Word for the day "Godly Character"
I Samuel 16: 11-12 GNT) Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. It may be that the Lord will see my distress and repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today.
The difference between a leader leading through vertical versus horizontal dimensions.
As David’s enemies were increasing and he was fleeing the city from his son Absalom who was seeking to take his throne, a man named Shimei began heaving rocks and cursing him as he passed by.
Cursing the king was against the law, so David had every right to cut off the man’s head — as his generals were encouraging him to do.
Here we see the difference between Saul and David in their response to those who would seek to do them harm.
This is the defining difference between a leader who seeks to lead through a vertical dimension with God versus a horizontal fix-it mode.
What is the purpose God desires to accomplish with the estranged relationship you may have with someone? Has the Lord brought this affront to find out what is in your heart today?
Will you seek revenge and solve the problem yourself? Or will you find the grace to allow God to carry out vengeance in His time if it is needed?
When I learned this lesson to stay vertical with God and avoid the trap of fixing things in my own energies, it was a day of liberation for my life.
God has unique ways of building the character of those who will serve Him.
No longer was it my problem. We must examine our own heart in these matters. But if we are clean, then this affront is for character building.
It is the only way God builds the deepest level of character in His saints. A godly character is beneficial not only for eternal purposes but even for life here on earth. As the family of God, we know that we are saved by grace through faith.
However, living a godly life has everything to do with loving God and spiritual transformation. It does have something to do with God’s blessing and favor upon our lives too.
The Bible teaches that God blesses obedience. It has a lot to do with representing Christ well too. This should be our desire, to honor and glorify God.
You and I will personally, greatly, benefit ourselves, our communities, our family, even our nation, by living a godly life.
Point to ponder
The proverbial A.W. Tozer tells us, “It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply.” God actually rises up storms of conflict in relationships at times in order to accomplish that deeper work in our character.
Special thanks!
Pastor James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of February 2021, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Cynthia Waiters-Artis, Ms. Annette Straker, Ms. Rita McGuffin, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Darlene Simmons, Ms. Mable Bazemore, Ms. Evelyn Rosado, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Judith Battle, Ms. Angela Battle, Apostle James and Pastor Rita Morehead, Ms. Quiana Volney, Mr. William Jones, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. Calvin Griffith, Mr. Brandon McIntyre, Mrs. Angela Baker Harrison, Pastor Raymond Philip, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. Raymond Jenkins, Ms. Crystal Hawkins, Ms. Damaris Torres, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.
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Kingdom Blessings,