SPEAK AS GOD DIRECTS
Brenda Lineberger
Today’s Scripture: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10b, ESV
Theme: Jesus didn’t come to manage the trivial affairs of politics and worldly kingdoms but to conquer the problem of sin and death by His own sacrifice and unconditional love.
BREAKING THE SILENCE
Jesus came to break the silence between God and humanity. Heaven had been quiet for centuries, but in Christ, God spoke again—clearly, personally, and lovingly. Jesus didn’t come to patch every crack in the world or remove every difficulty. Instead, He came to show us how to live with abundant love, peace, and joy within a broken world. He didn’t come to eliminate obstacles, rulers, diseases, or trials. He came to teach us compassion, faith, repentance, surrender, and trust. He came to give us a better way—a better life—one anchored not in circumstances but in Him.
POLITICS: GOOD OR BAD?
Jesus entered history during a time of heavy political oppression. The Jewish people lived under Roman rule, and King Herod the Great was so threatened by the promised Messiah that Joseph and Mary had to flee with Jesus to Egypt to protect Him. And yet, Jesus made no attempt to dismantle or harm the rulers of His day. He understood they were permitted by the Father for His purposes. Scripture tells us the same truth: God still appoints leaders, and we are still called to be subject to governing authorities. We are instructed to honor them—and even more, to love all people as ourselves, including those in authority. Israel’s hope and our hope should never have been in earthly rulers. Our only hope rests securely in the Lord.
FOCUS ON THE GOODNESS OF GOD
Our attention is easily pulled toward chaos, injustice, and the troubles around us. But Jesus invites us to fix our focus on the goodness He brings: love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, peace, joy, hope, light, and life. Trials, sickness, and conflict will always exist in this fallen world. Yet those who place their hope in the Lord will find their strength renewed. They will face each day with courage because Jesus is with us—always.
Make It Personal: We’ve all found ourselves in conversations that drift into criticism, political arguments, or gossip. In those moments, will you be willing to be the light? Can you refuse to join in, offer no opinion, gently change the subject, or—if necessary—walk away? Sometimes the most powerful witness is simply saying, “I don’t know enough to judge, and it’s not my place.” It might feel uncomfortable, but your humility and honesty may be exactly the reminder someone else needs. Following Jesus may mean taking a stand for the Word of God. It may mean staying silent and refusing to argue.
Pray: Thank you, Jesus, for giving Your life to save ours, for bringing, love, peace, joy, and forgiveness. Thank You for hope, grace, and mercy. Thank You for giving us clear direction and instruction to grow in faith, trust, and obedience. We pray that the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts are acceptable in Your sight. Help us to remember that life in You is more abundant. Amen
Read: Romans 13:1-2, 1 Peter 2:13-17, Psalm 19:14, Isaiah 40:31
WeeklyMemory Verse: “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14, ESV