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The Half Empty Glass

  • In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:5 WEB

    Think of a glass of water sitting on a dining table in a restaurant. One person may see the glass half full of water, while another sees the glass half empty. The glass itself contains the same amount of water no matter how you look at it.

    When you are looking through satan's eyes at his plan for your life, it is going to be a dark, twisted, distorted view, filled with doubt, lack, despair, loneliness, and a fear of what is coming. The glass will continue to drain away until there is nothing left. Then what will you do?

    When you look through the eyes of Jesus at His plan for your life, you will find it full of hope, love, light, acceptance, forgiveness, and you will face the day knowing that whatever comes, God has got your back. If the glass runs out of water, the waiter can refill it. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). No weapon formed against you will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). So we may boldly say: 'The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?' (Hebrews 13:6).

    From whose point of view are you looking at your life from? If you feel burdened down like you are carrying the world on your shoulders, then it is the wrong one and it is not uncommon today. Life is busy and there are often many things pulling from many directions. Don't let it get to you. You were not meant to be everything to everyone, all the time. You just need to be you and they can all accept you, or not, it is ok. God does.

    Paul wrote that we should be anxious about nothing, but pray with gratitude and make your requests known to God, because that is when the peace of God comes. Jesus said in Matthew 6:34 to not worry about tomorrow, for it will take care of itself. Paul learned to be content in whatever situation that he found himself in (Philippians 4:11).

    So don't get anxious and give up today. What is lost can still be replaced. What was stolen, can be recovered. Pray and be thankful for what the Lord has already done for you. Remember the times that He has moved in your life. View your life through the eyes of Jesus who loved you so much that He endured the cross. God throws no one away.

    Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for bringing me this far. Please show me what I can do for You. Give me a clear vision, calm my mind, give me more of Your peace in my life. Give me the grace to change my ways and become more like You, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

    Note: Good morning! For those who missed, or would like to review, the Sunday message, it is now available! Just go to the Watch page on the site menu and select "Watch Previous Services". ALSO, the Creation Photographers fun theme of the week is "If You Love It, Take a Picture of It!", based on Deuteronomy 6:5. As always, feel free to post any other photos, too!

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44 comments
  • 1
Joan Joseph
Joan Joseph

Amen!

October 25, 2016
  • 2
Mike OBryan
Mike OBryan

      Hum great teaching--healthy to not for get this!!! Thanks Pastoor!!!!!!!!

October 25, 2016
  • 3
Leslie McLea
Leslie McLea

Just what the great physician ordered for me this morning. Thank you Pastor for all you do for us. 

October 25, 2016
  • 1
Carol Policastro
Carol Policastro

Amen to that Leslie.  We all need to be anxious for nothing, but through prayer and supplication make our requests know to the Lord.  So grateful that the Lord is NEVER too busy for us!!  AMEN

October 25, 2016
  • 2
Penelope Rhome
Penelope Rhome

amen

October 25, 2016
  • 2
Cheryl Larreau
Cheryl Larreau

Excellent lesson today

October 25, 2016
  • 2
Terryl Nichols
Terryl Nichols

Thank you pastor. This is a great message to start the day with

October 25, 2016
  • 2
Michelle  Muff
Michelle Muff

Amen. Amen amen. "You just need to be you and they can all accept you, or not, it is ok. God does.". Prior to this prayers I thought about interacting with my family of origin and the "representative" I usually send. Hi how are you?  I'm good how are you?  Yes I'm great. More Turkey?  I cannot really answer that question and get deep. Well I am suffering, grieving and in pain, but still praising and trusting God. So, I send the representative and eat food, clean and go play with the children.   So being able to be me and know that it's ok. That God loves me as I am. No need to send the respresentative.  Amen pastor! 

October 25, 2016
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd

Whichever you choose, yes, God understands and loves you anyway, Michelle <3. I'm not sure what I would do. Guess it would depend on how close I was to the people there. 

October 26, 2016
  • 2
Carol Pady
Carol Pady

Amen. I keep getting these verses

Philippians 4:6

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

and

Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 

God is speaking them to my heart. I believ they may be meant for my daughter as she is experiencing some trials. I am sharing them with her . God is always so good to us, He gives us what we need to hear everytime we seek Him!

October 25, 2016
  • 1
Carol Policastro
Carol Policastro

Carol - these verses repeat for me very often as well.  He is speaking to us and our families!  Praise You God!!

October 25, 2016
  • 2
Rebecca Adkins
Rebecca Adkins

Caro, The same for me. I really needed this. I know God has really been trying to get my attention with my health issues. I am making a very important decision today with my doctor. Have a blessed day.

October 25, 2016
  • 1
Gina Blakey
Gina Blakey

Amen. 

October 26, 2016
  • 1
Nicole Summers
Nicole Summers

Amen. God know I needed this message. Thank you pastor for this message you are truly appreciate and a blessings.

October 25, 2016
  • 2
Marisa Jackson
Marisa Jackson

Amen!!  Thank you Lord for Always being by my side, guiding me, protecting me and giving me the strength to endure the deep valley's that have been more than I thought I could bear.  But you continue to bring me through and shine on me and pour out the love that enables me to stand and say. . ."I truly can do all things through CHRIST who gives me strength."

October 25, 2016
  • 1
Deng Tembreza
Deng Tembreza

amen

October 25, 2016
  • 1
Carol Policastro
Carol Policastro

The perfect message for me today.  I know it was meant for me alone because God knows my thoughts and prayers. Thank you Pastor for delivering it on His behalf!!  AMEN

October 25, 2016
  • 2
Cathy Webb
Cathy Webb

Thank you, Pastor Dion, for the reminder that God is more than enough and brings His peace and power into my busy life!

October 25, 2016
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd

Father, I lift up Sherri to you and pray that you heal her and restore her completely, in the name of Jesus, amen!

October 25, 2016
  • 1
Deng Tembreza
Deng Tembreza

amen

October 25, 2016
  • 1
Gina Blakey
Gina Blakey

I am in agreement with you for Sherri to be healed and made whole. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen. 

October 26, 2016
  • 2
Eric Rodriguez
Eric Rodriguez

Let Go & Let  G  O  D       .     .     .     .

 

October 25, 2016
  • 1
Deng Tembreza
Deng Tembreza

Amen

October 25, 2016
  • 2
Marilyn DeJongh
Marilyn DeJongh

Perfect for my day, and my life.  I need to realize that when I can't get everything accomplished and worry that someone will be disappointed in me, I need to give it to God.  I'm a "fixer" and doing that can be a challenge for me. God is the final fixer and I just need to follow His direction,  knowing He loves me, as I am, even when I don't deserve it.  Thank you for helping me remember that fact! 

October 25, 2016
  • 3
Rebecca Adkins
Rebecca Adkins

Thank you for sharing, Pastor Dion. I have been reading these words often lately. I have a very important decision to talk with my doctor about today. I have many health issues, but have been trying to hang onto my job; when I really don't have to now since the Lord has blessed me with Disability benefits. I keep getting sicker when I do go to work. I love interacting with the guests who come into ChicFilA. I work in the dining room and my name tag says: Assistant Director of Kindness, below my name. I have had to miss so much work lately because I have a very low immune system, causing me to catch a lot of germs from people and cleaning bathrooms and such. My co-workers are young, mostly. They have to all work together to do my job when I am not there and I can feel the tension from them now. No one hardly speaks to me anymore or ever asks how I am feeling. I have been torn about this because I am very friendly and when I speak to say hello or how are you today...and get hateful glares or just ignored, this hurts. So, I am talking with my doctor about it this morning. I have to take a leave from there for awhile because my body is tired and worn out. I have prayed a lot about this and hope I am making  the right decision. My health just cannot take it anymore. I am sorry this is so long, but it is important to me and to know that I have the support of RM. Have a blessed day to all...Rebecca.

October 25, 2016
  • 3
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd

Praying for you, Rebecca, may He heal you and guide you to the right choice for your job <3!

October 25, 2016
  • 2
Mary Pat Taylor
Mary Pat Taylor

Keeping you in prayer, Rebecca. (((hugs))

October 25, 2016
  • 1
Deng Tembreza
Deng Tembreza

GOD has your back Rebecca.  Always remember that OUR LORD GOD ALMIGHTY LOVES YOU VERY MUCH

October 25, 2016
  • 2
Gina Blakey
Gina Blakey

May God give you Peace about your decision. I pray you are healed in Jesus Name. Do not get discouraged. Being upbeat and showing fruit are not popular in today's fast-paced world but that is exactly what we are called to do...to be a light in a dark world and to be salty!  God bless you good!  

October 26, 2016
  • 2
Joseph Adams, Jr.
Joseph Adams, Jr.

Amen. I needed that.

 

October 25, 2016
Comment deleted
  • 2
Deng Tembreza
Deng Tembrezaedited: October 25, 2016

Thank you FATHER ALMIGHTY for the peace, joy and contentment you gave me and amy son.  In everything, we will always trust you and love you with all our heart.  In all our ways we will acknowledge you, in all our circumstances we thank you for we will not lean on our own understanding for me and my son knows that you will make our path straight in the name of OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.  Amen

October 25, 2016
  • 2
Rachael Burke
Rachael Burke

Amen, nothing is too hard for the Lord

October 25, 2016
  • 2
Loriann Riley
Loriann Riley

Thank you Pastor Todd for this devotion it brings a blessing to my soul. 

October 25, 2016
  • 2
Diane Symborski✝
Diane Symborski✝

Amne!! Thank you Pastor Dion for todays devotion. :-)   Reading this was making me think a lot of what i've been going threw for many years now. I claim the prayer for me in my life, I pray in Jesus, name. Amen <3

 

Heavenly Father, I thank you for bringing me this far. Please show me what I can do for You. Give me a clear vision, calm my mind, give me more of Your peace in my life. Give me the grace to change my ways and become more like You, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen <3

October 25, 2016
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd

Amen, Diane, joining in this prayer for all of us <3!

October 26, 2016
  • 2
Gina Blakey
Gina Blakey

This morning (Tuesday) as I was getting out of bed, I asked the Lord what scripture He would have me share with my email contacts for today. I headed to the bathroom (which is my prayer closet I do believe), and I heard the Holy Spirit speak into my heart, "Be anxious for nothing." Then almost immediately, "Think upon these things."  I looked up the familiar scriptures and got ready to send out my email. Then I checked my daily Refreshing Hope Devotion!  Wow!!!!  I love how the Holy Spirit confirms God's Word to me!  He's awesome!  I enjoyed reading today's devotion very much, Pastor Dion!  It's so very true...I forwarded it to many of my friends via email so they could be blessed as well.  May God enlarge your territory and bless.  Gina 

 

October 26, 2016
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd

Praise God, He is amazing!

October 26, 2016
  • 2
Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams

Amen.  Praise God!  Thank you Pastor Todd!  Heavenly Father, I thank you for bringing me this far. Please show me what I can do for You. Give me a clear vision, calm my mind, give me more of Your peace in my life. Give me the grace to change my ways and become more like You, in the Name of Jesus Christ I pray.  Amen.

October 26, 2016
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd

Amen, brother!

October 26, 2016
  • 1
Wesley Paulus
Wesley Paulus

Amen

October 26, 2016
  • 1
Janet Marsh-Lord
Janet Marsh-Lord

Amen.

October 26, 2016
  • 1
Schalk  de Beer
Schalk de Beer

 Amen Lord Jesus, change me according to your will. 

October 26, 2016
  • 1
Rosemary Marsh
Rosemary Marsh

Amen.Thank you Pastor.For the devotion and the Prayer.

October 30, 2016