Devotion for Monday, December 16, 2019

“It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and
immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that
someone has his father’s wife.  You have
become arrogant and have not mourned instead, so that the one who had done this
deed would be removed from your midst” (1 Corinthians 5:1-2)

Humans have a way of looking the
other way in the face of the obvious. 
For whatever reason, we do not want to confront what is wicked and evil
in our midst.  Fight against ignoring
what is wrong and stand firm on what is right. 
Mourn for those who do evil and pray the Lord to lead them in a
direction toward repentance.  In all
cases look to the Lord and uphold what He declares as true.

Lord, where I have ignored the truth and gone my own way, help me to
repent and be led by You in the right way. 
Guide me, O Lord, that I may be both bold and firm, yet always gentle
and gracious.  Guide me in the way of
truth that I may now and always live the life You have called me to live.  Guide me by Your grace that I would not be
tossed about by the wickedness of this world.

Lord Jesus, You know what it is
to see wickedness.  You knew Your cousin
John would be beheaded amidst a similar circumstance.  That fear of retaliation for standing firm
can be debilitating.  Help me, Lord, that
I may abide in You such that I have strength amidst fear to hold my ground and
do what is right.  Lead me to always be
faithful amidst the troubles of this world. 
Amen.