2020 Daily Devotion - Day 39

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When I was in high school, I remember coming home from church one Sunday very inspired by a particular Bible verse. In those days, the scripture lessons that were read in church were printed on the back of the bulletin. I remember telling my mother about the verse, and she had the same feeling when she heard it read that Sunday. It spoke so deeply to me I actually cut it out and kept in a prominent place. 

The verse was I Peter 5:6-11. At the time, the verse was from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, but recently I read it in The Message Bible. The Message Bible is in a more modern language. In some ways, it has even more power.

1 Peter 5:6-11
So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.  Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So, keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, we understand there will be times of suffering in this life. But we also understand that You will be victorious. You always get the last word. Renew us in this truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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