Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

But as I looked at everything I had worked so
hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless--
like chasing the wind. There was nothing really
worthwhile anywhere.
Ecclesiastes 2:11, NLT

Reflection:

Solomon summarized all his attempts at finding
life's meaning as "chasing after the wind.
" We feel the wind as it passes, but we can't
catch hold of it or keep it. In all our
accomplishments, even the big ones, our good
feelings are only temporary. Security and
self-worth are not found in these
accomplishments, but far beyond them in the
love of God.
Think about what you consider worthwhile in
your life--where you place your time, energy,
and money. Will you one day look back and
decide that these, too, were a "chasing after
the wind"?

(Life Application Daily Devotion)

Scripture:

People may be right in their own eyes, but the LORD
examines their heart.    Proverbs 21:2, NLT

Reflection:

Do you know what I'm best at? I am so good at giving excuses.
I can have an excuse for almost anything that comes my way.
I have an excuse when I'm late, I have an excuse when I don't
have a certain task done, I have an excuse when I forget a birthday,
in other words, I have an excuse for everything.

But there's a problem here, I may think in my own mind that I
am getting away with something with all my excuses, but I'm not.
Because I happen to believe in a God that looks behind the excuses
to the motives of my heart.

I guess as I get older I have discovered that I have made certain choices
where the right action was very difficult to discern. Because I believe
that ultimately there is a bottom line to every decision I need to make,
this makes the decision even more important and much more difficult
to arrive at.

I've got to asked myself this question, "How do I arrive at this decision?
Well I have discovered that I can help myself come to a decision
by first identifying the motives I have in making a decision. And then
when I am able to specifically define the motive I simply do this;
WWJD. That's right I'm one of those guys who still ask the question
"What Would Jesus Do?" I also want to know would God be pleased
with my real reasons for making this decision. I have certainly discovered
that God is not pleased when we do good deeds and make decisions
only to receive something in return.

Yes I have discovered, in myself, that when I go to the above process
that I do make the right decision not only for me, not only for all involved,
but also to glorify God.

Prayer:

Oh Lord please continue to be the biggest part of my decision
making process. And to always ask the question "What Would
Jesus Do?" I realize Lord that by doing this it brings me much closer
to the "Right" decision according to your will.
Thank you God for being my God
in Jesus name   AMEN

Scripture:

There are "friends" who destroy each other,
but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24, NLT

Reflection:

Loneliness is everywhere--many people feel
cut off and alienated from others. Being in a
crowd just makes people more aware of their
isolation. We all need friends who will stick
close, listen, care, and offer help when it is
needed--in good times and bad. It is better
to have one such friend than dozens of
superficial acquaintances.
Instead of wishing you could find a true
friend, seek to become one. There are
people who need your friendship. Ask God
to reveal them to you, and then take on the
challenge of being a true friend.

(Life Application Daily Devotion)