Watch Your Tongue

“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.  And like toothpaste, it can't be put back.  Then, others 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 a 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.

14 Days of Love – Day 6 – He Hates Me

“In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now.””  – Numbers 14:19

 

I have heard many people tell me they hope God forgives them, or that they hope they are good enough to get into heaven.  Lord knows I do not have all of the answers, but I truly believe that God forgives ALL sin, and not a single one of us will ever be good enough to get into heaven.  Thankfully, that’s not a requirement.  A good friend of mine once came forward and told me of some unbelievable things that he had done in his past.  He was completely wrought with shame and embarrassment, but even worse he was convinced that God hated him for what he had done.  His logic was deeply engrained from his upbringing, that God was an angry Father who required us to walk in perfect submission in order to be accepted.  The slightest stumble would cost him his salvation and he would spend eternity in hell.  Such confusion exists in so many hearts today that it makes it near impossible for people to truly understand the love of God the Father.

The question at the heart of these concerns is really a question of God’s anger.  We hear so much about Gods love that we often fail to consider that He does also get angry with mankind.  Consider the context of this scripture in Numbers.  God had brought His children out of Egypt to reach the promised land, flowing with milk and honey.  In Numbers 13 we find them at the precipice of entering the land of Canaan, that God had promised them.  At God’s request Moses sends 12 spies into the land to report back about the land and the people living there in.  They returned and reported that the land indeed flowed with milk and honey, but the people there were giants and much stronger.  Caleb and Joshua stepped forward and insisted that indeed the others were larger and stronger, but with God they could defeat them. The people demanded that Moses and Aaron not go into the land, and they accused the Lord of bringing them out of Egypt to die at the hands of these people.  This drew God’s anger upon the people.  Not because of their sin, but because of their denial.  They denied Him and His promise, despite the miracles and provisions He had given to them, they were still blind to His love for them.  In the above scripture we see Moses asking the Lord to forgive these people rather than put them all to death.  With the depth of God’s love, He forgives them, but does not forgo their punishment.  For their stubbornness and rebellion, they are not allowed to enter the promised land.  Joshua and Caleb will enter in, forty years later, after each and every one of the people who left Egypt had died in the desert.

Does God get angry?  Yes, when we deny Him and His glory.  Through His son Jesus Christ we are promised eternal life in heaven one day.  Just as the children coming out of Egypt, God has made a promise to those who will follow Him.  He promises that all of our sins are forgiven, lest one and that is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, as stated in Mark 3:29.  God does not promise that we will not endure hardships, pains and struggles in response to our sinful actions and choices in life.  He does promise to forgive our sins and by His grace allow us entry into heaven.  You see, you don’t deserve to go to heaven and you’ll never be good enough to make it either.

God provided a way for you though, by His grace, He gave us salvation through His son.  So put away the thoughts that you aren’t good enough, you’re not and can never be, but He offers His grace anyway.  Put away the thoughts that God can’t forgive your sin, He already did when Christ rose from the dead.  Put away that thought that God doesn’t love you because you are suffering or have trouble, He loves you beyond measure, but there are some things which you must grow from and become a stronger follower.  He wants your obedience, trust and love – it’s not that much to ask.

Prayer:
Loving Father,
Forgive us for our sinful nature.  Build within us a stronger heart for You and a desire to live within Your will.  We look to You for our wisdom and guidance, Thank you for Your grace.  In Your name we pray – Amen



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37 Days – A Promise of Peace

Pastor Randy’s devotional:

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

January 30^th Prayer:
Lord Jesus, circumstances, worries, and fears are all the giants standing on my promised land of peace. I receive my promise today and I speak peace over my life . . . my family. . . my finances . . . my children. I speak to the thought storms . . . stress storms . . . relationship storms . . . emotional storms: “Peace, and be still!” Thank You for promising me peace today. I know that He who promised peace is faithful! In Jesus’ name!

My thoughts:

In these troubling times, how can we find peace of mind and heart?  I look around and see anger, frustration, hatred, greed and envy.  The rapid pace of the daily life often times gets the best of me and I find myself chasing the problems in this world rather than pursuing the peace that is promised in the scriptures.  Are there people in this world that live in joy, happiness, hope and humility?  Absolutely, and it is those individuals that have found the peace found in God alone.

People are searching for peace.  It’s been going on for centuries and yet we still find ourselves seeking, longing and striving in our quest.  Each day, I hear of the anger people have for one another because of our difference of opinion, because of our skin color, because of our gender or because someone has made different choices in life.  The media frustrates me, it brings out the worst in people and propagates the message of separation in society.  When analyzed this message, this philosophy stems from a philosophy of self-centeredness, self-interests and hierarchical goodness, rather than equality and humility. 

By looking at the world around us, we cannot find peace.  By looking at our own life experience and choices, we cannot find peace.  By looking at celebrities, sports heros, musicians, politicians or successful executives, we see the image they want us to see, but here again, we won’t find peace through them.  Jesus Christ came to this world and gave us a way of salvation, and a path to righteousness so that we may enter into eternity and find peace with God the Father. 

In observing and studying His life and His purpose, we can find peace.  The peace is not around us though, the peace is in knowing that this is nothing more than a micro-dot on an infinitely long timeline.  Peace comes when we stand before the Lord and enter into His Kingdom.  No fear, no anger, no judgement, no jealousy, no self-desire, no envy, guilt or hatred – only love – perfect love for the Father and all others.

Be Blessed,

Rich

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It's not About You

The self interest that is within each of us drives our decisions, our reactions and our choices in any given situation. It's inherent in our human nature to want the best for ourselves and our families and in most cases we are willing to go to battle for those things when confronted. 

We need to take a look at the bigger picture though. Just because we believe something is best for our family, doesn't mean that it is. We have limited knowledge and as such we are constrained in our ability to see what may ultimately come from these decisions. Who might get hurt, what dynamics around us are impacted because of decisions we make? 

God is all-knowing and all-seeing. He alone has a perspective that can see the end before the beginning. What we must learn to do is rely on His knowledge, wisdom and guidance; and put aside our own desires and interests. 

God is not a Santa Claus though and just because we want something doesn't mean it will come to pass. He alone knows what is good and righteous and kingdom building. We are often found taking the blessings provided by God and using them to satisfy our own needs without expanding His kingdom at all. 

Can you imagine that if everyone who prayed to win the LOTTO actually won. The payout would be only slightly more than the cost of the ticket. God's hand is not in the LOTTO drawing. God is into blessing those that will share that blessing with others, and become a stronger servant as a result of doing so. 

Few men have this characteristic, mind you, and often those that do are quiet in the shadows, unknown to you and I. A braggart is doing nothing but trying to draw attention to themselves. Focus on going to the Lord with sincerity in your heart and asking to be blessed, that you might share that blessing with others, all the while giving Him the glory.

" What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:1-3

You can't hide

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:8-9

It is so easy to justify our actions at times, and create the illusion that everything is ok. If you are like me, you are really good at putting on the false impression that life is good when you are breaking inside. How many of us have been in the middle of an argument when the phone rings. Picking up the phone the attitude changes, the voice changes and the pleasantries come out. Most of the time it's pretty easy to deceive others into believing that everything is just fine.

The problem is that when we try this with God it doesn't work. I chuckle as I think about the times in my life when I have tried to put on the righteous face for prayer time, when I know my heart is bitter, angry or hurting. How silly of us to think that God doesn't really know what's going on inside of our hearts and minds. I believe it is His desire to hear us bring that before Him, and seek His help in forgiving or dealing with our problems. You need to realize something, there is nothing, yes nothing, that you can bring before God that is going to make Him stand back in amazement or disgust. He created you, and before you drew your first breath, He knew you. 

Do you believe that? Do you believe that God created you? If so, than you must also believe that the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth is not surprised when you have done something wrong. After all, what makes you any different than the 20 billion or so people that have come and gone on this earth over the several thousand years since Adam and Eve were in the garden? Is there something different about you that no other human being in history other than Jesus Christ himself has possessed? Face it, you're not coming up with any original sins. The things you struggle with, I struggle with and so do millions of others. The key for you to realize as a confessed believer in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, you have the power and authority to bring those sins to God Almighty, with a heart of true repentance and receive complete forgiveness. Yes, complete forgiveness.

God promises us in Psalm 103:12, "as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." So here is your geography challenge for the day. If God throws your sins as far as the east is from the west, how far would you have to travel to retrieve that sin? Folks, (tongue in cheek) we all have a long way to go to overcome our sinful nature, and walk perfectly in God's eyes. As a matter of fact - you never will, so quit deceiving yourself. Take a few moments each day to come before God with a repentant heart, seeking righteousness, and truly ask for forgiveness. In doing so, God removes the unrighteousness as stated here in 1 John. Try it tonight before you go to bed. Stay strong and be blessed. 

Sometimes It is Hard to Do

“Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” – 2 Corinthians 2:10-11

I am one of those that tend to hold a grudge, are you?  When it becomes obvious that another person has chosen to intentionally wrong me, I struggle to find the grace to forgive them and move on.  The inherent pride and desire of my heart though is to cause my adversary to experience pain similar to that which I have experienced.  I believe it’s in our human nature to seek justice against those that have wronged us.  The problem comes in that we lose focus on who is in control of justice and what true justice actually means.

The Lord tells us in Leviticus 19:18, “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”  I fully embrace the fact that God is looking out for me.  As a follower of Jesus Christ I am comfortable that He is my provider, my defender and my strength.  When we desire for others to stumble and to fall as a point of declaring justice for their wrong doing, we are in essence seeking unrighteousness upon them.  But have you considered that it is not just going to negatively impact the other person, but you as well?

By seeking retribution against others we are taking the situation from God Almighty and claiming that we know better than He does, how to deal with it.  We are actually introducing unrighteousness into our own lives by driving a wedge between God and ourselves.  This desire to control the outcome of a situation gives Satan an opportunity to introduce evil behavior into the situation.  As hard as it is most times to sit back and let God have control, that is exactly what we are asked to do in these circumstances. 

Have faith and trust that every action against you as a child of God, is an action against God himself.  When we read in Romans 12:19, “Do not revenge…”It is mine to avenge, I will repay,” says the Lord”  we must trust that He is Sovereign and will indeed bring those that have wronged you to justice in His own timing.  You may never see the vengeance acted out, and you may never be the benefactor of the justice in that situation; but you can be confident that the Lord is going to deal with it.

Praying for and forgiving the other person is the righteous thing to do.  I’m not saying it is easy, because it’s not, but it will strengthen you, help you get past the situation, and keep your spirit focused on God where it should be, and not on the temporary things of this life.  Think eternally when you begin feeling anger, spite and vengeance toward another.  You will see, how it helps put everything in a God perspective.

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Love – The Pursuit of Peace

Make 2014 a year of Sharing

“But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” – Psalm 86:15

If you recall in Genesis 6, God looked down upon the earth and saw the corruptness and wickedness of mankind and chose to “wipe them from the face of the earth”; except of course, Noah and his family.  God’s love for mankind was that they live within His provision and enjoy life both here and in eternity, but we have plenty of examples that when He is angered His wrath is unrelenting.  David was a mighty warrior for God while he was King of Israel.  He was known for his leadership, his wisdom and his willingness to trust in God without reservation.  Throughout the Old Testament we are reminded that God is a jealous, vengeful God and willing to “smite” entire armies and communities when they are opposed to His plan for the Israelites.  King David was no exception to doing to the Lord’s work and carrying out the plan of God’s wrath upon those who would oppose His love and plans for the children of Israel.

Yet, at the same time David was capable of seeing the Lord for who He was, loving, compassionate and gracious to those who loved and followed Him.  The emergence of Jesus Christ was yet a thousand years away when David wrote many of the Psalms.  His identity was so connected to the Lord though, that He knew the plans the Lord had for mankind were plans of love, grace and compassion.  His faith had wavered, and he had blatantly sinned against God on many occasions.  This gave him a strong understanding of the forgiving compassion and love of the Father.  Despite his waywardness, the Lord was always there to set him back on the path of righteousness. 

Jesus came to the earth as God’s provision for mankind from that point forward.  The fact that mankind is inherently sinful and lost to unrighteousness was evident in the children of Israel at the time.  So in His deepest act of love for us and seeing that no man was capable of overcoming this unrighteousness alone, He provided the sacrificial lamb Himself.  In doing so, exemplified the compassion, the grace and the love that embodies His very being.  Even though we do not deserve forgiveness or eternal peace, in His grace He has provided the means to receive it. 

David saw this side of God even before Jesus Christ came as our provision.  The relationship between David and God is a treasure to behold.  So, when he writes of the Lord’s compassion, grace and love we need to take note and learn from it.  For this man, like you and I, was born in sin, struggled mightily with temptations and the lust of the flesh.  Yet, he realized that this life is only temporary and that his eternal life with God the Father was of most importance.  He pursued God in a manner that we ought to desire, and in doing so, also come to realize the depth of God’s love is not in the emotions of this life, but in the eternal life awaiting us.  Praise be to God for His loving plan of salvation.

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Learning Patience

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“And my soul is greatly dismayed; But You, O Lord—how long?” – Psalm 6:3

There are days when my mind is filled with love, joy and happiness; an excitement to take on the challenges of the day and to see what lies before.  This is not one of those days.  My soul is sad, my heart is heavy and my mind is filled with questions, concern and worry.  I realize that the Lord is with me and watching over the steps that my feet will trod, but I struggle to trust that He is truly with me.  I am reminded of a Beatles song from the Sgt. Peppers Lonely Heart Club Band, the lyrics go something like this:

I read the news today oh, boy
About a lucky man who made the grade
and though the news was rather sad
Well, I just had to laugh
I saw the photograph
He blew his mind out in a car
He didn’t notice that the light had changed
A crowd of people stood and stared
They’d seen his face before
nobody was really sure that he was from the house of lords.

The world has become fascinated with the wickedness, the evil and the unrighteousness.  The headlines on a daily basis is about death, destruction, calamity and the perverse nature of our society.  We marvel at the sexual escapades of our celebrities and dignitaries, yet turn a blind eye to those who are trying to bring order and sanctity back into our lives.  The news anchors fill the six o’clock hour with the latest shooting, bombing or act of terrorism as if they are discussing the weather.  Have we truly become so hardened to the precious commodity of life that we are not brought to tears and mourning over the lives that are destroyed each day across this nation. 

I am convinced that my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is coming back one day to save us all from destroying ourselves.  In that day, we will be joined with Him for eternity and finally free from the poison of this world in which we live.  The wickedness that exists will cease and the fears, tears and mourning will come to an end.  The anger and concern that boils up inside of me on a daily basis will be brought to a peaceful calmness that resides only in His presence. 

I long for you, Jesus Christ, to come.  I long to be in Your presence and feel Your arm around my shoulder bringing me home.  I long to hear Your whisper in my ear of the love of the Father, and the glory of His name.  I dreadfully long to see Your face before me in the glorious radiance of the sun, filling the atmosphere around us.  Just as David called out to You, oh God, I call out to Your for peace in my soul and rest for my heart.  Fill me once again with Your strength and wisdom to take on this day and to shine Your light to others.

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Pursuing Hope

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32
Mankind is inherently sinful.  We all know this from our youth and having been taught as children, from our parents and Sunday School teachers.  We are also taught the Golden Rule; can everyone say it with me:  “Treat others as you would like to be treated.”  It’s pretty basic when you really come down to it.  There is very little wiggle room and when it is followed, most people can generally get along.  Yet, there is something inside of us that at times, bubbles up and comes forth with wickedness and hatred for another, and we allow it to overcome our better judgment to treat others as you would like to be treated.  When my son started Kindergarten, the principle pulled the entire student body together on the first day of school and laid out this same guidelines for the students to abide in; he also added to it the Thumper Rule.  You all remember Thumper right?  He was the cute little bunny on Bambi, who pretty much said whatever was on his mind without considering the consequences or the impact to another person’s feelings.  The Thumper Rule goes like this: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” 

Put these two rules together and you have a basic formula for co-existence in this life.  Treat others with kindness, generosity, love and forgiveness.  Keep your words in check and don’t slander others behind their back or in front of them.  This life is difficult and we are all pressing hard to make it through each day.  When we treat others with disrespect, callousness and resentment it only serves to create more animosity and strife in the relationship.  I personally believe we are here on this earth to help one another, to demonstrate love, hospitality and forgiveness to others as we all try to make it through each day.  Words, actions and anger do nothing but fuel the separation of individuals from this purpose in life.  In turn this creates bitterness and unforgiveness to fester and we fall farther and farther from the representation of God’s love to each other.

This life is not about today, or tomorrow.  It is about the whole and the opportunity to share His gospel with others, through the way we represent His love and peace in our daily walk.  It’s about leaving a legacy of truthfulness, integrity, love, humility and generosity for those who will carry on after we are long gone.  Hope for something better than what we have today is what binds us together as a human race, all striving for peaceful co-existence.  Without hope, we have no love, we have no future and we have no reason for following the Golden Rule or the Thumper Rule.  For without hope for a better tomorrow; who cares who you might offend, anger or step on today.  Living life in love, peace and pursuit of happiness for you and those around you will inspire you to continue down this path of hope for a better future together as mankind.  I hope you are able to consider the big picture of life in your day to day activities and forgive those who have wronged you and ask forgiveness of those you have wronged.  Don’t make this life any more difficult than it already is, and strive to help others simplify and improve upon their life as much as you can.

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Why Lord, Why?

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace," – Romans 8:6

  Morning comes again and the clock, in it’s most annoying tone, awakens his old bones.  He swings his legs from the bed and runs his hands through his thinning hair.  Finding his glasses on the night stand, he closes his eyes and slides them over the bridge of his nose and behind his ears.  There, now he can, at least, see the floor without stepping on anything.  Ever since she died he had failed to tidy up the place and had lost energy to even make it past the front door of their small home in the hillside of their community.  A month or so had passed, and he questioned why even get up in the morning, what was there to look forward too.  The children had long since left, back to their homes and families; and her sister never even came for the funeral.  For 62 years he had woken up next to her and placed his lips upon hers to start the day.  Now, it was just him, and the quietness was deafening. 

  In the corner of the room on the dresser he saw her Bible.  Worn, torn and aged.  He recalled the hundreds of times she would have sat in that rocking chair in the corner with that book open, deep in prayer about one of the children, or the bills, or the ladies at the church.  She carried it with her everywhere she went and often times would be found with her nose buried in it while sitting at the park or at a stoplight in town.  Countless times she had tried to tell him about Jesus, but in his stubbornness, he waved her off and went on about his chores around the yard and the barn.  He picked up the Bible, held it in his hands and looked heavenward.  “Why did you take her from me?  She was all I had.”, he screamed.

Inherently, he knew there was a God, and that his Esther was up there with Him.  His Momma had preached and prayed over him as a child, and his wife as an adult.  His Daddy had nothing to do with religion and went to his grave cursing God over a broken bottle of whiskey.  What was he supposed to do now?  Who could he turn to in order to better understand this Jesus and the story of salvation.  He sat down in her rocking chair, and lowering his head into his hands, he sobbed.  He grieved over his loss, but also over his selfishness and callousness throughout their marriage.  What would happen to him?  Would he ever see her again?  How does one gain eternal life?  Questions raced through his mind.  His motives were selfish once again though.  He wanted to see his wife in heaven, he wasn’t seeking the King of Kings.  The phone rang.  It was the local Pastor checking up on him to see if he needed anything from the grocery store.  Imagine that; God’s perfect timing once again displayed in the present.

This could have been any farm house in any city in any country around the globe on any given day of the week.  There are those who serve Jesus Christ every day of their life, faithfully, strong and lovingly.  Then there are those who can only come to Jesus in the direst of times, at the bottom of a pit, the rock bottom.  Sometimes God uses a death to change someone’s life forever.  We will never grasp the reality of that, but it is so true in so many circumstances. 

  Who are you praying for?  Who are you sharing the gospel with?  If you suddenly passed away tomorrow, would there be enough evidence with those around you to know without a doubt that you were in heaven?  What are you doing to help those around you come to know Jesus?  Why don’t you think it’s important enough to stop what you’re doing and call them?  I am challenging you today to make a difference in the world.  I’m not talking about going to work, and sitting at a desk or working on the line to make money for your company and put food on your table.  Why aren’t you doing something grand for Him with the one life He gave you?

Let it be known when you pass away that you served, you loved, you preached and you prayed for everyone around you, such that they may also be in heaven with you one day.  It’s important enough to set your other priorities aside for a little while.

             

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Be Gentle in Love

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“You have given me the shield of your salvation. Your right hand supports me; your gentleness has made me great.” - Psalm 18:35

While she ran through the streets, they tormented and chased after her.  Her eyes were filled with tears and her mind rushed with the fear for her very life.  She came around the corner and realized that she had come to a dead end.  The walls that boxed her in on 3 sides were tall and impossible to scale.  Her persecutors quickly caught up with her and formed a human wall across the only opening, blocking her path of escape.  As she cowered in the corner, the men began to assemble, removing their coats and gather stones about them.  Their anger resounded throughout the streets, and their eyes were black with venom as they spat insults and accusations at the young woman.  Then one man stepped forward and knelt down near the side wall.  His eyes were different than those around him, soft, gentle and warm.

  Immediately, their attention was drawn to this man. They asked the man, “What shall we do with her?”  No anger, no cynicism; he wisely replied, “If any of you are without sin, let him throw the first stone.”  Causing them to re-evaluate their circumstances and their own lust filled, deceitful heart, until they all walked away.  He proceeded to forgive her sins and send her on her way (John 8:3-11).  A protector, a supporter and a gentle comforter, Jesus Christ came to bring salvation to all mankind.

  As a father of 5, and a grandfather, there have been numerous opportunities when one of my children stood before me heartbroken, ashamed and embarrassed for something they had done.  When these events have come upon our household we have to make immediate decisions on how to react.  There are two choices: 1) Condemnation and anger, laying guilt and shame down upon my own child; or 2) Cradle them to my chest, comfort, love and discipline with compassion, while reassuring them of their value and forgiving the action.  To which of these do you believe results in a positive influence on their lifestory?  I’m sure you recognize the obvious answer to the question is #2.  Through loving comfort, discipline and forgiveness we have the opportunity to build a stronger character in our children.  I can personally state that I know gentleness leads to love. 

  Albeit` through a non-physical presence we know that God the Father loves us in this way.  I feel His love, His gentle strength and His forgiveness in my life when I screw up. His word is true and promises our salvation and the redemption of our sins, if we will only give it to Him through an acceptance of His Son, Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  I draw upon His word as my shield in times when I am faced with troubles, and grasp His right hand to pull me out of the mire.  Praise God for His grace and gentle loving guidance in our lives.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father,
  We come today Lord seeking Your loving grace, Your gentleness and strength; Your peace and mercy as was promised within Your Word. We claim our rights to Your spirit of salvation and glorious redemption, and ask that You convict each of us to focus on those areas in our life where we need to put on Your gentleness in dealing with others. Help us to be authentic representatives of Your Son, Jesus Christ throughout our life. For it is in Your Name I pray - Amen  

             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
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Bible Study – James (day 7)

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“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.     

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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