Spiritually Fit

Train yourselves to be godly.
1 Timothy 4:7

“C’mon, B.J., let’s go!” Max’s less-than-enthusiastic wife was lagging a bit this morning. Just being awake at 6:00 a.m. was a sacrifice in her book! “I know it’s rough getting up so early, but it’s the only opportunity we have. Now, c’mon.”
They headed out into the cool morning air, stretched, and then jogged the mile to the health club. Once there, they stretched again, loosening up tight muscles from their run, and then began their respective workouts.
Fifteen minutes later, B.J. looked toward her husband and said with a sly smile, “You know, Max, I love how I feel when we get home; I just hate the work. I don’t so much mind the workout once I get started; I just don’t look forward to it.”
“I know,” Max responded. “But the reward has been huge. Look at you. You look great! And I’ve increased my bench press to 270 pounds in just three months. I feel stronger now than I did when I was twenty!”
They completed their workouts, jogged home, showered, and then headed for work.

†

Physical training can be unpleasant. Yet the rewards are tremendous. Exercising our body gives us strength we can draw upon each day.

Just as work in the gym may not be fondly anticipated, our daily mental preparation can be a challenge. Knowing what to do in response to the problems that arise requires educating ourselves ahead of time. Gaining additional wisdom should always be our goal.
Even more crucial is our spiritual fitness! It must be determinedly attended to; otherwise, we have little or no effect in the kingdom. Paul said he worked harder than everyone else so that he, by God’s grace, might do the work Christ called him to (1 Corinthians 15:10). His instruction in his first letter to Timothy was straightforward: it requires training to be godly! Paul’s words were also penned for us.
We are chosen and appointed to do good works (John 15:16). Only as a result of constant spiritual training can we expect to have the strength to perform the work as opportunities present themselves.

Prayer

“Lord, help me stay well established in Your Word. On days when I am lax, remind me of the training required to do good works. Pump me up spiritually! Amen.”

Marshmallows

… while we wait …
Titus 2:13

The Sunday school teacher placed one marshmallow in front of each of her ten students. “Please wait to eat your marshmallow until I say it’s all right. Once I give you permission, you are free to eat it. I must leave the room. If you wait to eat your marshmallow until I return, I will give you a second marshmallow. If you choose to eat it before I return, you will not receive a second one.” With that, she left the room.
Six of the children immediately grabbed and ate their marshmallow.
Three children sat patiently, hands in their laps, watching their peers enjoy the tasty treat.
As time passed, the wait showed on one little boy. Just as he grabbed his marshmallow, the teacher opened the door! The boy slowly placed it back on the table.
The teacher acknowledged the four children’s restraint. “You didn’t give in to a desire to eat your marshmallow.” Placing a second marshmallow in front of them, she continued, “Here is your reward for waiting.”
She then announced, “I must leave again. If both marshmallows are uneaten when I return, I will give you two more.” The kids who had eaten their marshmallow were visibly disappointed. “For those who ate their marshmallow, if you will remain seated and silent until I return, I will give you one more marshmallow.” With consequences versus reward fresh in their minds, the six remained quietly in their seats.

†

The temptation to eat our marshmallows is great. Without hesitation, many of us devour them without a second thought. The hope within the promise isn’t tangible enough to discipline our desires. But once we witness the reward of self-discipline, we gain new perspective, one that gives us hope.
“While we wait” is not a passive proclamation. It is an action-filled opportunity to bring ourselves under the control of Someone else in the hope of being rewarded with a life more like Christ’s, full of love, joy, and peace.
Watching someone else do it gives us hope. Our struggle gets easier as we experience the reward.

Prayer

“The temptation is great, Lord. I can’t do this on my own, I need Your help. Teach me to wait on Your reward. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Being Busy For Jesus!

and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.
1Corinthians 3:13

Tom and Galinda were exhausted. Misguidedly, they believed that laboring for the Lord was meant to be that way. “After all,” Tom was fond of saying, “the Bible says, ‘each will be rewarded according to his labor’ so the more we labor, the bigger the reward!” And with that mindset they went about being busy for Jesus! They had a plan and disciplined themselves to stick to it. Their satisfaction at the end of each day began to wane but they pushed on, knowing things would get better if they just stuck to their plan. After all, Jesus expected them to stay busy … didn’t He?
After ten years of non-stop being busy for Jesus, they felt more like underappreciated and underpaid employees than servants of the King. Serving had gone from a labor of love to hard labor. They couldn’t remember the last time they’d actually enjoyed what they were doing. To the best of their recollection it had been years. And weren’t they supposed to be compensated for their labor? Hadn’t God promise them an exciting life of service with reward? This certainly wasn’t rewarding! They had even forgone having children so they could commit more time to God’s work!
Disgruntled and disillusioned, they resigned as committee heads of every group they were involved in, and left the church.

†

God’s people are designed to serve Him with zeal and passion. Yet sadly, many equate busyness to quality of service. Spurred on by this mentality they set to work, not understanding that what they’re doing is not what God wants.
Failing to ask God what’s important to Him will lead to spiritual frustration and a sense of overwhelming disappointment. Many Christians live in perpetual turmoil, never understanding they are laboring in vain, and their works will be consumed by fire. They themselves will be saved, but their work will be consumed.
Being busy for Jesus isn’t God’s idea of service. If we make time each morning to ask for instruction we will remove a lot of stress from our lives, and our works will stand the fiery test.

Prayer

“Good morning, Lord. I want to do what You want me to do today. What would You have me do? Amen.”

The Chrysalis

Behold, I make all things new.
Revelation 21:5 (kjv)

Sitting alone in the woods, contemplating her life, Bryanna wondered how she could have slipped so far from the life she’d envisioned for herself as a child. Only now did she understand the destruction she’d caused and realize her inability to atone for her mistakes. “Lord, if You’re really here, now would be a good time to show Yourself,” she said aloud, thinking there was about a one in a billion chance of Him showing up.
But to her utter amazement, He appeared in the next moment. As she surveyed her surroundings, Bryanna noticed something hanging from the small limb of a nearby bush. Moving closer, she realized with wonder that she was looking at a chrysalis. A caterpillar had woven its cocoon recently, and had begun the metamorphosis to its current state. Now, a butterfly was fighting to emerge from its protection to begin a new life.
She knelt and watched as the struggle culminated with the butterfly’s emergence. It hung from its transitory dwelling, drying its wings in the brilliant sunlight. Then it flew away. As she watched it light on flower after flower, she heard God whisper, “You too can begin a new life, Bryanna. It will require a bit of struggle, but the change can be as dramatic as this insect’s you just witnessed. Would you trust Me to make things new?”

†

How sweet is the knowledge that God makes things new each time we bring our pitfalls to His throne, laying them before Him, asking forgiveness! And how many times have we, like Bryanna, made a mess of things, only to seek God’s intervention? It is beyond human comprehension how God can forgive the vile things we have done and then forget them. But He does, and He will. And the life we are able to live following repentance is a life unmarred by past sin.
Today’s text speaks of God’s loving mercy. It is powerful enough to recreate our lives, making us brand new. But only if we accept His Son as our Savior and come asking forgiveness. If we do this, He promises we will be changed!

Prayer

“Lord, change me from who I am today. Transform my life and make me new. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Bitter Rivals

A brother offended is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bared gates of a citadel.
Proverbs 18:19

Bruce and Mitch were always trying to outdo each other. In childhood the twins had competed with and against each other in everything. But their high school years saw an unhealthy change take place. Each competition became more intense. Their motives shifted noticeably. They became driven by a passion to not only be the best, but to inflict emotional injury, making the other look bad in the process.
Mitch and Kara had been dating for several months, becoming high school sweethearts. Then Bruce stole her away. He dated her for less than a week and dumped her. It was evident he’d only done it to see if he could; it didn’t matter that Mitch was devastated and Kara was humiliated.
Mitch never forgot. He vowed he would never finish second to Bruce again. As the years passed, their sibling rivalry turned into a ‘king of the hill’ showdown; any semblance of decency was thrown out the window. Each set out to purposely sabotage anything the other became involved in. Eventually nobody wanted anything to do with either of them—in business or personally. In the end, they lived sheltered lives behind gated homes, rarely venturing out so as not to give the other a target.

†

Competition is meant to teach us to excel in life. It is part of our training in learning how to humbly win and graciously lose. Winning teaches us to succeed; losing teaches us to be compassionate—both teach us to be tolerant with wisdom that is more understanding.
Once we learn how to properly do both, we are meant to put this knowledge to use in beneficial ways. Sibling rivalry is supposed to be where we safely learn to navigate both.
Unfortunately, there are those whose only goal in life is to rise to the top with a total disregard for others.
God gives us certain strengths so that we might assist others in their struggles, and it doesn’t matter if it’s a simple backyard ball game or a position with the biggest firm in the country.

Prayer

“Help me put competition in the right perspective, Lord. Teach me to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Amen.”

The Picture On The Box

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord …
Jeremiah 29:11

Brad and Sharon loved jigsaw puzzles. However, this one was going to be a challenge. Brad had purchased what he thought was a wonderful acquisition. He’d picked up a five-thousand piece puzzle at a yard sale. The $1 dollar catch was that there was no box; only the puzzle in a cellophane bag.
He smiled as he handed his wife the puzzle.
Seeing the bag, Sharon asked, “Where’s the box?” The look on Brad’s face told her all she needed to know. “I can’t believe you bought a puzzle without the box! You know how crucial the picture is to figuring out which piece goes where. How do you propose we assemble this puzzle without it?”
Brad, having prepared for her reaction on the way home, argued, “I’ve already got that all figured out,” he said proudly. “We’ll lay the pieces out, face up, set the border by the straight edges, then assemble pieces with the same colors, and so on; we’ll figure it out. C’mon. It’ll be fun!”
Shaking her head in mock annoyance, Sharon answered with a disclaimer, “Only if you promise me you won’t buy any more puzzles without the box.”

†

In the natural, we view our lives in terms of a jigsaw puzzle; we see innumerable events that have no apparent connection, and the sum of all the parts is still undefined. Yet, we hope that someday it will portray a beautiful and complete picture.
And as in today’s story, we sometimes blindly proceed, doing the best we can in view of what we have to work with, sorting through the pieces, trying to find the ones that fit. Sometimes they fall easily into place; other times, due to a lack of spiritual perspective, we jam mismatched pieces together in our attempt to make them fit.
Don’t become discouraged. Instead, relax in the knowledge that God sees us with Spiritual eyes. He knows what the picture on the box is supposed to look like.
If we yield the pieces of our lives to His care, He can, and promises to take each one and make them interlock perfectly.

Prayer

“Take the pieces of my life, Lord, and make them into something beautiful. Amen.”

On this Memorial Day, We pay tribute to those who have given their lives, their all, in service to this Great Nation. Today, May 25th, 2020, let us remember their sacrifices...

Lone Survivor

The story of those who gave their all*

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who’s to Blame?

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.
Colossians 3:13

He set the VCR on record and went back to reading. He knew she hadn’t seen this episode. They could watch it together when she got home.
Returning home, his wife noticed the VCR on record and asked in apprehension, “What tape are you using?” Instantly he knew what he’d done! The look on his face said what he couldn’t voice. “Nooooo!” she cried in anguish.
They’d been watching home videos of their children that morning—precious times and events they had cherished for over twenty years—and now they were gone.
Recorded over them was a meaningless TV show, and there was nothing either of them could do about it.
For the next few hours they lived under the weight of his mistake, silently blaming themselves and each other for the destruction of the tape—she feeling anger and frustration because she’d told him not to worry about recording this show; he because she left the tape in the VCR after they had finished watching it; both because they should have removed the tab present on all VHS tapes to prevent this very thing from happening. Both were responsible, each could place blame, but both chose to forgive.

†

If we look to place blame, we will find opportunity. Each of us has at one time or another displayed glaring shortcomings.
What happens following gut-wrenching disappointment at the hands of another is determined by whether we choose to place blame or forgive. Each time we face difficulties such as this, we are given a choice: do we ask God to give us the grace to overcome the temptation to blame or allow our irritation to foster bitterness?
There will always be someone to blame. Yet, who’s to blame is not as important as who loses when we blame. The act of blaming sets us up as judge and jury. The act of forgiveness sets us free of the heaviness and sorrow. We reap what we sow. Which would you rather experience? Blame or forgiveness?

Prayer

“Set me free of blame, Lord. I know I’ve made mistakes and been forgiven. Help me extend that same grace to others. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Fleece

If there is dew on the fleece … then I will know.
Judges 6:37

What they were doing looked like foolishness to those who didn’t understand spiritual matters. Yet that hadn’t stopped their work. And they were ninety-nine percent sure that God wanted them to continue their ministry. But wanting to be completely sure, they decided to put out a fleece. It had worked for Gideon. “Okay, Lord. You’ve led us this far. You even revealed the person we are to pray about. We haven’t seen him in months. If You want us to continue what we’re doing, cause this man to come back into our lives by the end of the week.” With that, they went back to the work of their ministry.
The fleece had been laid out on Monday. It was now Saturday morning. To this point, the man was a no-show. Time was running short, yet they continued to watch in faith.
As it happened, there was an annual festival being held that day in their small town, just a few vendors selling their wares, a country band for entertainment, and a small car show. They enjoyed the beautiful day, holding hands as they walked and talked with friends and family. Just as they were about to leave, a man appeared from the crowd; he waved and walked toward them. The man in their fleece!
God had provided unmistakable evidence that He intended them to continue in what they were doing. God had responded, and it had settled the matter for them.

†

Not all our petitions receive this obvious an answer. Most of the time, we must interpret God’s response through His Word, circumstances, continual prayer, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Yet sometimes God removes all doubt.
God is not too big to be asked the difficult questions, nor too small to deliver an appropriate answer. What He wants more than anything is for us to ask. God wasn’t put off by Gideon’s fleece, not even the second time he asked. It was God’s opportunity to reveal His nature to Gideon. He wants to do the same with us.

Prayer

“Help me step outside the natural into a supernatural spiritual life, Lord. Cause me to disregard the distractions and remain focused on You. Amen.”

I Didn’t Tell You to Do That

Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Romans 12:2b

Austin knew God was speaking directly to him as the pastor said, “Sometimes we cry out to God and ask, ‘What’s going on, Lord? Things are so screwed up. I don’t understand it. What happened?’ To which God replies, ‘You weren’t listening. I didn’t tell you to do that.’”
Austin silently said, “You didn’t say no when I asked, Lord.”
God’s response was immediate. “I didn’t say no. But I didn’t say yes either. I didn’t tell you to do what you did.” Then he felt God say, “What you did wasn’t sin; it just wasn’t what I told you to do. I gave you specific instructions. You chose to do something else. Your actions delayed My plan but did not stop it.”
And in that moment, Austin’s frustration over a recent situation became clear. He hadn’t been able to figure out why God wasn’t providing in the way he thought He should. Now he knew why.
Austin silently repented of his action and committed to doing what God had instructed him to do before. He was still learning to listen to God. It seemed like listening would forever be an ongoing lesson.

†

Austin hadn’t heard the audible voice of God, but it was as close as it got! He knew the Holy Spirit was relating God’s thoughts to him. Austin had spent time learning to interpret God’s voice by spending time with God. He’d speak (pray), then listen for God’s response (meditate).
God speaks to us through His Word; prayer; His Spirit; His people, and our circumstances. Each is specific, and each requires time learning to interpret. But Paul says we can figure it out.
Listening for God to speak is a discipline that requires our attention and silence. We can’t hear God’s answer if we’re doing all the talking.
Start at the beginning. Pick up His Word and prayerfully read it a little at a time.
Once we learn to speak the language, we will make better-informed decisions with less of a chance of hearing, “I didn’t tell you to do that.”

Prayer

“Help me listen for Your voice, Lord. Then help me follow in faith. Amen.”

Momentarily Distracted

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus … so that you will not grow weary.
Hebrews 12:2,3

It was the state track and field championships, and James was confident. He’d cruised to victory in his qualifier and didn’t expect any serious competition in this event.
He’d trained hard for the one-hundred-meter hurdles, spending several hours each day perfecting his technique. He could soar over all ten hurdles, clearing them by no more than an inch. It was all in the snap and lean.
“Take your mark, set … ” Pow! The starter’s pistol sounded.
James got a good start and quickly took the lead. Snap the leg, stretch for the next hurdle, stride, he repeated to himself.
As he approached the final hurdle, James’ lead had increased to ten meters over his nearest competitor. Glancing left and right to see where everyone else was, James’s focus was momentarily distracted—just long enough for him to mistime the last hurdle.
Striking the top of the hurdle with his lead foot, James stumbled and fell headlong onto the track.
What had appeared to be a state title turned into devastating disappointment.
As he lay there regaining his senses, James realized he’d struck the hurdle because he’d waited too long to look back. That split second of distraction had caused him to misjudge the distance; it had cost him the race.

hh

It only takes one brief moment to become distracted. The pride of self-sufficiency can take our eyes off our intended target. In doing so, even for a moment, we can miss the mark, become disoriented, and possibly lose the race.
Distraction is one of Satan’s most frequently used weapons. “Hey, over here,” he whispers. And we unwisely give credit to a defeated enemy, looking away from Jesus for a glimpse at the world.
It’s hard to remain constantly focused on Christ, not giving rent to the devil.
That’s why the author of Hebrews was so adamant about fixing our eyes on Jesus, not just casually glancing His way once in a while.
There will always be hurdles in life, and we must have single-minded purpose if we are to clear them safely.

Prayer

“I tend to lose sight of You from time to time, Lord. Help me fix my sight on You alone. Amen

The Kid and the Camaro

Feed my sheep.
John 21:17

“No way! You serious?” Benjy asked.
Kyle, his older brother, had just handed him the keys to his 1968 Z28 Camaro.
Kyle looked him straight in the eye and said, “It was always gonna be yours, kid. Just ‘cause you made a mistake didn’t mean I wasn’t gonna follow through on my promise. Just don’t do anything stupid, okay?”
Kyle was referring to a night six months ago when he was still in Afghanistan. Benjy had snuck the Camaro out for a joyride and had gotten stopped for speeding. His dad had made him write Kyle a letter explaining the incident. Benjy figured Kyle would be so angry that he wouldn’t follow through on his promise to give him the car when he turned eighteen.
But Kyle understood. He’d made mistakes. Looking at the excitement on his little brother’s face, Kyle had to smile. All the times he and Benjy had shared working on the car before he’d shipped out on this last tour of duty had provided precious memories while he was away. Benjy had spent more hours washing and waxing the Z than Kyle had!
He pulled Benjy’s letter from his pocket and handed it to him. “Don’t forget, but don’t let it define your future.” A look of sorrow replaced the excitement on Benjy’s face momentarily; true remorse showed he was sorry for his impulsive action.

†

Has Jesus ever reinstated you? Has He taken you back to something or someplace you have abused and given it back?
Restoring is what Jesus does. He isn’t looking to break our will, just bend it in the right direction.
Peter’s heart was right. He’d just demonstrated a streak of impetuousness that needed eradicated.
We’ve all done things that we shouldn’t have—some of them pretty serious, some of them harmful. But that’s what is so amazing about the grace of God. It cannot be outrun! It’s always there, waiting for us to fulfill our mission, waiting to restore us to a place of healing, where our impulsiveness is turned into kingdom purpose.
As in Peter’s case, he’d made mistakes. But Jesus didn’t allow it to define his future.

Prayer

“Thank You for that grace that never stops pursuing me, Lord. Help me redefine my future. Amen.”

The Tenement

Take care of my sheep.
John 21:16

Jim and Char sold their Colorado ranch and used the money to purchase a rundown Colorado Springs tenement. They immediately began renovation, believing God had led them to this decision.
Over the next seven months they experienced times when they wondered how things would work out, but they never questioned that it would. Several times the project seemed doomed to delay, only to see miraculous things bring them back on schedule. Eight months to the day they’d sold their ranch, they opened the homeless shelter.
Char hired workers and interviewed volunteers between cooking and cleaning. Jim spent his days calling and visiting local businesses and churches asking for donations. His evenings were spent doing structural maintenance and whatever else needed done.
By the end of the first month, they were feeding and housing twenty-seven men and women. Both Jim and Char fell into bed exhausted at the end of each day. Feeding cattle and horses on the ranch had been rough work that had yielded a sense of accomplishment. Yet, it couldn’t touch meeting the needs of God’s flock!

†

God isn’t going to ask most of us to sell our homes and take on such a daunting task. But we are all capable of feeding God’s sheep, and He expects us to do our part. Learning what our responsibility is requires thought and effort.
Not all of God’s sheep are starving from a lack of physical nourishment or a lack of housing. Many need nourishment of another kind. Some of our elderly need rides to the store and help with their shopping. Broken families need a compassionate ear and wisdom in how to handle specific situations; their children need a mentor that may no longer be in the home.
Most of us fit in the category of going to work every day to provide the service we were hired for. A smile from behind the counter can do more for the person who needs to see it than all the money in the world.
Nourishment comes in a variety of packages. Discovering what someone needs requires us to be discerning, looking for signs.

Prayer

“Give me discernment, Lord. Show me who needs my help today. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Violets

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5:5

They each held a fist full of violets as they rode the thirty minutes to see Gramma in the nursing home. They were so proud of picking them—one or two at a time—from the blanket of little flowers covering the plush grass under the grape arbor.
The sisters had picked until they had what amounted to two brilliant bouquets of blue, purple, and white love! With smiles that matched the joy in their heart and climbing on stools to be seen, they held them at arms length and announced, “Here!” Gramma, who’d had a stroke recently, managed a smile. Delighted Gramma had liked their present, the little girls jumped from their stools and ran from the room, heading for their next encounter with life.
Shaking their heads and smiling, Mom and Dad watched as the girls flew out the door. They continued to sit at Gramma’s bedside, marveling at the vitality of life. In two, it was increasing; in one, it declined, and through it all, the love remained alive, attentive, and selfless. As a tear slipped from Mom’s cheek to the collar of her dress, she thanked God for creating flowers so little girls could use them to say, “I love you!”

†

The cycle of life retains a hope for the future. In each little kindness, we reflect the love of God that His Spirit produces in us. As we grow older, we become more sensitive to His leading and to the gifts He gives us along life’s journey.
As flowers bloom in season, we too develop into something beautiful as we draw nearer to God. We are blessed with special moments and memories that construct the substance of life. In those memories lies hope for the future.

Prayer

“Father of love, thank You for giving me relationships that cause my heart to soar and tumble with the events of life. May hope be seen in my life as I do my best to reflect the presence of Your Holy Spirit. Forgive me when it doesn’t and help me adjust my attitude. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Quiet Words

The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
Ecclesiastes 9:17

Janet liked Reed. He was one of the most intelligent and engaging people she knew. However, because of his intellect, Reed sometimes engaged in the wrong thing at the wrong time. Reed had the potential to rub you the wrong way because he tended not to recognize or care when he was stepping on toes.
This evening’s event was becoming one such occasion … ”No, Sir, you are wrong!” Reed adamantly asserted.
Janet, hearing the annoyance in Reed’s voice, hurried over, grabbed him by the arm, and politely excused them. Once clear of the room, she asked, “What do you think you’re going to accomplish arguing with the senator?”
“I want him to admit the truth about partial-birth abortion!” he said in defense of his actions. “He spun his stand on mass murder of the unborn, sighting errant statistics slanted to meet his liberal agenda!” Reed said malignantly. “I was setting him straight!”
Janet measured her response. “Look, Reed. We agree abortion is wrong; and partial-birth is especially vile. But this event is neither the time nor the place to confront the senator. If you want to debate the issue, call his office and set an appointment.” Janet felt for Reed. His stand was one she shared. But he lacked the wisdom to temper his words. Hoping he would hear the wisdom in her words, she added, “Demeaning him in public won’t change his heart, Reed.”
“Perhaps,” Reed conceded. “But wrong is wrong … no matter how you spin it.”

†

Reed may have meant well but his actions were misdirected and inappropriate.
Colossians 4:5–6 says we should be wise and full of grace when dealing with unbelievers. The wise seek instruction from God, through His Holy Spirit, before debating matters of importance; be it abortion, or otherwise.
Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit allows God the opportunity to temper our words with grace, and opens our heart to His leading so our words plant seeds of truth, not enmity.

Prayer

“Teach me wisdom, Lord. Help me to know and present Your truth quietly in love. Amen.”

Blocks

You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house.
1 Peter 2:5

John’s mind was filled with questions. He’d received a call from his mother saying she had something to give to him. He, his wife, Marilyn, and their granddaughter were on their way there now.
As John walked into the foyer of the old farmhouse he grew up in, he spotted a long-forgotten metal ammunition case painted with tan porch enamel sitting on the side table. A deep chuckle escaped him as the distant past came rushing into the present.
Opening the lid, John pulled out a wooden building block. He was transported sixty years into the past when he’d last held these building blocks; back to the days spent on the sewing room floor building some of the most world-changing architecture. The older he got, the more intricate the structures became. What began as three blocks stacked upon each other had evolved into foundations for shopping centers, skyscrapers, and train stations.
Tinker toys, Lincoln Logs, and of course, these beloved wooden blocks had occupied much of his time during the long winter months. A sense of nostalgia, accompanied with emotion, surprised John. He thought of how he’d learned about building a life by playing with these simple blocks. “You had to lay a good foundation in order to raise a strong structure.” He smiled as he turned and handed the block to his granddaughter, letting her get the feel of it.

†

It is impossible to build anything of substance without a solid foundation. John remembered the lessons from his childhood well; how he’d always made sure the bottom row of blocks were set just right before building higher. This had become true of his spiritual life. And his foundation remained solid.
If we are to grow and become the person God intends to use in His kingdom, we must first build our lives on the chief cornerstone … Jesus.
Peter emphasized the need to crave spiritual milk that we might grow up. And grow up we will. Our stability will be determined by the nutrition we ingest and the foundation upon which we stand. It is imperative to be nourished correctly, and only on Christ will we stand against the storms of life.

Prayer

“On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand! Amen.”

Who Says?

For when you eat of it you will surely die.
Genesis 2:17

The boys had been friends since Carp’s family had moved in beside Benny’s. Growing up together in a small-town subdivision, they shared troubles and triumphs, bumps and bruises. For six years they’d been exploring life together; today they were in the woods that bordered their backyards.
“If you eat that thing, you’re gonna get sick,” Carp said.
“Who says? It’s only a stupid mushroom, Carp,” Benny fearlessly replied as he popped the pinkish-looking mushroom in his mouth and began chewing. “See, I told you. Harmless. Here, try one,” he dared.
“No way! My dad said to leave the pink-colored mushrooms alone. He said they’d make me really sick, maybe even kill me.” No sooner had Carp made his declaration than Benny got a funny look on his face and started choking.
“My lips and tongue are getting numb. Help me, Carp. I’m gonna die!” he blurted out in fear.
“Spit it out! Spit it out! C’mon, we gotta get you home quick!” Carp said, grabbing his friend’s arm and slinging it over his shoulder.
Fifteen minutes and two shots later, a scared and remorseful Benny was loaded onto a stretcher, an IV in his small arm to offset the anaphylactic shock he was experiencing.

†

Carp and Benny represent two general mindsets within society. One believes what they are told and follows the rules set before them; the other must figure it out for themselves. Many of us fall into the latter, causing ourselves and those we love a multitude of problems.
There is within us an incessant need to discover, lay claim to, and control the issues of life. God created us to go forth; but in some areas, such as today’s example and text, we are forbidden to proceed. One step across the line can result in death, physically and/or spiritually. Who says? God says!
We are given free will. His Spirit tells our spirit which things are off limits. Even in our mistakes, His grace will chase us to the ends of the earth. He leaves it up to us to respond.

Prayer

“My independent mind-set leads me to places I shouldn’t go, Lord. Please help me rein in that insatiable desire to explore places that are off limits. Amen.”

The Greatest Treasure of All

When a man found it, he hid it again … and sold all he had and bought that field.
Matthew 13:44

Chris turned off the trail and struck out in a more direct line toward home. He’d never been through this part of the forest, but he was tired and wanted to get home. As he ventured on, he recalled stories from childhood his father had told about people getting lost in this part of the woods.
Pressing on, Chris came upon an old stone foundation. It appeared to have been a large structure in its day. His weariness momentarily forgotten, Chris decided to investigate.
Walking the foundation’s perimeter, Chris discovered the entrance to an old cellar. It appeared to have been covered by dirt and weeds until recently when the rotting wood had given way, sagging into the stairway and revealing the cellar’s existence.
Pulling a flashlight from his pack, he carefully descended the rickety steps.
Chris stood in shocked awe. The beam illuminated shelves lining all four walls. On those shelves were crates of paintings, firearms, stacks of Confederate money, and silver tea sets.
“Someone’s Civil War plunder!” he said in hushed amazement.
Determining to keep this a secret, Chris gently placed the old door back in place and sifted dirt over it. He would find out who owned this property and do whatever was necessary to purchase it!

†

Like the man in today’s parable, Chris had to sell everything he owned to purchase his hidden treasure; his investment was but a fraction of the return.
Chris was quite fortunate; he hadn’t set out looking for treasure, only a quicker way home. He could have continued on in his haste; instead he chose to investigate. The cellar door could have remained covered, or the cellar could have been empty. But they weren’t, and a great treasure was discovered!
God’s Word reveals the greatest treasure of all: salvation with eternal life!
God’s desire is that we would stop along life’s journey, investigate the treasure’s value, and then decide for ourselves if the return is worth the investment.

Prayer

“Lord, lead me into my inheritance. Reveal its value to my heart that I would seek nothing more and settle for nothing less. Amen.”

Finders Keepers?

Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8

As he exited the parking garage, Leon noticed a moneybag lying on the sidewalk. It was from the bank up the block. Looking inside, he couldn’t believe his eyes. “There must be ten thousand dollars in here!” Looking around, Leon closed the bag and stood there, contemplating his circumstances. He knew the right thing to do was return it to the bank. Yet there came a quiet whisper. “Just take it back to your car. Stick it in the trunk. Nobody will ever know; finders keepers, right?”
Leon didn’t know so many thoughts could occupy his mind at the same time.
Then, one thought surfaced to quiet all the others. “It’s not yours.”
He started toward the bank. “To keep it would be stealing. Even if I didn’t get caught, I’d have to cover this up for the rest of my life. Nothing is worth that.”
Leon noticed the TV news crew as he entered the bank. There stood a cameraman, tape rolling, while the reporter walked toward him, microphone in her hand, “Excuse me, sir. We’re doing a special on honesty. We planted that bag on the sidewalk to see how people respond to finding the money. Would it be all right if I asked you some questions?” At that moment, Leon was never so glad to be a man of integrity.

†

Satan is no respecter of men. His only desire is to devour as many people as he can. He consistently leads people into a life of moral and spiritual debauchery because his lies are so cunning.
Have you ever watched a cat sneak up on a mouse? It does not announce its intentions. The mouse never knows it was being stalked until it’s too late.
In the same way, Satan counts on our not recognizing the package until we’ve opened it and it’s too late. He’s banking on our inability to see past the wrapping paper.
Life is full of difficult choices. We will draw our conclusions from the well in which we hold our beliefs. We should examine those beliefs prior to the attack.

Prayer

“Show me when the devil is about to attack, Lord. Don’t let me fall for his schemes. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Lies

You belong to your father, the devil … for he is a liar and the father of lies.
John 8:44, 45

Larissa stood on the edge of the diving platform, asking herself, “Why did I lie?”
She had boasted to several girls at her new school that she could perform a one-and-one-half somersault off the ten-meter platform, the highest in the school’s aquatic center. Larissa had no idea that two of the girls in the group were on the school’s diving team.
To her surprise—and horror—they had asked for a demonstration. They thought it was great that the new girl was a proficient diver!
Well, she had boasted, and now it was either admit to the lie in shame or jump off the platform, revealing her inability to deliver on her claim.
Larissa decided she would rather jump and fail than admit she had lied. So, knees shaking violently, she threw herself off the platform, plunging to the water below. She managed to complete the first rotation of the somersault, but did not enter the water head first, as intended. Instead, Larissa landed on her stomach in what was commonly known as a belly flop.
Shaken, Larissa climbed from the pool to hear one of the girls declare, “I kinda figured you were lying; I can’t believe you went through with it.”
Ashamed, Larissa said, “I’m sorry I lied. I just wanted you to like me.”

†

In every case, lying is wrong and will only cause negative consequences. Once begun, another lie is usually perpetrated to prop up the first. Soon we find ourselves forgetting what we told to whom. So we continue to lie, building a precarious tower of lies, living in constant fear of being found out. And eventually all the props come crashing down.
As in Larissa’s case, Satan always fathers the first lie. He told Larissa that she would be rejected unless she lied about herself. Larissa desperate desire to be accepted by her new classmates became the vessel by which Satan tempted her. And by giving in to the temptation, Larissa painted herself into a corner and was caught in her lie.
Jesus says that when we lie, we belong to the devil. So the question is, “Do I care who I’m being used by?”

Prayer

“Lord, You are the truth. Lead my heart, my mind, and my mouth to always speak the truth. Amen.”

Voice Recognition

And his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
John 10:4

“Hello?” Marvin greeted as he answered the phone.
“Hey, Marv! Been a while, man! How you doin’?” came the voice from the other end of the line.
“I’m doing fine; how about you?” Marvin responded, his mind trying to link the voice to an identity. Whoever this was, he expected Marvin to know him without introduction, even though it had been a long time since they’d spoken.
Marvin knew he should know who this was; the man’s voice was so familiar. He knew he’d heard it many times. Yet, try as he might, recognition wasn’t coming.
As the conversation progressed, Marvin tried to steer it in such a way that the caller would reveal something that would give away his identity.
Then, as in answer to his silent prayer, the caller said, “You remember when Buster and I had to carry you home after you stepped on the limb of that thorn tree? Man, that thorn musta been three inches long and half of it stickin’ through your sneaker and into your heel! I still remember you tryin’ not to cry. Lord, how that must have hurt!”
Instant recognition! It was Danny!
Without hesitation, Marvin responded, “I was cutting a way through that mess when you pushed me into it, Danny! You shoulda carried me back by yourself!” They both broke into laughter, Marvin thankful his childhood friend hadn’t seemed to notice his lack of voice recognition.

†

For us to recognize someone’s voice, we must have some history, a bond that connects our lives. In recalling one memorable event, Danny brought immediate recognition of who he was.
In the same way, once Jesus becomes our Savior, His Spirit makes a connection that relates to our spirit. Early in our relationship when He calls to us, the Holy Spirit reminds us of the day we became God’s child.
As we grow into a deeper relationship, we learn to recognize His voice a little sooner.
Today’s text speaks of a time when we will know the Shepherd’s voice. The more we share our lives with Jesus, the easier it becomes to recognize His voice.

Prayer

“Lead me into a deeper, voice-recognizing relationship, Lord. In Your Name I pray, amen.”

Ill Conceived

After desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
James 1:15

He wasn’t thinking logically. As a matter of fact, Mason hadn’t had a rational thought in three days. “If I can just get a couple thousand more, I can turn this thing around.” He’d maxed out three credit cards, taken out a signature loan yesterday, and now there was no money in his children’s college accounts.
Driving to the nearest check exchange, Mason wrote a predated check, knowing he could never hope to cover it, and took the five hundred dollars cash the teller handed him. After repeating this process at three other check cashing establishments, he headed back to the casino. He returned to the same table, believing his luck had to change.
Two hours later, Mason watched the dealer drag away the last of his chips and stack them on the house tray.
“Oh, God. What have I done?” he said just above a whisper. “It wasn’t supposed to turn out like this! I was supposed to win.” Looking at the dealer he asked, “What do I do now? I’ve lost everything.”
“I’m sorry, sir,” the dealer replied. “Sometimes you get the beast, and sometimes the beast gets you.”

†

When we allow ourselves to be led into ill-conceived plans without counting the cost of our consequences ahead of time, we usually find ourselves sitting among the ruins of our lives and the lives of those who depend on us. The beast doesn’t care.
Sin is like that; it comes wrapped in the appearance of something wonderful, promising us everything we desire. Without spiritual discipline, we will be led astray. The initial thought comes; it looks so easy. If we give the thought room, sin has been conceived. If not dealt with immediately, it has the potential to lead us away from rational thinking into a full-blown craving that leads to death.
Paul said, “‘Everything is permissible’—but not everything is beneficial” (1 Corinthians 10:23).
To those who know the beast firsthand, there is help. Whether it’s gambling, alcohol, drugs, pornography, lying, cheating, or stealing, tell someone; reach out. When you do, you’ll find that Jesus has been reaching out for you.

Prayer

“Help me, Lord. Help me do what’s right. Amen."

From Deep Inside

They will sparkle … like jewels in a crown.
Zechariah 9:16

As he studied the stone through his magnifying monocle, the jeweler could see that this last facet needed only a bit more polishing to make it perfect. Placing the stone jig against the polishing wheel and adding just the right pressure, he proceeded to remove the final flaw from the gem.
“There, that is enough!” he whispered breathlessly. Raising the stone so he could examine it once more, he found it exquisite. “The king deserves only the best!”
If the jeweler found it acceptable, the king would be thrilled! And so he should be, for the jeweler had spent many hours cutting this diamond. He had chosen just the right stone for clarity and color. “This stone’s brilliance shall be unmatched.”
The master jeweler took great pride in producing only the highest quality gemstones for those who could afford his services. He knew that not all diamonds were clear or white. Many were imbued with translucent, clear-as-glass colors, making them even more precious than white diamonds. This stone, chosen from one of the king’s own mines, was a deep blue, its worth beyond measure. There wasn’t another stone like this anywhere. “Perfect! It shines from its depths!”

†

Gemstones are formed under great pressure. Many centuries of compression are necessary to turn coal and other porous rock into hardened, gem-quality diamonds, rubies, or emeralds.
The same is true of our Christian walk. We are subjected to the extreme pressures of temptation, trials, and the demands of daily living.
As the jeweler labored over the precious stone, his expertise and love for his trade brought forth a masterpiece. He knew that a stone’s brilliance comes from inside, revealed by the skill and experience of the jeweler.
God labors over us with the skill of the Master, desiring to bring out the best in each of us. He knows exactly how much pressure is required to produce a gem-quality masterpiece. When we have been hardened correctly, He sets to work cutting and polishing our facets so that we might shine, reflecting the light inside.

Prayer

“Help me bear up under the pressure and polishing, Lord. Make me a perfect jewel! In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Know Mercy

And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8

The board was terminating his teaching contract. It didn’t matter that the charges against him were false and that lies had been perpetrated against him. The fact that he had been voted teacher of the year the past two years by this very board, and that he was loved by his students and peers alike, had been blatantly disregarded.
His integrity, character, and teaching performance caused anyone who knew him to doubt the allegations, and there was overwhelming support within the community.
Yet a course had been set; fear was a strong motivator.
ACLU attorneys had brought a lawsuit on behalf of the family who’d lodged the false complaint; so the board, acting in fear, proceeded with his termination. They had thrown him under the bus, no pun intended.
Everything within him cried, “But I didn’t do this!”
He’d been told years ago, “Expect no mercy, yet never cease to give it.”
He silently prayed. Lord, You have extended mercy to me when justice would have brought eternal punishment. Help me remember that my actions dictate who I am in You. Help me extend that same mercy to those who speak against me. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

†

In line with his character, this man was asking for the grace by which he and his family could walk so they might be an example of God’s mercy to a group of people who didn’t understand God’s meaning of justice or mercy.
We are not naturally humble. Humility is a character trait that must be cultivated. When we are wronged, our first human response is to get even; we want justice! And quite honestly, we may deserve it. Yet Christians know that our eternal existence is based on mercy. Were we to receive our just punishment—justice—we would be damned to hell for eternity. When Christ died, it was to teach us to love in spite of difficult situations. Do you want justice or mercy from God?

Prayer

“When I get wounded I tend to lash out, Lord. Teach me to love justice and be merciful and to walk humbly. Amen.”

The Curb

And this is love: that we walk in obedience …
2 John 1:6

Winnie stared at the curb, wondering why Daddy had warned her that it was out of bounds. In her four-year-old mind, she couldn’t understand how a curb could be a boundary; it looked to be quite safe. She didn’t understand boundaries. But Daddy had spanked her once when he’d caught her sitting on the curb, so it must be more dangerous than it appeared.
She didn’t remember feeling scared while sitting on it. But Daddy had been so upset that he had actually shouted at her, and Daddy never shouted.
Winnie walked closer to the curb, staring at it as if it were about to tell her the secret danger it presented. But nothing happened. “Oh well. Maybe Daddy is wrong.”
As Winnie started to turn away, she looked across the street. Mattie, Winnie’s cat, came out from behind the neighbor’s house. She’d been rummaging through the neighborhood. Seeing Winnie, Mattie began bounding in her direction. As Winnie watched, Mattie ran into the road at the same time the next-door neighbor arrived home from work. Amid the squeal of tires, accompanied by an accelerated heart rate for the driver and Winnie, Mattie managed to leap out of harm’s way! In that moment, Winnie received new understanding in regard to the curb. She scooped Mattie into her arms and scolded her, “I warned you to stay away from the curb! It’s dangerous! Do you hear me?”

†

Crossing the curb represented disobedience and a total disregard for authority. Like Winnie, we may not see any immediate danger and think, “Maybe God didn’t say … ” In disobedience, we push on; the lines become blurred, and God’s commands and authority become mute.
We know we shouldn’t be there; yet each time we cross the line, we lose a little more sense of the impending danger, and we lose a little more respect for the One in authority. If we persist in disobedience, we eventually find ourselves standing on the wrong side of a chasm we cannot cross on our own. It’s in that moment we recall the Holy Spirit’s warning, “Please, stay away from the curb.”

Prayer

“Forgive me for my disobedience, Father. Help me to accept without question the limits You place in my life. Amen.”

I Am the Greatest*

Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3–4

“C’mon, James!” Lester pleaded. “Just throw me a few pitches, pleeeeease? I won’t ever ask again—I promise!”
“I can’t, buddy. I gotta get to work. Just toss it up and hit it like I showed you.”
Disappointed, Lester headed out behind the barn to do as James suggested. “Maaaaan.” The word dragged out. “How am I ever gonna be the greatest?”
But Lester, being who he was, made the best of things.
Imagining the hayfield was Yankee Stadium, he tossed the ball into the air; it hit the top of its arc and began its descent. Lester hauled his bat back and swung, missing the ball completely. “Strike one!” he declared. Undeterred, he picked up the ball and repeated the process, this time tossing the ball a little higher, giving himself more time to prepare. The ball came down; Lester swung and missed again. “Strike two!” his mother heard him cry.
Taking a break from hanging out laundry, she peeked around the corner of the barn in time to see her youngest son retrieve the ball and launch it skyward once more. The toss was perfect! She watched the ball drop as Lester timed his swing. He swung for the fence and missed a third time. “Strike three!” he hollered. “You’re out!” What she heard next made her giggle. “I am the greatest; that is a fact. But even I didn’t know I could pitch like that!”

†

Lester’s hope-filled character is a lesson for us all; Lester’s spirit prevailed. In his mind, he succeeded in spite of his apparent failure. He chose to view things from a lofty perspective. He saw himself as a victor no matter what it looked like in the natural.
In each of our disappointments, God includes a lesson for our benefit. These are character-building moments. If we lose hope and allow disappointing results to influence us negatively, we miss an opportunity to learn and grow. If we seek to learn the lesson God provides, we gain understanding.
Are you the greatest? The choice is up to you.

Prayer

“Sometimes it seems as if I fail, Lord. Teach me to see with eyes of hope instead of a heart of discouragement. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

* Adapted from Kenny Roger's hit song, 'I Am The Greatest', with Kenny's permission

R-I-S-K

As you go …
Matthew 10:7

To Jonathan, it wasn’t a risk. He’d learned to trust God for the results and not worry about how he looked. He had such a hunger to learn more about the nature of his Creator. He was convinced that miracles had not passed away. His reasoning? Christ is still building His church! The miracles seen in Jesus’ era served a specific purpose; they pointed to a greater truth: God.
Jonathan believed that if God is still building the church, he was supposed to continue to ask the Holy Spirit to show up in power.
Sadly, many in his church felt that Jonathan was stepping over reasonable boundaries. Their lack of understanding didn’t stop him. “Lord, only You are capable of strengthening Martha’s weak muscles. Only You have the power to rid her body of this torment. Satan, loose your grip on this woman in Jesus’ name. Jehovah Repheka*, cause power to come into her limbs and strength to her body. Raise her from this bed of infirmity, Holy Spirit. May it bring God glory and honor to work among us today. Amen.”
God had been stretching Jonathan; the results of Jonathan’s obedience had been awesome! Of the sixty-some people God had led Jonathan to pray for over the last few months, ten had been completely healed of terminal illness.

†

Many of Jonathan’s critics were quick to point out that fifty-some people did not receive healing. Had Jonathan allowed their powerless approach to the gospel to influence his actions, ten people would have died. He chose to believe the inerrant Word of God—that God is doing today what He did in the New Testament church: “Healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing those who have leprosy, driving out demons.” This is still the church age. God has not yet sent Christ to get His bride.
Your belief does not change the truth: God is the God of the supernatural. We are His children, heirs to His power and authority. His desire is that we claim and use our inheritance now, when it will have the greatest affect on the kingdom.
What would you risk for the King?

Prayer

“Father, move on Your people to quicken them to believe. Send Your power through us today. Amen.”

* Jehova Repheka means the ‘Lord who heals you’ as in Exodus 15:26

Septic or Sanctified

But you were washed, you were sanctified.
1 Corinthians 6:11

Warren listened as the group discussed sanctification. There were varying perspectives; but, the main assumption was they were saved and that was enough. He smiled as he recalled the vision God had given him a few years before at a time when he had felt the same.
“Think of it this way, Warren,” God began. “You’re struggling through life, doing the best you can. But then you realize you’re standing up to your chin in a septic tank. In your revelation, you determine that you cannot get out of the tank on your own, yet you come to believe that Someone else has the power to lift you out of the stench and onto solid ground, i.e., salvation.
“Let’s say you accept His offer to be removed from your helpless situation, and He lifts you out of the mire and stench. In that moment, you are saved—but you still stink! You are still covered in contaminants that must be removed so you can be free of the vile things in your life. That is the process of sanctification. Unless you allow Me to wash away the dirt a little at a time, you will continue to smell like the world.” Warren smiled as he shared with them God’s desire that we be washed in the water of sanctification.

†

For many Christians, there is a sense of complete relief when they receive salvation, and that’s as far as they care to venture. Their lives are filled with things they would need to give up if they intended to come into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. They don’t care that they still stink like the world; saved is good enough.
Others don’t know there is more. So they continue on in blissful ignorance, smelling, not knowing something can be done to ‘purify them.’
Some come to the knowledge that God wants more for us, and they set out to be washed in the waters of sanctification only to become uncomfortable, stopping part way through the process. God’s desire is that we make a life-long commitment to sanctification, and in doing so, find unknown depths of cleansing!

Prayer

“I still have an offensive aroma, Lord. Continue to wash me until I am completely clean. Amen.”

What I Need

Your Father knows what you need.
Matthew 6:8

“I don’t enjoy the new house church as much as our old group,” Ray said. “It’s not that I don’t benefit from this one—I just really miss our old friends. I wish we were still together.”
It was the third time in as many months that Ray had made this comment. He, Brett, and their wives had been part of the old group made up of six couples. They’d been together for over five years. They had shared struggles, and in doing so, had become very close.
The old crowd had split up, each couple leading their own group. Ray was missing the closeness tonight.
Brett smiled. “God knows how much we miss the old fellowship, Ray. He just loves us too much to leave us together too long. He wants us to develop new relationships. As God stretches us, we discover things about ourselves we would never have known otherwise. Trust Him a little longer, Ray. God knows what we need. He may even choose to bring us back together.”

†

Ray’s desire to go back to the more comfortable and seemingly more nourishing group is not uncommon. Unfamiliar things can be awkward in the beginning. Ray wasn’t remembering that it had taken him two years to loosen up in the old group. He just remembered the benefits he’d reaped.
We tend to resist change. But we can’t grow if we remain anchored in the familiar. We can unknowingly get to where we worship the atmosphere created in close-knit groups and not the Creator of the atmosphere. It can and does happen without our recognizing it. Trusting God in the uncomfortable is where we grow the most. We gain invaluable experience when we let Him move us into the center of His will instead of demanding that He submit to ours. It’s not always easy or comfortable at first, but the dividends we receive from being stretched spiritually are priceless.
The next time you encounter change, embrace it in expectation. God knows what you need.

Prayer

“I don’t do change too well, Lord, and I need Your help seeing the benefit of new things. Give me a heart to trust You when I step out believing You know what’s best for me. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Deliberate Investments

Be Shepherds of God’s flock …
1Peter 5:2

Hardy moved quietly, trying not to awaken anyone but his eight year-old son, Griff, “Hey Buddy,” he whispered while softly shaking Griff’s shoulder, wanting to awaken, but not startle his son.
Griff was groggy at first. Then, in that first moment of awareness where we lay hold of understanding, Griff sat upright, they were going fishing! “Is it time?!” he asked excitedly.
“Yep!” Hardy could barely restrain his laughter at his son’s immediate transition from a dead sleep to wide awake, Funny how the mind works its way through the fog of unconsciousness into stark clarity so quickly when it’s something fun! he thought.
Twenty minutes later, with breakfast consumed, fishing gear loaded, and the boat hitched to the truck, they set out for the lake and a day of adventure.
Griff was a live-wire, shooting rapid-fire questions, hardly allowing Hardy time to answer before the next one burst from his lips, “Where we goin’ first?! Can I drive the boat?! Do we have ‘nough worms?! Didja get the bigfatjuicyones?!”
“Whoa, Buddy! Don’t wear yourself out before we get there!” Hardy smiled, remembering mornings like this when his Dad had looked at him in amusement, while shaking his head and patiently answering each question.
This was going to be a great day, full of possibilities; a day of memories waiting to be made and experienced!

†

Hardy loved to fish because his father had taken the time to introduce him to the sport. The man had deliberately invested in his son; depositing knowledge, wisdom, and time, so that Hardy had the best chance at becoming a man of character, and one who looked out for others. Hardy, likewise, wanted Griff to be a man of character; someone willing to invest in others. In short, he understood a father’s charge: shepherd your flock.
Our sons and daughters will exhibit only the characteristics we take the time to model for them. If we deliberately invest in them they will not disappoint us, or society.
The truth about time is that it is fleeting. We should endeavor to not miss a chance to plant good seeds into each moment provided.

Prayer

“Help me plant good seeds, Lord. Show me when and what to deposit into my flock’s lives, Father. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. “

Created to Be Dangerous

The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.
Exodus 15:3

During his personal morning worship, Jacob began praising Jesus for the work of the cross, thanking Him for the suffering he endured on his behalf and for subjecting Himself to the scorn of those who would kill Him.
At one point, Jacob’s thoughts turned to what felt like blasphemy; he actually had a vision of himself trading places with Jesus on the cross, not dying for the sin of the world, but wanting to relieve Christ of His burden. He felt a momentary sense of shame for even entertaining the possibility that he could take Jesus’ place.
Yet, in that moment, the Spirit of God whispered, “Do not be ashamed of such thoughts. I created you to do great and mighty things. I placed in you the desire to rise to the occasion, to save the day, to be someone’s hero; I created you to be dangerous. You have been made in My image. Am I not a warrior? Do we not have a foe that comes to steal, kill, and destroy? You also are a warrior created for battle! I expect you to have such thoughts. The work of the cross is not for the weak and frightened. You must be dangerous; a formidable opponent.”

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Ladies, your husbands, sons, fathers, and brothers were created to be dangerous. And for good reason; this world we live in is not safe.
C.S. Lewis said of Aslan (a character representing Christ) in the Chronicles of Narnia, “He is not a Safe Lion, but he is good.”
Men, we were created to be dangerous, to stand against the injustice in this world and the one just outside our vision. If we are to care for those who cannot care for themselves, those who were not created to stand against the enemy in the heat of battle, then we must be dangerous! We must take our place on the watchman’s wall (Ezekiel 33:7–9), not as bullies, but as protectors, warriors who would stand between those we hold dear and the enemies of heaven.

Prayer

“Lord Almighty, teach me to stand against an enemy who wants me dead and powerless. Help me stand as Your image bearer. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”