While many are seeking a cure for the rampaging violence in our cultures that is destroying lives, threatening schools, destroying nations, and making our streets unsafe, why has no one bothered to remind us what God's wise servant taught us centuries ago? Let's not let any person, real or fictional, be our hero if their fame is built on violence. "Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways..." I can hear some of you saying, "Wow, Phil, that's not a popular position based on what we see on TV and in the movies!" Please realize this is not me saying it, but one of God's inspired writers. "Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways..." The son of Israel's most famous warrior understood the dangers of violence in any form. Indeed, the Son of the Most Powerful on High said it best: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
My Prayer...
Almighty God, save us from the violence of our culture. Save us from the violence of the wicked. Save us from the worship of violent power that permeates our world. Please, dear Father, give us heroes who are strong, noble, and are true peacemakers. In addition, dear Father, please give us eyes to see them and the courage to honor them. In Jesus' name, I pray for your peace in our world. Amen.
"[Jesus continued his explanation about being the gate to the sheepfold:] "Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will..."
"Dear Beloved,
Grace can have a strong touch of redemptive irony! As you read in the verses below about Paul and Silas being thrown into jail, notice...."
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