Written by Juliet Constantine, these devotionals share thoughts and blessings from on high to give you encouragement, wisdom, and strength to face life's many challenges. Juliet has authored two sets of devotionals: "At His Feet" and "Finding Jesus In The Scriptures". Select from all the devotionals below or choose a topic from the menus.
I am still thankful for God’s continued blessings over my life even today. As I reflected on the past, there’s no room to boast; but, I lift my voice in thanksgiving for all His mercies toward me, and look for opportunities to share the gospel to the poor. It was His love that lifted me and it is His love that has lifted or will lift you. No matter our station in life, we can all be a blessing to others. Let us avail ourselves as His instruments through which others (and the poor) can be blessed. He lifted me – He will carry you!!
The love of God never ceases to amaze me! His love is so stubborn and relentless. His love knows no measure. His love found a way to reconcile mankind to Himself! He turned away His own wrath by sacrificing His own Son, Jesus!! Isn’t that amazing? And what’s even more amazing is that Jesus Himself loves us just as much, and is ready and willing to forgive us of our sins. Jesus did not delegate this responsibility to humans – the responsibility to forgive sins. He is our High Priest. He encouraged us not to sin but just in case we did, He was our advocate with Father God. We are only required to confess our faults to each other!
God loved us when we were alienated from Him. He loved us when we were good, when we do the things we should. He loved us when we were bad, even though it makes Him sad. God loves us unconditionally. He knew us, yet He loved us! No one is always good, yet that does not change the way He feels about us. He does not employ the ‘an eye for an eye’ method of exerting revenge. No, He does not revenge, but in loving kindness He draws us to Himself. He loves unconditionally. We are called to emulate Him even in knowing, yet loving.
If you know you only had two days to live, what would be your final preparation? Would you be preoccupied with your impending demise or would the time be spent reinforcing some critical principle in your child/ward? Would you be busy putting your affairs in order or would you find the time to help somebody? Death is the only thing that’s certain in this life. The Bible teaches that the living know that they will die. Yet, not many made preparation for death.
Jesus’ response to the hurt, anger, resentment, and revenge in their faces and hearts toward their oppressors wasn’t a popular or welcomed one. It made Jesus sad to tell them something different than what they wanted to hear. What they heard was: “Do not resist. Go the extra mile. Go over and beyond the call of duty. Be agreeable. Respect authority.” Jesus only reiterated what they already knew, but the anger in their hearts tricked them into believing that they wanted otherwise.
Jesus’ instructions to His hearers are very much applicable to us today. Settling matters quickly can be cost effective. We have been taught conflict resolution and mediation skills. If those fail, the next option is the legal system-- which should be treated as a last resort.
Even though you may not be the offender, you should take steps to make it right. Leave your gift of prayer, thanksgiving, tithes and offerings and go make it right. Confess your faults and ask to be forgiven.
When you repay insult with a blessing, you are gaining the victory: over the devil – he cannot gain a foothold in your life; over your enemy – your life will be a testimony and God will work on them to bring about a change; and over yourself – you will be strengthened to face the next challenge. Let’s be children of light and rejoice when persecution comes.
