Weekend Words

Say "Thank You" - Joyce Meyer

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever! -

I Chronicles 16:34

Thanksgiving should be a regular part of our lives.  It is something that creates an atmosphere where God can speak; it is a type of prayer, and it should flow out of us in a natural way that is pure and easy.  We can take time each evening and thank God for the things He helped us with that day, but we should also continually breathe out simple prayers of thanksgiving every time we see Him working in our lives or blessing us.  For example, "Lord, thank you for a good night's sleep," or "God, I thank you that my visit to the dentist didn't hurt as much as I thought it might," or "Lord, thank you for keeping me encouraged."

God is always good to us, always faithful, and always working diligently in our lives to help us in every possible way.  We need to respond by letting Him know we appreciate Him and everything He is doing for us.  We should thank God silently in our heart and we should also voice our thankfulness aloud because that helps us stay conscious and aware of God's love, which He demonstrates through His goodness to us.

 

Because Someone Smiled - Read Psalm 33

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly. - Proverbs 18:24

For the Christian who has been cleansed by the blood of Jesus and is at peace with his family, church, and neighbour, a radiant smile can speak volumes to others.  As Christians we should always try to radiate the love and peace of God by our facial expressions.  Just as a scowl expresses anger, so a warm, sincere smile expresses Christian joy.  Nehemiah 8:10 says, "The joy of the Lord is your strength."  Even in the midst of sorrow or intense suffering, we can leave a testimony of a sincere smile.

A smile can speak eloquently even when no words are uttered.  Someone may feel completely alone and hopeless until you smile at him.  A smile is so inexpensive yet so valuable.  A fearful child may shy away from a stranger, no matter how honest his intentions, but his pleasant smile can soon put the little one at ease.  A smile doesn't need words or physical touch to convey its warmth, inspiration, and comfort.  Just a smile is enough, pure and simple, touching the heart and soothing the soul with its healing balm.

David was being pursued by King Saul when he wrote the profound words in Psalm 57.  "My heart is fixed O God: ... I will sing and give praise, ... I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people."  Only a heart set on serving God could utter this kind of praise under such dire circumstances.  I can picture David stretching his hands towards Heaven and smiling radiantly as he spoke these words.  Dear friends, do you go about with a smile that testifies of Christ's glorious work in your heart?  A transformation within will show on the outside.

A smile can radiate sunshine on a cloudy day.

Denver Yoder - Somerset, OH

 

Just little things, a thankful heart and a ready smile, but they can make all the difference to ourselves and others, especially in how we deal with, and get through, these troubling times.

xx