Power, Day 3

I have recently found in my life that the greatest place I find Power is in my fellow Christians coming to my side. There are so many ways that they enrich this life of mine. Many celebrate with me in my triumphs. Even more have lifted me up in encouragement. A few friends that I hold even closer, hold me accountable to the things that I value in my life.

There is so much that God has given us, including friendship. I truly believe we were created to be in relationship with each other. Through family, through marriage and friendship we all have bonds with those around us.

For those of you that are discouraged by people and find you are in a constant state of disappointment when it comes to relationships, please find the silver lining. We are all a work in progress, sometimes with a stumble and a trip we make mistakes big and small. Hypocrisy comes with the territory when you are finding your way and struggling with your flesh. Finding strength in a new identity is hard work and sometimes discouraging.

We need each other. We need to have a hand to pick us up off the ground. We need a shoulder to cry on when we are weak. We need fellow believers that call on the Power in our Savior. The real Power shines through when we come together in fellowship and strength. We are all connected to the same vine, in need of the same spiritual food and encouragement. By working together the fruit of God's craftsmanship is sure to be seen.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.
For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.

Anger Day 4

Day 4

Taking action

Yesterday I made a comment stating how I wanted somehow to say that your anger is okay, but it isn't. I want to clarify if you will let me.

On day 1, I defined anger for us. What I want us to remember, is that the initial emotion, the first prompting of anger is okay, it is there for a reason. What is not okay is when you choose to remain in that and it becomes more than a prompting, it becomes a vehicle for rage, revenge, wrath. I want to be very clear here that there is a huge difference between the two.

In the Bible, there is a story about Jesus going into the temple and angrily overturning tables. At least that is how I always interpreted it. I wanted to use it to show you that anger is okay for us if we are using it for good. What I found is that the story is told of Jesus being TROUBLED. I don't think they are really so different, but what I learned is that when we are troubled, that is when we need to act on the nudging and prompting from God. Not when we are in a full fit of anger (either in our hearts or outwardly expressing it) How unsettling it is that I still have not found a loop hole for us. We really are not supposed to be angry, we are not supposed to let it get that far. We are supposed to be troubled and take care of it then, not later. So this changes a few things for me. It means to me that being angry means to be still angry. You are being so you are still there. Troubled means you were prompted and took care of it. So what happens to those of us who are past troubled and now in the angry stage, we must put away all anger. Below are a few things I hope will help you, one day at a time, until you can recognize it earlier and move away from it sooner, before it becomes anger. I am sorry I couldn't make this more comfortable, but we also read that we are not to let the sun go down on our anger, so today sounds like the best day to take care of those ugly wounds you are holding onto. Now is better than later. I hope you have a chance to take care of it so that you can go to our Lord completely. I hope this doesn't sound like a guilt trip either, I am feeling strongly about the fact that we all need to move from this weeks study ready for the next emotion to tackle and if we are uncomfortable now, it's not going to get any easier next week. The entire purpose of this new series is to find freedom and the last thing we need to do is feel a heavy burden and weight, so let's take care of it while it is fresh and move on.

Here are a few things to do

When you are prompted and troubled, allow yourself the time to ask for God's wisdom and protection from anger.

Don't allow anger to be in control of you. Make sure to confront the situation when you can be rational.

Acknowledge that is okay to feel anger, but that it is not okay to BE angry. Be willing to be the first to resolve the issue.

Try to understand what it is that angered you. Is there something that God may need you to see, do?

Give the other person a chance to step away as well, don't push the issue, they need space to be rational as well.

Take the time to find out what may be triggering your anger and make changes so that it will stop occurring.

Start here:

make a list of what angers you. What is a solution that would help you not be angry?

Ask the lord for guidance on those issues.

Reconcile the unresolved situations that you have responded in anger.

Make a sign, either with a verse or a helpful hint you learned this week. Place it somewhere you tend to get angry. (in car during traffic, children's room, kitchen, office, maybe all the above.)

Read a book or article about anger, being sure it aligns with the Word of God.

Make a list of the things that are troubling you and what actions you should take before it begins to anger you.

Find someone to hold you accountable. Who will be willing to help you find alternate ways of dealing with a situation than retaliation or holding in your anger. If it is a real problem, find someone who will pray for you.

Continue to pray for Kelly M. this week. I look forward to hearing your feedback, praises and prayers for tomorrows devotional. Praises and Prayer.