The Anger Emotion (Counseling book Chap 8)

 In his book, Counseling Friends in Need, Harold J. Sala talks about emotions in how they are a natural part of our beings, yet they can get out of control.  He asks though, if God is

 "pleased by our succuming to our emotions".  

What counts, he continues, is "the victory" over those emotions that threaten to overwhelm us (see 2 Corinthians 2:14).

Anger is one of the most common emotions that can explode and implode our calm.  It can be like a volcano ready and waiting at any second to erupt into its destructive course, obliterating everything and everyone in its path, like Mt. Vesuvius' eruption.

Yet, Ephesians 4:26 exhorts,

"Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger" (ESV).

Somewhere as the pendulum swings, anger crosses the line into sin.  What a person does with the anger has potential for good or for destruction. Best to get it reined in before night fall.

The victory can be ours, in Christ.  We have the Holy Spirit's help.  We have the avenue to confess wrongful anger to the Lord, gaining His forgiveness (see 1 John 1:9).  One of the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit is self-control.  As we practice this, victory can come.

Naturally,  there are irritants that kindle and cause our anger in the first place.  Our anger can stem from a build up over years and years of irritants, abuse and trauma, so much so that the anger has become ingrained rage.  I don't mean to sound glib and flippant.  There is likely no overnight charm.  However, removing, if possible, some of these sources could help but ultimately we'll need to be mindful of exercising self-control with the Lord's help.  His help will be essetntial.

We can make it a point of prayer, seeking our Lord's help and the help of someone in our lives who can keep us accountable in being an overcomer.  We can be

 "more than conquerors through him who loved us" (see Romans 8:37-39 ESV).  

No scheme of man can knock you down from a determined path of recovery while walking with the Lord.

This reminds me of the poem Footprints where there were two sets of footprints of two people who had been walking side by side.  But then the author looks back and sees where there is then only one set of footprints.  Those had been the worst of times.  She's is heartbroken that Jesus would no longer be walking beside her.  She questions this!  Why doesn't He care!!  Where IS He?  That's when the still soft voice comforts, "That's when I carried you."

His presence IS with us.  Talk with Him.

Our Lord and Savior loves us too much to let us wallow in fomenting anger.  That's why the injunction to not let the sun go down on our anger is so important.  We cannot deny our emotions but we also should not let them control us.

I realize this sounds easier said than done, and we'd likely mess up multiple times, but with Christ, all things are possible. 

"Yet not I but through Christ in me" (see Galatians 2:20 KJV).

Let's trust Jesus and let Him take control  Seek out friends you trust to lend a hand and an empathic ear.

Father God, thank-You for the emotions you have granted us.  Yet we desparately need Your help to keep them in check and to gain victory over the destructiveness they can bring when we willfully allow them full freedom.  May self-control under Your full control develop purposefully in our lives.  Make a way for us each and every day.

We humbly ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                                    ~ ERC  March 2025 ~

Based on Ephesians 4:26 ESV and Counseling Friends in Need by Harold J. Sala - Chapter 8 - Using the Bible to Counsel Emotional Problems, pages 154-162.

Sing, I Trust Jesus, along with Matthew West, and Jenn Johnson.  Concentrate on the sentiments of the lyrics.

Give Him a Call

 "The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth"                     Psalm 145:18 (ESV).

Just reading that verse is a comfort to the soul but it also holds the sincere reader accountable.  We must call on the LORD in truth.  Then we can tell Him all.

I was reading a devotion from the YouVersion Bible Reading Plans entitled Playing in the Dirt, Day 3/10.   The Dayspring author wrote,

"Bare your soul to Him without expecting Him to 'fix it' and see what happens.  You might find that His presence is peaceful, and in it is all the comfort you seek."

The times when we feel no one cares or is listening, remember our Lord is always near.  His ear is always open and ready to hear our call.  Spend time in His presence.  Sing the song In His Presence along with Sandi Patty.  It is so succinct.  Sing and then give Him a call now.  Be in His presence.

Lord Jesus, there are times when I feel there is no one there for me.  But Your are.  In Your presence now, there is comfort.  I don't need to hold back my words or emotions.  You know my true inner feelings already but I still must share them.  I must tell you the truth of the matter.  It is so wonderful to be with You and speaking with You and know you do listen and care.  I can get to know You and Your heart even as You comfort me.  I know that my situation may not be "fixed" right here and now.  However just knowing You are with me is a boon to my soul.  I feel your peace infusing me.  Thank You Lord Jesus for the blest assurance and reassurance I can have in You.

                                                    ~ ERC  March 2025 ~

Based on Psalm 145:18 ESV.

Sing, In His Preseence, along with Sandi Patty.  See link above.

Deal Generously and Lend

 

"It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice" (Psalm 112:5 ESV.

Giving in a right and fair manner and doing so generously is good.  The word 'lends' is also mentioned.  If someone asks to borrow whatever, be it money, time or possessions (I assume), the lender does well when it is given generously but also with justice.

Knowing the reason for the lending is likely wise counsel though.  That'd be part of the 'justice' issue.  If we are moved to lend or give, let it not be done in half measures, but with generosity.

Whether one is the giver or the recipient, both can feel how 'well' the exchange is.  For instance, after a recent move in a new area, church members helped bless a couple with various kitchen items such as a portable oven, an electric kettle, a pot, utensils and the like.  A lovely piece of furniture arrived from another sister-in-Christ.  It certainly was 'well;' well given and well received.

It's wonderful when this love and kindness characterizes the followers of Jesus Christ.  He is, after all, our supreme example.  One brother, James Banks, by name, wrote in Our Daily Bread 2024 that,

"God has been generous with us, giving us life and forgiveness.  Let's be generous in sharing His love and our resources with those in need."

Giving will never go out of style, so let's remember to give as our Savior has done.

Thank You, Father God, for the gift of Your son Jesus who gave His life for us.  He freely and wholeheartedly gave as did You.  Help each of us, Your children, to do likewise in whichever capacity Your Holy Spirit directs.  May we deal and conduct ourselves, well, well.  In Jesus' name, amen.

                                                   ~ ERC  March 2025 ~

Based on Psalm 112:5 ESV and Our Daily Bread 2024 June/July/Aug - 2 June - by James Banks.

Sing, Try a Little Kindness, along with Glen Colton.

Book Review - Washing My Mother's Body - Joy Harpo - Publication Date: 1 April 2025

 

Those of us who've lost our mothers will surely be able to relate to the sentiments of this author's grief processing.  As I read, I felt that the words could well be helpful to others, especially for those who were unable to have been present at the time of  the mother's departing moments as happened to Joy Harpo, the author.  

On the other hand, since the illlustrations seemed to be more culturally and personally specific for the author's situation, to me, as artful and symbolic though they may be, they did not reach out, generally speaking, and therefore, it may be the same scenario to other potential readers of the world.   Overall, though, this book could well be a comfort for those made motherless.

                                           ~ Eunice C.,   Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                            April 2025

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent to me by Net Galley and the publisher.

Read review on Goodreads.

Book Review - Silent Mistresses (3rd book in the Vatican Chronicles series) by John Rigoli, Diane Cummings & Lisa Cerasoli - Publication Date: 31 March 2025

 As this mystery-cum-thriller is based on true happenings in the history of the Roman Catholic church, I had to believe that the events eluded to in this novel were plausible.  It made for a really good story and gave my heart a few zinging nips of adrenaline as I read through.  No wonder Sister Maria Caruso, who was an advocate for truth, had some excitement in her otherwise placid life. 

The authors of Silent Mistresses may appear to be putting a negative spin on the Roman Catholic church but as the book's characters thrash out consequences of certain actions of the church, to expose the secrets and the plight of those involved, I thought it wasn't so much about the church in general, per se, rather on some of their deplorable practices they unreaonably attempted to uphold.

Priests, fathers, bishops, popes and general church adherents may be surprized but also find this of interest.  I enjoyed the story as there were those who were especially championing female victims.  I feel most other potential readers will enjoy reading this third book in the Vatican Chronicles series.

                                         ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                           March 2025 

Read review on Goodreads.

Come Together to Worship

 

When we worship the Lord alone we can experience a wonderful and precious time of communing with Him.  We can really open up our hearts and pour out our appreciation and adoration for even the private things only He and you know about in your relationship with Him.  These times are needed often.

When believers meet together to worship in spirit and truth, it is even more powerful in other ways.  The Holy Spirit joins our hearts, minds and spirits together so we can experience His presence and power.

In turn, this encourages each other and can help maintain greater unity of Spirit in the community of believers.  This stimulates further spiritual growth towards maturity in Christian living and in Christ, strengthening our faith in Him.  Because of bonds of community individuals will feel less alone.  At least these are ideal advantages of meeting corporately (IN PERSON, NOT  online!!), to worship our Savior and Lord.

When we view Revelation 4 and 5, the four beasts started the chain reaction of worship.  The 24 elders took up the praise, then the thousands upon thousands of angels chimed in and even all creatures on earth and under the sea blended in their praise.  They spurred one another on to praise and worship and adore the One on the throne.  In corporate worship in our churches and other gatherings of believers, this power of praise can be at work too.

When the people of Israel were assembled together Ezra read to them out of the Book of the Law.  What they heard moved them to repentance.  For a quarter of the day they made confession!  That 'church' service lasted a lo-o-o-o-ng lime!

Confession prompted the Israelites worship.  I believe this is because God is holy and He wants us to be holy too.  His forgiveness sparked by our conviction and confession and repentance gives us joy.  It also gives us a clear and clean conscience enabling us to worship in our Lord's presence, truly in spirit and in the truth (see Nehemiah 9:3 ESV).

Let's praise and adore Him for all He has done for us.  Great is our God and greatly to be praised - together.

                                                ~ ERC  March 2025 ~

Based on Nehemiah 9:3 (ESV).

Sing Song of Repentance, along with New Wine Worship and Build My Life, along with Chris Tomlin (for group singing change the pronoun 'my' to 'our').   Also, Purify My Heart, along with  Brian Doerksen.

Lord's Day Devotion - Worthy of Worship - Part 2

 It's interesting and surprizing to see the different beings worshipping the Lamb in that heavenly scene John saw.  There were the four flying beasts.  There were the 24 elders.  Multitudes, that is, "ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands," of angels.  Then, this is the surprizing bit for me, there was 

"every creature in heaven or on earth and in the sea"

 all giving praise and worship together!

So if your child asks if there are animals in heaven, I think this suggests an affirmative answer.  Maybe its not their particular deceased pet dog or gerbil but there is indication of creatures other than human or angelic ones residing in Heaven and worshipping Jesus, the One on the throne.

John also observes the different forms of worship.  Some bow down or fall down to worship.  Some have harps and golden vials and prayers, which give off an aroma as if of incense. Some sang a new song.  Yikes!  Is that allowed?  The angels worshippped with loud voices, uttering their praise.  Then every creature had their input.

Sometimes we get caught up with "we must do it this way."  However, here we see variety.  The primary, important thing is that they were worshipping the One who is the Creator God.  Worshipping him for Who He is and what He has done for us.

Speaking of Creator God ... He Himself created so much variety.  Wouldn't His creatures then worship in a variety of ways?  The ultimate purpose is to worship our Redeemer.  Are we?  Or are we getting caught up in pettiness of the 'how'?  Worship will be diminished if so.

Isn't worship the response of our hearts?  Isn't it appreciative awe for Who our Savior is and for what He has done for me (us) - all the redeemed who by faith have accepted Him as Savior and hopefully, Lord.

Compare your worship with Revelation 4 and 5's description.   There may be similarities and differences.  If it's the appreciative, thankful heart's response it'll all still be worship.  The worship our One true God and Savior deserve for they are worthy of our worship.

Do the elders in your church give praise?  Are there musical instruments?  Ha!  This is often a controversial item.  Does it really need to be?  They'll be used in Heaven.  Watch out!  There may be angels in our church midst, but we just can't see them.  At least, most of us can't.

The churches I have attended are mostly on the much quieter side than what I imagine that heavenly scene of Revelation 4 and 5 seem to be.  No animals in these city churches either.  Ha, ha.

In fact, last Lord's Day I saw a church member escorting a cat out.  The dear thing.  After church, Incidently, one sister gave it a whole can of cat food.  Perhaps, it'll be back.  Oh, I haven't heard really loud voices in praise either unless it was in Sunday School and some mischievous child decided to vent his lungs to full capacity.  Smile.

In some very rural churches I've experienced some of the most invigorating, euphoric, comprehensive times of worship as together a major number of the villagers gathered together, dressed in their best and eagerly ready for their time of worship.  Loudly or softly, with music and even their special dances, giving their offering of praise and worship to the Lord, with abandon.  Their focus was the Lord.

You know, I believe that the degree to which we comprehend whom we worship and what He has done for us, our worship will be all the more wholesome and we will give greater vent.  Use those lungs!

Some may say, I'm of this or that culture.  In our culture we are not so expressive.  Well, I ask, do you see yourself of heaven's culture first and foremost, or are you of your own ethnic background first and foremost? 

These are things to consider.

When we see Jesus as the Lion, Lamb, our Redeemer, the One on the throne of Heaven and as our Lord and Savior, as seen in Revelation 4 and 5, we will know He is worthy of all the worship and praise we can offer up.

Jesus, my Redeemer, You are my life, my joy, my salvation.  You are the great magnificent One who sits on the throne in Heaven, forever and ever.  You are worthy O Lord to recieve all glory and honor.  You are the Holy One, who lives for ever and ever.  Your kindness, love, mercy and grace extend to me.  Great are You Lord!  You have set me free by your power and almighty outstretched arms.  You are the Eternal God Who gave me eternal life.  All praise be to you!

You are awsome!  Thank You, Jesus. 

Let's sing, some worship songs at this juncture.  Sing How Great is the Greatness of God along with Keith and Kristyn Getty; O Lord My God, When I in Awesome Wonder, along with Worship4You and Jesus, My Redeemer, accompanied with Chris Tomlin.

As the meditations of these songs echo in our minds and hearts, let's remember Jesus because of who He is and what all He has done for us.  Reach for and partake of the broken bread with praise upon our lips.  Joyfully drink of the cup of wine as we worship Him in spirit and truth.  In Him we live and move and have our being.

Sing with loud praises - Worthy is the Lamb along with Michael Smith. Our Lord God, Almighty, the Lamb is worthy of all our worship.

                                                   ~ ERC February 2025 ~

Based on Revelation 4 & 5 (KJV).  Study Guide, Christian Disciplines - Lesson 10 - Worship - Life Builder Bible Study - Christian Character.

Sing the songs as indicated throughout the devotion above.

See also, Lord's Day Devotion - Worthy of Worship  - Part 1.