Fireproof Your Marriage!

"Fireproof" is a movie about a fire fighter named Caleb and his wife Catherine, who are on the verge of breaking up. His Christian father gave him a book called a "Love Dare," and asks him to delay divorce proceedings for forty days until he tries the "Dare." 

One of the entries spoke about "parasites," describing them as anything that would suck the life of the marriage and steals one loyalty away from one's spouse. One of the parasites mentioned was "pornography." Caleb cringes, for he is addicted to porn.  Indeed. this is one of the bones of contention between him and his wife, leaving Catherine feeling dirty and ugly and wondering when she stop being "good enough" for her husband.

A few years ago, Trinidad and Tobago had the dubious honor of being in the top countries in the world that watched the most porn. Children are not exempt from this pernicious habit. A while back, the big news was that female students of a certain school were receiving nude pictures of the school's male teachers. 

What people don't realize is that sex is not just a physical act, but it is spiritual. God did not intend it to be done just anywhere or by just anyone. In Genesis 2: 21 - 25 God made woman for man and instituted marriage. They were both naked and yet were not ashamed. Shame for nakedness only came when sin came into the world (Gen3: 7- 11, 21).In Leviticus it was considered a sin to look at some other naked   body except your spouse's body. Sex is the 'glue' that binds two people together on their wedding night. They actually become "one flesh" (Gen 2: 23 - 24). So if sex is the 'glue' that God designed for marriage, and it is a sin to watch naked bodies that is not your wife, then we start to see the danger and sin hat pornography is.

Matthew 18:7-9

Amplified Bible (AMP)

Woe to the world for such temptations to sin and influences to do wrong! It is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the person on whose account or by whom the temptation comes!   And if your eye causes you to stumble and sin, pluck it out and throw it away from you; it is better (more profitable and wholesome) for you to enter life with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the hell (Gehenna) of fire.

Your Deepest Desire

The tips I gave yesterday that showed teens how to avoid getting into premarital sex can also be effective for adults. As a Christian single woman, I know it can be easy to succumb to the pressure from both physical desire and worldly coercion.
Personally, I have stopped looking for a mate. Not because I don't want to be married. I'm a normal woman and as I grow older, I want the companionship and fulfillment of marriage. But it's a perilous game, especially if the person you are dating (or you yourself) like to 'go to the edge and see how much you can do without actually falling off' in terms of sexual contact.
It is "the thing" these days in my country that you must be 'with' someone and having sex if you are a woman (or man, as the case may be). If not, something is wrong with you. As far as I can see, this goes for the Christian as well. This puts pressure on Christians from 25 years up (nowadays 25 is considered old ) to get married, or at least have a partner. I have chosen to jump off that treadmill. Instead I have told God to choose a husband for me., and let him do all the . seeking.' I've even reached to the mindset that if I don't get married, I would not 'kill myself' about it.
So to my dear fellow single Christians, young, old and in between, I say this. Be strong and be of good courage. Stand your ground, Dare to be different from the crowd. Touch not, taste not, handle not! It's not always easy to stand alone, and you may tumble. under the strain  But if you do tumble, arise, get up, ask Jesus forgive you, and keep walking. God is our strength, and He will help us to overcome all.

"If you desire to be married, if it in your deepest of hearts you desire a mate, then God will satisfy that desire. Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband."

I Corinthian 7:2 (KJV)

Teens Guide To Avoiding Sex

This morning I heard a Government radio program that so surprised me that I had to stop and listen. I didn't know what was the title of the program. If had to put a title to it, I would name it"Teens Guide To Avoiding Sex."  The advice being given by this secular institution was plain and practical, quite unlike the usual rubbish that implies that children can't control their sex drives.  I was so happy that I clapped loudly, saying, "very good, Information Unit. I'm proud of you."
The speaker suggested:

•  that teenagers should not watch movie with sexual overtones while laying together on the couch alone.  These kinds of programs incite sexual contact.
• No kissing or touching of each other's personal parts 
• No skin-to-skin contact. This type of contact tend to stimulate the body and leads to sex.

If a young person is unable to handle such contact, avoid being alone! Hang out in public places like pizza parlors or the mall where there is hardly any likelihood of such physical contact occurring.  At a time of raging hormones and changing bodies, adding sexual contact to such a volatile mix can only end in disaster.

"Flee youthful lusts." 2 Timothy 2:22 (KJV)

Someone Needs Your Help!

Long ago, a bully was some big kid in the schoolyard that beat up the younger ones and took away their money, their food, or call them names. Or a big burly man who figures that he's Romeo and tries to cut in on the smaller man with the pretty lady. There are so many story books and TV and Cinema movies that have this topic for a theme. Usually the underdog or underdogs get the better of the bully in some way or the other. Some use the "save the bully and become best friends" scenario. Others use the "beat the bully up and become the hero" idea.

Think of this set-up. A lie is spread about someone. The victim is threatened by persons living nearby. The quarry is followed, her home phone and cell phone are somehow tapped into, and her computer hacked. Then someone started walking around showing naked pictures they say is of her doing all kinds of nasty things. But all these things are done so that the target's family is unaware of what's happening, and she cannot prove that she is being harassed. This has been happening for over ten years, and shows no sign of stopping.

If that were you, what would you do? Would you run away?  What you go to the police? Would you try somehow to get revenge? What if you are a Christian? Read more about Adult bullying at Adults Bullying Adults - A Best Kept Secret

N.B.THIS IS A TRUE STORY. ADVICE NEEDED!!

"But cowardly, unfaithful, and detestable people, murderers, sexual sinners, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars will find themselves in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."Revelation 21:8.(God's Word Translationn (@1995)

Vive La Difference! For We Need Each Other!

I boiled some green fig for lunch today. Green figs are unripened bananas. When I was peeling them I remembered my two years studying in Jamaica. "People in Jamaica call green figs "green bananas,!" I reminisced to my aunt as we peeled the figs. "The first time I said, 'green figs" my Jamaican schoolmates ribbed me for saying it! They laughed and said, Is "green banana, girl!" I recalled with a smile. I admit though, that at the time I was both embarrassed and annoyed at their laughter.

It reminded me of an interview that I heard on our Christian radio station yesterday evening. Trinidad and Tobago's  two athletes for the Special Olympics, also held in London, were being interviewed by the two announcers. One of them, Kern, is blind. I listened to the young woman as she said that the people in London did not consider the Special Olympians as "different" but treated them as superstars, just like the London Olympians. 

This is wonderul, as the treatment of "differently-abled" persons by "normal"persons is not always as caring. But we thank God for the "angels" that are all around us.

God made us in His image and likeness. No matter if our bodies are healthy and well-functioning or not doesn't matter. What matter is that we believe in Jesus and that we ask Him to come into our hearts, become our Savior and wash is from our sins. And just as in a human body, each member has a different function, let us celebrate our differences and do the "good works that God has foreordained for us to do" since before we were born.

Listen to this song, sister and brothers. With all our different faces, races, talents, opinions, we need each othe to survive.The song "I need you to survive" by Jason Dennis

"Because of the kindness that God has shown me, I ask you not to think of yourselves more highly than you should. Instead, your thoughts should lead you to use good judgment based on what God has given each of you as believers. 4Our bodies have many parts, but these parts don't all do the same thing.5In the same way, even though we are many individuals, Christ makes us one body and individuals who are connected to each other. 6God in his kindness gave each of us different gifts." Romans 12:  3 - 6a) God's Word Translation (@1995)

 

If Loving You is Wrong...Naaah! It Feels Too Good!

I read a post this evening in which a man was telling of his conversation with his friend. His friend was involved with an unbelieving lady, and he was just recovering from a relationship with an unbelieving lady. Joe knew that his friend was in a relationship that would not work. His friend, however protested,saying that his girlfriend was beautiful and that they  connected at all levels. But Joe only knew that he and his ex-girlfriend were still recovering from the hurt and disappointment of their failed relationship.

Being in any relationship with an unbeliever, especially a dating relationship or a courtship, is dangerous for both parties. The believer runs the risk of being drawn back into the "world." Believe me, the world system is very attractive with its  craving for physical pleasure, the craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. A Christian may be so drawn back into the world system that he or she may not realise it until it's too late. Its very difficult or almost impossible for a backslider to come back to the kingdom of God.

On the other side of the coin, a believer realises that the special friendship cannot continue.  When they tell that someone that it is over and gives Christian scruples as a reason, the unbeliever may be very hurt and angry. Contempt for the Christian and his or her values can embitter the person, especially if they were involved sexually. People have turned away from ever believing in Jesus Christ based on those kinds of experiences.

As a single middle-aged woman I know how it can feel being lonely.  You look around and you seem to see happy couples everywhere. Those who are "shacking up" or having premarital sex may look as if they are not suffering any consequences. But in the long run, there ARE fconsequences! That's why I try as much as possible to guard my heart, not allowing any feelings or attractions for unbelieving men  to take any root in my heart. It's not always easy, for I am human. But with God's help and A LOT OF EFFORT, so far I have won the battle. I take no credit for my success; it is God and God alone.

"Stop forming inappropriate relationships with unbelievers. Can right and wrong be partners? Can light have anything in common with darkness? ¹⁵ Can Christ agree with the devil? Can a believer share life with an unbeliever?" 2 Corinthians 6:14 &15 (God's Word Translation (@1995).

Ice-Cold Hearts

 Last night on TV I saw the plight of a woman who was unceremoniously put out of the Housing Project apartment that she had been illegally squatting.  She has six children, the two oldest teenage boys of fifteen and fourteen respectively.  These two young men shared their hurt and disappointment that those in authority had been so hard-hearted as to put all their belongings on the street without first informing them of what they had planned to do.
The poor woman told of how she had tried so many times to regularize her situation, but to no avail. Even after eviction, she is still trying to get some help from the Housing Authority. Thank God for the help of sympathetic neighbor, a couple who have given the family temporary shelter until hopefully they get another place to live.
Another disturbing story on the news. An elderly man was burnt to death in his house. When the burnt remains of the house was combed, the police discovered that the kitchen had been ransacked. Implements like a brand new whacker, and other things that the man kept under lock and key were now outside. Perhaps the perpetrators didn't get what they were looking for and decided to burn both the poor man and his house.
The Bible says that in the last days people will get really selfish and hard-hearted. I can tell of the storiesI have seen on TV and on the papers, heard on the radio, and have been told to me about cruelty of one form or another. It makes me know and believe more and more that we are indeed living in the "last days," because of the signs of the last days is that the love of many will grow cold. Please, let not our hearts grow cold. Let us love one another.

And because there will be more and more lawlessness, most people's love will grow cold. Matthew 24:12 (God Word's Translation (@1995)
                                                  

Daughters.Of Habius

Three years ago, my dog Wheppie (pronounced Weppie, the 'h' is silent) had eight puppies. Two died within the first week, but the rest survived. She bore four sets of male and female puppies; each pair looked like each other.

                                                Copyright @2009. Look for my upcoming book
                                                "Wheppie's Pups" in 2013

My aunt and I were able to get the three male puppies homes quickly. But when Christmas came, the three females pups, then four months old, were still playing in the big kennel in our yard.
Their sire,  Habius, was a big but very gentle dog. One thing I found so cute was the sight of him sleeping soundly while one or more of his daughters slept on his back. I felt envious of those puppies then, and I still feel as twinge of envy when I think of it.
I started a devotional last night about 'Fatherlessness. I find it hard to think of  God as my Heavenly Father. I read that without a father in a little girl's life, she is unable to formulate a proper model for  members of the opposite sex.  She alos has trust issues, thus I also find it hard to trust my Heavenly Father when things go wrong.  (See information on link Statistic on Absentee Fathers)
God doesn't like fathers to abandon their children. He takes it personally. He has promised that in the last days thatHe will turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children, and the hearts of the children back to their father. If this does not happen, He promises to strike the earth with a curse. One thing I found out from God's "love letter to mankind" called the Bible is that when God makes a promise, He ALWAYS keep it, no matter how long it takes.
So, gentlemen, love your children.

"Even if my f ather and mother abandon me, the LORD will take care of me." Psalm 27: 10 (God's Word Translation@19950.



                                             
                  

Filling The God-Fillable Hole!!

Today I read two blog posts that made me think about being single and security. Both were written by  men, one is married and the other single. Both came to the same conclusion from their different marital status: that NO ONE or NOTHING can fill that big gigantic hole in our hearts BUT God!
The single guy was searching for the right woman, but like a lot of us singles, he has not met her as yet. He met Laura last year. They seem to connect. But when he came home from the party, he cried because he knew that not even she could fill that empty space in his heart.
The married guy thought that married men who said that they would NEVER cheat on their wives were lying to themselves.  No woman -in his opinion- can be everything to her husband. He also talked about her - the 'perfect' women that laughed at a man's jokes, looked great and made a man feel special and confident. But even he too, knew that only God could satisfy every longing in his earth.
I know that God-shaped hole very well. It's there within mem too. It's under the guise of father hunger. My father has been abroad most of my life. If I let myself go, and follow those feelings inside, I would  find myself "looking for love in all the  wrong places." Even though I'm no beauty queen, I have a good self-esteem. But there are times when I just want to be loved.
I know that my Heavenly Father loves me, but  I can't always relate to His love. I know, really know, why women would give themselves to many men just to get that momentary "love fix."
I'm slowly learning that God can supply all we need - including filling that hole that only He can. It takes faith, trust and hope.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UVmjaWBxmg


"This is real love-not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His son as a sacrifice to take away our sins." 1 John 4 : 10  (New Living Translation}
   

Marriage - Two Sides Of The Same Bun

I am a single Christian woman, once wanting to get married. But now, I'm not so sure...

I read two different views of marriage from both a man and a woman, and it made me feel that marriage is REALLY HARD WORK , with no guarantee of success!!!

But marriage is a lot like other relationships that we have (friendship, parent-child, siblings, family members etc). Every relationship requires hard work, and trying to get to learn about someone else. Every relationship requires a certain amount of vulnerability. Every relationship involves risks. The thought is - is the risk worth it? Is the person worth the risk, the work and the time?

I think that marriage should last until "death do us part." No divorce. So what do you do when the man you're married to beats you badly while you're pregnant? When your wife brazenly tells you that she had an affair behind your back and that the child you loved and thought was your "flesh and blood" son was really her lover's? When you married your spouse because of the outgoing, friendly, helpful guy that he or she was, only to find out that he's also childish and demanding? How do you cope?

https://gotandem.com/posts/1327

https://gotandem.com/posts/1323

Look at these two link and give me your thoughts on the subject!

"Wives... submit yourselves to your own husband so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behaior of their wives when they see the purity and reverence of thi\eir wives. ..Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers." 1 Peter 3: 1-2, 7 (New International Version).

What It Takes To Be A Christian Single - The BiggerPicture

Today, in a world of rampant sexuality, its not easy being a Christian single. I am a Christian single. Today I was asked by a young 36 year old woman if I was married or had children. When I say, "No," she wanted to know why. I told her, "because when I was young I limed and studied so I didn't have the time then, and when I finally decided to have a child, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Because of that, I couldn't have sex before I married.

I watch unsaved people as they seemingly had premarital or extramarital sex without consequences. I see these people have cars, homes, jobs and prosperity all around. I don't have any of these tings at the moment, and on top of all that, there is slander on every side. 

But there is a bigger picture. The "resources" that those that are in the world is just temporary. Their "unfettered" lifestyle has a time limited and have lots of consequences, both in this world, and in the next.  In this world there is disease, especially the dreaded HIV and AIDS; divorces and separation of children and parents; abuse of every kind, suicide and maybe murder. In the next world, the choice of being celibate or promiscuous whether married or not is the difference between going to heaven or hell.

Being single AND a Christian in these times takes inner strength (given by the Holy Spirit), courage to say 'no' when necessary. Victorious control over your sexual and emotional cravings. Not being afraid of  jibes made at your expense. All this and more is what millions of Christians have to take every day. 

Cheer up, sisters and brothers. Don't give up. He will comfort you, help to you contain yourself while you're living on this earth.

"So be quick to speak, quick to hear, and slow to wrath."James 1: 16

"

"Flee youthful lusts."

"I AM WOMAN - LOVE ME, DON'T ABUSE ME!"

I found this advertisement in one of the daily newspapers.   It is a clarion call for men to love and respect women and children and      d.
I would like to gently speak to men. Brothers, when God crated the heaven and the earth, He made Adam, the man  first. While he were busy naming the animals God said that he needed a suitable companion to help him with his work. So He took a rib from Adam's side and made a woman with it. He brought her to Adam and she became his wife in the first marriage.
You see that woman came out of Adam's side, not under his feet. The rib was taken from Adam's side.which says that her place is there at his side.  She is a companion, a helper that God specifically designed just for you!!! That means that women have exactly what is needed to help you succeed.
Let me ask you something. Suppose someone gave you a gift that you wanted and needed badly and which absolutely suits your tastes, like the latest new car on the market. Most men would be so happy that they got such a present FOR FREE that they would not allow a scratch on it, they would take care of it, and would proudly show it off to their friends. Well, my friends, that is what  God did when He gave you women. She was made to suit your tastes, you need her in your life and you need to be proud of her and treat her well.
She's also the one that God chose to carry your children in her body for nine months. It is a great privilege to be a father. So many men don't appreciate the gifts that God has given them and they either abuse their children or ignore or abandon them. Men, brothers like you are wishing that they had what you've got, and for some reason they and their wives cannot have children.
So, fellas. Love the women in your lives and don't hurt them. They are God's gifts to you.
IF YOU HAVE A DIFFERENT OPINION OR JUST WANT TO COMMENT, DON'T BE SHY.  MAKE A COMMENT.

" And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept; and He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh instead thereof. And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man made He a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, 'this is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was from man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife:and they shall be one flesh. " Genesis 2; 21 - 14  (KJV)

THE THOUGHT OF THIS MAKES ME CRINGE!!!

I was looking through my email this evening while the radio played in the background. I wasn't really listening to the announcer, a Christian woman hosting a show. My attention was instantly riveted when I heard her say that a friend had just told her that many teenage girls were going to school WITHOUT UNDERWEAR!!!
Just like that announcer, I too was flabbergasted and shocked!  My underwear was the FIRST THING I put on every morning after I shower! Then the guest that was on the show mentioned that many girls would calmly raise their skirts to fix their shirts IN PUBLIC! (both primary and secondary schools in my country wear unfirms). So the thought of a young woman without underwear fixing her clothes in the street makes me CRINGE! THAT IS THE SUBJECT OF A NIGHTMARE!!
Why on EARTH would a young woman cheapen herself like that?

• Has she gone stark raving mad? Only a madwoman would do such a thing, is my way of thinking. But more and more young woman are doing that. They have left the "next-to-nothing"thong, and are now wearing absolutely nothing!
• What happens if that young woman suddenly starts seeing her period? She has nothing to "stop the flow" if you know what I mean. I know how embarrassing that could be, for my period  dirtied my clothes on Sunday morning when I was about twelve. And a MAN told me about it! HOW EMBARRASSING!!! AND I HAD ON UNDERWEAR!! What will happen to this one when the flowers dirty ALL HER CLOTHES AND WHATEVER SHE'S SITTING ON!!
• Where is that young girl's parents? One of the ladies on the radio show said that the parents of these teens are gone before they get up, so they have no supervision when they get ready to go to school.  "If she had a teenage daughter," said she, "I would be home to check the clothes basket every evening to see if  she wore any underwear that day." Me, I wouldn't have to check the laundry basket. I might have been a little more drastic! 

Does she respect herself and her body at all? She is not protecting a tender part of her body from infection and injury. With all the nasty STDs all over the place, what would happen to that young lady if she sat in a car or other vehicle where another woman with HIV or HPV sat without underwear? I don't believe she is thinking straight.

COME, LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THIS TOPIC!!

"Stay away from lust that tempt young people. Pursue what has God's approval. Pursue love, faith and peace, together with those who worship the Lord with a pure heart." (God's Word Translation(@1995)

Anger Problems 5 - The Difference Between Life And Death

In Chapter 4 of Genesis, the Bible records the story of Cain and Abel, the first two children of Adam and Eve. Abel was a shepherd, keeping his sheep, while Cain was a gardener. The Lord God had told Adam and Eve that they had to bring an offering of a lamb to give to the Him. In obedience to God's commandment Abel brought the first lamb to offer to God. Cain was disobedient and brought the first of his crops from his garden instead. When his offering was not accepted by the Lord God Himself, Cain was so angry that he went out and killed his brother Abel

Here are more solutions to the anger problem

• Stay away from angry people. Did your mother or father ever warned you to stay away from such and such a person, because they're trouble? They knew that fraternizing with people who always get in trouble or are always angry will make you the same way.
• Count to ten or walk away so that your anger could subside. Abel should have done this, then he wouldn't have killed his brother and be banished from the rest of mankind.  The Bible says that a man that doesn't have control over his own spirit is like a city without walls. In Biblical times, a city without wall could be invaded by its enemies easily; it was very vulnerable and open to attack. So is an uncontrollable man.
• Forgive the person who made you angry. Don't let anger contaminate your spirit and make you bitter, like I was with my friend. You should go and resolve the situation as soon as possible. Always be a t peace with each other, for unforgiveness oftentimes hurts you more than the person you're angry with. And it gives the Devil opportunity to further destroy your life. And remember, if you die with this anger in your heart, you will be separated from God in hell.
• Get counseling for your anger problem. If you need help to help you control your anger, or if you have unresolved issues that make you angry, get a good counselor , pastor, psychologist to help you to deal with what's making you angry. 

Getting angry is not a sin, the Bible says that we can be angry and not sin. It is when anger erupts into destructive behavior or is nursed over a period of time without resolution that it is sin. So please, do what you need to do to control your anger.

"Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. ³ In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. ⁴ And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, ⁵ but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

⁶ Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? ⁷ If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

⁸ Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.”^[d] While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him." Genesis 3: 2 - 8 (New International Version)

Anger Problems 4 - How To Deal With Anger Before It Destroys You Pt 1

A few week ago, my aunt and I was watching the Olympic Games when one of my girlfriends called me.  She wanted to come and visit  me at my house. This was the second time she had called asking to see me. But both times I refused because I was going through some tough situations and could not really handle visitors at that time.

Suddenly she started screaming in my ears,"if you don't want me to come at your house, say so!" I was very angry because I felt that she was being disrespectful to me -or so I thought!. The circumstances that assailed me then caused me to think that she was being hostile when in fact she was actually mock arguing with me. I hung up the phone and refused to call her back. Needless to say,  I hurt my friend's feelings immensely. 

I thought that I was at peace and was handling those situations well, but I was not. I was angry for whole week, until she called and we had a good talk about it. We patched up our quarrel and were in harmony again.

How can we manage our anger problems? Here are some suggestions.

1. Don't be too quick to react to whatever made you angry. Remember, be quick to hear, but don't be hasty to speak, and ESPECIALLY, don't be too quick to display your anger. Displays of anger doesn't do you or the person any good, and it does NOT glorify God.
2. Don't let the sun go down on your anger. It took me a whole week to get over my anger, even when my friend send emails apologizing to me. I just couldn't get pass the idea of her apparent disrespect to me. My pride and mistrust of her stopped me from wanting to reconcile with her. But if  I had called her back that same evening and had talked to her, peace would  have been restored to both of us - and my blood pressure wouldn't have raised and prevented me from going to church!
3. Have any situation like this ever happened to you? Come, tell me all about the biggest argument you ever had with someone and how you made up with the person - or not!)

    " Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry."  Ephesians 4 verse 26 (New Living Translation)

Anger Problem 3 - "Getting Away With Murder!"

I saw a part of an episode of Murdoch Mysteries last night. In it, a judge was grieved at the fact that murderers and other criminals got away with their crimes. He decided to do something about it. What was his solution? He framed them so that they would get the punishment he felt these criminals deserved.
I mentioned before that one cause of anger can be either righteous anger, or feeling a sense of injustice against one or others less fortunate. This judge had what I believe iwas righteous anger, but he took the wrong solutions in solving the problem. The court systems all over the world does seem to favor the criminal in many respects - a "loophole" in a particular law can cause a wrongdoer to escape justice.
It is hard not to take revenge when injustice is done. Especially if it was a very horrendous crime. It is hard for us to trust God and not "pay back" the person for what he or she did. But I have seen where  things have been done, even in secret, but God always dealt with the matter and makes it right sooner or later. Look at the life of Joseph from Genesis chapters 35 to 50.  His brothers hated him because of a promise of future superior stature to them, so they sold him. His owner's wife lied about him when he refused to have sex with her, and he  was put into prison. In a mighty move, God used the talent He had given Joseph to interpret dreams to interpret the dream of the Egyptian pharaoh and he was made Governor of Egypt, second in command only to Pharaoh.
Famine came to that region and his brothers came to buy corn from Joseph. After a long testing period God allowed Joseph and his family to be reunited.  Repentance and forgiveness was given and Joseph told them that God used what his brothers had done to save the future tribe of Israel from starvation.
So when you are treated unfairly or you think that someone may be getting away "with murder, " who will you act like? Joseph, who chose to trust God and later forgive those who hurt him? Or the judge in Murdoch Mysteries who took things into his own hands? By the way, did I tell you that the judge was hanged for his misplaced zeal?

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Remember this, my dear brothers and sisters: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and should not get angry easily. An angry person doesn't do what God approves of. James 1: 19 - 20 (God's Word Translation),