The Wisdom of the Proverbs:
Proverbs 28:14 (NLT)
Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.
The Encouragement of the Psalms:
Psalm 119:65-68 (NLT)
You have done many good things for me, LORD, just as you promised.
I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge.
I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.
You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees.
The Hope of the Old Testament:
Psalm 119:71-72 (NLT)
My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.
The Gospel Message:
1 Peter 3:8-12 (NLT)
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.
Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.
For the Scriptures say, "If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.
Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil."
Observation:
It is interesting to note in the New Testament reading for today that Peter had to remind the first-century believers how that should behave. In the twenty-first century, we still need that reminder.
We need to learn to love others first; it's the example of Jesus. I'm singing in my spirit now this old hymn of the Church, "O how I love Jesus because He first loved me."
We would do well to read and heed the admonition and encouragement of Peter to the first-century Church. We need to show and say the Gospel of Christ to the whole world as Jesus commanded us. We are most effective when we show and tell.
Prayer:
Father God, hallowed be Your name. Father, we ask that You would bind each member of the Body of Christ together in love so that we can be demonstrations to a watching world of what the love of God looks like in the human flesh.
1 Peter 3:8 (NLT)
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.
1 Samuel 3:10 (NLT)
10 And the LORD came and called as before, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel replied, "Speak, your servant is listening."
Read all the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:
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