Rhapsody Of Realities TeeVo
Friday, November 9, 2018
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
STAY COOL
(Use God’s Word To Deal With Anger)
TO THE BIBLE: James 1:19-20 GNB
“Remember this, my dear friends! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. Human anger does not achieve God’s righteous purpose.”
LET’S TALK
When the children of Israel clamoured for water on the wilderness a second time, God told Moses to speak to the rock and water would pour forth. But because Moses was angry at the stubbornness of the people, he struck the rock (against God’s instruction), not once but twice! Although water came out, God wasn’t pleased. And then He said to Moses, “You’ll not take the children of Israel into the Promised Land.” Moses was “fired” (read Numbers 20:8-12) and it was all because of anger. This was the meekest man on the face of the earth according to the Bible (Numbers 12:3). When he yielded to anger, however, it cost him his ministry.
Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” Not letting the sun go down on your wrath means if you’re angry with something, you deal with it right away, that same day. The Good News Bible version says, “If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day” (GNB). Never found yourself still angry about the same thing for a long period. It’s only a fool who allows fury to linger in his heart (Ecclesiastes 7:9); but you’re not a fool.
One of the fine qualities of God’s Word is its “practicability.” When you put Ephesians 4:26 to work, you’ll see the result. Understand that people would offend you one way or another, but never let anger make you do something you’ll regret. Rather, stay calm and let God’s Word take charge and bring out the best in you.
GO DEEPER
Proverbs 16:32
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
Proverbs 15:18
A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention.
SPEAK
I have the wisdom of God in me, causing me to do the right thing even when provoked. I exhibit self-control as a fruit of my recreated human spirit. I have a meek and quiet spirit, which is inestimable value in the sight of God. His love is shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit who lives in me. Hallelujah!
DAILY BIBLE READING
ONE YEAR
Hebrews 9:1-10, Jeremiah 15-16
TWO YEAR
John 11:1-13, 1 Chronicles 9
ACT
Memorise Proverbs 15:18: “Losing your temper causes a lot of trouble, but staying calm settles arguments” (CEV).