I read a book on personal development and business leadership last month.  It is not surprising that the best leadership principles are Christian principles and are easy to trace their biblical roots to the informed Christian.  This book is no exception.  It has nuggets that are and could be helpful to the Christian life.

The author shares his daily routine and the first thing he does in the morning is: “I think of all the things that I am grateful for.  I know I need to attune my mind to abundance.   The world looks, acts, and responds to you very differently when you start your day with a feeling and orientation of gratitude for that which you already have,” (Hardy, Darren (2010). The Compound Effect.  Da Capo Press, page 102).

St Paul reminds the Christians in Philippi saying, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” Phil 2: 14-16 When you begin your day with giving thanks to the abundance that surrounds you, you do not dwell on what is lacking.  Then, you realize that you are blessed beyond measure.  When that is the case, you cannot help but rejoice in the Lord always.

God gave us all life that is firmly grounded in him who humiliated himself by becoming a man to pay the price for our sins.  This precious gift is unparalleled by any material gift or position.  Thus, for the believer, there is nothing that would take the joy that is his; I am sure you say “this is easier said than done.”  And I agree with you.  Because the enemy, the Devil, is not resting; he prowls like a roaring lion wanting to devour us.  The temptations and spiritual attacks are relentlessly raging against us, especially those of us who are engaged in the mission ministry of God.

When you begin and end your day by taking an inventory of the abundance that surrounds you and give thanks to Him from whom all good gifts come, your spirit is attuned to the promises of him who sends you to his mission field.  You can then say he who is in me is more powerful than the roaring lion who is coming to devour me.  The Devil melts away when the name “Jesus” is invoked.

I challenge you to take inventory of all the blessings that the Lord has showered upon you this year and give thanks to him who will bless you even more abundantly than you can ever think or imagine.

By Rev. Yohannes Mengsteab
Mission & Ministry Facilitator, Area B