Today's Soul Food
— May 23
Today's Soul Food
— May 23
Do all things without murmurings and questionings: that ye may become blameless and
harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse
generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world,
Philippians 2:14-15 (ASV)
Did you ever try to go through a day without complaining? I just had
a couple of days off work. I thought I'll go back to work Saturday and not complain. It
was a great thought. I just couldn't do it.
As I listened to my co-workers, I discovered that most comments were complaints. There
were complaints about the staffing, complaints about the number of patients, the
complaints about no pay raise or bonus, complaints about the weather. Really, what's wrong
with complaining! Well, what does it accomplish. It does tend to set the mood for the day.
If God is really in charge of things, why complain. Our complaints are actually criticisms
of His command.
If we could try not to complain -- just for one day -- it might make a considerable
difference. A positive comment to our coworkers might just set the mood for the day. Maybe
work -- or our entire day -- would be more enjoyable.
PBB
We have no more right to put our discordant states of mind into the lives of those around
us and rob them of their sunshine and brightness than we have to enter their houses and
steal their silverware.
Julia Moss Seton
May 23
"He who answers before listeningthat is his folly and his shame." Proverbs
18:13 NIV; "Before hearing, answer not, and interrupt no one in the middle of his
speech." Sirach 11:8 NAB; "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to
speak..." James 1:19 NIV.
We interrupt God when we question and shout "Why?" in the midst of His workings
for us.
Too, in our conduct toward others, we are so anxious to prove to them how wise we are that
we can't wait to mow them down with our own philosophy, right or wrong. We can never learn
while we trip over our own tongue trying to prove what we perceive to be another's
ignorance.
In social relations we are too quick to form superficial judgments of others. It's a very
narrow mind and heart that will not allow another to express his or her beliefs and
feelings. It is hurtful, hateful and foolish to assume that we have the last word about
anything at all. People and life have many fascinating facets that only the open mind and
heart will find by observing and listening to others. Most of the time this means being
speechless!
"Anyone who teaches novelties and refuses to fall in with the sound words of our Lord
Jesus Christ and the doctrine that tallies with godliness, is a conceited, ignorant
creature, with a morbid passion for controversy and argument which leads only to envy,
dissension, insults, insinuations, and constant friction between people who are depraved
in mind and deprived of the Truth." 1 Timothy 6:3,4 Moffatt. How we love to press and
impress on others, to the point of imposition. Rather than knocking others over with our
wit and expertise, we might be better off taking James' advice and try quiet courtesy.
Pat Nordman ©
Excerpts from today's Spurgeon's Devotions |
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Spurgeon's Morning for May 23 |
Spurgeon's Evening for May 23 |
| "The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me." - -Psalm 138:8 |
"Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money." - Isaiah 43:24
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All that Nature spins time will unravel, to the eternal confusion of all who are clothed therein. The Psalmist was wise, he rested upon nothing short of the Lord's work. It is the Lord who has begun the good work within us; it is he who has carried it on; and if he does not finish it, it never will be complete. |
The rich believer should be thankful for the talent entrusted to him, but should not forget his large responsibility, for where much is given much will be required; but, rich reader, are you mindful of your obligations, and rendering to the Lord according to the benefit received? |
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But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.
Job 16:5 (NIV)
Knowing and Following by Cathy Vinson
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Send a note to © Cathy Vinson , the writer of this devotion |
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