Defeated Enemies

"They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the Lord and for the nation of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword." 2 Samuel 1:12

As you'll recall, a few verses earlier, David received word that King Saul and his son, Jonathan, had been killed. King Saul and his army were hunting David because he was anointed to be the next king. David had an atypical reaction. The fleshly desire is to gloat and celebrate that his number one enemy had been defeated. Instead, he honored the former king by mourning. Let's do a heart check this morning. Have you fasted and prayed for your enemies? For the people who did you all types of wrong? Have you prayed for their salvation? Sorry for the conviction this early in the morning :). Happy Tuesday! 

Proverbs 12- Attitudes & 'Shade'

"Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults" Proverbs 12:16

Is it necessary to retaliate every time someone lies or "throws shade"? Does there always have to be a Twitter rant, an Instagram repost, or a Facebook status explaining how people should "stay in their lane"? As believers, we are instructed to love God and love people (Matt 22:34-40) and forgive those who have wronged us infinitely (Matt 18:21-22). No, these scriptures don't mean that we are to accept abuse, but if we are forced to be around negative people, show the love of Christ. However, if it's not necessary to be around those people, remove whoever and whatever disturbs the peace.

"Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise." Proverbs 12:18

Are you the person who's constantly negative with a short fuse? Repent and earnestly pray for God to soften your heart. He'll do it!

(Original Post: December 12)

Steadfast in times of trouble

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6-7 

A tree with shallow roots can't survive stormy, tumultuous weather. At the first sign of trouble, it can be uprooted. In the same way, if our faith is in people, the moment we are disappointed, our whole world comes crashing down. This is why it's so important to build our lives on the sturdy foundation of Christ. He'll never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 3:16). 

(Original post: November 29)

A lesson in love

"What does The Lord require of you but... to walk in all His ways and to love Him" Deuteronomy 10:12

The Lord's greatest commandment is to love (Mark 12:29-31). First, we are to love Him and second love others. The Bible doesn't limit loving others to: only family members we like, only childhood friends, and only significant others (while on good terms). We are to show love to the sales clerk that's cranky on Black Friday and even to someone who cuts us off on the road. In all situations remember that you aren't perfect and you've needed grace also. Why not give others the same?

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:7-8

(Original Post: November 25)