Blood

(after Nothing But The Blood"
On that mount
Of flesh and stone
A man was hung
A man was torn
His life poured out
In crimson red
A crown of thorns
Piercing His head
It spilled to earth
Soaked in the ground
All for the call
Of lost sheep found
And at His cross
I laid my cup
And through His love
I was filled up
It filled my words
My empty claims
Spoke righteousness
Instead of shame
He took my face
And washed my head
With all the blood
That He had shed
He stood before
The world of hate
To defend His hand
Upon my fate
And testified
The Father’s heart
And beckons us
To take a part
Of His red blessing
White innocence
Helps us realize
Unearthly confidence
We’re pure as snow
And whole again
Because we know

It’s nothing but Your blood,
Lord Jesus.

Love Is A Standard

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:  “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:34-40

• Jesus says very clearly that love is to be the standard by which we live.

• Not an easy task - a more difficult calling than if He had said “Live according to the laws of Moses” or “Keep your neighbor in line as you keep yourself in line.”

• Loving God and others calls us out of our comfort zone, and into an atmosphere of unnatural patience, peace, and kindness toward others along with a supernatural submission to the Father.

• Big picture sounds great, what about day to day living?

• I’ve heard of a tactic used - with every thing and everyone you interact with, picture Jesus is standing between the two of you. Everything is going from you through Jesus then into the person. Think of Christ as a conduit for your words and actions.

• Another good strategy is to memory verses on love and interacting with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Read through a passage of the Bible before you start your day. Try to start out each day with the right perspective on things.

• When you’re working - what mindset should you have? Love. Know that whatever you put your hands to has potential to bring glory to God and reward to you.

• When you have downtime don’t fall into spiritual downtime as well.

• Show love through honoring others.

• Show your love for God through obeying Him and taking encouragement from Him.

• If there’s some type of physical reminder that would help you, take advantage of it.
• WWJD bracelets, a necklace, some form of jewelry, business card format, poster, etc
• Most important for living with love as a standard:
• Walking with the knowledge that you are genuinely loved by God the Father, and have been blessed with the honor of being considered His child. Know that though Him you have authority and power, and have been called out of living by trudging through the norm.
• Love as you first have been loved!

Dealing With Disagreement 2.0

PRAY

Being Exemplary Through Reacting to Disagreement

We all get into disagreements.

We get that feeling of the need to prove ourselves.

This is a weak point for lots of Christians, even when discussing Christian matters.

So how do we combat it?

Don’t Rush Into Argument

First off, the Bible really clearly says what to do in a matter of a few short words:

Proverbs 17:14

“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”(NIV)

If you are caught in a disagreement with a fellow brother or sister, don’t always assume you’re able to come to terms with the matter quickly on your own. If the problem can’t be solved between the two of you, ask the advice of someone wiser, who you respect.

Proverbs 13:10

“Pride only breeds quarrels,

but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” (NIV)

It often feels like your duty to show others that you're right, but

Proverbs 20:3 (NIV)

“It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”

Don’t Argue For the Sake of Your Pride

Philippians 2:3-4

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (NKJV)

In Galatians we’re presented the consequence of arguing with another, & the blessing of not:

Galatians 6:7-8

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (NIV)

When you get into an argument, you know you’re the right one, you feel it.

But regardless of who’s side is more accurate, no battle will be won with just sharp words. Trying to show someone the “truth” could only lead to more destruction if you’re only doing it because you’re bent on being right.

Proverbs 18:19

“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” (KJV)

Proverbs 3:34

34 Surely He scorns the scornful,

But gives grace to the humble.

Don’t stand up for yourself- let God and the Scriptures do that.

1 Peter 5:6 -7

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.

Keep the focus on God

Realize it’s not your place to tell them what they believe is wrong (unless it is in concordance with Scripture for you to do so)

Know that it’s ultimately up to God to settle scores, don’t do it on your own.

James 4:10-12

10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

Micah 6:8

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” (NKJV)

The Lord doesn’t require you to prove each sinner of their sins. Instead:

1 Thess 5 says:

encourage each other and build each other up,

Romans 14:19

"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."

PRAY