Posted on

Love is the key!

God’s will is for us to be free to be able to serve Him with joy and peace. Paul cautions us to be careful with our freedom. Many use their freedom to do what pleases their sin nature. We are called to serve one another with love. The scriptures teach us to love our neighbor the same as we love ourselves. That is a tall order, but the Holy Spirit will give you the grace and strength to do so. It’s time to reject actions and behaviors that cause us to hurt each other and tear each other apart. It’s time to get back to loving each other like God loves us.

Galations 5:13 “My brothers and sisters, God chose you to be free. But don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do what pleases your sinful selves. Instead, serve each other with love. 14 The whole law is made complete in this one command: “Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.” 15 If you continue hurting each other and tearing each other apart, be careful, or you will completely destroy each other.”

Posted on

Did you hear about that “juicy” gossip?

I have a special invitation for you at the end of today’s devotional.

One of the biggest threats in our nation today are leaks of private information that are meant to destroy a person’s character. When secrets are revealed, it is usually destructive and embarrassing. Proverbs 25:9 (ESV) says:  “Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal another’s secret.” We are instructed by the scriptures not to reveal another’s secret. When we have a disagreement with anyone, the correct posture is to argue the case directly with them. The goal is to come to an agreement privately and then continue to walk together in peace. In Matthew 18: 15-17,  Jesus teaches that if someone offends us or sins against us, we are to first go directly to them about the offense. Today, when many christians are offended, they share their offense to everyone except to the one that offended them. It feels good to get it of their chest at the moment, but they are setting in motion a series of problems that will arise because of them sharing it with others. Invariably, the information will leak out, and it will foment or incite the destruction of relationships or of someone’s character. This displeases the heart of God. Don’t allow yourself to get caught up in gossip or leaks of information. If someone brings private information to you, either refuse to receive it, or let them know that you might have to share it with someone in leadership. This will stop any gossip or leaks. It will also protect you from taking part in harming your brother or sister in Christ. You will also be pleasing God because it is His will that we settle issues with honor and integrity.

Proverbs 25:9 (ESV)“Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal another’s secret”

Don’t miss this Sunday’s service at 11 am. Our guest speaker will be Bishop Joseph Mattera. He is an internationally sought out speaker, who flows with prophetic insight. His teachings on the Kingdom of God are being taught in in cooperation with Oral Roberts University. His articles can be seen in Charisma magazine. He is the founder of Christ Covenant Coalition, an international network of networks.