Anger Management

I was watching T.V. last night and the movie Anger Management with Adam Sandler came on. It's about a guy who has anger problems because he lets people walk all over him and his journey through an over-the-top anger management class.

This got me thinking about dealing with anger in constructive ways. This issue hits home because I feel like I have been dealing with a lot of anger lately. It has been difficult for me to just let things go. This has led to some relationships of mine to become strained. Now in some instances, the anger has been justified...but not all, and holding onto anger is never appropriate. So what are some ways to release this tension?

A great way I have dealt with my anger is by immersing myself into a story. It is a great way to get your mind off of a subject and onto something else so you don't end up brooding. For me, many times, this will take the form of videogame playing or reading a good book.

I will warn, however, that this can become dangerous. Make sure that you don't lose touch with reality. Sometimes, by becoming involved in a fictitious world, you can become obsessed with it and every waking moment is filled with thoughts of leveling up your character or what will happen next to the hero.

Also, you shouldn't use this method to run away from your problems. Use it to help you cool off? Sure. Use it so you don't have to deal with an unpleasantry? No.

Finally, and most importantly, is the subject of prayer and giving it over to God. This is not easy, but it is vital. Pray about your problem. Ask God for a solution and ask for wisdom in discerning how to deal with it. Also, ask God for a compassionate heart so that you might not get angry again. Don't let the sun go down on your anger...don't let it fester. Deal with the problem. You will find that you'll feel a lot better.

Have I flipped my lid?

WHAT?! HOW COULD YOU ASK SUCH A STUPID... *cough* Umm...sorry...no, I haven't.

Godspeed.

Flip

Is it worth it?

So now I have decided to pose the question. If anyone reads this, feel free to give your thoughts.

Is marriage worth it? I mean, there are many reasons to remain single. Not only would a person have the independence that being single provides, but also the flexibility for ministry. A person wouldn’t have to worry about pleasing his spouse or worry about presenting her as holy and blameless before the Lord. It’s difficult trying to remain holy by one’s self, let alone trying to keep another holy. Plus there are a bunch of annoying things you have compromise on…and…you get in-laws. But seriously, without a spouse, you are forced to become independent, and that is a good thing.

At the same time, marriage brings about a lot growth. There are things that a guy would keep doing, if not for his wife telling him to stop. A person can see different aspects of God in his spouse that he might not have seen before. She can spur him on in his faith…and more than that, he has the privilege of doing the same. Not only that, certain desires are met that would just lead to sin otherwise. Spouses can cover each other’s weaknesses and really help in ministry. Also, marriage can be joyous—you may take joy in each other (I don’t just mean sex). That’s spectacular.

These lists are not meant to be comprehensive, but just to provoke thought. Myself, I am not entirely sold on the thought that marriage is worth it. I might meet the woman of my dreams…and she would be worth it. Getting to know God more is worth it. To be married just to be married, or just for sex…that’s stupid.

Have I flipped my lid?

4 out of 5 psychiatrists agree that I am.

Godspeed.

Flip

Discerning God’s Will

As many of you know, I have been looking for a new church. As a result of this, I have been trying to discern God’s Will. And this led me to the inevitable question: How do I discern what God’s Will is?

I joked with a friend of mine that God has often used beautiful women to speak to me. While I did say it in jest, there has been an air truth to that statement in my life. Now I say this just to illustrate that people can speak God’s Will to you. God will often use people you respect. However, you must search the Scriptures to ensure that what they are telling you is truly Godly advice. As Acts 17:11 says, “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (ESV).

Also, has the Holy Spirit given you a peace about a certain direction you should head? I went to one church for a while, but I felt nothing but anxiousness and drudgery while there. I didn’t feel good about it at all. Thinking I may be under spiritual attack, I tried to persevere, but it wasn’t so. The anxiousness and drudgery continued. I made the decision then that it must not be the place for me. I then tried a different church where I knew no one and that I found on the internet. While I was nervous, I felt great being there, and a certain joy comes over me when I’m there. I have a peace about it. I’m excited to do God’s work there. I have only gone to a couple services, but I am fairly certain this is where God will have me.

Now while these two ways certainly are not the only ways God speaks to his people, I do think that these are great starting points. And always….ALWAYS search the Scriptures to seek God’s will and confirmation. I guess that should have been first…but I almost take that to be a given. Keep praying for guidance.

Have I flipped my lid?

Probably.

But if I am crazy, then I am crazy for the glory of God.

Godspeed.

Flip

Devotionals

I've heard it said that we preach best what we need to learn most. I think that's true. I also think it applies to our devotional time. Our devotional times are best when what we are studying is what we need to learn most.

Many times people get burnt out with their devotional time. I know I do. Reading my Bible and trying to memorize Scripture turns into a chore that we just don't want to do. So what do we do during these times?

My suggestion? Take a break. Now, I don't mean that you should take a break from your devotional time. Just take a break from what you have been doing. Do something different. If you have been memorizing Scripture, take a break from it, and start writing poetry. Sing praises to God. Pray. But change things up a bit. God doesn't want you to get burned out. Hey, you could even read a fiction book (It might sound strange, but I know of a good series that felt like a devotional time each time I opened it up)!

Spending time with God--that's the most important thing. Just make sure what you do for your devotional time helps you become more devoted.

Have I flipped my lid?

Maybe.

But I think it's important to look at things a little differently sometimes.

Godspeed.

Flip

Walk

I find myself walking,
Further, deeper, to find
What I don’t know.
The quest too long for anyone,
has taken me hostage.
For it must be found,
that which is lost within.
Too opposing forces
and gone.
Continue to hunt,
Continue to seek,
That Will,
that will consume me,
and have me righteous.

_

Blindness

There are signs men don’t find,

helpful—nor even too kind,

“If such things exist,” they say,

“They are subtle and aren’t paid much mind.”

Thoughtless eyes plaguing them may,

Distort what should be seen as clear as day,

Forcing them to become what they should be,

But making them crawl along the way.

Guys are blind, they rarely see,

The woman in front of them wanting tea,

And though they themselves may hold the key,

It might take a while for them to drop the knee.

High School Thoughts

I wrote this after a very heated debate with a very adamant atheist during my senior year of high school when I attended Anoka-Ramsey Community College. I've done some slight editing, but here it is. Now I do not think you can debate someone into believing in God, but we must be ready to give a defense:

"Thoughts on Debating"

I’ve learned a lot lately. Whether or not what I’ve learned, I’ll put into practice awaits to be seen. I know this though, also, that without good speaking skills and such, I’ll never get through to some. Without good debating skills, it will be a shot in the dark. Even then, some will reject, some will accept, but I must have passion. I don’t know what is in me, other than God, but I know that war is there and that it must be fought. Why else did God choose to make me? We all must fight, especially me. I don’t mean with fists, but with hearts and minds. Words….words must be used to express feelings of disagreement, disgust, and agreement. I need to always point people to God, without getting emotions stirred too high. God has called me to front lines, and there I must go. It seems I always picture myself with a double-edge sword fighting demons off into the abyss with God’s help. But is that what really happens? I mean, I don’t have a literal double-edge sword, but I have fought in battles. Spiritual battles have been fought many times and they must be. But one must not forget to never apologize for your beliefs, never. But if approach is wrong, you must apologize for offense. One simply can’t go up to another and say, “You heathen!! You’re going to hell!!!” No, that would be the wrong approach and offensive, even if it is true. No, in all things we must be humble and we must not waiver. For if we waiver, we can never show the truth.

I’m not saying I’m perfect and that I don’t sin, because everybody sins. It’s human nature. Unfortunately we are imperfect people, born into sin. Well, should we apologize to people for the sins we’ve committed? I would say, “Yes, of course.” But we should not apologize for being a Christian. What we must be are cities on a hill, where people can see God’s light shining from us.

But what if we debate people? Debating is good, it helps develop character, faith, and speaking skills. I have debated many times. Most people, however, have not been what I’ve wanted them to be when they were over. Maybe some people could be offended, or you could be offended, or your faith could be drained big time. If a question has been posed to you that you may start to doubt because of it, find the answer. Find the truth, look at both sides. You may be pleasantly surprised at what you find. But please do not harden your heart so much that you feel you should not find the answers to tough questions, because people will ask about them. You will always have to give an answer for the faith you have. You can answer theologically, personally, or logically.

However you do it, however, you must always do it in love. But how can you do it in love when the person you are speaking to isn’t speaking to in love? I would answer, “Very carefully.” For that is what is right. Choose your words carefully, not to upset the other. Try not to interrupt just to make a point. But also smile to them. Showing that you care is a big deal, it means that you don’t hate them and you aren’t persecuting them. I have gone through many of these things and know that even if it supposed to be a friendly debate between to people, it can become a heated argument if everything is not toned own a bit. Have a mediator if need be. But always be what Christ wants you to be, even if you are being persecuted. For it will happen. God’s Word says it will. God’s Word knows it, so read it and find out.

Welcome

Sometimes I wonder if I've flipped my lid. Now you may ponder that question with me.