REJOICE OR ENVY?

When a friend of yours does something special such as receiving recognition or they get a promotion at work or are named president or leader of some group, is your first reaction envy or do you rejoice for them? Perhaps you compare yourself and start feeling inadequate. Maybe your jealously is so strong it is difficult to wish them well. Everyone has a different purpose in life. God does not want us looking at others with jealously or resentment. If you feel that way try stopping what you are doing and pray to ask God to strip away any negative wrong emotions you may be harboring.

Satan is the master of mind manipulation trying to come in and get you thinking all sorts of wrong stuff. You may worry, compare, criticize, or just have bad thoughts. Are bad thoughts from our heavenly Father? The answer of course is NO.

So what do we do to combat this? The first thing is to keep yourself grounded in the word of God. Maybe put some nice praise and worship music on in your home or while diving in your car. Try to keep the attitude positive.

Romans 12:15(NLT) says 'Be happy with those who are happy and weep with those who weep.' James 3:14-16(ESV) further says 'But if you have bitter jealously and selfish ambition in your hearts do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealously and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.' Those verses sort of say it all. Rejoice and be glad for others and be thankful for where God has you in life.

PRAYER: Lord help me to be happy for others successes and not be envious or upset. You have given me gifts and abilities and for that I say thank you. Help me to truly rejoice with others over their achievements. Take away any envy. In Jesus' name. Amen.

REJOICE WITH THOSE WHO REJOICE

In Romans 12:15 it says to do what my title refers to but also to "weep with those who weep." When someone else gets a promotion and you don't, are you jealous? When a friends' child does something outstanding are you able to compliment them or are you envious? Does someone who has money for a new car or house bother you? Maybe it is the college someone attends or their job? We are where we are for reasons God has. No one individual is better in God's eyes.Everyone has a purpose and each of us is important to God.

If you are in a position that is important in the eyes of the world or are blessed with worldly treasures do not get arrogant or think you are better than others. 1 Peter 5:6 says "Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God that in due time he will exalt you."

Especially with your friends, learn to rejoice with them over good news and be sad with them or comfort them when they need it. Try to not be bitter but to be better I think I have heard Bible teacher Joyce Meyer say. John 3:30 says "He must become greater; I must become less." Basically this means to lift Jesus higher and do not be concerned over worrying about status.

Today try to find someone to rejoice with. Practice thinking less of yourself and more of others. You can impact your corner of the world and be thankful for exactly where God has placed you to do his kingdom work.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for the blessings in my life. The simple joys of each day are a delight. You truly are King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Forgive me for ever being jealous over the success of others. Help me Lord to always be humble. In Jesus name. Amen.

EVERY DAY IS A GOOD DAY WITH JESUS

 

Do you ever catch yourself complaining and saying it is a lousy day? First if you are reading this in and live in America you have much to be joyful about because currently we still have most of our God given freedoms. Many take them for granted. Think about the things you can do and places you can go with total freedom. It is astounding. Next, more than likely you have adequate food on your table and are not going hungry. Also don't you have a job? It may not be perfect but you have an income and are taking care of yourself and your family? If you are blessed to be able to stay home to raise children many do not have that luxury so give thanks. Do you drive a car? Maybe it is a clunker but it gets you there right? So really all in all your life isn't that bad and each day is a gift from God and does not have to be bad. It is in your attitude.

Philippians 2:5 reminds us that " your attitude should be the same as in Jesus Christ." Further in Philippians 2:14 it says " Do everything without complaining or arguing." Try to get rid of wrong thoughts. If you are thinking negative thoughts try to get rid of bad thinking and replace it with good thoughts. When you start to slip into negativity stop and think of something you are thankful for. Another good verse also found in Philippians is 4:11 which says " I am not saying this because I am in need for I have learned in whatever state I am in to be content."

So whether it is oversleeping and being late to a meeting, losing your luggage at the airport, having a scary medical report, or perhaps having a friend treat you ugly, you have to rise above your situation and know 'this too shall pass' and trust God is at work for your good. Forget your problem, give it to God, and pursue a peaceful spirit in the midst of chaos.

PRAYER: This is your day Lord and no matter what happens today help me keep a good attitude through it all. Forgive me when I have worried and been frustrated and did not trust you to see me through a particular problem. I know with you I can have peace and less frustration. My desire is to seek peace no matter what. In Jesus name.Amen.

Click on link for an awesome song:

http://youtu.be/mkEQGYApkVU

CELEBRATE JESUS!!

There are many celebrations in our lifetime. Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, baptisms, promotions, new jobs and the birth of a baby are a few that come to mind. All these celebrations are wonderful in and of themselves, but the ultimate celebration is celebrating our Lord Jesus Christ not just on special 'Holy days' or on Christmas, but each and every day is the Lord's day.

In Psalm 118:24 it reminds us "This is the day the Lord has made we shall rejoice and be glad in it!"   Do you feel joyful right now or like rejoicing? Many times we let circumstances dictate how we feel. Our faith in Jesus is not based on feelings so we can overcome any bad feeling and capture out thoughts to the obedience of Christ so we can be full of joy.  1 Peter 1:8 says "Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with inexpressible and glorious  joy."

Maybe you got up today and had a disagreement at home or work. Perhaps there was a misunderstanding with a friend. Whatever happens you have to control the urge to sink into a pit of worry and despair. You have to do what you can do to make amends but then you need  to move on and focus on 'things above'. The Bible says in Philippians  4:8 that "whatever is true, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything be excellent or praiseworthy, think on these things."

So in other words to be able to rejoice in the Lord and praise his name you have to control wrong thinking and focus on God and His word.  Do not allow people or situations to defeat you and be joy robbers.

"Rejoice in the Lord always again I say rejoice!"(Philippians 4:4).

PRAYER: Lord I choose to lift up your name daily and stay focused on praising you. When things in life get me down and try to defeat me help me remember to run to the cross. In Jesus name. Amen!
Click noon link for awesome song of praise:
http://youtu.be/XV15GBkgJgs

STOP COMPARING

The 'grass is always greener' or is it? How many of us have ever been envious of someone elses seemingly perfect life? Maybe jealous of a title a person has,their education, perhaps  their home, their wealth, their success, or perhaps their family life. We don't know the whole story. Not everything that is perfect looks perfect. Even if it is, are we able  to rejoice with those who rejoice and not be envious or jealous of them? The Bible says to be content. It also says to not covet or desire people's things. And it mentions jealously too. There is much within its' pages about focusing just on getting rich too. Can you truly rejoice with those who rejoice?

Why do some folks feel they have to prove things? Many of you reading this from these United States are considered wealthy compared to many nations. Most of us have a vehicle to drive. Usually there is plenty of food on the table and so much sometimes we often gorge ourselves and get overweight. This nation in most areas is blessed with clean running water which we often waste by taking showers too long or leaving it running longer than we should. Almost everyone in America can see a doctor when they need to without a long wait. American women spend a phenomenal amount of money on beauty supplies which could be used to feed  starving people. Not attempting to guilt anyone and not saying go without makeup, just simply making a point. We are blessed with vacation time and go to nice places. I could go on but the point being, stop and count your blessings and thank God for them instead of trying to keep up with others or not being satisfied.

What does God's word say about this? In Matthew 6:24 it says "No one can serve two masters.  Either you will hate one and love the other, or you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."   This does not say wealth is wrong but if you have an abundance it is not supposed to dominate your life.  Proverbs 23:5 says "Cast but a glance at riches and they are gone for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle." Proverbs 27:24 tells us "For riches do not endure forever and a crown is not secure for all generations."   In Hebrews 13:5 it says "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, never will I leave you or forsake you." In 1 Timothy 6:8 it reminds us "But if we have food and clothing we will be content with that." Philippians 4:11 also goes on to say about contentment "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." 2 Corinthians 10:5 says "We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise."

We should really only strive to be like God who is the only one to imitate or seek to be like.Romans 12:15 says to "Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep." Are you able to do this when someone gets a promotion and you don't or when a friend gets accepted to a certain college and you don't? Exodus 20:17 is the last of the Ten Commandments and it mentions not coveting your neighbors things. Take a moment and read over all these commandments. It is good to review them every now and then.

So how do things stack up for you? If the 'rug of success and prosperity' were yanked out from underneath you could you still praise God even when others around you carried on as normal seemingly having no problems? I will leave you with Matthew 6:33 which says " Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His  righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."

PRAYER: Father forgive me when I have complained or not been happy with what I have in life. I realize I am truly blessed. Thank you for working in my life. Help me learn to rejoice with others when good happens to them. In Jesus name. Amen.