TUESDAY'S THOUGHTS: CALM, COLLECTED, PEACE-FILLED, PEACEABLE...

JAMES 1: 19-21...
19+++This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;
20+++for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
21+++Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.

Instead of blaming God under our trials, let us open our ears and hearts to learn what he teaches by them. And if men would govern their tongues, they must govern their passions. 

The worst thing we can bring to any dispute, is anger. Here is an exhortation to lay apart, and to cast off as a filthy garment, all sinful practices. This must reach to sins of thought and affection, as well as of speech and practice; to every thing corrupt and sinful. 

We must yield ourselves to the word of God, with humble and teachable minds. Being willing to hear of our faults, taking it not only patiently, but thankfully. 

It is the design of the word of God to make us wise to salvation; and those who propose any mean or low ends in attending upon it, dishonour the gospel, and disappoint their own souls.

How difficult it is, at times, to remain aligned to the many instructions we learn from our LORD, yet, as we falter, if we are aware, we are on the right path to correction, and improvement. Most of the Disciples/Apostles had character flaws, and also, many of the Patriarchs had their issues to deal with. The world comes at us fast, and hard, so it is unlikely that we could remain perfect in our journey in this time, but that we know when we need to work on something, repent of it, and ask THE LORD for HIS help IS that which distinguishes us...

Anger is nearly, a daily matter in this world; it affects us even if we, personally, are not angry people, as it ever appears in the course of the hours of each day, and diversely so! Anger affects ALL in it's wake, even indirectly, because it leaves a tainted darkness, a gloom, a weight, if you will; it is ugly, it brings a whole storehouse of ugliness with it, such as words spoken which cannot be taken back, actions taken which cannot be done away with, and on the list goes...

Those of THE LORD are taught to develop their temperament, in the best of their knowledge, and capacity, and to PRAY to HIM for the tools, and strength it takes to deal with everything in this time! A well-managed temperament HONOURS HIM, as it reflects HIS own gentle, kind, compassionate, and LOVING nature: it is useful in almost any circumstance, and lends to others. There are quite a few hot-headed Christians, even leaders who ought to be more mild mannered, or at least, working on it. Anger has been with humanity since the first Family, yet, it IS manageable, and IS one of those worldly habits we strive to lose forever, along with other issues which affect our behaviours, and our character...

Anger can work in various ways; it can be visible, or it can be pent up inside a person, which acts as a poison, especially if it never gets vented, or worked through, then there is that anger which seethes, and plots deep within. Anger, and all the emotions which accompany it, are negative, and destructive, not only for the one experiencing it, but for those who are in it's path, and can rapidly change things, not for the good!!!

ANYTHING which works against what is right, just, and good; anything which works against what is of *GOD*, and *GODLY* IS that which those of HIM, need to recognize, acknowledge, and work through, with knowledge, and understanding of WHY such matters need to be altered! The world has taught us wrongly, and has us believing that certain behaviours, and character flaws ARE acceptable, but really? As we study, and grow in THE LORD, are we taught anything which derives from what is negative? Are we brought into a circle of problems or a circle of solutions???

The enemy, the deceiver, the oppressor is giddy when wrong behaviours are affecting *GOD'S* own, and he works hard to increase the problems of those of FAITH! While we, certainly, are NOT exempt from his wicked schemes, and while we are not removed from the temptations such initiates, and causes, with KNOWLEDGE, understanding, and PRACTICE of *GOD'S* WILL in the face of such EMPOWERS us GREATLY to move past them...

One who understands the WILL of THE LORD, seeks to remain calm, collected, and in PEACE, because in doing so, there is ability, capacity, and endless strength to make the journey, and to leave such behind...

We can't escape what the world hurls our way, but we CAN be enabled to defend our very souls from it's intent, and to REPRESENT what is of *GOD* along the way, BY REMAINING IN HIM, RELYING ON HIM for guidance, and protection, and developing into as much of HIS nature as is feasible, while understanding what is going on before us, around us, and in us! We ARE equipped to deal with, and overcome what the world HOPES to trip us up with, and chain us to, BY the GRACE, MERCY, and LOVE of THE FATHER, THE SON, and THE HOLY SPIRIT, AMEN!!!

REV. LWINSOR © 2014
BIBLICAL, and/or other references marked BOLDLY IN COLOURS