As I write the devotionals for this year, I keep finding myself speaking to you about things that I’m still searching out.  Things I’ve thought about for many years but am still trying to unwind the full meaning of…today is one of those days.  As I embark on this subject, I am acutely aware that I don’t know the complete answer but I’m excited to see what God reveals to us. 

All my life I’ve heard people say, “Lord willing…” as a part of their prayer or even daily conversation.  I’ve always wondered about it because often when I hear people saying this it feels like it’s coming from a place of non-belief.  Like an excuse for a miracle not to happen, or a dream to come true.  Because of the way I discern those who use this statement, I really don’t like to use it very much.  I don’t think that statement was ever meant to be weak.  Let’s look at this thought in a few different ways…

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.  What is your life?  You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”  James 4:14-15

and

A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed.  “If You are willing, You can heal me and make me clean,” he said.  Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him.  “I am willing,” He said.  “Be healed!”  Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed.  Mark 1:40-42

and

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.  Matthew 21:22

I often feel a tug of war in these thoughts…partly because as I read through the life of Jesus, all I see is willingness.  He heals every single person who asks for healing in the Bible.  So, when exactly is He unwilling?  Again, this makes me feel like we are the ones missing something.  Some part of the expression, as we use it, is inaccurate or incomplete. 

Some of you may be thinking, “Well, the verses from James are about daily life, not miracles and healing.”, but are they?  It says, “If it’s the Lord’s will, we will live…”  That indicates physical circumstances…being alive.  To me that shows it also includes healing…as praying for health means praying for more life to live, right?

These thoughts perplex me.  I wonder if it’s more of a mindset…I plan and believe for the future, but I know God decides my number of days on this earth.  But knowing that shouldn’t mean that I stop living with the future in mind.  Also, as I previously stated, Jesus healed all who came to Him…so I believe there is an opportunity for all to be healed, but there’s something else in the midst.  And let’s not forget that it also says we will receive whatever we ask for in prayer…I definitely don’t receive all I ask for in prayer yet.  These are the things that rub against my heart and make me continually aware that I really need Jesus, and Holy Spirit understanding is paramount in my life.  As for the rest of it…I am just confessing that I don’t quite have it all figured out just yet…but I’d love to hear your thoughts.

My take aways from what may feel like a confusing devotional topic are these…

1. I desire my quiet times to include days when I don’t resolve everything…I want to search out God’s heart and that takes time. 
2. As long as I live, I’ll pray for and believe for the miraculous…and I will NEVER make scripture bend to what I think it should say.  I’ll take God’s word at face value, search it out with Holy Spirit and understand that I will never understand all of it.  That’s where the mystery is…
3. I believe God is always willing to heal, because that’s what I see Jesus do in scripture without fail, so yet again, there’s more for me to search out. 
4. He says whatever I ask for I will receive, if I believe…so I need help in my believing muscle. 

We saw the Jericho wall around our lives fall over the last week…now what?

Now that you are free, how will your life change?  I don’t know if you realize it or not, but when you find freedom, next you need to learn how to leave the prison you had previously been inside.  Many people are set free and then they just stay where they are because they don’t know how to act differently.  We are not going to be “those” people.  We will learn to move into new things!!

Take a moment and imagine yourself standing by the rubble of the destroyed wall.  Look around and see how different the landscape is around you.  Breathe in the air that is now able to circulate around you…the air that was previously obstructed by the wall.  See the sky and watch the birds as they fly by.  Stay still for a moment and just be.  Do you see what’s in the center of this space?!  The Fountain.  Walk toward it and kick off your shoes so you can step into the fresh water.  Feel the waters of Heaven as they stir around your feet.  Be refreshed after the warfare we’ve fought for the last seven days. 

My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.  But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.  Psalm 131:1-2

Now, having stilled and quieted your soul, ask God what’s next.  How would He have you stretch into this new-found freedom?  You may feel pulled to move in many directions at once, but I encourage you to resist that.  Instead, ask God to give you focus.  Ask Him to show you exactly where He wants to lead you.  Just as we took one step forward a few days ago, it’s time to take another step. 

As we move forward in the Lord, it’s important to continue to practice the art of listening.  Stop and listen, then move forward.  This is the only way. 

I know this can feel inconvenient, as it requires you to often move at a slower pace than others, but let me ask you this question.  Would you rather move quickly, like the world and be running to trouble, or would you rather take a little more time than most and make sure you’re moving in the right direction?

Over many years of learning how to move at the tempo of Heaven, I have discovered so much peace.  Yes, I may frustrate some people because I don’t just “go with the flow”…but I’m not called to do that…and neither are you.  We are called to God’s flow.  We are called to be different.  It’s those differences that draw others to His heart.  If we operate as the world, how can we expect to draw them to Jesus?

Set it in your heart today to live different. 

Who is wise?  Let them realize these things.  Who is discerning?  Let them understand.  The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.  Hosea 14:9

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.  The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.  The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.  The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.  The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.  The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.  Psalm 19:7-9

Today is the last day of our Jericho walk.  Our feet have pounded the earth as we have made one after another circle around this wall.  We have remained quiet, believed, let go, moved forward, found contentment in our portion, and learned to be uncompromising…today with tenacity in our hearts we round this wall seven times and as we come full circle for the last lap, we will shout from the depths of our souls and claim the release of heaven!!!!!  Let’s go!!

This is a powerful day, full of hoping in the good things and believing for the power of God to be displayed. 

Tenacity: The quality or fact of being able to grip something firmly; grip.  The quality or fact of being very determined; determination.  The quality or fact of continuing to exist; persistence. 

One missing ingredient I see in many, myself included at times, has been tenacity.  As believers, sometimes it’s like the slightest resistance will cause us to run and hide, or change our direction because we think, “If this was the right way, then I wouldn’t be facing so much resistance.”  This could not be further from the truth. 

If you consider the stories of old that we have recently discussed, you have to admit that God’s way is often the way of most resistance. 

Resistance and friction creates a spark, and it only takes a spark to start a fire.  We need to be “set on fire”.  What if the friction in your life is there to serve the purpose of fanning the flames of faith in your heart?  What if it’s the resistance training you need to become stronger in your walk with Jesus.  He told us to love, he didn’t say be a doormat.  His love is powerful.  It’s disarming.  There is no law that can be made against it.  It covers a multitude of sins.  It was His love that led Him to carry that cross up the hill and allow Himself to be crucified.  For the joy set before Him, He surrendered to the greatest pain imaginable.  For you, He did it.  For me…for that person who betrayed you and hurt your heart…for the person who hates you without cause…for the one who slandered you…for the one who sinned against you…Yes, He died for ALL.

With tenacity, we hold onto His promises, but also with tenacity we must love others…even when it hurts. 

Tenacity…it works in many ways.

There are some people I have had to forgive over and over again.   You may wonder why it’s taken so many times…well, it’s because they continued to sin against me.  It takes tenacity to love a person like that, but we are called to do it.  Not only love…but forgive seven times seventy times. 

On the flip side of this, there are things God has created me to accomplish, and as I have met much resistance toward these things, I have had to increase my tenacity…but it’s so good to be challenged.  In challenge, we grow. 

Tenacity. 

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.  Do everything in love.   1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Stand firm, and you will win life.  Luke 21:19

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Romans 12:11-12

Day Six of our Jericho walk is coming in fierce.  The tension of the quiet is palpable.  The forward motion of our steps has become a deafening sound in the ear of the enemy as he has discovered his time is rapidly winding down.  As we take our final laps around the wall, we must remain uncompromising.

Uncompromising:  Showing an unwillingness to make concessions to others, especially by changing one’s ways or opinions.

We must remain uncompromising in our victory mindset, value system, and faithfulness to God.  If we are to find victory and hold onto it, then we must be uncompromising.  So many times in scripture we read of God telling His people that when they conquer a land they should not make treaties with their enemies. They shouldn’t marry the women or even keep their livestock.  They were to remain separate, even as they came to occupy the land.  We must do the same.  As we take this new territory and walk in the increased blessings of heaven, we must remain uncompromising about who we are and Whose we are.

We belong to God, this in and of itself will always cause us to stick out in one way or another…but I wonder when did that start being a bad thing?  Long ago it was an honor.  Now everyone seems hell bent on being relevant or hidden or extremely non-threatening.  Sorry friends, but the gospel is a threat…it threatens to transform our lives and sets us apart.  It was designed to do so.  We are called to be set apart.  That’s part of what draws unbelievers to God.  When they see us quietly living our different lifestyle and being at peace in all circumstances, they are curious.  When they see us walking in the favor of God, they become more curious. When they see us loving our neighbor, whether our neighbor loves us or not, it draws them to the cross.  How can we not admit this?  It’s our differences that draw them to salvation, and isn’t that the purpose of it all?  That none may perish, but all have eternal life. 

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.  2 Peter 3:9

God desires that all would be saved, so what about your life sets you apart? 

Wow, I felt the wall shaking with that statement.  Will you allow God to set you apart?  This is a ground-breaking question.  This is the question of your lifetime.  Is God worthy enough to you that you would live a life set apart?  Or is pride your idol?  Man, I can feel the foundation shaking.  I had no idea I would be asking these questions today.  But I can feel them shaking me internally, as I am also forced to answer them too.  We aren’t just facing being different to unbelievers.  Every time I have been content to live a “different” life than the world, I’m always shocked at how many believers can’t stand it.  Are you prepared to be mocked, cast aside, and even rebuked by those who call themselves children of God?  No matter the cost, will you choose to follow Jesus? 

I will.

I choose You, God…now and forever.

I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back.  No turning back.  Though none go with me, still I will follow.  No turning back.  The cross before me, the world behind me.  No turning back.  And the watchtowers around this Jericho wall are beginning to crumble as my eyes are fixed on Jesus.  Can you see Him too?  His radiant glory just filled my eyes.  All I can see is the Light around me, and in this Light, I hear a pregnant silence and feel so much peace that I cannot explain it.  Heaven is touching earth in this moment. 

 “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.   Matthew 6:9-13

It’s day 5 of our Jericho walk, and I can see the bricks beginning to fall…

Today as I began to write, I thought about Mary…Jesus’ mother.  Do you remember reading about how she pondered some things in her heart? 

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  Luke 2:19

The shepherds spoke things they’d been told about Jesus by the angels, and after hearing them, she hid them away in her heart and sat on them, leaving time for God to speak to her more deeply…I would imagine.  No matter what her motivation was, I sure do wish more of us would learn to ponder things in our hearts before we acted out.  Don’t you?

I have been in a learning season the last few years, and one thing God has repeatedly been teaching me about is remaining quiet.  Taking time to ponder things.  Giving Him room to reveal things more deeply before I just spew everything out to the world.  Some words from God need more time.  Others should never be spoken aloud.  Some are secrets.  Are you trustworthy?  Sometimes I am, and if I’m honest, sometimes I’m not very trustworthy toward Him.  Man, I sure do try to shut my mouth, but it is hard.  Because I’m a justice personality and have high levels of discernment, it can be really hard to keep quiet.  But as I mature in my faith, I’m realizing that the quieter way is the wiser way. 

All of this leads me to the next concept for our Jericho journey, being content.

You may be wondering what all the talk above has to do with being content, but if you’ll give me a minute I will explain.

When I hear from God, or He gives me a knowing or discernment, I must be content with whatever part He wants me to play.  A word from God doesn’t always need to be spoken to others, just as I said earlier.  Are you content enough to embrace that, or do you have a deeper and stronger emotion inside that makes it nigh impossible to stay quiet?

If you have that insatiable need to say everything He shows you, then undoubtedly you’re struggling with pride.  Ouch, I said it.  But it’s true.  The times when we are not able to remain steadfast to His word by keeping quiet are because we want to be heard, or feel insecure or something, and all of that has a root of pride.  Thinking people need us to tell them the truth all the time, and not allowing Holy Spirit to have room to speak to them and instruct them, is pride within us.  God is all powerful, He doesn’t actually need us to get things done, but sometimes He lets us.  We all must keep this in check. 

Be content.  Be content in knowing what He shows you.  Be content in sharing only what He is saying without elaborating.  Be content to be obedient no matter what everyone else is doing.  Just be content. 

This is a hard word, I know, but we are on the verge of watching these Jericho walls fall and now is the time for the hard words. 

 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: 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.  Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.  James 1:19-21

Today is day four of our Jericho walk.  We’re halfway there!! 

It’s possible that by this point, you’re either feeling weary or excited.  Whichever emotion you are experiencing, today I encourage you to take one step forward.  Today is a day of partnering. 

We’ve tamed our tongues, moved in believing, let go of the past and now we ask Him what is one thing I can do to partner with the future.  One step.  Small or large. 

Sometimes, the slightest forward motion can create a tidal wave of agreement.  That’s where we want to be right now.  Don’t grow weary in our warfare, friend.  God’s just getting started.  Let’s agree to stay positive, keep our eyes on the prize and take one step forward today.

Close your eyes and ask God, “What can I do to partner with this victory?”  Then simply do whatever it is that He says.  Don’t deceive yourself by thinking what He’s asking is too insignificant or silly.  Just lay aside your own agenda and lean into His heart and listen.  It could be as simple as speaking your promise out loud or writing it down.  As I typed that I knew that was what He’s asking for some of you to do and you’re thinking that it’s not important enough.  Friend, it is very important.  Please don’t hesitate to do that one seemingly small act.  No action is ever too small.  The worst kind of action to take is inaction.  Please don’t do that.  Let God steer the boat, and you just do whatever the Captain says.  He’s the One Who can see into the distance. 

One step forward. 

Too often we get so overwhelmed by the enormity of our problem, promise, or circumstance that we feel nothing but confused when trying to pinpoint a way to proceed forward, and that confusion holds us prisoner to inaction.  That is not God’s best for you, friend.  When you feel overwhelmed, lean into God and ask, “What is one thing I can do today.  One thing that will make me feel like I’m not stuck.  What can I do to create some forward momentum? 

I recently asked God that same question and He did not hesitate to answer.  When I did what He instructed, there was much fruit.  Good fruit.  And it lifted my spirits a lot! 

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  Ephesians 2:10

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.  Ecclesiastes 2:10

Just do what you can today, and let the rest go.  Then find a way to rest.  Trust Him to bring about all the things He has planned to do.  That Jericho wall is crumbling a little more every day and we are about to see it fall!  There is a miracle on its way!!

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Galatians 6:9

I can tell you this, one thing I do every single day that helps me in all seasons…I make my bed.  Does that sound silly?  It’s not.  Every day that I get up and make my bed, I have accomplished something before even starting the rest of my activities.  I am starting with a “win”.  So, if nothing else…go make your bed.

Today marks day 3 of our Jericho walk. 

As we march around the wall in our soul, I feel like today is a sort of letting go and leaning in to birth the new.  It’s a bittersweet moment when the old is no longer enough, but we must fully let go to embrace what’s to come.  We must empty our hands, so we are poised to receive the new portion. 

Let go of the past, of offense, of the need to be justified, of the need to be right, of needing to be in control…whatever it is, let go.  Right now, imagine yourself walking up to the Lord and in your hands, you are holding whatever it is that you need to let go of, and you lay it down at His feet.  It’s your offering.  Now, see yourself bowing with your face to the ground and arms stretched out before you and your hands open with palms facing up.  Now, take the time in your owns words to tell the Lord you are laying it down and are now ready to receive the new portion. 

Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.  I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for Him.”  The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him.                 Lamentations 3:22-25

Today is the day to surrender it all to God.  Allow Him to work things out in His way, not ours.  Sometimes it won’t make sense to our earthly minds.  Other times it might seem He is asking us to do the opposite of what we see as the right way forward.  Friend, He is the God of all things, He alone sees everything, if He is asking you to do something that feels hard, stretching or opposite…have courage, take heart and just follow Him. 

The bittersweetness of this moment could be knowing that He is asking you to do something that others won’t understand, and you’re worried about being misunderstood.  But what is more important to you, being understood or being in the center of God’s will for your life?  We must let go of the need to be understood…when the ways of God are often a mystery.  It’s part of the beauty of Who He is.  He is mysterious, but we do know He is good and wants good for us. 

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.  Isaiah 55:8-9

We must stop being worried about how we look to others and follow Jesus no matter what.  Imagine what new area of breakthrough you could move into if you let go of how you are seen?  I’ve been seeing God in that place.  He’s been constantly convicting me of my fear of man and challenging me to simply follow Him.  I am in process with this, but I’m committed to seeing it through…as a result I’ve faced a lot of spiritual warfare over this and have been bombarded by thoughts of others and their perceived opinions of me.  But what I’m noticing is that God is using it all to set me free.  To help me get past my own vanity and pride, and to move deeper into His presence.

God, I surrender all to You.  You alone are worthy.  You alone are eternal, so why would I be concerned with the thoughts and misunderstandings of others?  I trust that Your spirit will bear witness to all You direct me to do.  I trust you completely.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

This is Day 2 of our Jericho walk. 

Do you believe the Word of the Lord?  Not just prophetic words you’ve received, but the Bible.  God has given us every reason to believe He is Truth, yet we struggle to believe. 

I am just remembering a favorite old church song I learned years and years ago…

Every promise in the Book is mine.  Every chapter, every verse, every line.  All are blessings of His love divine.  Every promise in the Book is mine.

Today is a walk of believing…

Every word He has spoken is true…Every word He spoke in the Bible and all the words He’s spoken to you personally.  God is real.  The miracles in the Bible happened…miracles still happen, every day.  The prophesies all through the Bible have either already been proven as true or are seeming to unfold before our eyes.  How can we not believe Him?

Remember yesterday I spoke of growing silent, and we committed to not speak a single negative word.  Today I want to couple that with belief. 

Maybe your “belief muscle” is sore from overuse, from long waiting.  Maybe your “belief muscle” is weak from not being used in a long time.  Whatever the case, it’s time to exercise again!  Exercise your muscle of BELIEVING.

Some may be saying, “I don’t know how to believe or to show I’m believing.”  Well, it all begins with your words.  We let go of negativity yesterday, so today speak life.  Simply say, “God, I believe You.  I believe everything You have spoken to me.  I believe every promise You’ve made over my life and my family.”  Then pray…

Immediately, the boys father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”  Mark 9:24

Right now, I had a vision of Rahab, and I remembered how she plead not only for her life to be spared, but also her entire family.  She was told as long as they were in her house, they would all be saved.  This is God’s word over you right now.  You can believe right now, not only for yourself, but also for your family to receive the fullness of promise.  Don’t get distracted and only pray for your family but continue to walk around your wall and also remember you can believe for theirs to fall when yours does.

Help me in my unbelief God!!!  Break the chains of unbelief.  Breathe over my life and ignite the flames of faith in my heart and mind.  Bring my spirit and flesh into agreement with Your Word.  I know You can do it.  I believe in Your miracles and Your promises for others easily.  Today I take a stand and say, “I believe in Your goodness over my own life.”  I receive every good and perfect gift You have laid aside for me, in Jesus’ name.  I surrender any fragments of unbelief and command my heart to be in alignment with You.  I DO believe.  Remove all unbelief and bring me into the fertile land of the Lord.  Thank You in advance for my breakthroughs, and breakthrough for my entire family line.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.  Mark 11:24

Simply believe.

Today is day one of our Jericho walk.  I want to point out a really important part of the instructions that were given to the Israelites before they embarked on day one…they were commanded to be silent.  Don’t speak…God instructed them.  Do you know why? 

From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.  The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.  Proverbs 18:20-21

And

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.  Or take ships as an example.  Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.  Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.  Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.  The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.  It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.  James 3:3-6

As you can see, the tongue is powerful.  I imagine God didn’t want any grumbling or complaining to happen during this sovereign walk.  He needed full agreement.  So, as we start our “walk” today, I encourage you…no I implore you to commit to not saying one single negative word about whatever it is your wall consists of during this next seven days.  Let this week be a kind of word fast.  Set it in your heart to let your words be few, and to definitely not speak negatively.

This could prove to be a challenge, but I am fully confident that if we follow through with this, we will see some great miracles occurring in our lives. 

This is also a great opportunity to work on self-control.  That’s the reason taming the tongue is so difficult…most of us lack self-control.  But as one part of the fruit of the Spirit, it’s a worthy thing to pursue.  Self-control…it’s a challenge.

Let’s come together in prayer right now and lay our Jericho wall prayer request before the Lord. 

God, here I am.  I come to You freely and willingly, and dedicate this next seven days to bringing (fill in the blank) to You.  I commit to not speaking negatively over this seven days, and I will keep my words at a minimum too.  I ask that You begin to shake the poor foundations in my life, and prepare me to walk into victory.  I surrender to You now.  I ask that You consecrate my heart and mind.  To the Jericho wall in my life I say, “You must come down in Jesus’ name.”  Thank You God for Your faithfulness.  Bless me and my family.  Thank You for Your assurance of victory.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem!  This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  For the battle is not yours, but God’s.    2 Chronicles 20:15

This morning in quiet time, I heard God speak to me, “Be about something, not against something.”

He has been convicting my heart of some hurts that have been threatening to become bitterness.  I see it.  I have been fighting so hard to remain pure of heart and to forgive, but I find myself wrestling with the injustice of it all.  Injustice is like my Achilles heel…when I see injustice in my life or the life of someone near me, I have such a hard time stepping back and letting God come fight the battle, as He said He would.  Every time I step aside and allow Him to settle things, I grow so much…

“It is Mine to avenge; I will repay.  In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.”  Deut. 32:35

For we know Him Who said, “It is Mine to avenge; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.”  Hebrews 10:30

Do not repay anyone evil for evil.  Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written:  “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.  Romans 12:17-19

The hardest part for me is the fact that I desire to be an honest person and sometimes it feels dishonest to act like things are ok, or that I’m not upset.  But I’ve discovered that’s just my flesh wanting to give vent to the anger.  The Bible tells us to not sin in our anger…I’m just still trying to figure out where that line is…between the human emotion of anger and the sinful exercising of it.  I ask God all the time to show me the line, but I still don’t fully know.  But I do know this…

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.”  Isaiah 30:15

I know my posture needs to be that of one who is slow to anger and slow to speak.  Oh Lord, help me to be better at this. 

In a time when everyone is offended, and stands against something, why not be a person who stands for something?  Walk away from offense and walk into your purpose.  What does God want you to stand for?  In a world that has perverted so much, why not stand for something pure?  Something holy?  Something just?  Something lovely?

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from Me, or seen in Me- put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you.  Philippians 4:8-9

If instead of focusing on our hurts and the injustice we’ve seen, we focus on those verses I think we would be much more content.  The walk with Christ was never designed to be easy, it’s designed to refine us, discomfort is simply a part of it all.  It’s uncomfortable to do the right thing, sometimes.  But that doesn’t mean it’s not the right thing to do.  We’re called to a much greater purpose.   We are called to be Christ-like. 

God, forgive me of my pettiness.  I am sorry for times when I haven’t kept quiet like I knew I should.  I am sorry for times when I’ve given full vent to my anger.  Please redeem those situations.  Set a guard over my mouth and help me to be holy.  I want to be more like You.  I repent of bitterness and anger, and I receive peace and joy.  Thank You for loving me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.  Psalm 141:3