Tough talk with God (Jeremiah 15)

Was reading Revelation 13, Beast conquers the world, another beast forces blasphemous worship, that show how following Jesus looks completely opposite of following the beast. Rev 13:10 is linked to Jer 15:2, so reading Jeremiah 15 in the message version I saw this interesting conversation with Jeremiah and God
...But why, why this chronic pain,
    this ever-worsening wound and no healing in sight?
You’re nothing, God, but a mirage,
    a lovely oasis in the distance—and then nothing!

19-21 This is how God answered me:

“Take back those words, and I’ll take you back.
    Then you’ll stand tall before me.
Use words truly and well. Don’t stoop to cheap whining.
    Then, but only then, you’ll speak for me.
Let your words change them.
    Don’t change your words to suit them.

Cool how God can handle our hurts and grief, but doesn't leave it at that. Praise God for a good word to help us through the tough times. 

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Big Questions unveils beliefs and helps us build relationships and understanding

Four big questions everyone comes up against in life. Where did I come from, how should I live, what's the meaning of life, what happens when I die. These center around origins, morality, meaning, and destiny. Achieving success can bring us here or surviving with a sense of failure. We ask these questions when a loved one dies or we're trying to have a baby. The struggle around these questions creates tension in our relationship all around us. Having an honest dialog in a workshop style setting will help you clarify your beliefs and see why Christians believe the way they do.

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Hatred stirs up strife, but love coves all sins (Proverbs 10:12)

One of my life verses is 1 Peter 4:7-11, which says the end of all things is near, therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If someone speaks he should speak the very words of God.  If someone serves he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

in other words
1. Be present, be prayerful
2. Love to prevent sin (Romans 12:17-21, Proverbs 25:21-22, Exodus 23:4, Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:26)
3. Offer hospitality, not hostility (Luke 10:25-37)
4. Use talents received, God's grace (Matthew 25:14-30)
5. Speak God's word
6. Serve with God provided strength
7. God's glory and praise forever

Hatred's dark side
See children of God versus children of the evil one (1 John 3:10-15)
From the evil one

Hatred's disguise, flattery, lies, but in the heart is cursing (Proverbs 26:24-26;10:18)

Stirs up strife (Proverbs 26:20-21), what is merciless to others will come back on you (Proverbs 26:27,24-28)

Hatred is manifested as

• Envy and Jealousy
• Lying
• Retaliation

Thanks to Rob Harbison for sharing this excellent study on Proverbs

http://www.padfield.com/acrobat/harbison/proverbs-rh.pdf

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Inner Strength: Slow to anger and rule your spirit (Proverbs 16:32)

Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,

    and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. - Proverbs 16:32

Anger is not always bad, it can motivate us to positive action

• Slow to anger is having good sense, shows understanding and discretion. (Proverbs 14:29; 16:32; 19:11; 29:11)
• Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. (Eph 4:26-27)

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