O Lord, help me spread only seeds of joy during the years you’ve given me in which to bloom!
I’ve heard people complain that life hasn’t turned out the way they had expected. I respond, “Thank God!” If we’d gotten exactly the life we’d expected, we would have seriously short-changed ourselves. We could never have imagined all of the blessings that would come into our lives: the joy, love and laughter that have been ours. Of course, we made more than our share of mistakes and experienced heartbreak and disappointment along the way. Moreover, it is likely that the future will bring its share of difficulties for us as well. Yet, along with those difficulties will come unimaginable blessings as well. Let us lift our hands and thank the Lord for the life with which we have been blessed. Let’s raise our voices and sing, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow!”
Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful. [Annette Funicello]
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord, my soul! I want to praise the Lord throughout my life. I want to make music to praise my God as long as I live. [Psalm 145:1-2 (GW)]Thank you, God, for this new day and your many gifts that are hidden in it. Open our eyes so that any discontent becomes delight. Let any grumbling turn into gratitude and any complaints become praise. May we see your glory in everything; fill us with joy in your presence.
Shout happily to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord cheerfully. Come into his presence with a joyful song. [Psalm 100:1-2 (GW)]
Praise isn’t just a response for the good times in our lives; it is a 24/7 deal. We may not like our present situation or be pleased with the current state of affairs, but we can love our God and praise His Holy Name. In the middle of our praise, we might just find joy and that peace that transcends all understanding!
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for you alone can meet our every need. You comfort us during the storms of life and strengthen us when we are weak. When we tire, you refresh us. When we fall, you lift and carry us. When we cry out in need, you sustain us. When we are lost, you seek and find us. You will neither abandon nor forsake, but love and bless us. May we walk in peace with you all the days of our lives. All honor and glory be unto you. Amen.
Thanksgiving – remember to do both this holiday season. [Sign seen in front of Naples, FL, school]
People can have an accurate map and a clear route highlighted to get to a specific location, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to go take the trip. They need the desire to travel before they will depart. They must see that the destination is better than where they happen to be at the time.
Sharing our faith isn’t just about convincing someone that Jesus is the Son of God, our redeemer and savior; it’s much more than proving the accuracy and truth of the New Testament. Sharing our faith is reflecting the love, peace and joy of the destination. Only then will someone want to join us on our journey!
The surest mark of a Christian is not faith, or even love, but joy. [Samuel M. Shoemaker]
