Standing Tall
Shirley Brosius (Pennsylvania, USA)

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. - James 1:23-24 (NIV)



Until we moved to an apartment with mirrors everywhere, I didn’t realize I had developed bad posture. Wide bathroom mirrors reflect my posture, and a big mirror by our hall elevator offers a last-minute check on my appearance. When I see my reflection in these mirrors, I pull back my shoulders and stand tall.

God’s word serves as a mirror that reflects any bad posture I’ve developed in my spiritual life. I’ve come to understand that holding a grudge makes my shoulders slump with heaviness. Telling even a little lie keeps me awake at night. Reading about good spiritual posture in the Bible makes me want to stand taller.

That’s why I read God’s word daily and commit it to memory. That’s why I write inspirational articles. Any notes I send to my grandchildren include a Bible verse or two. I don’t want to be like the person James writes about, who walks away from God’s word and forgets it. Instead, I want to reflect God’s word in my life.



TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear Lord, use your word to nudge us into right relationships with you and others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.


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TODAY'S READING
Psalm 119:1-8


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
When I read God’s word and apply it to my life, I stand spiritually tall.


PRAYER FOCUS
For courage to live out God’s word