The Breath of God

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life.

Psalm 138:7

This was their most memorable vacation ever. Not because of where they’d gone or what they’d done…but because of a gust of wind; or as they put it, the breath of God. For etched in their memories was a moment of sheer terror followed by reverent awe as they watched God intervene.

Returning from vacation, the Compton’s attention was transfixed by the object hurtling through the air on a collision course with their vehicle. As if in slow motion, it flew toward them from across the median of the highway. In less time than it took to absorb the situation and react, the UFO struck the driver’s-side windshield pillar with a resounding WHACK! glancing off the car and coming to rest in the ditch. With a vise-like grip on the steering wheel, Jack slowly pulled the car off the road.

The police report would later state that the UFO, a car hood, had been ripped from a south-bound vehicle when its safety latch failed, resulting in its flight across the median, and ensuing collision with the Compton vehicle. The perceptive officer made the following entry: Tragedy was averted as the hood struck the steel doorpost of the Compton’s windshield instead of penetrating the windshield.

What his report did not say was that the hood would have come straight through the windshield, resulting in their probable injury or possible death, had it not been for a sudden gust of wind that altered its trajectory at the last minute, causing it to glance off the doorpost instead.

†

God, at times, shelters and protects us by altering injurious or destructive circumstances. And for the most part we have no knowledge of such events, neither knowing when or how often He has sent angels, or intervened personally on our behalf to spare us injury, death, or tribulation. Possessing such knowledge would astonish, or worse, make us prideful.

In verse 6 of today’s text David speaks of God’s favoring the humble and His disdain for the proud. It is for the repression of our ego, and therefore our welfare, that such knowledge is withheld.

Prayer

“I thank You for Your protection, Loving Father, and for helping me remain humble by not allowing me to know how often You do so. Amen.”

Kinsman Warriors

So he said, “These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth.”

Zechariah 4:14

Mitch and Lee frequently communicated during the day; mostly by text messaging.

Lee was Mitch’s nephew. He was also a seasoned cop.

Each morning Mitch lifted Lee to the Lord, asking that God give Lee wisdom and strength, with the accompaniment of supernatural protection so he could protect the citizens of his community. “Thank You, Almighty God, for always being conspicuous in Lee’s life. And for always speaking to him in ways he understands. Help him make the right decisions today. Show him things he needs to see, and give him discernment beyond his own. Infuse him with Your strength so that he can protect those You have placed in his care,” Mitch prayed.

As he carried out the duties of his vocation each day, Lee was aware that God would show him the things he needed to see, and speak to him about the things he needed to know. He knew that apart from God, there was no way he could make a real difference. “Thank You, Lord, for those who faithfully pray for me. Thank You for always watching my six. Help me see what’s really happening on the streets today. Surround me with Your warring angels, and use me to make this city a safer place.”

†

When in uniform, we immediately know that Lee is a warrior. But to look at Mitch no one would suspect that he serves God in the same capacity, because he fights his battles inconspicuously.

In today’s passage, the two olive trees represent Zerubbabel and Joshua, one a prince the other a priest; both endued with the gifts and graces of God's Holy Spirit. Although contemporaries, they were of different vocations. But both were mighty men of God.

The same holds true of Mitch and Lee. Both men were created for battle. And so were you. Like Zerubbabel and Joshua, you were created to serve the Lord of all the earth. And whether you serve in the sight of others, or quietly behind the scenes, you are no less integral, no more valuable. You are kinsman warriors.

Prayer

“Almighty God, fill me with Your strength and the fearlessness of a warrior. Watch over me as I engage the enemy on Your behalf. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Eye of the Storm

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

Mark 4:39

For various reasons, many had chosen to remain behind and ride out the storm. Yet as Katrina bore down on the gulf coast, those who had stayed were questioning the wisdom of their decision.

With wind and waves battering their house, the Cullison’s were wishing they’d left when their neighbors had. But it was too late; storm surge blocked the evacuation routes. They were destined to see this through to the end.

As the driving rain beat upon their shuttered windows, one thought became apparent; this was going to be a long day. Around 11:00 am the wind abated, the skies cleared, and they ventured outside for a look. The eye of Katrina had arrived.

The destruction was incomprehensible. Complete homes were gone; debris and wreckage littered the neighborhood. Only the fact that their house was situated on a low hill had kept the storm surge from their doorstep.

Knowing this respite would be brief they checked the exterior of the house and then returned inside to await the arrival of the back wall of the eye, and the rest of the storm. It was remarkable how such peace could exist in the midst of such fury.

†

The storms of life come with and without warning, beating relentlessly upon us. But, like the eye of a hurricane, there is a place where the winds and the waves are held at bay.

Jesus’ words brought peace to a perilous situation…and the hearts of His disciples.

In the poem, ‘The Eye of the Storm’, the author writes, “…the waves may be mountains, the fields battle planes, and the earth be immersed in a deluge of rains, yet the soul stayed on God may sing bravely it's Psalm for the heart of the storm is the center of calm!”

Our refuge and peace are found in the Person of Jesus Christ. For when our eyes are on Him, we are resting in the eye of the storm.

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, speak to the winds and the waves in the storms of my life, and bring peace to my heart. Amen.”

He Hears Me When I Cry

I love the LORD, for he heard my voice…Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.

Psalm 116:1, 2

“Mooooom!?” echoed a young girl’s cry from the shallow end of the pool. Nancy instinctively turned her head toward the cry. Seeing Lindsay wasn't in any immediate danger, she walked over the where her daughter was splashing water in the face of her cousin, who was doing the same to her.

“Make him stop, Mom!” Lindsay complained.

Nancy stifled a laugh, “If you don’t like it, stop splashing Shawn. And, Shawn, big boys aren't supposed to pick on little girls, especially when it’s their younger cousin,” she admonished her nephew.

With the situation settled for the time being, Nancy walked back to her chaise lounge and lay back down.

“Where’d you go?” Polly asked opening her eyes just enough to look in her sister’s direction.

“I heard Lindsay hollering at Shawn.”

“In this chaos?!” Rachel exclaimed. “There’s got to be two hundred screaming kids in that pool! How’d you hear Lindsay’s voice above all that noise?”

“I guess my ears are tuned to hear my kids when they need me,” Nancy said. “You’ll hear your baby’s voice when he’s born, too,” she added, pointing to her friends growing tummy.

†

As a mother’s ears hear the sound of her child’s voice among a hundred other screaming kids, so is God able to hear our individual cry among the countless voices of those who cry out to Him.

The Psalmist was so impressed by the turning of God’s ear to his cry of distress, “Then I called on the name of the LORD: ‘LORD, save me!’ ”, that he resolved to call on the LORD for the rest of his life.

It is unfathomable to us that God can and does hear our voice even when millions, if not billions of voices are calling His Name at the same time. Omniscience and omnipotence give Him the ability to not only hear us, but they enable God to minister to us intimately at the same time He is ministering to others. And although we may not totally understand how that works, we can rest assured that He hears us when we cry.

Prayer

“I am amazed that You can hear me when I cry, LORD. Thank You for always listening. Amen.”  

How Big Is Your Vision of God?

Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.

Isaiah 54:2, 3

Tanya, a missionary from Bandung, Indonesia, was back home for a family wedding. She had come to share with our congregation in this morning’s service. Her message was about God’s vision for us, corporately and individually. She began by asking, “How big is your vision of God? Did you come today expecting Him to fill you up? If so, what size vessel did you bring for Him to fill?”

Using one of the church’s trash cans as a visual aid, she said, “This trash can holds much more than a drinking glass; both represent vessels that can be filled. So I ask again: What size vessel did you come with today? God will fill whatever you brought, but only an amount equal to our vision of Who He is. How big is your vision of God?”

She spoke about the beauty in Indonesia, the waterfalls, and how powerful they are. “If you came to get water from one of our waterfalls and you only brought a drinking glass it would be filled in less time than it would take to blink your eye. However, if you brought a larger vessel, like this trash can, you could hold so much more! God’s love and grace is like that waterfall roaring over the cliffs. There is more than we can hold, and it’s never-ending. So learn to expect more…and bring the largest vessel you can!”

†

We, the church, are the City of Zion that today’s text refers to. Our hearts are occupied by God’s Holy Spirit. Isaiah’s prophecy of Zion’s future glory is ours. But in order for it to be of any use, we must tap into this Inner Source and His power.

Everyone we come in contact with, regardless of the image they portray, need God’s love and grace because every heart was created by Him to commune with Him. We can impact those hearts if we allow God to fill us to overflowing.

To do this we must enlarge the place of our tents. i.e.: come expecting to be filled by a larger than life God.

Prayer

“Fill me to overflowing, Lord, so that I might leak into the lives of those You bring my way. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Assembly Line Christianity

Be imitators of God.
Ephesians 5:1

Jessie’s passion meter was stuck on “I’m here” and didn't seem to register any higher. It wasn't so much that he didn't want a deeper relationship with Jesus; he just wasn't sure how to go about getting it. And six months of attending this church hadn't helped. It was “Come as you are, we’ll accept you. Do as we tell you and everything will be wonderful!” Yet, he didn't seem to know any more about Jesus than he had when he’d first started here.
“Everything here seems tailored to mold people into some kind of automaton,” he’d shared with another newbie, as they were referred to in the membership class. “Doesn't this feel kinda plastic to you?” he suddenly asked.
“I guess I never thought about it,” was the man’s casual reply. “What do you mean?” he countered.
“Well,” Jessie began, “I feel like we’re all on this big assembly line headed for the final production stage with nothing but superficial understanding. It’s like a cookie-cutter mentality. As if they’re just trying to turn out Christians, and there’s no understanding required to graduate.” Feeling the need to qualify his comment, Jessie added, “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying they don’t love Jesus, but it’s like there’s nothing required for membership. We’re not required to share what we believe or why. Do you know what I’m getting at?” Jessie asked.

†

Whose likeness are we trying to imitate? Are we looking for the truth, or are we playing follow the leader, regardless of where the leader is headed?
Many of today’s churches offer a brand of religion that falls short of God’s example in Jesus Christ. And people blindly follow, thinking, “If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it must be a duck,” never understanding they are ignorantly tempting hell.
It absolutely matters what we believe and why because simply saying the name of Jesus will not gain us entrance into heaven. If we do not confess Jesus as Lord and are not required to ask forgiveness through repentance where there is no turning from sin (understanding we will not do this perfectly), then we are deceived. We will be held accountable, regardless of our professed ignorance.

Prayer

“Lead me on the one true path of salvation, Lord. Show me the way. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Agents of Prophecy

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

Colossians 3:21

Dell was one of the smartest kids in school. He was also one of the most under-achieving freshmen Mr. Holman ever taught. Finding ways to engage the young man had proven a challenge.

Mr. Holman talked to Dell’s other teachers and some of his friends, intending to discover why someone so bright seemed to care so little about his future. What he discovered was disturbing. Dell’s father was a bully. Although he never touched Dell physically, he broke his spirit mentally and emotionally, spewing venomous curses at him, “You’re so stupid! You can’t even tell the difference between a spark plug and a fuel injector! What the hell is wrong with you?! You’ll never be a mechanic! You’re worthless!”

Knowing otherwise, Mr. Holman determined to show Dell who he really was. Over time, he was able to penetrate Dell’s protective barriers. Once inside, he spoke words of truth; words to edify and nurture; words of encouragement and support. By his senior year, Dell’s poor self-image had been replaced by one of hope-filled anticipation. His grades mirrored his intellect, and he began setting goals for the future.

†

Day in and day out the man who should have been encouraging Dell was beating him down. Dell, instead of looking toward a successful future in a career he could find pleasure and happiness in, aspired only to only survive and escape his father’s harsh treatment.

We are agents of prophecy. Our children hear everything we say. Not only do our words speak loud and clear, our body language and voice inflection have much to say as well. Make no mistake…children will become who we tell them they are.

Fathers, don’t make the mistake of telling your daughter, “Go change your clothes, you look like a whore!” or she just might turn to the streets for a father’s love.

Our kids go from stroller to SUV in less time than it takes to blink. We have only a small window of influence. We should look for every opportunity to invest wisely.

Sometime today, tell your children how smart they are, and how blessed you are to have them.

Prayer

“Holy Spirit, give me words of encouragement to speak over my children; help me build their self-esteem. And hold my tongue in times of frustration to keep me from discouraging them. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”     

Who Will Meet All Your Needs?

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

It was 1980, several years before I allowed God back into my life. Until then I didn't realize playing the lottery wasn't the best way to invest my family’s finances. We played the big jackpot on a weekly basis, betting the same six numbers every time.

The company I worked for had gone on strike several weeks before, and we were down to our last five dollars. Faced with the choice of buying milk for our two year old son or placing that weekly five dollar bet, I stopped at the store and used our remaining funds to purchase milk. Our son’s welfare came before my hopes of hitting the lottery.

Curious, we watched the Saturday evening drawing. The first number matched, then the second, and third. We couldn’t believe it when the fourth and fifth numbers hit as well! But when the sixth and final number matched, we just sat there, wondering if Satan was being allowed to play a cruel joke on us. For three years we had played the same numbers each week, never hitting the big jackpot. Yet that day, when we had no money on the line, our numbers came up, and the 1.7 million dollars that could have been ours went unclaimed.

†

Today’s story is true, and I have never once regretted buying the milk. I don’t know how many times I’ve told the story, but each time I do, I smile, because to tell you the truth, considering the lifestyle I was living, getting that much money would have been signing my death warrant. I believe God was protecting me…and my family.

Sadly, many individuals, desperate to find their way out of financial, moral, or emotional poverty, spend their life chasing false hope.

Scripture tells us that there is only One hope…and that He will meet all our needs. I believe that, because from that day in 1980 to this, we have never gone without. Our children even attended college, and are now on their own.

I can honestly say that my God has met every need we ever had. My hope truly is in Christ Jesus. I pray yours is also.

Prayer

“Bless You, Father, for always giving us exactly what we need. Amen.”  

Harps and Halos

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away…

Revelation 21:1

As I talked with Roger, I had a vision of Jesus introducing me to family members I had never met on earth. We were surrounded by a multitude of relatives, all waiting to say ‘Welcome!’

“Heaven is so glorious…I can’t wait!” I said. “I’ll get to meet my Grandfathers, who did much to advance the Kingdom of God, and thereby passed on to me the legacy of serving Jesus Christ. We’ll be reunited with those we’ve lost. You’ll see Hope once more...”

Roger’s voice held the conviction of a man who believed God’s promise, “1Corinthians 2:9 says, ‘Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.’” He shared, “I tell my congregation that Heaven has been misrepresented by those who don’t know what awaits us…it’s more glorious and tangible than where we are today. But when you’ve never experienced it firsthand it’s difficult to visualize the truth.”

“It’s sad,” I said, “God’s own people don’t have a true picture of what Heaven looks like. It’s been portrayed as harps and halos by people who haven’t understood what God’s word really says.”

†

There will be harps in Heaven (Revelation 14 &15). As for the halos, we will receive certain crowns (James 1 & 1Peter 5). But Heaven is so much more!

Roger’s comment about visualization is a plague upon the Church. Many Christians have been given a pitiful view of Heaven, if they’ve been given one at all.

But Scripture is quite clear in that our Heavenly existence will be tangible, with commerce and employment (Matthew 25). We will serve the Lord with joy…nothing will have the drudgery or sense of toil it has here on earth (Revelation 22).

1Corinthians 2:10 says, “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” If you don’t know what the scriptures indicate about Heaven, look it up. As you do, ask the Holy Spirit for a glimpse of the truth. I guarantee that if you look, He’ll show you the Heaven today’s text truly represents.

Prayer

“Give me a true picture of Heaven, Holy Spirit. Show me a glimpse of my Heavenly Home. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Pounded and Polished

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith.

1Peter 1:6, 7

I was taken with the beauty of the coastline along California Highway 101, specifically the rocky outcroppings that towered above the Pacific Ocean. The stretch of road I was traveling followed the west coast of San Francisco Peninsula, passing by the Año Nuevo State Reserve and the historic Pigeon Point Lighthouse. I was in some beautiful country to say the least.

Just north of the San Francisco area, near Goat Rock and the point at which the Napa Valley spills into the sea, I stopped and got out. I was struck by how rugged the coastline was. Rocks of varying sizes and shapes protruded from the ocean, marking this as a dangerous area for watercraft if you didn’t know the shoreline. Seals bobbed on the waves, watching as I walked along the shore.

There was no mistaking the high-water mark. Year after year the waves pounded upon the rock, wearing away its sharp edges. There was a beauty in the grain and texture of the polished rock that was not evident higher up the cliffs. It was, to say the least, quite stunning; the contrast remarkable. One looked smooth and refined, the other harsh and treacherous. The power released as the surf pounded against the rocks was awesome! The pounding waves had polished and removed the rough exterior, revealing the beauty within.

†

Like the beauty of those rocks after the waves pounded and polished them for millennia is our spirit following years of great trials and grief. Much desired is the end result.

Yet understandably, most of us want the wise spirit without enduring the hardships that carve and shape such results. To expect great wisdom by any other means is idealistic. No one enjoys the pounding, but few, if any, would trade the experience for anything we have to offer.

Rejoice in such trials, and give God praise for holding you in the storms that produce a genuine faith that the world can easily see.

Prayer

“Lord, as You polish me give me the strength and grace to give You praise. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Built-in Protection

For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever…

Psalm 37:28

Eddie was fascinated by the changes he noticed in the tadpole’s roundish bodies. In just two days they’d gone from having only eyes and a tail to having four legs! “Daddy, hows come the tadpoles have legs now an’ their tails are gettin’ shorter?” he asked, mystified by this overnight phenomenon.

“Tadpoles are actually baby frogs, Eddie. They go through stages of growth called metamorphosis.”

“Meta what?” the six-year-old asked.

Josh laughed, and enunciated, “Met…a…mor…pho…sis, Eddie. It’s when something new begins to grow and other things disappear…like the tail.”

“Oh…” Eddie responded, unsure, but trying to figure it out.

“God made them that way to protect them. When they’re first born they start out swimming, and turn into frogs in about three weeks.” Josh continued to explain, “Usually they’re born in these little puddles to keep fish from eating them while they’re still small. Once they grow legs they can hop to the nearest source of water. As they go through metamorphosis, different animals want to eat them. And even though God protects them, some still get eaten by predators like weasels, mink, and large-mouth bass.”

“Look at that, Daddy!” Eddie pointed, “That one is walkin’ outta the puddle! If all them things think they taste so good, how’s it ever gonna grow up?!”

Josh thought a moment, “Do you see how he’s a different color than the younger tadpoles?”

“Yeah?”

“Well, his green skin will help him hide him in the marsh around our pond.”

“Ohhhh…that’s way cool!” Eddie said. “God is really smart! They got built-in protection!”

†

Just as God has provided protection for tadpoles, He has placed safeguards within our reach. The difference is that we, unlike the frog, have to ask for His protection. Once past our ‘tadpole stage’ we become accountable. At that point we must choose.

David’s 37^th Psalm is one of ‘either or’. We can either accept God’s built-in protection through Jesus Christ, by which we receive His righteousness and all of the promises in Psalm 37, or…we can refuse, and remain vulnerable and in constant danger, with no promise of tomorrow.

Prayer

“Lord, I need and want Your protection. Please hide me from the enemy in the righteousness of Christ. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Evidence of Jesus

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy…

1 Peter 1:8-9

Our Postmistress, Jane, has one of the most pleasant outlooks I have ever observed. Nothing dampens her spirits. Not even today’s inclement weather. So, as the low-hanging clouds continued to dump torrential rain, her part in our inevitable verbal exchange could be somewhat predicted.

“Morning, Miss Jane.” I said, opening the always enjoyable dialogue.

“Beautiful day, isn't it?!” she replied.

Attempting to see if I could throw Jane off her game, I said, “At forty-five thousand feet possibly.”

With a look of shock on her face, and fists on her hips, Jane responded in mock indignation, “Well…I've never heard such a poor interpretation of such a beautiful day! I've always known your lovely wife was the one with the bubbly personality. But I did have hopes for you,” she teased. “I can’t believe that you are unable to see the beauty of such a fine day!”

“No evidence to base it on,” I teased.

“Just like a man!” she chided. “Always have to have proof!”

†

Jane represents a wonderful few who view life as it is meant to be viewed, without the need of stimulation in the form of sunshine and rainbows. The truth is that the sun was shining. The fact that its rays hadn't made it to this particular part of the world didn't change that truth.

And so it is with those who choose to believe in and follow Jesus Christ. Although none of us has seen Him, we know He exists and is alive. To true Christians this fact is absolute and indisputable, we need no further proof.

Yet, the world demands evidence in the flesh. And without it they continue going about their day, living unto themselves.

We, as Christians, are supposed to be the evidence they demand. But when we fail to exhibit inexpressible and glorious joy, Jesus is misrepresented. I know we all have problems. But so does Jane. It just doesn't affect her attitude.

Prayer

“Father, I believe without visual proof. Help me act in accordance with my belief. Help me exhibit inexpressible and glorious joy, that I might be the evidence of Jesus. Amen.”   

Choose Life

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 8:6

Jeremy spent his days in a place so spiritually dark that rational thought was elusive. Eventually the darkness became so oppressive that he decided, If this is all there is, to hell with it! He wasn’t sure how he was going to end things…he just wanted to do it quickly…before he lost his nerve. Jeremy entertained several scenarios. Each method was viable. But the last thing he wanted was to screw this up!

Then, out of nowhere came a moment of clarity, What if there’s more than this?

But the enemy was relentless… There must not be. If there was, you’d have figured it out by now.

On and on it went, one thought after another. Finally, Jeremy got a pistol from the lock box in his father’s closet. As he raised it to his temple, a voice whispered, “If you kill yourself you will definitely find out the truth. But then it will be too late to do anything about it.” Laying the pistol on his nightstand, he realized he didn’t want to find out he was wrong.

†

Jeremy had been governed by the flesh for so long that he felt his only choice was to silence the negative thoughts that continued to plague him. Thankfully, a remnant of truth kept him from pulling the trigger. However, today’s text tells us that unless Jeremy changed what governed his thoughts, he would eventually find himself with a gun to his head once more.

Although we have no choice over the things that influenced our childhood, we can, with Jesus’ help, effect positive changes as we mature. We can, as Paul says in Romans 12:1-3, renew our minds. God, through Paul, tells us that our minds are controlled by the things we entertain. And although we are not quick to admit it, there are only two kinds of thought: godly/edifying or evil/deluded; good fruit or rotten fruit; life or death. We have the power to choose life.

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, encourage me by Your Spirit to choose life each day, and stand against the lies of Satan. As I commit myself to Your care, show me what I need to do today. Amen.”  

God Loves The Mets*

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

Eric grew up loving life. He really enjoyed sports, food, and music…but most of all, Eric loved people. Eric said goodbye to the local small town radio station he’d been employed by and moved to the west coast to join childhood friend, Ian, in pursuing a career in music. Suddenly, he found himself working part-time at one of the largest Bay-area radio stations.

Michael, golf pro and coworker from the station, invited Eric to play a round of golf with him and his wife, Alice. Steve, the sports director of the station would round out the foursome. As they played and chatted, sharing fragments of personal history, Eric learned Steve had been part of the 1986 NY Mets organization. Immediately, Eric felt compelled to share a pertinent childhood story, “It was 1986,” he began. “It appeared the game was lost…no chance the Mets would win.”

Steve smiled as the story unfolded.

“Mom was a stickler for bedtime, but that night, following my relentless appeal to watch my favorite team, she surrendered. It was my prayer that did it, Mom said. ‘God, take care of the little boy who looks like Ian, and please let the Mets win the World Series. Amen.’ That’s what I prayed.” He smiled, “Mom let me go back downstairs! Right then the TV cameras panned the outfield. Hanging from the upper deck was a sheet that said, ‘God loves the Mets!’ Mom said, ‘The Mets are going to win…I know it!’ She said she knew they’d win because it would be a benchmark to building my faith.” Looking at Steve, he said, “You know the rest of the story. Poor Billy Buchner lives in infamy…but my Mets won! The truth is it did impact my faith.”

†

God cares about even the small things in a seven-year-old’s life. To think that 25 years before, as a seven year old, Eric had requested victory for his favorite team…a team Steve was affiliated with, and that their paths would cross this day. God has always ordered Eric’s steps.

When we understand that God has purposed our lives we can, like Eric, trust Him to direct our steps.

Prayer

“Lord of my life, thank You for always keeping my feet headed in the right direction. May You always continue guiding my steps. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

*Co-written by Nancy Clouston

Never Grow Weary

Do not become weary … for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9

Charles and Lucille had been married twenty-eight years. “Lord, you promised Charles would come to You if I was diligent in prayer. I have been praying faithfully all these years. Please show me that my prayers are making a difference. Just a morsel, Lord!” she implored.
That night, Lucille had a dream. In the dream she saw a lamb. God spoke to her, “Pay attention. Look!” She looked again; the lamb had become a sheep. God said again, “Pay attention. Look!” She looked once more to see that the sheep had become dirty and was peeking around the corner, poking its head in and out. God then said, “This is Charles at the door, wanting to come in. Continue to pray!”
Two weeks later, Charles gave Lucille an unexpected gift. Lucille opened the package to find a praise and worship CD; she was elated! “Thank You, Lord!” she said, grateful for another morsel.
Lucille listened to the CD repeatedly, gaining inspiration in the knowledge God was changing Charles’s heart. One evening, she walked into the house to find Charles not only listening to the CD but also singing along! “Oh, Lord! Thank You!” she whispered.
Three weeks later, Charles began attending church with Lucille; within six weeks, Charles gave his life to Christ!

†

Lucille’s perseverance in prayer is a lesson for us all. Many, if not all of us, have unsaved family members. Though they may not respond to our direct influence, we can affect change by lifting them to the throne consistently, praying for the veil to be lifted and God’s light to penetrate the darkness.
Today’s text encourages us to not give up in our weariness. God hears our prayers and responds by drawing them unto Himself.
Twenty-eight years is a considerable amount of time to pray without evidence of an answer. Yet it pales in comparison to eternity and eternal separation from Christ. We must not grow weary; it is not hopeless.
Do you want a harvest? Persevere in prayer!

Prayer

“Lord, hear my prayer. Draw all those in my family who don’t know You to Your side. Help me to never give up on them. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Refuse to be Used

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

Psalm 133:1

Addie wasn’t just disappointed, she was angry, “This carpet is the wrong shade of blue! We ordered ‘Slate Blue’, not ‘Saxony Blue’!”

“I’m sorry, Ma’am,” the driver said. “This is what the purchase order said to deliver,” he said, showing her the manifest.

“I don’t care what your piece of paper says! I know what we ordered!”

The driver was getting uncomfortable. He’d had unsatisfied customers before, but this lady was coming unglued. “Well, why don’t we call the store and talk to the salesman who sold you the carpet.”

“You do that!” she spat. “And while you’re doing that, I’ll call the pastor and we’ll see what he has to say about your establishment’s incompetence!”

In truth, the color difference in the two shades was virtually indiscernible. But this woman was acting like he’d sold her firstborn into captivity.

As the driver dialed his boss, the thought popped into his head that Dad was right; carpet color creates major issues when it comes to dealing with churches.

†

Sound silly? Unfortunately, today’s story is factual. More churches have split over the color of their new carpet or the style of chairs or pews to use in the sanctuary than because of theological or doctrinal differences.

David, in today’s text, had seen both the good and bad in people by the time he wrote the 133 Psalm. He, like his son, Solomon, discovered that living in unity was preferable to an atmosphere of strife and dysfunction. Both wrote frequently about the benefits of being like-minded and working together instead of letting little things become much larger issues. They knew that when pettiness surfaces, good sense goes out the window. Sensible people become irrational and nasty. And nothing can stop a move of God quicker.

Satan searches constantly for petty hearts within the church. And wherever he can find willing participants, he puts them to work.

The only way to ensure that God has His way with in our lives is for us to refuse to be used by the enemy.

Prayer

“Holy Spirit, make me aware when Satan is trying to enlist my participation. Show me if I become petty and divisive. Help me create a spirit of unity among the brethren. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Drinking Buddies

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

Hebrews 5:18

The four Sholan brothers were a talented. Their family band, ‘Whippoorwill’ played frequently throughout the continental United States. Many weekends they treated the neighborhood to a country music concert of sorts as their band practiced for upcoming gigs on the front porch. They were, quite honestly, very good. The problem was they were not just brothers, they were drinking buddies. For the most part, no one complained about the noise…except on the weekends they drank. On those weekends their mood shifted from placid amicability, to raucous indifference.

The atmosphere around the neighborhood became tense. Their song choice took on a darker tone; songs with questionable lyrics were belted out without consideration that ladies, teens and toddlers were present, and within earshot. When that happened trouble wasn’t far behind. Parents would herd their kids indoors before the usual tripping over cords and falling over amplifiers ensued.

In the end, the neighbors took the issue to City Council, where council members passed an ordnance forbidding the ‘outdoor’ playing of music without the issuance of a special permit.

Eventually, a spirit of animosity towards each other settled over the neighborhood.

†

When we drink to get ‘comfortable with ourselves’ or set out to drown our sorrows, we numb our senses. God says not to do that. Drinking leaves us vulnerable, and causes us to do things we mostly regret, or even worse, don’t remember. We not only make fools of ourselves, we are in dangerous territory.

God wants drinking buddies, but not the alcoholic kind. He wants those who are willing to drink deep of His Spirit, those who want to be filled with the joy and wonder of His anointing and love.

When we get drunk on wine we lose self-control, we shut out the voice of God and reason, and we are no longer able to discipline ourselves with wisdom and good judgment. And…we also annoy a lot of innocent people.

Prayer

“Keep me from the debauchery of alcohol and other sordid mind altering chemicals. I would much rather know what it feels like to be drunk in the Spirit. Right now, in this moment, fill me with joy and laughter. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Go and Live Like It!

For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.

Hebrews 8:12

Lloyd was the Director of a 'Young Adults Program'. One of his favorite teaching methods was the use of word pictures, a practice that caught and held the attention of his students.

Yesterday, Lloyd had directed his students to dress in formal attire when they came to class today. Unsure of his intention, they nonetheless showed up in suits and dresses. As they entered, they each received a small scroll.

The lesson today was on letting go of past mistakes. Lloyd instructed his students to write their deepest regrets and past transgressions on the scrolls and then tie them back up.

When everyone was finished, Lloyd had them pile into the school’s bus for a trip. Their destination turned out to be a funeral home. When they entered there was an empty casket at the front of the small chapel. Lloyd preached a message on forgiveness, and then instructed his students to pass by the casket, and drop their scroll in, signifying the death of past sins. He then had six young men carry the casket to a waiting hearse. They proceeded to the cemetery, where Lloyd performed a graveside service. At the conclusion Lloyd said, “The past is dead. As of this minute, life begins anew. Go and live like it!”

†

Isaiah 43:18 and 19 says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” God, in essence, says, “I have given you a clean slate!” His deepest desire is that we reach our full potential as godly children. He wants us to understand that He is not mad at us, nor disappointed. All toddlers make mistakes, and need guidance and direction. God is actually contemplating our future, watching each step with the wisdom of an understanding Father.

But if Satan can keep us focused on our sins we will never feel worthy of reaching for the brass ring with Jesus.

The truth is all our mistakes, past, present, and future, have been atoned for (Hebrews 10:10-14). Go and live like it!

Prayer

“Thank You, Jesus, for cancelling out my sin. Thank You, Father God, for giving me a clean slate. I accept these truths! Amen.”

The Rice Bowl

“This poor widow has put in more than all the others.

Luke 21:3

The congregation listened as the pastor spoke of those who had lost so much during the recent tornado outbreak. As he spoke, a member of the congregation came forward and dropped a check in the offering plate. Many eagerly followed suit, including a widowed mother of three.

The pastor noticed her gift was not monetary in nature, but was instead, a small wooden bowl. Knowing the woman was extremely poor, he stepped over to her and quietly said, “God appreciates your generous gesture, Molly. But isn't this the bowl you carry rice home from the market in?”

Her challenge ended any argument, “Can’t the poor give as well?”

“Yes,” was all he could say.

Another member of the congregation stood and said, “I will give you $1000 for that bowl!”

Stunned, the woman watched as the man came forward and placed a check in the plate to cover his purchase. He then turned to the congregation, lifted the bowl in both hands, and said, “I have here in my hands a valuable bowl. Who will give me $100 for it?” In less than thirty seconds the bidding reached $4000! “Sold!” he shouted.

After the new buyer came forward and settled her debt, she turned and said, “Many of you bid against me in an effort to buy this special, one of a kind bowl. I would like to offer each of you a chance to buy it…” and the little bowl was auctioned off once more. Time and again, the bowl was sold to the highest bidder. And when the auction finally ended, the little rice bowl had raised more than $86,000!

†

God appreciates all who give…especially when it benefits others directly. Yet, when we give out of our poverty, it moves His heart. And He, in turn, moves the hearts of those who witness such generosity.

Scripture says God loves a cheerful giver. It’s a matter of our heart, not our bank account. What do you have that would thrill God’s heart if you generously gave it away to benefit another?

Prayer

“Everything I have is Yours, Father God. In this moment I ask You to show me how to give as the woman with the rice bowl. Teach me the true nature of generosity. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

One or the Other

He who is not with me is against me...

Luke 11:23

The young girl stood, trying to make a decision. She thought she’d settled the matter before leaving the apartment, but now, standing in front of the local Planned Parenthood clinic, she wasn't so sure. She had decided to resolve this unplanned pregnancy by abortion, and had been told Planned Parenthood would provide the procedure at no cost. This morning she’d read in the Planned Parenthood abortion pamphlet, that the sixteen-cell mass, called the Morula stage of pregnancy, wasn't a living being. But something inside her told her they were wrong. Her Sunday School teacher’s words echoed in her mind: “Life begins at conception. Even the female egg and male sperm are forms of life.” If that’s true, she admitted, then this isn't just ‘a shapeless mass of cells’ inside me, like the pamphlet says!

Turning, she walked slowly back to her car, her earlier decision reversed. One way or another, she was going to have this baby. She’d trust God to work out the details. Right now she had to figure out how to tell her parents.

†

A modern day euphemism found on tee shirts and bumper stickers states, “If you aren't part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.” In other words, “If you’re not with me you’re against me.” There is no room in that statement for gray areas…you are on one side or the other.

Today’s story sheds light on one such case. Planned Parenthood offers abortions to women, many in their early teens, mindful of the fact they are killing the unborn. In the time it took me to write this devotion there have been over 300 abortions. In a study by the Guttmacher Institute, the website Conservapedia shared statistics stating that nearly 148 abortions are performed every hour in the United States alone.

There is no middle ground on this issue. Jesus told the Pharisees, “He who is not with me is against me.” On whose side do you stand?

Don’t let another child die without your voice being heard.

Prayer

“Father of Life, forgive us for such evil. Give us the courage, wisdom, and strength to handle the legal issues and moral perversion involved in such a horrendous crime. Help us reach those who casually and heartlessly end life without conscience. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

What Do You See?

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
Isaiah 40:26

Watching the night sky, they were enjoying one of their favorite pastimes: stargazing. Tonight the whole family was there. The kids were lying in the middle of the hood of the car, Mom and Dad on the sides, all of them bundled in blankets, their heads cushioned by pillows. They were looking for meteors. Terry loved the stars. He always felt close to God when surveying the wonders of the universe. Tonight and tomorrow night, August 11 and 12, were the peak nights to observe the Purseid meteor shower.
They had driven up on Coe Hill in the wee hours of the morning, their hearts building with anticipation and excitement to witness hundreds of brilliant green and white vapor trails streaking across the sky as the little pieces of dust lit up the atmosphere!
It began around 4:00 a.m. with just a few at a time and then built to what seemed like hundreds coming in from every direction! They were privileged to see one of the most awesome displays of fireworks God had ever provided! All for the meager price of a couple hours of sleep. It was a night they would cherish and speak of often.

†

How is it that some people look at the sky and see God while others see only stars?
As Terry lay there, he was reminded of the Apollo 11 moon landing in July 1969 as Neil Armstrong spoke those immortal words: “One small step for man. One giant leap for mankind.” Many people aren’t aware of what Buzz Aldrin was doing; he was taking communion and reading Scripture, but was unable to broadcast it because of a legal battle NASA was in at the time.
The world touted man’s accomplishment; Aldrin silently proclaimed the power of God.

Prayer

“Father of the heavens, I am awed by Your mighty power. I don’t know the names of all the people in my town, yet You know my name and the name of every star. How immeasurable is Your glory! Thank You for Creation! Amen.”

Payment on Demand

You fool. This very night your life will be demanded from you.
Luke 12:20

Luke’s credit was tanked. Unable to get the financial assistance he needed from a legitimate lending institution, Luke decided to borrow the money from a shady source. Now the note was due. But Luke didn't have the money. He’d made the initial investment he’d borrowed the cash for; he’d even made a small profit. But Luke had gotten foolish.
Having discovered online poker, Luke began playing regularly. It’s no big deal, he told himself. I’m just having a little fun.
After success in a few online matches, Luke decided to multiply his holdings by entering a high-stakes game. So, taking his winnings, along with the balance of his borrowed investment, Luke did just that.
But things hadn't gone his way; he’d lost it all. And now he was in trouble. The financier was demanding payment.
Nervously, he pleaded with the financier to give him more time to come up with the money, a grace period of sorts, he’d called it. The financier finally decided Luke wasn't worth the risk and had two of his associates teach Luke a lesson. The problem was they got carried away, and Luke died two days later as a result of his injuries.

†

Today’s text reveals there is a payment coming due for each of us. Those who foolishly choose to ignore the demand will suffer for eternity.
We have the ability to ask Jesus Christ to pay the due penalty or put it off right up until the moment we die. After that, all bets are off.
Scripture says we are but a vapor, and then we are gone. We do not know the time of God’s demand on our life.
We can do as Luke did, putting off life’s most crucial decision until it’s too late, or we can turn to the One who has the ability to wipe our slate clean, leaving the balance paid in full. The choice is ours alone.

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, I want and need Your sacrifice to cover my sin. Cleanse me now with the payment that only Your blood can cover. Amen.”

Deeply Within

I have hidden your word in my heart.
Psalm 119:11

“Okay, now repeat after me,” Ms. B instructed her Sunday school class. “You did not choose me … ”
“You did not choose me … ” the children echoed.
“But I chose you … ” Ms. B smiled as she saw the look of determination on one young boy’s face.
“But I chose you … ” He was squinting his eyes to help focus.
“And appointed you … ” It was difficult to hold her laughter as she looked from face to face.
“And appointed you … ” The volume was increasing. You could see their hearts were completely given to this memorization exercise.
“To go and bear fruit.” She almost whispered it to see their response.
“To go and bear fruit.” Giggling could be heard as they followed suit and whispered their responsive statement.
“Can anyone tell me what fruit Jesus is talking about?” Ms. B asked.
“Bananas!” one child hollered.
“Apples!” came another. Fruits of every kind were being hollered out.
Finally, Ms. B, laughing and smiling, held up her hand and called for silence. “Those are all fruits and good answers,” she said, smiling brightly. “But the fruit Jesus is talking about in this verse is about how we live our lives and how other people know we belong to Jesus because of how we act” (Galatians 5:22).

†

There are times each day that we could benefit from God’s words. They are meant to bring us strength, joy, and purpose.
Scripture memorization is essential to our spiritual well-being. Each verse we commit to memory can comfort us in times of trouble and sorrow, be used to fend off attacks in times of temptation, and enrich our walk with God, but only if they have been planted deeply within. If they are not there to begin with, we cannot recall them when we want or need to.
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, the words He memorized as a young boy were used to counter the attacks of Satan. Jesus knew He needed His Father’s words to resist the devil. Do we need more reason than this?

Prayer

“Lord, help me begin to hide Your Word deep in my heart, so it will be there when I not only need it, but when I want to meditate on it. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Wisdom Is Ageless

Do not forsake wisdom…

Proverbs 4:6

The two mowers droned as they moved back-n-forth in adjoining yards; one pushed by a man in his fifties, the other by a young Amish boy no older than nine. The man had been mowing his lawn since his early teens. Being Amish, the boy had probably been mowing for a few years himself.

Occasionally, the man glanced to watch the boy, observing his ability to push a mower larger than himself, and judged the wisdom of the neighbor for hiring such a young boy to do such a potentially dangerous job.

The boy finished as the man was mowing the final few strips at the back edge of his property. He watched as the boy pushed his mower to the edge of the hill, just above where the weeds were allowed to flourish, tipped it on its side so the handle held the weight of the mower, and used a heavy stick to clean the clippings from the underside of the deck, rendering it ready for future use. Then the boy and his driver loaded up and drove away.

Having always cleaned his mower just prior to mowing, the man decided to try the boy’s clean-up method. Surprisingly, he discovered the clippings were removed with greater ease when done this way!

Young he may be…the Amish boy had been well-taught and had inadvertently passed along to the older man a nugget of wisdom.

†

It would have been easy for the man to dismiss the boy’s actions, believing he knew the better way to clean his mower, and in doing so he would have missed out on an easier, simpler way of completing the task.

When we become close-minded toward learning we have lost the potential to grow and gain wisdom. Solomon called it forsaking wisdom.

As simple as this story is, it makes the point quite well. Are we willing to remain open to learning until death, from someone of questionable age?

Jesus said we must become as a child to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. It applies to gaining wisdom as well.

Prayer

“Lord, may I never be so ignorant as to refuse to learn from whomever You place in my life to teach me something. Help me remain open-minded and observant. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Hidden or Bare?

Nothing … is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare.
Hebrews 4:13

Jeremy had been dealing from the bottom of the deck, so to speak, living a life committed to Christ on the outside while entertaining a hidden secret. He loved Jesus but seemed unable to resist the temptation of gambling. He wasn't sneaking off to the local casinos or playing online poker; Jeremy was addicted to lotto tickets. Things had gotten out of hand. He’d purchased more than three hundred dollars worth in the past month. Bills were being ignored, and his stress level had spiked.
He’d run into a few members of his congregation at the local convenience store while buying tickets, but had covered up by lying, saying he was getting them for a neighbor.
As it turned out, a recovering gambler had observed him scratching tickets in the parking lot. Sensing God’s leading, the man approached Jeremy’s car. He tapped on the window, causing Jeremy to jump as if stung; the shock and distress on his face told the man all he needed to know.
Caught and embarrassed, Jeremy’s immediate thought was, This is none of his business! But he kept it to himself. “Hey, Mark. What’s up?” he said.
“Hey Jeremy, how’s this lotto ticket thing working out for you?” Caught off guard by Mark’s candidness, Jeremy just sat in stunned silence, unable to answer. And in a moment of clarity, Jeremy realized God was giving him an opportunity for freedom. He’d sent Mark, who knew a little something about this corner of hell.

†

If we believe the evil we do will not be uncovered, we are deceived. God’s Word declares He sees everything. But the deceit-filled heart whispers, “You will not be found out or required to pay the consequences of your indiscretion.” We buy the lie, living in blissful ignorance until it all comes crashing down around us.
There is a depravity in hidden sin. It can convince and pervert the purest of hearts, successfully convincing us that God isn't really watching.
But His Word says otherwise. Anything hidden will be spoken of from the rooftops (Luke 12:3).

Prayer

“You alone know everything about my life, Lord. Cleanse my heart and keep me from the lies of hidden sin. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Drink Deeper Still!

…let him come to me and drink…streams of living water will flow from within him. John 7:37, 38

Grace Community had been looking for property to build on for three years when a wonderful opportunity was presented to them. A local business owner had decided to sell his business. The rural property consisted of a warehouse large enough to house a sanctuary and several rooms; two showrooms large enough for several more rooms and office space; and a twenty-five hundred square foot home; all well-maintained, sitting on six acres.

Having discovered through a mutual friend of Grace Community’s need, the businessman contacted them, offering his property at an amazingly low price. Before long they had signed a sales contract. A few weeks later, with closing under way, the water well gave out. It would need drilled an additional thirty feet to guarantee a sufficient water source.

After considering the additional cost of drilling, the church decided to proceed, and contacted the owner to let him know. They were astonished to find out he had completed the drilling, at no cost to them. To top it off, he had installed a brand new water pump!

This businessman had been blessed by God many times, and felt compelled to make the repairs. As far as he was concerned he could do no less than turn over the property in the best condition possible, at the price they had settled on, handling any after-costs himself. He was letting God’s life-giving water continue its course.

†

It may seem unusual to have a deal of this nature find you. Yet, when God is teaching the hearts of men, supernatural things happen. God teaches for the purpose of building relationships. And in seeking to discover His nature He wants us to come thirstily.

The businessman, being well watered, understood the giving-nature of God, and how God uses His children to bless others. God had already established in him a giving heart; doing the upgrade was a no-brainer.

Jesus says, “Come closer; drink deeply!” And as our relationship develops; He beckons us to, like drilling the water-well deeper into its source, drink deeper still, becoming life-giving streams!

Prayer

“Loving Father, when I see the beginning of Your heart, and have experienced some of Your goodness, open my heart, and take me deeper still. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Broken

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit …
Psalm 51:17

The Sunday service had begun as it did each week with the worship team leading the congregation in praise and worship. Nothing unusual there, the people’s praises inviting God into the atmosphere.
Then God showed up, and it was personal.
Conrad loved singing and praising God. Suddenly, in the midst of worship, he felt an enveloping presence, a fullness he’d never experienced before. From deep inside his being he heard a voice speak.
Jerking his head up and looking around to see who was watching, Conrad was momentarily stunned. Seeing no one looking his way, he closed his eyes once more. As he did, he realized the voice had come from inside. And the moment that realization hit him, he heard it again. “Broken. You must come broken.”
To say Conrad was startled was a gross understatement! God had never spoken to him like this! Regaining his thoughts, he whispered, “What do You mean, broken?”
“You are holding on to burdens that are not yours. But unless you are broken, I cannot take them.” The Holy Spirit continued, “I want all of you. Even the deeply hidden things, Conrad. You must be broken to be made whole.”
Conrad hesitated only a moment. “Take my heart, Lord. Make me whole.”

†

Completely broken in spirit, yielded to God at the purest level, requires our desires to take a back seat to God’s will. Scary, but it’s actually where we are the safest.
Satan says otherwise. He whispers, “It’s too great a risk; you will be humiliated.”
Satan is a liar. Complete submission to God can be intimidating; voluntary vulnerability is not natural. But it is where pride yields to God’s Sovereignty in such a way that He can heal the deepest, darkest wounds of our heart.
God wants to take our broken pieces and fit them together in such a way as to make us whole. He wants to set us free of the bondage of secret sin. To risk our heart this way is to leave ourselves bare before the Lord. But the benefits are worth any possible risk.
Our Savior is gentle and loving. He does not humiliate His children. He’s asking us today, “Will you come broken in spirit?”

Prayer

“I sacrifice my broken spirit, Lord. Make me whole. Amen.”

Change of Desire

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

Andrew and Jamie loved ministering to the people of Cedarville, TX. They couldn’t imagine being any place else.

The one August morning, as Andrew was sitting in his office at the church, he suddenly felt a longing to be anywhere but Cedarville. Just two weeks before he’d told someone he didn’t want to be anywhere else. Now, he had no explanation for this about-face. Andrew spent a couple hours in prayer seeking God’s leading, wanting to know why his heart had changed so dramatically. And in answer to his prayer, God told Andrew that he and Jamie would be leaving Cedarville by November 1^st.

Always ready to do as God asked, Andrew went home to tell Jamie wheat God had told him. Upon arriving at the house, Andrew saw a for sale sign in the front yard. That’s strange he thought as he entered the house. “What’s with the for sale sign in the front yard?” he asked Jamie.

“The landlord came by today and said he’s selling the house. We have until November 1^st to be out,” she told him.

†

Events and circumstances were order by God to move Andrew and Jamie forward…into the next phase of their ministry. In their case, the Wommacks prepared to move, knowing God had ordained them to minister somewhere else, ending their time in Cedarville.

Following God’s plan for our lives requires knowing God. This is not a casual acquaintance. It’s a relationship that’s prepared to do and go where He calls; be it a change of address, a change of jobs…or just a change of heart.

Like the automatic pilot on an airplane, God suggests course corrections, giving us ample indicators that will bring us to our preferred destination. But we need to be sensitive to God’s leading in order to recognize these course corrections. Otherwise, they just appear as frustration-filled barriers.

A life yielded to God produces unfathomable blessing. Yet, God will not alter our course, Himself. He will only point us in the right direction. The choice to follow is ours.

Prayer

“Lord, make me sensitive to Your leading. Help me put fear of the unknown where it belongs…in Your capable hands. Lead on. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Sticks and Stones

Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat.
1 Samuel 1:7

Laura wiped at her tears as she walked up the drive; she didn't want Dick to see she’d been crying. “I hate mean people!” she vehemently cursed under her breath, not noticing or caring as the bus faded into the distance.
Thoughts from today’s trip whirled through her head. Why does this always happen? Why are people so mean? And why can’t people just leave me alone? She would never get used to the stares and the names. I never hurt any of them, and still they call me hurtful names, staring at me as if I’m some kind of monster! The tears began anew.
At seventeen, Laura had been in an explosion involving a gas grill. It had left her with burns over thirty percent of her body. The right side of her face had required extensive cosmetic surgery, leaving disfigurement that could not be hidden. She was still receiving monthly treatments to stretch ongoing skin grafts.
Laura hated visits to the city. Because no matter how much she prayed, she always saw that look and heard those comments.
Why couldn’t people see past the scars? “Why couldn’t You have just let me die in that explosion?” she challenged God for the hundredth time.

†

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” Most of us have used this comeback as a form of protection for lack of a better defense. The idiom is a lie; name-calling hurts.
And for good reason. It undermines our personal confidence while telling us we are defective and unacceptable; it wounds a heart longing to be loved.
Hannah was so affected by name-calling that she wept until she couldn’t eat! But God heard Hannah’s cry. And he hears ours too. Like Hannah, we too might endure ridicule we do not deserve, but, in the end, our sorrow will turn to joy. There is no guarantee that our situation will soon change, as there is no shortage of mean-spirited people. But God hears our cry. And in time He will take away our pain.

Prayer

“Lord, help me bring healing instead of pain. Guard my tongue and words. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Connect the Dots

Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105

“Come look at my zebra, Mom!” Will called.
“Let me see,” Sheena said. “That’s great, honey!” she added, impressed with the precision with which he had completed the connect-the-dots drawing.
“Thanks!” said the nine-year-old, the pride of accomplishment evident in his demeanor. “An’ look at this! The stripes look like four scrunched letter Zs!” he remarked, tracing each letter to emphasize his point.
What a vivid imagination, Sheena thought, wondering if she would have noticed it herself. “You know, Will, your Uncle Ralph loved connect the dots. And now he’s an architectural engineer.” Realizing Will needed a simple definition to make the connection from one to the other, she added, “An engineer uses scientific knowledge and principles of how things work to construct buildings, bridges, and other structures.”
“I could draw a bridge, Mom!” Will said enthusiastically and began immediately to draw a basic, one-dimensional blueprint with ruler and pencil. Five minutes later, he held aloft the drafting job he had carefully completed. In truth, it bore a striking resemblance to the intended subject matter, quite impressive for a nine-year-old. Who knew? Perhaps her son might just follow in her brother’s footsteps.

†

Connect-the-dot drawings do not provide entertainment alone. They teach the basics in perceptual thinking. As a child, I eagerly guided my pencil from one dot to the next, connecting each corresponding number to the next, revealing the secret of the numbers. These simple drawings taught me the concept of visualization and gave me the ability to understand how critical a sequence of events and following directions are.
God’s Word is similar in nature. His written account of history provides a starting point for our spiritual education and leads us through the steps of maturation from infancy, where we are taught His precepts, to maturity in Christ and how we are to conduct ourselves in His service. Each lesson has its own built-in navigation system; as we complete one lesson in life, God’s light illuminates our path to the next.

Prayer

“Lord, thank You for Your version of connect the dots. Lead me as I trace my way through each lesson. Help me visualize the path You have laid out for me. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Just Point and Click

I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.

1 Corinthians 2:1

Nancy was an amateur photographer. Nature was her medium, butterflies and hummingbirds her forte’. She loved capturing images for posterity, and over the years she had taken some pretty awesome pictures. So many in fact, that she could publish a book, showcasing some of her more dramatic shots.

One picture in particular always caught the eye of those who looked through her extensive portfolio. The bright orange center of each tiny violet bloom contrasted vividly against the deep green leaves of a beautiful butterfly bush. Framed in the center of the picture was a hummingbird moth, collecting nectar from each flower. The tiny moth’s wings beat a thousand times a second as it hovered over the plant. That a moth could so closely resemble a bird was astounding! Its luminescent bronze wings and feathery-looking fan tail were so intricate in detail. The similarities between its namesakes were remarkable. The fact that Nancy had captured its fragile beauty was even more impressive.

When asked how she managed to capture such wonderful images, Nancy replied, “Honestly? I just point and click. The more I adjust the settings and set up for the ‘perfect photo’, the worse it turns out. Every print you see was a point and click picture.”

†

Nancy’s approach to photography is a wonderful example of how God wants us to share the gospel, with simple and understandable words, leaving the conviction and revelation to Him. He has good reason.

There is nothing more confusing and frustrating than when someone uses eloquent speech in an effort to display their extensive vocabulary or their grasp of the situation, when simple words would do.

Paul reminded the Church at Corinth that he had not used eloquent speech to woo them. He’d spoken to them about Jesus in simple, understandable terms. And if anyone could have wooed them with eloquence, it was Paul. But he was wise enough to understand that wordy speeches fail to present the true nature of salvation through Jesus Christ.

So the next time you share the gospel, why not give the ‘just point and click’ method a try.

Prayer

“Holy Spirit, help me keep it simple as I share about Jesus. Amen.”