REJECTION OF GOSSIP, SLANDER, LIES, AND DISCORD: THE PERFECTING OF 'FEBRUARY'

We begin a new week of Devotionals focused on Rejection of Gossip, Slander, Lies and Discord. Sounds salacious, right? In these next 7 days allow your hearts to be ministered to by these challenging devotionals and make it your aim to commit this scripture to memory and to live by it!

For this moment, named 'February,' some find the occasion ripe to elaborate upon our history of wounding and scars, and the logical residue of it across generations.  For some it is the time to brandish the notions of our deliverance, our resilience, our noble transcendence, and our favorable evolution and for many it is the time for reconciling both sets of evidences to eventuate with a blend that prompts actionable meaning. Yet for others it's just the month after January. Each desires of itself a certain legacy.

But here's the 'rub': It all falls short from the fallen, and if, with our Bible-lite presumptions we press forward, our sentiments, our sympathies, our designs, and our expressions will be amiss, no matter one's hue. Why? Hurt people, will hurt people, will hurt people and will justify it generously and creatively. Summarily, we are not 'alright' absent God. We are neither holy enough, nor loving enough without Him.

Consider Jesus. Whether it's the 'seven' that are an abomination, or the ten commandments, or the two imperatives that Jesus stated: 'Love the LORD, thy God, with all thy heart and soul and mind and strength, and love thy neighbor as thyself,' (Mark 12:30-31) we fall short without the indwelling persuasion of His Spirit, and the will to hold fast to the word of life to abide. Let us remember that 'He has loved us with an everlasting love, and with lovingkindness He has drawn us.'( Jeremiah 31:3). The cross at Calvary so informs us, and with the knowing we are changed.

The 'February' that each of us embraces is available for perfecting. Should the LORD tarry, it is the fruit of His mercy. Let those hearts who have ears, verily hear. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. And let us recall dearly "...the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the LORD our God shall call to Himself." Acts 2:39

Prayer: LORD, please lead us into the new year further, even this February moment, desiring to draw nearer to You, as You have drawn us. Lead us to 'confess our sins' knowing that You are 'faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness' . May it begin today, even now. Bless You LORD.
Amen.
By Bro. McNeal Brockington