are some re-occurring treadmills in my life. Frankly, I am tired of this tedious exercise. Well the Lord sent me answer to a few through the wisdom of my father, who out of nowhere suggested that I read James Chapter 1. This morning the outlined versus jumped out at me with divine clarity especially since it is in line with our DOC discussion on anger. This reading has allowed me to glean the following;

1. When James says to “Post this at all intersections” – he means that we should apply this to all areas of our lives, if you look straight apply it, look back apply it, look to the left apply it, look to the right apply it.

2.Then the last part of that sentence says “and let anger straggle along in the rear.” Do you know what happens to a straggler? Often time they are left behind or lost. I am amazed that he is directional about what to do with anger! This verse says to me that you will get angry…but let it straggle very far behind BECAUSE, God’s righteousness “does not” grow from human anger. I had to stop right there and ask myself what do you really want to grow inside you? I say righteousness but it clear that if I am harboring or focused on anger that righteousness will not grow! Take sometime today and ask yourself what are you growing spiritually inside as a woman of GOD?

3.Lastly, let God our gardener landscape you with the Word. Landscaping makes homes “beautiful” (if it is done right). The word has to be a consistent part of your life in order for God to do the landscaping work in our lives so that we may acquire the salvation-garden in our lives.

My sisters if you have a moment set aside some time today and read James 1, it is a passage of direction and great wisdom. Continue to be encouraged and have a great week!!!

Blessings,
Kimberly Williams