Life’s Roller Coasters

Great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds.
Jeremiah 32:19

“How’ve you been, Oren?” Tyrel said as he hugged his friend, eager to catch up on what had happened since they’d last seen each other.
“Good,” Oren responded. “But it’s been a little disappointing. I recently lost an opportunity to expand my business. I met with a new investor several times, and everyone seemed satisfied. They called, saying things were almost complete on their end. That was four months ago. I haven’t heard from them since.”
“I’m sorry, Oren. But don’t give up. Who knows? Maybe they’ll call today.” He tried to encourage his friend with a metaphor. “It sounds as if you’ve been on a roller coaster ride. They’re thrilling and frustrating. But we learn a lot from taking the ride.” He continued, “Just seeing the coaster elicits a thrill! Kinda like you, looking forward to growing the business. The first big hill is scary, but anticipating the drop is thrilling! The next thing we know, we’re falling at breakneck speed. We involuntarily scream and feel like we’re losing control. We get freaked out and want to jump. But that would be suicide! Oren, the hardest part of the ride is trusting the operator. God knows what’s best for your life. Just hang on and trust Him.”
“I do. But sometimes I wish the ride wasn’t so wild,” Oren said.

†

We can all identify with Oren. We’ve been on life’s roller coasters, where the rides have been some of the toughest lessons we’ve ever learned. Yet apart from these disappointments, we gain no appreciable experience, and our spiritual growth becomes stunted. Learning to lose gracefully pays dividends.
Coaster rides are difficult, frustrating, and sometimes even perilous.
But know this: God will never harm us. He wants to purpose our lives by leading us to the center of His will. Sometimes that means riding the coaster when it’s the last thing we want to do. Have faith! His Word assures us that He is trustworthy.
Would you risk a wild ride with God for His promise of great and mighty things?

Prayer

“Sometimes life scares me, Lord. I need reassurance. Take away my fear and replace it with the faith that knows You’re near. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Laughter-Filled Prayer

A cheerful heart is good medicine.
Proverbs 17:22

This group was a sampling of the community: pastors and their wives, church members from several different denominations, laymen and women alike. And everyone was welcome.
This group believed that corporate prayer with likeminded people was more important to their community than their inconsequential doctrinal differences. A testament to their commitment was that they had been meeting together for over eight years.
But there was something even more compelling at work that drew them together each Tuesday at noon; they loved each other with the love of the Father, and they laughed a lot, and not just the occasional chuckle or smile. These people knew how to laugh together. They had grown to love each other so deeply that it showed in the way they picked on one another. No one was exempt from spending time in the hot seat. And none of them seemed to mind.
They had learned to share their lives, the victories and defeats. This was a close-knit group. And the more they laughed, the more they loved. The more they loved, the closer they got. They spent time praising the Lord and lifting the needs of the community before the throne. They were dead serious when it came to what they felt God had called them to. But they were never far from the laughter.

†

It’s not a sin to laugh, even during prayer. Today’s text directs us to have a cheerful heart. It’s hard to imagine being any cheerier than when we’re laughing. God loves to hear us laugh. He is not affronted by, nor does He disapprove of, laughter-filled prayer.
When we come before the throne, we are to come in reverence. My dictionary defines reverence this way: “A feeling of awe and respect and often of love.” None of the three are out of line with laughter. When we laugh with our friends, it’s not an act of irreverence; it’s sharing our joy.
God wants to be our closest friend. Prayer is spending quality time with Someone we love. And although there are times to be somber as we approach His throne, God wants to share our laughter too.

Prayer

“Lord, You are the author of laughter. May you find me willing to share mine with you. Amen.”

Before We Speak

The tongue is also a fire.
James 3:6

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

†

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

Prayer

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

Check the Salt

But if the salt loses its saltiness … it is no longer good for anything.
Matthew 5:13

“Ahhhh!” Rebecca was infuriated. “When was the last time you put salt in the softener?” she hollered.
Instantly, Hank knew what had happened. Oh, no! Rust spots in the white clothes! Way to go, Hank! He derided himself for not checking the salt level in the softener recently. Actually, he wasn’t as concerned about the rust-spotted clothes as he was the grief his oversight created. The next week would be miserable; that was about how long it took Rebecca to forgive him.
Getting out of the chair, he headed to survey the damage that would certainly be referred to as his fault. He decided to sow a seed of goodwill, an olive branch of sorts. “Honey, I’m really sorry,” he said ahead of his arrival. “It just slipped my mind.”
As he entered the laundry room, he realized his apology had been a mistake. It was having little to no effect. “How bad is it?” he asked, making his second mistake.
Her answer had all the earmarks of a torch for his olive branch. “Not too bad … if you enjoy wearing orange underwear!” she said, holding a pair aloft. They were a mottled mess of reddish-brown and rusty white.
Realizing there was only one thing he could do, he said, “I’ll take care of it right now.” And with that, he sheepishly turned and headed to the basement to dump a couple bags of salt into the brine tank.

†

In the same way a constant source of salt is needed to condition rusty water, our spiritual lives need a constant filtering to keep unwanted impurities from soiling our spiritual being.
The level of salt must be maintained in a water conditioner, just as the intake of godly things in a Christian’s life must be maintained.
By reading God’s Word regularly and meeting on a regular basis with other Christians for encouragement and insight, we can stop the accumulation of unsavory buildups that cause us to lose our solid footing and effectiveness.
We must regularly check the level in our spiritual salt tank.

Prayer

“Thank You for Your Word that provides life-giving wisdom. Help me to be diligent in my actions concerning my Christian walk so others and I might benefit. Amen.”

Make Me Pure Again, Lord

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

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

†

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

Prayer

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

At the End of Each Day

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

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

†

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

Prayer

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

An Uncommon Servant

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

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

†

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

Prayer

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

Hmm …

Husbands, love your wives … and the wife must respect the husband.
Ephesians 5:25, 33

Most evenings found Mark and Tina reading. One would invariably come across something interesting enough to share, and would utter a soft “Hmm … ” It was an invitation to listen; it meant “I really want to share this with you! Are you interested?”
The Hmm hadn’t always been endearing. It had initially been viewed as an inconsiderate interruption. Yet over time, they grew fond of these moments of sharing. It promoted laughter, and strengthened their relationship. The “Hmm … ” had taught them to be considerate of each other; to place the other’s needs above their own. It became a tender, affectionate bonding that strengthened their marriage.
Their now positive response to the “Hmm … ” was a result of learning to be unselfish. They had discovered that their willingness to put the other first paid huge rewards in maturing their love. Over the years God used the “Hmm … ” to teach them the importance of validation through attentive listening.
So tonight, when Mark heard Tina’s soft, “Hmm … ” he grinned, inserted his bookmark, laid the book aside, and turning toward Tina with a knowing grin, said, “Okay, what?”
Tina, now the center of Mark’s world, smiled brightly, as if to say, “I knew you loved me,” and began to relate what had elicited her discreet interruption.

†

God made men and women different: women naturally love; men naturally respect. Doing the opposite does not come naturally; we must be taught.
If we want deep, long-lasting relationships, we will do as God commands in today’s text. Through submitting to God’s wisdom we learn the importance of honor above self.
When we begin to genuinely enjoy finding out what interests each other, instead of selfishly looking at these opportunities as inconsiderate interruptions, we grow and mature spiritually.
Our spouse is to be held in high esteem. When we dismiss their “Hmm … ” as insignificant they hear, “You do not matter to me right now. Please wait until I am no longer busy before you bother me again.”
1Corintians 13:4–7 says, “Love is patient, love is kind … it is not self-seeking … it always protects.” This then, is how we are to respond to each other’s “Hmm … ”

Prayer

“Help me place my spouse’s need for validation above my need for undisturbed peace. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Too Tired

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
Hebrews 12:1

As Trey rolled over, he was trying to decide whether to stay home or go church this morning. I don’t feel so good was his initial thought. The truth was he was just tired, and it would be easier to stay home.
Lying in bed, he remembered what had happened the last time he’d stayed home. “You missed an awesome service, honey!” Marla had told him. She’d come home all pumped up, sharing how the pastor had deviated from his original sermon.
He’d preached a powerful message on living for God, giving an alter call at the conclusion. “Bring all your needs to the Lord,” he’d urged. And they had. Three people had received Jesus Christ as their Savior; one woman had been healed of breast cancer, and two teens were set free from addiction! Trey had kicked himself for three days after missing out on the God encounter, as he’d labeled it.
Well, he thought, I’m not gonna kick myself again! And getting out of bed, he smiled, realizing he wasn’t all that tired anyway.

†

Tired isn’t a good reason to miss church; it’s an excuse; one Satan gives us to use to stay home. And church isn’t about showing up to fill a pew because it makes us look good. It’s about a relationship with Jesus Christ … our relationship.
Following Jesus isn’t always easy. It is necessary to discipline ourselves to push through and gain a new level in our relationship with Christ.
Satan fears our walk with God, and he’ll use something as simple as our weariness to derail that relationship. When he whispers, “You’re just too tired; it’s okay to stay in bed,” simply ask yourself, “If this were a football game, a movie, or some other social event I enjoy, would I go?
Tell Satan to go to hell; you don’t want his input and then throw off the covers and get moving in the right direction!

Prayer

“Help me not be lazy when it comes to our relationship, Lord. Help me to never allow myself to be too tired to join You in church. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Who’s Spirit Is Showing?

We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
1 Corinthians 2:12

It was like watching an aerial dogfight. As soon as one gained the upper hand, another attacked from a different quadrant of the sky. Hovering near their food source, little wings beating one thousand times a second, the hummingbirds defended their territory. Time and again they would hover over the feeder, dipping their beaks into the little yellow flower.
If alone, they would take the perch while eating. Whether they stayed there was determined by which of their neighbors showed up.
Catching them on film had become a challenge. Trying to capture their acrobatic antics had become as entertaining as reading or watching TV, even to the point of naming them.
Skinny had become our favorite. We found ourselves rooting for her, watching her fend off all comers. As her name would imply, she was of slender build, about half the size of most of the birds who visited our feeder. Yet she possessed a fierceness the others didn’t. Only one bird challenged her belief that she was boss—a ruby-throated male named Ralph. Yet even Ralph gave ground when Skinny pushed the fight.

†

Regrettably, the same traits displayed by these tiny, feathered helicopters are present in the church. We fight and bicker over denominational issues, proud that we have it all figured out! And in doing so, good-willed people place pride ahead of grace.
As much as I loved to watch Skinny triumph, I had to admit that she was selfish, narrow-minded, and domineering. She didn’t need to expend this negative energy. There was plenty of food if she would only share. But she couldn’t seem to put aside her domineering attitude. There was an incessant animosity that would not be denied.
We were given God’s Holy Spirit that we might learn to be gentle in grace, showing others a true reflection of Christ. Yet to our disgrace, there are times when there are no signs of His presence.

Prayer

“Lord, forgive my petty attitude. May You find me willing to overlook inconsequential differences and ready to build bridges instead of burning them. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Fully Awake

But when they became fully awake, they saw his glory.
Luke 9:32

Slowly, over a period of minutes, if not hours—I can’t honestly tell you which it was—awareness pushed its way to the surface. Understanding began to replace uncertainty. I was in the hospital and had just undergone major surgery, and the only reason I knew that was because that’s what my recovery nurse told me each time I awakened to ask, “Where am I?” Then back to sleep, wake up a while later, and do it all over again until I could finally fend off the weariness and apathy the anesthesia was causing. The same medication that helped me endure surgery conspired to rob me of coherent thought.
Years after the accident I still remember how thick the confusion was, trying to figure out where I was, why I was in this shape—whatever shape this was—and why I couldn’t maintain consciousness for more than a few seconds at a time.
When released from the hospital four days later, I was still suffering from the sluggish behavior brought on by the anesthesia. It was more than a week before I felt fully awake and in control of all my faculties, completely free of the effects of the drugs.

†

Scripture describes Peter, James, and John as “very sleepy” and that until they became “fully awake,” they could not see what was taking place. They had not noticed the transfiguration of Jesus, nor had they discovered the presence of Moses and Elijah! It wasn’t until the heaviness of sleep was washed away that events began to register.
What a perfect picture of the veil of deception Satan uses. Until we become fully awake to Jesus Christ, we cannot sense His glory or realize our potential for His kingdom. Satan wants to keep us asleep and constantly seeks to administer anesthesia through temptation. When we give into temptation, we become lethargic and apathetic to the cause of Christ. We must remain vigilant so we do not fall back to sleep, becoming indistinguishable from the world. We have a choice of whether to fight for complete awareness or be content to sleepwalk our way through life.

Prayer

“Awaken me fully, Lord, that I may be set free from the veil of spiritual slumber. Amen.”

Give Thanks

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

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

†

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

Prayer

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

Cleansed in Surrender

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

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

†

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

Prayer

“Help me, Lord! Amen.”

I Trust You

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

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

†

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

Prayer

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

A Great Follower

Come, follow me.
Matthew 4:19

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

†

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

Prayer

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

Outside the Boat

Come.
Matthew 14:29

Standing in water up to his chest, Shamar encouraged his young son to jump into his arms. Standing along the edge at the deep end of the pool, Jamal was having second thoughts. Looking down at the water, he was suddenly worried. The shallow end was one thing; this was completely different! “I don’t know, Daddy,” Jamal began. “It’s so deep. I’m afraid!”
“It’s okay, Jamal. To be afraid, I mean. I was scared the first time I jumped off the end of the dock into your grandpa’s arms at the pond on his farm. Grandpa understood my apprehension. He promised that he wouldn’t let anything bad happen to me and that he would not let me drown. And I won’t let anything bad happen either, buddy!” Shamar promised. “If you want to wait, it’s okay. But I’m sure you can handle it. Just make up your mind to do it and jump! Come on, Jamal. You can do it,” he encouraged.
You could see that Jamal had come to a decision. “Okay, Daddy. I trust you. Here goes!” he hollered. And with that, Jamal launched himself off the side of the pool and into a new level of faith.

†

Faith is grown experientially. We all face difficult decisions. Our response will be determined by our faith in Jesus. Peter is remembered more for sinking in doubt than for the steps he took outside the boat. Yet he was the only disciple with enough faith to try! He knew that when Jesus said, “Come,” things would be okay. He didn’t think to ask how many steps Jesus would ensure. He didn’t ask if his action would end in drowning. He simply stepped out of the boat.
Jesus is looking for those who would resolve in faith to discover how far they can walk with Him outside the boat. It’s easy to remain faithful with assurance all around. It’s another matter completely to take each step not knowing where our foot will land. Jesus bids us, “Come.”

Prayer

“Sometimes I’m afraid, Papa. Help me answer Your call with obedience built in faith. Cause my heart to be strong in those moments of decision. Reach for me as I step outside the boat. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Water Level

But Christ is faithful … and we are his house.
Hebrews 3:6

The new house had been delivered, and Dick had been given the job of building the piers upon which it would rest. As he loaded the truck, he noticed he was missing the one item he needed most. Not finding it in the shop, he called his boss. “Hey, Bob, do you know where the water level is?”
“The pieces are in the closet in my office,” he directed.
Retrieving the items used to construct the tool, Dick headed for the site to complete the setup. Arriving on site, he put together the pieces that made up the water level. Once set up, this unique tool gave Dick the perfect point of reference without having to run a line level or set up a transit.
Dick began building twenty-four piers made of eight-by-sixteen-inch cinder blocks, positioning two side by side, and cross-stacking them four high. Then, using solid oak lumber and shims to fine-tune each one, he completed the erection of each pier. Two hours after he’d begun, the crane lifted the first half of the house into position, setting it down on twelve of the piers without a hitch. An hour later, the second half was sitting beside the first. As soon as he completed the interior work and connected utilities, the family could move in.

†

A simple tool, yet extremely accurate, the water level provides a perfect point of reference to work by. The manufactured housing industry employs it because it is the most accurate tool available to ensure each pier is the exact same height. Without it, eventually the house would sag in the low spots and heave in the high spots, causing the interior walls to buckle. Doors would refuse to open or close, and the customer would become disgruntled.
Verse 4 of today’s text says, “For every house is built by someone … ” If we use anyone other than Jesus as the builder of our spiritual house, it will sag and buckle. Only by using Jesus as our true point of reference can we hope to rest on a secure foundation during the storms of life.

Prayer

“Lord, teach me to use Jesus as the foundation on which I live. Keep me from using substitute reference points that would lead to destruction. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Necessary Corrections

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

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

†

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

Prayer

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

That’ll Never Happen!

The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.
Proverbs 14:8

“It’s not a good idea, Granger,” Steve said adamantly. “Your parents said no parties. What happens when they find out?”
Eddie Granger looked at his friend with a pained expression, “You’re jokin’ … right?! Besides, that’ll never happen! They’re seventeen hundred miles away on some secluded beach. They never caught me before!” he bragged.
So Eddie planned what he hoped would be the party of the year. After nailing down the details, he sent a mass-text, inviting everyone he knew.
Later that evening, with the party in full swing, Eddie took stock of his surroundings. There was plenty of alcohol and even some pot making the rounds. He was pleased with himself. There must be well over two hundred people here! he thought to himself. I can’t believe Steve didn’t come! Oh well, his loss!
A short while later, while enjoying the fruits of his labor, Eddie noticed it had suddenly gotten quiet. This realization was followed immediately by a familiar voice asking, “Where’s my son?! Eddie?! Eddie! Where are you?!!!” his father hollered. Nooooo! What are they doing here?! They’re not supposed to be home until Sunday!

†

Eddie never figured on getting caught. He was so sure his parents wouldn’t find out. Never is a fool’s favorite word. It allows them to think only in terms of fulfilling insatiable desires and instant gratification, and keeps them from taking into account the possibility of undesirable consequences due to deceptive behavior.
Luke 12:2 says, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.” Our deception will be found out; if not immediately or publicly, then somewhere down the road. Our actions will not go unnoticed … or be inconsequential.
Sometimes it’s hard doing the right thing; that’s the nature of temptation. But doing what is right is always the best choice. When faced with tough choices we can either do as Eddie, eventually reaping destruction, or Steve, maintaining a clear conscience and avoiding unnecessary trouble. God expects us to put some thought into our actions.

Prayer

“Help me give thought to my ways, Lord. Guide my steps so I can avoid unnecessary and pain-filled consequences. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

High Anxiety

Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with … the anxieties of life.
Luke 21:34

Nothing seemed to faze Merrill. “How can this not frustrate you?!” Vera demanded, more than a little irritated with her husband. “We owe the government 2,402 dollars, and you act as though things will be fine and everything will work out just peachy! Just where do you think we’re going to get that kind of money on such short notice?”
“Vera, there’s no need to get so worked up when something comes along unexpectedly.” Merrill said quietly, trying to reason with his wife. “The world’s not coming to an end.”
“I can’t believe this doesn’t make you angry!” Vera was angry that Merrill was always able to take things in stride and remain calm, while she always stressed out over unforeseen events.
“Honey, right now, I’m not sure about this letter,” he said, rereading it. “But fretting about it won’t help. You know,” he paused, “as I think about it, I’m not so sure we owe them anything. I’ll call Barry and see what he thinks.” And with that, Merrill picked up the phone and dialed his tax attorney’s number. In less than five minutes Barry was able to ascertain that the IRS letter was in error. Vera’s anxiety had been all for nothing.

†

There are an innumerable amount of stressors in this world, most of which do not promote good health. Each one can induce a sense of instability, and anxiety; they can even release adrenaline into the bloodstream, causing our heart rate to accelerate!
Jesus suggests we learn to guard ourselves from unnecessary emotion; to remain alert to the things that matter, yet not become anxious over unanticipated events.
An apprehensive attitude leaves no room for peace or joy and hinders the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.
We can’t predict the future. However, we can control our response to those things which catch us by surprise. If this is something you struggle with, ask God to quiet your heart and give you an optimistic outlook.

Prayer

“Calm my heart, Lord. Help me learn to take things in stride and allow Your Spirit to work in my life. Cause me to sense when I am relinquishing control to the enemy so I can reclaim it. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Be Prepared

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

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

†

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

Prayer

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

Notes

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

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

†

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

Prayer

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

The Beginning of Healing

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

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

†

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

Prayer

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

All-Star

… A people belonging to God …
1 Peter 2:9

He was the premiere player in the league; his followers numbered in the tens of millions. A good man and role model, every kid wanted to be just like him; most adults wanted to get to know him. Every corporate group wanted him to endorse their product. And for good reason. His devoted followers bought everything he put his name on.
His business manager had needed to hire an assistant to help with the enormous number of calls asking for an appearance from this sports phenom. His life had become a series of scheduled appointments. But he didn’t mind; to him, it was part of his notoriety. He wanted to give back to the sport that had given him so much.
One night while walking through his old neighborhood, he was wounded in a drive-by shooting. His career was over.
When his sponsors found out he’d been partially paralyzed, his stock and appeal plummeted; the endorsements stopped coming.
Tragically, besides his sister, Sheena, only his closest friends stuck by him.
Sheena had always been there. Having kept him grounded in the fame, she continued to encourage him in this setback.
Slowly, with determination, he began to get better. As a Christian, the same inner strength that had served him in his sports career fueled his determination to rise above his so-called disability. He was, in fact, an all-star.

†

When the dust settles on our lives, what’s left is who we are. What each of us needs to know is that we belong to God. He has given each of us a unique gift, and we are expected to contribute to society. Just because we don’t excel in sports, have a net worth in the millions, or do something exciting does not negate our usefulness.
We may not picture ourselves as a tremendous success, but that does not exclude nor exempt us from being productive members of society. Whatever your disability, perceived or real, you are to make an impact on those you come in contact with. You belong to a God big enough to make you an all-star. It’s up to you to get in the game.

Prayer

“I want to feel like I make a difference, Lord. Change my perspective of who I am and use me to affect lives for Your kingdom. Amen.”

Wherever I’m At

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable … think about such things.
Philippians 4:8

Brenan bumped in to Myrt at the post office. “How ya doin’, Myrt?” he asked.
“Just marvelous, Brenan. The sun’s not so hot just now!” she responded, referencing them having been seated beside each other at a football game the evening before. Early September games were played under the waning summer sun. It could, and often did, get into the nineties. Yesterday evening had been one such occasion.
Myrt was one of the community’s long-term residents, having lived her entire life here. Brenan knew her to be cheery, with as positive an outlook as anyone he knew. He enjoyed bumping into her and spending time in conversation; she was well spoken, always upbeat, with constructive thought and an encouraging word for whomever she encountered.
As Brenan turned to leave, he said, “As always, Myrt, it was good to see you. Enjoy yourself today and have fun.”
“Wherever I’m at, I have fun, Brenan!” she responded with a laugh. As he left, Brenan recognized the truth in her comment. He smiled as he thought to himself, Yes, Myrt, life has never beaten you down. I have yet to hear you complain or speak negatively in all the years I’ve known you.

†

We have a choice in how we approach life, in how we portray ourselves to others, and our convictions are displayed in our attitude. We can, and do, display optimism or pessimism, hope, or hopelessness. Our outlook will help or hinder, encourage or discourage.

Unquestionably, people can read in our actions how we feel about matters we deem important or issues of consequence. So what are they hearing when our actions speak?
Though we should not allow what others think about us declare or define who we are, we should care that they have a brighter outlook upon leaving our presence.
Paul suggests we can do that by thinking about the right things. The axiom, “Garbage in, garbage out” is relevant ‘wherever I’m at’.

Prayer

“Lord, let the light that comes from me be an illuminating light and not a blinding one. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Nothing Is Something

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

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

†

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

Prayer

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

The Hope Of Our Righteousness

… according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.
Psalm 18:20

The Simmons and Crafton families both appeared successful in the eyes of the world, yet were diametrically opposed in beliefs.
The Simmons devoted their lives to God’s work. And God had blessed them financially.
Not because of their actions, but because of their hearts. They made mistakes, but their hearts were bent toward God; their lives began an ended in Christ.
The Craftons consistently ignored God’s invitations to know Him. They were goal-setters, doing their best to amass as much wealth as possible, so they could own as much stuff as they could. They drove the right cars, entertained the most influential guests at the biggest parties, and worked for the most prestigious firms in town. When the economy tanked, both families experienced financial loss of a magnitude most people could not comprehend.
The Craftons were devastated, crushed by the thought that they had lost everything. Mrs. Crafton fell into deep depression, and in the ensuing weeks lost all hope. Mr. Crafton committed suicide, leaving his family to fend for themselves. The Simmons, on the other hand, understood that God had and would provide for every need. Though they may endure hardship, nothing could shake their security and hope in Jesus Christ. This security prompted them to extend the hope they possessed to the Craftons in their time of tragedy.

†

Our belief, or disbelief in Jesus, and how we relate to Him, affects how we cope with the setbacks and tragedies we experience. Wealth and fame are fleeting. They will fade and fail in time. Yet a heart devoted to Jesus will stand the test of time. For God will forever take care of, and reward those who love Him.
In today’s text, David, who was not faultless, was not boasting in his own righteousness, but rather, was proclaiming his heart’s devotion to God, and God’s faithfulness. Romans 3:22 says, “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ.” Through Jesus Christ we can, like David, find hope in the righteousness of God.

Prayer

“Lord, our relationship is what matters most to me. Teach me to live by faith, trusting in Your provision. Help me be a good steward of all that You give me, that my ways will be righteous in Your eyes. Amen.”

By Invitation Only

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

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

†

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

Prayer

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

The Knife

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

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

†

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

Prayer

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

I Saw Jesus

When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.
Mark 16:11

Annie is a thirty-seven-year-old woman who, by the world’s standards, is mentally retarded and socially challenged. The morning’s conversation had been engaging, causing Brenda to recall a similar dialogue from last year when Annie had looked up from her pancakes and quite deliberately asked, “What color is Jesus?”
Brenda had cautiously asked, “Why?”
“Well, in the Jesus movies, He’s white. I think He’s black!” was Annie’s adamant response.
“Really? What makes you think Jesus is black?” had been Brenda’s curious response.
“I saw Jesus!” Annie had animatedly said. “His hair isn’t long either; it’s short and curly!” Brenda had explained to Annie that Jesus, being a Jew, would have darker skin, curly hair, and, more than likely, He had dark brown eyes.
This morning’s discussion gave Brenda a sudden inspiration; she prompted Annie, “I forget, Annie, when did you see Jesus?”
“ ‘member when I got my teeth pulled? I saw Jesus then. I wanted to go with Him, but He said it wasn’t time, and I had to come back.” Brenda remembered! Annie’s blood pressure had plummeted from the anesthesia during her dental surgery. The surgeon had been extremely concerned.
Annie’s recalling of last year’s event had been word for word! Had Annie actually seen Jesus?

†

Many people have related stories of Jesus appearing to them in a dream or vision; some claim to have seen Him in the flesh.
What causes us to struggle with Jesus appearing in the here and now? By and large, it’s because just like the disciples, we doubt until He appears to us!
Most of us won’t see Jesus face to face until the day He takes us home. It’s difficult for us to deal with Jesus showing Himself to others and not us. It’s an assault on our pride to allow someone else to see Him while we may not get to this side of heaven. And even though Scripture relates over forty days’ worth of Jesus appearing to some five hundred people following the resurrection, not everyone saw Him.
He asks most of us to believe in faith and accept the witness of those, like Annie, who have seen Him.

Prayer

“Lord, help my faith be strong enough to not only not discount other people’s claims of seeing You, but also to believe. Amen.”