Faith or Foolishness (Part 5) “In the spirit of Good Diplomacy”

The principle of giving and taking is the

principle of diplomacy, but always measure twice and cut once.

This is the 221^st letter:

Text for the day: Psalm 19:14 (King James Version)

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation

of my heart; be acceptable to You, LORD, my rock and my

redeemer.”

Our Devotional

If you where asked to give a definition of the age in which we live, what would be your reply? The most stressful age, the most painful age or the shortest fuse age ever. We may all be fed up with the way things are going now days, but we can make a difference. There are many ways to solve a problem, but most people only try one.

For instance, how would you react if a working colleague brought their home life situations to work everyday? Would you: A. Tell them to shut up? B. Would you try to understand what they are going through and walk them through their problems? Or C. Would you advise them to seek professional help? What about the noisy neighbour who plays their music late into the night every Friday and Saturday. How would you handle this problem? A. Would you call the police first? B. Would you knock on their door and ask them if they can soften the music? Or C. Would you just break down the neighbors’ door, and stop the music, then advise them to soften the music after?

This brings us to diplomacy. Why is it that most people are so quick to react and think after? Do we value the art and practice of conducting negotiations between representatives of families, colleagues, groups, and states? Abram lived in peace in the oak groves at Mamre. One day he learned from a fugitive that there was a war and his nephew had been taken. (Genesis 14:1-14) As Abram looked back over the days that his nephew was with him, he cherished no unkind memory of Lots ingratitude at their parting.

With great affection as any family member would do, he first sought to rescue him without any conflict. The method of diplomacy can sometimes be long, but the ending in most instance is far lasting between all parties involve. At times there is a need through the intercession of professional diplomats with regard to issues of peace-making, trade, war, economics, culture, environment and human rights to be conducted. Yet other times if murder is being carried out at will, there needs to be an immediate intervention to uproot and stop the perpetrator.

International treaties are usually negotiated by diplomats prior to endorsement by national politicians. In an informal or social sense, diplomacy is the employment of tact to gain strategic advantage or to find mutually acceptable solutions to a common challenge. This was a big challenge for Abram and he decided to not undertake it alone. Seeking divine counsel first, Abram prepared for war. From his own encampment he summoned three hundred and eighteen trained servants, men trained in the fear of God, in the service of their master, and in the practice of arms. Then he called together a coalition from Mamre, Eschol, and Aner, and their armies, together they started in pursuit of the invaders.

Because their plan of attack was well though through, they vigorously and unexpectedly had a speedy victory, and all the prisoners of war and their goods, were recovered. (Genesis 14:15-16) “As Abram came back, he gave all the praise to God. The worshiper of Jehovah had not only rendered a great service to the country, but had proved himself a man of valor. It was seen that righteousness is not cowardice, and that Abram's religion made him courageous in maintaining the right and defending the oppressed. (Deuteronomy 24:17/ Psalm 10:18/ Psalm 82:3/ Isaiah 1:17/ Psalm 140:12/ Isaiah 11:4/ Jeremiah 22:16) “Abrams heroic act gave him a widespread influence among the surrounding tribes".

On his return, the king of Sodom came out with his retinue to honor the conqueror. But he bade him to take the goods, begging only that the prisoners should be restored…. Was this faith or foolishness on his part? “He went on by saying", “that his confederates should receive the portion to which they were entitled. Few would have resisted the temptation to secure so rich a booty. His example is a rebuke to self-seeking, mercenary spirits. Abram regarded the claims of justice and humanity. His conduct illustrates the inspired maxim.” "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." (Leviticus 19:18) PP 122, 123

There may be some today who may be saying we should stop these coalitions who help to bring peace to the many inhuman acts around the world today. But I would not support such a move, when the Bible supports that we should be our brothers keeper.

In order for one to be rich in faith, noble in generosity, unfaltering in obedience, and humble in the simplicity of this pilgrim life, they must seek God with all their heart. Secondly like Abram, they must seek God for wisdom so they can have diplomacy and be brave and skillful in war. Thirdly, in the event that diplomacy fails, they must be willing through prayer and faith to join a coalition of like minds to destroy the enemy. Today there may be an enemy in your life that needs to be destroyed. Call upon God and he will show you what to do, and who should help you in this matter. Or your neighbourhood may be running over with gang violence. Like Abram, you may be saying, it’s time for me to play my part. First start with prayer, then form a coalition to stump the devil and his forces out. Through these simple means, peace will come back to your country, neighbourhood, job, church, or family. If God is leading, move forward in Him today. This is yours and and my ethic and religious responsibility, to reach out and touch somebody's hand.

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This letter was written by Elder Kevin Santucci

Join us next time for another ray of sunshine from Garden Ministry when we shall look at, Faith or Foolishness (Part 6)

Song of the day

Click:

Ø Today is coming together day; let us find ways through prayer to work with others to destroy the enemies in our midst.

If possible, share with us your response.

Our Prayer for today:

Father we thank you that you have called us to victory, so help us to walk in it today, Amen.

Prayer Request

Community / International Prayer

New York:

Ø Can you keep my children in prayer for a hedge of protection around them and for them to turn their lives over to Jesus so their names can be written in the Lamb's Book of Life, and for my health?
Blessings,
Diane

Atlanta Georgia:

Ø Would you pray that Medical problem(s) of Adeena will be healed?

Around the world:

None:

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

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