The thoughts, experiences and views of the unique person God knows as me
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When you've had a stressful few days, how do you relax?
He's an extract of a message I received recently:
Just reminding you not to forget about a very important person today, YOU! DO something 4 only you today : ) You deserve it!
Isn't that good advice? I certainly think it is. Sometimes when life has got on top of you things have been stressful and you've been struggling, put some time aside just for YOU, to pamper yourself, give yourself a treat, do something you enjoy, or simply relax and chill.
Most importantly though, to find complete rest we must take time to spend some "quiet time" in God's presence - He alone can give you true rest.
Hardly a day goes by without us hearing of someone saying, "Why me, why now, why this?".
In Peter, he told the believers not to be surprised but the troubles and trials they experienced because they believed and followed Christ: Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV)
While we may not face persecution because we believe in Christ, as those Peter was writing to did, we do all face pain and suffering at some time in our lives. So these words of Peter can be used for ourselves.
Are you finding it difficult to be full of joy because your life is full of pain and hurt? Do you feel God is far away from you? Well Peter also reminds us to trust God even though we can't see Him or even see Him working.
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV)
Even when we are facing troubles, we too can express joy because we believe and trust in God. After all Christ wants us to enjoy our reward for following Him, He says so in 1 Peter 1:9 (see above).
The song Great, Great Joy sung here by the International Staff Songsters fits in excellently with my message:
Psalm 34:4 NIV I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
Today's post follows on from my previous one (Rain Down) as I simply want to remind you that God looks out for each one of us, no matter what we've done in our past. Maybe you're at a time in your life when you're facing many choices and don't know which way to turn - Talk to God about it, he will direct you along the right path.
If you're struggling with things of life getting on top of you, again I'd urge you to place them in God's hands, as he will lighten your load.
Find God today, he is waiting for you to reach out to Him.
The International Staff Songsters of the Salvation Army - He Sought Me
The Saviour sought and found me, Far from the narrow way; He made my blinded eyes to see On that wonderful, wonderful day.
He sought me, he sought me, When I was wandering far away; He found me, he found me, O what a wonderful day!
He lifted sin's great burden, He saw my deep dismay, And graciously he pardoned me On that wonderful, wonderful day.
He sought me, he sought me, When I was wandering far away; He found me, he found me, O what a wonderful day!
My son was red like crimson, He washed it all away; He filled my heart with melody On that wonderful, wonderful day.
He sought me, he sought me, When I was wandering far away; He found me, he found me, O what a wonderful day!
Are you a positive or a negative person? Do you always look on the bright side of every situation or do you tend to see or focus on the things that could go wrong in every situation?
It's often said that if you look positively on every circumstance it will lift your mood. As we all live such busy lives these days, it can often be difficult to cope with what life throws our way. God can help us to be more positive in our lives. After all He's there and willing to share all our problems and help us through.
When your having a difficult time, do you stop to think about the good things that are happening or do you find yourself concentrating on your difficulties? No matter how bad you think your circumstances are, remember there's always someone worse off than you! Here's just a few example of a few things that may be positives in your life that you can be grateful for, even in your darkest times:
enough food to eat
a roof over your head
family
friends
a job
God's love
Remember that God is the one who provides for you, so thank Him for all that's good in your life. I'm sure that even during your lowest times you will still be able to find one blessing, one thing to thank God for.
The well known hymn Count Your Blessings" is one that expresses the sentiments I've stated. I hope you enjoy this version of this song...
When upon life's billows You are tempest tossed When you are discouraged, Thinking all is lost Count your many blessings, Name them one by one And it will surprise you What the Lord has done.
Count your blessings, Name them one by one Count your blessings, See what God has done Count your blessings, Name them one by one Count your many blessings, See what God has done.
Are you ever burdened With a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy You are called to bear? Count your many blessings, Ev'ry doubt will fly And you will be singing As the days go by.
Count your blessings, Name them one by one Count your blessings, See what God has done Count your blessings, Name them one by one Count your many blessings, See what God has done.
When you look at others With their lands and gold Think that Christ has promised You His wealth untold Count your many blessings, Money cannot buy Your reward in heaven, Nor your home on high.
Count your blessings, Name them one by one Count your blessings, See what God has done Count your blessings, Name them one by one Count your many blessings, See what God has done.
So, amid the conflict, Whether great or small Do not be discouraged, God is over all Count your many blessings, Angels will attend Help and comfort give you To your journey's end.
Count your blessings, Name them one by one Count your blessings, See what God has done Count your blessings, Name them one by one Count your many blessings, See what God has done.
I came across this song today when I put my ipod on shuffle this afternoon, and the words of it have stuck in my head ever since: Well, I tried Him and I found His promises are true He’s everything He said that He would be. The finest words I know could not begin to tell Just what Jesus really means to me.
I hope you find blessing from this song also, but consider this too - Can you testify to God being "more than wonderful"? If so tell someone today!
More Than wonderful is performed by the International Staff Songsters of the Salvation Army:
More than Wonderful He promised us that He would be a counselor A Mighty God and the Prince of Peace He promised us that He would be a Father And that He would love us with a love that would not cease.
Well, I tried Him and I found His promises are true He’s everything He said that He would be. The finest words I know could not begin to tell Just what Jesus really means to me.
For He’s more wonderful than my mind can conceive He’s more wonderful than my heart can believe He goes beyond my highest hopes and fondest dreams. He’s everything that my soul ever longed for Everything He’s promised and so much more More than amazing, more than marvelous More than miraculous could ever be He’s more than wonderful, that’s what Jesus is to me.
I stand amazed when I think that the King of glory Should come to dwell within the heart of man I marvel just to know He really loves me When I think of who He is, and who I am.
For He’s more wonderful than my mind can conceive He’s more wonderful than my heart can believe He goes beyond my highest hopes and fondest dreams. He’s everything that my soul ever longed for Everything He’s promised and so much more More than amazing, more than marvelous, More than miraculous could ever be He’s more than wonderful, that’s what Jesus is to me.
Think about those people who are less fortunate than yourself...living in the same town or city as you...in far away lands...with little to call their own...in desperate need of help...in need of you and me!
But what can I do? What can you do? There are many things we can do to help - first and foremost we can pray for these people and the circumstances that have led them to be in their current position; pray for their physical and emotional healing. There are also many practical ways we can help - why not donate some of your time and/or money to help people in your own area.
There no excuse why each of us can't do something to help others. we may think our small monetary donation or an hours work will make no difference, but what if we all do that! Wow, what a fantastic difference we can make in people's lives.
Take that step today, help someone in need - after all we all breathe the same air...God's air!
I've used the following song Breathe before (blog post on 12/5/2009 entitled Breathe), however I've using a different version of it this time. The video associated with this version of the song show the Salvation Army's international work in action and to me reinforces the message I've tried to pass to you today, that we all breathe the same air.
I'm married to Sandy, we have no children but we do have a cat called Tigger who we've had since he was 6 weeks old (he was a wedding present - we got him on our 1st anniversary).
I'm a christian and have attended the Salvation Army all my life. I play trombone in the Bellshill Salvation Army Band. I'm also the webmaster of the band's website.
