Month: September 2018

Today’s Scripture
Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life. Ephesians 4:26-27 MSG

Thoughts for Today
Anger: right or wrong? The answer is that anger is right … but it can be wrong. Anger is a God-given emotional energy designed for good. The expression of this anger-produced energy can lead to sin—but it doesn’t have to. With God’s help, we can control our thoughts and actions.

The Bible tells of many times when anger was a positive force for good. Moses’ anger when the Israelites worshipped idols resulted in their repentance (Exodus 32:19-35). Jesus’ anger motivated him to clear abusers from his Father’s temple. (Luke 19:45-48).

Our anger can also lead to sinful acts of selfishness, unkindness or even aggression. It is our responsibility to use our anger-induced energy in positive ways—even if it’s just walking around the block to cool off.

Consider this … 
Our anger can be a positive force as well. Appropriate anger at our children’s wrong behaviors can motivate us as parents to exert firm but loving discipline. Anger against injustices and wrongdoing in our communities can motivate us to do something positive about the situation.

The next time you feel angry, remember that it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It’s your choice.

Prayer
Father, forgive me for the times I’ve used my anger in sinful ways instead of as a positive force. Help me control my thoughts and actions and to use my anger in positive ways.
In Jesus’ name …

Living Free

 

Today’s Scripture
Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.
Psalm 4:4 NLT

Thoughts for Today
Anger is one of the most common emotions we experience. It’s part of being human. All of us have lost our tempers and lashed out at God, ourselves or others. Many of us have silently boiled in rage or frustration.

We might not want to admit to being angry—we would rather have people see us as calm and controlled. But let’s face it … try as we might to avoid it, we do get angry. The good news is that we don’t have to let it control our lives.

Consider this … 
The first step to ensuring that anger does not control your life is to admit that you do get angry. Letting anger simmer beneath the surface, refusing to admit even to yourself that it is there, only leads to problems. It is important to deal with it as soon as possible.

The Bible encourages us to find ways to manage our anger. As we accept anger as a common part of life, it is vital that we learn how to deal with it. Pray for God’s guidance in discovering where you are in accepting your anger and in making it your servant, not your master.

Prayer
Father, forgive me for the times I’ve been controlled by anger and have responded to people with unkind words and thoughts. Forgive me also for sometimes just holding the anger in and letting it build into serious resentment and even bitterness. Teach me to deal with anger and not be controlled by it. In Jesus’ name …

Living Free