Today's Verse - Romans 12:21

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

—Romans 12:21

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

A friend used to remind me that the number one goal in dealing with difficult people or circumstances is this: "Don't become what you hate." He wasn't talking about hating the person, but he meant that we don't want to become evil, wicked, petty, and sinful in our actions and motivations — the things we hate about their behaviors. We don't overcome the devil by underhanded and dishonorable means. We overcome evil and drive it back into the abyss of hell with the evil one by doing what is right and filling our hearts and lives with goodness (Philippians 4:). There is no greater example of overcoming evil with good than Jesus. And the Spirit is working with us to transform us to become like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18), whom we love and desire to emulate.

My Prayer...

Holy God, please bless us with your holy character as we resist those who are critical, cynical, and vengeful toward us because we are followers of Jesus. Please help us respond to our critics in ways reflecting Christ's character and Lordship. In his name, the name of Jesus, we ask this. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - 1 Samuel 12:20

"Do not be afraid," Samuel replied. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart."

—1 Samuel 12:20

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Israel wanted a King. This rebellion against God as LORD and King crushed Samuel's heart and angered God at the people's lack of faith. Samuel reminded God's people that while they have stumbled and fallen because of their political concerns, they must not abandon the LORD himself. Instead, their political concerns must give way to their total allegiance to God and a willingness to serve him fully as LORD and King. In the middle of their politically fueled fear, anger, arrogance, disappointment, triumph, defeat, conflict, confusion, confidence, rivalry, and self-will, God wanted them to turn to him — not their political parties and political champions. Their hope must lie with God! I believe this is a lesson from history that we should heed.

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Forgive us, dear Father, for our sinfulness, short-sightedness, and silliness that we have, at times, shown regarding rulers, nations, and our source of hope. We want to serve you with an undivided heart, cleansed by your forgiveness and enabled by the transforming power of your Holy Spirit as we trust in you as our LORD, Savior, and King. We thank you and ask for this grace in Jesus' name, Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Proverbs 12:19

Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

—Proverbs 12:19

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"Tell the truth the first time, then you won't have to remember what you said." This truism by the famous Speaker of the House, Sam Rayburn, is good medicine for us today. Telling a lie seems gratifying at the time, but it nearly always catches up with us and gives us the added burden of trying to remember what we said and why. Truth endures; a lie is a momentary illusion that ends up in a trap filled with burdens.

My Prayer...

Holy and Righteous Father, please forgive me for lying, exaggerating, and withholding the truth when the truth needs to be told. I yearn for my heart and my lips to be invested in forever — your forever — so please help me as I seek to tell the truth with holy integrity. In the name of Jesus, I ask for your help. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.