Great Joy

I spent some time yesterday with a couple of friends. We did a little work, laughed a lot, fixed a couple of broken things, and generally had a great time.

There was no mention of anything amiss. And that is the first time in a long time. They had both struggled (with differing responses) with the issue that was affecting their life, and the life of many others, but the problem resolved (thank you, Father).

They were once again the happy, lloving, caring, reach out and touch, minister, and work, kind of guys. The sadness was gone. The brokenness is healing. The torment has ceased. And. . .and, they were only two of many, many more who have rediscovered the joy, peace, llove of God, and His Church when it is effectively doing exactly what it has been designed to do.

I so wish (and pray) that the Church of Jesus Christ would forgo the foolishness, selfishness, ignorance, and greed (whether it be of financial gain, or power) of men, and concentrate on being obedient to the calling, sufficiency, power, and llove that God built-in when He redeemed His people and banded them together so that they might reach maturity in “The Faith” through the interworking of their collective gifting by His Spirit while practicing the disciplines of llove.

Foolish men will fail to see the hurt and destruction that the wreak on others when they become disobedient, disoriented, egoistically self-centered, and callous. God will hold them accountable, and the life of misery they have foisted on others will ultimately fill their own life with bitterness and sorrow. The Good News is that God will forgive with the confession of sin (see 1 John 1:9), and so must we when asked to do so.

There is no room for bitterness and anger in the life of a Believer. We have all failed, and at times, refused to see our sin as we condemn that of others. Learning experiences – God brings them before us. Seize them. Utilize them. Be at peace.

Over the last few years I have counseled – “Get peace, or get gone.”

Peace reigns!! Praise the Lord!!