Monthly Archives: September 2014

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September 9, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Joy, Thanks & Praise

IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)]

We arrived at our cottage, anticipating a relaxing afternoon. The power had gone out in one refrigerator, however, and the clean-up was a long, smelly and unpleasant task. Once done, I hoped to enjoy the last of the afternoon reading in the sunroom. The locked door into the room, however, refused to unlock and could not be opened! Short of breaking the door, I wasn’t going to be reading in there that day. At least, there was hope of a nice hot shower, until I discovered we had no hot water; the pilot light on the water heater had gone out. A warm stinky fridge, a broken lock and no hot water were not the best way to start a holiday weekend.

Yet, when it came time for grace that evening, after asking God to forgive my afternoon’s litany of complaints, we thanked him for the blessings of the day. We thanked him for the blessing of two refrigerators and for discovering the dead one before it had gotten any worse. We thanked him for the handyman who responded so promptly to our call and not only repaired the door lock but also a broken light. We thanked God for the blessing of a vacation home, especially when so many have lost their only home. I added special thanks for having a husband who knows how to light a pilot light.

Blessings and gratitude go hand in hand, but not necessarily in that order. For many people, the better life is, the more thankful they become. Their good fortune determines their thankfulness. Outer circumstances, however, shouldn’t determine the joy we have in our lives. We need to learn to be thankful for everything that comes our way. The more appreciation and gratitude we have, the more happiness and contentment we’ll experience, even in less than stellar conditions. Granted, it’s not always easy to see the positive in all things, but we need to be thankful anyway. Without a doubt, we all have more than we deserve!

Father in heaven, remind us to count our blessings, not our troubles or grief, and most certainly not our minor aggravations and petty annoyances. Only then will we experience the serenity and joy you have promised us. Fill our hearts with gratitude in all circumstances and keep our lips from complaint.

Life’s under no obligation to give us what we expect. We take what we can get and are thankful it’s no worse than it is. [Margaret Mitchell]

This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see. This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. [Psalm 118:23-24 (NLT)]

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September 8, 2014

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God's Grace & Love, God's Word: The Bible, Wisdom & Guidance

THE BOOK OF LOVE

At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.” [Matthew 11:25 (NLT)]

“Who, who-oo-oh, who wrote the book of love?” we all sang while listening to the oldie station on the car radio. Then a small voice from the back seat piped up, “I know who wrote the Book of Love: Jesus!” I’m pretty sure The Monotones didn’t have this interpretation in mind when they sang the song back in 1958, but there was wisdom and understanding in the child’s simple statement. We all probably have the Book of Love sitting on our book shelves, although we call it the Bible. Best of all, we all know its author! Now, whenever I hear this song (and since my husband loves old rock ‘n’ roll, I hear it often), it has become a song of praise and thanksgiving for me. Why not pick up the Book of Love and read a bit today!

The Book of Love
[Warren Davis, George Malone and Charles Patrick]

I wonder, wonder who, who-oo-ooh, who
Who wrote the Book Of Love
Tell me, tell me, tell me
Oh, who wrote the Book Of Love
I’ve got to know the answer
Was it someone from above
(Oh, I wonder, wonder who, mmbadoo-ooh, who)
(Who wrote the Book Of Love)

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Romans 8:38-39 (NLT)]

 

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September 7, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Challenges & Difficulty, Joy, Peace of God

DON’T WORRY; BE HAPPY!

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice! … Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4:4,6-7 (NLT)]

“Rejoice!” Paul wrote to the church at Philippi. He wrote these joyful words while awaiting trial in a Roman prison. Rather than feeling defeated during his captivity, Paul used his imprisonment as an opportunity to continue to preach the gospel and spread the joy of God’s word. Instead of being depressed by his situation, he knew how to be satisfied regardless of his situation. In fact, Paul thanked God for his difficult circumstances.

We don’t need to be in prison to be depressed, angry or resentful. There are many times in our lives when things go terribly wrong: a child becomes addicted, a parent suffers a debilitating disease, a friend gets cancer, a job is lost, a business goes bankrupt, the stock market crashes, a marriage fails, or a lawsuit is filed. We need to learn from Paul to “always be full of joy in the Lord” regardless of our circumstances.

Where the soul is full of peace and joy, outward surrounding and circumstances are of comparatively little account. [Hannah Whitall Smith]

Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious – the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. [Philippians 4:8 (MSG)]

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September 3, 2014

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Faith & Hope, God's Promises, Today: Make it Count

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. [Lamentations 3:22-23 (NRSV)]

Forgive us, Father for not being nearly as faithful to you and you are to us. Unfortunately, our faith tends to waver with our circumstances; thankfully, your does not! Thank you for this new day and the promise of a fresh start. Let your Holy Spirit empty our hearts of regret and fear, anger and discontent. Fill us with the love, faith and hope that comes only from you.

I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. [Psalm 89:1-2 (NSRV)] 

“Great is Thy Faithfulness”
[Thomas Chisholm (1925)]

“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!

 “Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.      

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

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September 2, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Love & Works

ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER

Encourage each other every day while you have the opportunity. [Hebrews 3:13a (GW)

After spending time with my youngest grands (one and three), I noticed how eager we are to offer encouragement to little ones as they learn new skills. They get positive reinforcement when they take their first steps, use the potty, don’t spill, manage the stairs or say, “Please.” As people get older, however, we’re much stingier with our words of approval and encouragement. In fact, when we fill out comment cards or make on-line comments, more often it is to criticize than to praise.

Our cars need fuel to run and people do, too. Words of encouragement help us refuel when we’re low on confidence or feeling a bit unsure of ourselves. Even those people who seem self-assured and assertive need a little refueling with encouraging words from time to time.

Some praise goes a long way in helping a tired secretary or cashier through the day. A word of thanks is always welcomed by a teacher or waitress. The sales trainee would appreciate some encouragement and your barista would value a smile or a favorable comment. A compliment is always well received by a spouse; even our pastors and worship leaders could use a boost now and then. Is there someone in your life who might be running short on fuel? Why not help them fill up with some of God’s love and encouragement?

We must also consider how to encourage each other to show love and to do good things. [Hebrews 10:24 (GW)]

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September 1, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Love & Works

DON’T JUST DO THE RIGHT THING

Stop being mean, bad-tempered, and angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ. [Ephesians 4:31-32 (TLB)]

I sat reading my Bible and feeling just a wee bit self-righteous. After all, I’d spent the majority of the weekend with an elderly relative. I then read Paul’s words to the Ephesians and God convicted me. Yes, I’d driven her around, taken her wherever she wanted to go, helped her shop, and spent plenty of time with her, but had I been as loving as I should have been? I’d said nothing mean; I’d certainly been polite. There had been no quarrels or harsh words. I’d really done nothing wrong, but had I done everything right? Had I been as tenderhearted and kind as I could have been? Hadn’t some resentment crept into my heart because there were other more enjoyable and interesting things I would have preferred doing? I know I grew impatient at her snail’s pace and gotten a little annoyed at hearing the same story yet again. Hadn’t there been frustration at her inability to make a decision? Had I let any of those feelings sneak into my demeanor or tone of voice? Probably! Had I been as helpful, encouraging and caring as I could (and should) have been? Probably not! I deeply love this woman, but my heart and mind were more interested in me and my inconvenience than my love for her.

Father, thank you for pointing out our failings. Forgive us when we do the “right” things but not in the “right” way. Let your Holy Spirit show us how to truly love so we genuinely reflect your love in all of our behavior.

Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing. [St. Therese de Lisieux]

People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. [Proverbs 21:2 (NLT)]