Pop Goes the Weasel!

By Susanne Scheppmann

Key Verse:

Proverbs 29:11, “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” (NIV) 

Devotion:

Today we live in a society of anger. Road rage rears its ugly head over minor traffic infractions. Small annoyances infuriate us. Corporations offer anger management courses to help us deal with our tempers. Anger rules our lives.

I understand anger. My oldest son was hyperactive to the extreme. As a young, high-strung mom, I became furious at times with some of his antics, though never to the point of harming him. I realized that when my anger popped up like a sneaky weasel, it was time to put my son in time-out for a while. I needed the break, and so did he for his own safety.

What we must realize is that anger in and of itself is not sin. Anger is a God given emotion. Even Jesus became angry at times. (See Mark 3:5; John 2:13-17.) Anger is an emotional response to certain situations. However, when anger begins to consume us or turns into an uncontrollable rage that is when we need to look for guidance and learn how to manage it. 

Fortunately, God gives followers of Christ their own handbook on anger management—the Bible. Ephesians 4:26 reads, “‘In your anger do not sin.’ Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” I can’t count how many times I have gone to bed in anger with my husband. I roll my back to him and stew for hours about the perceived injustice, while he snores peacefully in a deep sleep. Grrrr  . . .  growls my anger. How dare he sleep when I am mad? He wakes up with a cheery outlook; I roll out of bed with a migraine. How much better would it be if I let my anger go and went to sleep with peace in my heart? 

Another verse states, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV). I learned the truth of this verse with my teenagers. They responded much better to a gentle verbal response than when I lashed out at them with a harsh word or tone. I plastered this verse everywhere in my home and even in my car. The verse reminded me that I could choose anger or gentleness. It was my decision. I could choose gentleness or pop my emotional cork! 

So now, when my anger threatens to run away with me, I grab my anger management Book. I search the Scriptures to determine which ones apply to my immediate circumstances. I want to be wise in my anger, not like a fool who pops like a weasel.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, teach me how to control my anger in a godly manner. Help me not to rage out of control at the people that I love the most. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application steps: 

Study the Scriptures verses found in today’s devotion. Write them on an index card and refer to them for those times when you feel your anger surge. Keep them in a handy place for future reference.

Reflections: 

What types of circumstances tend to make me angry?

Do I hold onto my anger for days?

Do I use gentle words when I am upset about something?

Power verses:

Ecclesiastes 7:9, “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. (NIV) 

Proverbs 29:8, “Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.” (NIV) 

Psalm 145:8, “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” (NIV) 

© 2007 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.

 Heathen Dog

By Susanne Scheppmann

Key Verse:

“A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4 NASB)

Devotion:

 “My daughter-in-law is a heathen dog!” stated the woman. She went on for fifteen minutes, berating her son’s wife.

Sadly, I was standing in the church foyer with a group of women listening to her tirade. The woman had been a Christian for decades. We had all been in Bible study with her over the years. We had watched her sing in the choir. However, now we wondered where all this putrid hatred came from. 

She seethed with anger and accusations. Her tongue slashed the reputation of her daughter-in-law. The group stood in silence—we didn’t know the girl. She didn’t come to church. Hmmm . . .  I wonder why?

Perhaps, if the “church lady” had allowed her tongue to follow the advice of Proverbs 12:18, “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (NIV), she would have many family and friends attending church with her. Instead, she came by herself each week.

With sadness, I stepped away from the circle of women. This brief encounter affected me the rest of the day. I hurt for the unknown daughter-in-law. I ached for the woman so full of venom that it spewed out uncontrolled. 

However, once again it reminded me to keep watch on my attitudes and my words. I desire for my tongue to be a soothing tree of life. I am going to challenge myself to keep a tight rein on my own wayward words. Would you like to join the challenge with me? 

Prayer:

Dear Lord, forgive the reckless hurting words I speak. Teach me the words to encourage others. Allow my speech, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to be a healing balm to those who have been hurt. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application steps:

In today’s conversations, make it a point to speak kindly about people. In addition, determine to compliment three people whose paths you cross.

Reflections: 

Do I think before I speak?

When do I usually speak in a negative manner?

How can my words bring healing to others?

Power verses:

Proverbs 15:2, “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.” (NIV) 

Proverbs 17:28, “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.” (NIV) 

James 1:26, “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” (NIV) 

© 2008 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.

BFF

By Susanne Scheppmann

Key Verse:

 “But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24b (NIV)

         

Devotion:

Do you know what BFF means? Neither did I. However, I discovered that BFF is something that we all long for and need in our lives. Here’s how I learned the meaning for the acronym BFF.

Recently, I spoke at a conference in California where a beautiful young woman worked the soundboard. I was desperate to have all the sessions recorded, so I could produce a good quality promotional CD. 

Although I try to record myself on a small digital recorder, it seems something always happens. The battery goes dead. The microphone doesn’t work. Or more than likely, I forget to turn on the recorder. So as I said, I was desperate.

But this sweet servant of the Lord, smiled at me, crossed her fingers tightly in front of my face, and said, “I will be your BFF this weekend.” A blank looked must have crossed, because she grinned and translated, “best friend forever.” 

As I pondered the phrase, “best friend forever,” I realized whom it most appropriately applies to—Jesus. Let’s decide to allow Jesus to become our best friend forever. Jesus is a friend who sticks by closer than a brother. He wants us to believe him and to walk beside him. Just as with any friendship, time must be spent to build an intimate relationship. We make time to go to lunch, coffee, or shopping with our girlfriends. Do we make time for Jesus in our day-to-day life? Or is He just a friend on Sunday mornings when we attend church? 

Let’s decide today to concentrate on our relationship with Jesus. Let’s make time to spend with Him on a one-to-one basis. Grab a cup of coffee and have your devotional in a quiet place. Make time to develop your relationship with Jesus. He’s the best Friend you will ever find.

 Prayer:                                                                                                                                                            

Dear Lord, I want You to be my Best Friend Forever. Remind me each day to spend time with You and to develop my friendship with You. I thank You and praise You, for You are a friend that is closer than a brother. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application steps: 

Read John 15. Pray and listen for what Jesus would say to you throughout the verses. Determine to memorize one verse that will aid you in developing a deeper friendship with the Lord Jesus. 

Reflections: 

How am I developing my friendship with Jesus?

Do I consider Jesus as my best friend? Why or why not?

Power verses:

John 15:13-15, “And here is how to measure it—the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends. You are my friends if you obey me. I no longer call you servants, because a master doesn't confide in his servants. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.” (NLT) 

Mark 6:31, “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (NIV) 

Matthew 11:28-29, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (NIV) 

© 2008 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.