Puffed

Wednesday, ‎January ‎25, ‎2023 Good morning, Lord Verse of the Day: Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Memory verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Readings: EXODUS 12-13 MATTHEW 16 Puffed Both Old and New Testament readings for today mention 'leaven'. It is a process by which baking doughs are made to 'rise'. Air bubbles are created either by chemical reaction or steam to 'increase the surface area' of the batter. In short, leavening puffs up the bread and is very time consuming when yeast is involved-and yeast was all they had in Biblical times. In Genesis , chapter 12, God tells Moses and Aaron what to tell all the Israelites in preparation for leaving Egypt. There are many mentions of 'unleavened bread'. This represented the haste in which they had to leave the land of Egypt. They left in such a hurry they had no time for the bread to rise. Jesus warns , "Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Jesus wants his followers to see the sin that, even so small, can defile an entire community. The world of the enemy, the world of sin, constantly practices leavening. Every tiny bubble that yeast makes has a surface. One bubble is insignificant but millions of bubbles have endless surface. Yeast makes its host puff up. This is obviously a sign of pride. 1 Peter 5:5-6 Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, The enemy uses pride and the waste of time. Personal power is a point of pride that causes delays in God's work. Arguments and pointless words are, well, pointless. Two different sides arguing so that they will be seen as the wisest and strongest. That is why the Bible says: Job 15:3 "Should he argue with useless talk, Or with words which are not profitable? 2 Timothy 2:14 Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. Matthew 12:36 "But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it on the day of judgment." There are many other scriptures that address pointless speech. Currently, there is a lot of 'wrangling' about words but that will be true for anytime these words might be read because the enemy never stops. Call this what it is. Call it sin. But back up and stop-realize that your judgement of those who argue is just as wrong as foolish words. Ouch....but this whole thing is about growing in the Lord and learning from mistakes and growing past the failures and becoming who we are supposed to be. So as we hear all the silly arguments of the world, do not stand in judgement. Pray for the souls on both sides-pray for the revelation of truth in the hearts of those on both sides. You, like it or not, are by decision on one side or the other. God will answer. ...because He loves us... Father in Heaven, Forgive me for making quick judgements about others. Teach me not to waste time in frivolous arguing nor judge those who do. Peaceful God of truth and justice! In the name of Christ Jesus. Amen