“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27 ESV).

Anger is a natural human response to conflict; it can be difficult to maintain self-control in the heat of the moment. We are to react in a manner that pleases God. When we respond in a way that does not honor God, it permits the devil an opportunity to exploit our emotions and lure us into sin. For this reason, the Apostle Paul urged us to forgive quickly. If we end our day in anger, we dwell on negative feelings unnecessarily. God's word encourages us to recognize that this verse is not a suggestion but a command.

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:10-13 NIV).

Paul understood that it was his genuine faith that established his satisfaction, not his circumstances. Unlike Paul, many of us think that if things go right, we will be fulfilled; however, that is an unrealistic expectation. When we empty ourselves daily and have an eternal perspective, we will grasp this revelation; we will have peace and be complete. Apart from Christ, we can do nothing, but through him, we will have the strength to accomplish everything.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9) (NIV).

Our minds have tremendous power; our thoughts can weigh us down, or they can lift us. Countless ideas enter our minds throughout the day and are influenced by what we watch on watch on TV and social media, what we listen to, where we go, and who we associate ourselves with. As these thoughts enter our minds, we all have a choice to determine which will take root in our hearts. What we allow into our minds will shape our beliefs and actions; therefore, we must focus on God’s sovereignty and love for us. By pursuing a positive, God-honoring mindset, we will experience the promise of God's peace.

Titus 2:3-5 (NLT)

Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.

As women of faith, most of us are familiar with the term “Titus 2 woman.” However, some may not fully comprehend what is meant by a Titus 2 woman. She is a spiritually mature woman who trains younger women in biblical godly living. She is a role spiritual mother that can be emulated.

It is a relational ministry that involves spending time together and assisting her to navigate life while solidifying her relationship with Christ.

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:3-5) (ESV)

How can you be of service to someone without expecting something in return?

Jesus emphasized that the second greatest commandment is “to love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Fulfilling this command requires a humble heart. When we humble ourselves, it enables us to recognize the needs of others more clearly. Jesus was our example of humble servanthood. His life and death on the cross demonstrated a sacrificial selflessness that is difficult for many of us to comprehend. He gave his life so that we could have eternal life.

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God” (Romans 8:26-27).

What do you do when you seek God but are uncertain about what to pray for?

We are never alone; the Holy Spirit aids us in times of distress and uncertainty. He intercedes on our behalf according to God’s will and meets us in our vulnerability. Furthermore, he prays for precise life situations to magnify and glorify our Father in Heaven. We can trust Him and rest assured that He will guide and lead us throughout our lifetime.

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:13-14).

How has the Lord fought on your behalf?

One of the privileges of being a believer is that we have Almighty God on our side. We don't have to walk this earth alone and rely on our own strength. We must submit to a position of faith and rely on His power and timing. He will fight our battles.

“Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised”( Job 1:21).

How do you respond when tragedy occurs in your life?

God allows suffering in our lives; none of us are exempt. Our experiences on this Earth prepare us for our eternal destination, Heaven. Believers can be refreshed by the fact that this is not our permanent home. The suffering we endure now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later (Romans 8:18). If you are in Christ, that is enough to be fortified and hopeful.

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity(Psalm 133:1).

How can you cultivate a spirit of unity with your brothers and sisters in Christ?

Unity occurs when we agree to go in the same direction with the same agenda and goals. Doing so will require us to be humble and put aside our selfish desires for the benefit of others. As members of the Body of Christ, we must examine what best promotes the whole body instead of ourselves.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24).

In what ways can you be a godly example in the workplace?

We are encouraged to give our greatest effort and potential, despite the task, to all our endeavors. We are to set an example for everyone around us so that we can positively impact non-believers.

“Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew, and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times… Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown” (Mark 4:8, 20).

What kind of fruit are you bearing?

The good soil represents a receptive heart that desires to grasp God's promises and carry out his word. The person whose heart is like good soil has decided not to be foolish. Instead, they sincerely accept the truth of God’s word and value its transforming power.

Mark 4:7, 18-19

Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain… Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires of other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.

What is choking out the word of God in your life?

We can’t cultivate a relationship with God if we are too busy entertaining and satisfying our flesh. The things of the world are temporary and will fade away, but the word of God is eternal and has the power to transform our lives.

Mark 4:5-6, 16-17

What “rocks” are preventing your faith from flourishing?

The rocky soil represents the heart of a person who hears the word, receives it with joy, yet has no secure root to grow and blossom. The word is forgotten when affliction or conflict arises in the life of the individual. This person only seeks the benefits that they can acquire from Jesus, but beneath the surface, their heart is unyielding with rebellion and resistance to the word of God.

“Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up”…”The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. (Mark 4:3-4,14-15).

How do you react to God’s word?

Mark 4:1-20

Which of the four soils describes you?

The wayside soil, the rocky soil, the thorny soil, or the good soil.

In this parable, Jesus explained to his disciples that the “seed” represents the word of God, and the “Sower” represents the believing evangelist sharing the gospel message. The “soils” are the types of people receiving the gospel message and the condition of their hearts.

Each soil represents a person’s spiritual state or readiness to receive the good news of Jesus Christ. We are all given an opportunity to hear the gospel of Jesus, and we have a choice of how to react to what we hear.

Where can you get living water? Jesus explains where it comes from to a Samaritan woman living on the fringes of society. Her encounter is found in John 4:7-14.

What does it mean to “thirst for living water?”

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help, in trouble”(Psalm 46:1).

Who or what do you resort to in times of distress?

Undoubtedly, we will encounter troubled times in our lives, but God declares that He will be our refuge and strength. The word refuge is a hiding place, shelter, or protection from danger. When we align ourselves with God’s will, He will protect and strengthen us.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death (James 1:13-15).

Why are we inclined to blame God for our sinful nature?

We must take accountability for pursuing immoral desires. Ask God for wisdom and be prepared so you can defeat it.

“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them” (John 13:12-17).

What does the phrase, “the first will be last and the last will be first” mean to you?

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:13-16).

How do you respond to God’s word that says you are, “fearfully and wonderfully made?”

This verse is a beautiful reminder that our heavenly Father created every part of our being with purpose and intention. He made us each unique to carry out his plan; every person is a masterpiece of God.