It is so comforting to know You are with me, Father. To awaken in the middle of the night and have that calm assurance when my mind is drawn to You. Even now, as yesterday’s time was consumed in preparation for Sunday’s worship, You gently woke me at this early hour so we could have ample time to be together. Thank You, Father, for Your love for me is undeniable.

Matthew 12:22-30 (<<click the green)

Lord, You were quick to expose the holes in the Pharisees’ accusation of Your power coming from Satan – “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined…” Their allegation didn’t hold water but they wanted to get a reaction. They were stirring up discord by sowing doubt.

As my mind is processing this interaction, it is causing me to look at how I react to accusations in my life. You were justifiably angry, as verse 34 clearly shows, but You weren’t consumed by that anger. You were in control of Your reaction the entire time and You addressed the affront head on.

Me? How do I respond to accusations? Um…most of the time I struggle with control and being consumed is where I fall. I am more apt to lash out. Being angry is one thing but lashing out without thinking is where my fault tends to lie. It may not be evident to those around me but those closest to me feel the heat more often than they should, I’m ashamed to admit.

Lord, I confess my weakness. I would pray for Your assistance in addressing my failing. I may be genetically disposed to anger (if that’s even a possibility} but I can surely fight against it, asking Your Holy Spirit to give me correction and guidance. Many times if I would just stop…and think, my anger would be shut down or at least toned down so that I would respond in a way that would reflect Your influence upon my life. May it be so, Lord. Amen.

Apr 13th, 2018, Fri, 4:43 am