Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.
Acts 16:24,33
Consider Paul and Silas’ perspective. The same man who had beat them earlier in the day, was now washing their wounds. If God is doing a work in and through someone around you, follow their example and put your pride, intimidation and fear aside; make room for God to do the work He has intended.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:12
Jesus, please do this for us. Amen.
If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.
Mark 3:24,25
Take this commonly known passage and consider how it might apply if the kingdom and house it’s talking about is your heart. Are your pride and your sense of integrity and servanthood in unison or divided?
As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.
1 Corinthians 12:20
You were designed uniquely, by God, to be exactly “you.” Be confident in your place and purpose, knowing that you are an essential part of the whole. Don’t worry about what you’re not – focus on being the best at who and what you are.
…knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
1 Corinthians 8:1b
It’s more about how you love than what you know.
And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.
Luke 4:38,39
Simon’s mother responded to Jesus’ healing with a spirit of service. Consider the areas where Jesus’ deliverance and healing has taken place in your life; are you looking to the past, licking your wounds and plotting revenge against your wrongdoers? Or are you looking ahead at ways you can pay it forward with a spirit of service unto your Deliverer and those walking beside you?
Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.
2 Timothy 2:14
Some people love to debate, just for debate’s sake. Someone I respect often says, “Let’s focus on what we agree upon, rather than what our differences are.” I think that is great wisdom. It shows unity and love rather than divisiveness or arrogance. Let us remember this in humility as we approach our brothers and sisters. Instead of barraging them with our opinions, let us barrage them with love.
Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’
John 8:54
Don’t concern yourself with what people say or think when you’re following God’s leading and commandments. Let God be the one who shows & receives glory.
Then David spoke to the LORD when he saw the angel who was striking the people, and said, “Behold, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand be against me and against my father’s house.”
2 Samuel 24:17
Don’t let others take the fall for what you have done. Take responsibility and own up to the consequences and seek God’s mercy. There is much more sweetness in His mercy than in hidden guilt and shame.
The Daily Verse Volume I book is the perfect gift year-round for family & friends! If you haven’t already ordered your copies, do so by clicking here or on the “store” link above!
When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed is before him.” But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:6,7
This thinking is contrary to what media portrays, and what society and human nature aspire to. Be intentional to focus more on matters of the heart than on your outward appearance.
The Daily Verse Volume I book is the perfect gift year-round for family & friends! If you haven’t already ordered your copies, do so by clicking here or on the “store” link above!