I pray that out of His glorious
riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being.
- Ephesians 3:16
A recent magazine article dealt with our society's growing trend of making celebrities of people involved in criminal or immoral activity. But it really isn't anything new.
Consider life in the time of the prophet Micah. The Bible tells us the land was filled with idolatry, covetousness, oppression, and contempt for the Word of God. The spiritual and political leaders abused their power, leading the people down the path of destruction. There were also false prophets who enjoyed celebrity status as they said that nothing would come of all the evil in their society (see Micah 2:6).
Micah stepped forward with a clear warning from God. Judgment was coming for all who defied the Lord. He also gave a word of comfort to the faithful people of God. Micah 2:12 records God's promise of restoration: "I will surely gather all of you, O Jacob; I will surely bring together the remnant of Israel. I will bring them together like sheep in a pen, like a flock in its pasture; the place will throng with people."
How we need to give this word of mercy to hurting and helpless people! I have a friend who went through a time of deep disappointment and hurt. She could hardly hold up her head when she walked. At her lowest point, a friend began praying with her and sharing the Scriptures. Weeks passed, and the Word and prayer began to have their effect. She emerged from her ordeal revived in spirit, with a new sparkle in her eye.
Do you know someone who needs comfort--prayer and a thought from the Word of God? Just like Micah, God can use you to speak boldly and compassionately in His name.
Prayer
Lord, give me a mouth that speaks "only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs." (from Ephesians 4:29) Amen.
To Ponder
No matter how dark our circumstances, God's Word can light our way.
A recent magazine article dealt with our society's growing trend of making celebrities of people involved in criminal or immoral activity. But it really isn't anything new.
Consider life in the time of the prophet Micah. The Bible tells us the land was filled with idolatry, covetousness, oppression, and contempt for the Word of God. The spiritual and political leaders abused their power, leading the people down the path of destruction. There were also false prophets who enjoyed celebrity status as they said that nothing would come of all the evil in their society (see Micah 2:6).
Micah stepped forward with a clear warning from God. Judgment was coming for all who defied the Lord. He also gave a word of comfort to the faithful people of God. Micah 2:12 records God's promise of restoration: "I will surely gather all of you, O Jacob; I will surely bring together the remnant of Israel. I will bring them together like sheep in a pen, like a flock in its pasture; the place will throng with people."
How we need to give this word of mercy to hurting and helpless people! I have a friend who went through a time of deep disappointment and hurt. She could hardly hold up her head when she walked. At her lowest point, a friend began praying with her and sharing the Scriptures. Weeks passed, and the Word and prayer began to have their effect. She emerged from her ordeal revived in spirit, with a new sparkle in her eye.
Do you know someone who needs comfort--prayer and a thought from the Word of God? Just like Micah, God can use you to speak boldly and compassionately in His name.
Prayer
Lord, give me a mouth that speaks "only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs." (from Ephesians 4:29) Amen.
To Ponder
No matter how dark our circumstances, God's Word can light our way.
Daily Smile:
Tech Support: "I need you to right-click on the Open Desktop."
Customer: "Ok."
Tech Support: "Did you get a pop-up menu?"Customer: "No."
Tech Support: "Ok. Right click again. Do you see a pop-up menu?"
Customer: "No."
Tech Support: "Ok, sir. Can you tell me what you have done up until this point?"
Customer: "Sure, you told me to write 'click' and I wrote click'."
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