DISRUPTION AND DIVISION

11/18/2023

"And for this reason, God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie..." (2 Thessalonians 2:11)

There is a wave of deception that is right now in the air all over the world, and this wave is designed to foreground a wave of catastrophe, death, and loss. This wave will encapsulate people groups from families to nation-states, and churches are not exempted. Disagreements, covenant breaking, betrayal, and offense characterize this wave, and in it, a death angel has been empowered to bring loss and destruction. 

Hear me, now is not the time to be offended or hold grudges. The Bible says, "...where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there" (James 3:16). Another translation of the Greek word translated as "self-seeking" in that verse is the word "faction." Does this sound familiar? Many discourses right now in the world are aimed at producing factions, and once certain people take sides, irrespective of the side you pick, loss and destruction will be the outcome. 

For us as a church and ministry, this is a time of peace. And what does this mean? Peace means that we are of one heart and mind. Philippians 1:27 AMP says, "Only [be sure to] lead your lives in a manner [that will be] worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I do come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit [and one purpose], with one mind striving side by side [as if in combat] for the faith of the gospel." Take sides with no one except the cause of our Master because every faction is a trap. 

 Forget the moral justifications that support any animosity right now because even if you are apolitical, strife has been dispatched to look for everyone on this planet in some shape or form. 

Acknowledge that we are the purveyors of peace and love, and these two are how our Lord will become visible to many in these times. Hebrews 12:14 says, "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord..." The only way to do this is to share the truth of the gospel and only say what God has said in His word. 

Lastly, avoid having any issues with other believers particularly. The Master said: "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35). Instead of doing what the flesh dictates in this season, do the opposite. Do something nice for people who do not deserve it. Do not entertain strife or arguments. And practice diffusing tensions that emanate from obnoxious behavior.

Let a word be enough for the wise.

May the LORD enlighten you and give you peace as He causes His face to shine upon you today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Faith-Filled Confession

I am at peace with all because I have the peace of God in my heart. This peace rules my heart and mind such that it overflows to others in my sphere of contact. Tensions are diffused, and wherever I am, worship and thanksgiving become the only recourse in Jesus' name. Amen. 

ONE-YEAR READING PLAN: Ezekiel 10-12; Hebrews 11:1-19