Kenneth Copeland Devotional 7 February 2024 – Thank God Instead
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Topic: Thank God Instead
As far as it depends on you, live in peace with everyone. – Romans 12:18, The Amplified Bible
When I was a new Christian, it was almost impossible for me to live at peace with anyone! Nearly every time I opened my mouth, I said something ugly. I was constantly hurting the people I was close to. In fact, I spoke more harshly to them than to anyone else.
I criticized Gloria’s driving so much that she nearly refused to drive while I was with her. I blamed my children so much that they began to avoid me. I didn’t want to be so insensitive, but I couldn’t help it. I had a well-developed habit of speaking harshly and didn’t know how to change it.
Then I found Ephesians 5:4. It said, “[Let there be] no coarse, stupid, or flippant talk; these things are out of place; you should rather be thanking God” (New English Bible). When I read that, I realized I needed to replace the words I was used to saying with words of thanksgiving. That would solve my problem. After all, I couldn’t speak harshly and thank God simultaneously. I couldn’t criticize those around me if I had a thankful attitude about them.
I immediately decided to put this principle to work in my life. Rushing into my son’s room one day, ready to lambaste him about something he had done, I recognized my old behavior pattern. I just stopped and said, “The Word says this behavior is out of place, so I am going to stop and thank God.” I wasn’t nearly as angry after I spent a few minutes praising and thanking the Lord.
If you’ve developed the habit of speaking harshly, start changing that habit today. Stop when someone crosses you on the job, at school, or wherever, and you’re tempted to tear into them with cruel words! Then, take a few moments to give thanks and praise to God. Once you begin thinking about how good God is, those harsh, angry words will often slip away unspoken.
Instead of using your tongue to tear people down, train it to lift God’s praises up. Then, living at peace with others will come quickly to you!
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:26-32, 5:1-4
This message was written by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, the leader of the Kenneth Copeland Ministries (www.KCM.org) that specializes in teaching principles of bible faith – prayer, healing, salvation and other biblical topics.
Open Heavens 2024 Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical churches in the world, and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile, and PC. Open Heaven for Today 2024
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