Where your heart is, there is where your treasure lays. Our hearts guide our emotion and decisions. Unless God is the center of the heart, things are askew. Allowing the Spirit into the matters of the heart promises the faithfulness of Jesus in our lives.
The Evans family lived with hope despite living in what appeared to be hopeless circumstances.
Good Times was a 1970s sitcom about a dad, mom, and three children who lived on Chicago’s bad side. Every trip carried the risk of being mugged or raped. They lived in a rickety apartment building owned by a man who cared little for his tenants. Mom stayed home, cared for the children, cleaned the house, and cooked while Dad worked—at least, most of the time. Job layoffs came regularly. But somehow, they always managed to scrape by—and with a smile on their faces. Their secret for happiness, despite their unwelcome circumstances, came through something the mom instilled in the family: hope. A hope built on a deep trust in God.
Paul reminded his readers that they once lived without hope. They had it presently only because they accepted the Jesus he preached.
Hopelessness is a terrible state of existence. Believing that nothing will ever improve or seeing a future that will never be any better than the present. Looking at the past and seeing that it wasn’t any better than the present. However, anyone can choose to live with hope instead of succumbing to hopelessness.
As Florida Evans discovered, hope is not built on circumstances. If that were the case, millions would have none on any given day. Regardless of our financial state, living consistently without anything going wrong isn’t the norm. Hope built on circumstances quickly materializes into hopelessness.
We have hope because we trust the one who controls the circumstances and believe he can take what appears, or is, evil and form good from it. Believing he is the creator and controller of all things instills confidence.
Living with hope is an inner attitude that leads to outward change. Florida Evans was able to transfer her hope to her family, even her unbelieving husband. Hope is transferable. If we live with hope, we can give it to those God puts in our paths. Our attitude will influence theirs.
Florida Evans’ hope was built on her belief in God. Ours must be, too. Nothing else will give us true, consistent hope. All other foundations will flounder.
Choose to live with hope, not merely survive with hopelessness.
Ten months passed after the vibrating twitch in his finger announced itself and quietly took a backseat in our lives. We were oblivious to the destruction this hitchhiker held as we crossed the plains of Wyoming—laughing and cutting up on a ten-day road trip.
April 2018 blew our life down. It came in with hurricane strength, scattering our dreams across life’s terrain. My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. We had a million questions dumped into our laps. But one thing was awfully obvious: his disease was aggressive, and he was young. Within six months, tremors started in his right hand. As the months passed, he loaded up on medications. His right hand, arm, and shoulder flapped wildly like a bronc rider’s on an angry bull.
Our lives changed. We sold my husband’s motorcycle. Bitter tears welled up inside me as his BMW glided down the road without him. Standing in our driveway, I sucked in air to hold back hot, torturous tears. I couldn't take the pain of his dreams deflating. I hurt for him. We were life partners, and I had decided I would go down with him on this ship. I sold my motorcycle a few weeks later. But I was focusing on my losses, his losses, the whole neurological nightmare, not the daily portion of strength God had for me and the prayer required to access it.
I can't confront life all at once on my own. That's why this verse is crucial: My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. My daily portion strengthens my heart just like one meal at a time does my body. I certainly can’t eat all life’s meals in one day, hoping to nourish my body forever.
God wants me to know one prayer at a time is the focus of my strength. My daily prayers are equivalent to my daily meals. If I forget to eat, I am weak and ineffectual with myself and others. The same is true if I fail to pray.
Don’t let it take a crisis to lead you to pray and see God’s power. Make prayer a daily habit.
I closed my eyes, prayed, and opened my Bible to this Scripture: Again, Job answered and said:“Though I know my complaint is bitter, his hand is heavy upon me in my groanings. Oh, that today I might find him, that I might come to his judgment seat!”
It reminded me of when I was deeply depressed. I almost died from COVID-19 pneumonia, wore oxygen for six months, and then, four weeks after ridding the oxygen, was diagnosed with breast cancer.
I was so angry. Every day, I deal with fibromyalgia pain and arthritis. I had fought so hard to live, and now the word cancer dripped from my doctor’s lips. I did not understand why I was even on earth. My groanings were bitter, and the anger consumed me. Why couldn’t I die and go to heaven where there is no pain? Why couldn’t God heal me? I thought I’d suffered enough and was ready for judgment day.
Simply going through the motions, I completed two lumpectomies and fifteen radiation sessions, then rang the bell. But I did not celebrate because I did not feel healed. I really did not feel anything. A year passed. Every day I thought about how the cancer could return.
Then a friend with stage-four breast cancer made a comment that changed my outlook: “My daughter and I were talking, and I said something about when my time comes…”
That stopped my heart for a moment. I finally said a healing prayer, and I could see heaven in my mind. I had no reason to be depressed. I wanted to go to heaven where there is no pain, heartache, or death, but God determines when I go. God has given us a beautiful promise: to look forward to heaven.
Things became clear. God was preparing me for heaven, and praying for my family members to join me in heaven became my most important task.
Why not say this simple daily prayer: Dear God, please help me prepare myself and my family for heaven. Then listen. God will heal your heart and lead you to actions that will guide you and your family to your eternal destination.
Most people can appreciate a sunny day. Severe storms? Not so much. Yet the storm of the century in Death Valley National Park precipitated an incredible transformation. A deluge of rain fell unexpectedly, depositing more than a year’s rainfall in a single day. Roads flooded, trails became impassable, and the park closed for weeks.
Two months later, the hottest place on earth was still wet. Wildflowers bloomed out of season. The typically dry Badwater Basin became home to a shallow lake. The change in the landscape was so profound that park rangers reported they hadn’t seen anything like it in over eighteen years.
As uncomfortable as our “death valleys” are, they can also birth new things. Yet instead of changing the landscape around us, God uses the low points in our lives to change us. We may feel we are dying, but what we feel and what is true are not necessarily the same.
God brings beauty out of barren places. A job loss is devastating until it opens the door to a new, rewarding career. Classes are overwhelming until we graduate. Childbirth is brutal until the baby arrives, and the labor pains become a vague memory.
Life forces us to experience things, but we do not have to fear them. With Jesus as our Counselor, Comforter, and Advocate, our dry places can eventually suit God’s purpose.
Even when we bring hot situations upon ourselves, God is merciful. Moses was a murderer, but God chose him to liberate the Israelites from Egypt. Abraham took Sara’s maid, trying to fulfill God’s plan hastily, yet he received the promised son from his once barren wife.
Like these unlikely heroes, our mistakes don’t define us either. The fear of failure should never hold us hostage. We can live with confidence when we focus on our faith and embrace the new things our Father does in and through us.
God brings dead things to life. Think of some dead areas you need to turn over to God. Then watch what He will do.
“Step outta the way.” My friend had that deer-in-the-headlights look when I gently tapped her shoulder. “You’re looking for permission to go, but you’re standing in the way. Step outta the way.”
She giggled. “I think you’re right.”
Sally was invited on a mission trip to Africa. The team was told there’d be thousands of children, and Sally wanted to go. A few health issues stood in the way and some personal family ditties that wouldn’t move over and give her peace about going. So, she said no.
When God has a plan for us, He usually doesn’t let up, and He had a plan for Sally. The thing was, God would not work fully through Sally until she allowed Him to freely abide in her. Sally wanted to go but wasn’t giving to God freely, which added a step to God’s plan: convince Sally He had her back.
The story of Ruth makes its way into wedding ceremonies and Mother’s Day sermons frequently. But when we look at Ruth's love for her mother-in-law, we see a far deeper conviction than just family. Ruth fully gave herself to God. When she declared her faithfulness to Naomi, she also committed verbally to following God—making Him her God as well.
As a result, God blessed Ruth and rewarded her faithfulness. He worked through her. He recognized Ruth so much that she became part of the lineage of Jesus listed in Matthew. Ruth’s life was more than average. Her faithfulness lifted the brow of God when she vowed to stay with Naomi and make God the Father her God. She was a woman of her word, and she kept her vow. Ruth stepped out of the way.
Sally stepped out of the way too, and within three days (a significant number, don’t you think?) God removed every issue that gave her concern. She went to Africa, and God kept His promise—there were thousands of children to minister to.
Sometimes we know exactly what to do, but doubt and fear bring about excuses. Step to the side and open the door to your heart. When you do, God will fully work through you.
By chance, a strange site once caught my attention: a streetlight turned on in the middle of a sunny Sunday afternoon. Although the light was turned to full brightness, it had a negligible effect compared to the Texas sunlight beaming down on me. The streetlight wasn’t any brighter than at night, but the light’s impact was more drastic in the darkness.
Paul wrote to the Philippians from a Roman prison. People who exemplified this warped and crooked generation surrounded him. Treated like a criminal, Paul had every reason to begin acting like one—whether in action or attitude. Instead, he continued his ministry, seizing his surroundings and opting to make them an opportunity.
Amid a dark generation, we can easily succumb to despair. Haiti has fallen into the hands of gangs. Ukrainians, Russians, Israelis, and Palestinians die daily. In the United States, suicide and drug use have skyrocketed. Looking on the bright side challenges us.
We live in a warped and crooked generation, and until Jesus returns, we always will. Maybe it’s time we stopped looking on the bright side and started doing everything without grumbling or arguing so that we might become blameless and pure. Then our light will shine even brighter in the darkness.
Just like stars light the night and streetlights the dark, Christians can shine the brightest when the world is dim.
Stop looking on the bright side. Instead, start shining.
I find that throughout my days, tiny gaps of time exist: waiting for dinner to arrive at a restaurant, in a doctor’s office, in a grocery store checkout line, or at the gas pump. I tend to fill these gaps by scrolling through my media feeds.
It occurred to me that instead of giving in to the gravitational pull of technology, I could use some of these time gaps as micro invitations to commune with God. I could say a quick prayer for a loved one or think about what I read that morning during my devotions.
These gaps can be moments of practicing unceasing prayer, finding something or someone to be thankful for, rejoicing in a beautiful day, or opening (and keeping open) my soul to hearing God’s whisper.
Time gaps provide opportunities to continue my devotion throughout the day. These spaces, however brief, are perfect for relationship-building with my heavenly Father, much like I would fill them with small talk with a friend.
Over time, I wonder if this would become a sacred habit as we become a people of prayer—a habit that we look forward to and even start to crave. We would watch for these gaps throughout our days—periods when we can meet and converse with our Father and tell Him everything.
Look for times to commune with your heavenly Father.
Karisa followed me up the steep, polished, wooden steps to the sanctuary’s choir loft behind the pulpit. She was a gifted flutist and Morgan County Middle School’s band director.
“Please give me an A,” Karisa requested.
I struck an octave with my right hand, the two A ivory keys on both sides of middle C. She blew steadily into her silver flute. Her otherwise clear tone sounded unexpectedly flat, clouded, and slightly below the intended pitch. After a few adjustments, we tuned the musical instrument to the grand piano. She was ready for morning worship.
Karisa had tuned her flute earlier that morning to a piano in the choir room that struggled to hold pitch. The sanctuary piano was located where climate conditions were more carefully monitored.
Rick, a local piano tuner, was once amazed to discover that my studio grand piano sounded perfectly in tune. It had been wrapped, boxed, and stood on its side for two years. Before the moving company transported my piano into storage, I had confirmed that the facility was climate-controlled.
We are God’s instruments: flutes, pianos, voices. He tunes and sanctifies us, makes us holy, and sets us apart so we thrive in his climate-controlled environment. He gets all the credit.
Oswald Chambers wrote, “Sanctification means being made one with Jesus.” God’s power keeps us in perfect tune with Him. The Holy Spirit continually strikes a tuning fork in our hearts to align us with spot-on pitch.
Stay connected to Jesus through sanctification and being tuned to His Spirit.
“I remember when you used to…”
Anytime I hear my wife say the above, I know she will follow it with something I once did but don’t anymore—things like opening the door for her when she’s getting in the car or entering a store or coming up behind her and putting my arms around her neck while we’re shopping.
My wife has a memory like an elephant and recalls many things I’ve long forgotten. Among them is how our relationship was when we first married. I tell her our relationship has matured. She thinks, Now that you’ve got me, you think you don’t need to do those things anymore. We’re probably both right to a degree, but we must work to maintain healthy relationships. Valentine’s Day can remind us of our responsibility.
Paul gives a list of instructions for husbands and wives. Some women don’t like the submission part, while some husbands take issue with loving their wives enough to die for them. But Paul prefaces the instructions with a command for mutual submission. Doing this requires building blocks.
Mutual love and submission entail intentionality. If I’m not intentional or determined to love my wife as Christ loved the church or to submit to her as I desire her to submit to me, it won’t happen. Anything important requires our undivided attention.
Thoughtful words and actions are essential. My wife loves to hear me tell her I love her, but she wants to see love in action. Holding her hand, opening a car door, giving her a card, kissing her first thing in the morning—all little things that mean a lot.
Honesty is also critical. Dishonesty will wreck any marriage or relationship. I know. I’ve been on the receiving end of dishonesty, and it leads to a dead end. We build trust in small ways over many years, but one wrong move can destroy what it took years to build.
Additionally, faithfulness is a must for healthy relationships. It follows on the heels of honesty. In the marriage ceremony, I promised faithfulness to my one wife until death parts us. No good reason exists to break that promise as long as I’m in the relationship.
Yet more important than any other block is including God. Relationships that exclude Him are headed for failure from the start.
Use the correct building blocks to erect healthy relationships in your life.
From the beginning of the school year calendar to the end of the session, I do the school runs for my kids. It’s an activity I have come to imbibe and am now used to. Occasionally, I offer lifts to school children and their parents who are going in the same direction as I am.
Looking into my rearview mirror, I see gratitude, peace, and rest written on their faces—even if not voiced. I have saved them from the scouring sun or the daring rain.
God mandates that we should not get tired of doing good, so we should keep showing kindness to people around us—an attribute of Christ’s life.
Many may feel disappointed and hurt by the same people they help, but our consolation is that we will reap the proper reward for every act of kindness we have done. We can show kindness to different people in various ways.
Reflect on situations and circumstances that have kept you from showing little acts of kindness to others. Christ wants us to be Christlike. Show an act of kindness to someone today.
Lydia was different. Raised by a severely strict grandmother, her social skills were awkward. In the 1960s, she wore 1950s-style dresses. Mama always purposefully loved Lydia. That is why I was appalled as we rode to Vacation Bible School that day, and Lydia said the unthinkable. The unkind. The embarrassing. “You stink!”
I cringed. Lydia now held her nose and fanned her face. “Mrs. Nell, your breath stinks.”
I wanted to pummel her goofy face into the ground. I pushed Lydia hard with my elbow but felt Mama’s soft fingers gently wrap around my tensed arm.
Mama simply turned to Lydia. “I’m sorry, honey. I’ll bring a mint tomorrow.” Then Mama reached over and hugged Lydia.
Lydia smugly tumbled out of the car, but before I could exit, Mama whispered, “Wait a minute.” Her melted chocolate eyes shined with kindness. “When I was a little girl, kids picked on me unmercifully singing, ‘Nellie Gray sits in the hay.’”
I was so ashamed.
“Did you know that Lydia’s grandmother butchered her pet duck and served it for dinner?”
I was appalled.
“There are things you don’t know about people. Hurting places that make them do hurtful things. Just be kind. It pleases God.”
That day, I understood something. A child who was taunted by her classmates let those hard things work kindness into her soul. I wanted to be like her—to share love as thick as honey, to love fiercely, unrelentingly—like a warrior set loose with a weapon of kindness that could change the world.
In the classroom, Lydia sat alone at the table. I patted the seat beside me, and she ran over, eager to be included. Lydia didn’t realize she had said hurtful things that day. She had no idea I was already picking up my Mama’s weapon, ready to change the world.
Think of someone in your world who is misunderstood or marginalized. Ask the Lord to show you how to offer kindness.
We choose how to approach the day. We can anticipate that good things will come or fear the worst.
My old self lived a life of caution, believing I prevented whatever might come at me next. I did not see that this fearful mindset wasn’t protecting me. Instead, it kept me further from my protector. Entertaining fear limited my faith.
Our thoughts set the tone for our hearts, and Scripture tells us everything else flows from there. We can’t afford to underestimate the importance of keeping our hearts and minds better aligned.
God calls us to frame our thoughts around Scripture. No one wants to walk through difficult times, but sometimes we must. God didn’t promise us comfy and cozy, but He does promise to see us through. He promises to provide and protect us and assures us we are never alone. God invites us to trust in Him and not be afraid. He gives us His promises so we can approach each day, sure that He has us. He gives us His promises so that we’ll depend on them, allowing us to leverage our faith. Why would we anticipate bad things when God works for our good? Regarding our thoughts, God’s promises can consume our minds so that we feel the freedom found in living a life of faith over fear.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever! This Scripture serves as a daily mantra, a declaration of what I know in my heart will come. Instead of making it about me, it reminds me to keep myself centered around God. It reminds me to depend on Him and anticipate His goodness, which I can’t earn, and to accept his mercy, which is the opposite of what I deserve. None of us know how, what, or even when. But God does, and He tells us our story comes with the best ending. He will not lead us astray.
God is good, and He calls us to lean in. Find Scripture to hold on to that will help you level up and live a life of faith over fear. Be courageous enough to go all in. It will be the game changer you have longed for.
I saw that the bottom was about to fall out, but I couldn’t do a thing.
The speeding car zoomed past my driveway, a mere one hundred feet from a stop sign. The driver would soon cross a major highway. I quickly looked up and down the highway to see if the driver could avoid an accident. He couldn’t. A lone car meandered down the highway and was soon t-boned by the speeding car that ran the stop sign. The driver who ran the stop sign wasn’t seriously injured, but the lady in the other vehicle had to be flown to a nearby hospital and undergo several surgeries. She never knew her bottom was about to fall out.
Nor did those Peter preached to on the Day of Pentecost. Imagine their surprise when he used references from the Old Testament to prove that Jesus was God’s Messiah sent to save the world. Then the convicting blow when he informed them they were responsible for his crucifixion. Their bottom was about to fall out unless they acted.
How the bottom looks varies between individuals and even within the same individual. Bottoms can include financial hardships, divorces, deaths, arrests, addictions, unemployment, rebellion, unfaithfulness, etc. Our reaction to the bottoms that fall out is more important than what the bottom actually is.
The least desirable reaction would be turning our backs on God. God never allows or sends trials hoping this will happen. While He rarely clues us in on why something happened, He never intends for us to walk away from Him. He wanted those listening to Peter to turn to Him, not away.
If we let them, the bottoms will always increase our patience. Trials try. It’s their nature. God’s purpose in allowing or bringing them is to enhance our patience with ourselves, others, and Him. Patience should be a sought-after virtue. Those who learn it fare better throughout life’s circumstances.
Bottoms will also increase our faith. God rewarded those who responded to Peter’s sermon by placing their faith in Jesus with forgiveness and eternal life. Trials stretch our faith in God’s goodness, protection, and guidance. As our faith in Him grows, we’ll trust Him more and gain more spiritual victories over sin and unpleasant circumstances.
Think of how you typically respond when your bottom falls out.
Partial surrender doesn’t exist. We are not genuinely surrendered unless we are fully surrendered. Very few are truly surrendered, but God gives victory to those who are.
The word surrender is not in the KJV Bible. Instead, this translation uses “submit” and “consecrate.” Surrender means the war is over and the fighting has ended. It means a cessation of resistance and rebellion and the usurping of our own power and will to do the victor’s will. It also means peace on the terms of the victor.
Believers are holy and sanctified because we stand in Christ and His righteousness. But we are further encouraged to be consecrated to the Lord and to be holy or sanctified daily. This process is called progressive sanctification.
God does not force this surrender on us but encourages us to do it for His glory. This is a surrender of our will to do the Father’s will. Surrender or consecration to God entails complete and entire separation from the world and sin and complete devotion to Christ.
We become surrendered or consecrated to God when, like Paul, we adopt a new value system and lightly esteem the things of the world but highly esteem the things of Christ. This also happens when we seek those things above rather than the things of the earth.
Think of some life areas that you need to surrender.
I tasted salt in every phrase as I sang.
Moving day wasn’t a joyous occasion for me. We were leaving a place where I’d found friendships, a good church, and enjoyed being geographically close to my family. But moving was necessary for my husband’s change of employment, and despite the heartache, I was determined to sing a song of praise as I drove our pick-up truck down the road.
Tears dripped down my cheeks and into my mouth. My voice broke, and the tune wavered. The hymns may not have sounded melodic at that moment, but to God, they were better than listening to the best Broadway soundtrack.
Sometimes, singing praises to God is a sacrifice when we’re going through difficulties. When I don’t feel like doing it, but do it anyway, I lay my emotions, desires, and wants on the altar before Him. As my lips form the words and breath passes my vocal cords, God reminds me of the most important thing: He has saved me. When I acknowledge His salvation, the assurance comes that He delights in my praise, and I am comforted.
That day of departure became the beginning of a new adventure. When you face a hardship, bring a sacrifice of praise to God.
Rain relieves dry flowerpots, brown yards, and the air of a parched summer day. This relief is a visual all its own, with the added scent of freshness.
When we thirst emotionally, finding what sustains us through the seasons of life can be a struggle. Intense loneliness can make the heart feel parched. Like David hiding in the desert of Judah, we all thirst for something, someone. Even in a crowd, sometimes, we can feel lonely. We try to drown it out with the noise and busyness of life.
I tend to isolate myself when I am dealing with something emotional that causes loneliness that is difficult to shake. Being raised to hide my feelings, I find it easier to keep it all to myself. But easy isn’t always the best. I am learning that opening myself to others places me in that bigger picture of real living.
Connection is so important. Many find it on social media. Contentment can be confused with possessions and titles. For me, true contentment has come with living more in the present and the life God has always had for me, knowing He walks beside me every step of the way.
Make sure that what quenches your thirst is refreshing and lasting. Don’t substitute other things for God.
What’s a puffin eat?
A young child pondered the word she heard on the day we celebrate the wise men’s arrival to see the baby Jesus. Of course, we talked about puffins and what they eat, then addressed pronunciation. In the South, our pronunciations are often a little sloppy. My simple explanation: a new discovery or a surprising idea, something we didn’t know before.
I remember an article in the Weekly Reader about a pilot who saw the shape of a boat in the ice on Mount Ararat in Turkey. I was seven and thrilled when I realized Noah’s Ark was real, not just a fun story in the Bible. This epiphany changed the way a little girl viewed the Bible.
In the case of Jesus, His birth was an epiphany because the circumstances contrasted with the entrance imagined for centuries by Hebrews. The song “How Should a King Come?” by Jimmy and Carol Owens illustrates this beautifully.
But the Messiah didn’t come as expected. He came through an otherwise ordinary girl in a grungy dwelling for farm animals. Surprise!
The second epiphany was the wise men from the East. They studied the stars and knew Daniel’s prophecies. They saw the amazing star over Bethlehem and visited Jesus. This was a clear sign that Christ was available to Gentiles. God sent His Son through the Hebrew people for all people. Who knows if anyone realized this truth then? Later, Jesus made sure they knew.
Jesus still brings epiphany. Anyone who reads or hears the gospel and is moved to understand why Jesus came has an epiphany, a discovery never dreamed of. The epiphanies continue as we study the Word and live out God’s teachings. Epiphany. He came for you too.
Do you want epiphanies in your life? Ask. God sends His Word to reveal them.
They say Christmas has become too commercialized, so much so that it has lost its true meaning and purpose. Many Christians suggest steering away from trees, decorations, giving, and even the idea of having fun—calling these practices pagan rituals and unpleasing to God. They avoid celebrating because of the overindulging and overspending they see.
Jack Hayford suggests that “such harsh debunking is nothing more than holy humbug.” He goes on to say:
A Christmas tree is a specific statement. By means of this tree, we are saying: We believe in celebration. We serve the God who gives us richly all things to enjoy (1 Tim. 6:17 NKJV) and who, through history, assigned sacred appointments of feasting and rejoicing. Although no one can make a biblical case for Christmas trees, we gather around ours with joy. We see in its living branches a symbol of everlasting life given us because of Jesus’ death on the tree—whose naked crossbars Xed out death and ushered in forgiveness and eternal hope.
The lights gleam a testimony of His light-of-the-world glory. The ornaments reflect the decorative splendor with which His kindnesses adorn our lives. The star beams hope with a heavenward ray, reminding us that from there He shall come again to receive us.
No matter how we celebrate, Christmas is meant to be a joyful time. A time to gather with friends and family. A time to reach out to those in need. But most of all, a time to remember the birth, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
This Christmas, invite the guest of honor. The presence of the Lord makes all the difference. Remember … He gives us richly all things to enjoy.
And be sure to celebrate. No holy humbug.
I stood alone in my church, fully aware of the consequences of my sin. I was also fully aware that the time of hiding my sins was ending.
I found myself at my own well. The consequences of my sin had finally reached a point from which I was sure I could not return. My struggle with lust and adultery was more than I could battle. Night after night, I asked God to forgive me but quietly wondered why He hadn’t taken this desire away. Why hadn’t He healed me? Now, the consequences lay before me. I was convinced God was tired of hearing my prayers for forgiveness.
Driving home during the middle of the week, I felt God call me to go to my church. I parked my car, hoping nobody was there. I opened the door, walked inside, went to the front of our church, and quietly worshipped God alone with the music from my phone. Then I prayed to God. I felt His presence telling me that I had never trusted Him with my shame. I asked for His forgiveness. Then, alone, I took communion.
The woman at the well lived with the knowledge of life’s circumstances. On each trip to the well, she found herself alone to reflect on the burden of her circumstances. I wonder what she thought of her life. I wonder if she had given up hope for the life she dreamed she would have.
Jesus stood face to face with the woman at the well. She was caught up in her sin, but she discovered her sin was not too much for Jesus. He had not hidden His face from what she had done. He knew each sin yet still called out to her. The story ends with the woman proclaiming the good news that the Messiah had come.
From her circumstances, Jesus called the woman to proclaim His name. When we find ourselves alone at the well with our sin, we discover Jesus comes to us, just as He went to the woman at the well. He knows what we’ve done, yet He reminds us we still have a purpose.
Remember, you are never alone. God is always by your side.
Lunchtime approached as we ran errands.
“Where do you want to go to eat?” my husband asked.
Weighing a few options, we settled on a favorite restaurant close to our route. As we enjoyed our food, the attendant escorted three people and a baby past our table to the courtyard beyond. The older woman caught my eye.
“She looks familiar,” I said. “I think we went to the same church, but I can’t remember her name.”
My husband didn’t think it could be her. After all, it had been at least twelve years prior, in another state, and 1,200 miles away.
But the more I watched, the stronger became the sense that it was my friend.
When I finally remembered her name, I said, “It will bug me forever if I don’t check.”
Although not something I easily do, I went to her table.
“Excuse me,” I said, “Is your name Iris?”
She looked at me wide-eyed and said, “Is that you, Anita?”
We had a wonderful chat. She had moved to help her daughter and son-in-law with their baby.
“Since I don’t know anyone else here, I have been praying that the Lord would help me find friends, and here He brought you right to my table.”
Why did we all choose to go to that restaurant at that time? The table they were seated at could’ve been in a different section or my view in the opposite direction. I didn’t realize God was leading my husband and me that day. We’ve remarked many times since then about how the Lord does His work. Sometimes it is behind the scenes. He places us in significant roles without us even knowing.
Iris and I believe God orchestrated our meeting. She prayed, the Holy Spirit heard and directed, and God met her need for local friendship. It is a delight to be in Bible studies again with this dear lady and to enjoy our fellowship.
No matter your need, you can make your request known to the Lord. He delights to meet it.
It was Sunday during the weekly church service.
The pews were filled with families—all in their designated spot from which they do not depart. The song leader asked the congregation to stand and turn their hymnals to page 316.
The song chosen was none other than “How Great Thou Art.” The song was one of our favorites. The problem was Miss Betty, who took the commandment to make a joyful noise a little too seriously. She repeatedly overshot the high notes, causing everyone to cringe in anticipation throughout the song.
The good news for Miss Betty and the rest of us is that Jesus does not look at us in the same way we view other people. Where we hear sour notes in our favorite hymns, Jesus hears praise. Where we see tear-stained cheeks Sunday after Sunday, Jesus sees praise.
When the crowd of people following Jesus told the blind men to shush it, Jesus heard the blind men’s call. He asked them what they needed and gave it to them then and there. The Savior chose the people who were deemed annoyances by their peers.
After Jesus healed the men, they did not look around at the beautiful world, shake Jesus’ hand, and say, “Well, it was nice meeting You, but we’ve got places to go and people to see, so we’re going to head on out.”
Instead, they opened their eyes, saw the face of Jesus Christ, and chose to follow Him. If they did not thank Him with words, they certainly thanked Him with their actions.
When God changes us, shows us compassion, removes the scales from our eyes, or turns our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh, we need to drop everything and go with Him.
Reflect on the reasons you are thankful God doesn’t see you the way the world sees you. Think about a time Jesus healed you. Be like the blind men who followed Him the moment Jesus healed them.
“What has God done for you?” the speaker asked.
I couldn’t think of any miracles, so I jotted down the question without an answer, content to sit and listen—until movement distracted me. A woman I didn’t recognize bent at the end of my row. She whispered something I didn’t hear, an insistent expression as she reached over two of my friends to hand me a small item. I stared as she left—at the item in my hand, my friends, at the space where she had just stood, and at my friends.
“Did you know her?” I asked.
They did not. For the last few nights, my contacts had swum in solution at the bottom of a deodorant container and the plastic bowl from a razor head. I had forgotten to pack a contact case, but this stranger had just handed me a brand-new one.
I think Jesus is saying God cares whether we have the necessities of life. If He cares for us in the little things, how much more in the more significant things?
Thinking about my future is scary, but the exhaustion from relying on myself is far worse. When Jesus says God clothes the grass, it reminds me of God’s power. He will care for me in the little things—like a case for my contacts—and He will care for me in the big things—like where my career will take me.
Life might not always be painless, but we can trust that God will be with us. Give your fears to God. He loves you so much. Remember what God has done for you and praise Him.
Many so-called truths are lies that mislead. However, because truth is readily available, liars must be more subtle in their lies and misleading statements.
The word that describes this subtleness is prevaricate. Prevaricate is a milder word than lie and means to speak or act to deceive. The effect is the same, but it is accomplished using vague statements from which another may draw inaccurate conclusions rather than downright lying.
Such is the work of Satan and his minions. There’s objective truth—God’s universal and absolute Word—that will be the final judge of all people. And there’s subjective truth, which is an assumed truth determined by a person’s mind. This truth will not stand on judgment day.
The majority live by subjective truth, assuming their judgment is correct. A small minority live by objective truth—God’s Word—with the complete confidence that it can be trusted to be right about everything.
When we choose the way of truth, we keep God’s Word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. But when we live by subjective truth, we believe the lie of Satan, which will betray us in the end. With God’s truth, we judge all things to see if they’re true.
Each person has free will and can decide what truth they will follow: subjective truth and living presumptuously or objective truth and living with a certainty that we’re in the center of God’s will.
Make sure you are following the right truth.
In the early 1970s, I came to faith in Christ. Speakers came through our church to share their mountaintop experiences. It appeared they were jumping from one peak to another. Spiritually speaking, I could not get out of bed without tripping over my own feet. I said, “Lord, what's wrong with me?”
This question remained until I got to know some of these speakers. Between these mountaintop experiences, these men usually had a time in the valley where they tripped over their feet, just like me. They conveniently had omitted their valley, which had made their mountaintops possible.
Great people of faith are clay jars, just like us. The only difference is that God may have sovereignly used them for his glory. Christians love mountaintop experiences, but faithfulness grows in the valley.
A farmer must cultivate the soil before it will grow crops. He needs to turn the ground over and plant the seeds. He fertilizes the soil and provides the moisture that enables the seeds to germinate. It does not just happen; it takes a lot of work.
Developing faithfulness is similar. We must read God's Word and allow it to turn over the fallow ground in our hearts. When our lives don't measure up, we must apply God's Word through repentance. Faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit, not a gift. God bestows gifts, but fruits are grown.
Most crops are grown in the valley rather than on the mountaintop. When it appears not much is happening in our lives, God works faithfulness into our character.
David cared for a few sheep and was absent when Samuel sought a king. But the ability David gained in the sheepfold to slay the lion and the bear was what he used to kill Goliath.
Never despise the mundane in your life. God uses the ordinary to bring about the extraordinary. Keith Green, a Christian musician, once said, "If you find yourself in the valley, farm it."
Wherever you find yourself, know God is cultivating faithfulness.
In the 1990s, after six years, my service with a Christian music ministry ended abruptly, catapulting me into a midlife career crisis.
Organizational troubles prompted my sudden departure, leaving me disappointed and hurt. I loved sharing the gospel worldwide through music and felt a deep sense of loss. I wondered why God took this from me and what I was to do. I didn’t know. But I didn’t want to return to my journalism career. Bruised and battered, I sought refuge in the Lord and begged for direction.
Disappointment strikes everyone. We feel let down or short of our best life. Disappointment is no respecter of age or station in life.
Yet Jesus can help us navigate through these times. He provides rest and peace amidst the storms. Our circumstances may not change overnight, but the Lord promises not to leave or forsake us. He can give us the strength to forge on as we trust Him for our next steps. He did this for me by setting me on a new path that led to more mission work, another degree, and a job at a Christian university.
When disappointment crushes you, give it to Jesus. Run into His arms and feel His warm embrace. Bask in His promised rest. He awaits.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and bstad.)
We note October 31 as Halloween, but Protestants celebrate Reformation Day on the last day of October.
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his famous Ninety-five Thesis to the door of All Saints Church in Wittenberg, Germany. It protested the Catholic Churches’ selling of indulgences. His act is generally recognized as the start of the Protestant Reformation.
Luther was brought before the Diet of Worms to recant his heresy for this act and other writings. But he responded, “My conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot, and I will not retract anything since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen.”
Luther believed that if something was not in the Bible, it should not be a Church doctrine. When the Church’s precepts are people-made and we hold to the supremacy of God’s Word, we always run into trouble, as did Luther. The Catholic Church eventually excommunicated him.
However, elevating human wisdom above the Bible is not confined to one denomination or church tradition. Since the Reformation, some churches and denominations have followed their church rules and by-laws over biblical truth. The result allows for actions and practices called sinful by the Bible. Scripture alone must be the basis for our faith.
One of Luther’s quotes explains why he became a pivotal figure in church history: “The Bible is a remarkable fountain: the more one draws and drinks of it, the more it stimulates the thirst.”
However, an inverse relationship between physical and spiritual food is also possible. The less we ingest physical food, the hungrier we get. The more we take in spiritual food, God’s Word, the hungrier we get too.
Don’t ignore Bible reading and prayer. Let God’s Word take you captive.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and Pexels.)
“Rejoicing in the Lord.” That’s what she says every time anyone asks her how she is doing. Not part of the time. Not occasionally, but every time this sweet elderly lady responds, it’s the same. Rejoicing in the Lord.
When I first met her, I wondered if it was just a sweet response, but as I grew to know her, I found her genuine. It made me somewhat ashamed that I didn’t give this answer when others asked how I was doing. She placed a certain conviction on my heart. She reminded me that God’s eyes are on every single person all the time.
It’s hard to imagine God’s eyes on every person in the middle of hurricane cleanup. It’s never good when a hurricane sweeps through the coastal states leaving devastation and death. But devastation becomes catastrophic when that fury turns its head toward the Appalachian Mountains. Our mountains and our people were ravaged, torn to shreds. Dead animals are strewn across fields, and the stench, wretched. Valleys that once housed quiet, quaint towns are now barren. The only remains are broken pieces of homes or an overturned vehicle. Thousands are still isolated and unreachable until roads can be reestablished. It is … a war zone.
Paul was such a trouper. The accuser turned persecuted found his strength in rejoicing in the Lord. It didn’t matter whether he was in jail, starving, or on a wrecked ship. Paul’s mind shifted directly to rejoicing in the Lord. His faith, despite his circumstances, promised him resolve, whether here or on the other side. He believed God in every situation, and he did not worry. He rejoiced and waited on God.
When calamity comes, it’s easy to look upward and cry out to God. But looking inward? That’s a different story. It takes looking inward to find the joy we have in the Father. Inward is where we can switch gears from woe-is-me to rejoice-in-the-Lord. Tragedy comes. It never fails. This world is difficult at best, but Paul had it right—shifting from the gloom to rejoicing in the promises of God.
When your world turns upside down, take a breath. Look inward and seek the Master of all creation. Rejoice in Him, for in God, all things are made new.
Give to IMPACT
Many are contacting Christian Devotions Ministries and asking how they can help meet the needs of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. If your heart is moved, you can donate to Impact Fund. All monies are given to the care of Colonial Heights Christian Church, which works with organizations, churches, and individuals as boots-on-the-ground in Hurricane Helene cleanup. Give by clicking here: https://square.link/u/3S2D8oMy. All donations are tax deductible.
Returning home from morning walks, my younger dog, Lucy, always pushes her way in front of my older dog, Charlie. She wants to be the first inside the house. I suspect Lucy is simply eager to get her leash off and enjoy a sumptuous dog treat, but whatever her rationale, one thing is sure: she always wants to be first. While I jokingly scolded Lucy for her desire to be first, I realized it was a lesson I needed to re-learn. While I may not push ahead to the front of the line like my young pup, I frequently prioritize myself over others. I have yet to learn that the last will be first.
In describing the kingdom of heaven, Jesus explained this last-first principle. Unlike worldly standards—where being first in competitions, the workplace, hobbies, and the community takes precedence—God sets selflessness and servanthood as the standard. Instead of being me-focused, God calls us to be He-focused and kingdom-focused.
As we avail ourselves to God and ask Him for opportunities to serve those around us, the Holy Spirit will help fulfill that request—nudging, guiding, and directing us to those we can serve. Our spiritual senses will increasingly fine-tune to our surroundings, and we will notice opportunities to serve: To let the mother comforting her teary toddler behind us in the grocery line go first. To offer a helping hand to a stressed and overwhelmed coworker. To bring a meal to an elderly neighbor. As we act on those opportunities, we operate as the hands and feet of Christ.
Lucy may never stop pushing to the front of the line to ensure she is first inside the house after our morning walk, but as I scratch her fuzzy head, I thank her for the daily reminder to put others first. In God’s eyes, greatness comes not through achievement or worldly success but through serving and loving our neighbors and putting their needs ahead of our own.
Prioritize others’ needs and look for opportunities to love and serve those around you. As you do, you mirror Jesus. In His kingdom, the last will be first, and the first will be last.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and Alexas_Fotos.)
Growing up, I repeatedly saw my mother give items to needy people. I saw people come to our house with sad faces but leave with big smiles. Mom took care of their biggest worry.
Mom’s kindness made a big impression on my heart and influenced my interaction with others. To this day, I show kindness too.
I never realized how much effect my mother’s giving had until she hosted an event. People from different places turned up. Some I hadn’t seen in many years. Such influence.
One thing that encourages us to show kindness is knowing we will receive a reward. Our kindness won’t be wasted.
But beyond the rewards, God wants us to demonstrate this culture of kindness as Christ did. Christ was a kind man in all ways. We must be kind as well if we call ourselves Christians.
We live in a world where many are self-centered and don’t care about others. A believer sees a fellow believer going through a tough time but looks the other way.
Many try to avoid others’ challenges as much as possible, watching them suffer from afar. This shouldn’t be so.
Christ has called us never to tire of doing good. To accomplish this, we must be intentional about showing kindness and always be on the lookout for others.
Think of ways to show kindness to those around you.
Not long ago, one of my favorite uncles succumbed to a long-term disease.
We had watched this once strong and athletic man wither for years. When the Hospice nurse told him he was in congestive heart failure and didn’t have much longer to live, he whispered, “That is the best news I’ve heard in a long time.” He was so thrilled that he would soon meet his Savior. He sent a message to his many nieces and nephews: “I pray that you will all know the peace I now have because Jesus conquered death!”
When I was young, I did not understand the concept of longing for heaven. Intellectually, I knew heaven was better than earth, but I still had things I wanted to experience before I went. I wanted to get married, have children, be a missionary, and travel the world. As I got older and accomplished those things, I found none satisfied me. I began to understand what the Bible was talking about.
Yet at times, I still look to external, earthly things to soothe my longings and fill my soul. Maybe we wonder, Would I be more satisfied with a better income? If I could afford a vacation, would I have more peace? Would my life be better if the world was less chaotic and confusing?
Many temporary things can distract us from focusing on eternity and God. It’s easy to immerse ourselves in these distractions instead of spending time with Him and getting to know the One with whom we will spend forever.
I wonder what it would be like if we lived every day as if we were on our deathbed—if we could peer beyond all the chaos of this world and set our sights on heaven.
Make it a point to wake up daily declaring that Jesus has conquered death. Because of that, you live.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and NoName_13.)
I am familiar with hiding.
Apart from the regular game of hide-n-seek, my cousin and I often invented other hiding games. We invented imaginary giants to hide from in my grandfather’s barns. If we chose to play cowboys and Indians, one of us would hide.
The hog pens also provided ample opportunity for hiding. Amidst the mud lay areas of broom straw taller than us. We enjoyed aggravating the hogs. After doing so—since we knew our grandmother would soon appear and scold us—we ducked between the straw.
Hiding began when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and thought they could hide their sin. And it’s been happening since then because we’re born with a sinful bent that leads us to disobedience. When we disobey, we attempt the same thing as our first parents.
God has created in us the ability to know right from wrong. Although we do wrong from an early age, we reach a point when we recognize it. After that, our failure to admit the wrong makes us want to hide like our first parents.
God can also hide from us—perhaps to stretch our faith. He’s there, but He makes His presence less prominent. He wants us to stretch for Him, to realize our need for Him, and to let our faith deepen.
When God hides, He tests our resolve. His apparent absence makes us consider the seriousness of our love and service for Him and our sincerity about whatever task we undertake.
Times of absence may also signal that God is busy preparing circumstances—or even us—for something different or better. God hid from Moses while he lived on the back side of the desert tending sheep, from Elijah while he hid in a cave, and from Joseph while Joseph languished in a foreign country.
But God never truly hides; it only seems that way. In those times, pause, trust, pray, and ask what He’s up to.
Perhaps churches could take a lesson from NBA coach Gregg Popovich, who said he looks for people who “have gotten over themselves.” If a sports team expects to win, the players must work together. Certainly, some players receive more publicity and are better known than others. Team members also have different personalities and abilities. However, without unity, the team faces inevitable failure.
Each team player has a unique role to play, a unique personality, and a unique vision for each game’s outcome. Yet in the game, those distinctive characteristics must intertwine and conform to the team’s role, personality, and vision. As Kentucky’s state motto declares, every player must remember, “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.”
If we expect to make a positive difference for God in our world, we must outgrow the infantile stage of thinking the world revolves around us. Instead, we must develop empathy for the experiences and emotions of others. We recognize the void in the lives of those who don’t know Jesus and value the gifts of other believers. Then we work with them to reach our hurting world.
Yes, some believers receive more recognition than others. Yes, we all make mistakes from time to time, and yes, God calls us to personal growth. Yet we grow best when planted together—encouraging, teaching, forgiving, and learning life lessons from one another.
Unity never negates differences. The pursuit of common goals never destroys unique personalities and preferences. And recognition and respect do not guarantee total agreement. Nevertheless, God calls us to work together to extend everlasting love and life.
Let God show you how to pursue the perfect plan for your life individually and as a member of God’s family.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and RosZie.)
I felt terrible. A sweet friend confessed her frustrations with the people around her.
“I’m working, and I can’t pay my bills. I don’t have debt—just the necessities. Yet my healthy neighbors sit on their porches, drawing government assistance and making no effort. It’s not right.”
Knowing that a wonderful and hard-working person had to drive to the local food bank because she couldn’t earn enough to buy food broke my heart.
It’s easy to throw out the line that God never promised it would be easy. Even if that phrase was used in the proper context, it didn’t apply here, but these were the things “well-meaning” Christians tossed at her. Through all their advice, not one pitched her a better job or the means to buy food.
Paul was a hard worker. He took his job of preaching Christ seriously. Paul called gifts of provision a blessing, but he also paid for his needs. He praised the Thessalonians for their goodness and, at the same time, warned them about idleness. He reminded the people that he paid for his upkeep to not be a burden on any of them and so they might imitate his example. And then came his warning—no work, no eat. Paul addressed the issue of idleness by encouraging the people to work and earn their “own” living. This was the right thing to do.
I understand life these days is hard. Our nation has survived a pandemic when literally everything stopped, and though we are past that now, some still suffer the residual. Although slow, businesses are on the rebound, and folks have returned to work. Still, there are those few who live with a hand extended, insisting they are owed more. The longer those individuals wait to return to work, the harder it is to do so, and the more they take from those truly in need.
We contacted a ministry that provided the provision my friend needed, and she was overwhelmed by how God heard her prayers and answered them.
Rejoice in your labor in the Lord. Offer Him praise for your opportunity and provision. And remember, our labor is not just in earning money but, like Paul, in bringing others to His feet. There lies the real reward of the work.
Labor Day recognizes workers who add to our country’s prosperity and make this nation great. Be proud of your efforts. Work brings joy, and God delights in us when we work hard.
The first time I saw the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, a machine gun turret was positioned on top. The beautiful Unter Den Linden Street ended at the gate’s bricked-off entrance, so no one could come out or go into East Berlin.
Armed soldiers stood on the east side of the wall with orders to shoot whenever someone tried to escape to West Berlin. The citizens of East Berlin were imprisoned for twenty-eight years, unable to leave without risking their lives.
Walls separate and destroy relationships. Sometimes, anger, resentment, and unforgiveness cause us to build walls. We do not realize the mental and physical impact on our health and relationships when we do not forgive.
At times, we can’t imagine how we could forgive someone because the hurt is too deep. We want to protect ourselves against further harm. We want to hurt the offender more by withholding forgiveness and keeping them behind our wall.
But when we forgive, we realize we imprisoned ourselves inside the wall meant for the other person. We may think they do not deserve forgiveness, but neither do we. Jesus has forgiven all our sins. We must trust Him to handle those situations according to His perfect will.
Paul reminds us to be kind and compassionate and forgive each other as God in Christ has forgiven us.
Think of some walls that you need to tear down.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and wal_172619.)
A friend once invited my family to join hers at a holiday dinner she was hosting.
For such a large group, she set up tables in her backyard and asked if I could bring an extra tablecloth for the gathering. When I set out my tablecloth before our meal, she complimented it. I remarked that I'd tried unsuccessfully to sell it at a yard sale. She then offered to buy it. I momentarily pondered selling it to her—I could have made five dollars—but the Lord nudged me toward a different course.
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” This verse assures us that those who have Jesus also have His Spirit. Possessing new creation life in Christ—and having His Spirit dwelling in us—we can trust Him for guidance in big and small decisions. He will lead us into a life that satisfies spiritual desires, training us to love what God loves and fulfilling the desires of His Spirit.
Studying that blue-and-yellow tablecloth in my friend’s backyard, I reconsidered selling it. Instead, I gladly insisted she take it for free. She had shown me hospitality, and I wanted to bless her in return.
As my family and I left for home afterward, I felt thankful I had listened to the Lord’s Spirit about giving away the tablecloth. This act satisfied God’s desires, and giving the tablecloth away also gave me joy.
When led by God’s Spirit, we can understand and follow God’s direction. As we do, we can fulfill spiritual desires instead of ungodly ones. No law dictated I give away the tablecloth. But God’s Spirit ushered me into something I wanted more than a few dollars: a spirit of generosity toward a sister in Christ and the blessing of being a blessing too.
Trust God’s Spirit to lead you to fulfill your call to a Spirit-filled life that marks you as His child.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and Van3ssa.)
Tried and true sounds like an advertisement for the newest laundry detergent on the market. We rush out to buy it and try it on a few loads, but it doesn’t meet our expectations and falls short of its promises.
And what about our closest friends? Relationships may or may not stand the test of time or trouble. When we go through difficult circumstances, is our friend a true friend who sticks closer than a sibling? Or do they turn away and prefer not to be involved in our messy situations?
Job was a prosperous and righteous family man who had many acquaintances and was well thought of. He also had a close circle of best friends who knew him well—until he had problems. At first, they supported him, but when things got bad and Job lost everything—including his health—they questioned him, blamed him, and left him. Job was all alone, except for God.
Thankfully, I have a friend who has been faithful to me. He promised He would be closer than a brother, and He has. His name is Jesus. Through the dark times or times of despair, He walks beside me at all times, holds my hand, and carries me through the fire whenever necessary.
But more than this, I can confide in Him and trust Him with my pain, fears, and problems. He extends understanding and compassion. Jesus won’t turn away or let me down as other friends might. I’ve tried and tested Him.
Jesus has been my faithful friend for all time. Let Him be yours too.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and cherylholt.)
“I’m hungry. When’s lunch?”
“Well, if I could find the tuna salad, I’d have an answer.”
“I thought you brought it.”
“I’m not the one who packed the basket!”
“You better have picked the right mustard.”
“When did I become the mustard manager?”
“I thought there’d be some dill pickles in your knapsack.”
“Why would I have the dill pickles?”
“Didn’t I hear Mom saying she’d send them along?”
“From what I’ve seen, you’re her favorite, so she should’ve given them to you!”
“What? I can’t even find a loaf of bread in this mess!”
“Oh, man! We’re all going to starve.”
I have no idea if this is how the disciples’ argument went that day in the boat. But I can imagine. When Jesus heard them bickering, He threw out a pop math quiz. How much food did they start with when He fed the five thousand? Five loaves of bread, right? And how many baskets of leftovers did they gather? Twelve. And what about when He fed the four thousand? What was the amount of food available? Seven loaves. And leftovers? Seven full baskets.
How quickly these guys were distracted from the reality of Jesus’ power. No lunch fixings? These were minor points compared to what Jesus could offer.
When we gather as believers, many topics might occupy the discussion. We can focus on what we lack or the rabbit holes of politics and our different opinions. Many things concern us as Christ-followers, and we should be involved in ministering for Him in those areas. But arguments over incidentals distract from the reality of Jesus’ power.
Join me in keeping the main thing the main thing. Whatever it is, Jesus has and is the answer.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and RobinHiggins.)
I have a calling, but I wonder to what extent I feel the burden of the calling. When was the last time I agonized over my roles as a husband, father, grandfather, employee, Sunday school teacher, or community member? Quick prayers said on the drive to work do not reflect a life that feels the burden of the calling.
If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. I finally figured out why this verse never bothered me. I never understood it. So much in this verse blows right over my head: follow Christ, deny myself, take up my cross. But how does that work?
As I read the verse a few times, “Take up your cross daily” began to resonate. The cross represents Christ’s burden and salvation to the world through His sacrificial death.
Jesus doesn’t mince words when He talks about our responsibilities as His followers. We don’t have to look far in Scripture to sense the burden of Christ’s calling. He agonized in Gethsemane. Significant drops of blood fell from His face as He contemplated what was about to happen. He cried, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? I’m thirsty. And it is finished.”
I’ve realized that the burdened life requires sacrificial prayer, extensive time in God’s Word, and love-motivated obedience to the One who called me.
Our primary calling is to respond positively to the call to follow Christ. Beyond that, God calls us to serve Him in the various spheres of life in which we may find ourselves: family, work, church, and community.
Find out what burdens you. Discover your gifts and abilities. The intersection of your burden and your gifts represents the core calling from which God will enable you to make a living, bless others, and grow His kingdom.
Let’s experience the burden of our calling daily as Christ has asked. To do less is to trivialize the role He has given us.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and SimonDAllen.)
My husband and I once visited Washington, DC. We toured all the sites, walked miles daily, braved the Metro, hunted down local restaurants, and dined at a French bakery on the last day of our vacation.
While I savored my mouth-watering pastry, I noticed a homeless man outside, sleeping on a vent, trying to keep warm. His blanket was pulled over his head, but his feet stuck out. That’s when I noticed the thread-bare socks. I should buy that man some socks, I thought.
Just that morning, I had read Matthew 25:43. But after discussing my plan with my husband, we decided that the drugstore was in the opposite direction of the hotel and church we were visiting. So, we walked past the man with holey socks. I showered at the hotel, put on my near-new socks, and attended a heated church with cushioned seats.
The preacher talked about looking the homeless in the eye because they, too, want to be seen. I was convicted and decided to return to the man, look him in the eye, and give him some socks. But when we walked by the French bakery, he was gone. I still hadn’t bought any socks.
My heart shrunk a bit that day. I’d distinctly heard God’s voice twice but hadn’t obeyed His command.
In Matthew 25, Jesus referred to sheep and goats. He cast aside the goats because of their unbelief, but He gathered the sheep for eternal life. Helping or not helping people experiencing poverty is not a salvation issue, but Jesus outlined specific directives for the believer—clothing the poor as one of them.
When I returned home from our trip, an email from the Nashville Rescue Mission asked me to donate to their homeless shelter. My gracious Father gave me a third chance, and I took it.
Find a way you can help the less fortunate. Then do it.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and Leroy_Skalstad.)
We call 911 during an emergency, a life-threatening situation, injury, or accident. In 2018, America’s 911 system celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. When answering, the operators immediately ask about the nature of the emergency. Then they dispatch the help we need. However, weather, traffic, and location can determine their arrival time.
Unfortunately, the help doesn’t always come as quickly as needed. But this is not the case when we call on the Lord. He’s always right on time and has never lost a case.
In several instances, Jesus gave immediate help on the scene. Nearly everyone in Scripture who came to Jesus had trouble they couldn’t resolve.
In John 11, Jesus’ friend Lazarus became deathly sick. Jesus later received news that Lazarus died. By the time Jesus reached Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days. Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha, accused Jesus of being late and blamed him for Lazarus’ death. But the story ended with a miraculous resurrection.
In Luke 8, a Gadarene man is possessed by many devils and had been for a long time. He immediately met Jesus when Jesus got off the boat. This man lived among the tombs, cried out day and night, and cut himself with stones. He had been captured numerous times and bound with fetters and chains, but to no avail. The devils inside him accused Jesus of coming to torment them. After Jesus cast the devils out, the man sat at Jesus’ feet—clothed and in his right mind.
We should always be in good spiritual condition to respond immediately through prayer during emergencies. Emergencies won’t wait. Someone’s well-being or life may depend on our prayers. We may need to be someone’s first responder. Additionally, we all want someone standing ready in our crisis—someone who can get the job done.
Make sure you have an emergency plan in place in times of crisis. Be that person who is spiritually ready to help someone else.
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“May I take your order, please?” How many times do we hear that question in a week or month?
I recently read that the way some people spend time with God can be compared to fast-food fare or sitting down to a delicious meal at a fancy, fine-dining restaurant. It’s up to us.
When we become accustomed to living on spiritual fast-food, it’s like driving up to the window and quickly picking out an item or two on the huge menu. We might even be asked if we want to supersize it. This can become an I’m-Too-Busy-to-Slow-Down-and-Take-Time mentality. Although it might satisfy our hunger for the moment, we miss the needed nutrients.
On the other hand, when we make the decision—and take the time—to put everything else aside and sit down to a nice meal, we come away relaxed and rejuvenated, full and satisfied.
Sometimes it’s okay—and even necessary—to grab something on the go, but we can’t make it a lifestyle. The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing and to seek God’s face continually. That doesn’t mean we have to be on our knees 24/7. We can have an attitude of prayer and talk to God all throughout the day, but He still wants us to set aside a special time to dine with Him. Those times allow us to experience His presence as He recharges our batteries and fills us with renewed strength for the journey ahead.
Babies can get by on milk for only so long. When the milk no longer satisfies and nourishes, their little stomachs growl, asking for something more substantial. It’s the same with us. We can only get by with the fast-food mentality for so long. Then our spiritual stomachs will growl, begging to be fed the life-giving meat of the Word.
Don’t allow yourself to become spiritually malnourished. Fill yourself daily with God’s Word.
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One Friday morning in March, my friend Sarah taught me what friendship should be.
The dour weather matched my mood and state of mind. The night before, I had faced the horror of being ganged up on by a group of men who wanted my phone and bag—and made sure they got them even if it meant knocking my nose out of place.
So, on Friday morning, I was in bed, nursing a broken nose and heart, wanting to be alone yet grateful for the presence of my friend, Sarah. She sat with me silently, held me while I cried, hushed my blasphemous complaints, took me out to get ice cream and shawarma, downloaded a comedy Kdrama series, and watched it with me. It took me a couple of months to fully recover mentally from the ordeal, but what my friend did for me that day profoundly struck my heart.
Job’s friends understood the importance of grieving with a loved one, showing solidarity with a fellow friend, and going through rough patches with one another. They heard of his great loss, came from where they lived to see him, sat with him, and offered him whatever comfort they could.
Being around grieving people is challenging, even if they’re friends. No one wants a gloomy sidekick. But perhaps we could be an extension of God’s comfort to them when we sit with them in their silence and confusion and assure them of our love and support.
We may avoid friends who are in pain because it makes us uncomfortable or because we feel we will never understand how they feel and, therefore, can’t comfort them.
But if Job’s friends sat in silence with their friend for a week, we could call a friend and drive a couple of blocks to spend an afternoon drinking coffee or eating ice cream. Think of ways you can warm a friend’s frigid heart with your warm one.
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Deer season had opened, and I was planning to bag “Mr. Buck.”
Deer season in the lower regions of my state opens almost two months earlier than in the other areas. My neighbor then was a retired pastor who loved hunting deer. Not having a weapon, I decided to visit the local Walmart and select one to help me capture my first deer. The shelves were filled with shotguns and rifles, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
After perusing the selection, I decided on one not housed in the gun rack. It lay on a shelf nearby. It and its ammunition were cheaper. I selected my pellet/bb gun, took it to the counter, gave the clerk my $35, and hit the door.
The following day, my neighbor and I set off bright and early. As I perched high in the tree, I saw Mr. Deer prancing my way. When he was in range, I zeroed in on him, pulled the trigger, watched the pellet bounce off his hide, and gawked as he swished his head around to lick the spot as if a fly pestered him. I had chosen the wrong weapon. Not really, but I would have had I done this.
I’ll never bring down strongholds with the wrong weapons either. Strongholds have a strong hold on me. I’ve fought out with some that were muscular and others that weren’t. I’ve wrangled with some that were sinful and others that were simply unhealthy and entangling.
While it’s important to know whether the stronghold is sinful, it’s more essential to realize God is bigger and stronger than the stronghold—regardless of what it is. God wants to help me bring down strongholds—those that are sinful and those that aren’t. Both can accomplish the same thing. They distract me, cause me to lose focus, ruin my testimony, harm my body, and prevent me from doing my best at God’s work.
Choosing the right weapon to fight strongholds is crucial. Just as a pellet gun won’t bring down a deer, personal efforts without God’s guidance won’t destroy strongholds. Worldly weapons won’t do; we need godly ones, like prayer, Bible study, spiritual armor, books on faith, and close fellowship with other believers.
Don’t try to fight your spiritual battles with the wrong weapons. God will supply the weapons that will ensure victory. All you must do is ask.
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There are 37 billion fruit vines worldwide—kiwi, grapes, gooseberry, blackberry, dragon fruit, honeydew melon, watermelon, hops, sugar cube cantaloupe, Swiss Cheese plant fruit, and chocolate vine. But I wonder how a vine supports large, heavy fruit.
Jesus is the vine of salvation and wants to produce the fruit of salvation in our lives. He invites us to abide in Him as a branch. Abiding in Him gives the faith to believe and know the Father’s will.
God gives us the grace to believe His Word. Jesus is the Word. “Without faith, it’s impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus pleased the Father because He knew His will. Jesus studied the word and surrendered, trusted, and obeyed the Father. The Father was pleased at Jesus’ baptism and His temptation in the wilderness. He later blessed Jesus’ ministry. The teaching, preaching, and healing Jesus did was because the Word and Spirit of God led Him.
The word sanctifies our hearts to live and love in faith so we can produce spiritual fruit. Jesus invites us to abide in the Word and produce the spiritual fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This fruit demonstrates salvation and the love of God to the world. But we must be patient in the process because fruit takes time to produce and doesn’t grow overnight.
God is love, Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches. Abiding in Jesus frees us to walk in love, which reconciles hearts and lives.
Ask God to help you abide in love, walk in the truth, and produce spiritual fruit.
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Decades ago, I experienced a breakup with a boyfriend who had asked me to marry him. Then I discovered he had been dating others without telling me. A hurtful time. Healing came over the months as I looked to the Lord for His will. And then I met someone who reignited my heart to love again.
This was back when we listened to the radio for our musical entertainment. As my new love relationship grew, the songs I heard on the radio station resonated with me. One in particular grabbed my attention and seemed to speak exactly what I felt—a song made famous by the country music artist Anne Murray.
Lines from the song reverberated in my mind and heart. My new love hugged me when I cried as I told him about the betrayal of my ex-fiancé. He told me he admired and respected me. And when I invited him to a church service, where he put his faith in Christ, he said he had needed me to bring him along that path.
The radio station I listened to had a segment where a listener could call in to have a song played and dedicated to someone else. I decided to take advantage of that feature. The song I chose? You guessed it. Anne Murray’s song “You Needed Me.” After placing the call, all I had to do was let my sweetheart know when to tune in. He’d hear the song and my dedication message—a precious moment for me to be with him as he listened.
Through Zephaniah, God dedicates a song to those who believe in Him and have received Jesus as Savior. God still sings over us with delight and joyfulness.
Take time daily to tune in with God for a precious love song where He will calm your fears with His loving refrains.
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I don’t like feet.
I mean, I appreciate that they’re an important feature of my body. After all, they help take me wherever I want to go. But I don’t like someone else’s feet touching any part of me.
I grew up with siblings who sometimes liked to push my buttons. I remember sitting on our couch at home, minding my own business, when a brother beside me slid his foot over to barely touch me. He usually did it to get a reaction—and he got one. Sad to say, I’m not much better about this as an adult.
In John, we read how Jesus, our Savior, washed the feet of His disciples. God’s Son tackled a menial task that no one else had stepped up to perform. In doing this, Jesus gives an example of serving others.
But the lesson is not so much about washing feet. Instead, the lesson is that no job is too small, demeaning, or unpleasant if we want to show our love to others.
Think about those jobs no one else wants to do. Maybe they’re in our home, at our job, or at our church. Whether it’s doing a load of laundry for our family or cleaning up a spill in the office workroom, we’re surrounded by opportunities to help others.
Unless we’re bathing our young children, I doubt we’ll be called upon to wash someone's feet. But if Jesus can humbly and willingly bathe the dusty, dirty feet of a roomful of grown men, how can we not do whatever we’re called on to do in service to others?
Ask yourself, "Whose feet can I wash today?”
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I was seventeen, on quarter break, and making my first flight without my parents. I was fortunate to sit by the window behind the wing, where I enjoyed the scenery.
Suddenly, a red flash caught my eye. I saw flames leaping from the engine. Initially alarmed, I thought, Oh well, this must be normal, and I’m just a scaredy-cat.
Just as I had calmed down, two flight attendants walked up the aisle, looked out the window, and simultaneously gasped. “Oh my! I wonder if the captain knows the engine is on fire,” one cried as they ran down the aisle toward the cockpit.
This was a three-engine plane. Soon after the flames died down, the plane began to wobble in the air. The intercom came on, and the pilot sounded, well, mostly calm.
“I guess you’ve noticed by now that we are experiencing a slight technical difficulty. Chicago is the closest airport, and we will land there.”
As we began the approach, the pilot announced, “The air space has been cleared for us. Don’t be alarmed; they have taken precautions to ensure our safe landing. The runway has been foamed, so we can expect a bit of a skating effect as we touch down, but your cockpit crew will do everything we can to assure our safe arrival.”
Both sides of the runway were lined with fire engines and ambulances. Sure enough, we did slide a little upon landing, but when we came safely to a stop, all the crew and passengers broke into wild applause.
This took place more than fifty years ago. But as I wrote this, I realized that was two years before I began a faith relationship with Jesus. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for God’s mercy in preserving me, allowing me to be saved by Jesus, and permitting me the privilege of participating in the faith journey of others.
If you stepped off a curb tomorrow and were hit by a bus or experienced some other disaster, what would happen to you? Do you have a relationship with Jesus? If not, today is the day to begin your journey. Don’t crash and burn.
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“Your wife and daughter have been in a wreck.”
Frank listened to the voicemail. Anxiety crept up his throat. He and his brother had been hiking in a place with no cell phone reception. He could see he had voicemails but couldn’t listen to them. As soon as they left and reached a place where reception was possible, he dialed 86. But he wasn’t prepared for what he heard.
Two hours stretched between him and the hospital where he needed to go. All types of thoughts meandered through his mind as he drove. He attempted to place matters in God’s hands, but it didn’t seem to work. His gut wrenched, his mind raced, and his hands oozed.
Fortunately, it wasn’t as bad as he imagined. His daughter only bent her glasses, but his wife broke a foot and crushed her wrist. Frank discovered his anxiety hadn’t changed a thing.
Peter wrote to first-century Christians who suffered miserably for their faith. He encouraged them to give their cares to God because he cared about what they faced.
Peter’s encouragement is still appropriate twenty centuries later. God cares about what happens to his children. Sure, I sometimes wonder why he allows certain things to happen if he cares so much, but that’s not for me to know. He is God; I am not. Since he is loving and kind, we can trust his heart even when we can’t see the reason behind what he does or allows.
I’ve learned being anxious won’t solve anything. Anxiety didn’t undo the wreck Frank’s daughter and wife had. It won’t undo the effects of a natural disaster nor stymie the blows of a bully. Neither will it put money in our bank accounts for monthly bills.
In fact, anxiety impairs our judgment. An anxious mind can’t make good decisions. Anxiety will lead us to unhealthy habits in an attempt to soothe our troubled feelings or to unwise decisions in an effort to undo what has been done.
Believing God cares about what we’re facing will replace the anxiety with peace. Peace that can’t be explained or understood, but peace nevertheless. When we take our needs to God, he transforms the anxiety into peace—regardless of the nature of our circumstances.
Let God teach you the art of axing anxiety.
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One day while at work, the fire alarm sounded.
Only three of us were in the building when it happened. I immediately evacuated the building after grabbing my things. When the fire department arrived, they discovered something on the roof had set off the sensors, which activated the alarm.
This whole incident made me think. In Revelation 20:15, the Bible says a literal lake of fire exists. I made it out of the building this time, but if someone doesn’t know Jesus as their personal Savior, they will not escape the fire. Instead, they will experience pain forever.
But God does not desire this. He wants to stretch out His hand for salvation and forgiveness. “The payment for sin is death. But God gives us the free gift of life forever in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23 NCV).
Going to the lake of fire will be an eternal death without Jesus. Once we die, there are no second chances. The only person who can give us life in heaven is Jesus Christ. “As the Scripture says, ‘Anyone who calls on the Lord will be saved’” (Romans 10:13 NCV).
Deciding to follow Jesus is beyond urgent because we don’t know when we are going to die. The day the alarm sounded could have been a major fire. The way to get out of the eternal fire is to trust in Jesus and not get burned. If you haven’t trusted Him already, do it now.
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The Westminster Catechism has a shorter version, commonly called the Shorter Catechism, written primarily to train up a child.
Once, a US military officer was in a city in the Western world. Riots and violent gangs raged all over the city. Amid the chaos, the military officer passed a young man who appeared calm, controlled, and confident. His demeanor seemed so different from the environment around him that the officer turned and looked back at him after passing him. The officer noticed that the young man had also turned around.
The young man returned to the officer and asked, “What is the chief end of man?”
The officer said, “To know God and enjoy Him forever. I knew you were a short catechism boy.”
“And I knew you were likewise,” the young man replied.
Godly training brings about observable characteristics. Our children can shake hands and speak with respect to those much older than them. They can understand the wisdom that comes from experience, rather than considering older people old fashioned. We should teach them to use ma’am and sir when appropriate. We should teach them what the Bible says about serving so they will give an older person their seat on a bus or subway. Other essential lessons entail teaching them that the world does not revolve around them. That they can’t have everything they want when they want it without exception. That they should respect themselves as they respect others. That they should never be ashamed of their beliefs. That they are unique and should never be ashamed of what they have or don’t have.
Even with training, our children will never be perfect because parents are never perfect. Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but we must strive to curb that through instruction, discipline, and God’s grace. If we take seriously the admonition to train up a child, they will be less likely to stray from their faith as they age.
Think of ways you can train your children or grandchildren in the way they should go.
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“There was so much blood!”
My daughter’s words startled me. She asked for prayers as she rushed my youngest grandson to the nearest urgent care facility after a freak kitchen accident. She had made the boys a healthy protein smoothie with their small new appliance. But how quickly unexpected things can happen. A slip, a blade, a cut. Blood seemed to cover everything. It was all over the countertop—everywhere, actually—with no sign of slowing down. But our prayers were answered. Thankfully, his arm only required five stitches.
The incident reminded me that the blood of Jesus covers our sins and cleanses and purifies us. Jesus made the greatest sacrifice possible with His own blood, paying with His life to save us. Jesus paid once for us all.
No matter our sins—past, present, or future—the Bible tells us we are saved from them if we believe in Jesus. We can hand over our past and give it to Him. Jesus frees us from the power, guilt, and shame that sin has over us.
My grandchild and his two big brothers recently asked Jesus to save them. Even a child can understand we all sin, but that God loves us. God forgives us because of His great mercy and grace. I know I am freed from the bondage and burden of sin and washed clean by the blood of the Lamb.
You don’t have to carry guilt over your sin. Give it all to Jesus and receive His forgiveness.
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Suckered. That's what I was—plain, outright, suckered. If it wasn’t bad enough knowing I’d fallen for this deception, it was worse knowing that I’d done my research.
We’d lost our sweet dog a year earlier, and I finally came to the point where I was ready to open my heart to a new puppy. I’d done my due diligence, researching as best I could, but these scammers had managed to disguise their ruse very well. I made my deposit on the puppy, and then it started. The cost of a flight. Wait, this was a local breeder. The puppy was held at the airport in California waiting for a ticket. CALIFORNIA! That’s not local.
I’d been scammed. I immediately picked up the phone and called the police. Within minutes, they were running checks, but the snakes had slithered into hiding. The culprits are sly, and they’ve found loopholes to hide. They lie in wait, hoping to bring us into sin and failure. Despite my best efforts to research, I was still deceived.
God gave Adam and Eve specific instructions not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. For a time they obeyed, but then the snake slithered in and deceived Eve. Satan convinced her God was lying. “You won’t die.” And Eve fell for it. Sin entered the world through the door she opened, and Satan chalked up a win.
Deception comes in many forms. Sometimes we see it coming, and at other times it blindsides us. There are times we fall into deception and times we succumb and make a choice to give in to earthly desires. Mankind’s weakness was proven in the garden, but we do have the ability to be strong. We only have to call on the name of the Lord, who is our strong tower. God asks for our obedience, but He understands our frailty.
Despite our failure to obey, the Father stands ready and willing to bring us into Him. To love us as no other can. And to forgive us. His love and forgiveness don’t negate consequences, but God is faithful to His children. His love supersedes all.
Strengthen your bond with the Father, and follow in His footsteps. Don’t be deceived, and be on guard for the evil one's attempts to fool you. You can trust in the Father’s promises. He will never deceive you.
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Sitting at my desk with my daily Scripture portion spread before me, I clear my eyes of sleep and prepare a hot cup of tea to sip. I try to corral my thoughts, but despite my efforts, they have escaped as if on stallions galloping toward the horizon.
One horse carries the worry about my car’s costly mechanical repairs. Another steed trots off with concern about serious damage to my husband’s left eye, revealed in a recent exam—which will entail continuous treatment. An acquaintance took offense at something somebody said, and a rift erupted. We know how it goes. This is life, and we must live in it. But oh how worrisome and wearisome it is. And when it interferes with that special time with the Lord, it’s so annoying.
I feel defeated and unworthy as I struggle to order my thoughts before I read His Word. If I can’t restrain them, how can I honor the Lord? My eyes glance down and catch on the words of Jesus. The issue is not about settling and resting my mind.
When Jesus says, “above all else,” He speaks of the priority of seeking God before my tasks. Jesus didn’t deny the reality of trouble—all those things bouncing around in the saddles of my galloping horses. He addresses my tendency to ask all the what ifs that take away from embracing the now and interfere with my ability to trust in Him. He suggests staying in the moment with God, trusting Him for what comes next. He is in charge of those chargers.
Suddenly, I realized I didn’t need to get my thoughts in order to read God’s Word. I needed to read it to get my thoughts in order.
How can you seek God above all else?
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On any given day, disappointments can be overwhelming, and conquering through praise doesn’t come easily.
Enter the life of a middle school Language Arts teacher. For the first three weeks of school, the program we use for grades, homework, lesson plans, lunch, announcements, and payment was up and down because our internet was up and down.
On one particular day—as the students attempted to work through an online grammar exercise—the internet dropped us at least fifteen times within forty minutes. Frustrating. Making lesson plans was challenging due to the intermittent connection. What normally took an hour took an entire day. Student lunch orders didn’t process. One fellow teacher threatened to throw her computer out the window. I thought about it myself. Of course, all of this had nothing to do with our computers.
Since our lives as teachers are so dependent on the internet, several weeks of issues tax us and make finding anything positive difficult. And of course, we have to toss in staff meetings, parent meetings, and other student-related matters.
Yet many reasons to praise exist. We work in a smaller atmosphere where peer and student-teacher relationships are closer. Fights among students are almost non-existent. So is backbiting and jealousy among teachers and staff. We also get to bathe everything we do in a Christian worldview. I can talk about Christ and biblical principles as often as I choose. In fact, I’m instructed to.
I’ve encountered some disappointing times during my lifetime. When I’m under a heavy load of whatever, it’s challenging to discover the light—but there is one. And it is for everyone if they want it to be.
Knowing Christ as Savior gives us reason to praise Him. Realizing all our sins—past, present, and future—were forgiven at the cross is worth shouting about. God is also omnipotent. He controls everything. The reason for the disappointment is immaterial. He has authority over the situation. Looking for the positive in all situations helps too. We can see glasses of water as half full or half empty. The choice is ours.
Let God teach you how to use praise so you can conquer disappointing times.
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As I write this, my cousin Joyce’s husband of nearly sixty years stepped into heaven almost one year ago.
He had experienced declining health for several years before his passing. Joyce loves the Lord and trusts in Him totally, but as any of us would, she grieved her husband’s death. About two months after his death, Joyce had to make the difficult decision to put their sixteen-year-old pup, Maggie, to sleep. Then came new grief. Joyce needed a touch from the Master’s hand.
Shortly after Maggie’s death, Joyce walked through her backyard one day. She heard the most beautiful music as she approached a large tree in the center of the yard. She looked around to see if any neighbors were playing music outside. She checked for any traffic on her road that could have the radio turned up. She even looked up for an airplane.
Nothing, but the music continued. Finally, Joyce looked into the heavens and declared, “Oh God!” She knew it could only be from Him. She could distinguish the different instruments—horns, harps, and cymbals—as she stood rooted to the spot.
She walked around the tree, and the music faded a bit. But upon returning to the original spot, the music was as loud as before. As she reached into her pocket for her phone to record this concert, the music stopped as suddenly as it had begun.
Joyce related this divine encounter to me. “God knew I needed to hear from Him,” she said. We are convinced this angelic presentation was for her ears only. She asked a couple of close neighbors if they had heard anything. Of course, they hadn’t. Joyce was tuned in, so to speak. She listened for that still, small voice—the voice in the thin silence—and she heard.
God speaks in many ways, and He is the master musician. We may not all be blessed to hear an angelic concert, but we all have ears and should listen for however God speaks to us.
What are some ways God has spoken to you?
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My heart broke for my friend.
When she told me she and her husband were separated, I could see her brokenness. With each tear that trickled down her cheek, I felt her agony–her suffering. All I could do was hold her hand and listen. Through my divorce, I learned that well-meaning words from loved ones often cut deep rather than offer hope. “You won’t walk this path alone.” I squeezed her hand. I knew there was a plan–somewhere.
Paul began this chapter in Romans by describing how difficult things were at the time. He noted that even creation longed for the day of Christ’s return to redeem things. Paul conveyed that God is at work, even in our suffering.
As Christ-followers, there is a redemptive factor in that God is available to us through any suffering. Things may not turn out how we expect them to, but in the long run, He has taken those things and woven them together with peace, hope, and His plan for good. Regardless of the situation, God never stops working. He is present, and His promise is perfect.
We are called by Him who loves us, and though we cannot see it immediately, God will work good through the situation according to His plan. He is there for us. We simply reach out and grasp His promise. Hold tight and trust. In and through our suffering, God will work good.
Does God wish for us to suffer? Absolutely not. But remember, Christ did not suffer so you would not suffer. He suffered so that you would become more like Him when you do suffer. Get closer to the Father. His redemptive arms are always open.
We all have tough things that we must face. Rethink your perspective regarding your circumstance, and know that God is faithful. Trust in His promises. He will work all things for good because He loves you and has called you as His child.
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Songs are poems put to music.
The poems are written first. That’s because the words with their meaning and message are the most important. The music is written later to enhance the meaning of the words. Words carry meaning, and words that mean something to us bring meaningful feelings.
Songs are literature, and, like literature of every age, they express the mindset and morals of a people. Harriet Martineau (1802-76) says, “Ballads and popular songs are both the cause and effect of general morals; they are first formed, and then react. In both points of view, they are an index of public morals.”
The songs a church sings say a lot about the spiritual state of the church. Authentic church music uses the words of the songs with their meaning to bring the Word of God to the listener. Any spiritual music with lyrics that portray God, Jesus Christ, the Spirit, and Christianity in an unbiblical way might be popular but will do us no good in the night seasons because they were not written to edify but to entertain.
When people get saved, they dump their old songs and get a new song of praise to God. They then get a favorite song, and it becomes their song. When they hear it, they say, “That’s my song.” No doubt, Paul and Silas sang their favorite songs while imprisoned at Philippi (Acts 16: 25). Elihu said God gives songs in the night (Job 35: 10).
A song in the night is a song we sing during those hard and trying times when the Enemy oppresses us. The song’s words remind us of God’s power, goodness, love, and faithfulness. And such songs lift our spirits and voices above the night clouds into the very presence of God, who hears our song in the night.
What is your night song? Have you had to sing it lately?
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My granddaughter and I watched from the bleachers while her brother took his swimming lesson.
As an active five-year-old, she used the bleachers and nearby railing as her jungle gym—up and down and all around. At one point, she stood behind me and wrapped her arms around my neck. Then, poised to return to her routine, she patted me on the head. And that’s when she discovered the bumps under her Oma’s hair.
Sebaceous cysts under the skin on my scalp have developed over the years, but they aren’t dangerous. Not expecting them, they startled her. With artful hair arrangement, the cysts stay hidden most of the time. My granddaughter leaned down and looked into my face with wide-open eyes.
“You’ve found my lumps,” I said.
She nodded, and I gave her a brief explanation. She asked if they hurt.
“Only if someone hits them,” I replied.
Satisfied with the information, she went back to her play.
Having a certain amount of vanity, I’m grateful my hair covers these disfigurements. But I’m not always so successful with the flaws that erupt from my heart. An unkind comment to my husband, a demeaning opinion expressed about politicians, a swear word, or any verbal ugliness I can’t hide so easily. And then there’s the keyboard that connects my fingers to the internet and social media, where I could wreak all kinds of havoc.
In those moments, I remember what Jesus cautioned. I should tuck His gems of grace and love into my heart’s treasury. His Word provides these jewels for us with abundance. Equipped with generous wealth, I do not need to keep them hidden.
What gems are you gathering into your treasure chest?
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Memory is an activity of the heart.
Our minds can remember and forget. Remembering is recollecting a person, thing, or event. When we remember something, we think about it again to avoid forgetting it. To forget means to be unable to, or decide not to, think of something. In former times, for as a prefix denoted negation or exclusion. So, forget meant “not get.”
For many different reasons, our memory fails. We do not remember things because we cannot remember them. Forgetfulness becomes a weakness and is one sure sign of aging.
Forgetfulness can also be a choice and a sign of maturity. We forget what we shouldn’t remember. We then forget because we choose not to remember. We reject thoughts that remind us of something we’ve decided to forget. But if we choose to remember certain things, we will never forget those things.
God viewed Israel as His bride. In our text, God says He remembers the beginnings of His relationship with Israel. Although Israel was now rebellious, God could still remember when she was close to Him. God never forgot those good ole days, although Israel did.
The one thing, and maybe the only thing, God forgets is sin—sin that has been confessed and repented of. The Bible does not speak of anything else that God forgets. Forgetfulness is not a weakness with God. His memory is not failing. God doesn’t literally forget our sins; He chooses not to remember them anymore once we confess them.
We need to join God in forgetting those sins we have confessed and put under the blood of Jesus. He’ll never recall them again, and we shouldn’t either.
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Never underestimate the older ladies in the church.
They taught me as I led a Bible study with them. We spent a year studying Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth’s Choosing Gratitude. We planned to wrap up with a summary and luncheon at my house. However, I took an unexpected fall at my daughter’s house when I tripped over a suitcase in the middle of the night. I landed with all my weight on my right knee. The worst eruption of pain since childbirth shot through my entire body, and my utterances were unintelligible (thank goodness).
Not one word of Choosing Gratitude came to mind. My granddaughter brought me an ice pack. My grandson worried. I had proven I could not care for myself, much less for them, while their mother was out of town.
To my great surprise, I could walk the following day if I braced myself against the wall. Fluid gathering in my knee shook like a bowl of Jell-O. Nothing seemed broken or torn. When I returned home, my daughter called to say she had tested positive for COVID-19—double whammy.
Hobbling around, I watched my aggravation increase as I pondered necessary cancelations. I felt irritation rising in my soul. After nine months of studying gratitude, I was about to hit rock bottom. Finally, I prayed—with some impudence, I admit.
“Okay, God. Is this another one of those ‘Be careful what you pray for events?’” I suddenly recalled what Joni Eareckson Tada had written in the foreword of the book we studied. A quadriplegic for fifty years, Joni thanked God daily for her wheelchair because it kept her focused on her constant need for God’s strength.
I felt sorry for myself because I faced an inconvenient week or two to rearrange. Joni rearranged every day and every detail for living for the rest of her life. She thrived on gratitude.
I have a personal paraphrase from John’s gospel: “The world could not contain the books if we wrote all God has done for us.” My fall could have been so much worse.
By Sunday morning, I had contacted those women God put into my life. I have difficulty asking for help, so perhaps that was a part of the lesson learned as well.
What are some ways you can let the Lord teach you?
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The conductor poised the baton between his thumb and pointer finger, raised his arms, and, with sweeping motions, bid the others to play. What I heard was unity and diversity.
The strings eased in first. Then the cellos hummed, and the violins joined as the melody built. The flighty flutes and clarinets also jumped right in. As the conductor’s movements widened, the brass instruments rang in the mix, followed by the pulsating percussions. And as all the sections swelled, each instrument came together to create a single orchestral piece.
The world abounds with illustrations of individual parts making up one whole.
Paul exemplified the human body—the eyes, hands, head, and feet. All parts compose one body. His analogy revealed the unity and diversity designed to characterize the body of Christ, the church. Division ruled in the Corinthian church. Many members experienced neglect and belittlement, while others considered themselves more important and valuable—all based on their spiritual gifts.
Paul defined the church as one body (not many bodies) made up of many members (not just one member or a few members). Just as the ears, feet, and mind serve important purposes, so do all the individual church members as they use their unique gifts and work together as one church. By flipping the illustration (“the body is one and has many members” plus “all the members of the body, though many, are one body”), Paul emphasized unity in diversity and diversity in unity.
Paul’s message still applies to churches. Each believer makes up one piece of the church. God has uniquely gifted each member to serve as the body of Christ together.
To function, the church needs every member faithfully serving—from the Sunday morning worship band to the coffee station cleanup crew. When a church operates together, division subsides. The body experiences the beauty of unity in diversity and diversity in unity.
As the orchestra is one and has many sections, so is the body of Christ. Play your instrument. No matter your gift, use it for Christ and His church.
How can you do your part in God’s church?
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The woman who stood at the back of the sanctuary brightened as my eyes met hers.
She was only slightly older than me, well-kept and put together, petite in statue but large in personality. “Hey!” she said as though we were old friends who’d not seen each other in forever.
I frequently visit my cousin’s church in Shellman Bluff, Georgia. I know a handful of people by sight, a few by name, but this woman was, to me, a stranger. I placed my hand on my chest, smiled, and said, “Do I know you?”
“No,” she said, her voice Southern and pure, “but it’s my joy to welcome you!”
We both laughed. We hugged. And then I went to the pew where my cousin and her family sit.
I have thought of that woman quite a few times in the days since. We are all children of God. Some of us, when we walk through the door of the church building, have already accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, which makes us family. But others may be seekers, those who are searching for Truth and have finally come to the right place to find Him.
Sadly, churches can be places where cliques form. How might the seeker’s perception of Christianity be changed by those who only blink at them as they enter the sanctuary versus greet them like the woman who greeted me?
Jesus warned us that only loving those who love us or only greeting those we consider “our own” were the actions of pagans. Instead, whether inside the church building or outside of its walls, we should greet others with joy and love and the heart of Christ.
Today, take the time to truly see those around you. Greet them with a smile and the heart of God.
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The largest and most expensive pearl on record is valued at one hundred million dollars, weighs nearly seventy-five pounds, and is almost two feet long (FORBES.com).
How does a pearl form, and why is it so valuable? People cannot make it. It’s a work of God through nature with an incredible story.
Initially, an irritant enters the shell of a mollusk, such as an oyster or clam. Foreign objects like a grain of sand, food, or a parasite embed in the mantle or muscular wall of the mollusk and surround the vital organs. Then, as a defense mechanism, the mollusk secretes two thick organic liquids that combine to form its shell. Multiple layers of this combination cover the irritant, preventing organ damage. Over time, this substance becomes hard and smooth.
The main thing is the irritant. An irritant is uncomfortable for the body and creates a painful experience. As with any irritant, it causes inflammation in the tissue around it. The secretion is a nasty substance, like puss forming around a splinter or other foreign object. There’s nothing pretty or comfortable about this painful process.
We can liken that to our spiritual lives. With each storm of life, we become a little more resistant to pain and inflammation. With each one we encounter, we form another layer of resistance to protect the vital parts on the inside. The things that once would’ve crippled our faith now become a source of strength. We can withstand a little more each time.
Our storms aren’t meant to break us but to strengthen us. We should be able to draw on our life experiences to encourage ourselves and others to keep their trust in the Lord. Just as the pearl grows inside the oyster, our hearts should continue to thrive with each battle we endure. A younger Christian should see our value and wisdom increase with each trial we encounter.
Durability determines the value of a pearl. Each pearl is a result of something once painful to the host. We should become more durable in life’s storms. What’s on the inside should develop more faith and trust in God. Spiritually, we should become a pearl of great price.
How can you let the storms of life make you a pearl of great price?
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I once knew a handyman.
He could do almost anything. When the pipes burst, he was there. We clogged a drain, and he arrived again. He could mix the cement, fix every piece of furniture, and anything else we needed.
This all-rounder reminded me of God. The Scripture, “Is there anything too hard for me?” popped into my head. Jesus is a handyman, and He can fix anything. At times, we limit God. Before we ask Him, we have concluded that He can’t solve our dilemma. Our prayer goes something like the following: “Oh, God, help me! I wrote virtually nothing in my exams, I don’t want to fail, and I want to ace this course.”
But can God enter our script and give us an A?
Then we pray, “God, just anything, as long as I do not fail. Even a D would suffice.”
Such thoughts bring doubt and make us forget Jesus is the handyman. When this happens, we define God by what we believe He can’t do, not what He can do. We may trust God to cure a headache because it comes and goes. This seems possible. But what about things we understand? We think we know and understand more than God.
We need absolute belief—unshaken, unwavering, and firm. We should mimic a little child’s faith. They always believe. Although answers may not come when or how we want, we must remember God’s ways are not ours.
I have a funny picture in my mind of Christ putting on a mechanic’s attire with a doctor’s lab coat over it. His belt is a tool pouch containing unimaginable instruments of miracles. In His hands are a stethoscope and a saw. This is not the picture of a madman but a handyman. Jesus.
If you doubt Jesus’ abilities, put aside every weight of unbelief and picture Him as a handyman who can do absolutely anything.
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He bounded into camp and revolutionized our moods.
We were doing what we once enjoyed but hadn’t accomplished lately. My daughter and I left our car in a secluded parking lot, shouldered our backpacks, and hiked inland on the Foothills Trail to Pigpen Falls. Knowing our intended campsite’s popularity, we planned to get there early. After setting up camp, we sat around for a bit before walking a couple of miles down the Chattooga River Trail.
Our attempt to lift our somber mood wasn’t working too well until a black lab suddenly bounced into our camp with a hemlock cone dangling from his mouth. He dropped it at my daughter’s feet and stood back, tail wagging. She got the message and tossed it away. He retrieved. What he really wanted was for her to throw it into the water. As we walked down the Chattooga River trail, he followed. She continued to throw, and he continued to retrieve.
At our turnaround point, we spotted a trout fisherman. So did the dog. Leaving us as quickly as he had come, he took up with the fisherman. Later, the owners passed our camp, and we pointed them down the trail to the dog that had altered the atmosphere of our lives.
Like the psalmist, my daughter and I were searching. We had found God in the past, but we needed Him to show up in the present. Several years prior, I had watched my intact family disintegrate before my eyes. I still battled depression, disappointment, and confusion. My daughter also suffered. She had lost a mother and was presently adjusting to college life.
While I don’t believe we find God in all things, I do think He shows up in shapes and forms we don’t always recognize. He refuses to be confined in a box. Although God wasn’t the dog, His presence infiltrated the dog to bring momentary happiness and relief to two hurting people. God’s usual mode of operation entails showing His love for His creations and His concern for the hurts or hard decisions we’re up against.
Learn to find God’s presence in the out-of-ordinary things. He has a habit of showing up when we least expect it and in forms we might not imagine.
How have you experienced God in unexpected ways?
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Sometimes I have felt confused and helpless.
Having been a bit of a wallflower and feeling like a square peg trying to fit into a round hole, I can relate to the crowds. The idea still arises that I don’t belong anywhere. My quirkiness isn’t accepted. Social awkwardness isn’t just for adolescents or teenagers.
Hopefully, as I age, I’ve earned the right or privilege to be peculiar. Seriously though, I take to heart the observation in the King James Version of 1 Peter 2:9 about being a peculiar people.
I wonder if Matthew felt like a lost sheep when he met Jesus. As he wrote this account, I can imagine him remembering how Jesus called him. As a tax collector, although a Jew, Matthew was ignored and despised by the rest of his people. They saw him as someone who took advantage of them and as a traitor who served the enemy—the Roman government. Left on the outside, pushed away, resented, and unwelcomed, he was perhaps a very lonely man.
I love Matthew’s observation of all these people and Jesus’ response. The compassion Jesus showed mirrored what He extended to Matthew in his place of helpless despair. Matthew gave evidence of his own heart being touched by that personal encounter with Jesus.
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. This verse encourages us to acknowledge the compassion Jesus extends. When we feel as if we don’t fit in—or the lack of acceptance leaves us feeling lost and helpless and we don’t know why—we can remember Jesus’ compassion for those in need. He is our Good Shepherd.
How can you let God soothe you when you feel confused and helpless?
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Mom had twisty-tied the legs onto her pot. Christmas was Mom’s time to cook for the family. It was her joy and part of her Christmas gift to us, but when my brother and I walked into the kitchen, we saw her forty-year-old electric skillet leaning to one side. We were stunned. Gary picked up the pot, and I looked underneath to find the legs had broken and Mom had used bread ties to reattach them.
Outside of the obvious danger, when we confronted Mom, she insisted the pot was “just fine” fixed the way she’d jimmy-rigged it. Even after offering to buy her a new pot, Mom was content with the old one, and she had no plans of changing.
Paul spent a lot of time helping the Ephesians learn what it meant to shed their former ways of life. After all, this was what was corrupting them. They made efforts to change, but parts of the old ways were so ingrained in them that it was hard to imagine there could be a new way.
This was the battle Jesus fought. Time and time again, He went against the old law to teach the people there was a new way. The kingdom of God was at hand. Paul waged this battle as well. The plight to guide the people to a new attitude, a new way of looking at things, and an understanding that the Son of Man came for all was earth-shattering.
Even today, we struggle with taking off the old and putting on a new self. The old is comfortable, while the new is a little scratchy until we adjust, but the new holds so much more for us.
I don’t make New Year’s resolutions—Jesus made those for me when He took my sin on His shoulders and died for the new. Throw off the old and put on the new this New Year's Day. Make the change and see what God has in store for you. Start your New Year right by wearing the new.
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I didn't think I could love anything more.
The doctor laid him in my arms, and a sudden implosion of emotion happened. A love greater than anything I'd ever felt before. How was this possible? I felt this same emotion with my first son and then, fifteen months later, with my second, yet the emotion was so different.
Cameron was born on November 21. It was always a tradition to put up the Christmas tree on Thanksgiving, so his brother and I went to work when I got home from the hospital. We hardly had any money, so the decorations were sparse, and since Chase was only knee-high to a cricket, most of the decorations were at the bottom of the tree. It didn't matter. Each Christmas ball landed in the perfect spot. The night closed in, and I pulled my boys close to me and watched as the lights flickered on the tree. I kissed their heads and whispered, "I love you with my heart, soul, and mind.
It was the perfect Christmas.
As I've found my way into my mid-sixties, each time I put up my Christmas tree, that early Christmas with both my babies comes to mind, and the warmth of the love I felt returns. It's incredible gazing at my tree now, at how so much has changed. My tree now rotates and overflows with ornaments that bear deep meaning. Age has brought the realization of just how much God loves me.
Jesus told the people to love God with all their hearts, souls, and minds, but I can't help but flip that to see how much He loves me. The Father loved me—us—enough with His entire heart, soul, and mind to send His son to die on our behalf. How could I not return the favor and return it stronger?
Christmas is more than packages. It's the sincere gift of God's love, sent to us in the form of a baby—the sacrificial lamb. Before you open one package this Christmas day, tell God you love Him with your entire heart, soul, and mind. Remember how much He loves you and what He sacrificed so you might have that continued love. Love the Lord God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, for He loves you even more.
How can you demonstrate your love for God this Christmas?
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About the time I prepared for my daughter’s wedding, settled into a beautiful grandma home with a backyard playhouse, and developed a grant for an amazing neighborhood ministry at our Christian school, God derailed me. In my quiet time with Him, the Holy Spirit said, “Set yourself apart to Africa. Now.” I wept.
Imagine how Mary felt when the angel Gabriel came to her. Like me, she probably dreamed of her future as Joseph’s bride. Being a virgin was critical to a woman marrying in her faith, but God would soon make her an unwed mother instead of a betrothed virgin. Later, God’s call would make her an exile in Egypt and settle her for a time in the little town of Bethlehem—all things far from her expectations.
The angel’s words to Mary ring in my heart:” Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.”
When God calls us to play a role in His story, it is often out of sync with our personal and cultural expectations, whether financial, situational, physical, or even relational. This can shock us and produce heartache. And it can undoubtedly frighten us.
The truth? It is a privilege when God does this and indicates we have found favor with Him.
When our walk with God lifts us out of our cultural or personal expectations, when we wonder if we have done anything that blesses His kingdom, we can remember Mary and know we, too, have been called by name because we have favor with God.
Whether you are just discovering God’s invitation or have walked in it for decades, how can you better embrace the amazing fact that God is delighted to knit you into His story?
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A writer friend once asked for advice.
As she talked, I heard clinks and clanks in the background. Apparently, she had other things to do while we talked. Later, I remarked to my husband how annoying the conversation had been. I wondered why she could not focus on our conversation. The noises distracted me.
That afternoon, I noticed how my work chair creaked and squeaked every time I shifted. “I need to fix that,” I said. As soon as the words left my mouth, I realized my creaky chair was just as annoying as my friend’s clinking and clanking. I’d neglected to oil the squeaky chair. I thought of how it might have sounded through all my Zoom meetings and phone calls—how the noise might have distracted others.
Isn’t that like human nature? I can recognize others’ flaws and foibles, but I’m often oblivious to mine. During a sermon, I often think of someone else who needs to hear the message. Or when I’m driving, I find fault with drivers who refuse to use their turn signal when I’m just as guilty. And I’m quick to judge when a mom brags about her grandchildren or children.
Jesus tells us to pay attention to our stuff—to the glaring, critical spirit in us. To the caustic judgmental comment slung without thought. Our critical spirits need humbling. Our censoring needs cleansing. My fault-finding spirit needs to take care of its own business.
Through time with Jesus, we can let Him deal with our faults, but this is a never-ending process. This doesn’t mean we never correct someone, but it does mean we do so with grace and humility—and only after we’ve confessed and corrected our own faults.
We all have creaky, squeaky faults that irritate others. But our tender and compassionate God will point them out and gently lead us back into the right relationship with Him.
What are some creaky-chair faults you need to correct?
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While sparkling the housework in my unit one day, I turned my music to a lively old timers’ radio show. One singer crooned, “Who wrote the book of love?” I paused and thought, That’s a good question.
I glanced at my large-print Bible. Many people wrote their pages in our book of love in life, and many wrote pages in our Bible, our central Book of Love. The Old and New Testaments prepare us for the love story Jesus has, which is still relevant today and in the future.
Jesus brings the greatest love story ever told. Jesus is our bestie Brother, and our world needs more of Jesus’s love.
We also need more prayers, more healing love, more pacifism, more defenders of the faith, and more peace in our lands. Jesus shows us His gift of love. Our Book of Love still has this message to share—to let His light shine for all.
We can keep praying that we’ll experience the love of the Lord Jesus in good and bad times. Many people can find our Christian Book of Love. Let’s all pray for more godliness as we try to create a future of Love.
How can you introduce others to the Book of Love?
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Attacks can come from the most unexpected places.
I was excited to see the new Jesus Revolution movie. I’d heard a lot of praise about the film from friends and felt it would help me feel a bit of hope—something missing in my walk with the Lord. In addition, I wanted my husband to have fun too. He didn’t much like going to the movies but agreed as a birthday present to me.
We arrived early and settled into our seats. The place filled, and I was happy to see some parents and grandparents with their children and grandchildren. I prayed silently, asking God to show us all His message.
When the screen came to life twenty minutes before the scheduled start time, I was disappointed by what we were fed from the screen: loud, garish advertisements for products and other movies. Advertisers prompted us to download this app or follow certain accounts. Things I wouldn’t spend time or money on. I whispered to my husband, “I think they have the wrong audience.”
Romans 12:2 came to mind. Although I was in the theater to see a Christian movie filled with Christian sentiments, I was still subject to the world’s ways. I needed to be aware of everything I was being fed. Even when we participate in a Christian experience, the world can still attack.
As the ads and trailers continued, I prayed that no one in the audience, including me, would be swayed. I called to mind other Scriptures that warn against these kinds of attacks and focused on God’s perfect and pleasing will for me.
When the movie finally started, I had not been swayed. I had avoided the world’s attacks by focusing on God, His Word, and His faithfulness.
How can you be sure you’re ready when the world comes to attack?
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A new year dawned. In my early morning devotions I asked God, “What is your word for me for the year ahead?” It came loud and clear: eternal connections.
As the year progressed, I reconnected with my childhood best friend on Facebook and my brother and cousins at our aunt’s memorial service. My biological half-sister flew across the country to solidify our new-found relationship, conceived through a DNA test.
I submitted my DNA-connection narrative to 23andme. They wanted to learn more about how their product created my new relationships. During a Skype interview, Kelly, their story producer, asked me what I would say to someone considering 23andme. I simply replied, “Take the test!”
My daughter tried out for her school’s dance team many years ago. After four grueling afternoons of lengthy tryouts, she wasn’t chosen but was not disappointed. Libby loved to dance, learn new songs, and be with her friends. She learned how to enjoy the process. Libby experienced many new connections that are still strong today.
God calls us to connect with others, as He has connected with us. We may never know in this life what He does through our associations. He came to earth as a man to bind us together with Him and reveal how each of us is vital in His body, the church.
Connections require love—a risky, selfless sacrifice of our time and energy for the eternal benefit of others. I plan to seek out new associations today and rekindle old ones. I hope you will too.
Who are some people you need to reconnect with?
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Choosing to love was difficult.
I had a distressing work relationship with one of my coworkers, who often poorly treated me and others in the office. My feelings became borderline hateful after he brought one of my coworkers to tears over falsehoods he spread about her. Frustrated by his behavior, I caught myself frequently wishing ill upon him. Knowing my attitude was wrong, I mustered a simple prayer and asked God to help me love him.
Although my heart didn’t undergo an immediate transformation, as I continued to seek God’s help, God softened my attitude, helping me to see my coworker in a new light. Instead of grumbling about him and pointing out his problematic behavior and treatment of others, I prayed for him. I asked God to work in his heart and mine too.
I intentionally showed my coworker grace, kindness, and care. While I had to adopt a fake-it-till-you-make-it approach at first, in time, God helped me feel genuine care and concern for my coworker—a byproduct of a changed heart, only possible through God’s help.
The world will know we are followers of Christ through our love. As we show kindness and love toward even the most challenging or frustrating people, we follow Christ’s example. He loved us so much that He gave His life for us, offering a path to forgiveness and redemption.
Loving our enemies and those who hurt us is daunting, but God will help us when we make an effort.
Who are some people you need to choose to love?
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Pastor Mike entered the pulpit as the congregation finished their hymn and resumed their seats. He noticed Miss Henry sitting in the third row. Not unusual, he thought, since she was somewhat deaf. In that position, she could hear the sermon better. Or hear something she could ponder, censure, and then spread around.
As he began to preach, the pastor noticed Miss Henry had extracted something small from her purse, which she inserted into her ear. Probably her hearing aid, he thought as he continued speaking. But after a few moments, he noticed she wore a scowl that turned into a grimace.
As he continued preaching, she suddenly snatched the hearing aid from her ear, stuffed it back into her purse, and sat stiffly upright. The pastor thought it amusing as he realized the reason for her action. His topic was about avoiding judgmental gossip, and since that was her unique talent, Miss Henry didn’t like what she heard.
Jesus asked His listeners to open their ears to His message. Unfortunately, that’s something we often fail to do—especially when it’s not what we want to hear.
But what is it we don’t want to hear? Perhaps God is nudging us into a new area of service, correcting us for a fault, or asking that we change our minds about a task. Whatever it is, when we don’t listen, we often remain stalled on our spiritual journey. We become listeners with no ears.
The next time you get a divine nudge, listen carefully and follow through on it—for your benefit and God’s glory.
How can you do a better job of listening to God?
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We are often dared to declare.
A friend of mine found himself at the end of his career. An early widower, he had spent forty years working and raising his three children. Now he would have time on his hands—lots of time. Like Isaiah, he heard the Lord ask, “Whom shall I send?” and he answered the Lord, “Here am I. Send me.”
Five years later, he looked out the window, tears rolling down his face as he watched little children on a playground. These children could climb, slide, and run. Their slanted, almond-shaped eyes smiled as wide as their little mouths while they played.
His special education classroom soon filled, and he greeted them as teachers’ assistants rolled or carried them in. One of the children perched on his lap. As the little one leaned into him, my friend’s heart swelled with the joy of the Lord. He whispered, “Jesus loves you.”
As servants of the Most High God, we are called to duty. When we listen to His voice and direction, we find ourselves continually renewed, despite our earthly age or preconceived notions of what retirement should look like to be the rest we have earned.
The Word of God offers a continual emergence, a green reawakening, and a new birth each time we read it. Regardless of where we are in our faith journey, we can let the living Word push us through the dirt of earthly trials and sorrows to sprout anew. The next generation needs to hear us declare our testimony of God’s power and mighty acts.
What are some ways you can teach the next generation?
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Our move was months away, and, once again, the prospect of moving to another state and leaving behind family and everything I’d ever known overcame me. Like a roller coaster, my emotions rose one moment and plummeted in the next breath. I have great memories I will always cherish, yet as I pondered those things, I realized there were some memories I had to leave behind to grow.
The apostle Paul was no stranger to adversity and pain, yet he handled these experiences gracefully. He had determined to fulfill God’s will, and doing so was the objective of his life. Paul was especially adept at doing the essential one thing. He had mastered forgetting and fixed his eyes on Christ. I, too, want to learn to leave the past in the past.
Instead, I often find myself replaying incidents that bore a wound in my heart. Rather than forget, I pursue lesser things and occupy my days with thoughts that resolve little. If only I had said this or done that instead.
God calls us to forget our past mistakes and sins. We cannot undo certain things, and although God can and does redeem all things, there are times no resolution is realized. Our challenge is to release the past and strain toward what lies ahead.
I want to emulate Paul and model my perspective after his. God has called us onward and heavenward. He has worthier pursuits for us. Let’s press on toward the prize. God is our exceedingly great reward.
How can you keep from pursuing the lesser things?
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“Preacher, Mrs. ____ just died.”
“I’ll be right over.”
“Marty, your granddaddy wants to see you before he dies.”
“Okay, I’ll leave right now. I should be there in two hours.”
One a shut-in, the other a relative. Two of the many I’ve watched die or seen their bodies shortly after they have. Some struggle before taking the last breath. Others surrender peacefully. These two did.
The shut-in was a long-time member of the church I pastored. Her husband was still able to attend, but she wasn’t. I visited them monthly. They would never let me leave without taking some junk food home for the kids.
When I crossed the threshold of their front door on the day of the call, she sat peacefully in her favorite chair—a calm look of assurance. No struggle. No grief.
As I walked in my grandfather’s nursing home room, he smiled, raised his hands to heaven, and said, “I’m going up.” And shortly thereafter, he did. Peacefully.
For some unknown reason, God had told Simeon he wouldn’t die until he saw the Messiah. One day, the Spirit led him to the Temple. The day Mary and Joseph were presenting baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required. Simeon knew He was the Messiah. He knew deliverance for his nation and the world was on the horizon. Now, he could die peacefully.
Death is a doorway into eternity. Life doesn’t end with our final breath—actually it just begins. Life as God planned it. At least for believers. But the only way we can die in peace—regardless of the circumstances surrounding our death—is to prepare for it while alive. Neglecting God and living for self won’t do. We may slip peacefully from this world but won’t live in eternal peace. Instead, we’ll experience eternal torment. An eternity separated from God.
Accepting Jesus as the Messiah who died for the world’s sins allows us to die in peace as it did Simeon. Whether we struggle with a disease before death or succumb to a tragic accident won’t matter. Death will be peaceful, knowing we’re slipping into our Savior’s arms.
When your time comes, will you die peacefully?
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The blessing box sat near the edge of my former co-worker’s desk.
The artsy box, filled with colorful strips of paper, captured my attention one day as I entered her office. “What’s this?” I asked.
“It’s a Blessing Box with Scripture verses,” she replied. “My sister-in-law made it. Pick one!”
While I can’t remember the verse I picked that day, I remember how timely and inspirational it was. One brief verse on a folded piece of paper filled my heart so much that my co-worker had her sister-in-law make one for me. Before long, I was blessed with a beautiful Blessing Box, compliments of someone who had taken the time to type, cut, and fold many verses.
At home, I randomly selected verses from my new treasured box. When making lunch for my husband, I added a couple of verses to his lunch bag. On the day I missed adding them, he noticed.
One year, while visiting our son in his former college town, the Blessing Box traveled with us. I wanted our family to experience a Blessing Box moment together. After introducing it to my son and a friend at our hotel, we each picked a verse and read it to each other. My son’s friend was so moved that I passed the Blessing Box to her.
Back at work, I told my co-worker that the Blessing Box had gained another fan and now had a new owner. As a Christmas gift that year, my co-worker replaced the Blessing Box I had gifted and included another one for my son’s friend.
Today, I think my former co-worker would be pleased to know that I still enjoy this treasure as much as I did when I spotted hers in her office.
Currently, my Blessing Box sits on my kitchen island with a crystal water pitcher beside it. When passing by it, I pick a verse, unfold it, read it, pray it, and then drop it into the elegant pitcher. I’ve invited my family to do the same. I hope we’ll get to the bottom of the box and fill the pitcher while hydrating our hearts and minds with these tasty sips of God’s Word.
What are some ways you can bless others with God’s Word?
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Life is where the water is. Air, water, sleep, and food sustain our bodies.
We can barely survive three minutes without air. Four minutes without oxygen to the brain can cause irreversible damage and, after six minutes, possibly death. Without water, we can only last three to ten days. The effects of dehydration often begin shutting down organs much sooner.
A fit, healthy person can fast from forty-six to seventy-three days, provided they receive plenty of water. A sick or brain-injured person can last only ten to fourteen days without food. Lack of food also causes health complications, which is why the Bible speaks about forty-day fasts (goodnewsaboutgod.com).
According to healthline.com, the longest anyone has gone without sleep is 264 hours. Hallucinations begin after three to four nights. Cognitive functions, decreased reaction time, irritability, delusions, paranoia, and psychosis are also common. Twenty-four hours without sleep causes impaired decision-making, judgment, vision, hearing, memory, and other issues. This compares to a blood alcohol level of .10, the limit many states classify as impaired driving. After thirty-six hours, appetite, metabolism, mood, stress, and body temperature are affected. The immune system is affected after forty-eight hours.
We can also be thirsty spiritually and emotionally. David faced all three conditions while in the wilderness of Judah. He depended on God to sustain him. But David experienced more than the physical aspects. He needed God’s presence and comfort more than anything else.
We also need the Lord’s presence and comfort. We end in a worse condition when we go without God for even a short time. If God’s breath and daily presence were vital for Adam, what makes us think we’re different?
Whatever your wilderness, you can’t survive without the Lord’s presence. You can withstand anything with God’s presence and comfort, whether it’s a physical, mental, or emotional struggle. He is where the water is.
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When asked to name his favorite day, Mark said, “The day I went fishing with my dad.”
On hearing this, Mark’s father thumbed through a journal he kept. On the day his son spoke of, he had written, “Took my son fishing. Wasted the whole day.” The father’s heart was crushed, and he was convicted, thinking of that day as wasted.
I believe one of my son’s favorite memories would be the many times his dad helped him deliver newspapers on cold icy days when the snow was too deep for a bicycle to plow through. Most of those times occurred after his dad had put in a full day at work.
Our children don’t remember the big expensive things but rather those times when we showed our love through being available. Parenting isn’t an easy job, but it is rewarding when we allow God to guide us as we guide our children.
From Genesis to Revelation, we read examples of how God the Father guides and loves His children. In the Old Testament, He guided the Israelites for forty years through the wilderness before leading them into the Promised Land of milk and honey. In the New Testament, God the Father gave the greatest gift to the world: His Son.
Have you asked this loving and guiding Father to come into your life? Unlike Mark’s earthly father, He will never grow weary of spending time with you.
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She lay on her bed—her best friend beside her.
My great-grandmother lived with my paternal grandparents for as long as I can remember. I never knew my great-grandfather or why my great-grandmother came to live with my grandparents.
Since my grandmother served as my babysitter, I saw my great-grandmother almost daily. She always seemed ancient. But once, I calculated how old she would have been when I was a young boy—just a few years older than I was.
She and my grandmother loved to sit in the living room, watch game shows on television, and crochet. My great-grandmother also loved to plant and work with flowers in the yard and her bedroom. What time she wasn’t in the living room, she lay on her bed in her room.
A plain wooden chair with armrests rested at the foot of her bed—a chair that now rests in one of our bedrooms. And in that chair, I often sat—watching her crochet, listening to her stories, and watching her best friend who never left her side. Her Bible always lay just beside her on the bed or the nightstand beside her bed—another piece of furniture now beside my bed. And most proudly, I own her ragged Bible—the cover long gone, and the pages ruffled.
My great-grandmother came to mind one Christmas. I took out a small night lamp, turned it on, placed her Bible on the table in front of it, and turned the pages to Luke 2—the Christmas story.
My great-grandmother believed what the writer of Hebrews said about God’s Word. She kept it close by and always lived out its principles. I never saw or heard her violate any command of God’s Word. Her example taught me a lot.
Though aged, God’s Word is not dead. The stories still come alive when read, and the commands remain relevant. When read, God’s Word burns into our souls and becomes an instrument through which God confronts us with our spiritual needs—the most essential needs in life. But the Word doesn’t leave us hanging with no hope. It gives us the solution to our dilemmas and guidance for every life situation.
God’s Word reminds us of the most important thing: God loved us so much that He gave His Son to pay for our sins.
How can you let God’s Word become your best friend?
(photo courtesy of the author)
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The words did not fit my situation because a know-it-all spoke them. But then a wise man spoke, and his words stuck and changed me because he gave a word fitly spoken.
A fitting word is a suitable word with force if we receive it to comfort, encourage, and give us victory.
Job’s friends had a lot of words to say to him, but none were the right words and were not fitting or effective.
Fitting words fit the person, situation, and time. Such words are God-honoring and affect a change for good if they’re received.
Clothes fit or don’t fit. One size does not fit all. What fits one person may not fit another person. Likewise, words that are proper for one person and their situation may not be for another person.
What helps us have the fitting words for another person’s situation is recalling the words God used to help us when we were in a similar situation. We can still remember how fitting a friend’s advice was. A word fitly spoken is as appropriate as golden apples in a silver vase or ones framed in silver.
Words of flattery or blame are not fitting words. Fitting words are honest and sincere and get to the root of the problem. Words that address wrong and poor choices to get someone to repent and reconcile to God are also fitting—as are words that remind us of God’s forgiveness, love, mercy, and care.
Some people have a knack for always saying the wrong thing. Their intentions may be correct, but their words are unfitting. For them, whatever comes up comes out. But others are gifted to say the right word in every situation. God uses them to touch and change the lives of others.
How can you do a better job of saying the right thing at the right time?
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Labor Day. I've always chuckled at a national holiday dedicated to work. When I was pregnant, I thought “labor day” was perfect, but as I reentered the workforce, labor just grew more intensive.
Our son is a computer IT guy. He's worked for years for an international company. He ensured his work ethic was great, and his willingness to learn was always upfront. This past spring, the company decided to downsize, so they laid off hundreds internationally. HUNDREDS. Now, my son struggles to find a job in his field of study.
He's not below taking a lesser job, but all those years of schooling and hard work seem wasted if he can't find something in his wheelhouse.
We live in a world where everyone is for themselves. Rather than working toward our eternal well-being, we struggle with the earthly. We need work. Obviously, we need wages to pay our bills and buy food, but things begin to get scary when we can't find a job. My son is searching for a physical way to provide—to be fed.
Jesus had just fed the five thousand, and the crowds were searching for Him the next day. When they found Him, Jesus saw through their desire. He told them they were there because He'd fed them, and they were looking for more food. Jesus told them they needed the bread of life—the food that would prevent them from ever being hungry again. He "fed" them truth and told them their focus should be on eternity. He reminded them that working for food that perished was futile when He offered them eternal life—well worth the work.
We know we must have necessities to survive on this earth, and though those things are essential, our eternal work is greater. In our humanness, we prioritize wrong. Of course, we need work, but we need Christ in eternity first. The hard thing is recognizing the eternal's place over the temporal.
Work hard on earth and earn a good wage, for the laborer deserves his wages. But focus on your eternal life and the work needed to draw you closer to God. When you get the order right, the physical tends to fall into place.
On this Labor Day, rejoice in your blessings, then work for the eternal.
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Let’s face it. We all have favorites—foods, hairstyles, entertainment, and more serious favorites that create slanted biases. Our minds categorize in terms of favorites.
I love to study, so I pursued a career as a teacher, seeking to inspire young minds to love learning and embrace education. In my mind, every high schooler I taught was destined to complete a university degree.
One year, the Lord sent me a charming, God-fearing principal who was a former PE teacher, but a man who hated academic labors. At every possible moment, he yanked our kids out of their classrooms on exciting field trips with great interaction and outdoor activity but little or no academic purpose. As a result, it became more difficult for me to meet the requirements for each class syllabus. My resistance to my boss’s spontaneous outings spotlighted our conflicting preferences.
The heart of our conflicts is often found in opposing goals, preferences, and values—favorites. Peter had been raised in a culture of law that forbade interaction with pagans. But God.
It often comes down to that, doesn’t it? In Acts 10, God commanded Peter to reach out to Gentiles and to welcome them into the Christian faith. Peter’s well-honed favoritism, his preference for all things and people Jewish, was altered by God Himself, the author of the law that had encouraged Peter’s favoritism.
God used that principal to help me re-think my well-honed favoritism and recognize and value other disciplines beyond academics.
In what areas is God challenging some of your favorite points of focus and value so He can enlarge His kingdom and prosper your faith?
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I worked at a four-star hotel in a resort area for eight years. Every day, I watched our bellhops interact with arriving and departing guests. As cars were unloaded and loaded, I saw all types and sizes of luggage. Over time, I learned how to identify the kind of traveler we hosted by glimpsing their bell cart.
Beach toys and backpacks? Young family. Plastic bags overflowing with snack food and soft drinks? Family with teens. Bottle of champagne? Empty nester getting away. Hanging wardrobe bag and laptop briefcase? Definitely all business.
I’ve often thought about what people carry during their travels through life. We can begin the trip with exactly what we need, like a solid foundation in Scripture knowledge or happy and healthy relationships with loved ones. Or we can overpack instead of trusting that God will have the proper provision at the right time.
And then there are the stops along the way where we inadvertently pick up baggage that slows down our journeys. Like residual hurt from a broken relationship, worry over what tomorrow holds, or even guilt from our missteps and mistakes. Sometimes this new baggage is more of a control issue. We may feel desperate not to be caught off guard by whatever life throws our way, so we add buffers for those just-in-case events.
From life issues to disappointments to a need to control, Jesus understands many things burden us. But when He calls us to follow Him, He asks us to trade our burdens and our excess baggage of hurt, worry, guilt, and control for His—an easy and light burden. But more than that, it will also be precisely what we need to carry for the journey.
What is some baggage you need to unload?
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Water is essential to life.
If we made a list of things that need water, we would be on the list. All living things need water. God uniquely made our bodies. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. Our brains are seventy percent water, so when we give them water, we give them what they are made of and need.
The prophet Daniel asked permission to drink water and eat veggies for ten days when told to eat and drink what was ungodly and unhealthy. And he looked better after the ten days than those who had eaten the king’s food.
We need water to stay fit for God’s kingdom service, and Jesus is the living water.
God’s wisdom benefits us every time. When we are fatigued, fuzzy, frazzled, and frustrated, we can grab our water bottle, head to the water cooler, and drink more water. We can even take the Daniel test by recording our water intake and increasing our daily amount if needed.
We often need water and are nearly dehydrated, yet we think we need food. Eating and overeating are not the answer. Water is what we need. Water is great for the brain, joints, skin, kidneys, digestive system, hair, nails, and every other body part. Our bodies will thank us by getting stronger and staying fit for God’s kingdom work.
What water does for our bodies, God does for our spirits with the water of His Word. He washes us clean and quenches our thirst for friendship, fellowship, significance, value, purpose, and vision.
What are some ways you can drink of God’s presence? Why not fellowship with Him by reading His Word daily? You can learn about His will and evaluate the outcome.
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Entering the tenth grade in schools in my country leads students into the valley of decision.
Each child must decide to major in science, art, or commercial classes. Their decisions determine their future professions and the subjects they will study for the following three grades. Some choose the same things as their friends, some follow the path their parents have chosen for them, and others follow their hearts.
Earth is our valley of decision, and it is also a place of reflection and contemplation. God sets before us a decision for life or death. He doesn’t coerce; He advises,
The valley of decision is beyond the physical dimension. It is a time, a place, and a lifetime. Choice is one crucial thing God gives us. We can choose to serve Him or do otherwise. But one day, we will be transported from the valley of decision to the judgment seat. Here, we can make no choices or decisions. Instead, we will hear only proclamations.
Presently, we have a window of grace and live in the valley of decision. But the clock is ticking, and no alarm will alert us to Christ’s coming. We must choose today to follow God and obey His Word.
What decisions are you making about Christ?
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I Googled Agricultural Commodities Inspector (fruit inspector) and found they ensure only the best produce goes to consumers. To protect the public from tainted crops, they collect samples for testing, verify the sanitation of production facilities, weigh, grade, seal, and label products.
But what about the Fruit of the Spirit?
God wants us to be His fruit inspectors. His Spirit trains us to discern the good fruit from the bad, helping us avoid what cannot satisfy our needs.
Like trees in the Garden of Eden, we live in our Father’s kingdom, producing spiritual fruit at the right time for His glory. But we should often consider the quality of our fruit and whether it would pass a godly inspector’s test.
One morning, I thought of the song lyrics that say others will know us by our love. God likes to remind me of important things when my mind is fresh. Indeed, love is the most valuable Fruit of the Spirit.
We can produce the fruit of love by allowing the Spirit to cultivate our fruit, seizing opportunities to nourish others, connecting with others in worship, feasting on the varieties of spiritual fruit, and looking beneath the surface of those around us to discern what is good or bad.
I plan to stay attached to the Vine, which is Jesus, to produce holy and nourishing fruit. What can you do to accomplish the same?
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On August 20, 2022, Mikhail Gorbachev, former president of the Soviet Union, died. Thirty-five years earlier, President Ronald Reagan had stood before the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and demanded: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” Two years later, the Berlin Wall, which had separated East and West Berlin since 1961, fell.
From the walls of Jericho in Bible times to the Great Wall of China, Hadrian’s Wall, Korea’s DMZ, and Israel’s West Bank Barrier, to the recently proposed border wall between the US and Mexico, walls have created unfortunate racial, religious, political, and social barriers. But even more tragic are the walls erected in the heart.
The enmity between the Jews and the Gentiles was uppermost in Jesus’ mind when He told His disciples He had to go through Samaria. His earthly mission was to bridge the gap between God and unbelievers and break down the dividing walls of hostility between people.
Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman occurred at Jacob’s well, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob pronounced a special blessing on Joseph at his death, telling him he would be a fruitful vine climbing over a wall.
In His conversation with the woman, Jesus, the true vine, transcended religious, ethnic, gender, and cultural barriers and tore down long-standing walls of hatred that divided the Jews and Samaritans. The fruit was abundant. Many Samaritans in the city believed in Jesus after hearing the woman’s testimony.
As Christ’s disciples, we must guard our hearts to value others, regardless of our differences. Reagan’s demand to “tear down this wall” is an appropriate warning for Christians in a divisive world.
What steps should you take to tear down walls you’ve erected?
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As I turned the corner and squinted at the gate numbers, I knew I wasn’t finished lugging luggage.
My wife and I and another couple were on our way to Nova Scotia, Canada, for mission work. With an hour layover in Chicago, we imagined we’d have time to catch our breath before our last leg of the flight. The terminal of our arrival, however, was as far as it could possibly be from the terminal of our departure. Somehow, we missed the sign offering shuttle service.
My friend and I slung our carry-on bags over our shoulders and carried our wives’ baggage. But when we arrived at the designated terminal, our gate was at the opposite end of where we entered. I heaved a sigh of relief when I could finally put down the luggage. But no sooner had I done so than I heard, “We are now boarding for gate . . .”
Lugging luggage isn’t any fun.
Pentecost had happened. Thousands believed in Jesus as the Messiah. The disciples preached as Jesus had told them to do. Peter had healed a crippled beggar lying by one of the temple gates. A crowd gathered to marvel. Peter saw his chance to invite the people to put down their baggage—sin.
Lugging around sin isn’t enjoyable. It’s heavier than any luggage we’ll ever carry. It causes our shoulders to ache, our feet to burn, and our hands to cringe. More than that, it infects our hearts and ruins our relationship with a God who loves us very much.
All the crowd had to do to obey Peter’s directive was turn from their sins and turn to God. Repentance is the theological term. Turning from one direction and going in another.
The way to quit lugging around the luggage of sin hasn’t changed. Since God doesn’t like ugly, we have to quit being ugly. And with God’s help, we can. Jesus bore our heavy luggage on the cross. When we give it to Him and let Him carry it, we don’t have to lug it around anymore.
What are some ways you can give your luggage to Christ? He’ll be glad to carry it for you.
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It was one of those cold, rainy days—perfect for napping. My alertness had ground to a halt, and I could no longer focus on my current task.
God made our bodies to need rest, and sometimes naps are good. But there are other times when they are not so good.
While napping may be a natural need, Paul reminded the Thessalonians that they should not nap spiritually. He warned them that the day of the Lord was coming soon. The culture around them tried to lull them into spiritual complacency by focusing on peace and safety.
While there is nothing wrong with these two ideals, Paul’s emphasis suggests that making them of primary importance equals tolerating every false idea circulating in culture.
The world told the Thessalonians to compromise and go with the flow. What could be wrong with allowing those who worship Aphrodite to go to her temple and worship? What was wrong with going with them occasionally? Surely, they were not to speak out against this. After all, her worshippers could have been good, moral citizens. Instead, Paul tells the believers to stand firm for their faith in the Lord, to speak out boldly for the gospel, and to speak against the worldly values that contradict it.
Our impetus for speaking up and out comes from recognizing that Christ’s return is imminent. Rather than accepting the status quo, we should be alert to false ideas and ready to counter them. We base our faith on the hope of a future far better than our current way of living. Therefore, we must guard against wrong thinking and not be lulled into a sense of passivity by a culture that pressures us to compromise.
Have you compromised in areas of your life? Do you need to recognize that this world and its beliefs will not last for eternity? With which family member or friend can you share this realization?
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I swung my legs, wiggling and waiting for my favorite part of a memorable July 4.
Ten-year-old me sat on a wall at the edge of a bowl-shaped valley, awaiting a stunning fireworks show. I bounced my gaze between the blackened sky and the pyrotechnician’s booth. Suddenly, a million jewels exploded in the night sky, then ceased too quickly. Suddenly, I saw a frenzy of activity at the bottom of the hill. A firework had misfired into the brush, and the resulting fire lapped hungrily at the valley floor.
The techs promptly divided their forces. Half kept the show limping along while the others fought the flames. But the desert plants were dry, not fire resistant. So even after the fire department arrived, flames jumped from bush to bush, steadily climbing the hillside toward our feet.
People watching inside their houses remained captivated by the fireworks and blind to the fire. But it had our full attention. We created a simple fire break by pulling back our flammable yard décor and using the garden hose. Then we stood guard. We were the last line of defense.
Many are distracted by the fireworks while a fire burns on the perimeter. The world’s flashy things monopolize our energy and talents. And although we know the Bible sounds the alarm and calls us to action, we struggle to engage.
Yet the truth remains. We are the last line of defense. God calls believers to wake up, intervene, and warn people of the imminent danger. Not everyone can use the hose. Not everyone needs to make a fire break. But everyone is needed. Serve. Encourage. Teach. Comfort. Pray.
What are some ways you can engage the fire of evil?
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The little bundle caught my eye as the garage door opened. It lay about five feet away on the cold black pavement. Moving closer, I saw it was a tiny, dead bird—fully formed, yet featherless. I stared at the little body and wondered what had happened. Did a neighbor’s cat get into the nest? Or was it the blustery wind from the recent Nor’easter?
My heart filled with pity and my eyes with tears. Lately, my tears had been close to the surface. Only a few months had passed since my husband’s death, and I felt so alone and vulnerable as I thought of facing life without him. Then suddenly, I saw myself in that poor little bird. I, too, had been torn from the nest and thrown to the ground.
“Lord,” I prayed, “is this how You see us when we fall? When we are torn from the nest and are hurting? Are we like this little bird to You—helpless, naked, defenseless? Does Your heart fill with pity and sadness for us?”
Then I recalled Jesus’ words that not even one sparrow falls to the ground apart from the will of our heavenly Father. Jesus talked about birds, but He told us how much God cares.
When I think of the world’s wide varieties and number of birds, I am amazed that God knows when even one falls to the ground. Yet Jesus assured us He knows and cares. And then Jesus added, “You are worth more.”
Are you feeling lost and alone? Do you need a reminder that God loves you? Just watch the birds and remember you are worth more.
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Life is fickle.
When I think I’ve figured it out, I experience or witness something that makes no apparent sense, such as with Ed. He was a local pastor and good friend on his way to a church member’s house. They were off for a day of visiting. When Ed pulled up in the driveway, he was overcome with a bout of dizziness. Then a violent seizure grabbed him.
Ed’s friend immediately called 911. Five more seizures followed, the last so severe it dropped his heart rate, causing doctors to place him on a ventilator. Over a week later, Ed still lingered on the ventilator because of a swollen tongue and throat.
My wife and I spent hours with his family in the waiting room. Despite not knowing the outcome, I never heard them question God’s purpose. Life had gone awry, but they didn’t go awry with it—even when Ed had to retire from preaching and draw disability.
Abraham was in a similar senseless situation. He and his wife had waited years for God to deliver on His promise of a son. As a young man, God told Abraham to journey to a nearby mountain and sacrifice that same son. Abraham didn’t question God but obeyed. Of course, God intervened just as He did in Ed’s case—although perhaps not in the way Ed might want.
I, too, have experienced quite a few life-goes-awry episodes. Like Abraham and Ed’s family, I’ve learned to be content regardless of the situation. Knowing the character of the God I serve makes this easier—although it doesn’t always take away my questions. Perhaps He’ll answer those in the future—or maybe it won’t matter once I reach heaven. For now, I trust He’s a loving God who always has my best interests at heart. He’ll never do anything to harm me or destroy my trust in Him.
We can learn many vital spiritual lessons when life goes awry. How can you better let God teach and develop you when life takes a wrong turn?
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I had a Sunday morning demeanor but lived like a respectable sinner the rest of the week by hiding my major indiscretions. I had external religion only.
As a young teenager, I professed faith in Christ as we were supposed to do in my church. Yet from that time to early adulthood, this decision had minimal impact on my life. I grew up attending a church that recognized perfect attendance by giving Sunday school pins. Some proudly wore them down one lapel and up the other. My charade continued until one day, on a college campus, I came clean with God. From then on, everything changed.
I was a perfect example of one who outwardly portrayed religion but lacked a heart transformation. Or, as our scriptural reference states, “circumcised and yet uncircumcised.” Sadly, many are in the same spiritual condition. They proclaim Christianity but don’t practice it. The Bible calls it having a form of religion but denying its power.
Jesus’ greatest condemnation was for people who had an outward facade of religion but lacked an inward heart transformation. The validity of our Christian faith is always based on a radical choice—whether we will keep our life or lose it.
If we live with one foot in the church and one in the world, we will possess a divided heart. God is the supreme ruler of the universe, but He respects our right to determine our destiny. Therefore, He never takes more of our hearts than we give to Him.
You may have been a church member most of your life but feel little desire for God or His Word. You may be a lot like I was, possessing external religion. If so, give your life to God entirely. Don’t hold anything back. Then, watch what God will do.
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As children, many of us often played a game that entailed keeping secrets. But it seemed as if those secrets had a short lifespan. If they lasted ten minutes, they were a real secret.
When asked about her age, the renowned author and speaker Erma Bombeck always had a great comeback. “Can you keep a secret?” she would ask. “So can I.”
Being privy to a secret seems to hold a sense of self-importance, however innocuous the information might be.
The Bible addresses the topic of secrets, as Jesus notes in this verse: For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Ananias and Saphira found out the hard way that keeping secrets from God doesn’t pay (Acts 5:1–11). Ananias sold his land and kept some of the profits for himself, even though he said he gave it all away. When Peter confronted him, Ananias died. Through their example, God taught early believers that truth is a cornerstone of the church.
We all have secrets from our past. The Holy Spirit is specific when asking us to deal with an issue that has become a roadblock in our effectiveness for Christ. He pinpoints it. It is never some vague feeling of guilt that the Enemy employs at will.
I once wrote a letter to my high school speech professor years after taking his class and confessed that I had plagiarized my final exam speech. The assignment was to speak about an influential person in my life. I copied the eulogy given at my grandfather’s recent funeral and passed it off as my speech. I didn’t drop dead upon my confession, but my pride suffered a severe blow.
Discernment and listening to the still, small voice of the Spirit are essential. God is not asking us to air our dirty laundry. However, he wants to free us from unhealthy secrets that have chained us to the past and block growth in our Christian journey.
Why not pray what King David did, “See if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
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The letters lay in box—the folds showing evidence of students who had never written letters by hand.
The day was typical. During my planning period, I walked to the teacher workroom to check my mailbox. Ruffled-looking sheets of paper lay in my cubby. I removed them and saw my name hand-scribbled on them. I quickly fumbled through them and noted they came from students I taught. Not having time to read them, I refolded them and hurried back to my room.
Later in the day, I reopened the letters of appreciation. Some students expressed surprise that I had put up with them for three years, but they treasured it. One student remarked how awestruck she was that I had taught three generations of her siblings. She showed her appreciation by taking a red pen and marking out a noticeable mistake. Another said he looked forward to my class every day. Still another thanked me for not giving him lunch detention every time he deserved it. One commented on how much she had learned and grown in my class.
What I hated in school and at home—boundaries—these students respected. I’m sure they valued the boundaries their parents place on them as well—although they would never tell them. On most days, I think students hate me for being so hard and for pushing them to the limits, but they know I do so for their good.
Paul talked about the law of the boundaries with an example from agriculture. Whatever a farmer sows, he will harvest. A farmer doesn’t plant corn and harvest soybeans.
I didn’t always appreciate the boundaries my parents erected—most of which mirrored God’s boundaries. But like my students, I knew they were beneficial. Because of my sinful nature, I would have run wild had boundaries been absent.
Just as I give much grace to my students when they cross the boundaries, so God does with us. He’s not sitting in heaven waiting for us to mess up so He can crush us. He establishes the boundaries to keep us on paths that are for our good. When we cross them, He gently guides us back inside the lines.
Boundaries teach us to trust God, determine right from wrong, grow as an individual, establish our identity, show love, and prepare for the future.
How can you learn to love God’s boundaries?
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It seems as if our world is falling apart. Our country is divided with apparently no solutions for unity. COVID has run rampant across the globe. We’ve had friends who were very ill with the virus and recovered, but we’ve also attended funerals for those who didn’t make it. The economy is a mess. Grocery prices rise weekly. What’s a Christian to do?
I remember driving back to work years ago after having lunch at home. I cried and asked God, “What can we do? What should we do? How are we going to make it?”
My husband had left his construction job several months before—a field in which he had worked for over twenty years but one in which he had burned out. He decided to try real estate. So, he studied, passed the exam, and took a job with a small local realty. Showings, however, were few, and sales non-existent. We were three months behind on our mortgage with foreclosure threatening.
God spoke to me quietly: “If you lose everything and everyone, you still have Me. I am all you need.”
Peace flooded my heart. Although nothing changed immediately, I knew God would take care of us. And He did. He made a way when I couldn’t see past our situation, and ultimately we lived in that house for many more years.
God has promised to meet all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ. Worry is simply a waste of our time and thoughts. It will not provide us with solutions but only reproduce more worry. But when we cast our cares on God, regardless of what they are, He will take them from us so we can live free from worry and anxiety.
Perhaps you are facing job loss, financial difficulties, or health issues. God stands waiting to help you and answer your prayers. Cast your cares on Him. Rest in Him, and know that He cares for you and your family.
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On September 19, 2022, the truths of the gospel resonated through the magnificent Gothic vault of Westminster Abbey. An estimated ten million viewers watched the celebration of the life and death of Queen Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
Throughout her life, the queen spoke openly of her faith. In 2021, when health issues prevented her from attending the General Synod Service of the Church of England, her son, Prince Edward, relayed her message: “None of us can slow the passage of time; and while we often focus on all that has changed in the intervening years, much remains unchanged, including the gospel of Christ and His teachings.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury eloquently expressed the hope that lay beyond the grave for the queen: “The pattern for many leaders is to be exalted in life and forgotten after death. The pattern for all who serve God—famous or obscure, respected or ignored—is that death is the door to glory.”
Like Elizabeth, who was crowned queen at a young age, Uzziah was only sixteen when he became the tenth king of the ancient nation of Judah. For most of his fifty-two-year reign, he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. But sadly, pride ultimately brought his downfall.
Isaiah, who prophesied during Uzziah’s reign, was in great distress regarding the moral decline of his nation. Undoubtedly, the long-reigning monarch’s death and shameful end exacerbated Isaiah’s anguish.
At this low point, God dramatically revealed Himself to Isaiah. In the year King Uzziah died, the prophet saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, surrounded by seraphim who sang praises to Him whose glory filled the whole earth.
Perhaps the exquisite beauty of Queen Elizabeth’s Christ-honoring funeral was a small foretaste of the glory to be revealed when the King of kings and Lord of lords ultimately establishes His kingdom. Then every eye will see, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
If the proper protocol in addressing Queen Elizabeth was to express honor to be her Majesty’s humble and obedient servant, how much greater is the call to be the humble and obedient servant of Him who sits on a higher throne, whose kingdom will never end?
Are you worshipping the one who sits on a higher throne?
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The numbers on my digital clock showed 3:30 a.m.
After only a few hours of sleep, I wasn’t pleased. This is me almost every time I have a special event to attend the next day. It’s a trait I’d like to throw in the trash like a poorly written novel.
One event happened to be my fiftieth high school reunion. I looked forward to seeing friends, although not all my high school memories were good ones. After fifty years, you’d think I would have thrown out those unhappy pages in my history. Instead, those entire painful chapters assaulted my mind in the wee hours. Hurtful words and unkind actions tossed and turned, and my body with it. I questioned if I should attend. Did I really want to go, and why? My answer? I desired a connection with my roots, so I went.
The following day, I turned the pages of my Bible and found Ezekiel going where the Spirit took him—although Ezekiel stewed in bitterness and turmoil. The Lord’s hold on him was strong.
I doubt my emotional distress was anywhere near what Ezekiel experienced, but I liked the declaration that the Lord’s hold on him was strong. Did the Lord have His hold on me in my sleepless quandary and would take me where I needed to go? I realized God had His hold on me in the yesteryear and yesterday.
I found affirming hugs, conversations, and laughter at the reunion. We cannot change the past, but we change and discover healing when we move forward by the Spirit’s leading.
What emotional quandary are you caught in? Will you let the Spirit lead you to a place of healing?
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As we drove by the recycling bins, my friend said through tears, “Just throw me into one of those. Maybe they can make something better out of me.”
Her words made me think of all the times God has taken the bad in my life—at least what I considered bad—and transformed it into something good.
That’s God’s way. He works every moment for good for those who are called and chosen. The MSG puts it this way: “He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.”
Sarah Young writes in Jesus Calling:
Nothing is wasted when you walk close to Me. Even your mistakes and sins can be recycled into something good through my transforming grace. ~Jesus
Something good. That’s God’s plan. He takes what the Enemy intends for evil, turns it around, and works it into . . . yep, something good. In God’s economy, He wastes nothing. He is in the recycling business, turning ashes into beauty and mourning into joy.
Surrender completely to Him today and watch what He’ll do in your life.
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“Jealousy calleth those things which be not as though they were.” The quote reveals the danger of a jealous heart.
Othello, one of William Shakespeare’s tragic characters, killed himself because of jealousy. He didn’t have faith in his love. His jealousy, left untamed in a fertile mind, turned assumption into reality. He lost everything, including his beloved and his life. He must have imagined his beloved with his friend, which threw out every sense of reasoning.
Envy kills, destroys, and cuts longevity off prematurely. A rotten bone becomes weak, breeds worms, and begins destruction from within. The host doesn’t notice anything at first until it is too late.
Through Solomon, God warns that envy is a rotten bone. A heart without envy is life and prosperity because it is a purpose-driven and purpose-fulfilling life
King Saul spent much of his time pursuing David. He heard people singing about how David slew ten thousand while Saul had slain only a thousand. At that moment, he forgot one crucial rule from the metaphorical compendium of kings: “The heart of the people is easily swayed by present glory.” He forgot who ordained him and assumed the people would prefer David as their king. Envy destroyed him.
We should never allow Satan to deceive us into neglecting and forgetting our creator, and we should never assume. Jealousy takes our hearts away from God and the things that matter. If Saul had forsaken envy and replaced it with introspection, he would have repented of his disobedience. We need circumcision of the heart to remove envy, which comes through prayer and repentance.
Look within at your bone, which is your heart. If jealousy fills it, let God cleanse it.
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“It’s gonna be a minute,” he mumbled. After all, he was down to pennies.
He and I and others waited in an inch-along line at a local convenience store. We had both waited patiently, but I would soon wait even longer. Finally, when his turn came, he twisted sideways, slid a Ziploc bag from his pocket, and dumped the contents on the hard counter. The coins clanged against the hard surface, and I heard them again as he scraped them two-by-two toward the cashier—all two hundred pennies and two dimes.
Seeing the line growing longer, the cashier jumped in to help. When they finished, he mumbled something about a pump number and disappeared. Only later did I realize his efforts amounted to only one measly gallon of gas.
Had I known the nature of his purchase, I would have offered to assist. Perhaps I was too preoccupied. By the time I realized what had happened, he was gone—and so was my opportunity to show kindness. God 1, me 0.
Later, while taking my afternoon walk, I asked God for another opportunity and vowed I’d be more attentive.
Jesus looked on as the wealthy cast their excess into the temple treasury. Their gifts didn’t impress him. But the one from the widow did. In a time when little to no help availed itself for widows, she put in all she had on which to live. Jesus said she had given more than all the others combined.
I’ve been down on my luck before, but never to the point that I could only buy one gallon of gas. Nor have I had the widow’s faith and given my last penny to God when I needed it for food or bills. And some have passed me by when I faced difficulties, just as I did the guy at the gas station.
God arranges opportunities for us to demonstrate His love in tangible ways to others. Telling others about His love and inviting them to follow Him is done with more than just words. Our actions of love speak volumes, causing others to want to know why we live as we do.
Living with spiritual sensitivity toward those who are down to their pennies takes practice—and a whole lot of prayer. But, when we do, God will show us the opportunities.
Ask God for opportunities to help those who are down to pennies.
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I remember when the stars sang.
The fishpond behind Mama Kate’s house was the favorite hangout for us cousins during the hot South Carolina summers. While our parents rocked on the porch in the evenings, we kids stretched out in the grass and counted shooting stars. Life seemed as simple as a lullaby the teacher at our two-room school taught us. Yet even that simple melody of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” reflected our innate human desire to know more.
On December 25, 2021, NASA launched the James Webb Space Telescope, the most powerful infrared space telescope ever created. Then, on July 12, 2022, the incredible first images from outer space revealed the oldest galaxies ever seen by human eyes, including previously invisible details of the birth and death of stars.
Job wanted to know more too. Unlike NASA’s search for knowledge of galaxies millions of light-years away, Job’s quest was about the here and now, his little world. Why did he suffer so much? Why didn’t he die at birth? Why is light given to a person whom God has hedged in? What are people that You test them continually? Why not take away our iniquities? How can we be made right before God? When we die, will we live again?
God finally showed up. Instead of answers, however, He gave Job more questions about the universe’s deeper mysteries. When Job glimpsed the vastness and complexity of God’s majestic handiwork, his perspective changed completely. Ashamed and humbled, he acknowledged his error and repented.
In times of trial and confusion, we, like Job, often rail against God and falsely accuse Him of indifference. We forget the Creator, who determines the number of the stars, calls them by name, and knows our names too. They are engraved on the palm of His hands.
Like Job, we should bow the knee before our omniscient and omnipotent God, whose vast creation defies the imagination and who does all things well.
Look at the stars and let them sing of the greatness of God.
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My thumbs have never been green. Although the art of keeping plants alive usually escapes me, I love flowers. So when my sister-in-law gifted me a flat of purple petunias, I had to try.
She helped me transplant them into the front yard flower bed where the soil is rocky and compacted. I own no gardening tools, but with determination and some sturdy serving spoons from the kitchen, we firmly situated the plants.
The move must have been a traumatic experience for them because, by the time we had finished, those petunia petals drooped in the dirt. It looked as if our struggling and energy output would be for nothing.
Kathleen told me they just needed water and time, and they would perk up. She was right. The next day, purple blooms waved at me as if to say, “We made it.” A lovely reward for black-thumbed me.
Isaiah expressed how he felt about his hard work, which didn’t seem to pay off. The words God gave him fell on deaf ears. I have an inkling of that sense of uselessness when growing pretty flowers. Isaiah had a more significant issue as he tried to get his fellow Israelites to turn back to God. But in the next breath, he proclaimed his reliance on God, trusting the reward for his efforts would come from God.
Pursuing God’s call can weary and spiritually bedraggle us. The results of our labor don’t show up the way we want or think they should. In those moments, like Isaiah, we can talk to the Lord about how we feel and know with confidence that He will reward our efforts. With some watering of the Holy Spirit as we pray and some time resting in the rich soil of God’s Word, we will say, “We made it.”
How can you keep from getting bedraggled while doing God’s work?
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False promises always appear attractive. Otherwise, they wouldn’t draw us.
My head turned when I heard thump, buzz, thump, buzz. I searched for the source of the unusual noise I heard after putting away my garden tools in the garage. Then I heard it again.
This time my eyes were drawn to the garage window. A hummingbird had flown inside while the door was open and bumped the glass, attempting to escape.
I tried to catch the tiny bird, but each time I got close, the hummer discovered a new surge of energy and escaped. It flew higher, so I grabbed the ladder and waited until its wings slowed down. Finally, I cupped my hands around the miniature avian and rescued it.
The shimmery green head poked out of my finger cage. The wings continued to buzz for a moment as if the bird couldn’t decide if it was relieved to be rescued or afraid of a predator.
I sat on the ladder steps and held it until it calmed down. After I tapped on the house door to show my husband our visitor, he prepared sugar water for our little friend. The bird’s long tongue slipped out and lapped up the much-needed refreshment. After she rested, I released her.
The bird must have seen the red plastic handle on the garage door release and mistook it for a flower. The confused hummer followed a false promise. The red plastic appeared to be a food source, but upon closer inspection, it found it had been deceived.
Things can lead us astray the way the little hummer was deceived, leading us into a trap where we need help.
The hummingbird didn’t trust me to rescue it, even though I had her best interest at heart. When we fall prey to temptation’s false promises, we may resist God at first because we don’t recognize how He tries to help us.
Hands larger than the bird’s body surrounded it and brought rest. Nourishment energized the bird to fly again.
If you feel trapped by deception, submit to the Lord’s loving embrace, and let Him rescue you from temptation. You will find His hands are the safest place in which to rest.
How can you do a better job of resisting false promises?
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We can mess up many things, but we can’t mess up God’s love.
If we make a mistake with someone we love, we can get thrown under the bus. Unfortunately, authentic love is often lacking in this sinful world. The world’s kind of love easily recalls wrongs. If we mess up, sadly, relationships can quickly dissolve.
Sometimes, we can’t find room to fix the problems or work things out, somewhat like getting fired if we make a mistake. The problem is my sinful nature, and I am no better than anyone else.
In a sinful world, having patience is difficult. When somebody hurts us, we find it challenging to be kind. My old self wants to justify itself and rehash the sins the other person has committed. But at the same time, I don’t want to look at my sins and admit them.
That’s not how the Lord wants us to be. Although challenging, we need to love others because Jesus tells us to. We must pray for that person and their well-being, even if we never reclaim that relationship. God calls us to love and forgive others, not to hate.
What steps can you take to avoid messing up your love relationships?
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Mine wasn’t sizable, but it seemed enormous at the time, especially when I didn’t know I had an inheritance in the waiting.
I was fifteen and doing what many teens do—lying on my bed, trying to escape my parents. But when I heard the phone ring, I somehow knew why. My maternal grandfather had died. Strokes had pummeled him frequently, each one leaving him more disabled than the previous one—until he was finally bedridden. My grandmother tended to him faithfully, to her own exhaustion.
After his death, his six grandchildren received an inheritance of $1,000 each. To some, that’s a small amount—and it wouldn’t go far now—but in 1975, for a teenager, it was enormous. I eventually used it to make a down payment on a new car.
My wife and I currently have three of our four parents still living—none from which we anticipate receiving a sizable inheritance. Nor do we have any wealthy aunts or uncles to bequeath money to us. So, unless something changes, we will live until we die as we do now: modestly.
But when I die, I expect a sizable inheritance. As God’s adopted child, I own everything his Son does—and that’s everything. But I don’t possess it yet. After death, I’ll enjoy what I can only read about in his Word now. The joys of heaven are indescribable, but God’s Word hints at what I can expect.
Occasionally, a disgruntled family member will dispute a will—and the stated inheritance. As a result, the inheritance the deceased wished to leave to a relative might be diminished or even taken away. Not so with our future inheritance. It is as sure as the Word of God, which cannot be changed or overruled.
Although our salvation experience initiates when we surrender to Christ, it is not finalized until we reach heaven. God has saved us from the penalty of our sins, but how wonderful to know He’ll eventually deliver us from the presence of sin.
Do you have a spiritual inheritance in the waiting?
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Everyone wants payment for their hard work and efforts. So, helping the laborers should come naturally . . . but sometimes doesn’t.
The season was dry. I had toiled constantly and tried hard to reap the fruits of what I had sown, but the harvest seemed delayed. I had sent submission after submission. One draft after another, with one door after another slammed in my face. I had to keep my head up, believing all I was doing was worth it.
Pursuing the publication of creative writing can often feel like a dead end. It entails a lot of delayed gratification and trusting God to provide as He sees fit. As I write devotions to honor the Lord and help people grow in their faith, I am tempted to believe my work goes unnoticed . . . that I won’t see any fruits at all.
Many people work hard to develop and nurture the body of Christ. They labor day and night in word, deed, and prayer—preaching the gospel and serving believers and non-believers. Yet, I am sure they sometimes become disheartened and believe their work is in vain.
Paul didn’t demand support for his work for the Lord, but he acknowledged that he and others had a right to receive payment for their service.
When we see someone skilled at their job or ministry—writing, preaching, singing, playing music, managing a website—we can consider supporting their efforts. We can donate to a website, share their content, follow them on social media, and comment on how much we appreciate their work. It means a lot, especially for those who labor in the Lord.
What can you do to help those who labor for the church?
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Little did I know I would be God’s instrument.
The Georgia Music Educators Association’s Large Group Performance Evaluation was held the second week of March at Newton High School in Covington, Georgia. The Morgan County middle and high school choruses produced magnificent, intricate melodies on the auditorium’s stage with me at the piano.
After the last piece on a Thursday afternoon, I closed my music, stood, and slipped backstage behind the curtain—anxious to head home. An urgent voice out of the darkness whispered, “Accompanist! Accompanist!”
I turned to find an anxious gentleman with a single piece of music in his hand. He pleaded, “My accompanist backed out at the last minute. Would you please play for us? We perform in one hour.”
I glanced over the copy of “Lord, Thy Servants Praise Thee” by Mozart and replied, “Certainly. I’ll meet you in the auditorium.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t have my checkbook. May I mail you a check?”
“That’s not necessary,” I replied, “It will be my gift.”
The director later admitted he recognized I was the one to help them as he watched me accompany the Morgan County High Women’s Ensemble. God led him to me and me to him.
The piano is my instrument. God coats my mind and the piano’s stretched strings with tones to bless others and point them to Him.
Every time I look down at black and white keys, I confess, “Lord, I cannot do this. Please do it through me.” I don’t understand how He meticulously deposits harmonious vibrations into His creation. It’s a mystery, and He gets all the glory.
I will be willing and available to serve in God’s kingdom as God’s instrument. I hope you will too.
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We have all wondered who’s out there.
What do Chewbacca (affectionately known as Chewie), E.T. (the Extra-Terrestrial), and Yoda have in common? They’re fictional outer space heroes who spark our imagination, kindle our affection, and make us wonder who’s out there. But what do we want from them, and what is our quest?
For thousands of years, people have gazed at dark, starry nights and wondered who and what’s out there. Meteors blazing through the earth’s atmosphere, eerie solar eclipses, shimmering curtains of aurora borealis—we are mesmerized and humbled by atmospheric phenomena we can’t control or explain. Our thirst for understanding outer space is great. So great that taxpayers spent ten billion dollars on the James Webb Space Telescope, which captures breathtaking images of far-off stars and galaxies never before seen.
Seth Shostak, an astronomer at the SETI Institute (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence), asserts that the new Webb telescope will help astronomers reach their number one goal: to discover the origin of the universe. He also believes it may reveal life in other galaxies.
That’s a mighty big job for a telescope. We may wonder how photos of far-off galaxies answer questions about history or origins. Do we cherish a collective hope that Chewie, E.T., and Yoda are out there?
Genesis is the only book that gives an accurate historical account of the beginning. In Greek, Genesis aptly means “origins.” The Hebrew translates it as “in the beginning.”
God made the sun, moon, and stars and placed them in the heavens to give light to the earth and to separate light from the darkness. This seems like a simple explanation of outer space phenomena. So simple that a child can understand it. That is the point. We don’t need to be an astrophysicist to understand God’s love for us and our origin.
Our loving Creator has revealed Himself in the Bible, and unlike Chewie, E.T., and Yoda, God is real, and we can find Him. So, as you read the Bible and pray, ask for the Holy Spirit’s help. You will discover the One true hero who loves you with everlasting love.
How can you better appreciate the Creator of the universe?
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I remember it as the one time in my life when I openly experienced the goodness of grief.
I don’t come from a crying family. If we shed tears, we did so in private . . . and then only for brief episodes. But for me, grieving changed when my father died. I thought I was handling his death well as I watched him die in an Atlanta hospital. I even kept my composure when we went to the funeral home to view his body before the funeral. But during the funeral—as songs were played that my father loved—I lost my composure. As hard as I tried, I couldn’t hold back the tears or even the open weeping. This grief was different, but it was good. It helped me process my loss.
Spending seventy years serving ruthless enemies discouraged God’s people. These same enemies had also destroyed what was most precious to them: the Temple in Jerusalem. And so they cried . . . grieved. Would they ever leave captivity? Would God’s house ever be rebuilt?
There was a time when the picture of the strong, rugged American kept many from weeping openly. Crying wasn’t for boys or men, and women didn’t do much of it either. We could handle anything. We could pull ourselves up by our bootstraps.
Depending on the translation used, “Jesus wept” is the shortest verse in the Bible. He wept when He looked at Jerusalem—a city of unbelievers with a sordid history. He wept when His good friend Lazarus died prematurely. He cried while on His knees in a garden when He thought of His impending doom on the cross.
If the Son of God grieved, it must be something good about it. Mourning, in whatever form it appears, benefits us and helps us process whatever has brought our sorrow. Tears release pressure and cleanse the soul. They are for strong-minded people, not weaklings. Only when grief goes beyond a reasonable period or is processed in unhealthy ways does it stop being good and start being bad.
Let yourself experience good grief when sorrow enters your life.
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I’ll never forget the time God taught me a nine-month lesson.
I wanted to make a significant move to live near relatives, but the timing was everything it seemed. I had job opportunities to consider, interviews to set up, and travel plans to make. Also included were schedules, school, babysitters, and vacation time to coordinate. And there was chicken pox. So my plan was a bit more complicated than I anticipated.
After long months of drama and delays, I couldn’t help but be disappointed and discouraged. Admittedly my faith was weak. I shed a few tears, but my cheerleader support group prayed for and encouraged me along the way.
Just after Christmas, I saw an advertisement for a promising job opportunity. I applied, was selected, and made the big move. The new position had opened because a young couple wanted to have a baby. However, after the baby’s birth, the new mommy decided to be a stay-at-home mom.
Only months later, as I reflected, did I see how God’s hand was in my waiting and disappointment over nine months. And my wait had coincided with a pregnancy and birth. God had worked behind the scenes to orchestrate the desires of two families in different states. I, however, had to wait until He worked out His plan for us all.
I learned I could have faith in God even if I don’t see evidence of His work. He knows the desires of our hearts and wants the best for us. An abiding faith and reading the Scriptures will see us through times of waiting as He does a mighty work for us.
How can you have greater faith in God, even when you don’t see things moving in your direction?
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I have a difficult admission. I love the Lord. I am thankful for what He has done in my life, but I have not done well with loving my neighbor.
My routine entails getting groceries after work, but often I get tired and crabby. When I do, I can be unloving to the cashier who rings up my groceries or to people in line. Although there are times when I have said something unkind to a cashier, the Holy Spirit convinced me to return and apologize.
Other neighbors are my co-workers. I have not always shown concern for them. One, in particular, I didn’t get along with. Maybe I could have been kind by doing nice deeds for him. Being unkind or uncaring is not how we should act as Christians.
We need to love our neighbors as ourselves, which shows up in how we treat them. When we love and treat our neighbors well, we show them Jesus’ love. When at work, it might be doing something kind for them.
I remember one Sunday morning filling up my gas can and pausing long enough to help someone put gas in her car. Another time when I was doing my laundry, I helped an older gentleman whose wife had died. He had never done laundry before.
What are some ways you can love your neighbor?
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I was amazed—they had turned from wood to stone.
I held the book, and my confusion formed. Castles of wood, not stone? The history book made me gawk. I read on and discovered there were multiple types of castles, exciting my inner medieval lover.
In newly conquered territory, an army would erect a castle called a motte and bailey. My head hurt trying to figure that name out. But it was simply a wooden tower atop a hill, protected at the base by a lower area called a bailey. They also dug a ditch around the castle.
Although the army could build this castle quickly, the wood caught fire easily and did not last. Hence, they began using stone. I sighed, relieved. Here came the pretty castles I knew—the strong, resilient fortresses I loved to see.
Then God taught me a lesson. I am that wooden castle—weak and flammable. But Jesus rescued me and replaced my weakness with Himself, the Cornerstone. God is our foundation, our Rock. When we trust Him, we get to trade our wooden planks of self for His power.
What area of your life can you surrender to God and gain ultimate power? He wants us to trust Him, so always give of yourself.
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“Choose your friends wisely.” This was Dad’s way of telling me to check the company I kept.
Of course, I wasn’t interested in choosing the type of friends Dad referred to. In my teenage world, I didn’t want to be a goody-two-shoes. Perhaps he chose the wrong friends as a teenager and didn’t want me to make the same mistake—but I doubt it. According to my grandmother, he was a model boy. Maybe he could see my tendencies to lean toward the bad guys.
I obeyed Dad’s directive until I entered high school. Then, I became the bad boy and chose bad boys to hang around with. My best friend throughout high school was one. I soon picked up his habits—smoking, drinking, and experimenting with drugs. Since the 1970s were in full force, we didn’t do anything that most others weren’t doing. My best friend wasn’t a Christian, nor were his parents.
Once I had found one friend who helped me walk the wrong path, finding others to reinforce my misbehavior proved easy. Before long, everyone I hung around with did things my dad warned me against. I had a few church friends who stayed on the straight and narrow, but I wasn’t interested in following their example. I wanted to run with the crowd.
Paul makes a simple statement that rings true every time: the people we associate with influence us.
Although Jesus interacted with some people who didn’t follow His example, He spent most of His time with people who chose to adhere to His principles and lifestyle. His periodic association with unbelievers pointed them in the right direction and away from the crowd they had chosen.
Our pull toward the bad is natural since we are born sinful. We must have more strength and wisdom than we can muster to go the opposite way. God, however, will enable us to ignore peer pressure and go His way if we trust Him. An intentional decision to surrender ourselves to God’s will and daily walk with Him in faith helps us check our company and choose friends who will aid us in our spiritual journeys.
What steps can you take to do a better job of checking your company?
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In Christianity, the cross is central.
Gordon Conwell College and Seminary once sat on the outskirts of Boston, Massachusetts. On the top of one of their buildings shone a large lighted cross. On one occasion, due to financial concerns, they decided to turn off the lights on the cross. After doing so, they received a call from the Boston airport asking if they would please turn the lights on again. The lighted cross had become a navigational point for planes landing at night. Aircraft were having difficulty finding the correct runway.
Without Christ, the light of the world, we walk in darkness. The cross points to that light. Christianity without the cross is like a river without water. A church without the message of the cross has no power.
How could Paul say he only knew and preached one thing: Jesus Christ and Him crucified? Didn’t his epistles address all sorts of things, such as marriage, submission, authority, and submission to government authorities?
Paul’s presupposition for all his instructions was the gospel, as in his epistle to the Romans. Exiled Jewish believers had returned to Rome and discovered that some of their beliefs differed from the Gentile believers—a hotbed for conflict. Paul skillfully explained the gospel message to address the conflict between both groups.
A church can easily stray from the cross’s centrality by preaching a human-centered gospel that begins with our problems instead of God’s solution: the cross. If the cross is no longer central, we will lose our way, like the planes that flew into the Boston airport at night without seeing the lighted cross.
How can you make sure the cross is central in your life?
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Worry is worthless.
I’ve been called a worrywart. A negative Nellie. A glass-half-empty kind of girl. I must have come out of the womb worrying about why the doctor smacked my bottom, when they were going to put some clothes on me, and when I would get fed. It just comes naturally.
Maybe it’s because I’m a fixer. I want to get everything done and make everything okay—and I want to do it now. When it doesn’t get done, sometimes I wring my hands and . . . yep . . . worry.
The Bible asks, “Why worry?” Good question. It doesn’t accomplish a single thing. In reality, it creates anxiety, frustration, and discouragement. It can even make us physically ill. Luke records Jesus asking, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Of course not. That’s a no-brainer. But Jesus also says, “If worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?”
I’ve learned—and trust me, I’m still learning—that God doesn’t want me stressing over things I can’t control. He wants me to cast my care on Him, receive His peace, and trust Him to take care of everything that concerns me, no matter how big or small those things might be.
Worry is worthless. Refuse to entertain it.
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Taking offense to someone offended by us is like pouring gasoline on a fire.
In the US and many other countries, we live in difficult times. Much of our educational system has gone from educating students to indoctrinating them. Open debate is a thing of the past. Our young people are coached to be offended when people disagree with them. On college campuses, students tend to shut down dialogue they don’t like instead of exchanging ideas. Whoever can yell the loudest and longest wins the argument. Opinions don’t matter; power and control do.
How should Christians respond to such things? First, we recognize the gospel will always offend unbelievers. Why should we be so surprised when sinners sin? That is what they do. Jesus said we should expect persecution. If we’re not experiencing resistance, we’re probably not standing up for our faith.
Second, when someone treats us harshly because of our faith, we should remember that, but for the grace of God, we might be them. The difference is God’s goodness and grace. They still walk in darkness, whereas God has given us an underserved light.
We must resist evil, but never by becoming offended. Instead, we must follow Jesus’ example of not retaliating. If we have taken up an offense, we are fighting the powers of darkness with our own strength—and we’ll always lose the war, even when we win the argument.
We win our spiritual battles through forgiveness. We must forgive, as God has forgiven us—and with no limit.
Ask God to teach you how to fight your spiritual battles with His power.
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Like many children, my sister and I were better at opening than closing.
Cabinet doors swung over the counter. Jars of peanut butter sat without their lids. Dresser drawers drooped with clothes spilling out. But our negligent habit that irritated our mother most was leaving the front or back door open. In the winter, heat escaped. In the summer, heat and flies rushed in. Each time we failed to shut one completely, Mom’s voice rang out, “Close the door! Were you born in a barn?”
We weren’t. In fact, we experienced the luxury of a modern hospital. Doctors and nurses assisted in our delivery. They wrapped us snuggly in diapers, booties, and blankets. Friends and family oohed and aahed at our cuteness. All those benefits and more we took for granted.
But I do know someone who was born in a barn. However that looked–in a cave, a separate stable, or an attachment to a house–Jesus was born in a shelter for animals and placed in a feeding trough. He had no hospital, no doctors or nurses, no friends or extended family nearby, and He was wrapped in strips of cloth. God’s Son left His home in heaven to offer us an entrance to that eternal home through His sacrificial birth, life, and death.
When we open the door of our lives to Jesus, the curse of sin and death escapes while the gift of love and forgiveness rushes in.
This Christmas, open the door of your life to Jesus. Accept His gift of eternal life or tell others about God’s greatest gift. At Christmas and always, thank God for the peace of divine presence made possible through Jesus’ birth in a barn.
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I remember wanting to work from home.
I thought it would be a dream job. No commute, no one breathing down my neck all day. I could wear my pajamas. It would be awesome.
When I first started working from home, I was thrilled.
I had people give me advice they had heard or seen someone else who worked from home implement, but there is one thing no one talked about: how lonely working from home can get.
Throughout the Psalms, examples of loneliness abound as David cries out to God to help him. David only had God to rely on during his periods of loneliness.
We can have a full life and still be lonely. We can participate in Bible studies and spend time with friends and family, but those long days spent inside our homes alone can get to us.
God wants us to turn to Him. Yes, we should commune with others, but on those days when that is not possible, we can look to God to fill our loneliness. When we open our Bibles or turn to Him in prayer, we commune with God. We rely on Him to fill our void and help us not feel alone.
If you are working from home, plan outings with others and look for other ways to get out of the house. But when one day turns into two days and you still haven’t left the house, turn to God. He will help you during your times of loneliness.
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Sometimes we struggle to worship God.
I once struggled with constantly praising and thanking God because of my circumstances. It felt so easy to focus on what I saw, which was temporary, rather than on what was unseen and eternal. I finally realized God was fully in control, and I needed to press further in and trust Him.
God is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end—He who was and is and is to come through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. The Lord will never abandon nor forsake us. He sustains all creation and fills the earth with good things—but things which pale in comparison to that which resides eternally. He alone is the cornerstone, the greatest gift and inheritance we could have.
As we go about our daily activities, we should thank God for His promises, which will come to pass according to His purpose and sovereignty that will stand regardless of the intent and schemes of humans. He who fills our hearts with everything and satisfies our eternal desires knows us better than we know ourselves. We have reason to thank the Ruler of all.
We should praise and thank the Lord for He is good, and His mercy endures forever.
Think of some creative ways to offer more praises to the Lord. Seek out the Word of the Lord and delight yourself in Him.
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Weariness and disillusionment settled over my spiritual battleground like thick black-powder cannon smoke.
Contending for God’s promises, remaining focused in faith, praying, fighting for footholds of sanity, and loving regardless felt elusive—like a horrible joke. War in my soul spiraled into spiritual tension so dense it manifested into a demonic weight that pressed against my body and made coming home like entering a room imploding with a thousand swirling pieces of glass. More than once, tears watered my approach to the foot of God’s throne for mercy and comfort.
But one day, God sent a stunning answer. The scene erupted like a drive-in picture screen. A surreal, towering rainbow spread wide before me like open arms. God’s arms. I wanted to run into them.
The splendor of those brilliant colors, bowing close to the heavens surrounding my home street reminded me of God’s ultimate control and power. And God, my Abba Father, heard my prayers. Not just seconds before, but before time began, He prepared an eye-popping rainbow to comfort me. He hadn’t forgotten His promises. He knew the battle going on, how ragged and exhausted I’d become. And He reached down from heaven, wrapped me in His loving embrace, and encouraged me. That is beyond good. God is beyond good. He is glorious. And He took pleasure in answering me before I cried out.
Spiritual battles will never end on this earth. But God is sure, and His answers are already in place. He enjoys moving for us before we speak.
Have you experienced God’s touch of comfort and encouragement with a sign? If not, ask God to move in that way for you.
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When traveling, I often notice neglected old homeplaces.
My first thoughts are about their history. Who lived there? Did they entertain guests, have family celebrations, or make memorable moments? With a few renovations and fresh paint, I imagine what transformations it would take to restore them to their former beauty.
God dwells within us and guides us to make needed adjustments, whether it is something we should change or fix. Some days, it might just be a nasty old attitude. David asked God to change, renew, and transform his heart. He wanted God to search him and walk through the deepest places of his soul—to revive, renew, and restore him. David realized he could not change his own heart. God was the only source of such joy and renewal.
During summer, most of us pen our to-do list. We take inventory, pull out the paintbrushes, and check off the repairs, renovations, and restorations we need to complete. Our homes bring us joy when we observe and complete projects that need mending.
When the Holy Spirit resides in our hearts, we can conquer sin and not succumb to temptation. We can live a devoted joyful Christian life and not waver in our faith.
If you feel broken or abandoned and long for renewal and restoration, ask God to cleanse and change your heart. Doing so will bring freedom to forgive, to love and serve others, and to love ourselves. When we allow God to search our hearts, He will take what's wrong and make it right.
Why not ask God to create a clean heart in you?
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The Bible provides several “stops.”
Since we never forget anything unless we experience organic damage or age-related loss of ability, memories of abuse, betrayal, and failure can reoccur.
When our memories of painful behavior happen, we often relive that experience in our emotions and picture-book memory. This is a traumatic experience if we have confessed those sins and received Christ’s satisfying payment for our sins. Additionally, this process can produce self-doubt, anger, shame, pain, and a loss of positive self-image.
The Old Testament includes several insights about memories from the past that plague a person. In today’s example. Isaiah told them to stop pondering things from their past.
If the evil one and his minions can convince us to become lost in our traumatic past, we will become valueless servants to Christ in the present. In addition to rejecting our painful past because of Jesus’ victory on the cross, we must also believe the Father is doing something new.
Approaches that help include claiming the victory of Jesus by saying, “In the name of Jesus, get away from me spirit of failure and trauma.” We can also say, “I choose to see this positive, successful memory (a chosen memory that illustrates good choices) instead of these sinful memories from the past. I refuse to ponder the things of the past.”
Hold on to who the Father has made you and remember how Jesus’ blood has washed you.
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The wind is a funny thing.
We cannot see, taste, or smell the wind. With little or no wind, the weather can be sticky or foggy, the air stale or dank, or the water motionless. With too much wind, the force destroys buildings and trees in its path, a cold day is made bitter, and people shuffle to get out of it. The laws of gravity do not bind the wind; otherwise, the air aloft would not exist. We only know about the wind when we hear it blowing, see the trees and flowers bend, watch leaves and debris circle about, or look at a weather vane. Wind can come as a refreshing breeze or a devastating tornado.
The agricultural world is very attuned to the wind since it enhances pollination and plant growth. An absence of wind often signals a drought. On the other hand, too much wind prevents farmers from doing their work or damages their crops. For fishermen, the wind can signal a storm and prevent them from arriving at their destination. That is why when Jesus talked about the wind, people listened.
Jesus noted that no one could see the wind, tell where it was going, or know from where it came. With modern-day meteorology, we predict and then observe the wind’s direction and speed, yet ultimately we cannot know where any given gust has originated. Jesus was probably talking about a soothing breeze when He compared the wind to those born again and controlled by the Holy Spirit.
In Christ, we are indistinguishable externally. The quality of our lives and its impact on others shows Jesus living in us. Those governed by God manifest the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. Our goal is to freshen up our world by spreading the gospel to those around us.
Ask God to make you a pleasant and fragrant breeze to those around you.
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Fear has been my curse since childhood. My family was wonderful. Nothing horrible happened to me—no abuse or skeletons in the closet. All this to say, fear lives in the closet of my heart.
Whatever the reason, fear has always nipped at my heels. I have credited my faith with forging ahead through whatever scares me, but I certainly couldn’t do it alone.
I once had a friend who asked me to put a color to my fear and then said, “You don’t trust God if you are afraid.” If I were to put a realistic color to my fear, I would say blue. Not the soft blue of the sky, but the blackish-blue of deep scary water. That blackish-blue fear engulfed me. I carried it for a long time in my spiritual life, wondering if my friend was right. Did I not trust God? That scared me, too.
On numerous occasions, God reminded Joshua not to fear, telling him to be strong and courageous because He was with him. Obviously, Joshua was a little nervous about the plan God had hatched for him. Yet, even in his fear, Joshua’s faith helped him cling to the Father.
God wasn’t angry at Joshua for his fear. Instead, He reminded Joshua continuously that He was with him. That is the sign of a loving Father who offered a frightening task to His child and then promised to stand by him. As a result, Joshua threw his faith in the lead and believed God would do what He promised . . . and God did.
The closer we draw to God in our personal relationship, the easier it is to see and hear Him when He speaks. I allowed that well-meaning friend’s remark to “scare” me, so I asked God to speak to me about my fear.
My fear doesn’t drive me away from the Father; it drives me into the haven of His arms. God understands my fear and doesn’t punish me for being afraid. Instead, He takes me by the hand and helps me forge through. Do I think God wants me to be afraid? Absolutely not, but He uses my fear to draw me to Him.
When well-meaning souls try to fix you with good intentions and misguided spiritual advice, search the Scripture. You’ll see God understands and walks with us. He will never fail to keep His promise. Even when you might be a little scared.
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A young friend direly needed a liver transplant.
Since a liver is one of only two organs that can be harvested from a living donor, I entered my vital statistics on the donor website, hoping to be a match. The sad verdict appeared: “Rejected due to age.” Other friends and family volunteered too, to no avail. The only option was a liver from a cadaver.
Although my friend was raised in a Christian home, she had made some poor decisions and reaped the brutal consequences. I prayed for her during those difficult times and even posted praying hands emojis on her Facebook page, but I never took the time to speak with her. Now, she faced not only physical death but also possibly spiritual death as well.
I was willing to lay down my physical life for my friend, but I had neglected to lay myself down for her in other ways for years. Instead of offering encouragement or accountability, I watched her struggle from a distance, assuming her spiritual well-being was someone else’s responsibility.
Jesus may not call us to give up our lives physically, but every day He wants us to die to ourselves. Laying down our life is not just an action; it’s an attitude of refusing to let fear, pride, or apathy get in the way of sharing Christ’s love.
Giving the gift of life through organ donation is a rare privilege, but every day, we have the opportunity to provide spiritual life. As Christians and friends, we must lay down our lives so others can know Jesus.
What’s stopping you from transplanting God’s love into someone’s heart? Share Christ today. It could be a matter of life and death.
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I am sure I talk too much and listen too little.
In elementary school, I got in trouble for talking too much. Every. Year. My friends forgive me. The pastor forgives me when I answer a rhetorical question aloud in the middle of his sermon. In my family, we all interrupt each other. My husband? He is incredibly patient. God bless him.
God is patient too. Unimaginably so. I faced up to myself and recognized where to start—by listening to God. Yes. I interrupt Him all the time. I thank and praise Him for His goodness and the overwhelming beauty of the earth. Then I ask about people and things that concern me. I dart off on rabbit trails. Maybe I have ADD when I pray. When I confessed I needed help with this, guess what happened? I got quiet and still for about thirty seconds.
Ask me a question you want an answer to, I heard God whisper to my spirit.
God is a great shot. Direct hit. Right between the eyes of my heart. Do I genuinely want an answer? Do I believe He will answer? Or am I just mentally rattling off a to-do list for myself? What if He answers with something uncomfortable?
I don’t understand how this happens, but when we empty our minds of all the clutter and motion and become intentional listeners, we find God present. We don’t go to Him in prayer. We recognize His nearness. He dwells in us, and we in Him.
Yet our focus on the “now-ism” of our lives distracts us. We don’t hear God because of the noise in and around us. I am retired, and I must still set a timer to stop and be still. But God answers. It’s a little scary, but it’s good.
God makes wars cease. Sounds a lot like peace. The Lord is with us. Sounds like power. Between the promise of peace and power, God tells us to be still. Still can also be translated as return, desist, calm down, cease striving, stop fighting, or be in awe.
We are in God’s presence. Be still. Cease striving. Stand in awe. Listen. God will surprise you.
What keeps you from listening?
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Many of the men in my family have loved to rise early.
My maternal grandfather awakened the dawn by sitting on the wrap-around porch of his old farmhouse and watching the sun rise above the pines that surrounded the neighboring fields.
My paternal grandfather awakened the dawn too, but for a different reason. He was a delivery man—first ice, then milk, and finally ice cream. All required getting up early and getting on the road.
My son is now a delivery man also. He rises long before dawn to load his truck and head out to various stores.
My dad also loved to awaken the dawn. For an hour or more, he prayed and read his Bible. We knew better than to bother him.
I, too, have been awakening the dawn for quite some time. Even when I have no reason to get up early, I still do. I use the morning hours to write, reflect, meditate, and build my social media platform.
The psalmist rose early as well. If we take the verse literally, he must have played his musical instrument as the early morning light spread across the pastures while he watched his father’s sheep. And later, as he ran from a jealous, angry king.
Some are not morning people, so it’s not a sin to meditate, pray, and read God’s Word at other times during the day or night. But it is something special about spending time with God in the early morning hours before dawn’s first light.
The early morning gives time to reflect on the things of the previous day and to ask God to prepare us for the day ahead. We might not know what the day holds, but we do know God holds the day. We need His wisdom. And as darkness turns to light, we can remind ourselves that we worship the mighty God who makes this happen and gives us a fresh start each day.
We can awaken the dawn in many ways, but incorporating some form of worship will change our perspective on the day.
What are some ways you can include God as you awaken the dawn?
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To the museum, the finely crafted Cheyenne shield displayed in a glass case was an art object. Yet to the warrior-creator it symbolized protection.
The accompanying card described its creation, telling how the warrior began with tough buffalo chest hide about eighteen inches across. After properly processing the skin, he fitted it into a frame and then tested it by shooting arrows at it.
The craftsman painted the shield with a design that had spiritual meaning to him, giving the shield potent powers. When not using it, he covered the shield with a decorated buckskin since warriors believed the shield’s power could affect the viewer. In battle, the warrior removed the cover and rode into battle, relying on the physical and spiritual protection the shield offered.
When the psalmist called God a shield, he referred to God’s protection in battle as the soldier advanced into conflicts.
Sometimes we also face conflicts–most likely of the spiritual type–and we also can claim God’s shielding protection. God serves as our spiritual protective shield as we progress on our spiritual journeys to serve Him.
God’s protection comes in a variety of forms. It may be His ongoing encouragement amidst the doubts and worries we encounter. Or His providing our needs so we can accomplish His will.
To the Cheyenne warrior, the shield protected him so he could survive an enemy encounter. To us, God’s protective shield enables us to serve Him, providing a means of security so we can glorify Him.
How are you depending on God’s protective shield?
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To my embarrassment, the grocery-bill total was greater than what my wallet contained.
Hoping no one noticed the exchange taking place, I quietly pointed out which items to remove from my grocery order, items we could live without until my next paycheck. Although this happened a few times several decades ago, I still recall it with a twinge of embarrassment and shame.
As I thought of what Jesus Christ did for us, this decades-old grocery exchange came to mind. Having insufficient funds to pay for bread, peanut butter, and a few boxes of mac and cheese is nothing compared to our inability to pay the staggering price to redeem our souls. A price so high and a debt so great that we are left entirely helpless and hopeless.
And yet God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life.
This giving of His Son is not a pretty pastel-colored spring scene. It is a blood-spattered, spit-dripping, whisker-pulled, muscles-contracting-and-torn scene of a great exchange. On that first Good Friday, the only begotten Son of God ransomed us with His life, paying the slave price for us. He exchanged His righteousness for our sin so that we can stand before God sinless. We add nothing but a grateful heart for what He has done.
Unlike my grocery bill which only caused embarrassment, us having insufficient funds to pay for our sin debt has eternal consequences. Either we pay the debt ourselves by an eternity separated from God, or we humbly reach out and take the gift offered on our behalf.
Ask God to help you grasp even a thin thread of what He has provided for you through the ransom paid those many years ago.
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The ceramic wall hanging, featuring colorful birds, caught my eye.
I gravitate toward songbirds. They seem happy, and their flashes of red, yellow, or blue often wow me. Sometimes even their names entertain: American goldfinch, indigo bunting, black-capped chickadee.
The uplifting lyrics from an old hymn on the wall décor clinched the deal: “This is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long.” I put it up in my kitchen where it added a cheerful personal touch . . . until our roof needed replacement.
There was no mistaking the roofers had arrived early that first morning. I was still in bed when I heard kerplunk, drag, kerplunk, drag. Then pound, pound, pound. I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. The kerplunking was the worst. The workers dropped big sheaves of packaged shingles on our housetop. The house shook with each thud. As the morning wore on, we became accustomed to the noise and periodic shaking . . . until we weren't.
The new sound was a shattering, but of what? The noise came from inside the house—the kitchen. My plaque lay broken on the granite countertop. An ugly jagged crack split it diagonally into two pieces. The imaginary chirping of my vivid birds and singing of my cherished lyrics had been silenced.
As I tossed the broken pieces into the trash, the irony came to me. Can I still praise my Savior all the day long when a favorite possession is ruined? How about when a hope of mine is busted down the middle, or when a promising relationship fractures? Can my heart still whistle a happy tune?
When such things happen, God’s character has not changed, our salvation is still amazing, and God’s love is not lessened. Because of those truths, we can choose to praise Him.
Ask God to help you praise Him all the day long, in the good and the bad.
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I’ve discovered I can’t entertain God.
I suppose the first entertaining I did—other than as a child wanting attention—came at the first church I pastored. Someone concocted the idea we should have a womanless beauty contest, so a few deacons and I dressed as women, paraded before church members, and let them pick the winner. I lost. Not long after this, the school where I taught held a similar contest. Guess who was selected to enter? I lost again.
A few years later—when I wanted to grow a beard, but when doing so as a preacher wasn’t widely accepted—I portrayed the prophet Jonah in a church drama. I entertained and got to grow a beard in the process.
I can’t remember doing any other entertainment until mid-life when I began teaching middle school. Although I didn’t do womanless beauty contests or dress as biblical characters, I entertained them with stories of “old times.” I also made sarcastic remarks—roasted them, according to their lingo—when they asked irrelevant questions or questions I’d already answered.
God’s people in Isaiah’s time tried to entertain God, but He wasn’t interested in their theatrics. They brought sacrifices, which He had commanded, but He told them He didn’t want them because they attempted to mix entertainment with hypocrisy—a mixture He didn’t find entertaining.
Our Creator wants obedience from us, but we can’t impress Him. He’s perfect; we’ll never be. No matter how hard we try, we’ll never live up to the standard of perfection He requires. Thinking we can translates into only entertainment. As hard as we may try, our efforts will always be imperfect. Our sinful nature gets in the way, which, even when transformed at salvation, still troubles us.
Grace provides the good news. By God’s grace and through His forgiveness, we can obey, not entertain, God. Also, the Father clothes us in something we can never earn: Christ’s righteousness. Our works can’t save us, but Christ can and does.
What we can do for God is obey and show our appreciation for what He has done for us by serving Him and others. Then He’ll accept our acts of worship, and we’ll experience joy as we never experienced before.
Don’t try to entertain God. Just obey and love Him.
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The rain was relentless.
The sound drowned out any sweetness of the birds or the breeze, and its roar filled my ears like a lion protecting his territory. The thickness of the deluge appeared like early morning in the mountains when the fog covers the peaks, blurring the view of what might be in the distance.
My work stopped. As I raced to the confines of our outdoor building, I saw the seed I’d just spread catch up in a trail of water and wash who knows where. Someplace would have pretty green grass in seven days.
I sat on a bale of hay and watched the water pour by the buckets full from the sky, and I wondered for a moment how the people in Noah’s time felt to see rain fall for the first time. I imagined my seed as tiny people, banging on the ark’s door, begging to be let in before the flood carried them away.
Still, the rain brought me a time of rest. I swiped sweat from my forehead, leaned back on the hay bale, and thought of how I had labored through the week. Work and more work. From my writing to the simple upkeep of our home. Everything required manual labor. People needed more and more of my time, and it was all w-o-r-k. Yet, it seems this is what God gave to us as He sent Adam and Eve from the garden.
The psalmist found great joy in his work and the work of the Father, listing all the magnificent things that resulted from God’s creative work. He praised God for His greatness, creativity, and splendor. And to think, the psalmist recognized it was all for us.
God is great in His ways—even in the tasks He assigns us. Be they work in our home or a ministry, we discover the rewards of our work in the blessings of God. He is pleased with our efforts, and when we offer our work—regardless of what it is—to Him, I feel sure He smiles. Our Father doesn’t shun work. After all, He worked hard for six days and rested on the seventh.
When work overtakes you and weariness sets in, remember how much God loves you. Work in His name and offer it to Him as a gift. Our God loves our efforts. There is greatness in work.
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I once left my leather-bound Bible on the back seat of our car after attending a conference.
Living near a lake, we often load beach paraphernalia, such as dripping inflatables, in and out of the car. A week went by, but I used a different Bible in the house and had not missed it. One day, my husband blurted, “Could you please take your Bible out of the back seat? It is getting in the way and causing a lot of problems.”
He was right. It's an expensive Bible and should be treated with care. As I retrieved it, his words reverberated in my ears, but in a different way than he intended.
God’s Word does get in the way sometimes. It gets in the way when I'd rather live differently than how it says I should. It causes lots of problems because it is hard-hitting. The Bible points out my sins of commission and omission. When I can't think of an overt sin, undone good deeds stare at me. It is also uncannily effective at knocking me off my high horse.
It sounds sacrilegious, but perhaps life would be easier without it. The Bible sometimes urges me to make some changes, which I don’t always enjoy. But if I avoided the Bible and its commands, I'd also miss out on its promises and wisdom. How would I get to know God better? How would I be reminded that even those commands that seem bothersome are for my good?
Happier without it? Not on your life. I want to keep God’s Word deeply entwined within me as I journey this side of heaven. It's not in my way. Rather, I treasure it. I want to consistently use it and remember the promises of liberty and blessing, not bondage and misery.
How can you let God’s Word get in the way of your life?
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In February, on the day before Valentine’s, our church celebrated Holy Communion. To cover both events, I preached on the greatest verse.
I illustrated with Castaway, the 2000 movie about a FedEx troubleshooter, Tom Hanks, who was stranded on a deserted island when his plane crashed into the Pacific. After four years of struggling to survive, he built a raft and headed for the open sea where he was rescued by a freighter.
On Communion Sunday, our people each received a handout with three handmade drawings: a cargo ship on the upper left with the words, “God gave his Son” printed on the boat; a tiny raft on the upper right with the words “shall not perish but have eternal life” printed alongside; and an anchor below the ship and attached by a chain with the words “God so loved the world.”
We began at the end of the verse and worked backward. Eternal life was God’s plan for creation. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, entered the world with a clean slate just like their Maker. Then they sinned, and their sinful nature spread to all their descendants. We are all born on the perishing list.
Eden’s garden also had the Tree of Life, but God did not allow Adam and Eve to eat its fruit because salvation was not that simple. How, then, was God to get us off the perishing list and into the Book of Life? He gave His Son. We tend to expect gifts for birthdays and Christmas, but this gift was totally unexpected.
God’s motivation for giving His Son was love. As Christians, we may love many people—whole tribes and even nations—but not the entire world. As much as we might want to, we do not have the capacity. Only God can love the entire world. Which He does, and has from the moment He made it. Every person who ever lived, every hair on our heads, every drop of blood in our veins, every breath in our nostrils, every blade of grass, every tree, and every sparrow.
God’s love is the anchor that holds everything together. Have you received it?
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I pressed my head into my palms. “Not again!”
I once decided to start a new blog site and add a .com url. It took all day, mainly because I am about as smart with blog and web design as a block of wood. Still, I was determined to get the site up and running.
The words of my computer guru son resonated. “Mom, go to YouTube and find a video to help you.”
“They have videos on YouTube to show me how to do this?” I asked.
That should be easy enough, or so I thought. For two days, I poured over videos, jotted down notes, and made the additions to the blog. When it was time to test the site, I contacted my business buddy and informed her I’d managed to get us a site running. She went to the address, and boom. Nothing.
Nothing! With the help of a good friend, we got the bugs worked out and the site performing. I leaned back in my chair and sighed. Lori will be tickled. Again, I contacted Lori, and yep–you guessed it. Nothing. It didn’t take much to tell me my knowledge and wisdom were the pits. I had no one I could depend on to help me through this mess.
The writer of Proverbs reminds us that our wisdom begins with God. Our lives fall into place when we know Him because He is the teacher and guide. Knowing Him leads us to a dependency that we can’t find anywhere else–a dependency that will not fail. Our fearing (or believing and knowing) is where it all begins.
I don’t look for the Father to reach down and give me the knowledge to put a blog site together, but He will offer me respite and peace amid my frustration. I must learn about computer programs before I know how to adjust them. It’s the same for my spiritual life. I must know God to discover how to make the necessary changes to improve my life and relationship with Him.
Spend time learning about the Savior. Gain a little wisdom and knowledge about Him.
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Yesterday is now gone. Today is now here. Tomorrow is now coming.
Now is a brief window in time that we choose to do something or not. We do something now or we put it off until later. But we know if we don’t do it now, we may never do it.
This now is vitally important. It is by wisely using every now that we eventually accomplish some great life-long work.
Now is represented by the increments of time that span our day through which activities flow and from which activities vary from cubicle to cubicle. Now we’re doing something, and now we’re not. Or now we’re doing something else. Now we’re eating, now we’re working, or now we’re sleeping.
Now is the present moment. I am alive now but could be dead in the next cubicle of now.
Now is when we decide our eternal destiny. Paul said that now is the time to get saved when we are under conviction of sin and the Holy Spirit is calling us.
King Solomon speaks of another now. Instead of a small window in a twenty-four-hour period, he speaks of a lifetime. A lifetime is a moment in the broad space of eternity. And this now is the only time we have to get saved and do something for God.
What we are going through now will one day be forgotten. But the life we are now living and the things we are now doing will one day be judged by God. We will have our now moment in which we find ourselves standing before Jesus Christ and giving an account of ourselves.
Now is the moment of opportunity which if we do not take advantage of today, we may tomorrow say, “Why didn’t I act then?” But then is now yesterday, and now we’re facing today with regrets.
What will you do with your now?
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The young boy (we’ll call him Cody) did his best to follow his mother’s instructions as he cleaned his room.
One final glance made him proud. Job done. But not well done according to his mother. “Your bedspread is crooked and wrinkled. The trashcan needs to be emptied, and I see toys sticking out from under your bed that you obviously tried to stash out of sight instead of putting them away.”
The boy’s shoulders slumped as she continued to pick his efforts apart. He was devastated.
As Cody got older, he realized he could never please her. Even the best efforts were never enough. He longed to hear the words, “Good job,” but they never came. He finally gave up.
When Cody graduated and went to work for a small engineering firm, he decided to try again. He worked hard, put in extra hours, and went above and beyond what was expected of him. Again, he felt proud of his accomplishments. But would it be enough?
After only three weeks, his boss came to him and said, “Son, you are doing well. You have a great work ethic, and I’m proud to have you on my team.” As he turned to leave, he said, “Good job. Really good job.”
We all long to hear those words. To have the approval of others. The good news is God already approves of us. He honors our best efforts and never picks us apart. When we mess up, He gives us many more chances—encouraging and applauding us as we try again.
Be obedient to God’s Word. Do everything you do as unto Him. One day you will hear those cherished words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant . . . let’s celebrate.”
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My neighborhood park displays God’s glory.
Magnificent trees reach to the heavens. Their branches spread wide, providing shade. The colors of leaves change from green to yellow to orange to brown and reveal stark white branches as winter approaches. Before winter, the pastures are verdant green. The manmade pond is home to many small aquatic animals, lilies, and wading birds. The pond also allows a place for boating and for dogs to be refreshed.
The park has room for everyone. Weddings, birthday celebrations, and picnics occur in this bit of Eden. Runners, walkers, skaters, and bicyclists frequent the park.
When I walk in the park, I experience peace. I love to meander along new paths. When I ascend to the higher altitudes of the park, I hear the wind pushing through the trees. I take pictures to capture the beauty. I often meditate on the wonders of God, on His creative power, and on how He has blessed me. Sometimes I sing and talk to God, and He speaks to me. He has dropped many ideas in my spirit to share with others.
At times, our surroundings can dishearten us. We might not live in a plush, green place, but we can find time to explore God’s creation and enjoy what God has given us. If needed, we can travel to a nearby park or botanical garden. We can view nature on television or on our devices. Wherever we see it, we should worship God the Creator.
What we see pales in comparison to God’s original creation because our actions have done much damage to the earth. However, there is still so much beauty to enjoy. Remember, God created, and He placed us in charge of creation.
Make a point to enjoy God’s creation and then let Him fill your heart with gratitude.
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My neighborhood park displays God’s glory.
Magnificent trees reach to the heavens. Their branches spread wide, providing shade. The colors of leaves change from green to yellow to orange to brown and reveal stark white branches as winter approaches. Before winter, the pastures are verdant green. The manmade pond is home to many small aquatic animals, lilies, and wading birds. The pond also allows a place for boating and for dogs to be refreshed.
The park has room for everyone. Weddings, birthday celebrations, and picnics occur in this bit of Eden. Runners, walkers, skaters, and bicyclists frequent the park.
When I walk in the park, I experience peace. I love to meander along new paths. When I ascend to the higher altitudes of the park, I hear the wind pushing through the trees. I take pictures to capture the beauty. I often meditate on the wonders of God, on His creative power, and on how He has blessed me. Sometimes I sing and talk to God, and He speaks to me. He has dropped many ideas in my spirit to share with others.
At times, our surroundings can dishearten us. We might not live in a plush, green place, but we can find time to explore God’s creation and enjoy what God has given us. If needed, we can travel to a nearby park or botanical garden. We can view nature on television or on our devices. Wherever we see it, we should worship God the Creator.
What we see pales in comparison to God’s original creation because our actions have done much damage to the earth. However, there is still so much beauty to enjoy. Remember, God created, and He placed us in charge of creation.
Make a point to enjoy God’s creation and then let Him fill your heart with gratitude.
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I am a connoisseur of old books.
In the spare bedroom of our small patio townhome, bookshelves rest against the walls, encircling the area where bedroom furniture should reside. The square footage is small, and I want to display my treasures. I’ve put much time and energy into collecting these books—most of which boast a copyright date before 1940.
The oldest ones I wrap in cellophane paper to preserve the covers. Some of the books are in great shape, considering their age. My oldest book is two hundred years old, came from a Charleston, South Carolina, library, and has no scratches, mildew, or tears.
Many of the books have content that doesn’t interest me—but their condition and covers intrigue me because they have survived so long. The covers aren’t dull like so many modern-day books. Some have intricate designs and carvings, such as a sculptor would place on his work of art—no mass production.
I have only read a few of my old books. Most just sit on the shelf. Thumbing through the pages would probably loosen them from the spine and even separate the cover. But none mimic the book Hilkiah discovered.
One of young King Josiah’s projects, when he took over the throne, involved restoring the temple, which had fallen into disrepair. In the cleanup, Hilkiah discovered the Book of the Law. When the king read God’s Word, he repented and led the people to do the same. They had disobeyed God. Surely, punishment marched on the horizon.
We can discover tidbits of truth in many places, but only the Bible hosts complete, absolute truth that never changes. The words held truth when God first spoke them through the various writers, and they still contain truth.
When truth confronts us, it always calls for change, as it did with the king and his subjects. God’s Words leads us to repentance, confession, and sorrow. But it also leads us to joy, peace, encouragement, and abundant life. No other book can change us as God’s Word can because God’s Spirit has breathed no other book.
Make it a point to spend time in the best book. Doing so will change your life.
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Thinking is hard work.
Thinking is one of the hardest things we’ll ever do. That’s why most of us don’t do it. It’s easier to think by default—to default to or revert automatically to preselected options already determined by those leading the herd. Having the herd mentality is easier than thinking critically and independently.
We were given intelligence unlike any of the animals God made. This is because we were made in God’s image and made to have fellowship with Him. But we fell into sin and this sinful nature took control of our intellect. And then “every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”
We become new creations when we believe in Christ. We receive a nature that is susceptible to holiness. This new nature must then take control of our intellect and begin transforming our minds so that we have the mind of Christ. We can’t think one way and live another.
We also receive the Spirit of Christ when we believe in Him. Then we must form the mind of Christ. Our intellect is transformed by the intellect of God, and His intellect is revealed in His Word. We become more like Christ by transforming our thought process so it conforms to the revealed mind and will of God as seen in His Word.
The Holy Spirit will not think for us, but He will guide our thoughts once we begin thinking in the right way. He will give us light and discernment and encourage us to think as God does.
The Word transforms us into the likeness of Christ by transforming our thought process so Christ becomes Lord of our thought life. We then live our lives by those thoughts. We must not just memorize Scripture; we must realize Scripture.
How can you put transformed thinking into practice?
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My rights. My freedom. My, me, my!
Somewhere along the way, we have lost the meaning of freedom. From retail stores shoving out holiday decorations months before the event to the mass chaos of a nation that has fallen to the lies of the evil one: freedom means only what is important to each individual. It’s all about me and what I believe someone or something owes me.
I’m pretty sure our forefathers didn’t anticipate such greed and selfishness as they worked to outline what freedom meant for everyone. Those men and women who fought in every war—not just one, but every war—either answered the call or volunteered to step forward to protect our “freedom.” Many died while others are forever scarred. I wonder if this is how we show our gratitude–with chaos and selfishness?
Paul reminded the Galatians of who provided their freedom. It wasn’t necessarily for personal rights, but it was the way to God–the gift to reach Him ultimately. He encouraged the people not to be bound by earthly chains. Let go of the things that weigh us to the ground and prevent our freedom in Christ. Don’t become a slave, Paul warned. Don’t let Satan hang the yoke of slavery over you. Full freedom is in Christ–freedom provided by His shed blood and sacrifice on the cross.
My heart cries when I see believers fall into the world’s rhetoric. Lives that should shout for joy at the freedom given to them through Christ participate instead in the world’s chatter and hate. They demand God wouldn’t want things the way they are rather than rejoicing in the freedom and gifts they have. Yokes hang heavily around their necks.
We live in a country where the bloodshed of thousands of men and women who believed in this nation provided freedom. They made freedom possible, but Christ brought absolute freedom. Christ cleared the path, and at the end stands the Father.
Look to the real freedom in our world and remove your yolk of slavery. There is freedom in Christ.
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My brother once hosted a guest who stayed with him for over a year.
My brother’s guest not only overstayed his welcome but also brought with him a temperamental little dog. The dog did not appreciate my brother, and the feeling was mutual.
One day, the guest, realizing he would be home late, asked my brother to walk the dog. As he and Fluffy walked along the East River in New York City, the dog accidentally wandered into a patch of fresh cement and became enmired.
My brother had a brief fantasy of re-enacting a moment out of a mobster movie where the foe’s feet are encased in cement overshoes, and he is tossed into the river to swim with the fish. Happily, he relented. He scooped the dog up in his arms, carried it home, and washed the cement off its tiny feet.
None of us are perfect. Most of us have been guilty at one time or another of being annoying, obnoxious, argumentative, and downright sinful. We are not owed mercy; it is a gracious gift from God through His Son.
God sent His Son to save us. Jesus died for our sins. He cleanses us and carries us home safely even though we deserve cement overshoes.
Are you feeling mired and weighed down by your faults? Jesus stands ready to forgive you.
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I’m a Christian. and I’ve been baptized, but now what do I do?
I remember a family that came to our church sporadically. They asked the pastor about baptizing their teen-aged son, and not long afterward, the pastor baptized him. They didn’t return to church for about six months. Many have a disconnect in their minds between becoming a Christian and growing as a Christian.
Not only do we receive Christ Jesus as our Lord, but we also must “walk” with Him. Walk concerns how we act and speak. But the verses also talk about being rooted, built up, and established in our faith. All of these things relate to growing as a Christian.
Being rooted reminds us of the analogy in Psalm 1 of the person who delights and meditates on the law of the Lord and becomes like a tree planted by streams of water. Built up relates to growing. Established entails becoming established in our faith.
Like the person in Psalm 1, we can read, delight, and meditate on God’s Word. We can attend church, hear the Word of God, and worship with other believers. We can spend time with God in prayer. We can exercise our faith by trusting the Lord in the things we face daily.
What are some steps you can take to grow in the Lord?
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There are times where I feel the urge to embrace my Bible.
Once, my wife and I went to Ruth’s Chris Steak House with a gift certificate. It was not just a meal but an experience. The steak was served on a steaming plate, succulent and juicy. The sides were like meals in themselves. The desert was a culinary delight.
If I met people in my church who had never been to Ruth’s Chris, I might describe how eating there delights the taste buds. They would believe me and could even imagine in their minds how the steak looked. They might even salivate, but if they never tried it for themselves, they would never know how good it is. Furthermore, they would get no nutrition. Such is how it is with the Word of God.
I believe in teaching and preaching; I do a little of it myself. But if we rely on our pastor or Sunday school teacher for all our spiritual food, we are on a starvation diet. No one can exist on one or two meals a week. Many people who attend church know about God, but they never really know God. They have second-hand knowledge. Good Bible teaching always makes us hungry enough to examine the Bible ourselves.
Our culture is growing increasingly hostile to the gospel. Cultures, by nature, always try to conform us to their precepts. We resist by not conforming to the pattern of this world but by transforming ourselves through renewing our minds (Romans 12:2 NIV). The Word of God is the only thing that can protect us from the spirit of this world.
The new year provides an excellent opportunity to get into God’s Word. I have read through the Bible every year that I can remember. That never made me perfect, just better than I was. Sometimes, it is all I can do to keep from hugging my Bible.
In 2022, taste and see that the Lord is good.
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I once watched a 1970s movie where a man was bitten by a snake and then rushed to the hospital.
At the hospital, someone gave him a blood transfusion, and he got well. Later on, someone was talking with him about his episode, and he told them that the person’s blood contained the cure for the snake bite. The person he shared the story with responded by saying “His blood had the cure”—referring to Jesus’ blood as the cure for sin.
Jesus’ blood is the cure for our sin as the old hymn, “Rock of Ages,” states. This is why Jesus shed his blood. It is also for all other needs we have. Just one drop of that blood is enough to meet every need we have.
Jesus’ blood saves and sets captives free. His blood will save the child who has done little wrong, and it will also save the older person who has gone to the depths of sin. We can plead the blood of Jesus for our souls, minds, bodies, and spirits to help us overcome the Devil so we can be victorious and have peace. All we have to do is ask God to cover us with Jesus’ blood as a shield of protection.
If you’ve never asked Jesus into your heart—or if you’ve drifted away from Him—ask Jesus to come into your heart. His blood is the double cure for sin.
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The outside looked terrible, but the inside . . .
I looked at the text: Can you call me when you get a second? It came from my father’s only sister. When I called, she told me she had a few items that belonged to my grandmother. She thought I might want them.
A couple of weeks later, my wife and I headed for the Lowcountry of South Carolina to round up a cedar chest and a small night table. I remembered both sitting in my grandmother’s bedroom. I couldn’t wait to add them to my heirloom collection. One I hoped my children would want and pass along.
Both items had been sitting in a utility building for years. The varying temperatures had done their work. The veneer peeled off in various places on the cedar chest, but the real wood areas remained in good shape.
The surprise came when I opened the lid. The inside was in perfect condition. And it was a true cedar chest, complete with smell and label. Also on the inside were a number of crocheted items my grandmother had made.
Jesus encountered some religious folks whose outsides and insides didn’t match either. Oh, they dotted all the Is and crossed all the Ts, but Jesus said their insides were filthy.
The ways we try to alter our outsides when we don’t enjoy how they appear are numerous—and costly and perhaps unhealthy. They also prove futile if we think altering the outside will change anything. We might temporarily feel better about ourselves—we might even gain a few so-called friends in the process—but our elation will be short-lived. In the end, unhappiness will pounce on us like a lion.
Until we let God change our insides by His grace through forgiveness—and until we realize just how much God loves us and wants us as His children—we’ll never know true satisfaction or joy. Outside stuff is temporary; inside stuff is permanent.
We often judge by outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. And when we learn to see ourselves as God does, we won’t overly concern ourselves with the outside. We’ll just want to keep the inside tidied up.
What are some ways you can keep your inside pretty and clean?
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Ministry gets messy.
Our professional lives reflect this truth. We feel God’s call to share our gifts but face repeated rejections. We discover multiple differences in employer and co-worker expectations regarding matters of faith. What works with one guarantees a closed door with others.
All too often, we also expect a life of perfection when we follow Jesus. However, our world remains filled with turmoil, conflict, disaster, and sorrow. We reach out to others in Jesus’ name but frequently get our overtures spurned in no uncertain terms. We work with fellow believers whose ideas differ from ours. Time after time, our efforts appear to fall flat, and we wonder what went wrong.
Yet Jesus never promised an easy life. In fact, He lived and taught the opposite. Jesus suffered ridicule, torture, and death from those He came to serve. His followers misunderstood and, at times, undermined His mission. Religious leaders and others in authority resented and rejected His message. Nevertheless, Jesus never stopped teaching or reaching out to everyone in love.
Our most powerful messages often occur during our worst times. Personal difficulties enable us to minister with spoken and written words to those who hurt. Because of our struggles, they listen to what we say. Setbacks challenge us to keep going and growing and to keep honing our spiritual message to make it as clear and compelling as possible. Jesus gave His best. Our service in His name deserves no less.
When we follow Jesus’ example, we rest assured of His never-failing guidance, peace, and presence. We give thanks for the mundane and the miraculous, especially when our messes become ministry moments.
Ask God to help you live as Jesus lived and love as Jesus loved, regardless of your circumstances or the responses you receive.
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I learned to dance standing on my grandfather’s feet.
He was like Fred Astaire, handsome and talented. Grandaddy was even a member of a dance club. He was suave and debonair. I never heard Grandaddy use profanity or say an unkind word. Everyone called him “Pop.”
I modeled much of my life after him and other family members whom I admired. I was the last grandchild. All the attention had been doted on everyone who came before me, but somehow Grandaddy still had time for me. Dance recitals were a big part of my childhood. I heard how boring they were to watch, but Grandaddy always came and always complimented me.
As a Nana now, I want to be that same cheerleader for my seven grandsons. I praise their efforts, no matter how small. As grandparents, we take them to church events and spend more time than money on them. As a historic docent, I dress them up and teach them living history.
I had an aunt who took me on historically themed trips. She had little money, so we ate picnics in hotels and visited free sites. After I grew up, I discovered a person could buy a ticket and go inside the houses at Williamsburg. I watched the marching troops and ate the warm cookies baked in a brick oven. We visited churches with frescoes and museums with no admission price.
We often forget that neighbor children, students, and family members need a hero. Our museum invites people to provide history camp scholarships. I encourage adults in our community to sponsor a child at church or school. One of my friends gave my students new school supplies every Christmas, long after theirs were well worn.
Everybody needs someone who treats them special. A young family member or friend might benefit from our next trip. We can ask someone to attend a special event at our church. Someone might not attend a service but might join us for an outdoor concert or covered dish dinner. We may know a family we could bless with a meal.
Think of someone to whom you might give a meal, a gift card, or a night of babysitting. Bless a child…or an entire family.
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Sometimes, people come into our lives and do everything they can to make our lives miserable.
I remember when I dealt with a group of frustrating people who constantly gossiped behind my back and did all they could to frustrate me. I was so vexed by them that, at times, I cried in anguish of spirit. Yet the Lord was my comforter and my healer—my refuge in time of need.
There will be occasions when we will face persecution from those we thought were our friends. The persecution becomes difficult to deal with, and we feel angry for being mistreated. Yet God’s love and mercy help us deal with such people. Just as Jesus forgave those who crucified Him and said they knew not what they were doing, so we should display mercy with difficult people.
Mercy triumphs over judgment, and the Lord is a God of justice. We are blessed when we wait upon Him. The Lord has a way of troubling those who hound and persecute us and returning on their heads what they have done to us.
We don’t have to be disheartened. We can rejoice in the Lord when we face persecutions, trials, tribulations, and tests. Testing builds endurance, and endurance builds patience. Remember, God blesses those who faithfully endure temptation, for afterward, they will receive the crown of life that God has prepared for those who love Him.
When others persecute you, be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Delight in His Word and put your trust and hope in Him above all else.
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In a way, being legally blind has been humbling and scary because I can’t see what everyone sees about me.
I’m humbled when I hear people make kind remarks about me, such as things they like about me. But it can be scary when I think that people look up to me because God still uses me even though I can’t see much. I know God uses and has used my blindness to give me a lot of influence, and I need to be careful with it.
In God’s eyes, a good name is more than just a good reputation. A good name is the character God sees in us. Jesus’ reputation—what people thought of Him—was awful, but He had a spotless character. We can’t be perfect, but we can and should grow more and more into the image of Jesus every day.
We should consider how we think, act, and talk when no one else is around. What kinds of things do we look at when no one else is looking? God can use us and give us a good name as we live righteously before Him. He gets the glory for that and not us, although we must do our part.
Many people try to build up their ego by stomping on others to reach the top of whatever they want to do. God doesn’t want us doing that. He wants us to stay humble so He can give us a good name and so we can keep it.
Ask God to help you keep a clean heart so you can keep a good name with Him and others.
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The prayers of small children are interesting.
Small children offer detailed petitions. They trust God to do what they pray for. They ask Him for things we adults perceive as funny and little. But their prayers come from a sincere heart, and they believe only God can solve their issue.
This is a non-starter to us adults. We measure God’s ability by the level of our needs and wants. In this way, we downplay the providence of God in little things.
As we age, we use logic when dealing with the things of God. We believe those small things we asked for as children will happen even without asking God. At times, they do, but sometimes, they don't. Sadly, if they don’t, we don't follow up with a kid’s prayer. Even when they do happen, we often don't acknowledge and thank God for answering them. We take it as an obvious thing.
Most adults think prayer concerns only the big things. This thinking kills our childlike faith. I have learned that praying for the small things builds our faith in the big things. I think this is why Christ said we must have childlike faith.
Childlike faith helps us fulfill our kingdom obligations. It is the small encounters that encourage us for giant battles. We can learn from David, who told of how the Lord had delivered him from small things and then later, big things. As an adult, his faith was strong because of his childlike testimonies.
Trust God even in the smallest detail of your life, just as children trust their parents for anything. God is interested in every detail about you—your health, school, finances, relationships. and everything else.
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They were gone, but not forgotten.
In our area of the United States, hummingbirds arrive in late March or early April and hang around until mid-October. A few weeks before their arrival, I hang three feeders for the scouts to find. Almost anywhere we are in the house, we can view the beautiful birds feeding.
Hummingbirds are diligent little creatures. Even with three feeders, I must refill the feeders every couple of days. And the birds, though small, are aggressive and territorial. One will sit atop the feeder or perch on the feeder stand, waiting, so they can run off any intruders. Their wings beat quickly, and their flight speed is amazing.
As the season wears on, the number of hummingbirds diminishes. Then, one day, they are gone. I miss their antics … their beauty. I miss them hanging in mid-air, watching me through the window or door. But I know if I hang feeders in the spring of the next year, they’ll return.
Jesus understood the sorrow His followers would feel after He left them. They had followed Him for three years, and now He was leaving for heaven. But He told them not to sorrow. They would see Him again when their eyes closed in death.
I mourn too when I think of all my loved ones who have gone on to heaven. As I get older, fewer of them are around, and I think of the time when I’ll no longer be here for my children and grandchildren. I miss sitting around with my grandparents and hearing their stories. I miss the cousins, aunts, and uncles whom death has captured.
Their examples keep me going in the right direction. I remember their love for God, how they taught their family about His love, how they shared their faith, and how they lived a consistent Christian example. They may be gone, but they are not forgotten.
Most of all, I have the example of Jesus, just as the early disciples did. His example, more than any other, prods me on in the faith journey. As He promised to return for His early followers, so He has promised to do the same for all His children.
Don’t let the death of friends and family rob you of the memories of their good examples. They may be gone, but you don’t have to forget them.
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Honey’s life was at stake. Would she live or die? Her fate depended on Betty.
A few years ago, a couple confronted Betty and said they needed to get rid of their dog, Honey. She was getting old and was nearly blind. Betty had compassion for Honey because she, also, was growing old. Her heart was tender toward those animals, who, through no fault of their own, face death.
Betty adopted Honey and treated her with tender loving care as she did her other dog. When Betty held a treat in her hand and offered it to Honey, Honey cowered and would not accept it as Betty’s other dog did. When Betty threw the treat on the ground, Honey cautiously picked it up.
Eventually, Honey learned to take the treat from Betty’s hand and to accept Betty’s gifts. Now, she hovers close to Betty and trusts her.
This is what our loving Father wants in the relationship we have with Him. He desires for us to accept all His bountiful and loving gifts. He doesn’t want us cowering and afraid of what He might do to us.
Some ministers preach more about God’s punishment of sin than they do about God’s love and forgiveness for the sinner. For sure, when Christians sin and don’t repent, God will send consequences. But when we ask God’s forgiveness, He forgives our sin and remembers it no longer.
As we grow spiritually and develop a closer relationship with our Lord, we will no longer fear Him. As Honey eventually wanted to be close to Betty, we will come into God’s presence and experience His love.
Today, spend time talking with Jesus Christ the Savior and allow His love to permeate you through and through.
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I remember the time when I became homeless.
I attempted to persuade those who were also homeless to follow Christ. Although I listened to their stories and tried to understand what they were going through, I wasn’t able to bring anyone to Christ. Yet one of the things I learned was to find common ground and similarities that helped me not only to relate to others but also to let them relate to me.
Being able to empathize and put ourselves in another person's shoes so that they understand why they do what they do can inspire and encourage them to come to Christ.
We all have certain things in common with other people: struggles, traumas, activities, and topics we love discussing. Realizing this should help us as we spread the good news about the gospel. To those who don’t believe, we can help them see why they don’t believe, and then we can share the gospel with them. To those who struggle with drug addiction, we can empathize with their suffering and encourage them with the freedom that comes through Christ alone. We can become all things to all people so that we can bring some to know Christ as Lord.
We can continue to honor the Lord through both our similarities and differences, and we can bring people to Christ as Savior as we do.
Continue to seek out the Word of the Lord and act with wisdom and prudence. Consider what similarities you have with others, and how you can use that to preach the message of the gospel.
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For three months, I spent several days a week cleaning out my parents’ home, getting it ready to sell.
During this time, I came across a lot of stuff. Over forty years of it. The stuff I emptied from the attic, basement, and the first garage went into a thirty-yard-long dumpster, which I filled to the brim. I still was not done. The stuff from the back garage filled another twenty-yard-long dumpster.
What I discovered with the contents of the dumpster was different phases of my parents’ life. When they entered these different phases, I’m sure this stuff meant a lot to them. The money invested in these various phases was well-meaning. These things kept them busy.
But now my parents have moved on in age. They could no longer live in their home. Their physical strength had waned and their interests changed. They left the remains of earlier ventures to die and collect dust. I'm sure they never thought this would be, but life happens, things change, and we move on.
On each trip to the dumpster, Jesus’ words reverberated in my mind. It forced me to ask, “Where am I storing my treasures?”
Jesus died for our sins so that one day, when our time on earth is finished, we can join Him in eternity.
On Sunday, many of us go to church to learn about Jesus, lay our sins at His feet, and accept His gift of salvation. But on Monday, our lives often don’t reflect what we’ve done. Sometimes, we invest in earthly things as if our life on earth will never end when we need to invest in heavenly things and store our treasures in heaven.
After the experience I’ve had, I am more determined to invest in my heavenly home and the things not of this earth. I hope to start my own cleaning process now that I am done with my parents and rid my life of the stuff that no longer matters.
Do you need to revisit where your treasures are stored? Make a heavenly shift.
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My retired parents once took both of my dogs—one very large and elderly eighty-five-pound yellow Labrador and one small but energetic Cockapoo puppy—to the groomer because my single-mom-full-time-work-and-child-uber schedule would not allow me to do so.
After my parents dropped the furry children off, they stopped by my house on their way home. My sweet father got down on his hands and knees, removed my elderly dog’s crate, took it to the backyard, hosed it down, scrubbed the floor, and laid a blanket under her crate to ensure a bit more comfort for my elderly Labrador in her golden years.
Mom sent me a picture of his selfless act because Dad would never mention this act of service. This is not uncommon for my father. He spends his days sharing homegrown produce with others, mowing elderly ladies’ yards, shuttling folks to and from appointments and church get-togethers, and researching healthcare, homecare, vacation, vehicle, and a myriad of other random options to make his family and friends’ lives easier.
My dad is a pillar of selfless love—the closest earthly representation I have ever witnessed of how I envision Jesus’ all-encompassing love.
I don’t properly convey how thankful I am for this man—not only because he has always taken utmost care of his family, but also because he daily exemplifies a legacy of love to those around him. If my sons grow up to be half the man their Pops is, I know they will touch the world with blessings.
Random acts of kindness such as this go a long way to show Christ’s love toward others. A simple word of encouragement to someone having a difficult day, a hand-written thank-you note, a homemade meal for a family going through health issues, or offering to listen while a friend vents about a stressful situation are all ways we can show Jesus’ love. Jesus says our servanthood toward others is directly linked to serving Him.
So polish up those kindness trackers and do what God has called you to do: share His love with others one small step of kindness at a time.
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I once heard a Sunday school teacher share a story about sitting at a bank window.
The lady behind the window who helped him talked rudely to him. He said the Holy Spirit spoke to him and told him to be nice to her. He didn’t want to, but he started thinking about how he could obey the Spirit. As he tried to think of something nice to say. all he could think of was “You have a pretty name.”
When he said this, the lady broke down and started crying. That was exactly what she needed to hear to calm her down. The man gave the credit to the Lord, and he said that’s the way it should be. He was right. God should get the glory for everything.
Paul tells us to overcome evil with good. Although in context, he is talking about loving our enemies, his instruction can still apply to any situation where someone is not acting toward us as they should.
We can apply Paul’s words to people we know personally, whether it is a family member, other Christians who normally treat us nicely, or people we don’t even know. Of course, with God’s help, we can apply Paul’s instructions even to those who are our enemies.
Pray that God will help you show His love to everyone, no matter what happens.
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We watched as the door slowly opened.
One Tuesday afternoon while we ladies played Bridge, a police officer stepped inside and politely asked, “Do any of you ladies own the red car that is parked on the street?”
One of the ladies at my table glanced up and responded, “Yes, officer, it’s mine. Is there a problem?”
“Well, ma’am, you can’t park on the street in front of the church,” he replied. “It could be a traffic hazard.”
“Please, would you mind moving it for me?” she asked, offering him her car keys. “I am winning this hand and would rather not get up right now.”
The officer took the keys and left to move her car. The rest of us politely smiled at each other.
“This must be Mayberry!” I chuckled to myself, remembering “The Andy Griffith Show.” Only in a small town would someone feel comfortable enough to park their car on the street and then give their keys to the local authorities to move it.
Living in the country between two small towns is an adventure. Several times each year, I plan special excursions to the big city of Athens, forty-five minutes away.
Sadly, we lost one of our Bridge players this past summer. She was stung by a wasp while working in her yard. Unfortunately, our two ambulances were at other dispatched calls and could not reach her in time.
Playing Bridge or enjoying any pastime with others provides an opportunity to fellowship and celebrate life together. Group activities are like bridges that connect us to each other and God.
I will cherish every moment spent with friends and family today. I hope you will too.
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In my younger years, a person hurt me repeatedly with nasty, manipulative behavior.
I became extremely resentful toward this person, constantly ruminating about the hurt and plotting my revenge. I was miserable. Something had to change. I realized I had to forgive this person…but how?
The three little words, “I forgive you,” form a simple sentence, but doing it is one of the most powerful things we can do for someone. Forgiveness is the story of the gospel. Our heavenly Father forgave us first, so we must forgive others—readily and freely. But often, we stuff-up and then need forgiveness ourselves.
Forgiving is difficult. We think if we forgive the person for what they did to us that we are excusing their behavior and letting them off the hook. This is untrue. Forgiveness means releasing that person from a debt they can never pay. They can never turn back time and change the past.
Forgiving doesn’t mean we must continue to have a relationship with the offender. If a person continually re-offends, they destroy our trust, and we may become wary of them. This is okay. We forgive, but we must ask the Lord for wisdom when it comes to giving the person another chance and mending the relationship. We may need to restrict or sever all contact.
The Bible instructs us not to remember the former things nor ponder the things of the past. Forgiveness leaves the wrong done in the past where it belongs. It no longer exists in our reality—only as a memory. When we refuse to forgive, we allow the mere memory of a painful past event to hurt us over and over again.
Do yourself a favor. Leave those painful memories behind, press forward, and remember the lessons learned.
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Before us was a wide river; behind us were miles of unmarked territory.
Panthertown Valley in North Carolina was the most confusing place I had ever hiked. Numerous trails meandered across hundreds of acres, but none were marked. Maps didn’t seem to match the actual outlay of the areas, and several side trails veered off from the main trails, making following the map even more confusing.
On one hike, my brother, son, and I chose a route we’d not taken before. After hiking several miles, we came to a bulging river. None of us could swim, and we weren’t sure we could return the way we had come. While the water wasn’t raging, we wondered if it was deeper than it appeared. My brother decided to be the guinea pig and made it safely across. My son was short; I’d have to carry him. So, with a child on my back and a hiking staff in my hand, we traversed the cold water and luckily made it to the other side.
God’s Old Testament people had been through deep and muddy waters more than once. In their history, wave after wave of foreign invaders attacked them and, on several occasions, carried them away as captives. But each time, God delivered them.
Like the nation of Israel, I can recount an entire list of muddy water episodes: rebellious children, dying relatives, financial meltdowns, broken relationships, unemployment, low-paying jobs, abuse, cancer, and physical ailments. And if I haven’t faced the muddy waters myself, I’ve been close to someone who has.
God never gave up on the nation of Israel. He always came to their rescue. He’s done the same for me. Just as I couldn’t see the bottom of the river we crossed, so I’ve not been able to see the bottom of the muddy-water episodes I’ve encountered. But it doesn’t matter. I knew the One who allowed me to cross through the waters, and He had a reason for doing so. The lessons I’ve learned resulted in spiritual growth. And God has given me many opportunities to share my lessons with children, teens, and adults. I’ve also noticed that people traversing muddy-water episodes listen more carefully to someone who has been through the muddy waters themselves.
When God takes you through muddy waters, enjoy the journey, be open to what He’s trying to teach you, and then help someone else through their journey.
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She stood in the aisle gazing at the valentines on the shelf.
Going to her tiptoes, a little curly-haired girl stretched to reach a card. I watched as her fingers scraped and stretched for the card. She grunted in frustration.
“Need some help?” I asked as I reached over her and pointed at the card. She smiled.
“Thanks.” She opened the card, and a giant heart popped up that brought the sweetest giggle. “It’s for my Aunt Terri. She’s got Covid.”
“I’m sure she’ll love the card. It’s a sweet thought. I’m sorry she’s sick,” I said.
“Momma said she will go home tomorrow. But she cried. I told her going home from the hospital was great.”
It suddenly occurred to me that her aunt was probably on life support and that her “going home” meant her passing. I leaned over and asked if I could see the card again. The child handed it to me. “Yep, your Aunt Terri will l-o-v-e this card.” The child grinned and took the card.
Wandering through the store, gazing at all the valentines, flowers, and candies, the child remained in the forefront. That little girl didn’t understand what her mother meant, but she had faith and hope that things would be fine. To me, the love she felt for her aunt was perfect love.
Paul reminds us first what love is, then what it is not. He lets us know that without love, we are nothing, and we have nothing. Paul knew believers needed to understand the love of Christ and be charged with following suit. Love as Christ loved. Forgive as Christ forgave. Without this depth of love, they would be nothing.
Today, 1 Corinthians 13 is used as the basis for marital love, but it goes further. To love like Christ means to love without fail, love endlessly, and love with compassion. That curly-headed cutie loved with the greatest love. If only we could grasp hold of such pure love and begin to value our relationships with others. In a day when divorce rates soar over fifty percent and people strive for their own happiness—forgetting others in the process—we must wonder where “the greatest of these” three has gone?
Take value in your relationships. Love with the love of Christ, and you will experience the greatest of the three.
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I warmly remember a Valentine’s Day in the early fifties when I was a young teen.
I wanted to do something special for my family, so I gave each one a homemade card. The cards weren’t fancy—just writing on a sheet of lined paper decorated with lopsided hearts.
Imagine my surprise and happiness later that day when my mother gave me her own homemade Valentine card. That was seventy years ago. I have forgotten the words she wrote, but I still remember the love I felt when she handed me her specially made card. Mom had taped several quarters onto the front of the paper and then covered them with pieces of foil she saved from package wrappings.
My family was not demonstrative, and words such as “I love you” were not heard in my home. But in my heart, I knew I was loved and protected. My home was my safe place.
How sad that many children around the world are physically, verbally, and emotionally abused by their parents. Their homes are not safe zones, but battlefields of hostility and stress. Their parents treat them like unwanted baggage. Many are sexually abused and sold to the highest bidder. They have never known a home such as mine where I knew I was protected, and my needs would be provided day by day.
God, our Father, has a heart filled with love for His children of all ages. He gave each of us a unique Valentine Card and wrote on it, “I Love You,” in bright permanent letters. He then hung the card on a cross. His message of love will remain forever.
When we ask God to forgive our sins and come to Him as a little child, He welcomes us into His loving worldwide family.
If you are living in an abusive home or grew up in one, know your heavenly Father loves you. His Valentine Card is for you as well as every person on this earth. He excludes no one.
Have you accepted God’s love?
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As usual, we dropped my son off at his Wednesday evening flag football practice.
My finance, older son, and I then ran to the store to get fixings for dinner. When we returned to the field, the team was scrimmaging. With a slight autumn chill in the air, we sat in the warm truck, drinking coffee and watching the remainder of practice. The boys finished their tackling, running, and passing drills and then banded together for the final huddle.
Just as we heard the last of the loud grunts and zealous cries as these young kids exuded their excitement for a sport that allows them to tap into their inner warriors, we saw the huddle disband. Each child dispersed toward their waiting parent on the sidelines. Except one.
The one child who stayed behind was not asked to help pick up the neon yellow cones outlining the grassy field, yet he chose to help the coach.
Luke records the story of ten men with leprosy. After Jesus cleansed the ten, only one man returned with authentic thanksgiving, praising God for the miracle of healing he received.
The one football player who chose to stay and help the coach was simply … thankful. In his young but wise mind, he saw the sacrifice of time and teaching talent put forth by the middle-aged, hard-working, dad coach. He wanted to show his appreciation by helping him.
The child happened to be my son. I questioned him when he arrived at the truck. “That was nice of you to help the coach. Did he ask you?”
My son nonchalantly replied, “Nah. I just wanted to.”
Pride burned its way from the bottom of my heart and nearly poured from my tear ducts like an unruly waterfall. I told him his act of service was a beautiful thing to witness. Knowing he did it of his own accord without having to be asked was the icing atop my mommy-pride triple-chocolate cake.
God gives us opportunities to help when no one else wants to. We can show gratitude for the simple blessings others put forth that often go unnoticed.
I am by no means comparing my son to the recovered leper. Or perhaps I am. After all, they both had one thing in common: a grateful heart that did not go unnoticed.
Are you showing gratitude when no one else wants to?
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When cleaning out my attic, I found my flute.
My flute is a Gemeinhardt, open-holed, silver-plated with a solid silver head and B foot. I had played from elementary school to early adulthood and had memorized and performed cantatas. I practiced daily and became a fairly accomplished flutist. But after my third child, I stopped playing. I always expected to resume, so I kept the flute and all my music.
When I took out my flute again, it had tarnished some, despite the case. I wiped it down carefully, assembled the three pieces, and straightened the sections. I put my fingers over the holes and blew a steady stream across the mouthpiece, rolling it back and forth under my lip to find the sweet spot. Instead of hearing a clear, deep note, fuzzy static tripped out.
I leafed through the music—stacks of Vivaldi, Chopin, Debussy, and Bach. I realized I couldn’t read or count many of the notes, and I couldn’t remember the fingerings. I had forgotten how to play.
Whenever I’m resting or awake, my mind focuses on what it wants to remember. Whatever it values, it will rehearse, repeat, and practice.
Following Jesus, like playing an instrument, requires intentionality and repetition. I can never stop being God’s child any more than I can stop being a flutist, but I can certainly fail to perform like one. I can forget how to practice my faith and why practicing matters. I can easily assume that because I believe, I must be a good Christian.
For twenty years, I never unclasped the case that held a beautiful and valuable instrument, once so familiar to me. I always intended to perform again, but now when I have an inkling to play a simple melody, I can’t remember how.
My faith is like my flute. The melody of our faith is practice. To remain effective and influential followers of Jesus, we must all rehearse our faith consistently. We must read God’s Word, pray continually, and share His gospel. If we don’t, we will forget how to do it.
What is the melody of your faith practice?
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“Come on. Let’s read the Christmas story so we can open presents.”
Their eyes lit up and smiles creased their faces. I’m not sure whether this came because they wanted to hear my story or because they wanted to get that part of the night over so they could open their presents. Regardless, I circled my children and grandchildren before me . . . and began.
I pulled out the old Bible that had belonged to my great-grandmother—so ragged that the cover had long since disappeared—and read from Luke 2.
Year two. I took out my grandfather’s Bible. It was in a little better shape. Once again, I flipped the aged pages to Luke 2. By now, everyone knew what story I planned to read.
Year three. I removed one of my dad’s Bibles from the bookshelf, opened it to Luke 2, and once again, read the story to my family. But this year, I did something different. I told them how Jesus was a carpenter and so was my dad—their Papa and great-Papa. When I finished, I had the oldest grandson present give a gift to his mom and uncle. Inside were wooden food trays their Papa had made. Then I gave each grandchild knives and tie tacks that had belonged to the great-Papa. I passed on something of worth to them.
The psalmist planned to pass on the story of what God had done in his life and the life of his ancestors. This included a personal relationship and God’s saving actions in their history.
Although our family heritages differ—some we may not be proud of, know of, or even want to remember—we each have one. And there is something good in them that we can pass on if we look hard enough. Even negatives can become positives with the right perspective. Our children and grandchildren need to hear the stories.
More important, is the spiritual heritage. What the psalmist planned to pass on. Hopefully, we have a rich one of those as well. But even if we don’t, we can start with ourselves and pass on ours. Our children and grandchildren need to hear what God has done in our lives. Then, they will be encouraged that He wants to do the same in theirs.
What are some ways you can pass on your heritage?
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It happened during a meeting at the church I attended.
While having an informal sharing time, an elderly member expressed a need for transportation to a doctor’s office. She spoke for an extended time about her problem, but not one person, including me, volunteered to take her. This woman had a notorious reputation for being a nonstop talker, and those attending the meeting knew this.
During the time she spoke, the quiet voice of God’s Spirit nudged me to volunteer. I knew I didn’t have an excuse not to take her. I could have rearranged my schedule, but along with the others, I remained silent. We had helped this woman before by providing transportation. Yet this time, we all hesitated because of her marathon talking.
After I went home from the meeting, I continued to feel conviction. Daily, I pray that I may be a helper, a blessing, and an encourager to those in need. This day I had been given the opportunity, but failed to take advantage of it. God reminded me of my prayers.
I determined on the next day to contact the woman and offer to take her for her appointment. Upon making that decision, I felt God’s peace. I believe God wanted to see if I was willing to help others as I had asked in my prayers, or if I was simply repeating words.
Now, when I pray about helping others, I ask God to help me to be willing. God loves a cheerful giver. This not only applies to the gift of material possessions but also to the gift of our time, energies, and abilities.
Have you ever felt the probing finger of God touching your heart as He did mine and responded with a “No”? Ask Him today to help you become more willing to reach out to others and to answer “Yes” to His calling.
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As the doctor left the room, he took all hopes of a good outcome with him.
Tearfully coming to grips with reality, Amelia walked across the hall to a small counseling room to make the unenviable calls to family members. She told them her son had just passed away. Soon, nurses would terminate the life-support machine, and so would end a young man's life far too soon.
Wanting to comfort her, the pastor walked with her. While searching for words of comfort in his mind, the Lord spoke to the pastor's heart. “Tell her I've got the last word.”
As Amelia made the first call, God spoke to the pastor's heart again, saying, “Tell her.” As she hung up the phone, the pastor told her, “Amelia, God's got the last word.”
Back in the hospital room, Amelia, the pastor, and a couple of others watched with broken hearts as nurses turned off the machine. Surprisingly, Tommy's heart continued to beat. Those in the room tried to comfort one another as they waited for the inevitable continuous alarm. This was one Thursday morning Amelia would never forget.
Sunday morning, the church door opened, and in walked Tommy, looking as if nothing had ever been wrong with him. Defying the odds and to the amazement of his doctors, Tommy made a full recovery. What had seemed a hopeless and inevitable death on Thursday was now three days later a perfectly healthy and vibrant life.
Tommy provided living proof that with God death is swallowed up in victory. Never again would Tommy or his mom doubt that God has the last word.
The moral of the story? Never doubt God's power. Never give up on prayer, no matter how bad your situation may appear. Someone's life may depend on it.
Remember, with people, things are impossible, but with God, all things are possible.
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As the sun rose over the horizon, I began my day by reading God’s Word.
Two overhead lights brightened the pages of the Bible as I sat in bed reading Psalms 119. I contemplated what I was reading because God’s Word is life. Every word reflects God Himself. John said, “the Word was God.”
I glanced into the dark kitchen where a small window is surrounded by a screened-in porch. Little light entered through it. Suddenly, it happened. A brilliant light emitting rays of dazzling color in every direction zapped me. I could hardly breathe as I sat there motionless, watching fireworks dancing on the head of the kitchen water faucet.
Some people call this chance. I call it providence. I’m not capable of creating one single moment filled with God. Only God has the power to do that.
I could rationalize this experience. Scientifically speaking, the sunlight was rising at just the right angle to stream into the kitchen window at just the right angle to bounce off the kitchen faucet by the small dark window to reach me as I happened to be in the right spot at the right time. If I were sitting anywhere else on this planet, this experience would never have happened.
I know differently because I was there with the perfect Word of God, sitting in the perfect spot at exactly the perfect time when perfect light came in a perfect direction to hit the perfect spot on, of all things, the tip-top of the water faucet.
As if that weren't enough to stun me, the hymn “How Great Thou Art” softly played in the background. God made His point. He is perfect in every way. I stood in awe before the God who loves me and observed the greatest light show on earth for about five minutes. Then it disappeared because the perfect coordinates were no more.
Rationalizing denies God’s reality. We cannot change the truth. The true reality is that God loves us and wants to provide the perfect coordinates to light up our lives.
Will you seek God? Are you ready to find Him?
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A few days before Christmas, my nephew and his family visited us.
Our family room nativity scene drew his two boys like a magnet. As they picked up each piece, we discussed that character’s role in the Christmas story.
The wise men held particular appeal because of their more elaborate dress and their camels with full packs. I reminded the boys that the Bible mentions three gifts but does not say how many wise men searched for Jesus. We also talked about how the wise men probably found Jesus when he was around two years old and living in a house. To increase their understanding, we role-played the distance the wise men traveled by taking them to the opposite side of the room.
After my nephew and his family left, I went to the bathroom where I display a smaller nativity scene. Much to my surprise and delight, that room’s wise men had been moved far from the manger. I sent a message to the family about my discovery. My nephew’s wife shared the older child’s reply, “I took care of that for you.”
I chose to leave his correction in place that year and have every year since. It reminds me of the reason Jesus came. Jesus saw the sin in our world and took care of that for us. As with the altered nativity scene, we choose whether to accept Jesus’ correction or not.
As you celebrate Christmas this year, will you accept the gift of salvation made possible through Jesus’ birth, sinless life, death, and resurrection? If you have already made that choice, tell others about the gift that awaits them if they seek Him.
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Gladys lived a few houses down the street from me. But it wasn’t until she needed something that we became acquainted.
As Gladys drove across a junction, another driver ran a red light and broadsided her car. She chose to stop driving at that time, and I became her designated driver and helper in other ways.
One day, Gladys showed me an article she had written about a gift her father gave her when she was a young girl. Gladys tells her story.
“It was Christmas Eve, 1929, and the Depression was at its height. Although I knew we were very low on money, I kept hoping there would be a Christmas present for me. When I was ready to go to bed, Mom said, ‘Gladys, you are ten years old, and you know there is no Santa Claus. We don’t have any money, so don’t expect a gift this year.’
I pretended that I understood, but after I went to bed, I cried myself to sleep. Sometime in the night, I was awakened by the sound of our old truck pulling out of the driveway. I wondered where my father could be going on such a cold night.
I went back to sleep, but after a while, I was awakened by my father standing by my bed. He handed me a book and said, ‘Merry Christmas, honey.’ I knew then that he had gone into town to our small general store and bought a present for me. I was so happy that I couldn’t wait until morning to look at my book. When I glanced at the flyleaf, I saw PRICE: 25 cents.”
Gladys was blessed to have a loving father. However, some children have never known a father’s love. Perhaps their father abandoned them at birth and their mother struggled to provide a living.
Some fathers abuse their children, verbally and physically. Those children will never experience the love lavished on Gladys by her father.
There is a Father who loves us unconditionally, no matter who we are or what we have done. We need not cringe in fear or hide from him. The depth of God’s love is described in John 3:16.
Have you accepted Jesus, the Father’s sacrificial gift?
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Although I grew weary in the daily routine, I somehow kept smiling.
My weariness came from another load of washing or another complaint from a grumbly geriatric. But I did not need to make mountains from molehills. A thought came: Jesus is my rock. The thought seemed so clear…like an inspiration.
I considered how my rock, Jesus, enables me to keep going and keep smiling. As I sipped a coffee, I turned to my Bible for a holy message relevant for me or any Christian. It came in this verse: And drank the same drink, for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.
With this reading, I interpreted the message to mean I can build my humble life on worshipping Jesus, the rock of our Christian faith. This truth is still relevant today, even if we read it in the context of the first century.
We are saved if we trust Jesus with all our heart. Following Him can assist anyone to do tasks with a cheerful heart and to stay positive in the face of adversity. As Christians, if we remain positive each day, our faith can achieve greater things in the world.
I believe following Jesus is an excellent way for all to be daily witnesses. I can keep smiling with Jesus as my rock. As a caregiver, I can polish my imaginary halo and keep on keeping on.
Let Jesus be your rock.
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“When we fish for fish, we take them out of a beautiful life into death. But when we fish for men, we take them out of death into a beautiful life.”
A guest speaker at our church provided this powerful contrast and motivation for witnessing.
In light of these statements and Jesus’ call to become fishers of men, several realities become apparent:
The following ideas should help us overcome this paralyzing panic.
In Salt from My Attic, John A. Shedd wrote, “A ship in the harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships were made for.”
Don’t’ play it safe. Rather, venture from your comfort zone. Cast your net. Speak love and truth to all you meet. Show them Jesus as the only way, truth, and life.
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Late one evening, my trashcan overflowed onto the floor.
I decided to take the bag out. For most, this is a simple task—although with my disability and confinement to a wheelchair, this small thing produces quite the challenge. I wedged the bag under my stiff legs and navigated the familiar route to the dumpsters, which meant going out my door to the ramp and then around the building.
On the way, I noticed my chair showed only two bars of charge. I made a mental note to plug it in when I returned to my apartment. As I dumped the trash and the cool night air brushed my face, I forgot about the charge and decided to ride around the housing complex.
All went well. I admired the beauty of the night sky—the stillness and peace exuding from a busy world now asleep. But on the way up the hill, nearing my building, my chair halted. I tried turning it on multiple times. Nothing.
I was stuck in the middle of the road. In the pitch black. Completely alone. With a dead wheelchair. As my nervous chuckles turned to sobs, I was reminded of a vital truth about our relationship with God.
Instead of waiting until we crash or run out of charge, we need to stay connected to our power source—God. Listening to sermons and fellowshipping with other believers helps, but we can’t solely rely on secondhand information.
Our God is intimate and longs for us to know Him through His Word and prayer. Even on days when we don’t feel like it, we must make connecting with Him our priority.
How do you need to clear your schedule and your heart to make room daily for God?
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I grew up on a five-acre farm on the outskirts of a small Colorado community.
I was raised in a family with nine siblings. My sisters and I shared everything from beds to clothes. And we shared the work.
One of my favorite early-morning chores was gathering eggs. Pushing open the creaky wooden chicken coop door always sent the hens into a cackling uproar. But I ignored their protest. Moving down the row of straw-filled wooden cubbyholes, I wrestled my hand under the warm breast of the chicken to gather her eggs.
Our parents expected us children from an early age to participate in daily chores and routines. While not always done with a cheerful attitude, we knew what was required of us. No amount of complaining exempted us from doing our part. We learned a good work ethic that has contributed to a productive life for all of us. Sunday was our only day of rest.
Paul is clear; if we don't work, we shouldn’t eat. He addresses those who are lazy and undisciplined. Instead of working, they spend time being busybodies. According to Paul, idle time leads to unhealthy habits, so he urges his readers to settle down and work to earn a living.
Paul also tells them never to tire of doing good. It may be comfortable to sit back and consider that we have done our share when we’re no longer in the workforce. But we can find a neighbor, friend, or stranger who may need a helping hand, a smile, or an encouraging word. We should never tire of doing good.
Thomas Edison said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it's dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
Look for opportunities to engage in productive activity.
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“I’m innocent,” John wrote from prison. “I was framed and accused of child abuse, but I’m not guilty.”
John read an article I wrote for a national Christian magazine. Since I live in a small town of fewer than four hundred people, learning my address was not difficult.
John claimed to be a Christian, and he included pages of Scripture in his letters to impress me with his knowledge of the Bible. However, I was aware he had merely copied the Scripture from a Bible.
He longed for someone to visit him in prison. I was able to contact a caring older man who volunteered to visit John. George was a true Christian friend who went the extra mile of appearing with John for a hearing.
One day when George visited John in prison, he discovered John was in the infirmary, suffering from an overdose of drugs. All the time George had been trying to help John, John had been using drugs. How sad that he had taken advantage of someone who was an encouraging friend.
Sometimes, we’re guilty of doing the same with our forever Friend. Jesus loved us enough to die on a cross so we might have salvation. He willingly suffered the extreme pain of beatings and the humiliation of being ridiculed and spat upon. In his time of greatest need, His closest friends turned from Him. Peter denied three times that he knew Him.
Our lives should reflect Christ’s presence within us. Our Bibles should not gather dust where they lie upon a shelf. We should spend much time communicating with our Lord, and our prayers should include words of praise and honor to God, not merely a long list of requests.
Our forever Friend wants to have a personal relationship with His children. What changes can you make to help bring that about?
Take time each day to communicate with Jesus Christ.
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“I’m such a mess,” the young woman said. “I have too many issues, and I can’t ever do anything right.”
Isn’t it funny how our human nature dictates the need to be perfect, even though perfection is something we can never attain? It might be hard to admit, but we’re all broken in one way or another. Some brokenness is more obvious than others, but the pain and the struggle remain. We all deal with fears, weaknesses, insecurities, and bad habits. Once we get a handle on one thing, another pops up to discourage us.
The truth is God created us that way. The Bible calls us earthen vessels. Simple clay pots that are cracked. Chipped. Imperfect. If we were perfect, we wouldn’t need a Savior.
Brokenness comes in many forms—homes, hearts, dreams, bodies, relationships, marriages, and lives. The problem comes when we get so caught up in our issues that we are blinded to the plight of those around us. Those of us who claim to follow Christ should always be ready to offer help and hope to those who are hurting. Bob Gass writes, “God uses us to minister to one another, love one another, honor one another, and carry one another’s burdens.”
So, how do we deal with brokenness? We receive and walk in God’s grace. Gass also says, “Grace restores the heart and resolves the troubles of a tormented spirit. It is lovingkindness and forgiveness. It is the favor of God.”
As we grow in grace, we learn to see and accept ourselves for who we are. We embrace the good and surrender all those broken places to the Lord. Then we’re able to reach out and extend that same grace to others.
Remember, we’re all cracked pots, but that’s only so God’s light can shine through us.
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Being a caregiver to Gene stressed me.
Dementia crowded out reality in Gene’s mind, and it seemed he had lost the ability to reason and make the right decisions. When things didn’t go as he believed they should, he lost his temper and exploded verbally at me, saying I was eviler than the alcoholic stepfather who beat him when he was a child.
As I sat alone waiting for an appointment with my doctor, I watched a gray-haired mother pushing a wheelchair with her middle-aged son in it. She headed to the receptionist’s desk to make an appointment. The son’s hands flailed in the air. Guttural sounds poured from his mouth. He depended upon his mother. But the mother had a glowing smile that seemed to reflect inner peace. Her smile never wavered.
I thought about the work of caring for Gene who was incontinent, walked unsteadily with a walker, and took his frustration with life out on me—yet I felt the older mother’s burden was far worse than mine.
As I watched the mother, I felt the urge to tell her how her smile of grace blessed me. But I remained in my seat. Soon, the mother and son left the building. My good intentions accomplished nothing because I didn’t follow through on them.
Perhaps we’ve all been guilty of doing as I did. We may feel God’s Holy Spirit whispering to us to speak a kind word, visit a shut-in, offer a ride to church, or do some other act of kindness, but we fail to carry through.
Be willing to obey those nudges the Lord gives you and to follow through on the kindnesses He bids you do. Don’t be guilty of losing the blessing you may be to others.
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As I tossed and turned underneath the covers, I couldn’t silence my stomach screaming for nourishment.
But as days turned to weeks, my intense hunger dissipated. Initially, I was perplexed at such an outcome, considering my need for food had not been met. Eventually, I realized my stomach and body had compensated for the lack, cueing the internal alert for hunger to cease.
I believe our walk with Christ can parallel the above. When I was baptized as a young girl, I remember the pure excitement and fervor I carried for weeks afterward. Toting around my purple backpack Bible with a cross around my neck, I made sure everyone knew I was a Christian. In time, the zeal faded. Rather than standing up for Jesus, I hid and acted as though I had never met Him.
In our world today, my pattern is not uncommon. We often become complacent and chained to routine. Religion becomes just a box to check off so we feel good about ourselves. Or we become reluctant to gain more knowledge or grow in intimacy with God.
In Scripture, we find the Lord commanding the opposite. The word “seek” is found over two hundred times in Scripture. In this context, the Hebrew word, baqash, means to pursue, search, or devote fully to something or someone. As a verb, the word requires action with no limitations or age requirements.
In a practical sense, seeking the Lord is diving into His Word and studying to find examples and answers to model our lives after. It is prayer. We can talk to God like we would a friend—anywhere or anytime. It is also plugging into and regularly fellowshipping with a community of believers.
This list is not exclusive, but regardless of our approach, we must view pursuing Christ as a priority, not a half-hearted effort. Once we awaken our hunger, it cannot be silenced or ignored.
Pray that your hunger pains will continue to grow for the Lord and His Word.
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“Come see what I found.”
My cousin possessed a great imagination. He had to. He lived in the country in a time before technological advances had produced games and other things that now keep children indoors for hours on end. He had already discovered rolls of player piano music stuffed in boxes in my grandmother’s dusty attic—a place we rarely traversed because of the rickety stairway leading up to it.
Now, he wanted me to see something else he’d discovered. As our grandmother busied herself with cooking, we sneaked to the “front room,” a room she really didn’t like us to visit. We were mischievous boys always looking for devilment—and she knew it.
Quietly, my cousin lifted the top of the old, converted player piano and showed me a quart-sized Mason jar resting on top of the piano guts. I asked what it was. Instead of telling me, he carefully removed the jar, unscrewed the top, and removed the handkerchief my grandmother had stuffed inside.
As he gently unrolled the handkerchief, my eyes bulged, and my heart pounded. Inside were twenties, tens, and fives. Money, we later discovered, our grandmother had saved from selling fish to the neighbors.
My grandmother possessed a treasure only she knew about—or so she thought. Jesus also told a story about a treasure—one a man discovered hidden in a field. Keeping his find a secret, he sold everything he had and bought the field.
Jesus compares the treasure to the kingdom of heaven—the treasure we inherit when we recognize our sinfulness and run to the Savior.
But God doesn’t want us to keep His treasure to ourselves. The man who purchased the field did. My grandmother did. My cousin and I did. God wants us to share our wealth. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was enough to forgive the sins of humanity, and God wants everyone to enjoy His treasure.
Jesus said we should be willing to give up everything for this precious treasure He offers. Whatever keeps us from enjoying it isn’t worth our time and effort.
Have you discovered life’s greatest treasure? If so, tell someone about it.
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Lunch was almost ready in Wilmer McLean’s Virginia home in 1861 when a shell from the nearby battle of Bull Run suddenly dropped into the kitchen chimney, splattering the family meal.
Hours later, the house was shelled into destruction. Seeking peace away from any future battles, McLean moved his family to the distant Virginia community of Appomattox.
Four years later, in April 1865, a pair of soldiers appeared at the McLean house, seeking a place where Confederate General Robert E. Lee and Union General Ulysses S. Grant could sign the imminent surrender documents.
McLean reluctantly agreed, and the generals soon arrived, each with an entourage, to finalize the war in the front parlor. When the signatories were gone, so was the furniture—confiscated by visitors as souvenirs. Each of the two tables used to sign the documents ended up in museums.
Wilmer McLean couldn’t seem to escape an inescapable war. Although I’m not trying to avoid a war, sometimes I have ongoing, troublesome problems that seem as inescapable. And that’s because I’ve failed to let God show me His plans for the situation, making possible solutions seem ethereal.
My problem might be any number of things, but whatever it is, if I don’t get God’s input, then I end up being worried, anxious, and fearful. Subsequently, as I continue to ignore the Lord, forgetting everything and succumbing to my misery becomes tempting.
Paul tells his readers to press on and to pursue the prize, which is knowing Christ. If I’m to do that, then I must turn back to God, learn, and follow His plans for me. If sin is involved, then He’ll forgive me, guide me, and provide for me so I can resume my spiritual journey to recommence my work for Him.
What steps do you need to take to escape your war?
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Like an old ’57 Chevy, one of my valves was shot.
Some years ago, I had heart surgery. For a year or so, I tired more than a person should. It took a while for my doctor to get me to the right specialist who diagnosed the problem. In addition to the valve, I also had some clogged arteries, which he fixed at the same time.
Since this surgery, I now find the phrase “harden not your hearts” a moving meditation phrase. The concept of not hardening our hearts shows up as many as fifteen times in Scripture. A heart is a soft vibrating organ. But if it hardens, it cannot function.
We can harden our hearts in many ways. During my lifetime, I have found at times a hardening of my heart toward meditative prayer. I found myself making it through the day on a couple of recitations of the Lord’s Prayer and one or two other prayers. I didn’t want to turn my heart toward God. I needed to exercise my spiritual heart to get it vibrating and back in the spirit of meditation.
We can also spend less time in spiritual relationships. Perhaps we have hastened the hardening process by negative thoughts about a person. Before we are aware of it, we are not spending time on our relationship with God. Our heart has petrified in this area.
Fortunately, God gives us the ability to reverse this process. I believe we can feel that hardening of the heart when it takes place. We realize we are not the loving person we should be. We have become blah, selfish, or lazy.
Hardening is a gradual process, but one day, we find we have hardened our hearts—and it is our fault.
God made your heart to love. Exercise it so your prayer arteries won’t clog.
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We all want to be accepted and loved, but sometimes we don’t receive it.
In grade school, I was often picked on, leaving me feeling rejected, unloved, and even hated. Hoping I had left all of this pain behind in grade school, I discovered I was wrong. I remember one job I held where I experienced the same type of rejection from co-workers as I did in school.
When I was fourteen years old, my mom got into the car one day and committed suicide. My dad re-married. Seventeen years later, he left my home state after he divorced my stepmom. Other than stepfamily, I don’t have family on my mom's side or my dad's side to rely on. I am in my mid-fifties, but haven’t found a woman to love me and be my wife.
All these incidents have shaken my world and made me feel unloved. Sadly, in this fallen world, selfishness and other sins often get in the way of love and relationships. Sin, rejection, and conflict can turn our love cold and dull, but not Jesus' love.
When Jesus died, He was betrayed, whipped, and nailed to the cross with something similar to heavy spikes. He knows how it feels to be rejected, unloved, and hated.
Nevertheless, out of love for us, Jesus took on immense hatred from others and died for our sins. Now, we can spend eternity with Him if we simply accept Him into our hearts. When we go to heaven, we will live in a world where sin won’t get in the way of love.
If you haven’t, accept Jesus’ love and ask Him into your heart.
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Call Ruth and see how she is doing.
The thought kept going through my mind. I sensed the Lord’s prompting to call an elderly woman from my church. So, I wrote her name on my to-do list. On the bottom of my to-do list. Yes, I would call Ruth, but I needed to do other things first. Eventually, evening arrived. I was tired and decided it was too late to call her. I would do it tomorrow.
When the Lord prompts me to do something, I seldom say “No.” Quite often, however, I say “Later.” But many times, later never comes.
In the gospels, Jesus called Peter and Andrew to leave their homes and their livelihood and follow Him. They did not wait until they caught a few more fish or until they said goodbye to the neighbors. They didn’t tell Jesus they would follow Him later. The Scriptures say they immediately stood up, left their nets, and followed Him.
How often I think of procrastination as a trivial thing. But the Lord who deserves our obedience also deserves immediate obedience.
Why is it that I so often procrastinate in obeying the Lord? Often, I want to be in control of my time and priorities. I am a list maker, and I don’t like my well-orchestrated plans interrupted. I forget my time is in His hands, and that He has the right to reorder my priorities. My response should be “Yes, Lord,” followed by immediate obedience.
Ask God to give you a surrendered will that obeys immediately.
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Our phone rang not thirty minutes after two of our teenage sons loaded into the truck to run a few errands.
“I was following the boys across the river bridge, and a cigarette flew out the window and landed on my car. I thought you’d like to know.”
Very few rush to tell us good things about our children, rather it’s the opposite. If there is an issue, folks race to inform us of their misgivings forcing us to wonder if our children do anything other than rabble-rousing. Was our parenting labor in vain? A worthless effort that has only managed to produce unruly children? Of course not, but the negativity of man leans first to what is wrong rather than what is right. Perhaps this is a foothold of the evil one—a way he can instill chaos and frustration into our hearts.
John, in this letter to Gaius—a traveling companion, a fellow believer, and a respected teacher—immediately offered a compliment. He shared that he had no greater joy than to hear his children were walking in the truth. What a compliment, both for John and Gaius, to know that those they labored and invested their time into remained staunch in their beliefs in Christ.
When we labor hard on a project or even in our families, it’s nice to know others see the good. Especially when it comes to our children. The time we invest in them is valuable. The validation from others brings us joy. God is equally pleased when His children remain strong in their relationships with Him. He delights in our efforts to be the children He longs for us to be.
We knew and still know, our children are far from perfect, but it doesn’t mean they are bad men. Still, it would have been nice to have heard our friend say, “Your son is a good driver” instead. We addressed the issue, but praising them would have been so much sweeter.
When others try to stifle the joy we have in Christ by pointing out those minute failures, do not dismay. Hold strong to the purity of Christ. Remain in His Word and pray for His guidance in your understanding.
The Father is joyful at your faithful labor.
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When I was a little girl, my parents weren’t well-off.
I never went without, but I didn’t grow up in the lap of luxury either. One thing my mother taught me was not to worry because the Lord would provide. And He always did. No matter how tight the finances were, we always had enough.
The shepherds of David’s time cared for every need of their sheep. They provided lush pastures, cool streams of water, and protection from danger.
The heavenly Father is our Shepherd who provides for all our needs. God will liberally supply our every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Thank goodness He doesn’t do it according to our bank balance. In case we’re feeling a bit doubtful, God assures us that if we rely on Him, we will not be disappointed. He will not let us down. No matter what the need, He will provide.
We should not set our hopes on the uncertainty of possessions, but rather on God who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Our Father wants to provide for our needs and give us things purely for enjoyment. Isn’t that just like a true father?
Our Father knows what we need before we ask Him. We have no reason to worry or be anxious about food, clothing, or any other needs we may have. Instead, we should seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all those other things will be given to us.
I have carried my childhood lessons with me throughout my life, tackling the challenges of almost twenty years of marriage and raising three children on one average wage. The Lord, my Shepherd, has supported me just as He promised. I can still say, “I have all that I need.”
Are you trusting God to provide all you need?
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For many, old stuff is just junk. Things nobody wants. But to a collector, junk is potential.
A collector stops at nearly every thrift store, rummage sale, or auction looking for just the right item to advance his collection. Perhaps he collects paintings, or jewelry, or priceless glassware. Scanning the shelves, alert for the item he seeks, his pulse quickens with excitement when he sees it. Examining the treasure, he overlooks the cracks, stains, or dust. He knows how to clean, polish, and restore. Hugging the special find, he gladly pays the purchase price, for he grasps the true value of the item.
Jesus is a collector of people. He finds us in the dust and ruts of our sin. His eyes sparkle with delight as He heals our brokenness and claims us as one of His own. Having paid the extravagant price, He redeems us with His blood. He washes us in the waters of baptism and records our names in the Lamb’s Book of Life. He sands the rough edges, removes our stains with His righteousness, and uses our scars to remind us where we’ve been and who He is to us.
Although the collector may display his priceless find in a frame, behind a glass window, or on a shelf, Jesus chooses to give us new purpose. He blesses us with gifts and talents, then surrounds us with people who need our help. In our daily devotions, He whispers an idea, the plan He has for us. He equips us for ministries large or small and sends us out into the world to share His love with others.
You are a treasure—a special delight to God. Have you heard His whisper in your heart? How will He use you today? Let Him use your feeble efforts to further His kingdom and honor Him.
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The young woman swiped her eyes, smearing mascara across her cheeks.
“You have worth. Your life is valuable.” A kind man stretched out his hand to help her stand. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and gently placed it in her hand. “Things seem hard, but the Father knows your needs. Let me help you inside the shelter.”
With that, he guided the woman into the shelter and the presence of a minister. Two women joined the pastor and welcomed the young girl.
“Let’s get you cleaned up and get some food in you. Then we can figure out how best to help you.”
The young girl smiled as the man who’d freely helped her waved goodbye. “Remember, you are valuable in God’s eyes.”
The evil one seeks to tear us down mentally. We look for the physical attacks, almost expect them, but for one reason or another, our eyes are blinded to the mental attacks that rain down on us. Satan works, not from a standpoint of our strengths, for he cannot compare to them, but from our weaknesses where he needles his way into our minds. Attacking our self-confidence is easy because as humans, our mental well-being is vulnerable. We become easy targets when we question our self-worth to our Father and our friends.
Jesus seemed burdened by the worry of those He preached to in this passage. He recognized their fear. It was a tumultuous time for believers. His reassurance to the people was not a promise that things would be easy but rather a reminder of whom the people should fear, and whom they should depend upon.
Picture the gentleness of the Savior as He walked among the people. Take in His desire to calm the fear, and grasp hold of the reassurance He gave that day. What good is it to fear one who can simply take our life but do nothing else? Fear the one who can cast us into hell. Don’t worry. God knows every part of us. If He finds value in the sparrows, imagine how much more value He finds in us.
The Father loves His children, and, although we know this as believers, we tend to lose sight of how He cares for us. He doesn’t want to lose one soul. God allows us the freedom to choose to love Him. His love for us is strong and our value in His eyes is beyond our understanding.
Never question your value in God’s eyes.
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When I was a little boy, my parents told me the true story of a farmer whose farm burned down.
The farmer looked at what had happened. He saw something lying on the ground, but he didn’t know what it was. He kicked it, and, when he did, a bunch of hens ran from under the mother hen’s wings.
Jesus told the Jews something similar in this verse: How often would I have gathered thy children together even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings but ye would not. He wanted them to receive Him as their Messiah and Savior, not only as a political ruler. Yet He died for the whole world to protect us from the fires of eternal punishment.
Jesus wept over Jerusalem when He said the words above. He weeps over lost souls today who reject Him. He not only wants to protect us from the eternal consequences of sin in the life to come but also to shield us from bad things that happen when we choose to live a life of sin in the present.
Even if we’ve strayed from Him and gotten ourselves into a life of sin by doing things that have caused us pain and heartache, He weeps for us and wants to bring us back to Himself. As He was patient and longsuffering with the nation of Israel, He is patient with us because He wants none to be lost.
If you need to repent of something, ask God to forgive you and to help you refrain from doing it again in the future.
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Some have been accused of having selective hearing.
Many husbands have been diagnosed with this condition. The pant of a buck at one hundred yards is loud and clear, while a call for assistance from the kitchen finds many men deaf. What’s at work here is not an intermittent physical malady but a listening filter.
Our minds and hearts tune in or ignore sounds. These noises might not always be measured in decibels but can harden our hearts. We allow the drumbeat of our world to drown out God’s message.
It seems bizarre yet amazing that Samuel heard God calling him. We often say God has spoken to us through the Bible, an inspired song, or an insightful sermon, but rarely have we asserted that God spoke audibly. Some have probably asked God, politely, of course, to speak out loud, but history and experience tell us aural messages from our Maker are a rare occurrence.
Oh, that we could step into the quiet and filter out the cacophony of clatter that fills our world. It seems our efforts toward quiet are characterized more by baffling noise with more noise.
Congregational worship is not sound-dependent. We need to bring back quiet moments to our congregational worship. Faith-family worship is when we gather before God with humble hearts, and the world switch is turned to the off position.
We don’t have to seek the Samuel-event, just the Samuel-condition. Too often, we approach worship with the frivolous clamor of this world still echoing in our minds and hearts. Congregational worship is not an attempt to drown out the world as much as it is pointing to the one speaking. God is speaking to each one of us. Our task is to stop and listen.
Worship is the family of God sitting at His table and turning the things of this world off while we dine.
Ask God to help you turn off the unnecessary so you can worship Him.
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We respond to new things differently.
How we respond depends on what we’re responding to. A new season of our favorite TV show. A new book by our favorite author. A new college course to teach. A new restaurant nearby. A new company policy. New eyeglasses. A new commute to work.
How about a new commandment?
Alone with His disciples, Jesus had much to tell them before He returned to heaven. “My children, I will be with you only a little longer … where I am going, you cannot come. In my place, my Father will give you another comforter to be with you forever. I will not leave you as orphans.”
He also said, “I’m about to give you a new command.”
Say what, Jesus? Another commandment? Don’t we have enough already?
“Here it is, fellas. You are to love each other.”
No offense, Jesus, but love isn’t exactly new. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself” is as old as Moses.
“Okay, fellas, here’s what’s new. You are to love each other the same way I have loved you. In fact, from now on, the sign that you belong to Me will be My love in you for each other.”
Jesus provided Himself as the embodiment and the standard of divine love. He prepared His followers for love in a new dimension—namely, Christian love. His disciples were to love each other, not merely as Jewish neighbors, but as Christians.
Old Testament scholar, Christopher Wright, spells out what this love entails: “When we love one another as Christians, it crosses all our differences and barriers. It’s more than sentimental feelings of being nice. It shows itself in practical, down-to-earth caring, providing, helping, encouraging, and supporting one another, even when it costs a lot or hurts a lot to do so. This love brings people together who would otherwise hate, hurt, and even kill one another.”
No one can see God as He is, yet everyone can see Him in the new dimension of Christian love. Same love, new dimension. Down-to-earth and strikingly visible.
Ask God to help you make love in a new dimension happen.
(Christopher Wright, Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit: Growing in Christlikeness (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2017), 24.)
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I clipped unmercifully at the evergreen plants in the pot sitting on the patio.
The plants were overgrown and needed major pruning. They resented it. For weeks, they continued to drop brown needles onto the tile floor and look as though they were dead and didn't intend to flourish again.
Weeks passed before I saw new budding. Still sparsely clad in the brown of mourning, they offered me hope with a slither of green. I was relieved. I thought they may not live, but now they brought forth new life. The pruning worked.
I've been pruned before—so much that I didn't want to revive my life. In retrospect, I realize I was overgrown with the desires and wants of this life. The brown, dead needles that stunted any spiritual growth had embedded into the branches of my life, zapping all nourishment necessary for growth.
A major pruning was the only alternative. God did that. I didn't like it, and I appeared dead for a long time. I felt stripped and barren of all I had known in my life.
Eventually, without realizing it, signs of new life sprouted. My life took on a green color. The Word of God became my nourishment as God watered and fed me with His promises.
I didn't prune or water myself. I didn't want to. But the Pruner saw the need and rid me of the dead life that existed. What a joyous event when my branches sprung forth with exuberant life. The buds became full foliage, and the beauty of my soul belonged to Him.
How could I have possibly survived without His pruning?
If the Pruner sees the need, let Him prune you.
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She can’t help it. Burying is in her nature.
Our small chihuahua-terrier mix is a house dog, but she still wants to do what an outside dog does when given a bone. We occasionally buy her bones she can chew on for a while—bones that will clean her teeth. After giving her the bone, she stands in the middle of the floor and whines. Without me asking, I know what she is saying: “Let me outside so I can bury my bone. Don’t you know that’s what dogs do?”
When I don’t acknowledge her request, she resorts to other measures. She hides the bone inside. Perhaps between the couch cushions or under the blankets in her kennel. Maybe behind a piece of furniture. Some place she knows but I don’t. Days later, she may appear with the bone in her mouth. They last a long time—but only because she hides them.
Burying is also typical human behavior. God’s people in the Old Testament did it. I’ve done it. And many other people have too. We don’t generally air our dirty laundry, especially if it’s something that happened long ago or something that might keep us from getting a job, getting a promotion, entering a relationship, or…getting closer to God.
The trouble with burying sin—in whatever form we try—is that it messes up life. If I bury unforgiveness, anger, selfishness, guilt, or sexual immorality, they have a way of uncovering themselves in ugly psychological, social, or emotional episodes. Not only do they mess up my life, they also mess up my relationship with others—especially with God.
Confession means to have the same mind. So whatever God thinks about sin or my decisions, I should think the same thing. When I confess, I recognize my need for help—and from Someone who has the power to give it. I’m not perfect. I need a Savior. Everyone does.
And when I confess daily, it keeps the lines of communication open between me and God, which is important for healthy living. Confession keeps things above board while burying keeps them…well…buried.
Don’t take on animal behavior by burying what needs to come out in the open. God knows anyway. Let Him know you know by daily confessing your sins and failures to Him.
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While I worshipped online at home one morning, I realized the little birds in the garden were chirping.
So was I. Because it’s great to be a Christian, I was chirpy as usual. I can follow Jesus. It is not always easy to be a Christian, but it is a challenge with benefits. People threw a lot of rocks at Jesus, and still do, yet He shines for His followers.
Believers can face each day with optimism. I believe God exists, the Word of God is true, and that following Jesus is the way for each of us. As I read my Bible, I turn often to this verse, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” This is Jesus’ message to all of us. In the Bible, I can find wisdom. Jesus’ wisdom helps me make better decisions and guides me through each day.
Following Jesus gives me direction, adding to my resilience to manage daily routines. God wants us to follow in the steps of Jesus in our humble, human way. Doing so may not be easy, but if we keep going, the blessings of our Lord will keep flowing.
Are you waking up chirpy because you are glad to be a Christian?
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At six in the morning, the stars shone brightly in the cloudless sky.
An older woman put on her robe, stepped onto her porch, and looked up at the stars. She heard the sound of traffic a few blocks away as workers began their morning commute. Many miles away, a farmer stepped outside his barn and paused to look at the magnificence of the starry night. He heard the sound of a rooster crowing. Further away, a young woman in the mountains stepped into her backyard, beheld the beauty of the morning sky, and heard the gentle sound of a nearby stream.
God’s handiwork is evident to all: city dwellers, rural dwellers, and mountain dwellers alike. People in North America, Africa, and any other continent can see it. It is a gift of beauty, available to rich and poor alike.
The psalmist states that the heavens, including the stars, declare God’s glory. It is hard to imagine anyone gazing at a starry sky and not feeling a sense of awe. The beauty is evident to all. It speaks of a Creator whose masterpiece leaves us speechless.
The psalmist also says the heavens are God’s handiwork. When I think of handiwork, I picture a woman knitting. Her fingers move deftly while she carries on a conversation or watches television. For an experienced knitter, the handiwork is effortless. The psalmist gives us an image of God placing the stars in the sky as effortlessly as a knitter completes a row of stitches.
Perhaps God hung stars because He wanted to remind us of His presence. To give the early riser a reason to pause before rushing into the day. To see a magnificent image and to stand in awe of a Creator who effortlessly placed the stars in the sky.
Take time to pause and praise our magnificent Creator.
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I woke up today, and I felt small and insignificant.
My mood happened when I fell into the trap of comparing myself to others. I doubt I am the only one who does this. Others might also feel small, insignificant, and maybe even invisible sometimes. I have felt all of those at one time or another.
But I reminded myself that the Bible tells me otherwise. I have read how God worked in the lives of insignificant and invisible people in a mighty way. I could easily think of five whom God moved from a place of insignificance to a position of great ranking.
David was invisible, but God handpicked him while a young shepherd and anointed him as the king of Israel.
Joseph was invisible while falsely imprisoned—until his appointed time when God promoted him to second in command to Pharoah in Egypt. God used him to save the people from famine.
Moses was invisible, feeling defeated and finished on the backside of the desert, until God burned a holy bush and called him to free His people.
Nehemiah was invisible during his captivity as a cupbearer for King Artaxerxes, but God enabled him to lead in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.
Gideon was invisible as he hid—threshing wheat in a wine press. Yet the angel of the Lord appeared and called him a mighty warrior. God gave him an unconventional victory in battle with only three hundred men.
Recalling the accounts of these men assured me God sees us. We are not invisible to Him. But if we feel that way, we can remind ourselves about David, Joseph, Moses, Nehemiah, and Gideon. Let their stories tell you what they told me. We are not insignificant, and we are not invisible.
God sees you, and He has amazing plans He wants to work in your life.
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When I was ten, I drank stagnant water.
For a couple of years, our family lived in a farmhouse with a cistern on the back porch. A tanker truck from town filled it with water when the level was low. The truck driver removed the big concrete lid, and my little brother and I peered down into the deep round shaft. Once, we saw a dead rat floating in the tank. This was the water we consumed.
I became ill. The doctor gave my mom instructions after several visits to his office: “Get your water tested.” The analysis revealed our water was unfit for human consumption.
I have also been through periods of stagnant spiritual living. My Bible readings were dull, my prayers listless, and my meditation and worship monotonous. God was patient and loving with me and said, “Get your water tested.” I realized my consumption of stagnant water robbed me of the joy of my salvation.
I confessed my boredom and lack of enthusiasm for Christ. He put an end to my apathetic condition by pointing me to a new Bible study, prayer group, book, music, art, and mission. Suddenly, I gained a new understanding of Scriptures I had read many times before. Or He opened a different door for His work. In God’s green pastures, my stagnant soul was renewed by His water of mercy, grace, and love.
The difference between fresh water and stagnant water is monumental. Once our family started drinking fresh water at the farmhouse, my health improved. When I allow God to change my perspective, I drink from His clear-flowing fountain. My spiritual health improves, and my joy is complete.
If you feel somewhat stagnant spiritually, get your water tested.
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As I parked at the grocery store, a young mother, father, and their three little ones stood on the corner with a cardboard sign that read, “Out of work. Please help.”
While I shopped, I purchased extra food and treats to give to the family. But as I drove past the corner, they were gone. I drove around looking for them for a few minutes but never saw them again.
I asked God why He would put it on my heart to help those people but then not provide the opportunity. I realized it was my will, not His. God doesn’t expect us to assist every homeless person we see or every needy beggar on the street corner. Yet we should always be willing and ready.
We live in different times than when the Bible was written. Sadly, in our world, scammers who wear ragged clothing and ask for money get into their cars and drive to nice homes at the end of the day. They’re nothing more than con artists. Why anyone would choose that difficult and humiliating way of life over honest hard work is beyond me. But they detract from the truly needy, the injured war veteran, and the mentally disabled who cannot find work and are forced to beg to survive.
When we’re living in faith, the Holy Spirit moves us to do what is right and just and to care for those in need. When we keep our side of the street clean and our hearts in tune with God’s desires, we desire what He desires. He prompts; we act.
The next time you see someone in need, ask God for guidance. If you are living in faith, you will hear and obey.
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When I first met the Lord as a teenager, many fears plagued me.
I struggled with feelings of inferiority and low self-esteem. But once I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior, a new dynamic entered my life. I experienced the love of the Father. The Holy Spirit ministered to me through His Word, His Presence, and His people. The fears that once shaped me lost their power over me.
As I grew in my relationship with God, I also grew in faith and confidence. Today, I am still tempted, at times, to fear when circumstances arise, but I have learned to offer my troubles to God and allow Him to shower me with His love. His love makes me strong, and His love will make anyone strong.
God's love is perfect, and His perfect love drives away fear. Fear is a spirit. God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. This promise is for us. We don't have to live with fear.
Fear debilitates and destroys. But with the Lord in our lives, we can win the victory over timidity. We can allow His love to set us free. It may take time. It did for me. I found it helpful to meditate on Scriptures that speak about God's love. Our Lord's truth brings deliverance and freedom.
If you struggle with fear of any kind, invite the Lord into your situation. As you draw near to Him, He will draw near to you. Meditate on Scriptures that speak of the love of God. His perfect love will surely drive away your fears.
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Priming a pump is important.
I grew up in a rural community in South Carolina. One of my favorite parts of the week was visiting my paternal grandfather after church. Mom and I would leave church on a hot Sunday afternoon after hours of Sunday school and worship and drive down a long dirt road toward my granddad’s house.
My grandfather often sat on his porch, sometimes entertaining other men from the neighborhood. In my Sunday best, consisting of some sort of frilly dress, lace socks, and shiny patent leather shoes, I’d sit with my grandad and chat about my week.
Every so often, I’d venture out back to his old pump. My dad had taught me how to prime the pump if I ever wanted water. The key was that the previous person who got water had to leave some water in the cup. That way, the next person could pour a little water in to get more water out.
Finding an empty cup meant going inside Grandad’s house to locate some water for priming. We knew water was in the well—ample water. We knew we could get what was available, but we had to put something in to get something out.
During prolonged periods of anxiety, uncertainty, grief, and expectation, I wonder how frequently we find an empty cup. How often do we run on empty, only to show up for others with nothing to prime our pump. Nothing for our worship time, our family, our friends, or the believers and seekers we walk alongside.
Sometimes, we are faced with challenging seasons and no concept of when these seasons will end. As my days run long and my hours few, I am reminded that to replenish myself or anyone else, I must have something in my cup. So, I anchor my days in prayer. I engage in healthy and heart-fueled community. I meditate on God’s words day and night so that when He presents me with an opportunity, I am equipped and replenished … ready and available to prime the pump.
Make it your prayer that the water that comes from your well nourishes those you serve, fills them to overflowing with the light of Christ, and fuels their desire to grow closer to God.
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The alert lit up my phone like fireworks on a dark night.
Seconds later, I heard the announcement: “Faculty and students, we are now under a severe weather alert.”
Quickly, we teachers herded our students into the hallways and into their learned positions: kneeling and heads covered with a book.
Keeping students quiet always proves a task. At their age, they think they’re invincible and that a tornado could never hit our school. What they didn’t know, but discovered later, was that one touched down near our location.
Time dragged. We rotated between the hunched-down position and the sitting-on-our-rears position. Wave after wave of severe storms rolled through. At one point, we stopped releasing students. Those picking up students either had to remain in their vehicles or come inside.
One grandparent decided to shelter inside with his granddaughter, one of my seventh-grade students. When the administrative assistant told him we were not releasing students, he said, “I know. I just wanted to be with her.”
As I monitored my students, I watched this older gentleman call his granddaughter from her tribe of students. They moved to a different spot and sat on the floor. As we waited out the storms, he looked at her graded papers and congratulated her on her good grades. Who knew? That might have been the final conversation they would have.
Looking on, I realized this grandpa wasn’t much older than me. And had any of my grandchildren been present, I would have done the same thing.
Life has a way of getting busy, and we have a way of getting bogged down in selfish pursuits with little value. Temporary pleasures. Momentary enjoyments. No lasting value. James says life is like a vapor or morning fog. Life dissipates quickly … often too quickly.
God gives us just enough time to value the most important things: loving Him, loving our family, and loving others. Anything else becomes icing on the cake or a distraction that removes our focus from more important things.
Cherish your time by loving God, your family, and others.
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Imagine a band of aspiring adventurers seeking to overcome a terrible evil in a cave with a dungeon inside.
A dangerous dragon lurks, guarding hordes of treasure, and the princess waits to swoon over her knight in shining armor. “Oh, my champion has arrived!” You know, the usual.
But two different races resided within the fellowship. One, a noble-born elf, and the other, a proud prince of a dwarven king. Many a battle, they fought. Many glorious songs were sung about this adventurous duo. The goblins and orcs were but mere foot soldiers compared to their might and deadly skill in the art of war.
When the time came to divvy the treasure and divide the plunder, the elf and the dwarf bickered and complained over who should receive the favor of the human princess. The elf craved the appraisal from the princess for his elegance and beauty, while the dwarf desired to honor his father by bringing gratitude to the king. Through long and sustained bitter quarreling, the dwarf tackled the elf and knocked him off his feet.
Envy and jealousy are terrible things. Envy is a bitter root and malicious poison that suffers no rivals. However, jealousy is an unyielding thing.
Our heavenly Father loves and cares for us deeply. He suffers no rivals when it comes to our attention. Nor will He tolerate adversaries for His bride, the church. This can cause us to stumble at times in more ways than we can think of.
It’s an amazing thing how much our heavenly Father loves us, and how His jealousy reflects certain things that come up in our lives.
Regardless of whether we’re going on an adventure, staying home with a good book, enjoying warm food near a fire, or just cozying up, we can discern types of jealousy in our lives and how to understand not being knocked over—or knocking someone else over in the process.
Don’t let jealousy knock you out of God’s plan.
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I stood there, trumpet in hand, mouth drier than the Sahara, perspiration making me look like a drowning victim.
I was certain I was going to throw up. At age fourteen, I had voluntarily agreed to participate in a music festival where a professional musician would rate my performance. Anxiety reigned supreme.
Anxiety manifests itself in many ways, and countless things can cause it. I have experienced it, seen it, and known people who struggle with it. I have dubbed it the “what-if syndrome.” From possibly flunking a test to imagining the loss of our job or spouse, the what-if we entertain can ruin a beautiful day. Our minds seem to push us forward into fearful events, and we live there instead of in the present.
Jesus' teaching in Luke's twelfth chapter is devoted to anxiety. He teaches us that God's love for us exceeds His care for birds and flowers. He teaches about what lasts and what doesn't. God's care for our souls is greater than His maintenance of creation.
Faith family worship is a step across a threshold from the temporal to a close encounter with the eternal. It is turning away from the sickening dread of what might happen to the hope and joy of what is to come. Faith family worship challenges the notion that calamity is just around the corner and reminds us our Creator is in control.
Our worship with fellow believers reminds us we are not alone in our fears and our obsession with angst. We not only learn coping skills, but we also mix with overcomers who gather at the throne of mercy to celebrate God’s unconditional love and care. The encouragement and hope shared with fellow believers moves our attention from what if to the joy of what will be.
The anxiety battle, as with any of our suffering, can be a life-long struggle. God does not always cure us of our temporary maladies or erase the consequences of living in a fallen world, but He does promise His presence and tender mercies through it all.
Let your worship exchange desperation for hope.
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I laughed at her sweetly spoken and crudely written words.
On an Easter Sunday morning, before breaking into small groups, the youth of our church viewed a stick-people video narrated by children. The children described events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion on Friday. Most of their comments fit what we typically expect: Jesus’ love, ministry, and cruel death, as well as the people’s reactions. Yet one stood out from the others. A little girl called the day following the crucifixion, Sadder Day.
I doubt I’ll ever forget the little girl’s words. What an on-target description, simple yet profound. Never has our world known a sadder day. Following Friday’s events, reality hit hard. Jesus died. Joseph and Nicodemus buried him. The disciples disappeared. Jesus’ mother and all His followers mourned. Sin reigned…or so it seemed.
However, the children’s narration did not stop there. The sadness of Sadder Day did. On Sunday, the women who planned to anoint Jesus’ buried body found an empty tomb. An angel told them Jesus was not there. He had risen from the dead. Later, Jesus appeared to them and others before His ascension back into heaven. According to Jesus’ commission before leaving them, His formerly sad and fearful followers boldly proclaimed Jesus’ defeat of sin and death.
That same story and commission lives on through the lives of Jesus’ followers today. We all have sadder days. Nevertheless, if we embrace the Easter message and allow its truth to permeate our lives, we know those days will pass. Jesus’ victory and message become ours to live and to share.
With childlike enthusiasm, embrace and then declare the triumph of love over hate, peace over conflict, hope over despair, and joy over sadness.
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While vacuuming one day, I noticed the vacuum container was full.
Being a dutiful husband, I took on the nasty task of emptying it. Dust specks danced freely as I dumped the contents into the trash. Thinking the job was done, I resumed my housework. Yet something was still wrong. It was not cleaning as deeply as I wanted.
Upon further inspection, I could see that fine dust still clogged the system. To consider the cleaning job complete by emptying the main contents and continuing to vacuum would be futile. I could go through the motions, yet truly clean nothing.
God’s Spirit used this setting to whisper a spiritual truth. It is easy to avoid or ask forgiveness for my large or readily recognizable sins. And yet the fine dust remains and continues clogging up a deeper spiritual life.
Fine dust represents those hidden, protected, excused, or ignored areas, actions, and mindsets. I may have grown so accustomed to or comfortable with them that I don’t readily see them. Close friends may be able to point out such blind spots. However, most often, such intimate scrutiny involves the searchlight of the Holy Spirit. The psalmist recognized this need by asking God to keep him from presumptuous and hidden (even pampered) sins.
When I humbly surrender and open myself before God, He reveals my fine dust. Then it becomes a matter of personal repentance and willingness to change. I must lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares me and allow God to dump my fine dust. Only in this way can I go deeper with Him on the path to Christlikeness. In addition to God’s ongoing searchlight and my willing submission to Him, there still remains my desire to honor Him in all I say and do.
Let the words of your mouth and the meditation of Your heart be acceptable in God’s sight.
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A new friend and I met at a local coffee shop.
She was an experienced writer, so I picked her brain.
“Just start writing. Take small, baby steps,” she offered. “You don’t have to publish a book or do anything grandiose. The Spirit will guide you in what He wants you to write.”
Only scratching the surface, I acclimated to the waters before I dived into the depths of God’s plans for my writing. I walked along the beach of His stories, stuck my toes in, and enjoyed the wonder of His words.
“No hurry, no rush,” echoed in my mind like rhythmic, gentle waves on the shore. Sometimes it felt as if a tidal wave had washed over me—full force, knocking me off my feet, dragging me away in the undertow.
Fifteen years ago, I accepted the call in my heart to become a Christian writer. Naïve and a little foolish at the time, I dove in and almost drowned. Like Moses taking matters into his own hands, I jumped the gun. Nothing happened. I was dead in the water—confused and frustrated. But my waiting time prepared me for what was ahead.
I am encouraged that God doesn’t change. He lives in the shallows as well as in the deep. His plans and purposes are perfect and will always stand. I am His pen, His keyboard, His instrument, a speck of dust in His vast universe of time and space, sustained by amazing grace.
Make a commitment to spend time diving deeper into God’s love, His words, and His plans.
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I read this verse in my Bible and wondered how I could become a woman of God. In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers, but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
When I turned sixty years old, I included this wish in my bucket list. But first came the pre-Corona days. I re-joined my local church and made some new friends in my awesome community of God. I had worshipped there before, but my health conditions or simple inertia prevented me from participating as I should have.
Then, Covid-19 hit. Now, I make silent prayers and devotions. I am sure God understands that all humans struggle at times with things that hold us back, whether it is health or domestic situations.
I found one step to developing my soul as a woman of God was to offer a morning offering to God. I woke up, so I thanked God. The sun rose, and dawn took away the veil of darkness from my blinded eyes—the windows of my soul. I said, “Good morning, Jesus!”
A woman of God should be herself—calm and smiling and praying to be blessed by grace. But it is hard sometimes not to give in to the temptation of gossiping or giving others labels. Sometimes I think negative thoughts about others but carry on as normal. A woman can have a pretty face but an ugly heart. A woman of God will smile calmly and turn the other cheek, walking humbly in her devotion to Jesus.
But no one is a perfect Christian woman. I am sure God understands our temptations to gossip, feel envy, or assign negative labels. As the old saying says, “Loose lips sink ships.”
On such occasions, I find it best to maintain peace in my heart and home. Then I can go to bed at night, considering that a woman of God had a peaceful day and nothing happened. Peace pleases God. And I can say, “Good night, Jesus. Please bless me with Your grace.”
I am still working on being a woman of God. Are you?
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I watch in silent horror as the glass slips through my greasy fingers and plummets to the tile floor.
All awareness ceases for a second, although the crashing awakens me. Not only my mother’s glass dish, carrying the recipe and expensive ingredients I perfected for weeks, but also my failure. Shards of glass and meatloaf sprawl all over the floor, the refrigerator, the trashcan, me, and somehow even my hair.
Why is it I can’t seem to do anything, right? I am ugly. I am dumb. I am a failure.
Whether this scene is familiar or not, we all have days (sometimes weeks or months) where our shortcomings seem magnified. Maybe we compare ourselves to the neighbor with a fancy car or sleek figure. Maybe we try to appease our parents or the world. Or maybe we are our own worst enemy, as it is with me. Regardless of the motive, we all have scripts in our mind. But we can change the narrative.
Samuel went to the house of Jesse to figure out who the anointed king would be but learned an important lesson about looking at people through God’s eyes.
Rather than an outcast, God says I am chosen. I am not too dirty or unworthy. God says I am holy. I am loved—but not contingent upon any standards. The world says I am ugly, but God says I am beautiful, fearfully and wonderfully made. Science and people say I am an accident, but God has a purpose for me. I am not too broken. I am God’s masterpiece.
Rather than a shifting foundation based on the dollar amount in the bank or numbers on the scale—or even people who mean well, yet are still sinners—God is the same. Yesterday, today, and forever.
Life would be different if we thought and saw ourselves and the world the way God sees. It won’t happen overnight, although it's time to silence the Enemy and open the first page of the story He’s writing. The story of our lives.
Let God help you see yourself through His eyes.
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My spirits soared as I cruised down the interstate on a long-anticipated weekend trip.
The year 2020 had been difficult, and I needed a break. Singing along to a CD of my favorite hymns, I relaxed and let my mind wander as I drove.
Life was good—at least until I glanced in my rearview mirror. My heart sank as blue lights flashed atop a patrol car, rapidly approaching from behind. Pulling over, I realized I was now a lawbreaker…a speeder. I had not intentionally broken the law; I was simply daydreaming and not paying attention while driving. Intentional or not, the result was the same: a hefty ticket.
Traveling the road of the Christian life often brings similar results. While there are no posted speed limits, the Bible does give expected standards for behavior. Distracted by our daily lives, we sometimes fail to pay attention to God’s laws. We do not set out to sin, but somehow we do. Inattention causes our downfall. Sin is sin whether inadvertent or intentional.
Paul instructed the Corinthian believers to be on their guard. Christians today would do well to heed his directions also. But when should we be on guard? Paul did not limit his instruction to a specific time or activity.
We must carefully observe God’s standards all the time. Without paying constant attention, we run the risk of committing sin. And the consequences of sin are far worse than receiving a speeding ticket.
Ask God to help you stay on guard.
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I love taking early morning walks as an extension of my quiet time with God.
I especially enjoy watching and photographing the different birds as they begin their day. Some stand by the pond fishing while others peck at the ground, searching for their breakfast. Although Florida is famous for its flamingos, cranes, and pelicans, our state bird is the mockingbird. They are plentiful, boisterous, and vocal.
One day as I neared home, I spotted a mockingbird standing on the highest twig of a little tree in my neighbor’s yard. He belted his song with all his might. I often see this particular bird near my house, but regardless of the weather, he never quits singing.
As I listened to his chorus, I remembered I had sometimes sung a different tune. Complaining had too often dulled the melody I shared. Sometimes, harsh notes of selfishness caused others to cover their ears because of the shrill notes that poured from my lips.
The little mockingbird reminded me that if I start the day with praise, then God will fill my song with peace and joy. And I, too, will want to find the highest branch to sing my song for God.
Ask God to forgive you for the days when you cheeped and tweeted only about yourself. Then thank Him for sending music teachers with wings to teach you how to sing God’s praises again.
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Millie has a habit.
Millie stuffs plastic grocery bags into other grocery bags and then places those bags into more plastic bags until she acquires bundles of bags within bags. These bundles hang in the kitchen, in the laundry room, in the linen closet, in the garage, and under every sink in the house.
One day I confronted Millie about her obsession. She gave an endless list of reasons why they must stay within easy reach. The luxury of grabbing a bag at a moment’s notice must bring comfort to Millie. It’s a security thing, I guess. Why worry about running out of bags when you don’t need to? After removing all but one bundle of bags in the house and suffering repercussions from it for days, I decided never to bring up the subject again.
Millie’s picturesque manner of storing bags gave me reason to notice an identical pattern I display with my need for God’s Word—and why I must hide so many Scripture verses in my heart because of their practical uses. I like to keep them within easy reach, just in case the moment warrants attention from God’s Word.
Some verses find their way into specific compartments of my life, and I will often add another verse to the existing supply. This practice of adding verses gives me immediate access to the truths I need to fill my heart. It’s a security thing I guess, needing the assurance that God’s Word is within easy reach.
Arm yourself with truth from God’s Word so you can move forward through every trauma you face.
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The legacy of the pandemic of 2020 remains to be seen.
The deepest wounds from this worldwide blight are lost lives, but the post-pandemic societal stains may arrive later. Just as wars and trauma afflict us with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this catastrophic event left its mark. The new buzz word, social distancing, may have long-lasting effects on how we relate to one another. Before the pandemic, we didn't know our neighbors. During the pandemic, we took an additional step away from each other.
Churches were challenged with balancing the loving community of God's family and the safety of social distancing. I cannot remember a time when I did not greet a friend or stranger with a firm, warm handshake. Many of us are huggers. We share a warm embrace in times of joy, sorrow, or special recognition.
Some still practice the holy kiss Paul speaks about. Before the pandemic isolation, a good friend kissed my cheek. I will never forget it. In that moment, time stopped, and I could feel a blessing ripple through my soul. I experienced thanksgiving, love, care, and unconditional acceptance all at once. Every time I am in the presence of this godly man, I recall when he gently cradled my head in his hands and kissed my forehead. The memory always brings humble tears.
Some question whether we will heal from this pandemic or whether the fear of suffering will keep us apart for a generation. The church has always had an opportunity to show the world Christ's love, and we still have that opportunity.
I am not suggesting we be reckless and unsafe but rather find ways to take the lead in healing a world that has been wounded by a pandemic. The God who is within us can lead us in overcoming this tragedy.
We may lose the holy kiss, but our love from God can still overflow to those we serve. Why not let yours?
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Strolling down the beach early one evening, I spied groups of people clustered near the water’s edge and along the sand dunes.
No one would have considered them typical beachgoers. They were not clad in bathing suits, toting sand pails, or carrying beach towels. Instead, these immaculately groomed individuals wore fashionable casual attire and were dressed alike in similar colors and styles of clothing.
As the sun began to set, the light dawned on me. These atypical beachgoers had gathered on the sand to take family photos. Family units were easily discerned with a single glance because their clothing screamed their family connection.
Christians are members of God’s family. We may not physically resemble one another, but, like the families on the beach, we should be clothed alike. Although we do not have color-coordinated outfits, we all have put on Jesus.
Paul emphasized that a Christian’s choice of what to do is not discretionary. He commanded, not suggested, that God’s family members wear Jesus.
While Jesus is not a piece of clothing, we symbolically wear Him by living as He would. Jesus was the physical embodiment of God’s love, and He acted in a loving manner when He cared for the sick, the hurting, and the socially outcast. We resemble Him when we assist those in physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual need.
Conform yourself to God’s image so others will have no doubt You belong to His family.
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“And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” - John F. Kennedy
On January 20, 1961, a United States Supreme Court clerk held a large Fitzgerald family Bible and swore in John Fitzgerald Kennedy as the 35th President of the United States of America. Deep snow, along with sunshine, provided an awe-inspiring background for the speech, which Kennedy delivered from the east front of the Capitol. Challenges of the Cold War no doubt contributed to the attendance of more than 20,000 people who braved 20-degree temperatures to hear the speech.
The audience was national and international. Kennedy not only wanted to inspire the nation but also to express his hope for peace in a world marching toward the escalation of nuclear weapons and possible nuclear warfare.
Within his speech came the quote he is still remembered for. One we need to hear again in our age where we have raised a generation who thinks life entitles them to the best, regardless of their efforts.
The writer of Hebrews never says we deserve the rewards or blessings God promises to give us for our service to Him; he merely says God will not forget what we do for others. And serving others is exactly what Kennedy challenged Americans and the world to do.
God measures greatness not by how many serve us—the world’s measuring stick—but by how many we serve. The opportunities to achieve this greatness through acts of kindness abound. And we don’t have to have pleasant circumstances to decide whether we’ll serve. During trying times—a pandemic and a fledgling economy among them—we can do things to relieve the hurt of others and to promote peaceful relationships in our family, community, country, and world.
Whether or not others repay our kindness is immaterial. We serve because God has served us most mercifully by allowing His Son to pay our sin debt. Having been released from condemnation, God frees us to be the serving hands and feet He created us to be.
Ask God to show you what you can do for others. He’ll be glad to oblige.
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Back when office fax machines were common, my desk once sat across from such a device.
Occasionally, the fax machine interrupted my concentration. Since fax machines incorporated telephones, the process began when the phone rang to indicate an incoming document. This was followed by clicking, whirring, and beeping as our machine connected with the machine on the other end. A grinding sound followed as the machine produced the incoming piece of paper.
But sometimes, when the phone rang, it wasn’t another machine but an actual person who had mistakenly called the fax number. “Hello? Hello?” the caller would say. When only a mechanical noise responded, the caller realized it was a mistake and hung up.
One time, this didn’t work because it wasn’t a person on the other end but a telemarketing robot. I heard, “Hello, my name is Lisa,” and the fax machine responded with “Beep! Beep!”
“I’m calling from the XYZ Insurance Company,” Lisa continued. Since there was no connection from another machine, the fax machine continued to seek the signal with “Beep! Beep! Beep!”
Lisa continued, “We can save you money on your coverage.”
“Beep! Beep!”
In short, one machine tried to communicate with another. Modern electronics have made personal communication easier, but if no ready ear hears or no one responds, all we have is noise.
This is the opposite of what happens when we pray. When praying, we are in direct contact with God’s ready ear. He also has a perfect response waiting. And of course, no noise exists.
Personal difficulties can make us anxious, but we can seek answers, encouragement, and hope from God. Our connection with Him is direct—no interference as with a fax machine. We also have an added advantage. When we pray, God is there to hear and respond. We’ll never encounter voicemail.
Do you have a ready ear?
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Yes, my football team won!
Of course, COVID required social distancing, so there was no crowd at the game—only at home. I was thrilled. Smiles all around as folks headed off to bed. Good win. Great team effort. I pondered in my room. We won. For me, it was like cheering for Jesus.
But what did I win? Faith. Faith helps me overcome setbacks, keeps me strong, and pushes me to play on. It encourages me in my daily Christian living as I cheer for Team Jesus. Just like my football team, I win against the odds.
Faith in Team Jesus helps me achieve my dreams and other terrific things. If I practice my faith and focus on the Divine, I will not miss out on true love. I am loyal to Team Jesus, just as I am to my football team, which I have supported most of my adult life.
My faith leads me home and saves my soul—and will do the same for anyone. Faith is a gift from a loving God who never gives up on anyone. In the past, I have sometimes turned away from God’s team, but I have always returned, believing Team Jesus would bless me with grace.
Faith that leads to salvation is a blessing. We receive faith through humble worship of an awesome God who is head coach of Team Jesus. This makes us winners like my football team. The fans and coach were all happy.
Team Jesus is always evolving with different game plans. Currently, for many believers, the game plan is online or mass media worship at home. But I believe miracles can happen. Our flag is in the bag. Those on Team Jesus will win by spreading the good news of true love.
Are you on the winning team?
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On a Saturday, my contractor tore into me.
I was the unsuspecting target of his tumultuous tirade—yelling, demanding answers he had already been given on the detailed design, accusing me of falsehoods, manipulating, turning the tables, pouting, shaming, bullying. He finished by giving me the silent treatment and more, all within the span of five minutes. His attack left me reeling and bewildered.
Thankfully, I had a friend over at the time. Her presence bolstered my shaky soul, keeping me from melting in fear or bawling like a baby. Borrowing courage from her easy demeanor and gathering strength from her “no-dog-in-the-hunt” position stabilized me. Whether she knew it or not, she helped me carry my burden.
I calmly engaged my contractor and attempted to work out the dicey situation. After a few minutes, we talked through the tangle. Things were tense, but his decibel level returned to a near normal range. Still, the edge on his words and terse delivery were weighty. My friend interjected, valuing his craftsmanship while gently offering another perspective. She moderated with grace and honored him as an individual.
My friend was present again when the contractor arrived on Monday morning. His humble acknowledgment of being out of control and responding with old behaviors cleared the air. His admission brought instant reconciliation, evaporating the residual tension in my heart. When he said he recognized how much he needed God, tears brimmed in my eyes. Most guys hate to see women cry, so I forced the faucet tightly and let out a hearty, “Hallelujah!” instead.
I thanked the contractor for his apology, then added how blessed I was by the declaration of his need for God. A need, I assured him, I required as well. Daily.
Doing life together is a profound blessing. Having my friend present during the mess … and then the miraculous …made the entire incident holy. Her willingness to engage was like someone dashing in to help carry a one hundred pound suitcase. By grabbing a part of the burden, she lifted the weight that threatened to crush me.
Now I watch for opportunities to lighten someone else’s load. Whether it is a word of encouragement, a listening ear, or a hand with their struggle, I want to do for others what my friend did for me.
Will you join me and purpose to lighten someone’s load this week?
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We received more than we gave.
The season of giving had arrived. My wife and I had experienced a better year financially than we had in quite some time. Meaning we had a little left over.
As the time approached when our church would issue my annual Christmas bonus, my wife asked, “Could we take one hundred of your bonus check and give it to the worship leader?”
Our worship leader was a good friend. He and his wife had faithfully led our music program for almost a year. Our church had a small congregation with no extra to pay any other staff, so our friend had served for free.
“Sure,” I said. A quick call to our treasurer lessened my bonus by one hundred dollars. My wife and I agreed to keep our plan a secret. We wanted to see the surprise on his face when he received the check from the church.
Meanwhile, the last week of school before Christmas break arrived. Teachers who had joined the Secret Santa group busily revealed our identity. As I checked the teacher’s lounge one last time for my gift and to see whom my Secret Santa had been, I found a small card tucked inside my mailbox. On the inside was a handwritten Bible verse, reminding me that God takes care of those who serve him. No name, but I was sure it came from my Secret Santa.
But that wasn’t all. Folded over was a crisp one-hundred-dollar bill. I smiled. And teared up as I took a photo and sent it to my wife. “Is that a real one-hundred-dollar bill?” she asked.
The following Sunday, the church treasurer handed out salary checks and Christmas bonuses. My wife and I waited patiently to see our friend’s surprise. We smiled as he smiled. But we smiled even bigger when I opened my bonus check and discovered two hundred more dollars than I expected.
Once again, I learned what my parents, my grandparents, and other believers had told me: “You can’t outgive God.” Which is exactly what Jesus teaches. Enough said.
When God prompts you to give, give. He will always return as much or more than you have given. And you’ll never be able to trump the feeling you’ll get.
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A tourist strolled with friends through a charming village in France.
As she walked, she glimpsed a chubby baby in his mother’s arms. What a cute little one, she thought. She gave him a friendly smile and received a big toothless grin in return. There they were. She was black and American; he was white and French. Yet they experienced a warm and wonderful connection that superseded race and nationality.
The shocking killings of several African Americans in the spring of 2020 sparked renewed calls for racial equality, equity, and justice in the United States and around the globe. Many efforts are underway in government, businesses, education, and elsewhere to generate a deeper understanding of racism—along with ways to eradicate it. Ultimately, enduring change requires a spiritual solution.
All of humanity descends from one person, and everyone is created in the image and likeness of God. Hating and mistreating someone because of their race dishonors God.
Christians can play a pivotal role in the journey to justice, equality, and mutual respect when we model the unity and love Jesus instructed us to display. The night before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed for His disciples, as well as for all who would believe in Him through their word. Sadly, the church still has a way to go before we see oneness flourishing.
What would happen if every Christian tried to build bridges? Learning about both the historical context and present-day realities of racism would be a good place to start. Additionally, connecting with coworkers, neighbors, and fellow believers from different races can demystify differences and generate meaningful dialogue. Doing so will require getting out of our comfort zones. But any momentary discomfort will honor the One who made us from one and to be one.
Honor God by loving all people.
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A sigh. The cleansing breath that comes along from time to time and sometimes accompanies a time of stress or exasperation.
Researchers have identified sighing as a deep breath roughly twice the size of our regular breathing pattern. A sigh can be brought on by stress, anxiety, fear, or frustration. Sighing is a reset for our breathing pattern that puts us back into a healthier breathing rhythm.
Psalm 51 is a sighing psalm. David struggles to regain his spiritual respiratory equilibrium. A serious lapse in his commitment to God had damaged his pursuit of God’s heart. He couldn’t get the mistake out of his head. He had been a screw-up all his life. He knew better than to do what he had done. He wanted to experience gladness and joy again. He didn’t want God to give up on him. But David realized he could do nothing to regain his footing.
We can all identify with David. We have reached the end of ourselves and our home remedies, and we sigh. Our salves aren’t healing us, and we release what sounds like our last breath. Frustrations and exhaustion have slowed us, and we possess no ready answer but to let out a wordless breath of air. We are signaling God that we are out of strength.
Part of corporate worship is sighing—going beyond the traditional view of confession. Spiritual sighing, just like the physical respiratory act, is a collective reset. In the final verses of the psalm, David turns his attention to the congregation of Israel. His journey from despair has taken him from a lone view of his sin to a healing unity of his people.
Go ahead and let out a sigh in your worship—whether you’re alone or with other believers.
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I feel like a balloon losing air and slowly wilting away.
The decorations have been put away. The tree has been recycled. No more presents await opening. The fun and laughter of sharing with family and friends is over, and all is back to normal. But what is normal?
Take a minute to reflect on why we celebrated. Remember the Babe we welcomed once again into our hearts—Jesus, the Son of God, born of a virgin, fulfilling prophecies. He does not fade into the background, only to be brought to mind again at Easter.
No Christmas blues should exist for the child of God—only excitement and anticipation of the future and of knowing the Lord more intimately. Our Christmas celebration may be over, but a New Year of adventure, walking with the Prince of Peace, lies ahead.
We should want to be found watching at God’s gates, celebrating our new life in Him, and listening for Him to speak through His Word. We should treasure every opportunity He gives to draw Him closer to our hearts.
During this New Year, let’s allow our new normal to become “watching at His gates” every day. Let’s take time to worship and to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, by feeding on the manna from heaven, the Word of God.
Thank God that you can celebrate His love, goodness, and mercy all year long.
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From Mary’s earthly perspective, her question appeared reasonable.
Gabriel, the angel God sent to Mary, gave her God’s message. Mary’s first reply to the angel was one sentence. It’s no wonder Mary would have had a question for the angel who gave her such an impossible message. And with her question, she went straight to the heart of the matter.
Many times, looking into the face of the impossible, we question God in circumstances where we feel out of control. I wonder if God ever becomes amused at us when we talk to Him from our human frailty? We want to be in control of our daily comings and goings.
But God knows the beginning and the ending of our lives. He has a plan for us, and we’re foolish to try to develop a Plan B. Plan B will bring us trouble and heartache if it is not in the will of God.
God had a plan for bringing His Son to earth. He favored Mary and chose her to give birth to Jesus. Gabriel further explained God’s planned miracle to Mary and concluded by telling her, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
When we believe God’s Word, we will celebrate the miracle of Christmas with reverence. We will rejoice in awe over the birth of God’s Son—a beautiful miraculous Christmas package sent to earth by our heavenly Father.
Take the opportunity this Christmas season to believe God’s Word. Celebrate the miracle of Christmas: the birth of Jesus.
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My pastor talks about believers having to do hard things.
His words make me think about how I have had to do a lot of hard things in life. But I am no one special. Everyone has to do hard things. At my first job, we had bad equipment, which made it difficult for me to work. The company did not want to spend money on getting new equipment. In my current job, I do something no one wants to do. Prior to my employment, they had trouble keeping the position filled.
Then I started doing street evangelism, which is something few Christians want to do. Preaching on the street can be tough. When I mention Jesus, people tend to move away from me. Seeing people reject Jesus saddens me because I want to make a difference. Jesus also became sad when people rejected Him to His face and when He died on the cross.
We all must do difficult things in life, whether on the job or witnessing on the streets. I’ve experienced times when I did not know how I would make it. I get discouraged when things get hard, but I try to remember that God’s grace is sufficient. He gives me the strength to do the rough things in life. If I ask, He will give me the power to cope with the hard job. He can take my weak body and give me physical, emotional, and spiritual strength to do what He wants.
Rely on God’s power to help you do the hard jobs in life.
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“It’s a great painting,” Joe told his artist friend, Mike, “but it seems so dark and dismal. Can you make it more cheerful?”
The two friends were examining Mike’s latest painting in his country cottage series. While Joe liked the painting, he felt something was missing. Mike’s cottages were usually banked with colorful flowers, but this was a winter scene. Snow packed around the walls, icicles clung to the eaves, and dark angular forms of trees—their branches draped with show—roamed in the background. The cottage windows were dark and shadowy. The only sign someone might live in the cottage was the thin plume of smoke wafting from the stone chimney.
“Something cheerful?” Mike asked.
Joe was honest. “Yes, it seems too gloomy.”
Mike nodded slowly, cocked his head, picked up his palette and brush, and applied a yellowish gold hue to the windows of the house. Now, it seemed lamplight reflected from the windows and shone on the snow, changing a dismal dreary scene filled with murky shadows into welcoming cordiality. The added light changed the painting entirely.
Such is what happened when Christ arrived in the world. With the light of His presence, He came into a depressing and dreary world laden with evil and misery. As He did, He displaced the darkness and replaced it with His personal luminosity. Now, His light shines into every aspect of our lives and then out to a suffering world.
Let the light of Christ in you dispel the darkness around you.
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My sister Judy and I were at a membership-only warehouse club when the doors opened.
We moved quickly through the aisles, checking items off the list. The cart was nearly full by the time we got to the checkout. Judy hurriedly unloaded the groceries onto the counter. She was almost finished when the clerk said, “This register is closing, would you please move over there to that one?”
I wondered why she didn’t say that before we had the cart almost empty. Most of us would have lost patience, but this day was particularly trying for Judy. Kevin, her young husband, was at the end-of-life stage, and his sister was staying with him. Judy had bottled up her fears and emotions to make the trip to the store, knowing it had to be done. But it would take little to break open the bottle.
Her face flooded with emotion as she tried to suppress the outburst lying close to the surface. She grabbed items, threw them back into the cart, proceeded to the next counter, and roughly unloaded them. Her anger was palpable. I wanted to explain her reaction to the clerk, who was anxious to get us checked out. She can’t know what Judy is going through, I thought.
That was a telling day for me. I want to view everyone I meet as someone who needs understanding, no matter their reaction to things. I can’t know what they’re going through, but many wounded and fearful souls surround us.
I want to be a stepping stone, not a stumbling block. I plan to remember that whomever I come in contact with, I am a living, breathing expression of Christ. I am made in His image, and I will live as such.
Look for opportunities today to reflect the love of Jesus to a hurting soul.
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The massive oak tree lay strewn across the lawn of the stately house.
The night before, a vicious windstorm brought down what looked like a healthy tree. However, the inside told another story. For years, the stricken and wounded tree had kept its deadly secret hidden from human eyes. Internally, it was rotting away, eaten by disease or some other slow-moving virulent insect force. Now, its inner secret was exposed for all to see. The tree seemed to interrogate me, so I stopped to take pictures.
I wondered if my life was like that tree. I may look strong on the outside, but on the inside I could be hollow and eaten away. What eats away at my insides? Have I let bitterness over a small slight get to me? Am I carrying around childhood memories of school or home that I have never confronted? Sure, I’ve been blessed with a great family, friends, and a wonderful career, yet here I am. Have I truly forgiven, or do tentacles of unforgiveness still decay on the inside, burrowed deeply within my emotional core?
I must check to make sure my insides are not rotting away. If someone sent a camera to my emotional core, I don’t want them to be shocked at what is happening there.
God wants our heart, emotions, and mind to be free of the decay of any form of bitterness or malice.
Ask God to help you to be as healthy internally as you appear on the outside.
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"Just throw it away," my daughter said after I discovered my grandson’s sippy cup of milk in one of his buckets.
Theo hadn't been to our house for a few days, so that cup had plenty of time to create a science project. You can imagine what was inside. I considered my daughter's suggestion and was tempted to throw the cup away and pull out another one. But then I thought, This is a good cup. It just happened to be the victim of negligence. I had raised four kids, so this was not a first for me.
Before opening the cup, I held my head far away so I wouldn’t smell the aroma it was sure to bring. With hot water running and tools in hand, I tackled the mess.
As I worked, I thought of how that cup symbolized life and how we often get lost in the chaos. We become stuck in our own little bucket, ignoring or forgetting about our problems—problems that have no option but to sit and sour.
For those who have dealt with sippy cups, we know all the holes and spaces in which liquids can seep. Likewise, our lives have holes and spaces, and, if allowed, our mess will seep into each one.
I once had a pretty big mess inside me. Feeling alone and rejected, I came to a point where Christ was my only hope. As I reached up to Him, He pulled me out of my bucket and washed me clean. He can do the same for everyone who asks. No matter how difficult a mess we create, God will never toss us away. He will go to the dirtiest and most difficult places to make us clean.
If you’re in a mess, reach out to Christ. The blood of Jesus will make you clean.
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As a caregiver for a geriatric, I sometimes have tough days.
But that attitude is no good. I hop in bed and turn it over to Jesus, thinking, Jesus, I trust in you. Jesus can assist me through anything. At the end of any day, bad or good, I can say I made it because of Him.
I am a witness that Jesus can make things better. He always knows exactly what I am going through. All I must do is pray, ask for His help, and turn to a page in my Bible to find comfort. No one needs to be alone.
Jesus can bring us peace. I have learned peace is found in prayer…calm peace from Jesus…long after my time in prayer ends. He is the Prince of Peace.
When we turn our day over to Jesus—our guide on the side—each day will be calmer and clearer. We will be more inspired to follow the path and example set by our Lord and Savior.
Take time each day to pause and pray for inner peace and calm. Thank Jesus for always being there for you. Say each day, “Jesus, I trust in you.”
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The long-legged child with a stumpy, almost pudgy body dreamed of being a hurdler.
She lay in bed at night and imagined jumping over each hurdle with one swift fling into the air. She also envisioned pumping as she ran hard and free to the next hurdle.
As the years passed and the young girl grew into a tall, lanky but awkward teenager, the dream of becoming a hurdler faded into oblivion when it became clear she was not athletic.
Fast forward several decades. With another birthday in only a few days, the woman pondered over the life hurdle she had just surmounted—thanking God for another victory and another fruitful ending to a challenging situation.
Suddenly, a childhood memory flashed into her aging brain. She remembered her young childhood daydream and realized the Holy Spirit was cheering her on through a life race one hurdle after another. She was fulfilling her dream.
Never lose sight of a God-given dream or goal. God will make it happen in His time and in His way.
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“Is it possible to extend your life?”
People ask this question over and over in different forms each day. Some try to extend their lives by eating certain foods. Others follow an extreme exercise program. Still others accept self-help courses and books. Misguided faith can also give false assurance of longevity.
I knew of a church that believed God’s children would live to 150 if they had enough faith, which several of our friends claimed to have. Pointing out to them that God’s promises do not include such an expectation proved futile. Mentioning great Christians—who had excellent faith, such as Billy Graham, but who did not live to that age—only caused them to firmly claim their faith made them sure they’d live that long. My old carpenter father would have called this “blind faith.”
In contrast, these verses objectively reveal a child of God can add to their life by an obedient heart. Let your heart keep my commandments: For length of days and years of life, and peace they will add to you. Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck.
Kindness and truth, when on display in our lives and written on our hearts, are reflections of wisdom, which enables a long life and prosperity. However, prosperity comes in different forms since our heavenly Father knows what is best for each of us. Spiritual prosperity is eternal; material prosperity is temporal.
Obeying God Almighty is never a dry intellectual exercise of religious duty when there’s heart involvement. Jesus said the first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.
Learn how to extend your life by claiming God’s promises as you open your heart to the Spirit of God. Then, ask God to help you never think your mind is more important than your heart of love.
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I enjoy woodworking, especially using hand tools.
The way a hand tool does its job is incredibly satisfying. To achieve this result requires a sharp blade. A hand plane’s iron will cleave through a thin ribbon of wood, leaving a finish smooth enough to shine.
The process of honing an iron starts with coarse stones and progresses to finer grits. No matter the grit or method, the applied angle friction must remain identical. Doing it incorrectly dulls the blade even more, making it more useless than before. When this happens, it takes longer to bring the iron back into working condition.
Sometimes tools are neglected for months, years, or decades. Restoring them can take hours, but those tools are almost never without hope of restoration.
People are similar. We need others to hone us. Sometimes, that involves a progression of people who can smooth our rough edges. At other times, we may stray far from God, and the road back is long.
Hope abounds for each of us if we are willing to submit to correction and guidance with a humble spirit. Belonging to a community is essential. Mentors are a vital part of our walk with Christ.
If honed enough, planed iron will reflect like a mirror. And when we become polished, we’ll reflect Jesus Christ. As we grow sharper in Christ, we’ll receive opportunities to mentor others—guiding them with the same care, love, and wisdom a master carpenter uses. The sharper we become—individually and as a community—the more effective we will perform the tasks God lays before us.
Let God sharpen you so you can spread the gospel of Jesus Christ by being a shining light on a hill.
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“I know it’s tough. We just have to trust.”
The sweet little checkout gal was trying hard to make the best of an awkward situation.
“Trust in what?” the customer snapped. “A crazy president?” she asked and tossed a popular “fake-news” magazine on the counter.
The customer was two ahead of me in the checkout, and reaching her to comment was impossible, short of crawling over two buggies. The clerk smiled, avoiding any further comment.
That’s when it really hit me just how lost our world is. Those who believe are far outnumbered by those who don’t, but this lady’s comment really drove home the lost and hopelessness of the world.
Isaiah tried diligently to remind the people not to lose hope. He established the praise of God’s coming kingdom. Trust, he said. Trust for God is your eternal hope—your rock. He worked hard to tell a waning people their trust in the Lord was vital. Isaiah knew God never let His people down, nor did His love ever falter for them. If he could only make that clear, they would see hope.
We live in a scary time, but honestly, every “time” has its issues that grab at us and encourage us to doubt. Trust is hard. Hard because we’re a stubborn people who think we have control over every situation—like cancer, heart attacks, or COVID. When our trust is laid firmly in mankind, we are surely set up to fail, for people are imperfect. The only place our trust is secure is in the hands of God.
Begin your day on your knees. Pray for the healing of a lost world. Live out your trust in a God who does not fail. Let the world see through you that trust in God sustains. He is without a doubt, our rock and redeemer. Through your actions, others will see the peace you are afforded through your trust in Christ, and when the worlds sees, they will wonder and want. Then and only then, when they want, will they receive.
Be the servant who trusts, waits, and believes, for God is faithful when we trust.
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I grew up on a farm where hard work was the norm.
The summer sun drew sweat, and the sweat drew bees. Muscles cramped, and chores seemed endless. When we needed a break, we often leaned against the closest fence. It propped us up while we drank cold water, wiped our faces, and wondered how much longer until quitting time. We didn’t always have a fence for propping, but it surely did help when we did.
Just like those fences, good friends support us during trying times. We can depend on them to always be there–firm, steadfast, secure.
That’s what Aaron and Hur did for Moses. When Moses grew weary, they held up his hands so he “remained steady till sunset.” They stayed with him, never wavering, until he completed his task of making sure the Israelites were victorious.
Examples like these—along with other men and women of the Bible—prompt me to ask if I allow others to lean on me when they’re weak. As God’s family, we can offer a place for people to catch their breath before they move on, provide a moment of respite when they think their task will never end, and resolve to prop one another up when life gets tough.
As Aaron and Hur did for Moses, and as the Holy Spirit does for all who place their faith in Jesus, let’s be there to prop one another up when life gets tough.
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Her idea was great.
My friend Laura wanted to host a neighborhood social and have a craft project for her neighbors. I volunteered to teach candle making since I had the supplies. All we lacked was heat to melt the wax and power to plug in the glue gun.
The day arrived and we were excited—until I received an early morning call from Laura. “We have no power.”
Storms had affected the power lines in Laura’s area. We decided to proceed anyway, hoping for a quick repair. Thankfully, her stove was gas, but with no power, we had to work in the dark.
I commented, “This is a good lesson for why we need candles—to shine light in the darkness.”
As I looked at the candles around the room, I witnessed a soft glow of light in a dark place. To see what we were doing, we had to get near the light.
As believers, we must be that glowing light of Christ wherever we go. We have the promise from Jesus that we will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. We may have to enter dark places in our schools, places of employment, communities, governments, or even family events, but our light will shine in those places. We can be that light because Jesus is our power source.
Extending love and kindness to those around us, no matter where we are, lets Jesus shine life-giving light into the lives of others.
If you are in a dark time, know there is light for you. His name is Jesus—the Light of the world—and He will light your path.
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A professional angler named Mark taught me the difference between surf fishing in the Atlantic and cane pole fishing on the banks of our small Kentucky pond.
Mark plunged a large metal spike into the sand, cast a thick weighted line into the surf, and slid the pole into the spike. He returned to his chair and waited, eyes trained on the high, thin end of his pole.
Day after day I watched him. Cast and wait. Cast and wait. Soon, the rhythm in my mind turned to cast and faith, cast and faith. The phrase applied to everything in my life at that season—parenting, writing, ministry. Forever casting. Forever waiting. When would I land a catch? When would I see the goodness of the Lord?
On day three, Mark’s faith was made sight. The pole bent until it nearly doubled. He catapulted from the chair and grabbed the pole. For the next fifty-five minutes, he reeled and rested. After a time, he handed the pole to me. To me!
“Here, I wantcha tah feel that.” He puffed, the strain showing in his tattooed shoulders and the tendons in his neck.
“What if I lose it?”
“Then yah lose it.”
I white-knuckled the pole, tucked it hard against my thigh, and followed his instructions. Fear and exhilaration coursed through my body—not a long stretch of time, but enough.
Right before he took the pole, he asked, “Do yah feel that?”
I nodded and thought, This is like fishing for men—like parenting, writing, ministry.
On the beach that day, we reeled in a black-tipped reef shark, snapped a few pictures, and then released it back to the ocean. In my heart, all those buckets that seemed so empty were filled with more than fish. They were filled with the promise of God’s goodness, no matter the catch.
When you look across the waters of your ministry, consider the potential of those depths. Then, choose to cast and faith.
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Their job was to give me instructions.
My eight-year-old students crowded around a worktable loaded with ingredients for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
“Put the peanut butter on the bread,” said the first student. I plonked the unopened jar in the middle of the loaf, denting it.
“No! You have to take the peanut butter out of the jar,” several said while others giggled.
I scooped the peanut butter out of the jar and smeared it on the bread bag. “Mrs. Glover! Not like that.” They laughed.
“What do you want me to do?” I asked.
“Take the bread out of the bag and spread the peanut butter on the bread.”
I took out a piece of bread and smeared peanut butter on one side.
“Now the jelly,” one student said.
As I reached for the jar, another said, “No, use a knife and get the jelly out of the jar.”
“We have to tell her exactly what we want her to do,” said another.
Now that they understood good directions are not general but specific, I sent them back to their desks to write out step-by-step instructions.
A pair of blind beggars heard Jesus approach and loudly called out to him: “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
The crowd told the beggars to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder. Their request was general: “Have mercy.” They may have thought that was enough instruction, but Jesus wanted more from them. When Jesus asked what they wanted, they answered, “We want our sight.” Jesus touched their eyes, and they immediately received their sight and followed Him.
The passage reveals several important elements of prayer. First, when in need, seize the opportunity to ask Jesus for help. Don’t put it off, and don’t assume things will work themselves out. Second, don’t be dissuaded by the crush of voices in your mind—discouraging and dismissive voices that say you’ve already asked and shouldn’t ask again. Third, be specific. The God who created us is asking what we want Him to do. Finally, wait with faith.
What do you want Jesus to do for you today? Croak out your prayer, ignore the naysaying voices, and tell Him what you need. He will act for your good.
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And we thought the 60s were hard.
Social injustice, riots, folks burning flags (or bras), people injured or killed. These things raged in the 60s, and it’s the same today. Writer and philosopher, George Santayana, coined the phrase, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Truth, indeed.
In an ultra-sensitive society, every word we speak, every ounce of history lost, drives an offensive sliver of wood under someone’s fingernail. Yet here we are—allowing our past to be forgotten again—and we’re spiraling back into the same mistakes. The hurtful words one person screams are retaliated by the angry words of another. It would seem we face a lose-lose situation.
God frequently reminded His children not to forget He’d brought them from bondage. He told them to remember His commands and what He’d done to provide for them. God reminded them because He knew how easily people could fall into making the same mistakes again. When He told His people to impress His commands on their children, to talk about them, and to bind them on their foreheads, it was an effort to help them remember not only their blessings but also their mistakes. It was an effort to prevent history from repeating itself.
Remembering the loving kindness and the discipline of God helps us step over the mistakes into new and safer pathways. God’s love never waivers, even when our selfishness takes us to places we could avoid. The prayers we raise before the Lord for protection and peace in this time of upheaval can easily be stifled in the face of controversy—lost in the failure to remember our past. We must remember the mighty power and faithfulness of the Lord our God.
In a time when things are difficult and others are easily offended…remember. Remember to show forgiveness. Give understanding. Speak love. Never forget who you are in Christ.
Remember to be the light Christ asked you to be, even during hardship.
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The smell took me back.
Until my wife came along, I used bar soap. She was a liquid soap user. Liquid soaps were not mass-produced for domestic use until the 1980s when Minnetonka Corporation of Minnesota released its Softsoap.
One day, while visiting a local grocery store, I walked to the pharmacy department. Sure enough, they sat on the shelf as I remembered. Three bars of Ivory soap packaged together. I picked them up and circulated them beneath my nose. The fragrance transported me back to a time when I was a young boy taking baths. I would run the bathwater, jump in, wet the washrag, and look for the bar of soap. Ivory soap. The one with the clean smell. And best of all, I could find it in my dirty water because it floated. Remembering the good ole days, I bought the soap and began using it again. I also put bars in soap dishes in our kitchen and bathrooms.
Amazing what smells can do. For Isaac, it identified his son—or so he thought. Prior to his death, when the time came for Isaac to give his final blessing to his firstborn, he told Esau to kill some wild game, prepare it, and bring it to him. He would eat it and bless him. But Jacob, the younger brother—and a trickster—dressed as his brother, prepared game, and took it to his father. Blindness initially confused Isaac, but the smell of the outdoors convinced him it was Esau.
Smell is also important with spiritual living. Whether I smell clean because I just bathed with Ivory soap or whether I smell raunchy because I just helped give shots to hogs living in a muddy smelly pen, isn’t the issue.
My actions, words, and attitudes determine my spiritual smell—regardless of my hygiene. And when they align with God’s Word, people will smell a wonderful aroma coming from me. I may not be in style when it comes to clothes—and I might not have the latest and greatest play toys—but others will get a good smell from being around me. Not with their noses, but with their eyes and ears. They will smell Jesus. And after all, that’s what Jesus said His followers are supposed to do: smell good.
How are you smelling to others—and, more importantly, to God?
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As a young child, I began comparing myself to others.
I grew up thinking I was less-than. Low self-esteem and shyness followed me. Comparisons made me feel inferior, and I dealt with the hurt the best way a child can: I pulled inward.
L. Ron Hubbard said, “We forfeit three-fourths of ourselves in order to be like other people.” Is it any wonder I felt less-than? I allowed other people to rob me of myself. Throughout my teen years, God mystified me. I tried to be a good person but failed. Then I heard the voice of a preacher who brought the Word to life in simple words and phrases that pointed me to Christ.
I accepted Christ and resolved to follow Him. My new life was better because I realized my Creator valued me and loved me as no other. This new way of living was exciting. I discovered ancient truths. However, it was a constant battle of either reading and accepting God’s Word or indulging my childhood views. After an indepth study of God’s Word, I realized He did not create me to listen to opinions—nor did He want me putting myself down. He created me to listen to Him. His voice. The Voice.
I have learned I can retire to my closet sanctuary without any technological devices. Without the outside turmoil interrupting the connection with my best friend, my time with God is sweet. Our time includes reading His Word, worshipping as I sing, praising Him for who He is, and listening to the still, small voice of my heavenly Father who loves, revives, encourages, and guides me daily.
God is in the business of bringing new beginnings. He is the friend who will never let us down.
Do you yearn for a conversation with God? He is waiting to hear your voice.
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Covid-19 interrupted our daily routines.
Full-time employees became stay-at-home parents. Some waited for unemployment benefits. Many waited for the next batch of frozen chicken at the grocery store. But all of us waited for the pandemic to pass so we could return to our previous monotonous, yet desirable, old routines of normalcy.
As a healthcare worker, I had to spend two weeks saying goodnight to my daughter via FaceTime because of quarantine restrictions and a Covid-19 exposure. Bedtime used to be a battle of the wills, but it turned into a battle of heartache as I longed for another goodnight kiss.
While a sense of panic and uncertainly loomed over my household, I remembered how the routines of the twelve disciples were interrupted. A tax collector stopped collecting, fishermen stopped fishing, and a Pharisee stopped hunting Christians. They were suddenly called to stop their normal routines and begin new ones.
And their new routines changed the world. Once they followed Jesus, they never looked back. They didn’t wish they could start collecting taxes again, they didn’t long to go fishing, and Paul certainly never wished he could return to persecuting Christians. They had faith their lives had been changed for good—and for a purpose. They fully relied on Jesus.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, God still had a plan—a plan to change the world. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last. He was here at the beginning of creation, and He will be here after the pandemic passes.
Why not thank God for your new routine instead of praying for the return of the old one? Maybe these new routines will change how you perceive life—and perhaps even change the world.
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I didn’t expect problems, but suddenly I was under attack.
As I pulled weeds around my tree, angry yellow jackets surrounded me and stung me eight times. I had entered their territory, and they didn’t like the invasion. I determined the weeds would have to stay. I didn’t care to face that enemy again.
Christians face another kind of enemy: Satan. At times, he acts as yellow jackets do. We are not aware of his presence until he springs on us. That’s why Peter warns us to be alert for his prowling. He compares Satan to a lion who stalks its prey quietly because it wants to catch the victim unaware. Not until the beast is ready to pounce does it roar. Then, it is too late for the prey. They have no escape from the power of the destroyer.
We are offered effective ways to prevent Satan’s attack. We can read the Bible and attain the knowledge we need. When temptation comes, we can do as Jesus Christ did during His forty days and nights of temptation by Satan in the wilderness: quote Scripture.
Just as I plan to avoid the tree until the yellow jackets are gone, so we can take a giant step in resisting Satan’s attacks by avoiding places and things we know are contrary to God’s plans for our lives. We can also ask for help in resisting temptations and for the strength to stand firm in Jesus Christ.
Get prepared to fight the sudden attacks of Satan.
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God’s supply always meets our reasonable demands.
Covid-19 was upon us, and stores everywhere had empty shelves. People sought wipes and disinfectant sprays as if they were precious jewels. The problem was not about supply, but demand.
My daughter and son-in-law live in New York City. During the pandemic, my son-in-law went to Costco to get a few things—toilet paper among them. He left his cart with his toilet paper in it for a few moments. When he returned, the toilet paper had disappeared. Whoever took it must have believed the demand would exceed the supply. Because of the panic over the Coronavirus, the stealer was probably right.
Moses told the Israelites not to keep any of the manna God sent until morning. Some did anyway, but maggots infested it, it had a terrible smell, and it was no good. Moses was angry. We can learn a lot from the Bible about how God taught His people to deal with supply and demand.
The people’s disobedience came from two sources. First, they did not believe God. They had to take more than they needed just in case God couldn’t or wouldn’t provide daily. Second, they were self-centered. They believed they deserved more than their fair share, which always breeds resentment.
In times of national distress, people stockpile, bringing about an imbalance between supply and demand. Some have too much while others have too little. God has a better plan: trusting Him. As Christians, we should have called our actions what they were. Panic mentality is unbelief in the faithfulness of God.
Make a choice to believe that Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides, will always supply your reasonable demands.
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Many have something elegant they keep on reserve for a special occasion.
For some, it’s a particular piece of clothing or jewelry. For me, it was the good china. My husband and I disagreed about this constantly. He wondered what the point was of having such dishes if we never used them. My logical response was that it was for a special occasion. But I have come to realize that life itself is the special occasion. Every moment we experience is cause for celebration.
Jesus put it all on the line for us, even laying down His own life. He did not do this so we would live within margins. He did this so we could live life in abundance and to the fullest. If we are always waiting for the special occasion to arrive, we miss out on the gift of today. The Enemy is aware of this and tries to steal our joy by creating chaos and confusion in our life. But our joy should not be stored up, only to be used on special occasions. Joy and gratitude should be the dish we serve daily.
Today is a gift. We can live each day to the fullest as Jesus desires, starting each day with a grateful heart and making the choice to choose joy, regardless of the circumstances. We can use the good china because we are alive in Jesus Christ.
Choose joy today through Jesus Christ, and live life to the fullest.
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Four lanes of highway, but that wasn’t enough.
The semi-truck came alarmingly close to me as we both navigated a curve. Then, he crossed into my lane and veered onto the rumble strip on the right-hand shoulder. He seemed determined to stay in front of me, so I let off the gas to give him some room. As he pulled ahead, I saw a sticker on the back of his rig that read, How’s my driving? The sticker also had an 800 number to report unsafe drivers to the corporate headquarters. The trucker represented the company whose logo was painted on the side of the trailer. The corporation’s name and reputation were on the line far more than the man in the driver’s seat.
Early in Jesus’ ministry, people noticed He was different. He spoke with authority and knowledge, making it clear His authority came from His Father who sent Him. Jesus involved Himself in the lives of people and pointed out He was only doing what His Father did. Jesus was more concerned with relieving suffering than following conventional practices. He healed on the Sabbath, revealed lies with truth, and challenged authority. When the Jewish leaders questioned Him, He said the works He did bore witness to whom He was and to the Father who sent Him.
As Christians, we represent Christ by all we do and say. The world is watching how we navigate the curves to see whether we veer off course or whether we graciously correct when we hit the rumble strips.
The Christian life isn’t about getting to a final destination. It’s about how we travel the road along the way. We must always remember we aren’t alone on the road. People see how we drive and know whose name we claim to represent.
How’s your driving?
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Christmas 1995 had come and gone. Tax season was in full swing in the little CPA firm in Birmingham, Alabama, where I worked.
New tax preparation software stole family time. I continued to lead a weekly Bible study at my church that I had led for three years. A handful of women faithfully attended the class, usually with small children underfoot. My own offspring played with their school assignments in the back of the classroom. But interest dwindled. Why should I continue to lead this study? I thought.
That Christmas I had wanted a silver cross on a long, silver chain. Everyone I saw wore one–friends at church, co-workers, strangers on the street. But every time I had the urge to buy one, I sensed God telling me to hold back.
One morning while at work, I received a phone call. A woman in the Bible study wanted to meet. We did, and in my office, she poured out her heart, her pain, her struggles, and her confessions. We cried, prayed, and laughed together.
As she stood to leave, she reached into her purse, drew out a small gray pouch, and said, “God told me this morning to give this to you. I’m not sure why. I bought it in Mexico last summer while traveling with my husband, put it in my dresser drawer when we got home, and forgot about it. This morning God put it on my mind to give it to you.”
She placed the small gift in my hands, and I heard my heavenly Father whisper, “I love you. I am all you need.” I pulled out the most beautiful silver cross I had ever seen … simple and perfect. Tears streamed down my face.
We often try to satisfy our desires on our own, only to miss the perfect gift God has for us—Himself. God puts the desires in our heart so He can fill them and amaze us with His personal, powerful love.
I thought obedience would bring blessings but missed the most precious jewel: a closer relationship with God. We are instruments of blessings, designed to bless in ways we’ll never understand.
Follow Jesus on this exciting “blessing” adventure.
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In hope of saving a few dollars on doors and windows, a friend took me bargain shopping in her hometown.
I purposely wore my Celebrate Recovery shirt, hoping I would connect with a curious conversationalist. The phrase on the back of the shirt read, Where I am going is more important than where I have been.
With little success finding bargains, we began the trek home—by way of Chick-fil-A. As we stood to the side and waited on our food, one of the employees commented on my shirt. She shared about her church and her favorite purple shirt that contained a Scripture about being blessed. As we talked, she got emotional and explained that since her stroke she cries at the drop of a hat.
Her tears were beautiful, not superficial or from a place of sadness. Those tears were droplets of praise and blessing. Thanksgiving and joy leaked from the corners of her eyes with every word. She shared about her faith in God and a recent mission trip. She talked about Lydia, the seller of purple fabric in the Bible and how they had the same name. Purple had become her favorite color as a result of learning about Lydia.
As we wrapped up the conversation, she told us her job was an opportunity to be a blessing to her customers every single day. Be a blessing. Every. Single. Day. She could have become a recluse after her stroke and bottled insecure thoughts. She could have simply done her job and restocked items and refilled drinks. But in the chaos of her responsibility, she chose to see the people she serves, connect with them—even when many of them were disconnected—and bless them without expectation.
What a powerful reminder. No matter our age, health, occupation, or background, we can magnify the name of Jesus everywhere we go. We can be a blessing to those we encounter. Such a simple goal that can change someone else’s life.
Be a blessing. Every. Single. Day.
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I was broken.
My first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage. My husband didn’t know how to help me, and neither did I. I couldn’t imagine ever feeling happy again. Even prayer seemed too hard. Little did I know my best Friend prayed for me.
Soldiers bound Jesus and took Him to stand trial. Peter was terrified. What would he do next? When a girl shouted, “He was with Him!” Peter denied it. Two others said, “You are one of them!” Still, he denied knowing Jesus.
Suddenly, a rooster crowed. Bound and accused, Jesus looked into Peter’s eyes. Jesus’ earlier words flooded Peter’s memory. Peter was overwhelmed with sorrow, repented, turned back to Jesus, and became a great evangelist for the Lord.
Jesus knew Peter would deny Him, yet He prayed for him. We are no different or less loved than Peter. Jesus prays for us too. Jesus is omniscient. How can the One who knows all be disappointed in us? We would have to surprise Him for that to happen.
Christ knows what we will do before we do it and yet still prays for us. When we undergo trials or storms in life, Jesus prays for our faith to hold fast. If we struggle to believe His promises, He prays for us to stand firm. When grief and sadness overcome us, Jesus lifts us up in prayer.
Take comfort—even if you have denied Jesus, He prays for you.
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In my mind’s eye I can see her running toward third base—her chubby three-year-old legs pushing her little body forward, her arms reaching upward and outward, her smile beaming.
Why? Her Mama was the third base coach. With laughter, they met at the base—Mama kissing her as the three-year-old was swept into her arms. Precious memory. Irreplaceable
I am grateful for memories. God created our minds to remember the wonderful things He has given us.
God has provided memory gifts during my lifetime: holding my three beautiful newborns; watching a full moon on the ocean; seeing waves crash at my feet like neon lights; and visiting Bar Harbor, Maine, while two of our granddaughters were there on internships. I never want to lose the memories from my past.
More importantly is our ability to create new memories in the time allotted to us on earth. Making new memories is a gift. So is being with people we love, having fun, sharing grief, laughing, crying, sharing our talents, hugging, smiling, or writing a note that lets someone know they are an important part of our life.
God has things in store for us, our friends, and our family. He wants us to step out of our comfort zones, reach out to someone, and make a memory for us and them.
Think of a few things you can share with others to build memories. Then, give thanks to the Lord as you remember His works.
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I did it … went from sane to senseless and back to sane again.
As a young boy, I never questioned the rules my parents, grandparents, or other authority figures dished out. If they said, “Don’t lie,” I didn’t lie. If they said, “Don’t steal,” I didn’t steal. But when preadolescence hit, things changed. I questioned what authority figures said. No longer did I accept the dos and don’ts at face value. Rather, I critically evaluated the rules, wondering whether they were right or not. Something inside me rose, making me want to disobey many of the rules I had previously obeyed.
Then something strange happened when I became a young adult. My sanity returned. Suddenly, the rules made sense again, and I wanted to obey them … at least, most of them. Some of my parents’ rules I discarded. They were legalistic and didn’t align with my interpretation of God’s rules. But most I kept because they did align. I pulled a “Nebbie.”
Nebuchadnezzar was ruler of the great kingdom of Babylon, but pride got the best of him. He went from sane to senseless because he imagined he had built his kingdom. For a period, God let him live like an animal to show him differently. When Nebbie came to his senses, God restored the kingdom to him.
I made some of the same mistakes old Nebbie did. When I chose to rebel and go my own way, I did so because I forgot to whom I was responsible. Nebbie thought he was in charge. God showed him otherwise. Even though Nebbie wasn’t a God worshiper, God still controlled his rule over Babylon. After all, God is omnipotent and sovereign.
Nebbie also forgot his sole purpose in life was to obey what God had planned, not what he wanted to do. I forgot that for eight years too. When I remembered life entailed obeying God with my entire being, my sanity returned like ole Nebbie’s.
Leaving God out—or relegating Him to a position other than number one—is insanity. Giving Him first place makes sense.
Examine your priorities. If you’ve gone from sane to senseless, God can bring you back to your senses.
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We frequently invite people over for dinner.
We love their company and enjoy hearing their life adventures. After three or four hours, they leave. On special occasions, such as family birthdays or Thanksgiving, they usually stay longer—sometimes all day—but they eventually leave by nightfall.
When our son was a senior in high school, he had a buddy who at eighteen had to leave home because his parents were divorced, and there was turmoil in the home. We invited this young man to live with us so he could at least graduate from high school before going out on his own. He became a resident in our home. We offered him a room of his own and meals. He lived in the atmosphere of our home. He had to abide by our rules and lifestyle—no alcohol, drugs, or obscene language—and he had to attend school regularly.
As God was with the children of Israel, so my husband and I are the masters of our home. We decide on the furnishings, what color to paint the rooms, and when, who, or what can come in. As masters over the house, we are also responsible for repairs, cleaning, and activities.
When we only invite Jesus into our lives as a visitor, He becomes a guest for us to enjoy for a limited time. Then, He leaves at our bidding. When Jesus is a resident, He lives in us, but is still under our lifestyle choice. He can participate with us, but we hold the keys. When we make Him Master of our lives, we give Him authority to make changes as we cooperate. He can rearrange the furniture, decide what needs to be removed, keep things clean, and even decide who or what can come in. This requires a leap of trust.
Make Jesus the Master of your life, and give Him permission to make changes in you.
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As the truck driver maneuvered his truck into the turning lane, he glanced at traffic around him.
A young girl steered her car into the lane beside him. Watching her, he could see she didn’t know what lane she needed. She bobbed her head left, then right. She was in the wrong lane. Quickly, she pressed the car’s accelerator, slid in front of his semi, and then hit her brakes.
With no place to go, the truck driver knew he’d have to jackknife his truck if he didn’t want to kill the girl and her friends. A split second passed as he skidded toward the ditch, feeling the truck breaking and rolling. He awakened to a hospital bed and multiple injuries, some serious.
As he lay in a bed, the door opened. The young girl from the car entered. Hesitantly, she stepped forward. “I’m sorry … I’m so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?” Her tear-filled eyes begged for forgiveness.
“Honey, I forgave you as soon as you pulled in front of me. God knew I didn’t want to hurt you, so He gave me wisdom to jackknife my truck. I am glad you are alive.”
“I’m glad you’re alive too.” Stepping to the bed, she hugged him.
With serious injuries, the truck driver gave up a life he enjoyed for a young girl he didn’t know.
Jesus knows each of us by name. He loves so much that He willingly gave His life for us. But Jesus is more than just a good man. He is God and offers forgiveness for our sins. Whatever we need forgiveness for, He will forgive if we ask sincerely.
Do you need to give or to receive forgiveness?
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At seventeen, and too young, Dad lied to join the Army.
Within months he’d found himself a gunnery sergeant leading men through hand-to-hand combat with the Japanese. Blown off a hill by a mortar and then later shot through the neck by a sniper, Dad knew his decision to serve could take his life. Still he chose to serve.
My brother, a Naval veteran, rubbed his fingers around the rough wool collar of Dad’s uniform as he began to recount what few choice memories Dad shared of his time in the Pacific Theatre. Neither of us expected such a wave of emotion. The decision to move Mom into assisted living brought the task of emptying her house contents into storage. When I reached into the far corner of the closet and pulled out Dad’s Army greens, we were taken back. Dad had survived WWII, but he couldn’t outlive cancer.
Jesus knew full well that those who chose to follow Him would also be in danger. He clearly expressed that to His disciples many times. Even in His warnings, He offered the encouragement of the promises of God. Their service…their being a servant…would not go unnoticed by the Father. God would honor them. Any one of Jesus’ inner circle could have walked away at any time, yet they chose to follow. Chose to serve. Chose a life that could easily be snuffed out because of their faith.
In a time when the service of our military men and women seems so unappreciated, these faithful servants choose to stand guard over a selfish people. Like the disciples who walked with Jesus, they understand their lives are in danger and that their service could take the life they cherish.
Choosing to follow Christ is a decision placed before us all. Our lives may not be in danger in this country due to our faith, but there are lives elsewhere who suffer the ultimate price to be His servant.
On this Memorial Day weekend, be intentional to recognize our men and women of the military. Remember also, those individuals who fight an equally hard battle to be God’s servants. Remind them their sacrifice is not wasted. Honor them for God will surely do the same.
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Some people are like broken dolls who need returning to the toy factory—so brokenhearted from their mess-ups that their spirits are crushed.
For most of my life, I battled eating disorders and major depression, which made me feel like a broken doll. So broken that the toy factory probably would have tossed me aside, believing I wasn’t worth their time. Thankfully, I found healing and completeness in Christ’s mercy.
The Amplified Bible version of Psalm 34:18 uses the phrase “contrite in heart, truly sorry for their sin” to define “crushed in spirit.” When we’re truly sorry for how we’ve grieved our heavenly Father, we can experience peace—knowing He’ll do whatever it takes to make us right with Him. God understands our crushing discouragement and shame. No matter what else we’re dealing with, life is more crushing when shame and turmoil join the mix.
We can ask God to show us how He sees our sin … how He can hate our sin but still love us. We can ask Him to help us despise our sin as much as He despises it and accept His love and mercy as freely as He gives it. Rather than dwelling on the mess we’ve made, we will feel less broken if we ask God to help us make things right with those we’ve hurt with our sinful choices. And more healing will come if we pray for those who are also brokenhearted because of our choices.
Life can be hard, especially if we try to live without supportive people and without God. I can relate to the shame that comes from living in ways that dishonor God. I know how the Enemy uses shame to keep us from those we need to be around—especially those at church. Each of us has our own set of circumstances and face painful or embarrassing consequences for the choices we have made.
Regardless of how broken your situation is, go to God. Express sorrow for your sins and receive healing through His gentle and powerful nearness.
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Some people project a cloud of negativity like Pigpen’s cloud of filth in the Charlie Brown cartoon.
I watched Winnie the Pooh as a kid. Whenever Winnie or any of the other characters met Eeyore, the sad-sack donkey, the donkey always complained. When anyone said “Good morning,” Eeyore responded, “If it is a good morning, which I doubt.” When he got a new tail, he said, “Sure is a cheerful color. Guess I’ll have to get used to it.”
When Jesus asked the paralytic if he wanted to be well, the man responded, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” You would think his answer would have been “YES, I want to be made well!” Instead, he made excuses for his condition, which he had suffered for thirty-eight years. His condition had become a part of his identity. He depended on it to beg alms, and I’m not sure he wanted Jesus to cure him.
We’ve all known people who are difficult to be around because they complain about their health, finances, job, family, or any number of other things. The human experience is difficult. We do suffer physical and emotional pain. Falling into self-pity and complaining is easy.
I recently read Corrie ten Boom’s classic book, The Hiding Place. The Nazis sent Corrie and her sister Betsie to a concentration camp in Ravensbruck, Germany. They lived in cramped bunks shared by up to five women. Fleas infested the barracks. The guards wouldn’t even come in. The sisters’ existence was miserable, but rather than complain, they thanked God for the fleas. The guards wouldn’t find their smuggled Bibles, and many other women heard the Bible because the women lived in such confined quarters. Tragically, Betsie died in that camp, but she died thankful.
We have a choice. We can grumble or give thanks in all circumstances. If we look for God’s grace, we will find it. The ten Boom sisters found it in a concentration camp and in the fleas that drove out the guards.
Complaining doesn’t change anything. Ask God for a grateful heart so He can use you.
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As my car crawled along the automated car wash track, my thoughts drifted to the past.
My husband and I often took our children through the car wash for the express purpose of playing, “Watch the Bubbles.”
“Daddy, my bubble is racing yours,” our son would say.
“Mine is turning swishy circles,” our daughter would say.
I stroked my silver-steaked hair and prayed, “God, my children are grown, so why do I still want to watch bubbles?”
For God’s pleasure, and for ours, He creates. He invents the science behind what makes car wash bubbles fascinating to watch, but He doesn’t stop there. He creates snails with stripes and bushes with glitter dots. He makes a dove’s feathers sing as she takes flight. He fashions the honeybee’s wings to interlock like a zipper during flight. God is a masterful creator, and He wants us to enjoy His creation the way He does. But there’s more …
Father God loves His people so much He gave them the innate ability to create. He made us in His image. Only after God created humans did He say, “It is very good” (Genesis 1:31b KJV). Paul records the works we are created to accomplish with God’s empowerment, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10 KJV). The Heavenly Father loves us so much He sings over us. Zechariah said, “The LORD thy God, in the midst of thee, is mighty … he will joy over thee with singing” (3:11).
If we are loved by our Creator so much that He sings over us, then we should enjoy the world He has created and praise Him for the ability He places within us to accomplish the works He has ordained us to do.
Take some time to praise God for being your heavenly Daddy who has uniquely created you.
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Kindergarten Science is often a beautiful lesson in God’s love.
My kindergarteners and I discussed how, within temperature variations, substances undergo reversible changes—such as with water freezing and then thawing. But with other substances, irreversible modifications occur—like our experiment on little pumpkins.
Prior to cooking, the small pumpkins were hard and could not be molded by my kindergarteners’ hands. Yet after heating them from the inside out, they became easy to squash—an irreversible change. They would never be raw pumpkins again. We squished the pumpkins into pieces, then chatted about our actions and words.
Our actions and words cannot be taken back—somewhat like the love of Christ. When Christ sheds His love into our hearts, He makes a permanent mark on our souls. We are His forever. Nothing can alter the Father’s unchanging love.
If we consider how God’s passion molds us, then we can see that the tests and trials of life—the heating up process—change us for the better. Many times, the Potter puts us into the fire to help us become more squishable and usable for His glory. And while this may not always be welcomed by our hard-shelled, inflexible, decorative-only selves, the trials are necessary if we want to become more like Jesus. Once He alters us with the warmth of His ardor and grace, we are never the same.
God loves us with an everlasting love. If we believe the powerful truth about His unchanging hand of grace and devotion, then it will make a difference in our lives. What began as a lesson for my kindergarteners ended as a lesson for their teacher.
Thank God for His fixed love for you—and for His willingness to leave you unchanged.
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As I reflect on the challenges of the previous year, I am grateful God sustained me and I have peace.
I am also painfully aware that across town my cousin received the heart-wrenching news his twenty-eight-year-old son had overdosed. The weight of that revelation breaks my heart. I know my cousin isn’t alone in his pain. The widower bumps into himself in the home he once shared with his wife, and people battle cancer constantly. Suffering is inevitable—a part of living … the part I wish I could eradicate with the wave of a wand. But that’s not how it works.
Suffering has purpose. It enlarges the capacity of our hearts, making us human and giving us the ability to comfort others in their affliction. And when we view our pain and loss through the lens of Scripture, we gain a clearer perspective of this transitory life. Death is not the end.
This Scripture reminds us a glorious day will come when God—not an angel or one of the prophets—will wipe away every tear we have shed. Death will lose its sting, and we will no longer experience grief or anguish. This promise fills my tired heart with great hope and expectancy.
In God’s presence, we gain strength for life’s journey and are filled with a sense of hope. God will sustain us. Yes, He will.
When times of pain come, look to God, the only true Source of comfort.
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Because of my learning disabilities and financial mistakes, one of my greatest fears is becoming homeless.
This fear gripped me one night as I drove down a street and saw a man sleeping in sub-zero temperatures on a metal grate. Another time, I saw a homeless mom and dad with their two small children, spending the night at a twenty-four-hour laundromat. What frightens me more is remembering what my dad told me as a child: “If you don’t get better grades, you will be a dishwasher for the rest of your life.
Despite my difficulties, I found the Lord as a child. Yet some people with large incomes don’t see their need for the Lord. They don’t realize their material wealth won't get them into heaven. Meanwhile, I may lose the roof over my head, but I know I have a home in heaven.
The angels will throw them into the blazing furnace, where the people will cry and grind their teeth with pain. Then the good people will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let those with ears use them and listen. This verse tells about the punishment for those who reject Jesus as their Savior. I would rather be homeless on earth than be rejected from heaven. On earth, fixing the homeless problem is possible, but if we die without Jesus in our heart, we’re out of luck and headed for a lake of fire. Once eternity begins, we can’t remedy the situation or change our location.
If you haven’t asked Jesus into your heart, do it today. You never know when death might call.
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The little box turtle crept across the four-lane highway, attempting to reach the other side.
I watched him crawl across the second lane and believe he reached the grassy median. But I have no idea whether he completed his journey. That turtle faced the oncoming traffic to fight his way across what must have looked like a vast expanse to him.
Too many times in my life I've faced four-lane highways. I've either had to summon courage or chicken out. So did God's servant Joshua. As the predecessor of Moses, God called Joshua to fill some big shoes. Moses had groomed him and encouraged him, yet Joshua didn't always get it right.
Despite Joshua’s failed attempts at going for the win on his own, God continued to call him to be strong and courageous. When he obeyed, miracles happened. As Joshua chose to listen to God and put on his courage and strength, he led the Israelites into the Promised Land and the walls of Jericho fell. With courage and strength given by God, Joshua moved his people forward.
God gave Joshua three directives: be strong and courageous, be obedient to God, and continually read and study the Bible, God's formula for success. Maybe not the world's way, but God's way. Our Father wants us to be brave, pray, listen, and study His Word. Then we can tap into the courage and strength He offers. God is with us as we journey the vast expanse called life. He will not leave us—if we embrace Him.
Make it a habit to seek God’s courage and strength every day.
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I invited her to Starbucks so I could apologize.
The lady had shown up unexpectedly at a Christmas party for a ministry in which she wasn’t involved. I only spoke a few words to her, mostly talking with other people. Later, while reading my Bible, God convicted me of my bad attitude, so I decided to make amends.
Apparently, she had not noticed my rudeness until I said something. Instead of forgiving me, she laid out a long list of complaints. The coffee acid burned my stomach. My efforts to reconcile had backfired.
The next day at work, I couldn’t focus. Words swam on my computer as I saw her accusations replay on the movie screen in my mind. Why couldn’t I be nicer? I felt abysmal. A colleague noticed tears cruising down my cheeks and asked what had happened. I told her how I had asked for forgiveness from someone and received a tongue-lashing instead. She tried to console me, telling me I wasn’t a monster. In time, God healed my wound.
Months later, the same woman needed help with moving, so I volunteered. When I told my coworker, she was shocked. Why would I help someone who had been so nasty to me? It made no sense. I told her I would want people to help me move, so I needed to serve others. My associate couldn’t understand. Why show love to your enemies? She recommended I ignore the request and hope someone else would assist.
I remembered Jesus’ words that His followers should show love. Doing so helped my coworker see something different in me than she saw in the world. She recognized my love for others. I told her God had forgiven me of much worse. I could forgive someone who had hurt me. I could share God’s love when I had none of my own to give.
The world cries out for vengeance. When we choose to love—when we would rather hate—God gets the glory. Giving undeserved love seems illogical and separates us from nonbelievers, but they will know we are Christians by our love.
Let your life display Christ’s love to everyone, even when it’s difficult.
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My friend’s young daughter wanted to do it by herself.
I left the bathroom after all my efforts to help her proved futile. When I came back, I found her out of the tub, clinging to her towel and watching the tub fill up with hot steaming water. She had quickly stepped out when hot water gushed out. She did it herself all right, but in the process almost messed up the bathroom, hurt herself, and failed to do what she wanted to do by herself. She stood there, too embarrassed to ask me for help.
Thinking about this episode during the day, I couldn’t help but laugh. She was much like me. I leave God out of most things, claiming I can do it by myself and end up ruining things.
The kind of relationship between the Father and the Son is the type we should have with God as His children. Jesus is God, but He did not do anything apart from God.
We need to acknowledge we can do nothing without God. We need His counsel and help—and not only when we run out of options, but more importantly, when we think we know what is best. We need to make His Word our rule for life because only in our obedience to His Word can we find strength to do what He expects.
The Son does only what He sees the Father doing, and we should too. The Word of God is the way to see what the Father expects. One sure way to know we are not leaving God out is to do what His Word says.
Don’t try to do life alone. Include God.
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“You need a baby ring sling,” I said.
My neighbor runs a daycare. She has a sweet baby to tend, but often Zoey is quite fussy and wants to be held. My friend holds her, but doing so ties her hands. One day when I visited Amy, she said, “I can’t fold laundry, I can’t do dishes, and I can’t mop.”
That weekend I made her a baby sling and delivered it Monday morning. We worked at putting it on correctly. I did a trial run while she held Zoey, and then Amy slipped it on, and I helped her put Zoey into the sling and get her comfortably secure.
Suddenly, two grown women danced around the kitchen with jubilation. Amy threw her hands in the air and sang, “I’m free!” Zoey rested against Amy’s chest and fell asleep shortly thereafter. Not only were Amy’s hands free, but the sling also distributed the child’s weight and made Amy’s back less stressed.
I reflected on that happy event during my devotions the next morning, thinking about how my Shepherd King wraps His loving arms around me and carries my burdens. He is my sling.
I read a story once about a man who trudged along a country road with a heavy burden on his back. A farmer came by with a horse and wagon, slowed, and asked the man if he would like a ride to town. The tired fellow gladly accepted and hoisted himself onto the back of the wagon.
After a while, the farmer glanced back and noticed the man still had the burden on his back. He shouted, “Why don’t you take off your pack and rest?”
His passenger replied, “Oh, no, sir. You’ve been so kind to give me a lift. I wouldn’t think of asking you to carry my backpack too.”
Kind of silly, but sometimes we do the same. The Lord promises to carry our burdens, but we often hang on to them. Peter tells us to cast all our cares on Him, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). By faith, I plan to let God be my burden bearer.
How can you do a better job of letting God carry your burdens?
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Am I a Mary or a Martha? I would say I'm both.
These sisters intrigue me. Sometimes, I'm a Martha, serving others—especially during family events or holidays. Then during the wintry days of January, all I want to do is sit at Jesus' feet and be a Mary.
Since the Bible teaches balance, what’s the balance between these two sisters’ actions? Why did Jesus rebuke the sister who served him fish on a platter with figs? And why did He refuse to tell her sister to help?
Luke gives us a glimpse into this family who loved Jesus and supported His ministry. They hosted many gatherings in their home for Jesus and His followers. On this occasion, Jesus is brought into a family squabble when one sister gets upset with the other.
My imagination sees Martha clanging pottery in the kitchen, trying to get Mary’s attention. Or giving her looks behind the Lord’s back that could kill. Finally, Martha, with her hand on her hip, tells Jesus to tell her sister, who’s sitting at His feet, to help her.
I’ve been there. Hosting a party or holiday dinner, getting in over my head, and then expecting my husband to help me get it done before our guests arrived. He sat without a care in the world, watching television and oblivious to the cloth napkins that needed to be ironed and the ring in the guest bathroom toilet.
But I finally learned: I created my own work. I’m not saying husbands or children shouldn’t help; I’m just saying they don’t have to rescue us from ourselves. That’s why Jesus scolded Martha. He lovingly tells her she is fussing and fuming to get everything perfect and exhausting herself over matters that will pass away. Jesus loved them both, but Mary chose the good part: yearning to cultivate a relationship with Jesus.
We don’t have to be a Mary or a Martha. We can be both at the same time by serving others with love and joy that result from the peace in our heart that passes all understanding.
Why not serve like Martha and love like Mary?
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The warning light on the dashboard glared at me like a red-eyed monster.
“Check charging system,” it ordered. What? I’d had my car serviced the week before in preparation for my road trip. Being hundreds of miles from home with bad weather threatening was not the time for car trouble.
Fortunately, I was at a gas station when the ominous warning appeared and not barreling down the interstate. I could give full attention to my predicament. And it was a predicament. I would have to get back on the interstate and drive forty-five minutes to the nearest dealer.
Less than an hour later and with a sigh of relief, I pulled into the dealer’s service center. The technician said my alternator was dead. I had barely escaped having to be towed. Whew! A replacement part was in stock and could be installed immediately. I was back on the road in no time.
Jesus warned about the inevitable dangers and troubles in this world. But He also made clear He had overcome the world.
When Jesus is in our life, our glass is full. He’s with us before, during, and after trouble. He’s better than roadside assistance. Isn’t that the kind of coverage we all need? Me? I’m a believer. I see the glass as completely full.
A glass half-empty person or a non-believer would see the negative in my experience. They’d say, “You asked God for safe travel, and you were on the verge of breaking down on the interstate.” A glass half-full person would note a silver lining in the situation. They’d say, “Well, God didn’t save you from trouble, but He did keep it from being as bad as it could have been.”
Ask God to help you see your trials as a glass half full, not half empty.
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Sunday afternoon is my favorite time of the week.
After playing the piano for the weekly worship service, I relax and read. While on our dock with a library book one day, I sensed my husband’s footsteps rapidly approaching. He handed me his heavy binoculars and inquired, “What do you see out there?”
One hundred yards from shore, a dog swam in circles, struggling to keep its head above water and fighting for its life. Jeff ran for the keys to his fishing boat while I lowered the boat-lift. I stood at the end of the dock and watched through the binoculars as his boat slowly approached the drowning dog.
Jeff leaned over, lifted the exhausted animal to freedom, and gently placed it into his boat. Our neighbor’s blind dog, Chelsea, had escaped from the pen several hours before, wandered down to the dock, and fell into the water.
I am thankful Jeff spotted the helpless dog in trouble and was able to rescue her in the nick of time. And that he did what God told His people of old to do. A command that still applies. A few days later, he received a thank-you note. Chelsea had recovered and was doing well.
How often do we wander from our pen and fall into the water—blind and unable to escape? Like Chelsea, we are at the mercy of our heavenly Father who always comes to our rescue, oftentimes in the form of neighbors, friends, or family.
I thank my heavenly Father for the many times He has rescued me. I hope you will too.
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I have a secret: I’ve spent my entire life trying to make people like me.
I want others to think I’m brilliant, kind, funny, and wise. I spend hours overthinking a joke I told. I try to agree with the people I talk with. And honestly, sometimes I even attempt to say things that will make my friends have conversations with other people about how great I am.
Why? Because I’m constantly fighting a voice inside of me that says, “You’re not enough.” I use approval from others as a way to argue with that voice. But anytime I don’t measure up, the voice comes back even stronger. “See? Told you.” That’s why I find the way Jesus loved the “unlovable” profound.
Zacchaeus was a tax collector—someone everyone hated because he stole money from people. People hated him so much that when Jesus came to town no one would even let Zacchaeus get by them so he could see Jesus. Since Zacchaeus was short, he had to climb a tree to see Jesus.
This was the guy Jesus chose to spend time with. He loved Zacchaeus even when no one else did. He chose to stay at Zacchaeus’s house over all the “better” people’s houses.
And what happened? Zacchaeus said, “Here and now, I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”
The free love of Jesus touched Zacchaeus’ heart powerfully and instantly. Jesus’s actions were so powerful for him—and for us—because we’re not used to free love. Jesus offered Zacchaeus acceptance, and without him having to perform to get it. He was wanted, regardless of how short he was, how hated he was, or how dishonest he was.
I have a hard time grasping the concept of free love too. But the way Jesus loves me unconditionally is releasing me of my need to perform—no matter how often I don’t measure up. And that makes me want to be a better person. Not out of fear, but out of the realization that I am enough. Simply because I am His.
Move through this week knowing you are enough.
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As I prepared to return from a missionary trip to Malaysia, I watched a beautiful young high school girl die in her parent’s arms. She had lost her asthma inhaler.
Shame and guilt can also be life threatening if not treated properly.
Because we cannot forget anything unless there is organic damage, we are often at odds with the way God treats our sin. The memory of past sins, especially the more gross ones, can return and produce bad symptoms in our lives. These often pictorial memories resemble reliving bad choices.
When painful—and sometimes disgusting—memories plague our heart and vision, we must open our emotions to what God Almighty has revealed about His treatment of our sin’s condition.
“Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow … if you consent and obey, you will eat the best of the land.” Breathing in the emotional content of the Word—such as this verse in Isaiah—mimics breathing in heavens’ clean air and is like using a spiritual inhaler.
Carrying the following verses, which also represent God’s instruction on how He handles sin, gives us a spiritual emergency inhaler to use when guilt chokes us:
“I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud, and your sins like a heavy mist. Your sins have been wiped away as the morning mist” (Isaiah 44:22).
“Be of a good cheer son, your sins are forgiven” (Matthew 9:2).
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
“In this is love, not that we have loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:30).
Carry your emergency spiritual inhaler to use against sin and its reoccurrence so you can experience the abundant life Jesus came to give.
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I once watched a YouTube video about co-housing. I watched to find out what co-housing was. During the video, someone said co-housing wasn't for everybody. He also mentioned that for some people, decision making with a group might be their definition of hell.
If only hell were a hardship of decision making. Our world today loves to sugarcoat the reality of belief. In a time when everything must gently give us what we want without stepping on toes, the reality of hell is too hurtful. After all, who wants to end up there? Or worse, some believe it’s just a story in the Bible.
The rich man discovered the truth of what hell was and pleaded for a touch of water to cool his agony. It was a sad awakening and one that, once given the sentence, is irrevocable. Worse than the torment is the eternal separation from God. No longer is there a lifeline to hope.
Heaven and hell are opposites, both yielding eternality. God has made a place for us—a place where we can bask in the glory of God. The pathway is clear as to how we reach for this reward: repentance, accepting Christ, and living a life as best we can of fruitfulness in the Word. It’s about faithfulness, belief, and love—even when love hurts—and knowing we have the assurance of God’s forgiveness.
God doesn’t long to lose any of His children. He waits for us to bond with Him through a relationship that can’t be matched by earthly pleasure. Spend time in His Word. Study to understand the great joys found in Christ, but do not be deceived that there is no punishment for sin. Instead, seek the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Feed your soul by reading the Bible, finding a Bible-believing church, giving back to God, and praying daily.
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My first day as a volunteer tutor at an after-school program didn’t go as I expected.
I expected children playfully running down the street, bursting through the door, and releasing energy pent up from a full day at school. I expected to help with reading and math and play games like Sorry and Uno.
I did not expect a petite girl in a wheelchair who spoke only a few words. She wasn’t there for the homework help I was prepared to provide. She wanted my constant attention, but I didn’t know how to interact with her. I felt disappointed, inadequate, and guilty. I called my daughter, a special education teacher. She assured me I was just overwhelmed with an unexpected and unfamiliar situation. Her advice: “Ask Jesus to help you see her and appreciate her the way He does.”
The next week, the little girl and I sat on the floor and rolled a ball back and forth. The ball went wild and took wacky bounces. She laughed as we retrieved it from around corners and under furnishings. Her laugh was infectious, and, as I laughed with her, I fell in love with her. We had weeks of fun together until it was time for me to say goodbye.
When God sent Samuel to anoint a new king, He instructed Samuel not to choose according to physical appearances but by what was in a man’s heart. As I spent time getting to know this spunky girl with a spark in her eyes, I saw her joyful spirit. Everything we did together was fresh and fun and made her laugh.
I volunteered because God put helping children on my heart, but He hadn’t put me there to tutor. I was there to love one little girl. And she was there to give me a lesson in love.
Don’t judge the people you meet today by their appearances. Get to know them through their hearts.
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Even too much of a good thing can turn bad…and my hunger did.
Once I lost my baby fat, I slimmed down, became as skinny as a rail, and stayed that way throughout school and into my young adult years. A good thing because my appetite raged.
In those years, my eating was more unhealthy than healthy. I loved junk food. Around forty, things changed—but not my appetite. No longer could I eat as much as I wanted, or what I wanted, without it affecting the scales and my waistline.
My two oldest grandsons are just as I was. Throughout the day, we hear, “Meme (or Pop), I’m hungry.” We feed them. Thirty minutes later, we hear their request again. At this point, both remain as skinny as I once was, and their mother still is. Yet, the day will probably come when too much of a good thing will be bad for them, too.
But when it comes to righteousness, or right living, too much of it can never be unhealthy. Jesus said those who hunger after right things will be happy. Living right satisfies, but it’s not the norm. Since we’re born with a sinful nature, we naturally hunger after unhealthy things—and not food, although we could throw that in the mix.
When we accept the offer of Christ’s forgiveness for our sins, He makes us right in position—but that doesn’t mean we’ll always act right in practice. And we often don’t, despite our best efforts. Hungering for right living, however, focuses us in the right direction.
Staying close to God through prayer, Bible study, meditation, fellowship with other believers, and reading good books keep us hungry for the right things. By hearing and seeing God’s instructions in print and through example, we’ll be challenged to hunger after God things, not worldly things.
Not developing an appetite for sinful things also proves beneficial, as does staying away from people and things we know are weaknesses for us and will tempt us. Good friends hold us accountable.
A healthy fear of God helps, too—not fearing He will zap us every time we mess up, but reverencing Him for who He is, for the power He possesses, and for the love He has shown to purchase our salvation.
Develop a good hunger…but for the right things.
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“I’ll forgive her when she apologizes … and not before!”
A statement like that is usually born out of the heat of the moment or a long, festering period of anger and resentment. Even though it’s totally understandable, it’s not healthy or scriptural.
If Jesus had waited on all those who persecuted, tormented, and crucified Him to come and confess their wrongdoing, there would be no forgiveness. Jesus responded in love and in accordance to His Father’s Word.
The truth is, people need love and forgiveness the most when they deserve it the least—even you and me. When Jesus said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,” He was teaching us that the ability to pardon the sins of others is an act of faith and sheer obedience. It’s not conditional or based on the response of the offender. In fact, it’s not for their benefit … it’s for ours.
God tells us to forgive so He will forgive us. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins (Mark 11:25 MSG).
If your forgive-o-meter shows you are putting conditions and unrealistic expectations on others, or if you’re having trouble getting past a painful or frustrating situation, think about all God has done for you. Think about the sacrifice Jesus made so all your sins could be washed away by His shed blood. Remember the things God has forgiven you for.
God shows each of us love and forgiveness the most when we deserve it the least, and He expects us to do the same.
Are you willing?
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Do you remember Bob Barker—and originally Johnny Olson—calling contestants by name and telling them to come on down because they were the next contestants on The Price is Right?
When I was young, I remember the Christmas showcase for the viewers at home. Although I wasn't old enough to be a contestant, I wanted to win all those prizes—except the trip to France. Momma helped me, and I bid in Dad's name.
Several weeks before Christmas—while I was staying with a great aunt—I watched the show to see if I had won. I didn't, and I was so disappointed. My parents had gone to a contest where the host said they had won something. But to get it, they had to buy a condo or some kind of vacation spot.
The prize my parents had won was either a car or a grill. I hoped for the car. We didn’t get it. We got the grill. Daddy said we had gotten what we needed.
Sometimes, God does give us the desires of our heart—like the used motor home we bought many years later. But mostly, He supplies our needs. He blessed us with not only one but also two used motor homes—both of which were very nice.
We need to know the difference between our needs and wants. If a child gets everything they want, they will become a spoiled-rotten brat.
Pray and ask God to help you be content, even when He doesn't give you what you want or when you want it.
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By 11:00 a.m., four invasions from dubious, uninvited sources had occurred.
What was it I was just praying about? My patience was already strained as I listened to the message from the most recent invader: “Return this call immediately. If you do not, we will suspend your Social Security number.”
Righteous indignation sparked. Okay, you want me to phone right back? I will gladly call and tell you exactly what I think.
When the fake Social Security man answered, my rant began. “How dare you … terrifying innocent people … scammers and liars … abusing the elderly …”
Just as feistily, he retorted, “Why did you call if you thought it was a scam, and who told you to call?”
“God did!” I spat back.
Two thoughts in succession flashed in my mind. God is probably not backing up this call and—wait a minute—this is a God-call!
My heart instantly softened, and compassion flowed. “Don’t you know Jesus has a better plan for your life? He made you for a purpose. He’s given you special gifts and has a job suited just for you? One where you won’t have to lie. One you can be proud of.”
As I continued speaking, he mumbled at regular intervals. “Yes, ma’am … You’re right … I know … Thank you …”
Sensing his hunger, I spoke on about Jesus’ mercy and love and then somehow found the boldness to ask if he wanted to invite Jesus into his life. When he said “Yes,” I don’t know who was more amazed. I had the privilege of leading him to Christ.
What started as a frustrating day turned into a glorious one once I discerned the heart of God and what He was doing. I wondered how many moments like this I had missed. Is that ringing phone harassment or opportunity for me to proclaim the gospel? Is the grocery stop just a mundane duty for me, or does God have someone He wants me to reach?
Ask God to help you see moments of harassment as opportunities.
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The adage “shop ’til you drop” takes on a whole new meaning during the holiday season.
The Christmas season begins well before Thanksgiving when we’re busy putting up our fall decorations, baking pumpkin pies, and picking out the perfect turkey with all the trimmings. Then we put away the pumpkins and scarecrows and pull out the good ol’ red and green. We plan our Christmas dinner, put our cards in the mail, and stress over the perfect gift for everyone on our list. It can be utterly exhausting.
We spend, spend, spend—time, money, and effort—until we have nothing else to give. We feel completely bankrupt when we should be full of the Christmas spirit, letting it spill out on everyone around us.
A few years ago—on a bright, sunny December day—I stood in amazement as a man loudly berated a salesclerk in a local drugstore because the store did not have what he was looking for. He was rude, obnoxious, and completely out of line. The clerk took it like a trouper. She remained calm and never argued with the man, but I could read the hurt and embarrassment on her face.
When the man stormed away in a huff, muttering under his breath, I patted the clerk on her shoulder and apologized for the man’s behavior. I gave her my best smile and assured her she had done nothing wrong. The hurt vanished from her eyes, and she returned my smile.
A smile is an amazing gift. It’s universal, easily accessible, and understandable even to an infant. It can break through the hardest or most wounded heart. A sign in a large department store reads, Smile! Spoil the day for some grouch! (I wish I had smiled at the man in the drugstore.)
With all Job went through, he said, I will forget my complaint. I will put off my sad face and wear a smile. When the holiday rush has taken its toll … when you’ve gone the proverbial last mile and feel as if you have nothing else to give … do as Job did and offer the best gift of all: a smile. It will brighten someone’s day, and it just might make you feel a bit better too.
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Many signs await us.
Some signs catch our attention while others escape us. We pay attention to approaching clouds, announcing a sudden rainstorm. When driving, we watch for someone in front of us turning unexpectedly or pulling off a side street. When a ball rolls into the street, we look for the child chasing it. And think of how vigilant we become when a child faces illness. Just as the people of Noah's time did not look for signs to explain why he was building an ark, we might miss sudden brake lights in front of us.
With Christmas approaching, we often hear "Are you ready?" and we know the question pertains to our Christmas preparations. We make cookies, breads, pies, and candies. Our refrigerators and pantries nearly explode with food. For Christmas dinner, we time the cooking of each dish, ensuring we serve them at the right temperature and appropriate time. We clean our homes, anticipating family visits. We clothe guest beds with crisp sheets and stock guest bathrooms with dryer-fresh towels and washcloths. We trim the Christmas tree and decorate our homes. We clear snow from driveways and sidewalks, making the paths to our homes safe.
Carving out time for Netflix, binging to understand the highly advertised season finale of a favorite TV show, and reading about the latest scandal on Facebook seem easy. All the while, the Word which tells of Jesus’ return quietly sits on our bedside table or bookshelf. Often, we don’t open, investigate, analyze, and explore the signs it gives of Jesus’ return.
Matthew warns us to prepare for the return of the "Son of Man." This entails considering the signs, making preparations, studying the Word, and changing our daily focus.
Be as diligent in watching for the signs of Jesus’ return as you are in preparing for the Christmas celebration.
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When we’re looking, she’s a perfect little angel, but when we’re not…
Our six-month-old Chihuahua mix was kennel trained when we got her, so when we left the house—and at night—we put her in what she was accustomed to. She didn’t yelp, and we didn’t have to worry about her getting into trouble.
But I hate putting a dog in a kennel or on a chain, so after she reached nine months of age—and had shown herself capable of behaving when we were gone—my wife and I began leaving her out while we went on various outings. She did well. Until she turned one year old. Suddenly, her well-behaved nature while we absent from the house changed.
Her favorite misbehavior involved digging through the trash can. We put it up. Then she chewed up my wife’s box of Milk Duds. That almost equaled a federal offense. Finally, she pulled my basket full of pens and highlighters from the table beside my chair. In doing so, she broke the final straw. Back in the kennel when we left the house.
Soft heart that I am, I gave her one final chance after punishing her. We left for a short trip to Mom’s. When we returned, she had pulled trash from our large garbage can. She had exhausted her chances. She had to learn to behave whether we were looking or not.
Jonah must have thought as our dog did. When God told him to preach to people he hated, he ran, thinking God wouldn’t see his act of disobedience once he left the land of Israel. He discovered his error when God sent a large fish to swallow him.
Our dog waits until we’re not looking to misbehave, but God is always looking. Jonah discovered leaving his homeland didn’t leave God. God is everywhere. Though the Bible doesn’t use the word, it does evidence the concept of omnipresence.
Although God always sees our behavior, He’s not sitting in heaven waiting for us to misbehave so He can squash us. He has principles, commands, and expectations, but His nature is love. He disciplines when we go astray, but that is exactly why He disciplines. His love demands He keep us on the right track so we can enjoy the best life He has to offer.
Remember, God watches over you constantly—because He loves you.
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I’ve experienced times when hope was gone. Times when I feared the future, lost my faith, questioned God, and struggled over which way to go or what to do. I needed direction, but none came.
I was raised in the Catholic Church but hadn’t been to church for years. I decided to give Mass another try. Little did I know my life would be forever changed that Sunday morning.
God had positioned a couple two rows ahead of me. Everyone else at Mass had their heads down and silently prayed. Not this couple. They radiated joy. So much so that I approached them after the service and asked them what was so funny. The woman loudly said, “Praise the Lord.”
I wanted to run, thinking I had hit on some weirdos. But she turned out to be so kind, and she answered all my questions. She went on and on about Jesus and how much He loves us … how there was a new life waiting. Jesus waited for us to ask Him to come into our life.
I still left there with many unanswered questions, but I knew in my heart I didn’t have what she had: peace and joy.
Does all this work? Yes. I was alone and in deep distress, as was the psalmist. But the Lord showered me with His mercy as soon as I turned to Him.
Sometimes, we’re lonely, afraid, and confused and can’t see that the best is just around the corner. Our circumstances are dark. We want to give up. God wants us to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
No matter what your circumstances are, keep moving. God is with you.
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We’re often not openhanded with forgiveness.
Several years ago, lies were told about me, and the pain was deep. The individual eventually sought my forgiveness. Although I told them I forgave them, inwardly I struggled to walk in obedience to God’s Word. I knew what I should do, but carrying it out was difficult.
Months passed before I saw them again. Instantly, I tensed. I clung to the offense like a comfortable robe. Only I didn’t know it was dirty. As I considered my conduct, I realized I was behaving like a child who had been caught mistreating their sibling. I knew what my Father expected, but I hadn’t yet forgiven them in my heart.
Peter thought himself charitable, but Jesus demonstrated that true forgiveness, like His love, has no limit.
Having read the narrative hundreds of times, I reasoned that if I were repeatedly wronged, the severing of the relationship would soon follow. But when we’re earnestly pursuing God, He will show us when we’re in error.
During my season of struggling to forgive, God taught me that the temptation to relive the pain would resurface. When it did, I had to choose to forgive every time. God isn’t satisfied with mere words; He probes our heart and engineers our circumstances until we finally release the offense.
We are prone to withhold forgiveness until we feel ready—or the offender shows remorse. We say, “I’m praying and asking God to help me forgive.” That sounds correct, but it isn’t theologically accurate. The truth is, forgiving someone is an act of obedience, not a feeling.
We’ve all been wounded. Through these experiences, God transforms us, making us a clearer reflection of Himself. The process isn’t painless, but the rewards of obeying and doing things His way far outweigh the unwelcome cycle of pain.
When we recall all God has forgiven, we’ll be less inclined to keep a record of injustices. His forgiveness should cause us to be more charitable with our own.
I’ve since offered forgiveness in keeping with God’s Word. But it is a daily decision.
Strive to extend forgiveness, and allow God to remove the sting of the offense committed against you. When you do, you’ll walk unencumbered by the sin that easily entangles.
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The doorman stood in my way.
He would not allow any more people in. Some tried to rush him, but his actions held them back. He was hired for this job and knew how many people the elevator could carry.
Waiting for the next ride up gave me a few moments to reflect on the number of times God had placed a doorstop before me. I had to learn I could not force my way through a crack in the door. Sometimes, I had to let go of burdens I was carrying. Perhaps it was a toxic relationship I needed to tell goodbye or a habitual sin the Holy Spirit kept talking to me about.
God has used many methods to place a doorstop in my way. I have learned the Word of God provides many dos and don’ts, especially in the book of Proverbs. The words of Jesus in the gospels have provided wisdom. The writings of Paul in his letters to believers have produced warnings. The Holy Spirit has nudged me to stop as He brings a no-go zone to my attention. Wise counsel has alerted me to facts I was not aware of. Close friends have reminded me of what happened the last time I tried to force a door open.
Learning to respect God's doorstops in my life means acknowledging the sovereignty of God—sometimes painful, but it has grown my faith. A doorstop, like an elevator operator, has purpose. Waiting in patience for the door before us to open can reap huge benefits. Jesus will let us know when it is a safe time to enter through His open door, as He told the apostle John.
When Father God opens a door, He will never cause us to compromise or contradict His Word. We can trust Him as we respond to His call to come, to go through, or to come up higher.
Ask God for the faith to walk through the open doors He provides for you.
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They lay alongside the roadside, waiting for someone to pick them up and return them.
Before manufactures of soda packaged their product in aluminum or plastic, they placed it glass. And on the bottle, they stamped the words, “Return for Deposit.” Retailers, and then customers, who bought the product paid a small deposit—three to five cents. If customers returned the bottle to any retailer, the retailer would return the deposit to them.
My cousin, who lived in the country, always looked for ways to make money. When I spent time with him during the summers, I joined in his escapades. One involved picking up bottles. From his house to the nearest small town was one mile. He took one side of the road, and I took the other. By the time, we reached town, both of us had found a few bottles. We took them to Bert’s farm store, and he gave us five cents per bottle.
For various reasons, bottle production almost faded away, and aluminum and plastic took over. Some manufacturers later returned to putting a limited amount of their product in bottles, but the “Return for Deposit” was missing. Now, the bottles say “No Deposit No Return.” The best I can do is recycle them.
Manufacturing companies stamped their names on their products so the bottle got back to the right place. According to Paul, God does the same. When we trust Christ as our Savior, God places an identifying mark in us: the Holy Spirit. He’s a person and a part of the Holy Trinity, along with the Father and the Son.
The good news is that God won’t take back what He’s deposited, such as retailers and manufacturers once did. In the Old Testament, God gave His Spirit intermittently, when He had a special job for someone to do. But after Pentecost and the birth of the Church, God gave the Spirit permanently to His children.
Great advantages come with having God’s Spirit: perfect guidance for all circumstances, perfect wisdom for every decision, strength for any mission God sends us on, perfect peace—regardless of the pain or dire straits we encounter—and life as we could never experience if we didn’t have the Spirit.
Don’t waste the value of what God has deposited in you. Let the power of God’s Spirit lead you to the life He has planned for you.
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Many years ago, I did not understand the difference between going to church and being born again.
But then I heard the undiluted message of Pastor Paul Rika of the Holiness Revival Movement. The Lord convicted me, and I surrendered my life to Christ. Genuine repentance became my lot.
God says if we call on Him in repentance, not go back to our sinful ways, and humble ourselves before Him in prayer, He will hear us and make our lands good so we can enjoy their benefits. This involves total repentance and living in holiness, righteousness, and pursuit of peace with all people.
God wants all nations to repent and follow Him. He is a holy and a righteous Father who wants us to live in the same way. Sin angers Him, and He does not want us involved in sinful living. When we fall into sin, He wants us to call on Him for help and plead for His mercy.
The only way for God to hear nations and allow them to enjoy the good of the land is for them to put an end to murder, fraudulent engagement, kidnapping, sexual imperialism, terrorism, and idolatry. We must hand over our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the soon coming King.
Remember that genuine repentance averts disaster and produces healing that leads to rest.
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The troubled girl sat across the desk from me in my law office.
She was in a dark place: homeless, without transportation, in a toxic relationship with her mother, and separated from her young daughter whom the state had removed from her care. Now she was unexpectedly pregnant.
We discussed her life and current situation at length. She wanted to provide her baby with a stable and loving home—something she had never experienced. Therefore, she planned an adoptive placement.
“Miss Alice,” she asked, “would you come to the hospital to do the adoption paperwork with me?” Then she made a heart-breaking statement. “Other than my grandmother, you are the only person who has ever been nice to me in my life.”
I had never met this girl before. What could I possibly have in common with her grandmother? Then I remembered the girl telling me her grandmother had taken her to church when she was young. That was it. The grandmother and I were both Christians.
The tabernacle’s lamps shone brightly. Years later, Jesus said His followers were the light of the world.
As Christians, neither the girl’s grandmother nor I can light up the entire world. But in caring about this girl, we lit up the area in front of us where she was. She recognized God’s light in her place of darkness and was drawn to it.
Like the tabernacle’s lampstand, each of us is placed in a specific location for a specific purpose and should shine the light of God’s love into the darkness around us.
Ask God to put people in your path who need to see His light. Then, light up their darkness.
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If there were an organization called Rascally Monkeys Anonymous, Mimi would be its poster child.
Mimi, a pet ring-tail capuchin, ruled my friend’s home throughout the 1950s. This energetic monkey was the strong-willed, creative, hyperactive problem-child in this family of eight—the one whose inherent naughtiness could not be blamed on either side of the family.
Her antics included flooding the bathroom and living room carpet with cascading water, swinging from chandeliers while cradling raw eggs, tossing bright-colored packages into the grocery cart, and shaming the next door bully-dog with her screeching and stick flailing. Her repertoire could fill volumes.
But Mimi, being half-smart, taught me one lesson I’ll never forget. She knew the light bulb in her outdoor cage was the source of warmth on chilly nights. Smart. So every night, she unscrewed the warm bulb, wrapped it in her blanket, and held it closely. The warmth lasted about as long as you could say, “Not smart.”
Mimi herself cut off the source of her comfort. The family had to put a cage around the bulb so it could stay plugged in and keep her warm.
If we’re honest, we may find we’re a bit like Mimi at times—those times when we acknowledge that the Lord is our Source, yet remove ourselves from Him and try to go it alone. The times when we walk by our Bible on our way to look for self-help books, or when we forego prayer time and instead pour our problems out to a friend with a willing ear.
Books and friends are important, but when trials hit, we don’t want to be half-smart, embracing something that’s been removed from the source. We want to be plugged in to the ultimate Source of wisdom, truth, and strength.
Whenever you find your life in a power-shortage, think of Mimi and turn to the Source.
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One Monday morning, I faced a co-worker under stress.
She could choose anyone as a target to hit with her anger, but since she and I shared an office, she chose me. I sat paralyzed as words of frustration came out of her mouth. I offered help several times and talked to her about her attitude, but nothing seemed to stop her rude behavior.
This Monday, however, differed. The first thing I thought about was this verse and a sermon on kindness I had heard the day before. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. I felt compassion for her as I remembered the sermon.
During that day and the following ones, I showed kindness toward my co-worker—even though she was still under pressure and acting rudely toward others. Showing kindness requires daily prayer—which is a spiritual exercise—and engaging in spiritual warfare. But it’s worth it.
What’s interesting is that having compassion and acting in kindness toward someone else changes us. Peace takes over when we give space for the Holy Spirit to guide us. It also makes us look more like Jesus.
Make up your mind to show compassion to someone who needs to feel it.
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One after another they came.
The men knocked on our door and asked for a drink of water. Nothing more. Just a drink of water. Dad would settle them under the shade tree and bring them a drink, a plate of food, and a few dollars.
Our home was in a modest strip of houses across the street from the railroad yard. The travelers never approached any of the other houses on our street. They came so frequently to ours that we believed our home had somehow been marked as a safe place to rest and refresh.
When railroad security tightened, the men did not stop coming. The weary travelers showed up in old trucks and asked if there was work instead of water. It was a different kind of sameness. A continuing theme.
As with the other travelers, Daddy gave these a drink, leftovers, and a few dollars, too. While they ate, he pointed them to where they might find an odd job. This strange activity continued even after he retired—and with my mom two states away. Man after man found Daddy. Helping travelers was Daddy’s gift, and that was how he used his generosity to refresh others.
My father lived a consistent lifestyle of intentional, open-handed generosity. He wanted to bless and to be blessed by his Creator. I watched Daddy fill his mornings with Bible study and his afternoons with naps for the long, hard evening's work ahead. He never went a day without opening God's Word or using his hands to repair something. He had learned to be content in whatever circumstance he found himself. Moreover, he wished the same for others.
I have spent a lifetime watching consistent Christian kindness, but it took me years to understand that Daddy’s was an existence of great contentment based on this strong biblical truth.
Why not release your grip and live open-handedly? Then watch what God will do.
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My daughter appeared and disappeared in a blink of an eye.
As a toddler, my daughter walked around the house wearing sunglasses and a hat. She thought if she covered her face and head, I could not see her. When she did not come after I called, I usually found her wearing her sunglasses and hat and playing with her dolls.
“Sweet Pea, why didn’t you answer me?” I asked.
“You no see me. I no see you,” was her reply.
Or if she did something wrong, on went the sunglasses and hat, thinking I could not see her holding the empty cup as milk spilled from the counter. When she needed some cuddles and love though, off went the magical accessories and into my lap she snuggled.
Just as I searched for my daughter and knew what she was up to, God searches for us and knows our heart. It’s a scary thought to have someone, let alone God, search us and know all of our ugly, so we hide out of shame and guilt.
People yearn for others to see them—to give witness to their story, joy, and pain. Yet the fear of intimacy and the fear of people knowing the real us keeps us from making connections … keeps us from taking off the sunglasses and hat so people can see the real us. So we go about our days with our walls up and masks on trying to be invisible.
The God of the universe knows us because we are made in His image. He knows our innermost thoughts, and He still offers grace. God designed us to be in authentic community with Him and others. He created us to be seen, but sin and lies tell us the opposite. They tell us if God searched us, He would not like what He saw. Or if He knew the real us, the one behind the glasses and hat, He would run the other way, taking His gifts of grace and forgiveness with Him. God knows our flaws and imperfections and still wants to be with us for eternity.
Let God search you so you can better know Him. Take off the sunglasses and hat so He can see the face of His child—flaws and all.
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The supervisor kept a record.
Early in my career, my supervisor required all trainees to follow a strict set of standards. During the review of our work, he jagged his finger at our errors and highlighted them with his red marking pen. Even with nothing said, I still heard a snarl amid the strokes of his red pen.
It seemed he documented our mistakes in a special log book for posterity. The blunder log—as we employees called it—added to the pressure we already carried. The prevention of any slip-ups was more important to our supervisor than our personal growth and success. We focused on staying clear of mistakes at the expense of our personal development.
Unlike the supervisor, God does not tally our mistakes in a special log book or ensnare us with guilt and shame. Instead, He gives us a special measure of encouragement, offers us a new beginning, and promises to remember our sins no more. He also takes a personal interest in the vocation He calls us to fulfill.
God is our example for caring with forgiveness and compassion—an example we ought not to ignore. He wants us to display a similar level of consideration that He has demonstrated to us. One where we boost each other and serve as a source of encouragement. To continue the good work God portions out, we all need reassurance … and for someone to pick us up after we fall.
We can thank God for not keeping a special log book of our mistakes—and also for the safe place in Him that permits us to learn from our mishaps without fear. His ongoing support gives us self-confidence to push on, especially when we find it difficult to do so on our own.
Bless those around you by not keeping a log of their blunders.
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I regarded my friend’s comment about her sister contemplating to marry a man who did not believe in Jesus.
Apparently, all efforts to talk her out of it were futile. After the conversation, however, it didn’t seem right to do nothing, so I decided to take it to the Lord.
A great deal of information comes to us through the people we meet and the conversations we have. Ignoring the information and doing nothing with it is easy, but great intercession can be born and great miracles seen if we take note of the things we hear and see.
When God told Abraham about His plan to see if the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah was true, Abraham could have just considered it as information. Instead, he talked to God about saving some of those people. When we go before God and present our petitions, things change.
God’s reaction to Abraham’s petition also shows that God desires for us to intercede. He is ready to listen, to grant our heart’s desires, and to grant our petitions, but we must see the urgency of the situations around us. Abraham couldn’t live with the thought of people being destroyed.
We have a God who is great and powerful and able to redeem lives if we will take the time to get down on our knees for their sake, with the confident hope in what Jesus has done for the world.
Ask God to grant you a yearning to intercede for others.
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I’ve been grappling with God’s goodness lately.
Not the “let me massage your feet” variety—dinner with friends, an encouraging email, an answered prayer—blessings I immediately recognize and embrace. No. I’ve been wrestling with the “looks like I’ll have to amputate” goodness. The kind that pierces my spirit—a friend’s betrayal, the loss of a job, an emphatic “no” to a prayer request. Wounds that disable me and send me scurrying for shelter.
God’s definition of goodness is so different than mine that I often don’t recognize it. In my dictionary, goodness generates smiles, laughter, and relaxation. Goodness prompts me to say, “Wow! I’m so glad to be God’s child. He’s so good to me.”
But God’s goodness is much more complex than that. His goodness is always focused on eternity—preparing me for heaven, purifying me so that I look just like Jesus when I walk through heaven’s gates. That’s the reason His goodness looks like badness sometimes.
Think of a surgeon’s relationship to a patient. If the patient’s foot is so infected that it cannot be healed, the surgeon’s brand of goodness requires amputation—pain, loss, excruciating therapy, and a new normal.
That’s what God’s goodness mandates for us sometimes—amputating infectious passions, habits, and philosophies that threaten our spiritual wellbeing. Allowing God to cut out my prideful actions, my judgmental attitudes, and my self-centered habits is essential. But extremely painful.
Paul told the Romans that despising God’s goodness was indicative of a hardened, rebellious heart. To despise something is to scorn it, to trample it underfoot, to consider it worthless. How do I respond when God says to me, “Looks like we’ll have to amputate”? Do I trust Him, confident that He’s doing what’s best for me? Or do I scorn His diagnosis and refuse to let Him operate?
One of the clearest indications that my relationship with God is healthy is my response to His goodness. Both varieties. Foot massages and amputations.
What does God’s goodness look like in your life? How are you responding to it?
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I’m a DIYer. Was one long before the official DIY became a thing.
My parents raised me to be innovative, trainable, and determined. If I needed to do a project, it was a given to simply learn how to accomplish the task. To say I’m grateful for that training would be an understatement. Thanks to my parents, I’ve been able to take on projects with an “I can do this attitude.”
We needed a wooden patio over our sidewalk, so I figured out how to make this happen. As the Labor Day weekend began, my husband and I offered to help our friend, Dave, dismantle his deck. We needed some wood to build a small patio and he needed help removing his deck , so it worked out for both of us. He had help and we got wood. Tim showed up early ready to roll. What was so wonderful was that two additional friends showed up to help. It was hot. Miserably hot. But the guys dismantled the deck while I moved the wood out of the way.
We labored. We served. It was hard work, but it was wonderful to spend time as a servant. There was laughter, sweat, and a few grunts along the way. As tired as we were, by the end of the day, the joy of being a servant blessed us.
Jesus served. His labor was not always physical work, but it certainly was a labor. Hard labor. His purpose for coming to this sinful world was to serve. Jesus changed the face of the law by teaching the gentle way of service and love. On the cross, He labored the hardest that any man could labor. He carried the sin of the world. Who of us can be that type of servant?
As we celebrate Labor Day, remember the greatest labor of love given to you. Take time to become a servant. It doesn’t have to be hard work. It can simply be gentle kindness. After all, Jesus did the work, long before we were born.
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We are all familiar with penalties in sports—but we tend to forget about them in other facets of life.
I watched a lot of soccer games as my sons grew up. Both of them liked to play midfield or offense, so they usually ran up and down the field. Hearing the referee call them out for a penalty, such as being offsides, was normal. They were unhappy when called for a foul but learned there were consequences for breaking the rules.
The talk one year was about the “no-call” penalty in the NFC title game between New Orleans and Los Angeles. We heard endless stories about how the Los Angeles team won on a technicality when the referees did not call a penalty for pass interference. As with any penalty, people pick sides.
One of the most significant outcomes of people sinning was the penalty attached to it: death, physical and spiritual. Yet we still hope for the best and rationalize that if we are good enough we will escape the results of our sin. All the while, we regret our actions and thoughts and wonder if God can use us.
Try as we might, we cannot overcome the outcome God has assessed. It is impossible by ourselves to become right with God. That is why we celebrate how God satisfied our punishment by sending His Son to pay it, even though there was a righteous penalty attached to our disobedience.
Salvation becomes ours when we confess our sins. We no longer need to fear the penalty accompanying our breaking of God’s commandments. Christ’s death removed the consequences of our sin forever.
Rejoice that you can get back in the game without regret, knowing you have been sent there by the Coach.
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Homeless people wander the streets of the greater Houston, Texas, area.
Many carry signs that read, Will work for food, Hungry, Need help, and Will work for beer. Others don’t carry signs, but stand at intersections near the freeways that snake through and around town or walk up and down concrete medians asking for handouts. Their clothes are dirty, ill-fitting, and inadequate for bad weather. Their hair is unkempt and their skin darkened by the grit the city produces.
I’ve never given money, but I have driven to the closest fast food place, bought something, and taken it to the person asking for help. I’ve only had a few people start to turn me down, but when I said, “If you don’t want it …” they accepted it.
As a hospice nurse, I never had time to stop for a meal. I packed easily-managed snacks and sliced fruit in a small insulated cooler so I could grab something as I drove between patients’ houses.
One evening on my way home, I saw an elderly man on a street corner by the interstate. I rolled down my window. He hurried over. I handed him the only thing I had left: a granola bar. He gave me a wide smile that showed no teeth. I said, “Oh, no! I’m sorry.”
He shook his head. “That’s okay. I’ll suck on it until it’s soft. Thank you.”
As Christ-followers, we ask God when He’s going to take care of poverty, illness, homelessness, and violence. “Somebody needs to do something” is our cry. My sister asks, “How can you tell someone to pull themselves up by their boot straps when they don’t have any boots?”
We can’t do everything, but we can do something. I’m not in a position to purchase meals as I once did. But I do know a small thing—a smile, a compliment—can change someone’s day. It costs nothing to be nice.
We are the answer to who and when. Me and you. Right now. Think of one way you can be Jesus’ hands and feet.
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I discovered I exhibit certain behavior when discussing finances.
I feel hurt inside and get teary-eyed. Since there was no cause for the tears, my behavior was unusual. I knew something on the subconscious level was happening. Eventually, I stopped and asked, “What is causing this?” A memory came.
When I was a young girl, I learned that I may not have been wanted because I was “another mouth to feed” and money was scarce. Thank heavens, the thought of my non-existence was opposed by one of my birth parents. So, here I am.
Just as Eve faced consequences for disobeying God, so the consequences of my knowledge have impacted me negatively my entire life—even though I wasn’t fully aware of it. I knew I experienced anxiety around the topic of finances, even when it involved another person. The lack of funds or the inability to give or contribute financially to others was equal to being unworthy or being a failure. And there is the root of it: unworthy in the eyes of those who matter.
The bad news is that I am now fifty years old, and the deeply hidden, false feeling of unworthiness has had many years to intertwine itself around my heart like a briar patch in a neglected lot. The good news is that I am much wiser about handling misguided, deeply-rooted negative thoughts. Now, my goal is to uproot this thorny invasion and cultivate a healthy, true mindset about my worth as it relates to money.
We may have bad memories in the deep, dark recesses of our mind that we are not aware of—except for their manifestation in particular behavioral patterns. When these behavior patterns emerge, we must ask, “What is causing this?” Getting to the roots of these thorny memories helps us weed out the bad lies and cultivate the beautiful, colorful truth in its place.
Don’t let bad memories ruin your good thoughts.
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I watched the movie, which was based on a true story about special needs children.
The movie starred a man who had worked for years in a school for such children and wanted to treat them normally. He thought about different ways he might put dreams in their minds—dreams of fitting into society instead of being thrown away. These children had behavioral problems too. When necessary, he used disciplinary actions so the children couldn’t do as they pleased.
One day, he thought about the Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. After many setbacks, he was able to take the students there. At the end of the camp, several ordinary schools, along with two special needs schools, held a competition for awards. The Space Camp school placed third.
A surprise award was given to the person who had “the stuff." One boy—who had thought he couldn't lead—won this award based on his attitude in leadership. After officials presented him the certificate, he cut it up and gave a piece to each of his classmates.
I was reminded of the Judgment Seat of Christ. As Christians, we will stand before Christ to be rewarded or not rewarded for what we did in our Christian walk—such as serving each other in love as this boy did. One thing Christ will base our rewards on will be our attitude—whether or not our service was done for the Lord or for us.
Ask God to prepare you to appear before the Judgment Seat by helping you to serve Him with unselfish motives.
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I pressed the doorbell and waited. I hit it again. No response. I knocked. Three times—with a wait in between.
I needed to tell my friend something important. I was in the neighborhood, so I thought I'd stop by and tell her face-to-face instead of calling. Through the window, I saw the lights on, so I knocked again—louder this time. Still, no answer. The door wasn't locked, but I didn’t want to enter without an invitation. Why didn’t she come to the door? If she heard me, why didn't she answer? I tired of waiting and left. Later, she told me she was home but unaware I was at the door.
Jesus stands at the door of our hearts, waiting for us to answer. He won’t enter without our permission. Like my friend, some people just don’t realize He is there. Others hear the knock and choose not to answer. But Jesus doesn’t give up and go away as I did. He continues to knock and wait for as long as it takes to get our attention—until we invite Him in.
Perhaps you know someone who has heard the knock but not answered. Or someone who has not heard Him knocking. God wants us to reach out and encourage them to open the door so they can have the "peace which surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7).
If you haven’t opened the door for Jesus, why not do it now?
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It was one of those days. A humdinger of a day.
All three of my kids caused me angst, and, as a single mom, I had nowhere to turn. I went into my bedroom and closed the door, but that was no escape from the turmoil I felt. I was overwhelmed. Tears flowed as I slumped to the floor.
I can’t do this, I thought. It’s too hard to do alone. I have failed them as a mom. My kids are lacking the strong arm of a father, and I am weary. I’m not tough enough to finish the journey. I want to give up. Let them do whatever they want because I am tired of fighting for right choices.
I sighed and looked at the bookshelf. One of my trinket boxes had the word Hope written on the side. I knew that’s what I had lost. As I stared at the box, I realized I would never have seen hope if I hadn’t sat on the floor where it was eye-level. The Lord knew exactly what I needed and led me to it.
“You’re right, Lord. I have lost my hope.” I dried my tears and opened my Bible to Isaiah 41:10. The words were a balm to my soul. I had forgotten that He is God and controls everything. I had allowed myself to focus on my circumstances, and it brought me down to a place of despair. Yet He was quick to come to my aid. He pointed me to hope, knowing the ultimate source was is in Jesus.
The Lord always strengthens me when I have nothing left. I can trust Him to give me what I need every moment of my day. And when I forget, He puts a hope box in plain sight to remind me.
When life becomes overwhelming, take a step back and see where you are looking—at your circumstances or to the Lord.
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We romped and stomped with no fear.
Danger lurks on a farm, but my cousin and I ignored it when we were young. We played often in my grandfather’s barns. Barns where he kept farm implements, crops, and tools. Barns where snakes and wasps hid. We threw clods of dirt at wasp nests and watched as the angry insects swirled about seeking their enemy.
We mulled around in the hog pens, making spears from chinaberry trees and throwing them at the hogs. If not spears, we picked up large dirt clods and used them. Any of these hogs could have mauled us with little effort.
Occasionally, our grandfather would allow us to drive his small red tractor across the fields. I sat on the wheelbarrow while my cousin drove. I could have easily fallen off and had one of the large tires crush me. Death surely would have waited.
And we loved guns and hunting. We spent long hours in the woods by ourselves with no adult supervision. We could have accidentally shot ourselves or each other. My cousin and I enjoyed our escapades around the farm and never worried about danger. We were invincible.
Paul had no fear either, though he had reason to. Those who disagreed with his “salvation by faith alone” message hounded his steps. He was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, jailed, and bitten by a poisonous snake. Yet he didn’t fear.
Fear is a natural reaction to dangerous situations. God created the fight-or-flight mechanism in us. He expects us to use our heads and avoid known dangerous situations and people. But some danger is imperceptible and unavoidable.
God doesn’t want us living in a permanent state of fear. If we do, we’ll never go anywhere, do anything, or take any risks. Our world is a scary place, especially since numerous terrorists now circulate about. The only way to avoid crowds is to stay at home.
Just as we trust God to keep our salvation secure, we must also believe He will keep us safe. Nothing enters our lives without first passing through His perfect or permissive will. Either way, He is in control. And He promises to bring good from it all, though the good may be further down the road—and often is.
God is sovereign. Trust your life into His hands so you can live without fear.
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“I buried one today,” the message read. A blunt statement, accompanied by an image of the burial.
The email came from a Kenyan pastor and brought the sad news that one of his HIV sufferers, a new believer in Jesus Christ, had died. Thanks to his work and the work of his church people, this woman has moved on into heaven. But there are still so many more who pass on without having the assurance of eternity in heaven.
From such a distance in Australia, I can do little, other than pray and encourage this pastor. Perhaps a word from the Lord may lift his spirits to keep on serving the Lord according to his calling.
I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. This psalm provides one of the keys for understanding God’s purpose. Our days on earth are numbered, and God wants to fulfill every purpose He has for us.
Everyone who believes in Jesus has a purpose to fulfil on this earth. It may not be as devastating as this pastor’s role, but whatever our purpose, we must discover it and let our choices and actions reflect it.
God is ever willing to hear our cry for understanding of our purpose if we are willing to respond in obedient faith to serve Him wherever and whenever He calls us.
If you already know what God is calling you to do, step into your purpose today.
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Thinking matters.
Thinking is the ability to objectively weigh information and make reasonable judgments. According to Alison Doyle, “Employers want job candidates who can evaluate a situation using logical thought to come up with the best solution. Someone with critical thinking skills can be trusted to make decisions on his or her own and does not need constant handholding.” No wonder virtually all industries consider thinking acumen as one of the top skills for potential employees.
Modern culture and the church place a great deal of emphasis on passion and zeal. According to our passage, passions which are not filtered through careful reflection and thought cause us to take the wrong paths in life.
Some levels of life are complex and warrant careful analysis. Whom should I marry? Should I go to college? If so, where? Why? What are my natural skills and abilities?
Growing disciples develop their thinking capacity so they can “destroy arguments and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God and …take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NIV).
Thinking about the great truths of God and considering how they impact the daily decisions of our life and our family are essential. Cultivating our minds and passions is also important.
Be a “thinking” Christian as well as a “feeling” Christian so that you might go the right way. Ask God to help you use your mind and emotions to serve Him and others better.
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Occasionally, my to-do lists backfire.
I tend to crank out to-do lists in the morning when I feel fresh, inspired, and ambitious. They litter my desk. To-Do Today, Mentoring Prep, Writing Projects, Trip Prep, and so on. I thrive on productivity. When I finish something, it feels good to cross it off a list.
But our strengths can also be weaknesses. Because I’m driven to go, do, and accomplish, lists can overwhelm me. I feel pulled in too many directions—my mind scattered like the lists on my desk. It’s difficult to focus. So, I open my Bible and pray, “Calm me, Lord. Quiet my noisy thoughts so I can hear your heart.”
When I read Paul’s words to Timothy, God’s Spirit opened my understanding. I was placing importance on unimportant things. Getting stuff done should take a back seat to a more important work: heart work.
Until our hearts are right, our actions are simply noisy godless chatter. But when we draw near to God’s heart, our hearts transform as we begin thinking His thoughts. Our spirits still in His peace. Priorities change. Everything looks different.
The voice which says Unless you accomplish, you’re worthless is silenced. I feel loved, accepted, and embraced by a God who cares for my heart. I no longer need to conquer a list to feel good about myself. Everything I do—even vacuuming—becomes holy work. Jesus is with me.
This noisy world distracts. Apart from Christ, our days devolve into godless chatter. We drift further from our God.
Paul E. Miller wrote, “If you try to seize the day, the day will eventually break you. Seize the corner of his garment and don't let go until he blesses you. He will reshape the day.”
When you’re pulled in many directions, stretched thin, and overwhelmed, remember heart before action. Draw near to Jesus. Avoid godless chatter. Make it a God-full day.
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I call my wife Jane Jetson when I see her talk to the watch on her wrist.
Our electronics have advanced quicker than a nanosecond. Yoda would say, “Progressive we have become.” We want the new. What about mankind, or the man or woman who holds those savvy devices? Are we more modern? Has human nature improved?
Oprah says, “When you know better, you do better.” James, the brother of Jesus said, “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins” (James 4:17). C.S. Lewis was an atheist before God changed him. Most know him through the movie series, Chronicles of Narnia.
In the 1952 classic, Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis wrote: "We all want progress. But progress means getting nearer to the place where you want to be. And if you have taken a wrong turning, then to go forward does not get you any nearer. If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive man.”
Lewis’ wisdom still speaks from the grave. Instead of a taking a quicker route through our issues or junk, maybe we need to stop and turn around. The word repent is an ancient word. In modern lingo, it means to make a 180-degree turn. That’s how we progress spiritually.
The prophet Jeremiah, known for his moodiness, offers decisive advice: “This is what the Lord says: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.”
January shouldn’t be the only month we take a hard look at ourselves to see where our soul lives. Sometimes, we avoid going where we see. We attend church and put on our church face, but afterward return to our old selves. We never bridge the truth we have heard into our personal lives.
Make up your mind to listen to the right voice and act on it.
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Oh, dear Jesus,
My life has been shattered into a million pieces. I am emotionally defeated. I feel as if I’m fading into nothingness, drifting into the abyss. Help me, Jesus. I can barely hold on. I need to know You still love me. Do You still care?
My child,
Nothing you can ever say or do will diminish My love for you. You are My special child. Never doubt My love. Imagine your life as a mosaic, uniquely fashioned by broken pieces of glass. These broken pieces were once beautiful. But when they were broken, they were deemed useless. Presumed to have no purpose, they were thrown into the trash and forgotten.
You may think this describes you. There have been many hard, painful circumstances—like the broken pieces or the shattered glass—that have made up your life. But I say to you, be at peace, My child. I, the Master Artist, quietly bend down to pick up the broken pieces. I place them perfectly into the art I am creating to make you an original piece of art.
Don’t ask Me what I am making or tell Me how to create. Don’t say that My mosaic is too jagged over here or that there should be more color over there. Only I have the master plan. Your job is to stay yielded in My hands and remember the great love I have for you. The kind of love that never fails. Today is the day we will begin again.
Allow God to love and restore you.
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A branch violently whipped in and out of a screaming stream, bursting with flood waters.
The storm the night before was relentless. The branch, still attached to the tree, survived the night. It’s curious how those leaves didn’t get stripped off and carried away … lost forever.
I am a rape survivor. One day, I found myself in a mental storm that lasted for years. The raging torrents of life almost stripped me clean of my sanity and carried me away into the dark deluge. But I planted myself beside the Living Water and grew deep roots.
The one who trusts in the Lord has deep roots. It takes faith and courage to trust in a God we cannot see with our eyes or touch with our hands. Streams of water aren’t always calm. We experience rough waters. Sometimes, they last for a night; sometimes they last for years. However long they last, God will see us through them.
Life can be like that branch. We get caught up in the turmoil of life, get battered and bruised, and hang on for dear life. But if we are planted firmly with deep roots, we can hang on, endure, and not wither.
You may be a single parent working a full-time job and furthering your education for a better future for you and your kids. Your rough waters may be struggling through your studies. You may be an artist, frustrated that you can’t transfer the vision in your head onto the canvas. Or perhaps you’re an athlete just shy of your personal goals. Trust in the Lord and keep studying, honing the craft, and practicing while giving it your all. In due season, the fruits of your labor will come.
In whatever form the success comes, don’t give up even when the streams get rough. Plant yourself near the stream of Living Water and you will not wither.
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A hush washed over the crowd like a gentle ocean wave.
We leaned through the people, toward the oncoming parade to see what caused the sudden quiet. A color guard marched past. We were amazed that it consisted of two WWII vets and even a Marine from the Korean War, but what changed us in a moment was an Army vet slowly lumbering a step behind, dragging his rifle, eyes fixed on the ground. He wore his fatigues and a leather jacket that harbored red embroidered words, VIET NAM. Beneath the letters, boots and a helmet lying at the foot of a white cross.
Actions are louder than words, and his spoke with great clarity. Broken and sad, the vet marched in memory of his forgotten, fallen friends, reminding everyone of a group of men who’d given their all and yet were shunned.
Christ knew what awaited Him as His days wound down. He understood what it was like to be shunned, to feel a lack of appreciation. Jesus wanted to set a memorial in place that exemplified His Father’s love. He broke the bread and told them, “Do this to remember me.”
That was the important thing … remembrance of Christ, His sacrifice, and the gift that came from it. The ministry of Christ wouldn’t be forgotten. He willingly stepped into the throngs of torture and death to save us. That brought us salvation, redemption, and the promise of eternity.
I can’t watch a veteran pass without tears rising to the surface. It takes my breath to think that without hesitation these men and women stand in the gap to protect me. I rarely let a vet pass without thanking them for all they have done, be it at the airport or the grocery store. For those who have given it all—it’s right and fair we remember their sacrifice, just as we remember the ultimate sacrifice made by God’s only Son.
This Memorial Day, remember the soldiers who willingly sacrificed all they had so we might be free. Then go to your knees and give thanks for the ultimate sacrifice that brings us eternal life.
“Do this in remembrance of me.” ~ Jesus Christ
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James Naismith was almost thirty years old when he left an athletic director position at McGill University in Montreal.
Naismith was responsible for teaching physical education at the YMCA International Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was assigned the task of creating an athletic re-direction for his young athletes during the cold and harsh winters of New England, but he rallied to the task and created a game called basketball.
Do not fret because of evildoers, Be not envious toward wrongdoers. This psalm is well-known and contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked. Three times in the first eight verses we read “fret not,” which is the Hebraic word charah and denotes a burning and kindling.
Charah in this context can be translated worry. The passage indicates that the righteous behave differently than the wicked—who are consumed with worries and anxieties. Instead of worrying, the righteous trust in the Lord, delight in Him, commit their lives to Him, and rest in Him.
Our lives can be less stressful when we practice what the Scriptures teach. Our diversions will not lead to creating a game like basketball, as Dr. Naismith did, but they will make life more meaningful. What a welcome re-direction to worry.
Ask God to help you trust, delight, commit, and rest in Him.
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He had all the room he needed, but it wasn’t enough.
I lounged on my grandparents’ wraparound porch in Vance, SC, enjoying a summer afternoon and looking out over the open fields and forests that surrounded their home. In his earlier years, my grandfather had raised cows, but now he kept hogs. His hog pens encompassed acres of land. Enough that any pig should have been satisfied.
As I relaxed, I noticed one swine saunter to the fence, insert his long snout under the bottom, raise it up, and slither underneath. I hollered for my grandfather, who quickly corralled the wayward animal. But I wondered why the hog wanted to get out. He had more than enough space. What made him want to enter a field much smaller than the one in which he was penned.
My grandfather put his hogs in a pen for a reason. Had he not, they would have wandered into fields where he had crops planted or run into a nearby highway and risked death. But they didn’t appreciate his efforts. They wanted what they shouldn’t have.
Paul had a similar problem. He didn’t say humans have an animal nature, but we do share at least one common characteristic: we want what God says we can’t have. Paul didn’t understand himself, just as I didn’t understand the hog’s actions.
I admit I’ve experienced Paul’s dilemma. God says, “Don’t do _____,” and that’s exactly what I want to do. The pen restricted, but the hog wanted the restriction removed.
God’s boundaries have purpose. He doesn’t give the “Thou shalt not’s” to make our lives miserable. Just as parents and teachers have a purpose in setting boundaries for children—and just as Pappy had a purpose in erecting a fence—so God has reasons for restricting our behavior. Love is always His purpose for whatever pens He pens us in.
God knows danger lurks beyond the fences He erects. For the hog, it could have been death. For me, it might be sins that would ruin my testimony and my effectiveness in God’s service, habits that would eat away at my health, or unwise decisions that would take me down a path God doesn’t want me to walk.
God pens us for a purpose. Respect the boundaries and know He builds them out of love.
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I was confused. I had missed the turn, but I kept following the blue truck.
The signs indicated I was not where I should be, but I kept going for several miles. The dark blue truck looked like my husband’s. When it turned into a business center. I turned too.
Then I squealed. I braked. Moaning, I hung up the phone. I had followed the wrong truck. I could not believe I had done such a thing. I would never intentionally forsake my husband for someone else.
My husband and I often leave one vehicle with a daughter fifty miles away for her use when she needs a second set of wheels. My phone rang near the appropriate turn, so I didn’t notice my husband taking the correct turn. I kept pursuing a similar truck—same color, same model—leading me where I wasn’t meant to go.
Tearfully, I called my husband. I heard his compassion and concern: “Stay where you are. I’ll be right there.”
A simple diversion derailed me. How many times have I found myself in the wrong place at the wrong time because I heard another voice, followed another opinion, turned my eyes and heart away even though I knew the signs were not quite right.
But when I cry out, “Oh, my Lord, I have gone in the wrong direction,” He whispers, “Wait, I am coming.”
God knows and loves you. Listen for His whisper when you listen to the wrong voice.
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My senior friend settled into the dementia ward well.
I stopped at her room door and asked if I could come in. She recognized me, called me by name, and with a slight smile said, “Yes.”
Our years of friendship didn’t require much talking. Her hearing is gone, and her memory is fading. I read promises of God from the Word to her and we prayed. Somehow, she always knows when to say, “Amen.” Then we just sit, and I stroke her arm as she snoozes.
My mind drifts to the times when we were so excited to share what the Lord was doing in our lives. We encouraged each other through trials. She counselled me when I needed it. Her favourite comment was, “Trust Jesus. He knows the way.” Now just being together is enough.
Jesus waits for us to visit with Him too. Sometimes just being together is enough. At other times, He has so much He wants to tell us. He knows our future. He wants to know how we are, how we are feeling, and what we are doing. He knows who we are and wants to recognize us, call us by name, and welcome us into His presence. Often, we are too busy or tired to spend time with Him. We may even doubt He values us.
In Luke’s story, Jesus confirms a woman’s right to be a disciple. He chats with Martha as she serves Him in her home. He speaks to Mary, Martha’s sister, who is sitting at His feet listening to His words.
Jesus teaches us all a lesson through this encounter. Serving Him is not as important as visiting with Him and listening to His words.
Allow God’s Spirit to woo you into His presence. Your relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship you will ever have.
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Few things are as nerve wracking as deciding if my presence is desired whenever I enter a new environment.
Whether it’s visiting a new Sunday school class or a neighbor, I want to please people with my presence. I’m not saying they have to throw me a party or bake a cake, but a warm smile—along with sincere and friendly greetings—goes a long way on the welcome wagon.
When I travel, one of the things that determines how much I enjoy that place and will want to visit again is how friendly the people are and how welcomed I feel.
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. I love the ESV’s translation of this verse because it uses welcome where other translations use receive or accept. Jesus didn’t just accept or receive me. He welcomed me. I picture Him throwing the door open wide and grabbing me up in a hug of pure joy, as if I were making a long overdue visit.
This verse instructs about our relationships with others. Jews should welcome Gentiles, and Gentiles the Jews. The strong should welcome the weak, and the weak the strong. The coffee lovers should welcome the tea drinkers, and the tea drinkers the coffee lovers. The contemporary worship music lovers should welcome the singers of old hymns, and the singers of old hymns the contemporary music lovers.
Sadly, some don’t feel welcomed at church. Not knowing whether we’re in place where we are wanted is nerve wracking. And a steeple on the roof or a cross on the wall doesn’t communicate welcome. Their presence may testify that everyone should be welcomed, but they lack the ability to generate the feeling of being welcomed.
The word welcome makes me feel wanted, not just tolerated. It tells me someone is delighted to see me and that my presence brings joy. And that someone is Christ. God doesn’t receive us begrudgingly into His kingdom; He welcomes us.
Let Jesus fling open wide the doors of your heart so you can welcome newcomers into your church, your neighborhood, your communities, and everywhere else.
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As I mull over the times I have had to put on a girdle to decrease my flamboyant figure, I laugh.
Why do I laugh? Maybe because I have never enjoyed wearing one. I normally buy a size too big because I hate any form of bondage. Clothing is not exempt. I also laugh because I normally deceive no one. With or without the girdle, I cannot hide the fact that the girdle does not seem to change my appearance.
When God told Jeremiah to hide the girdle he wore against his body, Jeremiah did not question God, but obeyed. Jeremiah hid the girdle in the cleft of the Euphrates River. The children of Israel had not obeyed God’s authority, and God used the girdle as an example of what would become of them.
Later, God instructed Jeremiah to recover the garment. It was soiled and filthy, just like the Israelites. Their sin and disobedience had brought bondage. Jeremiah, taking the girdle to a far-off place, represented the Israelites being taken into bondage by Babylon.
Our sin does not deceive anyone, just as my girdle does not really hide anything. The bondage from the girdle makes me uncomfortable. Unfortunately, the Israelites were in for a big surprise: seventy years in captivity.
Sometimes, a sin holds us captive. A girdle stored away in some drawer that needs to be thrown out because it is worn out and no longer fits. God’s Spirit is the one who tells us to get rid of the girdle, which does us no good. The girdle … the sin … is uncomfortable and serves no purpose for God.
Why not retire the girdle altogether and walk daily with God? Let God free you from the heavy weight of sin’s bondage.
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Shelters can be a welcome sight.
The Appalachian Trail—which extends from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to Mount Katahdin, Maine—is a two-thousand-mile trail sprinkled with shelters. Some who thru-hike the trail don’t even carry a tent but depend on the shelters to protect them from the elements and provide a place to sleep, relax, read, wash clothes, and do other necessary things.
While their construction styles vary, all shelters have at least three sides. But the missing side allows snow and rain to blow in during storms, predators—such as bears and raccoons—to enter at will, and cold and heat to penetrate. Still, sleeping in a shelter is better than lying on the ground during the cold months or during inclement weather.
I’ve slept in a few of the shelters. One thing they’re not is comfortable. They provide what is necessary, but no creature comforts. While better than nothing, they don’t compare with a plush home. After all, those who stay there are backpacking and want to rough it in the wild.
The psalmist knew a thing or two about shelters. He didn’t find his shelter in a three-sided structure, but in the Lord. As a lad, he was an outside person who tended sheep. Later, as a young man, he lived in the wilderness in caves while running from a jealous king.
As a shelter, God protects us from sin and its dangers. When we ask, He forgives our sin and restores us to a right relationship with Him. Forgiveness shelters us from the eternal consequences of rejecting Him. God also promises not to let temptations get so intense that we can’t walk away from them with His help.
God shelters us through life’s disappointments—and they are many. He won’t take them all away—they may have a place in His plan for us—but He’ll shield us from the damaging emotional effects if we turn to Him instead of other things.
God also shelters us through periods of brokenness. When we’ve lost a job, a child, a spouse, our reputation, our peace, our friends. He gives a peace that surpasses our understanding.
Unlike the Appalachian Trail shelters, God’s shelter is fully enclosed, warm, peaceful, and always available. Run there often.
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At last! There it was!
My eyes widened with delight as I grabbed the small package in my mailbox. Its diminutive size belied the wealth of information it held the key to unlock. I carried the package inside and opened it. The instructions said I was to give a saliva sample to be returned for DNA testing. While spit is not thrilling, the thought of learning the details about my heritage and finding relatives I did not know was exhilarating. Since I have a fair complexion, red hair, and freckles, I thought I was of Irish descent. But I wanted to know for sure about my roots.
Roots were important to the ancient Jews as well. They did not have the scientific ability to do DNA testing, but they kept detailed records of who begat whom. Luke 3 traces Jesus’ lineage through many generations, starting with Joseph and going back to the beginning—Father God, our Creator.
Jesus’ lineage was important because His descent confirmed Old Testament prophesies about the Messiah who was to be of royal David’s line and from the tribe of Judah. Jesus’ lineage showed His dual descent. He was born of man—to Joseph’s wife, Mary. He was also the son of the Most High God, born to a virgin whom the Holy Spirit had come over. Jesus was divine, yet He was fully human.
Physical and behavioral similarities, as well as our DNA, confirm our relationship with our ancestors. Jesus looked like His Father, God. He told His disciples that by seeing Him they had seen the Father. Jesus reflected the essence and character of God. His actions, including His miracles, proved the Father-Son connection and His divine descent.
God is also our heavenly Father. We need to honor our relationship with Him by evidencing our family connection on a daily basis through our words and deeds. If our lives are rooted in God, no DNA test will be required to establish we are His descendants.
Make it a point to reflect God’s image in you daily.
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I had an ache inside my chest. It was hunger.
While my wife attended a class on, “How to Know When the Holy Spirit Is Speaking to You,” she suddenly left the hiking group when she heard the Spirit whisper, “Go home and check on Bob.” When she walked into the house, she watched me have a life-ending stroke. If she had not hungered for the Spirit more than the pleasure of her hiking in our beautiful Arizona morning, I wouldn’t be here today. I know, because several of my attending physicians have told me.
My wife taught me to pay attention when the Spirit of God moves in whispers and touches hearts. When I feel the ache that feels like a hunger, I go to the Word for manna from my Lord’s hand.
Several passages have helped me walk closer to Jesus—among them, the present one. I learned Jesus is several things to each child of God. Following are the lessons I learned.
Our relationship with Jesus contains everything I need to live today and to live eternally when I graduate from life’s struggles. In heaven’s rent-free eternal retirement community, we’ll find a completeness that is presently only seen dimly.
Ask God to help you listen to His Spirit.
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She was a cutter.
Little scars laced her arms and torso. A tapestry of pain hewn with every slice and nick. The most difficult case I had experienced. Years of abuse and negative self-talk programmed her for pain.
“When I cut, it takes my focus off the pain inside me,” she said. I couldn’t comprehend.
Emma had endured forty-plus years of abuse. She was desperate to change and to heal, and she believed it could happen. I knew the power of God could do just that, but we had a lot of work to do.
What happened to Emma was a horrible series of conditioning since childhood. Everything lovely and innocent was taken from her. The abuser ritually repeated words designed to emotionally enslave, and she believed those words. Eventually, she felt “hopeless and unlovable.”
Today, Emma thrives, living life to the fullest and enjoying the love of a husband, children, and grandchildren. She’s no longer plagued by the horrors of her past. It wasn’t an easy journey, but bit by bit she clawed her way out of her excruciating agony.
God’s Word cuts deep with glorious cleansing and renewing action. His Word cuts through the enemy’s lies. His Word heals, renews, and rebuilds.
We all have pain from our past. We all handle it differently: pills, alcohol, drugs, sex, theft, manipulation, deception, lies, over-shopping, over-working. The degree of pain runs the whole spectrum, as does the coping mechanisms we choose. Our pain may not be the same as Emma’s, but pain is pain. It hurts. It’s relevant.
If you are hurting or plagued by memories that send you into your own personal abyss leaving you feeling alone, hopeless, or unlovable, change is possible. God’s Word is alive and powerful and can dig deeply into your troubles and rescue you.
Go deep into God’s Word, and experience the healing you search for.
Name changed to protect privacy.
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Witnessing for Christ does not always involve fiery, passionate pleas for conversion.
A friend of mine maintains a supply of gospel coins embossed with a decorative cross on one side and Mark 10:27 imprinted on the other. For years, he has given them to people he meets. A waitress at the local restaurant, a bagger at the grocery store, or a forlorn stranger sitting on a park bench. However God leads, he shares these coins. Quite often, his kind gesture opens opportunities to engage in discussion about spiritual matters or an offer to pray for each individual.
Jesus encouraged His followers to let His light shine through them as they interacted with people. Far from implying we should put on a spiritual show or constantly “be on our game,” doing this means demonstrating Christlikeness. We will never live perfectly on this earth, but we can live each day surrendered to His influence.
As children of God, we bear the family resemblance. We shine His light. We exhibit His love. We carry His cross. Light needs no discussion to shine. Love needs no proclamation to be seen or shared. Christ’s cross needs no burdensome obligation because His yoke is easy and His burden is light. As earthly children do not have to expend energy to look like their parents, believers shouldn’t have to make extra effort to resemble their heavenly Father.
Instead of complicating our witness or avoiding the sharing of our faith, we are wise to live each day under the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit, the expectancy of Christ’s return, and the overflow of God’s love in our hearts. To do so unleashes the energy of heaven as we become the hands and feet of Jesus.
There is no pressure to save the lost world—just the call to hear and heed our Shepherd’s voice. Scripture tells us to go and lift up Jesus. That also includes the simple act of passing out gospel coins with a message of hope.
Shine your light to others.
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My mom knows me best.
One thing I love about Mom is that she can read my thoughts simply by a facial expression. When I get home and I am too tired to hang out, she doesn’t press for details but lets me get my rest. She never holds my grumpiness against me. Even when she or I do something upsetting, she is willing to rectify it and move on. I know when I am ready to talk that she will listen with ears and arms open wide because her love for me runs deeply.
Our heavenly Father is the same. Jesus knows our heart better than anyone and still loves us. Every mistake, He forgives, and every tear, He catches in the palm of His hand. He has seen us at our worst and still reaches His arms out to guide us in every season of life. He is the best listener we could ask for, and He knows us more intimately than we realize. No one will ever love us the same way. His love is forgiving, redeeming, thankful, unearned, powerful, and merciful—even though we are nothing but sinners.
We need to love others the same way. Even when they are brutal, we can respond in love, just as Jesus did. Our heavenly Father longs for us to be like Him: forgiving, peaceful, and encouraging. Be a light to a dark world in the various relationships you nurture in your life. Ministry can be born in relationship.
God’s love is enough to sustain you. Rest in it.
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One spring day when our boys were small, I brought home a turtle I had found on the road.
They excitedly helped as we made up a box with a water dish, grass, and stones. But our turtle wanted nothing to do with his new home. He never drank the water, nor ate a single piece of bread. Each day he grew weaker, until by the end of the week he lay motionless. We felt the best thing was to return him to the swamp where he could spend his final days in peace.
Though we explained that Mr. Turtle was sick and needed to be set free, our boys were sad over his leaving. I parked the car and carefully took him out of his box. I walked a few paces into the woods and placed Mr. Turtle onto the mossy ground. At first He remained motionless, but then slowly he eased his feet out of the shell until his claws touched the ground. He poked out his head, stood up, and clambered down the hill as fast as his turtle legs could carry him. We burst out in relieved laughter.
Two thousand years ago when Jesus walked up Calvary's hill destined for death, His disciples felt just as we do. When they saw a huge stone rolled over the entrance to His tomb, they gave up hope and went into a room, locking the door behind them. But when things seemed darkest, on the morning of the third day, Jesus sat up, put one foot and then the other on the ground, and walked into the day so that all of us who believe in Him could follow.
All of us have sometimes felt imprisoned by fear, bitterness, or pain—just like Mr. Turtle in his box. It seems as if it would be much easier to pull back into our shell and give up, but because Jesus got up, we can put one foot in front of the other.
Don’t let fear, bitterness, or pain keep you imprisoned. With God’s help, you can come out of your shell.
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The hashtag #LGLP is everywhere these days. It’s catchy and cool, and many Christians are using it on social media. But does it really do justice to the text it is supposed to represent?
Saying we love God and people is easy. But love is such a generic word. Without some qualifiers, the saying could mean I love God as much as I love my dog, apple pie, or a Starbucks latte on a crisp autumn morning. But the truth is, I do not love my dog or those other things the way Jesus says I am to love God.
And people? Well, I mostly love people, except the guy who cut me off on the freeway and the teenager who drives through my neighborhood with his music turned up loud. I definitely don’t love them like I love myself.
If Jesus meant the above kind of love, He would have said just that. But three of the gospels record Him saying much more. Jesus spells out the quality of love we should have for God and for people. We are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. With every fiber of our being, every thought that crosses our mind, and every ounce of our strength, we should love the Lord. That’s a deep, all-encompassing love.
Jesus says I am to love my neighbor as much as I love myself. I once had a woman say to me, “Well, that’s not hard. I hate myself.” Ouch. That’s not a quality kind of love for either herself or her neighbor.
The reality for all of us is that we do love ourselves, and we prove it every time someone says something that offends us. We will defend ourselves, we’ll see our point of view as the right one, and we’ll often go on the attack. But we rarely love those close to us as much as we love ourselves, much less our neighbor.
Examine the quality of your own love for the Lord and others. Then commit to learning to love the way Jesus commands.
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During Hurricane Florence, the news reports dominated the television.
In one news clip, the reporter could hardly remain upright because of the wind. Within thirty minutes, the same reporter stood in relative calm with the sun breaking through the clouds. The news correspondent was in the eye of the storm.
This is similar to walking with God. Everything seems to fall apart around us. We experience emotional turmoil, yet deep down, we have a sense of calm or well-being. We should not feel this way, but we do. We experience what the Bible calls “God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.”
Sometimes, disappointments, discouragement, financial issues, or relationship problems surround us. God has a way of giving us peace that we cannot understand in the midst of the storm.
But why do we sometimes feel this peace and at other times do not? Part of the answer comes in the previous verse (v.6). Paul says we are to pray with thanksgiving.
Praying with thanksgiving shows we believe God is the same in good times and in difficult ones. It reveals that we know He is still in control. He can alter the situation, change us in it, or do some of both. We can pray and fret at the same time. God does not cause all our circumstances, but He does allow them.
When we are in trying times, we should remember the lyrics of Ryan Stevenson's song, "Eye of the Storm." In the storm and in the war, God remained in control and guarded his soul. God was his anchor, and God’s love surrounded him.
Accept God’s sovereign will, and you will have peace in the eye of the storm.
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Late frosts weren’t unusual in my warm southern climate.
This particular spring, however, had been unusually pleasant. All the green thumbs couldn’t wait to put aside winter’s dullness and enjoy the beauty of bright blossoms.
On this balmy March day, temperatures danced into the 70s and 80s. Breezes hummed through trees as buds swelled, ready to burst into bloom. Eager gardeners scurried to set out early tomato plants. Flower beds blossomed with colorful flowers taken from greenhouses and nurseries.
Then I heard the weather forecaster warn, “Expect freezing temperatures before morning.” Two cold fronts approached and would plummet temperatures into the 40s with bitter cold sweeping in during the night.
Some ambitious gardeners heard the forecast and prepared their tender seedlings. They dashed about, covering sensitive vegetation and bracing themselves and their new plants for one last winter hurrah. Many gardeners did not. By morning, snow blanketed the ground—the only snow that winter. Tomato plants of the unprepared succumbed to the drastic shock. Delicate flowering plants peeked frozen heads through their unwanted cover of snow.
I thought how these weather predictions reflect the warning God’s Word reveals about the return of Christ. Many hear, yet fail to believe biblical prophecy. Jesus’ disciples asked Him what to expect before His second coming. He warned of false claims and many events to occur. Today, as more and more clues appear, few heed the signs.
Although temperatures plummeted that March night as forecasted, Christ’s arrival will come unexpectedly. No one knows the day or hour, but when He returns, He will judge the world with fairness. Prepared believers will rejoice, but the unprepared will have no second chance.
God wants everyone prepared for Christ’s return. Be willing to warn others to be ready.
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After praying for a year for the chance to write professionally, God led me to write a column for my local weekly newspaper.
One morning I received an email from my sister-in-law’s mother who alerted me to this opportunity. I have now been writing for Community News for ten years. I had no idea God would give me the opportunity to write Christian material in a secular newspaper. It’s been a gift to encourage both friends and strangers through my column. When people tell me they enjoy and look forward to my column, I’m encouraged and humbled.
Another surprising bit of guidance resulted from a conversation with my therapist. She suggested I seek work cleaning houses. I’d been praying for months for a way to earn more money. Within a few weeks of our conversation, I started cleaning a neighbor’s house. It’s not glamourous, but it’s honest work, and I thank God for the extra income.
Leading music during Vacation Bible School, teaching children’s Sunday school classes, and playing my trumpet in my church’s praise ensemble are other ways I serve God. I never expected to receive these responsibilities, but I’ve been blessed by each one. When I run into a child I haven’t seen since last year’s VBS and her eyes light up, that’s my reward. The shock on a Sunday school student’s face when he, the son of dairy farmers, understands Jesus lay in a feeding trough and was found by shepherds warms my heart. Seeing smiles on the faces of my church family after playing my trumpet during offertory also encourages me.
God directs us toward His purposes. And sometimes His will surprises us. We never know where we will find joy in God’s service, but He gives us a sense of satisfaction when we serve Him, because we are obedient. And obedience is a reward in itself.
Obey God, and see what He gives you to do.
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“What are you doing here? I understand you've been fired.”
My heart skipped a few beats, and my mind raced. What?
About the time I realized a real termination wouldn't have been handled in such a manner, my boss continued. "You’re not, of course, but that was the rumor going around.”
It took a few conversations, but I was able to trace the full story, which was not meant as anything mean-spirited. When a co-worker grew annoyed with an intern’s nosiness during a private conversation he was having with someone else, he said the first thing that popped into his head: I’d been let go the day before. He then recanted, admitting the joke.
His confession fell on deaf ears. On Monday morning, the intern asked other co-workers if they'd heard the news. That set off a firestorm, leading to a check of my Facebook status to see if I had mentioned the incident, a glance into my office looking for signs of a quick exit, and a consultation with my boss. A few moments later, I arrived at work, and my boss entered my office with the above-mentioned pronouncement.
Guarding our tongues is something we all struggle with. The choices are not always as obvious as whether to speak angry words, wallow in prideful boasting, or spread rumors. Sometimes it appears as innocent as a shared prayer request. When done without permission, gossip results. Thank God I wasn't fired ... but the power of the tongue to wreak havoc was clear.
We’ve all uttered words we wish we could take back. Once they’re spoken, the damage is done. It’s then necessary to make amends and seek forgiveness. The tongue has the power to build up or destroy.
Choose words daily that help and heal.
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I awoke for church one morning, flipped on the bathroom light, looked in the mirror, and beheld—the great cloud of witnesses perched atop my head.
Ordinarily, my hair tends to share my rather straight-laced if unpolished personality. But that morning, every kink and curl had taken on a life of its own, witnessing to the infinite creativity of God’s colorful character. But then I thought, When life gives you frizz, embrace it.
We spend so much time and energy trying to tame our circumstances, sculpting them to conform to our vision. We operate out of an innate need to maintain control, because when life plays out the way we expect it to, we feel secure. But God, as Isaiah said, is doing something new.
In truth, if our faith cannot see the fullness of God’s kingdom already manifested in the world today, then we need God to do the unexpected in our lives. In our limited vision, the desert probably does not have a river running through it. Yet we need that river in the midst of life’s dry seasons. And who would not appreciate a road in the wilderness when the trials overcome us and we cannot see the way out?
If we want God’s best, we must embrace the new in life by putting away the sculpting gel and hairspray, taking what God gives us and finding our personal expression in it.
So, what became of my Sunday morning frizz? I curled the rest of my hair to match it and went on to have a gloriously quirky day with God. You can do the same.
Ask God to help you trust and surrender to Him and to embrace the new things in life even when they do not fit your vision.
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During our beach vacation in Hilton Head, South Carolina, my husband became ill.
I took him to the ER. They performed diagnostic tests and then ordered an ambulance to transport him to MUSC in Charleston. We arrived at three in the morning. Surgery was scheduled for noon to repair a hiatal hernia that bulged to dangerous proportions.
By seven that evening, I looked as if I had come off a windy beach, had a middle-of-the-night ride to keep up with an ambulance, and had been awake for about forty-five hours.
A kind nurse told me I could shower on the third floor and that I should see the concierge. When I arrived, no one was at the desk. I walked the empty halls looking for someone. A petite woman came through the door pushing two full trash cans.
“What do you need, honey?” she asked, coming toward me.
Fighting tears, I said, “I need a shower, and I’m looking for the concierge.”
She touched my shoulder and turned me around. “She’s gone for the day, but let’s get you some towels. We’re gonna take care of you.” With her arm wrapped around my shoulder, we walked to a linen closet. “What else do you need?”
I didn’t even think of saying soap, shampoo, a toothbrush. All I could think of was my dirty, windswept hair. “I need a comb.”
“We’ll get you a comb, but here’s the thing. We still need to see a concierge. There’s one on the fourth floor.”
She could have pointed me to the elevator. Instead, she stayed with me, leaving her abandoned trash cans. Upstairs, we found the concierge, who opened a bag with small travel sizes of everything I needed. My cleaning lady friend walked me back downstairs and to the guest showers. She did what Jesus instructed all of His children to do.
I’m fine now, and so is my husband. And life is back to normal.
The cleaning lady wasn’t a doctor or nurse. She wasn’t a social worker or administrative assistant. She wasn’t even the concierge. She was an ordinary cleaning lady who went the extra mile to serve. But to me, she was much more.
God has a history of using seemingly insignificant people to help others. Tell Him you’ll be one.
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Rarely did Santa bring Mom what she wanted for Christmas, but this particular Christmas he did.
Mom and her sister grew up daughters of a dirt-poor farmer who attempted to eke out a living from the sandy soil near Vance, South Carolina. My granddaddy repeatedly reminded Mom and her sister how lean times were. But one Christmas was different.
Every Christmas, Mom’s family gathered with other families from the community and converged on Gerizim United Methodist Church to await Santa’s arrival. All the children sat on Santa’s bulging lap and told him what they wanted for Christmas.
Year after year, Mom’s Christmas wish was the same: a baby doll. All her friends had at least one. She couldn’t understand why her father couldn’t scrape together enough money to get her one too.
“What’s your name little girl,” Santa whispered.
“Elsie.”
“And what would you like Santa to bring you for Christmas?”
“I want a baby doll.”
“Have you been a good little girl?” Santa queried.
“Oh yes.”
Surely this would be the year Santa would grant the wish she had made so many times before. When the first rays of Christmas morning peeked through her bedroom window on Christmas morning, little Elsie jumped up and made her way to the Christmas tree. There it was. A box that seemed the right size for a baby doll, wrapped in paper a poor farmer’s wife would use.
She tore into the paper and could hardly believe what she saw. Santa had granted her wish. A beautiful small baby doll lay in the box. It was all she had ever wanted but never received. She couldn’t wait to play with it. Why not turn the box into a stroller, she imagined. And she did. After carefully cutting two holes in the box, she inserted a cord and instantly had a stroller. It was the only year Mom received a doll baby.
Just as one doll baby made a tremendous difference in my mother’s life, so did a real child who was born to Mary and Joseph. He brought joy to shepherds living in the fields, to wise men living afar, and to people worldwide.
Jesus’ birth has changed the lives of millions of people and continues to do so. He was God’s ultimate Christmas present to the world.
Never underestimate the potential of even the smallest of gifts.
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Among other beautiful names the prophets gave Jesus was Prince of Peace.
Throughout the Bible, the words perfect and perfection are used to refer to God and Jesus Christ: God is perfect, His work is perfect, His way is perfect, and God’s law is perfect. Living in a world of imperfection, why wouldn’t we trust in a God of perfection?
After Jesus was crucified and before He ascended into heaven, He promised to leave the people a peace that surpassed all understanding. Further in the Scripture, Isaiah says God will keep us in perfect peace if we trust Him and if our mind stays on Him.
Some call the Bible God’s rule book. If so, we can be assured the things He sets out in His Word are for our good. Scripture says God will give us peace if we believe in Him and obey Him.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines peace as “a quiet and calm state of mind; harmony in personal relations; freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions; a state of tranquility or quiet.” The dictionary gives the following words as synonyms and ones related to peace: calmness, heartsease, peacefulness, placidity, sereneness, serenity, content, contentment, ease, comfort, consolation, relief, solace, quietude, and repose.
My favorite is heartsease—peace of mind. We use the term heartbroken and say our heart is heavy and troubled. To have burdens lifted from our heart and gain peace of mind is no small miracle. Peace can be ours if we trust in God.
This season, when we commemorate Jesus’ birth, is an appropriate time to affirm or reaffirm our trust in God and claim His perfect peace.
Thank God for the perfect peace that comes from trusting in Him.
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Several years ago, a good friend introduced me to the concept of choosing a “word for the year”—a word to live by. Sometimes it is a goal, a challenge, or even a one word mantra.
The idea sounded great to me. I prayed and asked God for my word for the year, and I clearly heard him say, “jump.” That’s a fun first word. Since I am a producer, I am constantly planning, and spontaneous is an ugly word to me. I interpreted jump to be the antithesis of planning. I vowed to say yes to as many offers as I was extended that year, to experience things I had never experienced, to jump at opportunities. What followed was one of the most memorable years of my life.
The next year, I heard the word risk and fervently prayed God would change it to peace. He did not, and it was one of my most challenging years professionally and personally. Being the good Father He is, reward followed on year three. In my year of reward, I found a church home after many years of searching, as well as many other blessings.
Year four brought the word fly. I was confused as to the meaning of this and prayed for confirmation that fly was my word for the year. As I opened my eyes after the prayer, a bird flew by the window. Coincidence I thought. I continued to pray for weeks, always hearing the same word. Then a couple days into the new year, I stood in line at a craft store, and when I looked down at the counter, a little stone with the word fly on it stared back at me. I settled that fly was my word. It took almost the entire year to decipher the code, but, in the end, I realized that was a year where God brought people by my side who lifted me up and helped carry my burdens.
In each year since, some words came clearly and others more difficult, but God has always supplied a word for me, and the word has always been right.
In the next weeks, ask God for your word for the year, and watch something truly beautiful unfold.
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I’m exhausted. Or, as we say in the South, worn slap out.
When life hurtles along just outside the parameters of our capacity, we can feel that way. When we try our best to prioritize life events, create an orderly schedule, and strategically organize our days—life can still be too much.
Trying to fit Christian service or ministry opportunities around full-time employment, household responsibilities, weekend chores, and expected family and social interactions can be overwhelming. Things start to slip or we become uncharacteristically cranky, and then guilt sets in as we internalize how we mismanaged our time or do not have time to serve God. Yet, we persist, wearily trying to juggle everything, hoping to find relief soon.
Gideon knows exactly how we feel. After God reduced his army from 32,000 to 300, Gideon faced the formidable task of battling an enemy numbering 125,000. Obviously, fighting with the initial army would have made things much easier—and certainly less stressful for each warrior. Yet the entire burden fell to the remaining 300.
God orchestrated the battle to deliver His promised victory. However, after an overnight raid with pitchers and torches, along with chasing the enemy from the primary battlefield just south of Nazareth all the way to the Jordan River, Gideon and his men were exhausted. And when they stopped for food, they were refused—twice. But they continued and eventually eliminated the enemy. Exhausted, but still in pursuit. Worn out, but not giving up.
When life becomes too hectic, here’s some reminders:
This life can be tiring, nerve wracking, and frustrating. Though exhausted, stick to the fight and continue the pursuit. God’s high calling and ultimate approval await: “Well done, faithful servant. Enter into My rest.”
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Just yesterday, they were in the land of the living, but someone took them all away.
As the years pass and the end of our journey draws near, we recall those dreams of yesterday. If we could capture them, we would keep them forever.
We knew many people who walked this earth once, and it seems like yesterday they were here with us. Now, they’re gone—the great and the small, the kings and the poorest of people.
Life is like a puff of smoke or a mist that vanishes quickly. We wish we could stop time, but it’s not possible, no matter how hard we try. I wish I could tell you about yesterday, but you probably wouldn’t listen. We live like we will be forever in this place, but we will cast a glance at our life and grasp it ever tightly as it slips away.
Then a day we thought was still far away comes. Someone comes for us too. And we will only be remembered until yesterday is gone—when even those with memories of us are taken away too.
God cries for us to hear His voice … to remember the path He has shown us. He wants us to seek the narrow gate and not rebel against Him. He wants to show us what is true. We don’t really pass away, but are in a moment taken away.
The day my eyes grow dim and my breathing ends, be assured that Someone came and took me away. It was the King of Kings who left His throne to suffer and die in my place, and it seems like just yesterday that He said He would come back for me.
Are you ready for God to come and take you away?
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November is National Adoption Month, and many churches celebrate Orphan Sunday. Orphan Sunday or Stand Sunday is a day to focus on foster care and adoption throughout the world.
This month has become even more important to me since adopting my son from foster care a little over three years ago. Since becoming his father, I have learned more about how my heavenly Father loves me than I ever understood before.
We who accept Jesus are all adopted sons and daughters. It is through Jesus that we become children of God.
God will go to the greatest lengths to make you His child. He is a Rescuer. He will fight the Devil for your very soul, not because of what you can do, what you look like, or how much money you have, but because you are His.
I had to fight for my son too. When I applied to be his dad, I was rejected. Boone’s last two placements before me were single men, and both adoption plans failed. My son’s social workers rejected me because they didn’t want this to happen a third time. But in my heart I knew he was mine.
I asked my social worker if I could write a letter pleading my case. Though she had never heard of that being done before, she allowed it and sent the letter by email. In the email, I explained my plans for this child’s future and how I would not allow him to grow up believing all the ugly things that had been said about him by the world. I ended with the line, “I already have his shark sheets waiting.” His profile had listed how much he loved sharks.
I was called in for an interview the next day and told, “No one has fought for this child his entire life, and you are fighting for him without even meeting him.” He arrived in our home two days later and is forever my son.
You belong to God, and He will do anything for you. Lift your eyes to Him. He already has your shark sheets waiting.
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The annual gathering happened two days before Thanksgiving.
Each year, the churches in the small town where I pastored gathered for a community Thanksgiving service. Different churches hosted the event, and pastors rotated preaching. A time of fellowship and food followed. But then we went home, often not seeing one another again until we had our annual community Easter celebration.
In spite of the brevity of the event—and the fact that we wouldn’t see one another for months—I eagerly awaited this gathering each year. Thanksgiving tops the list of my favorite holidays, and spending a few moments of it with people from different races, nationalities, and social levels makes it more enjoyable.
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. I don’t know in what season of the year Paul wrote this command, but he knew nothing about a Thanksgiving holiday. He didn’t need one. He had learned contentment … thankfulness … in all circumstances. And God’s will is for every believer to realize the same.
When I experience these community events at Thanksgiving and Easter, I imagine they mirror heaven. A place where race, nationality, wealth, mistakes, emotional states, and age will no longer separate God’s people. A day when the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., will finally come true: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
But the gathering is about more than the mixture and the breaking down of barriers. The lives of all gathered are peppered by a myriad of conditions. Regardless, we lift our voices to the God who controls our circumstances and to the One whom we believe involves Himself in all of our situations. Our voices blend as we praise Him through song. They sync as we say “Amen” to the truths heard from His Word.
The Thanksgiving season gives us the opportunity to remember God’s plan is always best—regardless of the path we must follow to realize it. God doesn’t expect us to be happy about tragedy and heartache, but we can have contentment in trying situations when we remember He’s in control, has our best interests at heart, and controls the intensity and time of our travels.
Celebrate Thanksgiving by gathering with others and thanking God collectively.
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When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
When reading these verses, some may flash to an old-time monster movie where the mummy lunges forward with their arms held out and their gait awkward because of the wrappings.
Like a mummy, we often stumble after God has set us free—from eternal death, from sin, from old habits, from mistakes. But sometimes we let the trappings of the old still wrap around us when we have been made new.
Our second, third, or sixtieth chance fails because we don’t take off the bindings of our sin. We feel fresh in our hearts, our eyes are bright, and we trod off like a toddler just learning to walk.
Jesus unbinds us, but when we return to the pigpen, we get dirty again. We tire of battling the same sinful behavior we have carried for years—or maybe decades. Jesus wants this done once and for all. His death made it possible; now we just have to give it over.
Examine what leads to sin in your life: people, places, things, the past. Excise them before you step into your new and improved future.
Getting rid of a sin can be like unwrapping a healed wound. It takes more than one step. Make a list of your sins. Call upon the blood of Jesus to cleanse you as you pray them aloud, blow them away, and breathe in new life.
One by one, hand your sins to Christ and break what binds you.
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“If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart, I’ll always be with you.” - Winnie the Pooh.
Children have no idea how profound these words are, yet I inscribed them in a goodbye letter to a little boy who forever changed my heart. I adopted my first son from foster care, and when a second little boy arrived 18 months later, I knew I would adopt him too. Because of his situation, I didn’t have to worry about him returning to his birth parents, and I had promised God a child would never enter my home that I didn’t commit to for the rest of my life. Yet, I didn’t know I would only be his daddy for 14 months.
The year he was with us was brutal. Such unbelievable trauma to work through. So many layers of every kind of abuse. I aged, and every day I tried to teach him everything he had missed. Then at the same time his adoption papers were being readied, he walked over to my chair and said, “Daddy, I don’t want you to cry, but I think I am supposed to have a mommy and a daddy.” Those words revealed the Creator’s grander plan.
We often harbor the unknown until a flash makes it crystal clear. I prayed for a larger confirmation than I had ever prayed for in my life—a dream, writing on the wall, a burning bush. That night, I dreamed my little boy went to live with someone else, and peace claimed my heart.
If we knew what tomorrow held, I don’t think any of us could handle it. God blesses us with breadcrumbs that lead the way until our eyes adjust to the light of His path.
Had I known the outcome, I would have lived those 14 months differently. God knew that child needed me to treat him as if he would be my son forever. I could not have done so with future knowledge. Even as I wailed, clinging to my prayer bench, I knew this had always been the perfect plan.
As you mourn and wish things could be different, believe each moment is exactly as the Lord requires.
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Bubbles. That’s just what we need here.
I was on a tight schedule. A friend’s husband and daughter were over to pick up our dining room set before another family delivered the set they were giving us. They were expected; three-year-old Alianna was not. When she was introduced to me, she pirouetted, revealing the flair of both her skirt and her personality—definitely a bubbles kind of girl.
I retrieved two bottles of bubbles from our front closet. While her mom and grandfather wrestled the furniture into their van, my new friend and I blew bubbles, laughing as they danced on a soft breeze and popped on the grass, bushes, and our outstretched hands.
But one didn’t pop. “Look, Alianna,” I exclaimed, “that bubble is going to Jesus.”
As Alianna tracked the rising bubble with widening eyes, she made a joyful little bounce and rose up on her tippy-toes as if she might float to heaven with it. “Goin’ ta Jesus!” she echoed. Together, we watched that bubble float out of sight.
Jesus loves children, so He must love bubbles, I thought. Then I got an image of Jesus blowing bubbles down on us from His throne above—with His own pink, plastic wand. Seeing Jesus’ smile and bright eyes, I felt in my heart His delight in joining our fun.
One day, Jesus’ disciples asked Him to identify who was the greatest in His kingdom. Jesus drew a little child into their midst to teach them that greatness in the kingdom of God is more about delight than achievement. When Jesus unexpectedly placed little Alianna into my day, my spirit rose along with the bubbles … and our laughter above my worries and agenda.
Let Jesus interrupt your agenda and exchange importance for delight. Have some fun together. Maybe even blow bubbles. Let the child He draws into His arms be you.
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Ruby lived on a hill, tended her flowers, and was my grandmother. She couldn’t drive a car, and she never wrote a poem, but the pages of her Bible were worn thin from constant use.
I was barely a month from my sixteenth birthday, and Mamaw and I had plans to burn rubber. I think we both had waited for years for the freedom to go and do as we would like, together. Then on December 7, the doctors pronounced that her life would end in six months. Cancer.
I wallowed in the stages of grief for the first few months. Then one day after school, I sat at her kitchen table and screamed, “You’re going to die, and you’re acting like nothing is wrong!”
Mamaw clicked the stove button, led me into the living room, and reclined on the couch. The smell of dinner carried through her little home as she told me why I had never seen her cry about her death sentence. I thought in all our years together I knew every story about this woman, but she was saving the best for last.
Almost forty years ago, a different set of doctors told a young mother of four that pancreatic cancer would take her life in less than a year. And I’m pretty sure she didn’t cry back then either. She marched home and looked up the story of Hezekiah. This simple woman pointed to the then firm pages of 2 Kings and asked for the same gift as Hezekiah had. King Hezekiah was mortally ill, but he petitioned the Lord for more time. And the Lord granted him fifteen more years.
Ruby asked the Lord to prolong her life until her children were old enough to take care of themselves. And like Hezekiah, God heard her prayer. Not only did she get another fifteen years, she also got decades more until she met her grandchildren. And as my bitter tears blurred the sight of her, my grandmother said, “How could I cry a single tear when He has given me more than I asked for?”
As you mourn your loved one, concentrate on the parts of them that live on in you. Don’t allow the wisdom of their life to be robbed by the temporary grave. Hold tightly to their stories of bravery, love, and obedience, and know they are still with you.
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The week was tough, and the night found me clinging to a big ottoman in my living room floor, sobbing.
I was having one of those days where the past rears its ugly head and reminds you how thin the time is between yesterday and today. Bronchitis, a sinus infection, a new career. Stress about finances and friends not showing up when you need them. Not being the father I strive to be and having a hard time comparing myself to the Father I have in Jesus. I was breaking down.
I felt God’s Almighty hands twist and ring me to the point of damp dry. I pictured Him molding the clay with more pressure than I have ever felt. I saw broken shards of glass splinter in new formation. That’s when I understood. With a new dimension of the refiner’s fire and more water smoothing the rough stones, I was being pressed on every side. Almost breaking.
God knows my shatter point, and He takes me to the exact degree before I break. The place where I become something new. And He specializes in all things new.
God uses our rough times to sharpen us, define us, and make us who He longs for us to be. Only a Master’s hands know my breaking point and understand where my submission is imminent. Through my re-Creator’s expertise, I become a new creation.
And when God has reworked me for a time, thanksgiving rolls over me like the warm winds of a summer storm right before the rain. He washes over me, and I hear His whispers. “This is what I have been working on. If you want to dream new dreams and fly to heights, you must let Me turn that coal into a diamond.”
I’m stronger now—better than I was. The wounds miraculously healed, but God had to knead the dough. He had to take me to the point right before I gave up. He took me to the place where I gave in. But further down the road. Closer to the prize. I arose from my sobbing, prostrate position and breathed fresh air.
God knows the road He asks us to walk. He never promised it would be easy, but He promised He would always be there. And He is. Again and again. Welcome His artistry.
Let God make you new.
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Some sing about it, others tattoo it on their bodies, and still others wear it as a fashion statement. Our graveyards are adorned with them, as are mountains, hilltops, churches, and homes. Our culture has a fascination with displaying them in all their forms.
The Cross. During Roman rule, it served as a symbol of derision and guilt—a form of capital punishment where the guilty met their fate. How ironic that the very thing the enemy used to instill fear in the hearts of everyone now stands as a symbol of hope for a hurting world.
From the perspective of those who followed Christ to the cross, that moment must have seemed like an unmitigated disaster. Any hope they had for a restored kingdom vanished. They didn’t know Christ’s death would make them righteous and whole. They didn’t understand that the events unfolding before them were God’s doing. That Christ’s death would ensure His message of hope, and everlasting life would reach Judaea, the entire Roman Empire, and ultimately, the world.
Christ purchased eternal life for us. He bore the weight of our sin so we wouldn’t have to. As I reflect on all the cross represents, I am overwhelmed and humbled. Because He suffered in our stead, we have healing and peace. Our hearts, once stained with sin, have been washed of guilt and shame. We serve a wonderful Savior, a mighty God.
What the enemy intended for evil, God uses for good. I am thankful to God for the gift of salvation and for redeeming us from the curse of the law. “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV).
The next time you see a cross, remember that the peace and salvation you now experience came at a great price. Then, humbly worship Christ.
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We are embarking on another journey.
After closing our home to foster care after our fourth adoption, we decided to reopen our home once again to foster children, offering them a safe place of love during the tumultuous time in their lives. We have agreed to welcome children from infancy to two years old and are excited about where God will take us.
But I’m nervous too. I worry about the logistics of adding a fifth child to our already rambunctious crew. I worry about the logistics of scheduling, work, and appointments—the things I can’t prepare for beforehand … the things I have to trust will work out when the time comes.
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. Paul’s words remind me not to worry … about anything. Instead, I need to pray about everything, telling God what I need and thanking Him for all He has done. Then I’ll experience His peace.
In theory, the verses seem to say we’re to tell God what we need and then not worry. But theory doesn’t always translate well into reality. We tend to tell God what we need, but then hold on to it, clinging with worry instead of releasing it with faith.
When we allow God to take on our worries, we experience His peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. The feeling of knowing we’re taken care of, and the thoughts that come with believing everything will be okay, is just a portion of the peace we receive through God.
God listens to our pleas and praises and aches to fill us with His peace. When your heart turns to worry, turn your mind to God.
Lift up your worries, and let them go as you tell God what you need, reveling in the perfect peace that comes with His promise to take care of you.
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Giving with our hand but not our heart is possible.
We can feel pretty good about the things we do, but we often do not understand why we do what we do.
In my job, we often share workloads. When one person’s caseload is down, others are often asked to share their cases to keep that person working. Once, I was asked and gave away several cases. I did not want to lose them, but for the good of the project, I knew this was what I should do.
Once, I had medical bills and extra financial expenses that wiped out the funds I had put away for a rainy day. At the same time, the bottom dropped out of my workload. I was told there were some cases available for me to work, but then they were given to someone else.
I felt sorry for myself. I had given up my cases, but when I had a need, nothing was there for me. If I had not given up my cases, I might not have been in this dilemma. I was on a downward spiral.
Until one morning when this verse hit me between the eyes. All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But the Lord weighs the motives. God weighed my motives and found them wanting. What I had given with my hand, I now took back in my heart.
The universe does not revolve around me. God’s sovereign choices include my needs, but are not exclusive to them. Someone may have needed the cases more than me. Or God in His infinite wisdom assigned the work without regard to my need.
God has the right to choose as He pleases. God forgave me, but I thought and concluded before I saw it from His perspective. Purity of motive may only come when we first have the humility to admit we do not have it.
Develop a habit of weighing your motives.
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Where did they come from? Did someone get up in the night? I wondered.
Whew! With the kitchen finally clean—I don't like waking up to a dirty kitchen—I flopped into bed, tired from a busy day of working outside.
Waking up the next morning to the aroma of coffee wafting into my room, I got up, walked to the kitchen, headed to the coffee pot, and glanced at the kitchen counter. Imagine my surprise when a stream of sunshine, beaming across my kitchen counter, revealed several smudges and finger prints on the counter.
Grumbling under my breath as I poured coffee into my favorite mug, I wondered how many times I thought I had cleaned up the messes of my life, only to discover I didn't do such a good job. I left smudges and fingerprints on my heart that only the Holy Spirit's light could illuminate.
The psalmist asked God to create a clean heart in him. We, too, may act as if everything is okay on the outside, but God looks on the heart. When He nudges me about something—forgiving someone, revealing the truth, or apologizing to a spouse, roommate, or child—I need to do as He says, not as I think. When I don't, the smudges remain.
Such as the time when I said something harsh to my husband and the Lord convicted me. I apologized to the Lord during my prayer time but did not apologize to my husband. One day, the Lord nudged me to forgive my husband. By obeying, I erased the smudge on my heart.
Every time I see sunlight shining on my counters, I remember the fingerprint lesson and the importance of keeping my heart clean.
When God shines His light on the fingerprints or smudges in your life, ask Him to do what the psalmist did: Create in me a clean heart, O Lord, and renew a right spirit within me.
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“Sometimes I feel like my prayers stop at the ceiling, but that’s enough about my situation. What about you?”
The ache in my friend’s words dug deeply into my heart. We pray together, and I wanted to be her support system. Still, God held the reins tightly and forced her to wait on His timing. Waiting is sometimes as gruesome as fighting the battle.
Despite our love for Christ, we often find ourselves feeling God is not in tune with us. Prayer after prayer rises from the depths of our hearts, and it seems to no avail. Does He even hear our pleas? It’s easy to blame God or accuse Him of turning His back on us when the truth is He never does. If we were truly honest, we’d admit when God doesn’t answer within the time frame we deem fit, then it’s easier to accuse Him of ignoring us. This just gives Satan the toehold he needs to instill discouragement and frustration, even hurt and anger. Yet, God is faithful despite our weaknesses and worry.
Nehemiah stepped into the unknown when he asked the king to allow him to rebuild the city of his ancestors. It was enough to approach the king, but trusting God’s faithfulness was difficult as well. With the king’s blessing, Nehemiah began the daunting task of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. They met their share of conflict, so his men divided. Half worked while the remainder stood guard with weapons strapped on their sides. For Nehemiah’s workers, those who stood guard were the support system. The prayers. The protectors.
I certainly don’t have all the answers for my friend as she wades through the daily muck searching for needed guidance and answers, but I can be the half who stands guard over her, faithfully praying, offering encouragement, and supporting her. My faithfulness as her support gives her hope and encouragement. It strengthens her. Everyone needs that unwavering support from God and our friends.
Seek after those who need your prayer support. Tell those people you’ll be faithful to guard over them. You may very well be rebuilding a broken wall. When you prayerfully defend those who struggle, you too will feel the joys of God’s answers as well.
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Rarely have I valued the hard times more than the enjoyable times.
It was somewhat of a shock when I learned about the potential of the Father’s chastening (or child training) during the last year while going through what my attending physician described as “a reprieve to a death sentence.” Then he told me to enjoy it. I must confess, this is a commentary on my lack of spiritual maturity.
Many Christians can testify that the best times in their lives have not been the most pleasurable times, but rather the times they walked one painful step at a time holding Jesus’ loving hand. In His presence, they found more than they imagined possible.
Difficult times are proof that believers are loved: “The Lord chastens those that He loves” (Hebrews 12:6).
Contrary to human reasoning, Spirit-controlled believers often feel blessed and thankful for the refining pain of earthly tragedies. They have learned their Lord’s love and presence are often easier to experience when the things of this world grow dim. Knowing it is because of His love that they are being taught, they cling to Jesus.
I have learned the hard way that our Father knows best. Our faith must be tested, our pain is partially in our hands, and our peace comes from our relationship with Jesus.
Don’t shy away from the sorrow and pain of the hard times of life. Put your trust and love in Jesus, and you will be blessed.
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My parents always sliced a watermelon when I was young.
We kids would grab a slice, sit on the porch together, and begin a seed-spitting competition. Definitely a happy childhood memory. At some point, when I became an adult and paid for my own watermelons, I decided scooping watermelon into a dish was my preferred way to eat it. Slices were too messy.
Once, while we were staying with my in-laws, I bought a watermelon and helped myself to some in my usual way. Later that evening, my father-in-law took the foil off the partially eaten watermelon sitting in the fridge and with great shock asked, "Who took the heart right out of the watermelon?"
I said, "Umm … me." I realized too late he was old-school and thought scooping the heart out of a watermelon was the wrong way to eat it. He might be right.
The heart—the pure heart—is the best part. When it's gone, the rest of the watermelon is not quite the same. It's still good, but it gets more distasteful the further you get from the heart and the closer you get to the bitter rind. What's left gets thrown out.
Sometimes, we do the same in life. We take the best part and leave the rest. I guess it's human nature. We give of ourselves until we have nothing left—taking care of our homes, families, spouses, and jobs. Then we walk around feeling empty because the heart is gone. That's a tough place to be. Empty, numb, and sometimes bitter.
When we get so far from the heart of things, we just want to get the sweetness of life back—to get back to the heart of it all. If asked, God will create a new spirit in us. He gives the best part instead of taking it.
When we have nothing left, and it seems all the good parts have been scooped out, God fills us up again—to overflowing.
God never fails. Trust Him.
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“I was just trying to get pretty for you.”
My wife is a beautiful brunette, but for the past several years she has been highlighting her brunette hair with blonde streaks. The last time she had her hair colored, something happened. Since we didn’t have the funds for her to get her hair colored and highlighted, she chose to have it colored … blonde.
As the beautician applied the chemical, my wife felt a burning sensation. When she got home, she looked in the mirror and saw that her scalp in the back was red. Things got worse. She developed headaches, then a tender scalp, and finally puss pockets.
A week after the coloring, she took a picture and sent it to our daughter-in-law, who’s a nurse. The verdict? Infection. So my wife paid a visit to the local urgent care center where the doctor prescribed an antibiotic.
When my wife called to tell me the verdict, I said, “The next time you want to get pretty for me, just stay the way you are.”
Peter told first-century women not to go overboard with outward beauty, but to care for their inner beauty. Still good advice—for men too.
I’m glad folks don’t face the world looking as they do when they first get out of bed—myself included. We wouldn’t look as we normally do, nor would we smell the same—at least not our breath. Outward grooming and good hygiene are important, but they are just that, outward.
What we do to dress up our outsides might impress others for a while—the boss, the boyfriend, the girlfriend, the wife or husband, the best friend—but it won’t last. Eventually, those we try to impress with our outward looks will see the inside through our actions and attitudes.
I’ve known some people who were gorgeous or handsome on the outside, but ugly on the inside. Their words or actions made them that way. We can’t hide forever what’s on the inside. It will color our lifestyle.
While tending to the outside is important, caring for the inside is more so. When we are in a right relationship with God, our inner beauty will shine through, and this is the light God wants others to see more than our outward appearance.
Make sure your inner beauty is the true beauty others see.
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The steps were skinny. Skinny as in . . . not even the length of your foot. I can’t tell you the times I’ve fallen because the steps were so thin. Even the dog’s feet flew out from under him. If it weren’t so bad, I’d say it was funny. That is, until . . . my son, Cameron, took a horrible fall.
It was terrible. My husband was at the top of the stairs, grabbing at him and missing. I was at the bottom, trying to catch him. Yet nothing we did could prevent his socked feet from sailing waist high into the air, his flipping twice, or his temple slamming against the banister before he hit the floor.
My heart stopped as I looked at my ten-year-old son, lying lifeless at my feet. I dialed the doctor, who immediately told me swelling could be internal. “Rouse him and get to the hospital now.”
The writer of the Psalms reminds us God is faithful. As a shepherd, he needed sure footing to prevent slips and tumbles as he cared for his sheep. Deeper yet, David understood how the Father never spiritually let him slip. Rather, He watched over him–never sleeping.
And that, friends, is comforting. Just knowing God has us. He’s always there to catch us. His presence doesn’t prevent life from happening, but it does mean, despite the trials, God never lets us slip away from Him.
No matter how my husband and I tried, we couldn’t keep Cameron’s feet from slipping. The fear we faced as he lay in the hospital was terrifying. After hours at the ER and tons of prayer, we were finally able to take our son home. He had a nasty headache, but he came out fine. We began the search for someone who could rebuild our staircase so no one else would fall–a task in and of itself.
Sometimes we can’t prevent a fall, but when we face those slip ups, it’s nice to know our Savior stands firmly beneath us to break our fall. When you feel your feet sliding, dig your heels into trust and know God is with you. He will not let you fall.
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As a second-grade teacher, I teach about the four seasons. My students discuss the seasonal activities and the characteristics of each, such as warmer weather, snow, or changing leaf color. In each one, transformations occur.
In biblical terms, season is an appointed time. Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes that to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven (3:1). The seasons may change, but God's promises to us do not.
Sometimes we may be discouraged or in a dry season. However, the seasons of our life will change every time we use our faith. Galatians 6:9 says, Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Seasons involve a shift, and each time there's a shift in the atmosphere, we have to activate our faith.
I thought of an acronym for season: S.H.I.F.T., which stands for Surrender to Him in Faith Today. We can surrender to God because our times and life affairs are in His hands. In our verse, the word times means seasons, causes, affairs, and events of our life.
God of my life is one of the names for God that focuses on His relationships with His people. He is the God of our life. We can be at peace and know He controls our future. All we have to do is activate our faith and surrender to Him in faith.
Make the following confession: My times and my future are in God’s hands. He is the God of my life. I choose to surrender to Him in faith today. The seasons may change, but God’s promises to me will not.
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The eye doctor clicked the machine. “Better or worse?” Another click, another line of blurry letters. “Better or worse?” We agreed on the best option, and he wrote a prescription.
When my new glasses arrived, I looked like a bobble-head doll as I adapted to progressive bifocals. The lenses darkened outdoors—another new feature. They helped on bright days, but indoor rooms took on a dim and somber note until the glasses readjusted.
These new bells and whistles are useful, but my vision still isn't perfect. Spiritually speaking, it's often poor. I squint to understand a friend's situation, but it's clear to God's 20/20 vision. My soul's myopia blurs perspective in my own life, but God sees the complete picture.
As a child, I imagined what Father God looked like. My mental picture didn't show Him wearing glasses, but my adult imagination added them. Of course, His vision is perfect with or without glasses. The lenses are clear, not darkened. They have one feature: they're tinted red at great cost.
Paul says we see dimly now, but the moment we accept Christ's gift of salvation, our heavenly Father sees us through rose-colored glasses. That idiom for a positive viewpoint reminds me our Father is eternally optimistic about us—our future, no matter how dimly we see it, and our past, no matter how flecked with dirt. All because we said yes to Jesus who said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” John 8:12 (ESV).
Our eyes may need corrective lenses and our spiritual vision might squint at darkened glass, but when you can't see life clearly, focus on the good news proclaimed throughout Scripture. We're seen through the lens of everlasting love. Our future's so bright we need shades.
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While struggling with infertility, I was anything but patient.
I wanted a baby. I did not understand why it was not happening—or why God placed such a desire in my heart yet wasn’t making my dream come true. I was frustrated and embedded in my selfish ambitions. My eyes were not turned to God, and I did not listen to His quiet voice trying to guide me. He simply wasn’t moving quickly enough.
Peter reminds us the Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.
God was not moving too slowly for me; He was waiting for me to listen to His calling and set my selfish desires aside. And He would have continued to wait for me.
We are often derailed by the need for instant gratification and by Satan probing us to immediate response. We dwell in our selfish ambitions and allow Satan to nurture our discontent when we really need to pull the weeds, clean the garden, and prepare our hearts for our waiting Father.
God will continue to wait as we find our way because He is a patient Father. His desires for us are beyond our imagination, and we are the ones who lose when we leave Him waiting. When impatience pierces our heart and we feel as if God is moving too slowly, we should remember He is not slow in keeping His promises, but is patiently waiting for us.
If you find yourself thinking God is too slow, take a step back and examine your heart, your desires, and your path. As you are waiting on Him, He is waiting for you.
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In a favorite movie, the princess hates the things her mother tells her she must do to become a real princess.
Her mother insists she act, eat, behave, and listen as a princess. But the princess wants to go her own way and do her own thing. She wishes her mother would listen. Finally, a witch casts a spell on her mom that the princess hopes will allow her freedom. After feeding her mother the cake with the spell, her mother becomes a bear.
Never is any of this the princess’s fault, but the witch’s. Wanting her mother to return to herself, the princess and her mother consult the witch. The witch informs the princess she must mend the bond between herself and her mother or her mother will become a real bear inside and out.
Desperately trying to save her mother, the princess finally admits, “This is all my fault. I’m so sorry. I love you.” Her tearful confession saves her mother.
God wants to mend the bond between Him and me. He doesn’t ask me to walk my own way or do my own thing. Some of what I could do would not be good for me. He knows that sometimes I want my own way even if it leads in the wrong direction. Like the princess’s mother, God wants the best for me and wants me to act like His child and follow His lead.
God asks me to listen, read His word, and tell others about His wondrous love. He asks me to help others find a place for Jesus in their hearts. Then like the princess—who saw the error of her ways, mended the bond with her mother, asked for forgiveness, and lived happily ever after—we can live cheerfully forever with our God.
There is no time like the present to mend the bond between you and God.
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She was a nursing home resident who was only visited by loved ones on the first and fifteenth of each month.
Her niece came at noon and her grandson at three in the afternoon. They’d speak to her—one of the sweetest people you’d ever meet—with hateful aggression, which made her cry more times than not. After every visit, she’d give them a tight hug, whisper “I love you,” and place money in their back pockets. I don’t remember her name, but their actions angered me. Such a giving person emptying unmerited kindness without being refilled. I saw the resident as a victim. I was wrong.
We all know people who only come around when they need a favor. The ones you hear from when their car is low on gas or they need a babysitter on Friday night. The ones who stop by when they need a shoulder to cry on or who want words of encouragement because their marriage is being tested.
Luke says God gives generously without regret or in spite of our failures and inability to repay. He commands us to do the same.
We are created in God’s image and are servants, not victims. To say, “I don’t want to be needed,” equals to, “I don’t want to serve.” God’s purpose is for us to lean on each other. He wants us to rethink what it means to be used and try to look at servanthood from His perspective. In His eyes, we are more than conquerors.
Worrying about someone taking advantage of our kindness isn’t important. Our Father makes sure ill-willed intentions are revealed in due season. Our talents, gifts, achievements, and strengths were not given exclusively to us but for us to get them to the people who need them. The same goes for our weaknesses and failures. He made us so we would need each other.
Rejoice when others are doing well, but help them when they’re not—regardless of who they are.
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“You’re the last person the customer will see before they leave the store. You need to make a good impression,” the grocery store manager said. His words rang true twenty years later.
I met Vicky on a train. She was a sixty-year-old Philippine woman with a lot of stress, both at work and at home. Her husband had dementia. What started the conversation were questions I had asked about a book she was reading. At first, my conversation wasn’t spiritual, but I later brought Jesus into our discussion.
I gave Vicky a few tracts that pertained to her situation and one which contained the Gospel of John. Every day I got on the train, she was reading the tracts. In August, a friend of hers told me Vicky had lost her job. Several months later, I asked her how Vicky was doing. She told me she had passed away.
The day I found out she was fired, the Christian radio station played two salvation-themed songs in a row. I felt as if the Lord told me, “Good job, Ken.” I may have been the last person to share the gospel with Vicky.
Talking about Jesus can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Because Jesus wants other followers, we need to do what this verse says: So go and make followers of all people in the world. I can only hope because of my chat with Vicky that she asked Jesus into her heart, that she became a Christian, and that I’ll see her in heaven.
Don’t be afraid to tell others about Jesus. You could be the last person to share with them before they die.
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She allowed the boys to go play with the sendoff, “Let’s just play nicely together!”
A friend’s six-year-old daughter was at an indoor play park when she came across a little girl who was upset. In comforting her, she learned some boys had called her the “dummy girl.” Not one to leave a situation unresolved, she called the boys over and asked them to have a seat. She then told them their actions hurt, and, since she was the oldest in the situation, they must listen to her,
My friend’s daughter has embraced a valuable lesson detailed in Proverbs 31: speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves, as well as for the rights of the destitute. Also, to speak up and judge fairly and to defend the rights of the poor and needy. Although the other child at the park was not poor and needy, she was in need.
As Christians, our responsibility is to stand up for others who are unable to speak for themselves and to embrace those in need, cloaking them in the love and grace Jesus gives us.
My friend’s daughter did not resort to anger or fists, which is the first line of defense we often use. Instead, she spoke calmly and judged fairly. She provided grace, love, and forgiveness and was a beacon of God’s love and design for relationships.
As we traverse life, we will encounter many situations that need our voice. Situations of people in need where we may be the single person who speaks up on their behalf.
Speak up, judge fairly, and be a living example of God’s grace.
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Have you ever been so tired you yelled for everyone to be quiet?
Maybe you’ve banged on the wall and bellowed for the party animal next door to keep it down or hollered at noisy roommates so you could study. If you’re a parent, and you’re honest, you’ve probably raised your voice a time or two, calling for quiet.
Yelling at people is not a good idea, but when we’re tired, Jesus gets it. In His human nature, He needed silence—and rest—just like we do. Once He fell asleep in a boat, and when a storm came up that scared His friends into thinking they were about to die, He woke up and yelled at the wind and waves to knock it off.
Jesus wasn’t afraid of the wind and waves. He created them and had authority over them. In this particular instance, He calmed a storm. At other times, He calms us during the storm. He knows our fears, cares about us, and has the power to calm the anxious thoughts of our heart and mind.
If you’re going through a rough time, look up. Ask the One who calmed the sea to intervene on your behalf and say “Quiet! Be still!” to the raging circumstances surrounding your life. He’s right there with you in the rocky boat. He’s not asleep, and He won’t let you sink.
Ask God to give you the physical, mental, and emotional peace you need during difficult times.
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On May 11, 2014, a mother jumped three stories from a burning building to save her infant son.
The mother was bold, uncompromising. She had no consciousness of height, depth, or self. She didn’t care how her clothes and hair looked, or who was watching. On a normal day, fire is hot and consuming. The jump alone could have killed them. However, this fire and height were just obstacles separating this mother and child from life.
Jesus encountered a desperate woman. One who had tried everything, but nothing worked. So she went to Jesus.
What is it about desperation? We ride high on Monday but low on Tuesday. When riding high, there are things we wouldn’t say or do. People who aren’t desperate are sophisticated, safe, and self-satisfied. Yet in desperate times when we are riding low, we go the distance. We will ask for anything or go anywhere. Who has time to be classy when the building is burning?
In desperation, we empty our bank accounts, seek advice from everyone, and get worse. When we’re desperate, we’ll do anything to alleviate extreme need. Desperation kills foolish pride, cockiness, and shame. In times of desperation, no one cares about gossip. Rather, we find a sense of urgency and look for any small reason to hope. We find the characteristics God intended for us to have in the first place: the willingness to cry out and trust Him. Maybe these moments sprout up to birth such urgency.
We should always expect and be ready for affliction. Whether we are distressed or in peace, we need to live with a desperate attitude. Desperation will defy isolation, consequences, complacency, and self-centeredness. It transforms hardened hearts.
Neither should we wait for desperate times before we display a heart hungry for the Lord. Be desperate for God’s love regardless of whether you ride high or low. Seek daily and desperately the everlasting grace of the Lord.
Live every day persevering to be filled with God’s calmness, courage, and confidence.
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When we’re looking, she’s a perfect little angel, but when we’re not…
Our six-month-old Chihuahua mix was kennel trained when we got her, so when we left the house—and at night—we put her in what she was accustomed to. She didn’t yelp, and we didn’t have to worry about her getting into trouble.
But I hate putting a dog in a kennel or on a chain, so after she reached nine months of age—and had shown herself capable of behaving when we were gone—my wife and I began leaving her out while we went on various outings. She did well. Until she turned one year old. Suddenly, her well-behaved nature while we absent from the house changed.
Her favorite misbehavior involved digging through the trash can. We put it up. Then she chewed up my wife’s box of Milk Duds. That almost equaled a federal offense. Finally, she pulled my basketful of pens and highlighters from the table beside my chair. In doing so, she broke the final straw. Back in the kennel when we left the house.
Soft heart that I am, I gave her one final chance after punishing her. We left for a short trip to Mom’s. When we returned, she had pulled trash from our large garbage can. She had exhausted her chances. She had to learn to behave whether we were looking or not.
Jonah must have thought as our dog did. When God told him to preach to people he hated, he ran, thinking God wouldn’t see his act of disobedience once he left the land of Israel. He discovered his error when God sent a large fish to swallow him.
Our dog waits until we’re not looking to misbehave, but God is always looking. Jonah discovered leaving his homeland didn’t leave God. God is everywhere. Though the Bible doesn’t use the word, it does evidence the concept of omnipresence.
Although God always sees our behavior, He’s not sitting in heaven waiting for us to misbehave so He can squash us. He has principles, commands, and expectations, but His nature is love. He disciplines when we go astray, but that is exactly why He disciplines. His love demands He keep us on the right track so we can enjoy the best life He has to offer.
Remember, God watches over you constantly—because He loves you.
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My failure was on display for everyone to see.
When I was in elementary school, we had to run in physical education class. I always hated those days, because I was so slow and because we had to run in front of the class.
When we moved to Florida and I changed schools, it was even worse. We didn’t have a gym, so P.E. was outside—which meant running was there too. If you’ve never lived in Florida, I will tell you why this was bad. Sand. Running on a wooden floor was hard enough, but running in sand was more difficult.
I’ve never considered myself a runner, so when Paul mentions running in a race, I cringe a little. He says only one receives the prize. I’m thinking that wouldn’t be me. But Paul says to run in such a way that we may obtain it.
Life and our walk with God is like a race. If we plan to obtain the prize, we must run in such a way that we win. Paul knows we’re not all athletes, so he’s not telling us to run a literal race. What he is saying is that we need to live our lives in such a way that we can obtain the prize at the end.
Although our salvation isn’t based on works, we do have a responsibility to live according to the Word’s principles. The race of life may be a one-hundred-meter dash for some and a marathon for others. Regardless of which one it is, we should want to live in such a way that God will say to us in the end, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
Lay aside the sin that weighs you down and run hard after God. A part of the prize is walking with Him and being close to Him. Nothing can take that from you.
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A number of years ago in Palo Alto, California, this verse was put to the test when Pastor Ray Stedman used it to change his community.
The zoning board held a hearing on a proposal to add a liquor store to a strip mall located between a church and a high school. Citizens expressed their outrage, citing the need to protect the city’s youth from such a store’s temptation. The owner of the store testified that if the students wanted alcohol they would get it, even if his store was located further away.
Pastor Stedman remained quiet during the testimony, but the crowd wanted to know his opinion. He walked up to address the zoning board and opened his Bible to Luke 17:1-2.
As he read the words aloud, a hush fell over the crowd. “He said to His disciples, ‘It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble.’”
Without comment, Pastor Stedman walked back to his seat. After a few moments of silence, the liquor store owner stood up and withdrew his application.
On that day, the Word was living, active, and sharper than the arguments of man. It was powerful enough to strike at the heart of those at the meeting.
All too often we forget to look at the Word of God as more than just a Good Book. It is a sword in the hands of the righteous.
The next time you are faced with a conflict, pray and ask God to equip you with the raw power of His Word.
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When I was diagnosed with cancer in 2012, I believed God could and would heal me from stage four Lymphoma.
The cancer eventually spread to my brain and thyroid. Even if God didn’t heal me, I knew I belonged to Him and that He was my Savior and Lord. After thyroid surgery, I spent months taking strong chemo and enduring weeks of whole brain radiation.
Often I thought of the father who brought his son to Jesus for healing. An evil spirit possessed the boy. The man had asked the disciples to heal him, but they couldn’t. When the evil spirit seized the boy again, the father asked Jesus for help. Jesus told him anything was possible if he believed. That’s when he told Jesus he believed, but needed help with unbelief.
Like the boy’s father, I’ve said, “Lord, I’m like that little boy’s dad. I believe You have all power, and I believe You can heal me. If there is any unbelief in me, please help my unbelief.”
In November 2013, my doctor said, “You have no cancer in your body.” God has healed me—not because of anything I have or have not done—but because He chose to bring healing. I am now committed to telling others what God has done.
One day I will breathe my last breath and be ushered into the presence of God, because Jesus is my Savior and Lord. That will be my ultimate healing. I will spend eternity with Jesus in my heavenly home.
We can have abundant joy even during difficult days if we depend on God. The things we try to avoid and fight against—tribulation, sickness, and suffering—are the very things that produce abundant joy in us. During these times, we must depend on the Lord more than usual.
Ask Jesus to help you with your unbelief.
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It’s always been an issue. Maybe it comes from being a recovering perfectionist.
As soon as a problem arises, my brain goes into fix-it mode. My tendency is to turn the situation upside down and inside out, then analyze it from every possible angle and play out every conceivable scenario. I mentally go down the checklist of what ifs. My grandmother used to say, “You’re worrying that problem to death. Leave it alone.”
It’s exhausting. But the worst part is—most of the time—I’m unable to fix anything.
One day during my morning devotions, I read these words in Jesus Calling by Sarah Young: “Problems are part of life. They are inescapable, woven into the very fabric of this fallen world. You tend to go into problem-solving mode all too readily, acting as if you have the capacity to fix everything. This is a habitual response, so automatic that it bypasses your conscious thinking. Not only does this habit frustrate you, it also distances you from Me.” ~Jesus
Ouch! If you’re like me, the last thing you want is distance between you and the Lord. For us fixers, the answer lies in realizing our limitations and not allowing ourselves to get weighed down with situations and circumstances we’re not responsible for and not equipped to handle.
God is the ultimate fixer—the great problem solver. He knows the end from the beginning and everything in between. He sees the bigger picture, is aware of and concerned about whatever concerns us, and is always working all things together for our good. In other words, He can handle it.
Got a problem? Give it to Him.
(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles.)
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I often find myself confronting a red-faced child, wondering what in the world I did to cause such upset. Their outburst concludes with a desperate plea for something I had no idea they wanted. Wasted time and energy spent being upset because they never asked.
Whether it be fear, trepidation, or pride, we have all found ourselves in a situation where we hesitated to ask for what we want or need. Being told no is often harder on our egos than not knowing at all. We are our own worst enemies, and we effectively place roadblocks in the path of God’s blessings.
Jesus reminds us of how we sell God short when we don’t ask for what we want and need. If we ask, it will be given to us. If we seek, we will find. And if we knock, the door will be opened. Our heavenly Father will give even better gifts than a parent.
Just as a parent takes joy in giving to their children, our heavenly Father does the same. We need simply to ask. The Devil fills our head and hearts with lies as he manipulates our waiting time to feel like wasted time. Satan encourages our doubts in asking and exacerbates our disappointment when we don’t receive exactly what we asked for.
Satan enjoys building roadblocks. Send him on a detour! Remind yourself God’s Word promises good gifts. If that gift is not what you’re expecting, know God has something far better in store than what you could possibly imagine.
The next time you are hesitant to ask God to fulfill a need or want, fall to your knees and do so with confidence. God promises to deliver good gifts. Be a gracious receiver clothed in trust and faithfulness.
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Reuniting with a former student brightened my day.
A semi-tractor trailer stopped as I returned from feeding cattle. The driver had been in my classroom during his third-grade year. He provided an update on his family and his tight schedule of hauling soybeans harvested from our rural area. We chatted about one low tire on the trailer. No big deal—even though it was fully loaded. He told me he knew the other tires could carry the load.
That semi-tractor trailer bore a strong comparison with the church. Frequently, I have heard a person tell how her friends lifted her family up in prayer during a difficult time. Another person related how food was brought to their family’s home by fellow church members during a time of need. Several individuals expressed how a note of encouragement arrived exactly on the day it was most needed.
Scripture refers to the church as a body. When a body part suffers injury, the rest of the body seems to respond to ensure the body’s functions continue as normal as possible. A body remains sturdy and stalwart only as each individual part is strong and supports the other weaker body parts.
With compassionate actions, Christians should support those in their flock who are hurting. When we sense a sister or brother in Christ is struggling, they should know we are praying for them. Fellow believers should be uplifted by our sharing of Scripture and words of hope. Those who are mourning must feel the comfort of the Lord flowing from His heart through us.
Ask God to use you to raise up those who feel flattened by the circumstances of life.
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People come in two categories in the mountains of New York: those who embrace the cold and snow and those who don’t. Those who don’t tend to stay inside.
Negative numbers on the outside thermometer encourage people to turn the inside thermostat up. When they turn the dial, the heating oil company loves them more. At the same time, some people can’t afford a median-priced home, let alone a fuel bill.
Facts printed indicate ninety percent of all goods created in the world end up in the hands of Americans, who make up ten per cent of the world population. Things like skis, snowshoes, snowmobiles, and high-tech winter clothing make up a significant part of those statistics around New York. But some children still wear sneakers and a light jacket in the cold weather. Plenty of poor people still remain in the United States.
One church in New York runs a clothing giveaway and another deals with groceries. Whether it’s within our borders or anywhere around the world, Americans give—if they’re able to.
Jesus tells us we will always have the poor with us. It is up to us to determine when and how to assist them. Perhaps the American’s Christian foundation supplies the grace for us not only to know who the poor are but also to show them mercy. On the other hand, God’s grace may be missing in this age.
When the occasion arises, fill the need rather than perusing the checkbook first. Jesus says, “…whenever you wish…” but if your funds aren’t in order, wishing won’t get it done.
Place your assets under better stewardship so you can have the ability to help “whenever you wish.”
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My husband and I drove to a buffet restaurant in town. Our two children in tow, we were led to our table where the waitress informed us we could “help ourselves.” As parents, we did our best to teach our children manners, but since restaurants were not a usual part of our family meal experiences, we were not prepared for our children’s actions once they realized they could take a plate and “help themselves.”
They ran greedily past the salad bar, past the servings of vegetables, past the meat-carving station, and straight to the dessert buffet. Before I could reach them, their little hands had touched dozens of cookies, cakes, and cream puffs. Their plates were piled high before I could intervene. My little daughter looked up at me with wide eyes and offered her explanation, “But I was hungry!”
I don’t remember all I told her, but I do know we helped ourselves to another plate of nourishing food before touching those desserts. I struggled to explain why things that might not always taste as delightful as a cream puff could be good for them. My children longed only for the sugary goodness meant to be partaken of sparingly only after ingesting the nutrition their growing bodies desperately needed.
Like my children with desserts, I have yearned for good from God—but not trouble. I have run toward comfort, not holiness. I would bypass the hard days that would make me strong and grow me up in the Lord. I gripe and complain at the slightest hint of a trial, questioning God when faced with pain or adversity.
God has already proven He will care for us. All that touches our lives is carefully measured and poured out from His sovereign but loving hand. We don’t have to doubt Him when the spoonful we swallow tastes strange or bitter on our tongue. His purpose and will for our lives is perfect. And at the end of our faithfully-run journey, a spread of sweet blessing awaits us.
Gladly receive whatever God sends your way.
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We don’t have to look far to see people’s brokenness, often in our own homes.
I had an antique stained-glass window broken during flood cleanup. I couldn’t bring myself to throw it out, so I put it away until I was ready to deal with it. At this moment, someone has cut off the sharp edges, it has been mounted on a board to protect from further damage, and an artist is writing the names of my grandchildren on it for display in the same spot it hung as a decorative window.
If you have ever cleaned up broken glass, you understand it is a hazardous task. In most cases, a person would carefully discard it, but not all shattered glass is meant to be thrown out.
Some broken things are precious to us, just as broken and shattered people are precious to God—as He showed to Jeremiah through his visit to the potter’s house.
Most broken people know they are broken—and often believe they have been so spoiled that they are of no use to God. What’s the point of even trying? We don’t have to throw them away. Condemnation has already done that and keeps them from rising up and trying again (Proverbs 24:16).
But God sees usefulness in each of us, and the gifts and purposes He gives are irrevocable. Broken or not, He will repurpose us for His glory.
An unbroken glass is beautiful and reflects light clearly, but one that is broken and repurposed reflects light in entirely different ways. The cracks and edges divert light into dissimilar places just as rocks in a stream deter water.
Perhaps you know a broken soul. Maybe it’s you. God is not finished with you. In fact, now that you are in pieces, you can become that vessel for His special purpose.
Don’t let brokenness spoil your work for God.
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Sometimes we simply need to seek peace.
It has been one year since my first brain surgery. One year ago, when I couldn’t walk a straight line or hear over the internal sounds of my heartbeat, blood pumping, and footsteps. My world was so noisy, and I longed for peace and quiet.
Drilling into my head wasn’t the answer I sought. After all, God can just snap His fingers and fix things, but that wasn’t His plan. He needed me to walk a different path. He wanted to groom me for something that, well . . . is truly yet to be seen.
My prayer became pleas for protection, healing, and … peace. I wanted quiet. And if God needed me to hear that still small voice, it was impossible through all the noise.
Jesus secluded Himself at times. He felt and longed for quiet. In the thick of His ministry, thousands swamped Him, pleading for a touch of His healing. Physically and mentally, He grew weary and retreated alone to spend time in prayer with His Father. We don’t know the prayers Jesus offered up during those times. Perhaps for His compassion to remain intact, for physical strength, or for peace and quiet. But we know He needed to renew and recharge from the cries of the afflicted.
When Jesus took time to teach us prayer, the simplicity of His words were etched in our hearts. His prayer became our prayer–the one we go to when we cannot find the words. I’ve spoken that prayer hundreds of times, but this time I brought a healing and weary body to the feet of Christ. He’d protected, healed much—not all, but much—and as I sought out the peace and quiet I longed for, my prayer was,
Give me this day, Lord, my portion of bread. Please, in your mercy, forgive my sins and guide me to forgive others–even when it’s hard. Protect me from Satan and the things he entices me toward. For You, O mighty God . . . You are holy. May I be teachable and acceptant of your will in my life, especially when I do not understand the path You have me on. For, Lord God, this is YOUR kingdom from now into eternity. Amen. And Amen. (Reworded)
Take time to re-read the prayer Jesus taught, and then rewrite it to fit the cry of your own heart. He will hear and answer.
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On a beautiful, sun-filled Arizona morning, I walked into my backyard, which was surrounded by palm trees. My peace of mind over their safety had been robbed.
I read that morning how voracious beetles were eating the famous palm trees of Pasadena California. I feared they might be planning a trip over the mountains to the northern Phoenix valley in Arizona. If they determined to make the trip, I knew the farms and agriculture surrounding our house would not stop their invasion.
Strangely, I heard, “Talk to Me.” Since I have had three life-threatening medical experiences during the last year—including a massive stroke—I wondered if I had more damage than I was aware of. I remembered these verses, Whatsoever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it, and realized what I was hearing might be the Lord trying to get my attention.
These verses set me free by saying “whatsoever,” so I talked to Jesus about the palm trees. Feeling much better, I realized I often don’t talk to my Lord Jesus about everyday life as I would to a good friend. I was afraid to bother Him with small things. He is so important and deals with such significant things. I didn’t want to impose.
Then I realized He loves me and wants to hear what is bothering me in everyday life, even if it is only beetles. Talking to Jesus about life’s small things, instead of going first to my own thoughts and solutions, turns my life into a Psalm 23 life.
I learned if God’s children will freely and spontaneously talk to Jesus as to a good friend—and leave with Him what tightens them up—they will learn what prayer really is. “Stop talking to yourself so much and talk to Jesus about everyday life” came to mind. If you follow that simple prescription, you will find a recipe for satisfaction.
Talk to the Lord as to a loving friend. He wants to hear your needs and what’s going on in your life.
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Gabbie was in a tough situation.
Della asked Gabbie not to entertain, speak, or act kindly to Ryan. He had hurt her by ignoring her and using harsh words when she confronted him. Gabbie was not only asked to act rude to show her disapproval for what Ryan had done to Della but also not to forgive him. Gabbie wasn’t happy about how Ryan had acted, but she wasn’t ready to react in an ungodly way. Torn between pleasing her best friend and God, she decided not to imitate Della—even though it might threaten their friendship.
Diotrephes was a man who did not always agree with John’s words and did his best to stand against him. He wasn’t enthused about receiving other Christians who travelled across different countries to share the gospel. Nor did he keep this view to himself. He ensured other people treated them likewise.
We often act similarly. Acting out of frustration or anger, as Della did, or imitating her actions if we are in Gabbie’s shoes is easy. Either way, we should consider our actions and ensure they are in accordance with God’s expectations.
Our reactions towards unpleasant situations shouldn’t involve encouraging others to disobey God. Instead of getting others to act in ungodly ways, we should act out of love. We should also be careful to please God by imitating Jesus, not the ungodly actions of people around us—even if doing so is more convenient.
Imitate Christ, and encourage others to do so as well.
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It was the fourth hour of the hike that did me in.
The final quarter-mile to the summit stretched upward, paved with skewed boulders on an endless incline. Sides cramping, heels tingling with the continuous scrape of broken skin, I trudged up the mountainside.
My heart thudded as I climbed the final steps toward the looming fire tower. The treetops thinned and the air cooled. Panting for breath, I turned to take in the infamous view that boasted a vantage of four states. Nothing was there but chalky clouds.
Scaling the tower steps, I peered through the open windows. Gauzy tendrils of clouds flitted past me. I couldn’t see anything. I stomped down the stairs and surveyed the descent before me. What was the point of all that work and all that pain to see nothing but haze? Even worse, it wasn’t over. Six miles down the mountain awaited me.
James urges us in James 1:4, “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” I certainly wasn’t being mature as I pouted my way down the mountainside, but when I reached the bottom, something happened.
I looked back and saw the mountain I had climbed. My legs were stiff and burning, an aching reminder of the labor my body had just performed. No, I hadn’t been rewarded for my efforts, but muscles had ripped so they could grow. I was strengthened by the exercise as I persevered.
I now see how much this resembles life. We travel rocky terrain at different points, and it can be difficult to understand the purpose without a tangible resolution.
When God lets us face trials in life, He is doing something inside us that is mostly invisible. We are being changed—strengthened through adversity. We are being built up in Him so we can be better tools for His kingdom work. The tangible evidence comes with time as we face new challenges and are better able to persevere.
Trust God in the adversity. When He is done with you, you will lack nothing.
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Never had I been sick for so long.
Sickness stuck to me this winter. Sinusitis hit the day after school dismissed for Christmas vacation. I persevered through the holidays, feeling horrible. When nothing worked, I made a doctor’s appointment. He gave the antibiotic, and I was better within one week.
Two weeks later, the same sickness returned. Between sick people at church and sick kids at school, I stood no change. Lysol, hand sanitizer, and Clorox wipes seemed unable to kill the monster.
Thinking my doctor might give me a second round of antibiotics since I had recently been ill, I returned. No such luck. “You probably had the flu,” he remarked, “but you’re past the seventy-two-hour window where medicine will help. Tough it out.”
Fortunately, my wife discovered a round of steroids the doctor had previously prescribed for her back. “Take these,” said Dr. Michelle. I did, and within two days, I felt better. (Men should always listen to their wives.)
Spring can’t come quickly enough. Suffering has worn me down—in body and in spirit. Paul had something to say about physical suffering, the kind that comes from standing up for Christ. It produces patience, character, and hope.
Physical suffering, whether from illness or from my stand for Christ, helps me identify with others. Because I have been sick so much this winter, I sympathize with others I know who have dealt with seasonal illnesses.
Suffering grows faith and trust. Doctors prescribe medicines, which hopefully will heal. But trusting in the ultimate healer gives me peace and comfort. If He wants, He can do instantly what medicine takes days or weeks to accomplish. As I wait on Him, my faith and trust increase.
Times of suffering also help us appreciate the times of health and peace. The times when our bodies are well and no one is persecuting us for our faith, whether physically or emotionally.
Paul and many first-century Christians suffered for the just cause: their faith in Christ. Still they rejoiced. When we suffer for a similar reason, we should rejoice too. Jesus said we should.
When you suffer in your body, either from physical illnesses or because you stand for Christ, don’t waste the opportunity to learn from it.
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Knuckles white, veins throbbing in my forehead, tension headache mounting, I merge onto the highway.
Driving in Dallas—or any metro area—offers constant challenges. Drivers rarely give the courtesy of a turn signal or allow others room to change lanes. So, who could blame me for taking every advantage of the HOV lane?
The High Occupancy Vehicle (or carpool) lane permits vehicles with two or more occupants to travel separated from the rest of the highway’s traffic. While many use the lane to drive faster—due to less congestion—the lane offers me the solace of not dealing with other drivers. Since I’m a stay-at-home dad and constantly have my three-year-old with me, I’m allowed to use this lane for all my highway driving. But too quickly I came to believe I was special because I could use this lane. My sin was privilege (pride).
Driving in the HOV lane might not be your source of pride, but we all suffer from this sin in some way. For some, it’s pride over material wealth, intelligence, attractiveness, or humility. For others, it’s pride in traits we believe make us better than the rest of humanity—or at least the people we know.
In his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul addresses the sin of pride, reminding us that while we might think more of ourselves than we think of others, we all share the same identity in Christ. He encourages his readers to look to him, as they do to Christ, for their role model of behavior. Although he specifically addressed rivalries within the church, we can apply this same truth in our dealings with other people.
I’ve taken to driving only in the most frustrating lane: the right lane. This is my attempt at growing in Christ’s sanctification of me and dealing with pride. Through this, God teaches me patience, perseverance, and love for my fellow person.
Think of some steps you can take to deal with pride.
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I kept my eyes glued on Jake as his dad retrieved him from the water.
As my daughter and son-in-law started the pontoon to take my ten-year-old grandson, Jake, tubing, I leaned back in the seat, soaking up the warm sunshine. Matt drove, Hayley watched for other boats, and I watched Jake. We started from a calm inlet. Jake was on his knees and not holding on. When we entered the larger lake section, the waves picked up, causing Jake to grab the handles.
Soon, waves from several boats caused the tube to bump hard. Jake laid on his stomach. The next wave hit so hard that his feet flew higher than his head. Still, he hung on tightly, laughing as the bumpy ride sprayed him with water.
We all cheered. Then Matt turned the boat, and a large wave caused the tube to go air born. Jake was tossed into the lake.
As I watched, Hayley asked, ‘Is he okay?”
“He’s great.” I answered.
Jake bobbed in the lake—not anxious but relaxed in his life jacket and waiting for his father to rescue him.
Like Jake, the psalmist knew he could rely on God, his heavenly Father, to watch out for him. If things got bumpy, He would spot what was going on. And if real trouble came, He would rescue him.
Life carries us through bumpy waters—sometimes knocking us off our feet. But we have a spotter who watches and comes to our aid.
When uncertainties come or difficult decisions have to be made, hanging on to our faith is difficult. We want to grab hold of worry and fear, but doing so isn’t what God wants. He wants us to approach Him in prayer and rest in comfort as He comes to our aid.
Hold on to God for your safety and protection.
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Some people would describe me as an animal lover. I live in the country, and, through the years, people have abandoned dogs and cats in front of my house. Several of those animals became permanent residents. All have been given loving care, but a few became special. They have not only been my four-legged friends, but they have also been my teachers.
Twice a day I give my dogs treats, which they look forward to with eagerness. One day as I handed them the treats, I wanted Carl Lee—one of my favorites—to look at me as I talked to him.
“Carl Lee, would you please look at me? Look at my face, not what’s in my hand.”
But his thoughts were focused only on the treats and his anticipation in receiving them.
That’s how I am with God at times. He blesses me with so many good things, and often that’s where my focus lies. Like Carl Lee, my eyes are on God’s hands and what He’s holding out to give me. I don’t place my attention on God Himself and praise Him for who He is.
I love Carl Lee and wish he would show more love to me because of who I am, not because of the gifts I give. Even though that may never happen, I’ll continue giving him loving care—just as God will continue loving me even when I look to what He holds in His hands instead of what He offers from his heart.
God gives gifts willingly and freely because He loves us. Don’t be like Carl Lee, looking to see what He holds. Rather, look into His face and see His eyes of love.
(As told to Normal Mezoe by Ruth Q.)
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Giants aren’t prone to surrender, they are not typically passive, and they often seem impossible to defeat.
But one giant met his match. Many of us remember the account of David and Goliath. The young boy defeated Goliath, and the enemies of Israel fled. Against all odds, the little shepherd slew a battle-hardened warrior. David had faith God would give him victory over the Philistine who mocked the armies of Israel. We read this account and marvel at David’s amazing faith. He trusted the Lord so much that a miracle followed.
David’s faith was more potent than we have figured. Israel’s outlook was bleak. Goliath had taunted Israel for over a month. None of Saul’s men would face him down. Their hopes rested on the shoulders of a ruddy shepherd boy.
The Philistines laughed when David began to march toward them. Goliath, in all his pride, was insulted. David received no respect from his enemy. But the armies of Israel did not believe in David either. He had no moral support from his own people. King Saul told him he could never win. Goliath had been killing longer than David had been living. But David ran toward him anyway. David trusted God, even though the enemy ridiculed him. He trusted God, even when his own people doubted him.
David had the kind of mountain-moving, giant-slaying faith we should walk in daily—the kind of faith that sees us through any storm. We must trust and obey God in the face of adversity. And we must trust and obey Him even when our own people don’t believe in us.
Ask God to give you unshakable faith.
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He soared to the top of music recording charts, but one incident changed his life.
Tony Fontane was a popular American recording artist during the 1940’s and 1950’s. Born in Michigan, he was the son of a railroad worker who had converted to Christianity and moved his family to North Dakota where he operated a mission and lived in poverty. Living in poverty to do God’s work led Tony to hate religion. But he loved singing. Eventually, his passion for music led to him flourishing in the business. He even celebrated his notoriety by appearing on several television shows.
Life for Fontane changed on September 3, 1957. After finishing a television rehearsal, he headed for his California home, but never made it. Another driver ran a red light and plowed into his sports car. Rescue workers labored for several hours to extricate him. They rushed him to a hospital where he remained in a coma for thirty days.
Fontane later wrote that it was while he was in this coma that God appeared to him in a vision and gave him one more chance. And he took it. He made a big switch by turning from his atheism to Christianity and beginning a career in gospel music—refusing to sing anything else. Because William Morris Agency brought a lawsuit against him for breach of contract, Fontane lost everything. But he actually gained it all when he made the switch.
Anyone who chooses Christ gains everything as well—at least spiritually. My old things passed away at nine years of age—not totally in practice, but completely in God’s sight when He clothed me with His Son’s righteousness. He gave me a new nature with fresh wants, desires, and ambitions. Although I still face trials and temptations, I am no longer after what the world offers: the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. I simply hunger to be obedient to Him . . . completely . . . even if it costs me everything.
A healthy relationship with Jesus Christ is the best way to begin a New Year. One where we love Him with our entire heart and show it through our actions, attitudes, and words. One where we involve Him in every detail of our life’s journey.
If you haven’t made the big switch, now is the best time.
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Stilted parts of their conversations drifted my way: Guess what? Really? She didn’t! I can only pray for you.
I was sitting in a coffee shop sipping my favorite Chai brew. While waiting on a friend to join me, I observed couples and small groups seated on high stools, conversing in happy, friendly voices.
But wait. I just heard someone offering to pray for another person. And in a coffee shop. As I glanced their way, I saw a man talking unabashedly to another. I wasn’t privy to the rest of their conversation, and I didn’t know why the one needed prayer. I only knew a child of God was praying over coffee with someone else. Knowing I had just become a guest, I watched as they bowed their heads. Then I let my silent prayer join in.
God wants us to pray for one another because we are all His children. When we do, it binds us together in a supernatural way. It also invites Jesus to join us, to guide us, and to heal us. Prayer keeps us humble. Confessing our sins to each other reminds us of our humanity and imperfections.
I love family reunions because they are a break from the stress of life. A time to hug on, laugh with, listen to, and lift up each other. Prayer is a family reunion with other Christian believers. Through it, we rejoice in the good, feel compassion in the not-so-good, and are cleansed from our sins by the forgiving power of Christ.
Prayer doesn’t require anything special besides a concern for one another. No appointment is needed. No costly bill for you to pay. No bad-tasting medicine to force down. Just a willing heart.
As you travel through your day, be alert and keep your eyes open. Someone needs your prayers—at work, at a ball game, at home, or even in a coffee shop.
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It was only yesterday when I strained to keep my eyes open just to watch that ball drop in New York City. Now here I am, 11:55 p.m.–waiting for the same thing again.
When I was a child, time dragged. January 1 came and the count down for Christmas began with carefully scoping out the newest toys. Things like Slinkys, bicycles, and Easy Bake Ovens. It seemed like time went into slow motion as we scoured the Sears catalog.
Time slowed a lot as a kid. Like when my feet were cold and I longed for spring. Or when the end of the school year was only a month away. Even when the sun took its time warming the creek so we could bear diving our fingers into the icy waters in search of crawdads. Then it grew slower when November rolled around and Christmas approached.
It sped up after I passed fifty, when the harsh realization my children are really grown happened. Now January comes, and, by Christmas day, I’m still feeling like it was months prior.
I suppose it’s the season of life I’m in. Maybe it was season of life Paul was in as well. From Saul to Paul, he realized just what it meant to have life in Christ. After all, no one had made a bigger change in their life than Paul. He understood what it meant to have the “old” taken and the “new” arrive. Paul went from murderer to holy peace maker.
Being new in Christ comes slowly for us humans. We like to hang on to the past and dwell there, never loosening our grip on what once was. The truth is, when we take on a Christian life, “new” washes over us like a tidal wave, and, if we are faithful, it continues to wash over us daily–hard, fast, and fresh.
In Christ the new has arrived and the old . . . well . . . it’s history. And this is how it should be.
When you enter into the New Year, don’t let time drag you down. Grasp hold of the new Christ has given you and say goodbye to the old. Look forward to each new day, each new opportunity, each new breath. This is how it should be.
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Utter chaos. That was all I saw on television.
My stomach twisted as the special news report spit out images of screaming people, gunfire, and destruction. Yet another terrorist attack on innocent people.
I pulled a blanket tightly around my face and peered over the edge. I just wanted this to all stop. My eyes shifted to our newly erected Christmas tree. The lights twinkled as the tree rotated, bringing into view precious ornaments—each with a story. Each with a memory. Why can’t things be like they used to be? No one should have to suffer at Christmas.
Mary must have thought the same as her life shifted with the news of a pregnancy that could get her killed. Her forthcoming marriage now in danger … and what about Joseph? What if he said no, rejected her? She’d been chosen by the Almighty as the vessel to bring the Savior into the world. Who in their right mind would believe that?
The angel who delivered this miraculous news to young Mary reassured her even the impossible would be possible. She need not be afraid. So Mary gave up her fear and turned her trust to the Father. She sang His praises, even though she knew her life would be shear chaos. Mary found peace in the promise from the angel … unfailing words.
Imagine the joy and the fear Mary must have felt. Chosen by God to bring His son into the world. The long awaited Messiah being born to a peasant. Even in her limited knowledge, this was certainly not what Israel expected. A simple birth to a simpler servant.
Mary never seemed to find rest as she reared the Son of God. Threats on His life, the oddity of His childhood faithfulness, the determination to teach in a world that refused to believe. His sacrifice. Yet in the promise that God’s Word would never fail, Christ came, died, and rose again.
The chaos the world faces today isn’t much different than when Jesus walked the dusty paths of Judea. Sin still wreaks havoc. Death and destruction still take front and center. Yet, in the wake of it all, God’s words never fail. His hand still covers us. God still cares for His people. He is the unchanging, unmovable, unstoppable King.
As you enjoy Christmas today, don’t think of the mess in the world. Be like Mary. Redirect your faith to the One who promises His Word will never fail. There is where you will find peace on earth.
From the staff and writers of ChristianDevotions.us and Christian Devotions Ministries,
may God shower you with His love, gift you with His faithfulness,
and cover you with His peace. Merry Christmas.
Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles, cofounders of Christian Devotions Ministries
Martin Wiles, editor, and Andrea Merrell, associate editor
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God uses various ways to communicate.
He’ll use a still, small voice, dreams, an angel, or a prophet to speak in our language. Many times we ignore His message, but He continues to love us. He’d like us to listen and obey, and He is pleased when we respond.
In the American Patriot Bible, the word bleating shows up one time. Samuel went to King Saul to deliver a message from God: “You’re fired!”
Within the context, Saul states he has done as the Lord directed in destroying the Amalekites—but he brings back their king. He makes excuses for why his followers gathered the best sheep and goats and oxen from a battle where they were commanded to destroy an entire people, their goods, and their chattel. Samuel wasn’t impressed. The bleating sheep told a tale of guilt.
God expected Saul to do everything as commanded. Samuel spoke clearly to Saul. Regardless of the intent, the bleating sheep made the rebellious act clear.
In the course of life, we receive many messages and a few telegrams detailing God’s plans. If our ears are not attuned—or if our fingers plug our ears or denial stops the spiritual communication—the will of God will lie dormant around us.
Our part may be small, so God gives us other opportunities to show our sensitivity to Him. Sometimes we give the appearance of doing His will, but the baggage we bring back tells a different tale. We not only miss the blessing but also stand in danger of losing our position in the kingdom.
When we fail to do what God commands, the evidence drowns out the voice of God. Israel would have seen great wonders if Saul had listened.
Listen to God for specific direction, not the bleating-sheep-speaking guilt. Refocus your mind on God. He’ll bless you far beyond what the sheep represent.
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“Three digs, y’all! Big water ahead!”
Our family of seven positioned ourselves in the yellow inflatable raft, paddles in hand. Listening to our guide, Mitch, we practiced paddling in the calm waters near the landing. I was confident we’d spend a beautiful day on the Upper Pigeon River.
But as we approached the first rapids, I wasn’t so sure. The twists and turns around the protruding rocks created doubt about our family bonding experience. I prayed for safety and still waters.
Perched in the back, Mitch’s voice carried above the raging waves. He spoke boldly and without hesitation. He knew the lay of the land and could read the conditions of the rapids and make choices to steer our craft safely. My confidence in his ability grew, as did my trust.
Four more obstacles loomed in the big water ahead. The swirls of white water rushed across the treacherous rocks. We held our breath and paddled “three hard digs” upon Mitch’s command. Again and again, he shouted instructions on when and how to paddle. We knew his voice from our practice.
We laughed as we glided safely past the last rock. By trusting Mitch’s knowledge and acting upon his commands, we lifted our paddles together in an overhead “high-five” to celebrate.
In life, rising tides and crashing waves interrupt our calm seas. Seeking God in the still moments equips us to hear Him during life’s obstacles. Even when God’s voice seems muffled, He communicates through His Word. Our all-knowing Guide always provides direction. We paddle by listening to His voice, obeying His commands, and lifting our high-fives of praise.
God knows what lies ahead and how to navigate your situation. With the Holy Spirit as your Guide, “Your own ears will hear Him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go,’ whether to the right or to the left.”
Whether you’re facing still or stormy waters, tune in to God’s voice.
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Crazy has many definitions.
Rational people define crazy as someone who is mentally deranged and uses means that are apart from the normal way of reasoning.
However, one definition of crazy that stood out to me was “extremely enthusiastic.” The word fan is short for fanatic. I am a big sports fan and have been extremely enthusiastic about my team and the outcome of a game. My wife might label me crazy, but I’ve never considered myself an intense fan who borders on mental derangement due to a game’s outcome.
Perceptions about life and the Lord vary from one person to the next. We value different things and have diverse moral compasses about values. But one common ground we all have is Jesus Christ. Christians are all saved by His blood and given redemption through the cross. This is something I’m crazy about.
Because I have been set free from sin and death, I am extremely enthusiastic about telling people how much the Lord loves them. The outcome of a game will not affect my life, but the outcome of the cross touches our lives in a great way.
You have the ability to be excited about this great gift, because it never grows old or fades away. This gift never loses its value or breaks your heart. It’s a free gift, wrapped in Jesus Christ and given in extreme love. Jesus is passionate about you. A person does not die for something they aren’t crazy about.
If the Lord is thrilled about us, we can be impassioned about Him. Don’t be afraid to be crazy for the Lord. He is crazy about you.
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“You’ve changed.”
Her tone held an accusatory bite—perhaps meant to justify the growing distance between us. Or maybe to put the blame on me. Regardless, I was devastated.
At first, the thought made me remorseful. After all, it was costing me a twenty-five-year friendship, a friendship that had survived marriages, children, and multiple moves. As I thought about it, God reminded me change is a good thing—a godly thing.
If we do what has God called us to do—imitate Christ, renew our minds, put the old self to death, and walk forward in our new life—we will change. And the people around us will notice, especially those who don’t follow Christ.
I didn't intentionally offend my friend. I quietly and respectfully lived out my faith in front of her--answering her questions and showing her a loving Savior. She walked forward without Christ; I continued with Him. When things fell apart, I tried to find out what went wrong and make amends. It didn’t work. At some point, as God changed me, my faith became her stumbling block, and she walked away.
Following Christ comes at a temporal cost, but the eternal rewards are far greater. That’s what motivated Paul to say, “More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8 NASB).
Faith won’t always ruin a friendship and is often the inroad to bring a friend to faith. However, the time may come when we must choose between compromising to preserve a friendship and pursuing Christ at all costs.
Ask God for the strength to faithfully follow Him. Then watch as He slowly conforms you to the image of Christ.
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Another unexpected hospital admission. I had to decide whether to stay or go on a planned retreat. The decision was tough, but I felt the nudge to go.
I stood on the beach on a nice chilly January morning, reflecting on this current storm and all the other storms my family had experienced during the last two years. I needed time alone to rest without family—time to pray and seek God’s help for my loved one’s health.
As I watched the wind blow and the waves rise and fall, I thought about the disciples who found themselves in a storm carrying waves that threatened to sink their boat. They were terrified. Jesus was in the boat with them, but He was sleeping. The disciples woke Him and asked if He cared that they would drown.
Jesus spoke to the wind: “Quiet! Be still!” Immediately, the wind died down and the sea calmed. Then Jesus asked the disciples, “Why are you so afraid, do you still have no faith?” When they saw what Jesus did, they asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and waves obey him!”
This story brought a new sense of comfort that Jesus was in this storm with my family. I was not sure how this health storm would be resolved, but standing on the beach I felt a renewed calm and peace. I whispered a silent prayer, “Lord, open my eyes to see your armies of deliverance.”
Not long after I returned home, my loved one was discharged from the hospital. The Lord stilled another storm. In the presence of Jehovah, the waves of trouble collapse and storms subside as we trust in Him.
The storms will come and go, but God is omnipresent. He is the Prince of peace in the storms of life. Trust Him with your storm.
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I remember one day when my husband distressed me. He had dementia, which made him aggressive and troublesome. Everything seemed to go wrong. My patience failed. To top things off, I forgot to turn the bathtub off, and water flooded the room.
I settled down and prayed, “Thank you, Lord, that you are with me in all this turmoil. You are my strength and comfort.” Peace entered my spirit. I got a mop and sopped up the water. I felt the Lord helping me. The circumstances were the same, but joy flooded my soul.
Jesus knows and understands our burdens, anxieties, and weaknesses. He, too, faced all kinds of trials when He walked on earth. He wants us to turn to Him when we are overwhelmed with everyday concerns and need His peace and comfort. His presence is always near, and He is ready to help. Just saying His name pleases Him.
The next time you need the Lord’s comfort, call on Him and thank Him for all He allows in your life circumstances.
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Bad company corrupts good character, but the opposite is also true: good company promotes good character.
After healing a lame man, Peter and John were questioned by the Sanhedrin who wanted to understand by what power they were operating. After all, these were ordinary men, not men of noble pedigree or influence. The fact that they spoke with such authority and were able to heal, confounded the religious elite.
But these men had been with Jesus, the One who possessed all wisdom and power. For three years, they witnessed His miracles, His mercies, and His compassion. Keeping company with Jesus had quite an influence on their lives.
What the religious leaders did not understand was that these men had been commissioned and empowered by Jesus. There was nothing they could do or say that would stand in the way of God’s calling. Before ascending to heaven, Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the promised Holy Spirit and told them they would be clothed with power from on high. This is what the religious leaders noticed. These men had been filled with God’s Spirit, and God’s Spirit transformed them from ordinary individuals to people of courage and power.
As we spend time in God’s presence, Christ transforms our nature, replacing it with His own. When we ask, He fills us with His power, making us more gentle, loving, and compassionate.
Let it be evident in your interaction with others that you have been with Jesus.
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As I stood on the highest hill in the pasture, I saw our cattle herd grazing in our neighbor’s pasture.
With a heavy heart, I drove the old pickup toward Mother’s farm house. As I maneuvered the paths in the pasture, I prayed, telling God I was trusting Him. Our neighbor was “brokering” the fence building and told me not to worry. But much to my dismay, our cattle had stepped over the broken fence between our pastures. The errant bovines foraged where they weren’t supposed to. Even if I could call them back on Mother’s side of the fence, what would prevent them from going back?
I had hauled off old fence posts that morning. Stopping at the area that would soon be mowed for hay, I loaded pruned limbs that had to be taken off. It seemed a misuse of time to haul off discarded branches when our cows were in the wrong place, consuming the neighbor’s grass.
Often, we get in a holding pattern, waiting for something of great consequence to be resolved, yet feeling powerless to impact the situation. Internally, we realize we have necessary obligations with our family, work, and daily living.
Believing a few facts is essential for our peace and uninterrupted worship of our Lord. God is engineering His plan behind the scenes of our situation. Nothing is out of His control. His timing remains impeccable, and He is working all things for our good.
One of the greatest signs of our resting in God’s plan and His working is to do the seemingly commonplace tasks without wringing our hands and worrying. We focus on our Savior, conscientiously and cheerfully doing the repetitive but required routine and leaving what we can’t do to Him.
Do the mundane things of life with the joy of the Lord.
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God knew me in my mother’s room before I was born.
As a child, I wondered how I could be in my mother’s room without her knowing I was there. Until, ta-da, I arrived as my parents’ daughter. I remember looking under mom’s bed, pushing things aside in her closet, trying to locate the place I was hidden until God delivered me. I never found it. But I did find dust bunnies, a sock without a match, and a rumpled sunhat with a wilted bow. I heard things like, “What are you doing in there?” and “Get out from under that bed!”
After I grew up, I realized the word was womb, not room. The God who created everything knew me before I was a twinkle in my mama’s eye. God knew whom I would become throughout my lifetime: daughter, sister, friend, nurse, caregiver. He knew the paths I would walk: valleys, plateaus, mountaintops.
God knew when I would follow His path and when I would decide to travel my own trails, when I’d curl up in His arms and when I’d push Him away because things weren’t going my way. He knew when I would stand, when I would fall, when I would crawl on bloodied hands and knees, and when I would lie face down in the dirt and cry. God knew when I would hold my arms up and be ready for Him to rescue me and when I would have fire in my soul to reach out to those who needed to hear of His phenomenal love and gift of eternal life.
God knows us in our mother’s wombs before we are born. We will never be a secret to Him. He knows our thoughts before we think them. He meets our needs the way He thinks best. We are intimately known and eternally loved beyond measure by our Father in heaven.
Thank God for loving you just the way you are.
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I often wonder why God should give me another day.
Every evening, I pray to God. Before ending my prayer, I ask God to preserve my life and grant me long life. I expect to wake up in the morning. I use the word expect, because my day is usually planned before it’s here. But then I wonder why I want God to wake me up.
I believe Paul thought through this because he knew and talked about what each choice meant to him and why he would prefer one or the other.
We know to live is Christ, but understanding what that means is challenging. Possible answers are so we can live in love and obedience to God one more day, so people can see God through our lives one more time, so we can glorify God through our planned activities for the day, or so we can tell one more person about Christ and love the people around us.
Less worthy options for waking up are so we can live our dreams, pursue our goals, enjoy the pleasures of the earth, and show the world how intelligent, famous, and wealthy we are. Deep within our hearts, we know our desire to have one more day often has little to do with living for God. We want to wake up so we can live for ourselves with a pinch of God here and there.
We are created to worship and bring pleasure to God and should wake up each morning with the intention of living as Christ would live. Our loving God desires to give us another day so we can understand His truths and experience more of Him. When we do this, we will renew our minds, appreciate God for His kindness, and live everyday more meaningfully.
Let Christ be the reason you live for each new day.
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As my wife checked out with our groceries and staples, I peered at a price tag and contemplated a decision.
I’ve always been an impatient type. Extra money stirs an itch. On this occasion, I wanted a new computer and one that was more compact. Sam’s wholesale company had one on sale.
I ambled up to my wife with a long face. “They have one for less than two hundred dollars.”
“Well, buy it,” she replied.
I had her approval, but I hesitated. I’d never owned a Chromebook before. But impatience and desire took over. I made the purchase. Soon after, I discovered I’d acted on impulse without doing the necessary investigation. Most of what I do at school and church and with my writing requires Microsoft Word. Chromebook didn’t support it.
Two weeks after acting on impulse, I bought another computer that suited my needs. I advertised my Chromebook on Facebook. Fortunately, it sold it quickly—and without losing money.
Esau acted on impulse too. He enjoyed hunting and had just returned from a hunting trip when he smelled the luscious stew his momma-boy brother was cooking. In haste, he traded his rights as the oldest child for a bowl of stew. Later, he hated his brother for stealing his birthright, yet he couldn’t do anything about his loss—but stew.
When I want something badly enough, rationalization comes easily—convincing myself I need this particular thing … persuading myself spending money I don’t have is acceptable. Sometimes the pressure to buy isn’t internal, but external. Other people have what I want, and they encourage me to get it also.
I failed to do the most important thing before making my purchase: consult God. I didn’t have to get on my knees—or even close my eyes—but I could have prayed at the sales counter and asked His opinion. He can check my spirit and prick it one way or the other. Though I didn’t pray, I felt the prick—and ignored it.
Making purchases based on biblical principles is also essential. Am I spending money I don’t need to spend? Does owning this thing conflict with my testimony as a believer? Is making the purchase going to lead me into unnecessary debt?
God is more than able to give us wisdom for every purchase we make. Consult Him so you won’t act on impulse—and later regret it.
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I have had times in my ministry when I should have spoken out, but didn’t. Someone else could do it better than I. Thinking silence is golden justified my quietness. But the color was a little more yellow than gold.
At other times, God prompted me to do acts of service, but others were better able to do the task. I decided I would serve in the background and help them. Honorable in some cases, but it was not real service or humility in other cases. It was an inverted form of pride. I focused on what I could or could not do instead of what God could do through me.
Samuel was going to anoint Saul as King of Israel. Saul was “head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the land,” yet he hid among the baggage. Perhaps, he felt small in his own eyes—as I have.
Samuel explained God’s plans to Saul. Saul then tested his anointing and prophesied among the prophets. His friends said, “What has happened to the son of Kish?” But upon Saul’s public revealing, they found him hiding among the baggage.
If God says you can do it, saying you can’t is never humility, but timidity and stupidity. Contradicting God is never smart.
If you feel small in your own eyes, remember you’re often not what you think you are—or what others think you are. You are always what God says you are. If God has called you to do something and says you can do it, don’t hide among the baggage.
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“We already know Jesus loves us and stuff,” my daughter shouted from the back seat.
We were on our way home from a birthday party where she had a small taste of a bounce house and was eager to get back on it. I thwarted her plans by reminding her we would be going to church the next morning rather than heading outside to bounce.
She didn’t feel church was necessary since Jesus loved her . . . and stuff. Her innocent proclamation was actually very powerful. We often allow the “and stuff” of our relationship with God to become a second thought. Although Jesus does love us, He also wants a relationship with us. He desires that we sink into His Word and fully explore the dimensions of a relationship with Him.
While God’s love covers us, it’s the “and stuff” that carries us through the troubles of our days. His unending grace, constant presence, and perfect plans are all part of the “and stuff” that my daughter has yet to fully grasp.
As you revel over how much Jesus loves you, dive into His Word and discover just how much other stuff there is.
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After investing in the life of a younger believer for almost a decade, I was hurt when she decided to turn away from the Lord and also reject my friendship.
Our journey had taken us over many hills and through numerous valleys. I was sure we’d walk through life as friends and fellow seekers of Christ. Her decision to abandon her faith and turn from our friendship was heartbreaking. I questioned whether the years of investing in her life had been a waste. The pain of losing the friendship was deep.
Most of us—like the psalmist—have experienced the desolation of a friend’s hurt. We have wrestled with the sense of feeling alone in the world. A friend turns away in betrayal, a marriage falls apart, a child leaves with no promise of returning. We find ourselves alone and misunderstood. The emptiness is devastating, and the pain of unwarranted scorn leaves us isolated and hurt.
Jesus never promised life for believers would be easy. In fact, He promised trouble for all who walk through this broken world. But there is good news. He promised He would never turn away or abandon us. He also reminded us that He had overcome the world.
Though we find ourselves alone and hurting, God never leaves us. He is the ultimate comforter, keeper, and companion. Whenever you’re feeling misunderstood, left out, or lonely, take heart. God sees your pain. He understands, and He is your defender and advocate. He will never leave you.
Lean into God’s love. Trust Him to guide you and shine light on the path in front of you.
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Imagine our world if we showed mercy and grace.
As a noun, mercy mean compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone when it is within our power to punish or harm.
God showed mercy by sending His Son when He could have used His power to punish a nation of people who had turned their backs on Him—and would have been justified in doing so. But out of love, He chose a different route—a route of mercy.
Grace as a noun is God’s free and unmerited favor manifested in saving sinners and bestowing blessings on them.
Grace is when God—out of mercy—sent His only Son . . . the one perfect human . . . a man full of goodness and love to suffer on a cross and die an unimaginable death for those who deserved punishment. The most beautiful example of grace was Jesus sacrificing His perfect life for our imperfect lives so we could experience freedom and salvation.
Jesus showed mercy to Judas by allowing him to spend the last supper in His presence, even though Judas' heart had already changed to betray him. Jesus had the right and the power to send him away and separate Himself from this traitor. Grace was Jesus washing His disciples’ feet in the final hours before His death.
For those who have chosen to follow Christ, mercy is a wife choosing to forgive her husband after he betrays her trust and seeks love outside their home. She decides to stay with him and give him another chance. Grace is that same wife surprising her husband with a vow-renewal ceremony to show she is willing to recommit to him and her marriage, regardless of his mistakes.
Mercy is when parents forgive their unreachable teenage child for their bad attitude and for the unclean room. Grace is cleaning their child’s room and leaving him a note that lets their child know how deep and unconditional their love for him is—just like Jesus’ love for them.
Think of ways you can channel the grace and mercy Jesus has shown you.
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“It’s a battle. I’m being attacked and I can’t find the strength to stand.”
Bea leaned against the car window and sighed. She was tired. Lost. Spent. And I was at a loss for the right words.
“What do you do when you’re trying to be obedient, but it’s like God has forgotten you? I study my Bible, pray . . . I worship. Where is God in this?”
It’s a question we’ve all asked, especially when we know we are doing our best to be the individual God wants us to be. There’s no denial we’re all sinners. No excuses. When trying spiritual times fall over us, we cry out—“What more Lord?”
Jehoshaphat faced the wrath of three kingdoms, and he wondered what on earth had caused this. What would he do? He did all he knew to do. He called the people together and they prayed. And prayed. And prayed. Until God sent Jahaziel, to reassure them . . . this was not their battle. It was God’s and God had already won.
Facing spiritual hardship is hard. It’s harder to understand why—when we are doing our best to be obedient—we must suffer through battles. The spiritual battle roars in the heavens, but it’s God’s battle and He never loses. When the war slips through the cracks and falls on us, our faith and trust in Him are vital. Just as Jehoshaphat called the people of Israel together to pray—so should we. Pray and remember the battle is not ours. It belongs to God. Stand firm. Steadfast. Faithful. And God will keep His promises.
It’s cliché to say hardships build our character—both earthly and spiritually—but it’s true. In our despair, we lash out to God and ask why? WHY? Still, His ways are greater than ours. When we do the only thing we know to do—go to our knees and remain there—then God can do what He does best: win the battle.
When you are spent from the battle that rages around you, kneel and pray. God has already fought and won.
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Hearing loss occurs for many reasons, loud noises chief among them.
In the 1960s, Vox manufactured the Super Beatle Amplifier. This device produced huge volume, and the Beatles used multiple units of them when they performed at Yankee Stadium. Back then, dancing in front of these amplifiers at local school gyms injured many adolescents’ ears.
Because of the anatomy of the inner ear, hearing does not return once you suffer loud noise damage. In older life, communication with children who have high-pitched voices becomes impossible. With a fan or refrigeration unit running in the background, listening is difficult at best.
Hearing aids assist in overcoming some of these woes, but not all of them. The aids require batteries to operate and batteries die at inopportune moments. They must be replaced to restore communication.
Faith also suffers without hearing. Preachers speak words undecipherable to the hearing impaired, whether it’s because of physical limitations or spiritual ones. Communicating with God requires good hearing. Since He speaks in a small voice, any worldly distraction—like noises generated by Satan’s work—eliminates the ability to hear God.
Our faith suffers if we continue to listen to the noise. Things like secular comedy TV shows, gossip at the water fountain, pornography on the computer, and the simple lack of reading Scripture contribute to disrupted communication with God.
Unlike hearing aids that only offer some restoration of the sense, God’s forgiveness restores our ability to hear Him. Regenerate your faith and obtain the advantage of hearing God’s voice by going back to the Bible.
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Little drops of sunshine. That’s what they are.
I’ve loved daisies since I was a little girl snuggling inside the giant crevice of an elm tree–my secret place. The place I chose to create imaginary friends and wonderful adventures.
At the base of the big elm grew a pod of beautiful daisies. Keeping bugs away and water near their roots was a chore, but I managed. When they bloomed, I could have sworn the sun glistened off their yellow centers.
I learned to pray hidden away in the big elm. Basically an only child (my brother, twelve years older and grown), I found the friendship of God early on.
“How do I pray? I’m just a kid.”
Just talk to Me and watch the daisies. Each day you pray, you’ll see them grow. When they bloom, so will your heart.
“My heart will bloom?
You’ll be tempted to pick the buds before they bloom. You’ll want to take them home and put them in water. But if you are strong and wait, joy will come.
Daily, I cared for the daisies and talked to God. He was right. When I saw the buds emerge, I wanted to pick them. The temptation to pluck the buds was strong. I wanted to take the flowers home, but I heard the whisper in my heart. Wait. Let them bloom.
When Jesus returned to His disciples after praying in Gethsemane, He found them sleeping. All He’d ask them to do was stay awake—watch with Him—but they gave in to the desires of the flesh and slept. He warned them if they would only watch and pray, they would not fall into temptation.
Our intentions are good. We mean to do what’s asked by God, but we fail miserably. Temptation wins. I learned a valuable lesson watching the daisies bloom. Watching taught me to pray and wait for His will.
All my prayers haven’t been answered the way I’d hoped, and then, there’s those times I’ve fallen into temptation. But for the times I’ve waited for the daisies to bloom, amazing things have come.
Stand firm in your prayer life even when it’s hard. Wait until the daisies bloom. Your reward is strength and joy in Christ.
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I'm afraid of growing old alone.
As my single friends shared their fears and dating frustrations with me, I often wondered if I would grow old alone.
The difference was . . . I did not date. I was a bit shy but had done everything right by Christian standards. All I had to do was wait for the perfect man to walk into my life. He never did, but God had other plans.
One by one, my friends married. I became restless. God, what is wrong with me? Since I was a little girl, I had dreamed of a future with a husband and children. The fear of growing old without that haunted me more every day.
Then God asked the unthinkable: If you never married, would I be enough for you?
The question disturbed me. Not marry? Live alone? Is God really enough? After months of struggling with the answer, I knelt before God. As I prayed, a part of myself died: “Yes, God, if I never marry, you alone are enough.”
My surrender was all God needed. He wanted my deepest hopes and desires, my dreams for a future, my everything. Although I had lived according to God’s Word, I had not aligned my deepest desires with God’s heart.
The key to being a living sacrifice is to become empty—to place everything at God’s feet. Only then can He fill your life with His hope, His plans, and His future. My fear separated me from a key part of God. Once I allowed Him to take everything, I felt safe and secure. God held my future in His hands.
Within a few months, I met a man who was not perfect. A divorced father of two grown children, he was broken but determined to serve God and help others who were broken. Two years later, he became my husband.
Turn every area of your life over to God. He is waiting patiently for you to give yourself wholly and completely to Him so He can transform you from the inside out.
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Life is hard, confusing, and tragic. It hurts. I often feel overwhelmed—as if I’m shoveling snow in a blizzard. As hard as I try, I can’t get a handle on it.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This is my verse. The verse I cling to when life doesn’t make sense. I need this verse. I need to know God has a plan for my life—a good plan as He did for the nation of Israel. I need to know I have hope and a future. I need to know God has more for me.
When I’m in the middle of the unknown and awful, all I can do is hold on and hope for something better, something more, such as healing, restoration, hope, and a future.
Making sense of circumstances can be difficult. Knowing what to say to the mother whose three-year-old has cancer. Or the parents whose child is missing. Knowing how to comfort those who watch their children starve to death in corners of the world we rarely see. I search the horizon and I can’t see their hope or future.
Our fallen, broken world has trouble. This side of eternity there is illness, poverty, broken bridges, and death. Our hope frequently lies in the unseen—what waits beyond the horizon. Often, my faith—or lack thereof—boils down to believing God has plans for me as well as answering a simple question: “But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15).
When trouble comes and life goes sideways, I must believe God’s promises. I must trust and believe He is who He says He is. Sometimes I question and doubt. Sometimes I get mad and think God is asleep at the wheel. At other times, my doubt and unbelief leave me alone, and I wander in a painfully dry and dusty desert.
But God loves me still. When I lay down my burdens and trust Him, I get what I need—hope for my future. It’s not easy or magic. Sometimes it’s moment by painful moment.
God, your loving Father, will never leave you hopeless. His love never fails. He can restore what the locusts have eaten.
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I walked into a small room filled with angry people, thinking I was there to support a friend. The next thing I knew, a finger was pointed at my face, and an accuser shouted, “Just who do you think you are?”
My hands flew up in front of me, and my response was “Whoa, whoa, whoa … what in the world are you talking about?”
From that point on, the meeting hit a downward spiral. Lies bounced around the room like rubber balls with a life of their own. At one point, my accuser tried to hit me. Thankfully, someone stepped between us as I silently begged God to come to my rescue.
Being falsely accused is no picnic. But what should we do when it happens?
Every time Jesus faced the religious firing squad, He remained silent. He didn’t get angry or emotional, try to dispute the accusations, or explain His words and actions. He had been about His Father’s business and knew He had done no wrong. When the Devil challenged Him, He replied each time with, “It is written ...”
Remaining calm and confident when fingers are pointed in your face and hateful words are hurled at you from every direction—especially from people you thought were your friends—is difficult. Our flesh demands reaction while our spirit whispers peace. Our carnal nature cries out for us to stand our ground and fight back, while the Holy Spirit within us says, “I’ve got this.”
My experience—which I affectionately refer to as “the bashing”—happened many years ago, and the memories fade a little more with each passing decade. God was with me that day, just as He’s been with me since—and always will be. He fought the battle for me, and like the three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace, I came out without even the smell of smoke.
I learned a lot from that experience—especially about forgiveness, trust, self-control, and preserving my integrity in the midst of an angry mob.
When people come against you, call on the Lord. He will give you the words to speak and fill you with His peace.
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Pulling cuckaburrows was a new experience for me in farm life.
Visiting my maternal grandparents on the farm was always enjoyable. Every day was a new adventure, doing things I never experienced in the city. Along with my cousin, we’d pile into my grandfather’s blue Chevy truck and head to the farm.
As my grandfather rode down the dirt roads dividing the fields of cotton, he pointed out cuckaburrows. Like many other words my grandparents used, this one isn’t in the dictionary. These invaders were thorny weeds that often grew alongside the cotton. They were easy to spot as they matured. And when my grandfather did, he’d send my grandmother, my cousin, and me into the fields to pull them up.
“Be careful not to pull up the cotton,” he’d caution. Sometimes this was precarious because they grew so closely together.
Jesus once said something similar when asked if weeds should be pulled from the wheat field. Unlike my grandfather, He said to leave them until the harvest time. Then they would be separated into their respective places.
Like the tares of Jesus’ day, these weeds represented things that shouldn’t be in the cotton field. If left alone, they would take over, preventing the cotton plant from growing and producing as my grandfather intended.
My cuckaburrows represent things that shouldn’t be in my life. Left there, they will stunt my spiritual growth or even keep me from Christ initially. Sinful choices and sinful relationships invite thorns into my life. Some aren’t sinful; they merely interfere with my service to Christ. Like my grandfather, Christ tells me to pull them up.
Ridding my life of prickly invaders takes intentional effort. I could have looked at them in the cotton field all day long, but they would never have gone away. I had to leave the truck, walk into the field, and remove them. Cuckaburrows interfere with my being the salt and light Jesus wants me to be in this world. Spiritual disciplines spread poison on them.
Ask God to show you your cuckaburrows. Then pull them up so you can be successful in your work for Him.
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Forest Gump’s mama said, “Life is like a box of chocolates.”
I tend to think of life as like a trophy case. A trophy case in which I place all the important things: family, career, hobbies, and God. I love my family and do what I must to provide for them. I’ve worked hard at various jobs. When I have free time, hobbies restore my physical and mental health. And then there’s God who gets the first-fruits of my time and energy.
Up before my family and making their breakfast, my day as a stay-at-home dad starts early. Struggling with the kids at bedtime, my day ends late. In between breakfast and bedtime, I spend three to four hours in the parade of minivans and SUVs picking up and dropping off my son at school, caring for my three-year-old daughter, and trying to accomplish some of the never-ending duties: washing dishes, doing laundry, and picking up toys. Things that make it difficult to focus on the eternal picture rather than the minutia of daily life.
Proverb 31 defines the characteristics of a good wife. The proverb is filled with enculturated, gendered statements such as “She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places.” But a set of virtues sits behind the proverb. Virtues like trustworthiness, generosity, organization, beauty, and charm. All of which apply equally to men and women.
The writer touts the traits as desirable, yet shows the fleeting nature of beauty and charm in opposition to the more desirable virtue: living in the fear of God. Beauty and charm, which are representative of the entire list of human traits—including those not listed—are placed in their proper relative position as supportive roles.
Fear-of-God living entails honoring God. Our behaviors can either honor God or be exercised in our own vanities. Thoughtfully navigating our days is important. In the moment, when we are disciplining kids or having a disagreement with loved ones, we need to focus on doing all we do in ways that honor our Savior. We need to ensure all our trophies point to the one that reads “1st Place Servant of Christ.”
Make fear-of-God living your daily goal.
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The love of the Lord is a promotion from death to life and from bondage to freedom.
The greatest gift to humanity was the perfect love of God through Jesus Christ. Jesus expressed the love of the Father by His obedience to pain and death for our promotion to eternal life. We were promoted by God’s love to a place we could not attain because of our propensity for error.
God’s perfect love removes all fear from our consciences and removes all penalty of wrong doing. Perfect love never takes anything from us because it only seeks to add to our self-worth, which allows us to walk freely from the imperfect love of this world.
We all have been tainted by imperfect love, but God’s love is sweet to the lips and edifying to the soul. We were promoted to a place of satisfaction and peace by the singular act of perfect love by Jesus Christ on the cross.
The great thing about God’s love is that we can now express this perfection of the soul to our neighbors. Kindness is a great act, but love coupled with kindness is a taste of perfection from the Lord. It is giving someone a promotion in their self-worth by simply expressing the unconditional love you have felt from the Lord in your own experiences.
The Lord created us to be vessels of the gospel. The purpose of the vessel is to serve a need in someone else. An empty vessel does no good, but a full vessel quenches the thirst of many. The love of the Lord overwhelms us with His grace, so that we can fill others with the same grace we have experienced.
To love your neighbor as yourself is to wish the same blessings on someone else that God has given you. When Jesus commanded us to love our neighbor, He was saying we would have more love from Him than we could ever contain for ourselves.
The next time you see someone down in their lives, love them as you love yourself, and you will promote them to a place where they can see Christ’s reflection of perfection staring at them through your actions.
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Darkness was quietly tiptoeing in as I sat on the swing in my back yard. Across the street, miniature booms and loud pops filled the air as youngsters celebrated on the eve of Independence Day. Colorful sparkles of shimmering light exploded in the air and then disappeared into the darkness.
Once again, Americans were visibly and audibly celebrating their freedom. We are bountifully blessed to live in this beautiful land of the free. We have much to celebrate.
Christians, living in America, are doubly blessed. Not only do we live in this great country, but we are also endowed with the true freedom that knowing Jesus Christ as Savior brings. In Christ, we are free to grow and to become all that His love encourages us to be.
As we pause to thank God for our country’s freedom, let us remember to praise Him for His freedom that can never be taken from us.
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I was enjoying breakfast when God showed up.
Halfway through my store-brand yogurt mixed with fresh blueberries, God floated a question across my mind: Are you hungry?
I replied, “Of course I’m hungry. That’s why I’m having breakfast.”
He then floored me with, No, are you truly hungry or are you just eating? That’s when our discussion morphed into a monologue, and I tried to keep up.
When we’re not really hungry, we approach food as optional. We develop a choosy, disinterested mindset. If we do find something to eat, we pick at it and often leave leftovers behind.
A hungry or starving person has no doubt about his hunger. He has to eat. Hunger pangs make him intentional. When he finds a food source, he devours it. He may even eat things that normally aren’t at the top of his menu selections—and eat them at places he never thought he’d go. Only food satisfies a truly hungry person. Real hunger makes us behave in strange, yet passionate and intentional ways.
Now back to my conversation with God. Jesus said those who hungered and thirsted for righteousness would be filled. But the secret is hungering for it—not picking and choosing as we aimlessly wander up and down God’s spiritual buffet. Nothing else quenches our craving. Our appetite is only for Him and His delicacies.
When I hunger for God and His righteousness, my attitude and actions change. I prioritize specific time with Him. I crave His insight, conviction, and direction. I devour those things He offers that I normally wouldn’t accept. Like David, my heart pants for Him. Like Mary, I want to sit in His presence. Like Paul, I set my affections on things above. And like Jesus, I invite others to God’ feast.
Ask God to help you never settle for the unhealthy fast food of the world and its alluring distractions.
God, give us spiritual hunger pangs that drive us to the banquet hall of Your Word. Grant us the intentional desire to feast in Your presence. Quench our insatiable hunger with only Yourself.
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Love is a verb. It requires choice and action.
The Bible tells us to love as God has loved us. God is love, love comes from God, and those who are loving and kind show they belong to God. If a person isn't loving and kind, it shows they don’t know God or belong to Him.
But it isn’t only about our love for God. It’s also about His love for us. God's love sent Jesus into this wicked world to make a way for us to have eternal life through His death, burial, and resurrection. Since God loved us that much, we ought to love each other.
God is the source of our love, not us. Those who accept Jesus have access to His love through the power of His Holy Spirit living in them.
The Spirit helps us bite our tongue and speak the truth in love instead of lashing out against others. He helps us be patient with those who irritate us, seek justice instead of our own personal glory, and see others as worthy of love and respect. He also keeps us from being jealous, boastful, proud, rude, irritable, self-seeking, mean-spirited, hateful, retaliatory, short-tempered, and plain obnoxious.
Choose to love others, and let them see God’s love through you.
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My daughter, Cathy, and her husband, Lee, had been married for less than five years when Lee began to have serious heart problems.
While Lee was in the hospital, I felt the Holy Spirit silently speaking and telling me to talk to him about salvation. I prayed for the right words to share. Lee seemed close to making a decision, but it was time to leave. I held his hands and prayed with him. Later, my minister visited Lee and led him to accept Christ as his Lord and Savior.
Lee was excited to be a Christian. When he was able to leave the hospital, he and Cathy attended our church where he planned to publicly announce his decision. However, toward the end of the service, he had an attack and stopped breathing for a while. An ambulance was called and Lee was rushed to the hospital. As our family followed the ambulance, our church members prayed. It was an anxious time as we waited for a diagnosis.
Eventually, Lee was admitted to a large hospital in a distant city and put on a list for a heart transplant. Meanwhile, doctors surgically implanted a mechanical heart to keep his heart beating.
Finally, a donor heart became available. Late one night, Lee was prepared for surgery. As our family sat in the waiting room throughout the night and early morning, we prayed. After many hours of waiting, we were told the surgery was a success and Lee’s donor heart was beating normally.
Philippians 4:6 tells us to pray in everything. We had done that through the months. Now it was time to offer our thanksgiving. Our family gathered in a circle and praised God for the miracle. Not only did Lee have a new spiritual heart, he also had a new physical heart and the possibility of renewed life.
Our prayers are not always answered with yes, but even when we receive a no or a wait a while, we can still offer God our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.
Learn to thank God in all circumstances.
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I don’t want to go on the Ferris wheel of crazy with unhealthy people and patterns.
Over the years, I’ve worked hard to become emotionally healthier and to learn what hurts cause hang ups and why I do some of the things I do. In the process of allowing God to heal me, I now desire healthy people and relationships. I used to embrace the crazy because I understood it. It felt familiar. But the down side of crazy is drama, disappointment, and hurt. So I stay away from people and situations which aren’t good for me.
Recently, God reminded me of a Scripture that caused me to rethink my avoidance policy. He showed me that by shutting certain people out, I was loving those who love me and greeting only “my own people.” The challenge Jesus gives is to love the unlovable, the difficult, and those who challenge me personally.
I don’t think it’s biblical to continue relationships that harm us or which are seriously unhealthy and toxic. I’m talking about relationships with those who aren’t nice, who leave me out, or who talk behind my back. Such people I avoid. To love or not to love is my choice, and God lets me choose.
One day, I chose to be loving when I didn’t feel like it, when I didn’t want to. I felt like a hypocrite. I told the Lord, “I wish this was genuine. I wish I was doing this loving thing because I actually felt loving toward this person. I wish You would change me and make me more loving.”
The Lord impressed on me that this was how I become more loving. It starts with a choice. In choosing to be loving when I don’t feel like it, He uses that to change me. It didn’t matter that my feelings didn’t match my actions. What mattered was me giving up me (avoiding the person altogether) and choosing God and His way. I felt better. As if I had made progress.
Making the choice to love others is what transformation is all about. While the transformation may sometimes be instant, most of the time it isn’t. Usually, it’s a step-by-step process where I trade my ways for God’s ways, making each choice one day at a time.
Choose to love someone who is unlovable.
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Forgetting can be a horrible thing … especially if it’s something I need to remember.
While teaching at a local Christian school, I annually chaperoned the eighth-grade trip to Washington, DC. Memorials were high on the list of things to visit since they were constructed to help future generations remember a person or event.
The Korean War Memorial fascinated me. The artist focused on the number thirty-eight. Thirty eight was the number of the parallel dividing North and South Korea and also the number of months the war dragged on. But trying to place thirty-eight life-size soldiers on a plot of land that would only accommodate nineteen was a problem.
The solution was a reflective wall. When looking at the wall, thirty-eight soldiers are seen trudging through terrain representative of Korea instead of the actual nineteen present. Problem solved. Statement made.
Memorial Day is the day when Americans remember military personnel who have died while serving their country. The holiday originated as Decoration Day and was established by a group of Union veterans. Eventually, competing Union and Confederate holiday traditions were merged into one and celebrated together.
God also likes memorials and warns His people repeatedly not to forget Him or the things He has done for them. In Israel’s history, delivering them from four hundred years of Egyptian slavery needed remembering. For Christians, the big unforgettable deliverance came through Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
For years I’ve worn Christian paraphernalia—mainly crosses. Since I got in on the tail end of the hippie movement, wearing jewelry came naturally. From necklaces with crosses to watches, bracelets, key rings, and shirts with the same, I’ve worn it all.
Although jewelry and other clothing articles with Christian symbols can make good witnessing and conversation starters—as well as good memorials—my lifestyle is a better memorial to the difference Christ has made in me. Symbols mean little without actions, attitudes, and words to back them up. Just as America’s war memorials would mean nothing if we cast aside our love for freedom and our appreciation for those who bought it.
Americans remember their military dead with a holiday. Let your life be a Christian memorial that shows others what Christ has done for you.
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Seeing my family through God's eyes and not just my own is a beautiful sight.
My husband and I are different. They say opposites attract, but I wouldn't say our differences are attractive. I am full speed ahead while my husband goes his own speed. I am a morning person; he is a mid-morning person. I eat in a hurry while he savors his food. As small as these differences seem, they drive us crazy sometimes.
How we treat others compared to how we treat each other is different too. A friendship could never have the same value as a marriage. Yet a friend’s differences from my own are endearing. The traits I don’t adore, I work hard to accept. Instead of retaliating, if a friend does something to aggravate me, I work hard to show them love by turning the other cheek or being slow to anger. I want to be an example of Christ.
Yet when my husband aggravates me, I snap at him, reviewing his mistakes and pointing out exactly where he went astray. I rarely turn the other cheek. Instead, he has learned I can hold a grudge.
Then it hit me. I was not setting an example I wanted my family or others to follow. I was not only impatient with my husband but also impatient with my children. In some ways, I was the least Christlike with the people I loved the most. I wanted my girls to grow up and know without a doubt Christ's love for them. I wanted my husband's relationship with Christ to deepen and strengthen. I realized my actions could either help or hinder that process.
I still get frustrated when my husband wakes up mid-morning, and I can get frazzled with the everyday demands that come with being a mom. But I have made a conscious decision to love my family the way God loves me, and I have seen significant changes at home: extended patience, an accepting and forgiving heart, and, most importantly, a whole lot of love.
Some of the most important witnessing we do can be in our own back yard. Showing Christ's love in our actions and in our responses to challenges that arise in our marriages and families can be instrumental in the relationship our families build with God.
Show God’s love in your own backyard.
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Rules are rules. When we do not follow the rules or when we break the law, punitive and painful consequences follow.
Personal experience has taught me this lesson in the times when I have received a ticket for speeding. Fortunately, these experiences have only hurt my pocketbook and my pride.
One of my favorite Christmas songs is “O Holy Night.” Though the writer speaks of God’s law as love and His gospel as peace, I’ve never focused on the phrase or on the idea of love being God’s law.
Love appears 558 times in the New International Version of the Bible. It is significant, and God says love is His command. Loving others isn’t always easy. The prickly neighbor who has only complaints, the family member who insists on having his or her way, or the co-worker who takes advantage of your kindness by leaving the office early, knowing you will take care of things. Only a few examples of love being challenging.
Paul tells how important love is when he writes, “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:2 NIV). And Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV).
If God had limited His love to only those who were worthy, no one would qualify. He expects us to show this same love to each other. It is not about being easy or deserved. Love is important because it originated with God.
Love everyone. Doing so is God’s command.
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A biochemist now into journalism? How strange.
That has been the response of some who hear about my current job as a pressman. I doused their amazement with the excuse that the job is temporary, pending the completion of my graduate internship program. They also questioned my initial decision to study science since I love writing. "You would have made a good student in arts," they suggest. Life can be dynamic.
Simon and his friends were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. Fishing was a major industry with a connected attractive social status. Jealously holding on to such a craft required wisdom.
Then Jesus arrived and called them to follow Him. He gave them a new purpose. No longer would they fish for fish. They would now fish for people.
With this new purpose, they were taught and trained by Jesus. After His ascension, they would be used by God to capture the hearts of people with the message of the cross and the resurrection.
Today, we follow in their steps as we share the good news of Christ’s love and salvation. This doesn’t mean everyone has to become a full-time minister. Nor do we have to leave our jobs, children, spouses, and loved ones to carry a Bible and rally around a city in search of souls. While being a wandering preacher isn’t out of the options, innumerable "fish" abound in the classroom, workplace, and on the playground.
We are challenged to resist the temptation to make our work the defining element of who we are. Instead, we can see it as a benchmark to reach neighboring souls with God's love.
Let your life declare and exhibit God’s love which can change the lives, purposes, and eternal destinies of others.
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Ordinary people don’t win beauty contests.
Each year many beauty pageants are conducted with hopeful contestants vying for a prized crown. From the cradle to college, girls groom themselves, work on talent competitions, and perfect their platforms with aspirations of being declared the most beautiful of them all.
Jesus came to earth in appearance as an ordinary man. He was not the Mr. Universe of His day. The population thought of Him as the son of Joseph. He grew up with other Jewish children, attended synagogue with the men, and worked with tools in the carpenter shop. To all in Nazareth, He was as ordinary as they were—until the day He walked into the Jordan River and asked John to baptize Him. He had always been the perfect Son of God, but until the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, He had blended in with the population.
This ordinary man became the extraordinary prophet, Messiah, and deliverer of Israel. Without anyone’s awareness, God had been grooming Him from the cradle to the college of the wilderness for the pageant of the universe. This one wasn’t judged by physical beauty, but by the act of human sacrifice. Humility, love, and righteousness were the qualifications, and His platform was redemption for all mankind.
The runway He walked was the Via Dolorosa. The crown was made of thorns, not diamonds, and His scepter was a reed. A robe of purple was draped around His bloody shoulders by soldiers who mocked Him. The garment adhered to the tender flesh of His scourged back.
No newspapers broadcast His winning smile to admirers. Instead, He received slaps and spittle upon His face. The mutilated body of this ordinary man won the beauty contest of the universe because He wasn’t ordinary. Despite His appearance, the glory within burst forth and the ugliness of sin was conquered.
Our ordinary life becomes extraordinary because the Beauty on the cross became too ugly to behold.
Share in the prize by surrendering your life to Christ.
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Finding ghost crabs on the beach at night requires a powerful flashlight.
By day, North Carolina’s sandy shores are filled with people enjoying the sunshine and the ocean’s waves. At night, everything’s dark and quiet. The true beach-dwellers slip out of their holes and scuttle toward the water. Hit with a powerful light, the ghost crabs flee—either toward the surf or back into their burrows. On most nights, you see only a few, but our Creator sees each one. Just as He sees each one of us.
In Genesis 16, an Egyptian slave named Hagar fled from her mistress. Pregnant and friendless, she walked through a wilderness filled with pain. Grieving for her lost comfortable life, Hagar felt isolated and unloved—until God called her by name.
Even a slave girl’s tears matter to the Lord. Encountering the angel changed Hagar forever. He spoke words of life and hope into her aching heart. I love the name Hagar gives to the Almighty: “You are the God who sees me.”
God is the One who cares. He is the One who loves me when I feel defeated, crushed, and broken. He is the One who walks with me in my darkest hours.
We live in a society where people aren’t highly valued. Old folks languish in nursing homes—lonely and unloved and with few visitors. Unwanted babies are aborted. Spouses are kicked to the curb and replaced with someone new. Rampant cyber-bullying makes teenagers feel despised by their peers. Even pre-teens battle depression and suicidal thoughts.
Life in the world has gotten incredibly tough lately. But let me give you a word of encouragement. Jesus our Redeemer sees you and He knows you by name. You may be an “insignificant little crab” to anyone else, but not to Him.
Like Hagar, rejoice and be comforted because you serve the One who sees you.
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The house has quieted after a busy day, and you’ve finally set aside time to pray. Suddenly, the phone rings, disrupting the quiet. You find yourself back in your car and out the door again. It seems every time you purpose to pray, a need arises. Duty calls.
Then He said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." In this account, we see the humanity of Christ on full display. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane praying to the Father in His hour of greatest need. He was deeply sorrowful—to the point of death, and rightfully so. He was preparing to bear the iniquity of us all.
Jesus asks His disciples to keep watch with Him. It seems like a relatively simple request, yet they could not. Upon returning, He discovers them fast asleep.
It’s stunning that Christ—the perfect Lamb of God without sin to confess—would sense His need for communion with the Father. If there were anyone who might be able to discharge His duty without prayer, surely it would have been Jesus. Yet He prayed.
Our own lives are often overtaken with other matters. Prayer is neglected because we’re prone to fill our days with lesser things—neglecting the one thing our Lord emphasized the most: our need to commune with the Father. The reasons for our neglect are often legitimate. Our days are rife with activity from sunrise to sundown.
But we need to give careful consideration to Jesus’ words. God hasn’t changed. He is still looking for those who will watch and pray. Christ instructed us to ask, seek, and knock. Not to watch us perform some exercise in futility but because He fully intends to answer.
Quiet yourself and carve out time to pray. When you do, you’ll experience oneness with the Father.
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Your back is against the wall. Every possible solution has been calculated, and there seems to be no way out. Then, like a candle in the darkness, God’s light illuminates the path. It was there all along. The human effort had blocked the brilliance through which the light could shine.
A close friend once asked me to do something publicly that I knew would conflict with my Christian values. By refusing, I knew there was the danger of appearing sanctimonious to those who do not share the same values. I tried everything I could—including stalling—but my friend kept pressing.
Crawling into bed late one night, I asked the Lord to show me how He would resolve the dilemma. Opening my eyes the next morning, I knew the answer as if were written on the wall of my mind. Nothing had ever been so clear. God not only supplied what I needed, but He also provided a way for my friend to feel completely affirmed. As Jesus promised, God gave me the words to say and the wisdom to respond.
Watching God in action is nothing short of a miracle. This is not to say everything on our wish list will be granted in the process, but our heavenly Father loves knocking our proverbial socks off when it comes to doing what we perceive as the impossible. We recognize His handiwork when nothing else makes sense.
If you find yourself in the valley of no-way-out, stop struggling and start praying. Our Father knows all of the exits, and, for His glory, He will show them to you.
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God uses ordinary people with hearts inclined toward Him.
One Sunday, I was asked to speak at a small church near my home in Virginia. I was greeted by a man who let me into the building. In small churches, you often have a pastor who does the preaching and the teaching and then an elder or deacon who does everything else. As I sat at the back of the church reviewing my sermon notes, the man went about making the coffee and setting out the snacks. Then he took a small broom and a dustpan and swept between the chairs.
As I watched this man, I wondered who was more valuable, him or me. The answer was neither. We had equal value, just a different function. Then I asked the Lord who was most pleasing to Him. The answer to the second question came quicker than the first. The one who does their part of the service with the greatest amount of love in their heart for God.
We all want to be significant, and we’re all important in our Creator’s eyes. The problem is that we often seek our worth through man’s eyes. Sometimes we confuse value and function. We do not get value from what we do; we bring value to our work. Each individual has intrinsic value before God.
Billy Graham and Pat Roberson have a greater function in the body of Christ than I do. In some areas, they have greater privilege. Jesus gave Peter, James, and John greater access to Himself, not because He valued them more but because they would have a more significant role in the Kingdom of God. He loved all His disciples equally. Our love for Christ is what impresses the Father.
The next time you walk past someone setting up chairs in your church, take notice. You may have missed an opportunity to interact with one of God’s chosen servants.
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Social media has proven that having a public platform is popular for the vast majority of people.
Sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram keep even those in the most remote places in touch. Sometimes the exposure is invasive and undesired. For many, however, being front and center in the public arena is not only desirable but sought after. Addiction is not an overstatement when expressing how some view the importance of staying connected. It would also appear that brazenness has replaced good manners, and speaking aloud every thought has replaced good judgment, respect, and civility.
In writing to Timothy, Paul instructs his young protégé to be courageous when speaking to and teaching other Christians—regardless of age, theirs or his. Like the social media of his day, Paul lists the various opportunities where Timothy can make an impact on those around him. He instructs him to “set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
We set an example for those around us. We may not participate in the current media choices, but we still have a platform. Unless I am a hermit, wherever I go and whatever I do, others watch and listen.
But do not confuse brazenness with courage. The first is to be careless while the second is to be bold when speaking truth. As a wise person once told me, “Don’t do or say anything you would regret reading on the front page of the morning newspaper.” Let’s take it a step further. Say and do nothing except what is pleasing and edifying to God. He is present with us always.
Let your faith cause you to stand out in the crowd.
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Ice cubes are a wonderful invention. Until, that is, they rebelliously band together into a solid, rock-hard block.
At work, our icemaker empties the ice cubes into a freezer bin. Occasionally, the cubes melt slightly and then refreeze into a hard, abstract ice sculpture. Chipping at fused ice cubes—trying to break off two or three for your drink—requires an ice pick, a strong arm, and lots of patience. It’s easier to dump the block of ice in the sink and wait for the icemaker to start dropping new cubes. So that’s what I do.
But there’s an easier way to break up this rock-hard, ice sculpture. Simply turn on the tap. Cold water drills holes in the ice. Brute force is unnecessary. The running water melts the toughest ice block away in minutes.
The Bible speaks of hearts hardened by sin. Sometimes we get discouraged when we pray for a loved one’s salvation or for a Christian whose heart is hard in a certain area. Our emotions tell us, “They’re never going to change. What’s the use of praying?” Despair drains us, washing away our hope. We don’t have the energy to keep praying.
I once prayed for a Christian friend’s hard heart. Suddenly, I stopped. I realized I didn’t believe my own prayers. My faith tank was empty. Stunned, I cried out to God for help, “Lord, I don’t have any faith for this.” Immediately, I saw a mental image of tap water melting ice in a sink. New faith flowed into me as I pictured the hardness in my friend’s heart being melted.
I have faith the Holy Spirit can melt an ice-encased heart—a heart that’s cold and indifferent to God. The Lord changes people’s hearts all the time. God’s work on earth—redemption, salvation, repentance—is all about changing hearts. It’s His specialty.
So don’t despair if nothing seems to happen when you pray. You can’t see it, but as you pray, the Holy Spirit’s life-giving water is flowing. The ice is cracking and starting to melt. The Lord is thawing and softening that person’s heart.
Pray for someone you know who has a hard heart. Then watch as God’s Spirit melts their hard heart.
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I was afraid to submit. Not to my husband, but to a publisher!
Since my children were grown and more independent—giving me more freedom to pursue my passion—I wanted to get back into freelance writing. But the thought of submitting anything scared me. I didn’t know if my article, blog, or devotion would be accepted and published. I feared rejection. In my sinfulness, I wanted a guarantee first.
Unfortunately, I was walking by “sight,” wanting confirmation before I stepped out and did what God was calling me to do. Faith doesn’t work that way. In its purest form, faith is the simple act of moving forward—one step at a time, with no guarantees. It is stepping out without knowing if the thing you’re being called to do will be done.
I can only imagine how Abraham felt when God called him to leave Ur for a foreign land that was hundreds of miles away. Or how Noah felt when God called him to build a magnificent boat and gather a menagerie of animals. Or how Rahab felt when she took a giant risk and hid two Israelite spies.
None of them were given any guarantees that the thing they did would come out right in the end. Yet each one moved forward, trusted God, and walked by faith.
God does not always give His children guarantees beforehand. He wants us to trust Him explicitly. And in stepping out, He blesses us. Because He is faithful, He brings about the thing which He promised.
Trust your heavenly Father. Move forward in faith without any guarantees. And watch in amazement as He blesses you beyond what you could ever ask or imagine.
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Once there was a sick king who realized his only remedy was to eat a porridge prepared with Lopet.
Lopet was a unique bird found in the Labyrinth. So the king summoned his detectives, Jerry and John, and promised a reward of marrying the princess if they found the animal.
John was more clever and shrewd than Jerry. He knew about a great labyrinth of tunnels under the forest. On entering, he saw Mr. Mole, but John was very shy and private. He said nothing to Mole about why he was there and kept looking for the prized Lopet.
Jerry was also a great detective. Before long, he too arrived at the labyrinth. He was not a bit shy, and the first thing he did was ask Mole—a hunter in the tunnel—if he knew where the Lopet was. Mole was pleased to lead Jerry to the bird. Hunting for Lopet and getting acquainted with his hideout had been Mole’s profession for years.
Jerry found the Lopet, took him to the king, and collected his reward. John, who had been watching all this, learned a lot. From then on, he never allowed shyness to undo his good work. This approach soon made him the best detective in the court.
Sometimes, the toughest thing about feelings and problems is sharing them with others. Sharing our feelings helps us when our feelings are good and when they aren't so good. Sharing also helps us get closer to people we care about and who care about us. God knows where our feelings and problems hide out and wants us to share them with Him and others.
Let God teach you how to share your feelings and problems with others as well as listen when others share with you.
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He says so:
New Year’s Eve exploded into a full-scale riot in my sixty-man jail pod.
I’m not sure how it started, but suddenly there was fighting. Shanks (homemade knives) came out. People were sliced and cut. Blood was everywhere. I climbed to my upper bunk and put my back against the corner, holding tight to my own uniquely crafted weapon. I eyed my opened cell door and prayed.
I couldn’t remember how long I had been in jail. After my arrest, I shut down—withdrew into myself, communicating only when necessary. I ate sporadically. I quit shaving. From the top of my head to the bottom of my beard, I was physically a mess. It was summer and hot when I was arrested, but then it’s always hot in Florida.
Christmas was pretty much a non-event in jail. Alone on my bunk, I had read the Christmas story in Luke from a little New Testament that fit in the palm of my hand. The story I had read since childhood rang familiar, but some of the elements seemed to strike a chord beyond the words.
For the first time, I was actually reading, pondering, and considering the words. They touched my heart in ways more significant than ever before. I began to realize the stories I had heard since my early years in Sunday school—and Jesus’ words, Come to me all you who are weary—were things I had never contemplated enough. Again and again, Jesus tells us to “come” to Him. I read through the four gospels several times until the life of Jesus simply stuck in my mind and heart.
The madness raged outside my cell. I cried to the Lord, pleading for Jesus to “come to me.” And He did. My body tensed at the sound erupting near my doorway. Startled by the loud noise of a grinding metal door closing me in, my soul was covered by relief. The correction officers had responded to the riot and were storming the pod.
Safe for the moment, I pulled a blanket over my head to hide the tears. God's love delivered me once again from my distress. His peace flowed through me. The words I had spent the last week planting in my heart suddenly sprouted. I belong to Him. Redeemed.
May all of us who have been redeemed of the Lord say so.
~ Kevin Spencer
_______________________________
She says so:
“End this God. Bring me peace.”
I quietly spoke those words as light filtered through a beautiful stained glass window above my head. I had sat alone in churches before, but this December afternoon was different. In the silence of that sanctuary, I had a rare moment of clarity. Life, as I was living it, could not continue.
I didn't know Jesus back then, but I did talk to God sometimes. As I prayed, I somehow knew He understood I needed the craziness in my life to end. But I didn’t know how difficult that “end” would be.
A few weeks later, I was in jail in solitary confinement. As I eased onto the edge of a metal cot, I remembered that previous afternoon. “God! What on earth were you thinking? This is not peace.” In the days leading up to my arrest, anger became an acid burning through my veins. I was numb to all pain and unconcerned about the consequences of my actions. I was falling hard and unaware God had already sent the Prince of Peace to catch me.
I came to realize we serve a most unusual God, and sometimes He answers our prayers in a most unusual way. God knew I needed to stop running. He knew what it would take and how long. And He knew who to send.
I was locked away for a month before I finally agreed to allow a woman to minister to me. The guards opened a small tray slot, located on the lower half of my cell door, so we could talk. I wasn’t ready to hear about Jesus. But as I kneeled down to peer through the small hole, I realized how ready I was to have a conversation with another human being—no matter what it was about.
Months later, I fell to my knees again on that same concrete floor and asked Jesus Christ to be the leader of my life. It changed everything. The freedom I had fought for suddenly became less important to me. For the first time in my life, I knew a different kind of freedom. I knew I was a redeemed child of God.
For the rest of our lives, may we continue to say so.
~ Patricia Lefler
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Kidnapping is a lucrative business.
I come from a region of Africa where kidnapping entails stealing a person and keeping them in a secret place, along with demanding a ransom for their release. The volume of ransom is determined by the caliber of the detainee. While a commoner might only bring one hundred thousand dollars, the rich and affluent could bring more than one hundred million.
Kidnapping took a deeper dimension with the abduction of schoolgirls. As many as two hundred girls were abducted from their boarding school by heavily armed Islamists who arrived in trucks, vans, and buses. The group wanted to institute an Islamic caliphate in the country and was opposed to western-style modern education—which they claim lures people away from the teachings of Islam.
The sect began to target schools, killing myriads of students. They broke into schools, pretending to be guards and telling the girls to get out and come with them. In their innocence and with their impressionable mindset, the students—who were in their final year of secondary school—obliged and were kidnapped.
The scale of rescue efforts was unprecedented. Nationwide prayers and fasting were made. The kidnappings sparked an international outcry, with global protests held against the perceived slow response of the government. The federal government spent more than $1.2 million on the case.
But God went to a greater extent than the federal government to redeem humankind. His efforts shock me. Through the death of His only Son on the cross, the Father paid the price to rescue us from our sin.
God loved us so much He gave His Son to die on the cross. He then raised Him from the dead to ransom and rescue us. That is what you are worth to Him.
When you want to measure your worth, measure it by what God did for you through Jesus Christ.
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Wet socks. That’s the reason I cried.
I’d been backpacking for three days in the rain on an adventure course, and was awakened while it was still dark to put on yesterday’s cold, wet clothes. I couldn’t help but cry from the misery of my present circumstances. Even worse, I didn’t know when our trip would end or when the rain would stop.
No matter what difficult circumstances we’re facing or how unordinary and just plain boring our lives may seem, we can rejoice knowing these are only temporary situations. Heaven has no pain or boredom, and our earthly lives are but a speck in the scheme of eternity.
Perhaps an even greater comfort than knowing our troubles are temporary is knowing we can benefit from them. God uses every trial—no matter how seemingly insignificant or mundane—to produce for us a greater eternal glory.
God uses our hard times to sanctify us. That means the Spirit of God is working in us to make us more like Jesus Christ. We should greatly rejoice that the power of God Himself is at work within the depths of our soul, creating meaningful beauty from our ugly ashes.
With this great knowledge, we can place our attention on the unseen. Instead of focusing on our financial troubles, we can focus on the trust in God they are producing in us. With our difficult co-workers and classmates, we can focus on the patience and forgiveness we are learning.
Each suffering and every difficulty is creating an even greater unseen work within us. Look beyond your circumstances, and find contentment in Christ. He holds eternity in His hands.
Let’s take our gaze off our circumstances, and stay fixed on the One who can create purpose from our pain.
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“Thank you for the world so sweet;
Thank you for the food we eat;
Thank you for the birds that sing;
Thank you, God, for everything. ”
I prayed Edith Rutter-Leatham’s, “A Child’s Grace,” many times when I was small. Only recently did I pay close attention to the last five words: “Thank you, God, for everything.” Everything.
Thanking God when I’m hurt, when I’m disappointed, when someone I love faces illness or death, when I face them myself, and when God says “No” or “Later” is difficult.
Often, I don’t thank God. Looking back, I see how those hurts left physical or emotional scars. Yet they also increased my awareness of suffering around me and how God can minister through me. Disappointments helped me distinguish between selfish desires and legitimate needs. Illness and other life storms heightened my appreciation for every moment and for the support of family, friends, and a Savior who died for me.
Paul experienced the extremes of life. Sometimes he lived with more than enough. At other times, he lived in great want. He knew good health, and he knew the ravages of illness. He lived through times of safety, and he lived through shipwrecks, persecution, and beatings. He enjoyed freedom of movement, and he endured life in chains. Whatever his circumstances, Paul praised God and shared God’s message of salvation.
We can do the same. God walks with us and carries us through our ups and downs. Because of God’s never-failing presence, we can—like Paul with a genuinely grateful heart—Rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV).
Ask God to help you give thanks in all circumstances.
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I struggle sometimes with feeling as if I’m not doing anything important—or that what I do doesn’t matter.
When reading these verses from Isaiah, "But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose,” I think: Me too. That’s how I feel. I wonder what my work amounts to and question my purpose. I see the accomplishments of other women, and it leads to feelings of discouragement … even wanting to give up.
Comparing myself to someone else, I lose sight of what I have to do—what God has called me to do. In my sight, it seems insignificant, like so much less than what someone else is doing—so small. But in God’s sight, no task is small. I have to remind myself that what He calls me to is important—no matter the size or outcome.
Whether you’re parenting one child or a dozen, writing for one reader or 100, ministering to one person or a roomful, it is important. Even when we feel we have nothing left to give, God has all we need, and He will work through us for His purpose and His Kingdom. Where we see no purpose, God sees great purpose.
Isaiah’s time and strength were not wasted. God knew the work Isaiah was doing, and Isaiah trusted God with the results. He did the work God called him to and left the outcome in God’s hands.
The same is true for us. Our time and energy are not wasted, even if we can’t see the effects of our labor. Like Isaiah, we can do the work and trust the rest is in God’s hands.
You may never know if someone was touched by something you said or did, but God knows. And that’s all that matters.
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The house looked as if it were willing to give itself over to the constant urging of gravity.
Not far from my childhood home of Onekama, Michigan, was a lonely snow-covered road which passed by a dilapidated farmhouse. In this home lived a remarkable man who left a permanent dent in my heart.
Bill Brown was married to an unappreciative woman and had a disrespectful son. They owned no vehicle and lived on Social Security. He often trudged several miles to the store in the snow to purchase a meager number of rations. His clothing never seemed to change.
I met Bill because my family picked him up every Sunday morning and evening for church. My dad owned a 1976 Jeep CJ-7, which wasn’t the best vehicle for hitchhikers. But Bill voluntarily squeezed into the backseat. This uneducated, smelly old man with few teeth left in his constant smile would then sing the only song he cared to know: “The Lily of the Valley.”
For two years, Bill endured hunger, bitter cold, spousal contempt for his beliefs, and disrespect from his son. Yet he sang on. I was only seven years old but could see there was something special about him.
As a young child, I shared something in common with Bill. We both loved Jesus and referred to Him as our Savior. Whenever I hear this beautiful song, I choke up. But my greatest memory isn't Bill’s inability to carry a tune; it’s the living fire in his eyes. He showed me how to be content in the love of Jesus, no matter my lot in life.
I sometimes catch myself feeling sorry for myself and complaining about how things don't seem fair. Then embarrassment sets in, and I remember Bill—a man who truly understood the promise of Jesus to never leave or forsake us. He may have been hungry, cold, and unloved by mankind, yet he thrived on all he needed from his first love: Jesus.
We moved away after two years, and I never learned what became of Bill Brown. But I look forward to arriving in heaven and having him meet me. I want to tell him what an impact he had on a young boy.
Tell someone today how much they impact you.
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Standing is easier when we are on the peaks.
Your son forgets to tell you he has band practice, and you’ve raced home from a meeting to pick him up from school. Your boss is difficult, and the deadline on the project is looming overhead. Beyond that, your finances are a mess—putting stress on your marriage of more than twenty years.
A variation of these scenarios plays out in many lives. For some, the circumstances are more difficult—an ailing parent, a child that has spun out of control.
The Christian life is marked with peaks and valleys. The valley is challenging because we don’t have a proper vantage point. Things seem obscure. However, the true test of our character is brought forth when we continue to stand in the valley. But the challenge is knowing how to maintain our patience in the midst of trying circumstances.
Being patient means being able to remain calm when waiting for a long period of time or when dealing with difficulty. Although the meaning is not hard to comprehend, the application requires more than mere mental understanding. I often tell my children, it’s not what we know, but what we do with what we know.
God’s Word tells us to be patient and stand firm because the Lord’s coming is near. If you’re anything like me, you often lose sight of this truth, especially when you’re hard pressed and threatened by troubles. We’re called to do two things when facing difficulty: be patient and stand firm.
Standing firm is defined as being in an upright position with all of your weight on your feet. As we place our full weight on the Word of God, He causes us to stand firm beneath the weight of our struggles. And while we’re standing, it’s critical to remind ourselves that the Lord’s coming is near. This truth should compel us to stand because He will return to take us home.
We can stand because God stands beside us, providing strength when we feel like we cannot stand a moment longer. There is no power that can withstand Him who is the Lord of Hosts.
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At 9:30 one summer morning, I tugged open the kitchen window blinds hoping to see sunshine.
Mist lingered in the atmosphere as it had for most of the past two weeks. Disappointed, I pointed my chin toward heaven and prayed, “Father, cheer me up today and let the sun shine brightly this morning—if only for ten minutes. I thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Thirty minutes later, I sauntered to the kitchen and poured myself another cup of tea. As I sipped my tea, I crossed to the kitchen window, tugged open the blinds, and witnessed a thrilling view. The mist had vanished and the sun commanded the sky. “Thank you, Father,” I whispered. Even more astounding was that the sun beamed for three hours until the rain fell again.
We often pray for less than we desire because we think our circumstances are too impossible to achieve all we want. In his closing prayer to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul exhorts us not to set boundaries on God’s goodness. He is powerful and has unlimited resources to go beyond what we ask or imagine.
Our Lord waits for us to come to Him (Isaiah 30:18) and see His splendor and power. When we experience them, we grow in faith and draw closer to Him. We ask in faith and expect God to grant it—even if it seems impossible. We ask for healing for our feeble bodies, for protection from our enemies, and for resources to start or grow our ministries. When we set our expectations high, we glorify God.
God is greater than our problems and can bring sunshine into our dark, impossible situations. He is willing to give us good things when we ask and is faithful to do what He says. His immeasurable goodness flows when we ask within His will.
Experience the fullness of God’s infinite goodness. Instead of asking for ten minutes of sunshine, ask for the entire day.
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My grandson once asked me the “T” question: “Granddad, what is the trinity?”
Noah’s inquiry taught me a lot about childlike faith. When he was younger, I often kept him while his mother worked. He loved to put together jigsaw puzzles. While completing these puzzles, I talked to him about God. I must have used the “T” word in one conversation.
Noah’s inquisitive little mind went into action, and he asked that dreaded question. I took a deep breath and started to explain the essence of God. After I finished my explanation, he said, “So you are saying God is one person, but that He is also three persons.”
I said, “Yes.”
He paused to ponder and said, “OK.” Then he proceeded to put the next piece in the puzzle.
Noah’s demeanor said the question was answered … no need to talk further … let’s get on with the puzzle.
What made it easy for Noah to accept this truth was that he didn’t believe his granddad would lie to him. He did not understand how what I told him could be true, but he trusted the one who told him.
The integrity of the one making a promise validates its legitimacy. God’s character is the basis of every word spoken in the Bible. He is good, kind, just, trustworthy, and does not lie.
Many desire to enter the Kingdom of God, but the door into this realm is and has always been through childlike faith. Great minds have sought to understand the unsearchable riches of Christ, but without this simple faith, their intellect has proven a hindrance.
A little child taught me what Jesus meant when He said, “For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.”
Don’t try to understand everything about God; just have childlike faith.
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Morning coffee, a rocking chair at the window with a view of the kaleidoscope of colors, and all is forgiven—all is well.
The fifty-foot line of zinnias shouted, “Repent!” A shameful joy to behold. Pride said, “These are lowly common flowers. Their stalks and leaves are rough and scratchy, their flowers have no smell, and they are just papery—not exquisite or exotic.” But they are cutting flowers and can be easily dried. Yet still, they are not the magazine elites—although I once saw a feature with them in front of a white picket fence, and it was impressive.
When sweet memories of my Aunt Rena came floating through, I saw her flowers and her with the garden hose, watering a beautiful, colorful mass of zinnias in her flower bed. How I loved her pretty flowers.
Repentance was brought on by memories of my aunt, and I bought zinnia seeds, bricked a fifty-foot water break, plowed up a twelve-inch strip along it, and planted my seeds. Some white picket edging pieces on the back side of the flower bed topped off the vision. I watered and watched, I worried and repented again for my snobby attitude, I apologized to the seedlings, and they grew. They bloomed and brought butterflies, they brought a great splash of color, and I hoped Aunt Rena was pleased.
The Lord’s mercies are new each day, and forgiveness always awaits our repentance. He gives a clean heart and clear eyes to see His beauty and inhale its peace when we lay down our prideful attitudes.
Let the zinnias of conviction in your life give you a fresh look.
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Mary was an ordinary teenager living in a nondescript village when the angel Gabriel arrived on her doorstep with an extraordinary message: “You have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son … the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:30-31).
Mary’s initial reaction to her angelic visitor and his message was fear. Luke 1:29 says she was “greatly troubled.” Gabriel sensed that fear and said, “Do not be afraid” (v. 30). In other words, “Don’t worry, Mary. God’s got this.”
Perhaps God delivered Mary from her fear immediately—before she told her parents, Joseph, or her friends about Gabriel’s stunning announcement. In her prayer of praise that Luke records in verses 46-55, Mary expressed no fear.
In that prayer, Mary says her spirit was full of joy: “For the Mighty One has done great things for me” (vv. 46, 49). She could’ve been drowning in shame and depression. Although Gabriel said the Holy Spirit had come upon Mary, many people probably didn’t believe that—before or after Jesus’ birth. (Consider John 8:41.) Rumors may have spread throughout Nazareth when people learned Mary was pregnant. Insults may have been hurled her way as she walked down the street.
People may have thrown shame on Mary, but her prayer confirms her unshakeable trust in God. She chose to magnify Him and celebrate His goodness regardless of what circumstances indicated or people said.
To magnify is to praise someone so highly that others honor that individual with greater esteem. Think of the times you’ve praised the services of a doctor, a mechanic, or a plumber when someone has asked you for a reference. That was Mary’s desire—to motivate others to esteem and praise the merciful, powerful, attentive God who had honored His promise to send a deliverer.
You may not feel like celebrating Christmas this year because fear or shame has ensnared you. Maybe a loved one has died, a job has been ripped from your grasp, or false accusations have destroyed your reputation. Perhaps you simply dread spending another holiday season alone.
Learn from Mary. Refuse to focus on what is wrong and what could go wrong. Wait confidently for God to extend His mercy and perform mighty deeds on your behalf. His hand of blessing is upon you, and He can deliver you. Choose to magnify the Lord.
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Music mirrors life.
On Labor Day afternoon, I broke out the sunscreen, inserted the earbuds, and listened to iTunes as I enjoyed the poolside.
A well-known theme quickly developed in the music. Men sing about finding love with their eyes—enjoying bikini tops, tan legs, and cotton dresses. Women find love through the heart—singing about roses, candles, and letters.
Eventually, love leads to the altar. The music continues as newlyweds become unalterable, making each less attractive as the eyes and heart become discontent. The wedding rings slip from the fingers and find their way to a bathroom drawer.
I've been married to the same woman for thirty-three years. We experienced four good years, followed by six trying ones—due to sin in my life--and now a twenty-three-year winning streak. As a result of our public story, we've provided a lot of counseling.
I've discovered wedding rings are easily removed when things get routine or frosty. I've heard every imaginable reason, but I have seen ring fingers remain bare even when the band was removed for a legitimate reason.
A ring not only symbolizes wedding vows but also offers non-verbal communication—such as "I'm happily married," or "I'm unavailable."
When the ring is permanently removed, it shouts a disheartening message to the spouse that commitment is contingent or sidelined altogether. It tells onlookers you’re a free agent if the price is right.
I live near Austin, home of the Texas Longhorns. After an opening season defeat of Notre Dame, university paraphernalia came out en-masse. I saw more UT shirts, shorts, and hats after the victory than during the previous losing season. Pride was restored. “Hook ‘em horns” was the celebration chant.
People tend to wait for a feeling to re-engage—a feeling that may or may not appear. Men and women of virtue remain emotionally connected despite their feelings. Positive actions are a good way to help feelings of affection resurface so victories are won.
If you’re married, value your vows and respect the symbolism found in the ring. If you need to remove it for a legitimate reason, make it temporary. Take the “Wedding Band Challenge.”
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While Papa completed his chores, Kaleb played in the dust and muck where cattle roam.
Our five-year-old grandson was “helping” his grandfather work in the barn and cattle lot. He prowled. He sat. He dug. He threw dirt into the air. He immersed himself in the filth and fun of living on a farm.
Later, Kaleb’s great-grandma invited him to visit. Papa said he could go but warned her Kaleb might need to clean up first. She failed to heed his warning.
After a great time of playing, hugging, and snacking in the house, Kaleb returned to Papa, and great-grandma lay down for a nap. As soon as her eyes closed, her nose began to twitch. What is that smell? she wondered. Looking around and sniffing again, she realized her little stinker had left some of his barnyard aroma behind.
Great-grandma did not prowl in the barnyard. She did not sit or dig in it. She did not throw dirt in the air or play in the dust or muck in any way. Yet Kaleb’s odor clung to her. By brushing against his dirt and acquiring a bit of his residue, his smell became hers.
We can do the same with sin. We may not immerse ourselves in evil, but we brush up against it occasionally. We try just a little, thinking no one will notice and no harm will be done. But our moral lapses leave us with sin’s foul odor.
Adults tell children to be careful where they go and what they do. We need to heed our own warning and ask our heavenly Father to cleanse us completely and to guard us against anything that deters us from accomplishing His perfect will.
Avoid every scent of sin. Let your life be a sweet smelling offering to God.
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When I was a teenager, I heard voices.
“Let’s get drunk,” said the first voice. The 1970s were in full force. Drinking seemed to be a way of life, so I agreed. And since this voice represented acceptance by my peers, I justified my listening.
“Let’s do some dope.” I listened again—though I was a little frightened this time. I agreed to the Mary Jane, but nothing more.
“Do you want a smoke?” the voice continued. I did, and for the next ten years I kept listening to that voice.
Listening to the wrong voices hindered my walk with the Lord and kept me in chains when I could have been free. David was the anointed king and needed a central location for his capital. His sights were on Jerusalem. Trouble was, the Jebusites weren’t interested in giving it up. When he approached the walled city, they told him he’d never get in. But he did because he listened to a more powerful voice.
Training my ears to listen to the right voices is essential for good spiritual health. Many voices vie for my attention—most of them attempting to lead me down paths taking me further from God.
God’s voice comes through the inner presence of His Spirit and will always agree with what is taught in the Bible. Being familiar with the teachings therein is vital if I’m to hear the right voice. Listening takes a power I don’t have in myself, but a power God gives so I don’t succumb to the wrong voice. When Eve listened to Satan, she questioned God’s directive, launching her into a fall where she never recovered.
Voices of discouragement are rife—as they were in David’s day. Finding friends and acquaintances who will encourage me is important if I’m to make respectable spiritual decisions. I can find them through social media outlets, at churches, in small groups, and through good authors. These voices remind me who I am in Christ: a new creation, a masterpiece in the
making, a child of God who has worth and has been accepted into His family, an overcomer of unhealthy habits, addictions, and social mores. These voices will encourage me to seek God’s guidance in every decision I make.
Hearing voices is acceptable; just make sure you listen to the appropriate ones.
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It wasn’t necessarily the words that were offensive, but the timing.
You notice the oddest things during suffering. Physical touch or a simple hug are like a balm to your soul. Exuberant joys and deep pains come in waves. You crave the sounds and sights of nature. And sometimes things you never noticed before get on your nerves like the beeping of an empty IV bag … ot the lack of grace from a stranger.
During my chemo rounds, something bothered me that hadn’t before: the phrase, “Praise the Lord!” Everyone (myself included) would say it every time we got news we wanted to hear. We said it when the doctors said there were no more signs of cancer. Yet when my friends’ scans came back with a different result, there was silence.
David, a man after God’s own heart, understood this. His baby became ill. David fasted in sackcloth for days. Despite what he wanted—despite what he fasted and longed for, he did not withhold his praise when God’s answer was “No.” He did a “Praise the Lord” when he received news of the child’s death. He did not let bad news thwart the praise God deserved but gave it even in his storm.
God’s hand isn’t less able to save when we get news we weren’t desiring. Silence can be a reflection of our shock or a pout because God is not giving us what we want.
My family started a new tradition. When we get good news we say, “Praise the Lord!” But when we get bad news, we say the same. Doing so has had surprising results. Those three little words remind us God is God and we are not. Things may not be going the way we would like, but everything is going to be okay because God is still on the throne. This is not all there is.
All good and perfect gifts come from God. Praise Him in the good and in the bad.
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If you plant tomatoes, you don’t harvest habanero peppers.
The law of the harvest never fails. You always reap what you sow. That can be a good thing and a not so good thing—depending on the seeds you’ve sown.
Right now it’s a good thing since it’s the end of the harvest. Nearly all of the tomatoes are gone from the garden, and the number of peaches at our roadside stand gets fewer each day. It’s my last chance to put summer in jars.
As I peel, pit, cut, and preserve, I’m thankful I didn’t quit gardening in the heat of July when I was weary of weeding and watering. Now I will be rewarded with summer tomatoes in February’s chili.
The same law applies in my spiritual life. In due season, the good seed of God’s Word and the prayers I’ve sown in the lives of others will reap a bountiful harvest and fruit of the Holy Spirit.
But sometimes the season between sowing and reaping seems long and hard. As we pray through the season of heated rebellion in the lives of our loved ones, we can grow weary and be tempted to give up.
If that is how you’re feeling, take heart and don’t quit. You’re not alone. God hears your prayers, counts your tears, and—though you may not be able to see it right now—is on the move.
Buy a jar of garden fresh tomatoes, put it in the pantry as a reminder not to quit, and keep on believing a harvest of good is coming.
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I was ready for bed after traveling all day to visit my family.
Unable to find the flashlight in my parents’ basement, I turned off the overhead light and headed back to the pullout couch. Darkness surrounded me, engulfing me so tightly I lost my way. I stopped. The basement was furnished with several tables and chairs and had two cement support poles, but no nightlight. Like a blindfolded child playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey, I shuffled slowly toward what I hoped would be the couch wondering how I could have become this disoriented in just a few seconds.
I felt the table, but knew one cement pole was nearby. My arm stretched in front of me, reaching for anything solid. I missed the pole. Taking one more step, my body straddled the pole. I laughed as I rubbed my head. The experience taught me an important lesson: I need to turn on the light to find my way.
Too many times, we underestimate our need for the light of God’s Word. We hurry into the day, trying to see the way, only to find we are engulfed in darkness. Psalm 119 reminds us God’s Word is the light we need. He will help us find our way no matter how dark it is.
Resist the urge to rush ahead without turning on the light. Flip on the switch of your heart by reading His Word, and trust Him to light your way.
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He stopped and knelt beside the little girl, took her hand in his, and spoke softly.
Several years ago, my seven-year-old granddaughter, Ashley, and our family went to see a live performance of the life of Christ. During intermission, the man playing Jesus walked up and down the narrow aisles and spoke to different ones as he passed. He stopped by Ashley and looked directly into her eyes. Ashley's eyes were glued to his as a look of love and complete acceptance covered her face.
We watched him continue down the aisle, touching many and talking with others. I turned to my granddaughter, took her into my arms, and said in a quiet voice. "Ashley, Jesus talked to you honey."
"Oh, no," she replied with eyes full of complete reverence. "That was God, Gramma."
My heart skipped a beat and the lump in my throat was as big as a fist. She was right. Jesus is God incarnate. God took on flesh and came to earth as a human being to die on a cross of disgrace to give us grace and life eternal.
Ashley had no doubt she and the man in the linen robes and dusty sandals were the only two in that crowded room where more a thousand people had come to witness something so few understand.
Jesus still walks among us today and speaks to us daily. Listen to what He has to say.
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We have become tolerant of so much in our society.
People are suffering through homelessness, mental illness, abuse, and other injustices. God hates these things. Standing by and watching them go on around us without action is unacceptable. Nor should we ignore them or become desensitized to them. We need to pray about these situations and step in to stop them.
When David says he hates what God hates, he is taking a stand against those who are against God. He is choosing what side he is on—God’s side, and he is pledging his devotion to Him. I want my heart to break for the things that break God’s heart, and I want to hate the things God hates. I want to see things of this world as God sees them, so I can trust Him to guide me in what is right.
As believers, we should not ignore the things going on around us that displease God—even if they are considered common. We should serve, pray, and follow God’s lead on how to stand up against the things He hates. We are on His side, and He is on ours.
Ask God to help you see things as He sees them. Then ask Him to guide you in the proper way to stand up against what is wrong.
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The need for encouragement and a true sense of self-worth is one of the greatest threats facing the world.
Typically, I would not have given much thought to the value of being encouraged by someone or the liberating power a kind word can bring, but this week has been an epiphany. I’ve had many close friends come to me with various heartaches and struggles—some so traumatic I was left without words to soothe them. All I could do was listen and try to empathize with their situation.
Since I’m a chatter box, I rarely run out of words to say to someone who is in pain or dealing with a life circumstance, but this week was different. Telling someone who has a life-threating illness to be positive because life works itself out is difficult. As is telling someone who is losing everything they own because of a job loss to trust there are plenty of jobs on the market. Encouraging someone in need goes deeper than positive affirmation along with a call to be strong and endure the ride.
God wants me to help those in need and encourage those who are broken. Walking out that call begins with this dynamic Scripture: This is my command; be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. All believers have the God of the universe walking with them through every trial and dark place. There is no need to fear.
Instead of trying to fix your friends, family, or loved ones with positive statements or false claims of hope, encourage them by reminding them about God’s love and how He will never leave or forsake them. Be the example of God’s love and encouragement by walking hand in hand with others through their pain. You can become a walking encourager by showing others God’s unwavering love and commitment to them by your actions.
Ask the Lord to show you how to encourage someone who may be shattered by life. Then watch as the Lord uses you to heal and lift up those who have lost hope.
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There was truth in my typo.
I work part-time as an assistant to an insurance agent. Not only do I help clients with their insurance needs, but I also create marketing pieces to help generate more business. This is a fun aspect of my job because it taps into my creative side.
Our agency offers two packages to help electricians with their business insurance needs: The Gold Package and The Platinum Package. Each offers different coverages.
As I proofread one of my marketing creations, I noticed a typo. Instead of typing The Gold Package, I had typed “The God Package—which offers 30-plus upgrades in coverages, at no additional cost.” My boss and I had a good laugh. After correcting the typo and putting the finishing touches on the piece, I mailed it out.
But the typo contained truth. God does offer salvation as a gift. His gift of salvation is a “package” of His unfailing forgiveness, everlasting love, and never-ending mercy and grace. This package also comes with unlimited coverage.
There are no limits to the provisions and protection God provides. His children are fully covered. And the best part is that it comes with no additional cost. It’s free to anyone who will appropriate it through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Accept God’s Package, and experience His forgiveness and unlimited goodness.
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When God leads us to a season of success in any area, we must be cautious.
Long before man was created, Lucifer was one of the heavenly archangels who had the responsibility of leading the angels to worship God. But Lucifer (or Satan) became enamored with his beauty. He attributed his gifting and calling to himself and no longer gave glory to the One who rightfully deserved it. Then he was corrupted and fell to the earth, where he now roams.
We can fall into the same insidious and evil sin Satan embraced: pride. If we’re not careful, we will attribute our ability to stand in victory to our own doing—a dangerous thing. Pride comes before a fall, so taking heed lest we plummet to the ground from our high place without a safety net is important.
When we remain humble, the Lord’s grace abounds in our lives. He gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud. We are to clothe ourselves with humility—a highly attractive attribute to God. Jesus Himself was meek and lowly of heart, so we should make it our ambition to be small in our own estimation and give all the glory to the Lord.
Taking inventory of our lives and asking the Lord to show us any area where pride may have taken a foothold is crucial. Humbling ourselves before the Lord allows us to be secure in our hearts as we depend upon Jesus. Humility puts us in the place where the Lord will lift us up in His timing and in His way.
When God showers us with His grace, let's remember to give Him all the glory. Such an attitude pleases our Father. If we embrace humility, we will find that God's grace surrounds us like a strong summer breeze.
God will enable us to stand when we kneel before our Master in meekness and humility.
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Before saying “Hello” to the flight attendants, I lay my hand on the plane and ask God for protection.
Occasionally when boarding a plane, I linger at the entrance a few seconds and wonder if anyone notices my routine. On my last trip home, I stared out the window while thoughts of God’s love consumed my mind. As we soared through the sky, I noticed a shadow of our 747 jet in the clouds. What awed me was our plane had a large rainbow ring around it. For me, this was God saying, “Don’t worry, I heard you.” I smiled and thanked Him for His protection.
God wants us to know He will always protect us from hurt and harm. We just need to have faith He hears our prayers. The enemy will try to put fear in our minds, but that’s when we go to God’s Word to defeat anything he throws our way. The second part of the verse reminds me of the beautiful rings around the plane. God reassured me He heard my prayer and was watching over my life.
Now, more than ever, it is important that we ask God for constant covering over our lives and families. Even if you’re traveling to a store five minutes away, ask God for protection. Then believe it is done.
God hears your prayers for protection, and He will give you peace beyond understanding.
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If you’re grumbling, you’re probably not thankful for your job.
My husband and I own a business and have several employees. Most of them are hard workers and are grateful for their jobs. We’re always willing to reward them with bonuses and pay raises.
However, we do have some employees who periodically complain about their jobs, hoping a better one will come along. This can become a burden to us as owners. We aren’t enticed to give nice raises and bonuses to employees who grumble while working for us.
Many employees seem to grumble about their jobs daily, wishing something better would come along. Putting our efforts into tending the job we have and protecting our employer's interest with joy and thankfulness helps us see fruitful rewards where we are.
Work like the company belongs to you. When you do, God promises you will be rewarded. We are better off working vigorously at the job we have instead of grumbling about it and wishing for something better.
Work hard and protect your job. Then watch as God rewards you where you are.
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Never turn away in the darkness from what God has revealed to you in the light. A pastor shared this twenty-five years ago, and I still depend on its truth.
We all struggle with doubt. It arises from circumstances, people, and Satan. While natural to doubt, it's dangerous to allow doubts to encroach on productivity, cloud judgment, or thwart our spiritual journey. Unexamined doubt distracts us from our course. Even worse, it can spread its poison to others.
God has an important job for us that involves the people He has placed in our path. Our influence can help someone who’s on a road of doubt. A hub sends spokes out to steady a bike wheel, and God can send direct lines from us to others.
Asaph models how to handle doubts in Psalm 73. He confronts God about why bad things happen to good people and why good things happen to bad people. The arrogant seem to get ahead. It's enough to make a wise man doubt. As verse 9 states, “Their mouths are set against Heaven and their tongues strut the earth.” But God does notice.
Our understanding comes as Asaph's did when we enter God’s sanctuary. He recognized he was acting in ignorance and doubt. The NIV translation uses the term brute beast and conveys the idea of an unintelligent animal caring only about his comfort and physical needs. We are capable of far more.
When we are embittered or tempted to doubt, we can entrust it to God. He guides us with good counsel and reassures us of His presence and strength. This life will hold its share of defeats—and even devoted persons may doubt God in times of crises. But retaining unhealthy attitudes can lead to dangerous thinking while confronting our doubts will make us stronger.
Open up and be honest with God about your doubts. Remember He is in control of all things.
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I shed a few momma tears today. It's difficult when you have a child with a disability … hard on the heart.
Our son has worked hard to be the best he can be. He's worked twenty years at a local grocery store, rarely missing a day. Recently, they mentioned a possible new position for him in an upcoming expansion. He was thrilled they asked, but it dealt with money, and he knows numbers and counting are both something he cannot manage.
"Mom, I thanked them for the opportunity. I was honored they asked, but I can't count so good. So I passed,” he said.
I told him how proud I was of him. First, that he'd thought through the invitation and weighed the pros and cons. Second, that he realized the sum of a disability does not equal the sum of who he is. And finally, that he was so darned polite about it.
He smiled real big and said, "It's good, Mom. I'm happy."
It was all I could do to keep clear eyes until he crawled out of the car. But when the door shut, my momma heart began to bleed. I cried all the way to work, hurting for my boy. He works so hard. Every effort is deliberate and determined, but there are things his disability simply will not allow.
Paul worked diligently to spread the Word of God. Sometimes his efforts were accepted, and at others times they got him tossed into prison. Still, his efforts to do his best for the kingdom never ceased. He knew God would never let his work be in vain. Even when it seemed that way.
Disabilities aren't fair. They're dealt to us without invitation, but it's how we manage them that sets the bar. Our son is a shining example of God’s love. He takes his work as a bagger seriously. If you know him, you'll find such nobility. Yeah … that's the word. Nobility. Our disabled child is a child of the King, born of nobility. Gifted from above. He doesn't fit the mold of the world, but you wait until heaven. He'll be counting every head entering the gates and letting God know right up front if a lamb is missing.
Our son’s diligent work does not go unnoticed by his employer or the customers he loves so much. And God blesses him.
Put your best work forward for the Kingdom, and God will never let it be in vain.
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As the worn-out proverb goes, when life gives you lemons, sell them on eBay.
In 1886 Dr. John S. Pemberton created a “brain tonic” to cure headaches and hangovers. Unfortunately, the Atlanta pharmacist’s concoction of cocaine, cocoa leaves, kola nuts, and fruit syrup didn’t sell well. According to tradition, Dr. Pemberton discovered some stock boys had added club soda to the brain tonic for a refreshing—and apparently, recreational—drink. However, Asa D. Chandler is credited with carbonating Pemberton’s unsuccessful elixir in 1892 to create what is now known as Coca-Cola … which, incidentally, no longer contains cocaine.
In 1968 Dr. Spence Silver, a research scientist, searched for new ways to improve the adhesive that 3M used for its many kinds of tape, including Scotch Tape. By accident, he discovered an adhesive that formed itself into tiny spheres the diameter of a paper fiber. Because they made only partial contact, they didn’t stick very strongly when coated onto tape backings. The company dubbed it a failure. Five years later, Art Fry, a new-product development researcher, heard Silver talking about his adhesive. Fry had always been frustrated with scrap paper bookmarks that kept falling out of his church choir hymnal and realized that Silver’s adhesive could make a wonderfully reliable bookmark. Soon 3M was producing paper tapes and labels which became known as the ubiquitous Post-it Notes.
In 1980 I had a dream job—working in my denomination’s youth department with some of the smartest and funniest people I have ever known. I looked forward to going to work each day to edit a teen magazine called Wind. Six months into the job, the general board cut the department’s budget in half, and half of us lost our jobs. The night of the announcement, my wife and I had planned to go out to dinner and a concert. I called Lois and told her about the devastating news, but also said, “Let’s still go out to dinner and the concert to celebrate. This looks absolutely horrible, but I’ve got to believe that someday we’ll look back on this as a great career move.” It did turn out to be a great career move. I started freelancing for other departments at the denominational headquarters.
But there are far worse things than losing a job. Heather Gemmen suffered through what is arguably the worst thing that can happen to a woman. At home, with her two small children sleeping in the next room, she was brutally raped by a knife-wielding stranger. She spent the next year being tested for possible AIDS. And seemingly worse, discovered she was carrying her attacker’s child. But through the pregnancy, the “all clear” on her AIDS tests, her husband leaving her, and raising the girl, Heather has been instrumental in bringing hope to other rape survivors. Her honest yet hopeful book, Startling Beauty, offers comfort to millions of women on national talk and news shows.
So how can I profit from this truckload of lemons on my front porch? It’s probably not financial gain, although Dr. Pemberton’s failed brain tonic has sold quite well as a soft drink. I’m still up to my neck in lemons, but I believe I’m seeing perseverance, character, and hope emerging from the fruit market of my life.
When you’re facing lemons, think of a possible benefit that can grow out of your situation. Let hope help you persevere, and perhaps consider how much you can get for this lemon on eBay.
(Used by permission of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas.)
(Photo courtesy of morguefile.)
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I refused to open the door to Jesus.
For years, I not only heard knocks on the door of my heart but also felt them. I misinterpreted those thumps, believing they were school studies, a career, and community work. Those activities became my focus, and I dismissed any need for a spiritual life. But the knocks continued.
The painting, The Light of the World by William Holman Hunt, is a beautiful illustration of Revelation 3:20. Jesus is knocking on a door that’s overgrown with weeds. The house has been neglected. It is dark and uninviting. Jesus’ lantern offers the only light. Despite the house’s unwelcome appearance, Jesus knocks on the door, prays, and waits for the heart-owner to open the door.
Mr. Hunt captures the truth—that Jesus can enter your heart, but only after you open the door and invite Him in. Jesus won’t force His way into your life. He can’t. Like the house in Hunt’s painting, your heart doesn’t have an external doorknob.
During my life before Jesus, my heart was choking with vines and weeds. But Jesus’ reaction was to knock and pray without ceasing. His knocks were polite but firm. He didn’t beg or shout. Despite His promises and prayers, I couldn’t let Him in. What would He think about my sinfulness? I knew He would be mad at me and would list my wrongs in chronological order.
After years of peeking through the window and wishing He would go away, I finally opened the door. Joy filled my heart that day. Jesus wasn’t mad at me. He didn’t recite an inventory of my mistakes. Rather, He sat down and said, “I love you.” The peace that overcame me was a delicate whisper which passed over my heart and evaporated years of frustration, confusion, and anxiety.
When Jesus knocks on your heart’s door, He prays you will open the door and invite Him into your life. He offers love, not criticism. So go ahead and open the door.
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“Come quick, Tom, Barnabas has eaten another chicken!”
We flew down the front porch steps as our rescue dog hunkered away. For the present, our dwindling number of teenage chicks are parked outside our front porch for their protection. But our dog keeps eating them.
We wonder what would have happened had we ignored the four-pound stray puppy with a twisted leg. I know we’d be richer. We would have also gotten more done last summer if we wouldn’t have had to chase him and our standard poodle, Sam, all over the county.
Finally, we invested in a wireless fence. Sam didn’t go off the porch for a week after he got zapped, but Barnabas seemed to ignore it. Soon, he began to disappear with the other country dogs. At first it was just a few hours, but then hours stretched into days and then a week. It left an empty space in our home and hearts. Bring Barnabas home, Lord, I prayed one night.
“Pauline, Barnabas is back, but he’s in bad shape.” We threw our puppy in the shower which ran red with blood and filled with loose fur. He looked as if something had chewed him to death.
Barnabas lost his fur, was sliced to the bone in several places, and had lost several pounds. Yet he lived. And now he’s eating our chicks. On days I’m fed up with him, I think about me.
I wandered for several years. It’s a miracle I’m still alive. After I stopped running, I hunkered back to the Lord. He didn’t scold me or discipline me. He patched my wounds and spoke soothing words to me about His faithful love.
After all of His care, I still wander. Other pastures look better, and the grass is greener somewhere else. Sin is exciting—for a time. And then it beats you up. At least it does me. But then there is God’s grace. Supernatural. Sustaining. Enormous.
When I was little, my daddy and I sang the song about the wandering sheep and how the Great Shepherd would go looking for the one who ran away. I’m glad.
If you’re wandering, go home. It’s better there.
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When we have no power source—or the wrong source, we suffer.
Under the weight of one particular ice storm, tree limbs, fences, and utility lines fell. Thousands lost heat, water, lights, and access to outside communication. Debris blocked driveways and roads. A fortunate few escaped, and some had power restored within hours. Others waited days or weeks. A small number lost their lives from hypothermia, traffic accidents, fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Failing to connect with God’s power brings greater loss. When life snows us under with the burdens of daily living, God walks with us, offering peace, comfort, and joy. When those burdens multiply with unexpected tragedies—disease, relationship issues, job losses, layoffs, addictions, and more—God provides solace for the moment and hope for the future.
God responds when we need someone to listen and when no one else seems to care. He sees, hears, and abides with unfailing compassion. The clutter of commitments can block progress in any direction, and we wonder how to dig our way out. God guides with words from the Bible and His indwelling Holy Spirit, reminding us about what matters most and what needs to go.
And after our physical strength wanes and we look death in the face, we can claim victory through the power of Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of His return. Everyone encounters storms and interruptions of life, but no one has to face them alone.
Depend on God’s never-failing power when you face the storms of life.
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“Who is this Jesus, anyway? Why do you bother with Him?”
I looked the asker in the eye and answered, “Life is so short, my friend. With Jesus, my life has no end.”
In disbelief, he laughed, “Oh, really? How can you know that?”
Quoting a childhood song, I smiled and answered, “The Bible tells me so!”
I’m not just a Christian because I was raised in church, attended Sunday school, or went to church on Christmas and Easter. I’m a Christian because I believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Jesus is God, so when Jesus speaks, God speaks. And Jesus said, The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing His work (John 14:10). Jesus’ promise is God’s promise.
When God speaks, I want to hear what He says. I want to hear Him tell me how to love that annoying co-worker, how to forgive that loved one who has pierced my heart, which path to take, and for whom to pray. When I gave my life to Jesus and accepted His forgiveness, I had to make commitments in my thinking. The main one was that the Bible is God’s Word.
The Bible is a compass directing our lives. We have the answers to the mysteries of life through our faith. God has something to say every day, whether through a devotion, a verse in the Bible we read, or during a quiet time with Him. He is anxious to hear from us.
I find a new fullness and clarity in my day when I check in with God before I do anything else. Feeling the affirmation of His love through devotions and fellowship with other Christian women puts a peace and confidence in my heart.
When others ask you how you can know you’re a Christian, tell them because the Bible tells you so.
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Closing my eyes, expressions of praise and thanksgiving spilled from my mouth to my Creator.
Unable to sleep, I crawled out of bed early one morning and tiptoed downstairs to the kitchen. As I walked past the breakfast nook window, I stopped to view a beautiful sight. The full moon shone like a marquee—puffs of big white clouds highlighting its beauty. Mountains in the background completed the picture.
God truly is an artist. His morning strokes of beauty remind me of His eternal presence and give me a special gift to start my day. This particular picture shouted love. But when I opened my eyes, shock stole my peaceful thoughts. The moon was gone. During my moments of praise, fog had enveloped the scene.
In that moment, I heard a whisper, “Is it not still there?”
The question, like an invasion of privacy, begged a response. “Yes,” I said to myself, “the moon is still there. I just can’t see it anymore.”
God reminded me how often my walk with Him resembles that scene. When His presence resonates within me and directs me, I enjoy shining moments. At other times, I cry, “Where are you? I need You to show me the way. I can’t do this alone.”
When I go through struggles and see no visible answers to my prayers, I’m reminded of that morning scene and the soft whisper, “Am I not still there?” and of my reply, “Yes, You are still near me.”
Leave your concerns in God’s capable hands. He is always near.
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Supermarket produce can’t compare to the taste of freshly picked fruit.
My dad grew fruit trees for years. Every spring, in order to grow the best and biggest fruit, he pruned the trees, removing branches that needed to go. Had those trees been able to talk, they might have said, “No, not again! It hurts too much. Can’t you leave us the way we are? Please, not that limb. That’s my favorite.” Nevertheless, Dad proceeded with the task.
After pruning each tree, Dad inspected his work. Regardless of how drastic his actions, he usually found more limbs that needed pruning. Some years I thought he would kill a tree or two with those finishing touches. They looked so bare, stripped of all but a basic outline of their former selves.
Yet each tree soon filled out again—more beautiful than ever. Blooms appeared everywhere. Rather than scarce, knotty fruit, he harvested large, tasty apples, pears, peaches, and cherries.
Left to themselves, the fruit trees’ harvest would have been minimal and of poor quality. But my dad knew what they needed. He forced them to produce a bumper crop of the biggest and best fruit year after year.
Imagine the trees’ subsequent expressions of gratitude: “Thank you. The pain was worth it. We’re glad you didn’t leave us like we were. Look what we produced because of the tough choices you made.”
When God prunes our dead spiritual weight, we often kick and scream. It hurts, and we don’t like it. He also trims the less productive, making room for untapped abilities to emerge. While we’d rather hang on to the comfortable ways of our past, God knows the familiar—like a worn out pair of gardening shoes—needs to be replaced.
Much good comes from our pain. Years from now, the seeds from our fruit will continue to multiply through harvests of their own—just as the master gardener planned.
Learn to enjoy God’s work so you can grow stronger, blossom, and bear fruit like never before.
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Trying to stumble through the mundaneness of the winter months, I became aware of my need for motivation.
Life can be routines mixed with pleasurable moments but also has the tendency to be fleeting. Recently, I discovered beauty in the dullness of this season in my life. My family transitioned churches and communities and moved into our new home on New Year’s Eve. We ushered in the New Year by searching through clutter, hoping to find bedding so we could enjoy a restful conclusion to our busy day.
While unpacking, I found myself searching for meaning. Though I was candidating and unanimously voted into the church and was feeling great about the situation, relocating is always hard. You worry about your children acclimating to a new school and wonder how you will fit into this new opportunity. The celebration was over and I was feeling underwhelmed—lost.
My routine was gone and friendships were now referred to in the past tense. Though I had no desire to move forward, I had to find strength in a season where everything was in hibernation.
The term “press on” came to mind. Paul talked about pressing towards the goal in his life. I realized I was on a journey too, but my spot was a transition that did not indicate the journey. Journeys aren’t defined by one moment or experience. They are defined by the total experiences of the steps we take in life.
We have to press towards our goals and aspirations. While there will be seasons of mundaneness mixed with extraordinary pleasures, the totality of these experiences make the journey. If you feel stuck in a similar position, remember winter gives way to spring just as night gives way to morning.
Keep going; you will find your purpose in this journey.
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“We are flying on an overbooked flight. If you are willing to give up your 8 a.m. seat for a later flight, please see us at the desk.” The announcement rang through the airport P.A. No one in the waiting area raised a brow.
Again, the flight supervisor made an announcement. “As you can see, we have 22 new Naval Academy graduates with us today. Thank you ladies and gentlemen for your service. Again, if anyone is willing to give up their 8 a.m. seat for a later flight, please see us at the desk.”
The waiting area at the gate erupted in cheers and applause for the 22 graduates, but not one person offered to give up their 8 a.m. seat.
I stood and gazed down the line of new recruits. “Excuse me, are all these recruits needing seats?”
The woman at the desk nodded. “They’ve been called up immediately. We have to get them to Charleston by evening.”
“I’m in no hurry. I’m happy to hand over my seat.” The attendant at the counter thanked me and asked me to wait.
“I’m not sure we can shuffle this many seats,” she whispered to her associate. It sounded like an odd situation. I’ve flown from Chicago numerous times when boot camp has ended and soldiers get their orders. I’ve never known them to be required to travel as a group. The attendant made a third announcement. Still no response.
I found my seat in the waiting area next to a young recruit and, after chatting with him, learned the recruits were heading to officer’s school. During this high alert time, the government wanted them traveling as a group for their safety.
Their safety? It suddenly occurred to me what a serious state our nation was in when our new officer trainees had to be protected themselves.
“What made you join the military?” I asked.
“I wanted to be someone who made a difference, ma’am. I want to prepare to defend this country. I had a mind to go to college, but the Lord impressed on me this need.”
“Thank you for protecting me and my family.” I jotted down a promise from Psalms and handed it to him. “You keep this close.” He smiled, stuffing my business card with the Scripture into his wallet.
David gave us such hope in his writings. Throughout the Psalms, he reminds us of the promises of a faithful and loving God. He held tight to his personal experiences, knowing God protected him and kept him from harm—watched over him. The hope found in this promise gave David a little extra boost. For us, it’s hope.
The flight miraculously had enough seating. I’m not sure how. No one else stepped forward to give up a seat, but God is God. Seating has never been an issue for Him. As we deplaned in Atlanta, the officer trainee stopped next to me. He smiled, patted his wallet, and walked away.
I’ll never see that young man again, but the opportunity to offer him a promise went into his wallet that day. I’m grateful for his service and for the service of the thousands of men and women who sacrifice for “one nation under God …”
Pray for our military, for their safety, and for this nation. Be grateful for our freedom, and be prepared to defend it.
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Focusing on what we don’t have can make being thankful for what we have more difficult.
When my daughter was two years old, we went grocery shopping. As we went up and down each aisle, she reached out for a toy or pretty package. “I want that,” she said. After telling her no several times, I finally pointed to one particular item and said, “You may want that, but you don’t need that.” On the next aisle, she reached out for yet another enticing article. “I need that,” she said.
When we ask our heavenly Father to meet our needs, it may seem we’re hearing no more than yes. Of course, it might be because we have trouble understanding the difference between our wants and needs.
Having a roof over our head, enough food to eat, a secure job, money in the bank, and a working car are all good. So is being healthy and having a family and friends who love and care about us. If we can claim these among our blessings, praise God.
But don’t make the mistake of thinking those things are needed. What we need is God’s love and forgiveness, love for others, and growth in our understanding of who God is and what He wants us to do with our life. We need to take our eyes off our wants and remember to thank and praise God for all the good things He has done for us.
Many years have passed since my daughter got her first lesson about the difference between wants and needs, and she still struggles with the concept. So do I.
Stop what you’re doing every day and “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2 NIV).
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John Wayne said, “Courage is being scared to death, but saddlin’ up anyway.”
Many have stood in the face of challenges that have been brought on by the economy. Some have felt as if they had the wherewithal to face down a charging horse, stand in an arena with an agitated bull, and pick themselves up after getting thrown to the ground from atop a saddle. But some of life’s challenges can cause us to lose our cool and fail in relationships too.
Jack Sorenson, the western artist and cowboy greeting card artist for Leanin’ Tree, put it this way, “I didn’t have the guts to become an artist; I just had the ignorance … I figured, God gave me this talent, and I was afraid of facing Him one day if I didn’t use it.”
Courage comes at a time when we must press on despite the circumstances. Diligence is the unwavering effort to accomplish the task at hand. Luke 16:10 tells us if we are faithful with little, we will be faithful with much. For the Lord to work in our lives, we must allow Him to take control. The thought is scary, and many never trust in anything besides their abilities.
God gave His Son so we could communicate with our Creator. To stand in the presence of a Holy God requires confidence that we have a way to approach Him. Allowing Christ to have first place in our life lets us approach Him and be near to Him at all times.
God wants to know us. Let Him know what scares you, what makes you happy, and what your dreams and goals are. If there are obstacles that prevent us from entering His presence (sin), we need to confess and ask for forgiveness.
Be a hero of the faith, and have the courage to stand for Christ in spite of political beliefs or world opinion.
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We live in a world where defeat is lurking around the corner, waiting for an opportunity to pounce.
As a cheerleader in high school, it was my job to spur on the players and spectators by yelling and encouraging everyone to get excited about emerging from the competition as victors. As with most competitive sports, however, victory didn’t always pan out, and the bus ride back home was a long one.
Although we begin each morning with a blank slate of possibilities, we are not always in control of the events we encounter because we share time and space with others. While glorious when I can put my head on the pillow at the end of the day feeling victorious, many times I end the day feeling defeated because of my choices and attitudes.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. This verse is filled with encouraging truth. The writer tells us to hold on unswervingly. When challenges come—and they will—we are to hold on to the hope we profess. Like a boxer in the ring, we should be steady and focused. Our motivation to endure the inevitable blows of hardship is in the assurance, For he who promised is faithful. God has already won the victory through Jesus Christ on the cross and at the open tomb. Nothing is too difficult for Him.
Now for my favorite part as a cheerleader. I pray until Jesus returns that we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Make your bus ride home joyful, knowing your God is faithful.
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The pungent smell of wet earth greeted me when I opened the door.
As I stepped from my car onto the wet pavement, I glanced down, being careful not to squash the long, bulging, brown creatures inching their way toward the edge. The saturated ground had flooded their holes with muddy water and coaxed them out in droves.
Down the street, the neighbor’s dog barked at the sound of the car door closing. In the distance, the faint sound of a coyote's howl drifted through the damp night air. An owl's melancholy "hoot hoot" occasionally punctuated the evening serenade.
Winter's snow had melted early, filling ponds to overflowing. The milder temperatures warmed the water, enticing millions of frogs to gather and chirp their spring song repertoire throughout the night and into the early morning hours before finally closing their eyes in slumber. Their cacophony of voices brought back childhood memories of summer evenings lying in bed with the windows open, listening to the sounds of twilight.
God's creation sings constantly. If you still yourself long enough, you can hear its song—especially at night after the hurried world of people clocks out and goes home. Why not join me in seeking out these tranquil sounds?
Spend some time appreciating nature's chorus.
Dear God, You delight our senses with the melody of creation. May we take pleasure in those sounds and rest long enough to hear them. Amen.
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Forgetting what one needs or wants terribly to remember is a horrible thing.
I once chaperoned an eighth grade trip to Washington, DC. Memorials are always high on the list of things to visit because they are constructed to help future generations remember a particular person or event.
While not the most popular, the most interesting memorial for me was the Korean War Memorial. The artist majored on the number thirty-eight. Thirty eight was the number of the parallel that divided North and South Korea. It was also the number of months affected by the war. A problem arose, however, when trying to place thirty-eight life-size soldiers on the designated plot of land which had only enough room for nineteen. The artist decided to design a reflective wall. When looking at the wall, thirty-eight soldiers are seen trudging through terrain representative of Korea instead of the actual nineteen there. Problem solved. Statement made.
Memorial Day is the day when Americans remember military personnel who have died while serving their country. The holiday originated as Decoration Day and was established by a group of Union veterans. Eventually, competing Union and Confederate holiday traditions were merged into one and celebrated together.
God also likes memorials and warns His people repeatedly not to forget Him or the things He has done for them. In Israel’s history, delivering them from 400 years of Egyptian slavery needed remembering. For Christians, the big unforgettable deliverance is Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
For years, I’ve worn paraphernalia with Christian symbols on them—mainly the cross. Since I got in on the tail end of the hippie movement, wearing jewelry came naturally. From necklaces with crosses to watches, bracelets, key rings, and shirts with the same, I’ve worn it all—with the exception of earrings. Needles never attracted me.
While jewelry and other clothing articles with Christian symbols can make good witnessing and conversation starters, my actual lifestyle is a better memorial to the difference Christ has made in me. Symbols mean little without actions, attitudes, and words to back them up. Just as America’s war memorials would mean nothing if we cast aside our love for freedom and our appreciation for those who bought it.
Americans remember their military dead with a holiday. Build something that will help others remember what Christ has done for you.
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Wouldn’t it be nice if time could be frozen?
Kathy called her daughter and complained, “Someone stole my alarm clock.”
Her daughter laughed loudly.“Mom, that alarm clock is so old no one would steal it. You’ve simply misplaced it.”
“Okay, fine, I’ll look for it.”
Kathy searched for it most of the morning. Finally, when her stomach growled, she decided it was time for lunch. Making her way into the kitchen, she opened the fridge where her eyes locked on a familiar object. On the bottom shelf sat her alarm clock. She didn’t remember putting the clock in the fridge, but she knew only she could have done it.
When she told me, we laughed. Some other friends asked if she was trying to freeze time. Their remarks made me wonder how many times I’ve wished I could have frozen time.
I thought of times when I should have frozen my words and never let them escape. Or when I’ve cringed while watching others struggle with growing older.
As my children grow and mature, I find myself wanting to freeze them back in time. I want more time to laugh with them and teach them about God’s wondrous love. I want to freeze them again as children when it was easy for them to believe and trust God. When they didn’t wonder if God had forgotten or abandoned them.
I would also like to freeze my life in the moments when I can feel God so near that His love overflows my heart. And when trials come, I’d like to freeze time and return to the moments when I could feel God carrying me.
While it’s impossible to freeze time, I can know God has walked with me in the past and will in the future. In my heart, I feel His love cover me, freezing me in time as He holds me in His everlasting embrace.
Let God hold you in His arms. There you can face your fears, shortcomings, and future—whatever it might hold.
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I have what I affectionately refer to as a large “justice chip.”
My justice chip is sensitive to wrong-doing and can flare up at a moment’s notice. While there are times when this chip has been warranted and even beneficial, most of the time it is nothing more than judgment and jealousy in disguise. A moment of selfishness where I lose sight of empathy and compassion and instead focus on the ways I am right or have been wronged. A bitter seed that flourishes with every minor injustice. Ultimately, this self-righteous justice chip keeps me from fully loving others.
According to Peter, I must love before I can fully obey. The words, “Now that,” are present focused and allude to an action which occurs after something else. Peter is speaking to believers, and there is an assumption that they are already living out God’s word—a supposition that they are obeying God’s commands and are free to have true love for others.
Love cannot come before obedience. Like those early believers, I need to obey God’s truth first. Obedience will help purify my soul and shed sinful habits. Then I can love in the way God intended.
When I feel tempted to polish off and righteously don my justice chip, I say a prayer to help me submit every thought to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). My thoughts can take me into valleys and negative places where the enemy is waiting to pounce. Eventually, my thoughts will become actions if I don’t lean on God to tame them. And actions fueled by jealousy, judgment, or blame are never beneficial.
I also need to make sure I do nothing from selfish ambition, while considering others better than myself (Philippians 2:3). When I do this, my natural instincts to feed my justice chip with jealousy and judgment slowly slip away.
Accept the Spirit’s power to fill you with empathy, compassion, and love.
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“Stop! You’re not going to make it.”
“It’s okay,” my husband said as he struggled to push the refrigerator through the door.”
“But the rug is buckled. There’s no way you can get over it,” I argued, watching as the rug buckled more with each push. In my mind, there was no possible way to get the large appliance past the obstacle.
To my “It’s not going to work,” he said patiently, “Step back. I know what I’m doing.”
How many times have I—in so many words—said the same thing to God? “Stop! This is not working. I’m not going to make it. Let’s try Plan B.”
The good news is that whenever my doubt takes over, the Lord patiently whispers, “Step back. I’ve got this. I know what I’m doing.”
When things look impossible in the natural realm, that’s when God does His best work. He steps in and supernaturally takes care of the problem. He’s the God of all power (omnipotent), all knowledge (omniscient), and unlimited creativity. He always makes a way when there seems to be no way. He takes the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. He also says, For as the sky soars high above earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think.
When I finally listened to my husband and stepped back, he methodically brought the refrigerator through the door without a hitch. He knew exactly what he was doing, even when I could not see or understand.
In the same way, when I step back and allow God to take control, He shows me He knows exactly what He’s doing, even when I don’t get it. He dissolves my doubts. That’s what faith and trust is all about.
Are you dealing with doubt? Take a step back and let God go to work.
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I have a voyeur squirrel that loves to plaster himself against my skylight.
Almost every morning, I hear little paws scurrying up the shingles of my roof as soon as I turn my bathroom light on. Then I look up to see a squirrel peering down into my private life. I don’t understand the attraction. This crazy squirrel should be off somewhere gathering nuts and minding his own business instead of wasting his time watching me go about mine.
I also don’t understand why we often focus on the problems of others instead of working to repair our own. Yet we seem eager—even thirsty—to view the sensational lives of the latest celebrity or reality show hero.
Busying ourselves with productive things is better than spending too much time scrolling through media posts, watching reality shows, crushing candy, or engaging in other mindless activities. Gazing upward toward spiritual things is also better than focusing our attention downward on life’s iniquities.
Songwriter Helen Lemmel, in her song “Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus,” encourages us to turn to Jesus when we are weary and troubled. Doing this is better than adding to our misery by focusing on and finding pleasure from the troubles of others.
Happiness doesn’t have to be elusive. By turning our eyes toward God and our hearts toward others, we’ll discover lives that are fuller, richer, and happier. Help, strength, and peace come from God.
I still don’t know what my crazy squirrel is thinking when he’s looking down into my skylight. Is he staking his claim or just avoiding the realities of his own life by peering into mine? Either way, I think he and the rest of us should try looking up instead.
Turn your eyes up to the Lord and find the help you need.
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If only real life was like the movies where someone’s bad behavior is turned around by another person who just won’t give up on them.
When I was dealing with my former husband’s alcoholic behavior, I went to Al-Anon meetings—a place for families to recover from the effects of living with alcoholism. There, I began to understand it is impossible to “fix” other people or make them change. I accepted that I am powerless to control others or stop them from doing destructive things should they choose to continue doing them.
We all strive to fulfill the ideal of biblical love that “never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” But if we are hanging on to a toxic relationship that habitually damages our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, it may be time to look closely at what is driving our choice to stay connected.
Sometimes we hold on to what's not working out of fear. If we let go, we will lose control, the other person will fail, and we will be blamed. At other times, we stay close because it’s what other people expect us to do. Or it may be that we keep coming back for more because we fear the unknown. What would life really be like without our troublemaker in the mix?
In time, I discovered the freedom of detachment with love. Detachment—letting go—means caring enough about someone to allow them to learn from their mistakes. As I refused to continue taking responsibility for my husband’s choices and stopped covering up for him by lying and making excuses, he was positioned to face and deal with the natural consequences of his behavior.
I wasn’t giving up; I was stepping aside so God could work in his life. From a distance, I continued praying, never lost faith, and remained hopeful for a bounce-back and a change of heart that only God could bring about. Letting go was hard, but it was the best thing to do. There is a time to hold on and another to let go.
When God prompts you to let go, let go.
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The process of purchasing a first home can be daunting.
All three of my children are interested in purchasing their first home. There are so many things to consider. How many bedrooms will they need? How much are the property taxes in the school district?
Before they can select the home they would like to buy, there’s a little matter of arranging the financing. Of course, it’s not a little matter at all. There are hoops to jump through. Every aspect of your personal financial life is picked apart: timely bill payments, income, credit scores, and debt verses income ratio.
All of the above issues must be addressed before you hear the magic word, “approved.” The responsibility of being able to qualify for approval rests on us. We are the ones who have to do all the right things and avoid making mistakes. Poor choices can cause the past to haunt you for years.
I have made plenty of poor choices during my lifetime. I’ve done the wrong thing, said the wrong thing, or focused on the wrong thing. And some of those actions had long-lasting repercussions. Some of the repercussions were the result of personal sin. I have owed God a great debt for the sin that has crept into my life.
But the amazing thing is that the forgiveness for my sin has already been pre-approved. God has no hoops for me to jump through to be accepted into His family. Jesus Christ has paid all my debts by His death on the cross for the ungodly. We are pre-approved because of His love. All we have to do is recognize our need for His gift and accept the forgiveness He offers.
Through the forgiveness of Jesus Christ, we have been pre-approved for acceptance by God.
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Jericho walls can show up in various shapes and sizes.
When the Promised Land’s kings heard about God's miracles, their hearts “melted in fear” as the Israelites advanced toward their land. The residents of Jericho decided to lock themselves in and the Israelites out.
I've encountered a few Jerichos, and you probably have too. Perhaps your workplace is a Jericho walled with personal agendas, power plays, and turf wars. Maybe you've seen the walls at church. Faced with a godly challenge, frightened Christians may forget they don't own the church. Up go the walls, and the gates slam shut. Perhaps it's closer to home in a relationship. Someone's heart—melting in fear, shuts you out. Or your fearful heart could be shutting out that someone. Either way, walls enclose hearts and bar gates.
According to Jesus, the truth sets believers free. One truth is that wall-building, gate-slamming fear is a lie. It whispers the Lord isn't trustworthy, and that He can't heal our broken hearts or redeem our personal agendas. Centuries ago, God miraculously delivered those former slaves and led them to freedom. It took the Israelites two generations to release their distrust and fear. We can do it today. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Ask God for marching orders around your Jericho wall. Whatever you wall is, it's a squatter on the Promised Land, and it will crumble when the real owner shows up.
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“Sadie is howling, whining, and acting like a crazy female.”
Autumn colors reflected in a fishing pond beside the quaint cabin. A family getaway for four in the mountains of Tennessee. In the trip planning, paw marks indicated a pet-friendly rental cabin. The foursome included me and my husband along with Sadie, a female dachshund and Big-T, a male pug.
Sadie does not like new adventures or riding in a vehicle. She is a homebody (home-dog). She relentlessly paced in the backseat, whining with displeasure. After arriving, she anxiously refused to eat for hours.
Each night we put the dogs in their own crates with cozy bedding. Sleeping quarters we call “your house” brought from home. Surely, the familiar would calm.
Sadie’s howling started the first night. Big-T (the pug) would eventually join in with whimpering, “What’s wrong with her? Maybe I don’t like it here either.” We took turns getting up, scolding her, tapping the crate, and saying, “No! Go to sleep Sadie!” Each time, the tapping became more forceful with sleep deprivation.
It brought back memories of getting up with our children as infants. No scolding or forceful tapping. Only feeding, holding, and rocking with lullabies. And sleep deprivation.
We never allow the dogs to sleep on our bed at home, so unless we became desperate, it was not an option. We did not want to start a habit away from home that would be hard to break later.
Our daughter checked in with me by phone text. As I typed the message about howling, whining, and acting like a crazy female, I thought the words were fitting lyrics for a country song. Some country songs are about dogs and crazy females. We have friends who are country artists, although we never pitched the idea.
As Christians, earth is our temporary home. One day we will travel to a heavenly home where we will spend eternity. This fallen world and unfamiliar surroundings can make us anxious, nervous, crazy, and whiny.
Christ speaks words of peace to us. Never scolding, but softly tapping on our hearts, gently whispering, “Hush child and rest in me.” God is living among us; let His love calm all your fears.
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As I examined the struggling African violet, it suddenly slipped from my hands, sending dirt in all directions.
Although I had been a Christian for many years, my growth—like the violet, was stunted until I experienced a crisis. As with the little plant, my roots were torn from their safe surroundings, my world was changed overnight, and my life was broken into many pieces.
Just as I cleaned all the bits of dirt from my kitchen and placed them back into the flower pot, so God has placed each of my pieces lovingly and perfectly back into their proper place and molded me into a fresh and new vessel. Now I have begun to grow and bloom as never before.
Occasionally, we need to have our roots shaken and branches pruned so God can perform the miracle of spiritual growth in our lives. My crisis was having a husband of twenty-seven years leave me for another woman. The months and years since then have been times of spiritual growth, intermingled with dealing with other crises which included financial needs and health concerns.
When my faith weakens and anxieties threaten to tear at my peace and shred my joy, I remember my past. While living in the past or dwelling on what might have been isn’t wise, it is helpful to reflect on our pasts and remember the way God walked with us through the heartaches, cares, and concerns of life.
Recalling how God met my needs—sometimes in unexpected ways, is encouraging. He didn’t always take away my problems, but He walked with me through them. As I live my life, I have confidence that God will walk with me today and in the future as He has in the past.
Even when your roots are shaken, know they are firmly rooted in the soil of God’s love.
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I ran into Judy in a corridor at church one Sunday morning and was giving her a hug when a friend interrupted our conversation and said, “I’m praying for you, Judy.”
Judy had been widowed three months earlier. We talked about how she was doing and the mounds of paperwork she was sorting through.
“Thank you, I need prayer,” Judy responded, as her eyes filled with tears.
“Oh, don’t cry. Let’s not have tears,” her friend said as she patted Judy’s shoulder.
I’m not sure if I kept a straight face or looked appalled, but I wanted to cheer for Judy as she answered, “No, I need to cry.”
Clearly uncomfortable, the woman walked away and said, “Well, I’m praying for you.”
I turned to Judy and said, “Cry all you need.”
I appreciated Judy’s boldness to set the record straight. Grief tears are necessary and normal. Tears of grief are different from tears we shed when we peel an onion or are exposed to irritants. They contain healing chemicals.
Jesus wept at the news of his friend Lazarus’ death. Jesus is also referred to in Scripture as a Man of Sorrows. Our tears are so important to God that He stores them in a bottle and records every one. He knows we need to cry and expects that we will. He designed us to cry as a part of our healing.
Watching your friend cry may be awkward, but can you step away from your discomfort and affirm their need to shed tears?
Crying is a part of grief journeys. View your tears as God’s gracious provision.
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When prayers are delayed, anxiety and worry can follow quickly.
Most Christians have something they are praying about and are eagerly awaiting God’s answer for. When time passes and the requests remain unanswered, faith and patience are put to the test.
It is easy to identify with the prophet Habakkuk, who grew weary in waiting for God to answer his prayers.
God hears our prayers and answers them according to His sovereign will and timing. Though we may not understand why the answers are sometimes delayed, we must trust that God loves us and will give what is best. God wants to bless His children and glorify Himself through them.
God possesses infinite wisdom and knowledge and knows what we need and when we need it. We can trust His perfect timing. Apparent delays can change suddenly in our favor and for His glory, but He is in control and will bring His perfect will to pass.
God is good to those who wait and is faithful in keeping His promises. Our time is put to good use when He exercises our faith, increases our endurance, and brings us to a new level of strength and confidence in Him.
The way we wait is a significant factor. We can fret and be unhappy, or we can place our trust in Jesus and enjoy life while we wait. Drawing close to Jesus through prayer, praise, and thanksgiving will keep our hearts filled with joy while we wait.
Waiting on God is never a waste of time. Make the choice to lay your burdens at the cross and trust God’s timing.
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Sometimes, enough is never enough.
I sat in the tax office, holding my breath. My first time filing as single instead of head of household. My fourth year as a small business owner where I had more expenses than income.
Two hours earlier, I had told God I would be thankful regardless of what happened. Thankful for the roof over my head, the car I recently paid off, and the means to visit my daughter—whom I’d only seen twice in the past year, since she had married and moved out of state.
Yes, God. I trust You. As long as I don’t have to pay any taxes, I initially told Him. Then I boldly changed it: As long as the filing fees are paid for. I could trust God to take care of filing, couldn’t I? I could trust Him with anything, right?
When I realized both of my prayers were answered, I took it a step further. Enough to pay some bills. Put food on the table. Gas in the car. Surely God will bless these selfless needs, won’t He?
The answer came. I was getting a refund. Enough to pay myself back for the plane ticket. And also enough to pay the car registration, renew my business license, and fix a lock at the house.
He’d answered my prayers and then some. But it wasn’t enough. I selfishly wanted more. I got in my car and drove away, feeling ashamed.
I remembered the Bible verse about the man who believed Christ could heal his son and who asked Jesus to remove his doubt. I changed the words believe and unbelief to thankful and thanklessness and repeated them continually. God, I am so thankful. You hear me. You help me. Thank you.
Professing to God that you trust Him—along with asking Him to help you with that trust—is easy and possible. God will hear us, help us, and honor our attempts.
What obstacles keep you from moving closer to God? Give them to Him, and ask Him to close the gap. Then be ready to claim His blessings when He does.
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What could I do with an extra day?
Almost every four years, an extra day is added to February. More than 2,000 years ago, Roman general Julius Caesar introduced Leap Year into the Roman world, which at that time used the Julian calendar. Every year that was divisible by four was classified a Leap Year. This practice produced too many Leap Years but wasn’t corrected until the introduction of the Gregorian calendar.
Leap Years are necessary to sync the Gregorian calendar with the earth’s revolutions around the sun. The earth requires 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds to make one revolution. Since the Gregorian calendar year only has 365 days, failing to add one day every four years would mean losing six hours annually and a total of 24 days over 100 years.
Joshua needed some extra time—a Leap Year. Daylight was waning, and he hadn’t finished defeating God’s enemies. He decided to pray and ask God for more time. God answered by allowing the sun to stand still.
I’ve often wished for more than an extra day. A few more hours in every day would do nicely.
Joshua’s reason for needing extra time was admirable; mine doesn’t always fall into the same category. I suppose when God gives extra time, I need to reflect on why I have it. Is it because I’m lazy? Are there things I should do? Does God have plans I’m not following? Does He want me to rest?
Of course, the opposite may also be true. God might withhold extra time because I’m not using His allotted time judiciously. Jesus tells several parables demonstrating the necessity of using wisely what God has given, along with warning about what can happen when I don’t.
Leap Year gives me an extra day for meditation—and perhaps action. A day that won’t surface for another four years. A day to meditate on some crucial questions: “What have I done with Jesus?” and “What am I doing for Him?” A day to contemplate His goodness in spite of my badness as well as His undeserved unconditional love and forgiveness, even when I don’t meet His expectations.
Leap Year re-aligns the calendar with the earth’s rotation, preventing the loss of time. Taking advantage of the extra time God gives can re-align priorities, decisions, relationships, and life in general.
Use Leap Year’s extra day to take a leap of faith.
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Six years ago, the Lord directed my husband to take a job transfer. This required a move with only four weeks’ notice – precious little time to prep our home of eleven years. However, without hesitation, we rented a home in the new location while continuing to pay the mortgage. We acted in faith, and the Lord provided. Our home sold in three months in spite of the economy taking a downward spiral.
When my husband neared retirement, the Lord impressed on our hearts to move to our childhood city to be near family. Once again, we found ourselves paying a mortgage on an empty home while paying rent in a new location. As before, the economy plummeted. Over the past six months, we’ve had two failed contracts. Recently, we entered a new contract, yet three times we received requests to extend the closing date for various reasons. I admit—I have questioned our Lord like the disciples did.
The disciples traveled the countryside with the Messiah. Twice they witnessed the miracle of Jesus multiplying a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish to feed thousands. Later, when traveling on a boat, they realized that they had just one loaf of bread left.
Hearing the disciple’s conversation, Jesus warned them to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod.
The disciples asked, “Is it because we have no bread?”
I can imagine Jesus releasing a sigh when He asked, “And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?”
“Twelve.”
“Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?”
The disciples responded, “Seven.”
How quickly the disciples forgot what Jesus was capable of doing. Didn’t they understand that if Jesus could feed thousands He was able to feed those few with Him on the boat?
Why have I been fretting? Just as Jesus was in the boat with the disciples, He is in my current house transaction. I must remember that the Lord sold our home the first time; therefore, He will do it again.
Don’t you understand?
Recall the miracles the Lord has done for you. Write them down. Then recognize that He has met your needs before and will do it again.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and DodgertonSkillhause.)
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The greatest fear a parent has for their child is them being rejected.
We fear rejection for the ones we love the most, but what happens when we are the ones who are thrown to the side and discarded. The greatest emotional pain we can experience is rejection. The emotional trauma from losing approval and being betrayed is a pain we all fear in our lives. But how does God view rejection and hurt in our lives?
As a pastor, I have experienced betrayal and hurt in my ministry. Sometimes the greatest hurt can come from the people closest to our hearts. We let people in to fill the loneliness in our lives, allowing them to see us at our most valuable state. Our guards are lowered, and we allow others to see us without the charade of perfection we put on for most people. We get connected and we allow them into our thoughts and ideas. Then without warning, the hurt of judgement and rejection comes into our heart and leaves a deep and gaping hole. This is an emotional trauma we all experience at one point in our individual development.
The Lord is one of restoration and of peace. To be discarded is to experience a similar suffering as Jesus suffered in His life. He was crucified by His own people and even doubted by His own family. Rejection from family or friends is a pain the Lord felt before you. The restoration of your heart is in Him, and your rehabilitation is in His perfect love.
I have been tremendously hurt in my life and my restoration came from God’s love. He restored my ability to love and trust people. He will heal your broken heart and bandage your wounds. The only requirement is giving Him your hurt in exchange for His love. People will hurt us because they have unhealed wounds of rejection themselves. Stopping the cycle requires giving your hurt to God and seeing beyond the person’s actions.
You are very special to the Lord, and He wants you emotionally and spiritually secure. Hurt finds us all, but the hurt doesn’t have to leave permanent imprints on our souls. Allow the Lord to restore your heart today by giving Him your hurt in exchange for His love.
Look beyond the rejection and see your value safely secured in God’s passion for you.
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I wish I would have known God had a special purpose for my life when I was growing up. I had a good personality and made friends easily, but I had low self-esteem and spent too much time comparing myself to others. I didn’t know I was special in God’s eyes and that loving myself was a command from God. If we don’t love ourselves, we can’t love others.
It’s a shame that we don’t hear more often that in God’s eyes each one of us is special. We are unique—one of a kind. We’re not meant to be like anyone else.
Our looks, talents, and abilities are gifts from God and designed for a specific purpose. The problem is that many of us make our own plans without consulting God. When we do that, we miss out on discovering the path God has specifically designed for us and we often burn out.
Once we make a decision to seek God first for direction and align ourselves with Him, He will guide and equip us as He did for the people in the Bible.
When God approached Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and many others with jobs for them to do, they often made excuses for why they couldn’t accomplish what God asked. Some felt unqualified, others thought the job was too big, and some felt they were too old. They pictured obstacles. God saw potential. When they stepped out in faith and did as God asked, He used them in mighty ways.
God wants us to take risks and with faith conquer feelings of self doubt. Past experiences should not stop us from moving ahead. The world equates success with high-powered jobs, large sums of money, big homes, and fancy vacations. God equates success with walking in His footsteps—doing things that have eternal merit.
We can’t take anything with us when we leave this world, but we can be sure of where we’re going if we invite Jesus into our lives.
Take an inventory of your schedule. How much time did you invest this past month on temporary goals and how much on eternal goals? Positions and possessions play a large part in life, but a relationship with God and connections with people are the best investment.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and Adityaram.)
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I recently had a day on my job that was an exercise in futility. I executed a change in my work schedule I thought would be productive. I worked longer and harder than usual but accomplished even less than I did on most days. When God is not working with us we actually labor in vain.
The next morning part of my daily reading was Psalm 127. God is always right on time. Reading this passage I realized why my efforts the previous day were so futile. I tried to build the house without His help. Sometimes there's a very fine line between diligence and striving. God wants His people to be diligent. But God exhorts us not to strive. He tells us to stop striving, believe, and know He is God.
The pertinent point is how to distinguish between hard work and nervous effort? It’s simply the one accompanied by peace. That particular day God tried to give me a sign: restlessness in my spirit. Peace is referred to as the barometer of the soul. It’s the indicator of how well our efforts are aligning with God's will. It is not the absence of struggle but the presence of calm or tranquilly in our daily battles. Our Heavenly Father is concerned about His children's daily life, and peace is the compass that guides us.
The pivotal question is whether we believe God wants to take care of us in the mundane aspects of our lives. The Bible says, “Faith without works is dead.” But some of us practice that as work without faith. Maybe I should have taken a few moments alone with God and asked Him why I was so restless that day.
When we feel that compulsion to work longer days, sometimes we should just shorten our workday and retire early. This may be the most diligent, obedient, and productive thing to do. For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep (Psalm 127:2c).
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My very first experience in ministry was starting a little church called “New Beginnings” in my hometown. The impact of that first church plant has impacted my life and ministry throughout the years—the significance revealed in little ways as I pursued greater things. Reflecting back, I know the fruit of wisdom comes from the new beginning birthed from that experience.
I was twenty-seven years old when I started this chapter in my life. My wife and I had two young children. The church was a sacrifice from the beginning. We were living entirely off the income from the church, which was very new. Our income was up and down the first year. I was excited to begin this new chapter, but I began to think I had made a mistake in my decision.
New beginnings are not always the rosy picture we paint in our minds. I often compare this experience to child birth. The process is painful, full of fear and excitement. Oftentimes it harbors ugly, unexpected conditions. The end result is a new mother holding her child while forgetting the pain it took to bring that life into the world. Our new beginnings can be painful processes that produce great upheaval in our lives. They bring uncertainty and fears to the surface, but God has a plan through the process.
I was scared to fail—afraid the church would fold under my leadership. It was very young and fragile, just like a new born baby. I grew in strength and confidence through that first year just as a mother grows in confidence and strength through her first year of motherhood. Just as a child grows up, so fear and insecurity will eventually fade as we grow through our fears.
The Lord will not simply take away our fears without faith. He wants to create stability in us. New beginnings are not always what we picture. God sees beyond our fleshly desires for short-term pleasure. When we call to the Lord for help in our distress, He cradles our fears with His perfect love—the perfect love that overcomes fear. Still we must first face the fear in His love to see beyond our mental block.
I overcame my insecurity in that first year of ministry. The church is strong today and a permanent reminder of God’s love and faithfulness. New beginnings are not neat and free from obstacles. New chapters release us into a great future, but we must first overcome the fear of the unknown. We must push through the pain while putting our destiny in God’s arms.
Stand strong in this New Year and expect great things for the future. Remember, your future is always guaranteed in the Lord and in His faithfulness!
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and singhajay.)
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When my friend Joy shared that she and her husband were expecting their second child, I celebrated with her. However, early in her pregnancy, Joy began to experience complications, and her doctor discovered the baby had “water in the brain.” They contemplated draining the fluid but reconsidered because it would put both the baby and the mother in danger. All Joy could do was pray for a miracle.
Many joined with Joy and spent the next several months praying and pleading with God for mercy. But at eight months, her precious baby stopped breathing. It was emotionally devastating. Two days later, we buried baby Zion in a casket the size of a shoebox. We cried as we bid Zion farewell. Joy wailed and refused to be comforted because Zion was no more.
The next several months were marked with emotional turmoil. I tried to support Joy. I sat with her but felt helpless to comfort her. I tried to help her nurse her body as she recovered from childbirth, a birth to a child she could neither see nor hold.
Seasons have come and gone, but I still think of Joy’s season of life like it happened yesterday. God has carried Joy and her family through their season of loss and grief, and while they will never forget the sadness of this season, they have continued to trust and hold onto God.
Psalm 66 reminds us there are seasons when our faith will be tested. My friend Joy now tells me her affliction made her stronger. Just as a good refiner never leaves the crucible—closely monitoring the heat from the fire—as he cleans and purifies the precious silver metal, God too never leaves our side as we go through the sorrows of life. Our faith is refined and strengthened under His watchful eye. When we reflect on our season of testing in this light, we then see God’s power and love.
You may be going through a testing season and feel it is too great to bear. God will carry you through your pain and sorrow. I pray that, like Joy, you will see how He purified you like silver and showed you the depth of His power and love.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and erdenebayar.)
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I was chatting with the checker and sacker at the local grocery store in our small town. The sacker, a new employee, carefully placed my groceries in the bags. I said, “Oh, I can carry the eggs and bread since I want to put them in the passenger’s seat for their safety.”
I initiated the transfer, only to experience the sensation of the bag falling from my hand. Much to my relief, the diligent sacker was still holding tightly to the sack that held the eggs and bread.
Circumstances or relationships seem to shove us, reeling and clutching unsuccessfully at the particles in the air to regain our stability. Yet, as God’s children, we feel the undergirding of His strength and grace. We have His Word as a basis for His presence continually being with us.
Do we recognize His rescuing intervention in our lives or do we focus on the falling sensation during those heart-wrenching situations? Or the oxygen-sapping blows that hit us some days, knocking us off balance in our emotional and spiritual walk? If we focus on our calamity or difficulty, then we miss the comforting awareness of realizing we are safe in His gentle care, no matter how hard the force of Satan’s attack.
Just as I realized how the sacker preserved the eggs, I know by faith, God will not let me fall. Trust what His Word states when Jude wrote He is “able to keep you from falling.”
Look for the reassuring, cradling catch of your Heavenly Father when you feel the terrifying sense of falling. He will be there for you, and you will see His powerful intervention if you use your eyes of faith to see Him. Then make the choice to rest in the arms of your loving Lord.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and erdenebayar.)
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I recently visited a beautiful estate garden and learned how they trimmed their grapevines. They used manicure scissors. Tiny, sharp, manicure scissors.
I love how this Scripture describes the pruning God does in our lives: This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. I wanted to learn why these gardeners did it so precisely.
There was a plaque that detailed the intricate process. It wasn’t enough for them to simply cut off the branches that bore no fruit. They went beyond that to delicately prune each single cluster of grapes. When the grapes were still small and green, the workers precisely measured the ideal spacing between each of those tiny orbs. Then they used those tiny manicure scissors to carefully cut away individual grapes in each cluster so the remaining fruit could grow large and luscious.
The first thing I realized was the extravagant wealth that could afford such exacting work. The owner of those grapevines was wealthier than most of us can even imagine.
The second thing I realized was that they carefully protected each tiny morsel that would eventually be displayed at the master’s feast. There was nothing inherently wrong with the grapes that were cut away, but they were a hindrance to the best.
Our Father in heaven is far greater than a wealthy tycoon. He owns all of creation; His wealth is beyond measure. He loves us passionately and knows every intimate detail of our lives. He knows exactly what we need to fulfill His purposes, and we can trust Him completely. We are safe under His watchful care.
Usually, I think of God’s pruning work in my life as only being about cutting away the clearly bad fruit and dead weight. But sometimes, even things like health and security that appear good to me are tenderly trimmed away by the Master’s perfect and loving hand.
God wants us to trust Him even when it hurts to let go of what we think is “good enough.” Allow God to remove the good for what is best, and rejoice that He is preparing us in love for the feast that is yet to come!
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and auttiedot.)
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“Beth, I think you need to call 9-1-1, and do it now!”
We had only been home for about thirty minutes from my husband’s outpatient neck/spine surgery when he realized his chest pains were not going away. After a ride in an ambulance, x-rays, lab work, a heart cath, quadruple by-pass surgery, and ten days in the hospital, my mind was in overdrive. It wasn’t until it was all over that I was able to ponder all that had happened.
The Scriptures say that after the shepherds visited the stable where Mary gave birth to Jesus, she treasured all the things she had been through and pondered them in her heart. The Merriam-Webster dictionary lists a few definitions for the word ponder, but the definition that seems to best suit what Mary was doing at that time is “to think or consider, especially quietly, soberly, and deeply.”
She had a lot to think about and consider quietly, soberly, and deeply. In my mind’s eye, I can see her nestling in the hay, holding the Savior of the world, and thinking about all the events that had taken place:
The unexpected visit from an angel.
The fear that Joseph wouldn’t want to marry her because she was pregnant.
The news of an upcoming trip to Bethlehem.
The timing of the trip.
The disappointment that there wasn’t a place for her to stay and deliver her baby.
Having her first child away from home.
The surprise visit from the shepherds.
The story the shepherds told about the angels appearing to them.
Mary had a lot to ponder, but those memories that were tucked away in her heart must have helped her over the years, even when her son Jesus, God’s Son, was dying on the cross for the sins of the world.
Have you ever had something happen in your life, good or bad, that kept you so consumed and busy that it wasn’t until after things settled that you had time to process what had taken place? May we all learn a lesson from Mary and take time to stop and place special things in our hearts to be treasured and pondered. Why? To remind us of how much God loves us and that He’s always with us, no matter what we go through.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and octaviolopez.)
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My Pomeranian, Rigel, always jumps up the minute I go to my office and set my cup of coffee on the side table. He sits close to me with front arms and paws on the windowsill and looks out while I read aloud from the Bible and devotional book and pray.
This Christmas morning, as I sat on the big overstuffed chair, my tabby cat, Sabby, jumped up into my lap, closer than usual to Rigel. Fortunately, my rescue dog is well-trained and “stays” when I say so. Just as we three were settled and I had begun reading the Bible, the phone rang. Suspecting who it was, I rose to go to the bedroom for the phone. The cat jumped to the floor. The dog followed on my heels.
As my daughter, her husband, and their thirteen-year-old son began singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” I held the phone between the two animals. They moved away in opposite directions. I laughed, enjoying the frivolity.
After “Merry Christmas” and “I love you” from each side, I settled in again on the chair, my heart cheerful. I thought about the plans for the day. On Christmas Eve, some of my family had gone to a worship service at church. This afternoon, some of the family would come and we would have finger foods and watch the movie, Star of Bethlehem. Later, other family members would come and we’d have the turkey I’d cook and all the trimmings they’d bring. We would laugh and fight over Dirty Santa, play our Alphabet Gift game, and exchange presents.
I thought of what I’d taught my children when they were growing up: that we show our love to each other by giving—whether it’s an expensive gift or a handmade card—because God showed His love to us by giving.
I looked at my pets who had returned to sit with me as I continued with my devotions for the day, which included the Bible’s Christmas story of Jesus’ birth. I thought about Rigel and Sabby and how I believe they love me, but so often I feel they just try to please me to get a treat.
That led me to think about how my actions appear to God. Am I always asking Him for treats? He’s given me the greatest treat—Jesus coming, living, dying, and resurrecting for my sins so I can have inner peace on earth and an eternal home in heaven.
So this Christmas morning, I decided to do what my daughter and her family had done for me. They had wished me a Merry Christmas and told me they loved me. So during my prayer time, I did not ask for anything nor tell God what treats I wanted. Instead, I thanked Him for what He has already given, wished God and Jesus a Merry Christmas, and told Jesus I hoped He had a Happy Birthday celebration.
What better present could we have than what God has already given? The gift is here. We just need to accept it. What a Christmas (and forever) treat!
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and hotdogcoolcat.)
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We don’t know what Mary was thinking when the angel announced an outrageous proposition. Perhaps . . .
“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
The teenaged girl recoiled from the voice that seemed to speak out from nowhere. Trembling fingers steadied the newly-filled water jug atop her head as her heart raced and her body stiffened. She squinted into the shaded alley of adobe buildings of Nazareth.
“Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.”
Troubled thoughts whirled, but any words were pasted to her now dry mouth. Who is this man that he should speak to me? And how does he know my name?
“You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
Mary felt her knees weaken as she took another step backward and stationed the water jug as a guard between herself and the stranger. She had been taught since a young girl that respectable men do not speak to women in public. And now this man was speaking of things that should not be spoken of at all. She tried to collect her thoughts. I must defend my honor against this rude and disrespectful man!
“How will this be,” she managed to utter, “since I am a virgin?” She had kept herself pure for her future husband, and now she was betrothed to Joseph, the craftsman. They would be married within the year, and it was of most importance to remain a virgin until her wedding night.
But rather than be rebuffed, the stranger continued. “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth, your relative, is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”
She fought to reason through these troubling words. Surely this prophecy could not be of God. The long-promised Messiah is to be born of royalty—in Bethlehem. And who would believe a woman could have a child without being with a man. This would bring unholy shame upon my family. It could cause my betrothed to have me put away or, worse, to order me stoned to death. And my child would be despised and rejected by all men.
But, surprisingly, she found herself considering this outrageous proposition. Perhaps, if this could wait until Joseph and I are married, then the child would have the protection of marriage—and he would not bear the scorn and condemnation of the world.
The stranger said nothing; his silence only emphasizing his troubling words: “For no word from God will ever fail.”
The silence seemed to stretch into eternity. Mary closed her eyes and found herself speaking as if hearing the words herself for the first time. “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”
When she opened her eyes, the stranger was gone. And she pondered these things in her heart.
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The signs of the season begin beckoning in October: “pre-holiday sale,” “30% off on flat screen TVs,” “buy one toy, get another half off.” By early November, the Christmas shopping season is in full throttle. I confess I can get caught up in the commercialism. I love buying gifts for my family and friends while strolling glittery aisles and humming Christmas tunes. But along the way, I’ll try on a cute pair of shoes or check out a cool gadget. By the end of December, I’ve bought myself a bunch of new stuff I really didn’t need.
The lure of “more” swirls around us all year, but it intensifies during the Christmas season. Jesus spoke often about keeping our focus on matters of eternal value rather than on temporary things. It’s ironic we seem to ignore that command more easily during the season in which we celebrate His birth.
How often does maintaining and acquiring possessions tie us down to a job that’s slowly eating away at the soul, or to a work schedule that encroaches on our time with God and our loved ones? What deeply meaningful service could we give to God’s kingdom if we had fewer monetary obligations? And what beautiful dreams might we be able to pursue?
Time for a change in the coming new year. Lord, help us to downsize our lifestyles so You can supersize our lives.
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“Lord, I just don’t understand.”
I’ve found myself making this statement a lot lately. I don’t understand this crazy weather or the ridiculous dreams that invade my sleep. I don’t understand why people are so cruel and vindictive, or the reason such a young man died so tragically. And I really don’t understand why my friend keeps going back to her abusive husband.
Why? Why? Why?
Questions bombard us from every angle, especially if we’re in tune with the national news. What I’ve learned is that we can either worry and fret or go to the one infallible source of truth—God’s Word.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart . . .
The problem with trusting is that we’ve been let down and disappointed so many times, it’s hard to place our faith in someone—sometimes even God.
And lean not on your own understanding . . .
We spend far too much time depending on our own understanding. We try to analyze and rationalize everything to death. If we can’t figure it out—and fix it—we get frustrated. If we’re not careful, worry sets in and we lose hope.
Trust in the Lord is a tall order, especially when we’re instructed to do it with our whole heart—no questions asked—no matter what the circumstances might be. God tells us His ways are not our ways. They are so much higher and greater than anything we can see, feel, or comprehend. In other words, He sees the big picture. He knows the end from the beginning and everything in between. He is the One who brings order to chaos, makes beauty out of ashes, and has a time and purpose for everything under heaven.
He is the One I can turn to when nothing makes sense. I don’t have to understand. All I have to do is trust.
How about you?
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Rarely do I mow my lawn without being reminded of a hard lesson I learned years ago. I was hired by a local farmer to plow his field because I knew how to drive a tractor. I had driven a tractor like his, but never to work a field.
The farmer came to check my work when I was less than halfway finished plowing his field. He nearly blew a gasket. My rows undulated across the ground instead of being straight lines. I had tried hard to make them straight, but I could not make it happen. I felt beat up and embarrassed. When I plowed my undulated rows, the work I had done was useless. Part of the soil did not get turned; part was turned more than once. This created uneven ground and soil not ready for the next step of preparation.
Once the man calmed down, he told me the secret to keeping the lines straight: focus on an object on the opposite side of the field. Don’t take your eyes off of it, and drive straight for it. I was amazed how it worked and how easy it was.
I still use that technique as I mow my lawn. When I am aware of what I am doing, I remember that lesson from years ago. I am also reminded of Jesus’ word to His disciples that no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is worthy of the kingdom. Our walk with Christ is much like plowing our field. Without keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and walking straight for Him, our walk will begin to swing left and right—not breaking up the fallow ground in our hearts, and not accomplishing the work He plans for us. Sometimes we can become so far off course that it’s hard to get back in line.
Rather than beating yourself up over it, thank Jesus for His mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Then use it all as a reminder to keep your eyes fixed on Him.
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Growing up, my radios were quite different than they are today. The digital world—not to mention satellites—changed everything. Now, I simply punch the scan button, and the radio automatically advances to the next available station.
For many years, I had to manually tune a radio to a particular station. Stations would advertise their call numbers. Finding it required turning a knob and advancing to those numbers. Though the numbers were displayed on the dial, they were in separated increments. I knew when I was close, but I could never know I had arrived until I heard a station. Even then, I couldn’t be sure it was the right one until I heard the announcer broadcast the call numbers. Delicately turning the knob was necessary to arrive at just the right station.
Digital numbers make it easy to know I’ve tuned in to the correct station. Knowing I’m tuned into God’s plan is nice as well. Gideon needed to know he was. He was sure God had instructed him to defeat Israel’s enemies, the Midianites. When God instructed him to do it with only 300 warriors, he was concerned he might have tuned in to the wrong station. Traipsing into the enemy’s camp one night and hearing a dream about a loaf of bread, convinced him he had the right station. God was dialed in to his dilemma.
Knowing God is dialed in to our concerns makes life easier and more peaceful, and peace is one of the fruits of the Spirit God says should hang from our life trees. But it’s not a peace only experienced when circumstances are in our favor. This peace hangs around when things are going our way—or not. Gideon uncovered it in a dream.
We can live with confidence and peace when we remember God is tuned in to our needs. Nothing escapes Him, and He often gives us little clues—as He did Gideon, that He’s aware of our circumstances.
Tune your heart directly to God where you’ll hear loud and clear that He knows your plight and is ready to speak peace and wisdom into your situations.
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People of all ages are familiar with the characters of the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz and can name each gift the four friends desired as they sought the one who dwelled in the Emerald City. But the Wizard couldn’t give the group what they asked for. Why? Because the gifts they wanted already existed inside them.
The Scarecrow wanted a brain, but every time a problem arose, he was the one who figured out the solution.
Tin Man thought he was missing a heart, yet his compassion flowed when someone was hurting. He was the comforter and shed tears which caused the oilcan to come out when he got rusty.
Cowardly Lion shook with fear when confronting the Wizard, but he went into the witch’s castle to rescue Dorothy.
The tokens the wizard presented were merely instruments to remind the group of what they already possessed.
Dorothy had been wearing the ruby slippers while walking the yellow-brick road, but the power of the shoes had to be revealed to her before she could benefit from them. Dorothy’s desire was granted when she tapped her heels together and repeated, “There’s no place like home.”
Galatians 5 lists the fruit of the Spirit and goes on to say our flesh has been crucified. When God’s Spirit came to live inside us, the seed of His fruit was placed in us. When we ask God for more peace, joy, or love, we are asking Him for something He has already given us.
If we need peace: You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you (Isaiah 26:3). When we pray for more joy, the Word tells us: The joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). When we want to love others better: My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth (I John 3:18).
We don’t have to pray for something we already have. We only need to let our fruit grow as we live and walk in the Spirit.
Trust in the gifts He has instilled in your heart. As you tap into the Word, you will discover your gifts.
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Have you ever heard a snowflake fall?
As a young boy growing up on a farm in northwestern Washington state, I remember the harsh winter weather quite vividly. During the spring and summer months, it rained often. In the winter, that same precipitation brought significant snowfall.
I would stand in front of the large front room window watching the beautiful, large, fluffy snowflakes drift through the air. Unlike the “snow storms” in the Southeast, it usually accumulated quickly and deeply. I couldn’t wait to play in it.
The persistent kid in me forced me to stay outdoors until my clothes were soaked and my mittens were frozen gauntlets. My hands would get so cold my mother would run warm water over them to help thaw them. That painful, tingling sensation as the numbness thawed and feeling restored served as an excruciating reminder of all the day’s “fun.”
I remember making my way through the snow and sitting on a tree stump in the pasture. There was no wind, no traffic, no one else around. The deafening quietness roared in my head. I realized then I could actually hear the snow fall. It was a gentle, velvety, muffled pitter-patter as each flake completed its heavenly flight downward, softly kissing the earth.
Contrast that with the noise and busyness of today’s life. We live in a very noisy society with very little quiet time to ourselves. Yet, Scripture encourages us to be still and know God is in control, to walk beside still waters, and to step aside for a while to rest.
To be quiet is to enable hearing God. He doesn’t yell; He whispers. He whispered to Samuel in the middle of the night. He came to Elijah in a still small voice. Often, we find His interactions are in quiet settings with those who are listening and expecting to hear from Him. In that quietness we find strength.
Spend some time alone with God, whether in the quiet morning hours or as you settle in for the evening. No children, no television, no smart phone or Internet. Just you alone with God and His Word in silent expectation to hear His unique whisper meant only for you. You’ll be amazed at what you finally hear. Maybe even snowflakes.
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Zacchaeus desired fulfillment. He had tried and acquired all any man could desire: power, wealth, and position. Yet his soul was still pained. He was in desperate search for satisfaction.
When he heard about Jesus, he thought perhaps his desperate need for inner joy and love might come to an end. The moment Jesus saw Zacchaeus in a sycamore tree, He called him by name. At that instant—even before speaking—Zaccchaeus felt inner joy never experienced before. Immediately he knew his search for love and satisfaction was over.
When it’s your time for God's visitation, no one can stop it. It doesn't matter whether you’ve been the most hated individual or the reject of all rejects. God came to seek and to save that which was lost. Zacchaeus was not an exception; neither are you. You can still experience genuine love and joy the moment you look up to Him. Without speaking, He will fill your longing before you know it.
People tend to see you from your past, but when God appears and changes you, your personal lifestyle and character will speak for themselves. No amount of money, position, or power could have bought the joy Zacchaeus experienced. It was paid up at Calvary so that anyone who believes might not perish but have eternal life.
Find your true joy and satisfaction by responding to the call. God is stretching out His hands and calling us by name. We can come to Him as we are. Despised or not, His love knows no bounds. He will come and dine with us and bring the deliverance we so desire.
Jesus stands at the door knocking. Whoever hears His voice and opens the door, He invites to come and fellowship. Embrace Him today. Like Zacchaeus, God will bless your inner longing and desires by His will.
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They were all doing the same thing, but their perspectives were different.
He lumbered through what appeared to be a construction site. As he came upon one who was busting rocks, he asked, “What are you doing?”
The worker replied, “I’m busting rocks.”
He asked another. “I’m working for my family.”
Then a third, “Sir, what are you doing?”
“I’m building a church,” he replied.
In fact, they were all busting rocks—the results of which would be used to build a magnificent cathedral. But only one grasped that perspective. For the others, it was just work to pass the day or support a family.
On God’s construction site, I should never say, “I’m merely busting rocks,” or “I don’t know why I’m here. God wasted His time creating me.”
Every believer has at least one spiritual gift. Among them are wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, discerning of spirits, and mercy.
How many gifts we have or get may in part be determined by what we do with the one God gives us. God removes what we don’t use but gives more when we’re faithful. Nor does He expect us to use them all the same way. My opportunities are unique. Even when we have the same opportunities, we use them differently because our personalities vary.
The gifts we have aren’t nearly as important as what we do with them. Christians aren’t in competition. We are busting rocks for a greater purpose—to advance God’s Kingdom. If we lose sight of that, we’ll lose our excitement in doing His work. Focusing on the end result—the salvation and growth of souls, helps us maintain our perspective.
Most of us won’t live to see the end result of our work for God. Many of the construction workers died before the cathedral was completed. While wonderful to witness someone being saved or deciding to get serious in their walk with God, we will only see the entire impact of our work when we reach eternity. But we have the confidence that nothing we do in God’s name with the right motive will go unnoticed by Him.
Are you merely “busting rocks?” If so, let God change your perspective.
Prayer: Father, remind us that whatever we do in Your name is important and will not go unnoticed.
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“Good boy! Thatta girl!”
When I see my indoor cats using the scratching posts, I praise them in an effort to encourage the “good” behavior. Because I have not had their nails trimmed, the alternative is scratching on the furniture—which could be much worse—so I have several scratching posts placed around our home to discourage this behavior. When a dog is house-trained, taught to sit or shake hands, the owner is instructed to bestow abundant praise to encourage the repeating of that behavior. Often, this includes giving the dog a treat as reinforcement.
The Christians of Thessalonica faced persecution and discouragement. Paul encouraged the people to build each other up. He realized encouragement keeps us plugging along in our faith in spite of persecution and lack of support.
I love to receive compliments, whether it is for work I have done as part of a paid job or a task for which I have volunteered my time. I find, when complimented, I work harder at that task the next time. I feel it is more worth the time I invest. It gives me a spring in my step, and I think more positively about what I am doing. I look forward to repeating that behavior again, just as a dog or cat.
Many times we find people are what we label as “burned out” when they have possibly just not received adequate recognition for a job done well. It is such a small thing we can do that has the potential to make a huge impact in someone’s life. A positive word spoken to a person has the power to transform them.
We are all capable of recognizing something good in another person. Perhaps it will take practice for you. Genuine, heartfelt compliments are like gold nuggets—small with the potential to be powerful.
Encourage others. It makes such a difference.
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“Why am I not more like her?” You’ve thought it before, haven’t you? She is beautiful and poised and confident. Everybody loves her. If only you could be like that.
Then you step in front of a mirror and you see your mousey brown hair, your freckled face, or the body shape that’s always left you feeling insecure—and your initial thoughts are reinforced. God obviously has big plans for the one who looks so composed, but I was born to hide in the shadows.
You don’t let yourself think about the possibility of big things. Instead, you settle into your wallflower mentality, believing this is what you were made for. You were created to be the one who just hangs with the crowd … never stirring the waters but never making your mark either.
It’s a lie. We often find ourselves so entranced by the world’s deception that we not only believe the lie, but we also think it’s good. We think it’s right.
But what if we choose to think differently and believe the truth even when the voices in our heads try to convince us otherwise? So you may not look like the next top supermodel, and your presence may not command the attention of everyone in the room. But God did not put you on this earth to blend into your surroundings until the day He returns. He has blessed you with talents and purpose. The beauty of what God created you to be will become increasingly evident as you trust Him to use the gifts He’s placed in your very being.
You don’t have to be a wallflower. You can be like a wildflower. Once wildflower seed is tossed on the ground, it grows and spreads, covering vast areas of land with brilliant colors.
So go ahead. Throw your seed on the ground. Ignore the loud, ugly voices and listen to the quiet one beneath all the rest. The one that never changes but often gets drowned out. The one that whispers, “You are loved. You are worth it. I have blessed you with a good and perfect gift. Toss the seed, and I will make it grow.”
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It’s hard to see the forest through the trees. How true is that in our lives? We get so caught up in our personal strife that the trees seem as if they are all there is. Sometimes these trees are a sudden illness or a financial struggle, which appear like huge redwood trees in the middle of the road. But they are still not the forest all around us.
Our Christian faith speaks of the forest around us—a reality far richer, more beautiful, stranger, and more mysterious than we can imagine or give it credit for. Encompassing this greater reality is the love of Jesus, who hung upon a tree to give us God’s love and hope in the midst of our own life trees.
Ephesians chapter one reminds us of this: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.
Reading this is like getting on a helicopter and flying above the landscape for a few hours while catching a glimpse of the greater picture of our lives. From that bird’s eye view, we see it is God’s love in Jesus that is the greater story we live in and the one that gives everything else meaning.
Encouraged by this new perspective, we can go back into the trees, not only seeing them in front of us but now with a greater view on how the love of God in Jesus is guiding us the way we should go.
When you read this passage and others from the Bible, be reminded of the greater reality of God’s love in Jesus ... even in the midst of the trees in your own life.
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If you recall the story of David the shepherd boy when he went up against Goliath the giant, King Saul offered David his armor and sword for the battle. David put on the king's equipment, tried to walk around in it, but then decided it was useless.
It wasn't a good fit. It wasn't his style. He'd never worn such things before, and right before battle was not the best time to break them in. He stuck with his own tools—a sling and five stones. Tools he knew were more than sufficient for the task at hand.
Each of us has been given our own armor—abilities. If we try to put on the armor of someone else, it won't fit. We won't be a bit of good using it. We'll trip over our feet and fail miserably.
But we do that sometimes, don't we? We think someone else has a better sword. We try to wield it, but it's too heavy. We get exhausted in the process and aren't very successful.
Not all of us are singers or poets. Not all of us are orators or evangelists. Not all of us can grow vegetables or paint pictures. Some of us are technology whizzes. Some master craftsmen. Some are the architects; others are the builders. Some create the things others sell. Some like to work in groups. Others prefer solitude.
Not everyone feels comfortable teaching children or feeding the homeless. Taking care of the sick may make us squeamish. Walking behind the locked doors of a jail to witness to inmates is definitely not for everyone ... and that's okay.
What say we be like David and put on the armor God gave us, take up the individual skills and abilities He put inside us, and stop trying to put on what belongs to someone else? How about we just be the us God created us to be?
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When I was in elementary school, I went to my grandparents’ house for the weekend. I made my way to the bedroom and started playing with one of my grandma’s porcelain piggy banks. It was beautiful. Light blue and pink. So delicate. A little too delicate for someone my age because I dropped it and watched as it shattered into hundreds of little pieces.
Frantic, I rushed to my grandpa. He could fix anything, and he tried to clean up my mess. He used superglue and took each little piece and put it back together. Unfortunately, my grandma was more observant than anyone bargained for. She poked at the fixed piggy bank, and that’s when the superglue failed grandpa and me. The beautiful porcelain bank shattered once again.
As humans, our souls are like the most delicate knickknacks on our grandparents’ shelves. One hurtful word can shatter us. When that happens, people say we’re nothing but damaged goods. No one can help us now. That’s when we take the tiny pieces to the person who can fix anything.
We go to God’s throne and give Him this handful of shards. It’s all that’s left of us, and we’re hoping He has enough superglue. He takes the pieces and, one by one, places them exactly where they used to be. He glues them together with His love, grace, and mercy, and then sends us back into the world that broke us.
This world will destroy us a second time and a third, and it’ll keep breaking us. We’ll find ourselves back at God’s throne time after time. That’s the trouble with being human. On this earth, we will always be damaged goods. We will always be broken.
The Psalms remind us the Lord is near to the broken. No matter how many times we come to Him, pieces in hand, His superglue will never fail us. And, one day, we’ll be far away from this fractured world.
In heaven, there isn’t a single crack in your piggybank.
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My mind fought to preserve its state of oblivion. I resisted waking to face the day.
My to-do list included answering an email from a fellow believer. But my trust was broken. I dreaded the battle of choosing the right words, wanting instead to let them spew. I turned over, vowing to let sleep take me.
Somewhere in my morning stupor, a question came to mind. Did Jesus dread getting up in the morning? My eyes opened. I puzzled over an answer, but more questions came.
Did Jesus know in the groggy morning darkness that religious leaders would disrespect Him that day? Demand a sign? Did He know before He opened His eyes a rich young man would turn away? That nine lepers would forget to say “thank you”? That people would follow Him in case He served free lunch again?
As I smelled the coffee brewing, my thoughts turned to prayer. Lord, what made you get out of bed? His answer was “love.” I wished I could delete 1 Corinthians 13 from my mind, but I rose to read it. After morning rituals, including prayer, I sat at my computer and opened my email.
Love perseveres. A tough assignment. Sleep doesn’t necessarily prepare us. Only prayer, surrender to the Word, and the power of the Holy Spirit give us the grace.
Why do we dread getting up some mornings? We tell ourselves we need more sleep. Maybe we need more love. I’m asking Jesus to train me to say love perseveres when I awaken. Join the training.
Take a few minutes to think about the people you will interact with today. Ask the Savior for power to wake up and love them.
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My backyard is a beautiful sight. Mountains encircle the valley and acres display God's awesome creation: wildlife, plant life, raptors gliding and swooping. It's a treat for my eyes and a boost to my spirit as I soak in the beauty. A landscape developed by God, the Master Creator.
Creative people spend lots of time alone, thinking, shaping, and being still. Regular breaks are essential for refreshment. Physical and visual stimulation go a long way to carbonate your senses and get you back to work.
On one of these breaks, my attention was drawn to the deck. There lay the tiniest squirrel I've ever seen. From his furry tail to the top of his head, I could make out his entire form as he lay still, lifeless. I looked at the branch hanging over the deck to see if the momma was looking down, with nuts in her cheeks and sadness in her eyes. There was nothing.
I thought of my boys, love welling in my heart, and wondered why Momma squirrel wasn't around. Perhaps this happened in the night and her vigil was over. As a squirrel, she could get on with the work of her day, but here I was dwelling on the problem.
I attempted to refocus on the bigger landscape, but my gaze kept revisiting the baby squirrel. So, I decided to dispose of him. With shovel in hand, I went to the squirrel and stared in disbelief. I went back to my original post and studied it, then went out again to the squirrel ... back to the post and back to the squirrel.
Too often, we're distracted by the need of the moment. Interruptions can easily rob our time as we begin to problem-solve with limited knowledge. We may not initially see things as God does, leaving our wise assessments to categories like vain imaginations. We try to bring clarity to a circumstance without all the facts, without prayer, without truth. The Bible warns us not to be wise in our own eyes. Our thoughts can earnestly deceive us.
My dead squirrel turned out to be a well-formed leaf. A closer walk revealed the truth. Our relationship with God is much the same. Next time you encounter distractions, instead of building them up in your mind, why not get closer to God and discover the truth.
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Stinky Feet — He Said
I was married in Saint Marks Church at the age of five. The pastor’s son performed the ceremony in the basement of the sanctuary. I didn’t ask the bride’s father for permission, but he didn’t seem upset by the news that his only daughter was getting married. I think he was just happy she was finally potty trained.
Our wedding rings were large and ornate things cut from a brown grocery bag. We were trying to make a social statement and that statement was, “The pre-school class wants more craft projects and fewer Scripture memorization lessons!”
We concluded the ceremony by doing what most couples do on their wedding night. We got naked—at least from the knees down. I helped Peggy out of her shoes and socks and then kicked off my sneakers. Next, we sat on the floor and smelled each other’s feet. We were Methodist. Baptists would never think of doing such a thing. I’m pretty sure they forbid the touching of toes too.
The marriage didn’t last, though. I forget why. It may have had something to do with different nap times. But for a few hours at least, we threw caution, not to mention our shoes, to the wind. That’s how kids are. They do crazy things like believe in Cinderella stories and Piggy Toes, and that new crayons are cool and adults aren’t.
I think that’s one reason Christ said, "Let the little children come to me." He was tired of eating with the adults. He wanted to sit with the girls and boys and throw cake, pop balloons, and laugh until His sides hurt.
It’s a scary thing to think the Kingdom of God belongs to kids, but that’s what He said. Perhaps what He really meant was the Kingdom of God belongs to those who seek adventure, love smelly feet, and long to run through the halls of the King's castle.
What dour duty keeps you from sharing in your Master’s joy? God desires our love, not our duty. Isn't it time you cast off your shoes, ran barefoot through the grass, and played footsie with your Lord?
Safe in His Hands — She Said
We stood staring at the credit union computer. A picture of our son, standing in front of an ATM, filled the bank executive’s monitor.
“Do you know this man?” he asked, tapping the screen.
My husband’s shoulders shook as the color drained from his face. With his knuckles resting on the desk, Tim nodded. Then he stepped back and leaned against the wall. I thought, Thank God. At least the boy had the good sense to steal from his brother’s checking account and not from a stranger.
A prodigal child isn't that unusual. The more I talk to others, the more I find most every family has one. Still, that day it felt like we were the only ones in the world with a child who’d gone awry. This boy, the youngest of four, had drifted down a dangerous path, and it seemed as if there was nothing we could do to stop it.
I’m not sure anyone can imagine the dull ache that lingers when a child rejects what is right and chooses the wrong path. “Tough love, that’s what he needs,” well-meaning friends said. “Press charges. Kick him out. It’s for his own good.”
We didn’t. Two years passed. He never came back. Then last winter, as I stood by my mother-in-law’s casket, I caught a glimpse of a tall, slender man with shoulder-length hair and a beard. Whispers filled the chapel as those in the receiving line asked, “Is that him? The grandson that went missing?” My husband ran to our son and wrapped his arms around him.
Christ said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them.” Prison bars hinder. Addictions hinder. Pride and shame hinder kids from returning home.
Jesus called the children to His side. He healed, taught, and touched them. When His disciples tried to push the children away, Jesus pulled them close.
Our prodigal son wandered off after his grandmother’s funeral for who knows where. But we rest in the assurance he’s safe in the hands of Christ. We have hope in that promise. And we pray and trust that someday God will lead him back to the arms of a loving Savior who is ready to forgive and restore.
If you see our son wandering the streets, do not judge him by the way he looks or for what he’s done. Just send him home, please.
(Photos courtesy of morguefile, KellyP42, and BBoomerindenial.)
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When Janet was ten, a girl in the neighborhood invited her to an informal party her Bible study group was having. Janet didn’t attend a church, but she was excited about going to the party. It would be her first.
The church bus was picking up the kids who would attend, and Janet was told to wait outside her house for the bus. As she stood waiting eagerly, she watched as the bus passed by. Eventually, the bus returned and stopped at her house. The driver stepped from the bus and approached Janet: “You can’t come to the party because you aren’t a Christian and neither are your parents.”
Janet began to cry and headed toward her house. The man stopped her and said, “You can come this one time, but not again.” Janet got on the bus where she sat alone. While the other kids laughed and sang together, Janet sat sobbing all the way to the party and during the time she was there.
It was many years before Janet ventured to a church again. The incident had made her feel unwanted. When she was in her thirties, Janet became a Christian. With her salvation came healing of the sad memories from her childhood. Today, Janet is a vibrant joy-filled woman with many friends. She knows with a certainty she is wanted. God is using her in a variety of ways to share his love with others.
As Christians, we have a responsibility and a privilege to share God’s love. Our Lord reminds us to let our light shine so all can see our good deeds and how we praise God.
Remember to let your lives shine before others. The early contact Janet had with an unloving Christian made her feel unwanted and unworthy until she met Christians who showed her the love of Jesus Christ. Welcome all with open arms, and let the love of Christ do the rest.
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Sitting silently, it waited to be picked up to talk to people who were far away.
Telephones have changed drastically during my lifetime. The first phone I remember was solid black with only a receiver and perched on my grandmother’s buffet in her dining room. To make a call, I picked up the receiver and, if no one was talking, waited for the operator’s assistance. This was called a party line.
The next phone looked similar but had a dial so I could place my call without the operator’s help. Then the push-button phone arrived. The cordless phone followed. Now I wasn’t bound by a cord and could move about while talking. Finally, cellular phones revolutionized communication. I could talk while traveling. Presently, I can carry my phone (computer) with me anywhere I go. Distance is no longer an issue.
While distance was once a problem when placing calls, it never has been for God. A certain Roman officer knew this long before the idea of communicating by phone ever entered an inventor’s mind. His servant was paralyzed and needed healing. He approached Jesus, who offered to come to his house and heal the servant. The officer suggested Jesus do it long distance. Jesus was amazed at his faith.
Sometimes I forget distance isn’t a problem for God. I imagine when praying, my prayers drift up to heaven and then vie for God’s attention—among the millions of others being offered at the exact moment. God has to schedule when He’ll take care of mine. And I wait.
God is Spirit and omnipresent. He’s not bound by the clock or calendar and is everywhere at the same time. He can hear my prayers and millions more at the exact same moment. He isn’t confined by chronos time but operates in kairos time. While He can answer my prayer from a distance, from God’s perspective distance is never what I perceive it to be. He is as close as the breath I breathe to utter my request.
God is never too busy or far away to answer your prayers and supplications. Go to Him often, believing He will answer any prayer made in faith.
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Mark Twain beckons to the Huckleberry Finn in each of us who desire to throw off the shoes and starched collars in our lives. We imagine experiencing a bit of life free from watching eyes and expectations of others. His romantic description of lying on a raft, lazily watching the landscape drift by while the current carries us along, gives rise to a sigh of “if only” within us.
Sometimes we experience battle fatigue. We try to be good Christians, wishing for times to get from under the scrutiny of doubters who want to see us fail. We want to let-our-hair-down for a little while. Trying to be perfect can be exhausting. We want to lie down, relax, and watch the scenery pass. Being spiritually adrift happens easily and unnoticeably. When life directs us into a hidden snag or catapults us into boiling rapids of life, we realize the importance of remaining alert and keeping a firm grip on our rudder.
Notice that the writer didn’t say to give greater attention to the things we have heard to do. Nothing in the verses before or immediately after refer to any effort on our part except remembering and acting on what we have heard. The message he speaks of is the completed redemption given to us through Jesus dying on the cross and rising to sit on his throne beside the Father. In fact, later in the book he challenges us to enter into this rest.
In the midst of hard circumstances, you can find rest in knowing how much the Father loves you. In the turmoil of damaged relationships, remember God’s heart for reconciliation and peace. In those times when things are going smoothly in your life and you feel like you can drift, shake off the haze forming in your mind. Remember with greater clarity what you have heard, expand your image of how great your God is, and grow in your confidence.
No more lazy rafting. Have faith, your Redeemer lives.
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Hindsight is twenty-twenty. Height also has the potential to change perspective.
I sat on the jagged summit of Tray Mountain in northern Georgia, United States. Three-hundred-sixty-degree views are normally enjoyed from this peak … but weren’t on this day. Cool winds of winter had settled in, along with clouds from a stubborn cold front. What should have afforded me panoramic views beyond description now only delivered clouds, wind, and a brief view of what might have been.
Height usually delivers a distinctive angle. It did for Moses. As long as he stood on the mountain with his arms held high, the Israelites won the battle against their enemies. When his arms grew tired and threatened to languish at his side, his brother and a close friend held them up. From his vantage point, Moses witnessed a victory.
Normally, God’s perspective varies from mine. He’s like a Moses on the mountain while I’m more akin to a Joshua fighting in the valley. I suppose as Joshua and the Israelite army fought the long hard battle, they looked up to the mountain and saw Moses’ raised arms and gained hope for victory. When I take on the mind of Christ by purposefully aligning my plans and goals with His, I, too, can count on victory. Mountain perspective takes into account the valleys but isn’t destroyed emotionally by them.
Perspective affects my actions and emotions. The Israelites could have given up or fought unskillfully. Seeing Moses spurred them on. Knowing that God sees the sunshine above the clouds I may be currently viewing, brings happiness, contentment, and a measure of peace. These, in turn, prompt me to keep on keeping on.
Viewing life from God’s perspective rather than my own gives me hope. God’s guidance is trustworthy because His love is unconditional. There will be times when it appears I might be losing. In those periods, I look to the mountain and remember no weapon formed against me shall prosper.
What perspective do you have on life?
Prayer: God of power, we look to You for the correct perspective on our lives.
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A buzzing blur zoomed toward the hummingbird feeder outside our kitchen window. Wings beating about fifty-two times per second, the rubythroat hovered near the food site, snatching only short sips of the sweetened water.
Hover and sip … hover … hover and sip … hover ...
Repeat … repeat … repeat ...
Not once did the little wings stop. Not once did the wee jewel settle on the perch. I grew tired just watching.
“Oh, please find the perch!”
Another rubythroat zoomed in, hovered, and sipped. Once, twice, three times.
Then something wonderful happened. The bird realized it could pause. It could put its full weight on the perch my husband had lovingly added to the feeder. It could rest. I watched the hummingbird fold its wings and take leisurely drinks of life-sustaining sweetness. Sometimes it looked around. Sometimes it chose to simply be. Ah, rest. I could almost hear it sigh with delight.
“Dear child,” the Holy Spirit asked me, “what can you learn from the birds?”
Much. I am too busy. Too hurried. Too much darting. Too worried. Too hasty at the Fountain of Life. Quick sips of Scripture. Small snatches of prayer. I miss the perch … unmindful it’s there. I waste energy striving when I could be resting.
Resting. Drinking long and deep from Living Waters. Resting. Taking in the beauties of His realms both seen and unseen. Resting. Simply being in His life-giving presence. Ah, sweet rest. And then we fly, together.
Are you weary and exhausted? Too scheduled to breathe? Jesus bids you come and drink. Come learn from Him. Come be refreshed. And don’t forget the perch. The Spirit of God will easily bear your full weight. Just rest a while with Him. Then fly.
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I love a story about an underdog becoming the hero. The movie “Stand and Deliver” is one of those. It tells the story of an educator in Los Angeles, California, Jaime Escalante, who accepted the assignment of teaching the losers’ class. He was told to try his best to keep them corralled. The rest of the teachers and school administrators had written off these students as unteachable.
Escalante convinced his class he believed in them more than they believed in themselves. They laughed at what he said they could do, but he proved to them they could. He succeeded in raising the bar of expectations. With their new beliefs about themselves, they finished the year beating final test scores of most of the full student body.
Solomon succinctly stated the ruling principle thousands of years earlier. Google “never told him he couldn’t,” and you will find stories of people who did things by overcoming all odds. The difference between their achievement and our thoughts about it comes to the person’s belief system. They envisioned a goal and believed strongly it was within their reach. They didn’t listen to any words of discouragement and went on to do what was in their heart.
Imagine how different we Christians would be if we truly believed what the Bible says about us. When we have feelings of inadequacies, Romans reminds us we are more than conquerors. If we have disabilities, Psalms boasts we are fearfully and wonderfully made. When we allow feelings of insignificance to affect us, 1 Corinthians reminds us God chose the lesser to raise them up and show the world their importance in Him.
When we put our lives into the hands of Jesus Christ, we become new creatures. If you have not done this before, take the time—as you are reading the Word—to write down anything it says you are now as His disciple. Start to believe you can be all God wants you to be, for what you think in your heart is what you are. Raise the bar and be God’s best.
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Late one evening, I let our two dogs out one last time before locking the doors. Unbeknown to me, a skunk had found its way into our backyard. Chaos erupted within seconds. My husband was yelling, the back door was wide open, and our dogs were barking. As I rushed to see what was going on, one dog ran inside. My husband hustled inside and slammed the door. While our second brave little dog defended his territory, the skunk trotted—seemingly unconcerned—toward our back porch. I hurried to ring the front doorbell, hoping the dog would hear and come to investigate. Eventually, our pint-sized keeper of the castle entered the house with a guilty expression, hoping he wasn't in trouble.
Gradually, I noticed a pervasive stink inside the house. We realized the dog who came inside first had been sprayed, but not before she laid on the bedroom carpet, a small rug, her dog bed, and the couch. Who could blame her? She only wanted to escape the smell.
We bathed both dogs, and I washed a load of towels and a dog bed. As I lay down to sleep, my eyes stung because of skunk odor. The next day, we opened windows and turned on fans, trying to get rid of the smell. I attended a meeting, hoping I didn't smell like Pepe Le Pew.
As I considered how the events unfolded, what revealed itself is a common strategy of our adversary, the devil. Between the sound and fury of a skunk in close proximity and a dog on high alert, the real problem slipped in unnoticed. That’s what happens in our daily lives. We grow focused on what seems to be the issue in our lives, but the bigger, more devastating issue slips in when our attention is elsewhere.
Peter warns us to be on the watch. Be alert because Satan seeks after us like prey. Are you alert to distractions from the enemy? The world provides an ever-changing kaleidoscope of misdirection.
Focus on Jesus. Keep your eyes on Him and you will stay on course in this life.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and ks42day.)
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The host fumbled with the paper. Shesh. I’m dying here. Just make the announcement.
She straightened the papers and glanced at the award plaques on the table. It was only seconds, but it felt like hours. I’d waited a month to find out if I’d won.
Actually, I’d waited longer than that. There was the seven months it took to craft the novel. Three years to shop and sell it. Another year after the contract was signed for the publication and now, a month since the announcement of being a finalist. Without a doubt – a lot of waiting.
From the day I began the novel, I prayed two things. Help me keep my eyes focused on you. Let this work be to your glory not mine.
Of course, I’d thought about what I prayed. . .but not deeply enough. I had made a concerted effort to give God the glory for the success of this novel, and when it finaled for a major award, I tried my best to keep those thoughts in mind. Well, I managed on the outside to keep those thoughts in the forefront. Internally, next to my heart, I longed to win just once.
So when the host tinkered with her papers holding the winners name, I just wanted her to get on with it. The wait was killing me.
“Lord, let this be a glory to you.” That was my prayer sitting at the table, wringing my hands. Waiting.
The host moved closer to the microphone and announced the winner. Uh…not me. Instantly, my heart sank. A forced smile surfaced as I clapped for the winner.
David prayed a number of times to be strong and wait. Wait. His words of encouragement attest to the fact that he himself had to learn to be strong and wait in whatever task he worked or desired. God trained him in the fields not in the throne room, and there was an art to being strong while he waited. Patience, anticipation, hope and success – all in God’s timing.
I was ashamed of myself. Disappointed, but ashamed. I’d prayed fervently from the inception of the novel that God would use it to His glory, not mine. A final gave God the glory – a win would have given me the glory. God knew where my heart was at the moment, and though I’m sure He understood my disappointment, He taught me a valuable lesson. Learning to wait on His timing is better.
When the desires of your heart grow strong. . .learn to wait on God. His wisdom and power are well worth the wait.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and Darnok.)
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I lifted the vase of beautiful flowers—red roses, yellow iris, purple larkspur, various fillers—and reflected on the fragrant blessings from God. Earlier years left little time for my favorite hobby, but with a home office, I sandwiched work with breaks of meandering through my gardens.
I enjoyed giving away plants and cut flowers. My husband—and delivery service—shared my passion. He took bouquets to nearby neighbors or delivered to distant friends. When our neighbor’s husband died, I asked how I could help. She said, “Would you make a bouquet? Bob would not want us to buy a lot of flowers, but he would be pleased with yours.” My roses were the single arrangement at his memorial.
Our church’s floral committee occasionally requested flowers to fashion into exquisite arrangements. A nearby small congregation we frequently visited used artificial arrangements on their altar. They had no budget for flowers. A long-time member and friend asked me to prepare centerpieces for their church’s Thanksgiving banquet. I agreed, and the member’s unexpected praise showed their appreciation for fresh flowers and my efforts.
Soon, bouquets of roses mixed with my unusual bird-of-paradise graced their sanctuary. Often the pastor of twenty-five-plus years, as well as numerous people in the congregation, personally thanked me for the arrangements. I received calls, notes, and comments from people I hardly knew expressing their enjoyment of my flowers.
The pastor’s wife, with the daunting task of decorating the altar each week, loved to tour my gardens. When we went out of town, I left the garage door opener accessible for her to retrieve flowers from my garage refrigerator and invited her to roam the gardens for more. What had started as a hobby had become a ministry.
While I had served in various church positions, a flower ministry never entered my mind. The Apostle Paul pointed out that there are different ministries, but we all serve the same Lord. We serve with what we are given to His glory, and He blesses others through us.
God gives each of us different talents and abilities. What a joy to serve through the fragrance of a flower ministry. Share your simple gifts. They don’t have to be elaborate, just given with love.
What unusual ways will you find to serve?
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and GedC.)
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A man was having serious problems. His wife had left him, leaving their three children in his care. He was in the army and his responsibilities were many. Not only was he doing his work, but he was also the sole caregiver to his children.
He talked with his chaplain, who tried to encourage the man to allow God to work in his problems. “I can’t do all that is needed. I give up.”
So the chaplain decided to try a show-and-tell lesson. “Here, hold my briefcase. It’s heavy and the load is too much on my arm,” the chaplain said.
The man looked at him rather strangely, but he reached out to take the case. When he did so, the chaplain pulled it back. “Please,” the chaplain again asked, “Take this heavy briefcase. It’s such a heavy burden.” Again the man reached for the briefcase only to have the chaplain pull it back.
“I can’t help you carry the briefcase if you won’t give it to me,” said the man.
Then the chaplain made his point: God wouldn’t take the soldier’s burdens if he wouldn’t hand them over.
Are we ever guilty of doing the same thing? When our burdens are heavy, do we ask God to help us with them but then pull them back and take them up once again?
Scripture tells us to cast our care on the Lord and He will hold us up – sustain us. He promised never to let us fall. We aren’t promised that God will take our problems away, but we are promised He will uphold us and keep our problems from defeating us. We simply have to be willing to let go before God can relieve our burden.
Trust God to be your refuge. Give your burdens to Him.
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When our son was not quite old enough to walk, he loved for us to rock him as he sat in our laps. Sometimes, if we just sat still, he would begin to rock himself back and forth until we caught on. Once we began he would discontinue rocking himself. He then knew all he had to do was lean back and rest in our arms to enjoy the comfort his parents provided.
Our heavenly Father not only comforts us, He also spurs us into action to accomplish a work for His purpose. Through His Holy Spirit, He gives us what we need to go in the direction we should go. What God gives us through the Holy Spirit is already perfected.
A young lady was moved to write a detailed account of her personal testimony. Although it seemed she was putting her life out there for all to see, she obeyed. Many lives were touched by some aspect of her testimony. Months later, she received thank-you notes and phone calls. Many approached her tearfully, needing prayer or a hug.
In those times when God is spurring us into action we, like the baby, must learn to lean on God and allow the Holy Spirit to carry us through.
Follow the movement and direction of God, being careful not to redirect, add to, or subtract from what God is doing in your life.
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Funerals are never easy, but that’s especially true when it’s a young person who has passed away. While my son was in Iraq, a buddy of his was killed in a car accident. I knew Jimmy would have wanted to attend, so I decided to go in his stead.
I had no idea what I was letting myself in for. The moment I caught sight of that grieving mother, her pain became mine. The imagined scenarios engulfed my mind. What if I had to plan my son’s funeral? Suddenly, the danger of where he was and what could happen engulfed me.
As I spiraled deeper into that place of what if, the service continued. I refused to let myself leave until the service was over, but every second I stayed I fought to keep the panic at bay. As soon as I could slip away, I fled to the safety of my home and locked myself in my bedroom and cried.
As I sobbed, I poured out my heart to God, begging him to keep my son safe. I knew God loved him even more than I did—at least my head knew that—but my heart was unconvinced. Lying there, I quoted this verse in Mark over and over, trying to regain a measure of peace: Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief! Finally, when I couldn’t cry anymore, the truth of this verse began to steal over me.
I was divided, overwhelmed with doubt and fear. I tackled my doubt first. Could God keep my son safe? In my mind, I took an inventory of everything I knew about God. Peace began to settle over me as certainty took hold. God could keep Jimmy safe. Now the deeper question. Would God keep him safe?
That one I couldn’t answer. There were no concrete assurances. Just like the boy’s father in the Bible, I had to accept it on faith and believe that no matter what happened during deployment, God could be trusted. That was the day I accepted God loves each of us more than any human can. He can be trusted with the lives of those who mean the most to each of us.
This Memorial Day, honor those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice for our country by remembering to pray for the families they’ve left behind.
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My son David was under five when we attended my nephew’s reception. When the music started, he busted a move and kept up his jubilant dancing. His joyful abandon was contagious. The adults loved seeing his enthusiasm. Those shy about dancing got inspired to join in. A few years later, another nephew married. This time David refused to dance at the reception. He embraced shame and fear rather than joy.
My son’s joy was robbed. He changed his focus from his love of dancing to how others might perceive his skill. Before he realized there were specific steps required, he’d let the music lead his actions. He inspired others.
King David danced with all his might when the Ark of the Covenant was being carried back into Jerusalem. His expression of love for God flowed from his dance. King David was unashamed and not bothered by what others thought. God was the center focus, and he enjoyed being in His presence.
I wonder how often we enjoy our God while not caring what the world thinks. We bust a move of praise when we are in his presence. We raise our hands in worship. Prayer flows freely from our lips—honest and personal. Our joy in his presence is visible to others. We are focused on letting his love embrace us.
Then we morph. We let anxiety over what others may think of our response to the Father’s love overtake us. After all, there are rules for proper prayer, proper worship, and proper sharing of one’s faith. We listen to others’ testimonies and feel inadequate for the task. They might laugh or give us strange looks, especially if our expressions result in awkward moves, rambling words, and flat notes.
Like King David, dance before the Lord with abandon. It doesn’t matter if our Christian dance isn’t exactly textbook. Determine in your heart that the joy of the Lord’s presence deserves your boldest efforts. Let’s speak his name freely. Let your heart, like King David’s, be full of gratitude to the One who has done so much for you.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and kakisky.)
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“Do not settle. Not for anything. Not for your semi-best, not for the guy you like right now but isn't … for you. Not for anything. God has a great plan for your future, so don't settle for your own mediocre plans.”
Those words, posted by my friend Brandi on a social networking site, speak volumes about her sense of worth and commitment to the One who created her. She recognizes God made her for a purpose, and that purpose surpasses anything she or anyone else might envision. Only when she allows God to work through her can she be her best self.
Brandi values relationships with family and friends but recognizes her relationship with God exceeds all those. She knows when she loves God completely, she can love others better. Brandi doesn’t stop at seeking God’s will for her own life. She shares her faith with others — not with a heavy hand, but gently and persistently. She wants everyone, whether family, friends, acquaintances, or perfect strangers, to know the peace and joy she experiences daily. Above all, she wants them to become a part of God’s family and share an eternal home in heaven with her.
God’s best or less than the best? That’s a no-brainer for my friend. God’s plans for us are amazing, and His promise to prosper us comes in so many unique ways. He offers us hope and a future far beyond what we can imagine.
Recognize and accept God’s purpose for your life. Don’t settle for less than the best. If you know God personally, share His love, hope, peace, and joy with the people you encounter. Invite them to join you as a part of God’s eternal, never-failing family. Help others seek the best.
(Photo courtesy of microsoft office.)
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Getting a baby to try new food is sometimes difficult and even hazardous. The mama doing the feeding may come away with more food on herself than the child has in his tummy. To watch the strange antics of parents as they mimic dive-bomber noises while trying to get their child to eat veggies is entertaining to say the least. Their baby may not accept the food they offer the first time, but after repeated exposure―lots of repeated exposure―they usually give in.
Do you readily accept what you are given to eat, or are you a picky eater? In order to acquire an appetite for something, we first have to ingest it, and ingest it repeatedly. An appetite is a God-given gift and a powerful force. A hearty appetite is vital for good health, but sometimes our appetites lead us toward things that are harmful. As believers, we need to develop an appetite for foods that are beneficial―foods that will sustain us.
The world spreads a tempting smorgasbord before us. At every turn, we are enticed to partake of things high in calories but low in content. Why is it so hard for us to push away from a table laden with scrumptious food and yet so difficult for us to scoot up to a table that offers the Bread of Life? Like babies, we often have to be trained to like what is good for us. We forget food is not given to entertain; its purpose is to sustain. Without it, we would die.
God’s Word is Life. It gives vitality to our spiritual bodies as physical food gives energy to our mortal bodies. We are invited to pull our chairs up to the Lord’s table―to taste and see that the Lord is good. Give God your appetite. The table He spreads before you is healthy and laden with the richest of fare―food high in content but low in calories. Now that’s a meal we should super-size! Overeating at the Lord’s table is impossible.
Set a good example. Eat plenty of life-giving food. Wolf it down with enjoyment. Eat it in front of others. Make dive-bomber noises if you must. They may just copy you.
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“Running is addictive.” Several friends have uttered those words to me. I always smile and nod in agreement although I totally don’t get it. I love to run. I adore the cute shoes and sporty running outfits. I want to feel carefree trotting down the road with the wind blowing my hair. The 5K and marathon-themed races look so fun and exciting. Most of all, I crave the strength and endurance that encompasses running.
I tried sprinting with friends in the past; have even taken running classes. Now, my daughter has volunteered to be my running partner. We jog together on our road, and she is pushing me to increase my endurance and test my limits. My heart races and my breathing labors. I sweat profusely, and my leg muscles ache. Running is hard work; it does not come naturally to me at all. But I keep trying because I know eventually I will get the desired results.
My running career reminds me of a verse from Hebrews, Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. God tells us the race of life will not be easy. It involves strenuous work. There will be obstacles or sin that cause us to stumble along the way. But He also gives us encouragement to keep going with perseverance.
Keep focused on the task of doing God’s will as it is laid out before you. Be inspired to do your very best today in the race you are participating in. Maybe God is calling you to turn over sin in your life to Him. Let Him carry the burden so that excess weight doesn’t prohibit your performance.
For now, I’m running the race on my street and the race of life God has set before me. Both are difficult at times, but both are also greatly rewarding. I am still waiting for running to become an addiction.Who knows? Anything is possible with God.
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“Whew!” My husband and I sighed in relief as we took our seats on the boat to transport us from Universal Studios-Orlando to our hotel. It had been a hectic day, battling crowds and long lines, and we were ready to get back to the tranquility of our hotel room.
After seeing the long line for the boat, we suspected we would have to wait without our coats for the next one in the chilly November weather. So we were pleasantly surprised to make it onboard. Yet I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the people who were cut off at the gate.
Once everyone was seated, I noticed a significant number of empty seats, and I was happy to hear a few fellow-sympathizers yell out to the captain, “Hey, wait … there’s more room! We can fit more people on.” However, the maximum capacity had evidently been reached because no one else was allowed to board.
What a shame. I thought. So many more could’ve made it. Being a Christian, I couldn’t help but notice the biblical parallel. The Bible tells us the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. In other words, there aren’t enough “fishers of men” to bring in the abundance of people who could come to know Jesus Christ.
Heaven has no maximum capacity. God desires for all people to be saved. You have been given the precious gift of salvation. Do not be content or complacent with so many empty seats on the Heaven-bound boat. Instead, strive to fulfill our Master’s Great Commission to spread the gospel to as many as possible.
Pray the body of Christ will rise to the occasion and be the workers needed in His harvest field, bringing in an abundant harvest of Christ-followers.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and hotblack.)
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If we would conduct surprise inspections—on our own barracks—we could measure ourselves against the standard of Scripture instead of gauging by comparison.
It wasn’t a military barrack inspected by a drill sergeant, but winning the cabin inspection at camp was an honor.
I like things neat. According to my standard. I am not at peace when beds are unmade, clothes and shoes are scattered, and the kitchen is messy. I have snubbed my nose at a few unkempt houses. Even my own.
Since I never want anyone to see my mess, hiring a maid service is not an option. God help me if they noticed rotten food in the refrigerator or the sticky residue from a sugary drink spill. The prideful shame of a dirty, rotten mess. Never letting go of appearances for appearance sake. A maid service improves appearances with the measuring system of passing the white-glove inspection. The finger swipe across clean surfaces will not leave a dirty smudge behind.
Sometimes we toss misplaced items in a drawer, closet, or spare room. Appearances, at first glance, may not be what they seem. Like our hearts and minds. Messy drawers of unlovely thoughts. The dirty laundry pile of gossip. Shelves holding dust collecting accolades of earth, leaving no room for the heavenly ones. Cobwebs of dirt and grit—spun by self-deception—in the closets of our hearts.
In Christ, we have a spiritual housekeeper. The Holy Spirit cleanses us according to God’s standard where we fare better in the Spirit’s white-glove test. Smudges of dirt become less noticeable when the cleansing power of God’s Word is changing us into holy men and women of God. A God-help-me process.
During a nose-snubbing season of my life, I applied for membership to an upscale, private community, The Holier-Than-Thou Country Club. They only accept un-messy members. I was blackballed by secret ballot. Another nose-snubber perhaps? I belong to a more open membership club, The Messy Life Club. Members are encouraged to use our noses for our own prideful shame of a dirty rotten mess.
Don’t look at your neighbor’s mess. We have a housekeeper. The Holy Spirit will cleanse us for holiness. Give him the inspection go-ahead.
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Worshipping God is an uplifting experience – but it does not necessarily mean everything in life is perfect. Sometimes it’s simply a willful act of praising God in spite of my present circumstances.
The early Sunday morning sunlight cast a heavenly glow through the windows of my church sanctuary. Our voices blended in the sweetest harmony as we praised Almighty God with the chorus, “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens…” Peaceful smiles gradually erased the cares reflected on faces; hands that hung aimlessly, slowly raised heavenward. We all enjoyed the celestial moment as our hearts joined in divine worship.
I fondly recalled that worship experience during this morning’s devotional reading in Psalm 57. Verse five brought back the pleasant memories and a quiet sense of peace swept over me. Then I noticed verses six and seven.
“I am in the midst of lions; I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. They spread a net for my feet—I was bowed down in distress.” How about these frightening bookends for your praise?
David wrote this Psalm while running for his life from King Saul. The harsh wilderness was his home. He was a wanted man hiding in a deep, dark, damp cave. Traitorous, unstable, lying men threatened his life. The answers to his prayers did not come. Yet in the midst of it all, David paused to give his praise to God. I cannot help but believe it strengthened him for the struggles that lay ahead.
Life can be overwhelming. Fear grips our souls. Sadness and disappointment etch their marks on our hearts. Confusion and doubt ravage our minds while weariness and illness drain our bodies. But when we stop the chaotic circus long enough to lift our heartfelt praise to God, we express our gratefulness and reliance on Him while also allowing a little bit of heaven to shine into our lives.
If you are struggling today in a sea of overwhelming circumstances and your prayers for relief seem to bounce unanswered off heaven’s door, pause for a moment of praise. The words or songs of praise may initially get caught in your throat, but force them out. Recall God’s blessings in your life and all of the promises in His Word.
Sing with me, “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens…”
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Today I am saddened because a brother has fallen from grace. I am grieved because He once walked in the majesty and splendor of the triumphant Christ.
I am equally sorrowed and puzzled because he knew God’s Word—understood sin. Yet he has not awakened to the harsh reality of his departure from the truth, for He flaunts his sin with seeming ease and joy. He greets as usual, those with whom he has always associated. He smiles, hugs, and shakes hands while wearing clothing glittered with Christian symbols. And in this brazen behavior, he puts to shame the cross of Christ. And for me—that is the greatest pain of all.
I wonder … is this a picture of the bride of Christ—spotless and untainted? Is this man’s sin a representation of too many who call Jesus Christ Lord of all? Have we lost our zeal for the Almighty who instructs us to “Come out from among them and be separate?”
“Holy Spirit, have I done the same? Have I caused you pain by my careless ways, hastily spoken words, or by a sloppy approach to God’s throne? Have I lost reverence by texting during worship or by gossiping and complaining about those who work so tirelessly to bring Christ to all the nations? And does the enemy stand by laughing, ‘Haha, so much for making the name of Jesus famous. And where’s the glorious church without spot or wrinkle? Why God’s people look just like mine!’”
My tears run freely as I write these things. Such mocking of my Savior, who ransomed me, brings deep distress.
Do you hear His plea today—His grief? We are His people set apart above all people to be a display of His splendor. Stand up for Jesus. Lift high His royal banner—His blood-stained cross. It must not suffer loss.
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Poco a poco. That’s Spanish for, “little by little.” And that’s the phrase my Spanish-speaking friends often use when cheering me on in my endeavor to learn Spanish.
As I write this, I am in Puerto Rico on a mission trip, and I’m rather frustrated as I stutter and fumble for the words to communicate with my new Spanish-speaking friends. After studying Spanish in high school and college, participating in an emersion program in Panama, and diligently listening to tutorial CDs, I thought I would be fluent by now. But I’m not.
I have come a long way, but I still have a long way to go. It’s going to take much more time, practice, and patience. But being patient is hard. I’m tempted to just throw in the towel and give up on becoming fluent rather than putting forth the time and effort it will take to reach my goal.
Our have-it-your-way-now society is opposed to the little by little philosophy. Even though we know the tortoise was victorious over the hare—by going slow and steady—we seem to think we should be able to bypass the baby steps and skip straight to the finish line.
Many people think along these same lines about their Christian walk, assuming once saved we should have it all together. We are hard on ourselves when we stumble or become sidetracked. Instead of our progress, we focus on the distance left, halting our progress even further.
I pray in the midst of our failures, we are reminded God does not expect us to be perfect. He sent His Son to redeem us. God wants us to repent of our shortcomings, learn and grow from our mistakes, and then move forward. We must not give up on what He has called us to do.
When you falter, get up and try again and again. Fix your eyes on Christ and you will persevere. Run your race with patience and endurance … poco a poco.
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I leapt from my bed at the deafening alarm and strobe light flashing in my room. My first night of rest on a self-imposed writing retreat for hubby and me found us throwing on our clothes and scurrying down the hall. We raced to sit in our snow-covered car to wait out the all-clear. Strange how only one other person joined us outside.
A sign on all the exit doors issued an apology. Extended-stay hotels have kitchens. Cooking often sets the fire alarm off in the entire hotel. The next night the alarm went off again. After looking out the window and down the hall to see no one fleeing the building, we opted to stay in as well. Our ears rang, but we were warm and comfortable in our room. On the third night, we covered our ears with our pillows and stayed put.
This daily scenario caused me to stop a moment and consider. The first evening we did exactly what we knew to do. After that, we’d been influenced by all the other guests and staff. The consequences of our actions nil. After all, there was no fire.
Daily choices of righteousness are our fire-drill time for the big emergency. When evil begins to encroach around our lives, we either put into action what we have practiced daily on a smaller scale, or we react based on little compromises. We ignore the warning signs because no one else appears to be affected by them. We allow ourselves to get comfortable in disobedience.
Do I treat God the same way? My circumstance influencing my action, disregarding biblical cautions and those gentle nudges He whispers to me in prayer? What am I doing with the warnings God whispers in my ear? Am I filtering them through circumstances, or acting as He commands?
God may not send us a command with an annoying siren or flashing lights, but He will speak specifically to our hearts. The Bible contains no false alarms. Practice confidently its warnings. God knows the dangers ahead and He will protect you.
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Many of us enjoy pleasing people. We please them through various acts of kindness, giving words of encouragement, or taking the time to listen to them. Our concern for them draws them closer to us and allows us to help them through the hard times.
We also please others when we believe in them and are active in helping them reach their goals. Some of us have a servant’s heart and a giving spirit while others have the ability to encourage or believe. It takes little effort on our part to please and uplift others. It comes naturally. Our motives are pure. There are no hidden agendas. We gain personal satisfaction knowing we have done or said something that pleased someone else.
I enjoy pleasing others in my family, on my job, and in my church. I don’t mind going the extra mile for someone and sacrificially giving of myself. Those who know me will attest to this. However, regardless of how much you or I enjoy pleasing others, our concern should be more about pleasing God the Father.
God states the way to please Him is by faith. There is no other way. The entire Christian belief is predicated on faith. Our walk with Him is based on faith—faith in God and Jesus’ sacrificial death and finished work of the cross. We must have faith in God’s Word. It is 100 percent truth, written by men who were inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Our faith means believing God is Who He says He is and can do what He says He’ll do. It takes faith to stand and rely on His countless promises written in His Word.
If we wholeheartedly believe this and act accordingly, God will smile upon us.
Now my child, you are pleasing me—for without faith it’s impossible to do so. Have faith.
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As I handed a box full of chocolates to my bright-eyed, red-headed daughter she asked, “What kind’s in here?”
“The inside cover tells you.”
She sighed and smiled, knowing she had complete control of what was inside the dark sweets with no shocking bites of “yuck.”
Life would be sweet if we were able to handpick the chocolates for our box of life. It might be a big cashew of cash, creamed-filled, healthy relationships, chocolate-covered health, a truffle of job security, and a chocolate star of lavished love. We would toss out the sorrow-filled stars and painful cream patties. Who in their right mind would pick those? Yet, we know that is not how life works. The Psalms tell us God knew each of our days long before we were formed. He set a plan in motion. Yet, do we trust Him with the chocolate pieces we detest?
Rick Warren states in The Purpose Driven Life, “We don’t know all the tests God will give you, but we can predict some of them, based on the Bible. You will be tested by major changes, delayed promises, impossible problems, unanswered prayers, undeserved criticism, and even senseless tragedies.”
I have had multiple painful cream patties and sorrow-filled stars. Years of unanswered prayers, years of infertility, a painful marriage that ended shattered, and two unexpected family deaths, to name just a few. I would have preferred none of these patties or stars, but my Creator allowed it. I chose to cling to Truth as each chocolate piece landed in my box of life. Each has brought much growth. They soften, teach, tenderize, mold, shape and prune if I allow them. Plus, they fill my box of life with several pieces of chocolate-filled compassion.
Trust Him with the chocolates that are in your box of life.
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I’m glad there aren’t more hours in a day.
We all get 1,440 minutes daily, or sixty minutes an hour every twenty-four hours, and I don’t want any more than that. At the end of each day, there’s always more to be done, so having more time would probably mean I’d work longer. Not something I want. Some minutes are preplanned, like time to sleep, work, and eat meals. But how we spend the rest of the time is up to us. We decide what to do, when, and where. Does that mean we’re in charge? Not in the least.
Nearing his death, King David wrote a psalm thanking God for being in charge and planning every day of his life. Even when David did something wrong, God was still there with a plan that was best for him and his family.
We can make all the plans in the world—for this day, this year, or this life—but God leads us one step at a time. And with each step, we may find ourselves further and further from what we thought were our goals. My life plans were skewed when an engagement ended abruptly. Another change came when my parents couldn’t afford to pay for college and my money ran out. Then my first marriage fell apart. Add to that, children with legal troubles, major car accidents, my second husband’s cancer diagnosis and death, and I ended up far from my “happily ever after.”
But it’s not all bad. God knew what I would face and graciously didn’t tell me ahead of time. He prepared me for what would come but didn’t warn me so I couldn’t try to interfere. He had it all planned, including the unavoidable potholes and speed bumps on the road of life.
Except for the pain, loneliness, and bad decisions I’ve made, I wouldn’t change much about my life. God knew what was best each day, even though I tried to tell him otherwise—often. He knew where I would be today and what life lessons I needed to learn to get here. He also knew whose lives I could touch and how I’d grow.
God’s plan on His schedule is best for us. We just need to let Him be in charge. Take your time, but not too long. You only have 1,440 minutes today.
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Years ago, when life just seemed overwhelming and would probably not turn out like I thought, waves of depression would wash over me. Then I heard, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” I knew I felt no joy, and that explained why I felt so weak. Hopeless to do anything about my life, I knew things had to change, but how to go about it was something I did not know how to accomplish. I just knew one thing: “The joy of the Lord was my strength.”
So I went about trying to figure out how to find joy. Since I knew I was saved and forgiven of all my sins, why didn’t I feel joy? Didn’t it come with salvation? In my search to discover the answer, I realized how little I really knew God. I was reading His Word and going to church. I participated in Bible studies and conferences, taking notes and listening, but somehow for all my efforts, I wasn’t seeing a lot of change in how I felt.
Many times we can walk through the motions of what we know to be Christian without really knowing the Lord. I was saved and submissive, but didn’t have a relationship. No wonder there was no joy. For all I knew about Him, I really didn’t know Him intimately. You can know a lot about celebrities and not have a relationship with them. And that was exactly what I had going on with my Heavenly Father.
I thought having the joy of the Lord as my strength meant I needed His joy to be strong. Now I know that it’s the joy I receive from knowing Him that gives me strength. He knows how much we need a relationship with Him, and He patiently waits as we grow and understand Who He is and who we are in Him. When I reflect on what I know about Him, I immediately feel joy begin to rise in my spirit, giving me strength to overcome anything that wants to rob me of my joy.
Are you lacking joy in your life? Seek Him and you will find your joy and strength.
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My three-year-old grandson hopped down from the table and walked gingerly to me. “Mimi,” he said, “my legs are tumbling.” It took me a minute to understand that he was trying to tell me his legs had fallen asleep.
“Oh, your legs are tingly because you were kneeling at the table,” I said.
“Oh yeah, right, they are tingly. Ouch, they hurt me.” He sat next to me, rubbing his toes.
I stretched his legs straight and gave them a rub. “The tingly feeling will go in a few minutes.” I kissed his knees and went back to the care of his sister. Soon, I heard his small voice,
“Jesus, please heal my legs. Jesus, You are my Lord. Jesus, make them stop being tingly. Amen.” He went on to talk to Jesus about his tingly legs until there was no more tingle. My grandson prayed because he was taught how. It brought joy to my heart to hear his faith spoken. It also allowed me to witness the fruit of a faith-filled family who seeks to pass their faith down to the next generation, as God has instructed in His Word.
The Israelites saw God move in tremendously powerful ways as He led them out of Egypt and through the wilderness. God had instructed them to pass the memories down. Unfortunately, that didn’t always happen and when the people of that day died, their children didn’t know the Lord or all He’d done for Israel. God was unknown to one generation because the older generation failed to share their stories of what He had done for them. Just imagine … no one was left who could share the stories of how God rescues, heals, and saves. No one spoke life into this generation, and because of it this generation sinned against God by worshipping other gods and turning away from the Lord.
How can we protect the future generations from forsaking the Lord and following after other gods? Repeat the love of God to the children. Teach them. Keep the stories of faith alive for the next generation to tell.
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If you’re a coffee drinker, you know there’s nothing better than that first sip in the morning. Maybe for you, it’s that first blast of a hot shower. Both are refreshing, eye-opening, and set the tone for the day.
There’s just something special about firsts: First kiss. First grandchild. First A on a test. First blossoms in spring. First rays of sunshine after a long, dark, and difficult night. Your first paycheck. The first plunge into the pool on a hot summer day. Being the first one picked for the team. Your first glimpse of the ocean. The first time you hear, “I love you.”
Maybe that’s why God makes such a big deal of firsts. He told the church at Ephesus He was holding something against them—the fact that they had left their first love. He said the first and greatest commandment is for us to love Him with everything we have and then carry that same love over to others. He even says the first portion of our income belongs to Him.
Why does He insist on being first? Is it because He’s self-centered and insecure? Certainly not. With God, there is a reason, a purpose, and an order to everything He does. Within the framework and parameters of His Kingdom, when we have our priorities in order (God, spouse, family, work, church, everything else), we give Him something to work with and His hand of protection and blessing will be upon our lives.
God is asking you today to stop and think about the first time you said “yes” to Him and invited Him into your heart. He wants you to remember when you first fell in love with Him, and the wonder and joy you experienced.
If you’ve never had that first experience with God—never known His love, peace, strength, forgiveness, and gift of eternal life—you can have it today. Just ask. If you do know Him, fall in love with Him again. Put first things first. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. How will you spend it?
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I got out of my car after dropping the kids off at school and headed to my favorite coffee shop. The place was packed. I was surrounded by people hanging out in twos. There were plenty of moms gabbing over coffee about their kids and more women and men laughing over who-knows-what. I got my coffee, stirred in the cream, and stuffed away feelings of isolation. I moved on to my next chore: grocery shopping.
That started out well. Until I saw two ladies shopping together with two baskets, a couple checking out with their groceries, and even some kids playing together in the toy aisle. Of course, there were other single people there. But today I couldn’t see that. Honestly, I’m not alone very much. I have kids and a husband and many friends. I know I don’t need to be with someone all the time, and yet that day felt lonely. It was all I noticed. I wanted company. I needed comfort in companionship.
I loaded my trunk, slid into the front seat, and put my keys into the ignition … but didn’t start the car. I knew I wasn’t really alone. God is always with me wherever I go. Problem that day was, I felt my relationship wasn’t a two-way conversation like “real” people had. “Lord,” I whispered, “I’m feeling alone, but I know you’re here too. Help me.”
Reading the gospels reminds me that Jesus was alone. In deeds, thinking, attitude, and philosophy, He was alone incessantly and, yet, was never alone. Truth was, He sought alone time, even yearned for solace. He didn’t run from it but went to it, searching for the truth in the quiet, which ultimately was God Himself.
Now, when I’m lonely, instead of feeling sorry for myself, I try to do what Jesus did: seek God. It’s the best use of my time. It keeps me focused on what really matters, and if I listen long enough, I will hear Him speak.
That day, I started my car with a song in my heart, knowing Jesus and I had a lot in common: we were not alone.
When you feel alone, seek after Jesus.
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Sorting through my father’s belonging following his death, I discovered a box of notes, newspaper clippings, and audio-recorded interviews. The items were part of his research for a book he had written fifteen years prior … a story about a popular and colorful hometown hero.
Dad’s multiple attempts to publish the biography were all met with rejection letters. Despite a successful career as a small West-Texas newspaper sports writer and editor, he carried the disappointment of his unpublished book to his death. Returning those items to the box that day, I decided with a few revisions I might be able to fulfill my father’s dream of getting the book published.
Since that chilly winter day, a decade passed and the only time I touched the box and unpublished manuscript was when packing during three subsequent moves. Each encounter resulted in feelings of guilt and sadness for not fulfilling my father’s dream. While having a litany of excuses extending from work and family demands, community responsibilities, to returning to school for another degree, I realized it was time to let this go. I am certain this unfinished task would have made no difference for my father’s love toward me.
Still, lugging that box and guilt around for all these years would have never been Dad’s plan for me. Similarly, there are many burdens in life we chose to shackle ourselves with that our Heavenly Father never expects us to carry. Holding on to regrets and guilt over what never was—and often was never in God’s perfect plan for us—stunts our growth and prohibits us from fully glorifying Him and living rich, full lives. After throwing away all but a couple of notes of my father’s distinctive scrawl, I actually felt lighter. It’s a feeling you can experience once you finally let go of the disappointments and unattainable dreams and choose instead to rejoice.
Your Heavenly Father continually loves and cherishes you just as you are. Knowing this helps you clear away distractions and clutter from your life. Once the burden is gone, there is room to learn and grow. Listen closely to His sweet, soft voice as you pursue the dreams and desires He truly has placed in your heart.
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They’re paranoid. . .delusional. Often, anyone who claims to have a personal relationship with God is considered so.
Much of my training in professional psychology either implied or right-out stated this bias. Those who do not have a personal relationship with God normally think their opinion is the only logical or realistic one. Explaining the personal love of God to an unsaved person is often much like trying to explain a beautiful sunrise to a person who has been blind from birth. Or, it is like trying to explain love to someone who has never been loved.
God has been speaking to individuals since the Garden of Eden. Once He said to Adam, “Where are you?”
Adam said, “I heard the sound of Thee and I was afraid because I was naked.”
“Who told you that you were naked?” asked God.
If this is not a personal conversation, then there has never been a personal conversation.
Today’s verse is an example of God Almighty having a personal conversation. Jeremiah was told what clothes to buy. He was told to buy a linen waistband and then told by the One he was speaking to that it would shrink if he put it in water.
God personally speaks to mankind through the Bible. The Holy Spirit fills our hearts with warmth and teaching about our dear Lord Jesus. Prayer is a personal conversation with our Lord in which He can even tell us what clothes to buy if we’ll listen—hard as that may be to believe.
Listen when God speaks. He loves to whisper in your ear.
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If it looks too good to be true, it probably is—an old cliché that has kept me out of trouble on many occasions.
With today’s technology, television and movie producers can make almost anything appear real. If you’re a sci-fi buff like me, you are very familiar with films such as Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. It’s easy to get lost in the fantasy and adventure, almost falling for the reality these films portray. Even skilled illusionists can make us believe the unbelievable. Just watch the Carbonaro Effect on TV.
The truth is: it’s all smoke and mirrors.
In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy and Toto embark on a journey down the yellow brick road to find the great and powerful wizard. Along the way, Dorothy hooks up with Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion. They all make the trip together, seeking the one person who can supposedly answer all their questions and solve all their problems. When they finally get an audience with the great wizard, he turns out to be a phony—a fraud—a wimp. For too long, he has deceived the people of Oz with smoke and mirrors, promoting himself as all-knowing and all-powerful. It was one big lie.
In the same way, our enemy, Satan, promotes himself as something he is not. He deceives us with his lies. In fact, he is called “the father of lies.” He disguises himself as the good guy, yet we are warned to beware because he comes to us as an angel of light—a sheep in wolves’ clothing—bogus! The devil roars at us, boasting of his power, yet the Bible calls him a toothless lion.
It’s fun to get lost in the fantasy—at least temporarily—but it’s important to distinguish truth and reality from that which is false. We must know God’s Word, be discerning, and follow the Holy Spirit’s lead. To identify something that is counterfeit, you study the real thing, not the fake. As believers, the more we know about God and how He operates in the earth and in our lives, the more we will be able to hear His voice and follow His leading.
Draw close to Him today, and don’t be taken in by that which is false.
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“Does anyone know the song ‘Away in a Manger’?”
The little hands that had been waving in the air only moments before when asked about the songs “Jingle Bells,” “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” and “Here Comes Santa Claus” were no longer waving. Everyone sat still until one little boy raised his hand and said, “I do.”
“Would you like to sing it with me?”
As this sweet boy looked around at the other children, I knew he was going to decline the offer, but then I heard a confident, “Yes.”
The choir director, who was leading these rambunctious children in Christmas songs at our church’s annual Children’s Christmas Party, had her duet partner sit beside her. As they sang, she began to fade out, leaving the boy to sing alone. Sitting on the edge of the stage with his legs dangling, he sang about a baby who was born in a manger. The circle of children sitting at his feet on the floor, as well as adults in the room, strained to hear the story of “the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.” There, in the midst of excited laughter, silly songs about red noses, celebration and fun, the story of Jesus—and the real meaning of Christmas—broke through. It was at that moment it arrived without any warning, a Christmas Hush.
Webster’s defines a hush as “a time of silence; stillness; of calm, especially after noise.” Yes, a hush fell over the room while this young child sang about our Lord Jesus.
As we move through the busy time of the Christmas season, what we call the Christmas Rush—full of excited laughter, celebration and fun—may we keep our hearts open for those special moments when the real meaning of Christmas breaks through in a … Christmas Hush.
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Lights. We love lights, most especially Christmas lights. We hang strands of them up and over our porches. We decorate our mantles and drape our tree with more lights than the fire marshal allows. We drive miles to see the most decorated houses in town or out of town.
We deck halls, streets, race tracks, and parks. Our friends in Anderson, South Carolina, hang 2.5 million lights in Darwin Wright Park. Six people work for three months to hang 3.5 million lights in Clifton Mills, Ohio. Buford, Georgia, celebrates the season with 7 miles of shimmering lights. “The more lights, the better” is a worldwide obsession. In 2011, an Australian couple strung 97,211 feet and won the Guinness Record for the most residential Christmas lights.
What is it about lights? We seek light because we’re created in the image of God. The Bible tells us God is light; there is
no darkness in Him. In fact, God’s light is brilliant—so brilliant there’s no need of a sun where He lives. His eyes flame like fire and His feet gleam like burnished bronze.
Sometimes I wonder how I’m going to live without my Christmas lights all year, but the end of the Christmas season doesn’t mean the end of light. This year when it’s time to disassemble the tree, pull down the lights, and box everything away, don’t feel gloomy. We don’t have to live without light. The life-changing, everlasting light from our mighty God will shine through us. How do we focus on the light? We begin by trusting God and sticking with Him, even when we can’t see what lies ahead.
Will you trust the Light of the World?
Further Reading: 1 John 1:5, Revelation 1:12-15, Revelation 21:23, Genesis 1:27, Isaiah 9: 6-7
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Most of the news we hear on TV or read in the newspapers causes us to feel overwhelmed. Wars, murders, abuse, and stories of people doing evil fill our hearts with dread. “Doesn’t anything good ever happen?” we ask. I imagine the shepherds may have felt that way prior to hearing this special birth announcement.
Shepherds lived a hard life. Their work was dangerous. They were poor and weren’t welcomed in most social situations of that culture. Yet, it’s in this setting the first public announcement was made of the Messiah’s birth. The angel of the Lord told them not to be afraid; he was bringing them good news of great joy. Initially overwhelmed by what happened, the shepherds’ fear soon turned to great joy.
Forgetting all about the prejudices against them, the shepherds’ joy was so great they went running to find the newborn baby. They were the ones spreading the news throughout the village to those who usually shunned them. Their joy gave them great courage. In fact, they were so filled with joy, they even returned to their mundane job as shepherds, still rejoicing over all they had seen and heard.
Often burdened by financial woes, rejection, and the dangers of evil in our world, we, too, can wonder if there is any good news. While we may not experience an angelic announcement, God speaks to us through His Word, our prayers, and the Christians around us. He sent a Savior so that we might all be filled with joy.
Friends, family, and people we don’t even know, are waiting to hear the real story of Christmas. The joyous news of our Savior’s birth is for “all the people,” and it is our privilege to take that news out into a hurting world.
Are you willing to share it?
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and seemann.)
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My peaceful walk through the forest was disturbed by sounds of distress. It was a goose wildly shaking his bill, caught in some type of barbed wire. As I cautiously approached, I could see it was scared. My help would only panic him more. I called Animal Control, who amazingly came right over. They sedated the bird to prevent further damage from his thrashing about. Task complete, I began to walk away.
"Wait, ma'am, we need some information."
"Well, I don't know what more I can add," I said.
"We need a contact number for the bird," the officer replied.
"I don't think he has a phone."
The officer was hardly amused. "The fact is that someone has to take responsibility for a vet to get involved."
"You mean they won't just treat and release him? I said.
"It's a goose; they're not the most loved birds. And vets can't afford to treat every case."
"So they need someone to pay for the visit, is that it?
"That's it. And if you can't, we should just put him down right here."
Wow, not worthy of being saved. How sad.
I thought about Christmas; it was right around the corner. The gifts and food, the travel and clothes ... the bills were adding up. I must confess, a Christmas goose dinner crossed my mind. One less expense. But as I looked around, I spied a slightly smaller goose hiding in the brush. My eyes teared as I realized it was his mate, waiting to see the fate of her partner. He was important to her. Human partnerships can be as fleeting as the wind. One out of every two marriages in the US ends in divorce, yet geese will mate for life. Though I doubt love is the driving force to their fidelity, love was definitely the driving force for my decision. I reflected on the love God has for me. For each of His sheep. Not willing for even one to go astray. So I gave my information. I would pay this Christmas bill.
The detestable reputation of the goose reminded me how quickly we can discount people we deem undesirable. Yet, God deems us all worthy. His love and compassion are free gifts He offers to everyone. May we see others as He sees us.
As for the geese … I fed the female so she would stick around until her mate was returned, then quietly watched as she swam to his side.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and snowbear.)
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We were in a strange place and had no plans to spend our first Christmas there. Eight years had passed since I graduated high school, but now I felt God’s call into full-time ministry. Obeying the call would require furthering my education. I would have to attend college.
I was married and had a ten-month-old daughter. Pulling up stakes and leaving everything and everyone behind was scary. So we left our home in South Carolina and headed for unknown territory—Graceville, Florida, a small town whose appearance and climate varied little from what we were accustomed to.
August found me back in a classroom, longing for December when we could return home for a week to celebrate Christmas with our family. My first semester breezed by. Before I realized it, we were loading the car for our drive to South Carolina. Eight hours later, we pulled into my parents’ driveway.
Mom had been busy. Gifts bulged beneath the tree onto the living room floor. We received so many presents we had to purchase a car-top carrier to store our luggage. When the week ended, we reluctantly packed our car, stuffed ourselves in between the gifts, and made our trek back to Florida.
We could have stayed in Florida and celebrated with our small family and a few friends, but we just couldn’t bring ourselves to spend Christmas in a strange place … a place that was only our temporary residence. A tax census forced Mary and Joseph to a strange place. They had to experience what I hesitated to do.
Over the course of my life, I’ve spent Christmas in a number of strange places … places that weren’t my real home …temporary places. And I’ve discovered Christmas isn’t tied to a place but, rather, a person. When Jesus abides in my heart, it’s Christmas all year long and anywhere I happen to reside. I’ll never celebrate Christmas in a strange place when I remember the true meaning of the season.
Welcome Christ into your life so you’ll never have to celebrate Christmas in a strange place.
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She had a barker. While reading the book Mollie’s Tail – To Mollie with Love, written by a friend of mine, Ellen Gilman, I was surprised to learn that my friend owned Mollie fifteen months before she ever barked.
My friend and her family became the owners of Mollie after she had been abused for four years. The story tells of the challenges and victories as the dog transforms from a scared animal into a loving pet. The victory that amazed me most, however, was the length of time it took for the dog to bark. Fifteen months. I can’t imagine not talking for fifteen months. Yet, it took this long for Mollie to learn to trust my friend and her family, to become comfortable enough to speak.
When something has been happening for a long time, like Mollie’s abuse over her first four years of life, we can’t expect things to get better overnight. We must be patient and loving as we wait for trust to emerge. Sometimes in the process of waiting, we give up too soon. A number of times I have attempted to help someone. When I didn’t see the progress I thought I should see, I gave up and moved on, not allowing enough time for the one I was helping to learn to trust me.
Thankfully, God’s patience with us is not like that. He waits until we’re ready to come to Him. Bruised. Tattered. Betrayed. We all come with scars that keep us from trusting others. Somewhere along the way, our ability to trust has been violated. As we venture forth in life, learning to trust (or trust again) is a major accomplishment. Yet, God believes in us. He patiently and persistently loves us. His love and patience is never ending. He has no time limit. He will wait until we are ready. And while He waits, He will caress, woo, encourage, coax, and praise us.
Like my friend with her dog Mollie, God never gives up on us. If God has it His way, our lives will become lives of hope, love, and transformation. What an awesome Savior we have!
Are you struggling with trust today? Look to God for help. God is patient. God is kind. He will never leave your side. His love for you goes beyond the boundaries of time.
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I spent some time in El Salvador at an orphanage. The cement block housing surrounded by high fences topped in barbed wire looks more like an institutional compound than a home. A pastor and his wife parent this family of thirty-four children of various ages, including three boys in wheel chairs with MS.
One of the boys, Jose, is tutored at the orphanage because school is too dangerous. With his feet, he quietly scoots his wheelchair about the room but cannot leave without being lifted by one of the older boys. The girls see to his physical needs. His hands, crippled by disease, cannot grasp. He works diligently to simply lift a playing card. It all seems so bleak, but this young man has more joy in the Lord than anyone I have ever met.
Joy is often misunderstood. It is not the delight we feel when things are going the way we want. Joy is the blessing God gives us every day through trials or happy days. Joy is knowing our heavenly Father never deserts us. It is contentment for our souls. Joy is Jose’s face lit with a heavenly glow. His sweet voice raised in holy praise. His soft hand clasped in mine. In the midst of his daily struggle, God has given Jose a purpose to bring joy to those around him. God blessed me by allowing me to meet this young man.
When you are in the middle of the mess of life, remember you can chose to live life in the presence of God’s joy. Look around you. See the simple gifts God gives every day. Know He has a plan. As a Christ follower, live in the very presence of God. Rejoice in it.
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A hush fell over the room. The only sound to be heard was the scraping of metal meeting ceramic. We were surrounded by other people, all sharing a similar mission, but no one said a word. What had been a conversation-filled gathering just minutes before had become a time of nearly reverent silence.
It was not some great meeting of the minds or courtroom-like experience. It was dinner. A casual get-together of neighborhood friends that usually includes a meal, got distinctly quiet when a particularly delicious dish was placed before us. With silverware on the move and mouths busy receiving and chewing the main course, the chatter stilled and the room became silent. As each of us enjoyed our personal epicurean bliss, the phrase “too good to talk about” came to several of us.
I’m afraid there are times we enjoy our Christianity in the same way. We gather together at church for worship or Bible study. We fellowship together, praising God while being fed. And when the spiritual meal is over and we venture back out into the world, our community, we keep it to ourselves.
Keeping quiet during a really good meal usually happens because our mouths are full. Keeping the joy and excitement of drawing close to the Lord through worship and praise happens because we are afraid. Afraid of rejection or judgment from those who don’t attend church or have a relationship with the God we are excited about. Afraid we may be asked to explain or defend why we believe what we do. Fearful to broach the subject of God or church or salvation to a non-believer because we’re afraid they may be offended. Aren’t these the ones we need to be talking to the most? Shouldn’t we be more fearful of the consequences of keeping silent?
When we are intimidated by the thought of sharing the gospel or relating the joy of a truly meaningful worship experience, we need to remember that it is the power of God working in and through us that gives the confidence to speak with boldness and assurance. If we are not ashamed, God will supply the power we need to share the Word that leads to salvation.
Jesus should never be too good to talk about … so talk.
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I love comfy things. It might be a ragged pair of shoes or sweat pants with stains and holes – but they just fit so well and feel so comfortable.
I slipped into my favorite pair of faded, torn jeans and slid on a pair of loafers that should have been thrown away months ago. After all, comfort is one of the perks of working from home. I was feeling all snuggly and comfy – until I remembered my work meeting uptown.
My comfy attire was unacceptable in a professional setting. Though I would definitely feel comfortable, my boss and coworkers surely would not. My comfort would be a setback to my credibility and presentation. If I were to show up like this repeatedly, I’d stunt my promotional potential, my integrity would be questioned, and my ongoing employment may even be at risk.
God chose my ill-timed desire for comfort to speak truth to me. There is an inherent danger in growing comfortable with things in my life that hold me back from God’s greater good. Whether it is a comfortable (though unhealthy) habit, a monotonous daily routine that doesn’t allow for God’s spontaneous blessings and insight, or simply apathy in my Christian walk. Just because something feels good, doesn’t necessarily mean it is best.
Peter encourages us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Growing involves expanding, getting stronger, becoming different – but better. In essence, growth involves change. And therein lies the challenge, does it not? As creatures of habit, we resist change even though it may be the very best thing for us. As an example, most babies holler and cry when they have their diapers changed; however, that very change is what parents know is best for the child.
God has changes in mind for you. Those comfortable faded jeans or worn out shoes He is encouraging you to leave behind will help you grow into the stronger, better person He wants you to become. Yes, such a change may be painful for the moment. But when you look back, you will find it was necessary for your growth and development. Embrace change.
For now, please excuse me – I need to go change my clothes.
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Relocating from Seattle to Georgia was tough. Missing our mountains, we bought thirteen acres in the North Georgia Mountains and were elated when our elderly father from Seattle planned a visit. Our property, next to land managed by Georgia Power, shared a gravel road, but no one expected a locked gate. The last time my brother-in-law visited the property, the gate had been wide open.
The joy of showing Dad the beauty we’d discovered in our new state, died. Miles from the nearest town—no cell phones could pick up a signal—there was nothing to do but head for home. When a battered sedan appeared from around the bend and rolled to a stop, we were speechless.
An elderly man, dressed in baggy cords and an old mackinaw, climbed out. His companion, a woman with a cap of gray curls, remained in the passenger seat, smiling. After a dozen words with my brother-in-law, the old man thrust a gnarled hand deep into a pocket and came out with a set of keys. With two flicks of his wrist, he unlocked the gate and shoved it open. Without saying
another word, he climbed back into his car, managed to turn around in the narrow space, and then headed back the way he’d come. In minutes his car disappeared and the forest was silent once more. Needless to say, we remained frozen in a tableau of incredulity for several heartbeats. Then, in tandem, we climbed into the car and drove through the now-open gate.
Later, my brother-in-law confronted Georgia Power about the mystery man—a man who happened to drive up a mountain road in the middle of nowhere at sunset, and who happened to have a key that fit the lock of a gate we needed opened. Nobody could offer an explanation. To this day, we are convinced the old man was an angel.
Why is it so hard for us to trust that our Heavenly Father cares? Over and over, He demonstrates this amazing love.
Remember, we have a Father who delights in doing the impossible. Even breaking through barriers we think are impenetrable. As He commands, we must simply believe.
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I was caught. Generally speaking, getting caught is normally thought of as something derogatory. Some wrong action exposed. Some secret discovered. Something in one’s present or past that caused them to now be viewed in a different light.
However, there are positives associated with being caught and life-changing experiences in being discovered.
I’ve had several discoveries in my life. I have discovered and experienced the joys of parenthood, family, and lasting friendships, as well as the joy of childhood memories. There’s one particular memory that remains fresh in my mind. It’s the game of Hide and Seek.
Many of us played and loved this game. Perhaps today our own children and grandchildren play this game that has thrilled children for ages past. We’d laugh, squeal, and quickly hurry off to locate the best hiding place where we were least likely be discovered. The object of the game is to hide and wait for someone to seek you.
With God, it’s the reverse. If we seek Him, we will find Him and then He will hide us. . .under the shadow of His wings. He’ll keep us safely protected like a mother hen’s strong wings protect her young. He will uphold us as we endure life’s most overwhelming and trying circumstances. This is His promise in Psalms.
I was caught by God. . .arrested by His love. I continually experience divine discoveries as I learn more of Him and watch His mighty power and faithfulness unfold.
Seek Him today. His promises are guaranteed. If you allow your heart to do the seeking, He’ll do the hiding.
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“I know,”she said.
Imagine my surprise when I went to tell a friend of a decision I had made and was told she already knew. While this betrayal is of little consequence when compared with the grand scheme of things and the devastating betrayals others have suffered, it is a betrayal nonetheless. A betrayal that is especially irritating given the fact I specifically asked the one with the loose lips not to mention my decision to anyone, so I could deliver the message in my own timing.
What should we do, then, when someone betrays us? The Bible tells us not to hold grudges. It says we are to forgive. I’m finding those two things difficult to do right now. So I pray.
I pray for God to soften my heart towards the other person. I pray for the other person. And I keep praying, because I know I haven’t reached the place where I need to be yet. While I pray about my situation, I think about Jesus. I think about Judas and the grace and forgiveness Jesus extended to his betrayer. I think about the grace and forgiveness Jesus daily extends to each of us.
As I pray, God whispers, This too shall pass. The pain won’t last forever. You’ll survive. Trust me.
With God’s help, we are able to get over the betrayals in our lives. He helps us survive the hurt and pain. If we let him, God can bring us to a place of victory and peace through the gift of His forgiveness and grace.
I’m discovering that in working through our situations of broken trust and betrayal, we have a choice. We can move on in grace, or we can stay stuck in unforgiveness. We're called to be like Him. We're called to be gentle and ready to extend forgiveness and grace because we have been forgiven. To let go. Especially when we don't feel like it.
Let go and let God.
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A camel is sure-footed and can see in the dark even though I cannot, That’s what I kept telling myself.
We were told to “kill our flashlights” or risk blinding the enormous beasts we rode. Our caravan navigated up a rocky path that wound its way along the edge of Mt. Sinai. By sunrise, we hoped to reach the summit where a young minister among our group would deliver a message about God’s protection.
Not long into our trip, my husband, riding the camel behind me, yelled, “Don’t look down! Don’t!” Thankfully, I took his advice. Otherwise, I probably would have panicked at the thought of sailing from my perch into a rocky ravine, to a certain death. Instead, I took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and looked up.
The expansive, star-filled sky glimmered like buckets of rhinestones poured across black velvet. I relaxed and swayed to the stepping-rhythm of this animal who had made this same trek many times before without mishap. As we continued to climb, one of our Arab guides broke into song, his voice deep and mellow.
I could not understand his words, yet a peace filled my heart and I worshipped the Lord, Creator of the universe.
Think of a time when you were afraid and on the verge of panic. We have all experienced those moments. Ask God to calm your fears, concerns, or anxieties you may have this day, or those you have long harbored in your heart. Be assured of God’s presence and protection.
Praise Him continuously, even when you are doing the most ordinary things: washing dishes, mowing the yard, doing another load of laundry, or riding a camel. Those are the times our minds can drift into the abyss of worry or fear before we realize what has
happened.
Stay alert. You don’t want to miss being in His presence.
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The best running advice I ever received was given to me before I became a runner. For years, I secretly dreamed of being a runner, wanting to be one of those people who could jog down the street while simultaneously talking to a friend. Movies and TV made it look easy. Fun. Meanwhile, I had trouble holding a conversation just walking up a flight of stairs.
I had friends who were runners. Sometimes I even tried to follow their advice. Still, I failed. Until the day I received the ultimate running advice. “I’m starting a new training program,” one of my running friends said. “You should come.” Her invitation was all it took. For the first time, someone was not telling me to “Go, try this.” They were telling me “Come, let me show you.”
I joined a community of runners who, like me, had never run before. Week after week, we ran next to each other. We encouraged one another. We listened to our mentors who pushed us a little farther each time. We laughed in amazement that we were doing it – we were becoming runners. Until that moment, I had been doing it all wrong, trying to go it alone, when what I needed most was to come alongside someone else.
That’s exactly what Jesus tells us. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me… Jesus calls us to Himself so we may learn from Him. He wants us to yoke ourselves to Him and try to match Him, stride for stride, as we navigate this life He’s given us.
God also brings us into fellowship with other believers so we may encourage one another. Physical training requires community, and so does spiritual training. Regardless of where we are on our Christian journey, we should not go alone. Look around. Who can you come alongside and learn from? Who can you tap on the shoulder and teach?
God invites each one of us, and we should in turn extend his invitation to others: “Come … learn from me.”
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I had lost all hope. My baby was sick and not getting better. I cried and prayed to the Lord and felt as if He didn’t hear me.
The Lord had moved my family from Tennessee to Ohio to help plant a church. It was here, in Ohio, that the Lord began to really stretch my faith, and one of the trials He allowed was the sickness of my second daughter.
I wish I could say that I was a picture of faith and hope, but quite the opposite was true. I was a mess. If God wouldn’t listen and answer my prayers, I’d just completely turn my back him. And when I did, I ran head first into sin that I regret to this day. Yet the Lord did not leave me in that place of self-pity, selfishness, and hopelessness. Not only did He reach down and rescue me from myself, He eventually healed my daughter as well.
A breastplate and a helmet are both objects of protection against enemy attacks. He tells me to put on a breastplate of faith to protect my heart from fear ... the fear that He isn’t there, that He cannot hear me, and does not understand. He tells me to put on the hope of salvation from the troubles in this life to protect my mind from wandering down the path of discouragement, despair, and depression. I have to put on His armor. Christ is there waiting to help me, but I have to make the choice to trust and then put my trust into action.
I am thankful to serve a God who knows, sees, understands, and is always in the business of drawing me back to Him.
Dress for Him. Wear His armor and trust He will care for you. He will.
(Photo courtesy of www.morguefile.com and boqueron.)
A hush falls over the crowd. The silence, deafening. An amateur archer pulls her bow string back. She squints, lining the target in the center of the string. Her finger twitches as she takes a deep breath, holds it, and shoots. The arrow misses the target. She did her best, but did not hit the mark.
Everyone fails at times; everyone makes mistakes.
In our modern culture, most assume their sin is caused from doing something wrong, making a mistake. But few understand that unless we’re being willful, God only sees it as missing a mark of the righteous standard He has established.
God has a plan for us, a mark to shoot at and hit. Without His Word, guidance, patience, and a love that issues second chances – look where we’d be. The Father set a mark for us to aim for, and without it, how would we know we missed?
If you’ve missed the mark, take comfort. God sees no sin as worse than any other. He equally forgives all our sins. Through the death of Jesus, the penalty was paid for all mankind. Forgiveness comes with the acknowledgement of sin. Own it, confess it, and then make a conscious decision to turn from it. It isn’t easy, but it’s the goal we strive toward. Aim for the mark and let God guide your direction.
I braced myself and entered the room at the nursing home. I wanted to visit my friend, but the grumpy woman in the other bed cranked the TV full volume. Hoping to at least block the noise from the hallway, I closed the door to the room. Grumpy roommate bolted from the bed, threw open the door, and scowled at me as she jerked the privacy curtain between the beds.
When I arrived for my next visit, the grumpy woman tripped and fell in the hall. Her arm was hurt and a red knot swelled on her forehead. While the staff tended to her, I went to see my friend. For the first time, I paid attention to the pictures on the roommate’s wall.
God helped me see this woman with fresh eyes. Long ago her mother nestled her in a soft baby blanket while her proud father announced her name. As a teenager she caught the eye of a young man, married, and had children. She watched her kids leave home and bring back grandchildren. I realized I never saw anyone visit this woman. Maybe her family lived far away. Perhaps they lived in the area but rarely came by. No wonder she acted grumpy.
I couldn’t change her situation or her behavior, but I could change my attitude. I could learn her name and speak to her when I visited. I could ask if she’d like me to bring her a magazine or a book. In the future, I could ask permission before I closed the door. Being kind and respectful didn’t change her, but it did change me.
When a relationship is thorny, ask Jesus for the grace to look beyond the external to the internal. The Lord will help you see the other person as He does.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile.com and gracey.)
Seven years. Gone. Site Not found. Data unattainable. Error 7707.
I was sick as my ministry partner, Eddie, broke the news. “The sites are corrupt. Unrecoverable. We’re working. But this isn’t good. We need a plan to move ahead.”
So began a two-week effort to put a band-aid on the bleeding. The ministry websites were gone and all I could mull over was seven years and two thousand devotions . . . gone.
Eddie and I talked numerous times over the next few days discussing how to proceed when it occurred to me, this is the ministry’s seventh year. Seven. God’s favorite number . . . the one that signifies completion and recognizes rebirth. It is, by all due rights, our year of Jubilee.
I don’t know about you, but Jubilee symbolizes joy and celebration. Not loss. There was little to celebrate in the loss of seven years of ministry. That’s when we agreed – this was our year of rest. We’d been praying God would take this ministry to a higher level. It appeared He was just doing His job. The same job He did after creation and one to which He commanded the children of Israel to adhere.
“Maybe it has to crash and burn before we turn loose enough for God to rebuild,” Eddie said. “The seventh year is the year of forgiveness of debt. The let-it-go year.”
Eddie was right. I’d even mentioned this was our blessed year. Seven!
There’s a method behind God’s seemingly odd madness. His people had worked hard for six years. Their fields were prosperous and the nation thrived. At the end of the year they cleaned the fields, set fire to the rubbish, then spread the ashes. They were instructed to forgive debts, set men free . . . let go and move ahead. Just as God completed His creation on the seventh day, and rested, He demanded it of His children. Time to rest. Time for renewal. And through this time of rest, celebration ensued for the provisions of previous years. The next year, the fields were tilled and planted. Through the ashes, rose new and stronger crops.
It was time to buckle down and let go. Not quit! But let go. So we did. We released the old, crawled from our face to our knees and began to pray. We let go. Forgave the debts that anyone might owe (i.e. promised devotions or help), and we moved ahead. In three days (look at the significance there), God provided the funds for a new and better site. And like a phoenix, this work is rising through the ashes. Rejuvenated.
When God commands you to rest. Do it. Trust Him. After all, He better than anyone knows what can rise after three days. Let go and be renewed.
I was vacuuming at my parents’ home. As I vacuumed I noticed how the brilliant morning sun poured through the open front door. It illumined the entryway cluttered with grass clippings. That area obviously needed a good cleaning. I rapidly closed the door to vacuum in that corner of the room.
What a change. No longer were the grass clippings so glaring, instead they were barely perceptible in the now-shadowy area. As I swept behind the door to thoroughly clean the entryway, I realized I had just witnessed a spiritual lesson in a rather mundane household chore.
How like that messy entryway our lives are. They are littered with the tiny sins of gossip, complaining, and ungratefulness . . . just to mention a few sins humans consider of the lesser nature. The daily illumination of God’s Word clearly points out these areas not surrendered in obedience to Him. What a disaster we precipitate in our lives by failing to daily read God’s Word and obey it. The Lord has ordained His Scriptures as the primary source of imparting His desires and will for us.
If you find yourself guilty of shutting out the light, don’t shun reading your Bible. This is the Holy Spirit's way to illuminate your life. It’s just like my closing the door and preventing the sunlight from brightening the entryway. Open up and let God shine through.
Father, continue to remind us that Your Word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. May we never shy away from sin you are revealing to us through Your Scriptures. Give us courage to allow Your searchlight to examine our lives and consent to that sin’s eradication from our lives by the power of Your Holy Spirit at work in us.
One of my favorite hobbies is reading. I often joke that when I retire, I will spend my free time at the library, just helping everyone pick books as they come in. Because I have so many books in my collection, I often lend books to friends for weeks or months at a time.
I remember reading a book on building habits that I talked about to everyone I knew. I decided to loan it to a friend. The book was stained with ripped pages when they returned it to me. The book lover in me wanted to cry. I loaned it with the expectation that they would care for the book and return it to me in the same condition in which I loaned it. I trusted them to treat my book with care.
Sometimes, I can be the same way with the monetary resources God has given me. David marveled over how God has provided for us and how God’s provision blesses us.
All we have is because of God, and He expects us to handle our blessings with this understanding as our foundation. We should treat all He gives us with care and diligence because all we have belongs to Him. While God is generous, He also expects us to be wise and thoughtful when He blesses us. When we treat these gifts carelessly, we demonstrate that we aren’t prepared to handle His blessings.
Think about your favorite pair of shoes or even your car. If you loaned those items to someone and they destroyed your shoes or crashed your car, you likely wouldn’t lend to them again.
Demonstrate that you can manage your resources well. Show others that you are a good steward of God’s many provisions.