“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Winston Churchill
“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:3-5
Let us all strive to have the right attitude no matter what we face. Every situation provides us an opportunity to grow. It is up to us to take advantage of that opportunity.
“You don’t get to choose how you are going to die. Or when. You can only decide how you are going to live. Now. “ Joan Baez
“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23
As you meditate this week remember that you have the choice to allow the difficulties of life to overwhelm you or allow God to walk with you. Psalm 23 is a beautiful reminder that God will not only help us through this life but will allow us to dwell with Him for eternity.
“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” Lou Holtz
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:21
This quote reminds me of the parable of the talents. We all have ability to do so much but it takes motivation and the right attitude to get the most out of our ability. The danger is being like the slave who buried the talent. The master called him lazy and worthless.
All of us have a choice to make. Will we use this week to better ourselves by being motivated to use our abilities to bring glory to God? Or will we be like the like the lazy slave and let our abilities go to waste?
“Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” Abraham Lincoln
I am afraid that many treat christianity as kids do Halloween. They simply put on a costume and pretend to be something they are not. The kids at least get candy. Christianity should be a description of who we are all the time. Not a costume to put on and take off when church is over.
As Jesus told the scribes and pharisees, we also must be careful. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.” Matthew 23:27
As we go through the week, let us always remember that God is not interested in us looking the part only. He wants our hearts! We can have a reputation of being a good christian but how is our character?
“It is far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help.” -Judith Martin
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ”Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
Many do things to be seen by men, but a child of God is to do things so that God can be seen. As you meditate this week, do good works to bring glory to God. How bright the world can be if we all are allowing our lights to shine!
“Measure not men by Sundays, without regarding what they do all the week after.” Thomas Fuller
“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” Luke 9:23
“In prosperity, our friends know us; in adversity, we know our friends.” John Churton Collins
“Wealth adds many friends,
But a poor man is separated from his friend.” Proverbs 19:4
Be mindful who you surround yourself with. Those that are striving to help you better yourself are those that you should call friend.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13
Paul went through many ups and downs in life but understood that with the strength God can give us, he would make it through anything. What a wonderful encouragement for all of us.
“What you dislike in another take care to correct in yourself.” Thomas Sprat
“Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? Matthew 7:3-4
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“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” ― Robert Louis Stevenson
“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” Gal. 6:9
As we meditate this week, let us be aware of opportunities to sow seeds of righteousness.