| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “The power of words” 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.” Philippians 4:13 (CSB) Our thought for today: “Life is good, pass it on” In yesterday’s devotional I shared with you the story of an old friend who had a treasure trove of the best words and phrases, and which she frequently dipped into and wove into her conversations to bless and encourage others. I also asked you to share with me some of your top ten words and phrases so I can share them with other readers in an upcoming devotional message. This morning, I will share one with you which comes from author Regina Brett in her wonderful devotional book, “God Never Blinks: 50 lessons for life’s little detours.” In many ways, Regina had a hard life. Pregnant out of wedlock, college dropout because of the pregnancy, single mom for many years, numerous broken romantic relationships, finally met a good man and got married only to develop breast cancer and she had to have surgery and chemo. One day, after her first round of chemotherapy (with many more to come), and feeling lousy, she met a man wearing a hat that said “Life is good.” She asked him about it and he said that he chooses to focus on the good things in life instead of dwelling on the negative because doing so makes life better. The hat helped to remind him of that truth. Regina was inspired by that and thanked him. Two days later that same man showed up again but this time he had a hat for her with the same logo. Regina wore that hat every day of her chemo treatments and until she was declared cancer free. Then she began passing the hat on to other cancer patients, who then passed it on to others – thus the saying, “Life is good, pass it on.” That’s the example the Apostle Paul was setting in Philippians 4:10-13. He had lived a hard life, he was an old man, his health was broken, he was in prison, and he was probably facing death. And yet, he wrote to his friends to tell them how content he was because he had learned to find the goodness in any situation. He had learned to draw his strength and comfort from Jesus Christ and not from his circumstances. Paul had learned that. It didn’t come naturally – he had to learn it. It was a conditioned response that he worked at and developed. Then, he passed it on to others, and his words have served to inspire countless others for two thousand years. “Life is good, pass it on” is a healthy mindset to have and it’s good advice to follow. So, I pass it on to you this morning. What words of encouragement and blessing do you have that you can share with others today? God bless, Pastor Jim (If you like what you are 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 |
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Oak Hill Baptist Church 
I have missed reading your blogs pastor. Thank you for the timely words. You will see a lot of likes as I am going to be going back and reading what I have missed. I thank God for you. You have such an amazing way of stating the point or truth, explaining it in laymens terms and then bringing it home. I appreciate you. Keep up the good work!
Many blessings to you and your new wife.
Hallelujah God is good.
Your sister in Christ
Donna
Good morning Donna. I am so glad. I understand that sometimes we need to withdraw for a time for various reasons. That’s especially true for us writers. Sometimes the gas tank is just empty and we need some time. But I thought of you often and I prayed for you. It is good to have you back! Will you be writing again?
I hope to write again. I spend 2 to 3 hours worshipping the Lord, reading His word and.praying for others Monday through Friday so I am not sure. With the dogs, husband, family and other responsibilities I just do not know. Thanks for inquiring about it. God bless you.
Perfectly understandable. Take good care of yourself.