Fasting Day 10 - Tuesday February 11th.

Psalm 109:17 (NIV)“He loved to pronounce a curse— may it come back on him. He found no pleasure in blessing— may it be far from him.”

Devotion

So, how are you doing following the instruction of Jesus to love, bless, and pray for your human enemies, whomever they may be? (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27) God loved and blessed us through Jesus while we were still his enemies (Romans 5:10), so blessing our enemies is central to reflecting God's love for them.

Find pleasure in blessing. When you are frustrated with an opponent or someone behaving badly toward you, here are a few blessings to try, “May you be blessed”, “Have a good day”, “May you have a share in the new Jerusalem.” If you miss the moment to say the blessing in their hearing, then just pray the blessing quietly, “Lord, bless them in their challenges,” “Lord, bless their family,” “Lord, lead them to Jesus so they have a share in the new Jerusalem.” Once you get the ball rolling with the new habit of opening your mouth to bless, you will find the Holy Spirit giving you lots of blessings for others, especially if you ask.

Today’s Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I confess that I have too often pronounced curses, or just shut my mouth instead of uttering blessings and praying for my enemies and opponents. Amen.

Resources:

• Reading through the New Testament: Today’s reading - John 11-21

21-Day Fasting Journey with Jentezen Franklin