Thoughts and Considerations

   THE UNDERTOW OF HATE      Disagreements and controversy will always be a trouble in life. As long as there are different opinions, perspectives, tastes, understandings, and varying information, there will always be conflicts. What makes it more difficult is the reality of 'right and wrong' which leads to the non-negotiable issues of good and evil, wherein, if we care, we can get passionate. At this point, there are almost no minor disagreements, wherein even friends can become enemies. In fact, with regard to the issues of good and evil, any opponent is typically an enemy. What is extremely dangerous is that the undertow of HATE will inevitably work its way in.    But what does the Bible say about all of this?    "You have heard that it has been said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I (Jesus) say unto you, LOVE YOUR ENEMIES , bless them that curse you, DO GOOD TO THEM THAT HATE YOU, and pray for them which despitefu...

  This Work By Amy Carmichael is so inspiring. She served as a missionary for 55 years without furlough, rescuing children who were victims of cult prostitution. She also suffered from a serious health problem. I find this essay challenging to the core. May it inspire and bless you as well.  If I Have Not Compassion IF I HAVE NOT compassion on my fellowservant, even as my Lord had pity on me, then I know nothing of Calvary love. If I can easily discuss the shortcomings and the sins of any; if I can speak in a casual way even of a child's misdoings, then I know nothing of Calvary love. If I can enjoy a joke at the expense of another; if I can in any way slight another in conversation, or even in thought, then I know nothing of Calvary love. If I can write an unkind letter, speak an unkind word, think an unkind thought without grief and shame, then I know nothing of Calvary love. If I am afraid to speak the truth, lest I lose affection, or lest the one concerned should say, "Y...

  BEING USED BY THE DEVIL   "From that time forth, began Jesus to show unto His disciples how that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again on the third day. Then Peter took Him and began to rebuke Him, saying, 'Be it far from You, Lord: this shall not be unto You.' But He turned and said unto Peter, 'Get thee behind Me, Satan: you are an offence to Me, for you savourest/set your mind not on the things that be of God, but those that be of men.'" Matthew16:21-23 SAFETY VS FRIENDLY FIRE " Reckless words pierce like a sword , but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18 NIV  As in a war, the careless acts of a soldier, especially of an officer, can cost the lives of others. The term used is FRIENDLY FIRE, or shots that are taken to destroy an enemy but hit your own men instead. In the battle for souls, our careless actions and words can be no less devast...