"Speck Patrol"
Deuteronomy 4:1-49
Luke 6:39-7:10
Psalm 68:1-18
Proverbs 11:28
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get upset with people who don't live the way "we know" that God wants them to live? Think of people who "get your goat". There's probably something about their actions that you feel is "wrong", and it is probably some element of spirituality that you believe is missing in their life.
It's so easy to sit and hear a wonderful sermon or a word of correction or exhortation and think, "Wow! this is good! There are people here who need to hear this!" There's danger in that thought process. That thinking is a way of deflecting what the Lord is trying to do in my life.
Jesus calls attention to this. "And why quibble about the speck in someone else's eye - his little fault - when a [beam] is in your own? How can you think of saying to him, 'Brother, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the [beam] in yours? Hypocrite! First get rid of the board, and then perhaps you can see well enough to deal with his speck!" Luke 6:41-42
I had this picture of people on "Speck Patrol" riding around in their "Beam"ers.... get it? Beamers?
When you are in the presence of the Lord, he will speak to you. It will usually be an area he would like for you to surrender to him. Lets use the example of gossip. When the Lord shines his light on your gossip, all the sudden you see all those around you who gossip. It's like you're seeing through "Gossip-Goggles".
Our human nature then kicks in, and starts to judge others for the issues they have with gossip. It does this for a number of reasons. One may be so you start thinking, "well at least I'm not as bad as them...". Another reason is to distract you and waste the energy you should be spending on repentance and refining the gossip in your own life.
So what should we do when the "speck patrol" of our flesh shows up? We need to recognize that as the Holy Spirit reminding us of OUR faults, not someone else's. This is a HUGE opportunity to thrust a dagger into the heart of our flesh and further the process of becoming the "dead man" God wants us to be.
Whether we realize it or not, we are always looking for an excuse to hang on to what God is asking us to give him. When we begin to be people of "habitual repentance" and we surrender as soon as the Lord brings our "beams" to light, we will be on a path toward maturity. We will become who God has created us to be.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Showing posts with label Gossip. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gossip. Show all posts
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Sunday, October 30, 2011
10.30.11 "Trick or Treat!"
"Trick or Treat!"
Lamentations 2:20 - 3:66
Hebrews 1:1-14
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 26:21-22
Sin is sneaking up on you. It's waiting for a chance to infect you. You're probably thinking that this is going to have something to do with halloween. It doesn't. It has to do with one of the biggest lures and deceptions in the body of Christ. This is a sin that probably all Christians have taken part of at some point. Sometimes it's been willful, other times it came out of nowhere, but the opportunity is always there. It's always at the door. It's not only at your door. There's someone near who's often willing to dive into the sin with you.
"Gossip is a dainty morsel eaten with great relish." Prov. 26:22
What is it about gossip? For some reason people like to talk about other people. "Did you hear about..." Why is that such a lure? Why are we enthralled with the problems of others? In the reading a few days ago the Proverb reading said, "Yanking a dog's ears is no more foolish than interfering in an argument that isn't any of your business." Prov. 26:17
Sometimes we think that if we phrase gossip in the form of a prayer request, we've cleared ourselves of the sin part. That's not necessarily true. Our human nature wants to feel better about itself. Often it takes the opportunity to shine light on someone else's faults or struggles just to elevate ourselves.
There is some lure to gossip. It's like a piece of candy. I like those brown pink and white ones with the coconut... mmmm... you pop it in your mouth and your mouth waters, savoring the flavor. There's something about our human nature that salivates over hearing the troubles and / or faults of others. If we are not careful we find ourselves savoring their trial.
How do we know when something is gossip, and not just talking about our lives? One way is to recognize when the voices go low. Another is when it's said, "Don't tell anybody this, but..."
Wouldn't it be great to be gossip free? Where trust and freedom abound? That's the fruit of Relationships Devoted to Unity. If I know you would never say anything to harm me, and you know the same about me, we can trust each other to work together in ministry... to help each other through any situation. I will treat your needs with honor, and I know you will defend me to the end. That's a the kind of Body I want to be a part of. One that is truly Devoted to Unity.
Yesterday's Proverb was verse 20: "Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and tensions disappear when gossip stops." I love the thought of "tensions disappear". How wonderful that is! Let's prioritize that atmosphere in the body of Christ!
Don't be lured in by the "treat" of gossip. It's really a "trick" that destroys unity. Unity is VERY important to Christ, so we need to treat it with the utmost care. Defend one another!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Lamentations 2:20 - 3:66
Hebrews 1:1-14
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 26:21-22
Sin is sneaking up on you. It's waiting for a chance to infect you. You're probably thinking that this is going to have something to do with halloween. It doesn't. It has to do with one of the biggest lures and deceptions in the body of Christ. This is a sin that probably all Christians have taken part of at some point. Sometimes it's been willful, other times it came out of nowhere, but the opportunity is always there. It's always at the door. It's not only at your door. There's someone near who's often willing to dive into the sin with you.
"Gossip is a dainty morsel eaten with great relish." Prov. 26:22
What is it about gossip? For some reason people like to talk about other people. "Did you hear about..." Why is that such a lure? Why are we enthralled with the problems of others? In the reading a few days ago the Proverb reading said, "Yanking a dog's ears is no more foolish than interfering in an argument that isn't any of your business." Prov. 26:17
Sometimes we think that if we phrase gossip in the form of a prayer request, we've cleared ourselves of the sin part. That's not necessarily true. Our human nature wants to feel better about itself. Often it takes the opportunity to shine light on someone else's faults or struggles just to elevate ourselves.
There is some lure to gossip. It's like a piece of candy. I like those brown pink and white ones with the coconut... mmmm... you pop it in your mouth and your mouth waters, savoring the flavor. There's something about our human nature that salivates over hearing the troubles and / or faults of others. If we are not careful we find ourselves savoring their trial.
How do we know when something is gossip, and not just talking about our lives? One way is to recognize when the voices go low. Another is when it's said, "Don't tell anybody this, but..."
Wouldn't it be great to be gossip free? Where trust and freedom abound? That's the fruit of Relationships Devoted to Unity. If I know you would never say anything to harm me, and you know the same about me, we can trust each other to work together in ministry... to help each other through any situation. I will treat your needs with honor, and I know you will defend me to the end. That's a the kind of Body I want to be a part of. One that is truly Devoted to Unity.
Yesterday's Proverb was verse 20: "Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and tensions disappear when gossip stops." I love the thought of "tensions disappear". How wonderful that is! Let's prioritize that atmosphere in the body of Christ!
Don't be lured in by the "treat" of gossip. It's really a "trick" that destroys unity. Unity is VERY important to Christ, so we need to treat it with the utmost care. Defend one another!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Saturday, October 30, 2010
10.30.10 "Trick or Treat!"
"Trick or Treat!"
Lamentations 2:20 - 3:66
Hebrews 1:1-14
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 26:21-22
Sin is sneaking up on you. It's waiting for a chance to infect you. You're probably thinking that this is going to have something to do with halloween. It doesn't. It has to do with one of the biggest lures and deceptions in the body of Christ. This is a sin that probably all Christians have taken part of at some point. Sometimes it's been willful, other times it came out of nowhere, but the opportunity is always there. It's always at the door. It's not only at your door. There's someone near who's often willing to dive into the sin with you.
"Gossip is a dainty morsel eaten with great relish." Prov. 26:22
What is it about gossip? For some reason people like to talk about other people. "Did you hear about..." Why is that such a lure? Why are we enthralled with the problems of others? A few days ago the Proverb reading said, "Yanking a dog's ears is no more foolish than interfering in an argument that isn't any of your business." Prov. 26:17
Sometimes we think that if we phrase gossip in the form of a prayer request, we've cleared ourselves of the sin part. That's not necessarily true. Our human nature wants to feel better about itself. Often it takes the opportunity to shine light on someone else's faults or struggles just to elevate ourselves.
There is some lure to gossip. It's like a piece of candy. I like those brown pink and white ones with the coconut... mmmm... you pop it in your mouth and your mouth waters, savoring the flavor. There's something about our human nature that salivates over hearing the troubles and / or faults of others. If we are not careful we find ourselves savoring their trial.
How do we know when something is gossip, and not just talking about our lives? One way is to recognize when the voices go low. Another is when it's said, "Don't tell anybody this, but..."
Wouldn't it be great to be gossip free? Where trust and freedom abound? That's the fruit of Relationships Devoted to Unity. If I know you would never say anything to harm me, and you know the same about me, we can trust each other to work together in ministry... to help each other through any situation. I will treat your needs with honor, and I know you will defend me to the end. That's a the kind of Body I want to be a part of. One that is truly Devoted to Unity.
Yesterday's Proverb was verse 20: "Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and tensions disappear when gossip stops." I love the thought of "tensions disappear". How wonderful that is! Let's prioritize that atmosphere in the body of Christ!
Don't be lured in by the "treat" of gossip. It's really a "trick" that destroys unity. Unity is VERY important to Christ, so we need to treat it with the utmost care. Defend one another!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Lamentations 2:20 - 3:66
Hebrews 1:1-14
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 26:21-22
Sin is sneaking up on you. It's waiting for a chance to infect you. You're probably thinking that this is going to have something to do with halloween. It doesn't. It has to do with one of the biggest lures and deceptions in the body of Christ. This is a sin that probably all Christians have taken part of at some point. Sometimes it's been willful, other times it came out of nowhere, but the opportunity is always there. It's always at the door. It's not only at your door. There's someone near who's often willing to dive into the sin with you.
"Gossip is a dainty morsel eaten with great relish." Prov. 26:22
What is it about gossip? For some reason people like to talk about other people. "Did you hear about..." Why is that such a lure? Why are we enthralled with the problems of others? A few days ago the Proverb reading said, "Yanking a dog's ears is no more foolish than interfering in an argument that isn't any of your business." Prov. 26:17
Sometimes we think that if we phrase gossip in the form of a prayer request, we've cleared ourselves of the sin part. That's not necessarily true. Our human nature wants to feel better about itself. Often it takes the opportunity to shine light on someone else's faults or struggles just to elevate ourselves.
There is some lure to gossip. It's like a piece of candy. I like those brown pink and white ones with the coconut... mmmm... you pop it in your mouth and your mouth waters, savoring the flavor. There's something about our human nature that salivates over hearing the troubles and / or faults of others. If we are not careful we find ourselves savoring their trial.
How do we know when something is gossip, and not just talking about our lives? One way is to recognize when the voices go low. Another is when it's said, "Don't tell anybody this, but..."
Wouldn't it be great to be gossip free? Where trust and freedom abound? That's the fruit of Relationships Devoted to Unity. If I know you would never say anything to harm me, and you know the same about me, we can trust each other to work together in ministry... to help each other through any situation. I will treat your needs with honor, and I know you will defend me to the end. That's a the kind of Body I want to be a part of. One that is truly Devoted to Unity.
Yesterday's Proverb was verse 20: "Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and tensions disappear when gossip stops." I love the thought of "tensions disappear". How wonderful that is! Let's prioritize that atmosphere in the body of Christ!
Don't be lured in by the "treat" of gossip. It's really a "trick" that destroys unity. Unity is VERY important to Christ, so we need to treat it with the utmost care. Defend one another!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, October 30, 2009
10.30.9 "Trick or Treat"
"Trick or Treat!"
Lamentations 2:20 - 3:66
Hebrews 1:1-14
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 26:21-22
Sin is sneaking up on you. It's waiting for a chance to infect you. You're probably thinking that this is going to have something to do with halloween. It doesn't. It has to do with one of the biggest lures and deceptions in the body of Christ. This is a sin that probably all Christians have taken part of at some point. Sometimes it's been willful, other times it came out of nowhere, but the opportunity is always there. It's always at the door. It's not only at your door. There's someone near who's often willing to dive into the sin with you.
"Gossip is a dainty morsel eaten with great relish." Prov. 26:22
What is it about gossip? For some reason people like to talk about other people. "Did you hear about..." Why is that such a lure? Why are we enthralled with the problems of others? A few days ago the Proverb reading said, "Yanking a dog's ears is no more foolish than interfering in an argument that isn't any of your business." Prov. 26:17
Sometimes we think that if we phrase gossip in the form of a prayer request, we've cleared ourselves of the sin part. That's not necessarily true. Our human nature wants to feel better about itself. Often it takes the opportunity to shine light on someone else's faults or struggles just to elevate ourselves.
There is some lure to gossip. It's like a piece of candy. I like those brown pink and white ones with the coconut... mmmm... you pop it in your mouth and your mouth waters, savoring the flavor. There's something about our human nature that salivates over hearing the troubles and / or faults of others. If we are not careful we find ourselves savoring their trial.
How do we know when something is gossip, and not just talking about our lives? One way is to recognize when the voices go low. Another is when it's said, "Don't tell anybody this, but..."
Wouldn't it be great to be gossip free? Where trust and freedom abound? That's the fruit of Relationships Devoted to Unity. If I know you would never say anything to harm me, and you know the same about me, we can trust each other to work together in ministry... to help each other through any situation. I will treat your needs with honor, and I know you will defend me to the end. That's a the kind of Body I want to be a part of. One that is truly Devoted to Unity.
Yesterday's Proverb was verse 20: "Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and tensions disappear when gossip stops." I love the thought of "tensions disappear". How wonderful that is! Let's prioritize that atmosphere in the body of Christ!
Don't be lured in by the "treat" of gossip. It's really a "trick" that destroys unity. Unity is VERY important to Christ, so we need to treat it with the utmost care. Defend one another!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Lamentations 2:20 - 3:66
Hebrews 1:1-14
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 26:21-22
Sin is sneaking up on you. It's waiting for a chance to infect you. You're probably thinking that this is going to have something to do with halloween. It doesn't. It has to do with one of the biggest lures and deceptions in the body of Christ. This is a sin that probably all Christians have taken part of at some point. Sometimes it's been willful, other times it came out of nowhere, but the opportunity is always there. It's always at the door. It's not only at your door. There's someone near who's often willing to dive into the sin with you.
"Gossip is a dainty morsel eaten with great relish." Prov. 26:22
What is it about gossip? For some reason people like to talk about other people. "Did you hear about..." Why is that such a lure? Why are we enthralled with the problems of others? A few days ago the Proverb reading said, "Yanking a dog's ears is no more foolish than interfering in an argument that isn't any of your business." Prov. 26:17
Sometimes we think that if we phrase gossip in the form of a prayer request, we've cleared ourselves of the sin part. That's not necessarily true. Our human nature wants to feel better about itself. Often it takes the opportunity to shine light on someone else's faults or struggles just to elevate ourselves.
There is some lure to gossip. It's like a piece of candy. I like those brown pink and white ones with the coconut... mmmm... you pop it in your mouth and your mouth waters, savoring the flavor. There's something about our human nature that salivates over hearing the troubles and / or faults of others. If we are not careful we find ourselves savoring their trial.
How do we know when something is gossip, and not just talking about our lives? One way is to recognize when the voices go low. Another is when it's said, "Don't tell anybody this, but..."
Wouldn't it be great to be gossip free? Where trust and freedom abound? That's the fruit of Relationships Devoted to Unity. If I know you would never say anything to harm me, and you know the same about me, we can trust each other to work together in ministry... to help each other through any situation. I will treat your needs with honor, and I know you will defend me to the end. That's a the kind of Body I want to be a part of. One that is truly Devoted to Unity.
Yesterday's Proverb was verse 20: "Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and tensions disappear when gossip stops." I love the thought of "tensions disappear". How wonderful that is! Let's prioritize that atmosphere in the body of Christ!
Don't be lured in by the "treat" of gossip. It's really a "trick" that destroys unity. Unity is VERY important to Christ, so we need to treat it with the utmost care. Defend one another!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Thursday, October 30, 2008
10.30.8 "Trick or Treat"
"Trick or Treat!"
Lamentations 2:20 - 3:66
Hebrews 1:1-14
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 26:21-22
Sin is sneaking up on you. It's waiting for a chance to infect you. You're probably thinking that this is going to have something to do with halloween. It doesn't. It has to do with one of the biggest lures and deceptions in the body of Christ. This is a sin that probably all Christians have taken part of at some point. Sometimes it's been willful, other times it came out of nowhere, but the opportunity is always there. It's always at the door. It's not only at your door. There's someone near who's often willing to dive into the sin with you.
"Gossip is a dainty morsel eaten with great relish." Prov. 26:22
What is it about gossip? For some reason people like to talk about other people. "Did you hear about..." Why is that such a lure? Why are we enthralled with the problems of others? A few days ago the Proverb reading said, "Yanking a dog's ears is no more foolish than interfering in an argument that isn't any of your business." Prov. 26:17
Sometimes we think that if we phrase gossip in the form of a prayer request, we've cleared ourselves of the sin part. That's not necessarily true. Our human nature wants to feel better about itself. Often it takes the opportunity to shine light on someone else's faults or struggles just to elevate ourselves.
There is some lure to gossip. It's like a piece of candy. I like those brown pink and white ones with the coconut... mmmm... you pop it in your mouth and your mouth waters, savoring the flavor. There's something about our human nature that salivates over hearing the troubles and / or faults of others. If we are not careful we find ourselves savoring their trial.
How do we know when something is gossip, and not just talking about our lives? One way is to recognize when the voices go low. Another is when it's said, "Don't tell anybody this, but..."
Wouldn't it be great to be gossip free? Where trust and freedom abound? That's the fruit of Relationships Devoted to Unity. If I know you would never say anything to harm me, and you know the same about me, we can trust each other to work together in ministry... to help each other through any situation. I will treat your needs with honor, and I know you will defend me to the end. That's a the kind of Body I want to be a part of. One that is truly Devoted to Unity.
Yesterday's Proverb was verse 20: "Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and tensions disappear when gossip stops." I love the thought of "tensions disappear". How wonderful that is! Let's prioritize that atmosphere in the body of Christ!
Don't be lured in by the "treat" of gossip. It's really a "trick" that destroys unity. Unity is VERY important to Christ, so we need to treat it with the utmost care. Defend one another!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Lamentations 2:20 - 3:66
Hebrews 1:1-14
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 26:21-22
Sin is sneaking up on you. It's waiting for a chance to infect you. You're probably thinking that this is going to have something to do with halloween. It doesn't. It has to do with one of the biggest lures and deceptions in the body of Christ. This is a sin that probably all Christians have taken part of at some point. Sometimes it's been willful, other times it came out of nowhere, but the opportunity is always there. It's always at the door. It's not only at your door. There's someone near who's often willing to dive into the sin with you.
"Gossip is a dainty morsel eaten with great relish." Prov. 26:22
What is it about gossip? For some reason people like to talk about other people. "Did you hear about..." Why is that such a lure? Why are we enthralled with the problems of others? A few days ago the Proverb reading said, "Yanking a dog's ears is no more foolish than interfering in an argument that isn't any of your business." Prov. 26:17
Sometimes we think that if we phrase gossip in the form of a prayer request, we've cleared ourselves of the sin part. That's not necessarily true. Our human nature wants to feel better about itself. Often it takes the opportunity to shine light on someone else's faults or struggles just to elevate ourselves.
There is some lure to gossip. It's like a piece of candy. I like those brown pink and white ones with the coconut... mmmm... you pop it in your mouth and your mouth waters, savoring the flavor. There's something about our human nature that salivates over hearing the troubles and / or faults of others. If we are not careful we find ourselves savoring their trial.
How do we know when something is gossip, and not just talking about our lives? One way is to recognize when the voices go low. Another is when it's said, "Don't tell anybody this, but..."
Wouldn't it be great to be gossip free? Where trust and freedom abound? That's the fruit of Relationships Devoted to Unity. If I know you would never say anything to harm me, and you know the same about me, we can trust each other to work together in ministry... to help each other through any situation. I will treat your needs with honor, and I know you will defend me to the end. That's a the kind of Body I want to be a part of. One that is truly Devoted to Unity.
Yesterday's Proverb was verse 20: "Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and tensions disappear when gossip stops." I love the thought of "tensions disappear". How wonderful that is! Let's prioritize that atmosphere in the body of Christ!
Don't be lured in by the "treat" of gossip. It's really a "trick" that destroys unity. Unity is VERY important to Christ, so we need to treat it with the utmost care. Defend one another!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
10.30.7 "Trick or Treat!"
"Trick or Treat!"
Lamentations 2:20 - 3:66
Hebrews 1:1-14
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 26:21-22
Sin is sneaking up on you. It's waiting for a chance to infect you. You're probably thinking that this is going to have something to do with halloween. It doesn't. It has to do with one of the biggest lures and deceptions in the body of Christ. This is a sin that probably all Christians have taken part of at some point. Sometimes it's been willful, other times it came out of nowhere, but the opportunity is always there. It's always at the door. It's not only at your door. There's someone near who's often willing to dive into the sin with you.
"Gossip is a dainty morsel eaten with great relish." Prov. 26:22
What is it about gossip? For some reason people like to talk about other people. "Did you hear about..." Why is that such a lure? Why are we enthralled with the problems of others? A few days ago the Proverb reading said, "Yanking a dog's ears is no more foolish than interfering in an argument that isn't any of your business." Prov. 26:17
Sometimes we think that if we phrase gossip in the form of a prayer request, we've cleared ourselves of the sin part. That's not necessarily true. Our human nature wants to feel better about itself. Often it takes the opportunity to shine light on someone else's faults or struggles just to elevate ourselves.
There is some lure to gossip. It's like a piece of candy. I like those brown pink and white ones with the coconut... mmmm... you pop it in your mouth and your mouth waters, savoring the flavor. There's something about our human nature that salivates over hearing the troubles and / or faults of others. If we are not careful we find ourselves savoring their trial.
How do we know when something is gossip, and not just talking about our lives? One way is to recognize when the voices go low. Another is when it's said, "Don't tell anybody this, but..."
Wouldn't it be great to be gossip free? Where trust and freedom abound? That's the fruit of Relationships Devoted to Unity. If I know you would never say anything to harm me, and you know the same about me, we can trust each other to work together in ministry... to help each other through any situation. I will treat your needs with honor, and I know you will defend me to the end. That's a the kind of Body I want to be a part of. One that is truly Devoted to Unity.
Yesterday's Proverb was verse 20: "Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and tensions disappear when gossip stops." I love the thought of "tensions disappear". How wonderful that is! Let's prioritize that atmosphere in the body of Christ!
Don't be lured in by the "treat" of gossip. It's really a "trick" that destroys unity. Unity is VERY important to Christ, so we need to treat it with the utmost care. Defend one another!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Lamentations 2:20 - 3:66
Hebrews 1:1-14
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 26:21-22
Sin is sneaking up on you. It's waiting for a chance to infect you. You're probably thinking that this is going to have something to do with halloween. It doesn't. It has to do with one of the biggest lures and deceptions in the body of Christ. This is a sin that probably all Christians have taken part of at some point. Sometimes it's been willful, other times it came out of nowhere, but the opportunity is always there. It's always at the door. It's not only at your door. There's someone near who's often willing to dive into the sin with you.
"Gossip is a dainty morsel eaten with great relish." Prov. 26:22
What is it about gossip? For some reason people like to talk about other people. "Did you hear about..." Why is that such a lure? Why are we enthralled with the problems of others? A few days ago the Proverb reading said, "Yanking a dog's ears is no more foolish than interfering in an argument that isn't any of your business." Prov. 26:17
Sometimes we think that if we phrase gossip in the form of a prayer request, we've cleared ourselves of the sin part. That's not necessarily true. Our human nature wants to feel better about itself. Often it takes the opportunity to shine light on someone else's faults or struggles just to elevate ourselves.
There is some lure to gossip. It's like a piece of candy. I like those brown pink and white ones with the coconut... mmmm... you pop it in your mouth and your mouth waters, savoring the flavor. There's something about our human nature that salivates over hearing the troubles and / or faults of others. If we are not careful we find ourselves savoring their trial.
How do we know when something is gossip, and not just talking about our lives? One way is to recognize when the voices go low. Another is when it's said, "Don't tell anybody this, but..."
Wouldn't it be great to be gossip free? Where trust and freedom abound? That's the fruit of Relationships Devoted to Unity. If I know you would never say anything to harm me, and you know the same about me, we can trust each other to work together in ministry... to help each other through any situation. I will treat your needs with honor, and I know you will defend me to the end. That's a the kind of Body I want to be a part of. One that is truly Devoted to Unity.
Yesterday's Proverb was verse 20: "Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and tensions disappear when gossip stops." I love the thought of "tensions disappear". How wonderful that is! Let's prioritize that atmosphere in the body of Christ!
Don't be lured in by the "treat" of gossip. It's really a "trick" that destroys unity. Unity is VERY important to Christ, so we need to treat it with the utmost care. Defend one another!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
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