BLOCKED.

FreeImages.com/Michal Zacharzewski

LOVED RadMoms today.

Taking up a spirit of offense blocks us from what God has for us, and what He wants to do THROUGH us. The amazing example our pastors have been using is the Canaanite woman who wanted her daughter to be healed. When looking beyond her testimony of faith and persistence, we see how many opportunities she had to take offense: when the disciples basically turned her away, when Jesus said He was only sent to "the lost sheep of Israel," and yet again when ...He also said, "It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs." He was drawing her continual, genuine faith out of her. These disciples were chosen ones by Jesus! She did not take offense. She also could've been offended at Jesus; she did NOT.

How often, especially in society today, are we so offended at others in the church, leaders, pastors, etc., over something that made us mad, something we assumed, something that hurt us, etc? They are human; they aren't perfect! We need to focus on our relationship with God and making a difference, rather than spewing bitter feelings, stirring up dissention, and being divisive in the church because of a bad experience or how someone responded/made us feel.

Remaining argumentative without taking counsel from anyone blocks what God has for us. How often we are offended at God and His scripture in today's society and culture because pride blocks us? Of course it has always existed, but more than ever, there seems to be this "trend" of being offended - and "ain't no one telling us different!"

As said today, "Pride and offense are a dynamic duo" of destruction, and "humility and faith are a dynamic duo" for His glory and His anointing on our life.

Story - Matthew 21:28