“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22-23
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In a seven-game championship series, the most talented team does not always win. Sometimes a less-gifted group of players forgets the frustrations of the regular season for a short time and focuses like a laser beam on the task at hand. Suddenly, individuals rise to the occasion and perform at a higher level. The momentum swings and a new champion is crowned. If a team manages their emotions better than the other team, then anything can happen.
Athletics are short spurts of life. A focused mindset is needed for small victories in games as well as for overcoming the challenges we face throughout the year. When the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, the Lord sent grace, mercy, food and water to them daily. “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions” (Exodus 16:4).
As we wake up each morning, we should reflect on God’s goodness in remembering us every day of our lives. Even though we may sometimes feel forgotten, God constantly reminds us of His dedication to provide for us with sunshine, rain and many other blessings. “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:21-23).
If we have 1,000 things on our mind, then we may not do anything well, but if we live one day at a time and walk in Christ’s footsteps daily, then we are happier and more hopeful in a world filled with distractions and confusion. Therefore, Jesus urged us to live a simple life by following Him. “Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me'” (Luke 9:23).
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia
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