John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly!”
Resting’s Repayments!
Some steal Rest from the Body
as if such was treasure;
as though it were gold.
They restlessly crave it each hour
and thirst for those peaceful
to quickly devour.
Unceasingly seeking such thefts,
they masquerade “righteous”
to startle such souls.
But GOD is not mocked nor asleep!
Thus judgment is coming
on those who are thieves.
So measure your “zeal”! Is it Saul’s?
Repent then, those guilty…
for HE corrects fools!
Repent then before HE
repays you — in full!
As HIServant re-examining my own heart,
Whitney
Devotional: Matthew 6:1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your FATHER WHO is in heaven.”
While the world would steal our joy through earthly distractions and challenges, it is the “body” of believers who often are the greatest thieves.
Such claim that they’re just trying to make sure no one is deceived…wind up stirring the pot, causing strife, acting self-righteous and playing the part of the victim.
Why is this so? Locking Humility and contrition, absent of brokenness and meekness of heart, many a church-goer roughly apply their un-researched opinion upon those they envy.
Else why steal their peace in CHRIST? Else why loudly demand that those at rest adopt the same frenzied, perhaps even “busybody” ways, of the thief?
Someone truly focused on assisting with knowledge then does so in love. There are gentle yet firm tones but there is no contempt visible nor tangible distaste for the other person. As such, 1 Peter 5:8 is a fantastic verse to recite often.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
Sadly, as the Body, we must guard against attacks from the outside as well as wolves — even lions — within. So Ephesians 4:28 is a warning and a teaching to all.
“Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.”
Honest work. Instead of stirring the pot and disrupting the rest and peace of others based on some perception of Scripture one has, rather stir the pot at the soup kitchen and just serve humbly.
Rather than engage in vain debates and cause distress, speak peaceably one with the other. Preferring the other. Even disagreeing yet remaining united as the Body in Love.
Finally Romans 15:13. “May the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT you may abound in hope!”
Be cautious not to be like Saul. Don’t be zealous to be right but be eager to encourage!
For its truly better to give than to receive and most precious to discourage such robberies of Rest and Peace. Amen and amen!
2CJC 