eSeeds For The Garden of Your Heart

Safe Keeping

2012-01-27T06:50:00.000-08:00

A new mother was bathing her infant while a small child who lived next door carefully watched. In the arms of the child was a small, soiled, well-worn doll. A leg was missing, the face was badly scratched, the hair was rumpled and the dress was worn and torn.

"How long have you had your baby?" asked the young neighbor.

"Four months," came the proud reply.

"My," replied the child. "You've sure kept her nice!"

Parents have a godly responsibility to keep their children "nice." They are a gift from God and are to be raised in God-fearing, God-centered and God-honoring homes.

Christian parents, first and foremost are to live love – a love that reflects the sacrificial love of God that demonstrates at all times His care and compassion for children.

Christian parents must also be as available to their children as God is to His children. Even as we need God's companionship, our children need us to be as near as He is when we call on Him in prayer.

Prayer: We pray, Heavenly Father, for parents to honor You by honoring the children You give them by raising them with loving care and discipline. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Thank You For This Beautiful Day

2012-01-26T05:28:00.000-08:00

Just before leaving for school, little Noah was saying his morning prayers. “Heavenly Father, thank You for this beautiful day.”

“But,” interrupted his mother, “there is going to be a storm with rain, lightning and thunder. That’s not a beautiful day.”

“I know,” was the quick reply. “We just can’t judge a day by the weather.”

There are some days when the last possible thing we can do is to find something beautiful. We awaken to discover that a loved one is critically ill, we feel overwhelmed by the tough schedule we are facing, the children are out of control and the sink is overflowing because the plumbing is stopped-up. What next? Can anything else go wrong?

Perhaps it is time to listen to the Psalmist: “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Throughout the Psalms we often read about the difficult, demanding and discouraging days they faced. What did they do?

They spoke to God honestly and took their problems to Him and plead for His help. And every time, at the end of the psalm, they were rejoicing!

Prayer: Father, we know that You are bigger than every problem we face and have solutions for each of them. May we see Your beauty in all things. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.

"My Father Knows!"

2012-01-25T05:46:00.000-08:00

A customer was watching young James help his father move boxes of shoes from one location to another. Seeing the pile grow higher and higher in the boy’s arms, he politely asked, “Son, I don’t see how you can carry any more. Isn’t that too much for you?”

Cheerfully he responded, “Sir, my father knows how much I can carry.”

Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, wanted to give them a burst of encouragement as they faced the temptations in a sinful culture. So, he said, “God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it.” In other words, “He knows how much you can carry.”

No one is immune from the temptations of life. Even if we feel that we are being singled out by God for a special examination, we must realize that others have faced similar temptations and have successfully resisted them. We have God’s Word that He will always give us the strength to face the temptations and avoid sinning.

The issue is not about being able to face and flee temptation; the issue is whether or not we want to.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to realize that Your Son faced every temptation that we will face, yet remained sinless. May we, as He did, call on You for help. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Forever Going Forward

2012-01-24T05:39:00.000-08:00

Having been called to be a missionary, David Livingstone was required to appear before an organization for their endorsement and support. While being questioned about his call, he was asked, “Where are you willing to go?”

“Anywhere,” he answered, “as long as it’s forward!”

In concluding his second letter, Peter wrote, “But grow in the special favor and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” By his life and in his writings, Peter emphasized the importance of growth in the life and service of Christians. No matter how well we may believe we know God or how mature we may think that we are in our spiritual development, there is always space to “move forward.”

We live in a world that is hostile to the things of God. There is little doubt that many would be pleased if they could make God completely invisible. Because of the spirit of agnosticism, we must be aware of the battles that are going on around us and within us.

The world will always challenge our faith. The only way to make certain that we are moving forward is to spend time each day with God.

Prayer: May we realize, Lord, the importance of drawing closer to You each day so that we are always prepared to stand for truth and righteousness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 2 Peter 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

But He Forgives And Forgets!

2012-01-23T08:07:00.000-08:00

Young Mark was preparing to say his prayers before going to bed. His mother had been in his room going over his homework with him. As he knelt to pray he said, "Go away, Mom. I want to talk to God."

"But can't I listen?" she asked.

"Well," he said, “I don't mind telling God about the wrong things I did today because I know He will forgive me and forget what I did. But you'll go on yelling at me forever."

How gracious is our God! His Word declares, "And I will forgive their wrongdoings, and I will never again remember their sins." One of the final characteristics of the New Covenant is that the blood of Jesus not only cleanses us completely but that He will remove them from His memory.

That's probably hard for many of us to accept. We often harbor in our hearts and minds the wrongs that people do against us. Often we seem to roll them around and seek opportunities to get revenge – or at least get even. Not our God.

We know that His grace is sufficient to save us. But believing that He will never allow our sins to enter His memory should bring us a permanent peace.

Prayer: Help us, our Father, to take You at Your Word, and know that as we confess our sins, You not only forgive them but forget them – forever. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

Choosing Sides

2012-01-20T07:21:00.000-08:00

A minister had been invited to have dinner with President Abraham Lincoln shortly after his inauguration. Shortly after they gave thanks for the food, the minister said, "I hope the Lord's on our side. We are facing some difficult times!"

"I don't agree with you," said the president.

“What?" gasped the minister. "You don't agree that we need the Lord on our side?"

"No," replied Lincoln. "It is my prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord's side."

When we ask God to be on the side of the choices we make or the paths we choose to follow, they may or may not be those that would honor God. The assumption is that God will be with us and bless us no matter what.

But when we choose to be on God's side, everything is different. We look to Him for guidance and instruction and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. Often individuals think that if we are a nation of slogans and signs that refer to God we will be honored and blessed by Him. Not so!

The Bible clearly and consistently reminds us that: Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD!

Prayer: We acknowledge, Lord, that we cannot expect You to guide and guard us unless we willingly honor, worship and praise You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Exodus 32:26 then Moses stood in the entrance of the camp, and said, “Whoever is on the LORD’s side—come to me!” And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him.

Sowing Seeds Of Beauty

2012-01-19T06:29:00.000-08:00

Captain James Cook was one of the most famous British navigators. He sailed around the world many times. On each of his journeys he would take seeds of flowers that came from lovely English gardens.

Whenever his ship reached a port, he would disembark with his crew. While the crew enjoyed the city, he would take some of the seeds he brought with him and plant them in a garden near the port. Everywhere he went, he left a reminder of his visit by planting seeds that brought beauty to the lives of the people who lived in that city.

There is nothing more important for Christians to do than to share God’s love and beauty. Wherever He leads us in our journey through life, He will give us many opportunities to “plant” seeds of His love, salvation and hope.

Paul reminds us that we Christians must be clothed in God’s love. His love adds His beauty to our actions and makes whatever we do attractive to others. No matter what other gifts God may give us, we can all share His love in every word and deed.

Prayer: Lord, help us to always be mindful of the great love You have for us and as we do, be willing to go to any extreme to give that Love to others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Corinthians 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (Read more…)

Judged For What?

2012-01-18T08:11:00.000-08:00

It was a difficult semester in school for little Tammy. Her grades were very low and her fear of being punished very high. Thinking about a way out of her dilemma she asked her Dad, "Can you write your name with your eyes closed?"

"Yes, I think so," he replied.

"Great!" So, she had him sit at the table, got a pen and said, "Sign here!" as she guided his hand.

When he opened his eyes, he realized that he had signed her report card. Needless to say, he was not pleased and made some appropriate adjustments.

Although we may think that we are hiding things from God, Solomon reminds us that "God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad."

We are reminded by Solomon that we are to enjoy life and everything that God has given us. But this does not excuse us or exempt us from obeying God and what He has commanded us to do. We must train ourselves to recognize what is right or wrong according to God's Word and then live a life that is in agreement with His demands. He has the final say.

No excuses! No exemptions! No explanations!

Prayer: May we live our lives, Lord, with a clear understanding of the fact that one day we will stand before You in judgment for all we've done. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.

Keys To Success

2012-01-17T07:09:00.000-08:00

Vince Lombardi, the legendary football coach of the Green Bay Packers, knew what it took to be victorious. Once when asked the formulae he replied, "Dedication, hard work and sacrifice."

When his team met for practice, he would remind them that "You're here for to play football. And I'm here to see you play as well as your God-given talents and abilities will allow you to play. And that means total dedication!"

But dedication was not enough. Lombardi was known as a coach who was relentless in making his teams produce. He knew that dedication by itself would not be enough. It would take long hours of practice and preparation, perseverance and pain, suffering and sacrifice. It took every talent and every ability that every player possessed to become winners and champions.

Paul wrote, "Do not let any part of your body become a tool of wickedness to be used for sinning. Instead, give yourselves completely to God since you have been given new life."
God gave us a new life to use for His glory. We must make every sacrifice to succeed for Him.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to commit our minds and hearts to You and then develop every skill and talent You have given us to work for Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 6:13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

Who Wants You?

2012-01-16T07:16:00.000-08:00

It was the final game of the season. The team that won would receive the victor’s trophy for the season. But the star running back broke the team curfew and was benched – unable to play.

It was a difficult game and the team fell behind. However, the students began to rally support for the benched player and started to chant, "We want Roger! We want Roger!"

Looking at the benched player, the coach motioned to him. He jumped up and said, "I'm ready Coach, I'm ready!"

"Great," said the coach. "Go up into the stands. They want you more than I do."

Jesus said, "Those who come to me I will never reject." This verse should give us an assurance of how welcome we are to enter into the presence of God.

It does not matter where we have been or what we have done, none of our behaviors or beliefs will cause Him to reject us. His arms are open, His voice is calling and His invitation is to "whosoever will."

Our coming to Christ is never conditioned by who we are but who He is and what He has done.

Prayer: We thank You, Father, that Your grace, mercy and salvation are extended to those who hear Your voice and accept Your invitation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: John 6:37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.

It's Not How Long But How Well

2012-01-13T07:17:00.000-08:00

The class had become boring. So the teacher decided to liven it up with a group discussion.

"If Shakespeare were alive today," he asked, "would he be considered remarkable?"

"Remarkable?" replied one student. "That's hardly the way to put it. He'd be considered ancient."

Living long does not mean that one has lived well or accomplished much. It simply means that one has lived. What we do with the time that God gives us is what really matters. We all must face one simple, significant, serious question: Who and what do we live for?

After his conversion Paul had one desire: To live and die for Christ. He wrote "that I will never do anything that causes me shame...that I will always be bold for Christ...that my life will always honor Christ...for me to live is Christ."

Paul's whole purpose in life was to become more like Christ and to speak boldly for Christ. It did not matter if he was among friends or in a prison, in front of a crowd or writing a letter. He was totally consumed with serving the Lord. Someone said that if we are not ready to die, we are not prepared to live.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we always put You first in all that we do and one day hear You say, "Well done my good and faithful servant." In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

On Being Fear-Filled

2012-01-11T07:57:00.000-08:00

A world famous surgeon was being interviewed by a television reporter for a series on the advances being made in the medical profession. Coming to the last question, the reporter asked,

"Tell me doctor, what is your greatest fear?"

After thinking for a moment, he replied, "That I may no longer feel the pains of my patients."
For him, feeling was essential if he was to help others. It moved him as he performed surgery on those in need of healing.

Sympathy is meant to stir us to service, to help us see the needs of others and to move us into action. Without sympathy we would do little to help the least, the last and the lost.

Paul said, "Share each others troubles and problems." Sympathy enables us to see the needs that others have and do something about them. It is the very foundation from which love and obedience to fulfill the commandments of Christ flows.

No Christian should ever feel that they are beyond the requirement of or excused from helping and praying for others. At all times and in all situations we are to be alert to the needs of others and respond as Jesus did.

Prayer: Lord, open our eyes that we might see the things that You saw and be moved by the things that moved You and then do as You did in love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

WHat's The Problem?

2012-01-10T06:44:00.000-08:00

A man who was greatly overweight made an appointment with a psychiatrist. He wanted to know why he could not control his eating.

"Why," he asked, "am I so fat?"

Pausing to think for a moment, the psychiatrist responded, "Because your life is focused on food. When you go to a baseball game, you indulge in hotdogs and beer. When you watch TV, it means snacks like candy, chips and other snacks. When..."

Before he gave another example the patient interrupted and said, "You're right. Now tell me, what type of food do you serve during your sessions?"

Whatever is uppermost in our minds is what we live for and eventually die for. Jesus, wanting us to be sure our priorities are the ones that lead us to living God-pleasing lives said, "Blessed are those who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness for they will be satisfied."

Whenever we surrender to anything in our life that is self-destructive or self-defeating, it is a sure sign that He does not have His proper place of honor in our lives. Peace and healing come only from Him.

Prayer: Lord, as we look at our lives, may we realize that if things are out of control, we need to search our hearts for Your solution. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.

Be Right To Do Right

2012-01-09T07:21:00.000-08:00

One night a group of Delaware Indians gathered around a bright, warm fire talking with their Chief.

"I've been thinking," said one, "about the words of the missionary. He talked of a rule delivered by the Author of Christianity. It is known as the Golden Rule. Do you remember his words?"

"Tell me what it is," said the Chief.

"In everything," he said, "do to others what you would have them do to you."

"That's impossible," said the Chief, "unless the Great Spirit who made man would give man a new heart."

That is exactly what God promised to do for us and within us. He said, "I will give you a heart with new and right desires and I will put a new spirit within you."

God wants us to be filled with His grace and treat others as He treats us. However, we cannot be who He wants us to be and do what He wants us to do unless we have that "new spirit." No matter how we have lived or how badly we have treated others in the past, if we choose to accept Christ and do His work, He will put that new spirit within us to do as He would do.

Prayer: Lord, give us that new heart that we may live a new life that is God-honoring, Christ-exalting and Spirit-filled leading to acts of love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Ezekiel 36:26-27 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

What's Average Got To Do With It?

2012-01-06T07:24:00.000-08:00

Someone said that the average man has sixty-nine pounds of muscle, forty-one pounds of bones but only three pounds of brain. (Now that may explain many things!)

Henry Spangler was not average. He was alert.

He worked as a janitor but had problems with dust. Whenever he swept the floor, the dust would rise, causing him to sneeze and cough. His eyes would run and it even caused him to have serious headaches. But he did not quit. He began to think about the dust – not himself. He began to search for ways to suck up dust rather than scattering it through the air. If only, he thought, there would be a way to capture the dust in a container. He asked God to help to solve his problem.

His search finally led him to the idea of a vacuum cleaner. After much thought, he shared his idea with an old friend and asked him to finance the idea and work with him. It resulted in the Hoover Vacuum Cleaner and his old friend was H. W. Hoover.

James wrote, “If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask…He’ll tell you.” God can solve any problem we have if we look to Him for His solution.

It’s never the size of our problem but our faith.

Prayer: Lord, help us to look beyond ourselves when we have a problem and know that You already have the solution if we simply ask for Your help. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: James 1:5-8 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (Read more…)

When Silence Is Golden

2012-01-05T07:58:00.000-08:00

He was a new Christian. But it didn't matter: he wanted to be a witness for the Lord and let everyone know how grateful he was for his salvation.

On the final night of a revival meeting, he went to his pastor and asked if he could give his testimony. The pastor was pleased and said that he would call him to the platform when it was time for him to speak.

As the service progressed, George became rather nervous and fearful of standing before a group of people he did not know. But he smiled, asked God for strength and peace, and looked forward to the time to share his story.

Finally, his moment came. He walked boldly to the pulpit, placed his hands on each side as he had seen his pastor do on many occasions, and said, "Brethren."

And that was it. His fear overwhelmed him. Not able to remember what he was planning to say, the only thing he could utter was, "Will you please join me in three minutes of silence to honor our beloved Savior."

Our words of worship and witness need not be eloquent, only sincere. A genuine Christian is the best proof of genuine Christianity. Standing to honor our beloved Savior may, at times, be the best thing we can do.

Prayer: Father, there are times when our lives speak so loudly that words are not necessary. May we realize, however, that in word or deed, we witness for You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Philippians 1:7-12 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, (Read more...)

"Let's Turn It On!"

2012-01-04T07:19:00.000-08:00

Thomas Edison worked many years to develop a light bulb. The day finally arrived when his first one was ready to be tested. He turned to his lab technician and said, "Take this downstairs and let's turn it on!"

The technician was filled with excitement as he left the laboratory. As he ran down the stairs, he slipped, fell and broke the bulb.

Discouraged but not defeated, Edison went on to make his second bulb. When it was finished, he turned to the same technician and said, "Take this downstairs and let's turn it on!" With the same amount of excitement, but more cautious, he carefully took the bulb downstairs and the experiment was completed successfully.

More often than not, it is easy to give up when things do not turn out as we expect them to. In a moment of despair we find it easier to turn our backs on projects that fail or goals that crumble. But even though we may make a mess of things, God has not nor ever will give up on us. The Lord, speaking through Joshua, said, "Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go!"

What a gracious promise of His presence and power!

Prayer: Lord, may we always work with You to turn every tragedy into triumph and every disaster into a delight that honors You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Joshua 1:1-9 Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Read more...)

Living Fear-Free

2012-01-02T08:12:00.000-08:00

"It's above me, around me, in me and under me," he said.

"What?" I asked.

"Fear," came the reply. "I am afraid of everything and everybody, anything and anybody."

David gave us a good prescription for fear.

"Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him and He will help you." In one brief verse he provides three steps to dealing with our anxieties:

Step One: Commit our concerns. The word "commit" contains a unique picture: it is as though you would "roll" the burden, problem or threat from yourself to God. Imagine putting all your concerns in a wheelbarrow and then rolling them into the presence of God and "dumping" them out at His feet. What a joy!

Step two: Fortify our faith. When we leave our concerns with God, we know that not only does He care about them, but He has the ultimate responsibility for their solution, because we have His Word that – “He will help!"

Step three: Trusting God does not mean that He will remove every problem or give us everything we want. But it does mean that He is totally responsible for our well-being and will meet every need.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to take You at Your Word, to know that you will calm our every fear, give us Your everlasting peace, and provide for all our needs. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.

Strength For The Journey

2011-12-30T07:57:00.000-08:00

“Why are you sitting there just staring off into space?” one friend asked another.

“Well, this year has been awful. It’s the worst year that I can ever remember. Nothing’s gone right and it seems that everything’s gone wrong. So I’m trying to figure out what was the worst thing that happened. But there’s too much competition for first place.”

Call them what you will: Misfortunes or mishaps, troubles or trials, adversities or afflictions. They are part of all of our lives and no one is immune to them.

But some seem to get through them, over them or around them better than others. Does their strength come from a superior source? Do they have a resource to call upon that is unavailable to the rest of us?

There is a story of the men of Judah standing before the Lord with their little ones. Suddenly, the spirit of the Lord came on one of the men. The message that came to him to give to the others was simple: “Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. Go out there tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”

All Christians have God’s Spirit in them Who can work through them. If we stand firm in our faith and ask for God’s help, He will fight the battle for us and triumph.

Prayer: Lord, when adversity tries to stare us down, may we look up to you to save and sustain us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 2 Chronicles 20:13-17 Thus says the LORD to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. (Read more...)

With God, All Things...

2011-12-29T05:43:00.000-08:00

During a family conference, one small son was confused. He did not fully understand the discussion, so in his innocence he asked, “What’s going on here?”

Might that same question have been on Mary’s mind and in her heart as she looked at the Baby Jesus? Could she completely understand all that God had in His plan for her son, herself and Joseph? Perhaps as she looked in the face of her child, she was filled with questions. No doubt she knew the Scriptures of the Old Testament and was able to catch a glimpse of God at work. Surely she had a faith that would surpass that of most. Indeed her trust was larger than life. But for her to know what God was planning was something that would have been humanly impossible.

Certainly the question, “What’s going on here” would have surfaced. We can begin with the fact of a virgin giving birth to a child, let alone the Messiah, that had been promised and long awaited. But it happened when God was ready for it to happen, as He planned it.

As we come to the end of this year and look forward to the one that is fast approaching, let’s pause and review our “impossibilities” that are now miraculous events exposing God’s power and plan in our lives.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give us the faith we lack to see Your presence and protection at work in our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Luke 1:37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”

When Heaven Came Down

2011-12-28T08:10:00.000-08:00

A little girl took her first elevator ride with her father. When they arrived at the top floor, he asked, “What did you think of that? Did you like it?”

“I don’t know, Daddy,” she replied. “It was kind of funny. We got into this little house, and then the upstairs came down.”

An amusing little story, isn’t it? But that’s exactly what happened when God sent His Son into the world. God sent His Son into the world to give us life and light, hope and healing, grace and goodness.

We are expected to do the same through Him. We are to take the message of salvation to others, light up the dark pathways of those who are still blinded by sin, give hope to those who are unable to see past their problems, show grace to those who are burdened beyond measure and demonstrate goodness to those who are in need by sharing our possessions with them.

It is not enough that we know God’s “Golden Rule.” He expects us to live it every day of our lives.

Prayer: Help me, Dear Jesus, to live as You lived and do as You did that I might give to others what You gave to me. May I take a little bit of heaven to others because You brought all of heaven to me. In Your Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: John 10:9-18 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. (Read more…)

Receiving And Believing

2011-12-27T06:24:00.000-08:00

God works in an unusual way. Before we can ever receive anything from Him, we must believe in His power and ability to do what He says He is capable of doing.

An excellent example of this is God speaking to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Initially, when the angel spoke to her about a special assignment from God, Mary had a difficult time believing what was happening or in accepting the responsibility God had for her. But she finally said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as You have said.”

This is always the way God works in us and through us. We can never see everything that He has planned for us. It may appear to be too overpowering, too difficult, too threatening or too impossible. It may seem foolish, impractical, unwise or unrealistic. But God always works in unseen and unheard of ways.

Mary could never have imagined the angels that would protect her, the shepherds that would visit her, the Magi that would honor her, the gifts that were presented to her, the escape that was provided for her or the Voice that spoke to her, nor the Son that God gave to her to become our Savior.

Nor can we ever imagine all that God has for us.

Prayer: Father, give us a faith that exceeds our limited sight and a trust that believes the impossible. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Luke 1:46 And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, (Read more…)

A Gift Worth Receiving

2011-12-26T07:04:00.000-08:00

“Mommy,” asked a small child, “how long did Baby Jesus stay in the manger?”

Puzzled, the mother answered. “Not too long, I would imagine.”

Unfortunately, there are far too many individuals who leave Jesus in the stable, seeing His birth as an end, not the beginning. Not everyone realizes that this day is the day that the journey to the cross actually began on earth. This One who was born on this day of days is often left wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. It seems that many have no understanding of the spiritual significance or importance of Christmas.

But for those of us who accept and acknowledge Christ as our Savior, we rejoice and say with the Apostle Paul, “Thank God for His Son – a gift too wonderful to describe!”

This Gift is the gift of God Himself: His only begotten Son. It is the source of His grace, the expression of His mercy, the revelation of His plan, the meaning of His purpose, the passion of His love, the assurance of His presence and the provision for our salvation. He knew what we needed then and what we need now. In Him we have faith to fight our fears and hope for a life in His presence. “Too wonderful” indeed.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for this Gift we do not deserve, but could not live without. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Politics And Promises

2011-12-22T07:03:00.000-08:00

A boy climbed into Santa’s lap and asked, “Sir, aren’t you really a politician?”

“No!” he protested. “Why do you ask?”

“Well,” he said, “you make more promises than you can deliver.”

Promises are a big part of everyone’s life. People give us their word that we can count on what they have said, that their promise “can be taken to the bank,” only to forget what they said or change their mind. Most people do intend to keep their word. But then again, intentions only last, for many, until something more convenient or better comes along.

That’s not the way it is with God. We have His record of faithfulness, of keeping His word throughout all of Scripture. What He declares, He does. What He promises, He delivers. What He says comes to pass.

In creation we see the absolute power of God. How reassuring for the Christian. Beginning at the beginning, from the initiation of time until today, God has never wavered on His word. God’s promises are anchored in His unchanging character and steadfast love. If this were not true what assurance would we have of our salvation or the hope we have for eternal life with our Lord?
There is nothing too big for Him to manage or too small to escape His attention. We have His Word that assures us of His promise: “I have said it, I will do it.”

Prayer: Father, we are grateful for Your Word that reveals Your record made and kept. How reassuring to know we have Someone we can trust with our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 46:11 What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. (Read more...)

A Cheerful Giver

2011-12-20T05:20:00.000-08:00

A lady said to a beggar, “Here’s a quarter. You don’t deserve it, but it will make me happy to give it to you!”

“Thanks, ma’am,” he said. “Why not make it few dollars and really enjoy yourself?”
Giving is an important theme in the Bible. It begins in the heart of God. We read about the abundant gifts He gave His people. It continues in the work of Jesus as He went about healing the sick and feeding the hungry. We see His supreme gift when He gave His life on the cross: the gift of love, life and eternity with Him. The gifts of God and His Son are priceless – life giving and life sustaining.

Paul reminds us that we are not to “give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need and plenty left over to share with others.”

The Lord has given us two hands: one for receiving and one for giving. The question is not “What can I spare?” but, “What can I share?”

Prayer: Father, without Your love, grace and mercy, we would have nothing. Often we focus on what we have rather than what You have given us. May we realize that we receive to give. When we give, we show Your love: in Christ’s Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: 2 Corinthians 9:7-9 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (Read more…)

God's Love And Our Family

2011-12-19T06:57:00.000-08:00

Speaking to a Sunday school class, a pastor asked, “Why do you love God?”

“Because,” answered a young boy, “loving God runs in our family.”

What a wonderful statement to make about his family. What an important goal for every family. But God only “runs” in and with families at the invitation of the family.

Each member of the family must first ask Jesus to be their Savior. Then His Word must be read and remembered, honored and obeyed, followed faithfully and carefully if He is to have His rightful place in the family. Reminders of His presence in the lives of the family will be on display. He will be present at every meal, part of every conversation and readily recognized in the way family members treat one another.

Children learn how they are to behave from their parents. Parents must show love and understanding, care and compassion, patience and thoughtfulness, respect and honor toward each other first and then to each child.

If we expect God’s love to run in our families, we must first “run” with God and become obedient to His Word.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to realize the importance of You always being present in our families. May we recognize our need to depend on You, to honor You and to follow the example of Jesus as we show love for each other: in His name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 6:1-4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Read more...)

Backache Or Heartache

2011-12-16T07:35:00.000-08:00

It had been a particularly difficult day at work. But when Jim got home, he invited his son into the yard to play catch. Looking over the fence, a neighbor called out, “Jim, aren’t you tired from the day’s work?”

“Yes, I am,” he replied.

“Then why don’t you rest?” continued the neighbor.

“I’d rather have a backache tomorrow,” said the dad, “than heartache later on.”

As parents we focus on the present, forgetting that what we do today affects all of our children’s tomorrows. We are concerned with daily events and forget about eternity. We have homework on the refrigerator, photos on every table and clothes for every occasion. Yet what we do is far more important than how things look.

In The Message the words of Paul are translated this way: “Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.” (Ephesians 6:4)

If our children do not get attention from us, they will get it from someone else. If we are not available for them, someone else will be. If we are too busy, someone else will make time available for them.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be the kind of parent You want me to be. May I love my children as You love me, guard them as You guard me, protect them as You protect me and lead them into life everlasting. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 6:1-10 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Read more...)

How To Start Each Day

2011-12-14T05:47:00.000-08:00

What is the first thing you do each morning? The author of Pilgrim’s Progress said that “He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day.” It is important that we go into the presence of God before we go into the presence of men.

A woman attended a concert and realized the next morning that she has lost a diamond earring the night before. She called the manager of the auditorium and asked if it had been found. He said, “If you stay on the line, I’ll check.” A search was made and the diamond found. When he returned to the phone, the woman had hung up. How like many of us when we pray. We do not expect anything to happen when we pray so we give up on God.

David said, “In the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee and will look up.” He was saying, “I will pray and then I will wait for answers and directions.” If we begin every day with God, we will end up with His blessings!

Prayer: Lord, when I begin my day I know it is important to ask for Your guidance and grace and to seek wisdom from Your Word. May I look to You for Your wisdom in every decision I make and direction in every path I take. In Your Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 5:3 In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

I Have To Give It Up!

2011-12-13T06:29:00.000-08:00

It was the worst game of golf he had ever played. As he missed his putt on the final green, he flew into a terrible tantrum, screaming and swearing and flailing his arms. Beating his putter on the grass, he cried, “I have to give it up!”

“Give up golf?” asked the caddy in disbelief.

“No,” snapped the golfer, “my ministry. The church is taking up too much of my time. Those people expect too much of me and always expect me to take care of them.”

Pure and simply, time is a special gift. It is a commodity that, once used in one way or another, can never be retrieved. Once gone, it is forever lost. One expert on time put it this way: “Time is life. It is irreversible and irreplaceable. To waste your time is to waste your life. To master your time is to master your life and make the most of it.”

We must always begin each day with God in a time of worship – prayer, Scripture reading, meditating on His Word and recognizing His role in leading us. If we make Him our first priority and focus on Him throughout the day, we can trust Him to direct our paths.

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to not only do things right, but to do the right things in the right way, at the right time. I surrender my time to You and ask that You help me to use it wisely, for Jesus’ sake, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

I'd Give My Right Arm

2011-12-12T06:32:00.000-08:00

Haven’t you heard the expression, “I’d give my right arm for that?” A thief did. He broke the window of a store to steal a television. As he reached his arm through the broken glass, a falling section of glass severed it above the elbow.

If we had the chance to ask this thief if he would really give up his arm for a television, I would assume he would not. Yet, each day we trade what is eternally valuable for the temporary pleasures. We work and give our time, energy and money to so many things that have no meaning in life. We do all these things in place of turning to God and using our talents and gifts to serve Him. We make sacrifices in life for what we deem important. What sacrifices are you making for Christ? He has called us to take up our cross and follow Him. What are you willing to give up in order to be a follower of Christ? He wants us to give up everything for Him.

Prayer: Lord, help me to see my life the way that You see it. I am sure that there are some things I need to be doing that I am not doing and some things that I need to stop doing. Give me insight and courage to make the necessary corrections for Your sake. In Your Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Stay Home And Keep Them

2011-12-09T07:35:00.000-08:00

A man once said to Mark Twain, “It is my deepest desire to go to the mount where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and recite them there!” Puzzled, Mark Twain asked, “Don’t you think it would be better to stay at home and try to keep them there?”

The Lord did not give us the Ten Commandments to review, but to reveal; not to look at but to live; not to admire but to acknowledge in the way we behave.

There are many who say one thing with their lips but show another thing with their lives. There are those who say the right things but live the wrong way. And there are some who speak the language of faith but give no evidence of it in their lives. The proof of our faith is not our words but in our works.

Some say, “I am a Christian” but if they are watched closely, there is no evidence of Christ in their lives. We are reminded by James that we are not only to be hearers of the Word, but doers of the Word. A good place to start “doing” is at home.

Prayer: Father, help me to follow the directions for living that I find in Your Word. Do not allow me to deceive myself into thinking that I am acting on Your behalf when my behavior does not reflect what Your Word tells me to do: in Your Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

My One And Only Love

2011-12-08T05:38:00.000-08:00

A shopper once said to a sales associate, “I want the most beautiful gold heart that you have in your store on the finest gold chain available for my fiance.”

After considering many different choices, he made his decision, and said, “I’ll take that one.”

“Shall I inscribe her name on it?” asked the sales associate.

“Oh no!” came the instant reply. “If we break up, I would like to use it again.”

How different is God’s love. We hear it in the words of Jesus when He said, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” How comforting it is to know that God’s love is permanent. How fortunate we are to know that God’s love is guaranteed by His Word. How wonderful it is to know that God’s love is for everyone. And finally, how grateful we are to know that His love makes our salvation through Jesus Christ possible.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to understand how much You love us. May those who read this “Seed” come to know You and accept Your Son as their Savior and love Him because He first loved us and gave Himself for us. Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 John 4:11-12 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

Not Good Enough!

2011-12-07T06:42:00.000-08:00

His old bicycle was worn out. He begged his dad for a new one.

Finally it was his birthday. When he came home from school that afternoon, he discovered a beautiful new bicycle in the garage. With great excitement he rode down the street to show it to his best friend.

Soon he returned home and waited for his father. When his dad arrived, he began to cry, “George got a new bike, too. It has a light on the handlebar. It’s better than mine.”

Jealousy! It begins at birth, rages in most hearts, and for some, lasts a lifetime.

In the Bible “jealousy” is sometimes described as the opposite of love and thankfulness and the enemy of gratitude.

It is the “attitude of gratitude” that exposes our faith in God. Often we only feel secure in what we have, not Whom we have, Jesus Christ. When times are good, bank accounts secure, the economy flourishing, and jobs secure, we rarely notice what others have.

As Christians we need to look at our lives through God’s eyes. Looking at our lives through His eyes may enable us to find joy in the smallest event, happiness in the smile of a child, satisfaction in a job well done.

Embracing our lives just as they are and being thankful for what we have will enable us to give up the struggle to acquire what we want but do not need. Where we are and what we have is exactly the way things are to be. Rejoice and be thankful!

Prayer: Help me, Lord to accept all that I have as gifts of Your goodness, especially my salvation. Remove jealousy from my heart and envy from my mind. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Proud To Be Humble

2011-12-06T07:29:00.000-08:00

A tourist visiting a monastery was impressed with the daily routine of the monks. Awakening at dawn, they would pray for hours, eat little food, and spend time alone meditating and reading their Bibles or labor on their farm. Curious about the nature of their mission, he asked one of the monks to explain how they were different from the other monastic orders.

“Well,” said the monk, “when it comes to learning, we don’t compare with the Jesuits. When it comes to good works, we’re no match for the Franciscans. But when it comes to humility, we’re at the top!”

It is inappropriate for Christians to attempt to appear humble and downplay the gifts that God has given them. God has endowed each of us with certain gifts that are unique to us. We must accept them graciously, develop them to their fullest, and use them to the glory of God.

If we want to grasp the meaning of humility we must look to our Lord and Savior. Here is one Who was with God and equal to God, but willingly laid it aside. He lived a selfless life of service to others and then suffered a horrible death on the cross for our salvation. In humility He accomplished His Father’s plan doing whatever He could to reflect in word and deed His love.
Pride comes naturally, but not humility. When we do difficult things in a loving and caring manner – as Jesus did – we are living godly humility.

Prayer: Father, we often pray to be humble not wanting to accept our responsibility to be humble. Grant us a willing heart to set ourselves aside. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time

S-t-r-e-t-c-h!

2011-12-05T07:16:00.000-08:00

Rubber bands appear worthless until they are stretched. They remain quiet but ready. They come in different sizes and shapes waiting for various types of assignments. Some are thick, some are thin, some are small and some are large. All are designed for specific uses. However, a rubber band is worthless until it is stretched to its limit. Then it will hold things together, keep things orderly and bring chaos under control.

We cannot accomplish God’s purpose without stretching. When we bear one another’s burden, help someone solve a problem that is beyond their capabilities, wipe away a tear from a saddened eye, give a cup of cold water to a thirsty traveler, we are showing the kindness and grace of God.

Each day we need to stretch our minds and learn something new about our Lord, His Word, His world and His ways. If we remain as we are, we fail to grow into His likeness and the future He has for us.

We also need to stretch our bodies and bring them under God’s control. The stronger we are physically, the more we can do spiritually. An out-of-control body reflects an out-of-control life. God expects us to do the best we can with what He gives us.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to take what You have given us and stretch it to the limits of our potential. May we never be satisfied with who we are until we become who You have intended us to become in worship and service. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 2 Timothy 3:14-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (Read more...)

What To Live Without

2011-12-02T06:47:00.001-08:00

A young lady was bragging to her girlfriends about her good fortune. “I have two handsome men who want to marry me, and I can’t decide which one to choose. I can live with either of them!”

One of her friends wisely said, “Your job is to determine which one of them you can’t live without.”

Everyone has a decision to make: Will we accept or reject Christ as our Savior.

When we choose to accept Him and the life He has to offer, we settle our eternal destiny. Once we have accepted Him as our Savior our life will be different. When we turn from our sin to the Savior, we are given the power to live an abundant life that is satisfying and fulfilling and one that pleases and honors God.

Sin is not a defect in our personality but a disease that destroys us. Sin is not an attitude or an accident, but a decision to turn against God. Sin is not a mistake but a willing rebellion against God’s laws. God’s Word says that “the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are eternally grateful to You for giving us the opportunity to choose life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We ask that You will become the Master in our lives and keep us from sin. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Best Medicine Is Love

2011-12-01T08:29:00.000-08:00

A country doctor said, “I’ve been practicing medicine for over 30 years. During all those years I have prescribed many different things. But in the long run, I’ve learned that for most of what ails the human condition, the best medicine is love!”

“But,” asked a student, “what if it does not work?”

“Double the dose,” came the quick reply.

Many have said that love is the greatest medicine in the world. It can do more to heal the sick than most medicines. It is holding someone’s hand, shedding a tear with a broken heart, sitting quietly beside someone who is grieving.

Love is not an emotion that is based on a passing feeling. It comes from a compassionate heart that has experienced the conversion that God has provided for us through His Son. Love is something that is born of God and given by God.

Love is a gift. Take it and let it grow.

Love is a sign. Wear it and let it show.

Love is an act. Do it and let it go.

Prayer: Fill our hearts, Father, with Your love. May we overcome selfishness by living lives of service as Your Son, our Savior did. In His name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. (Read more…)

What Really Matters!

2011-11-30T07:01:00.000-08:00

Andrew Bradford was an early American printer in colonial Philadelphia. In fact, he printed the first newspaper in Pennsylvania in 1729. He also had the contract for all of the public printing in the state.

One day the governor delivered an important speech and Bradford printed it in his newspaper. It contained several mistakes. A young printer saw the poor work and decided to reprint it with care and precision and make it an excellent presentation of his workmanship. He then mailed a copy of it to the governor and his co-workers.

The next year when it was time to issue a new contract for state printing, it was awarded to that young printer: Ben Franklin. He received the contract for all of the public printing for the state of Pennsylvania because he understood what really mattered: excellence.

Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, said this: “For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives.” He wanted them to know the difference between right and wrong, good and bad, what was important and what was unimportant, separating the vital from the trivial. He wanted them to have a desire for moral integrity and spiritual discernment. He wanted them to understand the importance of living their Christian values because what they did and how they behaved reflected the importance and meaning of salvation. Their lives were a reflection of what being a Christian was all about.

Paul also prayed that they would keep growing in knowledge and understanding which is the foundation for discernment. It is discernment to make the right choices.

Prayer: Lord, we pause and pray that we will be pure and blameless in all that we do so that our lives will be an excellent representation of You to those around us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Philippians 1:9-10 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

Boomerang Buddies

2011-11-28T06:28:00.000-08:00

Two friends in Australia enjoyed throwing boomerangs together. Over the years they devised various contests to see who was the best. One day, in an act of kindness, one of them gave the other a new boomerang.

When they got back together a short time later, the friend showed up with his old boomerang.

“What happened with the new boomerang I gave you?” he asked. “How does it perform?”

“I don’t know,” came the answer. “I’m still trying to throw this old one away but it keeps coming back!”

The Apostle John wrote, “If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from every wrong.”

True confession not only involves repentance for our sins but a commitment to Christ not to continue in sin. If we are genuinely sincere when we confess our sins, we will also become conscious of how we live and what we can do to avoid repeating the sins we have committed in the past. The desire to sin can be very much like a boomerang – the temptation to go back to our sins of the past comes back again and again.

It may be that when we confess our sins, we lack a certain sense of sincerity or genuineness. Perhaps there is such an attractiveness or appeal to some sins that our desire to truly repent and give them up is only half-hearted and insincere.

God knows our minds and the desires of our hearts. If we truly want victory over sin and are anxious to flee every temptation that lead to sin, we must commit ourselves completely to Christ and pray for His strength to guide, guard, protect and empower us.

Prayer: Give us Your strength, Lord, to live close to You and draw upon Your power to defeat temptation the next time, and every time, we face it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Give Thanks In All Things

2011-11-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

When four-year-old Sammy awoke after surgery, the nurse explained that it would be necessary for him to be fed intravenously for the next few days.

After assuring him that everything would be fine, she began the process to administer the glucose. Always in the habit of giving thanks before each meal, Sammy asked in a brave and cheerful voice, “Aren’t you going to give thanks?”

It is not easy to give thanks in painful situations. Nor is it natural to see God’s goodness in all of life’s trials and troubles. But the Apostle Paul reminds us to “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

When we give thanks, we acknowledge our confidence in the Lord, knowing that He cares for us. When we give thanks, we express our closeness to God, realizing that He is with us in every situation. When we give thanks, we declare that we are willing to accept the counsel of God knowing that His will is being done.

Prayer: Dear Lord, may I learn the grace of giving thanks to You in all of life’s situations. Help me to realize that You are always with me, watching, protecting, providing and guiding me in every area of life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-23 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (Read more…)

Where Are You Going?

2011-11-23T07:04:00.000-08:00

A lady backed out of her parking place in a large mall during a blizzard and was having a difficult time seeing. A few feet from her car were the blinking lights of a snow plow. She decided to follow it, thinking it would take her safely to the exit.

After a few twists and turns the operator of the snow plow stopped, got out of his warm cab and went to the window of her car and asked, “Where are you going?”

“To the exit,” she answered.

“Well then,” he said, “don’t follow me. I’m only here to plow the parking lot.”

Everyone needs a leader to follow. As Christians, we are blessed to have a Leader who can lead us safely through life – One who knows what is best for us and believes in us and is a faithful encourager. The Christian’s Leader is one who knows our strength and weaknesses and will never call us to do what He knows is beyond our skills, abilities and potential to grow.

Jeremiah said, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” The Prophet here is assuring us that God has an individual plan for each of our lives and that it is a good plan and because of that, we can have faith in Him and be filled with hope for our future. Because God has planned our future, He knows what we will need to do what He will call us to do.

This does not mean that we will not have difficult days or trying times, that we will be spared hardships or heartaches. But it does mean that God will see us through pain and sorrow and lead us to victory. We have His promise that He will lead us through the valleys and shadows into His glorious presence.

Prayer: How thankful we are, Lord, that You have a plan that has been designed especially for each of us. May we be faithful to trust and follow You all the days of our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Have A Good Time

2011-11-22T06:11:00.000-08:00

Charles Darwin was known to be a chronic complainer. He seemed to enjoy life more when he could find things to gripe about.

One evening he and his wife attended a banquet. He found the food distasteful and the speech dull, the guests boring and the chairs uncomfortable. He could find nothing to enjoy and no one could meet his expectations.

As he and Mrs. Darwin were leaving the gathering, the hostess said apologetically, “I noticed that your husband was upset. We really wanted him to have a good time.”

“Oh my,” said Mrs. Darwin, “he had a wonderful time. He was able to find fault with everything.”

In his letter to the Philippians Paul wrote, “In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing.” Good advice!

Complaining and arguing are the behaviors of individuals who are self-centered and self-consumed. It is the exact opposite of how Christians are to live.

It is the responsibility of Christians to advance the Kingdom of God, not their personal goals and desires. Those who know and love Christ are always filled with a sense of their own inadequacy and willingly recognize their need for His mercy and grace.

The fact that we are in Christ should keep us humble and thankful as we recognize all that He has done for us. The more we recognize His greatness and our unworthiness, the less we will find to complain about in others and in things around us. We must be careful, at all times, to guard against being self-centered and self-consumed. It will not only destroy others but us as well.

Prayer: We pray, Lord, for eyes that can see the needs of others, minds that recognize ways we might help others and hearts that are filled with compassion to reach out to help them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Philippians 2:14 Do all things without complaining and disputing,

It's Part Of The Gift

2011-11-18T07:14:00.000-08:00

A new convert to Christianity wanted to show his love for his new found Lord. To do so, he brought a beautiful sea shell to the missionary, John Patton, who led him to Jesus.

“Where did you find such a beautiful prize?” he asked the native.

“I walked many miles,” he answered, “and I crossed a mountain to the bay on the other side of the island.”

“I’m so very sorry,” said the missionary, “that you had to walk so far to get it.”

“The long walk,” said the native, “is part of the gift.”

In Mark’s Gospel we read the heart-gripping story of the poor widow who put all that she had – two pennies – in the collection box in the Temple. Jesus had been watching the people as they presented their gifts. He saw the rich as they gave their large gifts as well as the widow. But it was the gift of the widow that touched the heart of Jesus.

So, He called His disciples together and said, “This poor widow has given more than all of the others. For they gave a tiny portion of their surplus, but she, as poor as she is, has given everything she has.” Her gift was the smallest, but in His eyes it was the largest of all.

The value of the gifts we give to the Lord does not depend on the amount; it depends on the spirit in which it is given. If we give grudgingly or to be recognized, it cancels the real value of our giving. God is always pleased when we give from a heart that is filled with gratitude for the many gifts He has given us. Much more than the size of our gift is the depth of appreciation that we have for His mercy and grace that He so willingly gives us.

Prayer: Lord, may we willingly give to You as You so graciously and mercifully give to us, all that we have or ever will have, because of Your unending love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Mark 12:41-44 “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” (Read more...)

Is There Any Difference?

2011-11-17T07:09:00.000-08:00

The citizens of Italy have a unique way of entering into a new year. Beginning with an extravagant display of fireworks, followed by noise making and dancing in the streets, they end up the celebration by getting rid of the old and embracing the new.

To get rid of the old “stuff” in their lives, they gather all of their worn out clothing, furniture, china, silverware and utensils and throw them out of their windows. It’s dangerous to be outside when the celebration begins!

Paul said that the Christian is to “throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life which is rotten through and through…(and replace it with)…a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.”

Our behavior is an outward expression of the thoughts and attitudes that we allow to control our minds. And if people see no difference in our behavior after we say that we have become followers of Christ, there is a problem. When we are born again, we receive a new nature that enables us to become new people in Christ. We now live in and through the power of the Holy Spirit. And if we invest time in studying His Word, in meditating on His truth and talking with Him in prayer, we will be constantly changing and becoming more of who God wants to us be. Our lives will reflect the promise that in Him we can become a new creation.

God begins a process of change in our lives that flows from our heads to our hearts and from our hearts to our lives. But unless we plant new thoughts and ideas in our minds that come from His Word, we cannot expect others to see any difference in our lives. Our old way of life becomes a thing of the past.

Prayer: Convict us, Heavenly Father, of those areas in our lives that fail to reflect our new nature. And may Your Spirit work in us to be who You have called us to be in Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 4:20-24 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. (Read more…)

The Threat Of Talking Too Much

2011-11-16T08:25:00.000-08:00

Arthur Rubenstein began playing the piano at the age of three. Before he was five years old, he performed his first concert before a large audience. He went on to become one of the world’s most famous and celebrated pianists.

Once, during his career, he developed a difficult and persistent case of hoarseness, almost losing his voice. The press began to release reports that he had developed cancer. As a result of all that was being said, he decided to consult with a throat specialist.

After a thirty-minute consultation, the doctor shaking his head said, “Come back tomorrow, Mr. Rubenstein.” That frightened the pianist and he spent a sleepless night, tossing and turning.

The next day, after a much longer and more thorough examination, the pianist with a frightened look on his face, asked the doctor, “What’s wrong with me?”

“Nothing,” said the doctor, “except that you talk too much.”

Solomon wisely warned us saying, “Don’t talk too much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow.”

Talking is natural and normal, but rarely neutral. We all have opinions about nearly everything and almost everyone we know. Even though most of our opinions and observations are accurate, there are times when they may be incorrect. And even though we think that we may be “speaking the truth in love,” our words may be harmful and hateful, bringing damage or destruction to the lives of others. Better not to speak at all than to speak words that can never be erased and bring pain and suffering to others.

Prayer: Lord, “May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts, always be acceptable to You” and therefore helpful to others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

Indispensible?

2011-11-15T06:31:00.000-08:00

Walter Damrosch became a world famous conductor before he was thirty years old. But with his fame came pride. And with his pride, arrogance.

As he rose to a place of prominence in the world of music, he became convinced that no one could take his place. One day while getting ready for a rehearsal, he could not find his baton. Walking to the podium in front of the orchestra, he asked, “Does anyone here have an extra baton?”

Immediately, three men in the orchestra reached into their instrument cases and produced a baton for his use. It was a sobering moment in his life and from that moment on, he never regarded himself as indispensable. He realized he needed help from others.

The Psalmist cried, “He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters.”

David wrote this psalm when he was helpless and weak, tired and tried. He was well aware of the fact that only God could rescue him from the enemies that were about to overcome him. He was defenseless and vulnerable. But not without hope or God’s help.

There are those times in life when we feel that we are in deep waters that are swirling swiftly around us. We stretch out our arms and cry for help but no one seems to be available to take us by the hand and rescue us.

When this happens, we must believe that God can either deliver us in an instant or, perhaps, teach us to depend on Him to support or strengthen us during difficult times in our life. Either way we must learn to trust Him completely believing His way is best.

Prayer: Father, help us to understand that You only want what is best for us and that You will always protect us, hold us close to Your side, and never leave us alone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 18:16 He sent from above, He took me; He drew me out of many waters.

Available And Helpful

2011-11-14T04:37:00.000-08:00

General George Washington came upon a company of soldiers who were building a wall with logs. As they were lifting one of the larger logs, the platoon leader was trying to show his importance to the men and a few bystanders by standing to one side and shouting orders.

“Up with it!” he shouted. “Now push, push, push again,” he commanded. But the log was too heavy and it rolled from its perch.

“What’s wrong with you?” he growled. “Try again, and this time I want to see the log make it to the top!” he screamed.

Just as it was about to fall again, Washington leaped forward and helped them. And with his assistance, they succeeded.

“Why didn’t you help them?” asked Washington.

“I’m a corporal, their leader,” he replied.

“Oh, well I’m only the Commander in Chief,” said the General. “The next time you have a log too heavy for your men, call me.”

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians and advised them to “be kind to each other...tenderhearted” as was Christ. We see in Him the ultimate picture of what kindness is and what being tenderhearted is all about.

Whenever He saw the sick, He healed them. Whenever He was with the hungry, He fed them. Whenever there was grief, He consoled them. Whenever there was confusion, He pointed the way. Whenever there was doubt, He presented the truth. We see in Jesus the ultimate “help-giver”. Wherever He was, whatever the need, whoever was lacking, He made up the difference.

Prayer: Please, Lord, give us eyes to see, ears to hear and strength to use in meeting the needs of those who cry out for Your grace and mercy in times of distress and difficulty. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Needed: Assistants Not Advisors

2011-11-11T06:19:00.000-08:00

In a famous Peanuts cartoon, Lucy is shouting from the outfield to Charlie Brown who was pitching, “Let’s win this one for a change, Charlie Brown!”

When he threw the next pitch, the batter hit the ball toward Lucy. Standing there, she watched the ball bounce and made no attempt to catch it.

In desperation Charlie Brown shouted, “If you are interested in winning, Lucy, why didn’t you try to catch the ball?”

“My role is strictly advisory,” she replied.

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul spoke sternly about roles. “My job was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but God gave the increase.”

Paul filled many roles in the early church. He was an evangelist, missionary, church-founder, author, educator and mentor to many of the leaders following Pentecost. What he did, he did well. But he knew that he could not do it all. He recognized the need for others to come alongside him and bring to completion the work that he started. It was the responsibility of Apollos to water the seed that Paul planted and to help the believers to grow stronger in their new found faith – to build on the foundation that Paul established.

We recognize the fact that God brings about the growth in Christians, but it involves many different individuals with a variety of gifts and talents to complete the process. Many Christians want to suggest to others what they should do. Few want to serve and share in expanding His Kingdom.

When we face our Lord we will not be asked, “Who have you directed?” but “What have you done?”

Prayer: Help us, Heavenly Father, to turn our saving faith into serving love by accepting our responsibilities to do what we are called to do whether planting, watering or weeding. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. (Read more…)

Seeing What Is Not Seen

2011-11-10T06:46:00.000-08:00

When Michelangelo was a young boy and determined to become an artisan, he went to visit a sculptor. Knowing of his interest in bringing objects to life, the artist gave him a young man half chiseled out of marble. For years he kept the object by his side and looked forward to the day when he would be able to free figures from stone.

Jesus possessed the ability to see what men and women could become. In John’s Gospel the story of Andrew bringing Simon to Jesus reflects this ability. “When Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus, looking intently at Simon, Jesus said ‘You are Simon, the son of John – but you will be called Cephas, which means Peter.’”

In this intriguing story, Jesus looked at Simon and saw his potential – who he could and who he would become. That is precisely why He gave him a new name which meant Peter – which in Greek meant “Rock.”

Throughout the Gospels, Peter is not portrayed as being one who is “rock-solid” – an immovable object that would make a foundation safe and secure. But over time, as he grew in His faith and did the work of his Lord, he did become a solid rock for the faith that was established in the early church. By giving him such a significant name, Jesus introduced him to the person he would become by the grace of God.

What Peter became through the grace of God is what each of us can become. Peter tried and failed but he did not give up. He denied Jesus and turned his back on Him but he did not leave Him. Though he faltered and failed, he was one who never failed to follow Jesus and eventually become who God wanted him to be.

Prayer: Lord, we admit that we often fail in being and doing what You have planned for us. But give us a heart-desire to never leave You nor forsake You as we struggle to please You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: John 1:40-42 Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone). (Read more...)

A Life Long Decision

2011-11-09T07:09:00.000-08:00

One Sunday morning, Stuart Henry, Director of Graduate Studies in Religion at Duke University, met one of his students who was walking on the sidewalk toward him.

Professor,” asked the student, “did you decide to go to church this morning?”

“No,” he answered, “I didn’t make the decision to go to church this morning. I made it fifty years ago when I first became a Christian. It is never a decision of whether or not I’ll go to church, but where I’ll go to church wherever I am.”

Paul, writing to the Christians in Rome said, “let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do!”

What a challenge to Christians! God wants to transform us into new persons by changing the way we think. He begins this process of renewal when we surrender our will completely to Him to do what He would have us to do. Certainly, if God has a plan for the universe, He must have a unique plan for each of us – for we are His children through the work of His Son on the cross.

If there is no change in our lives and if our behavior is no different from the worldly behavior of the unsaved, we have not allowed the Holy Spirit to renew our minds. We know that our minds have been renewed when Godly thoughts seep down into our hearts and we refuse to conform to the world’s values and standards. We become different by the choices we make and the choices we make reflect the goodness and grace of God. We are willing to lay aside our desires and follow Him. We gladly put all of our energy and gifts at His disposal and became willing to sacrifice our lives to His will and our ways to His way. This act of surrender arises from the gratitude we have for His salvation.

Prayer: We pray, Heavenly Father, that we will allow Your Holy Spirit to renew our minds and redirect our lives to reflect the transformation that You brought to our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Light At The End

2011-11-08T08:32:00.001-08:00

Not far from my home was a lengthy covered bridge. My first visit was a frightening experience. Before we drove through the bridge my uncle stopped just inside of the entrance. Looking behind me I saw the large opening and the glowing sunlight. But when I looked before me, I said, “Look out, Uncle Ed. You can drive in but you won’t be able to get out because the hole at the other end is too small for the car.”

I soon discovered that I was wrong. When we drove out of the bridge, the “hole” at the end of the bridge was bigger than I thought it was and the problem was solved.

Sometimes life is like that. The “little hole” we look through may seem small and insufficient for our passage. The darkness surrounds us and the light is not bright enough for us to see our way clear. Doubts and fears overwhelm us.

Yet as we face the fears and doubts, with the Lord’s help, we can get through them. As we read in Proverbs, “The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.”

In the Bible, light stands for wisdom and righteousness. When we are surrounded by darkness and there is little light to give us a sense of where God is leading us, we must stand fast and trust in His wisdom and know that because of His righteousness we are safe. As we learn to trust in His Word, we will gain confidence in Him and the journey He has prepared for us. We will learn that where He is leading us and what He is doing with us and through us is in keeping with His will for us. Although it may be difficult for us to believe that the “full light of day” is coming, we have the promises in His Word that it will.

Prayer: Give us the faith, Father, to believe that we are safe and secure as long as we trust in You and follow the directions You have given us in Your Word to follow in our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.

Look For The Weak Spot

2011-11-07T05:45:00.000-08:00

A stonecutter said to his apprentice, “Watch as I break this large stone.” He then began to tap it gently in different places.

The apprentice said impatiently, “Give me the hammer and chisel. I can hit it harder.”

“Oh, I can, too,” came the reply, “but I’m looking for a weak spot.”

Suddenly the teacher found it. Hitting it with force, he broke the stone with one stroke.

That’s the way the devil works: he looks for our weak spot and then attacks us. We rarely realize that we are under constant and viscous attacks by the forces of evil to get us to give in to temptation and sin.

If we are to be successful and withstand his attacks, we must depend on God’s strength and use every piece of His armor.

Paul said that we are to “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the devil.”

Paul reminds us that we are not fighting against “flesh and blood” but against demons over whom Satan has control. And these demons are not something that exist in our fantasies, but they are very real. As Christians we must realize that the goal of the demons is to defeat us and destroy the church. We must be ever vigilant and realize that they will do anything and everything to find our “weak spot” and lead us back to sin. We are assured that victory can be ours but we will be in this struggle until Christ returns.

To be victors in this battle, we need the supernatural power of Christ to defeat Satan. This power is available to us through the Holy Spirit who dwells within us and will protect us.

Prayer: We pray, Savior, that when we are tempted and tried that we will call upon You for Your strength knowing that “all the powers of hell will not conquer Your church.” In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 6:10-18 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Read more…)

Defeating Denial

2011-11-04T04:41:00.000-07:00

It was a hard-fought football game and a tough loss for the home team. Following the game a father asked his son, “Why did your team lose?”

“Well, Dad,” he answered, “the other team found a hole in our line and took advantage of it.”

“Why didn’t you close the hole?” asked the father.

“I tried, Dad,” he explained, “but I just couldn’t do it. I wasn’t strong enough.”

It is much easier to blame others for our failures than to admit that we may be the cause of a problem. That is called denial. But denial only keeps the problem going and the solution beyond our reach. Once we can admit “what is,” with God’s help we can deal with everything that He brings into our lives.

If we are able to admit that we have failed at anything or something large or small, whether it occurred yesterday or today, we can begin to learn from our experiences. And from our experiences comes insight; from insight comes wisdom; from wisdom comes learning; and from learning comes the lessons that we can apply to all of the opportunities that God brings into our lives.

Paul said that “I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” Whatever God brings into our lives is His will. And the strength we need to face and be victorious over anything and everything that He brings to us, will come from Him and our commitment to doing it. We cannot expect His strength to subdue things that do not concern Him or are not in His will for our lives. But if we are doing what He would have us to do, the victory will come from Him.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to look to You for the strength we need to do what You would have us to do and to be willing to give You the credit for our success. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Men Of God - Where Are You?

2011-11-03T05:57:00.000-07:00

The president of a large corporation was so challenged and inspired after he read the book, Men Of God, that he called the local book store to order 375 copies for his key leaders. After explaining his request for the books, the sales associate said, “I’m sorry, but we don’t have 375 Men Of God in Chicago, why don’t you try Detroit.”

How do we recognize these so called Men Of God? Who are they and where can we find them? Paul wrote to Timothy that God gave us His inspired Word that “is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.” Because the whole Bible contains God’s specific directions to lead and guide those who would become “men of God,” it is to be read, studied and applied to one’s life everyday. It is the standard for our conduct and will provide us with the guidance and direction we need to show the world God’s love, salvation and hope. It is the only source of instruction for what God wants us to do.

In the Bible we will discover what is true, what is right, what is just and what is required of both men and women of God. In it we will find the strength to do what He wants us to do and the truth that will give us the courage and confidence we need to be His disciples and witness His love, grace, mercy and salvation to others. Through its teaching we will find light for our paths and guidance for decisions, insight for our problems and hope when we cannot see beyond our moments of despair.

If we choose to commit ourselves to become “men and women of God,” we will find everything we need to know about the journey in His Word. And when we begin, He will be with us!

Prayer: Lord, may we strive to become men and women of God through a life of surrender and service to You and those for whom You died. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Give To Receive

2011-11-02T05:58:00.000-07:00

GIVE TO RECEIVE

It was Jayne’s turn to return thanks before the evening meal. With all heads bowed, eyes closed and hands joined for prayer, the inquisitive five-year old said, “Thank you Lord, for the potatoes!”

“Potatoes?” exclaimed her father. “We’re not having potatoes, we’re having pizza!”

“I know, Dad,” came the response. “I was just wondering if God was listening to me.”

Peter reminds us to “Give all our worries and cares to God, for He cares what happens to us.” We often, without thinking, become overwhelmed with the issues and problems of life, forgetting that God is always available whenever we call upon Him. When we labor under the stress and strain of life, neglecting to call upon the Lord, we are admitting that we do not trust God or perhaps even convince ourselves that God is not interested in our well-being. Or could it be that we are so proud that we think we can handle life by ourselves?

Going to God with the cares, small and large, begins with humility and is followed by honesty. To admit that we need God’s help in the everyday issues reveals our need for His guidance and our desire for Him to be a vital part of everything in our lives. Humility expresses our need for Him and honesty demonstrates that we choose not to try to hide anything from Him. Humility bows before Him and honesty opens our heart to Him and allows us to admit our faults and failures and our need for His grace.

Prayer: We know, Father, that what concerns us concerns You because we are Your children. May we open our hearts in love and with trust, knowing You are there to help us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Peter 5:7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Weather Master

2011-11-01T05:15:00.000-07:00

A meteorologist and minister enjoyed playing golf each Saturday morning. One morning, just as they were about to begin their game, a fierce thunderstorm greeted them. They ran to the clubhouse through the cold rain and driving wind. As they sat looking at the dark clouds and soggy grass, they wondered if the sun would ever shine again.

With no relief in sight the preacher said to the weatherman, “You’d think that between the two of us we could do something. But we may as well give up. It’s here to stay.”

Once when Jesus was crossing the Sea of Galilee in a boat with His disciples, a fierce storm developed and threatened to destroy them. In fear, these experienced and expert fishermen awakened Jesus shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

Calmly Jesus rebuked the wind and raging waves and calmed the sea. Then putting them to the test He asked, “Where is your faith?” Filled with awe they wanted to know, “Who this man was who could control the seas.”

Often when we are caught in the storms of life and overwhelmed by clouds of despair, we can easily fear that God has lost control of things and that we are at the mercy of fate. Not so! God is sovereign and we must remind ourselves of the question He asked His disciples: “Where is your faith?”

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to realize that Your strength and power, peace and healing is available to rescue and save us when we turn to You in faith. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Luke 8:22-25 Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” (Read more…)

Togetherness

2011-10-31T05:09:00.000-07:00

=Lou Gehrig is remembered as the “Iron Man of Baseball.” At the height of his career he was stricken with a mysterious disease and realized that his days of playing baseball would soon be over.

Sharing the news with his wife, she courageously and comfortingly said, “Whatever it is, we’ll see it through together.”

Togetherness is the opposite of independence. It suggests one of the basic blessings of being a Christian: we are never alone and need not face life alone.

Jesus said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” What a comforting thought. The Creator and Sustainer of the universe is with us at all times. He did not create us and abandon us to struggle through life without Him. But there’s more.

No Christian should ever feel independent from other Christians and not in need of the help of others. Nor should Christians feel excused from the task of helping other brothers and sisters in their times of need. The body of Christ – the church – is only doing the work of Christ when it works together for the well being of other members of the body. Whatever the need – spiritual, physical, financial, emotional, educational, legal – if I know about it, I am obligated to Christ to do something about it.

Prayer: Father, let us humbly, in the Spirit of Christ, do His work in ministering to the needs of others in His name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Galatians 6:2-3 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

What's First In Life?

2011-10-28T07:21:00.001-07:00

A young man just completed college and was having a difficult time adjusting to his new job. In his frustration he decided to speak with his pastor about the problem.

After a few moments of polite conversation he said, “I’m having a difficult time at work. My problem is learning to allow myself to be in second place.”

“No,” said his pastor, “the real problem is learning Who to put into first place.”

Jesus said, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”

To “seek the kingdom of God above all else” means to put God first in our lives. To do this we must fill our minds with His Word, our hearts with His love and our time in serving Him. It is all too easy in life to allow our priorities, our hobbies, our work, our families – our “whatevers” to slip into first place.

We have all heard the phrase that “life is choice.” And it is. Unfortunately we often do not consider the consequences of our choices and allow God’s Kingdom to be dethroned by the things of this world.

Prayer: Our Father, help us to make every effort to not only seek Your Kingdom but to place it above everything else in our lives no matter what it costs us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Saved By A Hug

2011-10-27T06:57:00.000-07:00

Jackie Robinson was the first African-American baseball player to break into the major leagues. It was a very difficult struggle for him.

But before his first game, Branch Rickey, the owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, had a frank conversation with him about what he would face. “You’re going to take abuse that you never dreamed of,” he said. “But if you are willing to take the abuse, I’m willing to back you all the way.”

It was a difficult time of transition for Robinson. There was one game that was particularly painful for him as the crowd constantly taunted him. But in view of everyone, Pee Wee Reese walked over to him and hugged him.

Later Robinson admitted, “That may have saved my career. Pee Wee made me feel that I belonged.”

All around us are people who are trying to “belong to the team.” They are different by design – God’s design and they want to feel accepted in our churches. And no matter who they are or how they look, educated or illiterate, rich or poor, God’s Word says that “we must love one another just as He commanded us” and welcome them to His team.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to live the love that Your Son lived and be accepting of others just as You are accepting of each of us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 John 3:23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.

Act Like You Believe It

2011-10-26T06:33:00.000-07:00

Bud Grant was the legendary head football coach of the Minnesota Vikings and a member of the pro-football Hall of Fame. He was once referred to as the “toughest person on the field.”

The first event at the first practice session of every Viking camp was the same. He personally showed his players how to line up for the playing of our National Anthem. He would remind them that if the other teams slouched or looked disinterested during the playing of the anthem, he was not responsible for their behavior.

However, he said to his men, “You're special. You're winners. Look and act like winners every second you are part of this team!”

We Christians need to realize that we are “special.” We need to look and act like Christians all of the time – no matter where we are or what we are doing. The Apostle John said, “Those who say they live in God should live as Jesus did.”

This does not mean that God expects us to have disciples or perform miracles. It means that we are to walk as He walked, talk as He talked, live as He lived, obey God as He obeyed God and follow His example of loving and serving others as He did.

Prayer: Our Father, may we as Your children be and act like Jesus, Your Son, and demonstrate to others that we are members of Your family. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 John 2:6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Wanted: Happiness Makers!

2011-10-25T08:19:00.000-07:00

The "Peanuts" comic strip created as many questions as it did smiles. On one occasion Lucy and Charlie Brown were having a serious conversation about the meaning of life.

With a furrow on her brow Lucy asked Charlie, “Why were we put on earth?”

In his own simple way, Charlie responded, “To make others happy!”

“I don’t think I’m making anyone very happy,” confessed Lucy, “and nobody is making me very happy, either!”

After a moment she shouted, “Somebody’s not doing their job!”

Making others happy is not a primary responsibility of the Christian. But Peter does give us some good advice about our responsibilities and what we are to do to help others.

First we are to show sympathy – by being attentive to and meeting their needs. Secondly, we are to show love – treating others with the same kindness that we would show a brother or sister. Thirdly, we are to show tenderheartedness – to be sensitive and caring. Finally – we are to be humble – to put others first and be a source of encouragement.

Prayer: We pray, Lord, that we will willingly accept our responsibilities to others and do our very best to minister to their needs. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Peter 3:8-9 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; (Read more…)

Education Or Learning?

2011-10-24T06:06:00.000-07:00

A reporter was visiting a number of farmers who had been identified as “successful.” He had been traveling from state to state and farm to farm. He saved his last interviewee to be the farmer who was known for being more successful than the others.

“Tell, me, Sir,” began the reporter, “how much education have you had?”

Reflecting for a moment, the farmer answered, “Six years of schooling, but fifty years of learning.”

From His birth to His baptism, we only have one glimpse into the life of Jesus. It was when His parents took Him to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem. He was so overwhelmed and impressed by the events that took place that He lingered a little longer than they did and became separated from them. Luke says that they found Jesus listening to the religious teachers and asking questions and adds that they were “amazed at his understanding and answers.” Imagine, if you can, the Son of God eagerly searching for knowledge to grow in “wisdom and stature and favor with God and all the people.”

In every area of His life, Jesus set examples for us to follow. But none more important than this.

Prayer: Father, if we would serve You fully and faithfully, we can only do so if we come to know You through understanding Your Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Luke 2:47, 52 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

The Sun Will Shine Again

2011-10-21T07:05:00.000-07:00

It was a cold, windy, rainy day. A poorly clothed newsboy stood in the doorway of an apartment building trying to escape the elements. Each time a bus stopped at the corner and the people got out he shouted, “Morning paper! Get your morning paper here!”

A warmly-dressed man purchased one of his papers and noticed how poorly he was dressed. Attempting to offer him some comfort he said, “This certainly is bad weather for you, son. I'm sorry for you.”

“I don't mind it much,” he replied. “The sun will shine again.”

The Psalmist had good advice when things seem to be unbearable. “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart sad? I will put my hope in God!”

Discouragement is said to be one of the most common occurrences in everyone's life nearly every day. We make careful plans and then something blocks them or someone gets in our way. We become distracted and give up “what might have been” because we forget about God. If we focus on God's ability rather than our limitations, the “sun will shine again.” Take courage. Hope in God and believe.

Prayer: We look to You, Lord, in faith knowing that Your strength can sustain us in the difficult times if we truly trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 42:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance.

Help When We Need It

2011-10-20T06:01:00.000-07:00

There is an interesting carving over a door in a hotel at the bottom of a well-climbed mountain in the Alps. It reads: “If you get into trouble, ask God to help you; when you are not in trouble, cultivate His acquaintance; after He has helped you, don't fail to thank Him.”

Often when difficulties arise and we find ourselves in life-threatening situations we are quick to shout, “God help me!” It is the normal, natural thing to do. When tempted and troubled, when there is no time to plan and prepare, it comes automatically. We rejoice when He responds and most times express our gratitude for His being willing to rescue us. We are quick to follow the first bit of advice and often follow the last words of advice and express our gratefulness and gratitude.

It is the statement in the middle of the advice, however, that we must also practice: “when not in trouble, cultivate His acquaintance.” The act and art of cultivation takes time and patience and must follow certain rules if the “seed” is to grow and bear fruit. This cultivation involves reading God's Word, taking time to pray, meditate and worship Him each day and being alert to opportunities to serve Him.

Prayer: We thank You, Lord, for Your availability in our times of need. But trouble us deeply until we take the time to cultivate a relationship with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

The Danger Of Hesitation

2011-10-19T07:04:00.000-07:00

A world famous aerial acrobat was making his way carefully across a wire high above the crowd below. Suddenly, he lost his footing and fell from his high wire to the earth below. Sitting at his bedside in the hospital, a reporter wondered what he was going to do when he recovered from his injuries.

Assuming that he would never return to his previous occupation he said, “I'm sure that you will no longer do what you did before this horrible accident. You must be afraid of falling again.”

“You don't understand,” came the response. “I did not fall because I was afraid. I fell because I hesitated. Hesitation is the number one killer in our business.”

And it is the number one reason why people do not accept Christ. No one plans to perish. Many perish because they think there will be a better time or another opportunity or need. So, they hesitate.

But there is also another “hesitation” we Christians must always keep in mind. Some whom we know and love may perish, not because they hesitated, but because we “hesitated” to witness to them and extend God's love and plan of salvation.

As Christ's messengers we must seize the moment.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to seize every moment as though it were the last moment we have to reach out and bring others to Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (Read more...)

Get Down On Your Knees!

2011-10-18T05:48:00.000-07:00

A group of expert mountain climbers was attempting to get to the top of the Matterhorn. As they entered one passage, the guide noticed that there were clouds of billowing snow rapidly approaching them as they began to go around a curve.

Quickly he shouted as loud as he could, “Get down on your knees! That's where you will be safe.”

What good advice!

Once David said, “In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; He saved me from all my troubles.”

What we believe about God determines what we include in our prayers. Paul said, “He is not far from any one of us.” If we believe that God is close by and available to us, it becomes natural to turn to Him at any time no matter where we are or what is happening.

Then we need to believe that He is powerful and can make a difference in our lives. Again, hear Paul: “God is able through His mighty power...to accomplish more than we might ask or think.”

Finally, we need to believe we can influence Him. “You don't have because you don't ask,” said James. There are no limits on what we might ask.

Prayer: Lord, we pray with one of Your disciples the simple prayer: Lord I believe. Help my unbelief. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 34:6 This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.

Obstacles And Opportunities

2011-10-17T05:37:00.000-07:00

Sewing was very important to Mrs. Lofting. Whenever she had a moment to spare, she would go to her sewing room and take out her needle and thread and the sewing project she was working on.

But she had a problem. Whenever she was working with a piece of thick, heavy material, the needle she was pushing with her thumb would often pierce it.

One day her sympathetic husband seeing her happiness interrupted with pain became concerned. He went to his shop, found a piece of soft metal and turned it into a bell-shaped covering for her thumb. Jokingly he called it a “thumb-bell.” Soon, other seamstresses became aware of the “thumb-bell” and wanted one for their sewing. Now they are called “thimbles” and are found in nearly every home.

What we do when faced with a problem often is a result of our dependence upon God. James wrote, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and He will give it to you.” This “wisdom” he is talking about not only means knowledge, but the ability to make wise decisions, gain insight and get us through difficult times. This promise of God is ours to accept and act upon whenever life seems to be beyond us.

Prayer: How gracious of You, Father, to provide Your wisdom to guide us, guard us and grant us answers in all that we do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Thanks For What?

2011-10-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

It was a devastating shipwreck. Only one man survived by clinging to a piece of the ship that floated to the shore of a desolate island. In order to survive, he built a hut with the leaves of palm trees and wood he was able to find.

One morning he went out searching for food when he saw clouds of smoke arising from the location of his hut. Hurriedly he ran to his dwelling only to find that it had been consumed by fire.

That night he slept little. When he awakened the following morning, he was amazed to find a ship anchored off shore. As he stood looking in disbelief, he noticed that the ship was lowering a small life boat. As it came to shore one of the sailors said, “We saw your smoke signal and wondered if everything was OK.” After he told them what happened, they took him back to the ship and eventually he returned to his family.

Scripture tells us to “Always be joyful. Never stop praying.” Situations may change but our God does not. While it is normal and natural for our emotions to change when our circumstances change, we must always turn to the Lord, believing that He will rescue us from the difficulties and dangers of life.

Prayer: We know, Lord, that You will never leave us or forsake us no matter how desperate we may be. Give us the faith to trust You completely. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Making Our Memories

2011-10-13T06:06:00.000-07:00

It was the first day of the new school year and Albert was boarding the bus. As he was walking to his seat, he brushed up against a book bag and cut his cheek. When he got to school, the nurse cleaned if carefully and placed a bandage on it.

Later, during recess, he collided with a classmate and loosened two of his front teeth. Then at noon as he was walking to the cafeteria, he tripped and fell and broke his wrist.

His father came to the school and finally “rescued” him and took him to the hospital. While waiting for the doctor, his dad noticed that his little fist was clenched as tightly as possible, holding a crumpled up dollar bill. His dad asked him where he got it and he replied, “I found it when I fell and broke my wrist. This is my lucky day!”

“Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise,” said Paul. What we put into our minds determines what comes out in words and deeds. If we have problems with thoughts that are harmful and impure, unwholesome and unkind, we need to take an inventory of what we are reading, watching on television and viewing on the internet.

Minds are like bank accounts: What goes in comes out.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to take Paul’s advice and fill our minds with thoughts that come from reading Your Word and meditating on it constantly. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

"And Then Some"

2011-10-12T06:50:00.000-07:00

A famous entrepreneur was once asked, “What’s the secret of your success?”

After a moments thought he replied, “And then some.”

Curious, the interviewer asked, “What does that mean?”

He replied, “I discovered at an early age that the extraordinary people did what was expected of them – and then some.”

Christians must do more than believe – they must behave. True, deep down belief in our heart will lead us to live and love as Jesus did.

Christians must do more than care, they must share. If we know of someone who is without and needs something we can do without, we must share.

Christians must do more than forgive, they must accept. If someone has wronged us, we must reach out to them in love and let them know by words and deeds that we hold nothing against them.

Christians must do more than promise, they must perform. When we give our word, we must honor our word. If we “say it,” we must do it if we possibly can. And when we can’t, we must admit we made a promise we can’t keep – no matter the reason.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to practice what we preach, to walk our talk, to do it if we say it, to go the second mile and to behave what we say we believe. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Matthew 5:41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.

Honored By Being Humble

2011-10-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

Booker T. Washington was a famous African-American who was president of Tuskegee Institute. Once while walking down a street near the school, a white woman, not knowing him, asked if he would like to earn a few dollars by chopping some wood.

Smiling graciously, he chopped the wood as directed, carried it into her house and carefully stacked it near the fireplace. When her daughter recognized who had been chopping and stacking the wood, she went to her mother and informed her. She was shocked when she learned this and went to Mr. Washington, apologizing profusely.

“It’s alright, Madam,” he said politely, “it is a delight to help a friend.” Not long after that incident the lady donated thousands of dollars to the school.

Peter warned, “God opposes the proud, but favors the humble.” Pride is a dangerous thing. It can strip us of our willingness to help others whom God loves and cares for. It is far better to receive the favor of God than any recognition that may come from others. God is always willing, ready and able to bless us for what we do for others.

We must always be available to reach out to others when we see their need. Jesus did.

Prayer: We pray, Father, that whenever anyone anywhere needs our help, we will willingly respond with Your love, kindness and grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Peter 5:5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

Going Up?

2011-10-10T05:57:00.000-07:00

The late Bishop Sheen was shopping in a New York department store going from one floor to the next. After he finished looking at all of the items on the fifth floor, he got on the elevator and pushed the button for the sixth.

As the door was closing, a lady rushed on to the elevator and smiled at him. When the elevator stopped and he made his way to the door, she looked at him with a frown and said, “I did not want to go up, I wanted to go down!”

“Madam,” he said with a grin, “I only take people up, not down!”

Often we are not aware of how our behavior is affecting others. We do what we do because it brings us pleasure, happiness or satisfaction. We may not realize that others may be watching what we do and then imitating our behavior – whether right or wrong. They may be looking for another Christian to follow.

Paul said, “So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live – for I don't want to cause another believer to stumble.” He was ever conscious of the example he set knowing others were watching. We must do the same.

Prayer: Father, may we never forget that we are a living example of what it means to be a Christian and always represent You well. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Corinthians 8:13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

Never Give Up!

2011-10-07T04:55:00.000-07:00

Winston Churchill is recognized as one of the most outstanding leaders in the history of the world. He held England together during World War II and brought encouragement and hope to the entire nation and the world.

He attended a preparatory school that was recognized for having high academic standards and making students study and earn their grades by spending hours at their desks and in the library. He is known to have excelled in all of his studies.

Toward the end of his life he was invited to return to the school to address the students. When he was being introduced to the students, the Headmaster said, “Our Prime Minister is one of the greatest orators in the world. Listen carefully and take notes.”

Churchill stood to his feet, gazed intently at the young people who gathered to hear him and said, “Never give up. NEVER GIVE UP! NEVER!” And sat down.

Paul put this another way for Christians: “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”

Often we work hard for the Lord yet see no rewards. However, we must “Never Give Up!”

Prayer: Encourage our hearts, Lord, to know that we may not receive rewards in this world, but surely in the one to come with You in heaven. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Bald Heads And Bold Love

2011-10-06T06:47:00.000-07:00

Ten-year-old Charles was undergoing chemotherapy following surgery for brain cancer. When his hair began to fall out in large clumps, he decided to shave his head. His friends at school noticed this and in a way to support and encourage him, they also shaved their heads.

Once when Jesus was teaching His disciples the difference between self-centeredness and greatness, He used a child to get His point across. He knew that they had been arguing among themselves as to who would be the greatest in His Kingdom. He knew that they were confusing His earthly and heavenly kingdoms. To help them understand the importance of humility and sincerity He said, “unless you turn from your sins and become like little children you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.” His disciples had become so preoccupied with the idea of an earthly kingdom that they lost sight of His divine purpose. It was time for a lesson.

Children have wonderful characteristics. They are loving and loyal, they forgive and forget, they try and trust, they sympathize and share, they accept and respect others. No wonder Jesus used a child as an example. Could we be such an example?

Prayer: Lord, give us a faith that is as humble and trusting as a child’s and let us be as willing as they are to reach out to others in need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Matthew 18:1-3 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Bald Heads And Bold Love

2011-10-05T05:38:00.000-07:00

Ten-year-old Charles was undergoing chemotherapy following surgery for brain cancer. When his hair began to fall out in large clumps, he decided to shave his head. His friends at school noticed this and in a way to support and encourage him, they also shaved their heads.

Once when Jesus was teaching His disciples the difference between self-centeredness and greatness, He used a child to get His point across. He knew that they had been arguing among themselves as to who would be the greatest in His Kingdom. He knew that they were confusing His earthly and heavenly kingdoms. To help them understand the importance of humility and sincerity He said, “unless you turn from your sins and become like little children you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.” His disciples had become so preoccupied with the idea of an earthly kingdom that they lost sight of His divine purpose. It was time for a lesson.

Children have wonderful characteristics. They are loving and loyal, they forgive and forget, they try and trust, they sympathize and share, they accept and respect others. No wonder Jesus used a child as an example. Could we be such an example?

Prayer: Lord, give us a faith that is as humble and trusting as a child's and let us be as willing as they are to reach out to others in need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Matthew 18:1-3 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

From Trials To Triumph

2011-10-04T06:09:00.000-07:00

Twelve men who met regularly to discuss the problems they were dealing with, began to argue about which one of them had the most serious problem. Unable to come to a conclusion, they decided to go to a counselor for his views.

As they began to discuss and debate their problems in his presence, each tried to make his situation sound the worst. After a few moments the counselor asked them to divide themselves into two groups of six and sit in chairs facing each other. After sitting and facing each other, he gave them a piece of paper and said, “Write your problems on the paper and then exchange it with the one who is sitting opposite you.” They did as he asked.

As they read the other persons problem, they realized that their own problem was not as serious as it had seemed and asked for their problem to be returned.

As believers we must accept the fact that God causes everything to work together for our good. This does not mean that everything that happens to us is good – but that God will use every “thing” to His good. He does this to accomplish the purpose He has for each of us in knowing His will.

Prayer: Give us strength Lord, to accept every thing in our lives as a gift from You that can, if we let it, shape us into Your likeness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Faithful Forecaster

2011-10-03T06:08:00.000-07:00

Harold stopped by the gift store to purchase a barometer to inform him of changing weather conditions. When he got home he hung it on the wall in his library. After a few moments he decided to see if it was working. When it warned him of an impending tornado, he became angry and took it back to the store demanding a new one.

Pleased with his new one, he hurried home to hang it on the wall in the place of the one he thought was not working properly. As he turned the corner of the street, he was shocked with disbelief. While he was gone, a tornado came through town and his home was completely destroyed.

Many look at the Bible the way that Harold looked at his barometer: They doubt it or deny it or attempt to destroy its message one way or another. But one's opinion will not alter the invitation to salvation or the promise of judgment.

God's Word warns us that “each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.” We hear little about judgment because it is not a popular theme in today's culture. God's Word and promises are as certain as His love and salvation. We cannot change facts – only accept or reject them.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to accept the teachings of Your Word and be prepared for Your judgment and to live knowing we will stand before You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment

What Are You Looking For?

2011-09-30T05:51:00.000-07:00

Once, while walking through one of his factories, Henry Ford stopped to talk with an engineer. “Tell me,” he asked, “what is your ambition in life?”

With no hesitation he answered, “To make money and become rich!”

A few days later he returned to talk to the engineer. He paused for a moment and then handed him a pair of glasses. In place of the lenses were silver dollars. “Put them on,” he said. “Now, what do you see?”

“Nothing but money,” he replied

“Maybe,” said Mr. Ford, “you should rethink your ambitions.”

Many people believe that money can bring happiness. Although there is evidence to prove that this is not true, it is a belief that drives many people to try to acquire more and more. It seems to lead to an endless cycle and life without peace.

Paul gives some us some guidelines to keep us focused. One day, whatever we have will all be gone.

In view of that, we are to be content with what we have. We are also to love people more than money and we are to share what God has given to us with others if they have a need.

God has promised to give us what we need, not want.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for supplying our every need. May we learn to be content with what You graciously give us each day. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Timothy 6:6-10 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out (Read more…)

Worrybirds

2011-09-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

The comic strip Peanuts contains many useful lessons for each of us. In one of their discussions, Linus said to Charlie Brown, “I guess it's wrong to worry about tomorrow. Maybe we should think only about today.”

“No!” Charlie Brown said emphatically. “That's giving up. I'm still hoping that yesterday will get better.”

Letting go is often very difficult. Sometimes we enjoy holding on to a hurt so we can feel sorry for ourselves. Or, we may want to carry yesterday's anger with us to avoid having God's peace in our hearts, believing we are unworthy of His grace. Often when our prayers go unanswered, we enjoy doubting God's power and presence in our lives, thinking that He has forgotten about us.

The word “worry” comes from a German word that means “to choke.” We “choke” out the good things that God has in store for us because we refuse to take Him at His Word. Paul said, “Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything.”

Paul advises us to turn our worries into prayers. God is merciful and mighty, powerful and present and can remove our worries and solve our problems. “Tell God what you want and thank Him for all He has done.”

Prayer: Lord, may we realize that although things may seem to be more than we can handle, nothing is beyond Your ability to control. Give us the faith we need. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

How To Get Revenge

2011-09-28T04:38:00.000-07:00

The check-in line at the ticket counter was longer than usual. And it was moving very, very slowly. One of the people in the line was passing the time by watching the people around her. Finally, it was almost her turn. Only one person was in front of her.

But the man in front of her had seven bags to check-in. He became impatient and began to curse the agent because he had to pay an additional charge for all of his luggage. The agent, with a gracious smile, politely said to the man, “Have a nice flight, Sir.”

Impressed, when she presented her ticket to the agent she said, “My, you were so kind to that man who cursed you. He even embarrassed me. Are you always so courteous?”

“Thank you,” he replied, “but I'm really not very nice. You see, he's going to Miami but his baggage is going to Minneapolis.”

Whenever someone does something to hurt us on purpose, the natural thing we want to do is to seek a way to get revenge. But, revenge is not our responsibility, it is God’s. Paul said, “Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God.”

When we return evil with good and thoughtfulness for thoughtlessness, we are demonstrating God's love: loving others the way He loves us. God's grace: let's pass it on!

Prayer: Save us, Father, from doing harm to others. Let us show Your love and kindness, compassion and care to everyone as You have shown it to us. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 12:19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

"Somebody Loves You!"

2011-09-27T05:49:00.000-07:00

A receptionist walked to her desk one morning and saw a bouquet of twelve beautiful roses. Anxiously, she opened the card and read, “From somebody who loves you!”

Her mind began to go through a list of individuals whom she thought might have sent her the flowers. It could have been her boy friend, her mom or dad, co-workers – or any number of different people. She made many phone calls to everyone who she thought might have sent the flowers.

Finally, she thought of her sister and called her. “Janet,” she asked, “did you send me the roses?”

“Yes,” was the reply. “You seemed discouraged and I wanted you to spend some time thinking about people who love you.”

“Well, I did,” she said, “and the list went on and on. I never thought that I was important to anyone.”

But there is Someone who loves us more that anyone on earth – our Heavenly Father. Long ago Jeremiah wrote about God's love: “I have loved you, My people, with an everlasting love. With an unfailing love I have drawn you to Myself.” It is almost unbelievable!

God, in His grace, mercy and kindness, has offered His unfailing and everlasting love to anyone who will accept it. How blest we are: God loves each of us.

Prayer: Lord, we are undeserving and unworthy of the love that You offer us through Christ our Savior who died that we may live with You eternally. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

Never Forgotten

2011-09-26T05:35:00.000-07:00

It was late one Friday evening when two Iowa City police officers were walking their beat in the downtown area. As they approached the steps of a church, they discovered a three-year-old child sitting alone. The tiny child was sitting quietly playing with a few tattered dolls and eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. She had been abandoned by her mother.

One of the officers sat next to the child and asked her what she was doing. “I’m waiting for the other children to come to Sunday school so I can play with them,” was her reply.

On one occasion, Isaiah cried, “Can a mother forget her child? Can she feel no love for a child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on my hand.”

What comforting, reassuring words! What peace it brings to the hearts of God’s children! Knowing that He cares so much for us, His adopted children, that He even writes our names on His hand. How precious it is to have the assurance of His presence and the promise of unending love and mercy.

If or when we feel that God has forsaken us, we need to search our hearts and lives and ask ourselves this question, “Have we forsaken Him?” We know His Word assures us that He will never leave or forsake us.

Prayer: Our gracious Heavenly Father, how grateful we are and how comforting it is to know that You will never forget us, no matter what we do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 49:15 “Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you.

The Value Of Stress

2011-09-23T07:07:00.000-07:00

A famous violin maker took his young apprentice into the forest to locate wood to make new instruments.

As they began to climb a mountain, the young apprentice pointed out some tall, strong, sturdy and healthy looking trees to the master violin maker. The old gentleman looked at the trees in passing, shook his head and kept climbing. Finally they passed the tall trees that grew half way up the mountain and came to some short, gnarled trees near the top. The trees had endured the ice of many winters and the winds that swirled around them since the time they began to grow.

As the old master began to cut down one of the trees, the young apprentice questioned him, asking, “Why these trees? The others were tall and beautiful.”

“The wood of the sheltered trees will break under the pressure of shaping the wood into violins,” said the old man. “But the trees beaten by time and nature will produce the best wood and they will make the most beautiful music.”

It is normal to question God when we are torn by trials and surrounded by storms. Why, we ask. He is making us strong “so that when others are troubled, we can pass on to them the same help and comfort God has given us.”

Prayer: Lord, when nights are long and days short, may we accept and understand that You are preparing us to minister to the needs of others when they suffer. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Peter 1:1-9 NLT These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. (Read more...)

What To Pray For

2011-09-22T06:35:00.000-07:00

Following the morning service, a deacon was sitting quietly reading his Bible when the janitor approached him asking if he had enough light.

“Yes, thank you, I do. But what did you think of our new pastor's prayer this morning?” he asked.

“It was great,” came the answer. And he continued, “He prays for things the other pastors didn't know God was concerned about.”

A good way to learn about the things that concern God is to carefully read a local newspaper. Its content provides many things for us to be concerned about and pray for. Examples include:

Our nation: we need to pray for our leaders and the issues of America and the world

Our Armed Forces: their protection and their families

Our cities: the unemployed, the homeless, the sick

Our newborns: that parents will show God's love

Our schools: that students will learn the truth

Our merchants: that they will treat people fairly

Our neighbors: the lost, the grieving, the hopeless

Our churches: their faithfulness to God and His Word

Our firemen, policemen, EMS personnel, health care providers

Our local governments, judges and legal system

Our families: that they will be strong and God honoring

Prayer: Father, help us to be aware of and concerned about everything in Your world that is important to You and to pray earnestly for Your will in all things. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Luke 18:1-8 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, (Read more...)

Follow The Leader

2011-09-21T05:34:00.000-07:00

When Dale was a small boy living on a farm in Missouri, he would entertain himself by holding a stick across the gateway of a sheep pen. The sheep, not thinking or concerned about the stick, would simply jump over it. One day his arms became tired and he dropped the stick. To his amazement the sheep that followed continued to jump as though the stick were still in place. They jumped over an imaginary stick because those in front of them jumped.

From watching sheep jump over an imaginary stick Dale Carnegie eventually went on to study public speaking. He became a successful salesman, writer and lecturer and wrote one of the most popular books of all times: How to Win Friends and Influence People.

Sheep are like most people – they want to find someone to follow. But who? Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow Me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

What did Jesus mean when He said I am the “light that leads to life?” When He becomes our Savior, He is our “light,” our protector and guide by bringing God’s presence and protection into our lives. We are to be faithful in following the teachings of Scripture and let the Word of God become the light that leads to life.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to follow You as the One true leader who has our best interests at heart and will keep our minds focused on eternal realities. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Trust Me!

2011-09-20T06:40:00.000-07:00

It was a cold winter night when a fire broke out and was rapidly spreading throughout the home. The father had successfully rescued his wife and children and they were standing outside watching the firemen fight the blaze. Suddenly he heard the voice of his six-year-old son who had slipped away from the family. He wanted to rescue his toys from his upstairs bedroom that he somehow managed to open. He was surrounded by smoke.

Standing beneath the window the father shouted, “Jump, I'll catch you!”

“Daddy,” came the frightened reply, “I can't see you! It's too smoky.”

“But I can see you, Son. Jump!” said his father.

He trusted his father, jumped and was saved.

How like our Heavenly Father. His Word says: “Trust Me in your times of trouble and I will rescue you and you will give Me glory!” The word “trust” as used in the Bible means that we are “to place our complete confidence in” the Lord – a confidence that has no limits.

At times it is just as difficult for us as it was for the young son who could not see his father. Our eyes become filled with “smoke” that blocks our view of God and His power to rescue us from the things of this world that would consume us. Nevertheless, He's there. Jump!

Prayer: Father, give us complete confidence in Your Word knowing that You will never leave us or forsake us. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 50:15 call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

His Best Break

2011-09-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

From the time he was a small child, he dreamed of being a pitcher on a major league baseball team. After long years of developing his skills and becoming successful, he made it to the major league and was on the mound pitching his first game. Suddenly, after releasing a pitch he fractured his arm.

The surgeons examined his arm carefully and knew that his career was over. He was advised not to do any work that would strain his arm. He became disappointed and depressed during his lengthy period of recovery and had little hope for his future.

One day he decided to teach himself to draw. After several months of working on this new skill, he became a sports cartoonist for a local newspaper. His word-pictures and penciled drawings brought him much attention and eventually worldwide fame as “Mr. Believe It Or Not.”

From being a cartoonist that drew sports figures, he went on to develop “Ripley's Believe It Or Not!” that was published in many newspapers and is now a television program. Throughout the remaining years of his life he would often quote his favorite Bible verse, “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him.” God can turn every tragedy into a triumph to fulfill His purpose in our lives.

Prayer: Lord, we thank You for working in us and through us to bring honor and glory to Your Name. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

God's Great Gift

2011-09-16T06:08:00.000-07:00

One day while walking home from law school in a violent thunder storm, young Martin was struck by a bolt of lightening. Terrified, he cried, “St. Anne, save me and I will become a monk.”

He honored his word and entered a monastery. He was determined to make peace with God and save his soul. Try as he might, he soon realized that no amount of good works or selfless devotion to God could take away his sins and give him the peace he longed for.

One day while reading the Bible and meditating on God’s Word, he came across a short passage of Scripture: “The just shall live by faith.” At that moment in his life he realized that salvation is not a reward or the result of good works or doing without things. He finally realized that salvation is a gift of God’s grace and accepted God’s forgiveness through faith in His Son.

One day in speaking of that event in his life he said, “I felt like I had gone through open doors into paradise.” At that moment in history God began the Protestant Reformation through Martin Luther.

Try as we might, God’s grace and mercy cannot be earned, purchased or inherited. Salvation is a gift of God. In Paul’s letter to the Romans one phrase appears eight times: “It is through faith that a righteous person lives.” Without faith, it is impossible to be saved.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for making salvation available to all by placing our faith in Jesus Christ, Your only Son and our Savior. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

"I Wasn't Praying To You!"

2011-09-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

One evening while a mother was teaching her children to pray, little Martha was tired and about to fall asleep. When she began to pray her words ran together and she began to mumble.

“I can’t hear you, Martha,” said her mother.

Back came the reply, “I wasn’t praying to you Mom, I was praying to God!”

Prayer, quite simply stated, is having a conversation with God about whatever is on our minds or in our hearts. There is no special formula, no sacred position, no particular words, no recognized hour of the day or night.

When we pray, we admit to God that we are weak and dependent upon Him. We need His grace and mercy to solve our problems, heal our bodies, comfort our broken hearts, and mend damaged relationships that we have shattered because of selfishness or greed. Whatever we find lacking in our lives can be filled by God.

We must always remember that we will not ask God to do anything that we think is beyond His power. Jesus tells us to ask for “whatever” or “anything” in His name. If we do that in faith believing, He will grant our requests if they are in keeping with His will for our lives.

Never forget that prayer is asking and receiving. Not wondering or hoping – but receiving God’s best.

Prayer: Give us the confidence, Lord, to take You at Your Word and come into Your presence with confidence that You will hear and answer our requests. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Luke 1:9-13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; (Read more…)

God And Three Pennies

2011-09-14T05:53:00.000-07:00

One day Sister Teresa went to her superior and said, “I have three pennies and I am going to build an orphanage.”

“What?” exclaimed her superior in disbelief. “You can't build an orphanage with just three pennies.”

“Oh, I know,” she replied with a twinkle in her eye and a broad smile. “But with God and three pennies, I can do anything.”

Jesus had a similar discussion with his disciples. Jesus had been describing the difficulty people had of getting into heaven. When He finished His lesson, they said to Him in amazement, “Then who in the world can be saved?” Calmly He replied to them, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”

When we face a seemingly impossible situation, we often turn to those around us seeking their advice or help, thinking that they can provide the solution or answer. Soon we realize that they have the same limitations that we have – being human. Even the most brilliant person has a limit to his knowledge and the wealthiest person has a limit to their riches. Christians, however, have the resources of the Creator always available. Our all-powerful Creator has whatever treasures we need to accomplish whatever He wants us to do for Him.

Prayer: Father, may we never fail to do what You want us to do for lack of faith but to always believe that with You as our God, all things are possible. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Mark 10:27 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”

He Never Sleeps

2011-09-13T05:32:00.000-07:00

Little Lacy had finished her night time prayers with her mother. As she pulled the sheets up tightly under her chin, her mother turned off the light.

Looking out her window she said, “Mom, the moon is shining in my room. Is it God’s light?”

“Yes,” replied her mother.

“Will God turn out His light, too?” she asked.

“Oh, no!” came the reply. “The Bible promises us that He never goes to sleep.”

God’s Word gives us the assurance and hope, confidence and confirmation that He protects us day and night. Not only did God make the heavens and the hills, the earth and the sky but the guarantee that He will protect us from anything that would destroy us. We are often tempted to trust in ourselves and the riches of this world, but too often we are reminded of the poor decisions that we make and the failures of the best laid schemes of man.

It is important that we remind ourselves that the God who created the universe is the God Who created us and watches over every detail of our lives. Nothing ever causes Him to forget us or lose sight of us and our special needs. We are always safe in His hands and protected by His power. We never outgrow our need for His attentive eye or His ear that is listening for our voice.

Prayer: We are grateful, Father, that You are always watching, never sleeping, and continually protecting us every day and every night of our lives. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 121 He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. (Read more…)

Crying For Help

2011-09-12T05:57:00.000-07:00

Years ago a cargo ship was making its way through the stormy seas of the Atlantic. The waves were high, the winds fierce and the crew already in fear for their lives. To add to their fright, they heard strange sounds coming from the area beneath the deck. They thought that they were hearing people moaning and crying for help. They were frightened and in a state of panic.

The captain, knowing that he was responsible for everything that happened on his ship, decided that he would find the source of the voices. Going below to the area containing the cargo, he noticed that one crate had broken loose from its straps. Each time the ship rose and fell with the waves, the sounds WERE loud enough to hear but not clear enough to understand.

Breaking open the crate he discovered a shipment of dolls that cried “Mama” when they were rocked back and forth by the waves.

The Psalmist wrote, “The Lord hears His people when they call to Him for help…is close to the brokenhearted…to those crushed in spirit…and those that face troubles…and will protect them from harm.”

We all desire to escape the fears of life: pain, grief, loss, sorrow, sadness, abandonment and failure. Let’s thank God when trouble comes, He’s there to care.

Prayer: Thank You, Savior, for Your presence in our lives, and for protecting and comforting us in the storms and stresses of life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 34:15-19 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry. (Read more…)

Not To Me It Doesn't

2011-09-09T05:34:00.000-07:00

A tourist traveling through the mountains of Kentucky came to a fork in a winding road. He became confused when he saw two signs that read, “Rutland” pointing toward each of the branches of the fork.

Seeing a farmer standing beside his mail box, he rolled down his window and asked, “Does it make any difference which road I take to Rutland?”

“Not to me it doesn't,” answered the farmer.

Indifference is one of the worst sins toward others. Rather than hating someone, indifference says, “I just don't care one way or the other about you or your problem since it does not concern me.”

Paul thoughtfully said, “Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ.” Just as children imitate their parents, so are we to be imitators of our Lord in showing His unending love for others. God expects us to follow the examples of Jesus in the way He treated others. When we remember the fact that He sacrificed Himself for us that we might have eternal life, we can begin to realize the love that Paul is talking about. Our love toward others is to be that same kind of love – a love that is not sentimental or conditional, but a love that is self-sacrificing if necessary. We need to train our eyes to see the needs of others and open our ears to hear their cries for help.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to constantly search for ways to show Your care, compassion and concern for others every day of our lives. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

When We Fear

2011-09-08T05:31:00.000-07:00

While visiting a Sunday school class, the pastor asked, “How many of you pray every night before going to sleep?”

Every hand in the class went into the air. “That’s wonderful,” he said. And continued, “How many of you say your prayers every morning before going to school or out to play?” Everyone but George raised their hand.

“George,” he asked, “tell me why you don’t pray each morning.”

Quickly he responded, “Well, it’s because I’m not afraid in the day time. I can see all around.”

Fear can often be very helpful and useful. It usually accompanies a feeling of alarm or an unexpected event that may be something we cannot control. It can help us to be alert to dangers or objects that could do us harm. It might even be caused by guilt or shame for something we have done or not done, reminding us to ask God for His mercy and forgiveness.

David once wrote, “I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?” People can harm us, causing suffering, pain, humiliation and even death. But no one can ever rob us of our soul or the future we may have with our Father in heaven. We need to fear only God who controls this life and access to His presence in the life to come.

Prayer: Father, as we place our faith in You, may we live in peace knowing that in Your love we are safe and secure, now and in eternity. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 56:3-4 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?

Never Give Up!

2011-09-07T07:22:00.000-07:00

It's Not A Knock, It's The Lord

2011-09-06T07:20:00.000-07:00

A motorist stopped at a garage in a small rural town and complained to a mechanic, “Every time I hit eighty miles an hour, there’s a terrible knock in my engine. I don’t know what it is.”

“Maybe,” said the mechanic, “it’s not a what, it’s a Who. It just might be the Lord warning you to slow down.”

“Whatever you do,” said Paul, “do it to the glory of God!” Great advice!

On one occasion Paul gave two specific principles for the way Christians are to behave. The first is that we who are Christians are to do whatever we do for the glory of God. We are His personal representatives and whatever we do we do in His name. So, all of our actions and activities are to be in harmony with the teachings of Jesus and in keeping the laws of society. We cannot pick and choose what we want to do.

The second principle is that we are not to do anything that would harm another person’s Christian faith. At all times our behavior is to be guided by what is best for others even if it causes an inconvenience or difficulty for us. What may not be a problem for us may be a problem for others. We must always be an example, in word and deed, of behavior that honors our Lord.

These two principals are the heart of the Gospel.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to be representatives of Your Gospel that will earn us the reward of being good and faithful servants. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Corinthians 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

"Good Miss Murphy"

2011-09-05T07:03:00.000-07:00

Paul was a serious first grade student always striving to do his best. However, he had difficulty with his hearing and there were times when others became impatient with him.

But his Sunday school teacher, Miss Murphy, was always kind and gracious, going out of her way to help him. One Sunday morning she lovingly taught him to recite the twenty-third Psalm from memory.

Hurrying home, he anxiously stood in front on his mother and repeated it perfectly, except for the last verse. Looking at his Mom with excitement and pride he said, “Surely Good Miss Murphy shall follow me forever.” He changed it to end with a hope and a prayer.

Everyone needs a “Good Miss Murphy” nearby when we are having difficulties with the issues of life. Someone who goes the extra mile in helping us solve our problems, give us a word of encouragement or a smile when we have little to be happy about. It is the “Good Miss Murphys” of God’s Kingdom who show His love, give others a portion of His grace and show others what the love of Christ is about.

There’s one more lesson here. All of us can be “Good Miss Murphys.” Acts of kindness and deeds of thoughtfulness are expressions of God’s love that we can put on display every day if we are alert to others.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we be quick to see and respond to the pains and problems of those around us. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

Nothing To Worry About!

2011-09-02T06:18:00.000-07:00

A small child was sitting alone looking out the window of a train traveling to Northern England. A kind, elderly lady saw him quietly looking out the window. Thinking he might be lonely or afraid, she asked, Are you traveling alone, sonny?

Yes, ma'am, he replied.

How far are you traveling? she inquired.

To the end of the line, ma'am, he answered.
Aren't you afraid of taking such a long trip all by yourself? she said in amazement.

No, ma'am, he said with confidence. My father's the engineer.

The quiet confidence and unwavering assurance of being safe and protected can become the centerpiece of the life of every Christian. We often find ourselves in situations that are fearful and frightening, turbulent and threatening. While life around us may seem to be falling apart, our Heavenly Father is still in control. He knows His own and He owns this planet and everything on it. We can always be confident and courageous because we have the assurance that He will constantly guard us.

The Living Bible puts it this way: Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to take You at Your Word and in faith, believe that everything in our lives is there because You are in control. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Which Way From Here?

2011-09-01T05:35:00.000-07:00

A tourist became lost on the back roads of Alabama. There were no signs to point him in any direction and the dirt roads seemed endless.

His heart leaped for joy when he saw an old farmer sitting on a fence nibbling on a piece of straw. After explaining his dilemma, the farmer paused, shook his head knowingly, and then gave him a set of explicit directions. After thanking the farmer for being gracious and helpful, he drove down the road filled with confidence.

Thirty minutes later the tourist, after following the directions with great care, found himself back where he began with the farmer still sitting on the fence with the straw between his lips.

Angrily the tourist said, “What’s the big idea? I did what you told me to do and look where I ended up!”

“Well,” said the farmer, “I didn’t want to waste my time telling you how to get to Montgomery until I knew whether or not you were able to follow directions.”

When asked about “the way” to His Father’s house by a disciple Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me!” Jesus was very clear when He described the path for salvation and to eternal life. There can never be any misunderstanding about such an important question.

Prayer: We thank You, Lord, that You have made the answer to life’s most important question so clear and with it the promise of eternal life with You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: John 14:1-6 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (Read more…)

Giving And Receiving

2011-08-30T06:35:00.000-07:00

An elderly couple walked slowly to the desk in a hotel, they were exhausted from their travels and wanted to retire as quickly as possible. When they asked for a room, the clerk politely said, “I’m sorry, but we have no vacancies.” However, when he saw the look of despair on their faces, he said, “But I can’t send you away in such horrible conditions. You may have my room.”

Hesitatingly, they accepted his offer and settled in for the night. As they were leaving the next morning, the gentleman said to the clerk, “You are the kind of manager who should be the boss of the best hotel in the United States.”

Two years later that clerk, George Boldt, received a letter from the gentleman. It contained a round trip ticket to New York. Leading Mr. Boldt into a new hotel named the Waldorf-Astoria, the gentleman said, “I built this hotel for you to manage. My name is William Waldorf Astor.”

Solomon wrote, “Give generously, for your gifts will return to you later.” Giving involves both risk and opportunity, trust and adventure. But God demands it.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to reach out to those in need, knowing that You will honor our efforts and reward our deeds. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Ecclesiastes 11:1 Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days.