Friday, September 6, 2013

All in Perspective

 


The Day of the Lord

5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.



4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.
 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
 
Final Instructions  12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.   1 Thessalonians 5:1-18  New International Version (NIV)

 Whatever is true, . . . noble, . . . right, . . . pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.  - Philippians 4:8 (NIV)




One morning while eating breakfast outside, I noticed something unusual about the day. As I looked to my left the sky was dark, very cloudy, and threatening rain.




To my right the sun was shining, and a few fluffy white clouds were passing by — the promise of a gorgeous summer day.

 I started to think about the choices we have every day. We can look at the gloomy side of life, or we can focus on a positive attitude as much as possible. Heartache, sadness, and circumstances beyond our control are going to happen sometimes. We can face the challenge, do what we can to help, pray about it, and then with God’s help work to change our focus to positive, uplifting thoughts and actions. Much pain and unhappiness exist throughout today’s world. If we let ourselves dwell too long on this, we will become sad and bitter people. However, God created us to enjoy this life. We can thank God in return for this most wonderful gift by making the most of each and every day. Let’s begin today by expressing our love for our wonderful Creator and by loving one another!

Thought for the Day

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess. 5:16-18).

Prayer

Thank you, dear Lord, for giving us life and for all your blessings we enjoy each and every day. Instill in us a good attitude and loving spirit so that others will see your love and grace at work in our lives. Amen.
Prayer focus  Those who worry excessively
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