Let go of the past, Whatever you focus on you strengthen

Read: James 4:11-12

Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way. Romans 14:13

 

Good Morning!

Unkind words are frequently spoken toward others within our families, workplaces, and even in church settings. Criticism or slander can provoke anger, and contention, and cause individuals to cling to attacks.

 

Anger tied to the past is one of the most difficult things to let go of. The blame game, fueled by anger, breeds arguments and an unwillingness to forgive, ultimately destroying relationships.

 

 When new people join families, jobs, and churches, they often encounter a particular group of individuals who enjoy "filling them in" by speaking unkindly, criticizing, or slandering someone with whom they have a conflict.

 The Bible warns against speaking evil of our brother (James 4:3). In Romans 14:13, the word encourages us to refrain from judging each other and instead focus on resolving conflicts, rather than contributing to them.

 

 To resolve the cycle of attacks, when faced with such a situation, you can ask the person "Who hurt you?" Who disregarded you? "Who offended you?" No, it will not immediately resolve the issue. However, it has the power to prevent individuals from making critical remarks about others. also allowing the person to stop and think about their actions.

 

Whatever you focus on you strengthen. The words that come out of your mouth reflect what is in your heart. Take ownership of situations before blaming someone. Avoid engaging in arguments.

 

If faced with an argument, please maintain silence. Stop arguing and walk away. As you walk away offer a brief prayer to God.

 

Over time, we will encounter situations like these. Consciously, make an effort to let go of the past so that you can prevent the spread of similar issues like this.  The inability of not letting go of the past can be destructive, and it can harm relationships with God, the family, job, and church.

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Let go of the past

You are 18 days into 2020 what have you let go of from 2019? Have you picked it up again? One of the most difficult things to give up is anger. Anger can lead to the blame game which causes arguing and always wanting to be right. An unwillingness to forgive will eventually destroy a perfectly good relationship. Remember, Whatever you focus on you strengthen. What’s in your heart flows out your mouth. From the fruits of your mouth you are either filled with good or bad words. Before you blame someone take ownership of situation. Learn not to argue. Be quite. Walk away. Most important stop arguing. Say a quick prayer. There will be days when it's HARD to PRAY. That's the time to PRAY.

Good Morning! - Words of Strife

God loves a good argument

couples fighting 

Read James 4:1-11

Come near to God and he will come near to you.  James 4:8

A good argument

Ever given any thought to what evokes arguments (fights) among family and friends? If surveyed man and women would unleash a plethora of reasons – more fingers pointing and less searching of the man in the mirror.  Understand there may be times a ‘fair argument’ is in order. But for the sake of this argument (pun intended) these frequent spats revels a greater problem which is often over looked. The Bible highlights the root cause for the common disagreement which typically affects many Christians.

Bible view of arguments

James pointed out in Chapter 4:1-11, fights and quarrels stem from inner battles of desires. Because you do not have [your desires], it kills you. So, is James suggesting by not getting desires it ignites frustration and questions God?  According to the bible the succinct answer is yes. So does God answer prayers if our motives are not pure?  The simple answer is no.

Many prayers have elements of personal requests. Based on God, His will, and time, they are answered – in whole or in part.  But people covet their desires of the heart by pimping God through selfish prayer. It is safe to say when EGO driven prayers are ushered heaven bound they Edge God Out.  Parishioners are not focusing on God’s purpose and in return God refuses to hear or answer. 

When prayers/desires go unanswered the stormy cycle continues and anger towards God increase, “where are you God when I need you.” Frustration follows along with disappointment of self.  The least thing triggers a full blown argument which is typically much to do about nothing.  The attempt to do it your way and not God’s way opens a person’s spirit to dangerous warfare.

Are you praying with wrong motives? Reevaluate your prayers.  Are your prayers seeking the pleasures of life or do you seek God first?  Jesus told us to A.S.K. – Ask and you shall receive seek and you will find knock and the doors will be opened Matthew 7:7-8.  Jesus’ promise was when we ask the Spirit will work in us.  He was not promising that we will receive whatever we think we wanted but that the Holy Spirit may direct our hearts so that we will desire the things that God desires and in exchange he will pour out his blessing pressed down and running over. 

Change the desires. Stop the arguments, pray for God’s desire and watch your life manifest in to the true desires of God. In the end you will still win!