Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2 WEB.My Dad was born during the great depression of the early 1930s. They had no electricity or running water in the rural areas where he grew up. There was no refrigeration, so they carried large blocks of ice from the ice house to keep things cool in a cellar. Money was scarce. No one in the area had a telephone. There was no indoor plumbing. The family shared an outhouse in the backyard. They had none of what most of us take for granted. Yet, they were happy.
It was a hard life. Yet, there was an incredible generation of people who came out of that era. For when times become hard, people adapt and become tough. The other side of the coin is that just like children when life becomes too easy, we tend to become spoiled, unthankful, and unhappy. Bored.
We often think that if we had such and such, then we would really be happy. The reality is that seventy percent of the people who win the lottery end badly. Many commit suicide, and their divorce rate is four times that of the national average. That doesn't sound that happy.
Many people are having it tough today and are going through so much just to live. Yet, these trials will only make you better. You will become wiser, stronger, a better person when you come out the other side. Eventually, you will. We need to learn to be content wherever we are, like Paul wrote about in Philippians 4:12.
We watched a documentary recently on happiness. After a careful study, the researchers found that your circumstances only account for ten percent of your total happiness level. After your basic needs were met, like food, water, and shelter. That adding more belongings made little difference. Possessions have diminishing returns. Their studies showed that people who lived in poverty in third-world countries were often happier than people living in mansions.
It turns out that pursuing happiness directly only made it more elusive. While simple things like helping others resulted in a considerable happiness boost. For it is better to give than to receive. When people focused less on themselves and their own needs, it actually caused them to be happier in life.
I felt the documentary went right along with the teachings of Jesus. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Give, and it will be given unto you. Pray for others, and your own circumstances will change. So seek to improve the lives of others, and your own happiness will increase. Isn't that amazing?
When your faith is stretched, it will come back stronger. Just like you have to stress a muscle to make it grow, so does your faith. Don't get too stressed out in the hard times. Pace yourself. When you burn a candle at both ends, it won't last very long. Learn to be content where you are, for God has given you a wonderful life.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You today for the wonderful life that You have given me. I appreciate all that You have blessed me with. Please help me see through Your eyes and impress on me what really matters. Make what is important to You, important to me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!Note: Ladies, today is Thankful Thursday at the "Ladies in Distress" group (our RHM women's group)! You are welcome to join in our weekly sharing of thankfulness for the Lord's presence and any blessings you may have experienced, big or small! "Ladies in Distress" is a private group, so if you have any problems joining, just post anywhere and we will help you :). Here is the link:
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Amen Pastor, Never forget to count your Blessings! Thank you Father GOD, for everything . For the Good, for the bad and in between. Through it all you are right there with me. Thank you for you son JESUS Christ.
Amen Father I Thank You for all of Your Blessings
Amen
AMEN. Twelve years ago today I buried my Mother next to my Dad. Together for eternity they watch over me and my family. She always said we have a lot to be thankful for. I love you Mom. AMEN
Made me cry. Do unto others is my motto. Beautiful words of love and encouragement. Puts things in perspective. God bless you and your family and everyone that reads your devotional.
We thank you Jesus for all our blessings.We love and worship. Amen
Dear Father Thank You For Everything You Have Giving Me And My Family And Friends Amen Good Morning Everyone
It's a great day to be alive, thank you Jesus for the moments that I experience every day with you, in your precious name I pray, Amen!!
Thank you Jesus for everything i have. Thank you for my children, family, friends, and neighbors. Bless all of them Dear Lord. I only need You and thank you for supplying my needs. Amen
Yes Father, make what matters to you matter to me. Thank you for your love, mercies and protection throughout my life. I am very grateful that you'll always be with me. Thank you Pastor Dion for a beautiful devotional.
Do, give, pray. Seems so straightforward. Thanks for the encouraging words for this day, Pastor Dion. Lord, please help me see through Your eyes and impress on me what really matters. Thank you! AMEN
Thank you lord for all my blessings in jesus name amen
This is a beautiful message! Thank You Father for all the people you have placed in my life. Thank You for providing for our needs and protecting us. I am grateful for You and Your plans, Amen!
Yes we are all so blessed ! This was indeed a wonderful devotional!
Amen thank you Father for all of my blessings and for the life I love
Amen !
I owed my life to You Heavenly Father, You have shown me what a happy life is about. Thank You for all Your blessings and care and for showing me how important is to be as You see me through Your eyes, in Jesus Christ name I pray, Amen. Praise the Lord almighty.
Awesome message Pastor, thank you for showing us the real meaning of living a blessed life through Jesus word. God bless you and Sylvia, Amen.
Amen !
PRAISE THE LORD. I was born in the early 50's in a third world country. I know how to be poor, and be content and happy for GOD IS SOO FAITHFUL that we (our family) get through all of this. We are here now in Canada with my siblings (one still in the Philippines ). Let us all continue to do good and kind to one another and to all.
Yes living in the moment with gratitude / what a wonderful reminder! I love how easy your words are to understand and after two weeks of doing this devotionals I have to say thank you so much. They mean so much to me
Yes amen Lord Jesus
Amen!
I don't know if I have lost my boyfriend or not. I have not heard from him in 3 days. He is so special and I have a very special feeling for him. Please LORD, open his heart to me and hold me. In JESUS name, Amen
Praying he comes back to you and work out what is wrong.