How many times do you catch yourself saying "I wish" I could do this or this problem would go away? While wishing upon a star seemed like a great idea as a youngster and I still make a wish upon a falling star, there is one place where we CAN place our trust and hopes. I have always found it in one of my favorite verses:
Be anxious for nothing, but in all things through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6
:There have been times when - with all of my heart - I thanked God for provision that was needed, but I knew He would provide (there have also been those times where it was more of a challenge and I would say to God - You say this and now I am believing you for it). Each time when the provision came, my hope was renewed and my faith increased. Is there some situation in your life today that you would like to see change? Well - I suggest you roll up your shirt sleeves for your part and trust fully in God for the rest. You take that first step in faith and He will carry you the rest of the way - if you let Him.
Now have a great day!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
When people read you- what do they find?
I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3
D.L. Moody once said of 10 men, 1 will read the Bible, the other 9 will read the Christian. His words before me, I am ever aware responding to my own query – how good a read are you? Will others see the Light of the World and be lead into His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise? A friend sent this to me and I share it with you... it goes to the heart of the question..
Now this is the Living Bible:His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant. He is kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college.Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how to go about it.One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat. The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything. Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet.By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.
About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill. Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. He is a godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do. How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor?It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do.And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone.Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control, he says, "What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget""Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!"
D.L. Moody once said of 10 men, 1 will read the Bible, the other 9 will read the Christian. His words before me, I am ever aware responding to my own query – how good a read are you? Will others see the Light of the World and be lead into His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise? A friend sent this to me and I share it with you... it goes to the heart of the question..
Now this is the Living Bible:His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant. He is kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college.Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how to go about it.One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat. The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything. Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet.By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.
About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill. Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. He is a godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do. How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor?It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do.And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone.Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control, he says, "What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget""Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!"
Friday, September 25, 2009
You are one of life's good things - Show it today!
He surrounds me with loving kindness and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things! Psalm 103:4-5
Look around – are you one displaying loving kindness and tender mercies - is there someone that sticks out that does? Thank God and thank them.
Let’s be one of life’s good things to another today.
Look around – are you one displaying loving kindness and tender mercies - is there someone that sticks out that does? Thank God and thank them.
Let’s be one of life’s good things to another today.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Regardless of all else - Praise!
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise;
Give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100:4-5
How amazing to know that regardless of the gook and grime in our lives – the uncertainty and everchanging tide – we can count on this…. God loves you and has an amazing plan for your life. He remains faithful and on the throne.
Give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100:4-5
How amazing to know that regardless of the gook and grime in our lives – the uncertainty and everchanging tide – we can count on this…. God loves you and has an amazing plan for your life. He remains faithful and on the throne.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Keep on doing good!
Recently I have had the "pleasure" of going through quite a red-tape process and I must admit, at one point today I just wanted to give up and to be honest, my attitude became a bit stinky! Well, I've had a few moments alone - and some encouragers in my evening. I know each of you works toward helping others each day (I believe in you - and word gets around) and I thought perhaps you could use the same encouragement that I needed to hear today. So...I will continue to work toward what I know is good and right and give each day's glory to God. In the meantime - let's keep on keeping on and ...
Let us not become weary in doing good,
For at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.
Galatians 6:9-10
Sometimes it’s hard to move ahead with a smile and optimism when disappointment strikes our doorstep and we have worked so hard toward something. But be encouraged today that the truth is….at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
So take the opportunity at hand – this new day – and do good to all people.
Let us not become weary in doing good,
For at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.
Galatians 6:9-10
Sometimes it’s hard to move ahead with a smile and optimism when disappointment strikes our doorstep and we have worked so hard toward something. But be encouraged today that the truth is….at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
So take the opportunity at hand – this new day – and do good to all people.
Take today's opportunites
Today is a new day…. As each moment passes, we will not have the opportunity to recapture it… it must be treated as a precious jewel and made to count. William Penn said:
I expect to pass through life but once.
If, therefore, there can be any kindness I can show,
Or any good thing I can do to any fellow being,
Let me do it now… as I shall not pass this way again.
Have you thought to yourself something you ought to do? Have you kept to yourself a compliment or congratulations due another? Have you scheduled time today to make a call or lend a hand?
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV
Please don’t let it end in the thinking…take action. Make today count.
I expect to pass through life but once.
If, therefore, there can be any kindness I can show,
Or any good thing I can do to any fellow being,
Let me do it now… as I shall not pass this way again.
Have you thought to yourself something you ought to do? Have you kept to yourself a compliment or congratulations due another? Have you scheduled time today to make a call or lend a hand?
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV
Please don’t let it end in the thinking…take action. Make today count.
Monday, September 21, 2009
How do you see others & self?
Over the past year, there has been an addition to my face - reading glasses. After a full day in front of a computer working on documents my eyes would become “fuzzy” when trying to read. Eventually I found myself seeking my reading glasses early in the day as my eyes became “fuzzy” and reading was difficult. Now, more often than not, I am wearing my reading glasses from the start of my day on the computer.
While my eyes may be becoming “weaker” in some areas, it is my prayer that they will remain strong in their ability to see others from the inside out. The beauty of other people that shines through in their graciousness, kindness, friendliness, etc. I hope I always enjoy “lovely eyes.”
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
Audrey Hepburn
I challenge you to use lovely eyes when you look in the mirror as well for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7b That person in the mirror is often unforgiven, underappreciated and harshly treated (by self) as we fail to administer the same the grace, love and compassion that we show others.
So smile at the person in the mirror and those whom you are in contact with today. Look for the good in someone in whom you’ve found it difficult to find before and smile as you see anew.
While my eyes may be becoming “weaker” in some areas, it is my prayer that they will remain strong in their ability to see others from the inside out. The beauty of other people that shines through in their graciousness, kindness, friendliness, etc. I hope I always enjoy “lovely eyes.”
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
Audrey Hepburn
I challenge you to use lovely eyes when you look in the mirror as well for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7b That person in the mirror is often unforgiven, underappreciated and harshly treated (by self) as we fail to administer the same the grace, love and compassion that we show others.
So smile at the person in the mirror and those whom you are in contact with today. Look for the good in someone in whom you’ve found it difficult to find before and smile as you see anew.
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