An Encouragement

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord. We thank God for His grace and His mercies, His lovingkindness and His faithfulness. We thank Him for His Word wherein He reveals Himself to us day by day.

Primary Text: Psalm 34v12-14
“What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” Psalm 34v12-13 (KJV)

“Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” Psalm 34v12-14 (NLT)

Some synonyms for evil include maliciousness, sin, iniquity, vice, immorality – keep your mouth from evil. And don’t tell lies, that is untruths. When you see evil, turn from it. Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Also, seek peace. As much as lies with you, be at peace with all men (Romans 12:18). And sometimes you might have to work at it, as the Bible says – pursue it. Sometimes you may wonder why you have to be the “good” one? Why can’t you be like every other person? Because you are peculiar, and you are spreading the savour of the knowledge of God in every place (2 Corinthians 2v14). Remember, because You received Jesus, and believe on His name, you have been given the power to become the sons of God (John 1:12). And we have also been given the Holy Spirit to help us – we are not orphans on the earth! We have a Guide, a Teacher, A Comforter who leads us (John 14v17-18, 26; Romans 8:14). You may not see the benefits now, but remember, this is a walk of faith.

Supplementary Text
“Finally, all [of you] should be of one and the same mind (united in spirit), sympathizing [with one another], loving [each other] as brethren [of one household], compassionate and courteous (tenderhearted and humble). Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, and protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing [from God – that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection].
For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good – whether apparent or not] keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from guile (treachery, deceit). Let him turn away from wickedness and shun it, and let him do right. Let him search for peace (harmony; undisturbedness from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts) and seek it eagerly. [Do not merely desire peaceful relations with God, with your fellowmen, and with yourself, but pursue, go after them!]
For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God), and His ears are attentive to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who practice evil [to oppose them, to frustrate, and defeat them]. Now who is there to hurt you if you are zealous followers of that which is good?” 1 Peter 3v8-13 (AMP)

Prayer
Father, I thank You so much for Your Word. I thank You because You won’t ask us to do that which we are unable to. I thank You so much for Your Holy Spirit in us who conforms us into the image of God. Thank You because we are pressing on toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Thank You because it is You we serve in Jesus name, amen.

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