Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! - Psalm 118:1 (NIV).
If dark clouds are gathering above two things can happen. One could see floods ahead, impassable roads and broken bridges everywhere. Fearful, one parent screams, “Get back in the house and sit still!” Another person though sees crops ripening and flowers blooming blessed by these rains. Hopeful, the parent smiles and tells the children to ready their hoes and scythe eager for a good harvest.
Life has these two sets of people. There is a certain Aunt who on hearing a nephew has applied to go to a certain top school frowns with a lecture, “No, you can’t go there!” And then there is that Uncle who on hearing a niece has applied to go to a certain school is quick to pat on her back and says, “Go for it!” Two people are looking at the same situation but with different attitudes.
A positive attitude can see stars above when darkness engulfs everywhere. A negative attitude will bemoan the fate of all and hear only shrills of agony the moment darkness takes over sunlight.
In the Christian life we also encounter with attitudes. Here is someone in perfect health, perhaps with a job, and family but seeing his progress against others is suddenly swallowed up with a negative attitude that whatever he does can’t amount to anything. What is killing him is comparison. Another person has his deal turned down but rather than descend into a pity party just takes a stock of all that he has achieved since, and more, the fact that he is alive and in good health, to smile ahead and wait for greater opportunities. He brightens when he remembers God’s word, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).
Every one of us needs a fresh dose of positive attitude for there is always a lot pushing against us, especially for Christ followers since they are up against a system counter to God’s laws. Next time, if you encounter a situation that makes you feel low, just go out and sing: “When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done!”
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, when I look around and see all you have done, I am so thankful, for am blessed indeed, and the future is bright because it is in you!
Related upcoming events
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19/05/2024 - 20/05/2024 All day“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its part were many they form one body” (2 Cor 12:12)
In the body of Christ every believer has a gift that contributes to making the church whole. There are those who are gifted at intercessory prayers. Others have been called to a pulpit ministry. Then there are those gifted at leading worship and praises. Some others have the gift of care and empathy. The gifts in the church are indeed endless.
One way to know your gift is being able to reflect on what burdens you most. For example, if you have a great feeling for people who are going through tribulations and need comfort then most probably yours is a gift of empathy and care. There are those with a burden to share the truth and theirs is the gift of teaching the Word.
When God gives us gift he also enables us. For example, one who has been gifted with praising and worshipping by singing would naturally have a way with his tongue. That one gifted with preaching has the talent to move listeners with words. God gives us gifts to build the body of believers.Do you know your gift? If so, how are you using it for the building of the church of Christ?
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray that you enable me use the gifts you have given me for the building of the church,
this I pray in Jesus’ name.
