Today’s Truth
“In your anger, do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26).

Friend to Friend

A minister was making a wooden trellis to support a climbing vine. As he was pounding away, he noticed a little boy watching him. The youngster didn’t say a word so the preacher kept on working, thinking the boy would leave – but he didn’t. Pleased at the thought that his work was being admire, the pastor finally asked, “Trying to pick up some pointers on gardening?” The little boy said, “Nope. I’m just waiting to hear what a preacher says when he hits his thumb with a hammer.”

The people around us want to see what happens when life pushes our buttons and anger puts the squeeze on our emotions. While God created us with the capacity for strong emotions, it is our responsibility to control them instead of allowing them to control us. Yesterday, we looked at four ways to manage anger. Here are four more:

Be focused.   
Psalm 37:8 “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.”

I witnessed the utter strength and beauty of our daughter-in-law as she went through hours of labor during the birth of our twin grandchildren. The pain was excruciating, but Jodi worked through each contraction by doing two things: controlling her breathing and choosing a focus point. We need to do the same when we are angry. Take a deep breath and focus on the peace of God.

Be understanding.  
James 1:19 “Everyone should be quick to listen.”

We have two ears and one mouth for a reason—to listen twice as much as we speak. When you find yourself getting angry with someone, take time to listen to what the other person has to say. Make sure you understand their viewpoint. In fact, it might be a good idea for you to repeat it back to make sure you do get the real point. Only then, when you have processed that information and reigned in your emotions, should you offer a reply. Listening for the purpose of understanding plays a significant role in anger management.

Be kind. 
Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

It had been one of “those” mornings and I was behind schedule in preparing to teach the women’s Tuesday morning Bible study at our church. I am fairly certain I did not exude peace and joy as I rushed around. Finally, it looked like everything was ready – everything except my heart. I knew I needed to spend some time alone with God before standing to teach His Word, so I found a quiet room where I could escape for a few minutes of solitude. As I began to pray, the door flew open and crashed against the wall behind it as the husband of one of our group leaders burst into the room. I could tell by the look on his face that he was not happy and that whatever was wrong was definitely my fault. In a very loud and very angry voice, the man began to explain the problem, ending his tirade with the question, “And just what are you going to do about it?” I knew what I wantedto say to the man. I also knew God didn’t want me to say it. In a rare moment of wisdom, I faced my accuser with a smile and whispered, “I’ll tell you exactly what I am going to do. I am going to do whatever it takes to make you happy.”

I was completely unprepared for the man’s reaction. His mouth fell open, his eyes widened in surprise – no, make that shock – and he stumbled backwards as if I had hit him. We stared at each other for what seemed like an hour before he finally whispered back, “Thank you.” Without another word, the man turned and literally ran out of the room. The most amazing part of this story is that from that day on, he has been one of my strongest encouragers.

The next time someone makes you angry, put a smile on your face. It is hard to stay upset when you are smiling. Smiling is one of the best anger management tips because you can do it anytime, almost anywhere, and to pretty much anyone. The next time you are angry, choose to give a friendly smile of understanding, appreciation, or patience as you listen to the other side of the story.

Be ready.
1 Peter 5:8“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

The best way to manage anger is to prevent it in the first place. How? Balance your schedule and priorities so that you will not live in a constant state of frustration and exhaustion. Avoid spending time with angry people. Proverbs 22:24 says, “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man; do not associate with one easily angered.” We really do become like the people with whom we spend the most time. Pray constantly, asking the Holy Spirit to help you cultivate the habits that encourage peace – not anger. Memorize Scripture. The Word of God is a powerful weapon in dealing with and managing our emotions.

Anger is today’s emotional epidemic. What does it take to make you angry? Do you have a short fuse or a long one? How many relationships in your life have been damaged by your anger? Remember … more important than the way you were and more important than the way you are … is the way you can be. Right now, surrender your anger to God and thank Him for a new beginning.

Let’s Pray
Father, I need Your power and strength to help me control my anger. Forgive me for the damage and pain my anger has caused the people in my life. I want my emotional health to honor and please You.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn
Review all of the anger management tips we have explored. How can you plug these tips into your daily life? I encourage you to recruit a girlfriend who will hold you accountable for the way you handle anger. Check in with her once a week. Be honest and open about your anger level.  Journal your thoughts … the truths God gives you … the progress you make.

More from the Girlfriends
Need help?  Check out Mary’s MP3, Getting Good at Being You and learn how to manage emotions, instead of allowing them to manage you.

Join other women across the world in Mary’s Online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. When I Am Afraid is the current series and will help you learn how to face and deal with your fears.

Need a friend?  Connect with Mary on Face book or through email.  She loves hearing what God is doing in your life!

And if you don’t have our new book, Trusting God, get it today and start a new faith adventure in your life.
Seeking God? 
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

G.I.G.
Girlfriends in God, Inc.
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, North Carolina 28106

  www.girlfriendsingod.com

info@girlfriendsingod.com

Today’s Truth

“In your anger, do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26).

Friend to Friend

Everyone has to deal with anger. The challenge is to deal with anger in the right way. Anger is powerful – an emotional warning that something is wrong. We have been hurt or rejected. Something has changed and we don’t like it! Anger itself is not sin. We just have to learn to express anger in the right way. Mishandled anger is destructive but anger that is handled correctly can become a tool for good. God’s Word is filled with tips for learning to handle anger in a healthy and godly way.

Be still.

Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”

If we are busy, it is much easier to ignore or refuse to face and deal with the real source of anger. Anger that is not dealt with in the right way accumulates over time, allowing bitterness to take root and rage to simmer just below the surface of everything we do, say, think or feel. In order to manage anger, we need to incorporate frequent and regular “stops” into our schedules; time set aside to simply be still and hear the voice of God.

Be quiet.

James 1:19-20 “Everyone should be slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”

Our first response to conflict is often not a response at all … but a reaction. We jump in with a brutal rebuttal or a thoughtless correction – which is like pouring gasoline on a fire. An explosion is bound to happen. Our first action should be to stop and think instead of rushing to respond in a way that could escalate tensions or provoke an offensive response from others. Listen to the other person before responding. Try counting to ten before saying anything. This may not address the anger directly, but it can minimize the damage you will do while angry.

Be wise.

Proverbs 25:28 “Like a city whose walls are broken down, is a man who lacks self-control.”

Wisdom is doing the right thing at the right time for the right reason. Anger management comes from wisdom rooted in self-control. I love the story of Jesus driving the money-changers out of His Father’s temple. In John 2:15 , Scripture says Jesus “made a whip out of cords.” Don’t miss this picture. At the height of His anger, Jesus gathered several cords and braided a whip. I imagine it took several minutes at least to form a whip substantial enough to drive grown men anywhere. I think Jesus was so angry that He knew He needed to cool off, so He deliberately chose to be still, quiet and wise. When we are close to losing control of anger, we need to be wise.

Be discerning.

Psalm 4:4 “In your anger do not sin … search your hearts and be silent.”

The longer I work with people the more I realize that there is always a reason for their behavior. Hurt people – hurt people. When you are angry at someone, ask yourself why. Think back to what led up to the conflict. Was it something someone said to you? Has a past problem triggered your present anger? Give yourself time to consider why you are upset and what you should do to handle it in a way that pleases God. God created us with the capacity for emotions. That means He has a right plan and a right place for emotions in our lives.

Anger management is a spiritual discipline that God honors, blesses and empowers. Tomorrow, we will look at four more ways God gives us to control anger.

Let’s Pray

Father, please forgive me when I allow anger to control what I say and do. I want to honor You in the way I manage my emotions – especially the anger in my life. Fill my heart with Your peace. Help me cultivate the spiritual discipline of anger management and learn how to control my emotions instead of allowing them to control me.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Now it’s your turn
Evaluate the level of anger in your life. Would people who know you well describe you as an angry person? Identity the source of your anger; then make the commitment to face and deal with whatever is causing your anger. Review each anger management tip. Which one jumps out at you as a starting point for learning to control anger in your life? Read and memorize the verse of Scripture listed with that tip. Pray – asking God to show you the steps you need to take today to manage the anger in your life. Record your thoughts and the truths God gives you in your journal.

More from the Girlfriends
Need help?  Check out Mary’s MP3, Getting Good at Being You and learn how to manage emotions, instead of allowing them to manage you.

Join other women across the world in Mary’s Online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. When I Am Afraid is the current series and will help you learn how to face and deal with your fears.

Need a friend?  Connect with Mary on Face book or through email.  She loves hearing what God is doing in your life!

And if you don’t have our new book, Trusting God, get it today and start a new faith adventure in your life.
Seeking God? 
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

G.I.G.
Girlfriends in God, Inc.
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, North Carolina 28106

  www.girlfriendsingod.com

info@girlfriendsingod.com

Today’s Truth
Romans 12:5 “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”

Friend to Friend
Sometimes it is the little things that really get to me. As a writer, I spend a great deal of my time in front of a computer – with which I have a love-hate relationship. I love the convenience a computer offers when it comes to recording the thoughts and truths God gives me to share, but there are times when I would like to throw my laptop into the nearest body of water and be done with it. I can remember the days when I literally wrote out every word of a lesson or devotion because I was terrified of even trying to use a computer. I am anything but a technical guru and could see hundreds – no, make that thousands of hours of work disappearing into some hidden file, going up in virtual flames or being launched into cyberspace, never to be seen again. Why? Just because I hit one wrong key or pressed an incorrect button. However, the day finally came when I realized that the good reasons for using a computer outweigh the bad and decided it was time to take the plunge.

Through trial and error, and the patience of friends who have repeatedly rescued me from more than one cyber disaster, I have evolved into a fairly capable computer operator. I have retrieved lost chapters and lessons, eradicated various viruses, erected firewalls, foiled hackers … and have come through the fray relatively unscathed.

And then it happened.

I was returning home from a speaking event and decided to use the three hour flight time to work on a writing assignment due the next day. It was one of those unusually sweet and highly productive times when the words come easily and eventually form sentences that actually make sense. I was on a roll – and so was my laptop when the plane suddenly hit an air pocket and dropped what seemed like a mile. I watched in horror as my laptop caught air, crashed to the floor of the plane and slid under the seat in front of me. Fortunately, I had saved my work and desperately hoped the laptop had not been damaged in its fall. When the plane and everyone on board regained their composure, I quickly retrieved the computer and breathed a sigh of relief after a quick inspection that revealed a couple of new, but minor, scratches.

I opened the computer, ready to resume my work. But then I saw it, the now empty space where the “B” key was supposed to be. Evidently, it had popped off in the fall and was nowhere to be found. I wasn’t too concerned. I mean, after all, how important is one little key? There are plenty of other keys from which to choose. They all look pretty much the same. A missing letter or symbol here or there can’t be that much of a problem, can it?

As I began my work, I soon discovered just how much of a problem one little missing computer key can be. All of a sudden, it seemed like every other word I needed contained a “B.” My frustration level rose as my finger instinctively kept hitting the spot where the “B” was supposed to be and found … nothing. Finally, I decided I really needed that key and went looking for it. The passengers around me joined in the search, and it was only a few minutes before the person seated in front of me shouted “Got it!” I snapped the missing “B” back into place. In a matter of minutes, I was amazed at how much better the whole keyboard seemed to function now that the lost key was back where it should be.

We all lose our way at one time or another. An unexpected life storm knocks us flat. A bad choice causes us to stumble and fall. We snap under the pressure of a difficult relationship, and no one seems to care or even notice the pain we feel. But then, like a Shepherd searching for that one lost sheep, God turns to us and hears our cry. He lifts us out of the darkness, gives us a safe place to stand and fills our heart with a new song of praise. And He uses people to do it all. In fact, God delights in using people to reach out and minister to other people who are wounded and lost.

God created us to need each other. We are daughters of the King, sisters in Christ and Girlfriends in God. When one hurts, all of us should feel the pain. When one of us has fallen, we need to reach out, link arms and hold on until the storm has passed. Who needs your love and encouragement? Remember the lesson of the missing “B” and ask God to love others through you … today.

Let’s Pray
Father, I know You want me to share the love I have found in You. Forgive me for the many times I have been too busy to see the needs around me. Break my heart for those who are in pain and feel hopeless. Encourage them through me, Lord. Fill my heart with Your love so that I can give it away.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn
Read Galatians 5:22-23. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

Make a list of the attributes listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Beside each one, write the name of someone who needs you to live out that quality in their life.

Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106

From Girlfriends in God and (Mary Southerland). © Girlfriends In God.
Website: www.girlfriendsingod.com. Email: info@GirlfriendsInGod.com

Remodeling 101

Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth

Colossians 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Friend to Friend

I promised myself that I would never buy a house that could be described as a “fixer-upper.” I don’t like fixing things. I want everything to be fixed before I move in. But there I was — buying a town house that needed so much work even the realtor couldn’t believe my husband and I wanted to buy it. Why didn’t someone stop me? No one did, so the sale was made and we went to work. Actually, my son and husband went to work while I went crazy.

I had no idea how horrible the process of remodeling could be. Layer after layer of dirt, grime, stains and ugliness was stripped away. Rotten kitchen cabinets were torn from the walls and rusty appliances were replaced. We basically gutted the whole place and rebuilt it – while living in it. I was not happy!

I will never forget the day I woke up to see a toilet sitting at the foot of our bed. It was at that moment I resolved to never set foot in another house that required so much work. I am so thankful God does not feel that way about me.

Honestly, I used to wonder why God didn’t just demolish the old me and build a new one. Then He did just that – through a two-year battle with clinical depression. While sitting at the bottom of that deep, dark and slimy pit, the Father lovingly stripped away old fears and insecurities. From the walls of my heart, He tore the rotten attitudes, undisciplined thoughts and unholy desires that had walked me to the edge of my pit; then pushed me in. He replaced rusty old dreams with new ones and basically, gutted my life to build a new one, a better one, and a stronger one. Part of that new life was forgiveness. God taught me how to forgive myself so I could then forgive others.

Because forgiveness is so important, it only stands to reason that there are roadblocks that can hinder our willingness to forgive. We must make the commitment to identify and remove each one.

Selfishness

Selfishness shouts, “I have been hurt! It is so unfair. I have rights!” What I am really saying is that how I feel about the hurt is more important than forgiving the hurt.

Pride

Pride cries, “Look at what they have done to me. Don’t they realize who I am?” To receive or give forgiveness requires humility.

Low self-esteem

Some of us have built an entire identity around a hurt. The attention we gain from the wrong we have suffered defines who we are. It is something we cherish and refuse to relinquish for the sake of forgiveness.

Blindness

We may be blind to the fact that we have not forgiven a hurt. We have convinced ourselves that we really have forgiven the one who hurt us by going through the motions and saying the right words without really dealing with the pain. In reality, all we have done is dig a hole and bury the pain. As long as hurt is buried alive, it will keep resurrecting itself in our life, but when the hurt is dealt with and forgiveness is given, the pain is buried dead – and it stays dead.

Pain

Forgiveness is spiritual surgery. It exposes old hurts that have never completely healed. We can move, change jobs, change churches, change friends or even change families, but until we yank up the root of bitterness and cover it with forgiveness, we will live with unresolved pain.

Ignorance

Maybe we don’t know how to forgive someone because are under the impression that forgiveness is an emotion or feeling. True forgiveness is a choice – a deliberate choice to release the person who has hurt us from the pain they have caused. We can stop forgiving others when God stops forgiving us.

We need to identify and eliminate the roadblocks to forgiveness so God can set us free, heal our pain and make us more like Him. Now that is a remodeling job I would welcome.

Let’s Pray

Father, I praise You for the changes You have made in my life through the power of Your forgiveness. Please help me forgive the people who have hurt me just as You have forgiven me.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Now it’s Your Turn

Emotional pain can cripple our lives unless we deal with it and forgive the hurt. A family member has wounded you and shows no sign of remorse. Maybe a friend has betrayed you and refuses to apologize. Or you may be struggling to forgive yourself because you don’t think you deserve to be forgiven. None of us deserves forgiveness. Forgiveness is a gift from God. Today is the day to make the choice to forgive. Beside each statement below, write the name of someone in your life who needs your forgiveness.

Forgiveness is not limited to those who deserve it. ______________________________

Forgiveness is not limited to those who apologize. ______________________________

Forgiveness is not limited to those who change

From Girlfriends in God and (Mary Southerland). © Girlfriends In God.
Website: www.girlfriendsingod.com. Email: info@GirlfriendsInGod.com

Mark9:24
I do believe; help my unbelief
Someone has said that success comes in cans and failure in can not’s. The “Twenty Cans of Success,” taken from God’s Word, will expand your knowledge of our faith-object, the Almighty God. Building your faith by internalizing these truths will help lift you from the miry clay of the can not’s to the reality that in Christ you can do all things.
Romans1:17
The righteous man shall live by faith
Believing that you can succeed at Christian growth and maturity takes no more effort than believing you cannot succeed. So why not believe that you can walk in faith and in the Spirit; that you can resist the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil; and that you can grow to maturity as a Christian.

1. Why should I say I can’t when the Bible says I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength(Philippians 4:13)? I can do everything through Him who gives me strength
The power we receive in union with Christ is sufficient to do His will and to face the challenges that arise from our commitment to doing it. He does not grant us superhuman ability to accomplish anything we imagine without regard to His interests. As we contend for the faith we will face troubles, pressures and trials. As they come ask Christ to strengthen you.

2. Why should I lack when I know that God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus(Philippians 4:19)? And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus
We can trust that God will always meet our needs. Whatever we need on earth He will always supply, even if its the courage to face death as Paul did. Whatever we need in Heaven He will supply. We must however, remember the difference between our needs and our wants. Most people want to feel good and avoid discomfort or pain. We may not get all we want. By trusting in Christ our attitudes and our appetites can change from wanting everything to accepting His provision and power to live for Him.

3. Why should I fear when the Bible says God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)? For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
When we allow people to intimidate us we neutralize our effectiveness for God. The power of the Holy Spirit can help us overcome our fear of what some people might say or do to us so that we can continue to do Gods work. The characteristics of an effective Christian leader are power, love and self discipline. These are available because the Holy Spirit lives in us.

4. Why should I lack faith to fulfill my calling, knowing that God has allotted to me a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)? “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you”
Healthy self esteem is important because some of us think too little of ourselves. On the other hand some overestimate themselves. Our identity in Christ is the basis of our self worth. Apart from Him we aren’t capable of very much by eternal standards, in Him we are capable of and valuable of worthy service. Evaluating yourself by worldly standards of success and achievement can cause you to think too much about your worth in the eyes of others and thus miss your true value in God’s eyes.

5. Why should I be weak when the Bible says that the Lord is the strength of my life and that I will display strength and take action because I know God(Psalm 27:1; Daniel 11:32)?
Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?
Fear is a dark shadow that envelopes us and ultimately imprisons us within ourselves. We all have been a prisoner of fear at one time or another- fear of rejection, misunderstanding, uncertainty, sickness or even death. But we can conquer fear by trusting in the Lord who brings salvation. If we want to dispel the darkness of fear let us remember with David “The Lord is my light and my salvation”
Daniel 11:32 With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.
God encourages us to remain faithful in the midst of challenging circumstances. The “beast” will deceive through a combination of outright lies, partial truths, and temporary truths. The people who see through his devious words will do so because they know and believe God and His truth. They will therefore be strong in giving glory to Him. These people will prefer to risk their lives rather than betray God’s honor. By believing God, they will be prepared for the beast’s onslaught, and this will give them strength because it produces firm resolve and sense of purpose.

6. Why should I allow satan supremacy over my life when He that is in me is greater than He that is in the world(1 John 4:4)? 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.
It is easy to be frightened by the wickedness we see all around us and overwhelmed by the problems we face. Evil is obviously much stronger than we are. BUT, GOD is even stronger! He will conquer all evil and His Spirit and His word live in our hearts.

7. Why should I accept defeat when the Bible says that God always leads me in triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14)? “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him”.
Paul thanked God for his ministry, his relationship with the Corinthian believers and the way God used him to help others wherever he went, despite difficulties. When Christians preach the gospel it is good news to some and repulsive to others. Believers recognize the life giving fragrance of the message.

8. Why should I lack wisdom when Christ became wisdom to me from God and God gives wisdom to me generously when I ask Him for it. Corinthians 1:30; James 1:5)?
1 Corinthians 1:30 “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, Who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption”.
God is the source of and the reason for our personal and living relationship with Christ. Our union and identification with Christ results in our having God’s wisdom and knowledge, possessing right standing with God (righteousness) being holy, and having the penalty for our sins paid by Jesus.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
By wisdom James is talking not only about knowledge but about the ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances. Whenever we need wisdom we can pray to God and He will generously supply what we need. We can ask for God’s wisdom to guide our choices. The wisdom we need has three distinct characteristics:
A.) It is practical – the wisdom from God relates to life even in the midst of most trying times. It is not a wisdom isolated from suffering and trials. Wisdom is the tool by which trials are overcome. An intelligent person may have profound ideas but a wise person puts profound ideas into action.
B.) It is divine – God’s wisdom goes beyond common sense. Common sense does not lead us to choose joy in the midst of trials. This wisdom begins with respect for God, leads to living by Gods direction and results in the ability to determine right from wrong.
C.) It is Christ like – Asking for wisdom is ultimately asking to be like Christ. The Bible identifies Christ as “the wisdom of God”

9. Why should I be depressed when I can recall to mind God’s loving kindness, compassion and faithfulness, and have hope?
(Lamentations 3:21-23)? “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness”.
God willingly responds with help when we ask. God’s steadfast love and mercy are greater than any sin and He promises forgiveness. Jeremiah knew from personal experience about Gods faithfulness. God promised that punishment would follow disobedience and it did but God also promised future restoration and blessing and Jeremiah knew that God would keep that promise. Trusting in God day by day makes us confident in His great promises for the future.

10. Why should I worry and fret when I can cast all my anxiety on Christ who cares for me (1 Peter 5:7)? “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you”.
Carrying your worries, stresses and daily struggles by yourself shows that you have not trusted God fully with your life. It takes humility, however to recognize that God cares, to admit your need and to let others in Gods family help you. Sometimes we think that struggles caused by our own sin and foolishness are not Gods concern. But when we turn to God in repentance He will bear the weight of even those struggles. To let God have your anxieties calls for action and passivity. Don’t submit to your circumstances but to the Lord Who controls circumstances.

11. Why should I ever be in bondage knowing that there is liberty where the Spirit of the Lord is (2 Corinthians 3:17)? Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Through the Holy Spirit, God provides freedom from sin and condemnation. When we trust Christ to save us, He removes our heavy burden of trying to please Him and our guilt for failing to do so. By trusting Christ we are loved, accepted, forgiven and free to live for Him.

12. Why should I feel condemned when the Bible says I am not condemned because I am in Christ (Romans 8:1)? Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Without Jesus we would have no hope at all. But thank God He has declared us not guilty and has offered us freedom from sin and power to do His will.

13. Why should I feel alone when Jesus said He is with me always and He will never leave me nor forsake me(Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5)?
Matthew 28:20-“and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Jesus was with the disciples physically until He ascended into Heaven and then spiritually through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would be Jesus’ Presence that will never leave them. Jesus continues to be with us today through His Spirit.
Hebrews 13:5-Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you”
How can we learn to be content? Strive to live with less rather than desiring more; give away out of your abundance rather than accumulating more, relish what you have rather than resent what you are missing. We become content when we realize Gods sufficiency for our needs. Christians who become materialistic are saying by their actions that God can’t take care of them or at least that He won’t take care of them the way they want. Insecurity can lead to the love of money, whether we are rich or poor. The only antidote is to trust God to meet all our needs. See Gods love expressed in what He has provided and remember that money and possessions will pass away.

14. Why should I feel accursed or that I am the victim of bad luck when the Bible says that Christ redeemed me from the curse of the law that I might receive His Spirit (Galatians 3:13, 14)? Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit
Every human is cursed under the law because we have not abided by God’s laws. Jesus purchased us (redeemed us) from the curse upon us. Jesus alleviated the curse upon us by dying on the cross. By dying on the cross, Jesus became a curse on our behalf because he died in a fashion that people would see Jesus as rejected and cursed by God, according to Deuteronomy 21:23. (By dying on a cross, Deuteronomy 21:23 says such a person was to be considered “cursed by God.”)

15. Why should I be discontented when I, like Paul, can learn to be content in all my circumstances (Philippians 4:11)? I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Are you content in any circumstances you face? Paul knew how to be content whether he had plenty or he was in need. The secret was drawing on Christ’s power for strength. We should learn to rely on God’s promises and Christ’s power to help us be content. If we always want more we should ask God to remove that desire and teach us contentment in every circumstance. He will supply all of our needs but in a way that He knows is best for us.

16. Why should I feel worthless when Christ became sin on my behalf that I might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21)? God made Him Who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
When we trust in Christ we make an exchange-our sin for His righteousness. Our sin was poured into Christ at His crucifixion; His righteousness is poured into us at our conversion. This is what we mean by Christ’s atonement for our sin. In the world, bartering works only when two people exchange goods of relatively equal value. But God offers to trade His righteousness for our sin, something of immeasurable worth for something completely worthless. How grateful we should be for His kindness to us.

17. Why should I have a persecution complex knowing that nobody can be against me when God is for me (Romans 8:31)? “What then shall we say in response to this? If God be for us then who can be against us?
Do you ever feel that because you aren’t good enough for God, He will not save you? Do you ever feel that salvation is for everyone else but you? Then these verses are for you. If God gave His Son for you, He isn’t going to hold back the gift of salvation. If Christ gave His life for you He isn’t going to turn around and condemn you. He will not withhold anything you need to live for Him. The book of Romans is a letter of comfort and confidence addressed to you.

18. Why should I be confused when God is the author of peace and He gives me knowledge through his indwelling Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:33; 2:12)?
1Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. – as in all the congregation of the saints…….
Although there are many interpretations of this Scripture, here Paul is talking about the use of spiritual gifts. Singing, praying, dancing, playing instruments, reading, speaking, and giving all must be done in an orderly manner. Where the gift of prophesy is present all can prophesy in turn so that everyone can be instructed and encouraged.
1Corinthians 2:12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
Paul taught the Corinthians that true wisdom and discernment requires the believer to be guided by the Holy Spirit. Because satans greatest impact on us occurs when he deceives us, we need the Holy Spirits help. Spiritual discernment enables us to draw conclusions based on God’s perspective, make wise decisions in difficult circumstances, recognize the activities of Gods Spirit, distinguish the correct and incorrect use of Scripture and identify and expose false teachers. Ask God to give you His discernment as you serve Him. Let that discernment guide you through your daily walk with the Lord.

19. Why should I feel like a failure when I am a conqueror in all things through Christ (Romans 8:37)? In all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
This is one of the most comforting promises in all scripture. Believers have always had to face hardships in many forms: persecution, illness, imprisonment, even death. This could cause them to fear that they have been abandoned by Christ. But Paul exclaims that it is impossible to be separated from Christ. His death for us is proof of His unconquerable love. Nothing can stop Christ’s constant presence with us. God tells us how great His love is so that we will feel totally secure in Him. If we believe these overwhelming assurances then we will not be afraid.

20. Why should I let the pressures of life bother me when I can take courage knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and its tribulations (John 16:33)? “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world!”
With these words Jesus told His disciples to take courage. In spite of the inevitable struggles they would face they would not be alone. Jesus does not abandon us to our struggles either. If we remember that the ultimate victory has already been won, we can claim the peace of Christ in the most troublesome times.

Rules for Christian Households
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

Study – Paul gives rules for three sets of household relationships:
(1) husbands and wives
(2) parents and children
(3) masters and slaves.
In each case there is mutual responsibility to submit and love, to obey and encourage, to work hard and be fair.
Why is submission of wives to husbands “fitting in the Lord”? This may have been good advice for Christian women newly freed in Christ who found submission difficult. Paul told them that they should willingly follow their husbands’ leadership in Christ. But Paul had words for husbands as well: Husbands love your wives and do not be harsh with them. It may also have been true that Christian men , used to following the Roman custom of giving unlimited power to the head of the family, were not used to treating their wives with love and respect. Real Christian leadership involves service. Just as Christ served the disciples even to the point of washing their feet, so the husband is to serve the wife. This means putting aside his own interests to care for his wife. A wise and Christ honoring husband will not abuse his leadership role. At the same time a Christ honoring wife will not try to undermine her husbands leadership. Either approach causes disunity and friction in the marriage.
Children must be handled with care. They need firm discipline administered in love.
Parents should not alienate them by nagging, deriding, or destroying their self respect so that they lose heart. However the opposite problem occurs when parents are afraid to correct a child for fear of stifling some aspect of their personality or losing their love. Single parents or parents who cannot spend as much time with the child may be prone to indulgence. But such children, especially, need the security of guidance and structure. Boundaries and guidelines will not embitter a child. Instead they will set the child free to live securely inside these boundaries.
Paul does not condon or condemn slavery but explains that Christ transcends all division between people. Slaves are told to work hard as if their were master were Christ Himself but masters are to be just and fair.
Since the creation God has given us work to do. If we could regard our work as an act of worship or service to God such an attitude would take some of the drudgery and boredom out of it. We could without complaining or resentment if we would treat our job problems as the cost of discipleship.

Study – Paul was exposing a heresy in the Colossion church that was similiar to Gnosticism. Gnostics valued the accumulation of knowledge, but Paul pointed out that knowledge in itself is empty. To be worth anything it must lead to a changed life and right living. His prayer for the Colossians has two dimensions: (1) that they might be filled with the knowledge of Gods will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
(2) that they would bear fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.
Knowledge is not merely accumulated; it should give us direction for living. Paul wanted the Colossians to be wise but he also wanted them to use their knowledge. Knowledge of God is not a secret that only a few can discover, it is open to everyone. God wants us to know more about Him and also to put belief into practice by helping others.
Pauls prayers teach us how to pray for others whether we know them or not. We can request that they (1) understand Gods will (2) gain spiritual wisdom (3) please and honor God (4) bear good fruit (5) grow in the knowledge of God (6) be filled with Gods strength (7) have great endurance and patience (8) stay full of Christs joy (9) give thanks always. All believers have these same basic needs. When you dont know how to pray for someone use Pauls prayer pattern for the Colossians.
Paul lists five benefits God gives all believers through Christ: (1) He made us qualified to share in His inheritance, (2) He rescued us from Satans dominion of darkness and made us His children (3) He brought us into His eternal kingdom (4) He redeemed us – bought our freedom from sin and judgement (5) He forgave all our sins.
Thank God for what we have received in Christ.
The Colossians feared the unseen forces of darkness but Paul says that true believers have been transferred from darkness to light, from slavery to freedom, from guilt to forgiveness, and from the power of satan to the power of God. We have been rescued from a rebel kingdom to serve the rightful King. Our conduct should reflect our new allegiance.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasing life.

Isaiah 53:5
But He (Jesus) was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.

1Peter 2:24
He Himself (Jesus) bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live for righteouness, by His wounds you have been healed”

Hebrews 9:27-28
Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgement, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.

Mark 14:36
“Abba Father, everything is possible for You, take this cup from Me, yet not what I will but what You will”

Study – Jesus expressed His true feelings but He did not deny or rebel against God’s will, He reaffirmed His desire to do what God wanted. Jesus’ prayer highlights the terrible suffering He had to endure, an agony so much more magnified because He had to take on the sins of the whole world. This “cup” was the agony of alientation from God, His Father, at the cross. The sinless Son of God took on our sins and was separated for a while from God so that we could be eternally saved. Christ died for our sins, in our place, so we would not have to suffer the punishment we deserve. This is called substitutinary atonement.

In times of suffering people sometimes wish they knew the future or they wish they could understand the reason for their anguish. Jesus knew what lie ahead and He knew the reason even so His struggle was intense, more wrenching than any struggle we will ever have to face. What does it take to say “as You will”? It takes firm trust in Gods plans. It takes prayer and obedience each step of the way.

What Really Happened on the Cross?

– written by: Devotion Hub

So many times I’ve heard about the pain that Christ endured on the cross. The crown of thorns, the nails driven through his hands and feet, the bleeding and so on. Yes, it was an agonizing way to die. But these physical pains that I’ve described above don’t come close to the agony that Jesus felt as he bore the weight of our sins. For when he hung on that cross, he took upon Himself the unspeakable consequences of all the sins of mankind; past, present, and future. Do you grasp what that means? Try to imagine all the murders of all time. The pain and agony that all those victims felt, Jesus felt it too. The suffering of the victim’s family members, Jesus felt that as well.
When He took the sin upon Himself, he took all that goes with it. The unspeakable consequences, or results of sin are more tortuous than any crown of thorns or nails. While He hung there bearing this unimaginable sorrow, He was alone for the first time. The Father could not look upon the Son. It was Jesus cup to drink from alone. He was “Forsaken”. He experienced what Hell is like. I don’t know about you, but it means something quite significant to me that the Son of God went through this. It also alarms me when I realize that because of my own sins, I personally added to His pain on the cross. Yes, the suffering of Christ on the cross goes well beyond physical pain. Salvation did not come without a high price to pay. Jesus knew what anguish he would have to endure and that’s why he actually sweat blood in the Garden the night before. We have a hard time dealing with all the hurt and pain that our own sin causes us daily. Try to imagine being hit with everyone’s sin pain for all of time & all at once! The next time you look at a crucifix, try looking beyond Christ’s beaten body & dare to focus on his mental anguish. He endured it alone. For you. Because he loved us and didn’t give fear a chance, He prevailed & defeated death and sin’s power so that we can live with Him in Heaven. It’s the way it was supposed to be since the beginning, Us and God together forever. Thanks to what Jesus did for us on the Cross.

Study – Obeying our parents is our main task when we are young but honoring them should continue even beyond their death. One way to honor parents is to provide for them in times of financial need or when they are ill and unable to care for themselves. Perhaps the best way to honor them is to pass on their Christ honoring values to your children. Honoring involves all that sons and daughters do with their lives – the way they work and talk, the values they hold, and the morals they practice. What are you doing to show respect to your parents? Are you living in a way that brings honor to them?