THE RIGHT THING TO DO: Devotion for May 27 2012 (Children’s Day)

Text: Ephesians 6:1 – Children obey your parents as the Lord wants, because this is the right thing to do (New Century Version).

There is a difference between obeying and honouring. To obey means to do as we have been told while to honour means to respect and love. The bible did not commanded children to disobey God in obeying their parents. The bible did not ask adult children to be subservient to domineering parents. Children are to obey while under their parents’ care, but the responsibility to honour parents is for life. The fifth commandment is the only commandment with a promise (Ephesians 6:2) which says, “Honour your father and mother”.

Today is Children’s Day, a day to highlight the values of children, admonish them and challenge them for the future responsibilities that awaits them. Obedience is what God demands from our children in things lawful. This comes from the foundation a child receives. Value orientation for our children is very essential if they must obey us. Here Paul says it is the right thing to do. There is the type of obedience that God wants from children. This is obedience in all things lawful. When we do things unlawful, we should not expect our children to obey us. We must be their mentor and example.

There are benefits in obeying our parents and punishment for disobeying (Ephesians 6:2 & 3 and Ephesians 5:6). We should know that our parents as stated here are not only our biological parents, but also our elders and teachers. When we obey our parents, God will bless us and our parents too will bless us. Remember that the blessings from God are in the mouth of the elders Genesis 27:1 – 4 and Genesis 48:11 – 16.

Food For Thought: Obedience is one of the marks of true Christianity

Prayer Points:

1) Thank God for the gift of children

2) Pray for your children and other children

3) Ask God for spirit of obedience in your children.

GOD IS GOOD; ALWAYS

It’s fairly early still, this new day has just begun and I think, from what I see in these early hours it is going to be one of those gorgeous days that is filled with warmth and renewal and new life that comes with the spring after the bitterness of winter storms and struggles when life is filled with slippery paths and ever present dangers. 

The sun rose brilliant over the mountaintops, its rays filtering down through the canopy of leaves in their springtime green gowns, crowned in jade and emerald with touches of olivine.  It is wonderful to wake up and see a new day, new dawning come to life and spread its light into the darkness.

I watched the sun (or was it the Son) spread light across the newly planted fields that glittered after last night’s rain and the light spread its way into the village casting what seemed a zillion sparkling diamonds on the river as it rippled its way through the heart of the village.  I heard the birds begin to sing their morning praises and watched a couple of squirrels skitter down from somewhere in the high branches of the old oak in my back yard.  They almost bounced onto my deck and then froze.  They weren’t expecting me and I startled them.  I didn’t move.  I just watched and took a sip of my morning coffee.  Their goal had been a visit to the bird feeder at the opposite end of the deck but there are no treats there now.  Of course they were going to check it out anyhow, just in case.  It looked like a good and promising path they had chosen. 

Though I think they must know I won’t hurt them they didn’t chance skittering by me.  In a flash they were gone in the opposite direction to show up again on the stone wall across the yard from my deck.  They scolded a bit and I went inside and cut up an apple and spread it with just a skimming of peanut butter and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts.  They didn’t get all of it.  I kept three sections for myself.  Carrying the pieces of apple outside, I put them on the stone wall and went back to the deck to watch and wait and enjoy these quiet and peace filled hours of this new day.  I didn’t have to wait long.  The squirrels were back and happy with their morning feast. 

I really shouldn’t do that; feed the squirrels, this time of year.  God provides well for His creatures.  There is plenty for them to eat.  I enjoy their company though so now and then I slip them a special treat and it makes me happy to see them enjoy it.  As that thought crossed my mind it was quickly followed by another; God enjoys our company too and now and then He gives us a special treat, something really good we are not expecting.  God is good, always and always provides for us when we need it, and gives of His store house according to our need.  My birdfeeders are empty now.  I don’t feed the birds from spring through autumn.  They don’t need me now or my handouts.  Everything they need is all around them.  All they have to do is go get it.  

I will soon be placing some potted plants in them for the summer and fall, until winter comes again.  I really don’t want to tempt the skunks, raccoons and possum to my dooryard along with other possible creatures from the wild.  As much as I enjoy watching these creatures that venture into town from the wild, they don’t belong in the village.  They could get hurt and they could hurt us.  Sometimes we don’t belong on the path we have chosen either and if we continue on that path we can get hurt, no so unlike the wildlife that venture into the village tempted by thoughts of something better and their own way. 

“I slipped them a special treat;” those words seemed to hang in the air around me as I watched this new day come to life.  God had slipped me a special treat this morning too, sort of like I did with the squirrels, only better.   This morning shed new light, a different point of view, new perspective.  I’m thankful, more than words can ever express.  God is good, always, even when we think life is bad.

My life lately has been filled with a lot of sadness; I’ve been deeply grieving and have gone through and still am facing a lot of fears, intimidation and having to be confronted with gossip and emotional hardships.  I’m seeing a lot of hate and anger going on and have felt like my life is shrouded and suffocating beneath a heavy shroud of gloom and doom, not knowing what tomorrow may bring; hoping for the best but anticipating even greater sorrows before all this comes to end.  I’m seeing loved ones being terribly hurt, a hurt that seems nearly unbearable and a situation that is so unnecessary if people would lay down their greed and jealousy, use some common sense, look in the mirror and quit playing the blame-game.  The gossip, the rumors, the vile tongue, the false accusations, the bold faced lies and twisting of the truth, the slander and stalking, the bullying are overwhelming. 

I’ve been feeling crushed beneath the weight of it all. Feel like I am drowning in the tears being shed with nothing I can do to stop the onslaught and it has little to nothing to do with me personally, directly, just with those I love unconditionally.  All I can do is continue to love them despite all that is going on.

Thinking about this as the morning spread out its light before me I couldn’t help but think how God must feel as He watches us; all those things we do that cause Him to grieve not so different from my own grief.  He loves us unconditionally, despite our mistakes, the wrong things we do.  He doesn’t like the wrong but He still loves us very much and God is always good and blesses us and gives to us even in the bad times, even when we do wrong.  He doesn’t like the wrong but He loves us, even those who are doing the evil that is causing us such pain.  How deeply it must hurt God to see His children ignoring Him, refusing to listen and behaving in such manner as we do, destroying, abandoning His blessings but scrambling for the special treat, putting want ahead of need, our selfishness first. 

I thought about these things as I watched those two squirrels.  Had they proceeded on their original path there would have been no reward at the end.  The feeders are empty.  Instead they used common sense, some discernment and didn’t confront the danger but avoided it by not following the path they were on.  Even though it wasn’t their way or maybe what they wanted in the beginning their needs were met by using common sense and they even got a special treat as well.

God has given us a new day filled with His light, a fresh start, a chance to do things right, follow the right path, make good and wise choices.  When we do that He provides for our every need, even a special treat now and then…But we need to keep our trust in Him and follow as He leads, not get caught up in the sorrows around us and not let the world around us trip us up or block our path and try to go it our own way.  There is danger lurking out there, pitfalls and snares we can get caught up in if we don’t follow the path God directs us on.  All we can do is help where we can, do our best and let God do the rest…get out of God’s way so He can bring forth that special treat, the happiness we hope for.  God knows where we need to be, what steps we should take and how to get there from here.  Sometimes we need to be like those squirrels, be discerning and not walk into a situation that has an ever present and possible danger staring you in the face where temptation lurks with its snares and traps and false promises.

God never said life would be easy or that we would not see sorrows and know pain but He did say we never have to go through it alone, that He is always with us and will guide us if we will follow Him.  God is always in control even when our life may seem out of control.  When we keep our trust in God we have nothing to fear, no matter what the world may throw at us however vile and humiliating it may be.  When we trust God, use common sense and a bit of discernment and listen to God, He provides all we need to get through each day, gives us the strength and courage to keep moving forward.  He fills us with hope and song. 

Life still may be tough and the walking rough but even in the darkest moments there is light that comes with each new dawn…and sometimes an apple with peanut butter and walnuts on it. God is good; always.

His Blessing Endures 

Text: Proverbs 8:18–With me are riches and honour, enduring wealth and prosperity (New International Version).  

When I see people, toil from morning until midnight. I wonder what kind of life that could be. They toil denying themselves the presence of God in church services and programme and still they can’t meet their needs neither are they satisfied. We could attribute this problem to ignorance. If they had known that God is the one that makes us rich, they would depend on Him. No wonder the admonition in Proverbs 3:5 – 7 which says “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.”

We are not saying that people should not work hard enough. It is not wrong to work hard. I work at least 16 hours per day. Nevertheless, it does not disturb my worship of God. I do not sacrifice my time for God. Christians must mature to the extent of paying tithe of time (2 hrs 40 minutes per day) unto God’s service. This is the essence of this daily covenant with God to let people understanding that God is indispensable and when we make Lord over us, blessings will easily flow from His throne of grace to us. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Beloved, God gives riches and honour (Proverbs 8:18, cf. Proverbs 22:4). Why not depend on Him. The riches and honour will come, though it may take time but it will certainly come. The condition is to learn to wait on the Lord. If you have not being doing so before now, start today. Gradually, He will start adding those blessings He promised. You will not regret your waiting, for it for it will be a real blessing and not a curse.

Food for Thought: God’s favour makes us rich not because we have work harder than others. 

Prayer Points:

1) Thank God for He alone makes us rich

2) Ask God to bless you with riches and honour which will last.

3) Pray for wisdom from God as you work hard to become rich.

The longer I have been with my precious Love, the more I have come to appreciate her. She knows me in and out, my strengths and weaknesses. She is also the strongest woman I know, she has faced down many challenges in her life and I am proud of her. There is something I once read that says “the woman is the glory of the man” and I have found this to be quite true.

I Love her more than I could ever put into words, and I could not imagine life without her.

I am writing this article as a surprise to her, and when it is published I am sure it will make her smile.

I Love when she smiles

Strength and Peace from God

Text: Psalm 29:11 – The Lord gives strength to His people, the Lord bless His people with peace (New International Version).

When peace eludes someone, the person will be bereft of ideas. When you are in God’s will abiding in the provisions of the new covenant, you will excel in all you do because you have peace and the strength to accomplish things comes from God. How does our strength come? See Nehemiah 8:10. Adam Clarke Commentary noted that strength from God brings “Prosperity in our secular affairs; success in our enterprises; and his blessing upon our fields and cattle.”

Beloved, are you facing any serious problem that has exhausted your strength and have been doing it alone? Then it is time to turn to God for our strength comes from Him (Psalm 68:35). When the peace of God fills your heart, you can seek God and find Him. Ecclesiastes 7:19 say “Wisdom strengthens the wise More than ten rulers of the city.” Wisdom comes from God and only God gives strength.

Peace is the state of being calm and quiet amidst pressures and problems. It is only in such state that we can find God and He will speaks to us (Genesis 3:8). He does not speak when we are in a noisy environment. Blessing of peace from God guarantees us victory over our enemies, and cause the nations/people to be at peace with us; so that we shall enjoy uninterrupted prosperity. Are you battling with storms of this life? Jesus will calm them for you (Psalm 107:28 and 29) as you call on Him today.

FFT: Does peace comes through our wealth? 

Prayer Points:

1) Thank God, for He knows when we faced storms of life.

2) Pray and ask God t o calm every storm facing you.

3) Ask for strength and peace that comes from God.

4) Pray against demons that are after your peace.         

Bless a Thing & It Will Bless You!

“Bless a thing and it will bless you. Curse it and it wil curse you…If you bless a situation, it has no power to hurt you, and even if it is troublesome for a time, it will gradually fade out, if you sincerely bless it.” Emmet Fox

As ironic as it seems, this is a beneficial and integral step in dealing with life’s day-to-day problems.  Sarah Ban Breathnach says in one of her wonderful books,“Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort & Joy“, that by doing this simple act, we surrender ourselves as well as our problems to a Higher Power to be solved. It is as if saying, “Let Thy will be done.”  

In blessing a situation, any situation in fact, you enable yourself to “accept” your life and all that’s in it for what it truly is.  When I say “accept”, I most certainly do not mean to condone negativity or brutality in ANY form. “Acceptance” in the sense that you have faith that a Higher Power or your Heavenly Father will work it out; that all the wrinkles of your crumbled piece of paper called your life will be ironed smooth.  Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

You may ask belligerently, “How in the world can I bless THAT?”, but not notice the paradox.  By blessing a circumstance, you then rid yourself of the anxieties, frustrations and other detrimental emotions that it envokes.  Not only that, but in doing this, you also take the intense pressure off of the person or situation at hand and are able to view things finally from “outside of the box”.  

Oftentimes we cannot see clearly of a dilemna until we can bless it and let it go.  Take the time to think of all that you wish to be different or better in your life and bless all that you now have. Let it go and have faith that all will be worked out. Everything in it’s own time.

            “Do not wish to be like me someday, wish to become better than me”, my father used to say this. He is very important person in my life because he makes me proactive in reaching my goals; he makes me focused on achieving my life’s aspiration; he trains me to become a responsible person; and he makes me think I would be successful. I really love my father. He loves us unconditionally and cares for us endlessly. He never fails in his responsibilities as a father. My father is a great man primarily because of his unfailing optimistic personality and cheerful mind.

            I’m very thankful to God for having a good father. I know my father was meant to serve some sort of purpose for me to figure-out who I am and what I want to become. My father knows the best for me. He strives hard for us (together with my siblings) to study in prestigious school just to have a better education. He is concerned with our future; he does everything for us to have a better life. Even though were far from home he keeps on communicating to us to assure of our safety and condition. He gives his full support for our studies, and guides us to a right path. This is who my father is, someone anybody can really proud of.

            My father is one of the reasons why I keep pursuing in reaching my goals. Because when I’m having a hard time and thinking of giving up he gives me reasons to keep on fighting. He motivates me to study well and earn better grades. He teaches me to switch my focus to valuable things and shows me how to dedicate my thoughts, words and deeds in some greater scheme. I don’t want him to be disappointed. He is expecting much from me. That’s why I will do things for better.

            My father keeps me focused on achieving my life’s aspiration. Without his knowing he inspires me with his own life a life, full of challenges as well as achievements. I always keep in my mind that I must also have achieved something just like my father. My father’s hard time or trials that he had encounter in his life as a student has a big difference from mine. He came from a poor family. My father’s parents left him at young age. But for him there are no hindrances to achieve his goals. He was always in the list of honours in the class. He was a scholar student and finished his studies in Xavier University with his own hardship. That’s why he gives me reasons to do well all the time and follow his footsteps. He is always telling me that the life I live today is the reflection of my future. This is my father who is always reminds me to centre our life to an aspiration.

            Having a father as a heroic figure, trains me to become a responsible person. He trains me to know all household chores and not to be dependent. For he know we are living in our own life someday. This is also one of the reasons why I really love my father, he teaches me everything like how to cook, to plant and to live in our own. He also leads me to avoid bad things that may affect my studies and trains me to be a God-fearing person. My father is a generous person. He serves to God by serving others and put all things before God. That’s why I’m really proud of him.

            As a daughter, my father makes me think I would also be successful. In doing so, I have excelled beyond my goals simply from an encouragement by him. He challenges me to be like him someday or to become better than him. He helps me to stand-up during my troublesome time and trials. My father makes me a better person whom he will be proud of. I admire him and model myself after him, and I may become someone’s inspiration one day as well.

None of you can ever be proud enough of being the child of such a Father who has not his equal in this world – so great, so good, and so faultless. My father is my ultimate gift. He gave me a mother whom I really love and proud of. He also gave me two older sisters and older brother who loves me and cares for me. Having a good family is the best gift from God. I am very grateful for that. I really love them and I’m striving hard for them to be proud of me someday and I will give in return all their sacrifices, love and care for me. All things will fade away but your family is always been there and will be there for you forever. The love of a family is life’s greatest blessing.

When I talk with other moms about their plans in December, they are usually all about Christmas. They have cookies to bake, decorations to set up, meal plan, a house cleaning, gift buying, expectations that they will never be able to answer. Sometimes these mothers, even saying, “I can not wait for it all to be over so I can relax!”

These activities can be part of a meaning of Christmas, but if that’s all that Christmas has become for you, it may be time to reconsider the reasons for your party.

Where is the joy of the season when you are too tired to experience?

Where is the pleasure of spending time with your family and loved ones when you are too busy to sit and talk with them?

How can they be happy to give your gifts when you know you have spent more than you can pay for something

This year, instead of insisting on the holiday season and expectations of support, I invite you to focus on the blessings of Christmas.

Whatever the means of Christmas into your home, make sure that the only focal point of all your preparations and celebrations. It is easy to be distracted by unrealistic expectations, high costs of Christmas, and those things we do every year, even if we are not sure why. This year, celebrate intentionally and with purpose.

For example, in my family, Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. If I can keep thought to be at the forefront of my plans, everything else in place. I stay focused throughout the season and our Christmas becomes concentrated, meaningful, relaxing, and satisfying.

This year, instead of getting entangled in the stressings holiday, take a break from deep and let you enjoy your Christmas blessings.

Blessings are gifts of heart, happiness, inspiration and gold.

A degree of gold is not a material achievement or award but rather intrinsic – exhibited, produced and powered by a heart of gold.

Many things in life are unforgettable. But people who have inspired our hearts and lives are special and memorable.

A library and book store are like restaurants for your heart and mind. There are multitudes of cuisines (books) to feed your passionate individual cravings (tastes).

Your religion serves as the essence of your faith, morals, values and beliefs.        

The wind is like an invitation to spiritually carry your soul where it dreams to be at that raw given moment.

Special “F” gifts: family, friends, faith, feelings, freedom, fantasy, fellowship, fundamentals, fusion, foundations, free-spiritedness.

Inspiration is a blessing of “gold” – it is full of rich value, life, light, passion, positivity, encouragement and excitement.

A person is like an ocean – uniquely and beautifully deep flowing with freedom and feelings. Experiencing high and low tides. Exhibiting calmness, spontaneity, currents, storms and unpredictability.

By manlalakbay.
Article Word Count: 285.

Image by paparutzi via Flickr

Everyone of us is looking for new things to have or acquire. It can be new dress, toys, gadgets and even foods to eat. But what if we can’t receive them during or after Christmas day? Of course, we become sad and disappointed. And that’s normal emotion and feeling of a child. But even adult like us can experience it sometime.

So in order for us to get what we want, all we need to do is find ways to earn money. Just like what we do here in Triond. We write useful and interesting articles to share with other people. By doing so, we earn money in return. But, gifts given to us by people we know are still different than what we purchase for ourselves. They have carry different happiness to us. Anyway, these show and prove that people have a never ending desire. They want to get things they do not have. But what is the true purpose of Christmas? And the term Blessings? For me, we should be happy and contented on what we already have. Because we will never be happy if our mindset is like that. Besides it’s better to give than to receive if you have something to give. But remember that all excess in one thing is bad either. So lets balance everything and that resolve the problem we face.

So in summary, lets be satisfied on what we have. If we have extra money that we save to get the things we like, then that is the right time to buy. It’s not bad if we give a little happiness to ourselves sometime. Hope you enjoy reading this article and may you have a blessed Christmas.

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Manlalakbay is fond of writing. He is not a professional writer but rather a hobbyist who deals with his thoughts, feelings and emotions through writing. He lives in the Philippines and is hoping to learn as much as he can in earning money online.

If you want to read my other articles, you may visit my triond site or my personal blog.