Stop the arguments already!

Disagreements happen all the time. Everyone has an individual point of view. We all want  to be heard. Most of the time we want people to agree with our viewpoints. However, the truth is that people will disagree with us much of the time.  This is normal and it is why we need policies, laws and courts. Some of the time, we can iron out our differences by discussing our views and resolving our issues. The Lord Jesus taught us if we have a disagreement with another person, the right thing to do is to go directly to them and speak to them about the issue (Matthew 18:15). Actually, it is honorable when we can put arguments to rest. Proverbs 20:3 (TPT) says: “A person of honor will put an argument to rest. Only the stupid want to pick a fight.” When I was young, I hated when a bully would come and push me, trying to goad me into a fight. He was trying to pick a fight. Most of the time, I would walk away. Sometimes, the bully would continue to walk toward me trying to pick a fight, but when I would  refuse to fight him, he would eventually give up. The message Bible has an interesting take on this. In Proverbs 30:33 (MSG), it says: “If you’re dumb enough to call attention to yourself by offending people and making rude gestures, Don’t be surprised if someone bloodies your nose. Churned milk turns into butter; riled emotions turn into fist fights”. We can either be a peacemaker, or allow ourselves to to be caught up in never-ending arguments and offenses. One mindset comes from the flesh, pride and arrogance. The other comes from a mature, honorable mindset that pleases God and promotes peace and restoration. Choose this day which path you will follow.

Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God”.

The King stands with you!

If you have read the Book of Joshua, you are familiar with the command: “Be strong and courageous.” That was not the only time that this imperative was  articulated. King Hezekiah also shared that same command to the people when the king of Assyria threatened to invade them. 2 Chronicles 32: 7&8 “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.” King Hezekiah knew that his strength and victory would not come from the arm of flesh. It would come from God Himself. He encouraged and strengthened the people with this revelation. Several things stand out about his encouragement: 1. When challenged, one must be strong and courageous. This is a choice, not an emotion. 2. There were actually more that were with God’s people than were with their enemies. We have the power and authority of God, and countless angels that are also with us. 3) The arm of flesh cannot defeat God. Flesh is as the grass of the field; here today, and gone tomorrow. 4) God helps His people to defeat the enemy. We are not alone, and we are not powerless. Greater is He that is with us! So God reminds you today; in the midst of your battle, Be strong and courageous. You have the DNA of the most powerful Warrior!

2 Chronicles 32: 7&8 “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.”