I know of someone who often complained why he never received visitors, as often as others. Trouble is those who visited this gentleman were normally entertained to a harsh tongue full of spite. In this gentleman’s household there was always something to cry foul at: the bad weather, the poor hygiene all around, the nature of his house which builders had messed up, the exploitative government, children’s poor grades, the lack of people keeping time, just about everything. Never had he room to find something to praise.
But then, what was the situation with his neighbor. Well, this other person who lived a block away had a lot to smile at. There were her kids who were at school, the weather that brought good food, the work of her hands, her sweet neighbors she could share the gospel with, and more! There was a lot to thank God for.
Often life is a choice. We can choose to go about snipping and quarreling about this and that. Many times we end up with a depressed company around us. Or we can choose to be gentle with ourselves and find something good every day to be thankful for, remembering it is he, who gives life. Let us be like Job who in his distress still found a word of cheer: “You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit” Job 10:12.
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, help me have a cheerful spirit full of praise and that lifts up the spirit of those around me as a witness of your love!
Related upcoming events
-
20/04/2024 - 21/04/2024 All day“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Cor 16:13)
Tourists who happen to visit Bukingham palace will be expected to notice the King’s royal guards. Dressed in colorful often red uniforms and adorning tall black helmets they stand on guard and no one dare cross them. Elsewhere in life we find guards in all manner of places quite firm on deterring any intruder wherever they may be.
For us Believers being on constant guard is a calling we must permanently observe. And why? Once in the course of his work, “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Mathew 16:23). Peter had just protested that he would not deny Jesus only to be sported out!
There is something for us to note here. Satan had penetrated the ranks of Jesus and was going through his closest disciple. It is clear that Peter was not even aware that he was being used. Anyway, he found his target, Jesus, was on guard. Immediately Satan was sent packing.
No Believer is immune to attacks from Satan. After all when once the Lord asked Satan his whereabouts: “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it” (Job 1:7). Clearly the guy is out there 24/7 looking for whom to devour. “Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8).
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as you have warned us to be on “guard” help me ever to be on the watch out for the attacks of the enemy and with your word rebuke Satan, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
