Sunday Writing... 7-29-18... "THERMOMETER OR THERMOSTAT"

Good morning!

Today's writing is entitled "THERMOMETER OR THERMOSTAT" and talks about these two instruments and how they differ in terms of their function.  We learn how these can describe how different people function as well.  Which are you, a thermometer or a thermostat?  Find out how God wants us to function in this world.

Blessings,

Jan..............  and Corinne

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Today's Devotional:

THERMOMETER OR THERMOSTAT

by

Jan Andersen

It is summer here in the Arizona desert.  You know what that means?  Hot nights followed by even hotter days.  And since it is our “monsoon” season, it isn’t even the more comfortable “dry heat” we brag about the rest of the year!  Many of us watch the nightly news to see if the temperature will break any records, either for the highs during the day nearing 120, or the lack of cooling off at night, only to the mid 90’s.  Sure, there are places that have it worse.  How do we know?  Because we measure the temperature using thermometers.  Thankfully, we have air-conditioning to help us survive the summers, regulated by a thermostat in our buildings.

Are you a thermometer or a thermostat?  A thermometer measures the temperature, but a thermostat can effect it.  One reads it, the other regulates it.  Leadership styles have been likened to these two instruments.  A thermometer leader reflects the mood of the people they manage.  A thermostat leader will understand their people and respond in a way that regulates their issues, building trust and confidence.

As a Christian in society, are you influenced by the world, or an influencer of the world?  Do you reflect it or effect it?  Do you just observe and comment on society, perhaps joining in worldly behavior, or do you try to influence it positively?

God tells us to be in the world, but not of the world.  He asks us to interact with society, but not to join in sinful worldly activities.  We are here to be a positive influence, to share His Word and the Good News of salvation through faith in Christ, Jesus, as the Savior of the world.  

John 17:14-19 ESV  [Jesus prayed:]  “I have given them your word, and the world has hated   them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.  I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.  They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.  Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.  As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.  And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.” 

Dear Father, thank you for all your blessings here on earth.  Help us to be a thermostat in this world, and not just a thermometer of the world.  Make us a positive influence through sharing your loving, free forgiveness.  May we be mindful of the influence we have through our faith and actions.  Keep us from the evil one of this world that we may remain faithful to You until the end.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

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Song:

WORLD CHANGERS

Matthew West

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Do not love the world, love the creator of the world!

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Prayers are lifted up daily for 

you by the Devotional Writers 

and the Monthly Writing Staff

of Women's Focus Ministries.

Blog Writers:

Jan Andersen, Sandy Billingham, Carol Steficek,   

 Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward,  Karen Bennett, 

Collette Phillips, Cathy Friberg, and  Corinne Mustafa

Occasional Contributors:

Kathy Bireley,  Lynda Kinnard, Mary M. Wilkins,

Terri Baker, Beverley Napier, Kelly Dobyns

Glenna Williamson,  Shelly Keith, Amie Spruiell,

Lisabeth Lipp,  and Nandita Bhatnagar