Making Difficult Decisions

MAKING DIFFICULT DECISIONS

President McKinley was having a difficult time making a decision between two qualified candidates for a key position in his cabinet. He labored long and hard knowing that his decision would affect the nation and the world.

One evening he boarded a crowded streetcar on his way home. After finding a seat he noticed one of the men he was considering for the position seated near the entrance. At the next stop, an elderly lady with a large cumbersome package struggled to get onboard.

The candidate for the position turned his eyes, pretending that he did not see the lady who was having a difficult time. He kept his seat while he looked out the window as though she did not exist. The president not only helped her with her package, but he also gave her his seat.

The next morning McKinley made his decision. The man's lack of kindness eliminated him from further consideration, and the other man received the appointment.

God is aware of every decision we make and how we live because it reflects who we are and what is important to us. Paul said: "be kind, tenderhearted, and loving toward one another."

Prayer: Heavenly Father, make us aware of our decisions and deeds. What we do for and to and with others reflects our love for You. May our deeds always bless others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 

Making Difficult Decisions

MAKING DIFFICULT DECISIONS

President McKinley was having a difficult time making a decision between two qualified candidates for a key position in his cabinet. He labored long and hard knowing that his decision would affect the nation and the world.

One evening he boarded a crowded streetcar on his way home. After finding a seat he noticed one of the men he was considering for the position seated near the entrance. At the next stop, an elderly lady with a large cumbersome package struggled to get onboard.

The candidate for the position turned his eyes, pretending that he did not see the lady who was having a difficult time. He kept his seat while he looked out the window as though she did not exist. The president not only helped her with her package, but he also gave her his seat.

The next morning McKinley made his decision. The man's lack of kindness eliminated him from further consideration, and the other man received the appointment.

God is aware of every decision we make and how we live because it reflects who we are and what is important to us. Paul said: "be kind, tenderhearted, and loving toward one another."

Prayer: Heavenly Father, make us aware of our decisions and deeds. What we do for and to and with others reflects our love for You. May our deeds always bless others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 

Knowing And Doing

Two men were enjoying the annual church golf tournament. While waiting for their turn, one said to the other, "There are times when I would like to ask God why He allows hunger and poverty to exist. If He is all-powerful, why doesn’t He do something about it?"

"Well," asked his friend, "why don't you ask Him?”

"Because," he answered, "I'm afraid He might ask me the same question."

Many believe that we only sin when we do what we know is wrong: by not obeying the Word of God, its commands, and teachings. Not so, writes James. Listen carefully...

“Sin,” said James, “is also not doing what we know to be the right thing to do.” We would all agree that it is a sin to disregard and break the Ten Commandments. But it is also a sin if someone speaks evil of a brother or sister and remain silent. We sin if we do not speak up on behalf of others when they are being harmed by gossip and greed. God also expects us to do kind acts, serve those in need, be good stewards of His gifts, and protect others the way He protects us. Someday we will be judged by our standard of giving not our standard of living.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to do what we know is right, to avoid what we know is wrong, and always honor You as Your son honored us. May we follow His example each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: James 4:17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. 

Knowing And Doing

Two men were enjoying the annual church golf tournament. While waiting for their turn, one said to the other, "There are times when I would like to ask God why He allows hunger and poverty to exist. If He is all-powerful, why doesn’t He do something about it?"

"Well," asked his friend, "why don't you ask Him?”

"Because," he answered, "I'm afraid He might ask me the same question."

Many believe that we only sin when we do what we know is wrong: by not obeying the Word of God, its commands, and teachings. Not so, writes James. Listen carefully...

“Sin,” said James, “is also not doing what we know to be the right thing to do.” We would all agree that it is a sin to disregard and break the Ten Commandments. But it is also a sin if someone speaks evil of a brother or sister and remain silent. We sin if we do not speak up on behalf of others when they are being harmed by gossip and greed. God also expects us to do kind acts, serve those in need, be good stewards of His gifts, and protect others the way He protects us. Someday we will be judged by our standard of giving not our standard of living.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to do what we know is right, to avoid what we know is wrong, and always honor You as Your son honored us. May we follow His example each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: James 4:17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. 

It's About The Right Choice

Mountain climbing was a driving force in the life of Tim Hansel. On one of his expeditions, he fell seventy feet and landed on his back and neck. The damage was severe and extensive. He fractured most of the vertebrae from his neck down his spine, crushed most of his discs, tore ligaments, and broke many ribs. It was a miracle that he survived.

Following his accident, after multiple surgeries and many consultations, he was given less than an 8 percent chance that he would ever walk again. But he refused to give up. He persevered, forced himself to walk, ride a bicycle and even play tennis. His experience with God led him to found Summit Express, a unique ministry to provide encouragement to others.

Throughout the remaining years of his life, he was never free from pain. Once, in desperation, he prayed "Lord, I feel almost dismembered this morning from outrageous pain. Here I am, with my desire to be agile and free, barely able to get out of my chair. Teach me to live in new ways, Oh Lord. Teach me and show me Your ways in the midst of this."

What gave him such trust in God? "The joy of the Lord is your strength."

Prayer: Lord, give us Your strength and power to overcome the trials and tragedies of life. May we trust in You, with faith, hope, and confidence to meet our every need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Nehemiah 8:10 Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.