no paybacks

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.

- Romans 12:17-21 (NKJV)

 

“I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too!” The desire for revenge seems to be as old as time itself. Cain killed Abel out of anger—and perhaps a sense of revenge—because Abel’s offering was favored. The Bible is filled with stories of people seeking payback. But let me ask: does revenge ever truly make you feel better?

I can think of a few times when I tried to get even with someone, only to have it backfire—badly. Difficult people are everywhere: at work, in the store, on the road, in our families, and even in our churches. I once read that the number one goal in dealing with difficult people or tough circumstances is this: Don’t become what you hate. It’s not about hating the person, but about refusing to let negativity, pettiness, or sin take root in your own heart.

We are called to live at peace with everyone. Everyone. We don’t have to agree. We don’t even have to discuss. But we do have to love. We don’t overcome evil by using underhanded or dishonorable means. Instead, we drive back darkness by doing what is right and filling our hearts with goodness. There is no greater example of overcoming evil with good than Jesus.

Maybe revenge isn’t a dish best served cold. Maybe we shouldn’t serve it at all. Let’s do only what is good and right. Be peaceful. Love one another. Pray earnestly, forgive yourself and others, and lead by example. Let love guide you—always.

 

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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

better than others

Agree with one another. Don’t be proud. Be willing to be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Don’t think that you are better than others.
- Romans 12:16 (NIRV)

 

Once again, I appreciate that we have access to so many translations of the Bible. While not every translation is perfectly accurate, sometimes the wording of a particular version resonates with me and fits my mood for writing that day. Today’s verse in the NIV reads: “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”

“Do not be conceited”—don’t think you’re better than others. That’s a powerful message, regardless of the translation you prefer. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who would admit to being conceited, but it’s something we all need to consider. Often, when we choose the people we want to associate with, we rarely seek out those who are overlooked or ignored by the crowd. Instead, we tend to gravitate toward those who are important, influential, or well-known—because we want to feel noticed and valued, too.

But you can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat those who serve them. Whether someone is ringing up your groceries, delivering your meal, giving professional advice, running a large company, or even leading a country, we are all the same at our core. No one is beneath you simply because of their job, and you are not beneath anyone because of your position. Titles and roles aside, we are all ordinary people—equal in dignity and worth.

I truly believe everyone should spend at least one day in a “low position.” It offers a new perspective. So, the next time you get frustrated with a server for a mistake, pause to consider the mistakes you’ve made, too. No matter what role someone holds, every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

 

sing out loud

But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble.

- Psalm 59:16 (NKJV)

 

For those who know me or have followed my emails or blog for a while, you already know how much I love music. There’s so much meaning captured in the lyrics of a song—sometimes, when I can’t find the right words, music expresses what I’m feeling.

It’s taken me some time, but I’m determined to finish pursuing my degree in ministry. Throughout my classes, I’ve discovered just how many songs—across so many genres—are rooted in the Bible. God loves music, too; Scripture says, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.”

So sing—sing loud, sing proud, and sing to the Lord. Praise Him with every breath.

 

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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

change

Do not act like the sinful people of the world. Let God change your life. First of all, let Him give you a new mind. Then you will know what God wants you to do. And the things you do will be good and pleasing and perfect.

- Romans 12:2 (NLV)

 

For today, I’m referencing the New Life Version of this verse, but for those who prefer a more traditional translation, the New King James Version says: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Recently, I’ve faced some important decisions in my life, and the outcomes haven’t been what I hoped for. Even so, I didn’t conform or change simply to fit in. The patterns around me kept shifting, making the end goal seem unrealistic. Paul reminds us not to conform to the patterns of this world. That means we aren’t required to do what everyone else does—especially if it isn’t right. We don’t have to keep up with the Joneses or be just like everyone else. It’s perfectly okay to live the way God calls us to live.

Change is inevitable; we will continue to grow and adapt. But we don’t have to compromise our individuality or our faith in God. Change can be a good thing, and no matter how my decisions turn out, I am committed to doing what God wants.

 

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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

my friend

Dear friend, I know that your spiritual life is going well. I pray that you also may enjoy good health. And I pray that everything else may go well with you.

- 3 John 1:2 (NIRV)

 

I pray for my friends every day—sometimes by name and for their specific situations, and other times I simply ask God to meet their needs, whatever they may be. With so much turmoil in the world right now—conflicts, extreme weather, and strong differences of opinion—it can feel like a scary time to step outside. Sometimes, I even feel safer staying at home rather than venturing out.

But we were created to go out into the world, to connect with others, and to share God’s word. The verse I’m reflecting on was written to Gaius, a friend of John who was commended for his hospitality to traveling preachers. I love that message. My husband and I participate in a program that welcomes traveling motorcyclists, offering them a place to stay for a night or two on their journeys. Through this program, we’ve made many lifelong friends from all walks of life.

I think I’d like to pray this verse as a blessing over each of our travelers as they leave—asking God to watch over them and bless their journey.

 

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Daily Inspiration from the Bible

no stopping

He said, “I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and He answered me. I called to You from the land of the dead, and Lord, You heard me!

- Jonah 2:2 (NLT)

 

We all experience difficult seasons—some days are harder than others, and each of us copes with challenges in our own way. Yet, one thing we all share is the ability to call on Jesus when we’re hurting. I’ve cried out to the Lord in my darkest moments. But how often do we truly do that? When we’re hurting, scared, lonely, or lost, do we lean on Him, or do we try to carry the weight on our own?

Sometimes, trying to manage everything ourselves is like clinging to worthless idols—whether it’s money, time, or even other people. Inevitably, this only leaves us feeling more lost and weighed down.

Matthew West reminds us in his song Don’t Stop Praying that we really need to cry out when we are facing our trials:
What's your impossible? Your "I need a miracle"
What's got you barely hanging by a single thread?
What looks so hopeless now? What weighs down your heart with doubt?
You beg for a breakthrough, but no sign of breakthrough yet

When you've cried, and you've cried 'til your tears run dry
The answer won't come, and you don't know why
And you wonder if you can bow your head even one more time

Don't stop praying
Don't stop calling on Jesus' name
Keep on pounding on Heaven's door
And let your knees wear out the floor
Don't stop believing
'Cause mountains move with just a little faith
And your Father's heard every single word you're saying
So, don't stop praying

He's close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
The Alpha and Omega knows how your story ends

When you've cried, and you've cried 'til your tears run dry
The answer won't come, and you don't know why
And you wonder if you can bow your head even one more time
Oh, do it one more time

And don't stop praying
Don't stop calling on Jesus' name
Keep on pounding on Heaven's door
And let your knees wear out the floor
Don't stop believing
'Cause mountains move with just a little faith
And your Father's heard every single word you're saying
So, don't stop praying

Oh-oh
(Don't stop, don't stop praying) oh, don't stop praying
(Don't stop, don't stop praying)
Oh-oh

Don't stop praying for the prodigal
Don't stop praying for the miracle
Hallelujah, hallelujah, and amen
Don't stop praying that addictions end
Don't stop praying for deliverance
Hallelujah, hallelujah, and amen

Oh, don't stop praying for the sickness healed
Don't stop praying for His power revealed
Hallelujah, hallelujah, and amen
No, don't stop praying for the Kingdom come
Don't stop praying that His will be done
Hallelujah, hallelujah, and amen

Don't stop praying
Don't stop calling on Jesus' name
Keep on pounding on Heaven's door
Let your knees wear out the floor
Don't stop believing
'Cause mountains move with just a little faith
And your Father's heard every single word you're saying
So, don't stop praying

oh, don't stop praying
(Don't stop, don't stop praying) hey, don't you give up now
No, don't stop praying

How blessed we are that God listens for our cries. He hears us, and He lifts us out of our sorrow. Thank you, God!

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible

sorry

But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done.

- Psalm 38:18 (NLT)

 

None of us are perfect—at some point, we’ve all done things we deeply regret. But how do you truly apologize when you’ve broken someone’s heart? Do you go out of your way to be kind, offer small gifts, or try to make amends in other ways? Most importantly, do you repeat the same mistake after you’ve apologized? Many of us do, and that’s what makes it so difficult for some people to understand the depth of God’s forgiveness and what it truly means to repent.

The verse I’m reflecting on is part of a larger psalm that conveys deep anguish and suffering caused by sin, emphasizing the importance of confession and recognizing our wrongdoings as the first steps toward repentance and seeking God’s forgiveness. Confession isn’t just about admitting our iniquities or being willing to acknowledge our faults—it’s also about feeling genuine sorrow for our actions and experiencing true remorse. This heartfelt confession becomes a prelude to seeking God’s mercy.

While confession is a personal act, it also sets an example for our relationships within the body of Christ. It encourages us to support one another through accountability and shared confession, which ultimately leads to repentance and forgiveness. I’ll admit, I often struggle to acknowledge when I’m wrong, but with Jesus’ help, I can bring my sins to the cross and leave them there.

 

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible