It may be trite, but being trite doesn’t keep it from being true: inside every problem is a hidden blessing. It’s up to us to find it!
Every problem comes gift wrapped in a package that also contains a creative solution. Your job is to accept both gifts. [Marie T. Freeman]
A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day. [Proverbs 15:13 [MSG)]
A recent study done at the University of Kansas found that smiling (even when your heart’s not in it) can lower your heart rate and mitigate stress. So smile, because a smile on your face can make for a cheerful heart.
Smile at each other. Smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other – it doesn’t matter who it is – and that will help you to grow up in greater love for each other. [Mother Teresa]
Lord, sometimes, when we’re in the midst of turmoil, pain or sorrow, we find it difficult to feel your love or see your kindness. When we falter in our faith, forgive us; don’t let us quit believing in you. Please reassure us of your presence and help us see your hand in all that happens. Help us believe your promises.
Money is not the root of all evil, but love of it is. To gain and keep riches, we may be tempted to stray from our Christian values; we might find ourselves believing that money can buy happiness or even loving money more than people or God.
Man defines wealth by adding up financial assets and possessions. God, however, doesn’t define wealth by looking at a balance sheet. He defines it by the quality of our lives, our love and generosity, and not by our financial resources or worldly goods. With Jesus, we are never poor, no matter what is in our bank accounts or IRAs.
Which is worse in God’s eyes? Doing the right thing, but for the wrong reason, or mistakenly doing the wrong thing, but for the right reason? Lord, help us remember that why we do things is just as important as what we actually do.
Father in heaven, guide us today so that our actions reflect our faith. Don’t let our behavior contradict your message of love and forgiveness. May our conduct show the world that we truly are your disciples.
Devotions of the Heart 