Daily Devotional with Dr. Duane Brooks
June 27, 2017
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.
New International Version (NIV)
                  Sometimes, we have to whisper to be heard.  Arguments naturally escalate.  We can go from zero to eighty decibels in a hurry.  But it is not the best way to solve a problem.  The loudest shout ever recorded was by Annalisa Flanagan who reached 121 decibels with a shout.  At about the same level as a chainsaw or leaf blower, it was painful to hear. 
                 How do you extinguish a fire?  Liquid helps, unless, of course the liquid turns out to be gasoline.  In our reactive world, one way to confront those who are unkind is "fight fire with fire."  Be forewarned, though:  when we do, someone may get burned.  Burns can leave scars.
                Solomon offered a better way.  A soft answer defuses the anger.  If we refuse to take the bait and choose to be at our best in the power of the Holy Spirit we will find that far from stirring up greater controversy we may bring calmness, simply by speaking softly.  Try it the next time someone is angry with you.  You have everything to win and nothing to lose!
 Pray with me:  
Father, we live in a loud world.  Forgive us for thinking we have to shout to be heard.  Today when we hear the gentle whisper of your still small voice, let us not harden our hearts.  Speak to us Lord, your servants are listening.  Help us to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger.  Teach us to whisper like you do.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.
I want to invite you to join me in memorizing 52 passages this year from the 2017 set of Fighter Verses.  You can find the Fighter Verses App at the App Store on your phones or via this link  http://fighterverses.com/the-verses/fighter-verses/.  As we study the Bible this year, let's look at each text and learn what it says about God. 
Joyfully, 
Duane 
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