“So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!” ~James
James warns me about the danger. What I say can ignite a fire. I have seen it. It isn’t pretty. …
Tag Archives: Anger
“Watch out for the religion scholars.” ~Jesus
Jesus is constantly challenging the religious elites and leaders of His time here on earth. He still does today. This …
Anger — Dealing with it in Jesus | Becoming slow to anger
My mission, given to me by Jesus, is to love. That is it. That should be my day. That should …
“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to change your mind?” ~Apostle Paul
I should be patient, even as Jesus is patient. Naturally, in and of myself, I am not. God’s kindness is …
Wealth — John the Baptist on Fruits Worthy of Repentance
This is pretty stunning. Of course, John the Baptist is a prophet and is determined to speak the truth of …
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” ~Apostle Paul
Should I renounce anger? Yes! Jesus does not exhort me to get angry, as if anger were a good motivator or energy for …
“My house is a house of prayer; You have turned it into a religious bazaar.” ~Jesus
Jesus is upset. Jesus let’s the religious elites know it. It just isn’t right turning God’s holy temple into the …
Holy — Becoming holy involves striving after God
The holiness of God is the most difficult of all God’s attributes to explain, partly because it is one of …
Heaven — Is it a Real Destination after Death?
What is the deal with heaven? It seems to be a somewhat complicated biblical concept with lots of opinions on …
“Let angry people endure the backlash of their own anger; if you try to make it better, you’ll only make it worse.” ~King Solomon
There is a natural set of consequences for angry people. There is a backlash. Something very real is going to …
Forgiveness — True Love is Forgiving
I miss God’s goal (aka sin). There is a penalty for that. Unless … I am forgiven. So there is …
“For we are slaves; yet in our bondage our God has not forsaken us, but has extended lovingkindness to us.” ~Ezra
I want the quality of compassion and generosity in my life. I need to learn how God loves the weak and poor. It is …
“Behold, your mother!” ~Jesus
Consider the tenderness of Jesus the Messiah. Everywhere we turn, Jesus is moved and full of compassion. Jesus shows the goodness of …
“Jesus came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near.” ~Apostle Paul
Prophecies of peace are fulfilled in the coming of Jesus the Messiah. Peace is real. Jesus wants me to experience peace. …
“Be very careful. Keep a sharp eye out for the contaminating yeast of the Baptist, Methodist, Episcopals, Lutherans or the Catholics. Also the yeast of Obama, Cruz, Sanders, Clinton or Trump.” ~Jesus
This is a special message for our current toxic political and religious environment. Jesus has something to say about all …
“Fools are undone by their big mouths; their souls are crushed by their words.” ~King Solomon
Scripture portrays fools as those who have rejected God and/or his ways and are unable or unwilling to appreciate the …
Repentance — God Calls us to Radically Change our Thinking
Repentance (radically changing my thinking) is of central importance because missing God’s goal (sin) brings God’s judgment. Fellowship with God …
Mercifulness — God Shows it to us as He is Merciful
Mercifulness is an attitude of compassion and care, grounded in the nature of God himself, made manifest in the life …
“We don’t want the crowds up in arms” ~Religious Leaders
The religious leaders wanted to kill Jesus. They would. The religious elites just didn’t want people to be upset about …
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” ~Jesus
Jesus is about to wrap His Manifesto. There is one final parable to lay it all out. There is a contrast …
Materialism — Material Goods can Turn the Heart Away From God
Material goods can turn my heart away from God. The pursuit of possessions and wealth and a preoccupation with physical things …
Self-control — Controlling What is Said
One of the proofs of God’s working in my life is the ability to control my own thoughts, words, and …
Speech — It has the Power of Death and Life
My speech has an enormous influence for good or ill and is a sure guide to my character. The power …
Patience — God is our Model for Patience
Who is my model for patience? God is patient, and His Spirit produces the fruit of patience in me. When I …
Anger — Should I renounce it?
What is my mission? My mission, given to me by Jesus, is to love. That is it. That should be my …
Goodness – Good Works are a Characteristic of God
Goodness and good works are acts designed specifically to benefit others, which are characteristic of God. I can be good …
“If you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” ~Jesus
Jesus continues the Manifesto. Jesus is teaching me how to pray. After the model prayer, Jesus emphasizes the importance of …
Kindness — God shows it to His people
I want the quality of compassion and generosity in my life. I need to learn how God loves the weak …
“A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire.” ~King Solomon
I have seen it way too often. Something that starts simple escalates. It turns into all out war. My drive …
Tenderness — We learn about it from Jesus the Messiah
I think this is the most precious verse in the scripture. Jesus wept! Jesus cried. Jesus sobbed. It is clear …
Peace — These Prophecies of Peace are Fulfilled in the Coming of Jesus the Messiah
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there …
Gentleness – In Dealing with the Wayward
I wander off. I am wayward. I drift. It happens. It happens to others I know. What is my attitude? …
False Doctrine — Is it of human origin and not from Jesus the Messiah?
Jesus, the Son of God, is the Messiah. God sent him to live among us, die for our missing God’s …
Meekness — Required by God
Jesus is clear that I will be more than happy if I am meek and gentle. I will in fact …
“The gossip of bad people gets them in trouble; the conversation of good people keeps them out of it.” ~King Solomon
Oh no! Here we go. If I could just keep quiet. If I could just control my tongue. I love …
“Then he will turn to the ‘goats,’ the ones on his left, and say, ‘Get out, worthless goats! You’re good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why?” ~Jesus
Jesus has some goals in mind for me. Jesus is clear what they are. Jesus warns me that there will …
Contempt – Issues of doctrinal differences of opinion
Am I a member of the “doctrine police” constantly issuing heretic alerts? That is a good question to ask. Why? …
God is good — God demonstrates His goodness in His actions!
God not only is good but more importantly, God does good. God acts on His goodness and demonstrates it to …
Meekness — Examples in the life of Jesus
Jesus is clear that I will be more than happy if I am meek and gentle. I will in fact …
Goodness — God’s people are called on to do good works
How am I doing with being selfless on behalf of others? It is a pretty telling question if I answer …
“Exploit or abuse your family, and end up with a fistful of air; common sense tells you it’s a stupid way to live.” ~~King Solomon
There is right and there is wrong. We all know the difference. I must remember to stand up for the …
“At just the right time, when we were still powerless, the Messiah died for the ungodly. God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, the Messiah died for us” ~Apostle Paul
Good Friday, also known as “Holy Friday,” is the Friday immediately preceding Resurrection Sunday. It is celebrated traditionally as the day …
“Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” ~Greeks coming to Jerusalem for Passover
In the timeline of Passion week, it is a little unclear where to place the story of the Greeks seeking …
“We ought not to treat living creatures like shoes or household belongings, which when worn with use we throw away.” ~Plutarch
Jesus compels us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus isn’t having any of our “Use and toss away” culture. …
“I come by here to say that America, too, is going to hell, if we don’t use her wealth.” ~Martin Luther King Jr.
Jesus is clear that what we do for the poor we do for Him. He is equally clear that if …
“Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion.” ~King Solomon
Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion: eyes that are arrogant, a tongue that lies, …
God is Good – Would that explain why God is in a good mood and does good? God is good y’all!
All God’s perfect qualities are made freely available to all for the benefit of the whole world. God is good. …
Everything Jesus had to say about the homeless, wealth, prosperity, poverty, riches, the poor, the needy and giving
Jesus had a lot to say about the homeless, wealth, prosperity, poverty, riches, the poor, the needy and giving. Here …
“And haven’t you read in God’s Word, ‘From the mouths of children and babies I’ll furnish a place of praise’?” ~Jesus
When the religious leaders saw the outrageous things he was doing, and heard all the children running and shouting through …
“I also know your insides are maggoty with greed and secret evil.” ~Jesus
When he finished that talk, a Pharisee asked him to dinner. He entered his house and sat right down at …
“Why be exploited by those who care nothing for you?” ~King Solomon
It is helpful to know that some people really don’t care for me. In fact, they care nothing at all. …
“There’s no telling who will hate you because of me.” ~Jesus
You’ll even be turned in by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. Some of you will be killed. There’s no telling …
“If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you.” ~Jesus
If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. I will talk to the Father, and he’ll …
“You’re way off base, and here’s why: One, you don’t know your Bibles; two, you don’t know how God works.” ~Jesus
Am I clever? I like to think I am some days. So did the Sadducess (Religious Leaders). They thought they …
“Dear friend, when you extend hospitality to Christian brothers and sisters, even when they are strangers, you make the faith visible.” ~Apostle John
John nails it, as always. John knows it is all about love. How many times does he remind me? Constantly. …
“But don’t resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this.” ~King Solomon
God has a goal for me. Primarily God wants me to grow up and not be a child my whole …
“I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these followers of mine, you did it for me!” ~Jesus
Jesus is clear. There will be a day of judgement. We may prefer to believe it isn’t true but it …
“You can’t hide behind a religious mask forever; sooner or later the mask will slip and your true face will be known.” ~Jesus
Jesus knows I like to hide. Jesus knows me. Jesus knows I slip into “being religious” way to often. Jesus …
“You will have the poor with you every day for the rest of your lives. Whenever you feel like it, you can do something for them.” ~Jesus
A woman anoints Jesus with a very expensive perfume, worth a years salary. She does it as an act of …
“Whoever makes deals with strangers is sure to get burned; if you keep a cool head, you’ll avoid rash bargains.” ~~King Solomon
Now here is some good advice. King Solomon knows about wisdom. Before doing business, we ought to take some time …
“Why are you giving this woman a hard time?” ~Jesus
Why do I give others a hard time? Why do I get furious with them? What have they done to …
“Don’t hang out with angry people; don’t keep company with hotheads. Bad temper is contagious— don’t get infected.” ~King Solomon
Wisdom is challenging. It sounds great but it isn’t easy to do. This advice about anger and bad tempers is …
“This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders.” ~Apostle Paul
We have a home that God is building and we are the bricks He is using us to make His …
“Love rejoices with the truth.” ~Apostle Paul — The love of Jesus will turn you INSIDE OUT!
The love of Jesus will turn you INSIDE OUT! Jesus was pretty clear that it’s mandatory. “A New Command,” He …
“Every story has a villain because yours does. You were born into a world at war.” ~John Eldredge
I have an enemy. Is that clear to me? It is a critical question. I don’t want to be “enemy …
"I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder." ~~Jesus
Jesus has a standard that is different than what religious leaders try to make us follow. His standard is one …
“Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide.” ~God’s angel
I am looking. I am looking for my savior. God appears on the scene with his mighty angels. Our savior …
I Never Knew How Heavy my Luggage was until I Stopped Carrying it!!
Robert Schueller says one of his most popular sermons was titled “I Never Knew How Heavy my Luggage was until …
“Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work.” ~King David
There are all types of ways I miss God’s goal for my life (sin). Some are just plain stupid. As …
“Build up his courage.” ~God to Moses
God wants us to build up courage in others. We all get discouraged and we hear our friends express it …
“Abraham went, even though he did not know where he was going.” ~Author of Hebrews
Worry is not faith. Faith is obedience. God says go. I must go. God has a goal in mind for me. …
“When the job’s done, you’ll see it’s been well done.” ~Jeremiah
God doesn’t do things half way or half hearted. God is all in. God is all in all the time. …
“Hold out your hand.” ~~Jesus
What will Jesus do? One day Jesus went church where he found a man with a crippled hand. The religious leaders …
Old plan thoughts carry over to the new plan of Jesus
Here some old plan thoughts that carry over into the new plan that Jesus has revealed to us. Mostly things …
“You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it.” ~James, brother of Jesus
Wars and violence come from greed. I need to understand that. What I see going on is a spiritual problem …
“Stop turning my Father’s house into a shopping mall!” ~Jesus
I am stunned by what Jesus does and says. I must admit, I like some of the churches that seemed …
“This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” ~God’s Angel
The sheepherders were minding their own business. Just doing what they do after a long day of work. They were …
“Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide.” ~ God’s Angel
When it was time to give birth to Jesus, no one had room for Him. So Mary did what she …
“The opposite of love is not hate, its indifference.” ~~Elie Wiesel
Is the opposite of love hate? Anger? Cruelty? Not hardly. It is not caring. It is ignoring. It is indifference. …
“I am God, your God, who teaches you how to live right and well.” ~God through the prophet Isaiah
God is God. God is in control of everything. God sent his son Jesus to win the victory for us …
Are we at war?
John Eldredge makes a great point. We are at war. We need to be careful how we live. We need …
“But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is!” ~Apostle Paul
There are many mysteries with God. But His reality is plain enough. All anyone has to do is open their …
“Let me set this before you as plainly as I can.” ~Jesus
Jesus is very plain and clear what he says to us. Jesus challenges us listen and hear what he says. …
“If my goal was popularity, I wouldn’t bother being the Messiah’s slave.” ~Apostle Paul
Is my goal popularity? The Apostle Paul was clear that wasn’t his goal. He knew what his goal was. His …
“May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you.” ~Apostle Paul
How is it that I persevere? How will I become mature? My will power can get me so far. That …
Pope Francis’ Speech on the Poor and Indigenous Peoples
Pope Francis spoke about the problems faced by the poor and indigenous peoples at the Second World Meeting of the …
“It’s in the Messiah that we find out who we are and what we are living for.” ~Apostle Paul
Who am I? What am I living for? These are essential questions. Questions that we want answers for. We have …
“I forgive you.” ~Nadine Collier to the Charleston murderer of her mother
This is stunning. No riots in Charleston. Prayers and forgiveness. Nadine Collier, the daughter of 70-year-old Ethel Lance, said at …
“If you are strangers to prayer you are strangers to power.” ~Billy Sunday
Tapping into God’s desire at any given moment opens us up completely to His power. That Jesus rules here, just like it …
What is the most dangerous threat to my leadership?
We often see danger as lurking outside of us. Here is a sober reminder from Brandon Cox. Something along the …
“This is how much God loved the world …” ~Apostle John
God loves us. That is so very powerful. This passage is the most popular in the Bible. And with good …
Our Bill of Rights
On September 25, 1789, the First Congress of the United States proposed 12 amendments to the Constitution. The 1789 Joint …
"Hatred starts fights, but love pulls a quilt over the bickering." ~~King Solomon (Proverbs 10:12)
Fighting too much? Arguing too often? What can I do? God calls us to love. God’s main goal for our …
"And life is urgent: Announce God’s kingdom!" ~~Jesus
Jesus challenges us to live life urgently. He doesn’t have a “plan B” for us. We are His plan. We …
"Most of all, are you misnaming opportunities and calling them risks instead?" ~~Seth Godin
What do we see out in front of us? What we see makes a difference. Do we see risks and …
"Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you." ~Dr. Seuss
Pretending to be someone other that “who we are” is a dangerous deception. Both for others and most importantly for …
"Worship the Lord your God, and only him. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness." ~~Jesus
We live in a world where we think we can get the answer to anything automatically. Technology has changed how …
“Why the big noise, nations? Why the mean plots, peoples? Earth-leaders push for position, demagogues and delegates meet for summit talks, the God-deniers, the Messiah-defier.” ~King David
King David understood terrorism very well. He was in battle after battle for his life and his men. He defeated …
“Is it possible that 1.6 billion people should want to kill the rest of the world’s inhabitants—that is 7 billion—so that they themselves may live?” Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi
Speaking before Al-Azhar and the Awqaf Ministry on New Year’s Day, 2015, and in connection to Prophet Muhammad’s upcoming birthday, …
"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." ~Martin Luther King, Jr.
There is a lot we don’t know. Knowing we don’t know everything is a key to wisdom. We should take time …
