I’ve put together a special arrangement of an old hymn that is very special to a friend of mine, Phyllis B. She was desperately ill with COVID-19. One morning while in the hospital the words of this song came into her mind. As she sang the chorus she felt the waves of the Holy Spirit sweeping over her in her room.
I’m so thankful for the work of God that speaks to us in the hard days and fills us with His presence. We are rejoicing that Phyllis is back home and recovering! Our love and prayers to you, Phyllis!
This beautiful hymn was written by Garfield T. Haywood (1880-1931).
Human nature is often defiant. It’s easier to let my “me-first” attitudes rule autonomy than submit to another of differing views. Peter writes of a better way, submission. Submission calls us to confront the “me-first” mentality and follow more closely the servant-heart of Jesus. He submitted to the Father’s will. He submitted to Pilate, a human authority. He submitted to suffering and death on the cross. Jesus submitted, not out of inferiority, but out of love for the Father and love for people. Peter calls believers to a submission that resembles Jesus.
Submission isn’t blind or comprehensive. It carries the condition of honoring God. Jesus yielded to Pilate, but he chased the moneychangers out of the temple, both acts honoring God. Peter was threatened, beaten, and arrested for preaching Jesus. He submitted to authorities but didn’t quit preaching Jesus (Acts 4:18-19). Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in fighting to honor God lost his life to an anti-God Nazi Regime. When honoring the State or honoring God are in conflict, obedience to God takes priority. As much as possible, we are to live in peace with all people (Romans 12:18).
Reflect Jesus to the World
Submission in relationships is to point others to our Savior.
Peter writes, “Dear friends, you are like visitors and strangers in this world. So I beg you to keep your lives free from the evil things you want to do, those desires that fight against your true selves. People who don’t believe are living all around you. They may say that you are doing wrong. So live such good lives that they will see the good you do, and they will give glory to God on the Day he comes” (1 Peter 2:11-12).
Fear God, honor the King
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men; whether to the King, as the supreme authority, or to governors. Fear God, and honor the King. 1 Peter 2:13, 14,17b
In Peter’s day, honoring the King was no easy task. The King persecuted Christians, executed John’s brother, James, and arrested Peter (Acts 12:1-3). How did Peter show respect to such tyrants?
Nero (AD 37-68), the ruling emperor of the Roman Empire, murdered his mother and first wife. He arrested Christians, fed them to wild dogs, nailed them to crosses, burned them as torches for evening lights. Nero’s maniacal leadership in 64 AD put Peter to death by crucifixion.
Peter saw the way Jesus submitted to Pilate. He heard Jesus say, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17). Peter believed Jesus had all authority in heaven and earth, and yet he submitted to the Father’s plan and to suffering.
The Apostle Paul shared Peter’s message, “everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. God has appointed the authorities that exist. Consequently, the one who resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:1).
The Old Testament gives the same directive. “He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them (Daniel 2:21). Daniel, a Prophet, was a man of excellence. From a young man in exile to old age, his submission to the Kings he served honored God and impacted nations (Daniel 5:12, 14; 6:3; 9:23).
Daniel chapter 6 gives an example of his submission to God and the King. Jealous peers tricked the King into issuing an irrevocable decree; anyone who prays to any god or human for the next thirty days, except to the King, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. Daniel heard the decree, yet continued to pray publicly three times a day.
Daniel was thrown to the lions. After a sleepless night, the King came to see if God rescued him. Daniel is not harsh to the King.
“May the King live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty” (Daniel 6:21-23).
Daniel’s life and the miracle of surviving the lion’s den so moved the King, he issued another decree encouraging all to believe in the God of Daniel. Daniel could have said harsh, angry words to the King, but he chose to honor God, and God honored him for it.
JESUS submitted to Pilate. Pontius Pilate had the authority to put Jesus to death by crucifixion. Jesus said, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above (John 19:11).
Submission isn’t about who’s stronger or has more control. Submission is the maturity of faith that yields to do the Father’s will.
Holiness calls us to honor “those in authority” over us. Respect them (1 Peter 2:17). Even if we can’t revere their political persuasion, we can revere the office. When we revere God, we can honor ruling authorities and pray for them.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
Holiness calls us to submit to ruling authorities with respect and prayer. No more name-calling, no hatred.
To Employers/Masters
In Peter’s time, “slaves,” were educated as teachers, doctors, musicians, or stewards over large estates. In the Roman Empire, slaves were plenteous, about 60,000,000. Many slaves were loved, like family. Others were cruelly treated. Peter says out of your love for God, submit to the master, whether good or evil (1 Peter 2:18).
Follow the example of Jesus. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23).
An unfair employer, a difficult boss, a short-tempered trainer, or a spouse who is a taskmaster makes life difficult. When slandered or verbally abused, it’s natural to want to respond the same way. But that is not the example of Jesus. When they jeered, rejected, abused Him, what did Jesus do? He said, “Father forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). And He died for them, to save many lives.
Joseph (Increaser), a teenager, was sold by his jealous brothers into slavery, en employee of Potiphar, and imprisoned by a lie from his employer’s wife. Seventeen years Joseph was under a taskmaster, but rather than hate his boss, or God, he chose the better way. He trusted God with his life. In God’s timetable, the heathen ruler Pharoah recognized Joseph was filled with the spirit of God. Joseph became the second-highest-ranking official in Egypt. His submission to God and his employer/master saved the nation of Egypt and his family’s nation, Israel.
With the restoration with his brothers who sold him to slavery, he said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20).
Joseph’s submission in difficult years proved God’s faithfulness and favor to him for the ultimate purpose of “saving many lives.”
Submission to governing authorities, a boss, and a spouse is the way of holiness that shows Jesus to the world and “saving of many lives.”
To Your Spouse
God calls spouses to submit to one another with humility (1 Peter 5:5).
As Jesus submitted to the Father, husbands and wives are to submit to each other. Submission, built by love, can bolster rather than crumble a marriage.
Submission Wins An Unbelieving Husband.
Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight (1 Peter 3:1-6).
Mutual Submission in Marriage
Submission from a wife is not only to an unbelieving husband. It is the glue that holds a marriage of believers together. On Facebook, a wife shared how a habit of her husband used to irritate her; he didn’t push the chair back to the table after eating. Nothing big, but we understand how little things can be annoying. After being married for several years, it no longer irritated her, and she looked forward to doing it for him. Love covers a multitude of sins and gives rich rewards!
Husbands are called to follow the example of Jesus. Lay down your life for her. Lead lovingly. Show your love for God by being attentive to her needs. Submission from a wife to her husband is not withheld when she is loved.
God gives a promise of answered prayer to the man who follows the example of Jesus.
Husbands, you, in turn, must treat your wives with tenderness, viewing them as feminine partners who deserve to be honored, for they are co-heirs with you of the “divine grace of life so that nothing will hinder your prayers (1 Peter 3:7 TPT).
Submission is to resemble Jesus and His Bride, the Church.
Marriage is to be the picture of Jesus and His sacrifice for the Church, the Bride of Christ each spouse is to emulate. Paul reiterates the message of Peter regarding submission (Ephesians 5 21-33).
Following the example of Jesus will reward us with holiness and a strong marriage.
Submission is a challenge.
It’s counterintuitive to human nature. The Lord says to submit, “for the Lord’s sake,” to governing authorities, pastors, leaders, employers/masters, and spouses.
Submission calls us to confront the “me-first” mentality and follow more closely the servant-heart of Jesus. Loving others and putting them first requires the grace of God and the help of the Holy Spirit. But when we do, we reflect Jesus
Watch for the next post, Part 6, THE HOLINESS OF SUFFERING
Jesus is our example of holy living. Peter’s insight into Jesus’ suffering can help us face difficult situations.
Human thinking is often inadequate when weighing spiritual matters. Much like a baby learning to walk or talk or run, we begin with baby steps in spiritual insight. But we do grow as we take time in God’s word, prayer, and seeking knowledge of the Lord. In that growing, God in his love and kindness steps in to help us. Peter, a leading disciple, rebuked Jesus for saying he would suffer and die on the cross. Although Peter lacked an understanding of God’s plan, he grew in spiritual understanding and became a powerhouse of faith. His example gives me encouragement for the times I don’t understand what God is up to.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,
Declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are
my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’
Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV
BE IN THE WORD DAILY
Lay a foundation to your day by spending time in the Word.
We have the knowledge for understanding God at our fingertips. The more we are in the word the more we will know and understand the things of God. Understanding comes through the Scriptures. It’s alive! It’s active in us (Hebrews 4:12). God’s word transforms our thinking as we seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. Weget the Word into us so it will pour out of us in times of need.
The Word will keep us on the right paths, in right relationships, right living, and ready for eternal life.
The Sunday School song from my childhood still rings true. Read your Bible, pray every day, and you’ll grow, grow, grow!
Our knowledge deepens as we live in the Word, hear the secrets revealed, and gain spiritual understanding.
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work
in you will carry it on to completion until the day of
Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
GROW IN KNOWLEDGE
Hosea 4:6 “my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” They ignored God’s words (our Scriptures today). God’s people are ruined because they don’t know God’s values and are lacking spiritual understanding.
The good news is we can become better at understanding God’s ways. We have God’s Word, but we also have the Holy Spirit to teach and guide.
PETER KNEW JESUS WAS THE MESSIAH
Matthew 16:13-22
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
JESUS COMMENDS PETER CONFESSION OF JESUS AS MESSIAH
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.”
Jesus commended Peter. He didn’t gain that knowledge from another person or an educational system (flesh and blood). It was revealed supernaturally to Peter “by my Father in heaven.”
PETER’S UNDERSTANDING WAS LIMITED.
21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Matthew 16:21-23
Peter firmly believed that Jesus was God, the Messiah. But when Jesus began to speak of his suffering and death (Matthew 16:21), he rebuked Jesus. “You’re the promised Messiah!” “You won’t have to suffer.” “You can’t be killed.” “That’s no way to talk, Jesus.” “This will never happen to you, Jesus.”
A human logical assumption could be that the Messiah came to set up the kingdom of Israel and rid the nation of Roman rule. When Jesus said he had to suffer and die, Peter’s thoughts fell short of God’s plan.
JESUS REBUKE PETER
23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind theconcerns of God, but merely human concerns.’
Peter’s human thinking was a “stumbling block” to Jesus. It was offensive. HIs human thinking, though motivated by his love for Jesus, was diabolically opposing the wisdom of God’s plan. Peter, in his rebuke to Jesus, directly opposed God’s highest wisdom and greatest knowledge. Peter opposed and misunderstood God’s perfect will for redemption’s plan. Peter’s motive of love, though pure and good, traveled alongside the human deceitfulness of the heart (Jeremiah 17:9). Within resides selfish, earthly, and unspiritual thoughts.
WAR BETWEEN THE FLESH AND SPIRIT
Peter knew who Jesus was, the Son of God. But his spiritual perception was still limited. His knowledge was elementary. But as in all of us, there are times we are led by the Holy Spirit and times we are led by the flesh. There is a war between the spiritual and the flesh, between human thought and spiritual understanding. Growing in spiritual perception takes time and effort. It’s a normal pattern of growth for all of us who call ourselves followers of Jesus. We struggle in letting the Spirit lead over the flesh.
Paul writes in Romans 7, I do not do the good I want to do. There’s another law at work that makes me a prisoner. Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me (Romans 7: 14-25).
Thankfully, in our struggle to live for God, there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). We have the work of the Holy Spirit within to teach us and lead us to a greater spiritual depth and understanding. With that work of the Spirit, we grow and develop our minds set on what the Spirit desires (Romans 8:5b).
Photo from Eastern Lightning
PETERDEVELOPED KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
After Jesus rose, Peter was forgiven for his denial of Jesus and commissioned by Jesus to shepherd the flock. Peter preached at Pentecost and 3000 people were saved. With a vision from God to change his thinking, he was sent to the Gentiles, to Cornelius. This vision changed his understanding that God’s salvation was not only for the Jews but for the entire world (Acts 10). More on this in Part 2.
Peter did many miracles through God’s power. He was freed from prison by an angel. He wrote 1 and 2 Peter.
A spiritual work continues as our human yields to God’s will. The more we seek God, the more we will understand. The more the Spirit works in us the more the flesh subsides. Our knowledge deepens as we live in the Word, hear the secrets revealed, and gain spiritual understanding. Peter’s understanding unfolded more and more as he followed Jesus. Peter’s limited knowledge of Jesus grew into effective and productive maturity.
God’s generous grace has deposited in us everything we need for life and complete devotion and living in a divine partnership with God. So devote yourself to growing your faith in increasing measure in the knowledge of the Lord. And MAKE EVERY EFFORT to add these growth qualities in INCREASING MEASURE.
For this very reason,
make every effort to add to your faith goodness;
and to goodness, knowledge;
and to knowledge, self-control;
and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;
and to godliness, mutual affection; and to
mutual affection, love. For if you
possess these qualities in increasing measure,
they will keep you from
being ineffective and unproductive
in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8
For the conclusion continue to PART 2, JESUS HELPS US UNDERSTAND GOD’S PLAN (Peter’s example).
Merely by speaking God brought the world into existence. God spoke. Creation happened. God created words. According to Oxford Living Dictionaries, there are probably three-quarters of a million words in our English language. The website, Ethnologue, Languages of the World, details 7,111 known living languages. Words have power and coupled with God’s authority, that Word changes us as we live in the Word. One of the best ways to know God, dwell in God’s presence, and love Him is to enjoy the Word daily.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was WITH God,
and the Word WAS God. John 1:1
IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD
Word (logos) as in “the Word of God” is a divine reason and creative order identified as Jesus in John 1. Jesus gives us God’s Word, and he IS the Word.
GOD SPOKE
God spoke the world into existence. God speaks….and it happens. And God said, Let there be light, and there was light (Genesis 1:3). Ten times in the first chapter And God said, brought an immediate, actual creation. And it was done! He spoke, and it came to be (Psalm 33:9).
GOD WROTE
God wrote to Moses and the Israelites with His own finger (Deuteronomy 9:10), These commands were written and stored in the Ark of the Covenant, a portable tabernacle, complete with a cloud of God’s very presence, and a fire at night.
GOD DWELLS
God’s words of commands and promise were placed in the Ark, which when the Israelites were not traveling, was located at the center of the camp, a symbol of where God wants to be with his people – in the center of their lives. The Ark with God’s Words was the place of God’s presence among the people.
AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD
THE WORD IS JESUS
The Word is Jesus and was with God at creation. In Genesis 1:1, In the beginning God (the Trinity – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit) created the heavens and the earth. Colossians tells us that Jesus was the image of the invisible God who created all things. For through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth (Colossians 1:16 ESV).
AND THE WORD WAS GOD
Jesus, the Word of God, is the very image of God. As God wanted to be the center of the His people with the Ark of the Covenant and later the temple, Jesus wants to be at the very center of our lives. Jesus only spoke what God told him to say (John 12:49-50).
John 1:14 says, The Word (Jesus) became flesh so he could dwell among us. He laid aside some of His glory to come and live among us. Jesus, the Savior who paid for our sins by his perfect and sinless life, nailed them to the cross. With his resurrection, we have eternal life.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)
When Jesus comes to set up his kingdom, his name is the Word of God (Revelation 19:13).
God spoke life into existence, and God gave written words so we could know God and live in His presence. As we fill our hearts and minds with God’s words, God will dwell with us. (Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 10:16). And we will know an abundant life!
If you love me, keep my commands. John 14:15
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night,
so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will
be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8
My husband often says it is easy to believe God loves us. The hard part is, do we love God? One of the best ways to show our love for God is to devour His Word. Read it like a love letter from the man you’re going to marry. Keep reading it over and over. As the word fills our mind and hearts, faith grows. Our relationship with God grows. Our nature and character become transformed into being more like Jesus.
Tie them around your finger. Write them on your heart. Proverbs 7:3 ESV
I’m going to keep reading through, again and again, meditating, learning, and growing. I hope you will too! I’d enjoy hearing some of the insights you are gleaning along the way! Write in the comments or send me an email on the contact page.
HAVE YOU READ THE WORD TODAY?
Jesus is the Word! The Word of God is eternal, like Jesus, who was in the beginning, was WITH God, and WAS God. The Bible we hold in our hands is filled with the spoken and written words from God.
GOD SPEAKS and creates life in us through his word.
GOD WROTE our Bible through divine revelation For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).
GOD DWELLS with us as we identify and walk with God at the center of our lives. As God dwelt with the Israelites with the Ark of the Covenant (his commands and promises), so God dwells in the word, our Bible, in the living and active words.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any
double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul
and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts
and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12)
Job said I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread (Job 32:12).
Jesus said, we can’t live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).
When we fill hearts and mind with the Word, God will be our God, and we will be his people. (Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 10:16).
I’M PRAYING FOR YOU!
Dear Lord, fill us with your Word and your presence as we read today. Be the center, the priority of our lives today! Strengthen our hearts and minds with truth and love. Thank you for giving us Your eternal, life-changing words! We love you for it! Amen!
My visit with Lundstroms was a delight! Larry and Gloria Lundstrom’s vision is summed up in one word—EVANGELISM! As their driving force for over 50 years, they have preached the simple, transforming salvation message of Jesus Christ. It was a joy to spend time with them, catch up, and connect.
Here is the introductory promo from Marne, the Administrative Director for Larry Lundstrom Ministries:
We have a treat, delight, and guaranteed uplifting time on this week’s COFFEE & CONNECT LIVE (Wednesday @ 11 AM) as we host special guest, Judy McEachran.
Judy, an ordained minister of the gospel, pastor, preacher, gifted musician, and writer, is passionate about God’s word and invites each reader to join her on this journey of cultivating a God-honoring character. She pastored churches in the Midwest and with retirement, moved to Arizona.
She is humbled not only by the gracious love of God but by her devoted husband, also a minister of the gospel, and growing family of sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren.
We know you will be blessed by what she has to share with us!
What a great time it was! Gloria is a sister to our dear friends, Wes and Diane Brooks. The Lundstroms, Lowell and Connie, and Larry and Gloria, traveled the country doing evangelistic meetings as their life ministry. Altars were flooded with people coming to Jesus.
One of my earliest recollections of Lundstroms was at a Teens for Christ meeting I attended while in high school. The Lundstroms, Message For America, presented Jesus, through music ministry and preaching. At the altar call, I saw my friend across the room and walked over, and asked if she wanted to go forward to pray. She said, “yes.” We became close friends after that experience.
This first photo is from their earlier days. Left to Right: Connie, Lowell, Gloria, Larry
Although Lowell and Connie are with Jesus, Larry and Gloria continue to reach the multitudes. One of those recent avenues is through their Coffee and Connect Live each Wednesday at Larry Lundstrom Ministries.
Larry and Gloria asked me to share the importance of God’s Word and worship.
“The more we can see Him….the more we are able to worship.”
“Read—listen—hear God speak!”
“God is alive through these pages.”
The more we know, see, comprehend, and grow in the knowledge of God through the pages of Scripture, the more we can truly worship Him, “in spirit and in truth.”
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”John 4:24.
My spirit, the very core of my being, is in awe of the Divine One who gave His all for our salvation and eternal life.
Worshipping in truth is where the Scripture is vital in comprehending who Jesus is. We learn more about Jesus through the Word of God, The Word of God describes both Jesus and our Bible that testify of Jesus (John 5:39).
In addition to the truth of who Jesus is, worshiping in spirit and truth calls me to live in obedience to God’s Word. Thinking I can worship by living in the gray, outside the commands of Jesus, taints authentic worship times. Worshipping in truth speaks of worship through obedience to God’s Word and in the humility of God’s grace. More than a certain style or genre of music, it’s a matter of the heart fully surrendering to our Savior and Lord.
We’ve all experienced anger, whether a minor frustration or extreme rage. Anger, a natural emotion, can be healthy, beneficial, or destructive. It can spill out with words that bite like venom. Anger destroys relationships, galvanizes politicians, divides families, and separates friends.
In our nation, the dominant emotion of anger is on the rise. 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?
Two fighting baboons by David Clode Unsplash
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. This message is still valid today.
Genesis 4:3-7 (ERV). At harvest time, Cain brought a gift to the Lord. He brought some of the food that he grew from the ground, but Abel brought some animals from his flock. He chose some of his best sheep and brought the best parts from them.
The Lord accepted Abel and his gift.But he did not accept Cain and his offering. Cain was sad because of this, and he became furious.The Lord asked Cain, “Why are you angry? Why does your face look sad? You know that if you do what is right, I will accept you. But if you don’t, sin is ready to attack you. That sin will want to control you, but you must control it.”
Cain was furious because his offering was unacceptable, ignoring his parents’ and God’s instructions for a proper sacrifice. Cain’s anger towards God mirrored his cold and disobedient core, and his uncontrolled outrage led him to murder his brother.
Abel’s offering showed his love for God, and God commended him. Abel had faith. So, he brought to God a better offering than Cain did. Because of his faith, Abel was praised as a godly man. God said good things about his offerings. Hebrews 11:4.
Cain had the opportunity to do what was right., to rule over his emotions. Still, the unrestrained rush of anger ruled him instead (and he forgot to count to 100!)
When angry, count to ten before you speak. If very angry, count to one hudnred.
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 NIV.
Our Creator gives the gift of emotions. Along with the gift comes the ability to“rule over” responsibly and wisely. Emotions are better followers than leaders.
In God’s directive to Cain, a compelling word picture of a tiger crouching in the deep grass ready to pounce helps me see the need to control emotions. When staring the tiger in the eyes, my response could mean life or death.
Anger, like a tiger crouching, is ready to have you. God says, 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.
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.
James, the brother of Jesus, gives insight into understanding the struggle. Do you know where your fights and arguments come from? They come from the selfish desires that make war inside you. You want things, but you don’t get them. So you kill and are jealous of others. But you still cannot get what you want. So you argue and fight. You don’t get what you want because you don’t ask God. (James 4:1, 2, ERV).
Anger has a price tag. Cain’s anger cost him his place in the family, his brother’s life, and God’s presence. Cain said to God, Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence (Genesis 4:14). If Cain had ruled over his anger, his destiny would have led him to a much brighter future with God’s blessings and favor.
Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is storedthan to anything on which it is poured.
Mark Twain
HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
When we ask God for help, He gives it! With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can do what is right and rule over anger.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.Galatians 5:23-24
Self-control, a fruit of the Spirit, kicks in and becomes stronger with practice and perseverance. God will help us “do the right thing” and “rule over it.”
So don’t live under the control of sin. If you do, you will think about what sin wants. Live under the control of the Holy Spirit. If you do, you will think about what the Spirit wants. (Romans 8:5, NIRV).
Ephesians 4:26-32 tells how to control anger:
When angry, don’t sin. Let your mind lead rather than your emotions. (Ephesians 4:26, 27).
Forgive with kindness (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. But when we yield to the Holy Spirit, we can control anger.
Doing what is right, ruling over emotions, and yielding to the Holy Spirit will help conquer anger and generate words and behaviors that please God. God says it’s true!
PREPARE AHEAD OF TIME
When anger comes to my house, I’m not inviting it in. I have determined ahead of time to close the door, and if need be, kick anger in the teeth! You and I can count on the Holy Spirit to provide the strength to rule over anger.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of emotions. Let me honor you by doing the right thing, ruling over my anger with self-control, compassion, and forgiveness for the one who angers me. 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.
You will find more of my music on youtube. Simply type in my name, judy mceachran, or go to the links below. There’s more information about each song on the Music page here in the blog, or on the youtube song descriptions. May these worship tunes bring peace and joy in your times of worship. More songs are soon on the way!