Thursday, February 4, 2010

Putting on...

Col 3:12
So, as you have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, gentleness and patience.
God empowers us to put on compassion, kindness, gentleness and patience... what does this look like?
How can I put on a hear of compassion? I think the first part gives us a hint... We have been chosen, it is a choice we make. When I really don't feel like being kind because someone has done something to upset me, I can chose kindness instead of bitterness. When someone says all kinds of evil against me, I can chose to be gentle instead of offended. When someone is purposely testing my nerves... I can chose patience, put on patience instead of impatience and aggravation.
Help me chose these beautiful things You have put inside of us Father in Jesus' name. And I repent for my impatient attitude, bitterness and taking offenses by Jesus' blood. Forgive me and I ask You to send away anything of this carnal nature far from me in Jesus' name. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. Thank You for helping us walk in supernatural love.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Let love reign, not accusation.

I was a little sad earlier reading someone's response to the Final Quest written by Rick Joyner. Perhaps it is because I have the privilege to hear this man on a weekly basis present his heart for God, and helping equip the Church.

Father, please help to keep us from fault-finding and accusation.


What do you think it looks like to hear or read something that we don't agree with? What is the Godly response? Truly, I'm asking. I recognize the bible says in Matthew "Do not judge, lest ye be judged, for the measure you use, it shall be measured back to you." (If you really want where the refences are just reply and I'll Biblegateway.com them)
In this book it talks about seeing Christians beating each other with swords... How often do we in the Church do that? God help us! What was JEsus' response when the people brought the woman caught in adultery before him? He said, "You are without sin shall cast the first stone." They all left realizing there brokenness.

Father, help me not forget where I have come from to stand in true humility. Help me to see who I am in you so that I can keep going forward.

If I am judging someone in a sin, then I am likely to fall into it myself. This attitude infects the mind with pride. I know I have been deep in it.
What would it be like if we did Galatians 6:1 "Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.

Restoration is God's business and He is mighty good at it. He doesn't see you as you perceive yourself, but as He created you to be. He knows the end from the beginning, we are all in need of His restoration. Please church, let us stop siding with the accuser of the brethren and the One that speaks life to our dry bones. Like Rick Joyner says, "the bible doesn't say humble your neighbor." God asks us to humble ourselves.
Let love reign! If you are alive, there is hope for you!