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Laying hold of God’s blessings!

Scripture reading for October 11th: 1st Peter 3, Psalm 53, Proverbs 17

1st Peter 3: 8-14 “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you will be blessed.”

The psalmist stated plainly that we are all ‘fools’ in that we have not understood God’s love or His righteousness and His provision to make us right with Him and a good servant of others. However, in Christ Jesus, we can now know the Father’s love and His mercy in forgiveness of our sins. Because of this, we can now begin to love others. Peter called the brothers to unity of mind, sympathy for those lost and hurting, a tender heart and a gracious attitude towards all. For reviling, believers are called to bless! We use our tongues and breath to bring God’s grace to all. In doing so, we reap what we sow! Blessings come back to us in waves of God’s love and approval. Even if we suffer for doing good, God blesses all the more! God is watching His children, and in Christ, they are made righteous and are channels of His blessing to the world! Stay cool, bless and do not curse!

Psalm 53:1-3 “The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good. God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.”

Prayer: Father God, You alone watch each person’s heart. Thank You for knowing all about us and still loving us enough to show mercy through Your Son. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and empower me today afresh to bless others You bring into my life. Help me to stay in unity with Your family and be gentle and tenderhearted towards those hurting or suffering. Give me a cool spirit and understanding of Your ways.

Proverbs 17:27 “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.”