Monday's Blessing
Philippians 2:5

“Let this same attitude and purpose and mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: Let Him be your example in humility."

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Be patient with others.

I am fairly disciplined in my eating habits, and I recently spent sometime with someone who really struggles in that area.  The person mentioned several times how disciplined I am and how undisciplined she is. Each time she did so, I downplayed my ability to discipline myself by saying, "I have areas of weakness also, and you will overcome this as you continue to pray and make an effort." 

There was a time in my life when I may not have been so sensitive to my friend's feelings.  I would have probably given her a sermon about the benefits of discipline and the dangers of overeating and poor nutrition.  However, I would not have succeeded in doing anything but making my friend feel guilty and condemned.  When she asked me to share ideas that might help her I did so, but with an attitude that did not make her feel that I had it all together and she was a mess.  I have discovered that one way to love people is to help them, not to feel worse about the things they already feel bad about.  

Meekness and humility are two of the most beautiful aspects of love.  Paul said love is not boastful and does not display itself haughtily (1 Cor. 13.4). Humility serves and always does things to lift others up. The Bible teaches us to have the same attitude and humble mind that Jesus had (Phil. 2:5). He was one with God, but stripped himself of all privileges and humbled himself to become like a human being so he could die in our places and take the punishment we deserved as sinners (Phil 2:6-9). He never made people feel badly because they were not on his level, but instead he stooped to their level.  Paul did the same, and we need to follow these Biblical examples.

his Week's Meditation:

Teach me to "Listen and help others, Lord."

Pray:

Help me to meditate each day: "Lord, bless me with the tools I need." 
​
Teach me to be patient and know you will mentor me. Remind me that prayer motivates me.

Meditate on this for several minutes a day. Allow various thoughts to come into your mind.  And realize God has you in his arms always.

God's Message Today
Acts 10:34

"And Peter opened his mouth and said: Most certainly and thoroughly I now perceive and understand that God shows no partiality and no respecter of persons."

How do you treat others around you?  Do you notice their dress?  Their semantics?  Their overall body demeanor? 

The Bible says in several places that God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34, Rom. 2:11, Ephesians 6:9). He does not treat some individuals better than others because of the way they dress, their levels of income, the positions they hold, or who they know.  He not only treats everyone the same, it seems He goes out of His way to treat those who are hurting especially well.  

The Apostle Peter said this:

Practice hospitality to one another (those of the household of faith) (Be hospitable, be a love of strangers, with brotherly affection for the unknown guests, the foreigners, the poor and all others who come your way who are of Christ's body). And do it ungrudging, without complaining but representing Him (1 Peter. 4:9).  

Before you brush past this part, take an inventory of how friendly you are with people you don't know,  especially those who are entirely different from you.  Some people are just naturally friendly and outgoing in temperament, but those of us who don't seem to have the "friendly gene" need to make a decision to be friendly because the Bible says so.  

The apostle James admonished the church not to pay special attention to people who wore splendid clothes to the synagogue or to give them preferable seats when they came in.  He said if people acted in these ways and wanted special treatment, they had wrong motives (James 2:1-4). In other words, we are to treat all people as being worthy of respect.

Jesus said to put an end to distinction between people and said we are all one in Him (Galatians 3:28). We simply need to see valuable people-not rich or poor, highly educated or uneducated, not the labels in their clothes, hairstyles, the cars they drive, their professional titles -just people for whom Jesus died.

his Week's Meditation:

Teach me to "take my blinders off."

Pray:

Help me to meditate each day: "Lord, we are all of the same worth."
​
Teach me to be patient and know you will mentor me. Remind me that prayer motivates me.

Meditate on this for several minutes a day. Allow various thoughts to come into your mind.  And realize God has you in his arms always.

God's Message Today
Titus 2:7

"Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity"

Titus speaks of the importance of being a model of good works, being that type of individual people respect and enjoy being around.  In short, Titus is speaking of the importance of being likeable.  Have you ever noticed most highly successful people are likeable?  They revolve around life on this magic carpet of stewardship.  They are anxiously on board looking for new friendships, looking you straight in the eye with an avid handshake to boot.

Likeable people don't weight the value of their time.  They are quick to offer guidance and aid if the need arises.  Take the latest presidential campaign ads.  What message, whether true or not, do they convey?  Of course, the new upcoming presidential candidate seen among the masses as being a giver, a pleasant personality, and one who goes above and beyond initial expectations.  There is something to personally gain when you ingest this theme.

Likeable people always want to make their presence remembered.  They look you straight in the eye, try to remember you by name, and always have a positive comment when leaving.  Usually, these are the individuals who are in line for the next promotion or that added bonus.  Sure, we can think of them as "brown nosers", but the fact is we are annoyed because we can't stand being that happy all the time.  It seems fake to us, almost alien.  Yet, these are the type of people who move up the financial ladder of success.

But the sad truth is, it works, because there is something about this type of behavior that welcomes stewardship.  If it is genuine, it promotes success. Why do all exceptionally affluent businesses take stock in private industries who try to help others?  Because blessing others blesses ourselves. There is a message here.  Help others, and you will be blessed.  Be likeable, and opportunities will open.  Be a model of good works and bestow others with integrity and dignity.  When you do so, self confidence shines and you'll be noticed more frequently by superiors.  When superiors notice, you are blessed.  In short, be likeable and bless others, and God blesses you.

Daily Guidance

1.  Practice appreciation.  Let others know you depend on them.  People crave praise.  Be honest, people thrive on compliments.

2.  Practice calling people by names.  There is something about remembering a person's name that adds value to their persona.  

3.  Don't hog glory.  When a situation arises that needs praise, remember all those that helped you.  No one appreciates a glory hog.

4.  Put service FIRST before money.  When you are a good steward, the money will follow.  Don't ask, "How can I get this promotion?"  Ask, "How can I serve others more around my workplace?"  Your superior will notice.

5.  Make yourself enjoyable to be around.  Be likeable.  This wins support and adds fuel to your success-building program.

6.  Make new friendships.  Introduce yourself to others at every opportunity.

7.  Accept human differences.  Rather than highlight their misdemeanors, try focusing on the assets that make them unique.

8.  Tune into positive thoughts.  Tune out negative ones. Think positive and get positive results.

9.  Don't blame others when you have a setback.  Get up, dust your pants off and get moving again.

10.  Practice being courteous ALL the time.  It makes people feel good, and lifts your spirits too.
 ​

Monday's Blessing
Psalm 32:3

"When I kept silence [before I confessed], my bones wasted away through my groaning all the day long." 

How is your day beginning? Is it a bit off?  We all have days when we fell more emotional than usual, and there may be several reasons why.  It could be you didn't sleep well the night before, or maybe you ate something that didn't agree with you or lowered your blood sugar or maybe you are sensitive to its ingredients.  But the occasional emotional day is something you shouldn't be too concerned about. I have a saying, "It only lasts a day". 

Recently, my son was away with his friends for five days.  On the fifth day I woke up feeling stressed and depressed.  I just couldn't understand why.  Nothing prompted my emotions to react in such a way.  It was a peaceful sleep, and I ingested nothing the night before that would have enhanced my sensitives.  So I prayed asking God to take this burden away from me as I had work to do.  At that moment, I felt a void lifted.  Something in my heart had been heavy.  Then a myriad of images fluttered through my mind.  They included all of things we shared such as nightly walks, help with dinner, help with chores, good conversation, and the warm feeling of a special friendship.  I had been missing all of this these last few days.  My heart was tugging for a hug.  

Sometimes there may be times we have emotional issues that need to be resolved and dealt with.  We are usually guilty of stuffing things down inside rather than dealing with them up front.  If you are one of those people who hate confrontations, your soul may be full of unresolved issues that need closure.  Sometimes we are not privy to these emotions.  They may have been swept under the rug so quickly that we didn't even notice the action to begin with.  

So, if you feel unusually sad or are carrying a heavy burden, ask God what is wrong before you assume anything.  It is amazing how quickly we can learn by simply asking God for an answer and willing to face the truth.  But you have to shut up for the moment and listen.  We are so used to babbling, filling the space of silence.  Remember, God speaks to your heart.  You must stop, listen, and wait.  Trust in him.  

This Week's Meditation:

There is no will but God's

I am at peace.
Nothing can disturb me, My will is God's.
My will and God's are one.
God will peace for his Son.   

Meditate on this for several minutes a day. Allow various thoughts to come into your mind.  And realize God has you in his arms always

Monday's Blessing
2 Corinthians 6:14

"Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness 
with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? "

There are great laws in the Bible that specifically speak of the certainty of setting boundaries.  And, yes, boundaries need to be set especially for people who "suck the life out of us".   I know this sounds unchristian at first, but I truly believe God protects us from individuals such as these by the verification of today's verse.  This is not be confused with the Biblical verse, "turn the other cheek".  Each verse is a lesson in its own respect, such as the latter, that prompts us not to become violent or used by uncaring individuals.  "Do not be unequally yoked," is a powerful verse.  God tells us not to become part of a relationship that is not our equal.  We don't see eye to eye, and God knows this. It makes perfect sense since people that are not in our own realm have alternate ideas that often drag us down, make us confused, and just shake our whole being.  Do you know of someone who always sees the cup half full?  Always desperate for attention?  Always in need?  A good partnership is two-way street.  A solid partnership has the same likes and dislikes that bonds the persons together.  Partners often enjoy the same entertainment.  They listen to each other, and offer solid advice.  There is trust and compassion evident in the relationship. Do not surround yourself with people that drag you down.  Yes, do be a Christian when someone is in need, but you don't have to inundate your time helping this individual that may never see the light.

"What partnership as righteousness without lawlessness?" Partnerships can be with your spouse, partner, children, friends, or others who are close in your life. Even though we are surrounded by those we love, it is important to set your own personal boundaries to ensure you do not smother, nor do they smother you. It is often especially hard for woman to set boundaries as we are generally nurturing in spirit. But, nonetheless, it is important to set boundaries to keep your relationships healthy. Actually, there are several points that are important to keep your own sanity.  

What setting boundaries means: 

Setting boundaries means you are taking responsibility and 
standing by your personal code of ethics and values.

Setting boundaries reflect your right to say NO to things that 
are not right for you.

Setting boundaries means you are learning the importance of 
self-care, self respect, and self love.

Setting boundaries emerge when we learn to go within, listen to 
our authentic selves, value our own decisions and trust 
ourselves.

Setting boundaries emerge from knowing what you believe, 
dislike, or like is important and relevant.

Setting boundaries emerge from deep introspection and the realization of what you
deserve and do not deserve.


Daily Guidance

1. How do you create a boundary? 

1. Decide what you will accept and what you will not. If you find someone is 
crossing your boundaries, describe the behavior you find unacceptable.

2. Describe what action steps you will take if your boundary is violated.

3. Enforce your boundaries if necessary.

2. Be sure to plan your consequence BEFORE addressing that individual who has over stepped your boundary.  Be direct and concise of what you will tolerate.  Don't waver should the boundary be crossed again.  There is no sense in setting up boundaries if you can't follow through with a consequence.  

3. Never apologize to an individual for setting a boundary. Why should you?  After all most boundaries are simply common sense.  You will send mixed signals.  you must be firm and direct.  Otherwise, that person will find an alternate avenue that will not conform to your expectations.

4. Above all, pray.  Pray, pray, pray.  God will direct you on how to handle this.  You are a child of God, and deserve to be loved and respected!
 

Monday's Blessing
1 Peter 1:13

"Look forward to the special blessings that will come to you at the return of Jesus Christ."

Has someone got you down lately?  Just turning your world inside out so that you have to take matters into your own hands?  Are you wasting precious energy trying to put a stop to it so the pain will not infect you any longer?  Is your mind racing with possibilities throughout the day constantly rewinding those scenes on how you will not be taken advantage of you any longer?  

The road to revenge can be a slick one paved with hairpin turns that will quickly take you by surprise.  No one better knows mistreatment than Job.  He had to go through the most trying times any person could endure.  In less than a year, he lost his family, business, and health. He had boils all over his entire body and no doubt lived in perpetual pain.  But in the midst of his darkest hour, Job said, "God, I know that you have granted me favor." (Job 10:12)

Now here's what people often overlook.  There are 42 chapters in the book of Job.  Job made that statement in faith in chapter 10.  He was not blessed, healed, or set free until chapter 42!  But Job knew in the very beginning when his circumstances appeared the darkest and without hope, that could would grant him favor.  It may have taken a bit longer than Job anticipated, but he wasted no negative energy on trying to "get back" those who have wronged him.  Instead, his eyes were raised always anticipating favor from God.  I believe this made life bearable.  

The Bible says, "Hope to the end for the divine favor that is coming to you." (1 Peter 1:13).  It is noted that this verse is stated for the return of Christ.  But it is also truthful in letting us know to never give up.  Never waste our energies on things that we simply can not change ourselves.  Keep on believing, instead, that God promises good things and so these things shall come as blessings to each of us.  If you keep your hope in the Lord, and not on what surrounds you, God promises favor. You may have to be a bit patient, but when God's favor shows up it will be in a burst of blessings.  

So whenever that one person has you down, look inwards and claim, "God I know Your favor is coming my way."  Today as you go about your normal activities understand that you always have God's favor available to you.  Live with confidence, dare to be bold.  Don't allow anyone to get you down by trodding heavily on your path.  Look deep inside and realize you've got the edge.  You have the favor with God.  

Monday's Blessing
Philippians 4:13

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

God's hands are huge.  We all know that.  Knowing that he has the space for each of us right there in the palm in his hand is comforting.  Sadly, it is hard for us to share this some days causing innate fear that we may just be too "God Driven."

Now that may set unease for some of you thinking, "But I do share my experience as child of God with everyone!"  But how often are you downtrodden by the negative talk of others?  Rather then share a spiritual prayer of renewal, we'd rather listen, nod, and offer God's unspoken words of Biblical comfort.  

Of course we should listen to the plight of others, but we need to ensure they understand that they are limiting God in their life.  After all HE may want to open a better position for them and intervene.  A Biblical verse and an understanding head nod may be a small drop in the bucket compared to what God had intended for that person to enjoy.  How do we get through?

Unfortunately, we can be that small drop in the bucket as we listen for hours on end to the disasters unfolding in that person's life.  It can be an uncomfortable environment, but it's all we've ever been taught - listen, understand, nurture.  All the while God has a bigger picture in mind.  

Today, dare to dream bigger.  Think outside that box.  Listen, understand, nurture and then take a big leap.  Start by saying, "I love you Dear, but you need to quit focusing on all the negative.  Stop looking at everything you've lost and start looking at what you have left!"  "Start believing RIGHT NOW that things are going to change for the better, not because you deserve it, but because God loves you that much!"

Be the one to give the kick in the butt when needed.  We do if for family.  Why not for our friends we love as much?

Most importantly, remind them, "Remember your actions will follow your expectations. Low expectations will trap you into mediocrity.  High expectations will motivate you and drive you to move forward in life!"  Explain that this is not a passive process.  "You must wake up thinking of high expectations everyday!  Change your thought process!"

Once Elijah experienced numerous miracles, and his understudy Elisha asked him if he could have a double portion of his spirit.  Strange, I'm sure Elijah thought, but didn't miss a beat replying, "You have asked a hard thing,.  Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from it you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be sol." What he was trying to tell him was, "If God allows you to see it, you can count on your request being granted." But I also believe he was telling Elisah if you can see it, then you can be it.  If you can visualize it in your heart and mind, seeing it through God's word can become a reality in your life.

Teach those in need to see through their spiritual eyes.  Teach them to see a version of victory for their life.  Let them know it is OK to expect it!  Remind them that God's palm is big enough for everyone.    

Monday's Blessing
James 5:16

"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."    

The other day a friend called overwhelmed with life around her.  Everything seemed to be falling apart.  Her husband was spending late nights at work with his secretary working on a deadline.  This secretary happened to be 15 years younger and enthralled with her husband Steve's wisdom.  Her son recently dropped out of college and felt he needed to take a "break".  They were also doing rudimentary changes with staff at her job, and she felt her position may be in jeopardy.   "It could not all be happening at the worse time," she exclaimed.  "Every morning I wake up and wonder what "shoe" will fall next."

Of course being the good friend I am, I tried to intervene with help and "what-nots" Those would be the what not to put up with at this time.  Sensing I was causing more weariness for my friend than aid I decided to quiet down.  At this point she said, "Listen, I appreciate your concern, but if I wanted your opinion on this I would have asked.  I just simply needed a listening ear and some prayer."

That simple statement propelled me down memory lane.  How I hated others offering the "what-nots" when I was upset!  Who needs someone babbling when you already know what you should not be doing? Further more, I hated the "what-you-should-have-dones". Those are the good intentions statements such as "My goodness how could you coddle him that much?"  "If you would have been tougher, these situations would not be going on right now!" That talk would set that anger spark flaming. I'm already in a "pickle" why are you adding to my pain? Furthermore, those were items I preached on continually.  What not to do if you want to keep your friendship intact I once called it. How could I have resulted to this myself?

James teaches that prayer should be our first impulse when he writes: "Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray.  Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.  Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray for him." (James 5:13-14). We should be praying for everything first including friends BEFORE we offer our great wisdom.

At one time I didn't believe every little prayer should be gracing God's ears.  I would keep time in the morning and night for such deliveries.  I mean, why bog God down right? He has millions of people out there talking his ear off at various hours of the day.  But one day I had a new job.  I was teaching at-risk youth in a private setting.  It was a whole new experience for me.  I had taught students like that periodically, but never had so many in one group.  Each new day was an effort to find out a common temperament zone that would benefit everyone.  My evenings and days were full of strategies to combat unexpected issues that would arrive without warning.  I was growing weary one morning just after waking knowing what was coming.  I stopped all thinking and called out, "Lord, let it be a good day with the students.  Let this day go about uneventful and peaceful."  And on that day so it was!  Every day afterwards, that was my first impulse each morning.  For the remainder of the year God blessed me on most days filling each with peace and trust.  

When our initial response is prayer, we've put God in the center of our daily activities. We're telling him, "I trust you, take care of this." Do it often.

Monday's Blessing
Acts 2:42-47

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." 

No man should try to be an island.  That is well said for someone who does not have a few nuances in his life that are often pointed out by close friends and family that amount to mere personal speculation with no experience.   

Connie has a boy on the higher end of the autism spectrum.  He is intermittently viewed in fits of frustration and overwhelming anxiety when new situations arise or present circumstances are unable to be controlled.  For the most part he's a good kid.  He has a tremendous sentimental heart that is loyal when anyone needs him.  His emotions are usually childlike as he encounters playful tasks that can often be viewed as refreshing. Most importantly, he has a zest for life and often draws others in his contentment when they are depressed are confused.   

But there are those dark days of frustration and anxiety.  It has inhibited her son developmentally from attaining the usual milestones in life.  In fact, he is a bit behind as he meanders up life's path.  It is during these times she can be inundated with so much unwanted advice.  Friends, or who Connie dubs as friends, are quick to point out the common mistakes she's made.  Of course these comrades are speaking from a lone voice of raising a normal child.  Not one, of course, has a child diagnosed as such.  So, these fleeting comments over the years have been brushed under the rug as Connie struggles to meet parental exceptions. In turn, she spends less time with family and friends in hopes of saving what little self worth she and her son has.  

In Acts we're told that the believers "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer" (2:42).  They studied the Bible together, worshiped together, and prayed together.  Doing all this together would have allowed union and time for teaching, questioning, correcting, and encouraging.  

In fact Hebrews said, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but lest us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25)  If those early Christians needed each other's teaching and encouragement, surely we must as well.  When we're alone we are easier prey for Satan's darts that include: discouragement, doubt, despair, or deception.  

So Connie prayed.  She knew the Bible promised encouragement with an entourage that was hand picked for her.  Shortly thereafter she found a new job opening in a facility that worked closely with higher functioning autistic children.  One day, when she was at rock bottom, she began complaining to a fellow employee about her son.  She quickly pulled up her guard expecting the usual rebuttle.  Instead, she found a circuit of love, support, and understanding.  This was completely unexpected yet welcomed.  Connie began gaining new insight from her new coworkers that helped support her child's needs.  Hence, she needed less support from her family and friends in this area concentrated more on the fun side of life when they were around.

Father,
I pray that you surround me with friends and family
who can encourage me, support me, and nurture me
with _____________________________.  I know
that you will forge a new path and support me in my
endeavor.  Amen.

Monday's Blessing
Luke 10:5

"When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house'."
 
Praying for others is essential.  In fact, the Bible states plainly that we must pray first before we act.  But there are times there are tangible needs that can be tended to for those we meet each day.  That need could be a drive to work or the doctors office, cooking a meal, housecleaning help, or a financial gift.  It could be helping a friend cover all the bases when she is overwhelmed due to a personal catastrophe.  It might be donating some sick days to a fellow employee in need.

I know its tough to reach out most days.  Our own lives are inundated with so many things to do that we can barely keep up ourselves.  But, when we reach out to those in need, God does bless us abundantly.  Luke tells us that when Jesus appointed a two-man team to go into the towns where he later planned to teach and preach, he instructed them in etiquette and told them to do four things: to pray, to bless, to heal, and to say, "The kingdom of God is near." (Luke 10:11)

By praying we are helping to fill the cracks of other's lives.  After we pray we can extend our prayers through acts of caring that will help others see Christ in us and perhaps draw them closer to God.  

We can do this in many ways.  If your local economy has been hit hard during the recent depression and you've noted many businesses checking out, why not make it an option to shop locally?  What good will it do if you just pray for those merchants feeling depressed and sad when they go?  

I recently began stepping out getting to know many local businesses.  I found that the service is more intimate when they know a neighbor is calling.  As a matter of fact, last year I needed two new back tires for my SUV.  I went all over looking for the best deal. To be honest, most of the best deals came from large conglomeration facilities.  By chance, I happened to stop in at a local tire dealer.  You can imagine my surprise when he agreed to match those prices plus reset all my beads for FREE!  I now frequent him each time there is a problem or a need for new tires.  

You can do more than pray.  Open up your heart for opportunities.  Let those feelings of unrest settle.  Allow God to step in and help you with this person.