Sunshine After the Rain

DELIVER ME FROM MY RAIN CLOUD I Corinthians 4:12-13 “We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; [13] when we are slandered, we answer kindly…” Being pleasant is not difficult when things go your way, but have you learned to shine during rainy weather? Have you died to your flesh enough to bless when you are cursed, to answer kindly when you are slandered or to endure quietly when you are persecuted? You only have control over yourself. If you wait for others to treat you right or for things to go better before you have a good attitude, you are giving up your control to someone else. This is a victim’s approach to life. A victim feels powerless; they hopelessly wait for someone to change before they can find happiness. But, being happy is a choice. You must take control of your feelings and your behavior if you are going to find peace and contentment. In Genesis 37, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. Joseph’s trials were just beginning. He suffered through betrayal, false accusation, and neglect, but Joseph did not sit back and feel sorry for himself. He made the best of each situation he faced. He became the “sunshine” in the dreary prisons. He knew how to choose happiness rather than remain a victim. Joseph knew his God, and he trusted God to always lead his steps for good. This ability to overcome brought him recognition, promotion and success in the middle of the bad situations. And, in God’s time, he was promoted out of the pit into the palace. Learn to act rather than react to life. Make choices—purposeful choices that will bless and not curse others. Do not give your power away by allowing others to steal your peace and joy with their bad attitudes. Remember that the other guy is the one with the problem, not you; therefore, choose to keep your good attitude in spite of his words or actions. With God’s help and your commitment to do things His way, you can find sunshine in your life today. DEAR GOD, NO ONE LIKES TO BE FALSELY ACCUSED, SLANDERED OR MISTREATED. ONLY YOU CAN GIVE ME THE STRENGTH TO BE KIND, GENTLE AND GOOD WHEN OTHERS DO ME WRONG. TODAY, I INVITE YOUR SPIRIT TO DOTHAT WORK IN ME. FATHER, TEACH ME HOW TO CHOOSE SUNSHINE INSTEAD OF RAIN.

Fellowship with the Lord

“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:9) Do you know what God wants you to do more than anything else today? He wants you to fellowship with Him. He wants you to walk with Him and talk with Him. To discuss the things of life with Him. He wants you to draw near to Him and partake of His very nature. So many of us get so caught up in striving to please God in the things we do that we forget our first and highest calling is just to be in fellowship with Him. That’s right. God longs for us just to want to be with Him. Have you ever considered how much it would mean for you to just come to God and say, “Father, I didn’t really come today to get anything. I’ve prayed about my needs already and Your Word says they’re met according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. So I just came to be with You. If You have anything You’d like to tell me, I’m ready to listen…and I want you to know that whatever I see in Your Word, I’ll do it. I’ll put it into effect in my life.” Why don’t you tell that to God today? He’s waiting to have fellowship with you.

The Secret to Success

Joshua 1:8 NLT - Study this Book of the Law. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed.