Challenge: To love my enemies…. “Rise above natural virtue”.

Thought of Today

Luke 6:32-42 ESV

“If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. ..

Prayer:

Lord this is challenging, to love my enemies and do good to them who use me and speak falsely against me. I need your “ultimate” help to guide me through this process which you command to each and every one of your children; “to love our enemies”. Help me to show true affectionate and treat my enemies with respect and kindness as you had demonstrated in your Word. You showed grace and mercy to everyone on this earth even when I was disobedient and fell short and didn’t deserve your mercy …..yet you stood by me. Lord, I understand that your desire for me is to rise above the world standard and prevail to your divine standard. Lord,  when I am confronted give me self-control, protect me and digest in me the memory of your commandments of loving one another.

In Jesus Name... AMEN

Praying for our Government Leaders

“Thought for Today”

Exodus 18:21

"Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens.

First, I need to acknowledge that God has established governments. This means that though government can grow beyond its proper role to become abusive, it is not intrinsically bad. But if the government forbids what God commands or commands what God forbids, then God’s commandments take precedence over human authority.  For example, Daniel’s friends—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—chose to disobey King Nebuchadnezzar and face being burned alive rather than worship idols. When Nebuchadnezzar forbade his subjects to pray to anyone but himself, Daniel openly disobeyed.

At the same time, these men were among Nebuchadnezzar’s most trusted and loyal advisers. They served him honestly and faithfully despite his numerous mistakes. They were not blindly obedient but were willing to respectfully challenge him when appropriate. They did not hold grudges or plot against him, even when he personally wronged them.

Pray for our “Government Leaders”
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)