July 28, 2022
Read Ephesians 4:25-32
25 Therefore, after you have gotten rid of lying, Each of you must tell the truth to your neighbor because we are parts of each other in the same body. 26 Be angry without sinning. Don’t let the sun set on your anger. 27 Don’t provide an opportunity for the devil. 28 Thieves should no longer steal. Instead, they should go to work, using their hands to do good so that they will have something to share with whoever is in need. 29 Don’t let any foul words come out of your mouth. Only say what is helpful when it is needed for building up the community so that it benefits those who hear what you say. 30 Don’t make the Holy Spirit of God unhappy—you were sealed by him for the day of redemption. 31 Put aside all bitterness, losing your temper, anger, shouting, and slander, along with every other evil. 32 Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ.
Good morning! Let’s be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other.
To say that my life has been in a bit of upheaval would perhaps be an understatement. Only with God by my side is it possible to navigate such twists and turns on my journey. I believe fully and trust in God’s plan for my life, but sometimes my human frailty causes me to have moments of fear and anguish. Most often these moments are followed by periods of extreme tiredness. After a period of rest and time with God, I am nourished and renewed and ready to face whatever challenges come.
Admittedly, during these moments of fear and anguish, my emotions become exaggerated and try to take over what I say and do. This is one of my weaknesses that I have turned over to God, and through my transformation by the Holy Spirit these moments happen less often. Meanwhile, I work to suppress my human responses to challenges so that all that I think, say, and do are modeled after Christ who gave his life so that all of God’s children would be saved.
No matter what life throws at us, we must look for what is good! When we seek God’s glory, we will find all that we need to raise us up so that we might find the peace, joy, and understanding that God promises to each of us. Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:1-4 NIV)
Loving and Caring God, Thank You for loving us. We, Your children, are prone to letting earthly things and emotions take control of lives. Help us, turn over our worries and anxieties to You so that we might see all that is good in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Because of God’s presence, I can control my anger in any situation.
Believe and be saved! Pastor Liz