Do you like surprises? I love surprises! Well – let me rephrase that: I like good surprises! And as I was going through my mail this morning, I got one of those good surprises! No – it was not “Publishers Clearing House”! It was a small package from one of my church members. When I opened it, I found a little book for pastors. And inside of the book was a hand written note that expressed encouragement, appreciation and love! IT MADE MY DAY!
I think one of the reasons that this was such a special blessing to me was because of the sacrifice that I know that this person had to make! First, they sacrificed their time to think about me and then go through the motions of buying, packaging and mailing their special gift. Second, they sacrificed themselves by not just thinking about doing a nice thing, but actually doing it! Third, they sacrificed their resources to buy and mail this gift! They were not content with just saying “I love and appreciate you!” they wanted to show it in a real and tangible way!
I could not help but to stop and think about the love of Jesus for you and me! It was a sacrificial love! Real love is a sacrificial love! Real love is willing to sacrifice for the one that the love is being expressed toward! Think about your love for Jesus – how can you sacrifice for Him today? Jesus said: By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love one for another. (John 13:35) Think about the people that you love – what kinds of sacrifices can you make for them this week that will express your love in a real way? Now, don’t just think about it – DO IT!
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind!” II Timothy 1:7
As a child of God, you have nothing to be afraid of, because He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world! Whatever comes your way, know this: God will use it for good as you trust and love him! Remember today: Your power is God in you! Your power is His love flowing to and through your life! If you believe this, then you will have a sound mind – a mind filled with the peace and quietness of God!
Remember who and whose you are and have a blessed day!
What one thing can you do today that would change your life for the better? Now don’t be so quick to jump on this question with an answer! We are talking about the choice of “one thing” and “your life”! If you only had the power, energy and ability to do one thing today – what would that one thing be? If there was only the option of one thing, we would make our choice much more carefully! Life is full of choices and we make thousands of choices every day, but what if we started to make one -on purpose -well thought out and deliberate choice everyday? What if this choice was made based on our seriously, intentionally and specifically trying to make our life better? What would your choice be?
I believe that God desires for each of us to live powerful, productive and purposeful lives. The truth is: Most people live powerless, unproductive and “I hope I get lucky” lives! Stop right now and think about your life! What does God want for you and from you? What can you do to make your life better? What can you do to tap into His plan and His power? Figure out your ONE THING and you will be amazed at the difference that it will make in your life!
Paul said in Philippians: “This one thing I do!” What is your ONE THING?
Michael Joe Harvell 