Savoring the Scripture

All Who are in Authority Psalm 12 The darkest hours of the Church's night are those which precede the break of day. Man's extremity is God's opportunity. C.H. Spurgeon We are living in turbulent times, and many question the intentions of our governing authorities and the increase of wickedness in our country. One thing is sure. We are commanded to pray for those in authority “so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:2).  Today we will pray through Psalm 12, praying for those in authority and for those who live under that authority. Also, let’s intercede for the persecuted church around the world. Many believers worldwide are facing increasing censorship, surveillance, arrest, and death while claiming the name of Christ. Let’s remember our brothers and sisters in Christ and seek the Lord’s protection on their behalf. Longing for Safety 12:1-5 “Save, O Lord, for the godly one is gone; for the faithful have vanished from among th...

Empathy is defined as the capacity for understanding, being aware of, being sensitive of, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another. Christ in His tenderness towards His children empathizes and sympathizes with them, for indeed, we are His own body that He “nourishes and cherishes.” His sympathy is such that “in our pain, Jesus is pained; in our suffering, he feels the suffering as his own” (Ortlund, Dane. Gentle and Lowly). In fact, He co-suffers with us (Acts 9:4). Christ’s own testimony is that He is gentle and lowly (Matt. 11:29). He is “Tender. Open. Welcoming. Accommodating. Understanding. Willing” (Ortlund, Dane. Gentle and Lowly). We are to imitate Christ in our treatment of our brothers and sisters in Christ, who are members of His body (1 Cor. 11:1; 12:18-20).  We must be most tender with those who are weakest—spiritually, physically, mentally. We must strive to show solidarity with them; to be understanding of their infirmit...