I urge you to consider this thought.  When conditions in this world are what I described, the platform is set for people to hear good news and experience good deeds. 

I teach my kids to open doors for others and let them go first. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do and it’s unexpected these days.  As kids, they have a special platform to give glory to God in doing that.  We, as adults, can do good and give in a time when people are expecting to be ignored and take. Advantage of.  It opens a door to speak of God’s glory.  

A few years ago, I came across a car parked on the side of the highway in -20 degree weather.  I happen to notice a young woman in the front seat.   I circled back and asked if there was something I could help with.  At that time I also noticed a beautiful toddler in the back seat beaming with energy.  Her tire was flat and she had no idea how to change and was worried about being late to daycare and work.  After more conversation, I found out she was a single mom.  

I wrapped up the tire change and she asked me what she owed me.  The stage was set I could have gotten a little extra to put in my pocket after all it was -20 out there and who couldn’t use a little extra?  Instead I asked her if she believed in God. She said, “Not really, He’s never shown up to help me”.  I said, “He did today.   He is the reason I’m still alive and the reason I stopped.  The only thing I ask is that you thank Him and give Him another chance”.  I could tell the words pierced her heart.  I gave a quick high five to the cutie in the back seat and they were gone.  It was a 15 minute window of sacrifice.  

Reflection

I don’t tell this story to highlight me.   I tell it because you will have opportunities today to bless others.  Be watching for them.  Seize them, and glorify God with them.  He has given you a platform to serve and speak from.  Do good and share.  For He is pleased with those sacrifices!

Prayer

Father, open our eyes to see these opportunities to do good and to share.  It is cheerful medicine for our hearts when we bring You honor and praise.  Conquer any fear that keeps us from reaching out.  You have made us world changers. Help us to walk in that truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

As my confidence increased so did my talking. This was not necessarily a good thing.  I often wasted words and filled my mouth with a foot or two.  The substance of my conversation wasn’t God honoring and therefore most of it was undesirable.  I apologize to anyone who knew me during this time

As He humbled me and revealed Himself, my life’s mission, and vision, my excitement has flourished which has changed the proclamations of my heart and mouth.  For as a fool, it would have been better to remain silent. Now, I listen for moments to glorify my Savior in conversation.  Oh what a patient and loving LORD we have who teaches us all things!
Reflection

What is the substance of your speech?

Is it God-honoring?

Examine yourself closely.  Does the center of every conversation end up about you?   Perhaps it’s time to listen more, speak less, and make sure the conversation is intentionally on Him. 

Prayer

Father keep our tongues in Your care.  For we do not want to be fools. Instead, we desire to glorify Your name and tell as many as possible of You and Your great works.  Teach us in this O LORD.  Amen!

If you are a believer, you were rescued from sin and death for a reason.  Had you not been saved, you would have spent an ETERNITY apart from God.  I don’t know about you, but to me, eternity is a long time.  960 minutes is a drop in the bucket compared to eternity.  Actually, our entire life is also. We were given an eternity with Him!

If we are going to live the life of joy that God has prepared for us, we must take the 960 minutes and live them out intentionally for Him.  We cannot just merely let the minutes come to their death unproductively.  To do so is to not understand our purpose. Each one was designed for His glory.  Let’s use them for that very purpose. 

Reflection

1. Have you been a good steward of your time?
2. Do you know your purpose and are you living it out?
3. What steps are you going to take today to glorify God in every minute?

Prayer

Father forgive us for not seeing the opportunity you have given us in each of these minutes.  Transition or thinking, habits, and schedules, that we may glorify You in every moment.  May our time be walked out in a wise manner filled with light, purpose, and fruit for You. We love You and thank You in Jesus’ Name, Amen!

#truthtalk4life #knowlivespeaktruthinlove

@brianfriedl

It also meant an increase in their faith and knowledge that God is who He says He is and that He will keep His promises. For we are all learning to trust in our Father’s provision for us. 

There is one other observation in this account.  Truth about our Savior cannot be kept to themselves.  

“When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.” ~ ‭Luke‬ ‭2:17‬ ‭NASB‬‬

It’s as if truth is a raging river that flows wherever God’s momentum carries it.  The powerful force erodes lies and continues to change everything in its path. But rivers don’t stop; they keep carrying on all of what’s been gathered thus far.  They fill every nook and cranny the come in contact with. 
So why did the shepherd go back, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen?  They had witnessed and participated in the work of God!  How amazing that God chose these lowly shepherds as His mouthpiece to announce The birth of our Savior!
The same is true today when we go to the cross, hear, and see the mighty work Jesus has done there. God uses the lowly (us) to carry His good news. Let our mouths be filled with proclaiming the provision of our Father in heaven. May His truth flood the nations and may He be glorified!
@brianfriedl 

#truthtalk4life

Often times we think suffering is bad and we avoid it like the plague. However; there is good that comes from it in any case.  For the sinner who suffers, he is reminded that God is Holy and he is not. He has a need that can only be met outside of himself and in the person of Jesus Christ.  For the believer, she draws closer to God as she cries out for help. God shows himself faithful in His time and He is glorified as the believer trusts through the trial and faith grows.   

Personal Reflection

We don’t know the quality of something until it is tested.  Suffering tests your faith in God according to His will. Often times when we are tested we take our eyes off of Christ and put them on ourselves and our situation.  This tends to make the test seem even larger and distracts us from choosing what’s right and bringing glory to God.  Are you suffering today?  If so, how is God testing your faith?  Ask Him to help you keep your eyes on Christ and to be faithful in trusting Him and bringing Him glory. 

Prayer Focus

Father, help us to endure the testing of our faith. Let us be found faithful with eyes unwavering from you. In the times of great trial, let us remember where our help comes from. It comes from you , o LORD.  For you are our ever present help in time of trouble.  We praise you for your faithfulness.  Thank you for testing us and showing us our need for you.  Let our actions be according to that need.  In Christ’s mighty Name we pray, Amen!

@brianfriedl

#sufferforHim #glorifyHim #truthtalk4life