Dr. Jeff Holmes
James 1:19-27
Let’s be civil. Communities and civilizations were built on the matter of being civil with one another. As we devote ourselves to spending time in scripture, it molds how we treat and speak to others. Words can be incredibly damaging. Putting the character of God on display is being slow to speak.
Watch, listen or download Civility to hear more!
Reflection Questions;
In what context, situation or relationship do you need to be quick to listen?
In what context, situation or relationship do you need to put God’s intentions on display through your doing?
How will you/do you spend time consistently in God’s word quickly listening for His intentions?
How will you apply these principles to what is happening in our culture? During the elections? With the debates around the pandemic?
PRAYER FOR THE NATION
Heavenly Father, thank you for your goodness to our nation. You have blessed us far beyond what we deserve.
Thank you for the freedom we enjoy and for those who gave their lives to make this freedom possible.
Your word says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34).
We confess we are far from perfect. We have sinned as a nation. We have strayed from you and worshipped gods of materialism, power, and pride. We have relied on our own strength and not yours.
God of grace and mercy, we turn to you in repentance and faith. Lord, we need you.
Lord, we need you to set our feet on the path of Your righteousness and peace. We pray you “let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like a never-failing stream” (Amos 5:24).
Lord, we need you to give us your heart for the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized.
Lord, we need you to strengthen our nation's leaders. Give them the wisdom to know what is right and the courage to do it.
Lord we need you to empower us to love you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. May we as a church shine as a light in our community and culture.
Lord, we need you to be gospel-driven people of action for the good of our fellow man and the magnificent glory of God.
Lord, hear our prayer