Friday

“But you are a chosen generation,

a royal priesthood,

a holy nation,

His own special people,

that you may proclaim the praises

of Him who called you out of darkness

into His marvelous light.”

~1 Peter 2:9~

 

Chloe Neyland is improving at home with her family.  Continue to pray for her and her family.

Roger Pittman continues to have tests done.  Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

Continue to pray for all those who experienced the bad weather this week.  Pray for the many families who lost loved ones.  Pray for all those who were injured.  As people “pick up the pieces” of their lives, may they have assurance of God’s love and His great hope for their future.

THE THREE ENVELOPES

A fellow had just been hired as the new CEO of a large high tech corporation.  The CEO who was stepping down met with him privately and presented him with three numbered envelopes.

“Open these if you run up against a problem you don’t think you can solve,” he said.

Well, things went along pretty smoothly, but six months later, sales took a downturn and he was really catching a lot of heat.  About at his wit’s end, he remembered the envelopes.  He went to his drawer and took out the first envelope.  The message read, “Blame your predecessor.”

The new CEO called a press conference and tactfully laid the blame at the feet of the previous CEO.  Satisfied with his comments, the press and Wall Street responded positively, sales began to pick up and the problem was soon behind him.

About a year later, the company was again experiencing a slight dip in sales, combined with serious product problems.  Having learned from his previous experience, the CEO quickly opened the second envelope.  The message read, “Reorganize.”

This he did, and the company quickly rebounded.  After several consecutive profitable quarters, the company once again fell on difficult times.  The CEO went to his office, closed the door and opened the third envelope.  The message said, “Prepare three envelopes.”

What do you do when things go wrong?  Who do you blame?  How do you react?  Imagine for a moment that the apostle Paul has prepared three envelopes for you when life gets tough.

The first envelope contains 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (make sure you don’t read it until you really need it!)

The second envelope contains Philippians 1:19-21 (only read it if things are getting worse!)

And the third envelope contains 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (save this one for extreme situations!)

May God’s Word give you the strength you need to meet the struggles of life this day and every day.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

 

Thanks for praying today.  Your prayers make a difference!

Anna Lee