Signs And Wonders Should Be According To Biblical Pattern

For taking your time to study remain blessed. TOPIC: BE AT PEACE WITH ALL MEN. MONDAY JULY 3 TEXT: MATTHEW 5:21-26 KEY VERSE: Key Verse: “And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt.” (1 Samuel 24:5). In our reading text, the Lord reveals the mind of God and the verdict of heaven on anger in our relationship. The religious leaders of that time had not considered the evil and danger of anger. Neither did they think of other sins that anger produces such as hatred, malice, revenge, strife, contention, injustice, violence, slander, backbiting, provocation, murmuring, division, conspiracy, mischief, cruelty, oppression, obstinacy, covenant breaking, strained relationship, self-destruction and even murder. Anger is an evil root that produces evil fruit in one's life. Anger affects our relationship with our neighbours negatively. With such negative effects on our relationship, a wife or a husband, a brother or a sister, an employer or an employee, a relative or a neighbour may justly have an ought against another. Reconciliation, the mending of our relationship, restoration of normal fellowship becomes necessary before God can accept our gift, service or worship. Our Lord who knows the meaning and requirements of God's law more than all religious teachers in all generations declares this truth. Strained relationship with man hinders intimate relationship with God. Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee… The Pharisees were only committed to external acts of worship; they were not concerned about the state of their hearts. To some people the internal state of mind and attitude towards their fellowmen are not considered as essential to their ministry and worship of God. While their hearts burned with the fire of anger and hatred they continue with their external acts of worship. While they are under the heavy burden of judgment and condemnation for contempt and conspiracy against Christ they continued with their external acts of worship. Their ministry and worship are unacceptable. They have not learnt that God is Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. If anyone worships God with zeal and great commitment, yet with anger, hatred and malice in the heart, our Lord has declared his worship to be worthless and his religion vain. It is more desirable to have the heart right with God and man than to perform mere outward acts of worship. If, therefore, a man has gone so far as to bring his gift to the very altar, and should remember that anyone has anything against him, it is his duty to leave his offering there and go and be reconciled with his brother. Do you habour animosity against anyone? Reconcile with such a one. Thought for the day: The wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God. Song for the day: Make me worthy in the morning. Bible reading for the day: Job 26-28; Acts 11 #horemow.