By: Megan Becker
2/27/2012
A rich blue sky, with birds cheerfully singing would describe my backyard right now. The house is peaceful and quiet with only the sounds of my sister stirring her morning hot chocolate. I find myself observant in the quiet times of the day. Why is that? It’s because I’m not busying myself with one hundred or more things! It’s the quiet and peaceful times that bring me to reflect on all that is are going around me. Peace is beautiful, is it not? Our God is true peace. When we are in Him, we have a benevolent peace, but we take little time to thank our King for it.
Whenever I spend time with God, I am reminded of the love and joy and peace He has given to me. The birds in the back-yard bring a smile to my face and the music is lovely to hear! This morning I thank God for His exquisite creation, and I want to encourage you to do the same.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Opportunity in Disguise
By: Megan Becker
In the past few months, I’ve been coming to the point that the troubles and trials that we Christians go through are not things we should curse but rather give praise for. How could this be? Take a moment and think about a hardship you just recently faced, I’ll give an example of mine. Just the other day, I was not feeling too great and was actually pretty grumpy. Nevertheless I just didn’t want to deal with anyone. Sound familiar? I’m pretty sure we’ve all had those days. Well to make the story short, because of my attitude, my day did not go very well.
I could blame all my actions on how I was feeling…couldn’t I? I could just tell someone, “I wasn’t feeling good. Everyone knew that, and yet they just kept bugging me!” Sadly I did use an excuse similar to that! So how should I have dealt and viewed this situation in the right way? Here is how it all made sense to me when I came into my right mind! Take a look:
1. I wasn’t feeling well, but no matter my situation, I should have honored God
2. I should have done my best and treated those around me with love instead of wanting them to treat me the way I saw fit
3. I should have gone to my room and prayed about my situation and read the Bible to meet my needs
4. If I did wrong anyone, I must ask for forgiveness
I share this example from my life because I think it’s a common issue among many. We constantly want others to treat us a certain way, and when they don’t…BAM! The bomb goes off. My friends, when you find yourself feeling like a grump and not wanting to deal with anything...ask yourself, “Am I honoring God?”
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.” Philippians 2:14-16
I pray that you will use the strength that God has given you and really put it to use! The little difficult things in life are meant to show you where you need to grow, and instead of hating all the “bad” that is happening to you, actually think of it as an opportunity in “disguise” to grow in that weakness!
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
