As
long as you are stationary, no one will complain. Dogs don’t bark at
parked cars. But as soon as you accelerate—once you step out of
drunkenness into sobriety; dishonesty into integrity; or lethargy into
compassion—expect the yapping to begin. Expect to be criticized. Expect
to be mocked.

So
how can we prepare ourselves? Peter said this: “Don’t give the
opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at
attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master” (I Peter 3:14-15).

As we meditate on Christ’s life, we find strength for our own. Do you want to be bold tomorrow?
Then be with Jesus today. Be in his Word. Be with his people. Be in his
presence. And when persecution comes, and it will, be strong. Who
knows? People may realize you’ve been with Christ!

From God is With You Every Day

Although we had educated our two oldest children in
public schools, we decided to home school our youngest, Lauren. When
Lauren asked when she would
start school, I told her it would be at least another year. At that time
Mommy would be her teacher.

With a worried look, Lauren cried out, “No, no, you can’t do that! Who’ll be my Mommy then?”

Received from GCFL

[Editor’s Note” I saw these in “Cup O’Cheer” and couldn’t decide which to use. So, here are are both of them.]

Our God is a God Who not merely restores, but takes up our mistakes and follies into His plan for us and brings good out of them. This is part of the wonder of His gracious sovereignty.

– J. I. Packer

—–

Sometimes, even when you’ve spent years ignoring God,there are places where His fingerprint and His intentions seem absolute.

– Lisa Wingate

Forgiveness doesn’t make the other person right; it makes you free.

– Stormie Omartian