THIS DAY

This is the day the LORD

has made; we will rejoice

and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

The older I get, the more important each day seems to mean to me. God has made every single day for me to live and enjoy. I see in this verse there are no description of what a day may consist of. For instance, there are rainy days, sick days, work days, vacation days, discouraging days, wedding days, sunny days, and on and on. We may have more than one of those things all in one day.

God's word isn't precise for a reason. Whatever comes our way on any given day, whether positive or negative, we are to have the spirit of two things....difference but like as well. Glad is an emotion that begins within us. Folks may not be able to tell what we are thinking or feeling. Gladness generally will come to the surface through a smile, relaxed spirit or even twinkle in the eye.

Rejoicing is the outcropping of our gladness. We perhaps have gladness building up in us and as if we can't contain ourselves, we laugh, face brightens and we at times can be come plain silly.

Our rejoicing, the evidence of an inner joy doesn't come from life's circumstances. It's a spiritual quality from God Himself. If I am ill, I still should be able to find joy because God is not only in control of my life, but is my Best Friend...and the source of my gladness as well.

We love You, Father, and at times don't show spirits of gladness and rejoicing because of circumstances. Help us to see You in all our days, no matter the pain or happiness. Thank You for being our friend and for giving us the days You for serving and loving You. In Jesus' name...Amen 

SPIRITUAL BUDS

Why are you cast down, O

my soul? And why are you

disquieted within me?

Hope in God, for I shall

yet praise Him for the help

of His countenance.

Psalm 42:5

Many of us might find ourselves a little wealthier if we could have one dollar for every time we have heard “I hope so.” Most often the word is used in a very downcast manner, but that is not the meaning or intent of the word.

I have also considered the phrase “Keep the faith.” I used to hear that said sounding like some kind of cheer, called out by someone usually wanting to encourage someone. I have come to see the two words FAITH and HOPE as words that are to be encouraging. Non believers use both words in their own way, just perhaps helping others to be of good cheer.

I have looked at these words before, and although I'm primarily looking at the word HOPE, I still want to give attention to the word FAITH for us to once again see them in light of spiritual importance.

                                                        F-orsaking              H-aving

                                                        A-ll                          O-nly

                                                        I-                             P-ositive

                                                        T-rust                      E-xpectations

                                                        H-im

One thing I see both words have in common is that both requires some activity on our part. Those activities can be on the uncomfortable side for us. One part tells us to “forsake all” and that's a word we don't care for. It generally means giving up thing(s) we don't want to give up but the key added word there is “all.” God may convict us of something we need to get away from be it habits, people, pastimes, etc. Forsaking means to give something up totally, never to revisit it again.

Hope, however is a very positive concept. The hard part of this is the word “positive.” We live in a very negative time. At times our first inclination is to thing about what won't or can't happen. Hope, however, is purely a positive concept. We wouldn't hope to be in a car accident or burn the dinner. It means our focusing on the good that can happen in any situation of our concern.

Be it faith or hope in our lives, the one Person that might not be considered in the moment is the Author of both...our Father. He has meant both for our joy and well being. In our complete trust in God, hope can walk us through any situation. We can trust and rest in Him with a smile of anticipation when we trust only Him and hope in those expectations He will work for our good.

Help us to trust You, Father, in all things and to plant our hopes and desires in You alone. May we function in Your power and Yours alone. In Jesus name...Amen 

 

OR ELSE....

Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am

your God...

Isaiah 41:10a

Our children were quite young when we would make occasional weekend visits to see my Mother. I remember the first time we experienced something quite new on her part. Her TV was on all the time, but found she was doing something quite unique....when ads came on TV, she pushed the mute button and then restored the sound when the advertisements came back on. Not being used to something like that, it was bit irritating to the five of us.

I am finding in these days, that I am tending to do the same thing. Back when we made a grandma visit, the ads weren't so many and their content for the most part were harmless. In recent months, I've been paying attention to TV ads and have found that a good many of the ads we see, and think we ignore are all very threatening.

For instance, home remedies are available for just about every kind of physical condition one could think of. In many cases, the product presented would seem to be the only hope for healing there is. Oh yes, and has your husband purchased life insurance for you and himself. In these ads, men are usually as lacking in caring as in sense. Car insurance has really come on the scene with threats regarding charges for repair but their insurance is the answer and you should respond favorably...or else. There is a spray for fruits and veggies to kill germs before cooking. If not....well...or else.

I am so grateful that I love and serve a Heavenly Father who convicts us when needed. As any parent would do, He gives us caution about playing with sin and it's results. We are encouraged to follow His Word and provides His Spirit to teach and lead us. Our rebellion/disobedience will always get God's attention. He lovingly gets our attention in those times. We should consider then that an “or else” is certainly called for.

Father, Satan would keep us in turmoil from every direction. Not only does the media delight in keeping us unsettled in many ways, so Your power is greater still in protecting and calming us. Thank You. In Jesus name...Amen