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“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 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.” – James 1:19-21
Very seldom do any of us go from joy to anger quickly. You can normally feel it building, sense that the emotions are slipping down the hill of control. It’s often times little things, the things that happen to us over a period of time that cause the volcanic eruption of anger and in many cases words that we wish we could take back. That’s just it though, once those words leave your mouth and fall upon the ears of those around you, the impact has been made. What makes it worse is when you can’t turn it off. Others often times will fire back with a volley of their own which only insights further degradation and stimulates the beast within to engage even more in the battle. Before you know it, you are in a full out war of words and the anger is out of control.
You and I both know that these outbursts demonstrate lack of control and should be avoided. We fully comprehend the destructive nature of losing our tempers, yet how often do you find yourself regaining your composure before the damage is done?
Peace, love and humility come from the Lord. These are not characteristics that are of the world, but of God. Inherent in each of us from the moment of our conception is the love from heaven and the peace of God Himself. From birth we begin a slow decline into the ways of the world, which can only lead us to unrighteousness, pain and suffering. We can watch the slippery slope of tolerance over the last 20 years through our acceptance of perversion, crude and lewd behavior, lack of respect for others and the selfishness that has become our human race. We’ve stood on the sidelines and watched as the media, movies, television, and the internet have invaded our homes with disgusting filth, language, and immoral behavior. We have accepted it as freedom of speech and allowed it to become commonplace. Who’s taking a stand against the onslaught and manipulation of our minds?
I hope it’s you. I hope as God fearing, loving Christians we are all taking a stand for truth and justice. The Holy Spirit dwells within you, and is in a constant battle for your awareness. It’s not a battle with Satan though, it’s your own mind. Your mind is filled with whatever those with the microphone want you to believe. Most of us are too busy to question or challenge the injustice in this world, and so we tolerate it and move on with our busyness. These messages, these images, these words and these lies are filling your mind and heart and challenging the very nature of the spirit the Lord has placed inside of you. You know right from wrong, good from evil and what unrighteousness looks like; yet we continually allow it to push God aside for the sake of our own interests.
James is telling us, from 2000 years ago, to focus on God’s word, the Holy Spirit and find the peace, love and righteousness that can only come from above. You will not find it from one another, from the media or the internet. It comes from the word of God and the relationship you have with the Father.
ACTION: Yesterday we learned that God is never changing – immutable. Today I am asking you to accept that as fact and realize that though the world might tell you that times have changed, God has not. God is the Alpha and Omega and everything in between. You need to focus today on reaching to Him for answers when you begin to feel the world’s pressure rising from within. Your life will not be simpler today than yesterday, but you need to draw upon His truths and love to deal with the emotions and boiling blood pressure. Think of a special verse, a music lyric or a simple prayer that can be on the tip of your tongue when you feel the anger growing. Recite this instead of releasing the anger and allow the Holy Spirit to calm you down again.
You and I both know that these outbursts demonstrate lack of control and should be avoided. We fully comprehend the destructive nature of losing our tempers, yet how often do you find yourself regaining your composure before the damage is done?
Peace, love and humility come from the Lord. These are not characteristics that are of the world, but of God. Inherent in each of us from the moment of our conception is the love from heaven and the peace of God Himself. From birth we begin a slow decline into the ways of the world, which can only lead us to unrighteousness, pain and suffering. We can watch the slippery slope of tolerance over the last 20 years through our acceptance of perversion, crude and lewd behavior, lack of respect for others and the selfishness that has become our human race. We’ve stood on the sidelines and watched as the media, movies, television, and the internet have invaded our homes with disgusting filth, language, and immoral behavior. We have accepted it as freedom of speech and allowed it to become commonplace. Who’s taking a stand against the onslaught and manipulation of our minds?
I hope it’s you. I hope as God fearing, loving Christians we are all taking a stand for truth and justice. The Holy Spirit dwells within you, and is in a constant battle for your awareness. It’s not a battle with Satan though, it’s your own mind. Your mind is filled with whatever those with the microphone want you to believe. Most of us are too busy to question or challenge the injustice in this world, and so we tolerate it and move on with our busyness. These messages, these images, these words and these lies are filling your mind and heart and challenging the very nature of the spirit the Lord has placed inside of you. You know right from wrong, good from evil and what unrighteousness looks like; yet we continually allow it to push God aside for the sake of our own interests.
James is telling us, from 2000 years ago, to focus on God’s word, the Holy Spirit and find the peace, love and righteousness that can only come from above. You will not find it from one another, from the media or the internet. It comes from the word of God and the relationship you have with the Father.
ACTION: Yesterday we learned that God is never changing – immutable. Today I am asking you to accept that as fact and realize that though the world might tell you that times have changed, God has not. God is the Alpha and Omega and everything in between. You need to focus today on reaching to Him for answers when you begin to feel the world’s pressure rising from within. Your life will not be simpler today than yesterday, but you need to draw upon His truths and love to deal with the emotions and boiling blood pressure. Think of a special verse, a music lyric or a simple prayer that can be on the tip of your tongue when you feel the anger growing. Recite this instead of releasing the anger and allow the Holy Spirit to calm you down again.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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