Proverbs 18:1-24
Unfriendly people care only about themselves;
they lash out at common sense.
Fools have no interest in understanding;
they only want to air their own opinions.
Doing wring leads to disgrace,
and scandalous behavior brings contempt.
Wise words are liek depp waters;
wisdom flows from the wise like deep waters;
wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
It is not right to acquit the guilty
or deny justice to the innocent.
Fools words get them into constant quarrels;
they are asking for a beating.
The mouths of fools are their ruin;
they trap themselves with their lips.
Rumors are dainty morsels
that sink deep into one's heart.
A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.
The name of the Lord is a strong fortress;
the godly run to him and are safe.
The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense;
they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.
Haugghtiness goes before destruction;
humility precedes honor.
Spouting off before listening to the facts
is both shameful and foolish.
the human spirit can endure a sick body,
but who can bear a crushed spirit?
Intelligent people are always ready to learn.
Their ears are open for knowledge.
Giving a gift can open doors;
it gives access to important people!
The first to speak in court sounds right-
until the cross-examination begins.
Casting lots can end arguments;
it settles disputes between powerful opponents.
An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.
Arguemnets seperate friends like a gate locked with bars.
Wise words satisfy like a good meal;
the right words bring satisfaction.
The tongue can bring death or life;
those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
The man who finds a wife finds a treasure,
and he receives favor form the Lord.
The poor plead for mercy,
the rich answer with insults.
There are "friends" who destroy each other,
but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.
Thursday
What to look for in Men when dating?
Women should look for a man who exudes spiritual character. To understand what that means, let's look at
Ephesians 5:25: "husband's. love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it."
This means that men should be like Jesus Christ. He is their example. This is far more important than what a man looks like, or the kind of job he has, or the model of the car he drives.
Women, ask yourself this question about any man you date: "Is he a spiritual leader?" Does he take the lead in spiritual matters, like praying with you? Is he someone you can respect because he's growing in the Lord? Is he the kind of man who doesn't just say "praise the Lord" in the pew, but says it out on the streets, too? Does he serve the Lord not only in the church but also in day-to-day living? Is he a man who lives an uncompromising life for Jesus Christ?
I think it so very important that we be looking for these qualities in the men and the women were around. Let's help each other develop the inner qualities that will really count for a lifetime, long after physical beauty has faded, and on into eternity.
1 Peter 3:3-7 Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes form within, the fading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. This is how holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They trusted, God and accepted the authority of their husbands. For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do. In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.
Ephesians 5:25: "husband's. love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it."
This means that men should be like Jesus Christ. He is their example. This is far more important than what a man looks like, or the kind of job he has, or the model of the car he drives.
Women, ask yourself this question about any man you date: "Is he a spiritual leader?" Does he take the lead in spiritual matters, like praying with you? Is he someone you can respect because he's growing in the Lord? Is he the kind of man who doesn't just say "praise the Lord" in the pew, but says it out on the streets, too? Does he serve the Lord not only in the church but also in day-to-day living? Is he a man who lives an uncompromising life for Jesus Christ?
I think it so very important that we be looking for these qualities in the men and the women were around. Let's help each other develop the inner qualities that will really count for a lifetime, long after physical beauty has faded, and on into eternity.
1 Peter 3:3-7 Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes form within, the fading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. This is how holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They trusted, God and accepted the authority of their husbands. For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do. In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.
Tuesday
Healing Scriptures
If you are stuck in an emotional tie that no longer serves you, it’s time to set yourself free.
Christians throughout my life have always said that if you're depressed, then you aren't trusting in God enough. So many great men in the Bible struggled with it though: Elijah, David, Paul….. these were amazing men of God who struggled with depression through the hard times.
Proverbs 4:20-22 My child, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.
Exodus 15:26 He said, "If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in his sight, and give heed to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will not bring upon you any of the diseases that I brought upon the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you."
Psalm 107:19-21 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress; he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from destruction. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.
Exodus 23:25 You shall worship the Lord your God, and I will bless your bread and your water; and I will take sickness away from among you.
Psalm 30:2 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.
Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.
Psalm 91:3-4 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
Are you stuck in heart ache over a break up? Try reading this below to help you to get past this feeling of heart ache. Your brain believes your body, sort of a reverse of the placebo affect. You begin to feel free of the past when you act free of the past! Don’t talk about the old relationship, don’t ritualize it, don’t note anniversaries, or send mental messages. Your brain will notice how healthy you are and deepen those neural networks until they become routine.
Christians throughout my life have always said that if you're depressed, then you aren't trusting in God enough. So many great men in the Bible struggled with it though: Elijah, David, Paul….. these were amazing men of God who struggled with depression through the hard times.
Proverbs 4:20-22 My child, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.
Exodus 15:26 He said, "If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in his sight, and give heed to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will not bring upon you any of the diseases that I brought upon the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you."
Psalm 107:19-21 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress; he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from destruction. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.
Exodus 23:25 You shall worship the Lord your God, and I will bless your bread and your water; and I will take sickness away from among you.
Psalm 30:2 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.
Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.
Psalm 91:3-4 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
Are you stuck in heart ache over a break up? Try reading this below to help you to get past this feeling of heart ache. Your brain believes your body, sort of a reverse of the placebo affect. You begin to feel free of the past when you act free of the past! Don’t talk about the old relationship, don’t ritualize it, don’t note anniversaries, or send mental messages. Your brain will notice how healthy you are and deepen those neural networks until they become routine.
Monday
Submission Is A Two-Way Street
"Marriage Connections Devotions For Couples"
Written By: Greg Laurie
No husband should talk to his wife about submitting to him (Ephesians 5:22) until he has first read Ephesians 5:21, where God calls for mutual submission. Isn't it interesting that before God says a word to wives or husbands individually, he first instructs couples to submit to one another in the fear of God?
The Greek word translated "submit" here means "to get in order under something." In a military sense, it means "to rank beneath" or "to rank under." It can also be translated "to support one another." Husbands and wives are to support one another in the fear of God.
A husband's biggest booster and most ardent supporter should be his wife. A wife's greatest encourager and most ardent supporter should be her husband. they need to support one another in the reverence of Gog. Husbands must under-gird their wives and hold them up, and wives must do the same for their husbands. Both partners should always be ready to meet their spouse's needs and to sacrifice their own desires to help meet those of their mate. This is not to imply that a husband abdicates his responsibility for leadership in the home in his submission to his wife. Yet it does help to explain what submission is all about.
This issue is not about superiority or inferiority; it is about mutual sacrifice. It is about placing the needs of your mate above your won. Most importantly, it is about imitating God and walking in love.
The husband no more "possesses" his wife than she "possesses" him. He is not superior; she is not inferior. They belong to each other. Therefore, when God calls a wife to submit to the leadership of her husband, he is not saying that the woman is any less than the man. She most definitely isn't.
First Corinthians 7:3-4 shows beautifully how mutual submission is really amounts to a true partnership between a husband and a wife. "let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband," writes the apostle Paul. "The wife does not have autority over her own body, but hte husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does."
There it is again-a delightful partnership. No godly husband can say to his wife, "you do what I say," and no godly wife can speak with a reciprocal arrogance. God calls both husbands and wives to see themselves in a partnership together. That means working together and submitting to-and supporting- one another out of reverence to God.
Mutual submission is having a task so gigantic that everyone must pull together using whatever muscle, strength, and ingenuity is available in order to get the task done.
Written By: Greg Laurie
No husband should talk to his wife about submitting to him (Ephesians 5:22) until he has first read Ephesians 5:21, where God calls for mutual submission. Isn't it interesting that before God says a word to wives or husbands individually, he first instructs couples to submit to one another in the fear of God?
The Greek word translated "submit" here means "to get in order under something." In a military sense, it means "to rank beneath" or "to rank under." It can also be translated "to support one another." Husbands and wives are to support one another in the fear of God.
A husband's biggest booster and most ardent supporter should be his wife. A wife's greatest encourager and most ardent supporter should be her husband. they need to support one another in the reverence of Gog. Husbands must under-gird their wives and hold them up, and wives must do the same for their husbands. Both partners should always be ready to meet their spouse's needs and to sacrifice their own desires to help meet those of their mate. This is not to imply that a husband abdicates his responsibility for leadership in the home in his submission to his wife. Yet it does help to explain what submission is all about.
This issue is not about superiority or inferiority; it is about mutual sacrifice. It is about placing the needs of your mate above your won. Most importantly, it is about imitating God and walking in love.
The husband no more "possesses" his wife than she "possesses" him. He is not superior; she is not inferior. They belong to each other. Therefore, when God calls a wife to submit to the leadership of her husband, he is not saying that the woman is any less than the man. She most definitely isn't.
First Corinthians 7:3-4 shows beautifully how mutual submission is really amounts to a true partnership between a husband and a wife. "let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband," writes the apostle Paul. "The wife does not have autority over her own body, but hte husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does."
There it is again-a delightful partnership. No godly husband can say to his wife, "you do what I say," and no godly wife can speak with a reciprocal arrogance. God calls both husbands and wives to see themselves in a partnership together. That means working together and submitting to-and supporting- one another out of reverence to God.
Mutual submission is having a task so gigantic that everyone must pull together using whatever muscle, strength, and ingenuity is available in order to get the task done.
Just Love Her
"Marriage Connections Devotions For Couples"
Written By: Greg Laurie
The Bible gives every Chrsitian husband a revolutionary three-word phrase that has the power to radically change any marriage: Love your wife. Four times in Ephesians 5:25-33, the apostle Paul instructs men to love their wives.
We husbands tend to gloss over this command, believing that we're already complying with God's instruction-but I think if we were to think through and apply this single commandment systematically, it would transform our marriages.
"But Greg," some might say, "What about her? Isn't she supposed to submit?"
Yes, but you are missing the point. Don't even concern yourself with that issue. You focus on what God has called you to do. And if you do your part, in most cases your wife will do hers. If you will begin to really love your wife, most likely she will respond in kind.
Does that sound implausiable? Think of it this way. Why are you a Christian in the first place? Why is that you put your faith in Jesus? Porbably it is because God loved you unconditioanlly. He accepted you as you where-in your ugly, helpless, simple state- and he began to transform and change you. It was his love that ultimately wore down your rebellion and resistance period. The bible says, "We love him because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19).
Our submission to Christ today is a direct result of his love towards us. We have come to see that his plans for us are good. We have come to see that even God tells us to do something we do not like, it is always for our benefit. So we surrender to him. It is difficult at times, but we do it. His love continually wins us over.
The same will be true in a marriage. If a wife can feel confident that her husband has her best interesets at heart: if she can see that he loves her so deeply that he continually demonstarates an intense concern for her welfare-then it will be far easier for her to submit to his leadership.
As a disparing man once called a friend because his wife was threatening to divorce him. With resignation in his voice, the dejected man asked his friend to pray for him. His friend said he would, but added, "The request I'm going to make in my prayers is that you stop being so acquiescent and fatalistic all about this. I know Mary and I know you. You two have a good marriage-up to know. And a good marriage is worth fighting for." The mans friend then described love as preseneted in Henry Drummond's classic book, the greatest thing in the world-inspired by 1 Corinthians 13 and challenged him to live out that kind of love. The man accepted his friends challenge and ulitmately saved his amrriage. Love has the kind of astonishing power. Try it for yourself, and enjoy the results.
A call to love is not so much a call to a certain state of feeling as it is to a quality of action. when Paul says, " Love your wives," he is saying, "Be loving towards your wife-treat her as lovely. "Do the things that are true and loving things..... how are you husbands to love their wives? How much love is required of the man? Paul says like Christ loves the church.
Written By: Greg Laurie
The Bible gives every Chrsitian husband a revolutionary three-word phrase that has the power to radically change any marriage: Love your wife. Four times in Ephesians 5:25-33, the apostle Paul instructs men to love their wives.
We husbands tend to gloss over this command, believing that we're already complying with God's instruction-but I think if we were to think through and apply this single commandment systematically, it would transform our marriages.
"But Greg," some might say, "What about her? Isn't she supposed to submit?"
Yes, but you are missing the point. Don't even concern yourself with that issue. You focus on what God has called you to do. And if you do your part, in most cases your wife will do hers. If you will begin to really love your wife, most likely she will respond in kind.
Does that sound implausiable? Think of it this way. Why are you a Christian in the first place? Why is that you put your faith in Jesus? Porbably it is because God loved you unconditioanlly. He accepted you as you where-in your ugly, helpless, simple state- and he began to transform and change you. It was his love that ultimately wore down your rebellion and resistance period. The bible says, "We love him because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19).
Our submission to Christ today is a direct result of his love towards us. We have come to see that his plans for us are good. We have come to see that even God tells us to do something we do not like, it is always for our benefit. So we surrender to him. It is difficult at times, but we do it. His love continually wins us over.
The same will be true in a marriage. If a wife can feel confident that her husband has her best interesets at heart: if she can see that he loves her so deeply that he continually demonstarates an intense concern for her welfare-then it will be far easier for her to submit to his leadership.
As a disparing man once called a friend because his wife was threatening to divorce him. With resignation in his voice, the dejected man asked his friend to pray for him. His friend said he would, but added, "The request I'm going to make in my prayers is that you stop being so acquiescent and fatalistic all about this. I know Mary and I know you. You two have a good marriage-up to know. And a good marriage is worth fighting for." The mans friend then described love as preseneted in Henry Drummond's classic book, the greatest thing in the world-inspired by 1 Corinthians 13 and challenged him to live out that kind of love. The man accepted his friends challenge and ulitmately saved his amrriage. Love has the kind of astonishing power. Try it for yourself, and enjoy the results.
A call to love is not so much a call to a certain state of feeling as it is to a quality of action. when Paul says, " Love your wives," he is saying, "Be loving towards your wife-treat her as lovely. "Do the things that are true and loving things..... how are you husbands to love their wives? How much love is required of the man? Paul says like Christ loves the church.
How To Avoid Divorce
Love is not sweeter the second time around. So say the statistics. A 67 % failure rate for first marriages quickly ascends to a 75% falure rate for second marriages and 84 % for third marriages. We do not learn by our mistakes in marriage; we repeat them. The best chance we will ever have for our happiness and the happiness of our children is to make our present marriage work. Recent statistics suggest that the divorce rate for born-again Christians is slightly higher than for those with no faith at all.
To help prevent this from happening to your marriage start by saying, " The word divorce is not going to be a part of my vocabulary. My spouse and I are going to do everything we can to keep our relationship as strong as possible."
We must keep on our guard. We must stand firm in the faith. We must me men and women of courage. We must be strong, especially when we feel the heat of arguments and the statistics of marriage. By depending upon God to supply us abundantly with effective marriage skills-things like earnest prayer and solid Christian fellowship and rich bible teaching and practical outreach-we, too, can build a marriage that is capable of surviving the statistics. "When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone," says scripture, "but the righteous stand firm forever" (Proverbs 10:25).
Don't let divorce reduce to statistics. Take the time and effort required to protect your home. Make it divorce proof. You can turn your home into a good place by making a stand.
To help prevent this from happening to your marriage start by saying, " The word divorce is not going to be a part of my vocabulary. My spouse and I are going to do everything we can to keep our relationship as strong as possible."
We must keep on our guard. We must stand firm in the faith. We must me men and women of courage. We must be strong, especially when we feel the heat of arguments and the statistics of marriage. By depending upon God to supply us abundantly with effective marriage skills-things like earnest prayer and solid Christian fellowship and rich bible teaching and practical outreach-we, too, can build a marriage that is capable of surviving the statistics. "When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone," says scripture, "but the righteous stand firm forever" (Proverbs 10:25).
Don't let divorce reduce to statistics. Take the time and effort required to protect your home. Make it divorce proof. You can turn your home into a good place by making a stand.
ANGER IS ABOUT CONTROL
Anger means the attempt to CONTROL and this erases equality. One person is in the control requires that the other person must forgo CONTROL of his or her own behavior. Equality is driven out. Freedom is driven out. And those things that can only be given freely- love and intimacy are driven out. Anger is neither a positive nor a negative emotion. It is the way we chose to handle our anger that makes it negative or positive.
Ephesians 4:26-27 And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun do down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
James 1:19- 20 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don't obey, it is like glancing at your face in the mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
Nehemiah 9:17-18 They refused to obey and did not remember the miracles you had done for them. Instead, they became stubborn and appointed a leader to take them back to their slavery in Egypt! But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. You did not abandon them, even when they made an idol shaped like a calf and said, "This is your god who brought you out of Egypt!" They committed terrible blasphemies.
Psalm 103:8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
Proverbs 22:24-25 Don't befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.
Matthew 5:22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.
Ephesians 4:26-27 And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun do down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
James 1:19- 20 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don't obey, it is like glancing at your face in the mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
Nehemiah 9:17-18 They refused to obey and did not remember the miracles you had done for them. Instead, they became stubborn and appointed a leader to take them back to their slavery in Egypt! But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. You did not abandon them, even when they made an idol shaped like a calf and said, "This is your god who brought you out of Egypt!" They committed terrible blasphemies.
Psalm 103:8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
Proverbs 22:24-25 Don't befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.
Matthew 5:22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.
A SMILE
A Smile costs nothing, but gives much.
It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give.
It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.
None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it, and none is so poor, but that he can be made rich by it.
A Smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friendship.
It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature’s best antidote for trouble.
Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone, until it is given away.
Some people are too tired to give you a smile;
Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.
Man's Search For Meaning
"Man's Search For Meaning"
Written By: Victor E. Frankl
Christian Writer and
About Victor E. Frankl: He published Man’s Search for Meaning in German right after WW II. The first English translation was published in 1959 by Beacon Press (Unitarian). This book has been printed in many languages and sold in many millions of copies. About two-thirds of the book is devoted to his concentration camp experiences. Frankl described logotherapy as, “... education toward responsibility.” Each of us is responsible for something, to someone. By using our freedom to act responsibly in the world, we uncover meaning in our lives. Frankl’s main message is that while we may have no control over what happens in our lives, we always have control over how we respond, how we feel. He practiced daily prayer until his death.
The purpose of life according to Frankl is, "To live is to suffer, to survive is to find meaning in suffering. If there is a purpose in life at all there must be a purpose in suffering and dying. Friedrich Nietzsche quotes, "He who has a why to live can bear with almost any how."
the paradox about success and happiness in Frankl's opinion is, "Don't aim at success. the more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must be ensue, and it only does at the unintended side effect of ones personal dedication to a cause greater then oneself or as the by product of ones surrender to a person other than oneself. Happiness must happen and the same holds for success: you have to let it happen by not caring about it."
We live in a corrupt world. the sort of person we become is based on our decisions not the result of our corrupted world. Seek God.
Frankyl quotes, "Life becomes meaningless for people who do not take their life seriously and despise it as something of no consequence." "Emotion which is suffering, ceases to be suffering as soon as we form a clear picture from it." "It doesn't really matter what we expect life, but rather what life expected from us."
Written By: Victor E. Frankl
Christian Writer and
About Victor E. Frankl: He published Man’s Search for Meaning in German right after WW II. The first English translation was published in 1959 by Beacon Press (Unitarian). This book has been printed in many languages and sold in many millions of copies. About two-thirds of the book is devoted to his concentration camp experiences. Frankl described logotherapy as, “... education toward responsibility.” Each of us is responsible for something, to someone. By using our freedom to act responsibly in the world, we uncover meaning in our lives. Frankl’s main message is that while we may have no control over what happens in our lives, we always have control over how we respond, how we feel. He practiced daily prayer until his death.
The purpose of life according to Frankl is, "To live is to suffer, to survive is to find meaning in suffering. If there is a purpose in life at all there must be a purpose in suffering and dying. Friedrich Nietzsche quotes, "He who has a why to live can bear with almost any how."
the paradox about success and happiness in Frankl's opinion is, "Don't aim at success. the more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must be ensue, and it only does at the unintended side effect of ones personal dedication to a cause greater then oneself or as the by product of ones surrender to a person other than oneself. Happiness must happen and the same holds for success: you have to let it happen by not caring about it."
We live in a corrupt world. the sort of person we become is based on our decisions not the result of our corrupted world. Seek God.
Frankyl quotes, "Life becomes meaningless for people who do not take their life seriously and despise it as something of no consequence." "Emotion which is suffering, ceases to be suffering as soon as we form a clear picture from it." "It doesn't really matter what we expect life, but rather what life expected from us."
How to Handle Criticism and Complaints
Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining and arguing
1-Get honest with God and yourself
Proverbs 28:13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and TURN from them, they will receive mercy.
Something in each of us strongly resists admitting we was wrong. That is why we admire people who openly and graciously admit their mistakes and sins. These people have a strong self-image. They do not always have to be right to feel good about themselves. Be willing to reconsider-to admit you are wrong and change your plans when necessary. And remember, the first step toward forgiveness is confession.
Complaining and blaming is not just a bad habit but a sin.
DO NOT MURMUR-every time you are angry it's because you are holding a grudge on someone.
2-STOP blaming Others for your unhappiness and faults:
Proverbs 20:3 Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.
Ephesians 4: 2-3 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each others faults because of your love. make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
No one is ever going to be perfect here on earth, so we must accept and love other Christians in spite of their faults. When we see faults in fellow believers, we should be patient and gentle. Rather than dwelling on that person's weaknesses or looking for faults, pray for him or her.
Matthew 6: 14-15 "If you forgive whose who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive you."
Mark 11:25 "But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins too."
There are 3 kinds of people in this world. Which one are you?
1-Accusers 2-Excusers 3-Choosers
3. Focus on what YOU HAVE and not what YOU DON'T HAVE:
Foucs on what is LEFT and not what is LOST
1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14 I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to posses that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Philippians 4:11-14 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you ave done well to share with me in my present difficulty.
4-RESPOND CORECTLY when you are criticized. Don't react . Don't reward negative behavior.
Stay FOCUSED on the task at hand.
Luke 12:2-3 The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted form the housetops for all to hear!
What are the signs of hypocrisy? (1) Hypocrisy is knowing the truth but not obeying it. People can say they follow Jesus, but not be obedient to his Word. (2) Hypocrisy is living a self serving life. People may desire leadership only because they love position and control, not because they want to serve others. (3) hypocrisy reduces faith to rigid rules. People can end up worshiping their own rules and regulations about what they think God wants instead of worshiping God himself. (4) Hypocrisy is outward conformity without inner reality. People can obey the details but still be disobedient in general behavior. For example, a person may carefully tithe his income, but be rude and obnoxious to his co-workers.
Ephesians 4:29-32 Dont; use foul or abusive language. Let everythign oyu say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who can hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Four Point Checklist For Speaking:
1-Is it TRUE
2-Is it NECESSARY
3-Is it HELPFUL
4-Is it EDIFYING
1-Get honest with God and yourself
Proverbs 28:13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and TURN from them, they will receive mercy.
Something in each of us strongly resists admitting we was wrong. That is why we admire people who openly and graciously admit their mistakes and sins. These people have a strong self-image. They do not always have to be right to feel good about themselves. Be willing to reconsider-to admit you are wrong and change your plans when necessary. And remember, the first step toward forgiveness is confession.
Complaining and blaming is not just a bad habit but a sin.
DO NOT MURMUR-every time you are angry it's because you are holding a grudge on someone.
2-STOP blaming Others for your unhappiness and faults:
Proverbs 20:3 Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.
Ephesians 4: 2-3 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each others faults because of your love. make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
No one is ever going to be perfect here on earth, so we must accept and love other Christians in spite of their faults. When we see faults in fellow believers, we should be patient and gentle. Rather than dwelling on that person's weaknesses or looking for faults, pray for him or her.
Matthew 6: 14-15 "If you forgive whose who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive you."
Mark 11:25 "But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins too."
There are 3 kinds of people in this world. Which one are you?
1-Accusers 2-Excusers 3-Choosers
3. Focus on what YOU HAVE and not what YOU DON'T HAVE:
Foucs on what is LEFT and not what is LOST
1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14 I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to posses that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Philippians 4:11-14 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you ave done well to share with me in my present difficulty.
4-RESPOND CORECTLY when you are criticized. Don't react . Don't reward negative behavior.
Stay FOCUSED on the task at hand.
Luke 12:2-3 The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted form the housetops for all to hear!
What are the signs of hypocrisy? (1) Hypocrisy is knowing the truth but not obeying it. People can say they follow Jesus, but not be obedient to his Word. (2) Hypocrisy is living a self serving life. People may desire leadership only because they love position and control, not because they want to serve others. (3) hypocrisy reduces faith to rigid rules. People can end up worshiping their own rules and regulations about what they think God wants instead of worshiping God himself. (4) Hypocrisy is outward conformity without inner reality. People can obey the details but still be disobedient in general behavior. For example, a person may carefully tithe his income, but be rude and obnoxious to his co-workers.
Ephesians 4:29-32 Dont; use foul or abusive language. Let everythign oyu say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who can hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Four Point Checklist For Speaking:
1-Is it TRUE
2-Is it NECESSARY
3-Is it HELPFUL
4-Is it EDIFYING
Thoughts of Healing
Act as though it were impossible to fail.
To turn an obstacel to one's advantage is a great step towards victory.
The only time you can't afford to fail is the last-time you try.
Those who let the small things bind them leave the great things undone behind them.
Others can stop you temporarily; only you can do it permanently. Not to know is bad; not to eish to know is worse.
Yard by yard life is hard, inch by inch, life is a cinch. Forgiving does not erase the bitter past. A healed memory is not a deleted memory. Instead, forgiving what we cannot forget creates a new way to remember. We change the memory of our past into a hope for our future.
Healing yourself is connected with healing others.Love one another and help others to rise to the higher levels, simply by pouring out love. Love is infectious and the greatest healing energy.
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.""The greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being."
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
Defense Mechanisms
Rationalization- making an excuse for a mistake or failure.
Compensation-covering yo faults by trying to do extra well in other areas.
Projection-seeing your own faults or feelings in toher people.
Idealization-seeing another person as perfect; an extreme form of identification.
Displacement-shifting the expressions of feelings about one unto another.
Negativism-refusing to do what others suggest or ask
Daydreaming-living out in your mind things you would wish would happen.
Reaction-formation- expressing an emotion opposite to what you feel inside.
Regression-acting in a childish or immature way.
Identification-feeling connected or similar to someone.
Sublimination-replacing an undesirabel emotional outlet with a desirabel one.
Denial-refusing to recognize reality.
Compensation-covering yo faults by trying to do extra well in other areas.
Projection-seeing your own faults or feelings in toher people.
Idealization-seeing another person as perfect; an extreme form of identification.
Displacement-shifting the expressions of feelings about one unto another.
Negativism-refusing to do what others suggest or ask
Daydreaming-living out in your mind things you would wish would happen.
Reaction-formation- expressing an emotion opposite to what you feel inside.
Regression-acting in a childish or immature way.
Identification-feeling connected or similar to someone.
Sublimination-replacing an undesirabel emotional outlet with a desirabel one.
Denial-refusing to recognize reality.
Knowing When To Let Go
An integral part of being angry and not sinning is knowing when to let go of your anger. Perpetuating anger perpetuates sin, which perpetuates un-forgiveness, which intensifies the anger response. You no longer are dealing with each infraction of displeasure, you are dealing with an accumulation of many infractions against your person. you are repeatedly scraped by the same offense until is is no longer the site of a single injury but a multiple stab wound.
Psalm 59:16 But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.
When you got to sleep upset, you wake up upset. When you have not extended mercy the night before, it is hard for you to embrace God's mercy in the morning.
Psalm 4:4 Don't sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.
Ephesians 4:26-27 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
David warned in this scripture of the danger of inviting anger to sleep with us. In the quite stillness say nothing else, don't have the last word. Don;t justify your position. be still and allow God to reveal Himself in the silence. It is a time to gain His insight and perspective and lay down all arguments. If your night was a s void of dreams as it was of rest. You slept, but it was shallow and fitful. Now the remnant of anger from the night before clouds your mind like a dark fog that muddles your thoughts. You forget any apologies or forgiveness and remember only the offense. In the morning light it seems to loom more ominous and offensive. You can;t let them off that easy.. they must pay! Now you are a victim, and victim's don;t ask for mercy because they are too busy demanding recompense. You will not embrace God's morning mercy if you awake feeling justified or victimized. In this you should learn that you need a lot of mercy, so you have to extend a lot of mercy.
1 Peter 5:8-9 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
Peter warns us to watch for Satan when we are suffering or being persecuted. If you are feeling alone, weak, helpless, and cut off from other believers, of if you are focused on your troubles that you forget to watch for danger, those are the times when you are especially vulnerable to Satan's attacks. During times of suffering, seek other Christians for support. Keep your eyes on Christ, and resist the devil. Then says James, "he will flee from you" (James 4:7)
Proverbs 4:18-19 But the path of the just is as the shinning light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. the way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I have been guilty of sleeping with the enemy. Forgive me. I no longer will sleep with rage, guilt, or anger. I will no longer allow darkness to shroud my heart. I want the light of Your Word and love to permeate my heart with truth. I will be still and quite on my bed as I seek Your counsel. I embrace the promise of Your Word: "When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet" (Proverbs 3:24). I humble myself in obedience under your Mighty hand. I resist the devil, and he must flee from the areas where I have granted him a foothold. Cover me as I rest, for " I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety" (Psalms 4:8).
Psalm 59:16 But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.
When you got to sleep upset, you wake up upset. When you have not extended mercy the night before, it is hard for you to embrace God's mercy in the morning.
Psalm 4:4 Don't sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.
Ephesians 4:26-27 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
David warned in this scripture of the danger of inviting anger to sleep with us. In the quite stillness say nothing else, don't have the last word. Don;t justify your position. be still and allow God to reveal Himself in the silence. It is a time to gain His insight and perspective and lay down all arguments. If your night was a s void of dreams as it was of rest. You slept, but it was shallow and fitful. Now the remnant of anger from the night before clouds your mind like a dark fog that muddles your thoughts. You forget any apologies or forgiveness and remember only the offense. In the morning light it seems to loom more ominous and offensive. You can;t let them off that easy.. they must pay! Now you are a victim, and victim's don;t ask for mercy because they are too busy demanding recompense. You will not embrace God's morning mercy if you awake feeling justified or victimized. In this you should learn that you need a lot of mercy, so you have to extend a lot of mercy.
1 Peter 5:8-9 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
Peter warns us to watch for Satan when we are suffering or being persecuted. If you are feeling alone, weak, helpless, and cut off from other believers, of if you are focused on your troubles that you forget to watch for danger, those are the times when you are especially vulnerable to Satan's attacks. During times of suffering, seek other Christians for support. Keep your eyes on Christ, and resist the devil. Then says James, "he will flee from you" (James 4:7)
Proverbs 4:18-19 But the path of the just is as the shinning light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. the way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I have been guilty of sleeping with the enemy. Forgive me. I no longer will sleep with rage, guilt, or anger. I will no longer allow darkness to shroud my heart. I want the light of Your Word and love to permeate my heart with truth. I will be still and quite on my bed as I seek Your counsel. I embrace the promise of Your Word: "When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet" (Proverbs 3:24). I humble myself in obedience under your Mighty hand. I resist the devil, and he must flee from the areas where I have granted him a foothold. Cover me as I rest, for " I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety" (Psalms 4:8).
When Angry Do Not Sin
Ephesians 4:26-27 And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
Be angry. Most of us can accomplish easily we don't even have to try. It happens without any warning. In this verse it tells us to be angry. The Bible doesn't tells us that we shouldn't feel angry, but it points out that it is important to handle our anger properly. If vented thoughtlessly anger can hurt others and destroy relationships. If bottled up inside, it can cause is to become bitter and destroy us from within. Paul tells us to deal with our anger immediately in a way that builds relationships rather than destroys them. If we nurse our anger, we will give the devil an opportunity to divide us. Are you angry with someone right now? What can you do to resolve your differences? Don't let the day end before you begin to work on mending your relationship. In the NIV translation it reads, "In your anger do not sin."
Psalm 30:5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes int he morning.
God in his anger may temporarily turn His face away, but by way of resolvement not by the way of rejection. He understands our need to look away or walk away from the source of displeasure to prevent a destructive venting of anger. We do not walk away from others to punish them; we turn away so the embers of anger can cool and reason can again rule our hearts. We are to turn away momentarily so we can separate the person from his actions, words, or behavior. Godly anger does not reject the person, it rejects his transgression and with a pure and good conscience seeks a moment of solitude one from the other. There are times when His hand is heavy upon me, and I know I am experiencing His displeasure at my behavior. When it becomes more than I can bear, I will repent in earnest and ask for His forgiveness. The heaviness will lift, and I will find my heart filled with his love and promises when I feel so unworthy of them. I know I deserve judgment, yet He bestows mercy instead. He is gathering me back to Himself with His great and gracious mercies. He tells me, "You are still mine, I still love you, I know you want to do right. I believes that you will change. I forgive and I forget it." He wants me to be certain that I am still His child and not rejected by Him even though my actions, words, or behavior are not acceptable to him. Time and anger are intertwined. The longer an offense goes unresolved, the more deep-seated it becomes. Then the heart becomes a hot bed for a root of bitterness.
Pray: Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. May your word be a light unto my feet and a lamp unto my path. Show me the pathway of the righteous that I might walk in a manner pleasing to your sight. Teach me to be angry and sin not.
Be angry. Most of us can accomplish easily we don't even have to try. It happens without any warning. In this verse it tells us to be angry. The Bible doesn't tells us that we shouldn't feel angry, but it points out that it is important to handle our anger properly. If vented thoughtlessly anger can hurt others and destroy relationships. If bottled up inside, it can cause is to become bitter and destroy us from within. Paul tells us to deal with our anger immediately in a way that builds relationships rather than destroys them. If we nurse our anger, we will give the devil an opportunity to divide us. Are you angry with someone right now? What can you do to resolve your differences? Don't let the day end before you begin to work on mending your relationship. In the NIV translation it reads, "In your anger do not sin."
Psalm 30:5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes int he morning.
God in his anger may temporarily turn His face away, but by way of resolvement not by the way of rejection. He understands our need to look away or walk away from the source of displeasure to prevent a destructive venting of anger. We do not walk away from others to punish them; we turn away so the embers of anger can cool and reason can again rule our hearts. We are to turn away momentarily so we can separate the person from his actions, words, or behavior. Godly anger does not reject the person, it rejects his transgression and with a pure and good conscience seeks a moment of solitude one from the other. There are times when His hand is heavy upon me, and I know I am experiencing His displeasure at my behavior. When it becomes more than I can bear, I will repent in earnest and ask for His forgiveness. The heaviness will lift, and I will find my heart filled with his love and promises when I feel so unworthy of them. I know I deserve judgment, yet He bestows mercy instead. He is gathering me back to Himself with His great and gracious mercies. He tells me, "You are still mine, I still love you, I know you want to do right. I believes that you will change. I forgive and I forget it." He wants me to be certain that I am still His child and not rejected by Him even though my actions, words, or behavior are not acceptable to him. Time and anger are intertwined. The longer an offense goes unresolved, the more deep-seated it becomes. Then the heart becomes a hot bed for a root of bitterness.
Pray: Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. May your word be a light unto my feet and a lamp unto my path. Show me the pathway of the righteous that I might walk in a manner pleasing to your sight. Teach me to be angry and sin not.
Anger is Ok
Maybe you have never physically broken a window. but there is a trail of shattered dreams and relationships. Since you are reading this this tells me that you are searching for the right balance in your life. You want to live a passionate yet Godly life. Maybe you don't vent your rage-maybe you hold it in. It is still a source of destruction... self-destruction. Maybe you feel as though you are a bahitation of broken windows. Angry brixks have been thrown and the cold winds have blown thorugh and extinguished your passion and hope. I believe that there is healing available for you.
Anger in and of itself is not wrong, but rage and fury escalate it into the dimension of the destructive. It is in the shadow and shame of this that we cry out for help. It is my prayer that you will somehow learn form my mistakes and grow to another level in your relationships, first with God and then with others.
Pray: Heavenly Father,
I come to you and ask that you mend the broken windows in my life. I am more interested in truth than appearances. I want the light of your word to search my heart and to know me. I want truth in my innermost being. I want to walk in freedom free from shame and guilt. Lord, instruct me in your ways that I might walk in them. Pour out your love that covers. Empower me with your grace to submit to the truths that will set me free and allow you to be glorified in every area of my life.
-Amen
Anger in and of itself is not wrong, but rage and fury escalate it into the dimension of the destructive. It is in the shadow and shame of this that we cry out for help. It is my prayer that you will somehow learn form my mistakes and grow to another level in your relationships, first with God and then with others.
Pray: Heavenly Father,
I come to you and ask that you mend the broken windows in my life. I am more interested in truth than appearances. I want the light of your word to search my heart and to know me. I want truth in my innermost being. I want to walk in freedom free from shame and guilt. Lord, instruct me in your ways that I might walk in them. Pour out your love that covers. Empower me with your grace to submit to the truths that will set me free and allow you to be glorified in every area of my life.
-Amen
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