Did you know that no one can argue with you unless you gave them PERMISSION to do so?

How about that for some accountability.

Check this out.

The devil can’t do anything without permission.
He couldn’t do nothing to JOB without permission.
He had no authority on this earth – Adam did.

The authority Satan had for a short while was stolen authority. Stolen when Adam and Eve listened and touched something they had no business touching – the fruit of a forbidden tree.

Whose voice are YOU listening to?

And…

How are you responding to what you are hearing?

Growing up …
In the 1970s, 80s, 90, and in the millennium
I’ve heard people say
“I ain’t no punk”

As a response to being BAITED into an argument.

The world has falsely been teaching men and women alike that to not respond to someone else’s attempts to argue is weakness.

On the other hand…
The truth of the matter is

To not respond to someone else’s baited attempts at arguing is strength.

It takes strength to hold your own attitude and temper in check.

It takes strength to keep your tongue.

Listen to what God’s word says

Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. – Proverbs 29:11 NIV

I shared a lot from proverbs but there is also Titus 3:9; 2 Timothy 2:23,24; Romans 14:1; Romans 12:19 and more in reference to what it looks like to control our temper or not control our tempers.

The truth of the matter is that those who don’t control their tempers are not in control of themselves and can easily be manipulated into situations that bring harm not just to others but also to themselves.

Many times when people find themselves in these predicaments, they like to blame the other party.

But I can’t help but to hear God say…

But what did I tell you to do.

GOD: Adam did you eat from the tree I told you not to eat from.

Adam: the woman you gave me.

Me (sitting in the peanut gallery stand): omg are you blaming God???

Adam: no no I’m not blaming God I’m just saying she…

Me: Daddy please can I ask the question.

Me to Adam: But what did GOD tell you to do.

GOD (ignoring me)to the woman: what have you done?

Woman: I was tricked and I ate

Me: but your husband told you and you chose to listen to the voice of a lying snake over your husband. For real.

And I shut up quickly when King Jesus looks at me because immediately I hear (“let he who hath no sin cast the first stone”) and I hear the Holy spirit shush me.

Why

Because I walked those weak shoes before too and if one isn’t paying attention, or is tired, it’s too easy to be baited.

Like its only so far a person, in their own strength, can hold their own temper.

Ask Samson about them (no name calling allowed) two wives of his.

In our own strength we cannot. The flesh is a punk all day long lol for everyone.

But in Christ we can do all things.

You better be dressed.
Battle ready
In Christ

Before you get caught off guard

And STOP giving people permission to knock you off your square.

You don’t have to answer everything.
Jesus didn’t answer every one who asked questions of him.

He stood like the BOSS He is and totally ignored them to their faces lol.

Like Jesus…
Know who to answer.
Know how to answer.
Know when to answer.

Now thats some strength.
Ok y’all I got to go and learn who how and when myself.

Catch y’all later.