So much today and yesterday.
Psalm 84:10- “A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of wicked.”
Psalm 85:4-7 (especially verses 6-7)- “Won’t you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.”
Psalm 86:11-13- “Teach me your way, Lord, and I will live by your truth. Give me an undivided mind to fear your name. I will praise you with all my heart, Lord my God, and will honor your name forever. For your faithful love for me is great, and you rescue my life from the depths of Sheol.” (CSB)
Luke 6- called the Sermon on the Plain. Some think it is just a shortened version of the Sermon on the Mount in Mt. 5-7; others think it is another occasion. Does it really matter? I think not. Standing out to me this morning: 6:27-36. I highlighted parallel verses: 27-28 and 35. (I would encourage you to read them on your own)
No commentary is needed except DO THESE!! LIVE THESE!! Especially the ones out of Luke. Not all people will like me (Shocker!). Not all will be my friend or agree (Bigger shock!). Love them anyway. There is no virtue in loving those who love me. The biggest test is in loving those who don’t.
And you? Of all the verses I highlighted this morning, which one(s) stood out to you?
Loving those who will never love us back is a monumental task, Bill, and we can only do so with God’s help. If we place God first in our lives, then the impossible begins to feel possible.
Blessings!
Definitely not an easy thing to do Martha. And yes, only when we put God first is the impossible begin to feel possible.
Psalm 86:11, “Teach me your way, Lord, and I will live by your truth. Give me an undivided mind to fear your name.” stood out to me. It is the cry of my heart to live as Jesus wants me to. If only I didn’t fail so often. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift of forgiveness!
I loved that verse as well Pam. And like you, that is my heartfelt desire. And like you I am thankful for God’s indescribable gift.
I think of all commands in the Bible, these may be the most difficult. Do good to those who hate you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also. To the one who steals (takes your cloak) give also your tunic.
I am most certainly a work in progress as I don’t think I am there yet.
Think? I know I’m not. 🙂
Great verses to meditate and ponder on. It’s hard to pick one favorite but I will go with Psalm 86:11-13. Lately, I have found myself, thinking not saying, but just in total disagreement of some things that have been said in some of my closest sisters in Christ groups. I feel the evil ones division, and I have struggled, with multiple thoughts of how can someone in Christ say that. Then I go in pray, and say Father help me apply discernment to the words, show me your truth in the Bible. Remove the opinions, and teach me Your ways Father, everything needs to align with Your words and Your authority on every subject. Lately, I have felt torn and conflicted with peoples words and trying to find the truth in God’s word but not allowing my thoughts to alter in any way the truth of Gods. These verses today have really resonated deep in my heart, and I know the Lord has more work to do with me, and I will spend more quiet time today reflecting on these verses.
Thanks for being so open and vulnerable Gail. It isn’t easy hearing sisters (or brothers) say things that just don’t quite jive with what you think God’s Word says. I love your prayer and attitude. Keep seeking Him.
I gree that loving your enemies is probably the hardest one out of the bunch. Though I find I don’t have enemies today, I’ve learned from past situations that some people aren’t really your enemies at all, they are just dealing with their own situations, whether it be their own sins, or their own immaturity. I still pray for them though.
That is a good and important thought to keep in mind Ed. People are dealing with their own stuff and often have nowhere else to go so they strike out. I like your idea of praying for them.