Angry words

A soft answer turns away wrath,

But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1 NKJV

David Jeremiah tweeted this and I thought it was perfect as we close our week of prayer for the healing of an angry heart:
 "Our world is filled with angry words, and if we're not careful, it's angry spirit can seep into our marriages, homes, and churches. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can remain calm in angry situations and end up solving much more than an argument is capable of."

Pressing anger

For pressing milk produces curds, 

pressing the nose produces blood, and 

pressing anger produces strife.

Proverbs 30:33 ESV

Talk it over

“You shall not hate your brother in your heart, 

but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, 

lest you incur sin because of him. 

You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge 

against the sons of your own people, 

but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: 

I am the Lord.

Leviticus 19:17-18 ESV

     I get very frustrated with people who get angry or hold a grudge when they never attempt to talk it over with the person. We conjure up situations in our minds that are twice as bad as what would really happen if we just were open and honest with the person causing us grief. If that doesn't work, though, talk it over with a friend. Sometimes, just getting the situation out in the open helps to unburden our hearts. And, of course, pray about it. Ask God for guidance, strength, patience, a softened heart. He hears you and will help you always.

Slow to anger

Know this, my beloved brothers: 

let every person be quick to hear, 

slow to speak, 

slow to anger;

James 1:19 ESV

I think the world would be such a better place if everyone followed this advice.

Man can't live by bread alone

But He answered and said, 

“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, 

but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”

Matthew 4:4 NKJV

The sheep hear His voice and follow

But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
John 10:2-4 (NKJV)

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
John 10:27-28 (NKJV)

God may speak to you in several ways

For God may speak in one way, or in another,

Yet man does not perceive it.

In a dream, in a vision of the night,

When deep sleep falls upon men,

While slumbering on their beds,

Then He opens the ears of men,

And seals their instruction.

In order to turn man from his deed,

And conceal pride from man,

He keeps back his soul from the Pit,

And his life from perishing by the sword.

Job 33:14-19 (NKJV)

Hear the word of God

Hear with your ears

Moreover He said to me: 

“Son of man, receive into your heart 

all My words that I speak to you, 

and hear with your ears.

Ezekiel 3:10 (NKJV)

Pray for hearing

     With our crazy, messy, busy lives, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle; never taking time for ourselves. There are always people to call, errands to run, emails to answer. Even eating and sleeping often take a back seat because there just aren't enough hours in the day.
     We need to make time to just sit and relax, quietly, purposefully. Tell your muscles to relax. Tell your mind to let it go (whatever "it" is for you). Close your eyes, inhale deeply through your nose. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a blowing sound as you do. Repeat a few times until you feel more relaxed. Be still.
     Have you been praying without hearing God's answers? By finding time to be still, you're finding time to spend with God. Listen. He will place on your heart His will for you. He will give you guidance, direction, answers.
     In those times of stillness, ask God questions and pray that you might hear His responses.
Be still and know He is God. (modified from Psalm 46:10)

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;

Psalm 37:7a ESV

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Please join our prayer group as we spend the week praying that we might hear. I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
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facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power