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).
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!
Attacks, slander, and hatred are part of the fabric of our nation. What is the solution when the battle is raging? What do we do when we are personally attacked? Scriptures tell us God will fight for us if we seek Him through prayer, singing praise, believing His Word, and listening for the Holy Spirit’s voice.
Scripture says any attack or battle we face is not only with another person. We are fighting something more.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12).
The Old Testament story from 2 Chronicles 20 gives powerful testimony to the fact that God fought for His people, and He will fight for His people today.
SOME BACKGROUND HISTORY
Jehoshaphat erred in his alliances with the evil King Ahab through marriage and in fighting against the Aramaens whom God sent to destroy Ahab. God rebuked Jehoshaphat through Jehu, the prophet: “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord?”
God rebuked the King, but he also noticed good in him. The prophet encouraged the King, “There is some good in you, for you have rid the land of the Asherah poles (idols) and have set your heart on seeking God” (2 Chronicles 19:3).
Following the Lord’s rebuke, Jehoshaphat realized he could not have one foot in the wicked ways of Ahab and the culture, and one foot in serving God. If we are expecting God’s blessings and provision, we must make sure we are standing with people who fight for God and His values. “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord?”
Jehoshaphat showed true repentance. He set out to turn the people back to serving Jehovah. He radically reformed the judiciary in every fortified city of Judah. “Now let the fear of the Lord be on you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery” (2 Chronicles 19:7).
He appointed Levites, priests, and heads of Israel families to “serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord, and warn them not to sin against the Lord” 2 Chronicles 19:10).
Jehoshaphat stepped us his leadership to get his people under God’s rule and laws.
After this, King Jehoshaphat faced a significant attack from vast enemy armies. But with his committed heart for God leading the nation to honor God, he knew what to do. No longer helping the wicked who hate the Lord (wicked King Ahab), the King gathered the people from every town in Judah to seek God’s help in this attack. Without it, only defeat! All the men of Judah, their wives and little ones stood before the Lord in prayer. Here’s the full text (2 Chronicles 20).
PRAY FIRST
The King prayed:
“O Lord God, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all might so that no one is able to withstand You?
Are you not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants?
We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.
The Spirit of the Lord spoke through a Levite minister, Jahaziel: Do not be afraid nor discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.
I love those words! Our battles are God’s, too, when we lean on Him and trust His Word.
At a recent prayer meeting, we were seeking God’s help for a difficult situation. A brother in prayer felt the Spirit speak these similar words to us, “Don’t be afraid. The battle is the Lord’s, and He never loses” (Thank you, Bill R). Now that’s a faith builder!
In the Old Testament story, the Lord continued to speak:
“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.'”
The next morning they set out and began to sing and praise, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever,” and the Lord set ambushes against the men who were invading Judah, and they were defeated and destroyed. No survivors in the enemy’s camp. None!
GOD NEVER LOSES! Our part is to pray, praise, believe the Word, and listen to the Spirit! As we do, we can be confident the same God who fought the batlles in Scripture will fight for us!
When the people sang and praised the Lord, the Lord took care of the enemy. I can’t be angry when I sing. Fear leaves. Peace builds. Singing praise brings my attention to God’s power and greatness. My eyes focus on the power of God rather than the giant in front of me.
In God’s presence, there is fullness of joy. Singing praise fills my thoughts and lifts my attention upward. Faith builds. I believe what God says in His Word!
You may be familiar with these songs: “I’m going to see a victory, for the battle belongs to the Lord.” Or, “I raise a hallelujah in the presence of my enemies.”
When we sing and praise the Lord, He promises to fights for us.
BELIEVE GOD’S WORD
When I sing, pray, and fill my thinking with Scripture, it’s easier to focus on Gods able deliverance. The same principles in the stories of Scripture are true. When God bolds a scripture, I underline it, put in my journal, post it on the refrigerator, and say it out loud. I keep reminding myself of God’s promises.
God’s Word builds my faith! The more I hear it, the more I believe it! When I feed my faith, it grows. When I starve my fear, it dies.
The prayer of Bill (I mentioned above) is posted on the refrigerator, so I see it often through the day (“Don’t be afraid. The battle is the Lord’s, and He never loses”) and because it’s Scripture, my faith is encouraged. I can believe in God’s Word. He’s the same today as He was yesterday. What He did for his people in Bible times, He will do for us who believe.
LISTEN FOR THE GENTLE VOICE OF THE SPIRIT
God speaks through others, but God also speaks to us individually when we are facing trouble.
The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahazial: “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
We were seeking God’s direction if we should fly to attend our grandson’s wedding at the end of April during the COVID. The restrictions and fear of contracting the virus weighed into our discussion. Should we go or stay at home? Will we be safe?
The day before the deadline for flying, the Lord bolded this verse of Scripture, “I will walk about in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments” (Psalm 119:45). I knew God spoke through His Word and the gentle voice of the Spirit. We could go to the wedding. We could walk in freedom on this trip, and not be afraid.
We made the trip without issue and had a wonderful time. God kept His Word!
A more recent experience of the Holy Spirit’s voice came through in a unique way. I’m learning new software for recording music and have called several times for technical support. Often, the tech wasn’t able to immediately fix the problem. This time, I was amazed at how quickly and easily he solved it. It was an easy fix! That’s when the Holy Spirit spoke clearly to me about the impossible battle we were facing and said, “It’s an easy fix for Me!”
I knew God’s presence and peace. God is fighting our battle!
Satan, our adversary, goes to great lengths to deceive, discourage, and destroy faith. He is not only a super-thief but the Father of Lies, an accuser, a slanderer, a murderer from the beginning. He masquerades as an angel of light. He tries to scare us like a roaring lion ready to pounce and devour. However, standing firm with prayer, singing praise, and listening to the Spirit’s voice through the Word, the evil one has to flee. Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world!
When God speaks, peace comes as I listen.
Maui Beach, photo by Judy
BONUS – BLESSINGS AND PEACE
Not only did God destroy Jehoshaphat’s enemies, but He also blessed the people beyond expectation! It took three days to collect all the spoil from these defeated enemies – valuables, clothing, equipment – a wealth of blessing! And not only the spoils, but there was peace in the land, and the enemies didn’t attack again.
The story ends this way: The Lord won the battle, and it was known.
“The fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the Lord had fought against Israel’s enemies. And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side” (2 Chronicles 20:29, 30).
Not only did God win the battle, but God was honored in the nations. Unexpected provision and peace blessed His people.
CONCLUSION
Ultimately every battle we face is a spiritual one, whether a personal battle or the battles raging in our nation. The same prescription remains – pray, sing praises, fill our minds with God’s Words and promises, and listen for the Spirit’s voice.
Armor up with the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Soldier up with your shield of faith in God’s promises. Keep your head covered with the helmet of salvation, and the belt of truth. Wear the breastplate of right living, and walk about in God’s peace (Eph 6:12-18).
God will fight for us. God will exceed our expectations. Peace and rest will come as we live in God’s presence and believe His Word.
When we pray, worship, believe the Word of God, and listen for the Spirit’s voice, we will know victory in our battles!
I hope you will take time to read 2 Chronicles 20 and let the Holy Spirit speak to you as you pray, sing praises, believe God’s Word and listen to the gentle leading of the Spirit for your own personal battles.. I’m doing the same.
This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you”(2 Chronicles 20: 15-17).
Growing into spiritual maturity and taking on the nature of Jesus doesn’t ease the attraction of sin. Satan’s tempting bait often comes in subtle, unsuspecting ways that may catch us off guard. Thankfully, there are guardrails to keep us on the narrow road to heaven.
Recently my third article was published with Christianity.com and I’m so pleased to be able to share it. There is much in the Scripture regarding divine healing. It is for today. Jesus hasn’t changed in HIs love or power since He ascended back to heaven. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Healing is God’s grace as a gift according to His will and purpose. More about that in the article.
The Word builds faith. Look up all the scripture that involves healing. Pray the verses to the Lord. A list of those passages, not all but many, are on the menu under Bible Reading Plans and Tools > SCRIPTURES ON HEALING here.
I’ve learned that praying the scriptures out loud, day after day, and hearing them with my own ears, builds my belief in the Lord’s power to heal. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
At the end of the article is a miraculous testimony from Bob Henkelman who had been part of our church family in St. Peter, MN. I’m confident his testimony will bring great encouragement.
The link to the article, What Should Christians Know About Divine Healing? is
Often, we may think that lingering in God’s presence is not a good use of time. With many necessary responsibilities in a day, why linger? However, time in God’s presence brings many benefits. Our ears are open to hearing God’s voice, our eyes see the glory of God, our minds are renewed, and our hearts become transformed. And we gain the confidence that God wins our battles. Joshua is a good example for us. God’s glory and presence shaped Joshua’s life.
God called Moses, the elders, and Joshua to the mountain to ratify the covenant between God and Israel. Together with God, “they ate and drank together.” Leaving the elders, Moses and Joshua went further up the mountain and entered God’s presence, and saw the glory of the Lord (Exodus 24:9-18).
At the “tent of meeting” when Moses and God spoke “face to face, Joshua heard the conversation inside the tent. When Moses left, Joshua lingered.
The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent (Exodus 33:11).
designed by Judy
Through the forty years in the wilderness, Joshua, confident of God’s presence, was ready to lead the people into the Promised Land. Now standing before Jericho, the doorway into the Promised Land, Joshua looked up and saw a man in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” The man replied, “Neither, but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. (Joshua 5:14-15).
Joshua was familiar with the Lord’s voice. He knew the power and glory behind it and was eager to worship, listen, and obey.
He humbly received his orders from the Commander of the armies of heaven, confident in God’s promises to win this battle. Miraculously, the walls of Jericho came tumbling down. The Israelites conquered the city and began their quest for the Promised Land.
Like Joshua, taking time to be present with God, soaking in the glory of His presence through the life-changing encounter with Almighty God, tunes our ears to listen, our hearts to obey, and our minds to be confident in God’s provision. God will fight for us.
Time in God’s presence covers us with God’s favor and deliverance.
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11.
