other things

Good Friday, April 10, 2020 (7:32 a.m.)

Holy God,

I love You.

You provide us with so many opportunities. So many choices. So much love.

Yesterday I choose other things rather than continue my prayer time with You. And even there, You allowed my decision. Thank You Father.

Thank You that although I chose breakfast prep, clean up, swing dance lessons, laundry, lunch, … cornbread, dinner, TV, … still I knew I wanted to go deeper into Your Word.

12:20 was the time I had originally awakened yesterday. Thinking I would follow that time into Your Word, I went straight to Romans. And smiled. Heartened.

Romans 12:20 (and verse 21). “Instead [of vengeance],do what the Scriptures say: ‘If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you.’ Don’t let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.”

The Life Recovery Bible comment on these verses (12:9-21) teaches that You tell us “to let love govern all our attitudes and actions… We are called to even love our enemies.”

It goes on to explain that “God's love allows us to forgive... and seek reconciliation… demand[ing] we swallow our pride and admit our wrongs to others.” Your Word, Your love enables us to this end.

“As painful as love may be, however, it is the only way to experience the joy of rebuilding our relationships and progressing in recovery.” Thank You Father.

What was unexpected for me was to also find such hope in Proverbs 12:20 and Matthew 12:20.

First Your Truth from Proverbs. “Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!” Oh yes, Father!

Matthew (12:20, through 21) in proving “that Jesus was the promised Messiah” quotes Isaiah (42:3-4). “He (God’s Chosen Servant) will not crush those who are weak, or quench the smallest hope, until He brings full justice with His final victory. And His name will be the hope of all the world.”

What a perfect day for us to be reminded that “Jesus the Messiah is both our servant and our leader. He is strong enough to lead and judge the nations, yet tender enough to care for the weak and helpless. He is the world’s hope for salvation and our hope for recovery” (comment 12:17-21).

Yes Father. Even though I chose to do other things yesterday, how perfect to be reminded today that Jesus is “the world’s hope for salvation.” Again I thank You for Your love. Your provision. Your hope.

Turning to the very “last words of the book [of Revelations], which are the last words of our Bible, sum[s] up the hope of Christians throughout the ages. ‘Yes, I am coming soon,’ sounds the promise. And all the saints gladly reply: ‘Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.’” (Illustrated Bible Handbook).

Yes, Jesus. On this Good Friday especially I pray, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelations 22:20b). Actively beseeching “the grace of the Lord Jesus be with [us] all” (v. 21).

Lord God, we love You. We need You. And we ask You to be in, with, by, through and for each of us. Molding us, making us, filling us and using us exactly as You alone know is best.

Do all You must Blessed God. Thank You. Amen.

(567 words ~ 10:14 a.m.)