daily prayer

     Good morning! How are we faithing? Encouragement to do good to one another and not to respond in kind is tough to chew some times. It only is hard to chew because we like to retaliate. We like winning even if our idea of winning is getting the upper hand on others. Quips and teasing is one thing, dropping someone in the dirt because they called you a derogatory name is not Christlike or even helpful in any form. Do you have bad days? Do you lash out ever and it isn't even about the person you lashed out at? Of course you have. I have. We all have. What gives us that right or justification? Stay with this context and don't read into it to far because physical defense sometimes is necessary. Having said that, look at this;

1Pe 3:8-9
  Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

So if this encouragement to do right at all times is given, one has to assume that we all need the same admonishment because people are people and hurt people hurt people. How about this as the explanation why those previous two verses were said;

1Pe 3:10-12

  For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.  For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 

Cool man. Opens up the view point as to where we should try to be. Remembering our own weak points and to remember we don't like bad treatment so why would we render what we dislike? Follow with this reassurance;

1Pe 3:13-16

  And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?  But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:  Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 

Wow man. If we could follow this think how much better off we would be and think how much more we could present the gift of pardon sincerely and not just because we're suppose to.

remember Aunt Tinie...remember Geralds Mom...

Heavenly Father,

  Grant us wisdom and courage to act holy no matter what comes our way. Bless those in pain of any sort and reveal to them any lesson and growth . Lord we ask for courage under fire. Protect our troops. in Jesus name, amen