Prayer: Father, instruct me this morning according to Your Word. I am ready to receive new insight and fresh revelation. Amen.
Reading: Psalm 109 key: vs. 26-28
26 Help me, Adonai my God,
Save me through Your lovingkindness.
27 Let them know that it is Your hand—
that You, Adonai, have done it.
28 They may curse, but You bless.
When they arise, they will be ashamed,
but Your servant will rejoice.
Attention: Have you ever prayed a prayer like David’s prayer today? I was surprised to read the requests David makes, asking God to intervene on his behalf.
For those who remember Johnny Carson’s monologue on the Tonight Show, I recall a line he used to say in jest when the audience would not laugh at one of his jokes, “May the flies of a thousand camels infest your armpits.” Like Johnny or King David, we at times might feel compelled to seek revenge against our critics or accusers. Unlike David many kings have taken matters into their own hands.
Even though King Saul attempted to kill David, he would not raise his hand against God’s anointed. The account by Samuel (1 Samuel 24) confirms that even in the face of opportunity to harm Saul, David stood down.
In the New Testament Jesus teaches us to do the opposite of the world. He tells us to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44).” Tough stuff to do. We see this attitude modeled by Jesus as he hung on the cross. He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34b).
Action: I want to be like Jesus to my family, friends and enemies and pray for them.
Yield: I yield my hurt and anger to desire to seek revenge to Jesus.
Engage: I become like Jesus when I respond like Jesus.
Relationship: I am in full relationship with Jesus when I conformed to His image and life.
Prayer: Father, Jesus modeled for me a lifestyle which is counterculture to the world. Help me to be like Jesus in love, attitude, and heart. Amen.
Memory Verse: Matthew 5: 43-44
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Music Video: When Trials Come – Keith & Kristyn Getty
Remember, “Abide in Yeshua, today!”