I will love and not condemn.
I will serve and not criticize.
God seems to really be working on arrogance and the critical spirit. “Babies” would be a good word to not use right now. Laura gets mad at me when I say anything negative about immature Christians.
What I believe is happening is that an offense has been built up, and it has come from immature Christians – not that I am some great, mature man of God. But, I am mature.
My family, ministry leaders, friends – many have spoken out against me, hurt me or whatever – rejected me. And, I have let offense build up. I stopped moving out of love and started moving out of woundedness. Now, it comes out critically, and it probably is. My family is closest to me so they get the brunt of it.
Bill Johnson said it this week, “promotion brings greater opportunity for sacrifice.”
You have to love.
Greater revelation brings a greater need for humility. How you say anything says everything.
I think of Kris Valloton and how he always says, “did you know?”
Now, I am beginning to understand why he does that. Paul did it too.
Man, do I need grace. I think of last year’s lesson on self-righteousness, Jonah and all of that. This is a next door neighbor. Maybe, it’s the same issue but deeper.
Why am I stuck on a person’s spiritual maturity? Who made THAT the criteria for godliness?
No wonder revelation is low. I need to clean my house. God, help me! Please!!! LORD, I repent. I agree with You. I need Your help. I cant change this by myself. Heal the wounds. Help me to love. I choose love. I will watch my words. I will guard my heart. Let not the offense rise up. Let not the rock of offense be thrown.
Let no bitter root grow into defilement. Let love rule in me.
A Christian’s maturity does not define him. He has value and matters greatly to God.
I think of John wanting to call fire down on the dude who was ministering but not part of their tribe.
Jesus said that they didnt know what spirit they were of. God, I dont know either. But, it’s not love. So, it cant be You. He who is not against us is for us.
Good bye arrogance.
Good bye offense.
Good bye judgment.
Good bye anger.
Good bye hatred.
Good bye jealousy.
Good bye you critical spirit.
Good bye Jezebel.
Good bye witchcraft.
Let there be peace.
Let there be love.
Let there be kindness.
Let there be patience.
Let there be longsuffering.
Let there be hope.
Let love have its way.
Let there be mercy.
God, make the change. I need grace.
Woe is me, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I think myself more lofty than I ought to be. I build myself up. I repent. God I am sorry. I am here to love. I am here to serve. I will sacrifice myself for Your people. They will know the love of God is Christ coming from me.
Forgive me sin please, LORD.
Let humility be my friend and portion.
Haughtiness, I rebuke you. Jesus, thank You for healing me.
Rejection, you have no place in me. I renounce agreement with you. Critical spirit, you have to leave. Rejection, I pull you out by the root. Peace! Peace!
God, I shall not be offended. I shall love.
Thank You, LORD.
Thank You for Your people – all types, shapes, flavors and especially the ones not like me. May I see You in them.
Jesus.