Proverbs 25
25:8-10 (NLT) "Don't be in a hurry to go to court. You might go down before your neighbors in shameful defeat. So discuss the matter with them privately. Don't tell anyone else, or others may accuse you of gossip. Then you will never regain your good reputation." It is easier to complain about people to others than to simply go directly to the person involved and deal with the problem. We live in a litigious society and very few people have the integrity to try to work out a problem. Instead we gossip and try to destroy another's character or opt to threaten lawsuits which result in lose-lose for everyone except the lawyers.
25:11 "Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances." Words are powerful for they communicate thoughts, emotions, and wisdom. Everyday we have the opportunity to share rotten apples (gossip, malice, bitterness, dissension) or golden apples (the Word of God, words of edification, words of encouragement, support, love...) Which words will you use today?
25:28 (NLT) "A person without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls." If we lack self control in any area, the Enemy has easy access to control us. We may have think we have "everything under control" but if there is even one area of compromise (lust of the eyes, anger, alcohol/drugs, etc) we can be controlled by him and open ourselves to great ruin.
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Seek God, Share Jesus, Show Love
Calvary Chapel West Boca
Seek God, Share Jesus, Show Love
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2 comments:
v 21-22 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
As I have put this scripture to the test in people who have wounded me deeply, the lord has rewarded me with immense love towards that person and healed many a broken relationship. Sometimes those enemies never respond to my efforts; however in the process the Lord gave me love for them instead of bitterness, and gave me a heart of prayer for that person. Instead of something ugly God has turned it to concern and forgiveness. I think the burning coals are not neccessarily "revenge" but rather the Holy Spirit who is able to work on their heart as a result of our efforts towards them and our prayers for them as God changes our hearts. My stepfather is one of these people. He has not been a part of my family for over 20 years and the horror that he put us through is unspeakable; however, when I think of him I weep because he is lost and needs to have Jesus wrap him in his love. I pray fervently for his salvation. I won't know this side of heaven what my prayers accomplished, but I will tell you this- I don't consider him an enemy anymore, just a sad, empty, person who hurt others because he is hurting. This scripture shows me that enemies are really "opportunities" for us forgive as we have been forgiven, and love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us- matt 5:44 & 6:14.
Tiffany,
Thanks for sharing that. It's so true. These things are often for our benefit, even more then the 'enemy'. It's a beautiful thing, the work that the Lord can do on a person's heart.
-Lori
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