[Wow! We are 100 days into this read-thru-the Bible in one year challenge! So exciting! I wish I had time to celebrate! However, to be honest, I'm running a little thread bare this week with hectic schedule and loooooong hours at work and very little sleep! So this is not going to be that profound... but my goal is not to be profound! My goal is to post a comment every day about something that spoke to me or jumped out to me in my daily reading. So here goes...]
I was really sobered by a verse in Romans 16 this morning that says:
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." Rom 16:17-18
That's some pretty strong counsel we are given! Avoid those that cause dissension and division contrary to the doctrine.
Rather than creating discord or being silent partners with those who do, God wants to make us builders, building up the faith, building up each other, building up the church. In fact, He's called us to stand in the gap on behalf of a dying world (Ezek. 22:30). He's asked us to be a repairer of the breach and a restorer of paths to walk in (Isa. 58:12). If ever there was a time we need to focus on pressing together in unity (in the truth), it is now!
Thought from Inspiration:
Now we can see why it's so dangerous to our souls to hang out with people that cause division!We are encouraged to pray for success, with the divine assurance that our prayers will be heard and answered. “If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:19, 20). “Ask of Me, and I will answer your requests.”
The promise is made on condition that the united prayers of the church are offered, and in answer to these prayers there may be expected a power greater than that which comes in answer to private prayer. The power given will be proportionate to the unity of the members and their love for God and for one another.—Letter 32, 1903, p. 6. (To Brother and Sister Farnsworth, January 28, 1903.)
Ellen White writes over and over: “Press together, press together, be of one mind, of one judgment.” Christ is the Leader, and you are brethren; follow Him. Walk in the light as He is in the light." (Christian Leadership, p. 11)
We desperately need the Holy Spirit... and the Holy Spirit cannot come where there is division, discord and disunity... it will only come where there is harmony and love one toward another.
Dear Lord, show us how to press together as a church, as Your people! Show us how to love one another, in spirit and in truth! May we not be among those tearing down the church, our pastor, or those around us... rather may we be builders, building up the bridges to restoration and bringing healing to Your church! Amen!
Tomorrow's Reading: Judges 3-4 and Mark 1
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