Good morning As One Family!
My gracious husband is allowing me to send the Family Devotional today as my reading today aligns so divinely with our discussion this past Sunday.
(1 Peter 3:8-17, NLT)
8. Finally, all of you should be of one mind.  Sympathize with each other.  Love each other as brothers and sisters.  Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.  9. Don’t repay evil for evil.  Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you.  Instead pay them back with a blessing.  That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.  10. For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.  11. Turn away from evil and do good.  Search for peace, and work to maintain it.  12.  The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and His ears are open to their prayers.  But the Lord turns His face against those who do evil.” 13. Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14. But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it.  So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.  15. Instead you must worship Christ as Lord of your life.  And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.  16.  But do this in a gentle and respectful way.  Keep your conscience clear.  Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live beacuse you belong to Christ.  17.  Remember it is better to suffer for what is good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

 

*Personally I am convicted because I know especially as a woman, Satan uses emotions to frustrate my heart and keep my eyes off of what is in front of me; as a man, I’m sure your desire is to protect your wife and family from it all as well.  It challenges me to a greater humility, to trust in the Lord as He will work all things for good and according to His great purpose.   
*Lord we pray that you help us to see You, and not anything that tries to distract the mission you have set before us.  Help us to see a people who are dying without you.  A community that you have placed in our hearts to love, to serve, to bring spiritual healing and growth to.  Remind us that no weapon formed against us will prosper and that our battle is not against flesh.  Please purfiy and guard our hearts and our minds so that we can live and breathe your commandments; to love You with all our hearts and love others, ministering under the influence of the most perfect example-You.  Though we face challenges ahead, we know that you have already gone before us and provided all that we need to overcome and that includes not only physical needs but emotional and spiritual strength as well.  We praise your name and thank you in advance for how you will use As One Community to reach the lost and grow the hungry- to our God be the glory forever!