THE BENEFITS GOD GIVES Psalm 103:1-5

Byadmin

This is a short study on this psalm of David. Why does he encourage us to praise God with everything within us and remember the benefits God gives? 

Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Soul comes from the Hebrew word, “nephesh” meaning a living being.  In the Greek, the world soul comes from “psuche” (breath – God breathing) and root of the English words of “psyche” and “psychology.”  Both the Hebrew and Greek indicate the vital breath of life.  Our soul, therefore is the true self, the depths of being, the who you are, the very heart and make up of you, emotions, appetites, desires.  Together with “all my inmost being” speaks of everything within me, all my joy, all my desires, wants, fears, aspirations, goals, the “who I am” that praises God’s holy name.

To praise is to kneel, or bless God’s holy (righteous, worthy, incomparable, honorable) name.

NAMES of GOD

God’s name has many meanings that help us understand more fully “who” He is.  Here’s a few:

  • Alpha, Amen, Ancient of Days, Anointed One, Author
  • Bread of Life, Beginning and the End
  • Christ, Chief Cornerstone, Creator, Counselor,
  • Deliverer, Door, Divine, Desire of Nations
  • Everlasting God, El Shaddai, El Elyon (most high God), Eternal
  • Faithful and True, Father, Firstborn of All Creation, Friend
  • Gate, God, Good Shepherd, Glorious Lord
  • Healer, Holy God, Holy Spirit, High Priest, Helper, Head of the Body, Head of the Church
  • Immortal, Immutable, I am, Immanuel, Image of the Invisible God
  • Jehovah, Judge, Jesus, Just One
  • King of Glory, King of Kings, King Eternal
  • Lord of All, Life, Lord of Lords, Lamb, Lion of Judah, Light, Logos (Word)
  • Master, Merciful God, Most High, Majesty, Messiah, Mediator, Maker
  • Name Above All Names, Nazarene, No Other Name
  • Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omega, Only Wise God, One and Only
  • Prince of Peace, Prophet, Priest, Physician, Perfector of our Faith,
  • Qanna (Jealous/husband), Quickening Spirit
  • Rock, Refuge, Redeemer, Resurrection, Root of David, Rose of Sharon, Rewarder
  • Shepherd, Shield, Strong Tower, Seed, Son of God and man, Stronghold, Sun of Righteousness, Star out of Jacob
  • Truth, Trinity, Treasure, Teacher
  • Upright, Upholder of all things, Undefiled
  • Wonderful, Way, Who is, Word, Word of God, Worthy
  • X – Greek for Christos
  • Yahweh (Lord, Jehovah), Yes and Amen
  • Zealous, Zur (Rock)

One way to praise God is to say his names back in prayer and let that praise fill your heart and mind. Rehearse these names through the day and let faith grow and overcome obstacles you may be facing. Another benefit: you can’t stay angry when you sing praises. 

David has discovered the secret of success even in the storms of life – it’s praise to our God!  Praise is a secret-weapon for victory that continues to turn our worry to rejoicing.

BENEFITS FROM GOD

  1. Forgiveness of sin
  2. Heals all your diseases
  3. Redeems your life from the pit
  4. Crowns you with compassion and mercy
  5. Satisfies

Think about these benefits.

FORGIVENESS OF SIN

who forgives all your sins


2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins

Jesus reconciles us with the Father through his death and resurrection.  God cannot live with sin and therefore Jesus as a perfect, spotless, pure One was the only one who could be a substitute and die in my place for my sin so I could be made right with God and one day stand in His presence.   

He forgives, pardons ALL our sins, guilt, punishment for iniquity, our failures, our wrongs, our regrets.  All is inclusive of everything we’ve ever done wrong.  Every one.  All of them. By believing and accepting the death of Jesus is a gift of grace.  Forgiveness is founded upon a willing heart to walk with God in the divine plan of salvation. 

Ephesians 2:8,9 says  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

Psalm 103 verses 11 and 12 tells us that God’s love has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west, and repeats that same phrase again to emphasize how far they are removed! In other words, they are gone forever! A gift given with grace, not earned but given freely.

HEALING

and heals all your diseases,

Emotional, physical, spiritual healing is available through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Our creator knows how are bodies were formed in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139) and has the power to heal all our diseases.  No matter what we face in life, God is able to meet all our needs according to His riches in glory.

“All” speaks of the whole of our being, including emotional health, spiritual health, and physical health.  It’s God’s nature to heal and to make whole. Even though it is God’s nature to heal, there are times that healing may not be in God’s time, or may be later, or for another purpose that we may not understand. Yet, it is God’s nature to heal. Faith to believe God heals is a key. Here’s a few of many more verses –  Isaiah 53:4,5; Jeremiah 17:14; Malachi 4:2; Matthew 4:23-24; Psalm 107:20; Proverbs 3:7-8;  Psalm 30:2; 2 Chronicles 7:14; James 5:14-16).

REDEMPTION


4 who redeems your life from the pit


Redemption is the act of saving from our sin and being reconciled back to the Father. Jesus gave his life, a sinless Lamb of God, shed his blood, and secured our salvation. We are redeemed from the pit (destruction, separation from God, the place and abode of those who are in the grave).

Redemption speaks of being bought back, as in being redeemed by a kinsman-redeemer.  Boaz became that kinsman-redeemer for Ruth (a Moabite – perpetual enemy turned believer in God) who returned from a foreign land with her mother-in-law, Naomi.  The story is found in the Old Testament book by her name, Ruth.   She is a picture and  beautiful example of someone being redeemed by Boaz, her husband and kinsman- redeemer.  Boaz purchased Naomi’s property and married Ruth.

Our redemption is provided by Jesus, our kinsman-redeemer, who redeemed us by paying the price for our sin on the cross. Jesus saves, rescues, and restores us, and reconciles us to the Father.

For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Romans 5:10

CROWNS YOU WITH LOVE AND COMPASSION

and crowns you with love and compassion,

To crown is to encircle, to protect, compass as to true north.  With the crown there comes honor. You are regarded with esteem, regard, with a showering of love and compassion and tender mercies. 

Compassion or tender mercies speaks of the womb as when you cherish an unborn baby, or as one who is tender as with a maiden.  As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he know how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.” V. 13, 14

Verse 8-10  describes the Lord as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love.  We aren’t treated as we deserve, but with mountains of love and kindness.

You will notice God’s love is endless and everlasting.  But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children – with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. V 17-18

I love this promise for our children’s children.  As a grandparent, daily prayer goes up for each of our grandchildren.  We are rich with priceless grandchildren. Nothing is more valuable to us than knowing each of them walks with God with their whole heart and life, and love God’s Words!

SATISFIES YOUR DESIRES


5 who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

To be satisfied is to have your wishes, expectations, needs and pleasures coming to fruition. There’s contentment, fulfillment, enjoyment. There’s satisfaction in helping others. Satisfaction in work done with excellence. Satisfaction in knowing your customers are pleased with the services. Satisfaction with a new home. Satisfaction with a successful accomplishment. 

However, things don’t satisfy for long. 

See how Billy Graham put it:

“God declared that things will not satisfy. God satisfies! This is the secret of soul-satisfaction: Let your soul delight itself in fatness. Remove the obstructions, tear down the barriers, and let your soul find the fulfillment of its deepest longings in fellowship with God. “

Even in old age  these benefits bring a sense of youthfulness in our attitudes and outlook.  We can rejoice in the satisfaction of knowing our sins are forgiven and God’s gracious love and compassion are upon us each day. We are the redeemed, going to heaven.  God is working out all things for our good (Romans 8:28).  We are the recipients of God’s gracious benefits.

REMEMBER

REMEMBER

David challenges us to “remember” all the benefits of God and offer praise.  “Forget not his benefits.”  Often we do forget and move down into the mollygrubs of life rather than living in the victory of being a child of God.

Another of David’s famous writings in Psalm 23:6 says,

Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Because of these benefits of forgiveness, healing, redemption, compassion and love, and satisfaction, David reminds us to PRAISE THE LORD! As we do, our heart and mind will rejoice and become filled with thanks and praise. Attitudes change. Sorrow is replaced with joy. Worry diminishes as we realize the greatness and power of God. Guilt no longer has a hold on us as we rejoice in God’s forgiveness and grace. We realize again, redemption is secure, and our soul is satisfied!

Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

What other secrets are you hearing from this beautiful chapter of praise and benefits?

Would you take some time right now and begin to give thanks and praise to God for his rich benefits? Praise the Lord!

O God, I praise you, with all that’s in me. I worship you with all my heart. And with my body, and with my spirit, I worship you for who you are!

Words and music by Judy

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OUR GREAT DELIVERER, Psalm 18:2

Byadmin

Often in reading scripture, it’s easy to quickly gloss over words and fail to see the deeper meaning.  In Psalm 18:2, our thoughts can anchor into the protection and deliverance God provides as a rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, horn, and stronghold.  Consider the deeper meanings of these symbolic words describing our Deliverer.

David’s Psalm powerfully reminds us that a perfect God watches over us.  This Psalm, repeated in 2 Samuel 22, may have been written near the end of David’s reign, and again proclaims God’s faithfulness to protect and save from enemies and troubles.  Before David ascended the throne as King of Israel, he spent years running from the murderous threats of God-dethroned and jealous King Saul.   This 3000-year-old Psalm of David continues to shout praise to our Living God, who is our rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, horn, and stronghold.  

Psalm 18:2  The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;  my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

ROCK “The Lord is my rock,”

We live in Arizona, and a few miles from boulder rocks, some more massive than our house!   Everywhere we look, we are surrounded by magnificent, majestic mountains that inspire and point to the heavens, where our help comes from the Lord (Psalm 121:1).  David, fleeing from King Saul found a sure footing on the unwavering, stable, secure rock, often towering above his enemies.

A gifted and prophetic muscian, David,  through the Holy Spirit, wrote the Pslams.  David said, The Lord is my rock.  In the New Testament, the foundational rock of faith is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:16-18).  We are wise to build our lives upon that firm foundation, Jesus!

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.  Matthew 7:24, 25

When we anchor on the Rock, Christ Jesus, we will be anchored through the storms of life.  When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever. Proverbs 10:25

 

FORTRESS  “The Lord is my rock, my fortress,“

A fortress, as in a military stronghold, is a safe place.  We are secure inside not susceptible to outside influence or disturbances. God surrounds his people. 

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people (Psalm 125:2).

In spiritual warfare, not unlike a military battle, we fight the enemy of our soul.  Knowing God is our Fortress, together with daily time in the Word (the sword of the Spirit, Ephesians 6:17), and prayer, we can stand against the forces of evil.

This symbolism reflects the strength and power of God to keep and protect from the attack of our enemies, especially the Devil.  God’s presence is our safe place of refuge and peace. 

For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear (Isaiah 41:10).

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand (John 10:29).

DELIVERER  “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;”

A deliverer is someone who rescues from harm or danger.  Our Savior has saved us from sin and death.  You may recount times God has kept you from an accident while driving or protected you from a harmful situation.  Our Deliverer is always aware of every detail of our lives.  Our Deliverer has given us the Holy Spirit, our helper, comforter, and daily guide. 

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

Not only does God deliver us in this world, but from the eternal wrath to come: and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead–Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

REFUGE  “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,“

In a time of trouble, we have a shelter from the storms of life, a place where we are safe and sheltered from pursuit, danger, or stress.   God speaks that if the mountains fall into the sea – which would be more than alarming and frightening – God says, don’t be anxious, but be still.  Over 300 times in the Bible God says we should not be afraid.  God says it so many times because he knows we are repeatedly afraid and fearful. Thankfully, God is our rock, fortress, refuge, and deliverer as we put our trust in Him.  

God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. 

 Be still, and know that I am God (Psalm 46:1, 2 ,10).

God also provides a refuge from lies, mean and hurtful words or actions of others.  When we fix our mind on the Lord’s promises, we find that secret place of peace and refuge.

You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man; You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues (Psalm 31:20)

 God is imminently ready to be our refuge!

 

SHIELD   “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield,” 

A shield is protective armor against an attack of the enemy.  David, on the run from Saul, knew God as a shield, ultimately the Protector who would fulfill his destiny.

The shield, in essence,  is a reference to the Sovereign God who does the impossible.  A  Sovereign  is one who possesses supreme, ultimate power, able to defend.   In Genesis 15, God calls himself a shield (Sovereign) of Abram. 

After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram.  I am your shield, your very great reward.”  But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless?” (Genesis 15:1, 2).

The Sovereign Lord did the impossible by giving a son to a 90-year-old barren woman and 100-year-old man.

 …” a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.”  He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Genesis 15:4, 5

The supreme, ultimate power of God knows how to fight our battles.  He is our shield! 

 

HORN OF SALVATION  “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation.”

Horns symbolize strength and victory. 

  • Horn in the Old Testament was a shofar, ram’s horn, like a bugle.  At Jericho, the first Canaanite city conquered upon entrance into the Promised Land, the horns blew, the people shouted, and the walls fell (Jericho 6:20). 
  • Horns in Revelation symbolized the power of nations and their leaders (Revelation 13:1)
  • Horns on the altar in Temple were placed on each corner, symbolizing atonement, or purity by the blood of the Old Testament sacrifice of animals, and the blood sacrifice of Jesus in the New Testament  (Exodus 27:2; Ezekiel 43:20).

The horn of salvation symbolizes not only strength to help, but victory over sin.   Forgiveness of sin, the strength of God through all Jesus accomplished on the cross and resurrection, gives overcoming power and triumph to the child of God.  Not only over sin but strength to achieve daily tasks and energy to do more than we think we can.   David said, With God’s help I can advance against a troop, with my God I can scale a wall (Psalm 18:29).  

God, the horn (strength) of our salvation is stronger than any other power.  The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is working in us to defeat sin and give life.

 

STRONGHOLD  The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

One of the most beautiful places in Israel, in the Judean desert and next to the Dead Sea, is a place called En Gedi.  David found this fortified and protected stronghold from an attack, an oasis of canyons and caves, fertile vineyards, freshwater springs, and animals that provide food.  Strongholds, like David’s, was a place of protection, an oasis in the desert. 

Metaphorically, negative strongholds in the mind – uncontrolled anger, addictions, sexual temptations,  alcohol, or hoarding –  can be overcome by the power of God.   Armed in the transforming Word and God’s presence guarantees a protected stronghold against fears, stresses, and insecurity.  We are safe as we remain in God’s stronghold.  The Word will keep our thoughts right, actions pure, and lives under God’s protection.

The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.   2 Corinthians 10:4-5

 

I LOVE YOU, LORD, MY STRENGTH

As you consider these terms as symbolic of God’s divine help as rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, horn of my salvation, and stronghold, we can say as David did,  I love you, Lord, my strength!  The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:1,2).

The Lord lives! 

Praise be to my Rock! 

Exalted by God my Savior!

Psalm 18:40

 

 

 

 

Part 2 Do You Excuse Disobedience?
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Part 2 Do You Excuse Disobedience?

Byadmin

In Part 1, Saul was anointed and appointed by God the King of Israel.  His humility soon turned to pride and excuses for not obeying God’s commands. The proof of a good King was his obedience to God’s command and rejection of idol worship.  The same proof applies to us today.  Obedience to God is the key to our relationship and approval from God.  Overcoming excuses and pride takes work on our part but becomes easier the more we dwell in the Word, obey it, and grieve over sin. 

Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall.

Proverbs 16:18

PRIDE REJECTS GOD’S WORD

Samuel rebuked Saul for foolishly disregarding God’s commands. Saul would lose the kingdom and his throne to another without obeying what God said. 

God gave Saul another opportunity to obey.

God assigned Saul the mission of carrying out God’s punishment on an unrepentant people, who for nearly 500 years had been repetitively brutal towards Israel.   Now, God’s timing was complete, including total destruction (Deut 25:17-19).  

GOD’S INSTRUCTION

Attack and Totally Destroy

Samuel gave Saul the instructions to attack and totally destroy the Amalekites and all that belongs to them (1 Sam 15:3).

But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs—everything that was good. They were unwilling to destroy completely, but everything that was despised and weak was totally destroyed (1 Samuel 15:8-9).

God was punishing the horrendous evil of the Amalekites.  The spoils of battle belonged to God, not for the nation or anyone’s personal gain.

God regards taking the things under the ban as stealing from God, revealing covetousness and pride (Joshua 6:18).

 

SAUL EXCUSED HIS DISOBEDIENCE AGAIN.

He rode into his hometown on his stallion, dragging his war trophy, King Agag, behind him, along with the best of the animals (spoils).

GOD WAS GRIEVED

God told Samuel: “I am grieved that I have made Saul king because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions” 1 Samuel 15:11.

Here’s the text from 1 Samuel 15

“Early in the morning, Samuel got up and went to meet Saul, but he was told, “Saul has gone to Carmel. There he has set up a monument in his own honor and has turned and gone on down to Gilgal”

When Samuel reached him, Saul said, “The Lord bless you! I have carried out the Lord’s instructions.”

But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?”

Saul answered, “The soldiers brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best of the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to the Lord your God, but we totally destroyed the rest.”

“Enough!” Samuel said to Saul. “Let me tell you what the Lord said to me last night.”

“Tell me,” Saul replied.

 Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel.  And he sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and completely destroy those wicked people, the Amalekites; wage war against them until you have wiped them out.’  Why did you not obey the Lord? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the Lord?”

The soldiers knew God’s instruction, and they knew all the animals were under God’s ban and not to be taken, even to offer as a sacrifice.  Saul dishonored and blatantly dishonored God in front of the nation. 

More Excuses

“But I did obey the Lord,” Saul said. “I went on the mission the Lord assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag, their King. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal.” 

Notice, now it’s Samuel’s God. Saul doesn’t claim Him.

But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the Word of the Lord, he has rejected you as King.”

Saul’s continual disobedience to God resulted in his downfall.  He became depressed and fearful. He was jealous of David and tried to kill him (1 Samuel 18:10-12).  An evil spirit from God oppressed Saul, and he engaged in witchcraft (1 Samuel 28).

Saul’s excuses and pride ruined his life (1 Samuel 31:4-6)).   God removed His love from him (2 Samuel 7:15). 

 

Pride comes before a fall, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18

GUARDING AGAINST DISOBEDIENCE

Samuel told Saul, Because you have rejected the Word of the Lord, he has rejected you as King.

We aren’t perfect in our obedience, but we can be quick to repent and quit making excuses.  Filling our heart and mind with God’s Word will help establish the foundation of right choices.  Reading Scripture faithfully, including the passages which may not be agreeable, will teach us to honor and fear the Lord.  And, God guarantees His blessings in obedience.  Three things to help us obey are to dwell in the Word, do what it says, and grieve over sin.

  1. DWELL IN THE WORD

Saul rejected God’s commands, but David was quick to repent when he failed. When we take time in God’s word each day, we can know the heart of God and learn how to love Him and please Him.   As we dwell, occupy, settle, hunker down, reside, eat of it, get it into our spirit,  it will keep us from sin.  It’s alive and active. 

Your Word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You Psalm 119:11.  

Obedience to God comes through His Word, dwelling in it, learning it, loving it, and doing what it says. 

  1. DO WHAT IT SAYS

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

Don’t merely read it, but do what it says.  It takes time in the Word and listening to the Holy Spirit. The Word of God is alive. It’s active and can cut through our hearts and lay bare our attitudes and thoughts.  It has the power to change and transform a sinner into a saint (Hebrews 4:12). But we have to do what it says!  It’s a choice.

When we know the Scriptures, we will know Jesus!  One of the titles of Jesus is the Word of God.  Jesus and the Word are eternally inseparable.  The Bible is Jesus and Jesus is the fulfilled Bible (See CAN YOU LOVE JESUS WITHOUT LOVING THE BIBLE}

If you have ears, hear!  And then obey!

Dwelling in the word and the Word (Jesus) and doing what it says will help us grieve over our sin.

  1. GRIEVE OVER SIN

Twice God tells Samuel he is grieved over making Saul king because he didn’t carry out God’s instructions.   

God is grieved over our sin when we excuse or defend it instead of repenting.  The way we regard sin is in direct relationship to our nearness to God.  God grieves over sin.  We should too!

Spending time in the divinely inspired Word of God will draw us closer to its Author as it exposes sin and cuts to the heart.  We will learn what God loves and what He hates.  We can be more attuned to sharing God’s grief for sin and develop a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him.

“It is not the absence of sin but the grieving over it which distinguishes the child of God from empty professors.”  A.W. Pink

SUMMARY

Saul was chosen, anointed, and changed by God’s power to become a leader in God’s Kingdom, but he rejected God’s instruction.  We can more easily obey God by dwelling in His Word daily, doing what it says, and grieving over sin.  And like David, a man after God’s own heart, we will become a sacrifice of a repentant heart, submissive to God’s will and good pleasure. 

“You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.  Psalm 51:16, 17

The depth of my love for God will be the measure of my obedience to Him!

PRAYER

Father, thank you for divinely giving your Word!   Help me understand and learn what pleases You. I will dwell in the Word.  I will grieve over my sin and be quick to repent.  Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear as You speak.  I choose to obey.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Photo by Samuel Martins

Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.

John 14:23
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DO YOU EXCUSE DISOBEDIENCE? King Saul Part 1

Byadmin

My granddaughter, who is four years old, is an expert in making excuses. When I asked if she was keeping her room clean, she said her playmate had been over and messed it up!  Children aren’t the only ones who make up excuses!  We all do it, but should we?  Excuses, in the story of Saul only disguised his disobedient heart towards God.  As old as the story of Adam and Eve, when God said don’t, they still did, each blaming the other. Their disobedience resulted in being driven away from God’s presence (Genesis 3).  

Excuses make me look better than I am, or cover up my sin and avoid the consequences of my actions. At times, it’s easier to blame someone else for my lack of responsibility. “It’s his fault I’m like I am.” The story of Saul helps us see the problem of making excuses, a cover for self-pride. The opposite of making excuses is obeying God. As we grow in knowing God’s Word and doing what He says, we can overcome our prideful excuses. Self-driven pride is something God hates. But, God loves the obedient.

Whoever loves me will keep my word…Jesus

John 14:23

Let’s look at Saul’s story.  I believe you’ll see yourself – as I did.  

Photo by Mark Duffel Unsplash

CHOSEN BY GOD

Saul had a golden opportunity to become one of the most outstanding leaders of all time.  He could have become known for his servant-heart before God and led the nation back to God.  Instead, he excused his disobedience and dishonored God. 

SAUL ANOINTED KING  

Then Samuel took a bottle of olive oil. He poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him. He said, “The Lord has anointed you to be the King of his people. 1 Samuel 10:1

Tall and impressive, a young man without equal, God chose Saul to lead Israel.  Samuel, a lifetime Prophet, Judge, and acting priest of Israel, anointed Saul as King.  Saul humbly responded.

“But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin?  Why do you say such a thing?”  

On inauguration day, Saul hid in the baggage. (1 Sam 9:21).   God anointed this humble man to lead Israel out of the tyrannical oppression of the Philistines.  God equipped him.

Saul was appointed, anointed, and twice confirmed as King at Mizpeh and Gilgal.  But in the second year of his reign, Saul’s humility gave way to pride and disobedience.

Photo by Goh Rhy Van Unsplash

SAMUEL’S WARNING TO THE NATION AND THE KING

Israel’s leader, Samuel, openly rebuked the people for rejecting God by asking for a king.  

 And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.  As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you.  Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly” 1 Samuel 8:7-9.

Samuel warns the people if they continue to turn away from God, both the people and the new King will perish (1 Sam 12:24-25).  Saul was to lead the nation to obey God.

SAMUEL’S INSTRUCTIONS TO SAUL

Moving from a humble, hiding-in-the-baggage youth, now a King with 3000 soldiers at his command, his mission was to defeat the godless Philistines.  Samuel gave Saul the order to go to Gilgal and wait for Samuel to come on the seventh day and make the sacrifices with final instructions from God (1 Samuel 10:8).

Photo by Adam Birkett Unsplash

SAMUEL REBUKES SAUL

The oppressive Philistines had assembled for attack.  They were as numerous as the sands on the seashore.  Saul was becoming more fearful by the minute as his soldiers were fleeing. Anxiously waiting for Samuel to arrive, Saul decided to sacrifice without him (1 Sam 13:9).  Bad idea!

Before he finished, Samuel arrived and said, “What have you done?” Saul excused his disobedience.  

“When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Michmash, I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the Lord’s favor.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering” (1 Sam 13:1-12). 

This story may seem relatively insignificant, and we may, at first glance, “excuse” Saul for his disobedience to God.   Why the big deal over Saul offering the sacrifices and not waiting for Samuel?  With an army breathing down his neck, soldiers fleeing (now down to about 600 from 3000), should he not have acted?  Saul was the King and had to make decisions as a leader, right?  Not! Obedience is of first importance with God.

Samuel rebuked Saul. “You have done a foolish thing…now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people because you have not kept the Lord’s command.” 1 Samuel 13:13-14

WE ALL MAKE EXCUSES

It’s human nature to make excuses.  We all do at times, but do we fail to see pride as the reason?

“It’s my friend’s fault my room is messy.” (Who’s responsibility is it to keep it clean?)

” I don’t have time to read the Bible today because I’m too busy.”  (What does this tell God about how much we love Him and want to be with Him?)

” I want my way, and until I get it, I’ll give you the silent treatment.” (Is this putting others first, as Jesus taught).

Saul’s excuses included people’s approval, fear, feeling entitled, being ungrateful, and strife.

  • Saul’s disobedience was in response to look like a King and uphold his people’s approval, more important than God’s.  Paul writes in Galatians 1:10 when we “try to please people more than God, and then I am not a servant of God”.
  • Saul was afraid when the troops were leaving.  Rather than waiting on Samuel and the Lord, fear took hold and he trusted his own judgment more than what God said. 
  • Saul wasn’t a priest, and without authority, offered the sacrifices.  He felt entitled, thinking he deserved to do this because of who he was.  He forgot humility and obedience.
  • Saul’s humility turned into ungratefulness.  Saul erected a monument in honor of himself on the heels of his disobedience to God.  
  • Saul’s strife against God’s pick for the next King of Israel turned into hatred and rage.  He tried to murder David.  Where there is strife, there is pride.  Proverbs 13:10a

Pride and excuses caused Saul to lose the kingdom and his life.  

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.

Proverbs 16:18

Conquering excuses takes responsibility.  Time in God’s Word can bring change as we not only listen to God through His Word but do what He says.  James 1:22 tells us, “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

DO WHAT IT SAYS! Are we making excuses instead of obeying God’s commandments?

  1. God says, be honest (9th command).  Are we truthful?  What about little white lies?
  2. Don’t curse using God’s name (3rd command).  How about the casual, without even noticing the expression of OMG?  Are we giving careful thought to not taking God’s Name in vain, even in casual conversation? 
  3. Go to church and honor the Sabbath (4th command).  Are we faithful to worship with the body of believers in our communities?  Are we making sure our children are learning the Bible stories and lessons taught each Sunday? Are we honoring God by this command, “Don’t forsake the assembling of yourselves together” (Hebrews 10:25).
  4. Don’t covet what your neighbor has (10th command).  This is a hard one for Americans.  More than most of the world, we are all quite wealthy but still don’t have enough.  Are we spending beyond our means to enjoy the things of life like our neighbor?  Are we honoring God with our tithe first, showing our love and trust in Him?
  5. Don’t have idols above God (1st command).  What demands most of our time and money reveals where our heart is.  Is God first in everything?

To overcome pride, we must say “yes” to obey the Lord, not only those five commands above but all of them.  We have the help of the Word and the Holy Spirit.  We can say “no” to excuses and disobedience (Titus 2:11-14).   

In the critical, testing times, unlike Saul, we can quit making excuses, stop blaming others, and obey God.   Obedience is the measure of our love for God!.

Jesus said, Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.

John 14:23

Saul is given another opportunity to take responsibility for his actions and obey God, but does he do it?

Go to Part 2, Do You Excuse Disobedience?

IS GOD REALLY AWARE OF WHAT IS HAPPENING?

IS GOD REALLY AWARE OF WHAT IS HAPPENING?

Byadmin

When facing a struggle, we may wonder if God is aware of all that is happening. We may question why He doesn’t answer when I cry out to Him.

Psalm 46 reminds us God is always aware and knows every detail – the fears, the worries, the concerns, and the outcomes. Nothing comes to us but through God’s hand, and it’s always for our good and for developing faith in His timing and greater plan. When we don’t understand how He is working, we can trust Him because He is God, and He is Good!

May this Psalm fill you with the awareness of God’s presence, power and authority, and the peace that passes all human understanding, in everything you face. Read  my article on Christianity.com, “What Secrets From Psalm 46 Can Help Me Embrace God’s nearness in Times of Trouble?”  here.

 

 

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JESUS HAS ALL AUTHORITY, BUT DOES THE SCRIPTURE? PART 2

Byadmin

All authority in heaven and earth is given to Jesus (Matthew 28:18). Not some, but ALL! 

Jesus carried the authority of deity, being fully God and fully man. God the Father was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Jesus (Colossians 1:19). Jesus claimed that authority when He stated, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30; John 17:21).

Jesus’ powerful authority distinguished him from the teachers of the law and prophets. And, in this same passage, demons, under the control and power of Satan, are subject to the authority of Jesus.

Luke’s gospel gives this account: “Then Jesus went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and taught there in the synagogue every Sabbath day.  There, too, the people were amazed at his teaching, for he spoke with authority.

 Once when he was in the synagogue, a man possessed by a demon—an evil spirit—cried out, shouting,  ‘Go away! Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!’

 But Jesus reprimanded him. ‘Be quiet! Come out of the man,’ he ordered. At that, the demon threw the man to the floor as the crowd watched; then it came out of him without hurting him further. Amazed, the people exclaimed, ‘What authority and power this man’s words possess! Even evil spirits obey him, and they flee at his command!’ “ (The New International Version, Luke 4:31-36).

Jesus casting out the Garasene demoniac bySchnorr von Carolsfeld Bibel 1860

We hold in our hands the precious gift of God’s Word. This Word carries the authority of Jesus within its pages with words, chapters and books, inspired divinely by God. His authority threads through the pages of Scripture with an unbreakable strand. Therefore, the Scripture has the power to call us to obey and serve the God who loved us first.  

“The Bible belongs to a superhuman level that our investigation of it never reaches its limit of discovery” (Dr. Arthur T. Pierson, Knowing the Scriptures: Rules and Methods of Bible Study, p 27).

Jesus and the Word of God are inseparable. Therefore, as we submit to loving Jesus, we will be confident the love for the Word of God, our Bible, will help us love Jesus more and more.

JESUS AND THE BIBLE ARE ONE IN AUTHORITY

“Our Lord is found in the Word, in the letter; the Word is found in Him in the life” (Pierson, p 28).

Jesus cannot be separated from the Bible, and the Bible cannot be separated from Jesus. The Scriptures point to me and testify about me, Jesus. (John 5:39). They are ONE in authority, power, and purpose.

Dr. Pierson states, “In the volume of the Book, it is written of Me (Psalms 40:7). The Holy Scriptures and the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ are so inseparably bound together, that whatever impairs the integrity and authority of the one correspondingly affects the other. The written Word is the Living Word enfolded; the Living Word is the Written Word unfolded” (p 28).

Jesus responded to the Devil by quoting Scripture from the Old Testament; thus, emphasizing the integrity of every written word. Jesus said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

When we pay attention and note the importance of what was written from years ago, found in the Old Testament, we will “make our election and calling sure” (2 Peter 1:10). God’s finger wrote the tablets given to Moses on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 31:18). Then God spoke through the prophets about the life of Jesus. “And we have the word of the Prophets (that Jesus fulfilled) made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it” (2 Peter 1:19).

THE BIBLE IS THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD

Regarding the inspiration of Scripture, Carl F.H. Henry states, “Inspiration is that supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit whereby the sacred writers were divinely supervised in their production of Scripture, being restrained from error and guided in the choice of words they used, consistently with their disparate personalities and stylistic peculiarities.”

A personal opinion wasn’t the source of the scriptures. The pages of Scripture were inspired or God-breathed. God breathed into Adam the breath of life. Similarly, God breathed into the Scriptures. That same breath of God connects the words with the Savior and becomes inseparable, divinely connected. Jesus and the Word are inseparable.

As I type, I’m aware of my breathing in and out. I’m alive!.  That same type of breath of life is found in each passage of Scripture, “For the word of God is alive and active” (Hebrews 4:12a). With that life comes transformation power.

TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF SCRIPTURE

Peter, an eye-witness to the Majesty of Jesus, urges faithful followers to grow in knowledge (epignosis), the actual, genuine knowledge about Jesus. Abiding in God’s Word is abiding in Jesus. Staying in the truth of Scripture is staying in the truth of Jesus. Time devoted to learning, studying, and memorizing Scripture renews the mind and transforms the old nature into a new, spiritual nature. This new self conforms to the likeness of God “in righteousness and holiness of the truth .”  

“Lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth” ( Ephesians 4:22-24).

Praise the Lord! If we believe in God, His authority, and the transforming power of His Word, our behavior and conduct will reflect God’s righteousness. Choosing to conform my attitudes, morality, and lifestyle to God’s Word will alter my old nature and reconstruct and revolutionize my life into godliness.

eyeglass with gold colored frames
Photo by John-Mark Smith on Pexels.com

ALIGNING MY FAITH AND CONDUCT WITH THE VOICE OF GOD IN SCRIPTURE

The Bible, the voice of God, is our rule of faith and conduct. Professor of Theology Mayhue[i] reminds us, “Because Scripture is the Word of God, the words of God are authoritative.”

God’s Word isn’t inferior to relativism or subjectivism. Authority through the Word is the ultimate, permanent, and obligatory authority given by God. Unchangeable. Eternal. Though worldly intellectual opinions, educated theories, so-called facts contradict God’s truth, they are no match for the validity of God’s Word, and Scripture remains valid. God’s Word doesn’t change with the norms and mores of society. God’s Word remains the same, yesterday, today, and forever. Therefore, our lifestyle, beliefs, values, and worldview align to God’s Word as our rule of faith and conduct.

When questioning a spiritual truth and wondering if it is accurate or confirmed, the search must end with Scripture. God’s truth is the ultimate truth. As our rule of faith and conduct, the Bible has the authority to tell us what is right and proper and how to live and grow in authentic faith.

The final decider of all truth rests in the pages of Scripture. A parishioner who had attended a neighboring church meeting asked my husband’s opinion on the fantastic things happening, one being the floating of angel feathers in the air, assumed to be from heaven. “Do you think that was really of God ?” John’s straightforward response was, “Where is that in the Bible?”

Paul warned the Galatian church to guard against anyone, even an angel from heaven, who preaches another (counterfeit) gospel. They will be under God’s curse (Galatians 1:8). We are to “test the spirits” to see if they are of God (1 John 4:1) and, to do so, we must know the clear teaching of Scripture. Jesus commended the Berean Jews for their careful examination of the Scriptures, “They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth” ( Acts 17:10-11).

Jesus clearly stated the revelation of Jesus Christ, recorded in the Bible, is complete, and nothing should be added to it or taken away from it (Rev. 22:18-19). We are called to make every effort to be diligent in presenting ourselves approved to God, as a worker who correctly handles the word of truth, and therefore, is not ashamed before God (2 Tim 2:15). A truth-seeker will find the Truth. And with that truth, we will choose to give our lives in obedience.

OBEDIENCE IS NOT BURDENSOME

It’s easy to obey someone who truly loves you. The Bible contains God’s laws and commands–rules of life that give success—from the loving heart of God. When we align our faith and conduct to God’s Word, we experience the vast, deep, expansive love of God. The Scripture reminds us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

“Scripture is to be authoritatively preached and submissively obeyed since the Author of and the authority within will reward righteous obedience and condemn those who disregard and disobey His authority in Scripture.”

Richard Mayhue

We can see God’s visible love through Jesus – his coming to earth, his great sacrifice on the cross, the power of his resurrection, and His ascension in glory. It’s easy to obey someone who loves you fully and has your best interest at heart!

“For the [true] love of God is this: that we habitually keep His commandments and remain focused on His precepts. And His commandments and His precepts are not difficult [to obey]” (1 John 5:3 Amplified Bible).

REST IN THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS AND WORD

When we worry about the direction of our world,  political rulers, evil powers, and immoral society,  we should pray. God has a plan, not only for here and now but for eternity. God knows the end of life from the beginning and is on the Throne. We stand confidently in the authority of Scripture and the truth of God’s love. Abraham Lincoln said, “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.”  That right place is found in the Word of God, our rule of faith and conduct.

Though other politicians, health officials, Big Tech, and others try to dictate what we can do, where we can go, or censor our thoughts, we can depend on the one Authority that loves us and has our best interest at heart.  

Jesus gave us a significant example regarding human authority. Scriptures verify this truth; God judges and brings one down and exalts another (Psalm 75:7). He removes kings and sets up kings (Dan 2:21). “Pilate said. ‘Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?'” Jesus answered, ‘You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you'” John 19:10,11.

Jesus has all authority, and His authority continues through the pages of our Bibles.

WHOSE AUTHORITY GUIDES MY LIFE?

A good question to ask when seeking truth relies on the authority of Scripture, “Where is that in the Bible?” Whose authority guides my life? Do I listen more to politicians than to Scripture? Do I believe or give more time to what I hear in the media than what I read in the Bible? Is my life aligned with the commands and principles from God more than with the world’s views and opinions? Do I live in fear instead of in the promises of God’s Word? An unknown author penned these beautiful words:

This Book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation,

the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.

Its doctrine is holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its

decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise, believe it to be saved, and practice it to be holy.

It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer

you.

It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the

soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter.

Here heaven is opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its

end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.

Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.

It is a mine of wealth, health to the soul, and a river of pleasure.

It is given to you here in this life, will be opened at the Judgment, and is

established forever.

It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the most significant labor, and

condemn all who trifle with its contents. (Unknown author)

Will you join me in seeking to know the truth of Scripture and the truth of Jesus (I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life)? Will you, with me, allow God’s authoritative Word to be our rule of faith and conduct? Then we will know, not the authority that is short-lived by the world’s authority, but the God-given freedoms and blessings from One who has “all” authority in heaven and on earth.

Jesus said to the Jew who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).

[i] http://storage.cloversites.com/stpeterlutheranchurch1/documents/AUTHORITY%20of%20Scripture.pdf

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Kicking Anger in the Teeth! (The Secret of Mastering Anger)

Byadmin

We’ve all experienced anger, whether it was a little frustration or an extreme rage.  Anger is a natural emotion that can be healthy, beneficial, or destructive.  It spills out with words that bite like venom.  Anger destroys relationships.  Anger galvanizes politicians, provokes neighborhood recreation boards, and divides families.  

In our nation, anger is an increasing, dominant emotion.  A war of hate is burgeoning at the national level, threading through the corridors of life in states, cities, and homes.  When anger comes to my house, how do I close the door on it? 

DO WHAT IS RIGHT

God gave a directive to Cain, the first son of Adam and Eve, to do what is right and rule over anger, a message still true today.  Here’s the story.  Carefully read the text.

Genesis 4:3-7 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord.  And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?  If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

Cain was angry that his offering was not acceptable to God.  He was mad that God looked with favor on his brother’s offering.  Jealous, angry, and disobedient, Cain’s anger-fueled pride and arrogance led to further trouble and sin.   He didn’t want God telling him how to bring his offering and hated his favored brother, Abel.   God commended Abel as righteous (Hebrews 11:4). His offering showed his love for God.  Cain’s anger mirrored his cold and disobedient core towards God. His anger led to the murder of his brother Abel.   

God gave Cain the opportunity to do right, but he enjoyed the rush of anger more than the submission of self-control.  His anger surged.  He ignored his parents’ and God’s instructions regarding the right sacrifice offered. He didn’t love God enough to please Him (and he forgot to count to 100!). 

When angry, count to ten before you speak. If very angry, count to one hundred.  Thomas Jefferson

RULE OVER ANGER

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it. Genesis 4:7 

God provided a compelling word picture—a tiger crouching in the deep grass ready to pounce.  If you’re the one staring the tiger in the eyes, you best choose wisely. 

Anger, like a tiger crouching, is ready to have you.   Take charge before it attacks!  Rule over it!  Shut the door!

             Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.

Crouching Tiger

Sin is always ready to “have” us.  It’s waiting for the opportune time to pounce.  When someone pushes our buttons, there’s a fight in us.  We want to get even, dish it out, take the first shot, give her a piece of my mind. That is the time we must rule over it, or it will rule us.  

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?  You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet, but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God (James 4:1, 2).

Cain’s anger cost him his place in the family, his brother’s life, and God’s presence (Genesis 4:14).   If Cain ruled over his anger, his destiny would have been sweet.

Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.  Mark Twain

HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

God’s Word is complete in being the answer to all our needs.  It’s the directions we seek, the guidance for right relationships.  The God who made us knows how we “tick.”  When we choose to “rule over anger,” the Holy Spirit will help.   Self-control, a fruit of the Spirit,  kicks in and becomes stronger with resolve (Galatians 5:23-24).“Do the right thing” and “rule over it.”  It’s a choice of will—to please the flesh, or to please God.

           Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh                        desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set                       on what the Spirit desires  (Romans 8:5).

Ephesians 4:26-32 tells how to rule over anger:

  1. When angry, don’t sin.  Don’t let emotions lead; rule over them quickly.  (Ephesians 4:26, 27).
  2. Keep your words gentle. They turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1).
  3. Control your tongue (James 3:6, 9-11).
  4. Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit by your response (Ephesians 4: 30-31).
  5. Forgive and be kind (Ephesians 4: 32).  Jesus exemplifies the ideal for us.  “Father, forgive them (scourged him, jeered, forsook, insulted, spit on him, nailed his hands and feet) for they don’t know what they do” (Luke 23:34).

I can control anger when I DO WHAT IS RIGHT, RULE OVER IT, and yield to the HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.  Proverbs 16:32

Cain grieved the Holy Spirit when he disregarded God’s directive to “do the right thing.”  If flesh leads, sin is crouching at the door; words can’t be unsaid, actions can’t be undone.   If we yield to the Holy Spirit, we can dominate anger.  

Doing what is right, ruling over emotions, and yielding to the Holy Spirit will help conquer anger and will generate words and behaviors that please God.    

PREPARE AHEAD OF TIME

When anger comes to your house, don’t invite it in.  Determine ahead of time to close the door. If need be, kick anger in the teeth!   The Holy Spirit will help do the right thing and strengthen the inner man/woman to rule over it. 

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for the gift of emotions.  Help me honor you in the way I control anger.   When surprised by anger, help me, Holy Spirit—with self-control, compassion, and wisdom— to resolve the situation.  Help me understand.  Help me forgive.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!

You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.  But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Colossians 3:7-9

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