2020 Daily Devotion - Day 11
One of the most important tools we can have in our spiritual tool kit is HOPE. Hope is like water to drink and air to breathe. Hope is essential; especially in days like today.
In September 1988, Hurricane Gilbert hit the Louisiana coast. At that time, it was considered the “storm of the century.” It battered the shoreline; severely disrupting the shrimping business. Many shrimp boats were lost, causing great concern for several families dependent on shrimping for their livelihood.
A reporter interviewed a shrimp boat owner. He was asked how the storm would impact the shrimpers. With the devastation of Gilbert as a backdrop, this man said, “Well, there is a good side. The storm will have stirred up the bottom of the ocean, making for better shrimping once we’re able to get back out there.” This man understood hope! Stevenson, P. (2007). 5 Things Anyone Can Do to Lead Effectively (p.18). Indianapolis, IN: WPH.
So how do we develop this kind of hope? One of the ways we do it is to change how we look at life. Instead of always looking for problems and seeing the “glass half empty”, we need to change our focus. This is what the Apostle Paul says writing from a prison cell these words:
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9 RSV
Start looking for the good in every situation. Focus your attention on the positive aspects in certain situations. This is what Paul was doing from a prison cell because he knew God would see him through.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, too often we simply focus on the problems. We moan and complain about so many things. However, You want us to change our focus. You want us to be on the hunt for all which is “true, honorable, and just” and focus on these things. Help to change our focus. In Your name, we pray. Amen
Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
In September 1988, Hurricane Gilbert hit the Louisiana coast. At that time, it was considered the “storm of the century.” It battered the shoreline; severely disrupting the shrimping business. Many shrimp boats were lost, causing great concern for several families dependent on shrimping for their livelihood.
A reporter interviewed a shrimp boat owner. He was asked how the storm would impact the shrimpers. With the devastation of Gilbert as a backdrop, this man said, “Well, there is a good side. The storm will have stirred up the bottom of the ocean, making for better shrimping once we’re able to get back out there.” This man understood hope! Stevenson, P. (2007). 5 Things Anyone Can Do to Lead Effectively (p.18). Indianapolis, IN: WPH.
So how do we develop this kind of hope? One of the ways we do it is to change how we look at life. Instead of always looking for problems and seeing the “glass half empty”, we need to change our focus. This is what the Apostle Paul says writing from a prison cell these words:
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9 RSV
Start looking for the good in every situation. Focus your attention on the positive aspects in certain situations. This is what Paul was doing from a prison cell because he knew God would see him through.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, too often we simply focus on the problems. We moan and complain about so many things. However, You want us to change our focus. You want us to be on the hunt for all which is “true, honorable, and just” and focus on these things. Help to change our focus. In Your name, we pray. Amen
Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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