California April 2009

California April 2009

Catalyst West Coast 2009

Continuation of notes from Catalyst West Coast speakers -

Nick Vujicic 

"I would be dishonoring God, if I didn't believe I could change the world" (a quote from someone else I didn't write down.)

Erwin McManus

The world needs us live our most heroic life.

Allow people the space to dream dreams and then help them fulfill that dream. We need to call out the vision in each person.

Rick Warren

The simpler I get the more God uses me.

Never compare yourself; learn from everybody.

Jud Wilhite

Like Hollywood; in the ministry thre is no "there" there. You never, "arrive".

Get more concerned about helping others.

Francis Chan

Do you hear your name more than the Holy Spirit's name in your church.

Pray for boldness

Catalyst West Coast 2009

Continuation of notes from Catalyst West Coast speakers -

Nick Vujicic 

"I would be dishonoring God, if I didn't believe I could change the world" (a quote from someone else I didn't write down.)

Erwin McManus

The world needs us live our most heroic life.

Allow people the space to dream dreams and then help them fulfill that dream. We need to call out the vision in each person.

Rick Warren

The simpler I get the more God uses me.

Never compare yourself; learn from everybody.

Jud Wilhite

Like Hollywood; in the ministry thre is no "there" there. You never, "arrive".

Get more concerned about helping others.

Francis Chan

Do you hear your name more than the Holy Spirit's name in your church.

Pray for boldness

Joy Ride

It only took six years to get the bus we owned on to the church property from the local school. In honor of how fast our system moves, James & I took a little joy ride. =)

Joy Ride

It only took six years to get the bus we owned on to the church property from the local school. In honor of how fast our system moves, James & I took a little joy ride. =)

Catalyst West Coast 2009

Last week at Catalyst I took copious notes. Here are just a sample of some of the notes that I took:

Andy Stanley: 

The higher you move up in an organization the greater the complexity and uncertainty.

Uncertainty is the arena in which good leadership is identified. 

Be flexible - plans change, vision remains the same. 

"I will always be uncertain, I'm certain of it."

Confidently express uncertainty, but never be unclear.

Guy Kawasaki: 

Make meaning through your organization; end bad things/perpetuate good things.

Don't let Bozos grind you down.

Craig Groeschel:

Lukewarm pastors build lukewarm churches.

We need to be "line 3 believers"; line 1 - 'I believe the gospel enough to benefit from it'. line 2 - 'I believe the gospel enough to contribute comfortably'. line 3 - 'I believe the gospel enough to give my life to it'. 

Ravi Zacharis:

Argument - "Atheists can be good" Nobody questions that. What is the basis of goodness? Where does goodness come from.

Brian Houston:

I'd rather be a church builder than a church critic.

to be continued...

Catalyst West Coast 2009

Last week at Catalyst I took copious notes. Here are just a sample of some of the notes that I took:

Andy Stanley: 

The higher you move up in an organization the greater the complexity and uncertainty.

Uncertainty is the arena in which good leadership is identified. 

Be flexible - plans change, vision remains the same. 

"I will always be uncertain, I'm certain of it."

Confidently express uncertainty, but never be unclear.

Guy Kawasaki: 

Make meaning through your organization; end bad things/perpetuate good things.

Don't let Bozos grind you down.

Craig Groeschel:

Lukewarm pastors build lukewarm churches.

We need to be "line 3 believers"; line 1 - 'I believe the gospel enough to benefit from it'. line 2 - 'I believe the gospel enough to contribute comfortably'. line 3 - 'I believe the gospel enough to give my life to it'. 

Ravi Zacharis:

Argument - "Atheists can be good" Nobody questions that. What is the basis of goodness? Where does goodness come from.

Brian Houston:

I'd rather be a church builder than a church critic.

to be continued...

California Vacation

Shelby acting wild at Rainforest Cafe - Irvine, CA.

California Vacation

Shelby acting wild at Rainforest Cafe - Irvine, CA.

What Gives You Hope?

This afternoon I'm recalling a conversation that I had with a teenager on my trip to Northern Ireland last month. We were sitting around a table and I asked this young Irishman, "So, what gives you hope for the future?" I love that question, because it taps into the dreams and the Source Giver of those dreams; he paused, thoughtfully and then said, "Nothing." "You have no hopes or dreams for your future?", I asked. "No... none."

What dreams and hopes do you have for your future?

What Gives You Hope?

This afternoon I'm recalling a conversation that I had with a teenager on my trip to Northern Ireland last month. We were sitting around a table and I asked this young Irishman, "So, what gives you hope for the future?" I love that question, because it taps into the dreams and the Source Giver of those dreams; he paused, thoughtfully and then said, "Nothing." "You have no hopes or dreams for your future?", I asked. "No... none."

What dreams and hopes do you have for your future?

Catalyst West Coast 2009

So here's the deal, the night before Catalyst launched there was a little "before party" for all the attendees of the conference, hosted by Carlos Whittaker. At the end of the party there was a "dance off" for a brand new Flip Camera. Three were chosen from the crowd and Pastor Pink made sure that I was one of the three. I hate to brag... but here's Carlos with the winner of a brand new Flip Camera!

If I'm in the right mood, you ask nicely, and the beat is right, I would be happy to show you my patented "elbow dance". =)

Catalyst West Coast 2009

So here's the deal, the night before Catalyst launched there was a little "before party" for all the attendees of the conference, hosted by Carlos Whittaker. At the end of the party there was a "dance off" for a brand new Flip Camera. Three were chosen from the crowd and Pastor Pink made sure that I was one of the three. I hate to brag... but here's Carlos with the winner of a brand new Flip Camera!

If I'm in the right mood, you ask nicely, and the beat is right, I would be happy to show you my patented "elbow dance". =)

Catalyst West Coast 2009

One of the many beaches we saw on our vacation/conference trip to California...

Catalyst West Coast 2009

One of the many beaches we saw on our vacation/conference trip to California...

Where's Kris?

This is where I am at April 22-24. If you are interested in stalking me you can check out my Twitter page. 

Where's Kris?

This is where I am at April 22-24. If you are interested in stalking me you can check out my Twitter page. 

Trip To Cali

Hello California Sunshine.

Trip To Cali

Hello California Sunshine.

Trip To Cali

Hello In-N -Out Burger.

Trip To Cali

Hello In-N -Out Burger.

Until Further Notice

I will be shutting down the comments until I return from our vacation & conference. I don't have access to a computer to monitor the blog and will continue to have posts scheduled over the next few days. Comments will return when I do. Meanwhile I will enjoy the sunny weather here in California.

Until Further Notice

I will be shutting down the comments until I return from our vacation & conference. I don't have access to a computer to monitor the blog and will continue to have posts scheduled over the next few days. Comments will return when I do. Meanwhile I will enjoy the sunny weather here in California.

Trip To Cali

Hello Sea World.

Trip To Cali

Hello Sea World.

It' Saturday evening and we are eating at California Pizza Kitchen in Irvine while looking out the window at the hills as the sun sets. ahhhh California!

It' Saturday evening and we are eating at California Pizza Kitchen in Irvine while looking out the window at the hills as the sun sets. ahhhh California!

Trip To Cali

Hello Disneyland.

Trip To Cali

Hello Disneyland.

Trip To Cali

Hello San Diego Zoo.

Trip To Cali

Hello San Diego Zoo.

This afternoon we enjoyed soaking up the sun @ Sea Port Village in San Diego, flying kites, watching naval ships and sail boats float by. ahhhhh =)

This afternoon we enjoyed soaking up the sun @ Sea Port Village in San Diego, flying kites, watching naval ships and sail boats float by. ahhhhh =)

Trip To Cali

Hello Pacific Ocean!

Trip To Cali

Hello Pacific Ocean!

We're enjoying ourselves here in So. Cali. Got to hang out yesterday @ Pastor Pink's old work place - "Round Table Pizza" w/ some friends.

We're enjoying ourselves here in So. Cali. Got to hang out yesterday @ Pastor Pink's old work place - "Round Table Pizza" w/ some friends.

Trip To Cali

Hello San Diego!

I've never been to California before today.

Trip To Cali

Hello San Diego!

I've never been to California before today.

Here We Come Cali

Tomorrow morning the Sorensen's and Pinkerton's are taking off for California for some R&R and to attend the Catalyst West Coast Conference. I first blogged about this conference back in December. 

I've been looking forward to this trip for some time now... nearly 30 years. I've always wanted to go to California but have never been there. Our first stop will be San Diego for a few days and then up to the Irvine area for the conference.

I will be posting occasional updates via my cell phone over the coming week.

Here We Come Cali

Tomorrow morning the Sorensen's and Pinkerton's are taking off for California for some R&R and to attend the Catalyst West Coast Conference. I first blogged about this conference back in December. 

I've been looking forward to this trip for some time now... nearly 30 years. I've always wanted to go to California but have never been there. Our first stop will be San Diego for a few days and then up to the Irvine area for the conference.

I will be posting occasional updates via my cell phone over the coming week.

Random Moments

Random Moments

Jumbled Easter Thoughts

• I loved how full the church was today in our 10:45 service. 
  
• Pastor Pink, the worship team, media team, and every other volunteer did a great job of ministering today.
  
• I'm going to miss using our cell phones to respond to surveys and text in questions
  
• Remember the year I preached on "hell" on Easter Sunday. Good times.
  
• I've got enough peeps in my cupboard to choke a goat.
  
• I'm so glad that God allows me the privilege of preaching every week.
  
• Some Easter bunnies are just scary!
  
• God is doing some amazing things in the lives of some folks in our church. I can't share all the details YET but be prepared to praise God for His movement among us.
  
• I had three couples approach me today about upcoming marriages. Spring is in the air.
  
• I sure am thankful that Jesus rose from the dead. Romans 8:11 is just one reason why... "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you."
  

Jumbled Easter Thoughts

• I loved how full the church was today in our 10:45 service. 
  
• Pastor Pink, the worship team, media team, and every other volunteer did a great job of ministering today.
  
• I'm going to miss using our cell phones to respond to surveys and text in questions
  
• Remember the year I preached on "hell" on Easter Sunday. Good times.
  
• I've got enough peeps in my cupboard to choke a goat.
  
• I'm so glad that God allows me the privilege of preaching every week.
  
• Some Easter bunnies are just scary!
  
• God is doing some amazing things in the lives of some folks in our church. I can't share all the details YET but be prepared to praise God for His movement among us.
  
• I had three couples approach me today about upcoming marriages. Spring is in the air.
  
• I sure am thankful that Jesus rose from the dead. Romans 8:11 is just one reason why... "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you."
  

Early Easter Blessing

Today I've been spending most of the day preparing for our Easter services. In the middle of working on the sermon I got a phone call from a mother saying that her son, that I've never spoken to before, would like to come in and see the pastor. 

This mom has been praying for years that her 20 year old son would give his life to Christ and walk a different path than the one he had been on. I'm pleased to say that after years of prayers and tears for her son, that this afternoon in my office, he gave his life to Christ!

I always get so excited when the Lord allows me to witness the miracle of a new birth into the Kingdom. Bring on Easter Sunday!!!!

Early Easter Blessing

Today I've been spending most of the day preparing for our Easter services. In the middle of working on the sermon I got a phone call from a mother saying that her son, that I've never spoken to before, would like to come in and see the pastor. 

This mom has been praying for years that her 20 year old son would give his life to Christ and walk a different path than the one he had been on. I'm pleased to say that after years of prayers and tears for her son, that this afternoon in my office, he gave his life to Christ!

I always get so excited when the Lord allows me to witness the miracle of a new birth into the Kingdom. Bring on Easter Sunday!!!!

Good Fry Day

We had an interesting Good Friday. We began by taking Shelby to Old Navy for a little Easter party...

I picked up some new clothes for Easter Sunday. 

We then enjoyed a meal together at Johnny Cariono's where I found a Good Friday fry... 

I thought about taking the miracle fry and placing it on Ebay; but it fell apart... so I ate it. 

Good Fry Day

We had an interesting Good Friday. We began by taking Shelby to Old Navy for a little Easter party...

I picked up some new clothes for Easter Sunday. 

We then enjoyed a meal together at Johnny Cariono's where I found a Good Friday fry... 

I thought about taking the miracle fry and placing it on Ebay; but it fell apart... so I ate it. 

Dark Friday

As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads 40and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!"

In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God.' " In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah."

Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. 

Matthew 27: 32-50; 57-60

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Sunday's Coming!

Dark Friday

As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads 40and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!"

In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God.' " In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah."

Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. 

Matthew 27: 32-50; 57-60

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Sunday's Coming!

Optical Illusion

Optical Illusion

Random Moments

Random Moments

Peep Rainbow

Derek Chafant stopped by the office today with some gifts for me. I think he is trying to bribe me into wearing the bunny slippers on stage Sunday morning. I can't say for sure, but if I can find an outfit that matches the slippers I just may do it.

Peep Rainbow

Derek Chafant stopped by the office today with some gifts for me. I think he is trying to bribe me into wearing the bunny slippers on stage Sunday morning. I can't say for sure, but if I can find an outfit that matches the slippers I just may do it.

Oh Snap!

If you are a man and happen to be a piece of trash, don't watch this video... you will be way too convicted. You've been warned.

"There is a handful of good men that are tired of picking up your mess. So you step up, you shut up, and you man up..." Mark Driscoll minute 69ish

Oh Snap!

If you are a man and happen to be a piece of trash, don't watch this video... you will be way too convicted. You've been warned.

"There is a handful of good men that are tired of picking up your mess. So you step up, you shut up, and you man up..." Mark Driscoll minute 69ish

It's Coming

Easter is just around the corner... you know you can't wait.

It's Coming

Easter is just around the corner... you know you can't wait.

Back To Basics

I’ve heard that the great football coach Vince Lombardi began every new season with a lecture to both the veterans and the rookies on the basics of football. He would hold up a football and say, "This is a football." He talked about its size and shape, how it can be kicked, carried, or passed. He did that even after the Green Bay Packers won the first two Super Bowls ever played. 

Just as Lombardi would take his players back to basics, sometimes we need to do that with the Bible. This morning at church we covered some of the basics about the Bible and how to study it. The problem in our culture today is not access to the Bible it is engagement with the Bible. My challenge to our church is to develop the habit of engaging the Bible daily.

Here are some links to help you in the process of studying the Bible…

Crosswalk.com

Biblegateway.com

Bible.Christianity.com

Biblemaster.com

Back To Basics

I’ve heard that the great football coach Vince Lombardi began every new season with a lecture to both the veterans and the rookies on the basics of football. He would hold up a football and say, "This is a football." He talked about its size and shape, how it can be kicked, carried, or passed. He did that even after the Green Bay Packers won the first two Super Bowls ever played. 

Just as Lombardi would take his players back to basics, sometimes we need to do that with the Bible. This morning at church we covered some of the basics about the Bible and how to study it. The problem in our culture today is not access to the Bible it is engagement with the Bible. My challenge to our church is to develop the habit of engaging the Bible daily.

Here are some links to help you in the process of studying the Bible…

Crosswalk.com

Biblegateway.com

Bible.Christianity.com

Biblemaster.com

Iowa Legalizes Gay Marriage

Iowa has legalized gay marriage.  It's a sad day when the government takes a moral wrong and considers it a legal right. 1 Corinthians 6:9, Romans 1:26-27, Jude 7. 

I'm not sure where you stand on the issue of gay marriage. Obviously, I'm opposed to it. I wanted to see what others around the country were saying so I did a little Twitter Search using the key term "Iowa". After reading 15 pages of "way to go Iowa!" I quit reading. 

The voices that speak out about immorality continue to get more and more silent. I suppose it's because we get tired of being called "mean, hateful, fearful, narrow-minded bigots". I reject those labels. My simple statement is that, according to the Bible, the act of homosexuality is a sin. It is one sin among many mentioned in the Bible. And to legalize it, condone it, protect it, is a shame. Shame on you Iowa Supreme Court. 

Below are some quotes from the Des Moines Register...

"A Des Moines Register poll in 2008 of Iowa lawmakers showed that a majority of Iowa’s lawmakers —123 of 150 — said they believed marriage should only be between a man and a woman. It was unclear whether those lawmakers had enough votes to pass a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage.

Iowans have mixed feelings on the issue

An Iowa Poll in February 2008 showed that most Iowans believed marriage should be only between one man and one woman. However, the poll also showed that a majority of Iowa adults supported the creation of civil unions that would grant benefits to gay couples similar to those offered to heterosexuals in marriage.

In the poll, 62 percent of Iowans said they believed marriage should be only between a man and a woman. Thirty-two percent said they believed same-sex marriages should be allowed, while 6 percent were unsure."

Another very good post on this issue can be found HERE.

I have turned off the comments on this post. I'm not interested in having people start a debate using this blog; and I don't feel like playing referee. If you feel passionately about this issue and just have to be heard put it on your own blog.

Iowa Legalizes Gay Marriage

Iowa has legalized gay marriage.  It's a sad day when the government takes a moral wrong and considers it a legal right. 1 Corinthians 6:9, Romans 1:26-27, Jude 7. 

I'm not sure where you stand on the issue of gay marriage. Obviously, I'm opposed to it. I wanted to see what others around the country were saying so I did a little Twitter Search using the key term "Iowa". After reading 15 pages of "way to go Iowa!" I quit reading. 

The voices that speak out about immorality continue to get more and more silent. I suppose it's because we get tired of being called "mean, hateful, fearful, narrow-minded bigots". I reject those labels. My simple statement is that, according to the Bible, the act of homosexuality is a sin. It is one sin among many mentioned in the Bible. And to legalize it, condone it, protect it, is a shame. Shame on you Iowa Supreme Court. 

Below are some quotes from the Des Moines Register...

"A Des Moines Register poll in 2008 of Iowa lawmakers showed that a majority of Iowa’s lawmakers —123 of 150 — said they believed marriage should only be between a man and a woman. It was unclear whether those lawmakers had enough votes to pass a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage.

Iowans have mixed feelings on the issue

An Iowa Poll in February 2008 showed that most Iowans believed marriage should be only between one man and one woman. However, the poll also showed that a majority of Iowa adults supported the creation of civil unions that would grant benefits to gay couples similar to those offered to heterosexuals in marriage.

In the poll, 62 percent of Iowans said they believed marriage should be only between a man and a woman. Thirty-two percent said they believed same-sex marriages should be allowed, while 6 percent were unsure."

Another very good post on this issue can be found HERE.

I have turned off the comments on this post. I'm not interested in having people start a debate using this blog; and I don't feel like playing referee. If you feel passionately about this issue and just have to be heard put it on your own blog.

Giving My Best

This week has suddenly picked up some speed as I learned Thursday afternoon that I will be conducting a funeral service on Saturday. I already felt behind in sermon preparation for this Sunday, so the added message puts me back even further. Add to that an unusual increase of conversations occurring by phone, office visits, email, and texting. Usually I would take today, even though it is my day off, and get caught up; however, I promised Tammy and Shelby weeks ago that I would take them to the homeschool convention in Indianapolis today. I will gladly be spending time with my family today, but I wrestle with the stress I feel on the inside.

Over the past 11 years of pastoral ministry weeks like this have occurred and I try to deal with the stress and tension it creates. I've gotten so much better at dealing with this as I let go of the tension and give it to the Lord. My responsibility is to love the Lord with all my heart, love and lead my family well, and to give my best in my profession. Sometimes my best professionally isn't up to a level that I might like, but if I'm doing the first two things well I know I'm succeeding. 

Giving My Best

This week has suddenly picked up some speed as I learned Thursday afternoon that I will be conducting a funeral service on Saturday. I already felt behind in sermon preparation for this Sunday, so the added message puts me back even further. Add to that an unusual increase of conversations occurring by phone, office visits, email, and texting. Usually I would take today, even though it is my day off, and get caught up; however, I promised Tammy and Shelby weeks ago that I would take them to the homeschool convention in Indianapolis today. I will gladly be spending time with my family today, but I wrestle with the stress I feel on the inside.

Over the past 11 years of pastoral ministry weeks like this have occurred and I try to deal with the stress and tension it creates. I've gotten so much better at dealing with this as I let go of the tension and give it to the Lord. My responsibility is to love the Lord with all my heart, love and lead my family well, and to give my best in my profession. Sometimes my best professionally isn't up to a level that I might like, but if I'm doing the first two things well I know I'm succeeding. 

Anger

I was in Jr. High and my folks were doing an excellent job of raising me, yet I thought they were doing a terrible job. I recall an instance where they told me that I couldn’t continue dating a certain girl and I got angry, I mean I got really mad. I stomped out of the house in the dead of winter, in Iowa, without my coat; I was steaming mad. I got into our white, 1982 Pontiac and I slammed the door shut, I was fuming.  I was so mad I punched the dashboard. I don’t know if you’ve ever struck frozen plastic, but for your information, it cracks. There was a dent in the dashboard the size of my fist. 

I don’t punch things any more but I do wrestle with anger from time to time. 

The truth about anger is that: the direction of our anger has the potential to harm us or heal us. What we do with our anger can cause more harm to us, or perhaps harm to others, or we can allow our anger to move us in the direction of healing. 

There is a healthy way to deal with anger. And all anger is not wrong. Ephesians 4:26, “In your anger do not sin.”

It surprises some people that Jesus got angry, note Mark 3:5,6 “He (Jesus) looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.”

Notice the Pharisees reaction; they got angry and the direction of their anger resulted in their desire to harm someone else.

Instead of allowing His anger to cause Him to sin, Jesus’ anger caused Him to do something righteous.  Instead of anger harming Him, very literally the result was healing.

The direction of your anger has the potential to harm you or heal you. If you’ve got an anger that is hurting other people, hurting your relationships or hurting you, you’ve got to drop it.  If you are angry at the things that anger the heart of God then you need to do something about it.  

Anger

I was in Jr. High and my folks were doing an excellent job of raising me, yet I thought they were doing a terrible job. I recall an instance where they told me that I couldn’t continue dating a certain girl and I got angry, I mean I got really mad. I stomped out of the house in the dead of winter, in Iowa, without my coat; I was steaming mad. I got into our white, 1982 Pontiac and I slammed the door shut, I was fuming.  I was so mad I punched the dashboard. I don’t know if you’ve ever struck frozen plastic, but for your information, it cracks. There was a dent in the dashboard the size of my fist. 

I don’t punch things any more but I do wrestle with anger from time to time. 

The truth about anger is that: the direction of our anger has the potential to harm us or heal us. What we do with our anger can cause more harm to us, or perhaps harm to others, or we can allow our anger to move us in the direction of healing. 

There is a healthy way to deal with anger. And all anger is not wrong. Ephesians 4:26, “In your anger do not sin.”

It surprises some people that Jesus got angry, note Mark 3:5,6 “He (Jesus) looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.”

Notice the Pharisees reaction; they got angry and the direction of their anger resulted in their desire to harm someone else.

Instead of allowing His anger to cause Him to sin, Jesus’ anger caused Him to do something righteous.  Instead of anger harming Him, very literally the result was healing.

The direction of your anger has the potential to harm you or heal you. If you’ve got an anger that is hurting other people, hurting your relationships or hurting you, you’ve got to drop it.  If you are angry at the things that anger the heart of God then you need to do something about it.