Every person must submit to and support the authorities over him. For there can be no authority in the universe except by God’s appointment, which means that every authority that exists has been instituted by God. So to resist authority is to resist the divine order of God, which results in severe consequences. For civil authorities don’t intimidate those who are doing good, but those who are doing evil. So do what is right and you’ll never need to fear those in authority. They will commend you for your good citizenship. Those in authority are God’s servants for the good of society. But if you break the law, you have reason to be alarmed, for they are God’s agents of punishment to bring criminals to justice. Why do you think they carry weapons? You are compelled to obey them, not just to avoid punishment, but because you want to live with a clean conscience. This is also the reason you pay your taxes, for governmental authorities are God’s officials who oversee these things. So it is your duty to pay all the taxes and fees that they require and to respect those who are worthy of respect, honoring them accordingly.
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3 Days
At times you may feel as if you're the only one who is doing good toward others. You think, "Hey is anybody else out there helping anyone?" Galatians 6:9-10 is a good reminder when you are feeling this way.
5 Days
This five-day reading plan focuses on the promises of Jesus and nature, and the character of God, regardless of who is president, prime minister, or monarch at any time.
In this 5-day plan taken from Vance K. Jackson’s new book, Before You Start Your Day: A 21-Day Leadership Devotional, readers from around the world gather together to read this life-transforming message. Today, as you are reading these words, God has blessed you with “The Gift of Life.” Before you start your day, choose to surrender your day to Christ—the Author of time itself.
School teachers have a challenging job. Interactions with students, parents, co-workers, supervisors, and more can wear you down. Coupled with low pay and long hours, teachers can feel underappreciated and discouraged. Where do they find hope to avoid burnout? This five-day reading plan offers hope to teachers desiring to make a difference within their circles of influence as they walk out their faith.
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