BIBLE READING: 2 Timothy 1:8-14 “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.”
What does this passage mean to you?
BLOG: this is my current view this afternoon. One very happy and support dog. He greets everyone and if you happen to be seated next to him, he has to know everything you are doing. Oh did I mention it is raining outside and he is a very wet dog?
Now I’ve been fight off a headache for the last two days. My iPad updated and locked up, which cost me a trip to Palm Beach Gardens. It’s been one of “those” days. I could have lost my cool and told the dogs owner off. I could have left ina a huff. But I chose to pet the wet dog, which was often.
Proverbs 14:29 “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”
Perfection isn’t possible in life. While you do your best to control your environment and schedule your time, stuff happens. When “stuff happens” who you really is revealed. Under pressure time isn’t our friend, we reach to what we know and can do quickly. Now I have to be honest, there was a time when the dog would have upset me. So how did I change?
I choose to make better choices. I taught myself to hesitate when my temper was triggered and think about this question. What should I really do? Thinking that through changed a lot of my responses for the better.
Calm feels better and leads better. I really feel better if I remain calm. I also noticed that if everyone around me was “going off the handle” my calm response usually would bring a quick and less painful resolve.
I care about my witness. You and I represent Jesus. I wouldn’t want my irrational anger to bring reproach upon Jesus. That doesn’t mean that I don’t stand up for what I believe in. It means that I try to filter my reaction through Christ.
PRAY: Dear Jesus, help me to keep calm and pet the wet dogs that interrupt my day. Amen
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