November 25, 2024 -Resolve to do Good
- brooks16055
- Nov 25, 2024
- 2 min read
DANIEL 1:1-2:23
1 PETER 3:8-4:6
PSALM 119:65-80
PROVERBS 28:14
1Peter 3:13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
Eagerness to do good that comes from a heart that reveres Christ will result in blessing and endurance in suffering. Last night I was asked a question concerning my behavior that I was not prepared to give an answer to, and it was an opportunity to share the reason for the hope that I have. One of the reasons that I was stumbled over what to say was concern that it would cause the asker to take my words the wrong way and cause some bad feelings from them. But then today I am reminded that if my conscience is clear and I speak with gentleness and respect then even if they were to take it the wrong way and speak against my good behavior that is better than to not speak the truth. I pray that the Lord gives me that opportunity again and also gives me the words that are gentle and respectful that I may not fail Him again.
1Peter 4:2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
Lord thank you for reinforcing the truth of the need to live by your will not in my earthy human evil desires. I thank you for your steadfast love.
Daniel 1:8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.
Just as Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the food of the culture strengthen my resolve to not defile myself with the things of this culture.
Proverbs 28:14 Blessed is the one who always trembles before God,
but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.
Psalm 119
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.
~ Through all my afflictions with relationships, life itself, physical, and mental, I know in my heart that I would not have sought the grace of God as fervently as I would have without said afflictions.
To the world, it might seem strange to say this…I am thankful for all that I have, I am, and I will go through.
But to my fellow Christians and to my Father in heaven, it is not odd. It is understood.
I have been saved for life eternal by my Father through each and every one of my afflictions, and for that I will praise Him and be…