Dear Fellow Forgiven Child of God,

 

Have you ever been in disagreement, or conflict even with another believer?  It happens.  It happened in the Bible with David and Saul, in the new Testament with Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:36-41), with Euodia and Syntyche in Philippi (Philippians 4:2).  It happens today, and even at St. John.

 

Wednesday’s reading in the Today’s Light Bible refers to Saul’s unjust treatment of David and discusses a God pleasing way to deal with disagreement, conflict, even unjust persecution.  I thought this devotion was worth sharing.

 

Have you ever worked or lived with someone who hated you, who set out to get you?  What does our Lord ask of us during times like these?  Reflect upon these principals:

• That we act with the wisdom revealed in His Word regardless of what others say or do (1 Samuel 18:14, Proverbs 2:12-0-13).
• That we do good to those who sin against us (1 Samuel 19:4; Proverbs 25:21-22, Matthew 5:44).
• That we do what we can to protect and care for ourselves, and that we share our feelings and needs with Him and with other believes who can support us (1 Samuel 19:18; Philippians 4:4-7).
• That we keep our focus on the tasks He has given us and that we do them to the best of our ability (1 Samuel 18:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).
• That we trust Him for justice and resist the temptation to take revenge (Romans 12:17-21; 1 Peter 4:17-19).

An impossible order, if we’re honest with ourselves and with God.  Impossible, that is, if He hadn’t promised to provide the faith we need to do what He has commanded.

Jesus knew the burden and pain of abuse from enemies.  Trust Him for the forgiveness you need for failures to act in love toward your own enemies.  Then rely on Him for daily power to make a fresh start.”                           (Today’s Light Bible, page 408)

 

May God bless you in the difficult times of life.

 

Another Of God’s Forgiven Sinful Children,

 

Pastor Jonathan

 

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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message. . . Or, if you know someone who would like to receive one of these e-mails, please send me their e-mail address.

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CAMP COOK NEEDED!!!!!!!!!!!!  We are looking for someone who could cook for Kaleidoscope camp.  We expect about 40 adults and participant, and camp is held from 3:00 p.m. on Sunday July 20 to Friday noon, July 25.  Cooking would mean preparing breakfast, lunch, and supper for participants.  K-Scope will be held at Meier Lake Camp.  The person who has cooked for the last 4 K-Scopes cannot get off work to cook.

            If you can volunteer in this way, please tell Jamie or Pastor Rockey.