With Very Few Exceptions

Friday, October 2,2026

Good morning, Lord

Father in Heaven, open my heart and mind, Holy Spirit. Fill my consciousness and complete Your joy in me as I take up my cross and follow...In Jesus' name…

Memory verse: 1 John 1:8–9

8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the 

truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and 

just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all 

unrighteousness.

Verse of the day: Matthew 5:11-12  “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Today’s reading: Isaiah 14-16 Ephesians 5:1-16 

With Very Few Exceptions

With very few exceptions, I believe that Jesus always had a welcoming face. I believe Jesus was a relief to meet on the road. I think He lived with a smile and a kind face for all humanity because He had perfect love. I believe He looked at a person and saw what they could be and not what they appear.

Maybe it is hard to carry a smile always, OK...but kind or positive words of greeting can be learned-especially as the Holy Spirit changes us day to day.

This is disarming. If some folks always feel threatened in the world, disarm their demeanor. Give them a reason to relax with kind words and gestures. Let the living water flow their way(John 7:38).

No, it will not always work but at least you have extended the love of Christ to them. Them you cannot control. But you can always recognize that God goes in front and behind you(Isaiah 52:12) and you can always be conscious of the Holy Spirit’s control.

When you disarm someone with kindness, you have done all you can do to remove a chance for hate. It may happen anyway but you have done your part.

“And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?” (Matthew 5:47)

Learn how to greet strangers and enemies. Learn how to love your enemies in public-with a smile or a calm attitude and honor(remember: you pay honor always to the ‘image of God’ in everyone you meet). This starts in the presence of God as you pray for them right after you pray for yourself to be able to look at the person for who God can make them instead of what they appear-you know-as Jesus did.

Tell Him how you feel about these thoughts. Tell Him you have a hard time loving your enemies and you want your heart to change.

...because He loves you, He will do it…

Father in Heaven,

I want to learn to praise You with all I am. I want to know Your kingdom and the desire to do Your will. Give me today what You know I need. Forgive me for giving in to my insecurities. Give me victory over evil.

Loving and patient God,

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen