6:24 AM  [17 Sep 2008 | Wednesday]

God Protects His People.....

God Protects His People.....

Celebrities hire bodyguards, some people take classes in self-defense, and others turn their homes into mini fortresses with gates, locks, and alarms. We are all worried about protection. According to the Bible, God is concerned about our protection too. But how are we to understand God’s protection in a world where accidents happen and tragedy strikes? The answer lies in trusting the sovereignty of God. At times God seems to move in miraculous ways to protect his people from harm (Daniel’s three friends in the fiery furnace, Daniel 3). But more often God seems more concerned about our spiritual protection than our physical safety. Our greatest protection is trusting God’s sovereign wisdom and obeying his Word.

DOES GOD PROMISE TO PROTECT US?
Psalm 31:19-24 . . . You have done so much for those who come to you for protection.
Daniel 3:16-18 . . . The God whom we serve is able to save us . . . but even if he doesn’t.
God promises to protect and keep safe those who love him. But the ultimate fulfillment of this promise is in the spiritual protection of God’s loving grace rather than physical protection. Like Daniel’s friends, we must commit ourselves to obeying God no matter what happens to our earthly body.
Psalm 17:6-15 . . . Guard me as the apple of your eye . . . When I awake, I will be fully satisfied, for I will see you face to face.
The psalmist prays to God for protection from enemies yet trusts that ultimate safety is God’s salvation that leads to the hope of heaven.
Philippians 4:6-7 . . . His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Through consistent and devoted prayer we can know the protection of God’s supernatural peace.
Jeremiah 42:1-22 . . . If you refuse to obey the Lord . . . the war and famine you fear will follow close behind you.
Jeremiah teaches the relationship between our obedience and the protection of God.

PROMISES FROM GOD:
Joshua 23:10 . . . The Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised.
God will help fight your enemies.
1 Samuel 2:9 . . . He will protect his godly ones.
God protects his people.
Job 5:19 . . . He will rescue you again and again so that no evil can touch you.
God protects his people.
Psalm 9:9 . . . The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
Psalm 91:11 . . . He orders his angels to protect you wherever you go.
God’s angels watch over us.
Psalm 121:8 . . . The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
God watches over us.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 . . . The Lord is faithful; he will make you strong and guard you from the evil one.
God will guard you from the evil one.

12:08 PM  [15 Sep 2008 | Monday]

TRUE HAPPINESS

TRUE HAPPINESS

Is happiness a passing emotion or a permanent state? The Bible says it can be both. There is happiness that reacts to happenings (which is temporary and volatile), and there is happiness that overrules happenings (which is strong and lasting). Happiness based on happenings is part of life, but if that is all we can count on we have to keep feeding ourselves with events to keep us upbeat. Those who know the joy that comes from God don’t need happenings to keep them happy. They learn how to develop inner joy because they know that no matter what happens, God offers hope and promise.

HOW CAN I BRING HAPPINESS TO GOD?
Deuteronomy 30:10 . . . The Lord your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and laws written in this Book of the Law, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.
Proverbs 11:1 . . . The Lord. . . .delights in honesty.
Proverbs 11:20 . . . The Lord. . . .delights in those who have integrity.
Proverbs 15:8 . . . The Lord. . . .delights in the prayers of the upright.
Proverbs 15:26 . . . The Lord. . . .delights in pure words.
Can we finite, sinful human beings truly bring joy and delight to the Lord, the Creator of the universe? Yes, and it is simple though not easy-honor him, obey him, respond to his love, seek his forgiveness, and walk daily with him.

HOW DOES GOD EXPRESS HIS HAPPINESS WITH ME?
Zephaniah 3:17 . . . The Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song.
Psalm 18:19 . . . He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me.
Psalm 149:4 . . . The Lord delights in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.
The Lord delights in saving us from our sins, guiding us in his ways, and taking daily care of us.

DOES GOD PROMISE ME HAPPINESS?
Philippians 4:4, 12 . . . Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! . . . I have learned the secret of living in every situation.
James 1:2 . . . Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.
God does not promise temporary happiness; in fact the Bible assumes problems will come our way. But God does promise lasting joy for all those who believe in him. This kind of joy stays with us despite our problems.

WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF TRUE HAPPINESS?
Psalm 40:16 . . . May all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”
Psalm 68:3 . . . Let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy.
Psalm 86:4 . . . Give me happiness, O Lord, for my life depends on you.
Psalm 146:5 . . . Happy are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God.
The Lord himself is the wellspring of true happiness. The more we love him, know him, walk with him, and become like him, the greater our happiness.

HOW CAN I BRING HAPPINESS TO OTHERS?
Romans 12:10 . . . Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
2 Corinthians 7:13 . . . In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was at the way you welcomed him and set his mind at ease.
Ecclesiastes 9:9 . . . Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you in this world. The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil.
As God is the wellspring of true happiness, so we are the conduits of that happiness to others.

WHERE DO WE GET REAL, LASTING HAPPINESS?
Hebrews 12:2 . . . We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus . . . He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward.
Keep your eyes on Jesus.
Psalm 112:1 . . . Happy are those who fear the Lord. Yes, happy are those who delight in doing what he commands.
Fear God and trust in him; delight in doing his commands.
Psalm 16:8-9 . . . I know the Lord is always with me . . . No wonder my heart is filled with joy.
Happiness is based on God’s presence within us, which brings true contentment.
Galatians 5:22 . . . When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy.
The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives produces joy.
Psalm 119:2 . . . Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts.
Philippians 1:25 . . . I will continue with you so that you will grow and experience the joy of your faith.
Faith in God brings happiness, for God has promised that when we truly seek him, we will surely find him (Jeremiah 29:13-14).
Matthew 25:21 . . . You have been faithful in handling this small amount . . . Let’s celebrate together!
A job well done brings a deep sense of satisfaction and is an occasion for joy.

HOW CAN I BE HAPPY IN THE MIDST OF DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES?
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 . . . Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
1 Peter 4:12-13 . . . Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad-because . . . you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory.
Difficult circumstances help us better understand what Christ went through for us and make us partners with him.
Romans 5:2 . . . We confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
Hebrews 10:34 . . . When all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew you had better things waiting for you in eternity.
Hope in God’s promises of eternal life can make us happy because we know that what we are presently going through will one day end.
Acts 5:41 . . . The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus.

HAPPINESS IS LIVING AND SHARING THE WONDERFUL NEWS ABOUT THE LORD!
Isaiah 52:7 . . . How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!
The Good News of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus, and the wonderful relationship we can have with God through him, is news of great joy and happiness for us. When we receive this news as our own, we are supremely happy. But there is an added measure of happiness when we share it with others.
Daniel 12:3 . . . Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who turn many to righteousness will shine like stars forever.
Godliness is like sunshine, radiating the warmth and light from God himself. Witnessing is like starlight, reflecting the Son to others.
Proverbs 13:9 . . . The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the sinner’s light is snuffed out.
Goodness is from God, and God is light. When we live godly lives, we are lamps along the way, but when we live ungodly lives, the lamps go out. The light of godliness brings true happiness.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE HAPPY WHEN WE HAVE NOTHING MATERIALLY?
Habakkuk 3:18 . . . I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk described in the previous verses an utter stripping of material prosperity. Then this beautiful verse concludes that still he will find joy in the Lord.
Proverbs 13:7 . . . Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor.
Material riches can bring spiritual poverty. Material poverty can bring spiritual riches. It is possible to have both types of riches, but watch out if you are materially “blessed,” lest your blessing become a curse.
Matthew 6:19-21 . . . Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where they can be eaten by moths and get rusty, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.

PROMISES FROM GOD:
Proverbs 11:23 . . . The godly can look forward to happiness, while the wicked can expect only wrath.
Psalm 1:1 . . . Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked.
Obeying God brings great joy.

8:31 AM  [13 Sep 2008 | Saturday]

GOD’S WORD ON ABUSE.....

GOD’S WORD ON ABUSE.....

Within the circle of our influence and power come many people, gifts, talents, possessions, or opportunities. What we do with what we receive is a reflection of who we are and how worthy we are to be entrusted with more. We can maximize these gifts or people, or we can abuse them. Abuse comes in many different forms. It may be violent or it may be as quiet as benign neglect or abandonment of a trust. Abuse can be perversion, but it can also be steady depreciation of human worth, like dripping water wearing down a rock. Abuse may inflict pain or rob personhood; it may leave scars on the skin or lacerations on the heart. Its result may be superficial, the response to a careless comment, or it may be a lifetime wound resulting from a neglected or mismanaged trust. Abuse requires an abuser and an abused, and thus creates two victims. But God grants healing-both physical and spiritual-through forgiveness and a new way to live. The abuser can change, becoming truly transformed by God’s Spirit. The abused, through Christ, can forgive the abuser and find true healing. This allows the abused to halt the cycle of abuse, which can become multigenerational.

WILL GOD FORGIVE A PERSON WHO IS GUILTY OF ABUSE?
Acts 2:21 . . . Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Luke 23:34 . . . Father, forgive these people, because they don’t know what they are doing.
God forgives all sins, not selected ones. His mercy is to anyone, regardless of his or her past.
2 Chronicles 33:6, 13 . . . Manasseh even sacrificed his own sons in the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom . . . when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request for help.
Manasseh was the most wicked king in Judah’s history, abusive to the point where he burned his own sons on an altar, but later in life he sought God’s forgiveness and God did forgive him, transforming him into a man who did great things for his nation.

IS PHYSICAL DISCIPLINE OF MY CHILD CONSIDERED ABUSE?
Proverbs 29:15, 17 . . . To discipline and reprimand a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child. Discipline your children, and they will give you happiness and peace of mind.
Proverbs 13:24 . . . If you refuse to discipline your children, it proves you don’t love them; if you love your children, you will be prompt to discipline them.
The Bible clearly advocates discipline of children, even physical discipline. But it must be done in love. “Discipline” that comes from anger can lead to abuse and violence.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT ABUSE?
Romans 13:10 . . . Love does no wrong to anyone.
Love restrains us from abusing a loved one-physically or in any other way. This is not a roller-coaster love based on feelings, but a rock-solid commitment to protect and nurture regardless of the way you feel at a particular moment. Violence or abuse against a loved one is a warning signal that our love for that person is in question.

HOW DO I HEAL THE WOUNDS OF ABUSE?
Matthew 15:30-31 . . . And [Jesus] healed them all.
Only Jesus can truly heal broken lives.
Philippians 4:8 . . . Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
As we fill our minds with thoughts about God there is less room, and less time, to dwell on the past.

6:29 AM  [09 Sep 2008 | Tuesday]

LOVE

LOVE

GOD’S LOVE

HOW DOES THE BIBLE DESCRIBE GOD’S LOVE?
BIBLE READING: Luke 15:1-7
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Heaven will be happier over one lost sinner who returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! (Luke 15:7)

GOD’S LOVE IS FORGIVING:
We may be able to understand a God who would forgive sinners who come to him for mercy. But a God who tenderly searches for sinners and then joyfully forgives them must possess an extraordinary love! This is the kind of love that prompted Jesus to come to earth to search for lost people and save them. This is the kind of extraordinary love that God has for you. If you feel far from God, don’t despair. He is searching for you.
BIBLE READING: Romans 8:28-39
KEY BIBLE VERSE: I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

GOD’S LOVE IS BEYOND MEASURE:
These words were written to a church that would soon undergo terrible persecution. In just a few years, Paul’s hypothetical situations would turn into painful realities. This passage reaffirms God’s profound love for his people. No matter what happens to us, no matter where we are, we can never be lost to his love. Suffering should not drive us away from God; it should help us to identify with him further and allow his love to reach us and heal us.

GOD’S LOVE IS ETERNAL:
These verses contain one of the most comforting promises in all Scripture. Believers have always had to face hardships in many forms: persecution, illness, imprisonment, even death. These could cause them to fear that they have been abandoned by Christ. But Paul exclaims that it is impossible to be separated from Christ. His death for us is proof of his unconquerable love. Nothing can stop Christ’s constant presence with us. God tells us how great his love is so that we will feel totally secure in him. If we believe these overwhelming assurances, we will not be afraid.
BIBLE READING: John 3:1-21
KEY BIBLE VERSE: God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

GOD’S LOVE IS SACRIFICIAL:
The entire gospel comes to a focus in this verse. God’s love is not static or self-centered; it reaches out and draws others in. Here God sets the pattern of true love, the basis for all love relationships-when you love someone dearly, you are willing to pay dearly for that person’s responsive love. God paid dearly with the life of his Son, the highest price he could pay. Jesus accepted our punishment, paid the price for our sins, and then offered us the new life that he had bought for us. When we share the gospel with others, our love must be like Jesus’. We must be willing to give up our own comfort and security so that others might join us in receiving God’s love.
BIBLE READING: Psalm 136:1-26
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. (Psalm 136:1)

GOD’S LOVE IS INEXHAUSTIBLE:
Repeated throughout this psalm is the phrase, “His faithful love endures forever.” This psalm may have been a responsive reading, with the congregation saying these words in unison after each sentence. The repetition made this important lesson sink in. God’s love includes aspects of love, kindness, mercy, and faithfulness. We never have to worry that God will run out of love, because it flows from a well that will never run dry.

HUMAN LOVE

WHAT ARE THE BIBLICAL GUIDELINES FOR HUMAN LOVE?
BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

LOVE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN SPIRITUAL GIFTS:
In chapter 12 Paul gave evidence of the Corinthians’ lack of love in the utilization of spiritual gifts; chapter 13 defines real love; and chapter 14 shows how love works. Love is more important than all the spiritual gifts exercised in the church body. Great faith, acts of dedication or sacrifice, and miracle-working power produce very little without love. Love makes our actions and gifts useful. Although people have different gifts, love is available to everyone.

LOVE BENEFITS OTHERS:
Our society confuses love and lust. Unlike lust, God’s kind of love is directed outward toward others, not inward toward ourselves. It is utterly unselfish. This kind of love goes against our natural inclinations. It is possible to practice this love only if God helps us set aside our own desires and instincts, so that we can give love while expecting nothing in return. Thus the more we become like Christ, the more love we will show to others.
BIBLE READING: 1 John 2:1-11
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment, for it is an old one you have always had, right from the beginning. This commandment-to love one another-is the same message you heard before. Yet it is also new. This commandment is true in Christ and is true among you, because the darkness is disappearing and the true light is already shining. (1 John 2:7-8)

LOVE IS A COMMAND:
The commandment to love others is both old and new. It is old because it comes from the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:18). It is new because Jesus interpreted it in a radically new way (John 13:34-35). In the Christian church, love is not only expressed by showing respect; it is also expressed through self-sacrifice and servanthood (John 15:13). In fact, it can be defined as “selfless giving,” reaching beyond friends to enemies and persecutors (Matthew 5:43-48). Love should be the unifying force and the identifying mark of the Christian community. Love is the key to walking in the light, because we cannot grow spiritually while we hate others. Our growing relationship with God will result in growing relationships with others.

LOVE IS A CHOICE:
Does this mean that if you dislike someone you aren’t a Christian? These verses are not talking about disliking a disagreeable Christian brother or sister. There will always be people we will not like as well as others. John’s words focus on the attitude that causes us to ignore or despise others, to treat them as irritants, competitors, or enemies. Christian love is not a feeling, but a choice. We can choose to be concerned with people’s well-being and treat them with respect, whether or not we feel affection toward them. If we choose to love others, God will help us express our love.
BIBLE READING: Mark 12:28-34
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ’Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ’Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31)

LOVING GOD IS THE GREATEST HUMAN ACT:
God’s laws are not burdensome. They can be reduced to two simple principles: love God and love others. These commands are from the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18). When you love God completely and care for others as you care for yourself, then you have fulfilled the intent of the Ten Commandments and the other Old Testament laws. According to Jesus, these two commandments summarize all of God’s laws. Let them rule your thoughts, decisions, and actions. When you are uncertain about what to do, ask yourself which course of action best demonstrates love for God and love for others.
BIBLE READING: John 21:15-25
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Once more he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.” (John 21:17)

LOVING GOD MEANS SERVING HIM:
Peter had disowned Jesus three times. Three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved him. When Peter answered yes, Jesus told him to feed his sheep. It is one thing to say you love Jesus, but the real test is willingness to serve him. Peter had repented, and here Jesus was asking him to commit his life. Peter’s life changed when he finally realized who Jesus was. His occupation changed from fisherman to evangelist; his identity changed from impetuous to “rock"; and his relationship to Jesus changed-he was forgiven, and he finally understood the significance of Jesus’ words about his death and resurrection.

LOVING GOD REQUIRES EVERYTHING WE HAVE AND ARE:
Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him. The first time Jesus said, “Do you love [Greek agape: volitional, self-sacrificial love] me more than these?” The second time, Jesus still used the word translated from the Greek word agape. The third time, Jesus used the word translated from the Greek word phileo (signifying affection, affinity, or brotherly love) and asked, in effect, “Are you even my friend?” Each time Peter responded with the word translated into Greek as phileo. Jesus doesn’t settle for quick, superficial answers. Peter had to face his true feelings and motives when Jesus confronted him. How would you respond if Jesus asked you, “Do you love me?” Are you even his friend?

7:40 AM  [07 Sep 2008 | Sunday]

We all follow examples, and we all set an example for others....

We all follow examples, and we all set an example for others....

If we are all unique, why would we want to follow the example of another? We don’t want to be an exact duplicate of another person, for God has made us all different, but we do want to adopt exemplary values or virtues we see in others’ lives. Of course we find our ultimate role model in Jesus Christ. We want to be like him, to pattern our lives after him. Christlikeness-isn’t that what the Christian walk is all about? If people were to follow your example, would it be easier for them to believe in Christ?

THERE ARE EXAMPLES (ROLE MODELS) TO BE FOLLOWED AND EXAMPLES TO BE AVOIDED:
Exodus 23:24 . . . Do not worship the gods of these other nations . . . and never follow their evil example.
Every person on earth is a role model of something to someone. We all follow examples, and we all set an example for others. Our personal presence not only influences others in matters of daily living, but also for good or evil, Christ or Satan. What kind of example have you been exhibiting lately to others?
Titus 2:7 . . . You yourself must be an example to them by doing good deeds of every kind.
Strive to be the kind of example people will want to follow.

REMEMBER TO FOLLOW THE ULTIMATE ROLE MODEL:
1 Corinthians 11:1 . . . You should follow my example, just as I follow Christ’s.
In other people, we find assorted characteristics we would like to follow. In Jesus Christ, we find all of the characteristics we would like to follow. When you have a question about what to do, ask what Jesus would have done.

IN WHAT WAYS CAN I BE A GOOD EXAMPLE?
1 Thessalonians 1:4-6 . . . You know that the way we lived among you was further proof of the truth of our message.
A good role model is responsible and accountable.
Jeremiah 1:10 . . . Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms.
A good role model not only does what is right but speaks out against wrong.
Hebrews 5:12 . . . You have been Christians a long time now, and you ought to be teaching others.
A good role model teaches others about God’s ways.
1 Timothy 4:12 . . . Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
Age need not be a barrier to being a good role model.
Matthew 5:13 . . . You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?
A good role model influences others for good rather than being easily influenced by evil.
Hosea 6:3 . . . Let us press on to know him!
Being a good role model doesn’t mean you are perfect, but that you are striving for maturity.
Matthew 20:28 . . . Even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others.
Being a good role model doesn’t make you a celebrity; it makes you a servant.

7:22 AM  [05 Sep 2008 | Friday]

REJECTION.....

REJECTION.....

To reject is to discard something or someone as unwanted or defective. When a person is rejected, great pain is often the result. A fiance is rejected when the engagement is broken; a student is rejected by his or her peer group; a child is rejected by a parent-in each case the consequences are devastating.

HOW CAN I RECOVER FROM REJECTION IN MY LIFE?
Isaiah 53:1-12 . . . He was despised and rejected . . . We turned our backs on him.
As the prophet looks forward to the Messiah, who would be despised and rejected by others, we know we have a Savior who understands.
1 Peter 5:7 . . . Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.
Don’t try to deal with rejection by yourself. Bring your concerns to God.
John 14:15-26 . . . When the Father sends the Counselor as my representative-and by the Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit-he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I myself have told you.
Invite the Holy Spirit into your life. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would stay with us forever.
Romans 8:38 . . . I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love.
Remember that, though others may reject us, nothing can separate us from God’s love!

WILL GOD EVER REJECT ME?
John 4:1-26 . . . Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who I am, you would ask me, and I would give you living water!”
Jesus did not reject the sinful Samaritan woman, but rather offered her living water.
John 8:1-11 . . . “Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”
God rejects the sin without rejecting the sinner.
John 6:37 . . . Those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them.
The Lord accepts all who come to him in faith.

12:41 PM  [03 Sep 2008 | Wednesday]

CONSEQUENCES.......

CONSEQUENCES

A gun fires, a bullet is sent forth, and if a person stands in its way, that person may die. The death of the person is the consequence of another person pulling the trigger of a loaded gun. Words go forth and wound another person. The wounding is the consequence of damaging words. Other words go forth and a person accepts Christ. That too is a consequence of words, but words that are servants of the most high God. The word consequence means an outcome, aftermath, result. With some acts the consequences are neither morally good or bad (for example, if we take a shower we will get clean). But with many acts and thoughts there are definite good or bad consequences. Obedience or disobedience to God and his Word bring good or bad consequences. Sin causes bad consequences. Faithfulness results in good consequences. Before we act we should think-what will the consequences of my action be?

GOD GIVES US THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE WHAT WE WANT TO DO, BUT WE SHOULD KNOW THE CONSEQUENCES OF CHOOSING TO SIN:
Romans 6:23 . . . The wages of sin is death.
The greatest consequence of sin is eternal separation from God.
Genesis 3:6-7, 16-19 . . . She ate some of the fruit. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her. Then he ate it, too.
Even a seemingly small sin must be looked at for what it is: disobedience to God. One of the realities of sin is that its effect spreads, and soon the cycle of consequences is spinning far beyond our control.
Proverbs 16:16 . . . How much better to get wisdom than gold, and understanding than silver!
Are you willing to pay the price for a certain action? God does not prevent us from acting foolishly; he only reminds us of the consequences of foolishness.
Galatians 6:7 . . . You will always reap what you sow!
Sin is wrong, so it always produces bad consequences.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN?
Romans 5:12 . . . Adam’s sin brought death.
Ezekiel 3:20 . . . If good people turn bad and don’t listen to my warning, they will die.
Sin brings separation from God and spiritual death.
Genesis 3:17 . . . To Adam he said, “Because you . . . ate the fruit I told you not to eat, I have placed a curse on the ground. All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it.”
Hardship and difficulty are consequences of sin.
Jeremiah 11:8 . . . Your ancestors did not pay any attention; they would not even listen. Instead, they stubbornly followed their own evil desires. And because they refused to obey, I brought upon them all the curses described in our covenant.
Sin invites God’s curse upon us.
Psalm 7:14-16 . . . The wicked . . . dig a pit to trap others and then fall into it themselves. They make trouble, but it backfires on them. They plan violence for others, but it falls on their own heads.
The evil we plan for others may come back to destroy us.
Proverbs 18:21 . . . Those who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill or nourish life.
Evil words may return to condemn us.

DOES SIN ALWAYS HAVE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES?
Isaiah 30:12-13 . . . This is the reply of the Holy One of Israel: “Because you despise what I tell you and trust instead in oppression and lies, calamity will come upon you suddenly. It will be like a bulging wall that bursts and falls. In an instant it will collapse and come crashing down.”
Lamentations 1:9 . . . She defiled herself with immorality with no thought of the punishment that would follow. Now she lies in the gutter with no one to lift her out.
It may seem for a time that sin does not have consequences, but they always come, sooner or later.
Ezekiel 44:12 . . . They encouraged my people to worship other gods, causing Israel to fall into deep sin. So I have raised my hand and taken an oath that they must bear the consequences for their sins, says the Sovereign Lord.
Micah 2:3 . . . This is what the Lord says: “I will reward your evil with evil; you won’t be able to escape!”
God has promised with an oath that those who sin will bear the consequences of what they do.
1 Corinthians 3:12-15 . . . There is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone’s work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flames.
Some of the consequences of sin will not be felt until the day of judgment, but even those who have salvation through Jesus Christ will feel the consequences of their sin.
Galatians 6:8 . . . Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.
Sin always has negative consequences, but the reverse is also true: living to please God always has positive consequences.

DO WE EVER SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES OF ANOTHER PERSON’S SIN?
Joshua 7:25 . . . Then Joshua said to Achan, “Why have you brought trouble on us?”
Our sinful actions affect more people than just ourselves. Beware of the temptation to rationalize your sins by saying they are too small or too personal to hurt anyone but you.
Ezekiel 3:20 . . . If good people turn bad and don’t listen to my warning, they will die. If you did not warn them of the consequences, then they will die in their sins . . . and I will hold you responsible.
A watchman is guilty if he knows the enemy is coming and remains silent. We are guilty if we remain silent when we should warn another person of the consequences of his or her actions.
Romans 5:12 . . . Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.
We do suffer the consequences of Adam’s sin, but it is also our own sin. We, too, have sinned and deserve death.
Isaiah 10:1-2 . . . Destruction is certain for the unjust judges, for those who issue unfair laws. They deprive the poor, the widows, and the orphans of justice. Yes, they rob widows and fatherless children!
The poor, the widows, and the orphans sometimes have to live with the reality of others’ sins, but God will make certain that justice is served.
Ezekiel 18:20 . . . The one who sins is the one who dies.
We each reap the consequences of our own actions.

FORGIVENESS OF SIN MAY NOT STOP SIN’S CONSEQUENCES:
2 Samuel 12:13-14 . . . Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “Yes, the Lord has forgiven you . . . but . . . your child will die.”
The consequences of sin are often irreversible. When God forgives us he doesn’t eliminate the consequences of our wrongdoing. These consequences should be a powerful reminder for us when we face temptation again.
1 Chronicles 21:7-14 . . . These are the choices the Lord has given you . . . Think this over and let me know what answer to give the Lord. “This is a desperate situation!” David replied.
Considering the consequences before we sin can be enough incentive to help us avoid the sin altogether.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF WHAT WE SAY CAN BE JUST AS SIGNIFICANT AS THE CONSEQUENCES OF WHAT WE DO:
Proverbs 18:21 . . . Those who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill or nourish life.
Mark 14:66-72 . . . Peter said, “I swear by God, I don’t know this man you’re talking about.” And immediately the rooster crowed the second time . . . And he broke down and cried.
Loose lips sink ships, and may sink the ships as surely as an enemy torpedo. Spies who pass on vital information are as guilty of the death of innocent people as those who pull the triggers. Our words condemn us as vigorously as our actions.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN SHOULD DRAW US TO REPENTANCE:
Psalm 25:18 . . . Feel my pain and see my trouble. Forgive all my sins.
God uses the consequences of sin to draw us back to repentance, not to get even with us. When trouble strikes, we need to search our hearts to see if the problem might be a result of our own wrongdoing. If it is, we need to ask God’s help in dealing with it. If it isn’t, we still have the benefit of drawing closer to God.

PROMISES FROM GOD:
Hosea 10:12 . . . Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of my love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.
Proverbs 17:13 . . . If you repay evil for good, evil will never leave your house.
Romans 6:23 . . . The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

12:47 PM  [31 Aug 2008 | Sunday]

Moving Tommorrow.....Finally

We are finally moving tommorrow...PTL!!!!  Although it has been difficult staying with relatives this past month,  we all made it thru with the Lord's help.  The cable Co. said they can't service us till Sept. 16th....but we will be going back there on Tues. to see if they have any sooner openings.  Please pray that they do.

Thanks and God Bless,  Lynn

7:15 AM  [28 Aug 2008 | Thursday]

REVIVAL.....

REVIVAL.....

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I NEED REVIVAL?
2 Kings 22:11, 13 . . . When the king heard what was written in the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes in despair. . . . “We have not been doing what this scroll says we must do.”
Acts 2:37 . . . Peter’s words convicted them deeply, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
God’s word will show you his will and your need to be revived.
Lamentations 3:40 . . . Let us test and examine our ways.
Testing and examining our ways in light of God’s truth will show us when we need revival.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP BRING REVIVAL?
1 Samuel 7:3 . . . If you are really serious about wanting to return to the Lord, get rid of your foreign gods. . . . Determine to obey only the Lord.
Get rid of devotion to all other “gods” and begin serving God only.
Acts 3:19-20 . . . Turn from your sins and turn to God, so you can be cleansed of your sins. Then wonderful times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will send Jesus your Messiah to you again.
Humble yourself in prayer, confession, turning away from sin, and turning to God.
Hosea 10:12 . . . Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of my love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.
Ephesians 4:22-24 . . . Throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness-righteous, holy, and true.
Throw off the old nature of sin and put on the new nature of Christ.
2 Chronicles 15:2, 15 . . . “The Lord will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you.” . . . Eagerly they sought after God, and they found him.
Seek God’s presence in your life.
Psalm 51:10 . . . Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.
Lamentations 5:21 . . . Restore us, O Lord, and bring us back to you again! Give us back the joys we once had!
In prayer, ask God to revive your heart and life.
Joel 2:15 . . . Blow the trumpet in Jerusalem! Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting.
You can invite God’s people to come together for prayer, confession, and fasting.
Ezekiel 36:26 . . . I will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony heart of sin and give you a new, obedient heart.
God grants revival through his Holy Spirit working in our hearts and lives.
2 Timothy 1:6 . . . This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.
Exercising your spiritual gifts can help revive your life.

PROMISE FROM GOD:
Ezekiel 39:28-29 . . . “Then my people will know that I am the Lord their God. . . . I will leave none of my people behind. And I will never again turn my back on them, for I will pour out my Spirit upon them, says the Sovereign Lord.”

10:34 AM  [26 Aug 2008 | Tuesday]

QUARRELING

QUARRELING

WHAT CAUSES QUARRELS?
James 4:1-3 . . . What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn’t it the whole army of evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous for what others have, and you can’t possess it, so you fight and quarrel to take it away from them. And yet the reason you don’t have what you want is that you don’t ask God for it. And even when you do ask, you don’t get it because your whole motive is wrong-you want only what will give you pleasure.
Galatians 5:19-20 . . . When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group.
Sinful desires cause quarrels.
Proverbs 13:10 . . . Pride leads to arguments; those who take advice are wise.
Proverbs 28:25 . . . Greed causes fighting; trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.
Proverbs 30:33 . . . As the beating of cream yields butter, and a blow to the nose causes bleeding, so anger causes quarrels.
James 3:16 . . . Wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every kind of evil.
Pride, greed, anger, jealousy, and selfish ambition cause quarrels.
Proverbs 6:12-14 . . . Here is a description of worthless and wicked people: They are constant liars, signaling their true intentions to their friends by making signs with their eyes and feet and fingers. Their perverted hearts plot evil. They stir up trouble constantly.
Proverbs 17:19 . . . Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin; anyone who speaks boastfully invites disaster.
Sinful people can cause quarrels.
1 Timothy 1:4 . . . Don’t let people waste time in endless speculation over myths and spiritual pedigrees. For these things only cause arguments; they don’t help people live a life of faith in God.
2 Timothy 2:14 . . . Remind everyone of these things, and command them in God’s name to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.
Titus 3:9 . . . Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These kinds of things are useless and a waste of time.
Unprofitable discussions can cause quarrels.

HOW IS QUARRELING HARMFUL TO RELATIONSHIPS?
Proverbs 10:12 . . . Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love covers all offenses.
Proverbs 30:33 . . . As the beating of cream yields butter, and a blow to the nose causes bleeding, so anger causes quarrels.
Genesis 16:5 . . . Then Sarai said to Abram, “It’s all your fault! Now this servant of mine is pregnant, and she despises me, though I myself gave her the privilege of sleeping with you. The Lord will make you pay for doing this to me!”
1 Corinthians 3:1-9 . . . You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your own desires? You are acting like people who don’t belong to the Lord. When one of you says, “I am a follower of Paul,” and another says, “I prefer Apollos,” aren’t you acting like those who are not Christians? Who is Apollos, and who is Paul, that we should be the cause of such quarrels?
James 4:2 . . . You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous for what others have, and you can’t possess it, so you fight and quarrel to take it away from them. And yet the reason you don’t have what you want is that you don’t ask God for it.
Proverbs 13:10 . . . Pride leads to arguments; those who take advice are wise.
Proverbs 26:20-21 . . . Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops. A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.
Proverbs 22:10 . . . Throw out the mocker, and fighting, quarrels, and insults will disappear.
Quarreling is often a symptom of relational problems, such as hatred, anger, jealousy, pride, immaturity, gossip and ridicule.
2 Timothy 2:16-17 . . . Avoid godless, foolish discussions that lead to more and more ungodliness. This kind of talk spreads like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are examples of this.
John 17:21 . . . My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father-that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me.
Galatians 5:15 . . . If instead of showing love among yourselves you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.
Mark 3:24 . . . A kingdom at war with itself will collapse.
2 Timothy 2:14 . . . Remind everyone of these things, and command them in God’s name to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.
Proverbs 17:1 . . . A dry crust eaten in peace is better than a great feast with strife.
Proverbs 19:13 . . . A foolish child is a calamity to a father; a nagging wife annoys like a constant dripping.
Proverbs 21:9, 19 . . . It is better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a contentious wife in a lovely home. . . . It is better to live alone in the desert than with a crabby, complaining wife.
Proverbs 25:24 . . . It is better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a contentious wife in a lovely home.
Proverbs 27:15 . . . A nagging wife is as annoying as the constant dripping on a rainy day.
Acts 15:37-40 . . . Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not shared in their work. Their disagreement over this was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. Paul chose Silas, and the believers sent them off, entrusting them to the Lord’s grace.
Quarreling can bring multiplied ungodliness, loss of unity, destruction, unpleasant companionship, separation and estrangement. Stop the quarreling so you don’t start these other things.

HOW CAN WE AVOID QUARRELING?
Romans 12:18 . . . Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible.
Romans 14:19 . . . Let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.
Romans 15:5 . . . May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other-each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other.
1 Corinthians 1:10 . . . Now, dear brothers and sisters, I appeal to you by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so there won’t be divisions in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.
2 Corinthians 13:11 . . . Dear friends, I close my letter with these last words: Rejoice. Change your ways. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
Ephesians 4:3 . . . Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace.
Philippians 2:2-4 . . . Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don’t think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.
Colossians 3:13-15 . . . You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
1 Thessalonians 5:13 . . . Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because of their work. And remember to live peaceably with each other.
1 Peter 3:8 . . . Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds.
We can aim for harmony by making peace a priority in our relationships.
2 Timothy 2:24-25 . . . The Lord’s servants must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone. They must be able to teach effectively and be patient with difficult people.
They should gently teach those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will believe the truth.
Titus 3:1-2 . . . Remind your people to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not speak evil of anyone, and they must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
Proverbs 25:15 . . . Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can crush strong opposition.
Proverbs 17:27 . . . A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.
Proverbs 15:1 . . . A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.
Our manner can be gentle, humble, kind, patient and even-tempered. Our words can be few and gentle.
Romans 14:1 . . . Accept Christians who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.
We can accept others without always agreeing with them.
Proverbs 17:14 . . . Beginning a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
Proverbs 20:3 . . . Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.
We can be sensitive to mounting tensions and address issues before they escalate into quarrels.
2 Timothy 2:23 . . . Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.
Philippians 2:14-15 . . . In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.
2 Timothy 2:14 . . . Remind everyone of these things, and command them in God’s name to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.
1 Timothy 1:4 . . . Don’t let people waste time in endless speculation over myths and spiritual pedigrees. For these things only cause arguments; they don’t help people live a life of faith in God.
Titus 3:9 . . . Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These kinds of things are useless and a waste of time.
We can choose valuable topics of conversation.
Proverbs 26:21 . . . A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.
Romans 16:17 . . . Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things that are contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them.
Titus 3:10 . . . If anyone is causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with that person.
Proverbs 22:10 . . . Throw out the mocker, and fighting, quarrels, and insults will disappear.
Proverbs 26:20 . . . Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.

HOW CAN WE STOP QUARRELS ONCE THEY BEGIN?
1 Corinthians 1:10 . . . Now, dear brothers and sisters, I appeal to you by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so there won’t be divisions in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.
Unity helps dissipate quarrels.
Genesis 26:17-22 . . . Isaac moved to the Gerar Valley and lived there instead. He reopened the wells his father had dug, which the Philistines had filled in after Abraham’s death. Isaac renamed them, using the names Abraham had given them. His shepherds also dug in the Gerar Valley and found a gushing spring. But then the local shepherds came and claimed the spring. “This is our water,” they said, and they argued over it with Isaac’s herdsmen. So Isaac named the well “Argument,” because they had argued about it with him. Isaac’s men then dug another well, but again there was a fight over it. So Isaac named it “Opposition.” Abandoning that one, he dug another well, and the local people finally left him alone. So Isaac called it “Room Enough,” for he said, “At last the Lord has made room for us, and we will be able to thrive.”
We can be persistent in pursuing peace in our relationships.
Matthew 5:25 . . . Come to terms quickly with your enemy before it is too late and you are dragged into court, handed over to an officer, and thrown in jail.
We can make the resolution of conflict a priority.
Proverbs 15:18 . . . A hothead starts fights; a cool-tempered person tries to stop them.
Proverbs 15:1 . . . A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.
We can remain calm.
Genesis 13:7-9 . . . An argument broke out between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot. At that time Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land. Then Abram talked it over with Lot. “This arguing between our herdsmen has got to stop,” he said. “After all, we are close relatives! I’ll tell you what we’ll do. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want that area over there, then I’ll stay here. If you want to stay in this area, then I’ll move on to another place.”
We can take the initiative to arrive at an unselfish solution.
Numbers 12:1-2 . . . While they were at Hazeroth, Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because he had married a Cushite woman. They said, “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? Hasn’t he spoken through us, too?” But the Lord heard them.
We can refuse to bring other peripheral issues into the conflict resolution.
Colossians 3:13 . . . You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
We can make allowances for one another and forgive one another.
1 Corinthians 6:7 . . . To have such lawsuits at all is a real defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated?
We may sometimes need to accept injustice and move forward.
Acts 15:36-41 . . . After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s return to each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are getting along.” Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not shared in their work. Their disagreement over this was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. Paul chose Silas, and the believers sent them off, entrusting them to the Lord’s grace. So they traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia to strengthen the churches there.
Although we may not always be able to come to a full agreement, we should continue to serve the Lord realizing that God can use even our disagreements for his good.

PROMISES FROM GOD:
Matthew 5:9 . . . God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
James 3:18 . . . Those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness.