Sunday, August 14th

It is very late. I am tired, but alas, I am here. I have some good news. My brother has asked for me to be a groomsman at his wedding in March 2006. I said I would. I am excited for him still. I really pray that things will work out for him and his fiance. It was a good service today. Normally, I use my Quiet Time on Sunday to reflect and research on the message, but I will do that tomorrow. But I do have some thoughts and scripture for today.

First: Bitter (adj.)
1. Proceeding from or exhibiting strong animosity
2. Resulting from or expressive of severe grief, anguish, or disappointment
3. Marked by resentment or cynicism

Seeing this word in the definition of bitter, I had to look it up too.
animosity (noun)
1. Bitter hostility or open enmity; active hatred.
2. A hostile feeling or act.

Second: Prejudice (noun)
1. An adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge or examination of the facts.
2. A preconceived preference or idea.
3. The act or state of holding unreasonable preconceived judgments or convictions
4. Irrational suspicion or hatred of a particular group, race, or religion.
5. Detriment or injury caused to a person by the preconceived, unfavorable conviction of another or others.

I did these definitions to clarify in my mind just how do I treat people. What preconceived idea to I have toward this or that person? Does this person, are they not ready for me to invite them to church because I think they are not open or ready? Am I bitter about some argument we may have had so therefore I would never invite them out? Who am I to judge! I hate to say it, but based on those questions and answers, I do have some prejudices. I am bitter. I repent of this character flaw.

James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

James 2:18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

I will show you my faith and repentence by what I do. Johnny Out.