admin
08-31-2008, 07:29 AM
"Don't sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent." Psalm 4:4
These are some more readings on Anger from recent:
Living Free Every Day?
(http://www.livingfree.org/) 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 is part of being human. All of us have lost our tempers and lashed out at God, others or ourselves. 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 anger 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 ...
These thoughts were drawn from…
Anger: Our Master or Our Servant (http://www.livingfree.org/tpmstore.cfm?fxn=search&qu=anger)by Larry Heath.
Living Free Every Day?
(http://www.livingfree.org/)
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 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).
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.
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.
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 have 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 ...
These thoughts were drawn from…
Anger: Our Master or Our Servant (http://www.livingfree.org/tpmstore.cfm?fxn=search&qu=anger)by Larry Heath.
Living Free Every Day?
(http://www.livingfree.org/)
Today's Scripture
"Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs." Proverbs 19:11 NLT
Thoughts for Today
What causes anger? In reality, the answer could be "nothing." We might think that a rude driver or unfair criticism or a friend's betrayal angers us, but the anger is actually our own doing. It is our response that creates the anger.
Many factors can stimulate anger. Behavior we learned in childhood, a stressful work environment, poor health or medicines we take can cause our temper to flare more easily ... but only if we allow them to.
Consider this…
When someone insults us or treats us badly, we can choose how to respond. If we have feelings of anger, we can choose how to express that anger. God has given us free will to control our feelings, thoughts and actions. Will we choose unkind words or finding a way to "get even" ... or will we overlook and forgive? It's our choice. No matter what our background or the current circumstances, we are responsible for our own behavior.
None of us express our feelings appropriately all the time. But the Bible tells us, "For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need." (Philippians 4:13 NLT) Jesus can help us make anger our servant instead of our master.
Prayer…
Father, when I am wronged in some way, help me to choose the right response ... the one that is pleasing to you. Teach me to overlook and forgive. In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from…
Anger: Our Master or Our Servant (http://www.livingfree.org/tpmstore.cfm?fxn=search&qu=anger)by Larry Heath.
Living Free Every Day?
(http://www.livingfree.org/)
Today's Scripture
"Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many." Hebrews 12:15 NLT
Thoughts for Today
When you feel angry with someone, do you express your feelings ... or do you hold the anger inside? People who bury their anger usually believe they are doing the right thing by appearing calm on the outside. The reality, however, is that unresolved anger can fester and develop into resentment, bitterness or depression.
Some people respond to anger by holding it in and then releasing it or letting it go without hurting themselves or others. When this happens, the results may be beneficial. But if you tend to hold your anger inside and become resentful, ask God to help you share your angry feelings with people as they occur. Not in a rage or with unkind words ... just an honest expression of your feelings. The Bible teaches that we shouldn't carry anger overnight. Get it settled before going to bed. Otherwise, it is likely that resentment will begin to grow.
Consider this…
Perhaps you are already experiencing bitterness because of past unexpressed grievances. The answer? Acknowledge the hurt. Forgive or ask for forgiveness. Then let go of the anger and move on.
Holding on to bitterness can damage your relationship with God and with others, your peace of mind, and can even harm your health. Forgiving - and being forgiven - can change all that. Ask God - he will help you.
Prayer…
Father, forgive me and help me deal with this resentment I have been carrying. Give me the strength and wisdom to acknowledge the hurt, to forgive and to let go. In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from…
Anger: Our Master or Our Servant (http://www.livingfree.org/tpmstore.cfm?fxn=search&qu=anger)by Larry Heath
Living Free Every Day?
(http://www.livingfree.org/)
Today's Scripture
"A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare." Proverbs 15:1 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Yesterday we looked at those of us who tend to hold our anger in, sometimes allowing bitterness and resentment to build. On the other hand, some of us have more of a tendency to vent our anger immediately. This response could be described as "blowing up" or being "hot under the collar."
The Bible teaches that open hostility, retaliation and any aggressive expression of anger are not acceptable behaviors. "But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips" (Colossians 3:8 NIV). Aggression that explodes in thoughtless anger can hurt others and ourselves.
Consider this…
One step in learning to manage your anger is to describe your feelings. For example, "I am irritated. I am furious." Take time to think through and determine the best thing to say or do in response to the angry feelings. Pray about it. Think about what caused your anger. Learn to give a "gentle answer."
With God's help, carefully choose the proper words and actions to bring some closure and resolution to the issue. Develop a list of responses that work for the best for other people and for you. It is at this level that anger becomes your servant and can be productive.
Prayer…
Father, teach me to respond to people with a gentle answer, rather than harsh words and actions. Teach me wisdom and patience and help me to respond in love and forgiveness. In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from…
Anger: Our Master or Our Servant (http://www.livingfree.org/tpmstore.cfm?fxn=search&qu=anger)by Larry Heath.
These are some more readings on Anger from recent:
Living Free Every Day?
(http://www.livingfree.org/) 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 is part of being human. All of us have lost our tempers and lashed out at God, others or ourselves. 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 anger 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 ...
These thoughts were drawn from…
Anger: Our Master or Our Servant (http://www.livingfree.org/tpmstore.cfm?fxn=search&qu=anger)by Larry Heath.
Living Free Every Day?
(http://www.livingfree.org/)
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 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).
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.
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.
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 have 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 ...
These thoughts were drawn from…
Anger: Our Master or Our Servant (http://www.livingfree.org/tpmstore.cfm?fxn=search&qu=anger)by Larry Heath.
Living Free Every Day?
(http://www.livingfree.org/)
Today's Scripture
"Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs." Proverbs 19:11 NLT
Thoughts for Today
What causes anger? In reality, the answer could be "nothing." We might think that a rude driver or unfair criticism or a friend's betrayal angers us, but the anger is actually our own doing. It is our response that creates the anger.
Many factors can stimulate anger. Behavior we learned in childhood, a stressful work environment, poor health or medicines we take can cause our temper to flare more easily ... but only if we allow them to.
Consider this…
When someone insults us or treats us badly, we can choose how to respond. If we have feelings of anger, we can choose how to express that anger. God has given us free will to control our feelings, thoughts and actions. Will we choose unkind words or finding a way to "get even" ... or will we overlook and forgive? It's our choice. No matter what our background or the current circumstances, we are responsible for our own behavior.
None of us express our feelings appropriately all the time. But the Bible tells us, "For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need." (Philippians 4:13 NLT) Jesus can help us make anger our servant instead of our master.
Prayer…
Father, when I am wronged in some way, help me to choose the right response ... the one that is pleasing to you. Teach me to overlook and forgive. In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from…
Anger: Our Master or Our Servant (http://www.livingfree.org/tpmstore.cfm?fxn=search&qu=anger)by Larry Heath.
Living Free Every Day?
(http://www.livingfree.org/)
Today's Scripture
"Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many." Hebrews 12:15 NLT
Thoughts for Today
When you feel angry with someone, do you express your feelings ... or do you hold the anger inside? People who bury their anger usually believe they are doing the right thing by appearing calm on the outside. The reality, however, is that unresolved anger can fester and develop into resentment, bitterness or depression.
Some people respond to anger by holding it in and then releasing it or letting it go without hurting themselves or others. When this happens, the results may be beneficial. But if you tend to hold your anger inside and become resentful, ask God to help you share your angry feelings with people as they occur. Not in a rage or with unkind words ... just an honest expression of your feelings. The Bible teaches that we shouldn't carry anger overnight. Get it settled before going to bed. Otherwise, it is likely that resentment will begin to grow.
Consider this…
Perhaps you are already experiencing bitterness because of past unexpressed grievances. The answer? Acknowledge the hurt. Forgive or ask for forgiveness. Then let go of the anger and move on.
Holding on to bitterness can damage your relationship with God and with others, your peace of mind, and can even harm your health. Forgiving - and being forgiven - can change all that. Ask God - he will help you.
Prayer…
Father, forgive me and help me deal with this resentment I have been carrying. Give me the strength and wisdom to acknowledge the hurt, to forgive and to let go. In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from…
Anger: Our Master or Our Servant (http://www.livingfree.org/tpmstore.cfm?fxn=search&qu=anger)by Larry Heath
Living Free Every Day?
(http://www.livingfree.org/)
Today's Scripture
"A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare." Proverbs 15:1 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Yesterday we looked at those of us who tend to hold our anger in, sometimes allowing bitterness and resentment to build. On the other hand, some of us have more of a tendency to vent our anger immediately. This response could be described as "blowing up" or being "hot under the collar."
The Bible teaches that open hostility, retaliation and any aggressive expression of anger are not acceptable behaviors. "But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips" (Colossians 3:8 NIV). Aggression that explodes in thoughtless anger can hurt others and ourselves.
Consider this…
One step in learning to manage your anger is to describe your feelings. For example, "I am irritated. I am furious." Take time to think through and determine the best thing to say or do in response to the angry feelings. Pray about it. Think about what caused your anger. Learn to give a "gentle answer."
With God's help, carefully choose the proper words and actions to bring some closure and resolution to the issue. Develop a list of responses that work for the best for other people and for you. It is at this level that anger becomes your servant and can be productive.
Prayer…
Father, teach me to respond to people with a gentle answer, rather than harsh words and actions. Teach me wisdom and patience and help me to respond in love and forgiveness. In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from…
Anger: Our Master or Our Servant (http://www.livingfree.org/tpmstore.cfm?fxn=search&qu=anger)by Larry Heath.