Linking with Suzanne Eller’s Live Free Thursdays.
We live in some scary times. Before the shootings of the two African-American men and five police officers my pastor, Scott Smith, preaching on Living Right In An Upside Down World several weeks ago. His sermon focused on anger. he said, “Do not down play anger.”
King Jesus, “His word the final authority in our life. He came to put the heart back in the Old Testament.” Matthew 5:17
He went on to share that in Matthew 5: 21-26, we are not to down play anger because anger deserves the same penalty as murder. Because my angry heart speaks angry words which hurt real people. Because my anger produces strained relationships. Because my anger can have unintended consequences.
Scott Smith’s the steps to conquering anger:
- Analyze the anger– Could the be an idol. Exodus 20:3
- Feel sorrow admit any amount or anger is bad and that Christ died for it. 2 Corinthians 7:10
- Remember Jesus–He still loves you. Romans 8: 35
- Let Jesus change you– He’s your only hope for growth. Philippians 2:13
As a home health nurse, witnessing a man on the side of the road bleeding, I stopped to lend a hand as the paramedics had not arrived. Running to the truck with gloves and sterile dressings, I asked the man, “How did you get hurt?”
As I proceeded to get his blood pressure, and instructing him to apply pressure to his abdominal wound, he says, “I was stabbed!”
My mind is now racing, where is the person with the knife? I am thinking where are the paramedics? the police? Finally, I hear sirens.
Because of road rage, the man suffered from a stab wound.
ISIS, BIGOTRY, HATE, and ANGER are fueling many crimes in America. Yet we know LOVE will ultimately win because we have read in Revelation who wins. When our world is upside down we need to keep our eyes on the author and perfecter of our faith.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
Beloved, what will it take to change the hate ? Do you struggle with anger? What can we do against bigotry? If you have struggled with racism, pray this prayer. Lord I renounce racism and I announce that every person regardless of the color of their skin is worthy of God’s Love. No one is better that another.
Father God, protect our land against the threat of ISIS. Protect us against hate and anger. Lord, we know that love counters all wrongs. We do not understand the senseless killings or the hate against another race. Lord it seems that our country is attacking from within and the threat of ISIS is within the borders is just icing on the cake. Lord we need a revival and that revival needs to start with acceptance of each others culture and race. Lord I give you my anger, let me fix my eyes on Jesus.
