A Look at the Book #417

A Look at the Book #417


by Jesse Abel

Daily Devotional – A Look at the Book #417

A Though for today by Papa “J”

Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. Words that have no meaning to the natural mind, and very little meaning to those who claim to have the mind of Christ! 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

MORE THOUGHTS

In an email someone said to me that they could go emotional at the drop of a hat. The statement was provided because of Devotional #415. Most of the things that were referenced by her as causing and emotional moment are the very same things that bring me to tears too. Like this one friend and sister in the LORD we have learned that God has given us understanding that we are wired to respond properly to emotional moments, thus it is not weird to cry when a hat falls to the floor, especially if someone’s head is still in the hat! Yet, there are those folks who are affected by the same things that; while melting us to tears have turned others inward and critical. Here is the point! Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 explains to us that there is a time for every purpose under the sun. Each purpose causes an emotional response. Emotions actually become sinful when the wrong emotion is applied to a purpose; i.e. when something that calls for weeping is responded to by bitterness. Or when there is a time of healing with comforting words and the response from a loved one are words that kill. James 3:1-12, explains the battle that rages between the heart and soul is mainly expressed through the mouth. Notice that James does not stop with these exhortations, he goes on to say that this wisdom is demonic, self-seeking and full of envy. (Improper use of emotion) But the wisdom that God provides is full of mercy and good spiritual fruit. If we fail to understand this, we will always reap in return what we sow in self seeking despair. This is a viscous cycle that cannot be broken if a person does not understand works that are expressed by Biblical Faith.

Luke 10:38-42

Can you not feel the emotional moment in these passages? Martha is so concerned for the evening meal and moment that she is overtaken with emotion, but uses sinful emotion to attract attention to her self-seeking outcome. Mary on the other hand is quietly enjoying the joys of being in the presence of God’s Son (whether she fully understands this or not) Mary is savoring the emotional moment and is at peace with herself.

Notice too, that even Jesus expresses emotion. “Martha, Martha” This is not a ho-hum expression and He says to Martha that Mary has chosen her emotional moment to be a good moment, while you Martha have a need to recover your moment in order that the time remaining can be rewarded.

We really should listen to the Words of the LORD; since many hats that have fallen to the ground around us, only to be trampled underfoot by those who quench their emotions because a heart of pride and self seeking has prevented them from a healthy compassionate cry!