Daily Wisdom

1Ti 2:8 “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”

Paul calls the believer to submissive prayer, not only in church but in daily living. With hands lifted in supplication as Moses (Exo 9:29; 33), but also indicating hands that are not defiled by sin, pure and holy in nature. Paul adds without “wrath” within one’s spirit. That’s why Jesus said that we should interrupt our prayers, if necessary, to make peace with others (Mat 5:23-24). This is seen in the word “doubting” (dialogismos) meaning, were not to approach God in prayer in the midst of clamorous disputing's and angry contentions with others. Wrath and doubting, are a prayer hinderance to the Father’s ears.

Don’t build barriers against your prayers with angst and anger towards others… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

 Est 2:1 “After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti…”

Interesting passage in that king Ahasuerus was now in memory of what his anger and Vashti, the queen’s, pride brought about. What the king desired was lost by his own decree/law. We often damaged relationships within the family of God with emotional, revengeful, or prideful responses when hurt. Such responses often bring about more remorse than relief, causing appeasement to result in resentment towards oneself. There’s very little in life that cannot be restored to an original or greater value, we must be cautious in our emotional reactions as not to cause more damage. Remember, we’re all in the process of restoration from the Father; likewise let’s focus on restoring and avoid regretting. 

If one’s emotional wellbeing is driven by vindicating who or what is right & wrong, one will be an emotional wreck… HSAY 

Daily Wisdom

‘But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment:’ Mt 5:22

Killing is a terrible sin, but anger is a great sin, too, because it also violates God's command to love. Anger in this case refers to a seething, brooding bitterness against someone. It’s a dangerous emotion that always threatens to leap out of control, leading to emotional hurt, increased mental stress, and spiritual damage. But don’t focus on the words ‘without cause’, that does not justify anger, Jesus gives us a path to reconciliation. Know that any anger keeps us from developing and maintaining a spirit pleasing to God.

Self-control is good, but Christ calls us farther and into mind-control (Phl 2:5). Difficult, yes. But we are held accountable to such. If you have angst/anger against a fellow believer, go to them, before you go to the altar/prayer, and reconcile through the love of Christ. Anger does the deepest and most destructive damage within our own spirit, and never evens any score, it only makes for an ugly game.

 Anger is never a bonding agent to build, only an explosive to destroy… HSAY 

Daily Wisdom

Pro 25:12 “As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprove upon an obedient ear.”

Abigail (1 Sam 25) was a wise reprover of David’s passion. And according to his own principal (Psa 141:5 “Let the righteous smite me, it shall be a kindness.”) David utilized an obedient ear. Never was such an admonition either better given or better taken on David’s behalf. Like David, we must be quick and able to give thanks to God when we are sent a reproof against a sinful way (1 Sam 25:32). David was blind to the great danger his actions of vengeance towards Nabal was putting himself in.  David had solemnly vowed the death of Nabal. He did evil to make such a vow but would have done worse if he had performed it. The wise man will hear reason, and let that rule him, even though it may come from inferior sources. While some may take reproof patiently, few often take it with the thankfulness of David and acknowledge it was God’s favor towards us in sending them.  No matter how right we think we are, we must always “be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” (Jam 1:19). A moment of patience in a moment of anger will often save a hundred moments of regret.

Be willing to listen in order to understand, and not just for an opportunity to reply!

HSAY… Todd