Present Troubles

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (KJV) ( 2 Corinthians 4:17 ) 

As big as our problems may seem, we are always bound to find someone whose problems are bigger.  In some small way it is comforting to know our troubles won't last long in comparison to eternity.  Yet, the glory we gain for our troubles is much greater and lasts forever.  Be consoled in knowing your hardships make Christ's suffering for you even more personal, He knows what you are walking through.  When your troubles get too big, look beyond this life and see Christ up close and personal.

Special Skill

And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee; (KJV) (Exodus 31:6) 

Do you ever get down on yourself and think you don't have any skills to offer?  It's not true, God has given you many skills.  Thinking you don't have any skills is not humility, instead, you fail to correctly see your blessings given to you by God.  We even devalue our skills when we compare ourselves to others and wish we had their skills.  Those thoughts are not complimenting towards God either.  God has given skills to everyone and by embracing them we can truly use our skills to worship God.  Take a moment to correctly identify your skills and embrace them to honor God.

To Others

And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: (KJV) ( Genesis 12:2 ) 

This passage gives us great insight into God view's on blessings. He blesses people and gives them a position of influence so they can share their blessings to others. He blesses us to show us His love for us and so that we can share His love to others. We often think that blessings are for our exclusive use, but that is not the case. Our selfish inclinations keep us from blessing others, but is there anything we can do to combat that? It could be as simple as bringing a friend along when you use a gift card. Or as extravagant as selling your treasures to benefit a needy family.

A Good Man

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. (KJV) ( Matthew 1:19 ) 

Mary became pregnant with Jesus after she was engaged to Joseph.  Imagine how Joseph must have felt when he learned his fiancee was pregnant, not knowing who the father was.  Anger, bitterness, and betrayal had to have been stirring in his heart.  He was justified to publicly stone her for her actions.  Yet, being the man he was, he chose to quietly walk away.  Fortunately, an angel stepped in and set him straight about the Father.  When you feel anger, bitterness, betrayal and have every right to retaliate, how can you extend grace and mercy to your circumstances?

Plunge Ahead

A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. (KJV) (Proverbs 14:16) 

Do you ever get frustrated when your lack of self-control plunges you into danger? Hindsight comes and you kick yourself for being foolish. How do wise people avoid danger? They are aware of their triggers that cause a moment of weakness, such as a being angry. Often they avoid putting themselves in situations that would tempt their recklessness, as a recovering alcoholic avoids bars. Finally, they limit exposure to friends who encourage unwise choices. Which areas in life do you struggle with self-control?

Pleasing People

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (KJV) (Galatians 1:10) 

Anyone else a people pleaser? We twist the truth and believe God is pleased with us when we please other people. In reality, God loves us no matter what we do. Anything else is called conditional love. God loves us unconditionally, even when we don't do the right thing. This doesn't mean we walk around sinning because we know God still loves us. If we are seeking acceptance from people rather than God, is that where we want to place our self-worth? Be on the lookout today to notice if you seek acceptance apart from God. If so, how can you change this?

To Be First

And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. (KJV) (Mark 9:35) 

In the Kingdom of God things don't work like they do here. On earth, we are told you need to use people in order to be successful. Yet, being successful in the Kingdom of God means serving others first. Isn't it true we value leaders the most who think for others, work for everyone, and take risks for those they lead? Actually, each one of us is already a leader among our friends, coworkers, children, and family. How could you be a servant leader among those who follow you?