" No servant can serve two masters. The servant will hate one master and love the other, or will follow one master and refuse to follow the other. You cannot serve both God and worldly riches."

Luke 16:13 (New Century Version)

There is no question that spiritual values languish when we have material excess. As we look about us, we see everywhere the signs of collapse. ... But the source of our renewal remains, and there is hope. For the kingdom of God has not failed, and Jesus Christ has not failed.

Pat Robertson

Daily Meditations by Pat Nordman ©

June 16

Smileanyway! Let's face it, there are mornings when we would love to slip even further under the covers; there's no way we can face the world with a cheerful look today.

There is a story about the king who wanted to win his fair lady but he had a cruel and hard face. He consulted a friend who told him he must have kind thoughts and do kind deeds. The friend made a wax mask for him that showed him to be kind. Each day the king tried to be more loving and gentle until it was finally a part of him, and he won both subjects and his lady. He no longer needed the mask.

So let us smileanyway and the world will smile back.

June 17

In 1831 he failed in business; in 1832 he was defeated for the legislature; in 1833 he again failed in business; in 1835 his sweetheart died; in 1836 he had a nervous breakdown; in 1843 he was defeated for Congress; in 1855 he was defeated for the Senate; in 1856 he lost the race for the vice presidency; in 1858 he was defeated for the Senate; in 1860 he was elected President of the United States.

Of course we are talking about Abraham Lincoln, one of the finest men to rule this country. Finally he was successful. We can't be president, but we can achieve in our corner of the world.

Pat Nordman ©

Excerpts from today's Spurgeon's Devotions
Spurgeon's Morning for June 16	Spurgeon's Evening for June 16
"And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish." - John 10:28	"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" - Psalm 27:1
Remember it is sinful to doubt his Word wherein he has promised thee that thou shalt never perish. Let the eternal life within thee express itself in confident rejoicing.	The powers of darkness are not to be feared, for the Lord, our light, destroys them; and the damnation of hell is not to be dreaded by us, for the Lord is our salvation.
Spurgeon's Morning for June 17	Spurgeon's Evening for June 17
"Help, Lord." - Psalm 12:1	"Then Israel sang this song, Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it." - Numbers 21:17
There is much of directness, clearness of perception, and distinctness of utterance in this petition of two words; much more, indeed, than in the long rambling outpourings of certain professors.	The people needed water, and it was promised by their gracious God. We need fresh supplies of heavenly grace, and in the covenant the Lord has pledged himself to give all we require.

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June 16 Job 30:1 - 33:33
June 17 Job 34:1 - 37:24

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Today's Devotion

...and by his light I walked through darkness! JOB 29:3 NIV

The Good Life

by Pat Nordman

"You have granted me life and favor, and Your care has preserved my spirit."

Job 10:12 NKJ

This gem was written by Grenville Kleiser:

1. Live a simple life. Be temperate in your habits. Avoid self-seeking and selfishness. Make simplicity the key-note of your daily plans. Simple things are best.

2. Spend less than you earn. This may be difficult, but it pays large dividends in contentment. Keep out of debt. Cultivate frugality, prudence and self-denial. Avoid extravagance.

3. Think constructively. Train yourself to think clearly and accurately. Store your mind with useful thoughts. Stand porter at the door of your mind.

4. Cultivate a yielding disposition. Resist the common tendency to want things your own way. See the other person's viewpoint.

5. Be grateful. Begin the day with gratitude for your opportunities and blessings. Be glad for the privilege of life and work.

6. Rule your moods. Cultivate a mental attitude of peace and good will.

7. Give generously. There is no greater joy in life than to render happiness to others by means of intelligent giving.

8. Work with right motives. The highest purpose of your life should be to grow in spiritual grace and power.

9. Be interested in others. Divert your mind from self-centeredness. In the degree that you give, serve, and help will you experience the by-products of happiness.

10. Live in a daytight compartment. This means living one day at a time. Concentrate on your immediate task. Make the most of today.

11. Have a hobby. Nature study, walking, gardening, music, golfing, carpentry, stamp collecting, sketching, voice culture, foreign language, books, photography, social service, public speaking, travel, authorship, are samples. Cultivate an avocation to which you can turn for diversion and relaxation.

12. Keep close to God. True and enduring happiness depends primarily upon close alliance with Him. It is your privilege to share His thoughts for your spiritual nourishment, and to have constant assurance of divine protection and guidance.

Send a note to © Pat Nordman , the writer of this devotion.

A 12 step program to the Good Life

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