Jesus was clear:
Matthew 5:44 (NIV)
Love your enemies.
We miss the mark when we gleefully read and share fake news because we hope it’s true. God calls us to want his best for our enemies. Who is behind our desire to see the guy we don’t like disgraced and shamed?
John 8:44
You belong to your father, the devil . . . there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Stop and think: whose side are you on?
“Fake News” is in the news. What do you think?
Philippians 4:8 (NLT)
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true.
If it isn’t true, don’t give it a second thought–not yours or anyone else’s. Don’t say it, don’t post it, don’t tweet it, don’t follow it, don’t share it. Not even if you wish it were true.
Last year, Christians were attacked while worshiping in here in the US, and in Egypt and Nigeria. Around the world, many of our brothers and sisters in Christ meet together in secret, hoping to avoid violent confrontations. Let us pray for their safe worship.
Lord, we know that there is no safer place for believers than at your feet. But here on earth, there are those who are attacked for and during their worship of you. We pray for their safety, for their joy, for their peace. May your angels encamp round about them, may their praise rise to you from the safe circle of your protection. Amen.
Psalm 34:7 (MSG)
God’s angel sets up a circle
of protection around us while we pray.
“Holy, Holy, Holy!
All the saints adore Thee,
casting down their golden crowns
around the glassy sea.”
Reginald Heber, 1826
We’ll cast down those crowns because . . .
all that we have accomplished
you have done for us (Isaiah 26:12).
Isaiah 26:12 (NIV)
All that we have accomplished you have done for us.
Forgive me, Lord, for hogging the credit.
My one-word for 2018 is Accomplished.
It’s inspired by Isaiah 26:12 (NIV)
All that we have accomplished you have done for us.
It will remind me that God gets credit for all I accomplish. My goal is to accomplish the things God has planned for me.
What did you accomplish in 2017?
Isaiah 26:12 (NIV)
All that we have accomplished you have done for us.
God is the provider of our talents, our experience and our opportunities. Give him credit.
Prayerfully consider: what does God want to accomplish in you in 2018? Make that your New Year’s resolution.
Raging wild fires in our western states have burned homes and still threaten others. Dozens are homeless after the tragic fire in New York City.
Lord, we pray for safe shelter for those who recently watched their homes burn. And we pray for the brave fire fighters who run towards flames that send\everyone else running away—grant them safe rest from their labor.
Protect us during this cold spell, dear God. May the flames that warm us bring us no harm. Amen.
