When people you trust let you down

I wrote this Quote about two years ago and since, many people have written in about it, because they have faced similar struggles with this area in their life.  I prayed to God and have decided to repost it once again. I hope it is an encouragement to some of you that may be going through a similar situation.

Christy

Story of the day: When people you trust let you down.

There have been times in my life, where people that I have been close to, and have trusted greatly have let me down.  I would have to say that it is tough to swallow, and maybe a little disappointing.  Then I start to think about the times that I have let others down, mainly because I am not perfect, and how it may have affected them.  You see, sometimes we put people into a perfect category and when they let us down, it is then harder to take.  This may be because we have placed high expectations on them and have set them so high up there, that we forget how easy it is to fall and make mistakes.

I am reminded of a Peanuts comic strip, written by William M. Nieporte, where “on the first day of the new school year, the students were told to write an essay about returning to class.  In her essay Lucy wrote, “Vacations are nice, but it’s good to get back to school.  There is nothing more satisfying or challenging than education, and I look forward to a year of expanding knowledge.”

Needless to say, the teacher was pleased with Lucy and complimented her fine essay.  In the final frame, Lucy leans over and whispers to Charlie Brown, “After a while, you learn what sells.” The temptation to say, “What sells,” what others want to hear whether it is true or not, is always with us.”  In the eyes of the teacher, Lucy was trustable, but to Charlie Brown, he knew from that point that Lucy was just saying what the teacher may have wanted her to say.  The teacher placed her trust in Lucy to write honestly, yet Lucy did so in a way that if the teacher found out, would disappoint the teacher.

I am not saying to never trust people or have faith in them.  I am just saying that our trust in people shouldn’t be connected to a pedestal where we may tend to place them.  Instead of completely placing your trust in man or relying solely on man, we should be placing our complete trust in God for everything!  As our pastor so greatly said, “He is your Everything!” He will never let you down, and He won’t, because He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  He doesn’t move, He doesn’t change, and you can always count on Him for everything! Anytime that I have become disappointed, hurt, or upset when people have let me down, I have to ask myself this question, “Am I placing way to much expectation on this person and not enough on God?  I also have to remember to have a forgiving heart.  How many times has my Heavenly Father trusted me with things and then I mess up?  Was He disappointed, yes absolutely, yet He was quick to forgive me and let me try again.  That’s the great thing about God, no matter how many times I let Him down; He is quick to forgive me, where man sometimes doesn’t easily forgive.

Quote of the day: William Arthur Ward

“We are most like beasts when we kill.  We are most like men when we judge.  We are most like God when we forgive.”

Bible verse of the day: Psalm 63:1 NIV

“O God, You are my God; Earnestly I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My body longs for You in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I know that this life will bring disappointments.  I know that placing others on a pedestal and completely trusting in them only sets me up to be disappointed.  Father, may I not place people so high up there, that I lose sight of You, for like me, they aren’t perfect.  I will however place my trust completely in You, for You are my everything, and You won’t ever let me down.  Father, You are my protector, my shield in this life, and I know that I can face any situation or difficulty because You are always with me, and You never leave me.  I pray to follow the path that is so lit before me and may I overcome any let downs that may be tossed my way, just as Jesus overcame this world.

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Kissing Frogs

Story of the day: Kissing Frogs

You ever feel like a frog? Frogs feel slow, low, ugly, puffy, drooped, pooped. I know. One told me. The frog feeling comes when you want to be bright but feel dumb, when you want to share but are selfish, when you want to be thankful but feel resentment, when you want to be great but are small, when you want to care but are indifferent. Yes, at one time or another each of us has found himself on a lily pad, floating down the great river of life. Frightened and disgusted, we’re too froggish to budge.

Once upon a time there was a frog, only he wasn’t really a frog, he was a prince who looked and felt like a frog. The wicked witch had cast a spell on him and only the kiss of a beautiful maiden could save him. But since when do cute chicks kiss frogs? So there he sat, an unkissed prince in frog form. One day a beautiful maiden gathered him up and gave him a big smack! Zap! There he was, a frog turned handsome prince and they lived happily after. So what’s the task of the Christian? Kissing frogs, of course! [Larson, Bruce. Ask Me to Dance.]

Quote of the day: Henry Drummond

“How many prodigals are kept out of the kingdom of God by the unlovely characters of those who profess to be inside!”

Bible verse of the day: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Though I may have days where I feel like a frog, I  pray to remember that I am Your Child and that You don’t see me as such. I pray to be an encourager to others, especially when they may be having frog days as well. I love You Father and I am thankful for my life and this day that I have to share it with others.

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Funny Friday Quote: Pull Over!

Funny Friday Quote: Pull Over!

The police officer couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw a woman drive past him on the freeway, busily knitting.

Quickly he pulled along side the vehicle, rolled down his window and shouted, “Pull over!”

“No,” the woman yelled back cheerfully. “Socks!”

Bible verse of the day: 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As I step into Your presence this morning, I give You all the glory for all that will come of my day. May my feet be planted in Your Word and my heart full of love to share with those around me. I love You Father and I am thankful for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Going the Extra Mile

Story of the day: Going the Extra Mile

Christian financial consultant and author Larry Burkett tells in Business by the Book about what it means to go the “Extra mile.”

In 1984 he leased an office in a building that proved to be a nightmare. The foundation had not been properly constructed, and the office building was literally sinking several inches a year into the ground. AFter more than three years of putting up with assorted problems, including power failures and several weeks without water, Burkett moved his business to another place.

Two months later Burkett received a call from his former landlord who demanded that Burkett remodel and repaint his former office space. Burkett said no, feeling he had already been more than fair with the landlord, but the former landlord continued to call with his demands. Burkett consulted an attorney who agreed that Burkett had fulfilled his responsibility and should not do anything further. Burkett writes”

The Lord used my oldest son to offer me some counsel. He reminded me that the man and his wife had lost their only child a few years earlier and still suffered from that tragedy. We had often commented that we would like to help them…My son suggested that this might be an opportunity to go that extra mile the Lord suggested.

As I considered that, I had to agree with his conclusion. We decided to commit several thousand dollars to restore an almost nonusable building. [Burkett, Larry. Business by the Book. Nashville: Nelson, 1990. pgs. 9-11.]

Quote of the day:  Craig Brian Larson

 “Going the extra mile doesn’t usually make good business sense, but it makes great spiritual sense.”

Bible verse of the day: Matthew 5:41 (NKJV)

“And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Sometimes going that “Extra Mile” can be difficult. Father, may I look at every opportunity that I come across as an opportunity to go the “Extra Mile” for someone else. Father, I belong to You and everything within my day is a blessing that You have provided. Thank You for going the “Extra Mile” for me!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Anger Hurts

Story of the day:  Anger Hurts

In Scope Shirley Belleranti shows the negative impact of anger on our most important relationships:

I remember one summer day when my ten-year-old son and a friend were getting a pitcher of lemonade from the refrigerator. I’d spent hours that morning scrubbing, waxing, and polishing the kitchen floor, so I warned the boys not to spill anything. They tried so hard to be careful that they innocently bumped a tray of eggs on the door shelf. Of course, it fell, splattering eggs all over my clean floor.

The boys’ eyes widened with alarm as I exploded angrily. “Get out of here-now!” I shouted, while they headed for the door.

By the time I’d finished cleaning up the mess, I had calmed down. To make amends, I set a tray of cookies on the table, along with the pitcher of lemonade and some glasses. But when I called the boys, there was no answer–they’d gone somewhere else to play, somewhere where my angry voice wouldn’t reach them.

Anger separates us from those we want to be near. Anger shatters intimacy. [Belleranti, Shirley W. (1995) Scope: Home Scuffed Home. Christian Reader, p.42.] 

Quote of the day: Laurence J. Peter

“Speak when you’re angry–and you’ll make the best speech you’ll ever regret.”

Bible verse of the day: James 1:19 (NKJV)

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I know that there are situations out there that can make us all angry. My prayer is that before I speak or before I react that I stop and think about the ramifications of my being angry as to not hurt anyone’s feelings in the process. I pray that my heart is softened and that I come to You in prayer to avoid saying anything that I may regret.  I love You Father and I am so thankful for this day.

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

“Don’t Skimp on the Basics”

Story of the day:  “Don’t Skimp on the Basics”

There is a story about a young man who wanted to make a living in construction. He had the talent for it but not much money, so he bought some tools at a discount outlet. He got hired on at a job site and seemed to be doing fine. A day or two into the project, however, the foreman inspected his work and discovered that everything that he’d done was slightly askew. Despite his hard labor, they had to redo everything he had touched, on the company’s time and dollar.

The frustrated foreman called him in and said, “Son, I know you can do good work. But I have to let you go. You’re costing us too much money.”

What could the young man say? He knew he was to blame; he just didn’t know what he could have done differently. He picked up his tools and turned to leave.

“Wait a minute,” the foreman said. “Let me see your tape measure.

When he laid his own tape measure alongside the young man’s the source of the trouble immediately became clear.

“Where did you get this thing?” the foreman asked.

When the dejected young man told his boss about the discount store, the foreman replied, “Well, that’s your problem.” You bought a cheap tape measure. It’s wrong. Son, in the future, don’t skimp on the basics. When those are wrong, everything you do will be wrong.

The young man’s tool wasn’t off by much. Hardly noticeable at first, maybe, but had he continued to work with that faulty tape measure, the problems would have compounded and magnified. Gradually they would have escalated into a full-blown fiasco.

Life is kind of like that. When you continue down a path that’s skewed–even slightly–you may find catastrophe or chaos gaining on your heels no matter how hard you try to outrun them. [Cordeiro, Wayne. The Divine Mentor: Growing your Faith as You Sit at the Feet of the Savior. Bethany House Publishers, 2007.]

Quote of the day: Wayne Cordeiro

“I suspect all of us are off by at least an eighth of an inch, and most of us can’t claim to be even that close. You have to correct back to the original, to God’s Word. This is your primary Source.”

Bible verse of the day:  Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV)

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of God stands forever.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I am so grateful for Your Word because it provides me with the Wisdom that I need for every area in my life. It is through Your Word and prayer that I connect with You daily, and for that I am blessed. Make my path straight today Father, that I may always correct back to You. I Thank You for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

It’s all in our attitude

Story of the day: It’s all in our attitude

There’s a story about a man and his wife who were on a long trip stopped at a full-service gas station. After the station attendant had washed their car’s windshield, the man in the car said to the station attendant, “It’s still dirty. Wash it again.”

So the station attendant complied. After washing it again, the man in the car angrily said, “It’s still dirty. Don’t you know how to wash a windshield?”

Just then the man’s wife reached over, removed her husband’s glasses from his face, and cleaned them with a tissue. Then he put them back on and behold–the windshield was clean!

Our attitude has a great deal to do with how we look at things. The whole world can seem pretty bleak if we have a negative attitude. Yet how bright the world can appear if we have a joyful attitude of hope. [Green, M. 2005. The Expositor's Illustration File and Index. Baker Books Publishing.]

Quote of the day: Chuck Swindoll

“I believe the single most significant decision I can make on a day-to-day basis is my choice of attitude.”

Bible verse of the day: Philippians 2:5 (NKJV)

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I humble myself before You and pray that my attitude reflects the joy that You have placed within my life. I know that everyday will bring its challenges, and as they come, I pray to make the right choices in how to handle things, and that the things that I do bring You honor, glory, and praise. I love You Father and I am thankful for this day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

Funny Friday Quote: Just Add Water

Funny Friday Quote: Just Add Water (Yakov Smirnoff)

I visited an American supermarket. They have so many amazing products here. Like powdered milk: you add water and you get milk. And powdered orange juice: you add water and you get orange juice. Then I saw baby powder. And I said to myself, “Self, what a country! I’m making my family tonight!”

Bible verse of the day:  Psalm 78:6 (NKJV)

“That the generation to come might know them, The children who would be born, That they may arise and declare them to their children.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for some much-needed rest and for recharging my battery today. Father, I hold Your hand this day as You gently lead me in all the works that You have planned for me on this beautiful day. I love You and thank You for this blessed day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

One of those days

Story of the day: One of those days

Have you ever had one of those days or weeks? You know, the kind that seem to be full of rushing around, not knowing if you are coming or going, and the time you spend with God has dwindled down to a quick second of saying, “I love You Lord and I am thankful for today.” The intimate time that I had longed to have with Him has been lost in the day, full of sick kids, husband out-of-town, and just trying to keep up with the everyday tasks of everyday living.

As I finally was able to read my devotional today, I found a little piece of Heaven written in my Bible called Bulldozing Barriers, written by Nanette Kinkade. She writes:

No matter what your week may have looked like, whether you have had all the time in the world or if you overslept, who of these two is ready to approach God’s throne? Who has God been waiting to see? Both! The bottom line is that God loves His children. He knows our failings far better than we. We don’t approach His throne when we feel like we have lived good enough to receive His grace, because no one is good enough. Everyone needs His grace, and there is plenty of it for those who come before Him with a broken and contrite heart.

So no matter what kind of day, days, or lifelong past you’ve had, be bold to confess your sins to the Lord. He knows them anyway, and He stands ready to wash you clean. Let go of the urge to prove your worthiness. Rest instead in the righteousness of Christ and humbly let Him have His way in your heart.

Quote of the day:  Cooper

“If we seek God in the minutes, we shall find Him in the hours.”

Bible verse of the day:  Matthew 11:29 (NKJV)

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You so much for loving me right where I am. Though I may have busy days, or busy weeks, I know that You are always waiting for me at Your throne, ready to meet me no matter the time of day. I grateful for being able to rest in You for Your Word tells me to take Your yoke upon me and I will find rest. Thank You for this blessed day!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen

What cha building?

Story of the day:  What cha building?

There’s a well-worn story of a man who approached a laborer who was laying bricks and asked him, “What are you doing?” The laborer said, “Can’t you see I’m laying bricks?”

The man then walked over to another bricklayer and asked, “What are you doing?” And the workman answered with pride, “I’m building a cathedral.”

Both were physically doing the same thing. But the first laborer was occupied with the present task, and the other was concerned with the ultimate goal. [Michael P. Green]

Quote of the day:  Anonymous

“As you keep your earthly duties, keep Heaven in mind.”

Bible verse of the day:  Philippians 3:14 (NKJV)

“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As I awake each day, may I have a Kingdom mindset, where I see the brick as a great Cathedral and not just as a brick.  May the work that I do for You be done with a gracious and humbled heart, all while keeping Heaven in mind. I thank You for sharing Your Word with me today!

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen