Bickering Can Block God's Message

When the unbelievers got cantankerous and started bickering with each other, Paul interrupted: "I have just one more thing to say to you. The Holy Spirit sure knew what he was talking about when he addressed our ancestors through Isaiah the prophet: 'Go to this people and tell them this: You're going to listen with your ears, but you won't hear a word; you're going to stare with your eyes, but you won't see a thing.'"

—Acts 28:25-26 MESSAGE

Key Thought​

Paul had traveled over much of the northern Mediterranean world. Everywhere he traveled, he shared the message of Jesus. In today's verses, we find him under house arrest in Rome as he is awaiting a trial, yet able to receive guests. To his utter amazement — and I'm sure some consternation — his guests on this day bicker about the story of Jesus. They won't accept the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus as proof that he is God's Messiah and their Savior. The fussing and bickering that ensue remind Paul that the Holy Spirit had foretold these things through Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit is God making his truth known in prophecy, Scripture, interpretation, and insight. This Holy Presence of God within us — God revealing the truth to us — is truly a gift.

Today's Prayer​

Almighty God, I thank you for you as Jesus my Savior. I thank you for you as my Abba Father. I thank you for you as the Holy Spirit who has revealed you and made your words known over the centuries. I thank you, in Jesus' name. Amen.

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Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

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[Steven Bobb]

Bickering with each other...me and Brother James?

 

[Brother James]

Bickering with each other...me and Brother James?

Lol, it is a shame that you didn't get this message my friend. Do you have ears to hear and eyes to see? If you do then just say Thank You Lord Jesus! If you don't then just speak; Lord, in Jesus have mercy on me and bless me with eyes to see and ears to hear your truth! Glory to You Lord Jesus!

I'm so sorry that you feel the way that you do but I don't bicker my friend! In Jesus I don't bicker, I share the truth!

It is only you who bickers if you see bickering in our shares.

 

[Steven Bobb]

Lol, it is a shame that you didn't get this message my friend. Do you have ears to hear and eyes to see? If you do then just say Thank You Lord Jesus! If you don't then just speak; Lord, in Jesus have mercy on me and bless me with eyes to see and ears to hear your truth! Glory to You Lord Jesus!

I'm so sorry that you feel the way that you do but I don't bicker my friend! In Jesus I don't bicker, I share the truth!

It is only you who bickers if you see bickering in our shares.

Technically that's true.we're instructed not to hold grudges."Be angry, but don't let the sun set on your anger." "Anyone who hates his brother, is the same as if he murdered him, and you know no murderer can inherit the Kingdom of God." But there's this state of hostility between us...also, remember the saying, "it takes 2 to tango" so you need to check if there's hostility in your approach. {"If we say we have no sin, we are lying, and the truth is not in us."Even if the content of what you say is correct, if done in a hostile way..

 

[Brother James]

Technically that's true.we're instructed not to hold grudges."Be angry, but don't let the sun set on your anger." "Anyone who hates his brother, is the same as if he murdered him, and you know no murderer can inherit the Kingdom of God." But there's this state of hostility between us...also, remember the saying, "it takes 2 to tango" so you need to check if there's hostility in your approach. {"If we say we have no sin, we are lying, and the truth is not in us."Even if the content of what you say is correct, if done in a hostile way..

These are just words on paper or on a computer. You can't see my expressions nor I your's. If you think I'm ever being hostile then the hostility is only your's because I share out of love and I call you my friend. Even at times when I think you are being idiotic, that doesn't mean that I'm being hostile for you actually say it is an argument so I will let it be for a time. I mean you no harm Steven.

If you wish to murmur and complain and follow the Old Testament Israelites desiring to be someplace better like Egypt than that just sounds idiotic to me. You really aren't understanding what is going to happen to you from our God when you do that. It isn't hostile for others to warn you when you do that Steven. It is out of love in Jesus.

 

[The Encourager]

If you wish to murmur and complain and follow the Old Testament Israelites desiring to be someplace better like Egypt than that just sounds idiotic to me. You really aren't understanding what is going to happen to you from our God when you do that. It isn't hostile for others to warn you when you do that Steven. It is out of love in Jesus.

God I ask You in Jesus' name, bless all those who pray this prayer (including myself) to always keep our focus on You, walk in the love, peace, security, and wisdom of Your Word. Bless us to walk by faith, trust You, believe in Your Word, and trust in Your love for us. Bless us with a heart of thanksgiving and gratitude. Thank You Jesus. Amen!