Devotional for 9-10 A keen sense of humor helps us to overlook the unbecoming, understand the unconventional, tolerate the unpleasant, overcome the unexpected, and outlast the unbearable. "...the cheerful heart has a continual feast." Prov. 15:15b I’d like to read to you a poem my friend Liz had taped on her wall behind her computer. Liz was a wonderful lady in every respect of the word. She’s was caring, and conscientious about her work, and didn’t hesitate to speak her piece. And, like many people her age, Liz also had many health problems. But Liz was a little bit different. She embraced her problems with a hope and faith which absolutely amazed me. When I’m sick and just don’t feel very well, my whole family knows to give me a little bit more space until I get well again. I get a little grump, a little depressed and just a little mad at the whole world. But, with Liz, it was exactly the opposite. She experienced more hurt and pain by just standing up than I’ve ever had in my entire lifetime. And, she did it with a smile on her face. I know that there were times when she was by herself and the weight of the pain and hurt seem too much that she quietly cried to herself. But, in public she hid the pain. And never, ever, did she lose her sense of hope. The Bible tells us that after Christ’s resurrection, Christ stayed on earth for forty days. During that time, He comforted and taught His disciples and spoke of a better time and a better place. His was a message of Hope. And a message of love. Even though Christ was physically leaving the world, He gave us the promise of the Holy Spirit which will always be with us. So, Christ is still with us everyday of our lives through the Holy Spirit. His wonders and works and joys abound in our lives and He lends comfort to our sorrows and eases our pains. The ascension was the fulfillment of Christ’s life here on earth. His entire life, He had worked toward this one goal. To become a prophet of peace and savior through grace. He never looked back and always kept God’s plan in His heart. In short, he was a success. Someone who worked hard, harder than we can possibly imagine, to achieve His life’s goal. A goal, we can only be thankful for. Jesus is the ultimate role model. He gave without thinking. Was content with who He was. And felt compassion for everyone He met. “The Man in the Glass” by Anonymous When you get what you want in your struggle for self. And the world makes you king for a day. Just go to the mirror and look at yourself. And see what that man has to say. For it isn’t your father or mother or wife Whose judgment upon you must pass. The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life Is the one staring back from the glass. You may be like Jack Horner and chisel a plum. And think you’re a wonderful guy. But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum If you can’t look him straight in the eye. He’s the fellow to please—-never mind all the rest, For he’s with you clear to the end. And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test If the man in the glass is your friend. You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years And get pats on the back as you pass. But your final reward will be heartache and tears If you’ve cheated the man in the glass. As a Christian, you’ve often heard the phrase, “Be a reflection of Christ.” And, this poem rings most true. When we look in that mirror, do we see a sorrowful, mean image. Or do we see a reflection of love. Of grace. And, of forgiveness. Let us pray. Dear God. Enlarge our vision this day with your Word. Instill in us, again, your hope in place of our despair, your peace where our hatred threatens, your joy amidst our depression, and your love overwhelming our apathy. Glorious God, Guide us now by your Word and Spirit, that in your light we may see light. Send out your light and your truth and let them lead us, through Jesus Christ, your Son, in whom we pray this morning. AMEN.
Posted on: Tue, 10 Sep 2013 12:55:03 +0000
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