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May 2
6 FORGIVENESS
JESUS: WHAT A FRIEND FOR SINNERS
Jesus! What a friend for sinners!
Jesus! Lover of my soul;
Friends may fail me, foes assail me,
He, my Savior makes me whole.
Jesus! What a help in sorrow!
While the billows ore me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my comfort, helps my soul.
J. Wilbur Chapman
Taken from the book- When Im On My Knees-by- Anita Corrine Donihue
May 3
A NOBLE ARMY OF MARTYRS
It is not easy to be a Christian in a pagan society. It takes courage to stand up for your faith in mixed company, but wherever you are and whatever the circumstances you must never fail to make your witness for Christ. "Be not overcome of evil" wrote St. Paul, "But overcome evil with good". Let it be seen and known that you are on the Lords side in the eternal battle which is being waged between right and wrong.
Do not be afraid of humiliation and ridicule. Dare to be true to your principles. You may never be given the opportunity of doing great things for your Lord and Savior. You may never be anything but a common soldier in "the noble army of martyrs", but everthing that is done and said in His name and for His sake will be recorded in the Book of Glory.
"BLESSED ARE THEY WHICH ARE PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS : FOR THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN"
WHEREVER LIFE MAY LEAD
Do what is right and follow where your conscience points the way. Speak what is true no matter what the world may think or say.. Live out your faith-prepared to suffer if there be the need-making your witness unto Him wherever life may lead.
Taken from the book- Happy Are They Thoughts On The Beatitudes-by-Patience Strong
May 4
AND BE EXCEEDING GLAD
Jesus tells us that if we are to enter into the kingdom of heaven our righteousness must exceed the righteousness of the Pharisees. In other words, our goodness must go beyond our obligations. It must be something exceptional and extraordinary, something over and above the ordinary sort of goodness practised by non-Christians. And the same applies to the way in which we try to obey the commandment to rejoice. It is not enough to rejoice, we must be "exceeding glad". We must be so glad that our gladness will be noted by others as a witness unto Him.
"REJOICE, AND BE EXCEEDING GLAD"
Taken from the book-Happy Are They, Thoughts on the Beatitudes-by-Patience Strong
May 5
BE OF GOOD CHEER
If you are going to try and live the Christian life you must expect trouble, but you must never allow anyone or anything to hurt or hinder you in your great enterprise. When you stand up for Jesus you challenge the opposing powers; the Satanic forces with which our Lord wrestled in the wilderness are still abroad in the world today, but in His strength we are sustained and preserved. "In the world ye shall have tribulation" said Jesus, "but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
You, too, can overcome the world, so go forward in the power of His Spirit. Follow Him and you will not walk alone, for you will move in great unseen company of the saints and the martyrs and all true souls who have kept the faith.
Be of good cheer, said the Master. This was one of His last messages to the pilgrim souls who would follow after Him. This was one of the great thoughts that He left with His disciples as they sat together at the Last Supper. Do not be discouraged, or despondent or dismayed. Be of good cheer.
"BLESSED ARE YE, WHEN MEN SHALL REVILE YOU, AND PERSECUTE YOU, AND SHALL SAY ALL MANNER OF EVIL AGAINST YOU FALSELY, FOR MY SAKE"
Taken from the book- Happy Are They Thoughts On The Beatitudes-by-Patience Strong
May 6
REJOICE
The melody of joy runs like a golden theme all through the great symphony of the Scriptures. "The joy of the Lord is your strength" said Nehemiah. And on the night before His crucifixion just before He walked into the darkness of Gethsamane Jesus told the disciples to be happy. "These things have I spoke unto you" He said, "that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." St. Paul, after all his experiences and inspite of all that he suffered could write a letter to the Philippians and say, "Rejoicein the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice".
To rejoice in the face of difficulty and adversity is part of a Christian, but there is also a sound basis of practical psychology in "rejoicing in the Lord". Like attracts like. There is magnetic power in joy that attracts happy circumstances, just as dark unhappy thoughts create depressing conditions which attract evil influences. Joy promotes bodily and spiritual health. Take the spirit of Joy out into the world with you this day and you will prove it to be true that the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Joy be with me through the day,
All the while and all the way,
When the road seems hard and long
Keep me going with a song,
Never let me voice despair
Lift my heart in praise and prayer.
Taken from the book-Happy Are They, Thoughts on the Beatitudes-by-Patience Strong
May 7
COMFORT AND SECURITY
Many and various were the uses of rod and staff to the shepherds of Davids country. Without these aids he would never have been able to climb over the rough places, to keep his sheep together and to beat down the cruel thorns that grew in the path of the flock. To the sheep the rod and staff would be symbols of comfort and security.
None of us can get along without help. We need the rod and staff of faith to support us. We need something on which to lean when our own strength fails, something strong enough to take our full weight. We need God.
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Taken from the book-THE SWEETEST SONG-a little book about the 23rd Psalm-by-Patience Strong
MAY 8
Dedication
Part 7
THE SECRET
Stacy sighed and unlocked her classroom door. Teaching had become a task instead of a joy. What had happened to her enthusiasm and creativity? "Should I leave teaching?" she muttered. "God, please help me."
Stacy dropped her bag by the desk and tackled a science project. She could hear friend Geraldine humming next door, as usual.
Geraldines been in the district forever, Stacy pondered. How does she always stay on top?
Just then, her friend popped into the room with a sunshiny smile. "Hi, Stacy. How are you doing?"
Stacy leaned back and tapped her pencil against the science text. "Im burning out. I feel it and I think the kids can, too. Its so much harder than it used to be." She threw her arms toward her classroom desks. Her voice croaked with frustration. "Theres so many more discipline problems and the struggles these kids face break my heart. I seem to be getting nowhere. How do you stay so positive?" Stacys voice lowered to a whisper. "Whats your secret?"
Geraldine pulled up a chair and brushed a wisp of graying hair from her eyes. "Theres no secret, Stacy. I have my tough days, too. Sometimes Im overwhelmed. Thats when I really pray for help."
She laughed. "One time I told the Lord I felt totally alone in trying to solve all these kids problems." Thats when He spoke to my heart and asked if I thought He would leave the world to someone like me to run or could He do it for me?
"Now, no matter how busy I am, I pray for each student first thing everyday. Thats my source of strength and joy."
Before long Stacy changed her perspective. She saw many prayers answered and with Gods help regained her joy and enthusiasm.
THE TEACHERS PRAYER
Let me love a child more dearly every day.
Let me help the child who struggles find his way.
Let me stop to see his needs and gently pray.
Then may this day be right,
Within Your guiding light,
I humbly pray.
May the words of my mouth and
The meditation of my heart,
Be pleasing in your sight,
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
May 9
EYES ON THE LEADER
The paths of life can be very confusing. They twist about in all directions running uphill and down, and there are many pleasant but deceptive byways that look enticing and prove to be dead ends or dangerous death traps. If I take one false step I soon find I am off the main track, sinking into a bog of despair or lost in some lonely and terrible place with the night coming on and no one to help or to guide me.
I must keep my face set steadfastly towards my leader, the Good Shepherd. Whenever I turn my eyes away from Him I lose my sense of direction.
HE LEADETH ME IN THE PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR HIS NAMES SAKE.
Taken from the book-The Sweetest Song of All, A Little Book About The 23rd Psalm-by-Patience Strong
May 10
FOR HIS SAKE
For nearly two thousand years the Church of Christ has stood up against the assaults of her enemies. Ever since Jesus of Nazareth died on the cross of Calvary men and women have been dying for Him gladly and willingly with smiling faces and happy hearts. This is the sort of devotion that comes only from great love, inspired not by principle but by a person.
When our Lord said to Peter and Andrew "Follow Me" they left their nets and followed and the end of their discipleship was martyrdom. The strange power that drew those simple fishermen from their nets still draws men to Christ. Still He looks at those whom He chooses and says, "Follow Me" and they follow, ready to die if need be for His sake.
Taken from the book- Happy Are They Thoughts On The Beatitudes-by-Patience Strong
May 11
Part 2
I opened my mouth before I thought. Forgive me, Lord. How could I have talked so behind someones back? I can never retrieve careless words.
Give me strength to ask for forgiveness, to try to make things right. Go before me, dear Lord, and help me make amends.
I am beginning to realize gossip cuts to the core. Wise words soothe the heal. Teach me, Lord, to use words of wisdom, and in the future let me remember the hard lesson from this experience. Guard my tongue and seal my lips. The Bible shows me that careless words can break bones.
May I not get caught in the snares of others who are gossiping. Help me to build up lifes cornerstones in people, rather than chiseling and breaking them down.
Fill my thoughts with things that are good and right. Let everything I do and say be pleasing to You.
Now, I focus my eyes on You, dear Lord. I take refuge in Your strength and comfort in Your wisdom.
Gossip
When careless words are spoken.
To be retrieved no more,
Lay each one at Christs altar,
Then go and sin no more.
Gossip
1 Timothy
13Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.
James
13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
May 12
IN GOOD HANDS
A mind that is prey to fears is a mind that is wide open to the assaults of the Evil One. Absolute trust in God dispels fear and destroys its power. When I go down into the valley of the shadow or when great troubles threaten to overwhelm me I will affirm my belief in the goodness of God.
Fear is devitalizing. When I am afraid I am vulnerable to temptation because fear weakens the spiritual and moral fibres. So I will deny fear wherever I meet it. I resolve to be faithful in trust, positive in prayer and confident in hope, banking on the good promises of my Heavenly Father, and putting myself into His hands.
I WILL FEAR NO EVIL.
Taken from the book-The Sweetest Song of All, A Little Book About The 23rd Psalm-by-Patience Strong
May 13
INTO THE DARKNESS
Be not afraid. Whatever comes, praise God and know that His purpose on the looms of destiny.. Count it an honor and a joy if your compelled to take-a cross upon your shoulders and to suffer for His sake Bear it with courage, grace and patience where He points the way. Strong in the strength of Christ your Savior. Hope and trust and pray. Into darkness He will lead you forward through the night- bringing you at last into the glory of the light.
Taken from the book-Happy Are They, Thoughts on the Beatitudes-by-Patience Strong
May 14
Part 3
James 3: 18
18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
THE ARGUMENT
Lord, I did it again. I fell into another argument and spoke unkindly. Why was I so thoughtless? My heart feels heavy; I find myself replaying the disagreement all day. Can I be wrong although I know Im right?
Is my attitude pure, unconditional love?
Please, calm my emotions. Help us to talk, to show respect, and to listen rather than argue.
When I must disagree, help me express my feelings with love, doing my best to keep this persons dignity intact. Show me how separate the essential from the trivial, and to know where I should give in. in spite of our differences, I must remain accepting of the one I love.
Has it been seventy times seven that I have forgiven? Help me show gentleness and forgiveness as You do. Let me be willing not to hold a grudge. Teach me to go beyond myself with thoughtfulness and kindness during this time, remembering that perfect love castes our fear.
Surround me and my loved one with Your presence and keep us nestled in Your pure, sweet love.
Linda sputtered at her husband Don and stormed out, angry enough to walk five miles. After a few blocks her pace lessened. Her racing mind settled. She clutched her sweater with folded arms. Was she cold from the evening air or from chilling words she had spoken? Did it really matter who was right or wrong? Linda thought of how defensive shed become from her husbands comment. Could it be because there was some truth to what hed said? She rounded another neighborhood block, afraid to apologize. What if he wouldnt listen?
Must she state her view again?
Linda remembered the Bible verse: "perfect love drives out fear"
1 John 4: 18, Her conscience gently chided, "There is no need for excuses, just love."
Her pace quickened and Linda headed for home. When she approached their front yard, she could see the warm glow of living room lights. She quietly opened the door and paused, welcomed by Dons open arms. "Im sorry," she cried.
"So am I."
"How could I have been so thoughtless?"
"Well work it out."
"Ill try to understand."
The chill left. Loves warmth returned.
1 John 4:18-19
18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
19 We love because he first loved us.
May 15
LOVE AND BE LOVED
A Christian must always be willing to put others first. He must cultivate the mental habit of considering the comfort and the needs of others before his own. This means a constant drain upon his charity, but if he remains constant in prayer the Divine love will always be pouring in upon him, making him rich. The more he gives the more he will have to give and the more he will have for himself. That is the way Gods law works. "Spend and be spent for a good Master" said John Wesley.
No good thing is ever lost. When you cast your bread upon the waters it comes back to you as a blessing some way or another. You are enriched not by what you get but by what you give. Love and be loved. The joy that you bring into the lives of others will come back to you seven-fold.
Taken from the book-Happy Are They, Thoughts on the Beatitudes-by-Patience Strong
May 16
LOVE IS ITS OWN REWARD
You must never expect any thanks or reward in this life for anything that is done in the name of Christ. What you do for Him and for His sake must be done in a spirit of pure charity without any thought of self-glorification or desire to win the esteem and approval of others. What you give to your Lord is given for love and love is its own reward.
If you pour out your life for others you must never give way to feelings of resentment if your kindnesses are not acknowledged. A Christian must never look for praise or appreciation, but be content to go humbly and quietly about the business of the kingdom of God happy in the knowledge that he serves a good Master.
"GREAT IS YOUR REWARD IN HEAVEN"
Taken from the book-Happy Are They, Thoughts on the Beatitudes-by-Patience Strong
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