Friday... We see things differently and it can make such a difference.

Over in Matthew 9 there is a story that shows how differently we can see things.

Verses 32b-34 (NLT) says, "... a demon possessed man was brought to Jesus. So Jesus cast out the demon, and then the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed. 'Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel' they explained." But the Pharisees said, 'He can cast out demons because he is empowered by the prince of demons.'" Here we have two different views of the same experience.

The Message Paraphrase says, "The people were up on their feet applauding; 'There's never been anything like this in Israel!' The Pharisees were left sputtering, 'Smoke and mirrors. It's nothing but smoke and mirrors. He's probably made a pact with the Devil.'"

Our view makes such a difference. It really does. It really does.

Proverbs 3:21-26 says, "Dear friends, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life; don't for a minute lose sight of them. They'll keep your soul alive and well; they'll keep you fit and attractive. You'll travel safely, you'll neither tire nor trip. You'll take afternoon naps without a worry, you'll enjoy good night's sleep. No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday's just around the corner, because God will be right there with you; he'll keep you safe and sound."

And then 33-35, "God's curse blights the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. He gives proud skeptics a cold shoulder, but if you're down on your luck, he's right there to help. Wise living gets rewarded with honor; stupid living gets the booby prize."

Psalm 123:1 says, "I look to you, heaven-dwelling God, look up to you for help." Now that view makes all the difference. Yes, yes! #todaysbeginning

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Friday... We have this hope of expectancy.

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