StillWatersIowa: Make It Your Ambition

As a kid I thought how neat it was that folks had a personal, favorite Bible verse. In eighth grade I found a verse I decided to call my own.

Today on my birthday I'd like to share that verse with you and what it means to me. This morning's pictures are just snapshots of our week. 1Thes.4:11-12

Make it your ambition (God wants us to have ambition and He wants us to have goals in our lives.)

to lead a quiet life, (We are not to blow our own horns or try to impress people.)

to work with your hands, (God wants us to work and help others. That sometimes involves getting dirty and doing jobs that aren't always fun.)

and to mind your own business. (We are to care about other's and their goodwill. However we are not to worry about other's nit picky details, keep score, or try and keep up with the crowd.)

So that your daily life (That means every day, not just Sunday.)

may win the respect of outsiders, (People need to see what you are, not what you have. You can't buy or demand respect. It must be earned.)

and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. (God expects us to make the best of opportunities given, not be a burden, and carry our own weight.)

As I reflect on my week, my verse, and my life, being given another year, God has certainly provided. It's ironic that the first picture on this week's blog taken early Saturday morning is a picture of God's promise of provision. This last picture taken late Saturday evening is that fulfilled promise of showers.