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My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me. – Psalm 22:14

 

All of us get “out of joint” occasionally—with our spouses, with the Church, with other people, and sometimes even with the Lord. We don’t mean to be that way. We don’t anticipate our actions or feelings, but we find ourselves in dissension with others to whom we really are connected.

In speaking of the human body, Paul said, “The whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love” (Ephesians 4:16). When we get out of joint with the rest of the Body of Christ, we no longer supply what others need, nor do we submit to the Head, who is Christ. We cause ourselves, as well as those to whom we are connected, much pain.

The remedy? One who “is overcome by some sin” (Galatians 6:1) should be restored gently by those who are spiritual. Such a person is still part of the Body of Christ, and we need him. We must always remember to deal in the spirit of meekness with one who is out of joint, because our Lord Himself paid the price when His bones were all out of joint!

Get back “in joint” with your spouse and Christian friends. Jesus is the “Joint” that joins you!

2020-12-31T10:53:19-07:00

Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.) Jehoshaphat was alarmed by this news and sought the Lord for guidance. He also gave orders that everyone throughout Judah should observe a fast. – 2 Chronicles 20:2-3

Jehoshaphat received a bad report! A negative report can knock you down, as illustrated through the bad report given by the ten spies in Moses’ day. Your response to a bad report is critical, as it often determines the outcome of the situation.

Jehoshaphat’s response teaches several lessons. First, don’t respond in fear, but in faith (2 Chronicles 20:3). Second, find a promise that fits your case and stand upon that promise, using it as the basis of your prayer (v. 9). Third, based upon that same promise, claim your inheritance and stand your ground, resisting all “claim jumpers” (v. 11). Fourth, turn the battle over to God (v. 15). Finally, praise God for the victory in advance (vv. 21-22).

The world views a bad report as the definitive statement of fact regarding a matter. As a Christian, however, you know that you can reverse an evil report. Jehoshaphat’s ordeal was transformed from the dreadful fear and alarm of the first report to the joyful, triumphal return to Jerusalem.

The same battle plan that Jehoshaphat used will work for you. Fear not, find a promise, claim your inheritance, turn the battle over to God, and praise Him in advance. You will surely win!

2020-07-27T00:00:00-06:00
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