Life can be such a rollercoaster of emotion. One moment things can be going your way and like a light switch it can go sideways. I think it would be valid to say that one of my biggest hang ups in life is my anger. Whether it is with myself or with others it is draining. As I continue to spend time with the Lord I am learning that my emotions can indeed impede my success at whatever I am doing. Not to mention it can make those around me, those I count on and care about, to be miserable. How quickly we can jump to anger when someone is driving in a way that bothers us on the highway (guilty), taking too long in a checkout line (guilty), spreading rumors behind your back (guilty), or making comments that you feel are wrong (guilty). How quickly anger can consume us when a job isn’t going right (guilty), a vehicle is not running correct (guilty) or an unexpected expense arises (guilty). When I get angry I tend to lash out, swear, yell, become vindictive, and often times put my body through unnecessary turmoil. Yesterday I had a moment of weakness when I disagreed with someone close to me. I lashed out with cruel words and made petty threats that I didn’t mean. That person left my presence, and rightfully so, and I immediately regretted my actions. I think since opening my heart to God He is truly weighing on my conscience to do better. I do believe He speaks to us in ways we don’t often acknowledge. I attended the weekly men’s ministry later on that night and the first verse we read was James 1:19. Yep, I was spiritually face smacked! It is time to do better and I believe if we all had that spiritual relationship that caused guilt and regret when we fail, we would be a better society for it. This is why the Bible is referred to as the Living Word. God truly speaks to us with the scripture. It certainly does not mean it’s some magical talking book. It is full of lessons and answers that will help you cleanse your soul, clear your mind, calm your conscience and quite frankly demand love of you rather than hate. It is proving more and more everyday to be a textbook for life.

We all have it in us to be better. It is far from an impossible feat. I know this because I was a hard case for this. And I believe we all have this burning desire inside just desiring peace and acceptance, harmony and success. We have a desire to understand purpose. I believe this to be our conscience which is the essenence of our soul. The problem is, and I am certainly guilty of it, some of us bury those desires deep knowing that if we must adhere to the Laws of a creator then we would have to confront our sinful way and be accountable to our actions. Often times we simply believe we are enjoying our life just the way it is and feel we are “good enough.” But are we good enough to assure eternity? I know I wasn’t and I know that I was a poor example to my children, my family and my friends. And now that I have wasted so much time in my own arrogance I pray that those I may have influenced will continue to be influenced and witness the change that I am working so hard on. God is working on me and I pray God uses me to show others that He can and will repair the broken.

Lord I thank you for another day of life. I thank you for the opportunities you have presented to me. I am most thankful for your grace, forgiveness and love. I have been broken and angry for a long time and your presence in my life is an encouragement that I can and will do better. I pray for our society that we may all begin to experience your grace and understand that your Law’s are created for the purpose of love. In the name of Jesus Amen.

As I have stated before I am new to this journey but very eager to understand. I am not theologist or pastor. I am a simple man yearning for purpose. I share my thoughts and understanding with the intent to not stray from scripture. We have so many churches with different views and interpretations but as I read the Bible daily I am seeing that the Bible is to be taken at it’s word. I listen to many pastors and experts online to hear their views but then I turn to the Bible to be assured that what they state is absolute scripture. I see so many false teachings as some want to differentiate from others. Sadly I fear that this has only pushed people from wanting to dig deep into their own purpose. God did not provide His word for “experts” to read it to you. He provided it for each of us and provided us with the ability to understand it. You just have to read it. I promise if you put in the time you will find answers.

Dear brothers and sisters, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen Galatians 6:18