The Deaf Devo from The Deaf Missions in Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States "Love Your Enemies" Bible Reading: Matthew 5:43-48 for Monday, 14 November 2016
Matthew 5:43 “You have heard that our fathers were told, ‘Love your neighbor[Matthew 5:43 Leviticus 19:18] — and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 Then you will become children of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun shine on good and bad people alike, and he sends rain to the righteous and the unrighteous alike. 46 What reward do you get if you love only those who love you? Why, even tax-collectors do that! 47 And if you are friendly only to your friends, are you doing anything out of the ordinary? Even the Goyim do that! 48 Therefore, be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
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In 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot by John Hinckley, Jr. Several years later, President Reagan said that he had forgiven Mr. Hinckley and wanted to meet with him in person to tell him about his forgiveness.
I think that is a good example of what Jesus talked about in our Bible Reading today. In verses 43 and 44 Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies. Pray for those who treat you badly." Jesus went on to add, "...if you are nice only to your friends, you are no better than anyone else. Even the people who don't know God are nice to their friends" (verse 47).
Sometimes it is very hard to forgive our enemies and show them kindness. But that is what God wants us to do. Think about someone today who needs to receive your love and forgiveness. Ask God to help you show kindness to that person.[ECW]
"But I say to you people who are listening to me, love your enemies.
Do good to those who hate you...Pray for the people who are mean to you."[Luke 6:27-28]
PRAYER: Father, thank You for Your forgiveness. Help me to forgive others. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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The Deaf Devo from The Deaf Missions in Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States "Psalm 119 (11)" Bible Reading: Psalm 119:81-88 for Sunday, 13 November 2016
Psalm 119:כ (Kaf)
81 I am dying to know your salvation;
my hope is in your word.
82 My eyes fail from watching for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83 For I have shriveled like a wineskin in a smoky room;
still, I don’t forget your laws.
84 How long can your servant stay alive?
When will you bring judgment on my persecutors?
85 The arrogant have dug pits for me to fall in;
this is not in keeping with your Torah!
86 All your mitzvot [show your] faithfulness;
they are hounding me with lies; help me!
87 They have nearly ended my life on earth,
but I have not abandoned your precepts.
88 In keeping with your grace, revive me;
and I will observe your spoken instructions.
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My son was struggling in school and was bullied by some of his classmates. So finally my husband and I made the decision to homeschool my son.
We homeschooled our son for several years until we felt that the school system was ready to help him learn and grow. During those years, we received much criticism from friends and family members about our choice to homeschool. My husband and I felt like the writer of Psalm 119:86. "All your commands can be trusted. Those people are wrong to persecute me. Help me!"
My husband and I prayed about our decision to homeschool and asked God to help us. When people criticized us, we remembered that we were doing what we thought was right. God took care of us and blessed our son.
Ask God to give you wisdom today as you make difficult decisions. Then depend on Him to help you and take care of you.[BH]
"Show me your faithful love and let me live.
I will do whatever you say."[Psalm 119:88]
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for helping my family to serve You. And thank You for guiding my decisions. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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Deaf Missions21199 Greenview Road
Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503, United States
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