Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 35:19-23
Ps 35:19-23
Let not those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; let not those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye. They do not speak peaceably but devise false accusations against those who live quietly in the land. They gape at me and say, "Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we have seen it." O LORD, you have seen this; be not silent. Do not be far from me, O Lord. Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord.
1 Thess 3:12-13
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
There is no better way to destroy an enemy than to love him in return for his evil ways. Nothing helps depression more than serving others. The best way to show Jesus to the world is to do what is right, even when it is difficult or when it goes against every grain in our body. “A soft answer turns away wrath.”
Since we are the “dearly beloved” of God, we are told to imitate him and be kind to each other. We are to think about things that are true, lovely, pure, noble, and right, things that are praiseworthy and admirable. Peter says we are to make every effort to build our faith on goodness, spiritual knowledge, using self-control, and sticking to a life of godliness, brotherly kindness, and love.
None of these things are difficult to understand or even to put in practice in our everyday lives. But they do take effort. It takes wisdom that can only come from the Father above, but the good news is that he has promised to give us this wisdom, and give it abundantly, if we will only ask him for it. This wisdom is described as morally pure, then peace-loving. It is considerate of others while being submissive in our attitude toward them and toward God. His wisdom is full of mercy, bearing good fruit in an impartial way and from the heart. We then become his peacemakers, who sow in peace and raise a harvest of righteousness.
O Lord God, my heavenly Father, help me open my heart and my mind to your Spirit and his bidding in every part of my life. Mold me more and more into your likeness, so his fruit will grow from my heart and your love will overflow on all of those with whom I come in contact daily. Help me to start being like you in my home and with my family, and then with others around me. Keep me from judging the motives of others, but instead, encourage them to follow you and your word. When others are unkind to me, help me show them kindness and love. Give your peace and strength to those in emotional pain. I pray in Jesus name.
Robert
