There Are No Soft Rocks

And do not give the devil a foothold.
Ephesians 4:27

The driver slammed on his brakes! The bush the kid was hiding behind wasn’t nearly big enough to keep him from eventual discovery. Panic gripped his heart! Why had he thrown those limestone pebbles in the first place? He was paralyzed by fear! Even though everything in him screamed run, his body wouldn’t respond.
Time stood still; then a flashlight with an angry voice attached emerged and started probing for him. “Who threw those rocks? Where are you?” He sure was mad! As he was about to bolt, the beam of light found him.
Oh no! He jumped up and turned to run, but the man had anticipated his move and intercepted him, grabbing his sweatshirt by the collar, pulling him up short. “What do you think you’re doing, kid? You could’ve killed us!” At that moment, he heard the little girl crying in the car.
“I’m sorry, mister!” he offered, scared to death. “I didn’t think it was such a big deal. I thought it would be fun,” he blurted out, realizing this wasn’t fun at all. It was about to get a lot worse when Dad found out!

†

Rarely as children do we contemplate how our actions affect others. Uninformed choices usually lead to consequence rather than reward. Unrestrained, pranks can, and often do, graduate to more daring exploits in order to elicit excitement. Childhood traits are patterns that become footholds for the enemy. Left unchecked, they become strongholds. It requires substantial effort to unlearn bad behaviors, so it is critical that we help our children learn good behaviors that breed character and integrity. Well-informed children stand a much better chance of making right choices more consistently. This requires investment of ourselves and our time in our children in order to raise up caretakers for their generation.
If we fail to do this, our children will reap the harvest of their own experiences. We will be leaving them open for innumerable enemy footholds.

Prayer

“I love the children You have entrusted to me, Lord. Help me invest in their character and future. Help me nurture them instead of allowing the world to raise them. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Unveiled Hope

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.

1Thesalonians 4:13

Mary Jane Phillips lay in a bed in her daughter’s kitchen, in the final stages of what appeared to be cancer. As her daughter cared for her, she sat up in bed and said, “Oh, my! There’s Mrs. Leonard!”

Everyone present was amazed as she named off several dead relatives and long-gone friends. It appeared as if Mary Jane was being given a view through the portals of Heaven. She continued to name people who were long-forgotten, even people who had passed away recently. And then, she said, “And Mrs. Sader, too!” at which point the family figured she must be hallucinating, because Mrs. Sader was very much alive. They had just spoken to her that morning.

Just then, the telephone rang and one of the girls answered it. A startled look crossed her face. As she hung up the phone, she announced in an astonished voice, “Mrs. Sader passed away just a little while ago!”

Only minutes later, Mary Jane Phillips joined Mrs. Sader as she met Jesus face-to-face.

†

This event changed my mother’s life, for having listened to her Grandmother speak so candidly about Heaven brought the certainty of its truth to her heart and spirit. She has never known a fear of dying because Grandma Phillips had unveiled the mystery of death to a six-year-old that day.

In this same way Paul wants us to know the hope he professes; that on the day God calls us home we will be greeted by our loved-ones and friends as we enter Heaven to be with Jesus.

Prayer

“Give me the certainty of my true home, Lord, and take away any vestiges of fear of death. Speak to my spirit of the reality of Heaven. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Right Time

At just the right time, when we were still powerless.
Romans 5:6

“Stop worrying, Loran. He’ll be here like he promised,” Gail said to her son.
“You think so?” asked the apprehensive twelve year-old. “I sure hope he doesn’t forget. He never called to remind me, you know.”
“Honey, Uncle Bob knows how much this game means to you. He knows you’ll be ready to go. You’re worrying for no reason. You’ll see. He’ll be here at 6:30 like he said,” she reassured him.
At 6:25, Bob’s truck pulled in the driveway. He jumped out with a smile on his face and waved at Loran, who had jumped off the porch and was running to meet him. “You goin’ somewhere, Loran?” he asked teasingly.
“Aw, Uncle Bob. Stop teasin’!” he said as he threw a punch at his uncle’s stomach. “You know darn well where we’re goin’.”
Bob eluded the punch and rubbed Loran’s head. “We’re gonna have a great time tonight, buddy! Fifth game, tied at two apiece. Our guys are gonna do it this year. I can feel it!” Bob’s excitement transferred to Loran.
“If we don’t get goin’, we’re gonna be late!” Loran scolded.
Jumping back in the truck, Bob looked at his sister and winked. “Guess he’s right. We don’t wanna be late for the game. I’ll have ‘im back kinda late, sis. Don’t wait up.”

†

Paul spoke to the Romans about God’s timing. How God’s appointed time, or kairos time, a specific moment when God shows up, is always the right time.
This verse in Scripture tells us that God’s timing is impeccable. He’s never early, never late. Yet we fret and invite stress into our lives because we doubt He’s remembered His promises. Like Loran, we think because we haven’t heard from Him lately that we’ve fallen off His radar.
Waiting stretches and tests our faith. During a time of God’s silence, we can lose hope and sight of the truth. In the silence is where Satan whispers, “God doesn’t care.” But that’s a lie. If we immerse ourselves in His word while we wait, we will find the assurance that He will show up at just the right time!

Prayer

“Sometimes I doubt that You’ll show up when I need You, Father. Help me wait in faith. Amen.”

Elevator or Stairs?

Your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Isaiah 30:21

As Chris stood waiting for the elevator, he felt God suggest, “Take the stairs.” But I’m in a hurry, Lord he reasoned.  And besides, I’m tired…that’s ten flights of stairs. “Take the stairs.” He heard a second time.

Fine! he silently expressed his frustration.

As he approached to the fourth floor landing, Chris heard muffled crying. Cautiously taking the next few steps, he could make out a woman’s voice, “I can’t do this anymore.” Rounding the next landing, he came face-to-face with a young woman, seated on the stairs, the step below her wet with tears. Chris quickly prayed for wisdom. “She needs to know I love her.” came God’s gentle voice. Chris asked, “Can I help you?”

As the woman’s story unfolded, Chris discovered she had been contemplating suicide. She was trying to get up the nerve to go to the roof and jump, believing this would end her problems.

As Chris shared with her about Jesus’ love and His desire and ability to carry her through her pain, a glimmer of hope appeared in the woman’s eyes. By the time Chris finished sharing, her desperation had been replaced by a desire to know the One of whom Chris spoke so highly. Chris would never forget this morning’s lesson. 

†

Though at first resistant, Chris obeyed, and a life was saved. We’re not sure what his disobedience would have wrought; quite possibly the woman would have taken her life, losing the opportunity to come to know Jesus, and making matters worse for those she left behind. Thanks to Chris’s obedience, we’ll never know.

This lesson applies to us all…in everything we do…at all times of the day or night…whether some else is watching or not…when we feel like it, and when we don’t.

Faith is submitting every decision we make to God for approval, trusting that He always has our best interest, or someone else’s, in mind, while listening for the Voice from behind, ready to safely lead us through life.

Not always, yet sometimes, life hangs in the balance. Wouldn’t it be better to be sure?

Prayer

“Father, guide my steps today and every day, as I bring each day’s choices to You for wisdom and guidance. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Owned by a Carpenter

Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.

Luke 21:34

In the movie ‘The Last Crusade’, Indiana Jones is commissioned by the antiques dealer, Donovan, to find the ‘Holy Grail’, the cup Jesus supposedly used during the Last Supper. Unknown to Indi, Donovan is actually a Nazi sympathizer, sent to find the chalice as a national treasure. But Donovan wants it for himself, believing it to have the power of everlasting life. Indi is eventually coerced into accepting the challenge due to his father’s capture at the hands of the Nazis.

Fraught with danger and intrigue, Indi leads them through the booby trapped temple to the cup. Once there, they find a table full of chalices, guarded by an old knight. The knight warns Donovan’s assistant, Elsa, to “choose wisely” as only one of the cups will provide everlasting life; the others will bring death. She chooses a magnificent golden chalice and hands it to Donovan. He dips the cup in the basin, drinks…and dies. The night glibly says, “He chose poorly.”

Indi, desperate to save his gravely wounded father, surveys the remaining chalices and chooses a simple cup; “A carpenter’s cup” he says. He dips the cup, drinks…and lives! The knight remarks, “You chose wisely.” Indi runs to his father, tips the cup to his lips, then pours water from it over his father’s wound. The elder Jones is instantly healed! The movie ends with them barely escaping with their lives.

†

Making impulsive choices can have grave consequences. Donovan assumed the visually stimulating chalice possessed eternal life. He drank and died, lead astray by opulence.

Beauty and seduction have a way of enticing us and dulling our reasoning by introducing an air of carelessness. If we submit to the desire under these circumstances, we will choose poorly.      

Jesus, in today’s text, warns us to be on our guard against the things of this world. The best way to do that is to think like Indi; look for what would be owned by a Carpenter. If He wouldn't own it, leave it alone.

Prayer

“Help me see things for what they are, Lord Jesus, and to use the Holy Spirit’s strength to make the right choices. Amen.”

Perfectly Unique Imperfections

But when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
1 Corinthians 3:10

As the master glassblower puffed gently, a small bulb appeared at the end of the forging tube. Working with quick, decisive motions, she rolled the six-foot tube along a lintel while her apprentice held thick, wet newspaper under the glass, creating a more slender tube. A more forceful puff of air and a larger bulb was created at the end of the tube. The apprentice now used a cup-shaped, cast-steel ladle to shape the vase as the forging tube continued to spin.
Working in unison—one blowing and spinning the tube, the other handling the glass with different tools—they achieved the desired effect. Frequently, the entire work of art was placed back into the furnace for reheating.
When asked why the glass was continually placed in the furnace, she answered, “The glass has many imperfections. As we re-fire the glass, we remove many, but not all, of them. The remaining imperfections are what make each creation unique; it gives the piece more value.”

†

Until the day Jesus comes back for the church, we will be imperfect. This does not translate into useless. In the same way the vase has great value even though it is flawed, we too are of great value to God.
The trials of life refine us. God uses the Holy Spirit to influence our lives in one way while He reveals truth to us in another. He places us into the forging fires to remove our imperfections. What is left is a less-flawed vessel.
As we walk through the fire, we become a purer version of the person God means us to be. The Holy Spirit urges us while God directs us. Our refining yields the desired effect. As the forgings cool, we reflect a clearer image of the One Who is perfect in every way.

Prayer

“Please use me, Lord. I need to feel valuable. I want to make a difference in this life. Guide me through the refining fires so I reflect a better representation of Your image to those I meet along life’s path. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Call

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here I am. Send me!”
Isaiah 6:8

He was fourteen when God called him the first time. It was through a wonderful woman he’d known for years. Although deaf, she served God faithfully. She asked if she could share something she felt God wanted him to know. “I guess so,” the boy tentatively answered. Holding his face in her hands, looking directly into his eyes, she said, “God told me that you would be a great minister for Him some day!” Not really understanding, he answered, “Okay.” And that, as they say, was the end of that.
Over the years, the call was replaced by other desires, yet a sense of longing plagued him. Still, he continued to resist. He knew what the call was—God’s invitation to be in relationship with Him in a way that would make him wholehearted. He couldn't tell you why, but he was afraid of the call. But as a patient Father does, God waited. The man finally answered the call and in that answer found a joy and contentment that fulfilled the longing in his heart.

†

Isaiah’s relationship with God was so close that he overheard God asking for someone to go. In those close relationships, we are conscious of God’s voice. We overhear Him speaking in our presence, asking us to go for Him. We can be so uncertain and fearful that we want God to call us by name, saying, “John, please do this for me.” God rarely calls us that way. His hope is that we would be in a close enough relationship with Him that when we hear Him say, “Whom shall I send?” we answer, “Here I am, send me.”
Everyone’s call is different; for one it’s a helping hand to someone in need, to another it’s giving someone a ride to the store. It is not to be feared, but embraced. All are called. Sadly, few answer.

Prayer

“I get afraid when I hear You speak, Lord. I don’t know why; I just do. Help me walk through the fear. Help me understand that by serving others I serve You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Chimneys of Life

But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away … and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:16, 17

Dave knew what the thump from the basement was. So getting out of his chair, he grabbed his gloves from the coat rack and headed downstairs. An old brick chimney rose from the cellar up through the middle of the house, allowing the gas furnace to be vented.
During the coldest months, birds would swoop into the chimney, warming themselves in the updraft. Occasionally one ventured too far, and unable to fly out, it would drop into the furnace where it could become trapped and die. The fortunate ones made it through the vent pipe into the basement, escaping an immediate death sentence, but remaining trapped.
Trapped by means of deception, they would fly against the basement window, believing it to be a way of escape. The very thing that appeared to bring gratification brought entrapment and sometimes death. Dave, knowing they would die without his intervention, would go into the basement and catch them, cradling them in his hands until he set them free outdoors. To not do so would impose a death sentence.

†

Starved for love and security, we swoop into the chimneys of life, seeking life-giving warmth and protection, never realizing that to venture too far traps us, and we are unable to find our way out alone. We are deceived! Without intervention, we may die in these traps.
But God, in His infinite mercy and grace, reaches into the chimney, offering to set us free. He desires to remove the veil Satan has placed over our spiritual eyes and heart, keeping us captive. God urges us to turn to Him. He wants to cradle us in His hands, bringing us out of captivity and setting us free in the Spirit. God speaks to our hearts, saying, “See the chimney for what it is; take hold of My hand. I want to exchange the death sentence for eternal life.”

Prayer

“I sometimes end up in places I’m not supposed to be, Lord. Psalm 139 says no matter where I go, You will hold me fast. Hold me, Lord. Don’t let me go. Set me free. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Guard Their Hearts

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Proverbs 4:23

As she crossed the threshold, her senses came alive. It took a moment for the scent of apples and cinnamon to register. Then came the aroma of garlic, lemon pepper, and onions. She was smiling as she set her purse on the stand by the door.
Her husband appeared and took her jacket. “What are you up to?” she asked with a question in her eyes. “Your table is ready, madam,” he teased with a mischievous wink and escorted her into the dining room. He’d used their best china in a table setting for two. Long stemmed roses woven into a twisting candelabra created a beautiful centerpiece. The plates were adorned with linen napkins arranged in the shape of hearts. The lights were low with a dozen candles burning here and there and rose petals scattered on the table. He had gone to great lengths to let her know how special she was. Aware that he had spent the better part of the afternoon in preparation, the sensation of being loved and adored flooded her heart.

†

Proverbs instructs us to guard our hearts, for from it we live! If not well provided for, it loses the capacity to engage. Our hearts must be healthy and whole to relate to the world the way we’re supposed to.
We were created for relationships. In them, we learn how to treat one another. In marriage, we learn what it means to give of ourselves, to become selfless, and to display our love for each other. We are given charge to guard not only our heart, but the hearts of those we love. Their hearts, and therefore their ability to love and live in covenant, is given over to us to care for and nurture. When we place their needs ahead of our own, showing them we intend to guard their hearts, we are filled with wonder and completeness.

Prayer

“Help us understand that Your mandate to “guard our hearts” does not give us license to care only for our own. Lord, teach us to love in a way that others may benefit from our actions. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Snow*

Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
Isaiah 1:18

The air was cold and crisp as she sat in her car, awaiting her husband. The snow had started out light and then quickly became heavy. The flakes were nickel-sized wafers, floating gently down, touching everything within her view. A hush fell with it, covering everything.
As she watched, it began to cover trees, bushes, grass, parked cars, the street, even the wires strung overhead, blanketing everything in a layer of pure white. It was as if God was speaking to her through the beauty of this moment.
It was so white! The world looked so clean! No dirt! Not a single track from a car.
When she’d arrived an hour earlier, there had been visible clutter and dirt. There were things people had discarded and left behind, such as gum, candy wrappers, and cans. Things that had been splattered by passing motorists, leaving a layer of grime on everything in its wake, were now unseen, even the layers of thick dirt between the bricks that paved the street. It was as if God were saying, “I make all things white as snow. I can wash away all the dirt, all the wrong.”

†

As we walk down life’s path, making choices that cause us to become dirty, God wants us to know we are still redeemable. When we are willing and obedient, choosing to follow Him, Jesus promises to cleanse us and make us white as snow. Unlike the things covered by the snow, God’s cleansing touch completely removes the dirt in our lives. Psalm 103 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
When we repent, turn from our sin, and submit to His will, we can be assured we are covered with the righteousness of Christ; we are made pure as the driven snow.

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, thank You for being our spiritual healer. As we come surrendering our lives to Your will, please cleanse us and cloak us in Your righteousness. Amen.”


* Written by Nancy Clouston

He Exceeds Expectations!

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine … be glory … ”
Ephesians 3:20, 21

Having lost a kidney to cancer years ago, Donna’s remaining kidney was failing for the same reason. On dialysis five days a week and needing a kidney transplant, there was less than a one in four hundred thousand chance of a match.
The elders anointed her as the church body gathered around. They prayed for a match to be found, prayed for God’s peace, and for God to sustain her. What happened wasn’t on the list.
At her next doctor’s appointment, an MRI was ordered to check on the progress of the tumor. As he entered the exam room, the doctor had a dismayed look on his face. Holding the film to the light, he said, “I believe you have another tumor where your first kidney was removed.” The negative revealed a small growth resembling a lima bean. Donna felt a rush of hope. “I know what that is! It’s a new kidney, not cancer!” The doctor tried to reason with her that kidneys do not replace themselves, especially after so many years. But to his surprise, over the next two weeks, this lima bean grew to become a viable, working kidney. Donna has not needed dialysis to this day. And by the way, the diseased kidney was also healed.

†

We are amazed and somewhat surprised when God steps onto the scene in power. We pray in faith and yet are stunned when God chooses to answer in a way that eclipses what we pray for.
Miracles and healings did not pass away with the apostles. It is for God’s glory that they occur. He is sovereign and will bestow or withhold healing as He sees fit. We should always pray in unshakable faith, believing for miracles and healing, leaving room only for God’s decision as to how He will answer our petitions. With boldness, in prayer and thanksgiving, we are to approach the throne of our Creator.

Prayer

“Sovereign God, we are humbled when You recreate what You first created. Teach us to come boldly before Your throne, with faith that produces hope! We yield to You in all we do and continue to believe for healing when it serves Your purpose. Amen.”

Grieve With Hope

Let the little children come to me…for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. Matthew 19:14

Desiree didn’t know how to feel. Neither did Josh. They had just lost a child to miscarriage.

The doctor said, “it wasn’t a viable fetus; only tissue at this stage.”

Unable to comprehend their loss, they decided by unspoken agreement to deal with it silently…and individually. Desiree grew distant. Josh withdrew into silent rebellion. He began to medicate his pain with alcohol. Living like this felt like hell, and he was determined not to feel anything.  

Desiree languished in an emotion-tossed ocean, battered by the relentless waves.

Life became a sequence of going to work, silently eating supper together, and feeling like hypocrites at church on Sunday because of the hidden anger aimed at the Throne.    

When Desiree wept, Josh tried his best to comfort her, but what could he say? Sorry we lost the…the what? Was it a baby, or wasn’t it?! It was safer to not talk about it. And neither of them was willing to rip the newly-formed scab from its wound. Perhaps it would heal if left alone…   

Then one day Desiree and Josh met a counselor from the local Pro-life Pregnancy Center, who explained that there was hope for the future. Slowly, through counseling, light pierced the darkness, and hope replaced loss.

†

Miscarriage is one of the most misunderstood and least talked about forms of loss. It steals the unseen. Having never held this child outside the womb, the loss becomes an intangible. The pain is indifferent and ambiguous, yet deep and inexpressible.

Having experienced two miscarriages, I can attest to the emptiness and unremitting sorrow over such loss.  

I would, however, like to present a hope-filled perspective: What a privilege these children are extended, to never be subjected to sin, pain, or sorrow…and to grow up in the Light of Life!

We will meet them one day in the greatest family reunion the world has ever witnessed! Until then, never allow anyone to tell you your child was only tissue. Mourn your loss and grieve with hope.   

“Prayer”

“Father of life, I bring before You each wounded heart that has experienced this loss. Touch them with Your truth and bring healing to their scarred hearts. Give them hope! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

The Good Fight

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9

She’d left the house in a huff—the typical Sunday morning routine lately. Kids in tow, arguing, “If Dad doesn’t have to go to church, why do we?” She pressed on, angry and feeling defeated. This was a battle she no longer felt like fighting; she was ready to give up. “Are You watching, God? Do You care about my family? I hate fighting with Rick.” He’d been wounded at church years ago and refused to allow it to happen again. “Why did You let that happen, Lord? Don’t You care that he was wounded?”
As she pulled into the parking lot, she glanced toward the digital marquee in front of the church. Doing a double take, she looked back. Today’s message read, “I know sometimes it doesn’t feel like it, but I am watching. God.” Staring at the marquee as the message scrolled by once more, she sensed God’s presence and peace. “Give me strength, Lord.” she whispered.

†

We are never alone. Occasionally, when it seems He is nowhere near our galaxy, the God Who set the stars in the sky and calls them by name, kneels down and speaks ours.
Singlehandedly rearing children in the Lord was never God’s design. Many deal with spouses who would rather play nine holes, sleep in, or just relax and read the Sunday paper than attend church.
If you are one who is fighting this battle, remember that God is at work while you are being faithful for both of you. He wants you to know this is a battle for your children’s future and spiritual direction, as well as your spouse’s. When you choose to fight the good fight, you follow the exhortation in Galatians. Those who walk away from God must come back on their own. It’s called free will. But God says, “Do not become weary, for at the proper time you will reap the harvest.”

Prayer

“Lord, give me strength to continue this fight. Heal my heart and the wounds of those I love. Bring resolution to painful memories and restore us to complete spiritual health. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

A Matter of Perspective

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8–9

Through a clear and cloudless sky, the jet banked hard left, preparing for final approach. Looking out the window, the businessman saw the hand and heard the voice of God. There, below him, was a single, fluffy, white cloud. Centered on the cloud was a perfect, vibrantly colored rainbow—not an arch as we see from the ground, but a perfect circle. And in the center of it all was the shadow of his plane cast by the noonday sun.
In that moment God whispered, “This is My promise. There is no place that exists outside my love; no valley is below this circle; no mountain rises above it. There is no east; there is no west; there is only my love. This is My promise.”
There wasn’t time to snap a picture before the plane leveled out, but that didn’t matter; he would never forget the image. A sense of peace replaced his harried and stress-filled mind.

†

Following the flood, God promised Noah to never again destroy the earth with water. His covenant was the first recorded rainbow. “I have set my bow in the cloud.” Never having witnessed one before, Noah must have been awestruck!
In the fourth chapter of Revelation, John describes how God remembers that promise: “A rainbow resembling an emerald, encircling the Throne of God,” not arching above it, but encircling the throne, all encompassing and never ending, just like God’s promises.
The image and the whisper through the window of that plane let the businessman know that God was aware of his life and the problems he faced. From God’s perspective, the things we deal with and witness each day are usually not what they appear to be; there is a purpose. God asks that we trust Him to work in our lives for that purpose.

Prayer

“Lord, I don’t look at things the way You do. Help me to see what You see as I look at the issues of my life. Help me to trust in Your promise. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

If You Get There Before Me

For God so loved the world…

John 3:16

Mitch and Daryl had been best friends since second grade. If you saw one…you saw them both. So it wasn’t a surprise when Daryl shared some words at Mitch’s funeral…“Mitch and I shared life; hunting, fishing, girlfriend choices…I could tell Mitch anything without fear of ridicule. He was my best friend.” Daryl smiled a lonely smile, “I think we probably only get one of those in a lifetime.

“Mitch and I had an agreement. Whoever got to Heaven first is supposed to ask God some questions on the other’s behalf. What Mitch wanted me to ask God isn’t important today. He’s got his answers. But what he wanted me to ask you is; are there any of you who don’t know Jesus? If you don’t, we invite you to get to know Him. You see, as much as I’d like to think I was Mitch’s best friend…that’s not true; second best would be more accurate. Jesus was Mitch’s best friend…and He wants to be yours too. He’ll give you something no earthly friend can ever give you…life everlasting!”

He surveyed the crowd, and smiled confidently, “I do know what Mitch is asking God right at this moment. You see…we both agreed to ask God to use the one left behind at the other’s funeral to bring salvation to those who don’t know Him. Friends…this life is short…and once we die our choice is sealed. If you haven’t made that decision, let it be today.”        

   †

Is today the day that you or someone close to you will die? No one knows.

If Jesus is not your Savior, I invite you to ask Him into your heart right now.

If you’ve already accepted Him as Savior, and you know someone who hasn’t…go talk to them; make a phone call; write a letter or email; say a prayer for them…but don’t let the sun set without taking action.

Don’t wait until someone is speaking a eulogy over a coffin…because then it will be too late.

   

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God, sent to die for my sin. Forgive those sins, and come into my heart today. Take control of my life and lead me into eternal life. Amen”

Useful Hands

He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his hands.
Ephesians 4:28

He had come to the hardware store to buy a new ball glove. As he walked by the fishing equipment, he was mesmerized by the brightly colored assortment of lures. There were shysters, rapallas, spoons, and jitterbugs. But one lure caught his eye more than the others. It was a chartreuse popper! For no reason he could understand, the boy looked around to see if anyone was watching, reached around the counter, and took the lure, pocketing it.
He left the store without even looking at ball gloves. He couldn’t seem to get away fast enough! On his way home, he pulled the box from his pocket and removed the lure. He couldn’t wait to try it out! Then, as unexplainable as his first urge, he knew he must return it and apologize for stealing.
The storeowner listened to the boy’s story and proposed the boy work for him until he had paid restitution. It took the boy two weeks of hard work to pay his debt. He never forgot that lesson or the storeowner.

†

The owner of the hardware had been a wise man, understanding that the deed could not go unpunished or the boy may repeat his offense. Contacting the boy’s parents and using work as a way of teaching the boy the value of putting his hands to good use, he was able to help the young boy with not only his guilt but also caused him to be able to appreciate what he could accomplish through honest labor.
Left unchecked, who knew what this young boy would do. The owner understood that little thieves are easier to rehabilitate and always worth the effort. He gave of himself for the future of the boy, understanding that, “But for the grace of God, there go I.”

Prayer

“Lord, only You know the evil that inhabits the hearts of men. Please lead me in such a way that I will not judge others, nor fall under judgment myself. Cause me to have useful hands. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

When Fear Becomes Trust

But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes … and never fails to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7, 8

The gentleman sitting across from him was six feet and four inches tall, three hundred fifty pounds, and barrel-chested. He’d always been intimidated sharing his faith with big men. Today’s circumstances changed all that. He felt God urging him to pray with this man. He’d just been told that the medical equipment the man needed to survive had been denied as he had no means to pay for the machine or the care involved. Stuffing his fear, he asked the man, “Would it be all right if we pray about this?” The man answered, “Sure, I guess.” He prayed a short but direct prayer that God would have His way, removing any obstacles between the man and the care he needed. Finished, they completed the interview, and the man left.
Fifteen minutes later, the phone rang. Picking up the receiver, he heard sobbing on the other end of the line. Through sobs, the big man explained that upon his return home, he had listened to his voice mail. The lone message had been the medical provider. The message said, “It’s against our policy, but we’re bringing the equipment you need, and we’ll worry about payment later.”

†

When we answer God’s call, He works in ways we cannot imagine. He moves the hearts of people that know and follow Him, and He works on the hearts of those who don’t.
When God gets us in the classroom, He intends that we learn these lessons for future reference. The man behind the desk learned that he could share his faith with anyone as long as God was in control. The big man had learned to trust God for his very existence. Stepping out in faith pays exponential dividends.

Prayer

“Almighty Father, teach me to trust You in every part of my life. Help me to step out in faith and give the fear of my life to You so I can be better used by You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”