Conflict

Conflict often arises from a breakdown in communication or differences of opinion, perception, or understanding. Where people are, conflict happens.

Conflict is not a call to arms, it is a call to prayer, creativity, re-evaluation, and discovery. Through conflict, you may discover a better way to communicate, an exciting option that had not been considered when there was no pressure, or you may find out God had other plans.

Being of one mind, one vision and one heart does not mean there will be no conflict. It means that when conflict arises, it is not personal, it is because two people with one mind, one vision and one heart see things differently. This is the catalyst of creativity and the mine from which the diamonds of God's will are discovered.

It is God's faithfulness and sovereignty that Paul uses as an appeal to not let conflict become a negative agent in the church. The Bible reminds us that the real boss is the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9 says, "God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."

Conflict should not provoke quarrels. It's not about getting our own way.
Finally, let's love one another as brothers and sisters and leverage conflict as an opportunity for growth.

Just thinking.

Helping People Get Back on Track

At some time we all get off track or behave in a way that is unacceptable. Lately, I have seen many hurting people reaching out for help. Many are very fearful and guarded because they have witnessed how people deal with people who have problems. Sometimes good people become overcome by sin. Sin happens!

Check this out:
"Dear brothers and sisters, if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other's troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone in need, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important." Galatians 6:1-3 (emphasis mine)

Who are you aware of who could use some help? What are you doing to help them back on the right path?

Exposed

I'm pretty psyched about the upcoming series. We live in a world of "what happens behind closed doors doesn't matter," but it does matter. The irony is that there is nothing closed or not exposed before the Lord.

Check it out:
"For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done." Hebrews 4:12-13

What would happen if we all lived with an awareness of our lives being exposed to God 24/7?

Just thinking.