September 15
"This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot." Ecclesiastes 5:18
Over one hundred times in Scripture we read, 'It came to pass.' That's because most things in life aren't permanent. Things change, but God doesn't! Knowing that can help you to handle the bad times and stop you from clinging so tightly to the good ones.
Here are three important truths to keep in mind:
1) Enjoy today. It's a gift-that's why it's called 'the present'. Solomon said, 'To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life...is...a gift from God' (v. 19 NLT). Even though you are constantly moving toward another goal or objective, learn to live in the present. Don't put your joy on hold, or let it slip away while you're waiting for the next big event.
2) Learn to appreciate the little things. They're all around you: the love of a good friend, a kind de
ed, a fresh insight, a good night's sleep, the delight on your child's face. When you appreciate what you have, it multiplies. When you're grateful for the little things, God will give you more to appreciate (Matthew 25:23).
3) Each ending brings a new beginning. There are two myths you should never believe. The first is the 'forever myth', which says your situation will never improve. The second is the 'never myth', which says if things get any worse you'll never be able to handle them. Both are distortions. God's Word says everything comes 'to pass'. And while you're going through it, He promises to 'strengthen...and help you' (Isaiah 41:10 NIV).
Yes, this ending will bring your new beginning. So keep trusting God.
This is a powerful song by Randy Travis recently sung by Bryn first in a group then as a solo - “Three wooden crosses”. It has a sobering message. Please click on the picture to listen.
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Housekeeping details for you
The point of this short blog will become clear if you decide to use this reading in the way we intend it. Netherfield Seventh-day Adventist Church believes in healthy churches. You can see what that means if you head to the relevant Healthy Churches page of the website. We also want other churches to be healthy. That means you can join in our campaign to create healthy churches, with healthy people serving the people in those churches.
A healthy church is one where Jesus comes first. A healthy church is one where the people work together to put Jesus first. One thing we are doing is to join people together to spread that news. I would like you to look at our prayer partners page. This will explain how we want you to use this short devotional. Very basically we want you to find a like-minded Christian friend who you will join with to : choose to pray together every day, decide together on a way to serve other people together, to help them grow as Christians - and to invite the Holy Spirit into your life every day. This blog that you will receive every day simply gives a common spiritual purpose. If you are a newcomer and want to join the blog with this object in mind click here
