LIVING CHEERFUL

Hello Friends,

Lately I have been reading from Brian Simmons' "The Passion Translation" of the bible called, "Letters From Heaven", which covers from Galatians to 2 Timothy. Today's post is from the book of Philippians. 

"Live a cheerful life, without complaining or division among yourselves. For then you will be seen as mature, faultless and pure children of God, even though you live in the midst of a brutal and perverse culture. For you will appear among them as shining lights in the Universe, offering them the words of Eternal Life." (Phil.2:14-16 TPT)

I nearly titled this post BE CHEERFUL. But being cheerful can be a superficial thing. Cheer up, be cheerful, put a smile on, cowboy up, stiff upper lip. These are all sayings that have more to do with my outer appearance than the condition of my interior self.

LIVING CHEERFUL is like the person who is determined to live in a dust-free home. Every day she is alert to any evidence of dust and she sweeps it away immediately. (Ahem. Not me, btw.) 
BEING CHEERFUL is like the person who brushes up the surface and dims the lights when company is coming over. (Yep. That's me.)

Have you ever been in the midst of a group of people who are complaining about a common topic or person? It can feel satisfying to join in, perhaps with a witty remark that makes everyone laugh. But if some brave soul says something that is positive about the person or situation, everyone stops. Some reconsider their position. The atmosphere is changing. Light is shining into the darkness and everyone knows it. For some, it is uncomfortable. For others, it is a welcome relief.

But you can't fake God's Light. Your 'positive comments' might make some people feel guilty for their previous position, but you will not bring them Life. Instead of experiencing the sight and fragrance of a beautiful rose, they will feel only the thorns.

LIVING A CHEERFUL LIFE takes dedication. Like the person who is determined to live in a dust-free home, she must be committed to making a daily inspection of her heart, mind and attitudes.

LIVING A CHEERFUL LIFE takes relationship. Spending time with the Father of Lights will dispel any darkness in your heart, mind or attitudes, no matter what fear or negativity surrounds you. 

LIVING A CHEERFUL LIFE takes courage.You must always be ready to give an account of the hope that lies within you. (1 Peter 3:15) It takes courage to speak against the flow of the crowd.

LIVING A CHEERFUL LIFE takes mercy, wisdom and love. GOD's LOVE within you must always be your guiding force. Mercy and Wisdom are LOVE's companions. Together they will tell you when and IF you should speak and what you should say.

Father, help me to live a cheerful life today. Help me to know the difference between living a cheerful life and merely being cheerful. Please reveal the dust of my wrong attitudes and help me to sweep them away. Fill me with your love and your purpose. Let your HOLY LOVE be my guiding force. Let it hold hands with its true companions, Mercy and Wisdom. May I greet them with joy and bow in loving devotion to their guidance. May I count them as the truest of friends and love them with all affection, as a young child delights to learn at the feet of her mother. By the grace of the blood of Christ Jesus, my Saviour, I make these requests. Amen.

(I decided to rub in a little yellow Gelatos around the roses.)

 

Thank you for taking the time to share God's word with me today.
Blessing hugs,

Teresa 

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