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Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Children Of The Heavenly King"1 (Lyrics) |
At a picnic this past summer, I left my wide-brimmed, white cotton hat on a lawn chair to save my seat while going through the food line. When I returned with my loaded paper plate, someone was sitting on my hat! Shutting my mouth, I thought, That hat is washable. I'll collect it before going home. And I plopped down in a different lawn chair. That hat is now laundered and re-shaped from drying on the saucepan that it fits best — no hassle.
I don't always behave that graciously. Sadly, I sometimes snap at people or rough-ride over tender feelings.
I began to look in the Bible for the directions that Jesus left us for getting along with our fellow human beings. Here is some of what Jesus said (all from the NIV).
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12)
"Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:39b)
"I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." (Matthew 5:22a)
He also gave us more of His perfect admonition.
Matthew 7:1-2 – Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Matthew 5:38-39 – You have heard that it was said, "Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth." But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Matthew 5:43-44 – You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Jesus never asked us to do what He did not do Himself. He came to earth bringing us many examples and patterns in His own gracious behaviour. He left us to enjoy the supreme example of His grace: He gave His whole life for us so that we might live with Himself forever. "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God" (1 Peter 3:18a) — to our God, in faith.
Prayer: Lord God, thank You for giving Your Son to show us the way. We pray that we will take serious note of His way for us. Please keep us praying for others, that individuals, organizations, and national governments of the world will know and become thankful for the grace of Jesus Christ, even His death on the cross. May the people of the world know Him, whom to know is life eternal, and may they follow and obey Him in His gracious way of life. Amen.
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Saturday, May 18, 2024 – In North Africa — Living in North Africa we get so used to hearing the call to prayer it becomes like background noise and sometimes I don't hear it anymore. I am challenged by the fact that some Muslims are so committed to pray that they go to the mosque 5 times a day. Would you consider, with me, setting your alarm to go off at 3:00 every day and pray for these three things: 5 families to come to know Christ, 3 people for us to read scripture with,1 new church plant.
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Amen.
A good word Isabel.
You’re more gracious than I, Isabel! Good message. Thank you.
Good one Isabel!
Blessings.
Thank you, Isabel for sharing this devotional with us. Yes, may we always strive to follow Christ’s example and teachings. Blessings.
This is to whom! from where we are getting these devotional!! May God’s BLESSING be with you all, I am praying that the knowledge of His help be with you all! It is very helpful in my daily contact with the LORD’S Word.
Isabel – thank you for this message.
I too have to remind myself not to judge people. Lately, I have had to quash inner voices that were doing just that, so your devotional is right on time and point – as is often the case!!! I love that you point out that Jesus asks us not to do anything that he was unwilling to do. I used to say that to my staff, yet… this judgment thing …hmm. Keep writing and may God greatly bless you.
Really enjoyed your devotion today. Always told my girls that if someone was mean to them to “Kill” them with kindness. I know the word kill sounds bad.
I always told them that maybe that person was having a bad day, or the words they spoke came out the wrong way.
I should not brag, but I am so proud of my daughters. Two are nurses and the other works for community living. She loves her clients and they love her. I always tried to be extra nice to the people I knew were having a hard time in the world. Everyone needs someone to talk to.
Thanks again for your message.
(Ontario)
As I read this, a thought came to mind about doing unto others. So often I seem to struggle with getting others to actually listen to me and the more I struggle with this at times, the more agitated and louder I tend to get with the result that I am also no longer willing or even able to listen to them while losing my cool and at times causing them to lose their cool. Thanks for the reminder that if I want to be treated a certain way and be listened to, I too need to treat others that way and I, too, have to be willing to listen.