A
daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and
exhortation.
Friday,
September 3,
2021
These ladies
are leaving the New Holland Gift and Thrift (Reuzit shop)
in New Holland after a busy morning of shopping.
"Rage"
Message summary: Rage is destructive on many fronts. As God's people let us invite God’s Word to saturate our lives today: “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires”.
Listen to this message on your audio player.
"Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end" (Proverbs 29:11). "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21). “Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming” (Proverbs 27:4). “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:26,27). “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:19,20).
After being home during the heavy rains from
Hurricane Ida all day Wednesday we returned to our
chaplain duties early yesterday morning. Apart from some
road closures we were unaffected both at home and on the
road, but such was not the case for many. There were
numerous deaths in our region and much property damage.
We received a prayer request from a company we
serve in Lebanon County concerning a car that was washed
away in a flood from a rain-swollen creek and last we
heard the search is ongoing. A manager shared a photo of
a helicopter involved in the search, hovering over the
company location and reports of many search and rescuers
in the area.
We received another prayer request yesterday
unrelated to the storm. A state trooper came to one of
our companies and informed an employee that her husband
had been involved in an accident. Of course this caused
great distress. Thankfully he was not seriously injured
but the nature of the incident is so indicative of our
society's troubles.
Turns out he was a victim of "road rage".
Another driver hit his car so he pulled over to check
out the damage. The road rager also stopped and came at
him with a knife! He sustained some knife wounds to his
fingers as he tried to protect himself and will have
surgery today. The road rager was not identified and got
away.
Rage is an ancient human condition first seen
in Cain prior to the first murder. Throughout the Bible
we see evidences of unconstrained rage and anger and
certainly it is a human condition all readers are
familiar with. It gets a lot of attention in the media –
whether it’s road rage, anger in the workplace or in the
home, or wherever one chooses to unleash his or her fury
on others. We see such an increase in this type of
uncivil behavior in many circles today.
As a follower of Christ and student of the Bible I believe there’s a significant contributing factor to the increase of unconstrained anger. Through much of our history the teachings and principles of the Bible had a restraining impact upon our culture. This even impacted those who were not specifically followers of Jesus Christ. Most knew about the “Golden Rule” – it’s just plain common sense. There was an unspoken understanding that we are to be kind and respectful to one another and practice self-control even if it was not reciprocated.
But now with this restraint considered an option by many we see a pandemic of rage and anger in many forms. But virtually no consideration is given regarding the spiritual reasons for this increase in violence!
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Paul is giving practical instructions on life to the Ephesian believers. He acknowledges that there will be times the believer is angry.
Anger in itself is not a sin. The Bible records several occasions when Christ was angry (see Mark 3:5). In fact I believe sometimes it would be unhealthy not to be angry! God included it in our emotional constitution and there are times when it is the appropriate response.
Yet in this text the Bible lists three vital constraints on anger:
Let God’s Word saturate your life today: “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:19,20).
As a follower of Christ and student of the Bible I believe there’s a significant contributing factor to the increase of unconstrained anger. Through much of our history the teachings and principles of the Bible had a restraining impact upon our culture. This even impacted those who were not specifically followers of Jesus Christ. Most knew about the “Golden Rule” – it’s just plain common sense. There was an unspoken understanding that we are to be kind and respectful to one another and practice self-control even if it was not reciprocated.
But now with this restraint considered an option by many we see a pandemic of rage and anger in many forms. But virtually no consideration is given regarding the spiritual reasons for this increase in violence!
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Paul is giving practical instructions on life to the Ephesian believers. He acknowledges that there will be times the believer is angry.
Anger in itself is not a sin. The Bible records several occasions when Christ was angry (see Mark 3:5). In fact I believe sometimes it would be unhealthy not to be angry! God included it in our emotional constitution and there are times when it is the appropriate response.
Yet in this text the Bible lists three vital constraints on anger:
1) “In your anger do not sin.” This
indicates there are to be self-imposed constraints on
the extent of anger. Obviously harming other people in
our anger is sin! (excepting self-defense and defense
of others in our view.)
2) “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” This indicates there are to be self-imposed constraints on the duration of anger. This prevents the long term, harmful effects of seething anger that easily leads to destructive behavior or a bitter spirit.
3) “And do not give the devil a foothold.” This indicates there must be self-imposed constraints on the ultimate source of destructive anger. If we allow anger to seethe and fervently gather evidence to support or justify our anger we are giving the devil a foothold on our emotions which in turn feeds our actions. Instead of a godly response it will produce a knee jerk reaction from the enemy who holds us down.
2) “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” This indicates there are to be self-imposed constraints on the duration of anger. This prevents the long term, harmful effects of seething anger that easily leads to destructive behavior or a bitter spirit.
3) “And do not give the devil a foothold.” This indicates there must be self-imposed constraints on the ultimate source of destructive anger. If we allow anger to seethe and fervently gather evidence to support or justify our anger we are giving the devil a foothold on our emotions which in turn feeds our actions. Instead of a godly response it will produce a knee jerk reaction from the enemy who holds us down.
Let God’s Word saturate your life today: “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:19,20).
Be encouraged today, (Hebrews 3:13)
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Father, when we are angry You tell us
to stay above the fray and sin not. There are times
when it is appropriate to be angry such as when we
see a person harming another individual; when we
have been lied to, when we have been unfairly
accused or when we see the rotting decay around us
due to the forces of evil. These circumstances along
with many others stir up strong emotions within us
and often requires a response to the matter. Keep us
prayerful which will enable us to be quick to
listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. May
we respond as Jesus did to His many accusers, though
innocent, He spoke not a word in His defense. And
may we be careful not to keep a scoreboard of
other’s offenses. We pray this in the mighty name of
Jesus who forgives us and does not count our sins
against us, but rather took them upon Himself.
Amen
As
we traveled through Ronks we were impressed with
the tall corn framing Lynwood Road and also
thinking it won't be all that long before the
field corn will be harvested.
These
Amish children are going to school. Pardon the
poor resolution but what especially caught our
attention about this photo is the boy riding the
recumbent bicycle. The Amish in our area
normally ride scooters like the other children
in this photo.
A
branch of Mennonites use bicycles and this one
was prepared for bargains as the shopper it
parked outside of the New Holland Gift and
Thrift shop in New Holland. (The G&T store
is a used clothing, housewares and many other
items from local donations that helps raise
funds for MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) to
serve those in need overseas. Brooksyne cashiers
at our local Mount Joy Gift and Thrift when she
can work it out with our schedule (there are
currently over 120 volunteers at our local
shop).
This
scenic pond and farmhouse is on Willow Road.
Years ago we had a retirement party at this farm
for our long-time friends Oren and Naomi.
(click on photo to enlarge)
(click on photo to enlarge)
Brooksyne
often snaps photos while we pass a scene!
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& Brooksyne
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Weber".Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
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