Luke 12:35-48 Be Prepared!

Luke 12:35-48 NIV
Be prepared! The LORD has called you to be His own. Will you? Or... are you busy preparing for the next party? The next sports game? The next bowling tournament? The next whatever. And, you know that I mean the "parties" that are associated with the other things not the sports themselves.  You know that all of these things can be included in your life. The LORD wants us to enjoy life and all that gifts He's given us. But, are they the number one priorities in your life? If given a choice, what will you choose: the Kingdom of God for all eternity or immediate pleasure and gratification? Will you choose to sleep through life or will you be prepared for the return of the Master?

"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning." (vs 36)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 140 - Pray For Your Enemy

We find the author of Psalms a little more than upset this morning. That person wants vengeance in a big way.... "May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, never to rise." (Psalm 140:10 NIV)

I'm not saying that I've never thought this way. But, I'm thinking there is a more excellent way.  According to Jesus, we are to "...love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matt 5:43-45)

It is undeniable that there are many who persecute those who love the LORD. The arrogant lay out snares for the innocent seeking to damage or utterly destroy them. But, anger and vengeance only propagates the enmity. Pray for peace. Pray for protection, pray for mercy, pray that the LORD will be your strong deliverer, but pray for your enemy. as well. Pray that those who hate and persecute you will come to know the LORD and you will have lost an enemy and gained a brother or sister.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 140:5 Or they have spread cords as a net
2. Psalm 140:8 Heb adds they are exalted
3. Psalm 140:9 Cn Compare Gk: Heb those who surround me are uplifted in head; Heb divides verses 8 and 9 differently