Devotional: Developing the Skill of Shrewdness

 Day 1 – Understanding Shrewdness

Scripture: “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly.” – Luke 16:8a

Reflection:

Shrewdness is the ability to understand how things work and to leverage that knowledge at the right time. The dishonest manager wasn’t praised for his dishonesty but for his skill in thinking ahead. Jesus points out that the people of this world are often more shrewd in dealing with life than the children of light. Too often, Christians lack this skill because we confuse shrewdness with sin. But shrewdness itself is not evil—it depends on how and why it is used.

Application/Challenge:

Take five minutes today to reflect on areas of your life—work, finances, family, relationships. Where could you exercise godly shrewdness to honor Christ?

Prayer:

Lord, give me discernment to see situations clearly and to act wisely. Help me to grow in the skill of shrewdness, not for selfish gain but for Your kingdom. Amen.

Devotional: Dealing with Anger

 Day 5 – Turning Anger into Love

Scripture: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21

Reflection:

Anger can be a destructive fire—or a refining one. When channeled through God’s Spirit, anger can motivate us to pursue justice, protect the vulnerable, and repair relationships. Chapman calls this the redemptive use of anger: using it to move us toward love instead of away from it.

Application:

Today, ask yourself: How can I turn my anger into an act of love? Maybe it means having a hard but healing conversation, standing up for someone mistreated, or praying for change in a broken situation.

Challenge:

Choose one situation that normally stirs anger in you. Instead of reacting with irritation, do one intentional act of kindness or service in that space.

Prayer:

Lord, transform my anger into a force for good. Fill me with Your Spirit so that my words and actions reflect love, justice, and grace. Amen.

Devotional: Dealing with anger

 Day 4 – The Power of Forgiveness

Scripture: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13

Reflection:

Holding onto anger leads to bitterness, which poisons relationships and hearts. Chapman reminds us that forgiveness is not excusing the wrong, but choosing to release the offender from the debt. Just as God forgives us, He calls us to extend forgiveness—even when it’s difficult.

Application:

Identify one person you still feel angry toward. Begin the process of forgiveness by praying for them, even if your feelings haven’t yet caught up with your decision.

Challenge:

Write down the name of one person you need to forgive. Say out loud: “I choose to forgive [name] as Christ forgave me.”

Prayer:

Father, I confess that I’ve held onto anger. Today, I choose to forgive as You forgave me. Heal my heart and free me from bitterness. Amen.

Devotional: Dealing with Anger

 Day 3 – Righteous vs. Unrighteous Anger

Scripture: “The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” – Psalm 145:8

Reflection:

Not all anger is the same. Righteous anger reflects God’s heart against injustice, oppression, or sin. Unrighteous anger, however, is rooted in selfishness, pride, or impatience. Chapman urges us to discern whether our anger aligns with God’s purposes or simply our preferences.

Application:

Think about a recent time you were angry. Was it rooted in protecting God’s values—or defending your own ego? Bring that situation before God and ask Him to purify your heart.

Challenge:

When anger rises today, pause and pray: “Lord, is this Your anger or mine?” Write down your answer and how you responded.

Prayer:

Lord, teach me to be slow to anger like You. Show me when to stand firm in righteous anger and when to let go of selfish anger. amen.

Devotional: Dealing with Anger

 Day 2 – The Wisdom of Listening

Scripture: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” – James 1:19–20

Reflection:

Anger often escalates when we react instead of listening. Chapman emphasizes that unprocessed anger damages relationships, but patient listening opens the door to peace. When we truly hear another person, our anger often softens.

Application:

Today, when someone frustrates you, resist the urge to interrupt or defend. Instead, listen carefully and reflect back what you hear before responding.

Challenge:

Have one intentional conversation today where you practice listening without interrupting. Notice how it changes your level of frustration or anger.

Prayer:

Father, slow me down when my heart races with anger. Teach me to listen more than I speak, so that my response brings peace and not harm. Amen.