Week Ten, 2020
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
Amidst all the partisan rancor and hatred spewing from our nation’s capital most Americans are more upbeat about the country and their own prospects.
A recent Gallup poll revealed some fascinating findings. Most encouraging is this: An astounding 84% said they’re satisfied with the overall quality of life,” and “Americans” overall satisfaction with the country’s direction is at its highest point since 2005.
Issues with wide satisfaction include the economy (68%), “the opportunity for a person to get ahead by working hard” (72%), and military strength (81%). All three areas have gained tremendously in the past four years.
It’s no surprise that there’s plenty of dissatisfaction, though. Income distribution, race relations, immigration, healthcare, abortion, poverty and homelessness, and the moral and ethical climate” are all areas where dissatisfaction runs high.
It is heartening though most Americans see clearly the problems we face and at the same time they have a positive view of the greatest nation on earth.
As children, we thought it might be that bag of potato chips we begged our parents for at the store or that new bike, video game, or doll we wanted for Christmas. We thought they would make us happy. But they didn’t. As teenagers, we sought satisfaction in good grades, athletic accomplishments, a car, or in a significant other. But all of it left us discontent. As adults, we think that a bigger house, more (or less) children, or a better job will quench our thirst. But we’re still left wanting more.
At the root of our dissatisfaction is a never-ending thirst that nothing in this world can satisfy. We’ve been duped into a better job, more money, cooler friends, another spouse, or a new life is really what we need. And if we can’t obtain any of these things, or when they leave us dissatisfied, we resort to drug abuse, sexual immorality, or senseless entertainment.
While people gauge happiness and optimism from things of this world, true optimism and satisfaction comes from things above this world. God is the source and sustainer of all good. He and He alone is the abundant fountain of all goods. In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (PS 16:11)
Nothing in this universe is able to produce true goodness, unless the God, the good creator, is its wellspring. This truth puts all of life in perspective for mankind. To state it plainly, if goodness is what we desire, we must go to the source of all goodness: God.
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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES
The U.S. government’s budget deficit is projected to reach $1.02 trillion in 2020, according to a report released Tuesday by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, as the federal government continues to spend much more than it collects in taxes. Why can’t the government learn to live within its own means, just like you and I have to do?
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Nearly 3,400 Hepatitis A cases reported in Florida in 2019
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Rick Warren was right: “The way you store up treasure in heaven is by investing in getting people there.”
How much treasure in heaven will you store up today?
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Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from it. It requires a conscious decision because it is a countercultural lifestyle that stands against the culture of overconsumption that surrounds us. The world we live in is not friendly to the pursuit of minimalism. Its tendencies and relentless advertising campaigns call us to acquire more, better, faster, and newer. The journey of finding simplicity requires consistent inspiration.
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QUOTES YOU CAN USE
“You have heard that it was said, love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you“(Matthew 5:43-44).
We need to conquer the fears that cripple our faith. Kelly Knouse
As long as a man has friends, he is not a failure.
It is impossible to praise or thank Jesus too much.
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Don’t say God is silent when your Bible is closed.
When we buy things, we get maintenance. When we buy experiences, we get memories.
You can’t enjoy the sight of the beautiful rainbow without rain.
The peace of God requires the power of God. Jim Denison