Today’s Devotional – January 16th (How To Love Your Enemies)

By admin On January 15th, 2014

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Today’s Devotional – January 16th

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How To Love Your Enemies

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“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you…

Luke 6:27-30

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ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

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PAUL’S SPIRITUAL GROWTH

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If one reads the book of Acts carefully, it will be discovered that the Apostle, Paul, was on a learning curve, as they say.

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That is, Paul made some dreadful mistakes along the way.

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For instance, in Acts, Chapter 23, when slapped, Paul in a heat of the moment cried out… “God shall smite thee, thou whited wall” Acts 23:3. Now of course, Paul should never have cursed any man, but instead, should have left such things in the hands of God.

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But that wasn’t all! For just a little while later, when being opposed by the Jews, he saw an opportunity to divide his enemies (Pharisees & Sadducees). And so he made a very controversial statement, knowing that it would spark a heated debate between the two factions. And it did.

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But as these two groups began arguing with each other, over this question, Paul almost got torn in pieces!

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Fortunately, God rescued Paul.

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Paul persecuted by Pharisees & Sadducees – www.thebiblerevival.com – US Public Domain

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PAUL REACTED IN LOVE & RESPECT

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But it is evident that Paul had finally learned his lesson, when standing before King Agrippa and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Nikolai_Bodarevsky_001.jpgGovernor Festus, in Acts, Ch. 26.

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You see, right in the middle of Paul’s defense of himself, Festus cried out, probably in a mocking manner… “Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad!” Acts 26:24

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Now at this point, Paul could have easily responded in anger at Festus’ insult. But he didn’t! Instead, Paul said very gracious words in return to Festus. And as a result of Paul’s soft and respectful answer, the king Agrippa, who was listening to this exchange, said to Paul… “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian!” Acts 26:28.

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You see, if Paul had lost his temper, the king would never have been persuaded (almost). But Paul had passed his test!

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And God had now prepared Paul for his ultimate evangelistic encounter…Caesar, the Emperor of Rome, whom he was going to testify before, in the near future.

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Paul before Agrippa and Festus – Nikolai Bodarevsky – Wikimedia – US public domain

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LIFE THRU THE LOVING EYES OF JESUS

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And this little account of Paul’s spiritual growth is a wonderful lesson for us today!

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In a day when it is so easy to judge, speak critical words to, or simply despise so many flawed people we see on TV, or in the workplace, or even in our own home, we have to remember that we have been chosen to be “ambassadors for Christ”, (2nd Corinthians 5:20.)

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And as such, we have a solemn duty to treat each and every person, be it spouse, or children, or neighbors or strangers, or even politicians with the utmost tender respect, as possible candidates for Heaven. And becoming Christ-like for the hope of the Salvation of souls, should be our great purpose, shouldn’t it?

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But more than this, we need to see all of humanity through the loving eyes of Jesus.

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Yes, even our enemies! God created them, and until we walk in their shoes, we need to keep from judging them.

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ABOVE PICTURE – 7 Stars Constellation as the Cross (aka Big Dipper) – winter – signsofheaven.org – not for commercial uses

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TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS

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It is amazing what a little love and a little respect can do, to patch up a broken relationship.

.http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anger_during_a_protest_by_David_Shankbone.jpg

And to give a gift in secret to one who has been offended will go a long way in mending a wounded soul!

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Remember our key Bible passage… “Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” Yes, here is the formula for winning souls to Christ.

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So if a cashier speaks rudely to me, I must try Paul’s tactics, and speak lovingly and respectfully back.

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And I must remember how many times over the years, that I have failed in treating others kindly!

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Anger during a protest – by David Shankbone – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike-License

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Columpio_Veracruz_059.jpgUNLOVING SITUATIONS

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So if my spouse is cold and unloving, instead of returning that cold lovelessness, why not go and pray for grace to be warm, forgiving, and deeply respectful to that precious soul created and given by God, my spouse?

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Fraternal Man Husband & Married Wife on swing – love (Prehispanic sculpture from 250–900 A.D., of Huastec origin) – Wikimedia – Public domain

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THE FORSAKEN

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Or what about that overweight person in the mall, or that drunkard begging?

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Are not their souls every bit as precious to Jesus as is my soul? Therefore because they too are dear and precious in the sight of God, they should be dear and precious in our sight as well!

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Oh yes, their manners may be coarse and rude, and even obnoxious! And their appearance may be ravaged by time and circumstances.

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But a little sympathy and understanding on our part will transform our revulsion to them, into sympathetic, Christ-like love for them.

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Drunk Panhandler – Wikipedia – Public-Domain

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A WELLSPRING OF LOVE AND FORGIVENESS 

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Elakala_Waterfalls_Swirling_Pool_Mossy_Rocks.jpg.

Now having said all these things, we must remember what Jesus said in John 7:38…“He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”

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Yes, the child of God does not need to somehow dredge up love and forgiveness.

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Those virtues will flow continually out of the heart of every true worshiper of God.

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They don’t need to wait for forgiveness for an offender.

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No, the Believer’s loving forgiveness is ever-present, flowing out from within, like rivers of living water! 

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Elakala Waterfalls Swirling Pool Mossy Rocks – Wikimedia – Share-alike License

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anna_Blunden_-_%22For_Only_One_Short_Hour%22_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg

TODAY’S PRAYER…

“Dear Lord, Give me that spirit of love, for each member of the human family. Give me that deep respect for every precious soul whom you have died for, whether in my home or neighborhood, or around the world…

Prayer – Anna Blunden – For Only One Short Hour – Wikimedia – Public Domain

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Question_book_magnify2.svg

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Parable of the Sheep & Goats: The Greatest Gift” or you can also read… “Moon Into Blood Trilogy: 2nd Face: The Pharisee Scorner”

Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license

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THE END

.Orion Constellation at Eagle Ridge

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TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN

Info & pics of constellations on this site from Wikipedia & International Astronomical Union (click here)

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“THE SCORNER (THE PHARISEE)”

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Once_in_a_Blue_Moon_(40034339832).jpgPlease tilt your head to the left. Do you see a man with a very long pointed nose. (Obviously, the sketch to the right is just an exaggeration in order to help you find the face in the photo to the left.)

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Do you see an angry look? His right eye-brow is raised as if he is judging.

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This face in the Moon appears to be that of a combination of a man as well as a fox. Or maybe a wolf. Doesn’t he have a long narrow nose like a wolf or fox? Maybe even a dog. Nevertheless, the expression on his face, as he appears to look down upon the Earth, is that of scorn, as if he is disgusted at the sinful planet below. He is very moral, you see.

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Moon – Public Domain – 2nd face Pharisee Scorner – by Cezar Popescu for Wikimedia – Universal Public Domain – cropped, highlighted & rotated photo

ABOVE PICTURE – Moon – 2nd Face – Pharisee Scorner

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Question_book_magnify2.svg

READ MORE…

To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Moon Into Blood Trilogy: 2nd Face: The Pharisee Scorner”

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http://www.muskegonartmuseum.org/collections-gallery/galleryTOMORROW:

January 17th (4 Winds of Doctrine Now Blowing!)”

ABOVE PICTURE: Hide Thyself in thy Chambers – inspired by Tornado Over Kansas by Curry

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20 MINUTE+ AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH http://christianimagesource.com/prophet_jeremiah_g341-prophet_jeremiah__image_2_p2281.html

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ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE INVITED TO LISTEN TO THIS STUDY #16, PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…

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Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain

 

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