Unveiled Hope

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

1 Thessalonians 4:13

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

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

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

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

†

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

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

Prayer

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

Running in Rebellion

But Jonah ran away from the Lord.
Jonah 1:3

Pam quietly raised her bedroom window and climbed out on the roof. She laid the note she’d written on the windowsill and closed the window as quietly as possible. With as little noise as possible, she crept to the trellis and climbed to the ground. Pausing to take stock of her surroundings, Pam took one last look toward her parents’ bedroom window and then slipped into the woods.
For two hours she followed the road to town, hiding in the bushes whenever she heard vehicles approaching. Reaching the rendezvous point, Pam took the flashlight from her backpack and, pointing it in a southerly direction, flashed it on and off three times in rapid succession. Moments later, her signal was returned. As Pam headed toward Gregory, she was beginning to have doubts about this. Hearing his approaching footsteps, Pam quelled the urge to turn around and run home. Instead, she cranked up her resolve and quietly called out, “Is that you, Greg?”
“It’s me. You ready?” he asked.
“I guess,” she said sullenly. “Do you really think this is the only way?”
He tried to put her doubt to rest. “Once they get your note, they’ll realize they’ve been too hard on you. Then they’ll be ready to listen,” he said. “Just wait, you’ll see.”
“I hope you’re right,” she said but couldn’t shake the sensation that what she was doing was wrong.

†

Running from our problems doesn’t bring resolution; it only delays the inevitable—facing our issues. We must meet our problems head on because no matter where we go, until they’re dealt with, they remain.
Running away is a form of rebellion, born out of disappointment, anger, or resentment. In Jonah’s case, it was all three. Jonah thought he knew what was best for Nineveh and made no effort to hide his displeasure with God.
God allowed Jonah the freedom to rebel. He even allowed Jonah to run away. But what He didn’t do was break off His pursuit of Jonah. In the end, Jonah repented of his rebellion and delivered God’s rebuke to Nineveh, which brought about their repentance and salvation—a lesson for us all.

Prayer

“Lord, keep my heart from rebellion. Draw me to Your side and keep me there. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Watchman

This is what the Lord says to me: “Go, post a watchman and have him report what he sees.”
Isaiah 21:6

As he began the first fold in the flag, the SWAT commander reflected on his friend’s life. Words like duty and honor immediately came to mind—never taken lightly, rarely spoken of, silently understood. The man being laid to rest was a husband, father, brother, son, and friend. He was a fifteen-year veteran who had laid down his life during the performance of his duties; a veteran whose thoughts were unlike the average civilian’s. Upon entering any structure, business, or residence, he noted every door and surveillance camera. He formulated plans for every scenario. He determined how he would respond if someone entered with criminal intent, because he was always thinking about the safety of others.
Drawn from his thoughts by the twenty-one-gun salute, the commander was intensely aware that he would rather have been anywhere but here. But, doing what he would always do under difficult circumstances, he put aside his emotion, and performed his duties. He had come here today to honor and pay tribute to a fallen comrade; nothing would deter him. Then he’d get back on the wall; entrusted with the freedom of others.

†

Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” His revelation to his disciples was about duty and honor in love. It was about loving others in a way that places their welfare ahead of our own, suffering temporarily, so that they might be safe.
Jesus was the perfect example. He suffered death on a cross so that we might be saved. The battleground was Gethsemane. Bent by anguish beyond our comprehension, wishing to be anywhere but there at that moment, He submitted to the Father’s will. In that garden, Jesus showed us how to choose to defend the innocent over personal comfort. He rose up from praying and hung on the cross of Calvary—a wall no other could ever stand upon; offering a freedom no one else can provide.

Prayer

“Jesus, my Savior, thank You for choosing to die so that I might live. I ask Your protection over those who do as you did, to stand on the wall so that others might live. Amen.”

Coincidence or Divine Intervention?

For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Philippians 2:13

Elsie headed to the kitchen to pour a cup of tea, but continued listening as the TV host introduced her next guest, “Please welcome Jan Johnson to the show.”

That’s strange, Elsie thought. Someone else named Jan Johnson.

Jan had been one of Elsie’s dearest friends, but she hadn’t spoken to her in awhile.

Finished fixing her tea she returned to the living room and almost dropped the cup and saucer as she saw it was her Jan Johnson on the Cooking Channel! Wow! I guess a lot has happened since I last talked with Jan! I think I’ll call her, she thought, reaching for the phone.

Elsie and Jan had grown up together, attended the same college, they’d even gotten married the same year before Jan’s husband’s job had taken them from rural New Jersey, to New York City, resulting in infrequent correspondence.

Jan picked up on the second ring. “Hello?” came the familiar voice.

“Jan!” Elsie exclaimed. “I just saw you on TV.”

Oh, Elsie!” Jan squealed in delight. “I was just thinking about you the other day! I told Ken I needed to call you! I miss you so much.” Elsie could hear a quiver in her friend’s concluding remark.

“What’s the matter, Jan?” Elsie asked, dispensing with pretense.

“Oh, Elsie,” Jan confided. “I’ve been having such a crappy day…and here you are, calling me! You’ve always known when I needed you!”

†

The God Who spoke the Universe into motion certainly has the capacity to whisper our name when we need Him to. Yet, if we are to believe that God works in our lives through divine intervention, rather than believe such events are only a matter of coincidence, we must first believe that God cares for us, and wants us in an intimate relationship with Him.

With that revelation comes an understanding that He can, and does, work in and through us to achieve His purposes. He is eager for us to recognize these are not coincidences but divine appointments.

Prayer

“Help us to see Your hand at work in our lives, Lord. Teach us to be discerning so we don’t miss those intimate moments You orchestrate for our behalf. Amen. ”

Think Like Ants

Go to the ant, you sluggard, consider its ways and be wise!
Proverbs 6:6

Carrie was drawn to the way Solomon dealt with laziness by encouraging people to watch ants at work—not just their laboring, but how they orchestrated events by breaking them into smaller tasks.
Since New Mexico winters didn’t drive all its insects into hibernation, Carrie decided to conduct her own experiment. Knowing the location of several anthills, Carrie took a sugar doughnut, lawn chair, and her camera equipment and set out for the woods.
Arriving at her destination, Carrie set the doughnut several feet from one particular anthill and then withdrew several more feet and set up her camera and tripod. Less than two minutes elapsed before the ants discovered the doughnut. Amazing! she thought, mesmerized by the fact that they were drawn to it so quickly. There must be thousands of them!
One by one, the ants climbed onto the doughnut, broke off a piece larger than their own body, and transported it back to the colony within the hill. In the span of two hours, the doughnut was gone! Not a single morsel of the sugary treat was left.
Returning home, Carrie took the digitally time-stamped pictures and arranged a PowerPoint slideshow for her laptop. She now had the perfect object lesson for next week’s study!

†

Sometimes we are overwhelmed by the big picture. We lack the ability to see it in doable pieces. And many times, because of its overwhelming nature, we procrastinate and put off doing the work at all.
We don’t readily equate this action as being lazy; instead, we rationalize it as being over our head or out of our league and fail to consider ways in which we might approach it successfully. What a trap our fearful unwillingness to make mistakes becomes!
It is in the delay that doubt speaks to our heart. If by breaking the project down into smaller parts we could see the possibilities, we might not be so quick to delay.
Solomon says, “Think like ants!” Break events into smaller, easier-to-complete tasks. Then don’t delay; get busy!

Prayer

“Sometimes I’m overwhelmed by the things that vie for my time, Lord. Help me learn to be like the ant, humbly enlisting help and eating the doughnut a piece at a time. Amen.”

Equipped with Pain

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18

Burt wasn’t as limber as he once was; his body took longer to recuperate. Cold winter mornings made it even harder to rid himself of the stiffness. Today he was hurting a bit more than usual because he had helped his son cut and split a load of firewood two days before; the second day always seems the worst.
As he allowed the shower to massage his aching body, Burt complained to God about additional physical suffering for what he considered a labor of love. “I can’t believe You’d allow me to experience added pain in this situation, Lord. I mean, I was spending quality time with my son! Why should it hurt so much?”
Strange conversation? Not really, Burt talked with God this way all the time. When God spoke, which was frequently in Burt’s case, it was always to make a point.
This morning, God was quick to remind Burt that in his earlier years as a student athlete he’d awakened on most Sunday mornings stiff and sore without complaint. It was all part of playing sports. “So why, Burt, at fifty-five, do you feel like I’ve betrayed you?” God asked.
“So You think I’m feeling sorry for myself?” Burt countered.
Burt wasn’t positive, but he thought he heard God say, “Sorry, Burt. But they chose to eat the fruit.”

†

Pain—physical, emotional, and spiritual—is the result of one act of disobedience. And each act of disobedience on our part will exacerbate the effect. It may not seem fair because we didn’t ask for it. But until this life is over, that’s the way it is.
Paul said that we have Jesus’ promise that what we endure today is not to be compared to what we are going to inherit. Jesus believed in us so profoundly that he set aside his crown and endured a pain-filled life of His own. Though this life is equipped with pain, hold on and look to your future glory!

Prayer

“Lord, when I’m out of strength, revive me. When I feel like giving in, come to my rescue. Help me look to eternity as I walk through today’s pain. Amen.”

Before We Called

Before they call, I will answer.
Isaiah 65:24

“Sir,” the voice on the other end of the phone said, “we need some of your son’s blood. It is the rarest of all types; with it, we can save the lives of millions of people.”
Was this some kind of sick joke? How could they possibly know that?
His son had been born just this morning and hadn’t yet been named. Three months premature, weighing less than three pounds, his survival was still in question.
How could someone possibly know what his blood type is? Or for that matter, how could they know it had curative properties? And even if they did know, how could they ask such a question?!
“Sir, we need your decision now. If we don’t give the children a serum from the antibodies your son’s blood has, many of them will die. We need your son’s blood.”
This can’t be happening! His mind was numb. His wife had died in childbirth, and now they were asking him to put his infant son’s life in jeopardy by allowing them to remove much of the blood from his little body.
“Sir?” He dropped the receiver and returned to the hospital nursery. He looked at his tiny son in the basinet and wondered, What am I supposed to do?

†

When God faced this situation, He never hesitated.
And before we called, God sent a baby, the symbol of the purest thing on earth. In an infant, there is no fault. Without a sacrifice pure enough to meet the demand of justice, we would be damned for eternity.
God sent a man who has the wisdom and strength to lead us through the murkiest waters and lift us from the greatest depths of despondency. God is a force Who will fight our battles with a love so fierce that He left His throne to live in our world.
God sent a Savior, the only One eligible to stand in our place, to take every punishment, every lash, every torment and be defiled because He could not stand that we would spend eternity without Him!
Before we called, God sent the answer.

Prayer

“Father of love, thank You for the life-giving blood of Jesus! May we never fail to understand, as much as humanly possible, what that sacrifice cost You. Amen.”

Beyond All Reason

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.
Isaiah 9:6 (kjv)

It was Christmas Eve. Paul found himself staring at last year’s gift from their son. He’d been unsettled about the wide-screen TV until Manny had his say. It went way beyond what they normally spent on each other. And even though Manny had a good job, Paul had been concerned. Being on the receiving end of such extravagance was uncomfortable.
Smiling, he remembered their conversation. He hadn’t wanted to offend Manny by making him return it for a lesser item. On the other hand, he hadn’t wanted him thinking he loved him for buying such a costly gift.
“Look, Dad,” Manny had said. “I know we’re not supposed to spend this much, and I know Christmas is not about presents. But it is about gifts, and your old TV is falling apart! I just wanted to be able to see what I’m watching whenever I’m here!” The mischief in his words bore witness to the fact he knew he wouldn’t be denied.
Paul loved his children beyond words. And he knew they understood he would do anything for them. That’s what made the gift so difficult to accept; parents were supposed to do for their children, not the other way around.

†

At a time when the world was in its greatest need, God sent us His Son, a gift born out of a love so deep that we cannot fathom it. After all, how many of us would send our son into a dark world such as ours, knowing he would be persecuted, tortured, and killed by the very people we sent him to? All in the hopes they would understand that if they would follow him, he would lead them out of the darkness.
Jesus, in order that we might know the Father’s heart, joined us on a cold morning in the form of a child. Being on the receiving end of such extravagance can be uncomfortable. But by laying our pride at the manger, we will discover a love beyond all reason.

Prayer

“Thank You, Father, for the costly gift of Your Son. Thank You, Jesus, for leaving heaven’s safety to show us such love. May we never forget how precious a gift You are. Amen.”

Just Wanted To Say I Love You

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

Romans 5:6

As Susan shared her story, a smile replaced the frown I'd worn when she'd begun telling me of her family's recent challenges.

“I've had a particularly rough time of it lately. Actually, it's been the most challenging time I can ever remember.” Susan wasn't complaining, just explaining.

“I sat the boys down last week to ask them if we could postpone Christmas until after I received my tax refund in February. Know what they said? 'Sure Mom! Don't worry about it.'”

“You've got great kids!”

“They are. I love 'em to pieces! I'm proud of 'em, too! Anyway, the next day I went to town to make a payment, and when I walked in the front door of the creditor I noticed an eight foot stocking hanging from the ceiling, stuffed with all kinds of toys and other Christmas items. I asked the Customer Service Rep what the stocking was for, she told me it was the grand prize for their Christmas contest. Customers could nominate anyone they felt deserved the prize by writing a story about them and why they deserved to win. So...I nominated my boys, explaining how gracious they'd been about waiting for Christmas because of our financial situation.”

I smiled, pretty sure of what was coming next.

“I got a call from the store last night. The boys won! We're gonna have Christmas after all! God is so good!”

“All the time!” I agreed wholeheartedly. “He's very fond of you ya know!”

†

In the midst of some of our most difficult challenges God shows up in conspicuous ways to show us how much He cares for us! Susan and her boys will never forget Christmas 2016. It will forever be the year God became personal, the year He said Merry Christmas at just the right time!

Paul, in today's text, explained to the Romans the desperate nature of God's love for us. And like today's story, He will go to extreme lengths to prove it. Christmas is God saying, “I love you” in the most extremely intimate way possible. We can't earn this gift, but all we have to do to win this all-encompassing Grand Prize is say yes to God's sacrifice, Jesus.

Prayer

“I say 'Yes!' and give my life to You, Jesus! Thank You for coming to give me eternal life! Amen.”   

Ever Present

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1

Janet was frantic! She’d turned her back for only a moment, and when she turned around, Josh was nowhere in sight. “Josh!” she screamed again and again with no response. Oh, dear God! What do I do? her mind screamed. “Josh! Where are you? Joshua?” She ran in an ever-widening circle, hoping her screams would carry to wherever he was. Composing herself, Janet pulled out her cell phone and dialed 911.
“Deltona 911 operator. What is your emergency?” came the voice on the other end of the line.
Janet related events as calmly as she could. “My name is Janet Grady. I’m at Riverside Park on the west side of town. My son, Joshua, is missing. I turned around to get something out of my purse, and when I turned back, he was gone!”
“Janet,” the woman said calmly, “how old is Josh and what is he wearing?”
Of course, she thought. “He’s three and is wearing a gray tee shirt that says ‘Daddy’s Boy’ on the front with blue jeans and white tennis shoes.”
“All right, Janet,” the woman said confidently. “Stay on the line with me. I have officers en route. They should be there momentarily.”
“I hear sirens!” Janet said as their growing intensity confirmed the operator’s statement.
In less than five minutes, officers found young Joshua. He’d wandered over the hill behind where they were picnicking and had found a shallow creek. He was fine other than being soaked from head to toe.

†

Today’s story parallels our spiritual journey. Many times, whether by impulse or ambition, we set off on our own and turn our backs on God, thinking His back then is turned on us. We take detours we were never intended to take, doing ourselves harm spiritually, emotionally, and sometimes physically.
We travel along until one day we discover we are miserable. Turning around, we look for God, expecting Him to be miles away. But unlike the scene in the park, God is ever present. He is always right behind us, waiting to reach down, pick us up, and dust us off. He never turns His back on us, ever!

Prayer

“Thank You for always being where I’m at, Lord. Help me walk with instead of away from You. Amen.”

Retirement Fund

Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.
Matthew 6:32, 33 (kjv)

Sheldon had taken a job at his local Walmart. What made him different from other employees was that Sheldon was seventy-two.
A little over a year before, Lois, his wife, had become ill. Their insurance and savings had been depleted, and they were faced with mounting medical bills. Their providers didn’t care that Medicare only paid usual and customary charges; they expected complete payment. So with no other options available, Sheldon was forced out of retirement and back into the workforce. God had led him to apply for this position, and his employer had seen the advantages of hiring someone with Sheldon’s experience and disposition.
He never missed a day of work, ascribing to the theory that God had given him this assignment, and he intended to carry it out to the best of his ability. Day after day, Sheldon greeted shoppers with a smile and words of encouragement. He became so popular and well liked that people brought cards of thanks for his bright attitude and goodwill for Lois.
For six years, Sheldon worked and brightened lives, two full years after the medical bills were paid. He had always found fulfillment working for the Lord, and this assignment had provided so many lasting friendships and memories that he’d had a difficult time entering retirement once again.

†

Sheldon’s situation isn’t all that uncommon. Many grandparents are raising their grandchildren while their children make a living. Many seniors work until they die, relishing their usefulness.
Retirement is a scheme Satan uses, keeping us busy building a nest egg large enough to retire comfortably. In the work, we can lose sight of God’s will.
Scripture does not include the word or notion of retirement. Conversely, Jesus said not to worry about how we will be clothed or fed during our lifetime, our entire lifetime.
We are to seek the kingdom and God’s righteousness; and in the seeking, we will learn to trust in His retirement fund.

Prayer

“Give me faith to live by and the knowledge of how I am to serve You until I die, Lord. Then help me go about doing the work You give me to do. Amen.”

Going on with Jesus

You do not want to leave too, do you?
John 6:67

It was like watching an old black and white movie, and Kent was playing the role of a superhero, alone and against overwhelming odds. Standing before the crowd, he asked, “Will you stand against this evil that devours our children?” They shrunk from answering such a direct question. They wanted to save their children, but didn’t want to be singled out by the conglomerate that wielded a form of power that seemed so unopposable. They wanted plausible deniability.
“Listen,” Kent urged. “Our children hang in the balance! If we refuse to take action, they will pay the price. We cannot stand on the sidelines and expect nothing to happen!” He pleaded. But they would not be moved. They had suffered embarrassment and ridicule the last time they had stood against this foe. They would not do it again, regardless of the cost. Besides, they really didn’t believe in an enemy so evil that it would sacrifice children for profit. Things would be okay as long as they didn’t rock the boat.
“Friends,” Kent appealed, “I know you’re scared. But we must fight this battle!” Getting no response, he asked, “Are you really willing to sacrifice your children because of your fear?” The crowd dispersed as people turned and walked away.

†

What a hard question! But necessary! Are we really willing to allow someone else to battle for our children’s lives, their very souls, and not become personally involved because of fear?
We were born into a world at war. Satan is actively seeking recruits. Choosing not to fight doesn’t stop his activities. And he won’t stop recruiting our children just because we don’t believe in inherent evil.
Listen as Jesus addresses the twelve. “You don’t want to leave too, do you?” he asks. And Peter answers for them all. “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
Our only chance is to not turn back. We must settle this matter in our hearts and go on with Jesus.

Prayer

“Lord, I confess there is fear in my heart. I hate humiliation and pain, yet to not fight would be cowardly. Show me how to follow You in confidence and walk in Your strength each day. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

There Is Always Jesus!

The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name … will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 14:26

As Doris sat in on the Bible study of her daughter’s home group, she frequently interrupted. “When are my children coming to get me?” Her daughter, Laura, would simply take her hand and say, “Mom, I’m right here. I’m your daughter, Laura.” This had become commonplace due to Doris’s battle with Alzheimer’s. But on this night, an important lesson was taught by the one afflicted by this disease.
Part way through the study, Doris opened the Bible in her lap, turned to a specific text, and in a quiet, unassuming voice, asked, “May I read from God’s Word? I believe it is relevant to your discussion.”
Echoed by everyone else, the leader said, “By all means, Doris, please share what God has shown you.”
In a strong voice, Doris read and then went on to explain the verse. “Our Jesus hides Himself in our heart at our conception. And when all other things fail or are lost to our mind, He surfaces, reigning supreme. There is always Jesus!”
Tears mingled with amens filled the room as a picture of Doris being cradled in the arms of her Savior emerged. She may not remember her name or her family, but she would never forget her Jesus!

†

Heart-wrenching to observe, Alzheimer’s patients lose their own identity and the memory of those whom they have nurtured and loved. Such a cruel disease. And yet, God has not abandoned them.
To date, no one is able to sufficiently explain how or why memory loss becomes more than wondering where we left our car keys. This, for the most part, turns into role reversal; the parent, who for so long nurtured the child, now needs care. Babysitting takes on new meaning as they revert to a childlike existence. Yet, if we listen through the confusion, God assures us that all is not lost!
In one Spirit-filled moment, God shows us that when all else seems lost, there is always Jesus!

Prayer

“Lord of life, though we may not understand Your ways and though we tire from the care giving, assure us today that when all else is lost, there is always Jesus! Amen.”

Only Seven Shopping Days Left!

The holy one born to you will be called the Son of God.
Luke 1:35

Jodie and Mattie were at the mall to find a present for their mother. Among some trinkets, Mattie noticed a small nativity. It was perfect! At the checkout counter, the cashier asked, “Did you find everything you were looking for? There’s only seven shopping days left, you know!” Her bubbly attitude made the girls smile. Jodie looked at the young cashier and said, “Did you know that seven is God’s perfect number?”
The girl looked uneasy. “I don’t know much about that,” she said. “I never spent much time in church.” Shifting her focus back to the nativity, she scanned it and then curiously asked, “Why do Christians make such a big deal over a simple holiday?”
Recognizing the girl’s question was sincere, Mattie said, “Because without that day, we would all be destined to spend eternity in hell.”
Jodie asked, “Has anybody ever talked to you about Jesus and the meaning of Christmas?”
“My daddy didn’t allow talk about Jesus in our house.” She appeared embarrassed. “He said that Christianity was just a fairy tale, conjured up by weaklings who can’t deal with life on its own terms.”
Seeing they were holding up the line but not wanting to pass up an opportunity, Mattie asked the girl for her e-mail address. After trading contact info, the sisters left, promising to stay in touch and share the reason they celebrate Christmas.

†

Divine appointments like this are not uncommon. God will give us ample opportunities to witness His love if we look for them. Many Christians have the misguided notion that everyone they encounter has surely heard of Jesus. That’s just not true. For with each generation, much of society slips a little further from God.
Part of our salvation experience is learning to share Jesus with those who have never met Him. Not knowing who they are, we must constantly be on the lookout.
Jesus came to set us free from sin and death. He has asked for our help in telling others the good news of the gospel.

Prayer

“Lord, give me a gentle boldness to tell others about what Christmas means to me. Make me aware of each opportunity You bring my way. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

It Takes More Grace

He leads me beside quiet waters.
Psalm 23:2

Jimmy was two body lengths above Karen as they ascended Martin’s Peak, a virtually unknown outcropping of rock in Colorado. It was challenging enough to bring them back time and again. They loved the outdoors, and rock climbing had become an obsession for the young married couple.
They had climbed several routes and had successfully summited on three of their five attempts. Two of the ascensions proved dead ends.
Climbing this late in the season presented different risks. Ice formed on many of the handholds they normally used, causing them to be extra vigilant in choosing their route. This time they decided to take a route that added a measure of safety because it was on the south-facing wall.
Part way up, Karen glanced up to see Jimmy stationary, casting about for his next foothold. He seemed unsure of which direction to proceed so the next handhold would present itself.
Karen, seeing his plight, looked past him to an area that must have been a blind spot for Jimmy because of the steepness of the rock. “There’s a handhold four meters above you to the right. The foothold you’re looking at to your right will put you just under it,” she offered.
“You sure?” he asked.
“I have to follow where you lead. What do you think?” Jimmy smiled and proceeded to the right, finding the handhold right where Karen said it would be.

†

It takes more grace to step blindly in faith than it does to tell someone else to take that step while you observe. When we experience blind spots on the path with God, we have a tendency to look for an optional route. It’s not easy stepping out in faith. But God would never bring us to harm.
The problem with believing this is that the faith required to do so comes only from experiencing His faithfulness. By trial and error, we find God at every turn.
In God’s grace, we discover that a deeper relationship is possible. And if we listen, He will tell us where to step next.

Prayer

“I want to learn to trust You completely, Lord. Magnify Your grace in me; give me courage to step into the unknown and unseen as long as You are leading. Amen.”

Honor

Honor your father and mother…

Exodus 20:12

The phone call was brief. Milt’s father had called to thank him for taking him to his surgical appointment the day before. Milt, his wife, and his mother, had spent nine hours at the out-patient clinic while his father had undergone removal of skin cancer from his face and ear. They removed small amounts of tissue each time, sending his father back to the waiting room after each procedure until they received the ‘All Clear’ from the lab’s microscope technician. In all, four procedures had been needed.

Milt smiled as he thought about the laughter and conversation that had taken place during those nine hours. It had been the best time he’d spent with his parents in a long time. “You’re welcome, Pop,” Milt said. “It was fun…maybe not so much for you,” he joked, “but it was a blessing for Nanc and me to share so much time with you and Mom.”

“I can’t remember laughing so much!” Jack said. “And I’m so glad your Mother didn’t have to sit alone all day.” Three more times Jack thanked Milt for his and his wife’s thoughtfulness.

“I’m glad we could be there, Pop,” Milt reiterated, touched by the sincerity in his father’s voice. “In light of all you’ve done for me over the years, it’s the least I could do.”

In truth, Milt had been more blessed than his father. It really had been a wonderful day.

†

Honoring our parents is not a suggestion; it is the greatest desire of God’s heart apart from our salvation through the sacrifice of His Son.

Nine hours in an out-patient clinic may not be our first choice for deepening relationships, but it should never amaze us at how God shows up in the most unusual places. Whenever we follow God’s commands, we are ripe to experience His blessing.

By learning to sacrifice on behalf of another, we find fulfillment and joy in the offering. There’s something about sharing time with our parents that, no matter the circumstances, causes God to breathe life into the relationship as we honor them in love.

Prayer

“LORD, may You and my parents find in me a love that honors the sacrifices made on my behalf. Amen”  

Does Hell Break Your Heart?

Freely you have received, freely give.
Matthew 10:8

The two young men seemed likely candidates for the associate pastor position the church was looking to fill, so the advisory committee scheduled them to preach. Fresh out of seminary, each was asked to bring a message on hell.
The first candidate preached passionately, trying to dissuade anyone who was listening to shun a life destined for eternal darkness. The second young man came the following week and also spoke of the horror awaiting those who rejected Jesus.
Later that day, the second young man received a call from the chairman of the committee offering him the pastorate.
The young man felt compelled to ask, “Why did you choose me?”
The chairman answered, “When the first young man spoke, he delivered a timely message about the horror of hell and why we should seek heaven instead. But when he talked about those condemned to hell, he sounded as if he was glad that they were getting their just reward. You also brought us a timely message expounding on heaven’s attributes and hell’s emptiness, focusing on the horror of eternity without God. When you spoke about those who are going to hell, it was evident that it broke your heart. Young man, we share your compassion for those who are perishing and want you to help us evangelize the people in our community so that none of them ends up in hell because we failed to reach out to them.”

†

It should break our hearts to know that people are perishing, separated from God for eternity. The moment they wake up in hell, they are faced with the knowledge that time and time again they rejected God’s offer of salvation. That revelation will never end.
I question whether many of us give this much thought. If we do, we certainly don’t allow it to grieve us too deeply; if the truth of this horror were ever to reach our hearts, we would be compelled to take action.
Like the disciples, we are commissioned to share Jesus with a lost and dying world.

Prayer

“Make this truth real in my heart, Lord. Cause me to have a heart for those who are perishing. Help me share Your plan of salvation with abandon. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Angry Blessings

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:10

Walking through the mall, the kids were passing out gospel literature, inviting everyone they encountered to join them for worship. Many took a moment to look at the material they had received, saying thank you. Some were noncommittal, and a few just snatched it from the youth, proceeding on, locked in their private worlds.
Then one man made a scene. After receiving the leaflet, he’d continued for a few strides when the message of the material hit him. Turning on his heel and hollering in a loud voice, he returned to the young man who’d given him the tract. He was clearly trying to make a scene. “Take this mindless propaganda back! I couldn’t care less about your church and its services! You have no right to pass this religious junk out in a public place! Why, I’m gonna get security and have you thrown outta here!” With that, he spun around, looking anxiously for someone in authority.
The young man was undaunted. He’d heard this type of social speak before. “Don’t infringe on my rights. There’s supposed to be separation of church and state!”
You scream about your rights being violated, the young man thought, but you don’t seem to have any problem trying to violate mine.

†

We can be sincere and be sincerely wrong. Screaming the loudest doesn’t automatically make someone right. As our Constitution dictates, living in a free world society gives us inherent rights. We may not agree with other people’s choices, but we cannot attack them because we don’t agree with them or share their ideologies.
We can, however, hold up and hold tight to our rights as children of God. Our God-given rights are immutable; no one can argue them away. They are ours to stand on for eternity. So when people holler or scream that we have offended them because of our beliefs, we have a right to stand our ground against intolerance.

Prayer

“Thank You, Lord, for rights that cannot be taken away. Help me make a difference in this world for You. Don’t let me be beaten down or discouraged by a world that chooses to deny Your existence. Help me exhibit Your love and mercy. In Jesus Name, amen.”

Divine Appointments

The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever more.
Psalm 121:7, 8

Two days following her initial ordeal in the trauma unit, her husband related the events that had led to her survival. In her hospital room, recovering from extensive, life-threatening injuries, she heard for the first time how critical things had been.
She had been out with a group of friends on the way to a dinner party. Weather conditions were not the best, but they decided not to reschedule. On their way to the restaurant they had chosen, they were involved in a horrific crash. As it turned out, God was present in the details.
The vehicle directly behind them was occupied by two nurses who began immediate first aid. In the vehicle following the truck that had collided with them was an EMT from a nearby fire station. He immediately called for a squad response. The home they wrecked in front of was owned by a pilot from the Life Flight rescue team. His phone call prompted the response of the last chopper allowed out that night. The rest of the teams were grounded due to the storm. Tears fell from their eyes as they felt God’s embrace.

†

God had arranged appointments in such a conspicuous way that this story lent itself to the witness of His involvement in each of our lives. Admittedly, not everyone has seen God move in such a miraculous way as this couple. But as the text says, God is always there, always watching us; and we may never know how often He moved mountains to keep us from harm. But you can be certain He has. These are not grand gestures on the part of God to sway our allegiance. They are acts of love toward His children. He expresses the same passion we do when we show our kids affection and love. There is nothing we wouldn’t do to save our kids from death. He feels the same way.

Prayer

“I can’t fathom the depth of Your love, Abba. My heart longs to know that I really do mean that much to You. Speak the truth of Your love to me. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

It Is Written

It is written …
Matthew 4:4

“I don’t have much success memorizing Scripture,” Gabi admitted. “You, on the other hand, seem to have a photographic memory!” She was referring to Clay’s impressive ability to quote most of the Bible. He had committed long hours studying God’s Word and wanted it available in case his Bible wasn’t handy.
“How do you do it?” she asked.
“I use a page out of Hollywood.” Clay grinned. “I pretend I’m learning a script. I’m the leading man reading lines with another actor for an upcoming movie. It’s easier than simply reading and trying to remember.”
“If I could learn to quote Scripture like you … ” She let it hang, hoping her compliment would encourage Clay to give her some tips.
Instead, he cautioned her. “Quoting God’s Word doesn’t make you spiritual. And memorization is not the hallmark of spiritually. Frankly,” Clay said seriously, “knowing the Word is vastly more important than quoting chapter and verse.”
He shared what he felt was the perfect example. “When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He didn’t say, ‘Satan, in Exodus 20:2 it says, “Thou shall have no other gods before me.”’ He said ‘It is written …’ and quoted God’s Word.”
“Okay,” Gabi said. “But isn’t it important to know where it is so when I’m questioned about it I can show someone?”
“Yes, the ability to turn to the verse is important. But many people give up because they can’t remember where to find it. I don’t want you to do that.”

†

We place great importance on memorizing Scripture, and with good reason. God’s Word is truth and life! The more we know, the better we understand God. His Word is useful for fending off the enemy or in resisting temptation. We should determine to know as much of it as possible.
Learning is best approached with longing instead of viewing it as some menial task to be accomplished. Remembering that the Holy Spirit is present will be infinitely helpful. If we begin by asking Him to make the connections necessary, we will find He is faithful. And until you learn where it is, do what Jesus did. Just say, “It is written.”

Prayer

“Teach me to hide Your Word in my heart so it will be readily available when I need it. Amen.”

Measuring Success

He shall not fail nor be discouraged.
Isaiah 42:4 (kjv)

The bar was set pretty high concerning what constituted a successful college basketball season in Indiana. This one hadn’t even approached the bar. The team finished with an overall record of 12 and 16 and a league record of 7 and 9. Many people in the community let them know how displeased they were. But they were a young team comprised of sophomores and freshman with only one junior. There was room for improvement.
As they hit the locker room after their final game, the lone junior spoke up. “I’m not going to tell you I’m completely satisfied with our season. But I’m also not going to let you leave this locker room for the final time without setting things straight.” He had their attention. “As far as our record goes, we lost more than we won. But in those losses we fought hard; we never gave up! Our performance should never be measured by wins alone. We had a lot of huge victories this year. Look at our defense. Because of tremendous improvement, we beat three ranked teams that were expected to hand us our heads!” He went on to list improvements each teammate had made; he put the season in proper perspective. “Don’t hang your heads in disappointment. Look people in the eye when you meet them on the street. Tell them what you learned from hard work!” He ended with, “Because of what we accomplished this year, I have hope for next season!”

†

As toddlers, we don’t jump up off the floor and start running. It takes scraping our hands and knees for an extended period of time before we learn to walk. If we only measure success by the number of wins we amass, many of our greatest victories will go unnoticed.
The world’s take on what constitutes success is far removed from God’s. He judges our efforts, not a record that includes perceived failures. His word to us is, “Learn from each setback. Do not become discouraged. Strive to live your life always doing your best.” God, not the world, will judge our performance.

Prayer

“Help me measure success the way You do, Lord. Cause me to keep my head up and my eyes on You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Unresolved Pain

A quick-tempered man does foolish things.

Proverbs 14:17

In the blink of an eye, he’d grabbed Liam and slammed him up against the wall. Spittle flew from his mouth with each word. “You apologize right now … or so help me God … ” His rage was so intense that he failed to hear his wife’s first two pleas to stop. “Brandon! Stop! You’re hurting him! Please! Stop!” Heather pulled at his arms, trying to get him to release the death grip he had on their sixteen-year-old son.

Her words finally registered, and Brandon was instantly gripped by a paralyzing fear. It had happened again! He’d lost control! And this time it had been with his son.

He released his grip. “Liam,” he began, wanting to explain he hadn’t meant for this to happen. He tried to say he was sorry, but the words wouldn’t come. Sorry didn’t begin to undo what he’d done or relieve the avalanche of shame he was experiencing.

The fear in his son’s eyes told him all he needed to know. Liam was terrified! Brandon covered his face with his hands and began sobbing. He didn’t see Heather tenderly embrace Liam or hear her explain that his father hadn’t meant to hurt him.

This had gone too far. He had just violently attacked his son, and it needed to end right now!

Unbeknownst to Heather, Brandon had lost several thousand dollars through recent gambling. His deception had created unbearable stress, which in turn had begun to cause sudden fits of rage. He begged their forgiveness and vowed to take steps to get help.

†

Anger, rage, fury—each word tries, yet does not completely capture the violent eruption that occurs when unresolved pain causes us to lose all perspective and constraint.

Driven by these unresolved issues, we vent our pain on those who we believe will forgive us. Behind it all lay deceptiveness and irrational thoughts. Without question, these are hidden issues awaiting resolution.

When we mistakenly try to resolve the issues on our own, it usually ends up like today’s scenario. If you have anger issues, seek professional help and hold nothing back. Unresolved anger begins with our first secret.

Prayer

“Keep me from foolishness that leads to rashness, Lord. Help peace to reign in my heart and over my life. In Jesus’ Name, amen.“

Grace in Temptation

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Hebrews 2:18

Tanya and Joyce had been best friends since third grade. They shared similar interests and hobbies; they even read the same books. In truth, they were closer than most sisters. So it was a surprise when Joyce told Tanya she was pregnant. “How could you let that happen?” Tanya all but shouted. “I mean … I know how it happened, but what were you thinking?”
“I don’t know, Tanya. We didn’t mean for it to go that far; then it was over. What am I gonna do? Daddy will kill me when he finds out!”
“Well, he doesn’t have to find out. Tell the school nurse you need an abortion. She’ll hook you up, and nobody will ever know.”
“I would know! I could never do that, Tanya! I can’t believe you’d even consider abortion as an option. What I did was wrong, but I’m not going to make my baby pay for my indiscretions. Besides, Stewart and I talked about getting married.”
“Okay, okay! I’m sorry. You just freaked me out for a second. And you know your dad won’t kill you. He may be disappointed and ticked off for a while, but he loves you, J’cee. You could always give the baby up for adoption, you know. Look, whatever you decide, I’m here.”

†

Jesus understands our temptation and forgives our iniquities when we turn from them and repent. His grace chases us until we stop running and patiently awaits our surrender. It’s ready to embrace us if we turn back after just one mistake, but has the ability to cover them all.
We may think that because Jesus was a man He couldn’t possibly understand the temptations women face. Scripture says He does understand; and He is waiting to help with a way of escape in the midst of the temptation, but will comfort and forgive us if we fail to accept that way of escape. He just wants us to know that He is prepared to meet us where we are.

Prayer

“Lord, I’m in need of Your grace more than ever. Please guide me to a place of safety and shelter. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Preparing to Fail

My sons, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.
Proverbs 1:10

The drink took effect less than four minutes after he’d taken it. The rush was familiar, euphoric, and successful at numbing his pain.
As the familiar numbness flooded his brain, what he’d done became a reality. In one act of desperation, he’d thrown away his sobriety. The shame of his irresponsibility transcended those years as if he’d never quit! Oh, God! What did I do?!
An hour ago, he’d been facing a situation that threatened to overwhelm him. Instead of calling someone and fleeing from the temptation, he’d opted to check out emotionally. The holiday season brought unwanted memories and heartache, and in his weariness he just wanted some peace. Before he realized what he was doing, he found himself at the liquor store, purchasing the very brand of alcohol that had cost him his marriage and job twenty years ago.
In one act of weakness, he’d slammed back two shots, refusing to give himself time to process the imminent fallout. He knew what would happen but didn’t care enough to stop himself from making such a huge mistake. Now, here he was, back where he swore he’d never return.

†

When we attempt to fight the enemy on our own, we’re asking for trouble. Alone and unprepared, we become an easier target. If we try to battle such a deceitful enemy alone in such a vulnerable state, we are committing a grievous mistake. We are actually preparing to fail.
In our strength alone we will fail against an enemy so powerful and cunning. Only God truly understands how easily we become ensnared. That we actually believe we can stand up to him and win shows how arrogant we are! We must admit our helplessness and ask for assistance.
God does not intend for us to fail, nor does He expect or want us to fight these battles on our own. He does, however, leave that choice up to us. He says, “My sons, if sinners entice you, run! God wants us to win and our pride to lose.

Prayer

“Thank You for the way of escape, Lord. Teach me to set aside my foolish pride and ask for help before I get beaten into submission. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

When the Master Speaks

To call people … to the obedience that comes from faith.
Romans 1:5

Steve and Becky love their dog, Dakota. Steve is the disciplinarian; Becky is the softie. Steve demands Dakota’s obedience; Becky spoils and dotes on him.
One day, Becky called Steve at work to tell him that Dakota refused to get into the bathtub for his weekly bath. He refused to move from his comfy pillow bed. Steve told Becky, “Put the dog on the phone.”
“What?” Becky said incredulously.
“Put the dog on the phone,” Steve reiterated. “I want to talk to him.”
So Becky took the wireless phone to where Dakota was defiantly lounging, and holding his floppy ear out of the way, she held the receiver close enough for the dog to listen.
Steve gave one simple command, “Dakota, go get in the tub now!” And with that, he rose from his bed and went straight to the bathroom. He hopped into the tub and waited for Becky to bathe him.
Astonished, Becky asked, “How did you do that?”
“Simple,” Steve answered. “Dakota knows who his master is. He knows I mean him no harm and would not tell him to do something unless it was important. When he heard me speak, he knew he could either obey and things would go well, or he could disobey, where there would be a consequence. He remembers the rewards he has received for his obedience and the consequences he’s paid for disobeying. He simply made an informed choice.”

†

What a perfect example of unquestioning obedience! Steve, in his authority, asked Dakota for obedience. Dakota, wanting to please his master, chose to obey—a perfect metaphor of what God wants for His children.
But generally we are not as quick to respond. We demand explanations for why we should obey. We question God’s motives instead of immediately submitting to His request.
Only through faith can we come to a place in our relationship with God where we trust Him enough to respond immediately, regardless of His command. And only through experience will we discover that He will never harm us or ask us to do anything without a divine purpose.

Prayer

“Show me the way to unquestioning obedience, Lord. Help me put my trust where it needs to be—in You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Class Is in Session!

How long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?
Matthew 17:17

“Do you remember the twelfth grade?” the comedian asked. “I’d finally arrived. I was a senior!” He said it with such reverence, with the knowing smile of one who had received revelatory understanding. “Man, I loved the twelfth grade! I especially loved the science experiments.” He grinned. “Blew up the lab once! I accidentally knocked a bottle of chemicals into the sink. Smelled pretty bad, so I flushed it down with water! How was I to know that the chemicals and water created a toxic mixture? Man, you shoulda seen the girls faces when those sinks exploded!”
He paused as if reminiscing. “Of course, Mr. Fullen didn’t think it was so funny. He glared at me from across the room and then slowly made his way over. With each step, my pulse beat harder and faster. When he got close enough, he put the Fullen Clutch on me!” Demonstrating the clutch, he made a claw with his right hand, reached across his chest, and latched onto his left shoulder, wincing as if he were experiencing tremendous pain. “We walked the whole way to the principal’s office like that.” He moved as if under Mr. Fullen’s control. The audience was in stitches. Then he dropped the punch line. “Yep, I loved the twelfth grade. It was the best three years of my life!”

†

How many of us continually fail the spiritual twelfth grade because of a nonchalant attitude toward learning?
In today’s text, the disciples had been with Jesus for almost three years, yet had failed to grasp a complete understanding of Who He was, Who he represented, and what power and authority was available to them. They were failing their twelfth grade proficiency test, so to speak.
We, like the disciples, fail to learn certain spiritual lessons. Many times it’s because we just don’t pay attention. We fail to grasp the importance of our part in perpetuating the gospel. As Christians, it is our responsibility to pay attention when class is in session. Folks, class is always in session.

Prayer

“Place in my heart a great desire to learn kingdom lessons, Lord. Help me grasp each concept as You present it in ways I can understand. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

God’s Word and the Water Softener

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17 (kjv)

One or two power flashes a month weren’t unusual at the Parsons’ family home. The electric company had explained that they were just switching over, a process that allowed them to do routine maintenance on transformers and outlying power grids.
The flash from two days ago had sent the water softener into error mode again, suspending the softening process. When this occurred, the water returned to its normally hard state within forty-eight hours.
They usually just reset the timing unit and digital clock and then initiated a regeneration cycle, resolving the hardness issue. It really wasn’t much of an inconvenience. After all, they’d done without a softener for the first twenty-six years they’d lived here, filling jugs with drinking water from a spring two miles away. The softener had resolved that issue, relieving them of the constant transporting of eight one-gallon jugs every other day. So a short delay every once in a while didn’t amount to much.
Mr. Parson headed for the basement, reset the unit, and tripped the regeneration button. Three hours later, the pH and iron levels had returned to their normal settings, and the water issues in the Parsons’ household returned to normal.

†

It’s amazing how something so simple can have such a negative impact on our lives.
Like the Parsons’ water, our spiritual condition can become hard without continual and proper treatment. And just like the need the water softener was created to resolve, God gave us His Word to condition our lives. It instructs us in daily living and shows us how to handle the issues we face each day.
We need a constant inflow of His life-giving Word. If we miss a single day, we might not notice any impact. But if we continually fail to nourish ourselves by reading God’s Word and fellowshipping with other Christians, we will suffer setbacks and become susceptible and prone to making mistakes.
In order to assure ourselves the strength we need when we need it, we must constantly remain plugged in to the power supply.

Prayer

“Help me discipline myself to read Your Word and stay in constant contact with Your people, Lord. Keep me charged up and ready for action. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Where Are We Leading?

An example, that you should follow …
1 Peter 2:21

As early as age three, Erica could be found trying to pull Daddy’s tools from his work belt as it hung from a wall peg in the mudroom. She piled detergent boxes like steps to reach her goal. And several times she attained that goal only to be scolded for playing with Daddy’s tools.
So Erica was beside herself with delight when on her fifth birthday she received her very own tool belt! Daddy explained to her that, like his own tools, her tools could be used to work on and repair broken things. Wanting to know the application of each tool, she asked Daddy to show her. As he removed each tool from his belt, Erica took its equivalent and did her best to imitate his actions. For weeks she went around the house fixing things.
One evening as Daddy was reading the paper, he noticed Erica playing with her hammer. He watched as she intentionally struck her thumb and hollered, “Stupid hammer!” then turned to seek her Daddy’s approval.
What an eye-opener! She had apparently observed him earlier that day when he had done what she had just mimicked. With startling clarity, he understood the implications of his actions on his little girl. In that moment, he determined to be the best example he could.

†

Every step we take is an invitation for someone to follow. And living an upright life is not always easy. But we are responsible for the impact our actions have on those who watch us. And make no mistake—someone is always watching.
Many of us live as if there are no consequences for our actions. We think that because God has not judged us swiftly, His judgment is not coming. If we are insensitive to the truth that no act, good or evil, will go unnoticed or unpunished, the fallout of an unrighteous life can have disastrous consequences, on us and those who look to us for guidance.
Jesus left us an example to follow, one that requires commitment and discipline, one that shows others the Way, the Truth, and the Life!

Prayer

“Help me remain aware of my influence on others. May my life lead people to You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Carved by the Master

Your works are wonderful.
Psalm 139:14

Bob Birney had plied his trade for more than a few decades, turning out works of art unparalleled by his peers. Such was his gift that his works were sought by other woodcarvers from around the globe.
The tools of his trade were intricate and razor sharp. He knew how to use each one. As he made each cut, removing what didn’t belong, a masterpiece began to emerge.
On this occasion, he was carving the bark of a cottonwood tree. It was the perfect media for small carvings. Two and a half inches thick, its heavily lined structure required great imagination and steady hands to reveal the beauty hidden within. Bob was equal to the task. As he carved, he whispered to himself, “This piece does not fit. It must give way,” and, “You cannot hide. I have seen you for what you are.”
Some found his manor a bit quirky; others understood. The master was at work. He could see things others could not. He was revealing hidden splendor.
As Bob proceeded, the distinct outline of a cabin with steep, sloping roof began to take shape. Over the next several hours, the cabin took on life. Windows carved in relief with shutters to each side were so realistic you could imagine the firelight flickering inside. The stone chimney broke through the rough exterior of the bark at just the right height with smoke curling up as on a cold winter’s day.
Yes, Bob had a gift. In his experienced hands, wood came to life.

†

I marvel at the intricacy of such delicate work. It is sharing God’s gift with the world.

The One Who created us knows why He did so. In His hands, we become purposed. He alone sees the masterpiece hidden within, waiting to be revealed. And only by His hands can what He sees be revealed. He alone knows how to remove the things that mar the true beauty of what is hidden inside. Yet, He can only do this if we yield our lives to Him. And in the yielding, the Master Carver can create in us the likeness of His Son.

Prayer

“Lord, reveal in me the best I have to offer. Cut away anything that stands as a deterrent to that purpose. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

What’s Algegra?

She is a tree of life to those who embrace her.
Proverbs 3:18

Matt raised his hand and asked, “What’s algegra? I heard my sister talkin’ ‘bout it last night, an’ she said she hates it! Is it like spinach or somethin’?”
Ms. Dennis pursed her lips tightly until her laughter was under control. “I believe your sister was speaking of algebra, Matt,” she enunciated. “It is a form of mathematics,” she said, writing the word on the blackboard so they could see the correct spelling.
Taking advantage of this teachable moment, she explained that algebra is the use of numbers in sets. She made the lesson comprehensive to first graders, finishing with, “And yes, Matt, some people hate it as much as spinach. But math, like spinach, is good for you, even if it leaves a bad taste in your mouth.”
Arriving home, Matt told his sister, “You need to do your algegra.” (He hadn’t taken notes.) “I hate spinach. But Ms. Dennis said I should eat my spinach, and you should do your algegra ‘cause it’s good for us,” he concluded.
Looking at him through squinted eyes, she asked, “What in the world are you talking about?”
“I heard you say last night you hate algegra,” he said innocently. “So I asked Ms. Dennis ‘bout it.”
Amused by her little brother, she ruffled his hair and said, “Okay, you eat the spinach; I’ll do the algegra.”

†

God wants to reveal to us the intricacies of life. As babies we have beginner-level comprehension. As we mature, we are able to assimilate more complicated matters. The more mature, the deeper our understanding.
Nowhere in Scripture is retirement mentioned. The reasoning behind our self-imposed work stoppage is flawed; it creates a stop-learning mentality.
No, I am not suggesting you never retire. But …
Knowledge is the accumulation of experience. Wisdom is the ability to apply that knowledge. When we cease to learn, our brains begin to deteriorate for lack of stimuli.
God’s desire is that we embrace learning until the day we die. And although to some it’s like eating spinach, we should always strive to learn. Because, in Matt’s words, “It’s good for us.”

Prayer

“Lord, may I never stop learning the things You have set before me. Stimulate my mind to be sharp and sensible. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Words

The tongue has the power of life and death.

Proverbs 18:20

The man sat on the sidewalk, soliciting passersby. The cardboard sign in front of him read, ‘I’m Blind’. He had a coffee can into which people dropped various denominations of coinage. With each donation the man uttered a quiet and timid, ‘thank you’.

A young woman happened along, and walked as if to pass by. Then, as if struck by a second thought, she turned and picked up his sign. As she crouched before the man writing with magic marker, he felt her shoes, cataloging their style for possible future reference. She neither told the man what she was doing nor why.

No sooner had the woman left than a stream of people began tossing money in front of the man. Never had he experienced such an outpouring of compassion! What had the woman done to make such a difference?

Finished with her workday, the woman approached the man once again. She noticed the coffee can brimming with money. She walked over to speak to the man but was cut off when his hands once again felt her shoes.

“What did you write on my sign?!” he asked.

She bent to his ear and whispered, “The same thing you said. I just used different words.” As she walked away she smiled, rereading her handiwork: ‘It’s a beautiful day and I can’t see it.’

†

Given the power to effect people’s lives in a positive manner, why is it we so casually do the opposite? Words are powerful. With them we can bless or curse. And as today’s text says, we can speak life or death to someone’s soul.

But for the most part we put no faith in this simple truth. We offhandedly condemn people to hell or damn them and their situation to failure, never really thinking about the power of our words.

With the understanding that what we say matters, comes the responsibility for choosing and using our words carefully and wisely. By speaking blessings and life-giving words over those we come in contact with each day we are edifying their lives, not helping destroy them.

Prayer

“Lord of love, help me choose my words wisely, with a compassionate heart and other’s best interest in mind. May I be Your instrument of blessing and life. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”  

Seal of Approval

On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.
John 6:27

Each June, area churches work together in conjunction with a local bakery, and pass out free loves of fresh bread to the community.
The day begins early with runners, as they are titled, shuttling bread between the bakery and drop off sites. Trucks full of bread, dinner rolls, croissants, and flatbread arrive throughout the day.
Deliverers are assigned designated sections of the community. They pick up supplies and go door to door passing out the baked goods, offering words of God’s love and encouragement.
There are pick up sites where people from outlying areas come for bread as well. No limits are placed on how many items one may receive (up until the bakery runs out). If you have great need, you receive an amount equal to that need.
When asked, “Why do you do this?” by recipients, they tell them of Jesus’ love and how He is the Bread of Life and how this act is symbolic of that gift.
Some ask, “Is the bread stale?” and are guaranteed, “Each item has the freshness seal of approval.”
Some life-changing stories shared during this day are truly inspirational. Men and women alike cry, telling the deliverer they had no food in the house.
Bread of Life changes lives on both sides of the effort. For no one can ever be the same after witnessing or having a desperate need met.

†

Such outreach for Jesus is a tremendous thing. Yet we do not have to wait for one day in June to deliver the Bread of Life to our communities.
Even as some are in desperate need of the physical nourishment this type of event provides, everyone in the world is in need of God’s spiritual gift of life through His Son. So much so that God put in His written Word His seal of approval on what His Son did on our behalf.
We are to be light and salt in a dark and tasteless world. This is one example of how to do that. We have God-given creative ability. Put it to use for His kingdom.

Prayer

“Lord of all Creation, show me how I can make a difference in my community. Give me the vessel with which to help transform lives. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Not Unlike My Own

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize … we have one who has been tempted in every way.
Hebrews 4:15

As Gary shared with Preston about an ongoing temptation he was dealing with, he said, “Nobody understands what I’m going through.”
“I hear what you’re saying, Gary,” Preston said. “But your struggle is not unlike my own. Not necessarily literally, but we all deal with some kind of temptation.” He shared briefly of his battle with vanity.
Happily married, Preston was a handsome man. But he turned women’s heads in public. It created a tug-of-war between his pride and ego and his faith. “Believe me when I say it required God’s intervention to get victory over my pride.”
“So how’d you work it out?” Gary asked. “You know, how’d you stop looking in the mirror all the time?”
Preston chuckled. “I still look in the mirror, Gary. I have to shave,” he joked. “But seriously, I had to be humbled myself. And as God humbled me, He adjusted my attitude. What I look like does not define who I am. It does, however, present temptation. And that’s the point I’m trying to make. We’re all tempted.” He paused and then added, “But the great part is that Jesus knows how we feel. He’s been tempted the same way we’re being tempted. You’re neither alone nor unique. And if you’re willing to seek His guidance, Jesus is willing to help with the victory.”

†

When we’re under attack and can’t free ourselves on our own, it’s hard to admit that others have been where we are and gained a victory. It’s easier to believe that no one else has ever experienced the kind of trial we’re in. It’s one of the ways Satan keeps us where we are. And if successful, he’ll continue using it against us.
God put on skin so we would know He could relate to our human suffering. Jesus knows exactly what we’re going through. He is the way of escape and wants to help. And if we cry out to Jesus, He’ll answer, “Your battle is not unlike My own was. I know how to help you.”

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, I need Your help. Give me wisdom beyond my own; lead me into a victorious life. Amen.”

Peace … At Whose Expense?

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:9

The brothers had been estranged for years. Neither felt they were wrong. For a fact, they each felt the other was to blame. Consequently, neither of them took the initiative to resolve the issues keeping them apart, so small in light of the impact it had on these once-close siblings.
A childhood friend had been praying for them for a few years when he had a revelation: talk to them individually about the joy they had shared growing up, the laughter and tears, all of it. He got them to recall times of swimming in the farm pond, camping in the mountains, even the time they had hitchhiked to a rock concert in ’76.
As they continued to remember the wonderful times they’d had, they began to gain a renewed perspective. Warmth replaced bitterness; forgiveness replaced anger. The chasm melted away in light of the truth; it wasn’t bigger than their love. Because of the devotion of a friend, they learned to share their lives once again.

†

Unresolved wounds breed. They never give in or go away. If we choose to embrace the wound, we give it life, and it takes hold in our heart. Untreated, it can become a stronghold of bitterness. Most of the time, we can’t even recall what the initial offense was; we just want vindication! Self-vindication never heals. This friend decided to take positive action that would hopefully lead to reconciliation. The action required the brothers to recall the better, more important times. No offense should outweigh the value of the relationship. We are asked to become peacemakers, to place relationships above anything that would threaten them. Peacemakers are sons of God because they understand how priceless relationship is to the Father; without it, we are damned.

Prayer

“Lord, Thank you for the peacemakers in my life. I admit that it’s hard for me to forgive and be the one to ask for forgiveness for any part I played in the rifts of my life. Help me understand that being a peacemaker starts the beginning of healing in my life. Please give me strength as I take that first step. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Thankstobegiven

Praise be to … God … he has given us new birth … through the resurrection of Jesus Christ …
1 Peter 1:3

It was in the cold predawn of Thanksgiving Day that found Jack poised to forget about the festivities scheduled for later that day. This must have been what Ebenezer Scrooge felt like.
Jack had been up all night. The routine was always the same: cough violently for two to three hours, spitting up blood several times during the coughing fits. He’d been dealing pretty well with these episodes up until last night. This one had lasted almost five hours; he was exhausted. It’s only been two weeks since the last episode. Why so soon? he wondered. And why on Thanksgiving? Are You testing my thank-o-meter? he asked God.
Actually, the episodes had been pretty regular, one every three or four months. So, to have another one so soon brought concern as he contemplated the possibilities. Several reasons came to mind, but the one that prevailed was it’s getting worse. His doctors had told him that at some point symptoms would accelerate and then things would happen pretty fast. Give me grace for today, Lord. Give me a heart of gladness instead of gloom.
If this was to be his last Thanksgiving, Jack was determined to make it one of the most thank-filled days of his life.

†

There are enough negative things to focus on in the world to allow us to live in despair, cursing the day. But because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can choose to live a life of victory, reminded that this is not our home. He took care of all our tomorrows, and someday soon we will be with Him in heaven.
This world is a temporal place; it is not our home. And we have the promise of life beyond our pain. What we deal with today is real, and sometimes it stinks. But we can maintain a thankful heart in the midst of our struggles if we lay claim to a permanent life in Christ.
The greatest reason for our Thankstobegiven is Salvation unto eternal life. Once received, nothing can take it away!

Prayer

“I don’t want to whine, Lord. Keep me focused on things to be thankful for. May I always be filled with thanks because of the gift of Your Son! In His Name, amen.”

Where’s Your Heart Set?

Set your hearts on things above …
Colossians 3:2

The story goes that an old man was sitting at the edge of town, whittling, when a traveler appeared. “I’m a stranger hereabouts, just kinda passin’ through.” Then the traveler asked, “What are the people like here in this town?”
The old whittler paused a moment, looked up, and asked, “What were they like where you came from?”
Taken aback, he answered, “They were kinda mean and nasty. Wouldn’t lift a finger ta help you.”
The old whittler gave him a long look, shook his head sadly, and said, “Well, you’ll find that’s what they’re like here.”
The traveler responded cynically, “Kinda what I figured!” and walked on into town.
As the man disappeared, a second traveler walked up to the old whittler and said, “I’m looking for a place to settle down. This looks like a nice town. What are the people like?”
Once again the old whittler asked, “What were they like where you came from?”
The traveler responded, “Oh, they were wonderful. People went out of their way to be kind. If there was a need, someone was always ready to lend a hand.”
The old whittler nodded and said, “Well, you’ll find that’s exactly what they’re like here!”
“Wonderful!” the traveler responded and headed into town.

†

Two travelers with the very same question regarding the very same people in the very same town received two very different answers. Why? Because the old whittler knew they would find what they were used to looking for.
Our outlook on life sets the tone for our expectations. What we come to expect, we will experience. If we project these expectations long enough, they will become the rule of thumb by which we judge everything.
When we look for the good in people, we will find it. Likewise, when we look for their faults, they will become evident.
Christ died to fill our hearts with hope, not irritability. We can choose what we experience. It is a matter of disciplining our hearts to look for the right things. Where is your heart set?

Prayer

“Lord, give me eyes to see the good in others, not only the bad. Develop in me a right attitude so I might be a blessing to this world. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Arch the Angel

And do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Luke 18:16

They’d been practicing for the school’s Christmas play for a week, and Mrs. Doty still hadn’t made a decision regarding the lead character. “Lord, I know whoever I choose will do a wonderful job, but I feel like Arch is supposed to be someone specific. Help me choose the right child.”
Putting it out of her mind long enough to read this morning’s entries in her students’ daily journals, she smiled, marveling at nine-year-olds’ perspectives on what was important. She could hear each little voice as she read their entry. How precious each child was to her. She spent her life nurturing little hearts and minds because of her love for children and teaching.
Finally, she came to Pete’s journal. “I love God. He is my Lord,” this morning’s entry read. A preordained moment—she had asked, and here was the answer!
Three weeks later, Mrs. Doty’s third-grade class took the stage in what was to be one of the most memorable performances of her tenure. Arch stole the show. The smallest boy in the class, Pete was wonderfully animated as he glided across the stage singing, “I can zoom, and I can hover when I’m workin’ under cover, and folks never seem to see the likes of me.”

†

Children are approximately forty percent of our population—and one hundred percent of our future. The generation we are raising up for tomorrow should be the focus of today.
A child’s heart is a rough gem in need of polishing. Many of us have been blessed by the strong hand of a father, the attentive love of a mother, and the extra polishing by the Mrs. Dotys in life.
Sadly, others have never known the dedication of someone devoted to cultivating their spirit. Instead, they heard they were no good and would never amount to anything.
Innocence yields to direction. It learns to treat in keeping with how it is treated.
“Do not hinder them” is a directive.

Prayer

“Help me polish my kids correctly, Lord. Give me the wisdom and patience to bring a precious gemstone from these rough-cut stones You have entrusted to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”