| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “Take care of yourself” Our Bible verse for today: “In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content – whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:12-13 (CSB) Our thought for today: “Attitude is everything” I recently read a great book with the title, “How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons from Our Top Presidents” by Talmage Boston. The book explores the character traits and leadership strategies that made our eight greatest Presidents so successful. The great eight, as rated by presidential historians (listed chronologically not by ranking) are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan. The one I want to comment on this morning is Franklin Roosevelt. Although FDR is considered to have had many outstanding traits that helped to make him a great president, the one that stands out the most is his amazing ability to push through personal adversity and his refusal to be defeated by it. Most of you probably know that during the entire thirteen years of his presidency FDR had polio and was very disabled by it. He wore heavy metal braces on both legs, he could not walk or stand without assistance, he spent most of his time in a wheelchair, and he lived with almost constant pain. But despite that, his bright countenance, good humor, strong work ethic, and his unfailing optimism was legendary. Roosevelt never gave-up and he never gave-in. Boston writes, “FDR projected himself to the world as a robust, eternally optimistic, and cheerful man – always smiling, eyes sparkling, cigarette holder tilted upward – a man who gave every appearance of having the world by the tail.” Boston goes on, “… he stayed in a mode of beaming his contagious optimism while fearlessly taking on the challenge of turning the country around from the Great Depression and then leading it in World War II.” “What he had was a serene sense of himself that polio count not diminish.” In other words, FDR refused to let polio defeat him and he always kept a smile on his face. The Apostle Paul conveys a similar courageous resolve in Philippians 4:11-13. Paul wrote those words as an old man, in prison, facing execution for his faith. The entire letter of Philippians is one of great joy and optimism, despite the author’s desperate personal circumstances. When it comes to living our best life, attitude is everything. Circumstances will wax and wane, we will have good days and bad, hard times and easy times. But a solid faith in Jesus and an optimistic attitude can carry us through the worst of times. Whatever it is you are facing today, I encourage you to face it with faith, courage, and optimism. A good attitude will carry you through and beyond even the worst of circumstances. God bless, Pastor Jim (If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville |
| Copyright © 2024 Oak Hill Baptist Church, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Oak Hill Baptist Church 3036 Genesis Road Crossville, TN 38571 |
- Comment
- Reblog
-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
Oak Hill Baptist Church 