January 22 - Cease From Strife.

Proverbs 20:2-3
“The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul. It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.”
 
How we react in the midst of strife says a lot about who we are.
It takes two to fight; and it take Wisdom to decide whether or not it is worth the contention.
 
There is a difference in fighting for what is right, and fighting to be right.
We must stand up for the Truth, but arguing for the sake of winning is simply foolish.
 
Ecclesiastes 10:4
“If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.”

Abraham showed great Wisdom when he chose to end the strife between him and his nephew, Lot. Instead of enduring the contention, the two peacefully parted ways and God honored the decision.
 
Genesis 13:8
“And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.”
 
Instead of fighting, choose to wisely cease the strife within your life.
Ask the Lord to reveal and remove anything or anyone that is hindering your walk with Him. The process of pruning may hurt at first, but it is necessary if we truly desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
 
John 15:2
“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.”
 
 
Bible Reading:
Genesis 43-44  |  Matthew 1  |  Proverbs 22