Ready To Live!

For in him we live and move and have our being.

Acts 17:28

Stran Smith is a professional rodeo rider. His passion is steer-roping…jumping off his horse at 25mph!

Stran had been riding the circuit for seven years, when one day he exhibited alarming medical symptoms and was transported to the local hospital, where doctors discovered he’d had a stroke. Further testing revealed a hole between two chambers of Stran’s heart; a condition known as ‘PFO’ had led to the blood clot in his brain.

Faced with choosing between a risk-filled experimental surgery to repair the hole, or lead a sedentary life—where watering his grass was the limit of his physical exertion, and rodeoing was no longer an option—Stran and his wife, Jennifer, spent a great deal of time in prayer, seeking God’s direction.

Ultimately, they opted for surgery, which was a remarkable success. Stran, now healthier than he’d ever been, returned to the rodeo circuit within two months of the procedure. When asked what the biggest lesson of his experience had been, Stran commented, “Until I was ready to die, I wasn’t ready to live.”

Stran credits his professional rodeo status to blood, sweat, and God’s guidance through his relationship with Jesus Christ.

†

Faced with a crisis of faith, we must decide whether we want to hang up our saddle, becoming a reluctant spectator in a full-contact arena, or trust God to fully and faithfully live through us in the time we have left.

In Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection we have the ability to die to ourselves daily, preparing the way for God to resurrect us each morning through our relationship with Jesus Christ, under the power of the Holy Spirit. Our deliberate dying-to-self leaves the door open for God to do miraculous things with and through us. By intentionally facing death, finding our purpose and being in Jesus Christ, we become ready to live!

Prayer

“I want to live today, Lord! But it’s so hard to lay down my own desires each day. I want the benefits of having You in control, but sometimes my wants get in the way. Show me how to humbly listen and await Your instruction at the beginning of each day as I spend this time with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Some Will Perish

They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.

2 Thessalonians 2:10

Mindy’s sense of guilt and shame deepened as the pastor continued his message, “There is a Heaven to be sought and a Hell to be shunned! The Bible says that once we've accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we must maintain good standing with God, so that on the day we see Him face to face we will be acceptable in his sight."

To Mindy it was just more proof that God was vengeful and unyielding. She’d heard of God’s great love for her, yet the God this man preached about sure didn't sound like someone who cared about anything but keeping track of her mistakes, so He could read the long list to her on the day she stood before Him to be judged. All she could expect from this God on that day was a sentence to Hell.

Where’s this great love I keep hearing about? Mindy wondered. How could I ever hope to measure up to those standards? She felt the grip of hopelessness tighten on her heart. There’s no way I could ever meet his demands…Mindy left the service feeling defeated.

†

My prayer is that you understand we can no more maintain our salvation than we can earn it. So when you hear a message of ‘sustaining our good standing with God in order to be acceptable’, that message is not accurate. We should want to honor our Creator out of our love for Him. But to fall down and fail does not rob us of our right-standing with God. His grace abounds in this world that so desperately needs such love.

But as real as this misconception of a vengeful God is, so is the danger of presenting a God who will allow no one to perish; even to the extent that He withholds judgment completely. Some say this is the meaning of grace.     

Here is the truth: God’s holiness cannot abide the presence of unrighteousness. Jesus’ death provided victory over all sin, with one exception: We must personally accept God’s gift of Jesus’ atoning blood. Failing that, we sentence ourselves to Hell, by rejecting such love. This is not the act of an angry, vengeful God. It is the act of a selfish, petulant child refusing to be saved.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to know You as the loving Father You are instead of the vengeful bully some present You to be. In Jesus’ Name, amen.” 

Stuck in Saturday

I tell you the truth … you will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
John 16:20

Penny lay awake, the heartache tonight not much less than a year ago. She hadn't slept much since Richard had died.
Married only six months, Richard had died when his car skidded on a patch of ice. The vehicle had gone over the guardrail above a deep gorge, rolling several times before coming to rest at the bottom. It had been several hours before he was found, and it had taken several more to remove him from the wreckage; he’d lived for two days before succumbing to his injuries.
Penny was numb, yet her brain never shut down. She rarely went a full ten minutes without it all playing back in her mind: the scene at the trauma center, the two days in ICU, the funeral, and the emptiness. It seemed her life was stuck on replay.
Penny cried out to God for answers, answers that probably wouldn't relieve the ache or make this any easier.
Family and friends felt she was stuck in her grief. They continued to minister to her in love, praying that her outlook would brighten, bringing this profound grief to an end.

†

Anyone who has lost a loved one or a friend knows the depth of Penny’s heartache. Their absence creates a hole in us that refuses to be refilled; we've lost someone so precious that to think otherwise would feel like betrayal.
Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, did what He could to reassure His disciples of His resurrection. But on Good Friday nothing could take away the sting, the shock, or the pain in their chests. And all day Saturday they tried unsuccessfully to console themselves.
Then came Sunday!
The truth is if we live long enough, we will experience Penny’s pain. If we love deeply, we will grieve the same way. But someday our grief will turn to joy. It’s Jesus’ resurrection that keeps us from getting stuck in Saturday.
Death came on Friday, resurrection on Sunday, but there was a very long day in between. It’s okay to grieve. But do it with hope.

Prayer

“Give us strength to walk on in the pain, Lord. Thank You that, because of Jesus, this pain will turn to joy. Amen.”

Guppy

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Trish was the Student Attendance Officer at the local high school. One of her duties was making sure all twelve hundred students were in school, and if not, where they were and why. Because of her position, Trish had garnered certain insights into the lives of many of the most disruptive and troubled students; the ones where teachers were actually relieved when they were not in class. Trish knew that their behavior was a result of their home life. Many were from broken marriages, abused or neglected, and left to fend for themselves. As a result, most of them had become thick-skinned and hard hearted, wanting to keep the world at a distance lest they be wounded again.

But Trish, having had her parents separate when she was young, understood them. She was known for having an empathetic desire to help mend the brokenness. So much so that the principle and teachers brought students to her for counseling and prayer, rather than expel or detain them. She’d had remarkable success in helping resolve issues and rekindle openness and trust.

Years ago, one of Trish’s students had nicknamed her ‘Guppy’, an affectionate play on words of the Hebrew word agape’, which means unconditional love, and her petite stature. To them Trish was the living definition.

†

Today’s scripture tells us that God will put to use the pain of our lives if we’ll let Him. If we remain faithful to God’s purpose there will be times we find ourselves suddenly understanding why God didn't immediately deliver us from our struggles.

Like Trish, we are meant to be good stewards of our wounds, to use experience and understanding to make a difference in the lives of those who are hurting.

Having persevered through hardships and heartache we can be the ‘Guppy’ to those in need of our experience and love. We can, like Trish, teach them to hope again.

Prayer

“Lord, use my past to help someone in the present. Help me encourage those You bring to me for healing and direction with the agape’ love You show to me. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”  

Yep, Every Hair

And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Matthew 10:30

“Grandpap! Quitit!” Ellie squealed. “I’m gonna’ pee my pants! Stopit!”

“Grams wouldn’t be too happy with me if that happened,” he said. “Nor you either I’m thinkin’! But I think it would be hilarious!” he growled, tickling her one last time.

“Oh, Grandpap, you’re so silly!” Ellie giggled. She loved roughhousing with her grandfather…she knew she was the apple of his eye. “Grandpap?” came her inquisitive tone. Clyde could see mischief in his granddaughter’s eyes. “Hows come grandpas lose their hair and grammas don’t?” she asked.

“Cause grammas would look silly without hair,” he answered. He knew this was leading somewhere…

“In my Sunday School class last week,” Ellie cocked her head at an angle as if she were contemplating the implications of her next statement, “my teacher said that God knows how many hairs each of us has.”

“Yep, every hair,” Clyde said. “Even on an old bald guy like me!” he said, reaching to tickle her again.

Laughing, Ellie ducked his reaching hands, and said, “He must have an awful time keepin’ track of yours! He probly has to recount ten times a day!” she teased, and skittered away, just as Clyde tried to grab her.

“I know one little girl who’s gonna be missin’ some hair if I get hold of her!” he threatened, laughing heartily as she ran from the room and out the front door, screaming, “Grams! Grams! Grandpap is gonna’ pull my hair out!”

†

Most of us get our first impression of God from our earthly fathers and grandfathers; it’s supposed to be where we learn of His loving nature and admirable character. Sadly, many fathers and grandfathers do not present a true likeness of God, and He is seen as uncaring, unloving, judgmental, and sometimes even hostile.

But that is just not true. He is more loving than the Clyde’s of the world. And it is His will that regardless of how we’ve been treated in the past, we will draw close enough to discover that He truly does care about us…enough to know the number of hairs on our head. And bald or not, He keeps track of each one, yep, every hair!

Prayer

“Father God, I want to know You intimately. Show me how truly precious I am in Your eyes. Amen.”  

Obedience, the Beginning of Blessing

All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 28:2

In his position as usher, Dave greeted people as they arrived for church each Sunday. He enjoyed being the first person they saw at church. A dear woman named Lucile approached. She smiled, and with tears in her eyes she pressed something into his hand. She beamed, saying, “You bless me so much! Your smile brightens my day!” Then she added, “I’m not sure why God wanted me to give you this, but I knew I had to obey. Obedience is the beginning of blessing you know!”

Dave felt a little uncomfortable taking her gift. But, he’d learned not to rob someone of a blessing. So he smiled and said, “Thank you, Lucile! You brighten mine as well.” And with that she went into the sanctuary.

Following the service Dave walked into the pastor’s office intending to say ‘no’ to the pastor’s offer of the position as ‘Head Usher’. If he took the position he would be responsible for overseeing some twenty ushers, setting schedules, and securing the money that came through the church each week. He just didn’t feel he had enough time to do the job right. But for some inexplicable reason, when he walked into the office the word ‘yes’ came out instead ‘no’. That’s when Lucile’s words came back to him. Okay, Lord. If it’s obedience You want, it’s obedience You get, he said silently.

Since that day, God has poured blessing after blessing into and through Dave, and somehow time has never been an issue. His obedience has led to an ongoing blessing that has never ended.

†

In this fast-paced society, with our lives full, and time a precious commodity, it’s difficult to say yes when God asks for our time and skills. In our mind it would be easier to blow Him off.

But the truth is, if it is God who is asking, He will equip us, and provide the time necessary to serve. He’s asking for a leap of faith. He’s trying to teach us that Lucile is right; obedience is the beginning of blessing.

Prayer

“When You call, Lord, may I always say yes, knowing You will provide the time and energy needed to serve others in Your Name, Amen.”

 I Want To See Jesus

A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus…He wanted to see who Jesus was…

Luke 19:2-3

“Stand with me on the precipice of life,” the pastor said. “What do you see?” The murmurs running through the congregation indicated that some were actually seeing visual images in their mind’s eye. “What do you see?” he repeated. “The struggle you’re in? Material possessions? Relational problems? What caught your attention?” He paused, and then asked, “How about Jesus? Did anyone see Jesus?” Everyone turned their heads to look at their neighbor…

When no affirmative response came, he posed the question, “Did any of you look for him?” After a moment he said, “If our focus is on the world, our outlook will be dismal. But! If we look for Jesus, even in the roughest of times, our perspective will automatically brighten! Because with Jesus there are unlimited possibilities!”

Stepping out from behind the pulpit, he said, “That’s what the world needs to see in us, folks...hope for the future! If we walk around with our heads hanging…” he dropped his chin to his chest to emphasize, “…there is nothing about us the world wants. We are to be examples of hope, not zombies walking around clouded in gloom. And the only way we can do that is to allow the Holy Spirit to raise us above the things of this world, where we can catch a glimpse of Jesus!” Amens and hallelujahs echoed in the sanctuary.

†

It can be difficult to see Jesus when the world gets in the way. But we have a choice in whether we continue to let it cloud our vision. We don’t have to wallow in self-pity, or keep Him at arms length because of shame or guilt.

Look at Zacchaeus; a man of ill repute, yet, he wanted to see Jesus…so he climbed a tree! And once he saw Jesus, his life was radically changed! “Zacchaeus, come down immediately.” Note that Jesus acknowledged him the moment Zacchaeus began looking for him!

The same thing can happen for us if we truly begin looking for Jesus. If we look, we will see Him! And once that happens, our lives will never be the same!

Prayer

“I want a clear view of You, Jesus. Reveal Yourself to me right now as I spend a moment seeking Your face…Amen!”

Daddy’s Charge

So now I charge you in the sight of all Israel and of the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God: Be careful to follow all the commands of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and pass it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever.
1 Chronicles 28:8

As they circled the dance floor, he held her close. His little girl had grown too fast. He felt so blessed, so proud of who she had become. He was feeling the separation that comes when our children come of age. Beautiful beyond words, she smiled a tear-filled smile, Daddy’s girl all the way! The dance ended too soon. Roles had changed in less than an hour. He had gone from provider and protector to sometimes advisor and prayerful encourager—advisor only when solicited.
He thought back to the ceremony when he’d charged his new son, “Today, I present to you my daughter. I charge you with the nurturing love of a mother and the fearless protection of a father. May you be strong when necessary and gentle in times of tears. And may God bless this union.”
Back in the present, he thought, Funny how life screams by at light-speed when it involves our children. He caught his wife’s knowing smile over the crowd. He was pretty sure she was saying, “Now you know how my dad felt.” He had a new perspective.

†

Responsibility brings with it promise. In this text’s pronouncement, Israel, if they followed God’s commands, would inherit the land set aside for them for all generations.
We are to not only follow God’s commands, but to faithfully instruct our offspring. They are to be nurtured, able to leave us, moving into the next season of their lives. We are charged with calling them to accountability.
As with the father in this story, we are to charge those who inherit the care of those entrusted to us. We are not to do this with ambiguity. We are to actively speak truth of responsibility to the next generation.

Prayer

“You charge us this day, to follow Your commands, Lord. Teach us to be faithful in response to that responsibility as we follow Your leading. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Evil’s House

If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house.
Proverbs 17:13

Flynn said good-bye to his last guest and closed the door. “Wow! What a night,” he said, smiling at his wife, Leslie. The grim look on her face alerted him to something amiss. “What is it?” he asked.
“Someone has taken the cookie jar fund,” came her somber reply. “As I began washing the dessert dishes, I noticed the lid on the jar was a little crooked. So out of curiosity I lifted the lid. The money is gone. I know it was there right before the dinner because I dropped in some change from my purse right after I got home from the grocery store.” Then she added, “I didn't want to say anything while the guests were here because I didn't want to offend the innocent parties. What should we do?”
After a moment of thought, Flynn said, “I don’t know that we should do anything, honey. To find out who took it would require asking each person if he or she knew anything about the missing money. We would be putting everyone’s integrity in question, and I’m not sure I’m willing to do that. I’m thinking that whoever took it will have to deal with his guilty conscience and that God will convict him of his evil actions. Let’s just let God handle it,” Flynn suggested. “We can replace what’s missing so the kids don’t suffer for someone else’s poor choices and leave it at that.”

†

To repay someone’s generosity by stealing from him is to ensure evil a place in our heart and house. Evil acts, regardless of the act, give Satan a foothold he will exploit in an effort to turn it into a stronghold.
If the person remains unrepentant, evil will eventually become a fortress seeping into every part of his life. It will ultimately bring total destruction to the entire household, leaving no one unaffected.
Solomon says that the one who commits evil will never be free from it. The only way to escape evil’s house and Satan’s grip is to bring our actions before the Lord in repentance. Then follow His leading.

Prayer

“Keep evil from my doorstep and my heart, Lord. Amen.”

It’s Wasn’t Me

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

Acts 3:6

Everyone in this group knew who Bart was. He had been born with CP and had never walked. So it was no surprise that Larry’s story met mixed reactions.

“You touched Bart, and he walked?!” Evan said, amazed. “Awesome!”

“You really expect us to believe that?” Keeran asked.

Larry remained unfazed, “Why do you find it so hard to believe?”

“You’re talking about a crippled man walking because you touched him! What makes you so special?” she demanded.

“Nothing. Nothing at all,” Larry said. “It wasn’t me who healed him.”

Keeran jumped on that, “Did you or did you not say that you laid hands on Bart?!”

“I did,” Larry calmly answered. “I sensed God asking me to…so I did. But I was just the vessel, nothing more. The Holy Spirit healed Bart.”

“I still find it hard to believe,” Keeran muttered.

“That’s okay, Keeran,” Larry said. “In a few minutes you can see for yourself.” And ten minutes later, Bart walked into Larry’s house!

†

Had Peter, John, and Larry not been sensitive and obedient to God’s leading, the men in today’s text and story would most likely have died lame. Instead, they became walking testimonies because despite what some would say, God is still in the healing business.

But even many who do believe feel like they’re not ‘holy’ enough to ask for such a monumental request as witnessed in today’s text and story. Or they feel like there is something they must do or say to affect the healing. Hence, laying hands on the lame to walk and the blind to see is not a common occurrence.

The truth is we, like Peter and John, have nothing to offer anyone but our obedience to God because we, in and of ourselves, cannot heal. But when we are sensitive to God’s leading He moves in power. All God is asking for is our obedience.

Would you take a chance and offer someone in need your obedience to God?

Prayer

“Jehovah Repheka, God of healing, give me the courage to reveal Your desire to heal the lame and infirm. Make me sensitive to the needs of those You want to touch. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”  

Then Who?

If anyone … sees his brother in need but has no pity … how can the love of God be in him?
1 John 3:17

The little girl looked so forlorn. Her mother looked as though she were fighting back tears. A covert glance revealed smudged faces and dirty clothes.
Lord, please send someone to minister to whatever problems they’re facing. Meet their needs, Sherry silently prayed as the elevator stopped on her floor.
“Why not you?” God softly invited.
Oh, Lord, I've got to get to work, she rationalized and stepped off the elevator.
“If not you, then who?” God whispered.
What am I supposed to say? Their personal issues are none of my business, she argued.
“Compassion is everyone’s business,” came the soft reprisal.
Turning back, Sherry hesitantly spoke. “Excuse me. I don’t want to offend you, but it appears as though you could use some help. Is there something I can do?”
The tears refused to be held back any longer. “I’m sorry,” the mother began. “It’s been so difficult lately. I lost my job. Cyndi and I have been living in homeless shelters. I came here in hopes of getting a job, but the way I look, I’m afraid no one would hire me.”
Reaching into her purse, Sherry pulled out a brush and began brushing the little girl’s hair, listening as the mother told her story. “Maybe I can help,” Sherry began.

†

We may not own a business and be able to hire the unemployed or have spare rooms to offer, but we can still reach out to those in need in whatever capacity we are able. Whether we choose to see it or not, hardship surrounds us.
The third chapter of John’s first letter deals with how we are to respond to God’s love. He invites us to mercifully emulate that love to a world in need.
It may take a few extra minutes, and we may be a bit uncomfortable, but when we encounter someone in need, we should mentally trade places, as if we ourselves were the one in need. And then remember God’s challenging appeal: if not you, then who?

Prayer

“Father, thank You for the loving sacrifice that made me right with You. May You find in me a willingness to be Your hand of mercy when You call. Amen.”

Hope with a Smile

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:35

Sally awakened at 4:00 a.m., said a hearty “Good morning, Father” as her feet hit the floor, and headed for the shower. She dressed and headed for the kitchen to fix breakfast for herself and Tiger. “Hiya, kiddo,” she greeted the big cat, stroking his sleek fur.
Eggs cooking, she spooned tuna delight into Tiger’s dish. “Eat it all now!” she said in mock sternness, then chuckled as Tiger cocked his head at her. Dishes done, she headed out the door, ready to meet the day. She loved the short drive to work as it often afforded her a beautiful sunrise or a full moon hanging in the waning night sky.
Sally volunteered in the day surgery unit of the local hospital.
With a smile on her face and a servant’s heart, she set about putting things in order. “I love the quiet,” she would say. “When I arrive, there’s no one here but me. I like that.” Arranging doctors’ charts and nurses’ orders, preparing each room by making sure everything was ready was Sally’s way of ministering to the staff.
Those rounds complete, Sally took her station in the lobby, greeting everyone scheduled for surgery. She took names and met needs, adding quiet words of encouragement and comfort or a prayer offered from a heart that had felt their pain and known their fears. Sally was the bright spot in their day; she gave them hope with a smile.

†

A servant’s heart is a precious thing. Out of it flows kindness with compassion and tenderness through encouragement. It’s born of a deep love for others, a selfless love like Jesus showed us on Calvary.
Servanthood is this great ability to rid others of their heartache and fear, rejection and pain, if only for a little while.
Jesus calls those who give of themselves in this way His disciples. And for good reason. They love with abandon, holding nothing back, lifting others above the struggles they face. Such an extravagant love makes a remarkable impact, and it begins with a mind-set that brings hope with a smile.

Prayer

“Help me love like You do, Lord. Use me to brighten someone else’s day. In Your Name, I pray. Amen.”

The Grace Train

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:4

Running at full stride, the man grabbed the handle on the side of the boxcar and heaved himself aboard the train. He cautiously scouted around to see if he’d intruded on anyone, or anything. Finding neither man nor beast, he chose a secluded spot behind some cargo boxes and settled in for the ride.

Unbeknownst to him, the railroad guard had caught movement out of the corner of his eye. Unsure of what he’d seen, the guard decided to check the cars, one at a time, looking for anything out of place. Using his flashlight to illuminate the lanes between cargo pallets, he looked for anything amiss. Twice he thought he’d heard something but came up empty-handed. Finally, having satisfied himself he’d been seeing things, he returned to the caboose.

The man emerged from hiding as the door of the boxcar slammed shut. His transient lifestyle had taught him much of human nature. One of which was that most guards were fond of their comfort, and would only search for so long. There were those, however, who were relentless in their search, eventually finding and evicting him at the next stop. He’d learned the hard way that hopping trains wasn’t so hard; it was staying on for the ride that posed a problem.

†

God’s grace, when first encountered, is like taking hold of the handle on a boxcar and heaving ourselves aboard a moving train. We know we’re in for a ride, and we're a little bit scared, but it feels great!

Discovering grace is wonderful and exciting. Persevering in our relationship with God requires persistence...because it’s easier to catch the grace train, than it is to take the ride.

When we first surrender to God, He’s all about letting us know He’s there. As we mature in Christ, we feel a little less, our instinct learns to trust more, and we begin to learn to walk by faith. That’s how it’s meant to be. Constant reassurance requires no faith.

God is asking us to remain on board for the entire ride, persevering in faith during the times we don’t feel His presence.

Prayer

“Teach me to trust by faith, Lord; to know that You will always be wherever I am, ready to quietly guide each step. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Be an Encourager

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Hebrews 10:24

Bill had a knack for getting the best out of anyone he met. He ascribed to the theory that you will always find what you look for. So he looked for the good in people and helped them maximize their potential.

Watching little league practice with Jay’s father, Bill remarked, “Ya know, Joe, I’m thinkin’ Jay is gonna make one heck of a shortstop!”

Joe smiled and nodded, “I’m a little prejudice, but I believe you’re right.” It felt good having someone with Bill’s baseball savvy speak well of your son.

Just then the coach called the boys in. As Jay passed by, he looked into the stands and caught Bill’s ‘two thumbs-up’ approval. He beamed as he headed into the dugout.

“You and Lenore have done a good job with that boy, Joe,” he said, paying Joe and his wife a well deserved compliment.

“Thanks, Bill,” he said, pleased with the remark. “He’s a good boy, well-mannered and willing to work hard. Why, he even asked if he could come with me to work this summer!”

“He’s gonna make some woman a good husband some day,” Bill said in response to Joe’s comment. They both shared a laugh, knowing that that day was still quite a ways off.

†

Bill’s philosophy was that there were only twenty-four hours in a day, and he was charged with using them wisely. He figured there was no better way to do that than to help others find their maximum potential, and help them achieve great things. The best way he knew to do that was by pointing out their strengths, and encouraging them to build on those things. He had a way of seeing the good qualities in others, and was committed to telling them he noticed.

God wants us to make the best of each opportunity to sow seeds of encouragement. We will always see what we’re looking for in others. Make a difference in someone’s life, look for the good and be an encourager, spur someone to great things!

Prayer

“Father, help me to be a blessing in the lives of those around me. Show me other’s strong points so I can encourage them to refine and grow those attributes. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Safe in His Hands

The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.

John 3:35

Don was repairing his weed eater on the workbench in his tool shed when a sudden, loud buzzing, zipped past his ear. He felt a little silly for having jumped when he realized it was a humming bird.

It had come through the open shed door and flown right to the window above the workbench. Back and forth it flew, moving up and down and side to side, looking for an exit. Finding none, its little wings seemed to beat even faster. But it would not leave the window. Don gently reached up and tried to shoo the bird from the window by placing his hand between the bird and the glass. But to no avail.

Don wondered if he could capture the bird by using both hands. Slowly, so as not to further alarm the frightened bird, he raised his cupped hands. Reaching the last inch, Don felt the tiny creature settle into his hands. As the bird felt Don’s touch, all movement ceased…its tiny wings stopped fluttering, and Don felt his teeny feet latch onto his finger.

Walking to the door, he extended his open hands. Immediately the bird flew away, unharmed. Don smiled as the mini jet streaked across the sky, heading for the nearest tree to rest.

†

Many times we find ourselves, like the hummingbird, looking for a way out of situations we were sure held the promise of something good; the path seemed clear and safe. So we ventured in, only to find out too late that it was a trap. Like the hummingbird, we were/are unable to find a way of escape on our own.

Like Don, God is reaching out to rescue us through the outstretched hands of His Son, hoping we will allow Jesus’ nail-scarred hands to hold us in that place of complete safety and rest.

Having placed all things in Jesus’ capable hands, God wants that to include us. But free will won’t allow His interference. That choice is ours. We can, however, rest assured that when we yield to Jesus, we will be safe in His hands.

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, settle this restless spirit in me that tends to flutter in vain. Right now, I willingly place myself in Your hands. Amen.”  

Ephphatha!

At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened.

Mark 7:34

Deaf and mute from birth, Jeremiah never used his disability as an excuse. Always laughing and pranking his classmates, Jeremiah had graduated Valedictorian of his High School Class.

Proud of his brother’s accomplishments, and wanting to understand his brother’s ability to rise above his disability, Justin decided to spend an entire week without speaking while wearing earplugs. The first three days of silence brought a deeper understanding of Jeremiah’s character and optimistic attitude. Refraining from talking was difficult for Justin. He couldn’t imagine the frustration of never being able to express himself verbally.

By day seven he was being left out of conversations and excluded from many everyday activities he’d taken for granted, which shed even more light on his brother’s determination to rise above the unfairness of life.

When the time came for the exercise to end, Justin asked Jeremiah if he would like to be the one to remove the earplugs. As Jeremiah did, Justin was startled by the loudness of his own voice. For a moment he felt guilty for being able to hear. But the same love that compelled him to experience Jeremiah’s world was looking back at him. He had a new appreciation for Jeremiah.

The biggest benefit from the past week had come when he realized the disability was not in his brother’s limitations, but in the hearts of those who allowed Jeremiah’s disabilities to define him as a man.

†

What began as an exercise born out of love for his brother, ended in Justin’s delivery from bondage; the bondage of self.

When we see disabilities there is something within us that screams there is something desperately wrong…“This is unfair! No one should have to go through life this way.”

In other words, we focus on the disability. And in doing so, we totally miss the person; not realizing the truth is that we are unable to see past the surface. And then it hits us: we are blind! We are the ones with the disability…

We need Jesus to speak ‘Ephphatha!’ over the eyes of our heart.

Prayer

“Open the eyes of my heart as You did the deaf mute’s ears, Lord Jesus. Help me see people as You see them. Not as defective, but as someone who deserves my respect and not my sympathy. Amen.”

Honor Your Parents

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

Exodus 20:12

After five years of seeing the continental United States from a pickup truck and travel trailer, my parents were considering slowing down. Having sold their home to pay for their retirement vacation, they were thinking about selling the RV package to buy a small house, or buy into an assisted living community. What they didn't know was that my husband, Joe, and I had been talking about purchasing a house large enough to accommodate our family, and Mom &Dad, nearer to where we worked.

I must admit, I was more hesitant than Joe. But God gave us peace about it, and we decided to broach the subject with Mom during the next catch up phone call. When Mom called that Friday, I told her we’d been considering moving to the Mt.Vernon, Ohio area to be closer to our jobs. In a bold move for Mom, because she doesn't ask for much of anything, she responded, “Would you and Joe think about getting a home where a grandma and grandpa could live as well?” I laughed as I shared with her that Joe and I had been talking and praying about that very situation! 

From that point forward, God opened and closed doors to guide each and every move, allowing us to have the desired space within our budgets, and see the dream fulfilled. I learned that if you truly open your heart and allow God to lead you, wonderful things will happen!        

†

Without our parents we would be nothing…as in: we wouldn't exist! Even considering that not all children are elated at their choice of parents; today’s text has proprietary significance. It is the first commandment with a promise. The Bible says, if we honor our parents, barring foolish and unforeseen mistakes on our part, God will always provide us with shelter.

Honoring our parents is the first step in honoring God. If we can’t do one, we aren't doing the other. Not all of us will be called to board our parents. However…we are all called to bestow on them the honor they deserve. Besides…we owe them BIG!

Prayer

“Help me always bring honor to my parents, Lord, and glory to Your Name. Amen.”

A Heart Bent Toward Jesus

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Gina’s heart was completely bent toward Jesus, “My job in food services was wonderful. I enjoyed the university…and the people I worked with,, but that job was taking a physical toll on me. My body couldn’t endure the constant strain. I felt that God wanted me to stay on campus, but without His intervention I didn't see how that could happen. I only knew something had to change…and soon. That’s when a crisis of faith for my hearts desire occurred.” Seeing her eyes mist, I realized this was more than a simple occurrence, “That’s when the Book Store Manager’s position opened up. Several friends called to urge me to apply…so I did. I had an interview, and it went great! Then, a week later I received a phone call telling me they had chosen someone else...” Instead of resentment, her face mirrored her next statement, “I didn't understand it, but this tremendous peace flooded my spirit as I heard God say, ‘You just need to not worry, Gina. I know your heart’s desire.’

“A week later, they called back, ‘The man we hired quit. He said this wasn't the job for him. Are you still interested in the position?’” Gina chuckled as she added, “That’s when Jesus whispered, ‘Prosper…not harm you, Gina.’”

It was easy to see that much more than Gina’s employment issues had been settled.

†

Unshakable faith comes from having experienced great victories with God. It is a byproduct of having our hearts bent to God’s will through the unnatural act of surrendering our will. When God says, “Don’t worry” our nature is inclined to do otherwise. But by yielding our hearts to God we walk by faith. In turn, God fulfills His promise.

Today’s text says that a hope-filled prosperous future is what God has for each of His children. If we are ever to experience victory in our crisis of faith, we have to answer this simple question: “Do I trust God enough to give Him complete control of my life?”

Prayer

“Lord, I have this need to control things. Help me bend my heart’s will to Yours. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Be Still

Be still, and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10

As Dell’s parents left the neurologist’s office, they were coming to grips with the truth that Dell wasn't going to outgrow this.
He had just been diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome, a neurological disorder that manifests itself through various involuntary motor tics and vocalizations. The head jerking and rapid eye blinking now had a name.
As time passed, they helped Dell adjust to each new tic and the frustration it brought. They helped him develop coping skills for everything from homework to sleeping habits. It seemed like the battles would never end. And when they asked for a tutor at school, their request was denied because Tourette’s was not yet recognized as a learning disability. They were stunned.
It was difficult for Carolyn and Mark to watched Dell struggle, estranged from his peers because of his tics, belittled because he was different.
As months turned into years, they continued to ask God to take away this trying disorder that brought ridicule and tears. All God seemed to say was, “Be still,” and in place of healing came grace.
As Dell matured, God’s purpose emerged, and the desired healing was forgotten. Dell was a man of compassion with deep conviction. An accomplished musician, Dell graduated college with a degree in communications and music. God had elevated Dell above his struggles.

†

It’s easy to overlook the silver lining because we’re focused on the trial. Believing God has our best interest at heart can be a difficult thing, especially when it involves our children. It’s easy to forget that God intimately understands our heartache where our children are concerned.
How many of us would willingly have sent our only child to die for something he didn't do, especially knowing he was going to die in place of the guilty party?
When storms hammer us, it’s natural to cry out for deliverance. It’s not natural to believe God would allow this to happen. So when we cry out only to hear Him say, “Be still,” it doesn't make much sense. Have faith.
God is inviting us, like the psalmist, to focus on Him. And though the earth gives way … to not fear.

Prayer

“Lord, I have trouble trusting You when I can’t see Your purpose. Help me to trust You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Not By Sight

Walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7

Sandy’s mother, Gladys, was legally blind. Now in her eighties, Sandy helped care for her.
“Mom,” Sandy said. “Do you remember the day you sent me to school for the first time?”
“Oh, honey! That’s a day I will never forget! It’s funny you should ask,” Gladys responded with delight.
“Whaddya mean?” Sandy asked.
“I was thinking about that just last week. I felt so bad making you get on that bus. I cried most of the morning. I called your father and told him he’d have to stay home from work and send you himself if the crying continued!” She laughed. “I made it through those first few weeks with a lot of tissues and prayer. And I grew to trust God.” Gladys’s eyes were blind, but you could tell she was seeing those days in a way blindness couldn’t alter.
“Many a time I thanked the good Lord for His constant assurance. Not knowing the reasons for some of the trials we went through made it difficult. And though I didn't always understand what He was up to, I learned to trust Him. As I trusted God, He proved faithful. Those lessons have come in handy. If I didn't trust Him, I’d have become angry or bitter about my blindness. Knowing He has His reasons has allowed me to look past the obstacle and lean on His strength as I face each new day.”

†

God rarely explains the reasons for His actions. And we have a choice in response: anger and frustration or submission and trust.
Faith requires risk. When we take a calculated risk, we have some idea of how things will turn out. Yet sometimes we have no idea what God is up to. And that can be disconcerting if we dwell on what’s next.
Gladys could easily have spent her days questioning God about her blindness. Instead, because of her experience and years of walking with Him, she chose to believe that He would bring blessings out of difficulty. Having emerged victorious through the trials of her life gave her hope for the future.

Prayer

“Lord, teach me to trust. Show me how to have faith instead of giving in to the natural tendency to cut and run. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

What Is Faith?

Now faith is being sure of … what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

Helen was agnostic. “How can you believe in God?” she asked. “And how are you so sure He exists?”
Ronnie chose her words carefully. “I see God in nature and in the details of life. I’ve personally seen Him work in the circumstances of my life, and I hear Him when He speaks to my spirit, Helen.”
“So now you’re saying God talks to you? Yeah right!” Helen’s comment was dripping with sarcasm. She refused to believe in God because she had never witnessed conclusive proof of His existence.
Ignoring Helen’s remark, Ronnie went on. “Answer this question, Helen. Can you prove God doesn’t exist? For example, you can’t see the wind, but you know it’s there. When you flip on a light switch, you expect there to be light. And you know the sun will come up tomorrow no matter what. Each requires an act of faith. Why is it such a stretch to believe in a Creator?”
Helen didn’t like where this was headed. “Each of those can be proven scientifically. What’s your point?”
“My point is that faith fails to be faith when we have tangible proof. You demand tangible proof of God’s existence, and unless you get it, you will continue to reject the possibility that there is Someone outside your control in control of your life. God asks us to believe without seeing.”

†

The thought of being subject to Someone else’s authority has caused multitudes great anguish. God’s existence challenges our life choices.
Any religion that denies Christ’s deity, meaning Jesus is the only way to heaven, shares an inability to believe God would condemn. They refuse to believe they are condemned, not by God, but by their own choices, and so they choose to disbelieve. In their unrighteous and unholy living, there is no room for admitting a Holy God cannot abide their actions.
Christians believe solely on His Word, the circumstantial evidence surrounding us and our ability to reason.
Our stance on whether or not He exists will not change that He does.
Faith is making an informed decision, aware that where we spend eternity hangs in the balance.

Prayer

“Give me words of truth to speak into nonbeliever’s doubt, Lord. Amen.”

The Last Place We Look

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
Psalm 105:3

They split up to cover more ground.
“Where’d you wear it last? And how long ago was that?” Tony hollered up the stairs. He and Jill had been searching for her butterfly necklace for half an hour.
Jill was determined to find it, even if that meant being late for their dinner engagement. It’s the perfect necklace for the gown I’m wearing.
Tony had checked the kitchen and downstairs bathroom. Nothing! He’d pulled the cushions from each piece of furniture and reached into every crack but had come up empty. Now in the guestroom, he began looking through drawers while asking God for patience. This is not my favorite pastime, Lord!
Jill continued searching through jewelry boxes. Still no necklace. “Any luck yet?” she hollered.
Tony reined in his frustration. “Not yet.”
Then, “I found it!” Jill hollered triumphantly and whispered, “Thank you, Jesus!” As she worked the clasp, she explained, “It was in the zipper compartment of one of my backup purses! Wouldn't you know it, it was in the last place I looked!”
Tony couldn’t help himself, “Of course it was in the last place you looked!” he said. “You wouldn't continue looking once you found it, would you?”

†

If we knew exactly where we’d lost something of value, we wouldn't waste time looking for it somewhere else. We would go straight to that spot and retrieve the lost item.
So why is it that God is frequently our last resort?
Self-sufficiency is a form of pride. Yet generations have been raised by the maxims: “Stand on your own two feet,” “Buck up,” “Get in there,” “No one is going to do it for you.” We've become a do-it-yourself society without a lot of God sufficiency. What are we teaching our children?
David, for all his faults, constantly sought God’s wisdom and strength. No matter how many mistakes he made, David relied on God’s loving guidance until the day he died.
It is not God’s desire to be found in the last place we look.

Prayer

“I need help today and every day, Lord. Help me come quickly to stand in Your strength. Amen.”

Shocked to His Senses

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12

Jim regained consciousness. He was dazed and confused but alive. He’d been filling the grain silos. With one silo full, he was moving the boom of the elevator over to the next silo. As the boom swung, it came in contact with a bare power line. Thousands of volts of electricity shot through his body, discharging through his toes into the ground. The resulting shock knocked him unconscious. Awakening, Jim crawled to his neighbor’s. He was transported to the county hospital where he received treatment and was later released.
The following week, Jim received a visit from a local pastor. He had come to invite Jim to church. “I can talk to God anytime I want right out there in the fields,” Jim said, swinging his arm expansively.
The pastor asked, “But do you? If you had died that day, do you know if your soul would be in heaven?”
Jim had to admit he didn't. As for talking to God while out in the fields …
He took the pastor up on his offer.

†

Jim’s true relationship with God began the day he was introduced to his own mortality. That relationship grew over time as he came to know the One Who saved his life. He eventually became the pastor of a local church.
Instead of harvesting grain, Jim began to reap souls for the kingdom. And though now with the Lord, Jim’s legacy of harvest continues through his family and parishioners.
One significant moment can bring change to our lives and the lives of countless others. Today’s text says that we have the ability to gain wisdom by our actions, the act of learning from God what He has in store for our lives. Do we continue on in false ignorance?

Prayer

“Lord, teach us to number our days according to Your Word. And to walk uprightly in relationship with You. Guide us into wisdom that is pertinent in our lives and Your kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Polarized

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.

Matthew 6:24

Mrs. Alton brought out her display of magnets for her third grade class. She had several different magnets glued to a board with their respective names and types written underneath each one. But what excited the students were the shoebox full of magnets they were allowed to handle and experiment with.

The classroom bubbled with chatter as each child grabbed a magnet and searched for a metallic surface that would either attract or repel the small piece of metal in their hand.

“Wow! Lookatthis…lookatthis!” squealed one little girl, holding her three ring binder by one of the rivets. “Cool!” said one of the boys as he tried to force two magnets together, yet was unable to do so no matter how hard he tried.

And so began a lesson on magnets. Mrs. Alton explained how magnets had two opposite sides; one positive, one negative. “With magnets,” she said, “opposites attract and forces that are identical, repel. We call that polarization.”

“Sweeeet!” she heard one of the boys exclaim as he turned one of the two magnets he was trying to force together around to have them slap together with a metallic click!

†

There are magnets of varying strengths and sizes, yet each one displays the same characteristics of attraction and repulsion. This is a constant throughout the Universe.

It is also a constant in the spiritual realm. We are either attracted or repelled by these forces. In today’s text, Jesus makes it clear that we cannot serve both God and Satan. And although He mentions money, speaking to the pursuit of riches, this verse is all encompassing as it pertains to our relationship with God.

There is no stronger diametric opposition than the forces at work between God and Satan. We are attracted to one and repelled by the other. Our hearts are either being drawn to our Creator, or our adversary. We, unlike the magnet, can choose how we are polarized.

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, give me a heart that is drawn to You and repelled by the subtle evil Satan wants me to engage in. Awaken Your Spirit within me to guide and encourage me as I walk with You through this life. Amen.”

Good Neighbors

He answered, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart…and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Luke 10:27

Scott figured if his neighbor needed help with something, and it was within his power to do so, he helped. So when Mike and Jenna began building a new patio, Scott offered his assistance. “Is there anything I can do to help?” he asked, approaching his neighbors of twenty-eight years.

“We’ll…” Jenna said, pointing. “We've been deciding how to finish off that corner.”

“We want to run brick clear to the corner,” Mike clarified, “but aren't sure how to keep the sand from pushing out from under it.

“A ramp for Nelson would be nice, too,” Jenna added, referring to their twenty-four year-old, wheelchair-bound nephew.

“You know…” Scott said, “I've got some treated lumber. We could drive some angle iron in along the edge there,” he motioned, showing them what he had in mind, “and fasten a couple boards to hold the sand in place. We could definitely add that ramp while we’re at it,” Scott said.

“That would be great!” Mike said. “Nelson is part of our family. I want him to feel included, too, ya know.”

Scott did know. He was aware that Nelson usually had to hang out at the edges of whatever function was going on due to the lack of access ramps.

Six hours later, patio complete, with friends and family enjoying a 4^th of July celebration, Scott was moved to tears as Nelson, sitting in the middle of the patio, said, “Thanks so much for building that ramp!”

†

You don’t have to love God to be a good neighbor…it should come natural. Being a good neighbor isn’t a Christian characteristic. It should, however, be one characteristic every Christian displays. If we love God with all our heart, soul, and strength, out of us should flow love for everyone else…including, and especially our neighbors.

We may never know what impact our words and actions have on those who live beside us. But we should always speak and act as though their view of God depends solely on what they see in us. Because it very well could.

Prayer

“Help me love like You love, Lord…indiscriminately, with every part of my being. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Set Them Free

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:17

Kevin had been the sole survivor of an attack on his M2 Bradley tank. Tears began to build in Lauren’s eyes as she listened to her brother’s story. “The IED came out of nowhere. One minute we’re haulin’ along, the next there’s this deafening explosion, and there’s fire everywhere!” Then his voice lowered. “Guys were screaming.”
Fighting for composure, he went on. “Next thing I remember is waking up in Walter Reed. That’s where I found out I was the only one that made it; someone from the Humvee behind us had pulled me free.” Kevin’s face mirrored the loss he was feeling. “They were my friends,” he whispered. “Why them and not me? Why’d they have to die?”
“I don’t know the answer to your question, Kev,” his dad quietly answered. “But sometimes good people die so that others might live.” He continued, “Freedom will always have its casualties. War is a reality in the world in which we live. When tyranny sets itself up to steal freedom from those who hold it precious, there will be conflict. Your willingness to fight and set others free was shared by each of your friends, son. Remember them. Never forget they understood the sacrifice of freedom, just like you, and paid the ultimate price. When others are held captive, our freedom, if it means anything at all, must rise up and defend them in their weakness. We must set them free.”

†

When Satan set himself up against his Creator, he began the work of pitting man against man, good against evil. Since then there have been casualties of war. Sadly, there will be more.
Seeing what mankind had done to His plan, God undertook the means by which we are set free. He submitted Himself to the hardships of a war He could have won with the utterance of one word. Yet with a love so deep that He could not bring Himself to destroy His Creation, He spoke to His Son, “We must set them free.” And in one act of love, They set us free!

Prayer

“Mighty God, thank You for Jesus. May we never take His sacrifice for granted. Amen.”

Lone Survivor

The story within the story;

The story of those who gave their all*

Rarely have I had time stand still and fly by at the same time. Yet that’s exactly what happened on Sunday, January 19^th, as I sat in a packed theater and watched ‘Lone Survivor’, Universal Films’ tribute to Navy Seal, Marcus Luttrell’s harrowing survival, Luttrell’s three fallen teammates, and the sixteen fallen Special Ops forces of Operation Red Wings who gave their all on June 28, 2005, in eastern Afghanistan.

But this was not just another movie theater filled by a mixture of strangers from the surrounding communities attending the latest Hollywood box-office hit. This was the private viewing for the family of Army Staff Sgt. Shamus O. Goare, and invited guests. I felt it a privilege to be in attendance.

I looked around the theater, observing Shamus’ family and friends, wondering what they were feeling, contemplating how seeing this movie would affect them.

As I watched the movie I was torn between sorrow and pride. For as horrific as the scenes were I felt a connection to its storyline.

This movie made known to the world that Army Staff Sgt. Shamus O. Goare was a member of the 160^th Night Stalker team that flew the MH-47 Chinook helicopter that was shot down while attempting the extrication of four members of Seal Team 10 on that fateful day.

Navy Seal, Marcus Luttrell, lived to tell the story of how those men sacrificed their lives on the battlefield in an attempt to save him and his fellow SEALs. And although the movie’s focus was on the four SEAL’s fight on the mountain that day it paid no less tribute to the sixteen men who knowingly entered hostile enemy airspace without defending cover from the Blackhawk gunships that normally accompanied and protected them against enemy fire. They chose to rush to the aid of their brothers in harm’s way because that’s who they were, and what they did.

As the movie ended tribute was paid to the fallen as photos of each man, along with some family pictures, filled the screen. As Shamus’ photos appeared on screen a palpable reaction filled the theater.

As the credits rolled there was complete silence, no one knew just how to react to what they had just witnessed. And then, as people began to stir, a smattering of applause turned into a standing ovation out of respect to the Goares.

It is my hope and prayer that each person in attendance has found closure and understanding. Most of all I hope healing and pride for Shamus’ act of selfless heroism will find its way into the heart of those who through his sacrifice lost someone they dearly loved.

We owe them a debt that cannot be repaid. We can, however, pay tribute to their sacrifice by never forgetting.

* This article is dedicated to all the men and women of our Armed Forces who are fighting on foreign soil so    their families, friends, loved ones, and total strangers will never have to face this enemy at home. May we      never forget their sacrifices. 

Reverence and the Flag*

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Proverbs 22:6

As the Color Guard marched in the parade, Chet, a retired Air Force pilot, was saddened by how many people remained seated, with hats on their heads as the American flag passed by. The men and women from his generation would never show such a lack of respect and blatant disregard for their country’s flag and the sacrifice it represented. These people seemed indifferent about the freedom they enjoyed and took for granted. Chet had lost friends and comrades in WWII, and how or why these succeeding generations failed to honor and respect such sacrifice was beyond his comprehension.

As they proceeded, Chet’s eye caught a small boy suddenly stand to attention, salute the men and the flag, and hold his salute! With a tear sliding down his cheek, Chet returned the prescribed military gesture, realizing, There is still hope that what we’ve done will not be forgotten or taken for granted.

†

The right for Americans to arbitrarily snub their nose at their Nation’s flag has been paid for with the blood and sacrifice of brave men and women, and their families, who've given of themselves, building upon the foundation which others have continued to build, knowing that freedom comes at a price.

This Nation was founded by fearless men and women who stood on godly principles which, when not adhered to, breed ignorance and disrespect. By failing to pass along a sense of duty, honor, and self-sacrifice, we have lost who we are and how we arrived at this moment in history.

It is, therefore, our responsibility to train and nurture each succeeding generation, teaching them to cherish the freedom they enjoy, and help them understand that it is a precious commodity. This applies to our spiritual heritage as well.

If Jesus were to walk by would our children remain seated on the curb, or would they stand in reverence and honor, recognizing the sacrifice He made to set them free?

Prayer

“Father of our freedom, we thank and give You honor. May we never lose sight of the sacrifice for our freedom, and may we never fail to pass on the importance of the price that was paid. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

*Dedicated to and in memory of Chester Miller, a good friend and good man

The Art of Listening

Listen to advice and accept instruction.
Proverbs 19:20

Gary’s patience was being tested. His young trainee continually interrupted his instruction, trying to finish Gary’s sentences. Yet each time he spoke out of turn, he found himself embarrassed as Gary showed him the error in his assumptions.
“Look, Bobby, I know you’re intelligent,” Gary began. “But every time you interrupt, you display an inability to listen to instruction, and you extend the length of this training session. Please listen and hold your responses and questions until we complete each phase. All right?”
“I’m sorry, sir. I just get kinda nervous in these situations. I want you to know I’ll be able to handle whatever you give me to do. I don’t want to upset you. I really want this job and want to impress you. I guess that was a crash and burn effort.”
“Look, Bobby,” Gary confided, “we don’t mind training someone who is willing to learn. That type of person takes instruction well. And that’s who we’re looking for.”
“I understand. If I promise to listen, will you give me another chance?” he asked, his countenance showing he meant what he said.
Gary was sensitive to the young man’s uneasiness. “Sure, Bobby. It’s understandable that you’re a little bit nervous. But in the future … I suggest you train yourself to listen. You’ll learn a lot more.”

†

Listening is a discipline. Bobby is not unique. We've all spoken out of turn only to find out we were wrong. It’s easy to want to showcase our experience. But in our eagerness to succeed, we can speak when we should be listening. A willingness to show ourselves teachable is far more attractive than continually trying to outguess or impress someone.
Active listening is the art of controlling our emotions and our tongue, trading our silence for knowledge we might not possess. Failure to listen robs us of vital knowledge that may benefit us in the future. It also shows us as immature and impulsive. It is better for us to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open our mouths and confirm it.

Prayer

“Help me learn to listen, Lord. Still my tongue and open the ears of my heart. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Tirelessly Before God’s Throne

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people…

1 Timothy 2:1

As he cast his bait toward the bank, Jimmy asked, “So, when did you become a Christian?”

“Nineteen Seventy-Six…” Hank said, his smile hinting that there was more to the story. “…at my Dad’s funeral.”

“Really?” Jimmy said, surprised.

“Yep.” There was a fondness in Hank’s voice. He smiled as he shared the story of his dad’s enduring hope for his son’s salvation. “Dad got saved six years before he died. He witnessed to me almost every day, Jimmy. But I didn’t listen.” The later statement held no guilt or shame; Hank was simply stating the truth.

“Right before he died, Dad asked his pastor to preach the Gospel message at his funeral instead of a traditional service.” Hank paused as he made a cast, then said, “My brother and I gave our lives to Jesus that day.”

“That’s awesome!” Jimmy said.

“Yea, it is,” Hank agreed. “That’s the day all Dad’s efforts were rewarded. I think he’d be pleased.”

As they made their next cast, Hank chuckled and added, “I’m not what I should be, Jimmy…but I’m a lot better than what I was!”

†

Many of us, in an effort to satisfy selfish desire, go our own way. And were it not for the tireless intercession of faithful parents, we might never find salvation in Jesus Christ.

Thankfully many, like Hank, have parents who understand the importance of interceding for their children. And they, like Hank’s dad, would never think of giving up on their children, constantly lifting them before God’s throne, asking that He bring about the changes necessary to realize their salvation.

Isaiah 55:10 and 11 says, “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire…”

If you have a child or loved one who resists your witness of Jesus’ love and sacrifice, don’t give up. Continue living out God’s love and come tirelessly before His throne.

Prayer

“I bring before You those I love, Lord, resolved to never give up on them, knowing that You won’t either. Thank You for Your great love that pursues us. Amen.”