We need daily and weekly reminders in order to keep the main thing the main thing. Becoming like Christ is a process.

1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Our good name is based upon our daily walk with Jesus. In order to walk close to Him, we need to constantly be reading and re-reading our “manual,” the Bible. For instance, each morning, I begin my prayer time with Psalm 139:23-24,

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

It reminds me that I need Him. He is my reason for even having a quiet time in the first place.

Another passage I read every day is Psalm 73:23-26,

23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

This passage reminds me for my whole reason for living. It takes me from NOW to eternity. My perspective is refreshed; it’s just like hitting the “refresh” button on my computer.

This next passage is one I read weekly, and this morning I read it. It’s an important one,

James 1:19-21 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Here’s what we are reminded to do:

1. We have two ears but only one mouth; use them accordingly.

2. Our human anger gets in the way; try to eliminate it.

3. We have moral filth and evil all around us and even inside of us; get rid of it and avoid it as much as possible.

4. God’s Word is planted in our hearts. Water it and allow it to grow like a mustard seed in the garden of your life.

5. His Word will protect us from evil and moral filth, keep us from allowing our anger to get in the way, and teach/train us to listen much more than we speak, especially concerning airing our own opinions.

“May the word of Christ dwell in you richly” today as we meditate and implement those words.

Abba, I love Your Word. It’s more than just ink on a page; it’s Your love letter to us! May I love it all the more and allow You to work in my life as I hide it in my heart. Amen.