Love, Our Primary Duty

Open Your Bible

Romans 13:1-14, John 13:34-35, Hebrews 13:15-17

The Bible is filled with the stories of people who have defied authority. Moses stood up to Pharaoh and then led the Israelites out of Egypt. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego all refused to worship any other god but Yahweh—and were then thrown into the lions’ den and the fiery furnace, respectively. 

Stephen defied the ruling Jewish council, preached the gospel of Jesus, and was stoned to death for it. Paul and other apostles were martyred by the Roman government during the persecution of Christians. 

And yet this same Paul, who likely later died at the hands of his government, urges believers to honor and respect those in authority. Paul—who knew many examples throughout Jewish history of standing up to corrupt rulers—says to obey, seemingly without question (Romans 13:1–7). What are we to make of this? 

Of course, it’s natural to wonder, “What if the government was urging murder, stealing, or some other form of not loving one’s neighbor? What if the ruling authorities were, as Nebuchadnezzar did, asking their people to bow down to another god? Or no god at all?” 

Scripture has given us plenty of evidence that Christ is the ultimate authority in heaven and on earth. Paul isn’t contradicting that here. What he is doing in Romans 13 is laying down a foundation for Christian living—reminding us that our ultimate authority is Jesus Christ. Our first and truest loyalty is to Him. 

This is a beautiful truth for us to cling to, especially in times of deep confusion, national partisanship, and turmoil within our own institutions. 

Paul tells early Christians to honor their government, but they do so in the context of the whole story of Scripture (and his own writings) affirming that Jesus is Lord over all. Therefore, we obey the government when it doesn’t contradict God’s commands—and we do it joyfully as a way of honoring God. 

Our every action should be motivated by our identity as followers of Christ and citizens of God’s kingdom:

The night is nearly over, and the day is near; so let us discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk with decency, as in the daytime: not in carousing and drunkenness; not in sexual impurity and promiscuity; not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no plans for the flesh to gratify its desires. 
—Romans 13:12–14

The Bible offers many examples of godly citizenship in an earthly kingdom. Let us pray continually that we will seek first God’s kingdom, listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit as we engage thoughtfully with our own earthly governments. 

(48) Comments
[x]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

48 thoughts on "Love, Our Primary Duty"

  1. Chelsea Wilson says:

    Thank you Melanie Rainer for a beautiful written devotion. There are many areas of perceived ‘contradictions’ in the Bible. This happens when we take a bible passage out of context. Our devotion today didn’t shy away from the discrepancies, but faced them head on! I appreciate that because if I would have read our bible passage alone today I would be feeling guilty for the authority in government that I have a difficult time respecting due to corruption. However, it always goes back to God as our ultimate authority! I needed the reminder that God does place people in the position of authority, and also let’s not forget that each person is Gods own creation! We are to treat others with kindness even if we don’t agree with them. Such great readings today!

  2. Mercy says:

    @CAROLINE BRIDGES: adultery is sex outside marriage. Sex within marriage is holy and for the purpose of multiplication/fruitfulness which God blesses. Children is a blessing and a reward of the womb, and sex within marriage is the way to bring forth children. “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” (Hebrews 13:4).

  3. Victoria E says:

    Wow so many great comments. I’m posting after working another 16 hour day – I’ve been reading along and praying for requests but have been too wiped out to post. I really need prayer- work is still bad and getting worse on many ways, and I lack wisdom on appropriate next steps for my career. Thank you

  4. Tia Watkins says:

    I am just truly ask to pray my deliverance through..

  5. Claire B says:

    ♥️ profound. Dealing with the political climate and the United Methodist Church has about done me in this year.

  6. Linda in NC says:

    Thank you for your prayers for my hubby today. Praise to a loving God who hears and answers our prayers. He did very well. Had to ask me for a couple of words but that was ok. People came to him to tell him God spoke to them through him sharing today. I was strengthened by knowing so many were praying. Have a blessed night!

  7. Indiana Elaine says:

    KRISTINE LOUGHMAN – I can sympathize with your foot pain. After researching on line, I found the #1 shoe for foot pain. I have been wearing them for several years and they have helped back, knee and foot pain. They are pricey, but very well worth it! Prayers are with you as you seek to find answers.

  8. Nora Lowrey says:

    Over it all, love one another & hold God as our highest priority!

  9. Indiana Elaine says:

    Oh Laura, you brought back memories. I, like you, made the decision to not join the teachers union when I was teaching in the late 1970’s. I, like you, did not like them telling me who to vote for. I also did not like their support of abortion rights. I felt their agendas put education on the back burner. I was called names and treated very unkindly. I was sued three times as I refused to pay their outrageous representation fees. National Right to Work came in and fought for us. A friend of mine encouraged me to read, “NEA, the Trojan Horse in America Education.” What an eye opener!! We see the affects of it in todays education. I had a long talk with one of the union reps about the abortion stance and other moral and ethical values. One day as I was going to school, I stopped by a gas station to get something and there he was. He said to pray for him as he was going in that morning to resign from the union! He was unaware of some of the things they stood for. Wow, a God thing!! It still brings tears to my eyes.

  10. Teresa Donley says:

    KRISTEN – I’m sorry, I hit post by mistake. Anyway, I am sensitive to discussions about Covid since my mom died from it in 2021. She had just moved in with us, and we expected her to be with us at least a year or two. She died exactly two months from the day she moved in. I immediately felt so guilty that I started screaming that I had killed my mother. I just knew that she caught it at a restaurant I had taken her for lunch where not one person had on a mask. In reality, I don’t know that’s where she caught it. We had gone other places too. Anyway, her death and all the arguing about Covid restrictions nearly destroyed me. I don’t know if the shut downs saved any lives or not. And I certainly don’t know what the answer was to this modern day plague. I just know that more than one million people lost their lives to it, and that is horrifying. I appreciate your comments that we are to judge laws that are contrary to God’s laws. We live in a time when it takes a lot of discernment and prayer to know what to do in all situations. I love that you pray for our leaders to be drawn to God and that they govern according to God’s laws. If all Christians band together to pray for our leaders, it would be amazing to see the changes in our world. God bless you.

  11. Traia Landrum says:

    Hello Ladies! Romans is certainly a convicting book. Todays passage is encouraging in the current time of heavy politics—a reminder that God is our ultimate authority.

    KRISTINE LOUGHMAN—praying for healing for your feet, that the Lord would miraculously take away your pain and give you perseverance for your spirit.
    COLLEEN DeVEAU—praying for healing for you today, and that you will get rest and peace from the Lord. Also that he would speak to you as as you rest with Him.
    LINDA—praying that God would give your husband the words to speak to encourage and lift up the body of Christ and that he is encouraged himself that no matter what, God will continue to use him.
    RHONDA J—praying for your continued healing from the Lord, and that He would lift you up through every trial
    MARI V—praying over your first day of school that you would be blessing and example of Christ to your sweet little students.

    Love you ladies! Thank you for the prayers. My little boy has a cold now, so sad bc he is so young, so please pray for his healing.

  12. Teresa Donley says:

    KRISTEN – the subject of Covid, and its restrictions, is a difficult one for me. She died of Covid in 2021.

  13. Teresa Donley says:

    COLLEEN DEVEAU – praying you are able to get healing rest and are soon feeling better
    LINDA IN NC – it is amazing that your husband has the courage to speak in front of a group. I’m writing in late afternoon, so I’m sure his event is over by now. My prayers for both of you as you navigate this terrible disease together.

  14. Teresa Donley says:

    KELLY (NEO) – I am also getting ready to vote in Ohio’s special election when my husband gets home. I pray the result is the one that will be best for our state.

  15. Donna Wolcott says:

    This morning I noticed some comments regarding “judging”, and I believe the only one to judge is the Lord. How many times have I had to remind myself of that!! The comment on Covid was troubling for me. My church closed as did all in my part of the country. Zoom made its appearance. I believe it was a hard decision, made with thought to save lives. There were churches that opened prematurely and many members got COVID. If some other highly communicable disease happened I would hope would allow wisdom to prevail. God was present in our homes as we worshipped online and gathered with our families. As my church looks back, we also realize how many homebound could be part of their church family again. I apologize if my comments offend anyone, they come from a place of love and care. Prayers lifted sisters! I just got back from a 10 day Christian Camp meeting, bible study time was Paul lol.

  16. Caroline Bridges says:

    I think Adultery is Gods way of saying “Sex”
    I can’t force anyone to like me.

  17. Mercy says:

    Hello she’s,
    I love the reading today how there are some contrasts drawn out on the submitting to authority yet the people of the gospel did not always obey, but stood up against in some cases (Stephen, Paul…). And even Rahab, she lied to her own authority to let in the Israelite spies- and the All-Knowing God justified her “betraying” actions, and called her righteous (James 2:25). She did not submit to evil authority of men but recognized God’s authority over all and submitted to His. She was justified. So while we are called to submit, we must discern if it is godliness or wickedness at the end of the rope, or else we might risk being deceived and offending/ hurting God.

    @CHERYL BLOW: totally agree with you. We don’t engage in arguments or pointing fingers over those in leadership, but pray over them especially when they are at fault, they need prayers even more for wisdom and repentance to come out of the wrong paths (for our sake in long term).
    @MARI V: praying for you and the sweet little ones. My daughter is also enrolling to Kindergarten this September (we start later in Canada) and she is also very excited as we shop for school supply. You remind me to pray for her future teachers and classmates.
    @HL: praying for rest and successful adjustment into new position. Praise God that new door was open for you.
    @RHONDA J: praying for the man you mentioned, may healing and new hope and vision come so he will go on. Praying you feel encouraged alongside to lead.
    @CEE GEE: joining our she’s praying for your battles, may victory come in Jesus’ Name.
    @TAYLOR: for your twitching eye, praying for your closeness with God and willingness to wait on Him and His leading.
    @SEARCHING: amen, what’s legal is NOT always moral. Praying along you for government leaders who are misled in their versions of “truth” to return to God’s truth, which can set the whole nation free.
    Be blessed dear sisters.❤️

  18. Kimberly Z says:

    @Taylor glad to hear you’re back! We all those times girl I am no perfect person myself. @Rhonda J. Hang in there! Praying for your entire pain group that you all can feel some relief. @Kristine Loughman praying for your feet. Happy Tuesday praying for you all

  19. Cheryl Blow says:

    I believe if we follow Christ’s example we will not engage in arguments over our government but we will pray for those in leadership over us. I respect those in authority over me. As long as they do not ask me to go against God’s word or Christ, but I do believe that one day Christians in America may experience persecution for our faith. There could come a day where we will have to choose who we will serve. I pray for grace and strength to do so.

  20. Cee Gee says:

    RHONDA J – Oh, wow! Praying for endurance and perseverance for you and Bob! You are doing a great work and are stronger as a team. Praying for clarity and wakefulness for you, sweet sister, as well as less pain and for JOY in your heart even when you can’t put on a happy face! or bless your ministry!

  21. Joan Adams says:

    Amen

  22. Cindy Hanna says:

    I’m so glad that today’s lesson is framed under the heading of “Love. Our primary duty”. Otherwise the list of actions that Paul would have us undertake in the book of Romans is overwhelming! There is a lot to take in. In week 3’s podcast I was struck by Rachael Meyers comment to stop managing our sin and put it to death. Yesterday the question was posed “What are you clinging to” Today we are exhorted to “Make no provision to gratify the desires of the flesh. And also to “submit to governing authority”. And so much more! Isn’t it encouraging to know that the motivating act of Loving fulfills all the requirements needed for such a long list.

  23. Michelle Patire says:

    This is off topic, but I am reading a book right now called “Limping with God” by Chad Bird that I found randomly on Amazon. I was praying for a book that would really help me in this season. Last night, I read a chapter on the family of Jacob/Israel and how God used this really messed up family to build a nation. A lot of the book has been pairing well with the chapters we’ve been reading in Romans. Anyways, I wanted to share because a lot of you had prayed for my family. God was using this last night to show me the grace He has for family. Literally, Jacob had two wives and two co-wives, their family was anything but perfect… Yet they are the very family used to build the nation of Israel. God chose Jacob before he even was born, as we read in Romans 9. I’m just sitting with all this, this morning. And wanted to give some kind of praise report on the prayer for my family… even though I don’t see one physically, I can see God’s grace in it, through these Scripture meditations.

    The Lord bless all you ladies, today, and your needs!

  24. Mari V says:

    TODAY is the day! FIRST day of school! FIRST day in my position as a paraprofessional with the kindergartners! I’m so excited! Please pray for the sweet little ones as they leave the comfort of their parents and into our hands. Pray that the parents will know that their children are going to be well taken care of. Pray for these little hearts as they will be apart from her parents for a few hours. pray for me, as I want to be Christlike to these sweet little children. Happy Tuesday sweet She’s!

  25. HL says:

    Good morning She’s!
    There was so much to take away from todays reading but really the verses in John 13 are a beautiful reminder to the simplicity of the gospel. Love God and love others. I know it’s easier some days than others.

    A few weeks ago I had asked for prayer facing decisions with my job. Update-I am no longer working there. I ask for prayer as I take these next few weeks to rest and regroup. I know God has something wonderful for me and that He will always provide.

  26. Rhonda J. says:

    Cee Gee- whoa…that’s so true! And the other leader of the chronic pain group has been worse the same amount of time as well. He is getting super discouraged. He was really hoping for healing at the beginning of the group, yet it has gotten almost unbearable for him. Please pray for him today, and I will share those thoughts with him. I had a night of tossing and turning, so I am not the best…but have dealt with it for so long..I kinda keep trucking on! One day I will be completely healed..and God’s got me until then how ever he sees fit. But it is hard to stay happy when you hurt so bad like my friend Bob.

  27. Aimee D-R says:

    Lifting all needs here shared or in our hearts Lord. You are sovereign. Have Your way for our good and Your glory. In Jesus name, Amen

  28. Kristen says:

    When I read this I thought about the newly released documentary called, The Essential Church. This is the movie synopsis that is on the website: When governments use Covid edicts to restrict the gathering and worship of the Church, three pastors facing the risk of imprisonment re-open their churches in the face of a world that has chosen to comply.

    This feature-length documentary, The Essential Church, explores the struggle between Church and government throughout history. It takes us to multiple countries and parallels today’s conflict with those from the past who sacrificed their lives for their beliefs.

    Journey with them as we rediscover why the Church is essential and how their stand remains true from a scientific, legal, and, most importantly, Biblical perspective.

    I’ve heard great things about this movie! I want to see it!

    As Melanie reminds us we are to be law abiding citizens. However, we don’t condone things that are contrary to God’s laws! I saw a message on YouTube by John MacAuthor called: How to Live in a Crooked and Perverse Generation based on Philippians 2. This could go along with today’s reading, but always good reminder of how to live by following His Word!

    My pastor just did a message this weekend on Matthew 7, Judge not lest you be judged. He said that even nonbelievers know that one! However, we are to judge, but he tells us how based on Scripture. Don’t think we can put links but if you type in maog.org it should work.

    I have prayed for those in authority or that have a platform that by God’s grace, they would be drawn to Him and be changed. I pray that they would have an encounter with Jesus, repent, and truly be transformed. May they hate what God hates and love what He loves. May they care more about what He thinks than men and never turn back to their old ways. May laws and statutes change to align with God’s Word and let them stand boldly for Him. Amen

    @Searching, Traia, Lynn from Alabama thank you for the prayer.@Teresa praying! Seeing the requests and praying!

  29. Rhonda J. says:

    GM She’s! We just had this message at church on Sunday, we are reading through 1 and 2 Peter. But we are talking of the submission to Government in 1 Peter 3:17 or 18…(maybe). He brought up the great Pastor Bonhoeffer during Nazi Germany, and his mission to stand and serve God. There are a couple of good books he recommended which I put on my list. I can’t imagine being in that situation, but when we belong to God, we must make a stand for God! I think today we are getting tested in just that. And it makes us unpopular. But God is the ultimate judge and will declare justice, if not now, one day. I have to admit sometimes I get fearful and overwhelmed thinking of being persecuted for my faith, but I must depend and rely on that faith, and believe God will be with me in the fire. Or against the giant. Or Elijah on the mountain. He will sustain me, thank you Lord, thank you. I trust you. Not with a little, but with all.

    Thank you for the prayers, and you all are in mine!

  30. Cee Gee says:

    LYNNE FROM ALABAMA,TRAIA LANDRUM and SEARCHING – Thank you for your prayers and understanding! God did show He is fighting for me yesterday!!! Love you sisters!!!

    TRAIA – I join in the celebration of your new little one and pray for your recovery time. What a blessing to have help!

    LYNNE – Knowing you reached out in love and encouragement to me with all you are dealing with truly humbled my spirit. Dear sister, please know that I keep you and Jack in my prayers. Physical, mental, and spiritual strength for you and wisdom in the reversal decision.

    SEARCHING – In agreement with your comment today! Thanks for mentioning the Charity Gayle version of I Speak Jesus. I listen to it often in my music searches.

    There’s a song I like called “Do You Know Jesus” by Cindy Morgan.

    ERB – AMEN!!! Thanks for sharing your breakdown of the reading each day! It helps me to focus!

    RHONDA J – When you mentioned your pain has increased in the past 8 months, it made me think, hmmm, that is about when you started really stepping up in faith in ministry! Praying that pain level becomes more manageable and that the evil one won’t win that battle!

    KELLY NEO – Praying God wins in today’s special election!

    SHARON, JERSEY GIRL – UGHHH! Same thing happened to me last week! Hope your day is blessed!

    LINDA IN NC – How encouraging to hear that your husband is giving a devo today! Praying for clarity of thought and that God will give him the words to share. Praying for clean up and restored power soon. Our emergency alerts were going on all evening. Incredible wund, but we dodged the worst.

    Praying for each of you sisters and your special needs – healing (KRISTINE LOUGHMAN and COLLEEN, travels, new jobs, finances, relationships, …❤

  31. Colleen DeVeau says:

    For those who have already prayed for me today, I just wanted to say thank you because God is already answering your prayers. I asked for clarity on what I’m supposed to do, and when I asked him what I was supposed to do, the answer was very clearly “Rest; Take the day off again to rest,” which irks me. When I turned to my husband to ask him what God said, he said, “God said to ask Him yourself.” “I did, but I want to make sure I heard Him right. It was too clear.” “He said that you heard Him right.” So there you have it! As much as it bothers me to take another day off from work when we are already short-staffed, I will be obedient and listen to my Abba, who knows what I need. Please, listen to Him when He speaks. As James writes, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says,” (James 1:22, NIV). This verse has been a bitter taste in my mouth for most of my life; don’t let it be in yours. Our Yahweh really does know best.

  32. Katie Isaac says:

    This gave me clarity about how to interact with government and society. Thanks!

  33. ERB says:

    Hebrews 13:15-17
    **imagine, continuous praise!! Wow! That would be AMAZING!!!! Lord, show me how to do this! I want to offer You continuous praise!! Even in the middle of uncertainty and raging storms!! I want to continuously praise You!!!
    Leaders, obedience and submission. I have always had a hard time with this… I think because my mind goes immediately to humans, and distorted human interpretations. But when I stop and look at and apply it spiritually, my tendency is to easily submit to God and obey Him. He is trustworthy beyond compare!! Maybe that’s the lesson here… if we are obedient and submissive to God, then we can recognize and respect the elders and leaders He brings into our lives. Elders and leaders are important!! In fact, they are INTEGRAL to the body!!! Good ones pass on their wisdom, usually through living action, and always point us toward God. They are also held to a higher accountability. Looking at leaders, submission and obedience this way, helps me!!! Lord help us look to You, let us listen and obey. And please give us wisdom and discernment. Thank You Lord. Amen.

    John 13:34-35
    **it is by loving as God loves us, that we are recognized!! That is humbling, convicting and encouraging!! Am I choosing to love like God does? Can people recognize Him in me? Let my eyes, heart and spirit be so transfixed on You Lord that by default love comes pouring out!! Don’t let myself or my efforts be recognized, let only You be recognized!!! ALL glory, honor, recognition, hope and praise belong to You God!!! Amen.

    Romans 13:8-10 LOVE, OUR PRIMARY DUTY
    **love is the fulfillment of the law. Wow!! The simplicity of this takes away any excuse we have… it is SO GOOD!!! Love is the basis of everything!! And it’s important to note that love doesn’t excuse or justify, it brings us to the Holy of Holies, where no sin can even think of dwelling!! So let us shed our carnal understanding of what love is… because it does NOT stand for a blanket of acceptance, it stands for truth, God’s truth!!! Thank You God for such clear direction and understanding!! Help us Father, to love like You do!! Amen.

    Romans 13:12-14
    **the night is nearly over…put on the amor of light, put on Christ, and make NO provision for the flesh! Wow. These are such powerful words!! Both encouraging & exciting as well as convicting & exhorting!! Let us put our focus directly on You Lord, help us to wear You wherever we go and whatever we do!! Let our flesh die so that You may reign!!! Amen.

  34. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

    I just spent a bit of time writing a post and somehow it deleted when I hit “post comment”! Don’t know what that was all about, but have to run and don’t have time to rewrite it – guess it wasn’t meant to be!

    Praying for all your mentioned requests – have a blessed Tuesday!

  35. Searching says:

    COLLEEN DEVEAU – praying for healing

  36. Lynn Sokolowski says:

    Praying for you ladies and I have such gratitude for you all. Colleen and Kristine may God give you comfort, resiliency, and relief today.

  37. June Pimpo says:

    I really appreciate this devo today. In an era when we can’t agree about right and wrong and good and evil in our world – even the existence of these things – brings confusion. God’s word can center us if we allow it to. Help us Lord walk in your spirit today

  38. Taylor says:

    Thank you all for your sweet messages yesterday and this morning :) It feels so good to get back in my routine, and I have so much peace that God’s prompting to walk away from that relationship was the right decision. Such a good passage today! I have been convicted that it is our primary responsibility as Christians and Godly citizens to love, not to judge or condemn. I have a hard time though knowing if/when to “speak truth IN love”, because I don’t want people to think I am judging them or “holier than thou”. I see my friends trapped in cycles of addiction, and I pray for them and continue to love them. Maybe it’s not my calling to tell them that their way of living is wrong/destructive, but to love. It can be hard.

    Can you please pray for me? My eye has been twitching for almost a week now, and it is just plain annoying lol. I know that’s my body telling me I am stressed, but I’m trying to get enough sleep, drink enough water, exercise, stay on top of my work, etc.

    Lifting up all the prayer requests today & yesterday <3

  39. Janna Jackson says:

    Praying for you!

  40. Searching says:

    Living as a Christian in the U.S., I do strive to be a godly citizen.

    For those citizens who are not believers (and yes, many believers do this as well), what I have seen over the last many, many years is that things that have been made legal have been misunderstood as legal=moral.
    What I try to focus on when I encounter these situations and beliefs, is that I have responsibilities as Christian – for me, that means I need to seek Truth in God’s word, pray for those who are misled, be honest but not judgmental if asked about my beliefs, wait on Holy Spirit’s guidance before/when sharing what God says and continue to pray for their hearts, minds and faith.
    What I actually do is fail at this many times, with me thinking “how can they not see the Truth?!”
    Lord, help me to rely on Your wisdom and guidance!

    Praying for:
    CEE GEE – solutions, deliverance and guidance in all you are dealing with ❤️
    HEATHER LANDERS – your husband’s 100% buy-in and participation in the faith based rehab, that God’s word would wash over him, fill him and create an ongoing thirst for Him. And my apologies for getting your last name incorrect yesterday.
    KRISTIN MARINO & TERESA DONLEY – for you and all of us to take those thoughts captive, including things we know we’ve repented of and been forgiven for – that we keep going over in our minds while at the same time we know we can’t change the past. Help us all, Lord, to look to You and live for You in the present.
    LAURA – for your relationship with your daughter & partner, and that God would speak truth into their hearts
    LYNNE FROM AL – wisdom and guidance in the reversal decision for Jack ❤️
    LINDA IN NC – your husband’s bringing of the devotion today, that God’s words would flow as they have so many times before, and for the power restoration and clean up in NC & SC
    KRISTINE LOUGHMAN – healing of your foot pain! Provision in the classroom to take pressure off.

    GRAMSIESUE – so true! thankful for forgiveness and the ability to keep working at getting it right

    TAYLOR – so good to see you back! Amen to LYNNE FROM AL’s prayer

    DEB ❤️
    RHONDA J – ❤️

  41. Deb says:

    Someone yesterday mentioned the song “I speak Jesus” by Charity Gayle. I listened to it on YouTube. It a powerful and beautiful song. I encourage everyone to listen to it and as you do, may it bless you and bring you peace and strength.

  42. Laura says:

    “Godly citizenship in an earthly kingdom” – Such a good phrase to think on today. I believe we are in a time when this is very relevant and can be such a strong part of our witness. Twenty years ago or so, as a public educator, I made the difficult decision to defy joining the union. It was during an election year, and my mailbox was filled with fliers for candidates that strongly supported abortion rights, and I decided that I wasn’t going to give another cent to these candidates. I was not popular and had to defend my decision to many people (some who were friends of mine), but in the end, I was allowed to do so and my Christian stance was clearly heard. It turned out to be an unexpected way for me to clearly state who I was in Christ at my workplace (and beyond) and empowered others to join me for the same reason. Even though I was being “defiant,” I felt that it was being a “Godly citizen.” I pray that we as “Godly citizens in an earthly kingdom” do the same as we navigate this world that we live in which is desperate for truth and those who will be brave enough to speak it.

    KRISTINE LOUGHMAN Praying now for your foot pain. I know first hand how hard it is to do your difficult and demanding job while in pain. May God touch your feet right now and take the pain away.

  43. Heidi says:

    KRISTINE LOUGHMAN- praying! oh no… i’m so sorry, you are right- painful feet are awful. Praying that healing comes and in the waiting His praise will remain on your lips (as we read today!:)) and you will be reminded what we read in Romans 10, that “beautiful are the feet of the one who brings good news!” Pray you will bring good news around you today and God will provide all you need to do it! :)

  44. Linda in NC says:

    Ladies, please remember my sweet hubby in prayer this morning. He has been asked to bring a devotion to our seniors around noon. Pray for the leading of the Spirit, clarity of mind and speech. I admit I’m nervous for him. This is the first time since his dementia has moved to moderate that he has tried to speak to a group. After 40 years of preaching he really misses sharing God’s Word! Thank you! Prayers for all those who were in the path of last evening’s destructive storms. So much damage over such a wide area in our area of NC. Have a blessed Tuesday

  45. Kristine Loughman says:

    RHONDA J – Praying for you today, for relief from pain, for perseverance and joy in the trials, for miraculous healing.

  46. Kristine Loughman says:

    Oh ladies, please pray for a miracle healing for my feet. I came home from school yesterday in agony, and it’s not much better this morning. The thought of this much daily pain for the unforeseeable future is a black cloud over my head. Pray for perseverance for my spirit and physical relief.
    COLLEEN DEVEAU I pray for your healing as well, that your body accepts the rest you are giving it. And all the She’s going through physical trials and chronic pain – I’m lifting you up today!

  47. Kelly (NEO) says:

    Ironic topic today as I’m up a little early to go and vote in a special election here in Ohio before going to work. My prayer is always that people would participate. There are many places where that is not an even an option.

    COLLEEN DeVEAU-praying you are feeling better soon.

    MARI V – praying Alyssa has a great first day. Continued prayers for Caleb’s move/new job.

    THERESA NELSON – praying your trip is going well and your daughter is enjoying time with her grandparents.

    ALEIDA- praying for your time with Victor.

  48. Colleen DeVeau says:

    Good day to you, She’s! Please pray for me if you can. I have been feeling a bit under the weather, making it difficult to do anything more than rest… Maybe that’s what I really need. Pray that God would clearly show me what He needs from me right now as these things occur and that I would be obedient by submitting to His authority (as we read so much about today). Thank you all for your prayers. I will be going through your previous comments to pray for your requests. May God bless you and keep you and give you peace about the things you have brought before Him.