One Day at a Time

“Now it came about” is the same construction which appears in 1 Kings 17:7 and 17.

Literally it is, “and it came to pass.”

Again, this is not by chance, but by the timing of God who was carrying out His purposes with Elijah and Israel.

We need to learn to see the hand of God in our lives.

As His thoughts are not ours, so it is that His timing is often not ours as well.

“After many days.”

Notice, not simply after years, or in the third year, but the verse says, “after many days. . . in the third year.”

What can be learned and applied from this?

For God’s people, no matter how fast or slow the years seem to pass, God deals with us one-day-at-a- time.

Each day of the believer’s life is important to God.

It should be for us also.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3: 13 niv

Suppose you embrace a life of wisdom.

What will you end up looking like?

The answer may surprise some.

Wisdom doesn’t turn you into an inscrutable sage with flowing robes or a bookish professor in an ivory tower.

Instead, wisdom enables you to become an engaged, likeable human being.

Quietly helping others becomes the focus of your life.

That might mean teaching a young child how to tie his shoes or helping an elderly person with her groceries.

You do these things not because you’re trying to check off a list of good deeds for the day but because they flow naturally from who you are.

Your wisdom gives you the power to make a difference.

In Control or Controlled

Respond or react?

Patience is better than strength. Controlling your temper is better than capturing a city. Proverbs 16: 32 ncv

Many times …

In our world, there are many good reasons—as well as many bad reasons—to feel angry.

Controlled anger is a response to a given situation.

When we manage our anger well, we put ourself in a position of leadership.

When we react, by contrast, we can be the hotheaded person alienates even his friends and sows the seeds of his own demise.

These questions will help: Is our anger motivating constructive action?

Is it appropriate to the situation?

Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11: 14 nkjv

Counsel -A role and a person.

While we are know something, all know more.

More people can mean more wisdom.

It can also lead to confusion where shared values are lacking.

A kitchen cabinet holds much and a cabinet of counselors …

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Proverbs 3: 27 niv

In a mixed-up world, injustice and unfairness abound.

But each person has an opportunity to help make things right by giving credit where credit is due, by giving praise where praise has been earned, by rewarding good performance when it is within their power to do so, and by giving help to those who deserve it.

Let’s say “thank you” and “well done” to a store clerk, a server, and, most especially to everyone at home!

“Whoops” often erupts and sometimes blurts from our mouth — something we said and/or did.

We immediately knew that the action was not good.

“Wow” often also jumps out of our mouth because the action and experience lights up our world and gives life and joy.

I have learned more from my “whoops” than my “wows” for they show me the change which I need to make.

“Always be humble, gentle, and patient, accepting each other in love.”

Paul to the Ephesians 4: 2 ncv.

Always speaks-of the future and a commitment and perseverance and mystery.

Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.

— Oscar Wilde.

This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates.