All He Wanted Was Peace

…and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8

At age twenty-four, Dwight set out to “See the world with Christ”. His lifestyle of hitchhiking from town to town in search of that day’s destination had shown him more of the United States than most. Now, at fifty-one, Dwight related parts of his journey, and some of the challenges he’d experienced.

“I’ve traveled through more than forty states and seen a lot of things over the years. I have met some interesting people. Many good people, some of which God has used to provide for my needs.”

“I imagine you’ve known hunger, cold, heat…just about every extreme a man would expect to encounter?” I questioned.

He smiled. “Yes, I’ve been hungry on many occasions; cold, hot, tired, and weak too. I’ve spent two decades praying, asking God to guide me to my next destination, somewhere I would find food and shelter.”

“Didn’t you ever want more?” I asked. “Like a home or long-term relationships?”

“No. I have always felt that God wanted me to travel, taking advantage of each opportunity He gives me to speak about His love. No…I can honestly say I’ve never missed those things. I enjoy this life, and want nothing more than to crisscross the country for Jesus, seeing where He’ll lead me next. Truth is…all I ever wanted was His peace. And He gives it to me daily.”

†

Today’s text says that we who know Jesus as Lord and Savior will tell others about Him. That is exactly what Dwight does, asking only for God’s peace to sustain him as he travels a sometimes difficult and desolate route.

I cannot image there are many who would leave family, home, and comfort, in exchange for the struggles Dwight meets on a daily basis in an effort to witness God’s peace to others. It is a challenging mission.

And lest we judge, remember, the Disciples were all men who left steady employment, family, and comfort to travel as God’s vagabonds, speaking of His glorious riches, receiving only God’s peace in return.

It is enough for Dwight. Would it be enough for us?

Prayer

“Father, keep Dwight safe today. Use him to expand the knowledge of Who You are to those he meets. 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.”

Before We Speak

The tongue is also a fire.
James 3:6

“Have you heard about Jeremy?” Katrina asked her brother. “No. What’s up?” Phil responded. “Well, I’m not sure … ” she hesitated, then said, “I heard he was back on pain pills.”
“That’s too bad. I like Jeremy,” Phil replied.
A week later, Jeremy was called into his employer’s office and immediately terminated. They gave him no explanation other than he was no longer a good fit for the company. Jeremy repeatedly asked for a more defined explanation but they would say no more.
Shaken, Jeremy determined to put it behind him. But finding suitable employment during the economic downturn took more than six months. In that time he lost his car and used up his entire savings as well as his retirement fund.
Two years later, Jeremy ran into a co-worker from his former employer. In the course of their conversation, the man asked Jeremy if he was still having trouble with pills.
A little surprised by the question, Jeremy told him, “No, I’m great. I’ve been clean for six years.”
The man seemed surprised by the ‘six years’ and proceeded to tell Jeremy that he’d been part of a conversation with Jeremy’s old boss and Katrina’s brother, Phil, the week of Jeremy’s termination. “Phil told the boss you were back on drugs. I guess he assumed Phil knew what he was talking about and didn’t think it warranted further investigation. I’m really sorry man. I always enjoyed working with you.”
Jeremy was sorry, too. But at least now he had the truth.

†

We are never to be careless with our words. Yet, many find fulfillment in spreading gossip. Although untrue, Jeremy’s life was devastatingly impacted by gossip. When we speak without concern for the consequence of our words, we are taking someone’s integrity, welfare, and quite possibly their life in our own hands.
Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” When we hear gossip we have two choices: to lovingly confront the gossip, suggesting they refrain from the practice of spreading rumors; or remove ourselves from their presence, refusing to take part. What we say matters. At the peril of others, we must consider our words.

Prayer

“Lord, guard my lips that I would not harm another. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Make Me Pure Again, Lord

Create in me a pure heart, O God.
Psalm 51:10

Russell turned off the computer, feeling defeated. It had been six weeks since he’d given into the temptation, and now he felt horrible. He didn’t understand how he could love his wife and still do this.
He tried to control his impulses, yet he couldn’t seem to help himself. He always seemed to end up at a porn site, committing adultery with women he would never meet. And when it was over, guilt and shame replaced denial and desire; he hated not being able to resist the temptation.
The next morning, he called a friend who happened to be a Christian counselor. “I don’t understand this, Paul. I get this urge that won’t be satisfied until I give in. I love Barb. Why can’t I stop?”
“It’s a complex problem, Russ,” Paul began. “Men are visually stimulated. They catalogue every image they see. If the image stimulates sufficiently, it is retained. Pornographic images cause a hormonal flood in the brain, which creates heightened desire because it alerts the procreation instinct, which feels the need to respond immediately. It’s the same as being addicted to heroine. The only way to stop the process is to delete the images from your memory, and that’s not humanly possible. Only God can recreate your mind and remove those images from your memory. Let’s set an appointment to talk further.”

†

Pornographic images stimulate and trigger the release of adrenaline, testosterone, endorphins, and oxytocin, a stimulus package sufficient to cause tremendous euphoria. Pleasure receptors override common sense. Once viewed, you cannot stop uncensored recall of the images. Only blocking the ability to remember can inhibit recall.
Had David taken the images of Bathsheba to God when he saw her bathing (2 Samuel 11:2), he may not have given in to his sexual desire. Instead he chose to entertain them, and he and many others paid the price. In his sorrow, David asked God to renew his heart.
As with David, God would set us free if we would ask. For those who fight this battle, Christian counseling is a good place to begin.

Prayer

“Make me pure again, Lord. Lead me in the steps necessary to bring about true freedom. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

At the End of Each Day

We have different gifts according to the grace given us.
Romans 12:6

“How do you deal with the accolades?” John asked Marlie. “I’ve always felt like I was supposed to downplay my part. You know, give all the glory to God.”
Marlie chuckled. “I struggled too until my father gave me this advice. ‘Just say thank you. I love to sing, and it blesses me when someone is touched through my gift.’ Then give the glory to the One Who deserves it at the end of each day.” Marlie continued, “If we declare, ‘It wasn’t me,’ we negate the gift of God, a gift we are meant to share. It also extinguishes the work of the Holy Spirit. But if we allow them to share what God has done through us, we give credibility to the gift.”
She continued, “Paul taught that we have different gifts, and we are to use them. Our songs are a source of encouragement to many. Through our singing, people are lifted above their trials and into the worship of His presence. If you were a renowned artist and someone told you that your painting stirred him deeply, would you feel a need to say, ‘I didn’t paint this; it was God’? Of course not. Just remember, when you lie down for the night, tell Him thanks and that you’re ready to do it all again any time He calls.”

†

Every good gift comes from God. Not one of us could perform in our daily lives apart from His grace. He has gifted us, equipped us for the work He ordained for us to do.
To the banker who works late hours making sure the figures balance, you are to take comfort in the fact that without your abilities given by God, our financial institutions would suffer collapse. To the waitress who smiles for each customer, you bring lighthearted joy to someone who may be going through a rough time; you are a servant.
Whatever your gift, say thank you and give glory to the One Who deserves it at the end of each day.

Prayer

“For what You do through me, Lord, thank You. I give You the praise I have received this day. Continue to bless and use this gift of Your grace. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

An Uncommon Servant

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

George lived out loud. There was no façade, no exterior trimming; what you saw is who he was—and mostly you saw Jesus. Some said his approach to sharing the Gospel was a bit over-the-top, and that he needn’t be so forthright. You see, George did nothing quietly … his unambiguous passion was conspicuous. George always greeted the Brethren with a holy kiss (Romans 16:16). “Victory!” and “Wonderful!” were staples in his inspirational vocabulary.
When George prayed or sang, he did it with his whole heart at the top of his lungs, holding nothing back. And because of his fervency and enthusiasm some felt a bit uncomfortable around him. But for those who called George, Friend, they expected nothing less. They understood how George felt about Jesus … he was in love. And this love is what George exhibited unconditionally; in this he was uncommon.
George lived passionately until he died. So much so that the staff at the hospital where he went home to be with Jesus will never forget how he introduced himself to each one: he grabbed their hands, and asked “Is there anything you need prayer for?!” He prayed unashamedly, speaking to his Father on their behalf. He was an uncommon servant, living completely, squeezing every ounce of life from each day, leaving nothing in reserve.

†

George and Paul are much alike; while on earth they loved Jesus with all their hearts, and didn’t care how they looked doing it! They both longed for the day they would begin the face-to-face portion of eternity; yet while among the living, they lived lives of purpose, speaking on behalf of their King, telling everyone they met about His love and saving grace.
As Christians—recipients of God’s Greatest Gift—our purpose is to carry the cross of Calvary wherever we go, telling people about the Man Who hung there on our behalf, and the cleansing power of His blood. We should not sit idly by, waiting to die to be with Jesus. We, as George, should be passionately living for Him as uncommon servants.

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, help me to be uncommon in Your service. Cause the world to disappear in light of Your presence that I might witness Your love without reserve. Amen.”

X Marks The Spot

This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.

Acts 1:11

Mark had been asked to share at the Communion table. And as God had done so many times, He’d provided Mark an object lesson to share with the congregation, “I want to take you on a treasure hunt where ‘X’ marks the spot,” Mark began. “Most people, who know me, know that I love looking at the sky for signs of God’s handiwork...seeing the beauty He sends in a sunrise or sunset…or in the vast night sky.    

On my way to work each morning I intermittently glance over my shoulder to catch a glimpse of the sunrise. There’s a particularly high hill that gives a panoramic view of the sky where I always turn and look. On Wednesday morning I was amazed to see that two jet plane vapor trails had formed a huge X, stretching across the Eastern horizon from the earth to the upper levels of the atmosphere. These two billowing, bright orange, contrails intersected where the greatest treasure in the universe will return to Earth! And in that moment I could hear God whisper, ‘Tell them what this means! Share the Treasure with them!’  

“Folks,” Mark said with passion, “Jesus is coming back! Whether it happens in the next ten minutes, ten hours, or ten-thousand years doesn’t matter. What does matter is that Christ died on a cross so we can spend eternity with Him. This treasure is free and available to all who accept it. Do you know Him? Have you made Him your Savior? If not, I encourage you to do so right now, this day. As you receive communion, invite Him to be the Lord of your life.”

†

Folks, salvation awaits. And just like Mark described, Jesus is coming back! Our decision to accept his offer of grace today will determine where we spend all of our tomorrows. If you think you have all the time in the world to decide you are deceiving yourself; because tomorrow, for some of us, will not come.  

If you’ve never done so before, I invite you to make that choice today.

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, I accept Your sacrifice as the greatest treasure of all time. Be my Savior and Lord, today. Amen.”

Cleansed in Surrender

“Follow me,” Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything, and followed him.
Luke 5:27–28

He waved good-bye to his little girl as his estranged wife drove away. As her SUV vanished from sight, his shoulders sagged and his head fell toward his chest. The weight of his circumstances settled heavily as he sensed his world crumbling.
He’d brought this upon himself, but that didn't make the heartache any less painful. They’d been through this before: him getting drunk and losing control, she taking their daughter and staying at her sister’s for a few days. Then her resolve would melt under his charismatic charm, and they would live in fragility, awaiting the next incident. Until now. He had crossed a line even she wouldn't tolerate. This was the final good-bye. Children’s services and attorneys would determine how often he would or wouldn't see his daughter now.
It didn't take a psychologist to see his regret was genuine; he was truly sorry for his actions. But previous pain hadn't been enough to bring about lasting change. Turning back into his now empty house, he realized it was no longer a home.
As his wife’s parting words echoed in his head, he fell to his knees seeking God’s intervention. “If you would give God as much attention as you give that bottle, He could show you who you truly are. Unless you give Him control, you’ll always struggle with alcohol.”

†

To worry and heartache, we give consideration; pain we mostly obey. And yet, even agonizing pain sometimes isn't enough of a motivator to rid us of unwanted behavior. For that there is only one cure: the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Matthew (Levi) was a tax collector, a publican, one of the vilest of sinners, taxing unscrupulously every person coming to Capernaum. Because of his Roman licensure, Matthew was considered a traitor by the Jews. When Jesus showed up, he must have felt so dirty. But when the Master said, “Follow Me,” the cleansing was complete and immediate. Matthew was changed forever.
There is nothing that does not fall under the grace of our Savior. His simple forgiveness comes in one two-word supplication: “Follow Me.” It only requires our surrender. He promises to do the cleansing.

Prayer

“Help me, Lord! Amen.”

Give Thanks

You are my God, and I will give you thanks.
Psalm 118:28

Hurricane Ike made his presence felt in the Ohio Valley. Four hours of seventy- to eighty-miles-per-hour wind gusts had resulted in widespread power outages and property damage across much of the Great Lakes Region. They had expected torrential rain, but high winds had come in its place. And now some two million homes across Ohio alone were without power.
Ralph had faired better than most, but he had sustained damage nonetheless. He felt that having to clean up tree limbs and debris was nothing compared to the problems faced by those along the Texas-Louisiana coast, especially those on Galveston Island, where there had been loss of life and catastrophic destruction.
Ralph’s compassionate heart battled a sense of guilt regarding his anxiety over the fuel cost of the generator keeping him and two of his neighbors up and running.
Many who hadn’t lost anything except power openly complained about the high cost of fuel to run their generators. Ralph tried to understand their complaints, but it was a struggle. He realized how blessed he was to have weathered the storm. And to that end, he continually gave thanks to God.

†

Finding something to grumble about is easy. And sadly it comes a bit too naturally to a self-indulgent mind-set.
In a world filled with death and destruction, our hearts can become burdened to the point we see only the negative. Instead of a thankful heart for making it through the storm, we find ourselves asking God, “Why did You let this happen?”
Having a sense of entitlement can easily cause us to complain at the slightest inconvenience instead of declaring our gratitude for the things we do have.
Developing a grateful heart by giving thanks requires conscious effort if we’re not used to looking on the brighter side of life. But it pays dividends.
Praising our Creator brings encouragement to our soul. There is much good in our lives, and our attitude and mood improve when we acknowledge it. Learning to praise God through adversity changes us. It lifts us from discouragement to enlightenment.

Prayer

“When I get sidetracked by life, Lord, help me remember what’s important and where to focus my attention. Help me learn to be grateful more often than not. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Dedicated to my parents: Rev. John & Nell Clouston. 

This event happened to them early in their ministry.

I Trust You

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

They had paid what they could; yet four hundred fifty dollars of debt remained. As their son secretly listened, they lifted this need together before the Lord. The next evening, the pastor and his family headed for the small country church where he’d been filling in during the last month. He’d been preaching there on Sunday evenings so he could preach at his own three-church circuit on Sunday mornings.
Following the service, one of the elders pulled the pastor aside, handing him an envelope, “We collected a love offering before you came tonight. It’s not much, but we’d like you to have it. We sure appreciate your filling in while Pastor Johnson was gone.” As the pastor stood at the back of the church saying goodnight to people as they left, a grizzled old man with a gruff voice and a sharp wit approached. He shook the pastor’s hand and winked, pressing something into it, saying, “Young man, you’re a blessing, but I won’t tell anyone if you don’t!”
Opening the envelope upon returning home, the young couple found $449.50. It was then the pastor remembered the old man’s handshake. Reaching in his pocket, he pulled out a fifty-cent piece, bringing the total to four hundred fifty dollars.

†

Trusting God for everything comes by experience. It’s not automatic, and it requires development. Retrospect causes us to shake our heads, wondering how we could have ever doubted.
The young pastor and his wife would live to experience many more blessings in ways they couldn’t quite comprehend. That’s how a big God does things—in little, intimate ways. We remember it when He stoops low enough that we feel His breath on our face. That’s when we learn about faith and trust. The God who moves mountains moves people to action and, in turn, moves us to trust Him. Divine moments are just that—divine. Learning to recognize them as such comes with experience.

Prayer

“Precious Father, teach me to trust You for everything in my life. Help me to know the difference between wants and needs and use me to help You meet those needs in others’ lives. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

A Great Follower

Come, follow me.
Matthew 4:19

Jesse was in his senior year of high school and still hadn’t gained acceptance to one of the three major colleges on his wish list. He’d sent applications to two of the three but had been denied admittance due to what they stated was “a lack of leadership quality.”
Deciding to try a different approach with the third school, he wrote on his application that he was quite sure they were looking for students who were great leaders. “Eventually I hope to become a great leader. However,” he wrote, “I am a great follower.” Depositing the envelope in the mailbox, he began the tedious wait for their response.
Three weeks later, his father handed him a letter that had arrived that morning. It was his response from the third school. Looking at it with apprehension, he felt this was his last opportunity for acceptance into an Ivy League college. Slowly, he opened the envelope, pulled the letter from it, and read his fate. “We are happy to announce that we have several openings for followers. We were inundated this year with applications from great leaders and needed to fill the requirements for each category. We congratulate you on your acceptance for enrollment.”
Jesse smiled at the amusing response his comment had elicited.

†

Jesus wasn’t looking for great leaders when he called the Twelve. And it’s a good thing for us they didn’t need to be. They were ordinary men with their own faults, yet they each had something that Jesus saw and intended to nurture.
If leadership skills were a requirement, then most likely none of them would have qualified for the position of apostle.
What a lesson for us! These ordinary men couldn’t lead anyone anywhere when Jesus first asked them to leave everything behind and follow him. Yet each one of them dropped everything, deciding to see what this Man could show them.
They were the epitome of the term follower. And over the next three years, they were transformed into great leaders who changed the world.
Before we can become great leaders, we must learn to be great followers.

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, take my hand and lead me. I want to be a great follower. Amen.”

This Man I Call ‘Dad’

“You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.

2Kings 2:10

One day as my father and I visited, I made a request, “Dad, I want a double portion of your anointing…a double portion of your Pastor/Evangelist/Teacher mantle!”

He smiled and teased, “You know that Elisha asked Elijah the same thing, right?”

Pretty sure of where this was going I said, “Yeeees…”

“You have asked a difficult thing,” he said, eyes twinkling. “Yet, if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not!”  

We both laughed. I knew there was truth in his jest, but the way he’d said it tickled me.

While driving home, I reflected on the rest of the conversation. I knew I had already received much of who Dad was. And although I didn’t realize it as it was happening, Dad had managed to pour into my life by example.   

He had taught me many things; how to be a man, a good husband and father. He taught me how to use my hands, and not to be afraid to dive right in and get things done. Yet in all the things I learned from watching my father, none was more significant or vital than observing his example of how to be a Christian.   

Dad taught me that Christianity is a lifestyle, not a cliché, and that a life lived unto the Lord is wrought with challenges. Watching him meet those challenges without complaining or grumbling said a lot about the character of this man I call Dad.  

†

My father is a great man of God. He has faithfully served the Lord for more than half a century. I aspire to do the same in my lifetime.   

1Peter 2:21 says, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” Having had my Dad be that example has been a tremendous blessing, one for which I will be forever grateful. I pray that it would be true in your life as well.

Prayer

“Thank You, LORD, for my father. I ask for a double portion of his anointing in my life. In Jesus’ Name I ask this, amen.”

Dedicated to my ‘Dad’, Rev. John A. Clouston

From: More Snapshots: continuing the spiritual journey

By: Craig Clouston

©2011 c.clouston creations, LLC

Call It Like It Is

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…

Ecclesiastes 9:10

The tag was applied just as the boy slid into second base…“You’re out!” came the umpire’s call.

In the bleachers, the sliding boy’s parents audibly rejected the call. They were sure their son was safe. “We want a replay!” came their ardent cry.

This being the Little League World Series, the game was being broadcast live and cameras had been watching. Wanting to make sure the call had been correct, play was halted as the footage was reviewed. The tape showed the sliding boy’s foot more than three inches from the bag as the shortstop’s glove made contact with his leg.

But the parents refused to give up, “That was too close to call. He should have been given the benefit of the doubt!” they hollered. Cleary, they didn’t want their son to be penalized for coming up short; they refused to accept the call despite the overwhelming evidence against them.

†

Very close does not equate to good enough. When we fall short of the mark that’s just what it is. Yet, we have coddled a societal mindset that believes to tell a child they’ve fallen short is the equivalent of calling them a failure.

This “Don’t call my child a loser” ideology has fostered a world system where no one is permitted to excel. Hence, we are telling our children it’s impossible to fail by not calling them out when evidence dictates we should. And in doing so, we thwart their will to achieve.  

By facing the truth that he had fallen short, the slider would, by nature, strive to do better the next time. When we rob him of this lesson we tell him there is no reason to try for better results. And therefore, his efforts will not be rewarded above a certain level. It’s just too painful to let him experience the sting that could spur him to greatness.  

Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, says striving is what we are meant to do. Don’t cheat your children out of their natural will to achieve. Call it like it is.

Prayer

“Lord, help me teach my children to try harder when they fall short of the mark instead of shielding them from temporary disappointment. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Necessary Corrections

A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool.
Proverbs 17:10

It was his seventh day in population and he was standing at his cell door for the midday count. Three times each day the inmates were required to stand at their cell doors while guards established their presence.
It hadn't taken him long to learn to be present for each count. The guards hated it when things didn't run smoothly. If you caused problems, it cost you. If an inmate wasn't present for count, he would incur the guards’ wrath.
It was amazing how some inmates would deliberately lay in their bunks, in direct violation of the regulations, just to anger the guards. They saw them as 'authority' figures and it was an open snub on their parts, but they couldn't have cared less. They knew the guards would punish them, but something within them wouldn't allow them to conform.
Troublemakers were given the most demeaning tasks in an effort to correct their behavior. This process was repeated until it broke their will. He’d found out on his second day that oversleeping the morning count would cost him. His sack time had bought him scrub time on the mess hall floors with only a hand brush and a bucket for company.
In three short days, he’d come to understand what the guards had told him: “You’re here because you can’t follow the rules. You are full of pride. We will assist you in making the necessary corrections.”

†

We discipline our children when they do wrong in an effort to teach them to obey authority. When people grow up yet refuse to obey the law, we punish them. To allow them to continue would result in anarchy. So when order is replaced by chaos, necessary steps must be taken to restore stability. When simple discipline fails, corrective measures must be taken to achieve the desired results.
Solomon attributes a spirit of discerning wisdom to those who receive discipline and make the necessary corrections. Similarly, he calls those who set themselves against authority 'fools'.
It would seem our pride and an inner need to control our circumstances stand between us and a peace-filled life. Pride is one of the worst forms of rebellion and one of the most destructive.
Our rebellious behavior steals our peace, leaving us with a choice of whether to respond and make the necessary corrections, or continue on in frustration, reaping the consequences.

Prayer

“Help me rid myself of pride, Lord. I give You permission to make the necessary corrections that will restore peace in my life. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

He [God] Stretched Out The Heavens

It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands stretched out the heavens;

Isaiah 45:12

Have you ever pondered the vastness of the Universe? If so, perhaps this will put things in perspective: Traveling at light speed, 186,000 miles per second, it would take one hundred-thousand years to make the journey from one end of our Milky Way Galaxy to the other. And ours is but one of billions of galaxies we currently know of.   

I love studying astronomy and learning about space, so I watch relevant shows whenever possible. While watching a ‘Science Channel’ special titled, ‘Deep Space Marvels: Destiny’, one specific scene caught my attention. A ‘special-effect’ Universe appeared before actor and host, Sam Neill. Sam appeared to cross an ethereal threshold, transitioning from Earth to deep space. As he progressed through the field of stars and galaxies, Neill manipulated the cosmos. Stars and galaxies were strewn about in the wake of each motion.    

A verse from Scripture came to mind; My own hands stretched out the heavens. At that moment, Neill reached for a cluster of galaxies. With a flick of his wrist, Sam cast them in all direction, emulating that very verse! God’s creative powers were being imitated! Here was a picture of how it all happened, “In the beginning!’  

†

Men have disputed the origins of Creation since the beginning of time. Evolutionists maintain our existence is a coincidence; a result of the ‘Big Bang’ billions of years ago. Scripture says [God] created the heavens and earth, and nothing exists without Him. There are deep feelings on both sides of this argument.

Faith in our Creator is a funny thing. It isn’t worth a nickel until it’s put to the test, and then it requires placement of trust in Someone intangible and beyond our understanding. We must believe, and accept, that Someone infinitely superior, wiser, capable, and so incomprehensibly GREATER than we are, is responsible for our existence. This is an assault on pride and self-sufficiency, and is a point of contention for those who cannot abide owing their existence to Someone they cannot see, explain, or control.

While God’s handiwork is on display for all to see, sadly, there are many people who ignore and deny His immutable presence.  

Prayer

“I bless You, Lord God, Creator of the Universe! Amen!”

Be Prepared

Be prepared in season and out of season … to discharge all the duties of your ministry.
2 Timothy 4:2, 5

Of the one hundred twenty-one merit badges young men can earn in the Boy Scouts, Lincoln had amassed ninety-five total badges. Each badge had increased his experience, knowledge, and skill in a specific discipline, spanning a broad spectrum from American business to woodworking. Lincoln needed only one more mandatory badge to meet the twelve-of-fifteen badge requirement necessary to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. Today’s review for his Citizenship in the World merit badge would complete that objective.
However, unlike prior reviews, where he’d studied and restudied the relevant material, Lincoln hadn’t spent much time preparing for this badge. He’d been pressed for time and had assumed he would be alright with a cursory examination of the issues. Finding he was unprepared, he approached his counselor, “I’m sorry, Mr. Barns. I’ve been so busy that I didn’t take time to review the subject matter on international law,” he admitted. “Can I please reschedule this review?”
“Alright, Lincoln, we’ll reschedule for next week,” Mr. Barns agreed. Then he added, “And when you come next week, do as our motto says: Be Prepared.”
Following a week of intense study, Lincoln passed his review, obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout. At the badge presentation, Mr. Barns spoke of the rescheduling, and the importance of being prepared, “Because you never know what life might bring.”

†

Like Lincoln, many of us put off preparing for upcoming events, relying on present knowledge to carry us through, sighting busyness as the reason for our lapse in judgment. The truth is … we will make time for those things which are important to us. Un-preparedness, conscious or otherwise, will cause us to fail the testing of such knowledge.
Paul’s charge to Timothy was that he be prepared for every eventuality in order that he might be able to discharge all the duties of his ministry.
Put in perspective: our failure to prepare may not only have us asking for a redo, we could very well miss an opportunity to minister to someone else.

Prayer

“Lord, show me what I need to focus on today to be ready for what comes my way. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Notes

I have loved you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

Sitting down at his computer, Randy immediately saw the note taped to his monitor. Handwritten on a piece of plain white paper was the acronym S.H.M.I.L.Y.
He smiled as he pulled it from the screen, folded the tape over the back, and placed it in his drawer alongside a mounting storehouse of affectionate compositions from his wife.
Randy and Shauna were forever leaving notes for each other. Neither left the house without leaving the other a note. Most notes revealed their whereabouts and when they would return. Many times they were terms of endearment, a reminder of their commitment and love for one another. S.H.M.I.L.Y. was one-such expression.
As Randy began his day’s work, he thought about how to respond to Shauna’s note. Settling on the one thing he knew would bring a smile to her face, he slipped away to the field behind the house and picked a bouquet of wildflowers an hour before she returned home from work. Arranging them in her favorite vase, he pulled this morning’s note from his drawer, and added a two so it read: “S.H.M.I.L.Y. 2,” and placed the vase on the kitchen counter and then returned to work.
They’d both meant every word: See How Much I Love You!

†

Notes are a simple yet wonderful way to communicate with each other. Leaving them to be discovered in strategic locations can be a personal and inspirational way of declaring, “I care.”
Taking time to pen our thoughts or feelings establishes our commitment to the one for which the note is intended.
God devoted a tremendous amount of work and time writing notes to us and has left them in strategic places for us to find.
His note to us in Jeremiah 31 says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Scripture is full of His wonder-filled and personal declarations.
In His note to us in John 17:24, at the climax of His earthly mission, Jesus prayed for us to be with Him and to see His glory. Translation: “See How Much I Love You!”

Prayer

“Lord, thank You for Your love that sustains me. Help me love with a love that is selfless. May I bring affirmation to each individual You place in my life today. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

*Dedicated to James and Myrtle Dobson

The Beginning of Healing

Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
Proverbs 20:1

Sitting at the bar—well, slouching would have been a more accurate description—Gil realized he’d done it again. He was half drunk and couldn't tell you how or why it had happened. He’d stopped here with the intention of having one drink then going home.
Must be my sixth or seventh, he thought, looking at the amber liquid in his glass.
It had been two years since he’d had anything to drink. The last episode had seen him waking up in a holding cell, surrounded by a dozen other men. He’d served six days in the county lockup for his involvement in a bar fight and under the direction of the court, attended a few AA meetings.
I’m not a drunk, he’d thought at his first meeting. I only drink once in a great while. How dare they associate me with a group like this! These people are mostly bums; some of them are even homeless! This had been his egotistical attitude. Gil had lost his job as a result of his nefarious behavior and had sworn it would never happen again. So much for never. If I get arrested again, Belle’s gonna come unglued! Then, another thought came unbidden. I can’t possibly be a drunk, can I? Maybe I need help.

†

Addiction is found in all walks of life—teachers, lawyers, preachers, engineers, public employees, sports writers, evangelists, steel workers, nuns, PTO moms. The list knows no boundaries.
As future citizens of heaven, we are to be disciplined. Constant obsession removes that ability. When we give in to cravings, it dishonors God and harms our witness.
Addictions come in many forms. (Fill in the blank) If you can’t stop _____ when you want, if you find yourself in trouble each time you ____, if your family life, relationships, or job suffer when you ____, or if you can’t control your behavior when you ____, you have a problem. Facing the truth and asking for help is the beginning of healing.

Prayer

“I submit my life and actions to Your care in this moment, Lord. Renew my life and set me free. I’m good at hiding, Lord, so cleanse me from the inside out. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

By Invitation Only

Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.
Luke 14:15

She had not always been a popular woman. But today they were begging for an invitation to tonight’s party. Reporters lined the sidewalks by the gate, waiting for her to appear and bless them with an invitation. They stood for hours, waiting.
When the owner of the estate made her appearance, it was brief.
She smiled and read a short, prewritten statement: “As none of you responded to my prior invitations, I have invited a select group to dine with me tonight. My guests will be arriving momentarily. Please be considerate and allow them to pass. Once again, this banquet is by invitation only. Please do not attempt to gain entrance or you will be arrested, and I will press charges against you.” With that, she returned to the house.
Ten minutes later, limousines from every escort company in the city began pulling up to the gate. They provided proof of invitation and then drove to the large portico and presented their guests to the hostess.
To the paparazzi’s amazement, the guests appeared to be beggars and homeless people. The hostess had them chauffeured from their cardboard homes as though they were royalty!

†

In the blink of an eye, all invitations to the feast in the kingdom will be sealed and no more will be issued. The King will determine that the banquet should begin, and there will be no admittance to those who do not have a personal invitation.
Until then, God continues to issue an open invitation to any and all who would receive Him. Because of the blood of Jesus we have the right to RSVP, which is to tell the Host whether or not we plan to attend.
Those who respond will partake of all the goodness of the kingdom. They will be seated in a position of prominence at the King’s table.
And just like those in today’s story, there will be many who will be turned away, never having accepted God’s Son. Admittance to heaven is by invitation only. Have you sent your RSVP?

Prayer

“I gratefully accept Your invitation today, Lord. Thank You for sending Your Son to escort me to the dinner party. Amen.”

Nothing Is Something

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens.
Isaiah 40:26

Jill’s father turned his head toward her and quietly whispered, “It’s close to bedtime, kiddo. Five more minutes then we gotta land this spacecraft, and you gotta hit the books.” Jill’s passion for lying under the night sky had been passed on to her by her father. He saw relevance in his and his daughter’s stargazing.
His own father had not seen things that way. “Get in this house and get your homework done now!” he would scold. It seemed he couldn’t understand his son’s fascination. He said the same thing every time. “There’s more to life than watchin’ stars, boy. Go do somethin’ worthwhile!”
“Well, Dad,” he whispered into the night, “as far as I’m concerned, watching stars is doing something.” He wished his father could have understood his interest. “And as long as Jill has a love for the heavens, I’m going to encourage her.”
A few minutes later, Jill squealed with delight. A huge green blaze had just arced from one side of the sky to the other! “Oh, Daddy, that’s the brightest shooting star ever! I’m glad we saw it together!” She couldn’t see his smile but could hear him say, “Me too, honey! Me too. Maybe someday you’ll get a closer look from space. You just keep lookin’ up.”

†

Doing things that to some appear senseless or serve no relevant purpose does not necessarily equate to doing nothing.
Not all of us are called to become astronauts, yet many of them had their interest piqued by watching the night sky. The stars are beautiful, and seeing a falling star fascinates each of us. You don’t have to aspire to be launched into space to enjoy the stars.
Just because we don’t see the value of something does not negate it. With an eternal perspective, seemingly meaningless things can have vast significance.

Prayer

“Lord, help me see the value in things that don’t necessarily interest me. Help me encourage others to seek the things that bring them joy in Your kingdom. Amen.”

The Knife

Fathers, do not exasperate your children.
Ephesians 6:4

At fifteen, Allen had been trying to get his father’s attention for as long as he could remember. All he’d wanted was to play catch, a video game, maybe go fishing or something. He just wanted to do anything with his dad, but his dad was always too busy.
On an impulse, Allen took one of his dad’s special knives from his favorite collection and sold it to a kid at school. He couldn’t tell you why he’d done it; all he knew was that he was angry at his dad.
His silent cry for attention went unchecked for several weeks until one day his dad asked, “Do you know where my knife is, Allen?”
“You mean the fancy hand-carved handled one in the case?” Allen baited his dad, a look of defiance on his face.
His father bristled at his insolence. “Where is it, Allen?” he demanded.
Allen continued the farce. “Yeah, I remember seeing it somewhere; now, where was that?”
“What’d you do with the knife, Allen?” his dad barked in response to Allen’s attitude. He concluded with a consequence-inferred declaration, “You tell me right now or so help me … ”
“I sold it! Okay?” Allen screamed, red faced, tears streaming down his cheeks. “So what? What’re you gonna do to me?”

†

Allen wanted what was rightfully his: love and attention from his father. And though his actions were misguided, he contrived to get his father’s attention any way he could.
When we fail to give our children our time and attention, they go elsewhere to assuage their hunger for these inherent natural urges. Many substitute drugs, alcohol, sex, and gang life—almost anything for the love they crave.
In the busyness of our society, our children quite literally are fending for themselves. We shop them out to the closest family member or friend to give ourselves time to fit one more thing into our already over-stuffed schedules, only to find them disconnected, pregnant, and in trouble with the law.
Make no mistake: there is no replacement for our time. Our children need not suffer exasperation. Give of yourself to those who matter most.

Prayer

“Lord, help me provide the love my kids need—in time and affection, in connectivity and bonding. In Jesus’ strength and Name, amen.”