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October 24, 2010

Christians who get along with each other spread the sweet aroma of Jesus.

READ: Psalm 133

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! —Psalm 133:1

I can still remember what it was like to take our family on vacation, only to have the kids in the backseat mar the joy of it all by their bickering and complaining. Who doesn’t remember the disruptive effects of “Dad, she touched me!” or “Mom, he won’t give me a turn!”

If you’ve had that kind of experience, you can imagine how God feels when His children quarrel and complain. Getting along is important to God. Jesus prayed that we would “be one” so that the world would believe He came from the Father (John 17:20-21). And to disciples who were prone to quarreling, He commanded that they love and serve one another (13:34-35; Matt. 20:20-28). It should also be noted that among the seven things God hates, He includes “one who sows discord among brethren” (Prov. 6:19).

So I’m not surprised that the psalmist tells us that when brothers dwell in unity, it’s like “the precious oil upon the head, running down on . . . the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments” (Ps. 133:1-2). In ancient times, the oil of anointing was full of fragrant spices that graced the environment wherever the anointed one went. May the unity that comes from our love and service to one another fragrantly grace our families, churches, and friendships! —Joe Stowell

Taken from: http://ymiblogging.org/2010/10/odb-getting-along/

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Not a Wasted Life

By Danny Wira Dharma, Indonesia

Have you ever felt unsure about what to do next, and while you’re deliberating, the clock is ticking, eventually time made the decision for you?

Sounds familiar? Frankly speaking, I experienced that a lot.

While reading Ephesians 5:15-16 recently, I was drawn to one particular word: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (niv).

The wise lives each day seizing every opportunity. The unwise, on the other hand, allows opportunity to slip by.

So then, if we want to be wise, we must first understand what opportunity is.

Merriam Webster Dictionary defines opportunity as “a good chance for advancement or progress.”

In other words, “to make use of every opportunity” is to anticipate goodness, advancement and progress and to take hold of such prospects when they arise.

I recall times where I lived out eight hours without accomplishing anything meaningful. I was executing the plans on my agenda in a mechanical fashion, not anticipating any goodness, advancement or progress. My thoughts were fixated on getting things done and ticking them off my to-do list. In the process, I’ve missed out on opportunities for growth.

Additionally, there is something else about opportunity that we need to know: Opportunities come and go. Though we may sometimes get a second chance, it is always wiser to seize it the first time round.

In the New Century Version, Ephesians 5:16 is rendered as “use every chance you have for doing good, because these are evil times.”

The opportunities we are called to anticipate and use are for doing good to others. I believe the reason is found in Ephesians 2:10 where we read: “(that we are) created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10).

We cannot change the fact that the days are evil and situation will only get from bad to worse. However, imagine: In this world where most people live for their personal agendas, we are called to make a difference. We are called to seize opportunities for good works—to seek the advancement and progress of another.

So, next time when you are in limbo as to what to do, if it is an opportunity for doing good, seize it! Our use of opportunities may not make the current days good, but it will surely make life good.

Taken from: http://ymiblogging.org/2010/10/not-a-wasted-life/

Labels: article

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