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Monday—April 22 • Slow to Become Angry My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20
Several years ago, I enjoyed two incredible days of ministry in Montana, followed by a snowmobile trip through Yellowstone National Park. Then, on the way home, I found I could take an earlier plane from my layover point. Patsy said she could pick me up early, so I took advantage of the opportunity. I waited in the baggage claim area. Five minutes passed, then ten. I tried calling Patsy, but her phone was turned off. I waited some more and called again with no luck. I had just experienced a fabulous five-day trip, yet as I waited for my wife, I eventually started fuming. I phoned one more time and found Patsy had been waiting in a different place. When I finally found her, and
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we started driving home, she asked, “What are you thinking?” Several hours later we both finally cooled down. Fortunately, we were able to navigate that situation so it did not indefinitely affect our relationship. We all face similar situations, perhaps even on a daily basis. When we develop a habit of giving in to anger, we risk the very blessings we hold most dear. MIMBS 2 Describe a time recently when you could have benefited from the advice in James 1:19-20. How would this advice have helped you? Daily Reading: Joshua 24:1–33, Luke 21:1–28, Psalm 89:38–52, Proverbs 13:20–23
Tuesday—April 23 • Risking a Lifetime of Good David said to Abigail, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands. Otherwise, as surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, who has kept me from harming you, if you had not come quickly to meet me, not one male belonging to Nabal would have been left alive by daybreak.” 1 Samuel 25:32-34
In 1 Samuel 25 you’ll find a description of David’s encounter with a man named Nabal. David and his men had been protecting Nabal’s flocks and servants, even though Nabal didn’t request their service. David expected to be paid, but Nabal not only didn’t pay him, but he actually said negative things about David. In response, David got angry and told his men to pick up their weapons. He intended to kill every male in Nabal’s household, including all male animals. Immediately before this, God had spared David when King Saul wanted to commit an injustice against him. Yet, in a moment of
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rage directed at Nabal, David actually would have committed murder over a relatively small offense. The story has a happy ending, because Nabal’s wife Abigail intervened, convincing David not to pursue his plan. Without Abigail’s mediation, David could very well have stood as a Scriptural example of someone who risked a lifetime of good by giving in to his anger. MIMBS 2 Read Matthew 19:23-30. What happened at the end of Jesus’ parable? How is that a warning about giving full vent to rage? Daily Reading: Judges 1:1–2:9, Luke 21:29– 22:13, Psalm 90:1–91:16, Proverbs 13:24–25