“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.” Ephesians 4:31-32

Dispositional sins are fully as injurious to the Christian cause
as the more overt acts of wickedness. These sins are as many
as the various facets of human nature. Just so there may be
no misunderstanding, let us list a few of them: sensitiveness,
irritability, churlishness, faultfinding, peevishness, temper,
resentfulness, cruelty, uncharitable attitudes; and of course
there are many more. These kill the spirit of the church and
mar the witness of the church in the community. Many unsaved
people have been turned away and embittered by manifestations
of ugly dispositional flaws in the lives of the very people who
were trying to win them.

Unsaintly saints are the tragedy of Christianity! (A.W. Tozer)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness temperance—–.” Gal. 5:22-23

Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. –2 Corinthians 1:4

There’s a story of a lady who kept an ordinary cardboard box sitting on a bookcase in her home. The box was filled with notes, cards, and letters, offering love and encouragement at a time when her life was filled with sadness.

She was housebound for several years caring for her husband who had Alzheimer’s disease. As each card arrived, it provided her and her husband with a cheerful message telling of the sender’s prayers, love, and support. The words on the cards were often exactly what she needed to make it through the day.

When her husband passed away, and she moved to rebuild her life without him, she began sending cards to others who were experiencing the same kind of pain, remembering how much they helped her.

It doesn’t take long to send a simple note saying, “I’m praying for you” or “You are in my thoughts today.” With the technological advances of our world today, it’s easy to send someone a quick e-mail of encouragement, but there is still nothing like holding a card in your hand, knowing that the sender took time to think of you and your situation.

George William Childs, American publisher who lived from 1829-1894, once said, “Do not keep the alabaster box of your love and friendship sealed up until your friends are dead. Fill their lives with sweetness. Speak approving, cheering words while their ears can hear them and while their hearts can be thrilled and made happier. The kind things you mean to say when they are gone, say before they go.”  Ask God to make you a blessing today in someone’s life who may need a note of encouragement and love. Continually pray that His presence will surround those in your life who are going through difficult times.   (from Senior Living)

Our Hope for Years to Come

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth, and with my song will I praise Him.
Psalm 28:7  (also read Psalm 28:6-9)

This verse provides a happy formula for the New Year. Notice the progression.

First, we realize that the Lord is our strength and shield. No matter what unfolds from day to day or from month to month, He’ll give us sufficient strength, and His presence will surround us as a shield.

Second, our hearts can fully trust Him. We can relax, rest, and lean on Him, knowing He is fully able to do all He has promised.

Third, as we recognize who He is and trust Him, we are helped. There’s no sense of panic as it relates to the uncertain future. He helps us in everything at every time. The past, the present, and the future are His.

Fourth, our heart can therefore rejoice. Today is a day for a joyful and glad attitude. And that leads to a song of praise. We can have a hymn in our hearts today–like this one: “O God our Help in ages past, our hope for years to come; be Thou our Guide while life shall last, and our eternal home.” (Turning Point)

Under the shadow of Thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure; sufficient is Thine arm alone, and our defense is sure.
Isaac Watts