dev2.jpg (7603 bytes)  Today's Soul Food — May 23

 

Golden Words

 


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)

goldbar.gif (418 bytes)


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


goldbar.gif (418 bytes)

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


Daily Meditations by  Pat Nordman ©

 

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

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

 


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?

 

dbiblc.gif (5194 bytes)

May 23 2Kings 14:1 - 15:38

365 days of Bible Readings Linked to Bible Gaitway TM 

Current Bible Question



What violent son of Gideon was killed by a woman who dropped a millstone on his head?
 


Previous question and Answer:

What was the name of the queen whose blood was sprinkled on horses?

Jezebel (2 Kings 9:30-33)

eventbg.jpg (7156 bytes)

 
Today's  Devotion
 

whisper.jpg (12223 bytes)

But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.

Job 16:5 (NIV)

Knowing and Following

by Cathy Vinson

 

 

""...and I know them, and they follow Me"

John 10:27

 

 

 

 

How are we known by others? In their knowing, is there approval?


When we find we are being known in the way we were made to, we will follow. "...and I know them, and they follow Me" (Jn 10:27).

This knowing (ginosko) emphasizes the relation between the person knowing and the object known, mostly the value to the one knowing, and therefore, the establishment of the relationship, so says Vine in his Greek dictionary. This form of "ginosko" suggests approval and is used as this in Genesis 18:19; Nahum 1:7; and 2 Timothy 2:19 where Paul says "The seal of the Lord stands sure, He knows those that are His."

Being known as to follow. How are we known by others? In their knowing, is there approval?

Rick Joyner writes "True spiritual authority is founded on love..." The One who knows and the result of our following find their bridge through divine approval. Then in the deepest sigh possible we may say concerning our unending quests for approvals, "If You approve, that's all I seek, my Shepherd. That is what I seek."


Send a note to © Cathy Vinson , the writer of this devotion


More Whispers from the Wilderness

RETURN To Today's DAILY MISCELLANY HOME

Send Mail to pbower@neo.rr.com


Copyright Information: Phillip Bower is not the author of the humor, and does not claim to own any copyright privileges to the jokes. Sources of jokes are listed when known. Birthday's and Happenings for the date, and quotations are public knowledge and collected from numerous sources. Quotations are public knowledge and sources are listed when known. Weekendspirations are written by Tim Knappenberger who has copyright privileges. Cathy Vinson authors Whispers from the Wilderness and owns copyright privileges. Weekendspirations and Whispers from the Wilderness are used with permission by the respective authors. Other devotions are written by Phillip Bower unless otherwise stated. In all cases credit is given when known. The Daily Miscellany is nonprofit. Submissions by readers is welcome.