Conflict resolution God's way (Matt 18:15, Col 3:12-14)

“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. Matt 18:15

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Col 3:12-14

The Matthew 18:15 passage is the structural backbone for almost the entire framework it's worth anchoring the whole discussion there. The Colossians 3:12–14 cluster covers the posture (humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love) all in one tight unit, making it very useful for teaching the character required before any of the steps can work. 

Conflict is inevitable in a fallen world, but God uses it to reveal and develop spiritual maturity

• James 1:2–4 — trials produce steadfastness and maturity
• Romans 5:3–5 — suffering produces character and hope
• Proverbs 27:17 — iron sharpens iron; conflict as sanctifying friction

Pray for solutions that honor God and all involved

• Philippians 4:6–7 — present everything to God in prayer; the peace of God guards hearts
• James 1:5 — ask God for wisdom when you lack it
• 1 Timothy 2:1–2 — pray for all people; God desires peaceful, godly lives

Assume everyone has right motives

• 1 Corinthians 13:7 — love believes the best, hopes the best
• Philippians 2:3 — count others more significant than yourself
• Romans 15:7 — accept one another as Christ accepted you

Address issues quickly, graciously, humbly, and face-to-face

• Matthew 18:15 — go directly to the person, alone, first
• Ephesians 4:26–27 — do not let the sun go down on your anger
• Galatians 6:1 — restore gently, watching yourself
• Proverbs 15:1 — a soft answer turns away wrath

Include only those involved

• Matthew 18:15–17 — the full escalation process begins with just the two parties
• Proverbs 11:13 — a gossip betrays confidence; a trustworthy person keeps a matter private
• Proverbs 17:9 — whoever covers an offense promotes love; repeating it separates friends

Strive to protect unity

• Ephesians 4:3 — make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit
• Colossians 3:13–14 — bear with one another; love binds everything in perfect harmony
• John 17:20–23 — Jesus' own prayer for the unity of his people
• Psalm 133:1 — how good and pleasant when brothers dwell in unity

The scope of Christ's grace enables us to forgive freely

• Colossians 3:13 — forgive as the Lord forgave you
• Ephesians 4:32 — be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you
• Matthew 18:21–35 — the parable of the unmerciful servant; our forgiveness flows from being forgiven an unpayable debt
• Luke 7:47 — the one forgiven much loves much
• 2 Corinthians 5:18–19 — God reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation

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Jesus gives new power to walk differently - Mark 2:11

“Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” Mark 2:11

I had a wonderful time at Vertical Endeavors Prayer Summit this weekend. Yesterday I got to share my testimony with the world via the Vertical Endeavor Men’s Choir  

Setting aside intentional, uninterrupted time with the Lord deepens our relationship with Him and aligns our hearts with His will. God invites us to draw near, promising that when we seek Him, He will meet us and speak to us personally (James 4:8; Jeremiah 29:13). In pure worship without agenda or time pressure, we respond to His worthiness and experience renewal as He creates a clean heart and restores our spirit (Psalm 51:10; John 4:23–24). These moments are not confined to a place or event but can be carried back into daily life and the local church, as God desires ongoing communion with His people (Psalm 27:4). Shared worship with other believers strengthens unity and joy in His presence (Hebrews 10:24–25; Psalm 133:1). Above all, God longs for us to love Him, receive His love, and give Him our time and devotion, for He alone is worthy in these days (Mark 12:30; Revelation 4:11).

Grace Church Chapel shared a powerful service centered on worship, testimony, and truth.
The music set the tone. The orchestra opened with “God of Our Fathers,” followed by the Vertical Endeavor Men’s Choir, born from a gathering of 426 men seeking God together in prayer, Scripture, and worship. The congregation joined in classic hymns celebrating God’s greatness and power.

A testimony grounded the moment. Jesse shared how God met men who came with burdens and left with freedom in Christ. The message connected his story to Mark 2, reminding us that Jesus gives new power to walk differently:

This past weekend, I had the privilege of joining over 400 employees men behind me from across our area for a time of worship that was uniquely powerful and transformative.

We gather together with no agenda. Other than to be guided by the Holy Spirit. Our worship alternating between scripture, prayer, and song with no instruments, just our voices as you heard in the video. Right here in the chapel. From there, we scattered throughout the campus and spent about an hour individually in silence.

It gave me the space to ask God. For more information about the convictions, the Holy Spirit had been placing on my heart during our time of corporate worship. It was a time of deep personal reflection. And preparation for our small group breakouts. In Mark 2, we read about a crippled man on a mat. 

Whose friends were so determined to get him to Jesus that they dug through a roof to lower him down. This weekend, we did exactly that for our brothers. We carried our mat for the for our brothers, lifting each man before the Lord. In our small groups, we chose to be vulnerable. 

Laying down our pride to share the heavy burdens we've been carrying. Whether a man needed physical healing encouragement in their faith. Needed to confess in or just ask for strength to keep going. We each lifted him up before the Lord together. I want you to know that God worked powerfully in each room, each small group. 

We saw men find freedom from long-standing struggles. Receive healing for broken Spirits. And exchange their heavy burdens for the peace that only Jesus provides. We didn't just talk about our faith. We experienced victory in Christ. Amen. 

The sermon then widened the lens. Troy addressed Minnesota’s cultural tensions with clarity and compassion. He urged people to think clearly, not react emotionally, and to pray for leaders while remembering our ultimate hope rests in Jesus... this was on my heart coming into the weekend. 

Stephen’s story in Acts 6 offered a sobering reminder. He was full of faith, grace, and power, yet still faced false accusations and fierce opposition. His life teaches three truths: speak with the Spirit’s wisdom, expect resistance to godliness, and keep the bigger picture in view. Stephen’s suffering helped spark Saul’s transformation.

The call was clear. Faithfulness is not measured by easy outcomes. It is measured by courage, grace, and a life that reflects Jesus: God’s call is always present-tense

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Good to great in the kingdom, Spirit-empowered maturity (1 Cor 16:12-18)

Be (watchful) on (your) guard, alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous (act like men of courage). Be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

In context, "Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was not at all inclined to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity. Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong. Do everything in love. You know that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Now I urge you, brothers, to submit to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit and yours as well. Show your appreciation, therefore, to such men." - 1 Cor 16:12-18

Have you ever "put yourself out there" only to be passed-up or unnoticed. Its uncomfortable at best, and can be demoralizing if we take it personally. However when we trust God's timing we are able to carry on and continue in faith, courage and love. The story of Apollos is interesting, in Acts 18:24-28 we see a bold but immature believer who was FAT (faithful, available, teachable) - goes from good to great. 

"...Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well...He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy. However, he knew only about John’s baptism. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately...

Apollos had been thinking about going to...the brothers and sisters...encouraged him to go. They wrote to the believers...asking them to welcome him. When he arrived there, he proved to be of great benefit to those who, by God’s grace, had believed... Using the Scriptures, he explained to them that Jesus was the Messiah."

I did a word search to learn more about Apollos and found  that 1 Corinthians 1-4 is largely about "who's better" - but really it's about Christian leadership. Christian leadership is Spirit-empowered dependence on Christ, the power of the cross, and faithful stewardship.

Sometimes the answer is yes but not now

• Church and BSF Over the Years, foundational to living Coram Deo
• Vision for ministry
• Sometimes we need to be reminded about light and love (James 1:2-3,Heb 12, Revelation 21:9-14)
• Am I giving my time, treasure, and talent for God's Glory?

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Jesus sermon concludes, defining what Loving Others Looks like (Matthew 7:1-29)

 Matthew 6:19-7:29

My heart during our first quarter check in leads me to change my approach with people. To seek the wisdom of God rather than the wisdom of the world. Isaiah 58 reminded me that I want to be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes, guided continually by the LORD - I will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring (welling up to eternal life). 

Worry is a dark thought that is cured with heavenly insight (Matthew 6:19-34)

Matthew 7:1-6) Judge others, be judged in the same way - the standard by which you judge.

"why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own?"

Heavenly insight: We can't help others, when we can't see past the log in our own eye. First get rid of the log in our eye (the lamp that gives light to our bodies, the light we think we have).

Don't waste what is holy on people who are unholy - like throwing pearls to pigs, they trample pearls, then turn and attack me.

How do I get rid of the log in my eye?

Matthew 7:7-8) keep on asking = receive, keep on seeking = find, keep on knocking = "the door will be opened to you."

• What door? the narrow gate you enter into God's Kingdom. Matthew 7:13
• the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult Matthew 7:14
• Hearts and minds carries decisions, wrong or right (Romans 2:15, Mat 5:8, 6:22, Hebrews 11-13)
  
• Confess daily and repent from premeditated sin
  

9-11) parents, when child asks for bread and fish you don't give them stone and snake, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

• Jesus Feeds 5,000+ and Promise we will do more

Matthew 7:12) “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

• Narrow gate, we enter the Kingdom of God - where anything is possible feeding 5000 from nothing but a man of God and loaves and fishes. 
• Prayer gives the gift of Unction, an anointing, charisma that gives the Gospel, the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Romans 1:16
  

Matthew 7:12) “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

Matthew 7:15-20) Beware of false prophets (disguised), identify by fruit/action - good or bad, "every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire."

Matthew 7:21-23) Not everyone, not big words, but doing the will of Jesus Father in heaven will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. 

• I never knew you explained in parable of virgins (Matthew 7:23, Matthew 25:12)

Matthew 7:24-29) Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock...Jesus...taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.

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King of Kings, prepares our heart to receive the good news about the Kingdom (Part 2)

I previously understood Jesus life message; have faith in the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew) and that the Parables of Jesus are primarily about Salvation

I had to break this in half because of this revelation (part 1): The word of God transforms us into the people of the kingdom. 

Our heart must be prepared to receive the good news about the Kingdom. 

• Matthew 13:19: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. 
• Matthew 13:24:  Here is another story Jesus told: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. 
• Matthew 13:31: Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. 
•  Matthew 13:33: Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” 
• Matthew 13:38: The field is the world, and the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one. 

We can't circumcise our heart, or crucify our flesh, we can however fast, pray, wait and hope with expectant faith in the power of love of Jesus. Modeling our life after his and praying for every saint about to take their last breath, we see a multitude in heaven. Lord help us to number our days. Help us to see your perfect redemption and submit to your surgical removal of sin and evil from within us. Lord I take of my shoes and welcome you to wash my feet. I renounce the sin and evil I've allowed in my life and ask you to remove it in Jesus name. 

• Matthew 13:41: The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will remove from his Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 
• Matthew 13:43: Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! 
• Matthew 13:44: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. 
• Matthew 13:45: “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. 
• Matthew 13:47: “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind. 
• Matthew 13:52: Then he added, “Every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old.” 

Lord help me to ask, seek and knock. To take your yoke upon me, that I may learn from you as you plow the ground of my heart into the future. Thank you for Wally, Gloria, Judy, Gail, Warren, for Mercy Gilbert, Kathy, help me remember Jason and your promises. The leaves will heal the nations, people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. 

• Matthew 16:19: And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.” 
• Matthew 16:28: And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.” 

Lord teach my heart to obey you and follow through on turning from sin and never returning. Let me be humble like a child, in your presence, Coram Deo, Jehovah El Shaddai, El Roi. You are the greatest, submitting with joy to your fathers will. 

• Matthew 18:1: About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” 
• Matthew 18:3: Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. 
• Matthew 18:4: So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Lord forgive us our sins, debts, transgressions, as we forgive those who sin, owe us, and transgress upon us. 

• Matthew 18:23: “Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. 

Lord help us to see as you see, live as you live, love as you love, hope as you hope, work as you work, will as you will, give as you give, hire as you hire, suffer as you suffer, obey as you obey, forgive as you forgive, produce as you produce, celebrate as you celebrate, invite as you invite, open the door as you are the open door, and enter your kingdom in spirit and in truth. 

• Matthew 19:12: Some are born as eunuchs, some have been made eunuchs by others, and some choose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.” 
• Matthew 19:14: But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” 
• Matthew 19:23: Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. 
• Matthew 19:24: I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” 
• Matthew 20:1: “For the Kingdom of Heaven is like the landowner who went out early one morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 
• Matthew 20:21: “What is your request?” he asked. She replied, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.” 
• Matthew 21:31: “Which of the two obeyed his father?” They replied, “The first.” Then Jesus explained his meaning: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. 
• Matthew 21:43: I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit. 
• Matthew 22:2: “The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. 
• Matthew 23:13: “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either. 
• Matthew 24:7: Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.

Lord you showed me that everyone with ears that hear, eyes that see has the capacity to understand the good news about the Kingdom. We all stand before you, waiting, with our lamps, and oil. Serving the needs of others as we see you in them. Help us to see others with the compassion you have for us. 

• Matthew 24:14: And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. 
• Matthew 25:1: “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 
• Matthew 25:14: “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 
• Matthew 25:34: “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 
• Matthew 26:29: Mark my words—I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.”

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Carefully determine what pleases the Lord (Eph 5:10,Romans 12:1-2)

 Eph 5:1-2) Imitate God, all we do as children filled with love, exemplify Christ: offered himself sacrificially for us, pleasing aroma to God.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:1-2

3-5) no sexual immorality, impurity, greed (idolatry/worship of world) among God's people, obscene stories, foolish talk, coarse jokes. Instead thankfulness to God, inheritance in Christ's kingdom.

Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. (John the Baptist) Matthew 3:2

From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Matthew 4:17

God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Matthew 5:3

God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Matthew 5:10

So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 5:19

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33

But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. Matthew 12:28

Mark gives us the secrets of the Christ's Kingdom comes from repenting from sin and believing God via the parables of growing seed, believing like children. Mark 4:11, we don't die before we see the Kingdom of God arrive in great power Mark 9:1

6-9) Don't be fooled by excuses for sin, don't participate in darkness but live as people of light, Christ in us produces good, right, true.

10-14) Carefully determine what pleases the Lord, expose intentions with light, the why behind evil deeds done in secret. 

 - Thoughts, words, actions, habits, character, destiny

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12

15-20) Careful how you live, wise, make the most, thoughtful, understanding Lord's aim, filled with Holy Spirit, music in your hear, give thanks.

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Jesus teaches humble greatness seeks, restores, and forgives others (Matthew 18)

I got to lead in SALT and Light Today where our topic was "tenderhearted." the verse was Ephesians 4:32 ESV. "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." The idea is true forgiveness seeks to reconcile. We are often more forgiving, kind, and tenderhearted to strangers than we are to people we know. My friend said that's because people we know, "know better." But who knows us better than God? Yet he in Christ forgives us. The sanctifying work of God in our hearts shows when we are kind to one another, tenderhearted, and forgiving. 

Focus verse: 

 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” - Matthew 18:35

Big Idea: Jesus calls us to reflect His Father’s heart as they extend love to others Matthew 18

A) humbly receive the weak and the least: Jesus honored childlike humility as true greatness in His kingdom. – Matthew 18:1-9 

What lowly position, service, or person might you knowingly or unknowingly be avoiding?

B) humbly restore the broken and the wandering: Jesus called His people to seek the wandering and humbly restore believers who sin. – Matthew 18:10-20

How have you been blessed by someone who invested in your spiritual growth and well-being? 

C) humbly forgive others: Jesus taught the forgiven to humbly forgive others. – Matthew 10:21-35

In what ways does Christ’s forgiveness make forgiving someone else easier? 

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It's wise to understand our unconscious bias (Proverbs 24:23)

People sometimes avoid popular psychology and training. For instance "unconscious bias" has been a focus for many at work to help people realize the preference towards hiring and promoting people who look, talk and act like ourselves. More importantly, unconscious biases are happening outside our own conscious awareness and show up as "isms" - racism, sexism, agism. They develop as we start seeing what we look for as "confirmation bias" and people behave as expected "conformity bias." I came across Proverbs 24:23 the other day and did a double-take. It says,

"Here are some further sayings of the wise: It is wrong to show favoritism (partiality) when passing judgment."

Partiality is unfair bias in favor of one thing or person compared with another; favoritism. Another word is prejudice or partisanship. 

This is repeated in other scriptures;

• To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread - Proverbs 28:21
• Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice. - Proverbs 18:5

Wisdom observes, understands the lovingkindness of the Lord - Psalm 107:43

• Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you. Proverbs 11:17
• Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 1 Corinthians 13:4 

Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the LORD are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall. - Hosea 14:9

 - This verse came to me days ago and I recognized it as being important for me in God's desire for us is salvation in relationship with him (Hosea 13-14)

Thanksgiving and recognition of God's loving-kindness is the root of all healing (Psalm 118:1-4).  

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Having a giving and a forgiving spirit

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke 6:38

Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

Matthew 7:2
For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:17, a good tree bears good fruit, it's what we're known for (in deed and word Matt 12:33-37)

Mark 4:24
He went on to say, "Pay attention to what you hear. With the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and even more will be added to you.

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Love is kind

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,
1 Corinthians 13:4 NASB

Things that mean nothing without love
1. Great words
2. Great knowledge
3. Great sacrifice

Love is patient, love is kind

God is love, therefore God is kind
1. Kindhearted father
2. Lovingkindness, Psalm 36:7,69:16, Titus 3:1-23
3. Blood of the lamb on the doorpost. Pillar of cloud, of fire. Sea is parted (God protects back and front). How would this affect your faith, real miracles and proof lasted 3 days. Exodus 32:4, Golden Calf+blasphemy how offensive..
4. Yet God is always kind to us. Food, enjoy being with people God made, outside.

God calls us to love him, therefore to show kindness to God
1. Receiving and enjoying his gifts
2. All of creation is the kindness of God
3. Not doing but "being", Sabbath rest. "God want to go camping with you" (said Chuck, regarding tabernacle)
- Isaiah 40:22
...He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.

We are to love eachother
1. Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks Luke 6:45
Eph 4:29 amp
2. The world will never love the church.

We are to love our neighbors
1. God saw the crowds and had compassion on them. Compassion is lovingkindness.
2. Titus 3:3-4, kindness and wrath go together
3. Romans 2:4-5
Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,
Romans 2:4‭-‬5

Robb Rienow

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Overcoming addiction: In the name of the LORD I will cut them off (Psalm 118)

Psalm 118
It's about God, my problems, his advice and help to win the fight over the world, the flesh and the devil.

A few "small" words from God in your heart can turn into a "huge" reality in your life. Person with a disabling spirit (bound by Satan) even after 18 years can be set free by Jesus (Luke 13:11-13,16).

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. (Luke 17:5-6)

A) Psalm 118 starts with thanks giving for God's loving kindness
1-4) O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness endures forever (x4), Israel, Aaron, those who reverently fear the LORD
Application: Thanksgiving and recognition of God's loving kindness is the root of all healing

B) God helps us when we call on him, put our trust in him and do our part in cutting off the enemy
5 ) Out of my distress I called on the Lord;
The Lord answered me and set me free.
 - 6) Lord on my side, I will not fear man
 - 7) Lord on my side, He helps me (I look to those who hate me in triumph!) - decide ahead of time.
 8-9) It's better to take refuge in the LORD (x2) than trust in man, princes
10-11) They (who hate, steal, kill and destroy) encompass me,
in the name of the LORD I WILL cut them off (x2)
 - 12) swarm like bees, flare up and extinguished like a fire of thorns,
in the name of the LORD I WILL CUT THEM OFF!

C) When we've experienced the promises of God come true in our lives, we truly know him
13) I was pushed hard, so that I was falling but the Lord helped me
14) Lord is my strength and my song, he has become my salvation
15-16) Joyful shouting, salvation homes of righteous, right hand of the Lord does valiantly (x3)
17) As I live I will recount the deeds of the Lord
18) Lord disciplined me severely, not to death (Bronze snake between victories by faith, discipline and healing, Paul teaches Colossians about true repentance, Jesus emphasizes perseverance and discipline for Philadelphia and Laodicea)
19-20) Open gates of righteousness, I'll enter, the righteous enter (Jesus Illustrates God's plan as a Door and Good Shepherd (John 10))
21) I WILL give thanks to YOU (personal relationship) for YOU have heard and answered me; You have become my salvation
22-23) The STONE which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone (Isaiah 28:16, Matt 21:42, Mark 12:10, Luke 20:17, Acts 4:11, Eph 2:20, 1 Peter 2:6,7)
24) This [day in which God has saved me] is the day which the Lord has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Rejoice in the Lord)
25-29) Save now, prosper us, give success!
26) Blessed who comes in the name of the LORD
27-29) Lord gives light, we give thanks for his Lovingkindness endures forever

The Lord disciplines those he loves

Colossians 3:12-17 ;1 Peter 1:3-9;Deuteronomy 8:5; Proverbs 3:12; 1 Corinthians 11:32; Hebrews 12:4-11

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And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9)

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up Galatians 6:9 ESV

I'm an encourager and enjoy brightening people lives with doing good. There is a song in my heart and it makes me smile when others can hear it. I enjoy walking and praying thanksgiving to God and receiving grace and mercy that builds faith and repentance in my heart, healing my soul and body. I'm looking forward to seeing all the people in heaven who also love encouraging others, who have this same gift of the Holy Spirit, who use it as directed by Him. What joy there is in doing God's will, especially as the harvest season draws near!

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And let us
 - Christianity is a team sport, Jesus prayed for us to be in unity (John 17)
 - Freedom! Christ has set us free, FAITH expressed in LOVE, obey the TRUTH! SERVE one another humbly in LOVE (Gal 5:1,6,7,13)

not grow weary
 - Don't plant and water the weeds that produce weariness. Flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh (Gal 5:17)
 - Plant and water the word that brings the fruit of the Spirit. love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal 5:22-23)

of doing good
 - "Social Justice" do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly (Micah 6:8)
 - What does it mean to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly

for in due season we will reap if we do not give up
 - Matthew 25:31-46, The king will say to the righteous 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up

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Relational Grace: Loving kindness of Christ in me

I had read this article called, "Science Says Lasting Relationships Come Down To 2 Basic Traits" relating to 'masters' and 'disasters' in relationships. It says, "Much of it comes down to the spirit couples bring to the relationship. Do they bring kindness and generosity; or contempt, criticism, and hostility?"

In a training I received this Saturday morning, my teacher asked. "How can you help a friend see life's trials through a Biblical perspective." What if he says, "I'm in an unhappy marriage and want to divorce my wife to be happy." I had a friend approach me recently with that same idea and I responded in the moment with Ephesians 2:10.

"We are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." 

I think back on my parents divorce and relational trials we've had over the years. Having lost my faith and hope during rebellious years, I needed help and my dad was that help. I see clearly that God gave my dad work to do in my life - that only he could do. God's given me eyes to see how much he gave of himself to care for our family and how he desired to please the Lord. I told my friend that the work of a husband, a father, a brother, friend or co-worker are these special good things that God planned long ago. I relate this back to part of my life verse 1 Peter 4:7-11;

"Love each other deeply, for love covers a multitude of sins"

I've seen this as our love doesn't pay for sin (only God did that through his Son Jesus Christ)
Love covering sins is preventative (words and actions) -

• it means to me that when I choose to not retaliate against my accusers, it prevents more sinning from that person. (1 Peter 2:23,3:9, Matthew 5:38-39)
• It's the grace by which we can give more than asked or required (from adversary, under duress or someone without means) - Matthew 5:40-42
• Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you acting like children of God in heaven (5:43-45)
• A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool. (Proverbs 17:10, Matthew 8:26; 17:18), Yet Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.

What's my point?

• Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But when God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. (Titus 3:3-5)
• My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
• When we place our faith in Christ Jesus...What's important is faith expressing itself in love. Galatians 5:6
• For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:13-14)
• Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

http://www.businessinsider.com/lasting-relationships-rely-on-2-traits-2014-11

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God calls us to care for the needy and defenseless

Micah 6: 6-8
How do you know when someone cares about you or loves you? Caring for someone and showing love is synonymous. Love languages are universal such as gifts, acts of service, quality time, physical touch or words of affection. However sometimes people don’t receive love from another because there natural language (like words of affection) don’t understand another persons natural language (acts of service).
“Care” = “Love for others”. Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalm 133:1-3; John 13:14; John 15:12; Romans 12:9-10; Ephesians 5:2; Hebrews 13:1; 1 John 2:9-11;3:10-11;16-18;4:7-12 “Care” = “Kindness toward others”.Proverbs 12:25; 19:17; 1 Cor 13:4; Gal 5:22; Eph 4:32; Col 3:12; 1 Thess 5:15; 2 Tim 2:24; 2 Peter 1:5-7 In Micah 6:1-5, God as prosecutor in this cosmic court-room (vv. 1-2) states His case: (1) He rescued Israel from Egypt; (2) He gave as leaders Moses, Aaron, and Miriam; (3) He reversed the intended curse of Balaam (Numbers 23-24) and (4) He brought His people into the Promised Land. Micah 6:6-7 is Israel's confused reply to God’s past faithfulness recounted in Micah 6:1-5. (Micah 6:1-5 footnote. Ryrie Study Bible Expanded Edition. Chicago. Moody Bible Institute, 1994 p1382)
How does Hebrews 12:14,24; 1 Peter 1:15-16 and Romans 12:1 answer the question, “With what shall I come before the Lord”?
Personal holiness (setting yourself apart) is a commitment of oneself to God. It’s totally surrendering oneself to the Lordship of God. We can only come to the Lord in holiness that God gives (John 3:3-5, Eph 2:8-10). He provided the Way in Jesus. Hebrews 12:24 “You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel.” We must give ourselves to God as “a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable.” - Rom 12:1.
Micah 6:8 says the Lord requires you “to do justice”, how does Isaiah 1:17 and Jeremiah 22:3 helps me understand justice from God’s point of view. Isaiah 1:17; Jeremiah 22:3 “learn to do right. Seek justice is concerned with relieving the oppressed AND correcting the oppressor. Defending the fatherless and plead for the widow. Executing justice and righteousness is to deliver out of the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. It involves doing no wrong, not being violent to strangers or temporary residents, the fatherless or widow. Not shedding innocent blood in this place.
Micah 6:8 says God requires you “to love kindness”, practical help:

• Ephesians 4:32 - become useful, helpful and kind to others have compassion and understanding (tenderhearted) - forgive others readily and freely as God in Christ Jesus forgave you.
• Proverbs 12:25 - be an encouraging with your words, help lift anxiety from people’s heart
• 1 Thessalonians 5:15 - don’t pay back wrongs with more wrongs, but always aim to show kindness and seek to do good for everyone
• 2 Timothy 2:24 - Don’t be a fighter, instead be kind to everyone - preserving the bond of peace - this requires patient, forbearing willingness to suffer wrong.

Micah 6:8 says the Lord requires you “to walk humbly with your God”, read Psalm 18:27 and 2 Chron 7:14, meditate on these verses. What does walking humbly with God look like?

• God saves the humble but brings low the proud
• “If” I humble myself
• and pray
• and seek God’s face
• and turn from wicked ways
• “Then” God will will hear from heaven
• and will forgive my sin
• and will heal my land

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Reaping the rewards of Kindness

I saw a tweet today that made me do a double take, it reminded of an old saying, "God helps those who help themselves" which is not explicitly in the Bible but could be argued as a summary of the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), in other words - God provides the talents and we put them to work according to our ability. I looked up Proverbs 11:17 and found some helpful context.

A kind man helps himself.
God's advice in Proverbs 11:17

— Randy Murray (@RandyMurray10) August 26, 2016

My favorite exposition of the Gospel is in Titus 3:3-7, "For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

God's Loving Kindness towards us is mercy

• God shows the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness towards us (Eph 2:7)
• The Psalmist counts precious, good is his loving-kindness, great is His compassion (Psalm 36:7; 69:16). God wondrously shows His lovingkindness to all who take refuge at His right hand (Psalm 17:7), He makes marvelous His lovingkindness (Psalm 31:21)
• Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise You. (Psalm 63:3)

Our reward is extending this kindness to others

• Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy - Matthew 5:7
• After the parable of the talent Jesus talks about the reaping of eternal rewards for extending the kindness he shows to us, when we show it to other people (Matthew 25:31-46)
• Lovingkindness manifest itself in feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked and visiting the sick and imprisoned. 

Matthew 25:40,  ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Proverbs 11:17
Loving Kindness Of God
God helps those who help themselves - is it in the Bible?
Why does Scripture emphasize the right hand of God?

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