GPS-No Paybacks

NOV 03 / Sunday – Read Romans 12:14, 17, 19-21

Overview: Want to get even with someone who’s wronged you? It’s easy: Forgive them and let God merit out justice. Yeah, so “easy”…

04 / Mon – Wise words  |  Read Luke 6:27-28, 32-33

In heated political times, friends can become enemies. Hostile words reflect your doubt that God is in control and you fear that His plans will be derailed. On Oct 6, 1774, John Wesley recorded in his journal what he advised those in his society who were voting. First, to vote for the one they judge most worthy. Second, to speak no evil of the one they voted against. And third, to take care their spirits were not sharpened against those who voted on the other side. No matter the results of any election, what does God expect of us today and why? See 1 Tim 2:1-2.

05 / Tue – Conflict  |  Read Matthew 7:3-5

Are there people in your life or in your neighborhood or even in your own family with whom you’ve had serious conflict over a long period of time? Jesus said that would happen. Rarely is conflict one-sided, however. Maybe the first step is to examine yourself to see if you have been in the wrong. If so, it has to be dealt with before you can see any situation clearly. It is difficult to do, but are you willing to try? The Lord will help you, as you put the issue before Him in prayer and then listen.

06 / Wed – Bystanders  |  Read Luke 23:34 / Acts 7:59-60 and 22:20

Read Jesus’ words on the cross, then Stephen’s final words as he was stoned to death for speaking truth. We don’t know if any of Jesus’ killers repented, but his example gave Stephen the strength to forgive his killers. At least one of Stephen’s enemies did repent a few years later. You know him as Paul, whose life and ministry turned the known world upside-down and still impacts us today. Will you follow these examples when persecuted? It could transform the life of a bystander.

07 / Thu – Hurting people hurt others  |  Read Matt 6:12 (KJV) / Matt 6:14-15

At times, hurt or anger is so strong you can’t treat an enemy the right way until you see them from God’s perspective. This is a person created by God, in His image, and deeply loved by Him. Next, admit you don’t know all the circumstances that have contributed to their actions. God does and may give you clues. Then think of how you’ve hurt God in the past and His response to you. Ask the Holy Spirit to calm your heart and mind so you can choose to forgive. Where might you apply these principles in your life today?

08 / Fri – The power of pre-decision  |  Read Romans 12:14, 17. 19-21

It is almost impossible to stop doing something wrong unless you replace it with something good. Paul’s words are an excellent example. Try this: put his list into two columns. On the left, write what we are to stop doing, and on the right what we are to do instead. Any insights? Can you apply them to what you are dealing with now? If so, write down what you need to stop and ask the Lord to show you what to do differently. It may help you be better prepared moving forward.

09 / Sat – The power to pay back  |  Read Genesis 45:1-15 and 50:15-23

Have you ever been in a position to pay back someone who has hurt or betrayed you? If so, you know how Joseph must have felt. You can read the story of his betrayal and the hardships that followed in Genesis 37, 39-45. The important thing to remember is that Joseph never let his hurt turn into bitterness. He focused on trusting God and being faithful. When circumstances reunited him with his brothers many years later, he could have paid them back. But you see his response? Will you follow his example?