Master Evil with Good

How can we master evil in the world? Rom 12:21(1-20) "Do not let yourself be overcome with evil, but overcome or master evil with good." What is good? Looking at the preceeding verses, we can see what is contained in good. Each one of these are deep, rich and worthy of study and meditation! #1-vs1-Make a decisive dedication of your body to be holy and well pleasing to God; #2-vs 2-Do not adapt yourself to the external and superficial customs of this world, BUT transform your mind (attitude and ideas) by renewing it, and prove what is good, acceptable and the perfect will of God; #3-vs3-Don't be proud and arrogant>be humble and realistic; #4-vs9-let your love be sincere; #5-vs 9-hate evil and turn from it, hold on to what is good; #6-vs10-love on another with brotherly affection, show honor and preference; #7-vs11-be zealous and "on fire" for God, serve the Lord; #8-vs12-rejoice in hope; #9-vs12-be steadfast; #10-vs12-be patient in tribulation; #11-vs13-constant in prayer; #13-vs13-contribute to the needs of God's people; #13-vs13-be hospitable; #14-vs14-bless your persecutors; #15-vs15-rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep; #16-vs16-don't be a snob, do humble tasks and adjust yourself to things and people; #17-vs17-be above reproach and don't repay evil for evil, consider what is honest and noble; #18-vs18-as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone;#19-vs19-don't be vengeful; #20-vs20-give your enemy a drink if he's thirsty or food if hungry. How can good overcome evil? My husband has been making a point in his recent series that I believe these verses speak to. He asks, "What's wrong with the world? ME! Say it...ME!" It starts with me! We can't change the world without changing ourselves first. This is how we will master evil!

Be Strong and of Good Courage

God is good all the time!! This is one of my husband's favorite quotes. We quote this alot in our church, but I wonder how many of us truly believe it! I wonder how much I truly believe it! I am asking God to continue to reveal to me how to fully trust and hope in Him and His goodness that He has laid up for me. (Ps. 27:13-114) "What would have become of me had I not believed that I would see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living!" Even in the wilderness experiences of life, we must know that He is good! We must remember how good He has been to us and how wonderful He has been in our life! I believe we must hold on to Him, with hope and faith in what appears to be a difficult journey at the moment and an abandonment of God in the midst of our following Him. The Israelite's faith in God was tested while roaming through the wilderness, heading to the "Promised Land". This was to be a "land of milk and honey", God's goodness in every form! Many suffered tragedy and failure before entering the promised land. According to God's word, their problems boiled down to disobedience, (Ps 106). This included: mistrust in God , lust, and pride. These things keep God's children out of our promised land! Instead of entertaining these sins, which keep us from intmacy with Him, and from our receiving the promises of God, we need to focus on these things:#1. Ps 131:1-3 Stop fretting, calm down and hope in God. #2. Ps 31:19 Revere, worship, and trust God in your heart and before all! #3. Ps 27:13-14 Be strong and endure! Wait for, hope in, and expect the Lord goodness! Yes! Wait for, hope in Him, be strong and courageous! Guaranteed, we will see the Lord's goodness in our life!