Scripture for Today: Genesis 4:7 “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?  But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

This sweet little girl is losing it!  What toddler has not gone through the temper tantrum stage?  The angry emotions become too much to handle and spill out.  It can be frustrating or cute depending on how much sleep the parent has had.  But there is a place where temper tantrums are encouraged; the Tantrum Club for women in London.  There, one can scream, shout, rant and rave, jump up and down and bash things.  The club welcomes this behavior with support because as they say, “You deserve it!”

Our verse for today is spoken to Cain as a warning from the Lord.  Cain’s emotions have reached the boiling point.  Much more serious than a child’s tantrum, his anger is about to erupt in violence.  God does not tell Cain to swallow or suppress his emotions.  He tells Cain that he must rule over them in order to avoid sinful behavior.  As strong as his anger was, Cain always had a choice.

I often rationalize that I deserve to feel the way I do.  It is understandable.  But I do not have to be the victim of my emotions.  They do not have to lead me to sin, not if I can rule over them.  There is always a choice whether or not to give in to the anger or frustration.  My problem is that I cannot rule over my emotions on my own.  There is often a tantrum going on inside.  How thankful I am to have the fruit of God’s Spirit, offering me self-control.

Lord, rule over my emotions today!

Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

I was surprised to learn recently that one of our daughters does not enjoy classical music.  I grew up with courses in music appreciation, piano, and in a home filled with the sounds of classical music.  I am sure I could appreciate some of the intricacies better than I do, but I have always enjoyed it.  When I asked her why she does not like it, her answer actually made sense.  She resents getting in a calm peaceful place with one movement, only to be shaken up with the next movement in a faster tempo.  I understand this sentiment but most every piece, regardless of its different moods and movements, will have a theme that is always repeated in some form.  I enjoy listening for it and recognizing its reappearance.

Our verse for today can be a theme that reoccurs throughout a life.  Whatever a believer does, it is to be to the glory of God.  That covers a lot of movements and moods.  There are moments of the day where there is frenzied activity and one can hardly catch one’s breath.  Then there are calm slow relaxing times.  Always appreciated are the pauses and rests.  There are discordant parts of life where the melody can sound abrasive only to be followed by some soothing sounds.  Regardless of the style, a theme ties it all together.

If something as mundane as eating or drinking can be done for God’s glory than most anything in life can be done for Him.  This is the recurring theme I want for my life!

Lord, may You be glorified in every mood and every movement!

Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.