Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture

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.
Ephesians 4:26-27, NLT

Reflection:
The Bible doesn't tell 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 us 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
Satan 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.

Scripture:

Don't just pretend to love others.
Really love them. Hate what is wrong.
Hold tightly to what is good. Love
each other with genuine affection,
and take delight in honoring each other.
Romans 12:9-10, NLT

Reflection:

Most of us have learned how to
pretend to love others--how to
speak kindly, avoid hurting their
feelings, and appear to take an
interest in them. We may even
be skilled in pretending to feel
moved with compassion when
we hear of others' needs, or to
become indignant when we learn
of injustice. But God calls us to
real and sincere love that goes
far beyond pretense and politeness.
Sincere love requires concentration
and effort. It means helping others
become better people. It demands
our time, money, and personal
involvement. No individual has the
capacity to express love to a whole
community, but the body of Christ
in your town does.
Look for people who need your love,
and look for ways you and your
fellow believers can love your
community for Christ.

From "Life Application Daily Devotion"
September 20, 2009

A reformer's refuge

"A mighty fortress is our God.
A bulwark never failing.
Our helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe—
His craft and pow'r are great,
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not His equal."
A Mighty Fortress is Our God
Martin Luther (1483-1546)


God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of
trouble. So we will not fear, even
if earthquakes come and mountains
crumble into the sea. Let the oceans
roar and foam. Let the mountains
tremble as the waters surge!
Psalm 46:1-3 NLT

The great reformer

"After posting his ninety-five theses
on the door of Wittenberg's Castle
Church in October 1517, Martin Luther
faced many years of trials and persecution.
And during the years of the ensuing
Protestant Reformation, Luther came
to know better than most the gracious
power of God's sheltering hand. He
confidently stepped forward to defend
the truth he found in God's Word, despite
excommunication from the Roman church,
continual threats to his life and freedom,
and times of intense spiritual battle.

In the comforting words of Psalm 46,
Luther found the inspiration for this hymn
that would become the battle cry of the
Protestant Reformation. Many who suffered
for their faith during that time found solid
comfort in Luther's words of faith and praise.
"A might fortress is our God!"

from The One Year® Book of Hymns by
Mark Norton and Robert Brown (Tyndale)
entry for October 31