Morning Devotional 033125 What Seeds Are You Planting?

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  March 31, 2025

James 3:5:13

5 In the same way, even though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts wildly. Think about this: A small flame can set a whole forest on fire. 6 The tongue is a small flame of fire, a world of evil at work in us. It contaminates our entire lives. Because of it, the circle of life is set on fire. The tongue itself is set on fire by the flames of hell. 7 People can tame and already have tamed every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and fish. 8 No one can tame the tongue, though. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we both bless the Lord and Father and curse human beings made in God’s likeness. 10 Blessing and cursing come from the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, it just shouldn’t be this way! 11 Both fresh water and salt water don’t come from the same spring, do they? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree produce olives? Can a grapevine produce figs? Of course not, and fresh water doesn’t flow from a saltwater spring either. 13 Are any of you wise and understanding? Show that your actions are good with a humble lifestyle that comes from wisdom.

Good Morning. Take time and thank God for your blessings!

Choices! James speaks of our choice to bless or curse God and all that God created! Like a single flame that can quickly devastate thousands of acres, sprouting evil thoughts and words from a single seed can destroy entire civilizations. Our human history is dotted with the outcomes of those whose words are rooted in the flames of hell. Innocent lives have been, and continue to be, lost because of evil acts. 

There is only one power strong enough to overcome evil: God’s love. We are called to start the ripples of love that grow in strength and scope as they move from us into our neighborhoods. One wave of kindness creates ripples that overtake the evil that is lurking in the darkness. Imagine a world without hate and evil: it begins with our actions that model that goodness with a humble lifestyle comes from wisdom.

Jesus said, “Love one another, my little children!” Show love to someone today!

Loving Lord, Maker of all things! Open our hearts so that we may embrace and demonstrate your love and grace for all. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Choose words of grace and love when you speak!

Plant seeds of peace and love! Pastor Liz