30
Dec '21
Laugh Love Smile
30
Dec '21
God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me. (Genesis 21:6)
Laughter is a blessing from the Lord. It’s the best stress-reliever there is. Through laughter, we can get through some of the darkest moments in life with a small smile. We can become closer with the people around us, celebrate moments of joy, and be thankful for the best friends we have. Laughter and smiles are the best universal communication available. Everyone understands the happiness that comes from laughter and its necessity in our daily lives. Today, laugh a little harder. Smile a little bigger. Appreciate the things that make you feel just that good.
After reading this devotion I felt it needed to be shared. I hope you are encouraged today to laugh and smile more.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
23
Nov '18
That Smiling Man
23
Nov '18
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. (Colossians 3:23)
Going to the grocery store isn’t something I particularly enjoy. It’s just a mundane part of life—something that has to be done.
But there is one part of this task I’ve unexpectedly come to look forward to: checking out in Fred’s lane. Fred, you see, turns checkout into show time. He’s amazingly fast, always has a big smile, and even dances (and sometimes sings!) as he acrobatically flips (unbreakable) purchases into a plastic bag. Fred clearly enjoys a job that could be seen as one of the most tedious around. And for just a moment, his cheerful spirit brightens the lives of people in his checkout lane.
The way Fred does his job has won my respect and admiration. His cheerful attitude, desire to serve, and attention to detail all line up well with the apostle Paul’s description of how we are to work in Colossians 3:23: “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord”.
When we’re in relationship with Jesus, any job we have to do gives us an opportunity to reflect His presence in our lives. No task is too small . . . or too big! Tackling our responsibilities—whatever they may be—with joy, creativity, and excellence gives us an opportunity to influence those around us, no matter our job.
Lord, help me to tackle everything on my plate today with grace, enthusiasm, and joy, knowing that my attitude may affect others in ways I’m not even aware of. Amen.
This devotion blessed me and I pray as you set out to go to work today, this weekend or next week, just remember, the best way to do satisfying work is to do it for the Lord. Give it all you got with a smile of encouragement to those watching.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Romans 15:5-6
04
Oct '16
Smile
04
Oct '16
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)
A smile has a fascinating effect on our brain chemistry. Researchers have found that “when we smile it releases brain chemicals called endorphins which have an actual physiological relaxing effect. “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Eph. 4:31–32).
When anger or tension or bitterness threatens our relationship with the Lord and with others, it helps to remember that “a merry heart doeth good like a medicine” for our own joy and well-being.
Think about a time when you were angry with someone or when you had an argument. How did you feel inside? What parts of your life did it affect?
After reading this I couldn’t help but think of a saying I’ve seen in times past, When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile. Let’s be the reason someone smiles today.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ephesians 4:25-32