Today's devo stresses a certain fact of life that's frustrated me many times... We WILL "have trouble!!" (John 16:33) It especially frustrates me in relationships. I want people to feel loved, understood and deeply appreciated. Even though I know better, I want this world to be a "happy heart" place, where everyone is having a "happy heart" day! (Prov. 15:13-15)
In recent years God has challenged me to have a grateful, "happy heart" even if things are not perfect and every encounter is not with another "happy heart!" Troubling circumstances and troubled people will certainly come along, sooner or later.
A few years ago we attended an event to hear a TV personality well known in Christian media. This particular event was not to be taped. The discussion was to be especially personal, relating some of the more painful experiences of the individual's ministry life. During the evening, I learned something that has helped me to deal with the troubling people that trouble our lives...
Based upon research, it was shared that, at any given moment there may be at least 20% of the people around you who will not necessarily like you! Why? Because at least 20% of those around us are not perceptively flexible. They do not have enough flex in their souls to be gracious and accepting of others who are different from what they prefer. Their thinking tends to be rigid, critical and solely based upon their personal preferences and skewed biases. So, we should not be surprised when one of our 20% shows up, speaks up or acts up around us!
Jesus Calling states that He is "less interested in right circumstances than in right responses to whatever comes your way." Jesus certainly had His share of the challenging 20% crowd! So, He certainly understands. We can trust Him with our hearts and with the other not-so-happy hearts that mess with our "happy hearts!" I want to be part of your 80% who genuinely love and appreciate you!
Praising God for my 80% and for YOU...dmc :-)
Based upon research, it was shared that, at any given moment there may be at least 20% of the people around you who will not necessarily like you! Why? Because at least 20% of those around us are not perceptively flexible. They do not have enough flex in their souls to be gracious and accepting of others who are different from what they prefer. Their thinking tends to be rigid, critical and solely based upon their personal preferences and skewed biases. So, we should not be surprised when one of our 20% shows up, speaks up or acts up around us!
Jesus Calling states that He is "less interested in right circumstances than in right responses to whatever comes your way." Jesus certainly had His share of the challenging 20% crowd! So, He certainly understands. We can trust Him with our hearts and with the other not-so-happy hearts that mess with our "happy hearts!" I want to be part of your 80% who genuinely love and appreciate you!
Praising God for my 80% and for YOU...dmc :-)
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I enjoyed your creative website! Creative ministry! Love what God is doing through such gifted hearts and ministries like yours!!
ReplyDeleteContinued Blessings!
What is the first verse in this passage? It has (27) after it. Thanks
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