THE DIVINE LOCKSMITH

James 1:12-21 (NRSV)

Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. No one, when tempted, should say, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. But one is tempted by one's own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my beloved.

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God's righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.

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Patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.
- Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 (NIV)
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IF I could have opened the door, I'd have slammed it again. But my key wouldn't turn. I pulled. I yelled. I kicked. Fuming, I asked my neighbor to call a locksmith.

Hours earlier my one-year-old son, Chris, had thrown a string of tantrums, driving me to the edge of my patience. I'd slammed the door, and now I had to pay someone to let me back in. Disappointed in myself, I said, "God, how can I hope to train Chris and build his character when I can't control my own anger?"

The locksmith arrived, and I admitted what I'd done. Smiling, he slipped my key into the lock and jiggled it open. Slamming the door had dislodged a small, sliding bar. Shaking the door just right released it. I wrote him a check and counted it a cheap lesson because I learned that day that anger locks me out.

Anger locks me out of the place of peace where I want to reside. Anger can lock me out of the ability to model godly behavior to others. But God, the divine locksmith, knows how to release the locks and free me from being controlled by my anger. Thank God, whose patience knows no limit!

Prayer: God, forgive us when we express our anger in damaging ways. Lead us to righteousness and peace, so that we may serve you and your kingdom. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
How can I be open to God's guidance in moments of anger?

-- Maria Keffler (Virginia, U.S.A.)

PRAYER FOCUS: Parents whose anger harms their children
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James 1:12-21 (NRSV)

Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. No one, when tempted, should say, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. But one is tempted by one's own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my beloved.

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God's righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.

_________________________

Patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.
- Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 (NIV)
_________________________


IF I could have opened the door, I'd have slammed it again. But my key wouldn't turn. I pulled. I yelled. I kicked. Fuming, I asked my neighbor to call a locksmith.

Hours earlier my one-year-old son, Chris, had thrown a string of tantrums, driving me to the edge of my patience. I'd slammed the door, and now I had to pay someone to let me back in. Disappointed in myself, I said, "God, how can I hope to train Chris and build his character when I can't control my own anger?"

The locksmith arrived, and I admitted what I'd done. Smiling, he slipped my key into the lock and jiggled it open. Slamming the door had dislodged a small, sliding bar. Shaking the door just right released it. I wrote him a check and counted it a cheap lesson because I learned that day that anger locks me out.

Anger locks me out of the place of peace where I want to reside. Anger can lock me out of the ability to model godly behavior to others. But God, the divine locksmith, knows how to release the locks and free me from being controlled by my anger. Thank God, whose patience knows no limit!

Prayer: God, forgive us when we express our anger in damaging ways. Lead us to righteousness and peace, so that we may serve you and your kingdom. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
How can I be open to God's guidance in moments of anger?

-- Maria Keffler (Virginia, U.S.A.)

PRAYER FOCUS: Parents whose anger harms their children