Have you ever been paid a compliment knowing it was inappropriate and merely an attempt to flatter you?  Some people would rather feel good than know the truth.  Pleasant compliments are too often valued above helpful information. 

It is far better to face honest criticism than to wallow in the compliments of fools.

Dr. Marc, PS 63:7

God has a plan far beyond anything that we have ever known or envisioned in our minds. This plan has always been, even before the foundations of the earth were laid: before the expanse of the heavens were dotted with stars, galaxies, black holes, suns, comets, and planets. He has a plan for every individual life, all people, all cultures, all genders, and if we have any other plan in view, we miss the grandest plan of all. 

Nothing in the past is equal to the present, and nothing in the present can equal the things that will come.  Tomorrow should be so filled with hallowed expectations that we will be living flames for Him. 

God never intended His people to be ordinary, average, humdrum or commonplace.  His intentions were that they should be intimate with Him, conscious of His divine power, realizing the glory of the Cross that foreshadows the crown.

Dr. Marc, PS 63:7

Every day that we have is a gift.  Each day provides us opportunities to grow although at times growth is disguised as difficulties. These difficulties are like a refining fire.  Either they can burn us to an ash or cleanse us of imperfections.  

Endure the fire and you will become of great value, to yourself and to others. Another day, another step forward.

Dr. Marc, PS 63:7

There are advantages to cooperating with others. Life is designed not for isolation, but companionship; not for loneliness, but intimacy; not for isolation, but inclusion.  Some people prefer isolation because they feel they cannot trust anyone.  We are not here on earth to serve ourselves, but to serve others.  Don’t isolate yourself from others and “go it alone.”  

Seek companionship, seek friendship, become a friend.

Dr. Marc, PS 63:7

People can find a justification for doing almost anything.  We often have to make choices in areas where the right action is difficult to discern.  We can help ourselves make such decisions by trying to identify our motives first and then asking, “Would those dear to me be pleased with my real reasons for doing this?” 

No matter what situation you are in you will always have a choice in which direction you will take.  What you will never have is the choice to choose the consequence of your choice.  And consequences impact all those around you.

Dr. Marc, Clark, PS 63:7

Success must never be measured by popularity, fame, or fortune, for these are temporal measures.  True lasting success is finding a need and filling it for the benefit of others. 

Ungratefulness is a universal human fault.  For example, when was the last time you thanked you parents for caring for you? your children’s teacher for the care taken with each day’s activities? the friend that cut your lawn when you mower was out of commission? a church member that brought you some hot soup and a sandwich when you were under the weather?

Many of the benefits and privileges we enjoy are the result of loving actions done long ago.  Look for hidden acts of nurturing, and thank those who make the world better through their caring and compassion.

Dr. Marc, PS 63:7

When we think of reaping what we sow, we usually think of negative results.  However the seed we sow (friendships, compassion, anger, frustration, love, hate) can produce results that can be either positive or negative.  Just as small seeds eventually produce large crops, our small everyday actions can produce far-reaching results for good or for bad.

What kind of crop are you sowing today?  What might be the long-term effects of some of your actions?

What type of harvest will your seed produce?

Dr. Marc, PS 63:7

Pride keeps a person from turning to God, because pride acknolwedges no need of help from anyone, human or divine.

Making the same blunder over and over is an invitation to disaster.  Eventually people have to face the consequences of refusing to learn. 

Pay attention, concentration is everything.

Dr. Marc, PS 63:7