Breakfast

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.

I looked back this morning to the first OneMinuteMinstry I posted on my blog site in 2012. I love how God works, even encouraging myself from over seven years ago from the time spent with the Lord. I don’t know about you, but I have had an incredibly stressful week. The AC business has commanded lots of time in the field, and lots more hours of late nights and early mornings running the business. I see the world around me falling apart, my country split at it’s seams over politics, ungodly leaders at war amongst themselves. All of this coupled with physical back pain, has left me stressed out and taking my eyes off eternity and the peace that lies there. God has encouraged me in his Word each morning, and I don’t know how I could face each day without it. My plea through these online ministries has always been for you to pursue God daily yourself, not to rely on what he has given me, but to see what he will give you through time in prayer and his Word each day. Matthew 6:33 Seek Ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

There was none that suffered for their faith in the New Testament such as Paul. There was none that endured and continued to point others to Christ through their persecution like Paul. There was none that saw the peace that surpasses all understanding, even through incredible suffering. When Jesus approached Saul (Paul) on that Damascus road, Saul’s life would change forever, and he did not hear a promise of worldly blessings as many pastors preach from pulpits today, just the opposite. (Acts 9:11-21) 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” All throughout the Bible, throughout the New Testament is the evidence of those suffering in worldly ways, but resting on the promises of God for eternal reward. Satan rules this world, and when you live your life openly in rebellion against him, why would you not expect to suffer? Those that coast through life with worldly riches, likely are not living their lives for God, yes, even those professing Christians will answer to misguided time spent here.

Are you competitive, do you like to win? Are you putting forth your best effort in the business world to succeed financially, in sports to get the trophy, in life to hear accolades, in church to hear praises, in anything do you do it for the earthly reward? God knows our heart, the reason behind why we truly do what we do. Others may see the reason we say, but God truly knows the why. If we are pursuing everything with an eternal focus, we can draw glory to God with it. It does not matter how mundane our work seems, if we do it like God is standing there judging our every move (he is). When we focus on the noble, the integrity in everything, we gain that focus that Paul speaks of. When we look up and forward, the peace of God rewards us in a way the world cannot. The soul is nourished, strengthened, and ready to persevere onto the next. Strength is only found by eating breakfast, time spent with God to start each day.