Wednesday, March 29
Read 1 Corinthians 4:11-16.

"And labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it" (v. 12).

Recently in my reading, I was reminded of the principle of turning contention and trouble into a time of blessing. The author suggested the reader keep a notebook listing the names of those who had cursed, criticized, or attempted to destroy their ministry. That little hand-written book of names was marked by notes of prayer times, its pages stained with tears, all representing the petitioner's intentional prayer for God's intervention and blessing on others.
There is a deep peace and joy in smiling politely at a person whose intent is to destroy your reputation and ability to minister grace. But smile, when you know you have that morning lifted that person to the Lord, asking for His help, there rises a sense of peace and joy.
Paul said, "we bless," even when he was being reviled and persecuted. It reminds me of the Lord's words, "Father, forgive them." (Pastor Clair Sams)
Blessing and honor and glory and power,
Wisdom and riches and strength evermore
Give ye to Him Who our battle hath won
Whose are the kingdom, the crown, and the throne.
--- Horatius Bonar

Asking the Lord's intervention and blessing on others always strengthens the petitioner.