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Romans 12:9,21 – Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (NIV)
Sienna, one of our Yorkshire terrier pups, is such a little cling-on. When we get home from work, she runs about madly, following us wherever we go, wrapping her front legs around one of our legs, clinging to us like some sort of living Saran Wrap® until she finally gets picked up. She's a gal who knows what she wants and knows how to go about getting it.
Likewise, as God's people, we, too, are to be cling-ons. We are to cling to what is good. The definition for the word "cling" is to adhere, be firmly attached, be dependent. "Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
The potential for evil clings to all of us, due to our inherent sinful nature. However, when we choose to cling to Christ, to be dependent upon Him for His guidance and direction — through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Scriptures, and the wisdom of godly spiritual advisors — we can overcome evil with good. This can happen because, as the apostle Paul prayed for the Ephesians in chapter 3:16-19, we are strengthened out of Christ's glorious riches, with power through His Spirit in our inner being, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. And being rooted and established in love, we may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that we may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Yes, when we cling to Christ in sincere love, we become infused with the fullness of love — sincere love — which clings to all we do and think and say, and which always overcomes evil with good.
Prayer: Father God, thank You so much for the opportunity to cling to Christ and the love He has for us. Thank You that out of His glorious riches, He matures us day by day as we adhere to Him and His Spirit. Bless us with hearts that are firmly attached to the desires of Christ's heart, that each and every one of us may not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Thursday, January 16, 2025 – In the Middle East — Right now, the highlight of my week is my informal language lessons with my friend. I really enjoy discussing different topics with her and asking cultural questions. A few weeks ago, I told her the story of Jesus's death and resurrection. Pray that God continues to speak to her, and that she would come to faith in Christ.
Grandson Being Bullied: "Grandson S is being bullied at school by a couple of boys who influence other boys to side with..." 
May I be so Lynne.
The Lord’s sense of humor can have us guffawing, but sometimes it’s ironic. Then we pause, ponder and pray. Thanks for the reminder. Blessings.
Lynne – Thank you for this good word today. I have been researching about clinging very recently.
Hope this finds you and yours are doing well. God bless.
Another great analogy with food for thought.
Keep writing.
Blessings.
Congratulations Lynne on yet another wonderful Devotional. I enjoy how you make excellent comparisons using animals.
Continue the great work!
Blessings.
Thanks for the devotional Lynne. As the weeks go by and I wait for surgery, I am clinging on to every promise in the Book. And at a time like this I often wonder what those who are not familiar with those promises do to sustain themselves. I particularly valued your closing prayer.
Blessing.
Lynne – your devotional was an encouragement to me as it brought to mind the incident in Matthew 9:20-21. Lately, this particular Scripture has become more meaningful in my life and I can picture myself, not only touching, but clinging to Jesus’ garment. Without a doubt, the Lord spoke to me personally through your message and confirmed what He has placed in my heart through many prayers.
Blessings.
Dear Lynne,
The potential for evil clings to all of us, due to our inherent sinful nature. However, when we choose to cling to Christ, to be dependent upon Him for His guidance and direction – through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Scriptures, and the wisdom of godly spiritual advisors – we can overcome evil with good. This can happen because, as the apostle Paul prayed for the Ephesians in chapter 3:16-19, we are strengthened out of Christ’s glorious riches, with power through His Spirit in our inner being, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. And being rooted and established in love, we may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that we may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
The above is powerful.
Keep writing.