Think on These Things

October 8, 2013 by blmaluso 6 Comments

All you need to do to see turmoil and evil is turn on your TV, read the news, overhear a conversation, or simply open your eyes to the reality of what is occurring in our government, country, communities, and families.  Some of us are tired and almost at the giving up stage…not sure what can be done to reverse the downward spiral.   Some are apathetic or mistakenly believe that since they are not personally affected (yet), that things are “ok” as is.  So many just “stay the course” in what they allow and support, even though deep in their hearts and consciences, they KNOW something is deeply wrong.

Satan is weaving a web of lies and deceit…he wants us to feel hopeless and abandoned.

It makes me sad to look around and see so many suffering, stuck in that deceitful web.  Many eyes and hearts are closed to the pure light of Truth.  I honestly don‘t know where I would be, or how I would survive, without the saving grace and love of my Savior, Jesus Christ.  I tried for so long to go my own way, knowing He was there, but too engrossed in my day to day struggles to really seek His friendship…after all, “He is God, so He understands.”  Right?

How many times, how many years, have you rationalized your decision to put off “committing” your life to Jesus?  Is it because you’re having so much “fun” that you are afraid commitment to your Lord will make your life boring? Or maybe there will be time to build a relationship with Jesus after your schooling is done, when workloads slow down, after the wedding, when your marriage gets easier, when the kids grow up, when things aren’t so hectic…

When I finally let go and submitted myself to Jesus and the healing powers of the Holy Spirit, my heart was transformed.  Little by little, my walls are coming down, and I can see more and more of the pure light of Christ. This light is allowing me to trust in God more fully, no matter what is occurring around me.  I know God is in control…always working Satan’s deceits and evil into good for my life and all who love Him.  He is building His Kingdom, and is in complete control. Especially when we feel that everything is way out of control.

As my soul is being searched and my own sins are being exposed to me, I am learning to trust more fully, and to look for Jesus in all situations.

So no matter what things “look like” on the surface, I can always look deeper into the stillness of God, and my heart is enlightened to the goodness all around me.  I can see love way past the deceptions of the evil one.

The Holy Spirit is working constantly through us…we are the Body of Christ.  It is our hands, eyes, ears, minds, and hearts that are Christ to each other.  Take the time to see Jesus in the people you encounter.  Focus on Jesus.

What will you see? 

You will see angelic smiles on the faces of innocent babies and children that melt your heart.

Husbands and wives holding hands and looking at each other with love and respect.

A stranger smiling at you, saying hello, or holding a door for you.

This morning, as my husband and I stopped for coffee at McDonalds, it was a “regular” who offered us a friendly “hello” and stack of coupons for free breakfast sandwiches.

Someone’s eyes lighting up when receiving an unexpected card or gift.

An anonymous gift card sent to a person who is struggling.

A mother’s strained and fatigued face after staying up all night with her sick child.

The son or daughter who regularly visits a parent who no longer recognizes him/her.

A man  paying for the groceries of the person in line ahead of  him…because he saw they did not have quite enough cash, and were humiliated.

The hugs and love given to those who are grieving, or those without faith or hope.

The conversation between the homeless person on the corner, and the person who took the time not only to offer money, but also a friendly ear to listen to his/her story.

The peaceful, tear stained face of the person who has just accepted Jesus as their Savior, and feels the total healing and forgiveness of His mercy.

These are the things we must focus on…Jesus in our everyday lives.  

Look around…He is there.  Always.  Where have you seen Him lately???

 

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.   Philippians 4:8