I have the new bug catcher installed in my bathroom – it is simply a little blacklight bulb behind a sticky screen – not a zapper but a catcher – works great so far – and you replace the sticky-ness. And the illuminating blacklight bulb? It illuminates the really good truth of this scripture: “Cling to What is Good” -which is nestled in my metal bathroom medicine cabinet with favorited scriptures, inspirations and kids photos plus some trinkets – like my grandmothers small plastic cross from the 30s or so, sitting in a little glass of crystal and garnets from my cousin… precious stones are one thing but precious memories are the best – cling to what is good... 

The other scripture inspirations are “let your LIGHT shine before men”  – and the descriptions of Prevenient Grace, Justifying Grace and Sanctifying Grace. Just a nice reminder that God has our number and calls us up all the time to SHINE for HIM. Prevenient is God already protected us and called us – Justifying is we realize it and realize we need it – Sanctifying is accepting God’s grace and forgiveness, coming to repentance and moving forward as Sanctified – God “gave-gives-is giving” for us to be with Him Forever. (These definitions are from John Wesley’s traditional teaching – and I like the pamphlet because it reminds me of a favorite pastor who gave it to me years ago.)

Cling to What (WHO) is GOOD! – Yes Sound biblical teaching is so good – and God is the author of the Message – Jesus Himself is the Word.

Psalm 3 is my “go to” psalm today for inspiration – and it is a classic “God will protect” reminder. David was in a tough spot and yeah things had gone bad with his son and well, David needed (and got) protection from the Lord…  “But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.”

When we cling to the good that God put in front of us – we get day-sized chunks of living – not too long and not too short – long enough to get something done – short enough that we get to rest and start fresh. David would write (when being pursued) about having a moment to rest: “I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me.”

We probably don’t have people out to get us – but we do have things that brush us wrong – get in our way – unthinking strife – and we do have that devil of meddling messing with us – EITHER WAY let us let the LORD handle it – as the letter to the Romans continued: . If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

SO – in our days today – keep going – keep believing – CLING TO WHAT IS GOOD -and let the Lord do the fighting while we do the living…  Keep your chin up and your head down to dodge the dangers. Watch your steps and your tongue – and keep SHINING the LIGHT so that people will praise God…

AMEN

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Romans 12:9-21 NKJV 

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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Psalm 3 NKJV

The Lord Helps His Troubled People
A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son.

Lord, how they have increased who trouble me!
Many are they who rise up against me.
Many are they who say of me,
“There is no help for him in God.” Selah

But You, O Lord, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
I cried to the Lord with my voice,
And He heard me from His holy hill. Selah

I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the Lord sustained me.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me all around.

Arise, O Lord;
Save me, O my God!
For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone;
You have broken the teeth of the ungodly.
Salvation belongs to the Lord.
Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah