When anger leads to foolish decisions

In these present times it is hard not to let anger win out. Most of us are living on edge and the slightest provocation can send us spinning off on a tangent. I was reminded again this week, while reading through the book of Esther, that when the “ego” of a person is pricked, it can lead to all kinds of consequences - one of them is anger!

Pietro Aletino (1492 – 1557) wrote that “angry people are blind and foolish.” This is so true. Our anger can blind us to the other people around us and often brings about a fracture in relationships. It is no wonder that Paul said:  “In your anger do not sin” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:26-27). 

Paul understood that when we get angry we are skating on thin ice. We can easily become the victims of our own folly, and so can those who come across our path. 

Question: Have you ever had an angry moment where your decisions have not been the wisest? 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Appreciation

 

Although we don't usually give women special gifts on National Women's Day, I feel that we can do even better than simply offering a material gift. We can pass on our deepest gratitude and appreciation for the Women in our lives and for the roles they play in our society. And this should never be done in a patriarchal, condescending spirit, but rather with the uttermost respect for each woman in our lives. 

So, from my side: THANK YOU ladies. For all that you do to make our world a better place to live in. 

Proverbs 31 (The Message) - The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she deserves! Adorn her life with praises!

“If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman” – Margaret Thatcher

“A woman is like a tea bag – you never how strong she is until she gets in hot water” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Living in Grace

D3LM3

We need some more Wonder!

Perhaps we all need a little more 'Wonder' in our lives at the moment. 

You may think I have lost my mind (again), but let me explain. When Isaiah challenged the Israelites about their relationship with God he said this (Isaiah 29:13-14): The Lord says:

“These people come near to me with their mouth
and honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship of me
is based on merely human rules they have been taught.

Therefore once more I will astound these people
with wonder upon wonder;
the wisdom of the wise will perish,
the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."

It seems to me that God wants us to move from our rote words and worship, thinking that we have God all figured out. Our complacency moves us into a space of boredom, where we leave no room for awe and wonder.

How would God astound you at this moment in your life?

What would leave you in awe and wonder?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

It matters

I like to do some reading around Leadership as often as I can and one of the authors I enjoy is Nancy Ortberg. She wrote a lovely book called "Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands", where she reflected on leadership with these words:

“Leadership matters. It stands at the crossroads of what we do and who we are, and that is a profound place. It requires that we shape vision and develop a plan and work hard.  It requires that we become stronger in our resilience and forgiveness and determination and love.”

This last sentence is the one that I wanted to highlight, because I believe this speaks to all of us, not just leaders. Life is teaching us that we can become stronger and more resilient. If we choose determination then I also feel we can lean more towards forgiveness and love. 

What do you think?

Ephesians 1:7 - "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace."

Living in Grace

D3LM3

What's on the sandwich?

What do you like to put on your sandwich snacks? Do you enjoy a piece of cheese, or some meat or are you happy with something plain like peanut butter? You are wondering why I am speaking about sandwich fillings, when I should be sharing about Psalm 57? Well, as I read through the Psalmist's list of woes, I note that in the middle of dealing with the 'pride of lions' (v.4) and the 'pit of distress' (v.6) he calls out for God to be exalted in the heavens:

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.

For me, it is almost like he wants us to know that God can still reign supreme, despite what is happening around us. So, perhaps his call for God to be exalted and glorified is a reminder to himself, as well as a call for God to take his rightful place. 

They spread a net for my feet—
I was bowed down in distress.
They dug a pit in my path—
but they have fallen into it themselves. (v.6)

How do you see God acting when you face times of trial? 

Do we need to be reminded that God is exalted and that his glory will fill the earth?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The pride of lions

"I find myself in a pride of lions who are wild for a taste of human flesh;

Their teeth are lances and arrows,
their tongues are sharp daggers." - Psalm 57:4 (The Message)

I would never want to find myself in the middle of a hungry pride of lions. I can imagine it, but wouldn't want to truly experience it. David has obviously found himself in the midst of a vicious group of back-stabbers and gossips - people who are willing to destroy him with their mouths and attacks. 

Although this is how he feels at the moment he is able to hold onto the promise of God's intervention - God will soar from the skies and deliver him from their hands/claws. This is such beautiful imagery and it is easy to put ourselves into the scenario.

Soar high in the skies, O God! Cover the whole earth with your glory! (v.5)

May you hold onto the fact that God watches over us and that God can make a way out of the 'pride of lions' for us.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Until the Hurricane blows over

"Be good to me, God—and now!

I’ve run to you for dear life. 

I’m hiding out under your wings
until the hurricane blows over.
I call out to High God,
the God who holds me together.
He sends orders from heaven and saves me,
he humiliates those who kick me around.
God delivers generous love,
he makes good on his word." - Psalm 57:1-3

There is something in the promise of God helping to hide us under his wings that is always comforting. In this version of Psalm 57, I am drawn to the picture of God letting us hide out until the hurricane has blown over. 

What is your 'Hurricane' at the moment? Can you picture yourself hiding out in the shelter of God's grace?

Before you rush off into the rest of the day why don't you pause for a minute and imagine yourself in hollow of God's hand.

Living in Grace

D3LM3