Heavenly Father, I praise You for today. I praise You for being with my wife and her friend Beth as they were able to go see many of their classmates and have an enjoyable time. I thank You for allowing them to talk and start some healing. I praise You for the time I had with two of my grandchildren this weekend and for just some simple time at church and then the park.
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. [Exodus 20:7; Psalm 19:14] Holy Spirit, I work in a very depressing and harsh place. Language is rough and abusive all the time. Help me to control my mouth and what I say. Help me to be an example of civility and control with my language instead of getting down in the gutter with everyone else. Help me to never use Your name disrespectfully or to curse people. Help me to improve and avoid even coarse talk. For out of the heart a person speaks. So let my heart have peace, love, restraint, so I can speak this way also.
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offences, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore, I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. (Romans 16:17-20)