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HEAVENLY WISDOM

2/27/2021

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:17-18

Covid time is the time to sow peace, and harvest righteousness! It is not the time to panic, argue, be angry, or complain. But how do we discuss and make plans without conflict and being overwhelmed with emotion?

We do this with the radical wisdom from above. It is the opposite of the wisdom of today’s world which is not ‘open to reason’ but is antagonistic, confrontational, and forceful. Media and advertising have no patience to carefully present all the relevant facts and differing opinions. They demand immediate polarized actions. Unfortunately, Christians sometimes also demand the same.

Heavenly wisdom is characterized by peace, not conflict. It is applied with gentleness and mercy. Its purity comes from a life of holiness and obedience. It allows us to ask difficult challenging questions of people on both sides of an issues. It is ‘open to reason’. Such openness requires time, patience and dialogue. The coronavirus issues are really no different from all the other issues in the church that often divide us: music styles, dress, food, format of service and questionable activities.

Along with others, I am trying to help believers remain focussed on sowing peace so that we can harvest righteousness. Each day I see the importance of modelling the wisdom from above in every conversation, interaction and decision. Is it easy? NO! But it is essential.

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COUNTERCULTURAL HUMILITY

2/24/2021

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Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20

For most of us, living in the middle of the coronavirus crisis is a completely new experience. Yet, I have noticed a sometimes arrogant confidence among some Christians. Convinced that they have the correct information they ridicule others, refuse to listen, show anger if challenged, and demand that everyone accept their solutions. Such actions do not ‘produce the righteousness of God’.
Crisis demands action but whatever opinions we have, we should first take time to humbly listen to others. To listen humbly, means to listen to the other person as a superior, as more knowledgeable.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

We may ultimately reject what we hear but only with humility will we be able to clearly evaluate the truth of what is being said. As we struggle to be patient while accepting restrictions or restarting church, it is important that all of us follow James’s advice to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger”. Listening carefully may slow down the planning process, but the testimony of unity (John 17:23) is worth it.

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 1 Peter 3:8

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DON’T LET CORONAVIRUS DIVIDE THE CHURCH

2/22/2021

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Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! Psalm 133:1

Because we are all different, we have a wide range of opinions, ideas and emotions concerning the coronavirus. In such a polarizing environment, how can churches move forward in beautiful unity rather than ugly division?

By placing the interests of others above our own interests! You may find it difficult or irritating to have to wear a mask during church and stay six feet away from everyone at all times. You may see most restrictions as a needless overreaction. But can you not sacrifice your ideal out of love for others who believe the precautions are necessary? Even if you think it cowardly for someone to stay home after the church is open again, you need to respect the concern of others. Likewise, if you think the lockdowns should continue do not pass judgment on those who question the government’s ongoing restrictions.

Now is the time to honour people on both sides of the spectrum according to the principles in Romans 14. Because of space, only the key verses are included here. Please read the whole chapter.

One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.

Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; or it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”

So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. . . For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
Romans 14:5, 10-12, 13, 15-19

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An Encouraging Scripture

2/17/2021

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I was in the midst of writing these insights on the day my wife and I read today’s scripture passage. I had no plan to use these verses. However, verse after verse seemed to expand the truth of God caring about every detail of our life. In the midst of COVID-19, as well as every crisis we may face in a lifetime, God’s Holy Spirit is given to us so that we can understand the things of God because the Holy Spirit, who “searches everything, even the depths of God, comprehends the thoughts of God”. We cannot imagine what God has prepared for those of us who love him.

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit.

For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:9-16

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DOES GOD CARE ABOUT THE DETAILS OF MY LIFE?

2/15/2021

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God may remember our name but does he care about the loss of my job? Does he care about the boredom of Day 200 of quarantine? Does he notice my sleeplessness? Does he notice my child’s fear of going outside? Does he notice my difficulty in paying next month’s rent or paying for our next meal? Does he notice my shortness of breath or my increased heartbeat? Does he notice how quickly and easily I and others are irritated with one another?

Yes, he does! He notices much more than that!

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7

God also cares about our tragedy. Some of you have lost a friend or family member because of COVID-19. Death is tragic. It has a sting. But eternity and heaven have a different perspective. Death is the time when God welcomes home his children whom he loves so much.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalms 116:15

Many have experienced sudden terror in the past months but Solomon reminds us that we need not fear the coming of sudden terror.
Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. Proverbs 3:25-26

God cares about every aspect of our life. Put your confidence in him.

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SWIRLS OF NURTURE

HEAVENLY WISDOM

COUNTERCULTURAL HUMILITY

DON’T LET CORONAVIRUS DIVIDE THE CHURCH

An Encouraging Scripture

DOES GOD CARE ABOUT THE DETAILS OF MY LIFE?

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