Word for Today SPECIAL EDITION: Is God Saying Something to ME? To YOU?
Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>
I just have to send out another message. Those of you who read Word
for Today very often know that I love the writings of the apostle
Paul, but especially his letters to the Philippian church and his
prayers for the Ephesians. Well, as if we haven't already seen these
scriptures often enough from me (and from others), YET ANOTHER writer
uses them in her message today.
Could it be that God is sending a special message to me? To you? To
someone else who needs encouragement?
I want you all to know that I think a great deal about the people who
read these messages. I spend a lot of time praying for all of you,
whether you are doing well or struggling. In an economic sense, my
family is struggling right now. I am still looking for work, and even
my best prospects are not getting me anything right now. Yet, on
another plane, my life is getting more and more steady. God has been
doing a work in my heart, and continues to do so. I am convinced that
He is preparing me for something BIG - I just don't know for sure what
it is YET.
Have you ever been in that place? If so, I think the message today is
really appropriate. When we have needs, it is right and appropriate
to present our requests to God. We need not feel guilty about asking
Him, but we do have to come with the right attitude - one of
thanksgiving for all that we already possess, and thanksgiving for
God's faithfulness. I join the writer of the following message in
giving thanks and praise to God for who HE is, what He has done, and
what He continues to do, not only in my own life, but in the lives of
people everywhere. I will continue to praise Him for the rest of
eternity. I plan to rejoice and celebrate. I'm even rejoicing right
now. How about you?
Your Brother in Christ,
Brian
PCCWeb Daily: daily.presbycan.ca/
Tuesday, October 9, 2001
Today's Devotional
Give Thanks
Philippians 4:4-7 - Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it
again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord
is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests
to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus. (NIV)
When Paul wrote these words to the church in Philippi, he was in
prison and in chains, and yet he writes this letter which is
filled with thanksgiving and hope. How does he do it?
Philippians 1:12-14 - Now I want you to know, brothers, that
what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.
As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace
guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been
encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and
fearlessly. (NIV)
Paul had a purpose in living, and that was to live for
Christ. He had the gift of living life to the fullest, wherever
he was, and in whatever circumstances or opportunities that God
brought before him. I think that really is a gift.
I have a friend who tells me that at the close of each day, she
disciplines herself to list the things for which she is thankful
in the day. Even if it's been one of those days that one wants
to forget, she finds things to be thankful for. qI think if we
learned to be more thankful for each day and the opportunities
it brings, we would also become more aware of those
opportunities and the many ways that God is working in and
through us.
The Lord is near!
Prayer: Gracious and loving God, we come this day in
thanksgiving. We are so thankful to you for this day that you
have given to us, full of hope and promise. Open our eyes today
to see the opportunities that you set before us, and teach us to
live today for you. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Ruth McCowan emailzoom@home.com
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Today's Canadian Bible Society Scripture Reading: Luke 17:20-37
bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Luke+17:20-37
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Brian Masinick, "The Mas", mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: http://www.geocities.com/masinick/
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