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

START EACH DAY WITH PRAYER

I got up one morning and rushed right into the day
I had so much to accomplish that I didn't take time to pray.
Problems just tumbling about me, and heavier came each task.
"Why doesn't God help me," I wondered. He answered, "You didn't ask."

I wanted to see joy and beauty but the day tolled on, grey and bleak.
I wondered why God didn't show me. He said, "But you didn't seek."
I tried to come into God's presence; I used all my keys at the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided, "My child, you didn't knock."

I woke up early this morning and paused before entering the day.
I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray.
---- Author Unknown

I don't know about you, but there are days that I just crawl out of bed without giving God a second thought. I don't thank Him for another day, for getting me through the night, or ask his blessings on the new day. And I have to admit on the days that I do neglect to pray to God, my days certainly don't go quite as well! The burdens seem heavier, the tasks greater, the direction harder to find.

Let's all try to remember to start our day with prayers of praise and thanksgiving and direction. Our days will certainly be blessed!

"My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the earth learn righteousness." Isaiah 26:9