Thoughts for the day- October 2019 week one

Monday September 30, 2019

In life we often times come to road blocks which can cause us to doubt that we can be successful. This doubt can begin slowly and picks up momentum as we begin to believe that we cannot do it. When doubt tries to come into our life we must reach back and remember how God has worked in our lives. Circumstances rose but we weathered the storm through God’s grace and mercy.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me Phillipians 4:13. The Bible is full of examples where God prevailed against all odds.

We do not need to know how but just trust that God is in control and he will work it out if it is his will.

Be Blessed and have a great day   Pastor Joe

Tuesday October 1

Scripture: Esther 3: 5

When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath.

Today is National Day for China. A day when all Chinese can have special pride in their country.  This day is celebrated with marching soldiers, flag waiving events and other related activities. There is certainly nothing wrong with having pride in one’s country.  However sometimes pride can bring problems.

Pride is a word that can be a double edged sword. We all should take pride in what we do and do it as well as we can so that we feel comfortable in signing our name to any job that we complete. However, this pride should not be one where we think that we are better than someone else. Whenever one begins to think more of themselves then others, they loose the humility that must be exhibited by all who proclaim that they follow the example of Christ. Christ taught the disciples that those who desire to be first will be last and those that are willing to be last will be first. Pride will never allow one to be last unless that pride is based upon pride in following the path of Christ.

Thought for today: Just remember, you are never as good as people say you are and you never are as bad as they say you are.

 

October 2

Blessings – too many to count

 Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:21

And the Lord visited Hannah, so that she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile the child Samuel grew before the Lord

We often ask God for a blessing that is big in our eyes and sometimes we receive the blessing and other times we do not and we begin to wonder why God does not answer our prayers, The story of Hannah is one where God heard her plea and blessed her more than she could have imagined.

I know that we all have heard of couples who could not have children, adopted a child and then went on to have several birth children. However, I must admit that I did not have a Biblical reference for such until I completely read the story of Hannah. Hanna was childless and prayed for a child. Furthermore, she vowed to give the child to God which she did. We then concentrate on Samuel and his time in the temple and his time with Saul and David and do not follow the life of Hanna. We find that God blessed Hanna more than she could imagine with 5 other children.

Also lets not forget the many “small” blessings that we receive everyday that we wake up, go to work of school and come back home safely. I suggest that we concentrate on the many small blessings and not worry about that “big” blessing.

Thought for today: Never underestimate the blessings of God. The Bible says that we can receive more than our minds could ever fathom.

Remembering a favor

October 3, 2019

Scripture: 2 Kings 20:3

“Remember now, O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what was good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept

Often times I have been asked why do you serve God. Is it because he gives you blessings? The answer is no.. I serve God because I love him and want to serve him. Yes he has blessed me tremendously.  God wants to be our friend and like any other earthly friend we can ask for special blessings or favors and God may reward us if it is consistent with his will and our motives are inline with his teachings.

We sometimes do things for friends not because we expect anything in return but because they are our friend. However, when the need arrives we hope that our friend will do the same and help us. Sometimes they do not help and then we ask them to remember when we aided them so that would persuade them to help us. God is our friend and as such we can go to him and ask for blessings just as Hezekiah. God is very clear in that he does recognize those who are faithful and serve him. He will never leave us or forsake us. King Hezekiah knew this and asked God for an extended lifetime which he received.

Thought for today: It is much easier to ask for a favor when you have been truthful and honest with the one whom you are requesting the favor.

October 4, 2019

Honesty and Trust

Scripture:  Proverbs 12:22 The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.

Honesty and Trust are two words that are easily spoken but difficult to put into daily practice.  We sometimes laugh at the dilemma of a husband whose wife ask him if she is fat. Does he say yes and risk her wrath or does he tell a little white lie?  Some would say that he should lie or evade the answer.  Another alternative is for the husband to say that I love you and want you to be healthy and live a long life with me which means taking care of your body and not being over weight because being overweight can lead to heart disease and other problems so let’s choose to exercise and eat properly.  The husband is honest and the wife can trust that he really loves her.

I have heard on many occasions that people are reluctant to tell people things because they do not know who they can trust and what they say may get back to another person.  My suggestion is to stop worrying.  Just always tell the truth and be honest .  People may not always like what you say but they can always trust what you say is honest.

Thought for the Day..  Always tell the truth and you will not have to remember the lies,