Daily Reading: Acts 25
Scripture Focus: They were planning an ambush to kill him on the way. (Acts 25.3)
Devotional Thought: "No good deed goes unpunished..." Have you ever felt that way? I'm sure the Apostle Paul did in the latter chapters of Acts. He was bringing the message of salvation to the lost, and for his efforts he was arrested, beaten and jailed. Finally, so strong was his adversaries' hatred toward him, that they were plotting his murder! And, they didn't seem to care what might be the impact on themselves or others.
Recently, it seems that no good deed of President Trump goes unpunished either. I'm by no means a Trump loyalist, but I've actually been appalled at the actions of some in the press, in politics, and in the entertainment world when it comes to our president. So strong is their hatred against him that they are actually rooting for a recession or for failure in negotiations with North Korea! Anything, to see Trump fail! I would think that the people whose lives would be impacted by an economic recession or nuclear aggression might see things differently, but that is another story.
When hatred gets to such a fevered pitch, common sense goes out the window. The hated, the haters and the innocent bystanders all suffer.
What is the solution to such hatred? There is only one I know: love. The love God poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. We may disagree about politics, about policies and about presidents, but let us love one another for love comes from God (1 John 4.7).
Prayer: Father, there is so much anger and hatred in the world today. Help me to be an instrument of your love today, so that others may know the freedom and joy that come from you. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 73.21-28
21 When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, 22 I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you.
23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. 28 But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.
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