Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Pastor's Ponderings, March 10, 2021

Have You Committed A Crime Today?

It is rare to watch the news, read headlines or even watch a new movie without mention of some act of violence or even murder. The media and entertainment venues often glorify violence, and our newspapers seem to choose their headlines with the idea that, “If it bleeds, it leads.” The TV Tropes website indicated, “A basic fact in the news media is that, if a story involves a brutal death or injury of some kind (or the likelihood of it), it is likely to get higher ratings.”

 

We live in a time where it is easy to have angry feelings against the government, an opposing political part, our family or friends.  We live in a culture that encourages us to put ourselves first and look out for number one.  But the Bible says we are to love our enemies and pray for those that hurt us (Matthew 5:44).  We do not have to yield to our fleshly desires because God will give us a way to escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).

 

Let us decide to think thoughts that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of a good report (Philippians 4:8).  Despite what people may have done to us, we ought to put our minds upon eternal heavenly things rather than on temporary earthly challenges (Colossians 3:1-2).  It may be difficult, but the Bible says that we can do this with God’s strength (Philippians 4:13). Let us endeavor to live peacefully with all.

 

Matthew 5:44

New International Version

44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

 

1 Corinthians 10:13

New International Version

13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

 

Philippians 4:8

King James Version

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

 

Colossians 3:1-2

Amplified Bible

1 Therefore if you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 

2 Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value].

 

Philippians 4:13

New International Version

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

 


 

 

 

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