Loving God of all days, on this day pour out rich and wonderful blessings to the needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Philippians 4:1-9: 1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Have your heard the saying, "Your attitude determines your altitude?" It's a very true statement. The King James Version of the Bible has Psalm 24 saying, "As thinketh a man, so is he." And that's a true verse from scripture as well. What's in your mind determines what's in your heart and what's in your heart determines your conversation and witness, and that goes a long way in determining the atmosphere around you. Paul knew this and so as he writes to Christians facing the stresses of daily life along with the persecutions of hatred, he says, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice." Rejoice, it's your choice, choose it! I heard once a company that a morale problem and it seemed everyone there was always grumpy. Finally, one employee said to herself, "Enough's enough, we're given two choices each day and we're choosing the wrong one!" So she took a manila folder, and drew a happy face on one side and a sad face on the other. She posted that near the door and the coworkers got the message. The atmosphere became happier and the work environment changed. Ours is to choose the joy that Christ offers us in spite of all we may be facing. Paul goes on to say, "Do not worry about anything, pray about everything!" And so should we
PRAYER: Living and Loving God, it's my choice and I choose Your joy. I choose this day to cover myself and my loved ones in prayer. You know my needs and in You I place them. May You as my God of peace bless those around me. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
