I am so frustrated and angry. I live in a condominium complex and we have a communal laundry room. Everyone has their own washer and dryer but they are all in one room. I have lived here for over two years, have grown to love it, and love the neighbors that I know.
Well, I went to do my laundry this morning and someone had stolen the empty laundry basket that was on my washer, all of my fabric softener and fabric softener sheets, and one bottle of detergent. They were kind enough to leave one bottle of detergent. I was so angry. I know it doesn't seem like much but I save every penny I can and laundry supplies are not cheap. But more importantly, it was a horrible feeling to know that someone stole from me.
Of course, I got all in a dither and decided that I was moving! It didn't matter that my home is perfect for me - the right size, the right location, the right price, and, for the most part, great neighbors. I didn't care - I was moving!!
I went outside to sit on my porch and read the paper (the real estate ads!). I have worked hard to make my patio look nice - put lots of plants out, got new chairs, and hung my bird feeder. I love to watch the birds come up to the bird feeder. They will actually come up to it and eat even while I am sitting right there on the porch. It makes me happy to watch them and always puts a smile on my face!
Well, while I was out there steaming about my laundry supplies and looking through the ads, I looked up and there were several birds on the feeder and several more actually walking around my porch. I put the ads down and watched the birds. I began thinking about how grateful I am for my home, how much I truly like it, how perfect it is for me, and how easy it would be to just put my laundry supplies away where no one can get them. My problem would be solved and I am still happy in my home.
God has so truly blessed me with my home and everything in my life. I am so grateful that He opened my eyes on this situation - instead of continuing to be angry and frustrated, He gave me a solution and a peace about the situation. Although I have to admit, I am still a little angry, I feel sorry for whoever stole my things. I would gladly have let them borrow some if they needed it instead of them stealing it. But I am more grateful for the wonderful neighbors that I do have, the ones who have been true friends and have helped me in so many ways. God led me to this home and I believe He wants me to stay here.
Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have given me. Thank you for the peace You give me even in bad situations. Help me to forgive those who have hurt me and help me to be a good example to them in these situations.
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." Matthew 18:35
Showing posts with label Matthew. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Matthew. Show all posts
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
OUR CONTENT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN OUR COVER
One of my new hobbies is going to auctions and flea markets. I love to find great bargains either for my own home but mainly to resell. I went to a library and bought probably 100 books for a dime each and have begun reselling them. It is a fun way to make a few extra dollars. It is fun to see if items sell for what I anticipate or if I have bought a big flop!!
One of the things that has come to my attention is that a lot of people have begun buying antique books just for their covers, not for their content. Interior decorators buy them and use them to create a warm, old-world atmosphere in the homes of affluent people. They do not care what the content of the book is, just that the covers match the room's decor. These books are only for show.
Focusing on outward appearance may be a pleasing way to decorate a home, but it certainly is a very dangerous way to lead your life. Jesus reprimanded many religious leaders of His day because they did not practice what they preached. They were addicted to praise and self-importance. Instead of opening the doors of heaven to people, because of their actions, they shut the door in their faces. Jesus said of them: "Everything they do is for man to see." Matthew 23:5
God calls us to be people of inner substance, not just outward appearance. We need to show others the reality of God by an attitude of humility. In living for Jesus, our content is much more important than our cover.
The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:11-12
One of the things that has come to my attention is that a lot of people have begun buying antique books just for their covers, not for their content. Interior decorators buy them and use them to create a warm, old-world atmosphere in the homes of affluent people. They do not care what the content of the book is, just that the covers match the room's decor. These books are only for show.
Focusing on outward appearance may be a pleasing way to decorate a home, but it certainly is a very dangerous way to lead your life. Jesus reprimanded many religious leaders of His day because they did not practice what they preached. They were addicted to praise and self-importance. Instead of opening the doors of heaven to people, because of their actions, they shut the door in their faces. Jesus said of them: "Everything they do is for man to see." Matthew 23:5
God calls us to be people of inner substance, not just outward appearance. We need to show others the reality of God by an attitude of humility. In living for Jesus, our content is much more important than our cover.
The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:11-12
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
WHAT IS THE JUNK FOOD IN YOUR LIFE?
I was craving some chocolate today, as I had been for several days. I finally broke down and bought a candy bar. I did not eat it all - only about half of it. Granted, it was a king size bar, but I usually don't have even that much will power not to eat the whole thing!
The amazing thing was that as good as it tasted to me within minutes I was craving more. I had filled myself up with junk but was still not satisfied!
The world is a lot like junk food. We fill ourselves up with junk - whether it be certain music, tv shows, some sites on the internet, certain magazines, anything that does not honor God and takes our "appetites" away from Him. What takes your "appetite" away from God?
Lord, help us to be more aware of the "junk" in our lives. Help us to fill our appetites with things that honor You and will keep us satisfied!
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6
The amazing thing was that as good as it tasted to me within minutes I was craving more. I had filled myself up with junk but was still not satisfied!
The world is a lot like junk food. We fill ourselves up with junk - whether it be certain music, tv shows, some sites on the internet, certain magazines, anything that does not honor God and takes our "appetites" away from Him. What takes your "appetite" away from God?
Lord, help us to be more aware of the "junk" in our lives. Help us to fill our appetites with things that honor You and will keep us satisfied!
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6
Thursday, January 24, 2008
SOLID ROCK OR SINKING SAND?
There was a picture in the paper today of a home whose foundation was sliding down a hill. The owners were about to lose their home because of the foundation they had built on was sinking! Coincidentally (although I doubt seriously if it was truly a coincidence!) when I was reading my Bible today I was reading in Matthew where Jesus talks about the wise and foolish builders.
In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus says "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who build his house on the sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
Is your house built on a firm foundation or is it on sinking sand? Are you a wise or foolish builder? Can you withstand any storm that life brings your way? Build your house on a firm foundation with God!
One of the best old time hymns is Solid Rock which was written in 1832 by Edward Mote. These lyrics are perfect for this devotional!
SOLID ROCK
On Christ the Solid Rock
(Edward Mote, William Bradbury)
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name
When darkness veils his lovely face
I rest on his unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand
His oath, his covenant, his blood
Supports me in the whelming flood
When all around my soul gives way
He then is all my hope and stay
When he shall come with trumpet sound
Oh may I then in him be found
Dressed in his righteousness alone
Faultless to stand before the throne
In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus says "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who build his house on the sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
Is your house built on a firm foundation or is it on sinking sand? Are you a wise or foolish builder? Can you withstand any storm that life brings your way? Build your house on a firm foundation with God!
One of the best old time hymns is Solid Rock which was written in 1832 by Edward Mote. These lyrics are perfect for this devotional!
SOLID ROCK
On Christ the Solid Rock
(Edward Mote, William Bradbury)
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name
When darkness veils his lovely face
I rest on his unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand
His oath, his covenant, his blood
Supports me in the whelming flood
When all around my soul gives way
He then is all my hope and stay
When he shall come with trumpet sound
Oh may I then in him be found
Dressed in his righteousness alone
Faultless to stand before the throne
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
DO ALL THAT YOU DO FOR HIS GLORY IN 2008
Wow! It is 2008 - hard to believe! Another year gone by! My 2008 started off great. I went to the party and met some wonderful people and had a great time! So glad I went!
Now it is time to make my New Year's resolutions! I actually started last night - one of my resolutions is to listen more closely to what God is telling me and to obey what He is telling me. He had been telling me to go to this group and I had said on several occasions that I was going to go, but then I backed out. I found out last night that they had been praying for me to come. That made me feel so good, that they cared enough about me before they even met me, to pray for me! I am so glad that I finally listened to God and did what He was telling me to do!
There are so many other resolutions that I hope to keep this year - the typical lose weight, exercise more, etc. But more important are the ones like be kinder to others, make sure everyone I love knows how much I love them every day, spend more time in prayer and really listen to what God is saying to me (not just what I have to say to Him!), share Christ more with others, and I have promised myself (and God!) to read the Bible in its entirety this year! (I did start today!).
Whatever your resolutions are, do all that you do in 2008 for the glory of God!
"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16
Now it is time to make my New Year's resolutions! I actually started last night - one of my resolutions is to listen more closely to what God is telling me and to obey what He is telling me. He had been telling me to go to this group and I had said on several occasions that I was going to go, but then I backed out. I found out last night that they had been praying for me to come. That made me feel so good, that they cared enough about me before they even met me, to pray for me! I am so glad that I finally listened to God and did what He was telling me to do!
There are so many other resolutions that I hope to keep this year - the typical lose weight, exercise more, etc. But more important are the ones like be kinder to others, make sure everyone I love knows how much I love them every day, spend more time in prayer and really listen to what God is saying to me (not just what I have to say to Him!), share Christ more with others, and I have promised myself (and God!) to read the Bible in its entirety this year! (I did start today!).
Whatever your resolutions are, do all that you do in 2008 for the glory of God!
"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
WHY DOES LIFE ALWAYS HAVE TO CHANGE?
You will have to excuse me if I ramble a little bit today. It has been a long few days and I am really tired. A lot has been going on at the thrift store I volunteer at and it has been an emotionally draining few days. And once again, it looks like things are going to change in my life again as far as volunteering there. But as my dear friend said today, life is full of change and nothing ever stays the same.
But why can't it? Why does it seem just when I seem to be getting a new start and things are settling down, things change again???
But I guess change does not have to be bad - just different! It certainly wasn't bad when I changed where I lived and moved to Morgantown. In fact, it has been great. I love it here and feel like this is home. And the things that are important in my life haven't, and won't, change. My relationship with my precious daughter, my friendships - old and new, and most importantly, my relationship with God. I guess that really isn't true - those relationships all keep getting stronger and I am so truly blessed.
Jobs may come and go, where I live may change, the car I drive may change, but the truly important things in life won't change, and I thank God for that and for the people who help me realize that!!
"Do not store up for yourselve treasures n eart, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destory, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19-21
But why can't it? Why does it seem just when I seem to be getting a new start and things are settling down, things change again???
But I guess change does not have to be bad - just different! It certainly wasn't bad when I changed where I lived and moved to Morgantown. In fact, it has been great. I love it here and feel like this is home. And the things that are important in my life haven't, and won't, change. My relationship with my precious daughter, my friendships - old and new, and most importantly, my relationship with God. I guess that really isn't true - those relationships all keep getting stronger and I am so truly blessed.
Jobs may come and go, where I live may change, the car I drive may change, but the truly important things in life won't change, and I thank God for that and for the people who help me realize that!!
"Do not store up for yourselve treasures n eart, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destory, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19-21
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