I once read that we are never more like our Lord than when we offer forgiveness, mercy, and love to another. Yet sometime we fall far short of that ideal as we find justifiable reasons to hate another and even rejoice when their lives are found in turmoil. Our verse this morning addresses that fleshly attitude that is so unlike our Lord. Job, in searching his own heart (Job 31:29), shared he had not rejoiced in the destruction of those who hated him or lifted himself up when evil was found in them.
Today may the Lord give us victory in our hearts in this area of hating from afar and rejoicing, relishing, and smiling at the difficulties of our enemies. Instead may we love them as Jesus does us, seeking their best in prayer before our graceful and merciful God.
Praying for God’s best for my enemies,
Pastor Jack Abeelen
A few years ago, I was listening to a sermon by A.W. Tozer in which he said there are two chains that hold us captive to this world: the first is our loves and the second is our fears. To confirm his words, I looked in my Bible concordance under “fear,” and that is when I found Isaiah 41:10. Since that day, this verse has become a most precious promise and a rock of refuge to my soul.
To my fearful, shaking heart, the Lord commands from heaven, “Fear not! For I am with you.” The infinitely wonderful God who made the heavens and the earth is with me. I might feel all alone and fearful, but God is right here with me in the middle of my world and my problems. I am not alone. And I have nothing to fear.
Then, being melancholy by nature, I sometimes allow the challenges of life to overwhelm me. So, God knew I needed this verse: “Be not dismayed because I am your God.” This is absolutely breathtaking! “It is I, Maker of the stars, Sustainer of the Universe, and High King of Heaven—and I am your God. Do not be dismayed.”
But wait there is more: “I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you.” And if that is not overwhelming enough, He adds, “I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Today, this verse ministered to me again in a very vulnerable moment. So, let this verse wash over you today and restore your fainting soul.
Tom Day
Being rebuked stinks. But just because something doesn’t feel good, doesn’t mean it’s not good for you. For example, God tells us that He chastens those He loves (Hebrews 12:6). Receiving correction is part of growing as a believer. We all make mistakes and everyone is deserving of rebuke now and again. How we receive that rebuke will determine a lot about yourself. If you get defensive, point the finger back at your accuser’s face, or just flat out ignore it, then you probably have a lot of growing to do.
The proverb above says he who disdains instruction hates his own soul. This is true because the correction you are receiving is for your betterment, it’s for you to grow in your character and become a godly man or woman. To refuse the rebuke or instruction, you refuse to grow and therefore punish yourself in the long run. Not every rebuke is worthy or accurate, but always take every rebuke seriously. You do that by humbling yourself before the Lord who is the author of wisdom and righteousness, present this rebuke at His feet and allow Him to share with you through the Holy Spirit and His Word, whether it’s true, somewhat true, or not true at all. He will be faithful to instruct you!
Pastor Jason Witt
I have a long checklist of plans that I want to do this year and also some for next year. I have plans for retirement, plans for my family, and plans for the ministry. Some of the plans I have are really good and others probably not so.
However, we will do good in planning. We plan as we should but these plans should never make us think we are the Lord of our lives. The Lord is the one who directs our steps and we should plan with humility and allow the Lord’s will to be done.
Lord, here are my plans. Direct my steps.
Joshua Navarro
This verse was originally addressed to believers who were suffering many hardships for their faith in Jesus. Their sanity was being questioned and their beliefs were ridiculed. The threat of becoming social outcasts brought fear for their livelihoods and for the well-being of their families.
When the dark clouds of trouble gather in our lives, we may begin to lose patience with the Lord, and the confidence of our faith in God may grow weak and begin to unravel. That is exactly the time when we must hold on; we need to pray for endurance from our Maker. We are reminded to lift our eyes and look ahead. His promises to us do not become any less true because we doubt, but we can rob ourselves of the confidence we enjoy in Him and in His promises when we let go of His hand.
In good times, bad times, and uncertain times, each of us can so easily slip and neglect to reach for the One who has promised to lead us to the finish line in the power of His love. May we never forget that the Lord is our confidence, our rewarder, and our loving God.
Jeff Deal
When sin entered the world, it did not take long to invade every intention and thought of man. As God looked upon the wickedness of man, there was one man who stood apart from the rest; Noah. In this short verse, we see what set Noah apart from everyone else; he found grace in the eyes of the Lord. The Hebrew word used here for ‘found’ means to actively seek. In the midst of a wicked and perverse generation Noah actively sought out God and His grace. Each and every day we need to actively seek the grace of God. It is His grace that saves us and gives us the hope to face the darkest of times. As our generation begins to look more like Noah’s, let us learn from his example and actively seek the grace of God.
For the King,
Pastor Daniel Batistelli
Have you ever read your Bible or been to a Bible study and found that it was something you’ve heard before. Maybe you just read it or had already heard it about 100 times that week? We see it happen often in scripture where God repeats Himself and when God repeats Himself, we shouldn’t ignore it or skim past it. Maybe God has been repeating a message to you this week, month, or year. LISTEN! For God to repeat it to you isn’t boring, but is because of His great love for you.
Resting in Him,
Pastor Sean Boehm
As Saul (Paul the Apostle) lay there with his face to the ground, there were two harsh and enormous realities that hit him. 1) Jesus WAS ALIVE! And that means He really IS God! And 2) He had not only been persecuting those who belonged to the Way, He now understood the spiritual unity between the Savior and the saints.
This is a comforting reality for us as Christians. In sports, you always want to get the ball to the strongest, fastest, and best player. In our walk with God, we always want to remember that Jesus is on our side. Anyone that stands against us has Jesus our Savior to deal with.
Resting in Him today,
Pastor Gerard Deleeuw
It’s worthwhile to read verses like this and be reminded of some of the important attributes of God. For one, He’s good. Everything He does is for our good whether we see it or not. He’s ready to forgive, He’s just waiting to hear confessions from us. He’s abundant in mercy. Mercy is not getting what we deserve and I think all of us are overjoyed for God’s lovingkindness.
Read this verse often and praise the Lord for His goodness.
Pastor Ron Kitchell
One thing for sure, the Lord did not save you only to set you aside before His work in you was finished. I love our verse, that the Lord will perfect that which concerns me…literally. He will not leave His work in me undone. Whatever it takes, He will accomplish in me all He desires and I want to submit myself to that work of the Holy Spirit.
This morning you might wonder if God is finished with you yet? I can assure you He is not. He will never forsake you, the work of His hands! So rest in that truth today as you watch to see His work unfold in your life.
Excited to see what the future holds as God holds to perfect (mature) me in Him!
Pastor Jack Abeelen
