A Useful Vessel
So whoever cleanses himself (from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact wih contaminating and corrupting influences) will (then himself) be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work. 2 Timothy 2:21
The Bible refers to us as earthen vessels
2 Corinthians 4:7 Yet we who have this spiritual treasure are like common clay pots, in order to show that the supreme power belongs to God, not to us.
We are made of clay
Isaiah 64:8 But you are our father, Lord. We are like clay, and you are like the potter. You created us,
God formed Adam out of the dirt
Genesis 2:7 Then the Lord God took some soil from the ground and formed a man out of it; he breathed life-giving breath into his nostrils and the man began to live.
and King David said, "Remember Lord, that I am but dust"
Psalm 103:14 He knows what we are made of; he remembers that we are dust.
When we fill ourselves with God's Word, we become containers of His blessing, ready to be poured out for His use. God can even use cracked pots! We are all valuable to the Lord. We can offer His truth to people everywhere we go.
Read God's Word before you go about your routine today, and see how many people you can bless with the truth of His love.
Show Jesus
And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another (readily and freely), as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
I hope to show to everyone I meet the character of Jesus through my words an actions. I pray that everyone who contacts any ministry team will say: " Those people are full of Jesus. They are patient, kind, and sweet."
We are containers capable of being filled to overflowing with the Spirit of Jesus, who dwells in our hearts. If we understand that everywhere we go we can demonstrated His character and virtue, we will be as the Word says- lights in a dark world
Philippians 2:15 so that you may be innocent and pure as God's perfect children, who live in a world of corrupt and sinful people. You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky,
Jesus called us the salt of the earth
Matthew 5:13 You are like salt for all mankind. But if salt loses its saltiness, there is no way to make it salty again. It has become worthless, so it is thrown out and people trample on it.
Salt gives flavor to what is otherwise bland or tasteless. Be salt today-at home, at your job, wherever you go.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Friday, April 24, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Day 22, April
Live to Full Potential
For you are becoming progressively acquainted with and recognizing more strongly and clearly the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (His kindness, His gracious generosity, His undeserved favor and spiritual blessing), (in) that though He was (so very) rich, yet for your sakes He became (so very) poor, in order that by His poverty you might become enriched (abundantly supplied). 2 Corinthians 8:9
I used to wake up feeling guilty and condemned. I was full of judgment and criticism for every little mistake I made. But that outlook creates pressure inside of us that is apt to explode in the face of the first person who comes around.
If you struggle this way, begin your day by reading the Word. Knowledge of God's mercy and forgiveness is vital in learning to love yourself so that you can love others. Live today to its fullest potential.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
For you are becoming progressively acquainted with and recognizing more strongly and clearly the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (His kindness, His gracious generosity, His undeserved favor and spiritual blessing), (in) that though He was (so very) rich, yet for your sakes He became (so very) poor, in order that by His poverty you might become enriched (abundantly supplied). 2 Corinthians 8:9
I used to wake up feeling guilty and condemned. I was full of judgment and criticism for every little mistake I made. But that outlook creates pressure inside of us that is apt to explode in the face of the first person who comes around.
If you struggle this way, begin your day by reading the Word. Knowledge of God's mercy and forgiveness is vital in learning to love yourself so that you can love others. Live today to its fullest potential.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Day 18,19,20,21 April
Some Things Never Happen
You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
Many times we get upset about things that never happen. Satan likes to get us anxious about things that are not even real problems. Jesus said, " The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)" (John 10:10)
The Bible says that the kingdom of God is internal righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost
Romans 14:17 For God's Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness, peace and joy which the Holy Spirit gives.
When we make Jesus Lord of our heart, we have joy in our lives. Satan has no right to steal from you today, so enjoy the good life that Jesus paid for you to have.
Love Yourself
Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor (who practices loving others) has fulfilled the Law (relating to one's fellowmen, meeting all its requirements). Romans 13:8
Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself"
Matthew 22:39 The second most important commandment is like it :'Love your neighbour as you love yourself.'
So we need a healthy respect for ourself if we want to enjoy our relationships with other people. If we don't have a balanced love for ourselves, it is difficult to love others. Life is no fun if we can't enjoy other people, because they are everywhere we go!
Sometimes it is difficult to get along with people because they seem so different from us, but it is our differences that make us need one another. God designed us to need each other's friendships and talents. Do something nice for someone today. Let someone know that you appreciate him or her.
Get Along with Others
But the meek (in the end) shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Psalm 37:11
We can learn to get along with people. It is especially important to learn to get along with our immediate family members and coworkers. There are many informative books about personality differences to help us understand why people feel and act the way they do. Understanding helps to smooth over strained relationships.
People make decisions differently. Some give an immediate answer, while others want time to think about things first. Try to understand the people you will see today. Ask God to show you ways to get along with them. He will give you favor as you trust in Him.
Positive Change
Bear (endure, carry) one another's burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking (in your obedience to it). Galatians 6:2
Our happiness and joy are not dependent on wheter or not other people do what we want them to do. We may never be able to influence anyone else to do what we think is right. But with God's help, we can change ourselves to bring about the results we want in life.
I have discovered that if I changed in a positive way, and if it is a permanent and stable change, it almost always provokes change in the people around me. if you want your life to be different, ask God to show you how you need to change. Accept others for who they are, and see how God works in you to complete your joy.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
Many times we get upset about things that never happen. Satan likes to get us anxious about things that are not even real problems. Jesus said, " The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)" (John 10:10)
The Bible says that the kingdom of God is internal righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost
Romans 14:17 For God's Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness, peace and joy which the Holy Spirit gives.
When we make Jesus Lord of our heart, we have joy in our lives. Satan has no right to steal from you today, so enjoy the good life that Jesus paid for you to have.
Love Yourself
Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor (who practices loving others) has fulfilled the Law (relating to one's fellowmen, meeting all its requirements). Romans 13:8
Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself"
Matthew 22:39 The second most important commandment is like it :'Love your neighbour as you love yourself.'
So we need a healthy respect for ourself if we want to enjoy our relationships with other people. If we don't have a balanced love for ourselves, it is difficult to love others. Life is no fun if we can't enjoy other people, because they are everywhere we go!
Sometimes it is difficult to get along with people because they seem so different from us, but it is our differences that make us need one another. God designed us to need each other's friendships and talents. Do something nice for someone today. Let someone know that you appreciate him or her.
Get Along with Others
But the meek (in the end) shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Psalm 37:11
We can learn to get along with people. It is especially important to learn to get along with our immediate family members and coworkers. There are many informative books about personality differences to help us understand why people feel and act the way they do. Understanding helps to smooth over strained relationships.
People make decisions differently. Some give an immediate answer, while others want time to think about things first. Try to understand the people you will see today. Ask God to show you ways to get along with them. He will give you favor as you trust in Him.
Positive Change
Bear (endure, carry) one another's burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking (in your obedience to it). Galatians 6:2
Our happiness and joy are not dependent on wheter or not other people do what we want them to do. We may never be able to influence anyone else to do what we think is right. But with God's help, we can change ourselves to bring about the results we want in life.
I have discovered that if I changed in a positive way, and if it is a permanent and stable change, it almost always provokes change in the people around me. if you want your life to be different, ask God to show you how you need to change. Accept others for who they are, and see how God works in you to complete your joy.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Friday, April 17, 2009
Day 17, April
God Gives Us All We Need
And they who know Your name (who have experience and aquaintance with Your mercy) will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for) You (on the autority of God's Word and the right of their necessity). Psalm 9:10
In His Word God has given us the tools we need to help us through each new day. He has given us " the garment of praise for the spirit of haviness" (Isaiah 61:3 KJV). So, when you wake up in the morning, decided that no matter what happens, you will not be depressed today.
Put on the garment of praise first thing in the morning. Listen to worshipful music, read the Word, and renew your thoughts to bring them into line with what God says you are -- righteous and blessed. You can think right, talk right, and act right all day, if you spend time with God before trials come your way.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
And they who know Your name (who have experience and aquaintance with Your mercy) will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for) You (on the autority of God's Word and the right of their necessity). Psalm 9:10
In His Word God has given us the tools we need to help us through each new day. He has given us " the garment of praise for the spirit of haviness" (Isaiah 61:3 KJV). So, when you wake up in the morning, decided that no matter what happens, you will not be depressed today.
Put on the garment of praise first thing in the morning. Listen to worshipful music, read the Word, and renew your thoughts to bring them into line with what God says you are -- righteous and blessed. You can think right, talk right, and act right all day, if you spend time with God before trials come your way.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Day 16 April
Be a Blessing
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. Isaiah 26:3
Galatians 6:10 says, "Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith." Second Corinthians 10:5 speaks of casting down imaginations and every high and lofty thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. In other words, keep (set) your mind on God's promises and on what is relevant to His plan for your life.
Don't let your mind be taken captive by the enemy. Instead, " lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ." Decide to be a blessing to everyone you meet today. Forgive anyone who has hurt you, and leave unreselved circumstances in God's hands. Don't use today to relive yesterday. Say, " I am moving forward today, in Jesus' name."
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. Isaiah 26:3
Galatians 6:10 says, "Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith." Second Corinthians 10:5 speaks of casting down imaginations and every high and lofty thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. In other words, keep (set) your mind on God's promises and on what is relevant to His plan for your life.
Don't let your mind be taken captive by the enemy. Instead, " lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ." Decide to be a blessing to everyone you meet today. Forgive anyone who has hurt you, and leave unreselved circumstances in God's hands. Don't use today to relive yesterday. Say, " I am moving forward today, in Jesus' name."
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Day 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15 April
Today May Be " One Of Those Days"
Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, keeping trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength! 1 Corinthians 16:13
Have you ever had " one of those days" where nothing went right, yet you were hesitant to pray because you didn't know where God might lead you? God won't always ask you to do something; sometimes He just wants to talk to you.
If He does ask you to do something, He will anoint you to do it. You will enjoy the presence of His power, and someone will be blessed by your obedience. Those are the best days of your life. Take time to pray this morning. Today may be " one of those days" that God has a special assignment for you.
Praise God
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name! Psalm 100:4
There are many opportunities to praise God throughout the day. If thankfulness for your many blessings suddenly rises in your heart, stop right then and tell the Lord how grateful you are for all He has given you.
Say, " I worship You, Lord, for You are worthy to be praised. I need You, and I just want to tell You that I love You. Thank You, Father, for everything."
Then go on with what you are doing as if it is for Him. You will be amazed at how much fun everyday life becomes in the presence of the Lord.
Be Fully Satisfied
Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God. (Growing in grace) they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap (of spiritual vitality) and (rich in the ) verdure (of trust, love, and contentment). Psalm 92:13-14
Many people pursue possessions and awards to satisfy their inner need for contentment. But we can be fully satisfied in lean times and in times of abundance, wheter we abase or abound (see Philippians 4:12), when we learn to enjoy fellowship with the Lord as soon as we wake up.
Before you are fully awake, you can start talking to God. Just thank Him for seeing you through yesterday, and for being with you today. Praise Him for providing for you, and for working out all the situations in your life for your good.
Ask Him to make you aware of His presence all day long. Peace fills your heart when you mind is on the Lord. Nothing is more satisfying than walking with God.
Have a Glad Heart
From the fruit of his words a man shall be satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hands shall come back to him (as a harvest). Proverbs 12:14
I used to live with an ongoing sense of dread until I asked God to show me what was wrong. He spoke the words " evil forebodings", and then showed me His word concerning this subject: " All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil (by anxious thoughts and forebodings), but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast (regardless of circumstances)" (Proverbs 15:15)
Anxious thoughts make the day evil. If you expect to have a dismal day, you will be unpleasant yourself. Evil forebondings ruin the day, but faith makes the heart glad and brings miraculous results. If you want to have a good day, raise your expectations to be in line with God's Word.
Don't Dread It
The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor. Proverbs 12:24
Don't spend your day looking for something easy to do instead of tackling the hard things that need to be done. Do the hard things first, theons you dislike the most, and get them out of the way. For example, don't look at your distasteful jobs and think, I will do those later. The hard tasks will nag at you all day long and drain your energy for doing the things you want to do.
The spirit of passivity will rob you of productive energy, but you have the power of God in you to overcome procrastination. Pray and ask God to help you finish the tasks you have been dreading. Work on what is important first, and soon they will no longer be ruling or ruining you day.
Have Confidence in God
No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promist of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised. Romans 4:20-21
No one believed David could defeat the giant, but David wasn't discouraged. David had sought the Lord early, which gave him confidence in God to do what he was supposed to do that day. When David killed Goliath, he ran quickly to the battlefild and proclaimed victory in the name of the living God (1 Samuel 17:20-54)
People who rise early and seek God go forth to do what they must do with courage. Ask God for confidence to slay any giants in your life that have set themselves against God's plan for you.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, keeping trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength! 1 Corinthians 16:13
Have you ever had " one of those days" where nothing went right, yet you were hesitant to pray because you didn't know where God might lead you? God won't always ask you to do something; sometimes He just wants to talk to you.
If He does ask you to do something, He will anoint you to do it. You will enjoy the presence of His power, and someone will be blessed by your obedience. Those are the best days of your life. Take time to pray this morning. Today may be " one of those days" that God has a special assignment for you.
Praise God
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name! Psalm 100:4
There are many opportunities to praise God throughout the day. If thankfulness for your many blessings suddenly rises in your heart, stop right then and tell the Lord how grateful you are for all He has given you.
Say, " I worship You, Lord, for You are worthy to be praised. I need You, and I just want to tell You that I love You. Thank You, Father, for everything."
Then go on with what you are doing as if it is for Him. You will be amazed at how much fun everyday life becomes in the presence of the Lord.
Be Fully Satisfied
Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God. (Growing in grace) they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap (of spiritual vitality) and (rich in the ) verdure (of trust, love, and contentment). Psalm 92:13-14
Many people pursue possessions and awards to satisfy their inner need for contentment. But we can be fully satisfied in lean times and in times of abundance, wheter we abase or abound (see Philippians 4:12), when we learn to enjoy fellowship with the Lord as soon as we wake up.
Before you are fully awake, you can start talking to God. Just thank Him for seeing you through yesterday, and for being with you today. Praise Him for providing for you, and for working out all the situations in your life for your good.
Ask Him to make you aware of His presence all day long. Peace fills your heart when you mind is on the Lord. Nothing is more satisfying than walking with God.
Have a Glad Heart
From the fruit of his words a man shall be satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hands shall come back to him (as a harvest). Proverbs 12:14
I used to live with an ongoing sense of dread until I asked God to show me what was wrong. He spoke the words " evil forebodings", and then showed me His word concerning this subject: " All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil (by anxious thoughts and forebodings), but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast (regardless of circumstances)" (Proverbs 15:15)
Anxious thoughts make the day evil. If you expect to have a dismal day, you will be unpleasant yourself. Evil forebondings ruin the day, but faith makes the heart glad and brings miraculous results. If you want to have a good day, raise your expectations to be in line with God's Word.
Don't Dread It
The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor. Proverbs 12:24
Don't spend your day looking for something easy to do instead of tackling the hard things that need to be done. Do the hard things first, theons you dislike the most, and get them out of the way. For example, don't look at your distasteful jobs and think, I will do those later. The hard tasks will nag at you all day long and drain your energy for doing the things you want to do.
The spirit of passivity will rob you of productive energy, but you have the power of God in you to overcome procrastination. Pray and ask God to help you finish the tasks you have been dreading. Work on what is important first, and soon they will no longer be ruling or ruining you day.
Have Confidence in God
No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promist of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised. Romans 4:20-21
No one believed David could defeat the giant, but David wasn't discouraged. David had sought the Lord early, which gave him confidence in God to do what he was supposed to do that day. When David killed Goliath, he ran quickly to the battlefild and proclaimed victory in the name of the living God (1 Samuel 17:20-54)
People who rise early and seek God go forth to do what they must do with courage. Ask God for confidence to slay any giants in your life that have set themselves against God's plan for you.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Thursday, April 9, 2009
How to deal with wrath?
Steven Ooi
James 1:20 Man's anger does not achieve God's righteous purpose.
Colossians 3:8 But now you must get rid of all these things : anger, passion, and hateful feelings. No insult or obscene talk must ever come from your lips.
Of all the 7 sin, anger is the most dangerous
If uncontrolled, it can lead to disastrous results!
Christlike life
anger is an emotion that is part of human experience
James 1:19-20 Remember this, my dear brothers! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry.
(He didn't say don't become angry, but slow to anger)
Ephesians 4:26-27 If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day. Don't give the Devil a chance.
(In Your anger, do not sin)
God gave anger for good reasons
The goal in the believer's life is to learn how to express it appropriately
ppl do get angry
Nehemiah 13:23-25 At that time I also discovered that many of the Jewish men had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. Half their chidren spoke the language of Ashdod or some other language and didn't know how to speak our language. I reprimanded the men, called down curses on them, beat them, and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath in God's name that never again would they or their children intermarry with foreigners.
(I rebuke, call curses, beat, pull hair)
1. Angry can be a normal response
2. Angry is the right response - we should get angry when..: abortion, pornography, drunk drivers
*Moses was also angry when they made a golden calf
*Jesus was justified wen the Pharisess accused for working on the Sabbath
Anger can lead into sin
*Never be out of control
Anger is an act of sinful nature & can be hurtful to self and others.
Galatians 5:19-21 What human nature does it quiet plain. It shows itself in immoral, filthy, and indecentactions; in worship of idols and withcraft. People become enemies and they fight; they become jealous, angry and ambitious. They separate into parties and groups; they are envious, get drunk, have orgies, and do other things like these. I warn you now as I have before : those who do these things will not posess the Kingdom of God.
(Fits of rage)
Unmity- to be angry at someone for no good reason- must not be part of believers reaction
Colossians 3:8 But now you must get rid of all these things : anger, passion, and hateful feelings. No insults or obscene talk must ever come from your lips.
(anger, rage)
Anger - not controlled well will lead into depression
How do you express it without sinning?
Anger becomes sinful when it motivates/directs us to the wrong direction.
Don't use as an occasion to sin.
When you get angry
1. You can nurse it
2. You can manage it
Proverbs 30:33 If you churn mike, you get butter. If you hit someone's nose, it bleeds. If you stir up anger, you get into trouble
(so stiring up anger produces strife)
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer quietens anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.
(A gentle answer turns away wrath (manage anger)
(harsh words stirs up anger ( nursing anger)
Joseph 10 bro nurse anger by selling him away & lying
Moses nursed anger told him to talk to the stone, not struck
Saul alienated his son
King Harold nurse his anger, slaughtered male firstborn
Finger pointing, tongue welling feeds anger
anger becomes uncontrollable- evil lies at the doorstep
anger is justifiable value when it motivates us to positive & redemptive actions
Anger is more often work of the flesh
Anger in the believer's life must be brought under the control of the Holy Spirit
Manage anger? learn to act, not to REACT
Galatians 5:16 What I say is this: let the Spirit direct your lives, and you will not satisfy the desires of the human nature.
(walk in the desires)
anger makes us speak inpulsively
If you speak in anger chances, you will not produce the righteousness of God.
2. Pick up physical act that help you relieve stress (Stress opens the door to anger)
3. Learn to be accepting of others
- we cannot control other ppls behaviour
- Its how you respond to them
4. Whenever possible THINK before you REACT - deep breathing and prayer works!
Why are you angry? Is it something that you should be angry of?
How you react? Something constructive
5. Develop a Christ - like spirit toward the people that make you angry
Forgo the right of struggling back (resentment) to do the goodwill & not harm them back
How are you dealing with your anger?
Do you NURSE it or do you MANAGE it?
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up; and its faith, hope and patience never fail.
Love is eternal. Thre are inspired messages, but they are temporary; there are gifts of speaking in strange tongues, but they will cease; there is knowledge, but it will pass.
(Love is not easily angered).
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
James 1:20 Man's anger does not achieve God's righteous purpose.
Colossians 3:8 But now you must get rid of all these things : anger, passion, and hateful feelings. No insult or obscene talk must ever come from your lips.
Of all the 7 sin, anger is the most dangerous
If uncontrolled, it can lead to disastrous results!
Christlike life
anger is an emotion that is part of human experience
James 1:19-20 Remember this, my dear brothers! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry.
(He didn't say don't become angry, but slow to anger)
Ephesians 4:26-27 If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day. Don't give the Devil a chance.
(In Your anger, do not sin)
God gave anger for good reasons
The goal in the believer's life is to learn how to express it appropriately
ppl do get angry
Nehemiah 13:23-25 At that time I also discovered that many of the Jewish men had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. Half their chidren spoke the language of Ashdod or some other language and didn't know how to speak our language. I reprimanded the men, called down curses on them, beat them, and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath in God's name that never again would they or their children intermarry with foreigners.
(I rebuke, call curses, beat, pull hair)
1. Angry can be a normal response
2. Angry is the right response - we should get angry when..: abortion, pornography, drunk drivers
*Moses was also angry when they made a golden calf
*Jesus was justified wen the Pharisess accused for working on the Sabbath
Anger can lead into sin
*Never be out of control
Anger is an act of sinful nature & can be hurtful to self and others.
Galatians 5:19-21 What human nature does it quiet plain. It shows itself in immoral, filthy, and indecentactions; in worship of idols and withcraft. People become enemies and they fight; they become jealous, angry and ambitious. They separate into parties and groups; they are envious, get drunk, have orgies, and do other things like these. I warn you now as I have before : those who do these things will not posess the Kingdom of God.
(Fits of rage)
Unmity- to be angry at someone for no good reason- must not be part of believers reaction
Colossians 3:8 But now you must get rid of all these things : anger, passion, and hateful feelings. No insults or obscene talk must ever come from your lips.
(anger, rage)
Anger - not controlled well will lead into depression
How do you express it without sinning?
Anger becomes sinful when it motivates/directs us to the wrong direction.
Don't use as an occasion to sin.
When you get angry
1. You can nurse it
2. You can manage it
Proverbs 30:33 If you churn mike, you get butter. If you hit someone's nose, it bleeds. If you stir up anger, you get into trouble
(so stiring up anger produces strife)
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer quietens anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.
(A gentle answer turns away wrath (manage anger)
(harsh words stirs up anger ( nursing anger)
Joseph 10 bro nurse anger by selling him away & lying
Moses nursed anger told him to talk to the stone, not struck
Saul alienated his son
King Harold nurse his anger, slaughtered male firstborn
Finger pointing, tongue welling feeds anger
anger becomes uncontrollable- evil lies at the doorstep
anger is justifiable value when it motivates us to positive & redemptive actions
Anger is more often work of the flesh
Anger in the believer's life must be brought under the control of the Holy Spirit
Manage anger? learn to act, not to REACT
Galatians 5:16 What I say is this: let the Spirit direct your lives, and you will not satisfy the desires of the human nature.
(walk in the desires)
anger makes us speak inpulsively
If you speak in anger chances, you will not produce the righteousness of God.
2. Pick up physical act that help you relieve stress (Stress opens the door to anger)
3. Learn to be accepting of others
- we cannot control other ppls behaviour
- Its how you respond to them
4. Whenever possible THINK before you REACT - deep breathing and prayer works!
Why are you angry? Is it something that you should be angry of?
How you react? Something constructive
5. Develop a Christ - like spirit toward the people that make you angry
Forgo the right of struggling back (resentment) to do the goodwill & not harm them back
How are you dealing with your anger?
Do you NURSE it or do you MANAGE it?
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up; and its faith, hope and patience never fail.
Love is eternal. Thre are inspired messages, but they are temporary; there are gifts of speaking in strange tongues, but they will cease; there is knowledge, but it will pass.
(Love is not easily angered).
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
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