Division

 Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would see such division in the Body of Christ over masks and vaccines. I don't care if you're anti mask, pro mask, anti vaccine, pro vaccine, that is not my point. My point is the anger, division, the my way or the highway attitude seen throughout the church. 

Do legalistic Facebook posts win people over to our side or more importantly to Christ? People post about the love of Christ 1 minute, the next they cast stones calling people idiots. Disagreeing with someone's viewpoint is very different than calling them names. 

How do we navigate the waters in this long season keeping our hearts filled with love and our eyes on Christ? Perhaps spending more time in prayer than posting on social media is the answer. Perhaps spending more time in the Word than calling out people and telling them they are going to hell. Perhaps fasting from social media. Step away from the screen, take a break, go outdoors...

 We should examine our own hearts over examining other people's spiritual condition. 

If we are aggravated by anything and everything, we need to take a look in the mirror.

 Psalm 4:4 tells us: 

Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent

Ephesians 4:26-27

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,  and give no opportunity to the devil.

Proverbs 4:22-24

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. 
Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.

I realize this is easier said than done, but let us be about loving the Lord and loving others, reflecting His love and leave the job of judging to Him who is qualified. 

Prayer Aug 27, 2021

 Creator of the Universe. Ruler of All. Lord of the Nations.

Are You not the Judge of all the earth? My heart is broken over what happened in Afghamistan yesterday.

Lord God, help us remain in prayer for our Afghani brothers and sisters in Christ, our military,  and the conversion of hearts among the terror factions there.

Holy Spirit covict us if we murmur and complain and begin to cast stones at politicians. We know from Scripture You do not like grumbling or gossip. Please give us the unction to pray for those in office to do what is right in Your sight. Transform the hearts in DC of those who are far from You. Open their eyes to Your Word, Your ways, Your solutions.

We ask You to protect Christians who are in hostile Muslim countries,  if they want to leave, please work out the details for them. 

Please urge us to fervently pray those serving false gods with loving hearts. Please help us focus on their eternal home not the violence here and now.

In Jesus' Name we pray.

Amen