Do not pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honourable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. (NLT)
TO PONDER
A few things that stand out in these verses for me, that we all need to take to heart: We need to learn to overcome evil with good. And not curse our enemies. We should not put ourselves in the place of God, its not up to us to fix wrongs or pay people back for how they have treated us. We need to work on staying humble. When we judge others, we establish a standard by which God will judge us {Matt 7:1-2}
We can only control what we do, not what others do. We have been given the choice/freewill, to not retaliate. So, we need to search for a new way of thinking, change our attitudes. Let God be God!
This is not a simple or easy thing to do, because of our human nature we tend to think of retaliation as the first and only way to right the wrongs done to us. I encourage you to try to respond to evil, not with retaliation, but with humbleness and acts of kindness and by seeking peace.
PRAYER: Precious Father, I praise you that you have continually walked beside me over the years, and are still even now, guiding me with that still small voice to do the right thing. Thank you Lord that, even though you give us a choice, we can learn to change our attitude to do the right thing, with humbleness, kindness and love, and let You be God. AMEN
Today's devotion written by Noeline Brock, Danny's mum.
Do not say I will get even for this wrong! Wait for the Lord to handle the matter. (NLT)
TO PONDER
I found on reading this verse, that there was an overwhelming encouragement here for me to “Let go and let God” deal with my adversaries and be assured and know that God will settle all accounts.
In today’s world, it sometimes feels like everyone has the “get even type of thinking.” A lot has gone by the wayside over the years, with all the things happening around us now, people taking revenge over supposed wrongs and greed raising its ugly head. I guess it is typical of some to take on the opinion that it is the only way to go!
We’ve all been through situations where maybe we have been put down so many times – either physically or mentally - that our thoughts have turned to revenge. And yes, of course, I've also wanted revenge.
But! Back in the day, I went through a period where I lost everything; house, self-esteem, confidence, trust, friends, and the list goes on - and I felt worthless, totally ruined, lonely and isolated. I questioned God as to why … the word I received and that which really struck home was … BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD{Psalm 46:10} The Lord is the avenger {Psalm 94:1}
I took that on – Be still and know (remembering that He is active) - I had to wait for God's intervention, which required patiently waiting to see what the outcome would be … not at all easy when you are going through something … but a definite MUST do.
God had a plan and he fulfilled that plan 2 years later, enabling me to have the great privilege of studying, pass the exams and begin working and teaching overseas. A long-time dream had finally come true.
PRAYER: I want to thank you Lord that you have shown me through these verses what I should do when others hurt me. Lord help me to quiet that voice in me that seeks revenge and to be still and know you are in control. Thank you for the people in my life who have lifted me up and encouraged me when I have gone through hard times. Today I also lift up those that may not know you, but maybe going through similar circumstances, that your guidance can flow through them and that they come out the other side believing, knowing and praising you. Amen
Today's devotion written by Noeline Brock, Danny's mum.
Then Joseph said to his brothers: “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because, it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.
TO PONDER
This is a story full of heartbreak and sorrow and eventually reconciliation and love. In this scripture, Jospeh was not telling his brothers who he was to cause grief or to make them feel guilty. He faced them with patience, kindness, and a heart full of gratefulness for how his journey had progressed. He was a man full of integrity, honesty and had solid work and life ethics … This is wonderful to know, that God can use anyone. Joseph was a shepherd and he faced many hardships, from his brothers turning against him, being sold into slavery, accused of attempting to rape Potiphar’s wife, spending time in prison, he was eventually given a position of power in Egypt, and finally meeting his brothers during a famine.
How often have we thought, we or someone else “sold us” into slavery of some sort? How did you feel and how did you deal with it?
We’ve all been through situations where maybe we were continually being put down by the one we loved, being treated poorly, either physically or mentally, till we come to a time when enough is enough and we start to feel like we want revenge. We may even feel like we’ve been ‘sold out.’
Those times are so hard to deal with when we are waiting for God to intervene. His plans for us seems so far away that we tend to doubt anything is going to come out of our sorrows. We need to hang in there and be patient.
Jesus encourages us to come close to Him. How far down must we be before we come close to Him? Even in my younger years when I did not “know” Jesus as my Lord and Saviour, but I knew he was there, I knew that he had me in the palm of his hand, I knew I was loved by Him … I always knew He would never leave me, but I did not know that I could call on Him, or how to depend on Him.
We need to step up and come close to God, and find the meaning in our sorrows and then learn to work through them and forgive others. What is holding you back? Joseph never let go, he knew that God would never leave or forsake him and had him there for a purpose.
PRAYER: Heavenly father, I want to thank you for always being there even when I did not know how to call on you. I thank you that you always let me know you are there, that you held me in the palm of your hands from the word go, and letting me know that you loved me unconditionally. I thank you Lord that you took me on the journey and you showed me how to forgive. I pray Lord that others “Come Close” to you, and see who you are, that they can click in and walk the walk and can find forgiveness in their hearts for misdeeds done to them. AMEN
Today's devotion written by Noeline Brock, Danny's Mum
Now Joseph gave these instructions to the steward of his house: Fill the men’s sacks with as much food as they can carry, and put each man’s silver in the mouth of his sack. Then put my cup, the silver one, in the mouth of the youngest one’s sack along with the silver for his grain. And he did as Joseph said.
TO PONDER
Why has Joseph done this, not only returning the men’s silver, but this time adding the silver cup?
How must they have felt when they discovered once again that the silver was in the mouth of their sacks, and to make it even worse, there was the silver cup inside the youngest’s sack? We all know that the brothers were innocent of stealing the cup, but guilty of far worse.
It is like us; we may take pride because we are innocent of some sin or another. And yet, we are probably guilty of far greater sins that have not been exposed.
As I was reading this verse, it reminded me of a long-lost memory of being dared at high school by my so called “friends,” to steal something off the tuck shop counter while the workers were not watching. They encouraged me, saying they had all done it and got away with it! So, wanting desperately to be accepted by these girls, I took on that dare. As soon as I had it in my hands, one of the girls took it from me, but to my shock and horror, one of the workers commented “who took that bar? It was here a minute ago!” I was overwhelmed with the guilt and told that group that I was going to own up to it, and their response was to threaten me. I never made the grade with those girls, and from that date on after not being accepted, I realised that I didn’t need those type of friends and I didn’t need to be part of a “gang.” I did not sell my friends out, but I almost sold myself out. A lesson learned.
Josephs brothers were learning a lesson, especially after finding the silver in their sacks a second time, and even now the silver cup? They knew they were innocent of steeling the silver and the cup, but the guilt of their first sin was surely playing on their minds. Have you gone through a similar situation to the brothers? Have you felt ‘sold out’? How did you handle it?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I thank you that you are with me when I am tempted to make . I pray Lord that you continue to work in me, leading me on the right track, and that I never doubt that you will always be walking beside me, uplifting, and encouraging me to keep you foremost in my journey through life.
AMEN
Today's devotion written by Noeline Brock, Danny's Mum
14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
To Ponder
The context behind today's reading is that Esther was extremely anxious after a plot was discovered to bring destruction and harm to her people. Though Esther was in a position close to the King and could do something about it, she didn't know what to do. We who know the story understand that God had placed her in that position, but in the moment, Esther's anxiety clouded her vision.
Today's verse is spoken to Esther by Mordecai, her uncle. What he did was remind her that she was in her position perhaps for this very reason, purpose, and time. Esther went on to act with courage—but only after Mordecai spoke to her.
How many of us find ourselves in positions where we feel anxious, under pressure, or filled with self-doubt? Perhaps we know others—friends or loved ones—who are facing similar struggles with anxiety and pressure. This is where we need to listen carefully to others, as God may be speaking through them to give us wisdom and encouragement. Or perhaps we are called to be the ones speaking words of encouragement to others, reassuring them that God is with them in their current positions and will guide them in the decisions they need to make.
We all need reminding at times, no matter what position we're in, that God is the one who is with us and guiding us. Because of this truth, we can face difficulties and act with courage.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, when anxiety clouds our vision and pressure weighs heavy on our hearts, remind us that you have placed us exactly where we are for such a time as this. Help us to be alert when you speak to us through the wise counsel of others.
Give us courage like Esther's to step forward when you call, trusting that you go before us. When friends and loved ones face their own moments of doubt, help us to bring your encouragement, speaking words that point them back to your faithful presence.
We thank you that no position is too small, no challenge too great, and no moment too ordinary for your purposes. In our weakness, be our strength. In our uncertainty, be our guide. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Today’s devotion written by Nich Kitchen, LifeWay Epping.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
To Ponder
If you have been following the daily verses the last few days you will notice a common theme. God lifts up/raises/exalts the humble. Today as I read this reading the question that I had was: Why does God lift up the humble?
Two things stood out to me that are worth pondering.
First, God shows humility. Think about Jesus for a moment. God who created the universe at all that exists, sends his son Jesus, born as a child in a manger. The King of the universe becomes human shows the heart of a servant. There is something about those who are humble who mirror God’s own character and heart. That mirror Jesus himself. God is seen clearly and reveals himself in those who are humble, rather than those who are proud and arrogant.
Secondly, those who are humble recognize reality: we are created beings, totally dependent on God's grace. We didn't make ourselves, save ourselves, or gift ourselves with abilities. Humility simply acknowledges what is true—that apart from God, we can do nothing. God lifts up those who understand this because, unlike those who are like the proud rulers in our reading today, they are the ones in a position to receive his grace in their hearts.
Prayer
Gracious Father, Thank you for showing us what true humility looks like through Jesus, who came not with pride or power, but with the heart of a servant. Teach us to walk in humility, remembering that every gift, every breath, and every ability comes from you alone. Keep us dependent on your grace and open to your leading, so that in our weakness your strength may be seen. Lift us up, not for our own glory, but that our lives might reflect your character and draw others closer to You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Today’s devotion written by Nich Kitchen, LifeWay Epping
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death
— even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
To Ponder
Freedom of choice is a core value that our culture and society are built upon. As individuals, we treasure the right to make decisions about our own lives—our values, beliefs, and actions. But while we value our freedom to choose, we need to pause and ask: What do we do with our choices? And how do our choices affect others?
Jesus, too, faced choices. He could have used his position and status to exalt himself and serve his own self‑interest. He could have used his power to manipulate others or sought the easy path through life. Yet he chose differently. Jesus chose humility and obedience to his Heavenly Father. His decision was not self‑focused but outward‑focused: He went to the cross for our sake; he went to the cross with us in mind!
When we reflect on our own lives, it doesn’t take long to see that our choices are often shaped by self‑interest—what feels good, what seems best for us, what serves our own preservation. In the process, we can too easily forget God and overlook others.
Unlike us, Jesus did not pursue position, status, or recognition. His humility shaped his decisions, and it was the Father who exalted Him.
So, what about us? What drives the choices we make? What is the motivation behind them—self‑preservation, self‑interest, or something greater?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You have blessed us with the gift of choice, yet we seek after what serves us, what feels comfortable, what preserves our own interests—forgetting that true freedom comes not in choosing for ourselves, but in choosing to follow you. Holy Spirit, transform our hearts and redirect our choices. Help us pause to ask not "What serves me?" but "What honours you and blesses others?" Shape our motivations from the inside out, that we might choose humility over pride, service over self-interest, and obedience over our own desires. In Jesus name. Amen
Today’s devotion written by Nich Kitchen, LifeWay Epping.
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.
21 He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning
To Ponder
I remember a time when I was living in Auckland, just after the Covid-19 lockdowns, when someone said to me: “The world’s gone crazy, everything's a mess.” At the time, there were protests nearly every weekend and people’s anger levels were high. The city of Auckland was different after Covid—it did not feel the same. There was a noticeable change in the political climate of the country. The world as we had known it had significantly changed, and many people did not know how to react to the chaos we were experiencing.
Daniel, in our reading today, lived in a world of change and chaos. He was living in Persia, the place where Daniel and God’s chosen people, the Israelites, had been taken into exile. The political situation he was facing was dangerous for him because he was a believer in God, in a pagan land with strict religious laws. His world, where he lived was uncertain.
Yet Daniel acknowledges in a prayer to God that God has oversight over all that happens. God "changes times and seasons," and he “removes kings and sets up kings.” This reminded him, and therefore us, that no political upheaval, social change, or personal transition catches Him off guard. God is not unaware. Nothing happens that he is not already aware of.
As people of faith living in our ever-changing and complicated world, we can find deep comfort in knowing that the same God who gave Daniel wisdom in his turbulent season of life is still the one who has oversight of the times and seasons of our lives. He is not distant from our daily struggles but is intimately involved, bringing about His purposes.
It is not just that God's oversight is comforting; it is also that He gives wisdom and understanding. In our online and social media–connected world, where we are exposed to so much information all at once, it is difficult to know fact from fiction sometimes. Knowing what is true and false is not as easy as it once was. We need God to give us discernment and wisdom all the time. Here is the good news: He does! He generously gives wisdom and discernment to those who seek Him.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, that you have all times and seasons in your hands, even when life feels uncertain. Grant me wisdom to navigate the challenges before me, trusting that you are working all things according to your purpose. In Christ Jesus name, Amen.
Today's devotion written by Nich Kitchen, LifeWay Epping
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you
To Ponder
Humility is one of those words that we use, thinking we know what it means. If someone is humble, it can suggest that they do not put themselves above others, or they might devalue themselves to make others feel important. Worse, they might put themselves down, so they don’t get in the way of others.
The problem is that this is not true humility. True humility is about acknowledging the truth—the good, beautiful, and wonderful things about us, as well as the weaknesses, struggles, and less admirable aspects of ourselves. In other words, it is about being able to be honest with ourselves.
In today’s reading, we are urged to be humble under God’s mighty hand—to be honest about ourselves in light of acknowledging God’s way in our lives. When we put ourselves under his mighty hand, we are simply acknowledging that God is control. Not us!. God is both capable enough to handle our concerns and loving enough to care deeply about them. We do not live life alone or entirely on our own terms; God plays an important part in our lives.
This means we we feel our life is out of our control, or not going as we would plan it to go we can cast our anxiety on Him. The word "cast" is the same one used in scripture for throwing a net out of a fishing boat to catch fish. Fishermen did not gently place their nets in the water; no, they threw the nets with force as far as they could. Likewise, we "throw" our anxieties as hard as we can toward the Lord, because he is capable of dealing with them. We do this because we know that he cares for us. Our anxieties matter to God—not because our anxiety is small to him, but because his grace is so big towards us as we are so precious to him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to humble myself under your mighty hand today. When I am feeling anxious about my life, remind me that you care deeply for me cause I am precious to you. Give me the courage to cast my worries on you, trusting in your plan for my life, knowing that you will lift me up when the time is right. In Jesus' I pray name, Amen.
Today’s devotion written by Nich Kitchen, LifeWay Epping