Daily Bread – August 10, 2024 (The Seventh Day – Genesis 2:1-3) Jude 19 – These are those who cause divisions, carnal ones who do not have the Spirit. There is nothing that can bring reproach to the Name of the Lord Jesus and His Church more than a divisive spirit. When people are around the children of God, they should experience the love of God in our manner and behavior. God said specifically there were six things He hated, and a seventh that was an abomination to Him. The seventh thing He spoke of was the one who sowed discord among the brethren (Proverbs 6:16-19). Discord can come in the form of simply saying, “I disagree,” or pointing out something you personally have a problem with. The only exception would be if one speaks only and directly to the person with whom they have such a problem or issue, and it proceeds no further. We are commanded by Paul to mark those who cause divisions, and to avoid them (Romans 16:17). Anyone who operates with a divisive spirit is not functioning in the Spirit of God. You will never find the Holy Spirit accusing or defaming anyone. Rather, He is always interceding and supporting. The way of the Lord is that we lay down our lives for the brethren, and take up their defense. We are those who keep the unity of the brethren and pursue peace with all (Ephesians 4:3; Matthew 5:9). We keep our tongues from evil, and our lips that they speak no guile (1 Peter 3:10). There are many people who have deceived themselves to think that just because they quote scriptures and go to Church, that they are of the family of God. However, this is far from the truth. There are many who with their mouths profess to know Jesus, but with their deeds they deny Him (Titus 1:16; 1 John 3:7,14, 2:29; Ephesians 5:6; Galatians 6:8; James 1:22; Matthew 7:21, 26) The very idea that the child of God, who is filled with the Spirit and nature of God, would continue to function in the realm of the demonic (in enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions and factions) is a testimony against them, not for them (Galatians 5:19-21). Every evil work emerges from this evil realm of strife and envy (James 3:16). The witness of the Spirit in our lives is a love that does nothing in strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind, esteems others better than oneself (Philippians 2:3). We are those who recognize how we are called to lay down our life for the brethren, even as Jesus showed us (1 John 3:16). Blessings, Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Daily Bread 8/10/2024
