JoJo 22.1; JoJo Goes to Church

 Reverend Moody was in a good one today--mood, that is! As a matter of fact, he was ALWAYS in a good mood!
I overheard him tell my dad that the verse, Philippians 4:6 should not be ignored. I can remember Dan struggling, "Pastor, I don't remember that verse. Sorry."
Rev Moody chuckled, "I don't have the entire Bible memorized either, Dan! The Bible states:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God." (NASB)
Dan replied, "That's hard to do Reverend Moody!"
Rev said, "Dan, that is why we need a Savior! Praise God for Jesus Christ! He knows our struggles. We need to ask Him for help."
Dan was appreciative. "I think I understand, Reverend."
To be honest, Dan understood, but he is a worry-wart. He prays extra hard for help on not being anxious!

Today's sermon was about listening. Reverend Moody always used his Outside Voice whether he was involved in a conversation, praying, or preaching. JoJo had NEVER fallen asleep during one of his sermons! Today, the sermon topic was: LISTENING. The Bible Text used by Rev. Moody was James 1:19; This you know my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. (NASB)

Friends, take your fingers and touch your ears. Hold up that number of fingers. All of you are showing 2 fingers, except Mr. Thompson. Thank you for your service for our country, Mr. Thompson. (Mr. Thompson was a sergeant in WWII. He had his left ear blown off by a grenade.)
Now, put your finger on your mouth. Hold up that number of fingers. Everybody is holding up 1. This means God designed us to listen twice as much as we talk! 

In the coming days, let it be your practice to listen, first. Ask questions. By all means talk at the appropriate time. We need to praise our God and exhort our fellow man. But, do not speak just to hear your own voice. Ahem, even preachers! (This was the only part of the sermon in which you could hear 'Amen.')

The final part of this verse, commands us to be slow to anger. For some of us, this is a more difficult commandment than others. However, all of us are tempted to get angry from time to time. Some of us have made it a habit to get angry. If that is you, my friend, guess what?! Nobody wants to be around you! What's more--I don't want them around you! Why preacher--you may ask. Because I do NOT want you to rub off on them! There is no set answer to controlling your temper, but I will suggest a few possible aids. 
1. When tempted to become angry, count to ten.
2. When tempted to become angry, take several deep breaths.
3. When tempted to become angry, ask yourself, 'Is this really worth it?'
4. When tempted to become angry, choose to laugh out loud. Ha! It may work....
5. When tempted to become angry---this is the most important option---PRAY.

Folks, the message is clear. However, the carrying out the message is a challenge. Let us encourage one another:
BE QUICK TO HEAR
SLOW TO SPEAK 
SLOW TO ANGER

Amen.