Promise Yourself
"Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can
disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to
every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel like there is
something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your
optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best,
and expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on the
greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give
every living person you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, and too
strong for fear, and to happy to permit the
presence of trouble."
I was reading the book of Nehemiah tonight and it referenced Psalm 119. I read the sub-headings and I felt such a calling to post this. My fiance and I just done talking about this subject, and while doing my reading for the day i came across this reading that hit our subject head on with what we were talking about. And its something that i really needed to hear. In my life application bible if explains the writings in the sub headings, and it reads (psalm 119 Life Application)" Most of us chafe under rules, for we think they restrict us from doing what we want. At first glance, then, it may seem strange to hear the writer talk of rejoicing in following God's statutes as much as in great riches. But God's laws were given to free us to be all he wants us to be. They restrict us from doing what might cripple us and keep us from being our best. God's guidelines help us follow his path and avoid paths that lead to destruction. The writer says that he is a "stranger on earth" and so he needed guidance. Almost any long trip requires a map or guide. As we travel through life, the bible should be our road map, pointing out safe routes, obstacles to avoid, and our final destination. We must recognize ourselves as pilgrims, travelers here on earth that needs to study God's map to learn the way. If we ignore the map, we will wonder aimlessly through life and risk missing our real destination. Our lives are cluttered with rule books, but the authors never come with us to help us follow the rules. But God does. That is the uniqueness of our Bible. God not only provides the rules and guidelines, but comes with us personally each day to strengthen us so that we can live according to those rules. The writer talks about keeping the laws and yet being free. Contrary to what we often expect, obeying god's laws does not inhibit or restrain us. Instead it frees us to be what God designed us to be. By seeking Gods salvation and forgiveness we have freedom from sin and the resulting oppressive guilt. By living God's way, we have freedom to fulfill Gods plan for our lives. To walk safely in the woods at night we need a light so we dont trip over tree roots or fall into holes. In this life we walk through a dark forest of evil. But the Bible can be our light to show us the way ahead so we don't stumble as we walk. It reveals the entangling root of false values and philosophies. Study the bible so you will be able to see your way clear enough to stay on the right path." There is no truth like the truth that the bible brings, and no freedom like the true freedom found in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thanks God for his agape love.
