Devotion for Monday, February 11, 2019

“He also loved cursing, so it came to him; and he did not delight in
blessing, so it was far from him. But he clothed himself with cursing as with
his garment, and it entered into his body like water and like oil into his
bones.” (Psalm 109:17-18)

It is not what goes in the
mouth, but what comes out that is violent and wicked. Each man’s mouth may
praise the Lord, but then turn and curse a brother. Watch your tongue and the
words that come across it. Be not like the wicked who curse and swear as if
they had the power to do what their words boast. Delight in being blessed by
the Lord and do not conform to the ways of the wicked.

Lord, You know what needs to be expunged from my mouth. You know what
thoughts I have that are in line with the wicked and not godly. Lift me up to
see more clearly the path I need to take that I may abide in You and be in Your
presence always. Guard the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
that I may live into the life to which You have called me by grace.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your
grace. I need Your grace, for each day I speak words that are abhorrent and
untrue. Teach me the fullness of the faith that I may continue on the journey
of having a guarded mouth and a clean mind. Keep me close to You that I may see
Your cleansing of this temple which You have made for the Father’s glory. May I
abide now and always in You. Amen.