ThinkOnTheseThings | Kristi's Morning Devotional

I wonder how often we overlook the important because we are focused on minute details.

Sometimes we allow the “little” things to block us from what truly matters. I heard a Bible teacher comment on this verse in Philippians and it gave me a greater perspective of what my daily mindset should be.

“Christian brothers, keep your minds thinking about whatever is true, whatever is respected, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever can be loved, and whatever is well thought of. If there is anything good and worth giving thanks for, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 NLV

Thinking on what is good, pure, lovely, true and worthy of respect will stop us from jumping to wrong conclusions. When we deal with others we should be slow to take offense. It’s possible that the other person has just had a very bad day and they didn’t mean to be rude or critical. Think on what is good, loving and kind.

Let God’s love flow to them, showing them His compassion. Afterall, doesn’t God extend His loving-kindness to us even when we are at our worst.

“The Lord’s kindness never fails! If he had not been merciful, we would have been destroyed. ²³The Lord can always be trusted to show mercy each morning. ²⁴Deep in my heart I say, ‘The Lord is all I need; I can depend on him!'” Lamentations 3:22-24 CEV

Each day is filled with challenges but we have God’s example and His strength to handle them in a way that brings God glory.

I want you to stop and think about the most difficult person you have ever encountered. Now, with their picture in your mind think about God’s love.

“Do not trouble yourself because of sinful men. Do not want to be like those who do wrong. ²For they will soon dry up like the grass. Like the green plant they will soon die. ³Trust in the Lord, and do good. So you will live in the land and will be fed. ⁴Be happy in the Lord. And He will give you the desires of your heart. ⁵Give your way over to the Lord. Trust in Him also. And He will do it. ⁶He will make your being right and good show as the light, and your wise actions as the noon day.” Psalm 37:1-6 NLV

Don’t fret, trust God, do good, be happy. Think on these things and let God handle the rest!

The piles of torn paper and empty boxes is a scene that played out in millions of homes worldwide. The joy and the laughter, the hugs and kisses, the thank-yous and oooh’s and aaaah’s are still fresh in our memories.

Face-to-face conversations and loving words exchanged over the phone were all added bonuses of the day.

I’m sitting here this morning recalling the texts, the sounds of loved ones voices, the snuggles, all the details of the day and I imagine Mary did the same.

Every one of us mothers can remember what it was like to wake up the day after one of our children were born. We spent time going over in our heart the emotions of the day, those that came to visit and once again holding that tiny child in our arms – counting every finger and toe. Kissing the top of their head, holding them tightly and marveling at the life of one so small.

Imagine what must of have going through Mary’s heart that morning after Christ’s birth. She was in a stable, with a man who had showed her unconditional love and holding a child in her arms who was God’s gift to mankind. How blessed – how in awe!

“They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. ¹⁷After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. ¹⁸All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, ¹⁹but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.” Luke 2:16-19 NLT

The life ahead of Mary was new and uncharted territory. She had never been a mother or a wife before. So much about her life was changing. Her Son was the promised Messiah! How do you raise the Son of God? Yes, there was so much to ponder. She would need to be dependent upon God for His help and instruction.

What will we “ponder” today? Is it the travel home, the new job after the first of the year? Maybe there will be a medical procedure that you’re dreading.

Is Christmas over and now we go on with the daily routine or will we be like Mary and realized that we need a greater dependence upon God for the days ahead?

Let’s take time to be thankful that Christmas has life changing, glorious meaning for every day of the year!

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