VOTD We love because he first loved us. [1 John 4:19 NIV]
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"Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?" [Proverbs 24:11-12 NIV] God pointed this verse out to me. We have to use the time that God has given us to spread the gospel and the message that He's sending us out with. We never know when Jesus might come back, so refrain from thinking, "I'll do it later" or "I'll do it when I feel like it." We don't know if we'll ever have time during the "later."
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." [Matthew 5:14-16 NIV] This passage reminds of the song Go Light Your World by Kathy Troccoli. The chorus of the song says, "Carry your candle. Run to the darkness. Seek out the hopeless, confused, and torn. Hold out your candle for all to see it." God has lit your candle for it to shine, not to be dimmed. We need to carry our candles and seek those who need help. Someone at a youth gathering I went to said, "We are not bad people trying to get good. We are sick people trying to be healed."
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." [Matthew 5:8-12 NIV] Spread the message with pure intentions. Don't shame people for their sin or wrongdoing, which will stir up trouble (Matthew 5:22.) If somebody does insult you, you shouldn't retaliate or seek revenge. You also should not say things like "I told you so" after proving somebody wrong (look to Proverbs 24:17-20, 29 NIV.) I recommend that you read 1 Samuel 24. Verses 12-13 demonstrate how David let the Lord judge instead of taking matters into his own hands. On the contrary of seeking revenge, we should love and pray for those against us, remembering that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against evil (Ephesians 6:12.) "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? ...And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?" [Matthew 5:44-47 NIV]
"Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle." [Psalms 144:1 NIV.] The Lord will strengthen and train you for when it's time to face trials. God will prepare and remain faithful to you, just like He has for ages. Allow yourself to fully trust in Him.
Thank you for reading!
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