10/28/2008
"HOW TO HANDLE YOUR ANGER"
“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath."
Ephesians 4:26
Anger is a touchy subject. Why? Because like many human emotions like, jealousy for example,
it is a very uncomfortable feeling. It can make us say things we shouldn't, do things we shouldn't and feel
things we shouldn't. But is anger a sin? No.
In fact, anger is an attribute we inherited from our
Father...and I don't mean our dad...I mean our heavenly Father. The Bible is clear that certain things make God
angry.
Jesus also displayed a great deal of anger when He found the money-changers in the Temple. He made
a whip and beat them out of there...as well as overturning their tables. I don't think He was in the best of moods
when all that went down, do you?
Anger is an emotion that is a "reaction" to certain events or words.
When someone says something to us that is painful or untruthful...when we are falsely accused or rumors are spread with malicious
intent...we tend to react to them with anger. This is a natural reaction.
Anger in and of itself is not a
sin. How we react to this emotion will determine whether or not we make it sinful.
When we see people purposely
hurt, we should feel angry about it and we should defend them. When we see blatant wrongs, we should feel angry and
do whatever we can to correct those wrongs. Again, the key is to do so, without sinful behavior.
So what
is the line we cross that turns anger into sin?
To answer that, we must look at what anger serves. Anger
should serve to right a wrong, reveal a truth that has been covered over, or to stand firm against the mean and hateful
actions of others. Anger should not however, enter into the realm of judgement, resentment, bitterness or holding a
grudge.
As humans...and as Children of God, we will get angry. That's a given. It is not only a
human emotion...it is a God-emotion. What is critical is that we keep our anger in the realm of righteousness rather
than allowing it to enter into the human realm of bitterness, grudges and hatefulness.
I have been angry many times,
for various reasons. What I have seen is that...due to the Spirit of Christ living within me...I find that anger leaves
me quickly. I don't let the sun go down on my wrath.
If I'm angry at a person, the least I can
do...if I love them like I should, is to confront them in a loving way...explain my offense and give them a chance at an explanation.
If they offer none...I can at least rest in knowing where they stand.
My precious friends...anger lives within
us like a thermometer. If we allow it to stay above a certain range, we always appear angry and any little thing sets
us off, because we've no room to spare. In these cases, mercy and grace take a backseat to our desire to get even,
which is sinful.
My prayer is that our "anger thermometer" will always run low, so that when we become
offended, we still have a lot of grace and mercy to cover a person's offense.
Anger is a painful emotion and
living under it's power for any length of time is not good for us...and in truth, will make us a sour-puss, alienating
friends and family alike who walk around us on egg-shells afraid of "setting us off."
It's alright
to be angry...just don't let it turn you into something and someone who is unpleasant and someone who lacks an essential
ingredient to Christianity...mercy and grace.
I love you all,
Reydon
11:18 pm cdt
10/26/2008
"ARE YOU GLAD YOU CAME TO CHRIST?"
A few Sunday's ago I asked the congregation a question: "How many of you are glad you
came to Christ?" Almost every hand went up. It was a trick question, but it was meant to reveal a troubling
mindset that many Christians fall into. Let me explain.
The truth is, none of us came to Christ...Christ
came and got us! We were created by Him, Called by Him and we are the "Sheep of His Pasture." As David
said in the Psalms, "You made us, we did not make ourselves."
The point with this issue is not merely
play on words, but it is a very real truth. You see, when we believe we came to Christ, we also believe it is up to
us to "keep up" with that relationship and that the majority of it falls upon us, rather than Him.
This is a dangerous Christian mindset, because when we falsely believe that the weight of our Christian life falls upon
ourselves, we find ourselves quickly feeling defeated for every mistake or failure...and can even percieve that God is angry
or disgusted with us.
Placing our lives safely into the hands of God for your Christianity is the the easiest and
most fruitful form of Christianity, because it is empowered by God, not us.
The Apostled Paul saw this same delimma
in the Church of Galatians, where he condemned them as being fools for "having begun in the power of the Spirit, only
to have replaced that with the fruitless works of their own flesh.
In other words, as long as we have the mindset
that the responsibility of our Christianity lies with us...we faulter. We feel weak, guilty, irresponsible and sometimes,
just down right bad. However, if by faith, we trust in the Son of God to Shepherd us as His people...He will lead us
into green pastures and beside still waters. Where we...in our own power fail often, God in His power is able to "keep
us from falling."
When my children were born, they could not fend for themselves nor take care of themselves.
The responsibility of that care fell upon Sharla and I. We when as Christians are born unto God, He does not simply
leave us to care for ourselves. He is a very protective, loving Father, who is able to take care of us, keep us from
the tricks and traps of Satan, and grow us into wonderful mature Christians who rely upon His power within us, rather than
our own.
In truth...in our own power...we make lousy Christians. Our human weaknesses are too great and our
suseptibility to mistakes and failure are too rampant. Therefore, our only hope is to "Cast all our cares upon
Him, for He cares for us."
My precious friends, we often get into the mindset that we are either a good Christian
(false righteousenss) or a bad one, (works of the flesh, based upon our own attempts to acheive goodness. It is impossible,
due to our weak humanity. Our only hope at acheiving a Christianity and power that is full of peace and joy is to throw
our own abilities aside, and allow the King of Glory to take care of us and lead us through our lives good sheep.
God desires to lead us, but if we take the our own path to successful Christianity, it will only leave us feeling defeated,
aggravated and humiliated. If on the other hand, we realize that He chose us...not the other way around, we can rest
in knowing that "He who began a good work in us with be faithful to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus."
See that? He is faithful and able, we are unfaithful and unable.
In short, cast the responsibility of your
growth and success upon Him and leave your own behind you forever. You've find it to be full of much freedom and
joy, rather than the feelings of despair that we often experience when we fail God by trying to please Him in our own power.
So...as the famous saying goes...Let go and let God.
I love you all,
Reydon Stanford
11:36 pm cdt
10/21/2008
"ELECTION TIME...WHO DO YOU BELIEVE?"
"If you can control minds, you can control people."
I don't know if this
is a famous saying or not, but I can tell you that history has proved it true. Once a message is believed and embraced,
people will follow it with passion. Sadly, history has also proved that messages can be wrong, embracing them can be
deadly and controlling people for personal gain was usually at the heart of the message to begin with.
I remember
so well...as I'm sure many of you do, the O.J. Simpson murder trial. Having a life-long interest in law, I watched
the trial and kept up with the proceedings until the jury returned with it's now-famous verdict.
What amazed
me when talking to others about the trial, was how passionately each person had become once they presumed to know either Simpson's
guilt or his innocence. These presumptions were not usually based upon the evidence, but by how "convincing"
the attorneys were at pleading their case. Realizing that the people I talked to about the trial were
completely convinced by the arguments of the lawyers, rather than the evidence, I soon realized that the jury probably fell
victim to the same thing.
Now, I don't want to second-guess the jury here, but my point is this: Truth
is found in the fruit...the evidence...not the persuasive tactics of skilled attorneys. All manner of lies, deceit and
fraud can be found in arguments...but the evidence, (fruit) never lies.
I said all that to say this: We are
living in a time when the News Media in America works very hard to control the way American's think, by controlling the
arguments we hear...or don't hear. This is a very dangerous road for America to travel, but we are, in fact, on
that road.
We are in the midst of a Presidential campaign that is wrought with all kinds of inuendos, suspect information,
accusations, shadows, fear-mongering, prophecying and the like. We are not encouraged to find the truth...we are encouraged
to believe what the News Media is telling us. Why? Because if they can control our minds...they can control our
votes...thus control the future of our Country. This should frighten every single American, regardless of their political
party or political mindset.
The Free Press in America no longer "reports" the news...they use idealistic
propaganda to sway the minds of American's to their own persuasion in order to fulfill their own agendas. They dismiss
evidence that is unfavorable to their position and they doggedly report on every minute detail of issues that are favorable
to their cause.
The truth however...is much different. The truth is, the government in this Country has been
broken for a long time and no President...no matter how qualified or from which political party is able to fix it. Having
a congress that is neck-deep in special interests and serving multiple terms has lead to entrenched partisanship that cannot
be broken by any President. That is not an opinion...the fruit is plainly on the tree for all to see. The American
government could be running like a fine-tuned business, but instead is like a monster thrashing about in the jungle.
Want proof? We've had a Republican controlled congress with no results...and we've had a Democratic controlled
congress with no results. All we have are continual empty promises and a continual blame game...one accusing the other
of failure. Any company that ran itself like our government would have folded years ago.
The only reason our government can continue on it's present course, is because we as American's are forced to fund
it through taxes. No company has such leverage for continued failure.
It is my honest opinion that the News
Media in America has created a deeply divided Country...much like the lawyers in the O.J. Simpson murder trial created a deeply
divided America. They have done this by presenting their own self-seeking agendas, instead of revealing and reporting
the truth. Their non-truthful or one-sided reporting has hurt America and has left us shouting at one another, a nation
deeply divided. Who pays for this mind controlling tactic? Normal, everyday Americans. Things just keep
getting more confused and painful.
This country needs term limits on all government elected officals.
This prevents deep levels of corruption and age-old bitter rivalries. Until we have term limits, the Presidency is a
severely weakened position. Sad to say, many politicians do more to keep their lucrative job, than in providing real
service to Americans.
This country also needs our multiple News Services to become a source of fact and truth,
rather than a biased monster seeking to control the minds of people for their own agenda. American's need the truth...and
are strong enough to handle it. We don't need highly paid broadcaster's telling us how to vote or how to think.
We don't need Hollywood telling us how to think or what to believe either.
This country needs canidates who
will tell us the truth...not hire slick media advisors to tell us what they want us to know...versus what is true. The
truth will set America free...the course we're on is a very dangerous one. If we need someone to tell us how to
think...we're all in serious trouble.
My precious friends...let's pray that truth will once again become
a way of life in America. That our government and our News Media will become trusted sources of truth, rather than mind-control
experts, bent on shaping our votes and beliefs through their selfish message.
I love you all,
Reydon
6:07 am cdt
10/14/2008
WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT THESE TROUBLES?
This ol' world is in big trouble. If you don't believe me, just watch one of the
major news channels or scan the headlines of newspapers or magazines.
We are about to elect a new President and
in light of the current status of our government, their work will be cut out for them.
We see the economy is great
trouble, the world is at war, Nations are rising against Nations and kingdoms against kingdoms. We hear of genocide,
suicide, murder, kidnapping, piracy, corruption, and all manner of evil.
What are we...as Christians supposed
to do???
Trust...rest...and be full of peace and joy.
But Reydon...are you blind? How can you
tell us to have peace in light of all the tragedies surrounding us? Are you nuts?
Well,
I might be nuts...or as the world says, naive, but that is exactly what the Bible tells us to do. Not only in hard times,
but in good times as well.
In an age were it would be very easy to panic and wonder if we will survive, it's
time for the men and women of God to simply put all the cares of this world where they belong...in the hands of our God, who
has proven Himself faithful to us ever day of our lives.
My prayer is that you'll read the following passage
of scripture and remember that God has been around for much longer than man, and His wisdom, love and care always prevails.
Let's choose to trust...not panic...not worry. God is our God...my friends...we are in good hands.
The
LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside
the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s
sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they
comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence
of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow
me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.
I love you all,
Reydon
5:06 am cdt
10/2/2008
"COULD YOU MAKE SOME TIME FOR ME?"
September has been an incredible month for me. My counseling office has been full of hurting people
seeking answers to their struggles and God has been so faithful in giving so many break-throughs!!!
It truly never
ceases to amaze me at the power of God and His love for hurting and struggling people. I'm so thankful He allows
me to work beside Him in such important, life-changing...and in many cases, eternal issues.
If you're a frequent
visitor to this website, you know that I haven't been as active this month as usual in writing in the journal. I
promise this hasn't been due to a sudden case of laziness or even 'writer's block.' It's absolutely
been a case of being consumed with urgent matters involving hurting people.
I so appreciate my family who loves
me and gives me the freedom to work late hours and even spend much of my time at home on the phone with someone desperate
for help. They know well the sacrifices of ministry...but they also know the benefits. There are times that God
supernaturally steps in to give us the rest we need to get refurbished...and even reaquainted at times.
I want
to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been a supporter of the ministry God has granted to me. I sincerely
thank those of you who contribute to the ministry and allow me to continue to help hurting or struggling people in the Name
of Christ. I just know your rewards will be great...both here and in the next life. In fact, His Word promises
it.
I want to thank the members of Trinity Christian Center Church who so graciously give me the time to meet privately
with those who need special attention and are so gracious in doing so...without complaint. You are my family...and my
hero's. I love you all very dearly and hope the fruit of my life proves that beyond question.
As the
world continues to spiral into chaos, people are looking for answers...and low and behold...the best selling book of all time
still has them...and still works. I see the fruit of it everyday.
Even as I write this entry into
the Pastor's Journal, it is 3:30 a.m. and I've spent over twelve hours counseling, teaching, fellowshipping and loving
God's people. I'm tired...but amazingly...full of energy. God has a way of doing that for us.
Even as I realize how limited I am...and how limited time is...I still receive calls almost daily with someone asking: "Pastor,
could you make some time for me this week?" Although I can't "make time," it seems to always work
out perfectly for me to see them and for God to work His miracles in them.
My precious friends...thank you for
your love and prayers. I'm writing to tell you that God is doing incredible things for people...I see it daily.
I know the love He has for people...the love He has for you. So, if you'll allow me...I'll just remind you for
Him...He loves you...and will make time for you. As one friend of mine once said, "God is not always early...but
He's never late." I agree.
Thanks again,
I love you all,
Reydon
3:36 am cdt
