Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:29-32
Unwholesome talk includes gossip, swearing, put downs, lewd/crude jokes, name calling, complaining, lying, boasting, slander or belittling. In my hurt and anger with my family, I at times find myself saying things that are not uplifting--I say things behind their backs that I wouldn't necessarily say to their faces. But here is a command that says that I should be blessing my family, and not be bitter and angry and unforgiving with my family. I need to love them and be compassionate.
December 3, 2011
November 30, 2011
In all things God works for the good of those who love Him
There are times when I look at my life and the world around me and wonder how it all works out. But I remember that I am not the one in control of the things around me at all. Sometimes I have a hard time knowing down in my heart that God is in control of all things, especially when I am irritated, frustrated, angry or hurt. Sometimes knowing that God is in control is merely a head knowledge, but where does that get me? -- Just feeling worse off than when I started, because the only way I can have comfort and solace is by knowing it in my heart as well.
As scripture says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also Glorified." Romans 8:28-30
Since in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, I have no reason to worry or be anxious or frustrated or hurt about anything that happens or may happen.
As scripture says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also Glorified." Romans 8:28-30
Since in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, I have no reason to worry or be anxious or frustrated or hurt about anything that happens or may happen.
Rejoice
Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
In this world, we have an adversary--named Satan-- and he loves to wreck havoc. Satan's main goal is to keep people from coming to Christ and getting to know God. In the last couple of days, I have been dealing with this in regards to my family, especially my parents. Neither my dad nor step-mom are Christian, and me visiting them would be an opportunity for God to reach out to them using me to do so. So Satan whispered to them, reminding them of my past sins against them, and my dad played the "I don't trust you because of past behavior" card, which is essentially the "unforgiveness" card. One of my roommates read this scripture the other night and is reminded me that I need to not worry or be anxious about is, because God is in control. If we trust and rejoice in God and His promises, then there is absolutely no reason to be anxious.
In this world, we have an adversary--named Satan-- and he loves to wreck havoc. Satan's main goal is to keep people from coming to Christ and getting to know God. In the last couple of days, I have been dealing with this in regards to my family, especially my parents. Neither my dad nor step-mom are Christian, and me visiting them would be an opportunity for God to reach out to them using me to do so. So Satan whispered to them, reminding them of my past sins against them, and my dad played the "I don't trust you because of past behavior" card, which is essentially the "unforgiveness" card. One of my roommates read this scripture the other night and is reminded me that I need to not worry or be anxious about is, because God is in control. If we trust and rejoice in God and His promises, then there is absolutely no reason to be anxious.
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