Don’t Be Provoked When Anger Rises, Choose the Spirit

Good Morning!
There will always be moments when someone pushes you, pokes at you, or tries to pull you out of character. The enemy loves provocation. He knows if he can get you to react in the flesh, he can pull you away from the peace God promised you. Scripture reminds us plainly: if you punch the nose, blood will follow; if you stir up anger, strife is guaranteed. Cause and effect. Seed and harvest.

When trouble rises—and it will—your greatest strength may not be in speaking, defending, or proving your point. Sometimes the holiest thing you can do is walk away. Be silent. Pray. Seek God. Silence is not weakness; it is spiritual discipline. It is choosing victory over ego. It is choosing the Spirit over the flesh.

Your flesh wants the last word. Your pride wants to be right. Your emotions want release. But the Spirit calls you to something higher. The Spirit whispers, “Hold your peace. I will fight for you.” Every time you refuse to be provoked, you break the cycle of strife. You protect your witness. You guard your heart. You honor God.

Ask yourself today: What situations are trying to bait me? Who is pushing for a reaction? What conversations do I need to step back from? God is not asking you to be silent forever—just long enough for Him to speak first.

Walk away when needed. Be still when tempted. Pray before responding. Seek God before reacting. Peace is preserved not by power, but by restraint.

May God strengthen you to choose the Spirit every time.

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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The blind eye of justice has stirred up anger

Twisting the nose produces blood just as stirring up anger produces strife. The blind eye of justice has stirred up anger. AMERICA has turned a blind eye to the injustice that has come at the hands of the law. Leaders who profess to be Christians, both Black and white ignore the truth. I call upon all who profess Jesus as Lord not to be anxious during these 

tumultuous times but to remember to be in continuous prayer. Let us all do our part. Vote. Speak up speak out but most importantly pray. 

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.

Confrontation can be deadly

A man sees a couple conversing loudly. He confronts the antagonist. Words are exchanged. A gun is fired. The antagonist, a father is dead. As Christians, Jesus charged us to help our neighbors, the poor, and even strangers (Matt.25:35). In doing so we have to use our Godly ability to make right decisions. Know when to let it go. Two lives lost because neither man knew how to walk away. Being a Christian is complicated. Ego, pride and emotions can cloud our judgement. Our tongues can be like fire (Jas 3:1-6). Sparking chaos which could become harmful, even detrimental. In the heat of confrontation, take a minute and pause. Allow the Holy Spirit to intervene. Learn to walk away, even if you are right. Live to see another day.  

Turmoil, meltdowns and relationships

 

Turmoil & Meltdowns

Live in the Spirit not the flesh

 

Read: Romans 12:14-21

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

 Good Morning!

Being mistreated or feeling betrayed is not favored by anyone.

Occasionally, we experience persecution. In our world, broken relationships abound, from hatred and contention to jealousy, anger, selfishness, and division.

 The church's body of believers may claim to live by “the spirit”, however, our actions demonstrate something contrary. Most of our time is spent living off the negative energy of the body.

  Paul spoke out against a life of indulgence. Things like strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, and disputes are found in Galatians 5:19-26. Our relationships can be plagued by turmoil and meltdowns, leading us to walk in the flesh instead of the Spirit.

 What steps do you take to defuse a situation? What can we do to fight the "hatred" or "anger" that has arisen in our spirit? Jesus commanded, "Love your enemies." Our mind and flesh urge us to react, prove our point, or seek vengeance. Striving for results guided by the Spirit is the right answer.

 We must not only live in the Spirit, but also walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:26) urges us not to be arrogant and to stop provoking one another.

 It is only through consistent practice and faith in God's word that strife can be overcome in all matters. Have faith. Pray continuously and God will guide you along the right path through the turbulent storm.

God's hedge of protection broken

Today's affirmation: #fear #doubt #Faith

What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. (Job 3:25)

"In your anger do not sin” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
(Ephesians 4:26)

But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. (1Corithians 11:31)

Good Morning! - An Evil Heart

Good morning! - anger

What if God acted like Parents?

Image: Tigner J.

Will the Lord wait, that He may be gracious unto you and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you. Isaiah 30:18

A Parent's advice

Parents [Adults] we have bestowed antidotes of life to children, yet for some reason kids opt not to pursue our advice. You know the scenario: child is confronted with decisions in school, you provide wisdom to rectify situation.  As days turn into months procrastination has taken residents in child’s mind. Such situations are played out daily in households, making parents [adults] frustrated, angry vowing to let child bump their own head, ‘experience is the best teacher’. 

It goes without saying, parents [adults] want the best and will do anything for their offspring but children can turn a parent’s happy heart into a sorrowful one based on actions or a lack thereof. Within a person’s reach are a host of reasons garnering negative results: fear, doubt, nonchalant attitude, or immaturity.   How do you react when confronted with a wavering loved one not performing to their full potential? Do you continue encouraging, coaching, get mad, scream until blue in the face, sling insulting words or turn your back and walk away?

Getting on God's nerves

What if God acted like parents [adults]: “this child is getting on my nerves; I’m so mad I don’t know what to do! Why is it so hard for this child to understand?” “You are too old to make such dumb decisions,” what is on your mind that you cannot remember to follow through and make it happen!” Without an education you are wasting your talent and your life! .We all have heard or spoke these very words one time or another. 

I’m so grateful God is nothing like parents [adults], not turning His back each time we don’t listen, or follow His guidance scribe in the Bible. God’s behavior is not like our behavior and thoughts not like ours:  He is not quick to anger; He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. God waits for us to Humble ourselves, that He may lift us up in due time. He desires that we cast all anxiety on Him.  Yet, time and time again people walk away from God’s extended hand, by Edging God Out based on our own understanding. From our actions, we constantly tell the Father we got this; in return He smiles and waits.  Likewise, parents [adults] we need to take the same attitude as our Heavenly Father does, be patient kind, not quick to anger.  Call unto the Lord in prayer and He will answer and tell you great unsearchable things you do not know. Jer. 33:3 by example, parents [adults] practice waiting on your children just as the LORD must wait for us to come to Him so He can show us His love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for His help Isaiah 30:18. because God’s love, mercy, grace, is forever covering us and its great God do not act like parents [adults] for if He did we would be in trouble!

Tigner J.

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Reframing from Anger: Character of the new man

Photo: Grove Pashley

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, James 1:19


When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. Proverb 10:19


Taking another look at anger, the most misunderstood emotion; it’s safe to say anger is a debilitating disorder destroying adult males in countless households. An innumerable about of men identify daily within their minds with the perception of being offended thus leading to some form of retaliation. All too often, these mental conflicts trigger a rage toward men, women and children. This outburst is typically caused by but not limited to work, (the lack there of), disagreements, or the emasculation of men by women.

The editorial, “Change the Pain Make it your Gain,” by CEO Munson Steed, touched upon how men have to learn to “defy anger and become a game changer”. In my opinion, to become a changer of the game, people cannot converse with “if that where me I would do this” type of friends but learn to associate with positive and Godly folk. Discover how to put away anger, evil speaking and learn to be kind to one another Eph. 4:31-32. One contributing factor to the root cause of anger is a deficiency of communication between men. This hoarding of a man’s anguish can lead to aggression which can ultimately “land you in an orange jumpsuit.”

There are steps to formulating new characteristics which can enable men to put on tender mercies of kindness and humbleness. Contrary to popular belief, displaying such attributes is manlier that most would want to accept as true.

The mis-education of all the aforementioned barriers for men has darkened their understanding causing them to be alienated from the life of God; Eph. 4:18, end result hardening of hearts thus leading to anger.

By implementing and incorporating the following tips they can aid in healing as well as maintaining a healthier life.

1. Develop a relationship with God: Let the word of Christ dwell in you Col. 3:14

2. Aspire to have healthy and Godly conversation with brothers in need, learn to forgive and grow: Realize that ‘Real Men’ are not Superman; they do cry, feel pain, and cannot leap tall buildings in a single bound.

3. Stop judging or speaking evil of one another James 4:11: These are negative enablers lead to angry outburst and disagreements

4. Form a support group of men: When two or three gather in the name of Jesus, he is present. In the process teach, console, and don’t be afraid to sing and praise God during group sessions.

If anger situations have escalated to being volatile, with you or someone you love please seek professional counseling.

One thing stands true for all men; they need encouraging supporters in their corner. By having devoted advocates, this provides a man with an outlet to release pain and anger so it will not become bottled up within. Brothers, break the bondage of your mind, learn to release positive energy, be confident, talk with other men, and rebuke anger that dwells inside us all. By doing so, it can lead to a happier and healthier life that women as well as children could enjoy.


Tigner J.


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Another Voice in the Choir

Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak.  Psalms 31:9-10


Heading to a doctor’s appointment I crossed paths and spoke to a tender natured old lady in the corridor; I acknowledged in my typical manner “all is well”. Her quick response back was “that is good because no one would listen if you where complaining.” As we walked, the conversation continued, as this noble lady told me a story of a prisoner who professed his innocence until arriving to prison. Once in the hallowed walls of confinement he found that every prisoner claimed their innocence too. Though the man knew he was not guilty, the grumbling stopped after discovering he was just another voice in the choir.

God’s word tells us not to swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. As the victim in this story, who claimed his innocence, there are times when regardless how truthful one is it can land a person a guilty verdict. We also know that Jesus was falsely accused and did not commit a crime yet he was crucified. So it is safe to assume through life, we are not immune from lies, conviction, or some form of character assassination. The Lord is a fortress in adversity; either stand on His word or become another complaining voice in the choir.

Not too long ago the world witnessed Georgia Prison inmate Troy Davis who song to the highest courts in the nation that he was innocent. In contrast Troy’s conviction enabled others to join his chorus all singing for justice being serviced. When facing perplexed times opposed to kicking up a fuss by complaining, pray and seek God for direction which can bring peace to your soul. Learn to sing praises of joy regardless your predicament and not tunes of grief during your misery. See your situation as the glass of water half full or half empty either way, take a stance as did Troy Davis who continued to fight his fight of innocence until his last breath. Though you maybe in the pit, God have kept you a live! The take away from both stories is to recognize we have to stand on God’s word, even if the end result may mean death, like Troy Davis.

Tigner J.


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Angry and stirring up dissension

Whoso is slow to anger [is] of great understanding, And whoso is short in temper is exalting folly Proverbs 14:29


Anger is the most misunderstood human emotion. Anger can cause people to block their feelings or lash out with aggression. I’m not a psychiatric consultant but it appears many suffer from anger based on circumstances, self-pity, being mistreated, or just mad at the world. I have to also believe another contributing factor is people placing trust in material things, intangible desires and jobs. When life runs amuck, people look for someone to blame and release their rage.

The mindset of countless Americans is complacency in life, be it good or bad. Opposed to stepping out in faith and taking God’s word to heart, they rely on others, government or jobs as their lifeline and when corporations shut down, or lay-off employees, anger positions itself in those who feel let down. In such situations, betrayed individuals become enraged thus triggering their bundled emotions to fester into increased Alcohol and drug usage as well as other forms of aggression which can lead to slaying employers, co-workers, snuffing family members out as well as taking their own life all in the name of anger.

Through out the Old Testament God had plenty to be boiling with rage, yet he always found a way to be compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding with love and faithfulness. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires James 1:19-20. In total contrast of what God spoke and Jesus preached, society has relied upon their own knowledge for so long many have turned their back on God. They have become complacent with life/jobs until havoc knocks them down and anger creeps into the spirit. What is really needed is an orchestrated effort of doubters to visit with the one doctor who can cure all infirmities; Jesus the Christ.

God clearly tells us not to lean up on our own understandings or depend on others but place our trust in the Trinity: God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When we deviate from this source there is destined to be chaos. Disgruntled souls filled with hopelessness seek all forms of anger relievers, everything accept the main source Jesus Christ. I venture to say if people would take time to crack open God’s medical book call the bible, meditate upon on his word a lot of wrath can be eradicated. Stop banking on your own knowledge, placing faith in man, jobs, and material things but into the one who created all, God!  It’s a daily work in progress to be in God’s will and to overcome anger. Trust in His word, allow God to show you His ways and direct your path based on his truth!

I encourage all to seek God, pray, call upon his name and develop a relationship. Stop letting the days of your life pass you by because of anger, get up get out and do something stop letting the days of your life pass you by!

Tigner J.


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Offended and cannot not forgive

 Read:  Matthew 18:15-35

Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. Matthew 18:15

 

Good Morning!

At some point in our lives, we have all been hurt by words, actions, or deeds. What is your approach to handling the situation? Do you forgive or seek an opportunity for revenge?

 Six-year-old Kai Leigh Harriott was a cheerful and contented child. Kai Leigh Harriott is now paralyzed. She was struck by a stray bullet, rendering her permanently unable to walk. The little girl, who was both brave and gentle in her demeanor, confronted the person in court who had wronged her. "I forgive you for what you did to me, even though it was wrong."

 

If you were put in a difficult and traumatic situation, what would be your response? Do you think your soul would be overwhelmed with feelings of resentment and wrath? Would you approach the situation with forgiveness, or would you harbor anger and bitterness in your spirit?

 

 When Peter inquired Jesus about forgiving someone who sins against us seven times, Jesus replied that we must not limit it to just seven times, but rather forgive them seventy times seven (Matthew 6:21-6:22).

 

Being offended can cause individuals to experience both physical and emotional distress. The act of forgiveness is often forgotten and lost in the depths of the mind. It is difficult to imagine forgiving someone 490 times. Dear God, it feels challenging for us to exhibit boundless forgiveness. Although it may be difficult, His wish is for us to show forgiveness.

 

It should be noted that Jesus did not commit any wrongdoing. He was still crucified, beaten severely, had thorns placed on his head, was nailed to a cross, and had his side pierced. As Jesus hung on the cross, he had every reason to feel anger. Jesus' last words, according to Luke 23:32-34, included a request for forgiveness for those who caused his death: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

 

When faced with hurtful actions or words, it can be difficult to forgive. However, Jesus' example of boundless forgiveness and the example of little Kai Leigh Harriott, who forgave the person who wronged her, can be a reminder to us that forgiveness is possible and is the path to peace and healing.

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Prayer of forgiveness

If you are having a difficult time forgiving someone repeat this prayer. 

Father in the name of Jesus I have sinned against your word because I have not forgave people who offended me. Holy Spirit I seek your strength. Enable me to forgive those who have transgressed against me. Lord, today I forgive (Insert a person’s name). In the name of Jesus I ask that you restore Love in our hearts. Lord I ask that they have a forgiving heart and will power to forgive those who transgressed against them. These and all things will be granted and restored in the name of Jesus. Amen.