On February 23, 2020, Chitetsu Watanabe did in Nigate, Japan as the oldest man on Earth. Mr. Watanabe was ten days short of being 113 years old. He was born on March 5, 1907.
After the Guinness World Records recognized him as the World’s Oldest Living Man, Mr. Watanabe become known for his response to the question regarding the secret to longevity. His answer was, “…not to get angry and keep a smile on your face.” 1
The Bible speaks to removing anger and not focusing on anger. Consider these passages,
“Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.” (Psalms 37:8)
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20)
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” (Ephesians 4:31)
For Christians, anger can be a fire which consumes our thoughts and our soul. Focusing on anger causes individuals to lose their focus on God and His ability to take care of His people. (Romans 8)
When you get angry, where do your thoughts go? God wants to hear from His people. He wants us to share our thoughts with Him. He cares for us and wants us to go to Him. (1 Peter 5.7)
When you get angry, do you remember that God is in control?
Take time to consider why you get angry and remember that God is in control. Since God is always in control, we can smile. We know he cares for us. Remember Psalm 55.22.
On November 22, 1986, Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight boxing champion of all time. His fame ultimately deteriorated to infamy, which makes one of his most famous quotes so poignant because it’s autobiographical. He said, and it’s often been repeated with variance, “Everybody has a plan until they get hit.” The year 2020 began with a lot of plans until we got hit. (1)
2020 has been a tough year for many. Each one has felt the effects of this traumatic time. However, as we enter August, what does it mean for Christians?
The words of Jesus from Matthew 6.34 come to mind every week, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
While each of us know these words, in times like the current, these words might be hard to comprehend. It is important that we remember Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13.8). He has sat down at the right hand (Hebrews 12.2) has not left us to fend for our own, but made a way for us to access the Father (1 Timothy 2.5).
God wants to hear from you, and we need to communicate with Him (Luke 18.1). Even when we do not know what to say (maybe in a time like this) His spirit intercedes for us with groanings too strong for words (Romans 8.26).
While we may have had a plan for 2020, our plans probably changed. Remember, just because our plans may have changed, our citizenship in Heaven should have not changed (Philippians 3.20).
Let each of us talk to our Father and approach Him knowing that His Son has made a way for us. May we be blessed.
If you have grown up in any religious group, you have heard about the Pharisees.
In fact, I bet whenever you read the Bible and you see the word Pharisee you take a deep breathe.
The Pharisees were a very strict group of law holders who followed Jesus to test, trap and maybe learn from Him. The first two seem to task priority over the learning, but they still followed Him at various times in Jesus’ ministry.
Sunday morning, the lesson discussed a common passage familiar too many. The Pharisees encounter Jesus after he performs some healings. The Pharisees and scribes make an issue of The disciples not washing their hands to the tradition of teh elders.
The Pharisees were known to elevate the teachings of their traditions over the commands of God. As Jesus answers their question, He adds to the discussion and questions their teachings.
Today, Christians need to consider this encounter Jesus has with the Pharisees and look at our beliefs.
Have Christians elevated their traditions over the commands of God?
Have Christians today used their traditions as a basis to forget the teachings of Jesus?
It is definitely something to consider today.
Here is Sunday Morning’s Lesson powerpoint:
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My desk is the kitchen table. The only sounds are the ticking of the two clocks on opposite sides of the room.
My family sleeps soundly in their beds. They have been a sleep a few hours now.
Outside, it is quiet too. I can hear the occasional passing car only between the ticks of the clocks.
Tonight, I wonder.
I wonder about the future. The future of a nation, our friendship, our families, the economy and the church.
Foremost, I said “wonder” not “worry.” There is a difference.
Wonder is where your minds travels to heights and places unknown. It takes glimpse beyond the present condition and finds itself in the world of imagination.
I wonder.
Have you ever wondered?
Tonight, I wonder about one thing, the future. Tomorrow, it will be something else.
Let me tell you why…
Several years ago, a man made a choice. He had the world at his feet, but he still made a choice. He could have done nothing, but he made a sound choice.
His choice would lead him through a world of pain, turmoil, travels, a major life change, and much loss.
It does not sound like a choice many of us would make, but he made it. The story is he made it pretty quickly.
Why did he make the choice that would change the direction of his life so quickly?
Why didn’t he just do nothing and enjoy his life of luxury?
The reason…
…He knew where he came from.
While he might have been enjoying the greatness of an exceptional physical life, he needed more. He knew more.
He had been taught from a young age where his family had lived. He knew of their heritage, their trials, their good times and their bad times. He knew their legacy.
He knew where he wanted to go and who he wanted to be near. He knew the right choice and he made it.
In taking the actions of his decision, he had to leave where he was living, leave his belongings and find a new home in a distant land.
I would imagine he did not understand where he would go, but he had to go. He had to escape. He must.
Years later, this man would reflect on his heritage. He would hear of his legacy. He would understand. It was his turn to bring it all to the right way again.
It was he that would change the course of his people’s history… with a little help.
Today, I write to you as one concerned with our nation, this turmoil and your life. To each one, take these words from a sincere heart and saddened eyes.
Today, I weep for our future. For 243 years, our country has seen fit to persevere through the difficult times and rejoice in the good. The rollercoaster ride of a fresh country has been seen by the world around us for each of those 243 years.
Today, our nation is in turmoil. Our nation has seen major cities turned into a looting free for all in the name of something which many will understand. Justice is not found in rioting, stealing and destroying; justice is found in truth.
Today, I weep for the Floyd family. They never thought a day like this would come. However, the only memory many will have of their family name is burning cities, riots and looting. I pray for their peace and comfort.
Today, I pray for the officers. Whether they knew what they were doing or not is not the discussion. The discussion is in ruined lives and a destroyed legacy for their families.
Today, I question the Christians who equate the riots with Jesus turning over the tables in the Temple. Jesus provided righteous judgement. He did not turn over the tables and steal their stuff. He removed the evil. The looters of today stole, destroyed and killed. To equate the two shows your ignorance.
Today, I wonder about the families of the looters who have children. You taught your children that stealing is fine. Shame on you. You taught them that rioting and destroying property is fine. Shame on you. “Vengeance is mine” saith the Lord.
Today, I consider all those who support the riots and the destruction who are my friends. Have you not heard of the Golden Rule? Have you not read the Good Book? Are you letting race, money and emotions cloud your view of eternity?
Today, I am disappointed in many. I have never unfriended and unfollowed so many. Some of you reading this are those. Some of you reading this may be some of those shortly, unless your attitude changes. Stop promoting hate and promote excellence.
Today, I am reminding that our saving grace is not a country, a President, a political party or a protest. Our saving grace is the One who provides the grace.
Today, I apologize. For my non-Christian friends who have seen my spiritual brothers and sisters act like spoiled brats and promoting wrong, accept my apologies. I know what you feel like sometimes. Please accept my apologies.
Today, I am sad this tragedy has been made about black vs white. To be clear, the death of George Floyd was wrong. It never should have happened. From all I have read, it was not a racially motivated murder. It was a murder that involved two people of different races. The riots are making this worse. When a business puts up a sign that says, “Black Owned Business” that only shows the problems even more.
Today, I wish people would speak up more about the unborn. Or even people like Tyrone Woods, Glen Doherty, Sean Smith, Christopher Stevens.
Today, I pray. Maybe you should too.
Today, I may lose you as a friend because of what I have written. It is ok. I dislike that, but sometimes it is best to break off an Earthly relationship and look forward to the heavenly one. I do not want to hinder you and I ask that you not hinder me.
Today, I will choose to rejoice in knowing that tomorrow is bright. The coming days are ones of hope, joy and forgiveness. Tomorrow may take a while, but this world is not my life. My life is greater than anything this world can offer.
A new feature on the Preacher’s Pen is a Tuesday “Bible Class for Kids Who Love the Bible.”
These Bible classes are simple and easy for children to follow along. Each whiteboard drawing Bible class is intended for children under the age of 8, but are available to children of all ages.
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