Appropriate Use for Anger

What makes you angry? Do you generally lose your temper when you are mad? Or cry? Or stuff your feelings away?
God can help you use the angry feelings for good.
What is an appropriate way to use anger?
1. Feel the anger. It is normal to feel a feeling. However, if you dwell  in the anger and allow resentment to build, that is when the feeling becomes harmful to yourself and others.
2. Do not feel guilty or bad about feeling angry. Instead, see it as a tool. Did you just have a very dramatic defensive reaction to a small issue? This is a clue to the root causes and by praying about it you can discover what is underneath it all.
3. Pray about what is making you angry. Ask God for the next step. There are many underlying emotions to anger: guilt, fear, pride, insecurity, rejection, loneliness, sadness, fear of failure, anxiety, depression, etc. Anger artificially helps us feel in control when we are actually out of control.

If you are angry because someone has attacked you emotionally, ask yourself, "Does this person's opinion matter more than what/who God says I am?" Does this person have the power to define who you are?

Consider changing the way you view strong emotions. Rather than a burden, see them as a clue to unraveling the path toward freedom in Christ. God wants you to lead a life not based on how you feel, but who you are and where He wants you to go!

Hard to Forgive ... How to Forgive the Unforgivable Part I

We know God's word tells us that we are to forgive for He forgave (and still forgives) us. Matthew 6:14-15 states, "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

But, what about when it is someone who really mistreated you or did something really awful?

Is it God's will for us to hold a grudge? To hate? Romans 12:19 says, "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'"

I recommend starting with removing any hatred from your heart. This is definitely not from God and by thinking about it, dwelling it in - you have embraced and agreed with hatred for your brother who sinned against you. 

I do not tell you this to make you feel shame or guilt; rather, it is stated to move you into action. Do you want something in your heart that is contrary to God? No. Do you want to be free from this anger raging. Obviously. 

Begin here:
1. Find at least 5-10 minutes to be alone with God. Your car is a great place (just an FYI - the blu tooth devices that everyone uses with their phone makes all people look like they are talking to themselves - so you won't look too silly)!
2. Tell your body, mind, and spirit to line up with the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus.
3. Begin to imagine the memory of the event(s) that lead to you feel so betrayed, angry, scared, etc. Now notice the feelings you are having in your body. Say them aloud so you can note them. Command, in the name of Jesus, for these feelings to leave your body. Break any strongholds, mindsets, and thought patterns (in the name of Jesus).
4. Put yourself back in the memory in your head. How are you feeling now? If you have any more feelings continue until you can remember event without negative feelings. [For truly traumatic memories, I would encourage seeking out freedom prayer from your local prayer center, email me if you cannot locate a place near you for this].

Please see my next blog post here to continue the process of forgiving those who seem to be unforgivable. 
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In this blog I have used material I learned at Wind and Fire Mission Base

 Wind and Fire Mission Base, 3243 Wind and Fire Dr. Marion, IA 52302

and the Be in Health ministry 

Feeling Trapped by your Feelings

I used to live my life by my feelings. It is really easy to fall back into this, actually. We naturally want to feel "good," but can easily be overtaken by strong feelings that stick around for a while affecting our relationships, work, sleep, and general health.
It is God's desire for us to have peace and joy, but it is completely normal and biblical  to feel angry, sad, afraid, etc. The key is to ask God to help you move from a place of anger, fear, depression, etc to peace.
What I did for most of my life is I went by how I felt and when I felt a strong emotion I often stayed there for days. 
In Ephesians 4:26 it says, "...Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." I always thought of this verse as a guide for couples to not go to bed until an issue was settled. However, I believe it could also mean do not perseverate on a strong emotion like anger. 
For me it was often sadness or fatigue I would get stuck in for weeks at a time. It is not sinful to be in this state, but God wants us free. He also has big plans of how to use us and cannot get those plans moving if we are stuck in a strong emotional time. 

What can you do if you find yourself in a season where you are often angry, sad, or anxious? 
1. Remind yourself it is okay to feel strong emotions temporarily, but God does not want us to live in these feelings, being stuck or restricted because of them.
2. Begin by remembering and agreeing with who God says you are. Click here if you do not know who God says you are 
3. Remind yourself that God is not disappointed in you. In fact, He has never had a bad thought about you.
4. Get rid of all shame and condemnation
5. Be still before God and ask Him, "What do you think about me?" (Click on link if you feel you do not hear God).
6. Write out what you hear or see. Ask God to tell you more about each item or vision. 
7. Read frequently and believe these truths God has told you. Internalize them. Believe them. Know them by heart. This is really more important than anything. This will power you to move forward exponentially and step into who God created you to be.
                                                        
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In this blog I have used material I learned at Wind and Fire Mission Base.

 Wind and Fire Mission Base, 3243 Wind and Fire Dr. Marion, IA 52302