And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. – Isaiah 32:17
Have you ever thought about the side effects of kissing? From a microscopic point of view, it’s awful, from the possibility of a bacterial infection to cold-sores and cavities, why would anyone risk it?
If you think about it, doing the right thing is similar. Not only is it difficult to stand for what is “right” in a “truth is relative” world, but many times there is actually pushback from others. Dark spiritual forces are actively working to steer you away from doing deeds of goodness and compassion. With so much opposition why would anyone go to the trouble of doing what is right when it is unpopular and hard?
Jesus asked a similar question to His disciples when circumstances became difficult and many left Him. Peter spoke for those present and for many of us through the ages, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68).
Like finding out for yourself that a kiss can lower your blood pressure and make you feel wonderful, those who know God and the beauty of His Son Jesus Christ have experienced the sustaining joy of His presence. They are fully aware of the risks, but they know nothing compares.
Pray for those involved in the 2020 election process to have courage in doing what is right. Ask that when circumstances get difficult, many will stand with integrity to ensure a fair vote and an accurate result for the American people.
Today’s Verse: Isaiah 32:17
And the effect of righteousness will be peace,
and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Titus 3:1-7
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
