Sunday, September 08, 2013
The Game of Life: A Real Character Builder
Remember, Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward. ~ Henry Ford
Scripture:
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:3-5 (New International Version)
I often wonder, why does life have to be so hard? It seems as though we are confronted with one trial after another. We are met with challenges almost on a daily basis. I have come to the realization that how we meet our challenges will help define our true character.
There are people that I know who meet their challenges with anger. They are just mad at the world and they show it in every thing that they do and say. These people could be described as mean or evil. Very seldom do they have anything nice to say and they actions are often contrived and undermining. You could label them as bullies.
Then, there are those who go through life acting as if they are invisible. They don’t want anyone to notice them or say anything to them. When confronted with a problem, they just try to fade into the background. They don’t want to be seen or heard and would be content if the rest of the world would just leave them be.
Another group of folks that I notice, are the fence sitters. They don’t really stand for anything. They sit on the fence and just kinda go with which ever way the wind is blowing. They don’t really meet challenges but rather, just kind of go with the crowd.
But my favorite group of people are those who meet their challenges head on. These are the types of people I like to be around. You see, they realize that in order to become better people, they meet their challenges with a spirit of determination and with the resolve that they will the victors. They realize that God has not given them a spirit of fear but rather a spirit of hope.
A hope that can be found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, sometimes it seems that life is full of grief and sorrow. We look around and see only death and destruction. We see our brothers and sisters forsaken by the powers that be. In the midst of riches, we see the poverty. In a country of abundance, many suffer from hunger. We see arrogance instead of humility. But even in the midst of the darkness that surrounds us, we can still see the light. Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Father God, we come before the throne of grace, seeking Your face, Your grace and mercy. Lord, we seek the comfort of Your loving arms. Lord, help us to always remember that this world will one day pass away. You are not of this world and neither are Your saints. Your Son was sent to save a dying world; we come thanking You for saving us. We realize that weeping will endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning. Thank You Father, for that promise. Now Lord, we ask that You would empower us to help a dying world. Magnify Your light that is within us. Strengthen us so that we may look outside of ourselves and reach out to help others. May Your light so shine within us that others may see it and be drawn to You. Comfort our grieving, strengthen or weak, heal our sick, give us new hope where there is none and unspeakable joy. The joy of the Lord. The joy that the world can't give nor can the world take it away. Thank You Lord, for second chance. I know that I didn't get it all right yesterday, but I thank You for another chance today. I love the Lord, he heard my cry. Thank You for wiping away my tears and giving me new hope in Christ Jesus, it is in His name we pray, amen.
Scripture:
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:3-5 (New International Version)
I often wonder, why does life have to be so hard? It seems as though we are confronted with one trial after another. We are met with challenges almost on a daily basis. I have come to the realization that how we meet our challenges will help define our true character.
There are people that I know who meet their challenges with anger. They are just mad at the world and they show it in every thing that they do and say. These people could be described as mean or evil. Very seldom do they have anything nice to say and they actions are often contrived and undermining. You could label them as bullies.
Then, there are those who go through life acting as if they are invisible. They don’t want anyone to notice them or say anything to them. When confronted with a problem, they just try to fade into the background. They don’t want to be seen or heard and would be content if the rest of the world would just leave them be.
Another group of folks that I notice, are the fence sitters. They don’t really stand for anything. They sit on the fence and just kinda go with which ever way the wind is blowing. They don’t really meet challenges but rather, just kind of go with the crowd.
But my favorite group of people are those who meet their challenges head on. These are the types of people I like to be around. You see, they realize that in order to become better people, they meet their challenges with a spirit of determination and with the resolve that they will the victors. They realize that God has not given them a spirit of fear but rather a spirit of hope.
A hope that can be found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, sometimes it seems that life is full of grief and sorrow. We look around and see only death and destruction. We see our brothers and sisters forsaken by the powers that be. In the midst of riches, we see the poverty. In a country of abundance, many suffer from hunger. We see arrogance instead of humility. But even in the midst of the darkness that surrounds us, we can still see the light. Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Father God, we come before the throne of grace, seeking Your face, Your grace and mercy. Lord, we seek the comfort of Your loving arms. Lord, help us to always remember that this world will one day pass away. You are not of this world and neither are Your saints. Your Son was sent to save a dying world; we come thanking You for saving us. We realize that weeping will endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning. Thank You Father, for that promise. Now Lord, we ask that You would empower us to help a dying world. Magnify Your light that is within us. Strengthen us so that we may look outside of ourselves and reach out to help others. May Your light so shine within us that others may see it and be drawn to You. Comfort our grieving, strengthen or weak, heal our sick, give us new hope where there is none and unspeakable joy. The joy of the Lord. The joy that the world can't give nor can the world take it away. Thank You Lord, for second chance. I know that I didn't get it all right yesterday, but I thank You for another chance today. I love the Lord, he heard my cry. Thank You for wiping away my tears and giving me new hope in Christ Jesus, it is in His name we pray, amen.
