Now what in the world do Buddy, Socks 'n the SAINTS have in common? You'd be surprised! First of all, let me introduce Buddy and Socks--Labrador dog and famous cat of the former First Family, the Clintons. These two "siblings" apparently don't like each other and have caused all sorts of problems for their owners. And the latest? It seems like Buddy and Socks may need to live in different homes--they just CAN'T get along!
And NOW have you figured out what Buddy, Socks AND THE SAINTS have in common? Know any Christians who can't get along or with whom YOU can't get along? Some people perpetually cause trouble and agree to disagree with everybody--it must be in their bones! Maybe you've got one or two in your life--maybe you ARE one...and THAT'S the problem!
Let's face it--living with "siblings"--brothers and sisters--whether in our homes or even in the BODY OF CHRIST--is not without problems. Situations, attitudes, actions can split apart homes, churches, families, siblings--and break the heart of God. Let's learn to live with one another, to love one another, to celebrate our differences, not attack them. "Lord, make us ONE in YOUR Spirit, who knows no disharmony or disagreement. Help us think it out, talk it out, pray it out--but help us NEVER to WALK out with unresolved feelings of hurt, anger, resentment and unforgiveness."
You know, if you've lost the victory, some day you'll have to retrace your steps and go back to the place where you lost it to pick it up it again. It's a lot easier NOT to lose it in the first place! And here's one to hang on to--"The family that prays together stays together!" That's something that Buddy and Socks CANNOT do--but the SAINTS can! Think about it--make peace with someone in YOUR circle today--and you will have a great day!
Delight in a Word from the Well--a refreshing in the Water of His Word
"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honor preferring one another (Romans 12:10)."
"If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men...be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21)."
Draw from the Well--a prayer for renewing strength for this day
"Lord, help me to lift up my brothers and sister in Christ, not tear them down with backbiting, babbling, hurtful actions and words. Give me grace and help me to be a peacemaker, not a troublemaker in your Kingdom. Forgive those who have hurt me deeply, Lord--I forgive them, Lord, In Jesus' Name, Amen."
