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Let the relationship begin!

The Lord Jesus told His disciples that it was advantageous for Him to go back to The Father because the Comforter, the Holy Spirit would then come and dwell within them, teach them the truth, encourage, them, and reveal the will of the Father to them. The word Comforter in the original language means: Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, and Standby. Wow, by His grace, the Holy Spirit now dwells within us and is all that in our lives (John 16:7). The more we look to our problems and issues, the less we allow the Holy Spirit to be our comforter. However, when we decide to strengthen our relationship with Him, He will reveal His love  to us in all of these various manifestations (Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, and Standby). Decide today to shift your focus to the One who dwells within you. There is so much He wants to teach you. Let the relationship begin!

John 16:7 “However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you].

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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.