One Moment of Perfect Love

November 11

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

John 13:34

The rafters of the Van Hoosen Middle School Auditorium in Rochester Hills, Michigan, reverberated above the crowd’s cheers. The motivation for their excitement? Seventh grader Owen Groesser, team manager turned player, had come off the bench as a substitute.

Owen was beloved by his teammates and coach, and they celebrated Owen’s appearance on the court as much as anyone. The reason? Owen was born with Down Syndrome.

The game resumed and the building shook even more as Owen took a pass on Van Hoosen’s end of the court. Everyone watched, including the opposing team’s players, as Owen launched his first shot attempt in organized basketball. The ball banked off the backboard and swished through the net! The noise level escalated to a raucous timbre. Owen had just made a 3-pointer!

Ecstatic over Owen’s achievement, the crowd was showing their approval of his shot and Coach Jeff Howell’s decision to give Owen some playing time.

Not satisfied with his initial success however, Owen sank a second 3-pointer just minutes later! The reaction of the crowd was so great that Coach Howell played Owen the next night as well, where he sank two more 3-point baskets. At the end of the game the team rallied around Owen, hoisting him upon their shoulders in victory!

†

In a time when there is an ever-increasing pressure to win it’s refreshing to hear a story of real sportsmanship emerge. There are few things in life that rival the fulfillment that emanates from the hearts of those who care enough to not only include Owen as one of the team, but herald his presence and triumphant accomplishments.

Only a heart that loves unselfishly would sacrifice the limelight so someone else might know the sensation.

This was a ‘team effort’ committed to bringing Owen a rare moment of joy he will remember for the rest of his life. It is one moment of perfect love. It is this love Jesus gives to us twenty-four seven, three sixty-five.

Prayer

“Lord, I thank You for fostering within me an unselfish love that has no agenda. May You find me anxious to help initiate and participate in these moments of perfect love. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Testimony of Love

November 10

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 12:18

Now in her nineties, Martha had taught Second Grade. “Emma was a beautiful little girl, but I could tell there was something wrong that day.” She shook her head sadly, remembering how her heart hurt for Emma.

“She just sat there, gazing longingly out the window at the other children as they laughed and played. I asked, ‘Why aren’t you outside with the other kids?’ Her answer broke my heart. ‘They don’t want to play with me, Mrs. Stull. They think I stink.’

I sat her in my lap and hugged her tight. I remember telling her, 'You are beautiful and I love you.’ She looked up at me and smiled. The belt on her tattered and soiled dress was hanging loosely so I tied it in a knot and told her to tell the others it was a ‘love knot’ tied by Mrs. Stull.

I always wondered what happened to Emma. Then one day, some thirty years later, a woman called my home and asked, ‘Are you the Mrs. Stull who taught at Elmwood Elementary School?’ I said I was, and she said, ‘Oh, I’m so glad I found you! I wanted to tell you how much it meant to me that you cared enough to put me in your lap and hug me that day! You saved my life! You didn’t know it, but my brother was sexually molesting me at the time, and I felt so worthless… but you told me you loved me, and that gave me the strength to go on! I now speak world-wide, telling women my story, encouraging them, and assuring them that they are beautiful and worthy of God’s love!’

†

We have the power to help heal wounds if we take the opportunity to say a kind word or do a kind act when it presents itself. Simple acts of kindness can heal a hurting heart, and far outlive the healer’s lifetime.

Emma was dealing with far more than any eight-year-old girl was ever meant to when Mrs. Stull saw a hurting child and acted in love. We can do the same when Holy Spirit leads us to those who are hurting.

Prayer

“Lord, show me someone who is hurting today, and fill my mouth with words of wisdom, so they feel Your love. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 A Heart of Worship

November 9

These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

Isaiah 29:13

Daniel paused while leading worship, “I grew up in the church. I had given my life to Jesus, and was active in youth group. I sang in the junior choir and attended church faithfully …” he paused. “But as far as worshiping the Lord went, I was only going through the motions. I worshiped God merely because I felt like it was my duty; like a slave obligated to his master.”

Daniel’s countenance changed as he continued, “But we were made for worship! And as scripture says, God inhabits the praises of His people. When that happens, Heaven invades Earth! God comes to us!”

“But as I said before, I’d invested nothing of myself … I was going through the motions out of a sense of responsibility.”

Daniel smiled, “But there came a moment, a moment when I finally understood this simple truth: God wants us to be in relationship with Him so we can discover how deep, how wide, and how far His love extends! I finally understood!”

He laughed, “Now I worship Him because I want to, because I love Him and I just can’t tell Him enough how much I appreciate Who He is and what He’s done for me!”

“So tonight, let go of your inhibitions, misconceptions, and fears, and worship God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength!”

†

True worship is born out of knowing we have been given mercy instead of spiritual death, grace instead of God’s wrath. Worship begins in each heart, birthed after this revelation, and then pours forth from a willing heart, a hungry heart, a heart of gratitude and understanding.

Today’s text reveals that many before us have held God at arm’s length, ignorant of the immensity of the sacrifice made to secure our redemption. Sadly, many never come to that understanding. You know when you witness it, because once the revelation hits you that God sacrificed His own Son on your behalf, it is impossible to merely offer Him lip service.

Prayer

“Father of redemption, I want to bring You the praise of my heart! Fill me with the song You gave me at my birth so I can sing it to You! In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Let's Say Thanks Already!

November 8th

When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people...

Mark 8:6

Lindsay placed the grilled cheese sandwich in front of her eighteen-month-old daughter, Jozlyn, and turned back to get their drinks. Her mom, Nancy, was getting the rest of the food and condiments from the fridge.

Both heard 'jabbering' along with a slapping sound, and turned to find they were being beckoned. Ready to eat, Jozlyn was rapping on her highchair tray with her little hand, while trying to be understood in 'toddler-speak'.

Having gotten their attention, she held out her hands, looking with anticipation from her sandwich to her mom and grandma, and back to the sandwich.

Lindsay responded with a knowing smile. “Okay, Little J,” she said, as she and Nancy walked over, and took Jozlyn's hands so they could say grace.

As Lindsay said, “Amen,” Jozlyn pulled her hands away, picked up a wedge of her sandwich, and began eating; God had been thanked, her food had been blessed, and it was okay to eat!

Lindsay and Nancy smiled, delighted Jozlyn had waited to begin eating until thanks had been given.

†

The term 'Out of the mouths of babes' is apropos in this situation. Although complete understanding is years away, Jozlyn already knows the importance of bowing her head and thanking God for her food.

Having witnessed and been a part of prayer before every meal of her young life, Jozlyn, hungry as she was, knew she needed to say thanks for the food before she ate. Having her display basic understanding, and a willingness to adhere to her parent's teaching at such a tender age, was exciting.

We have many examples throughout scripture where Jesus and His Disciples showed gratitude for the things they received from the hand of God.

As Jozlyn's actions attests, we learn best by example, and God knows it. I think it quite probable that many in the crowd mentioned in today's text witnessed the value of giving thanks, and applied that simple yet powerful act of gratitude from that day forward.

Prayer

“Father, for all we receive from Your hand, we give You thanks! Amen.”

 No Sign of Life

November 7

I have come that they may have life...

John 10:10

Bill and Amy were out for their evening walk, which took them past Amy’s Grandmother’s house. As they passed the house Amy glanced through the window. Seeing her Grama sitting on the couch, she waved. Walking on Amy said, “I don’t think she saw me.”

As they passed by on their second lap, Amy realized her Grama hadn’t moved since their last time by. Suddenly concerned, they turned up the drive and approached the front window, hoping to catch some sign of life. “I can’t tell if she’s breathing or not, Bill!”

It appeared Amy’s Grandmother had died while watching TV. The door was locked and knocking on the window got no response. Bill dialed 911, and the operator dispatched a police cruiser and squad to the residence. Arriving on scene, the officer decided to kick the door in. As he did the knob flew from the door, hitting Thelma in the forehead. To everyone’s surprise she awoke with a start! Seeing a uniformed officer looming over her, she blurted, “What are you doing in my house?!”

“I’m sorry, Grama,” Amy exclaimed, “but we thought you were dead!”

With her heartbeat returning to normal, Grama rubbed her forehead and replied sheepishly, “Nope, just taking a nap. I took my hearing aids out and fell asleep sitting up.”

†

Jesus came to give us eternal life. And with one act of surrender, that life can be ours. Many have made the decision to follow Jesus. Others have either never heard of Him, or have decided they are satisfied with the life they've chosen.

Like Amy and Bill, we should care enough to take action when we encounter someone who shows no sign of life. It may be difficult to tell where a person is in their walk with Jesus Christ, but it is usually evident when there is no walk at all.

It is every Christian’s privilege to share the hope they have in Jesus Christ. We are meant to be Jesus' hand extended. We have firsthand knowledge of of mercy and grace, and we should be happy to pass it along, knowing God will take things from there.

Prayer

“Holy Spirit, point out to me those around me who are perishing and give me the courage to speak to them about Jesus and the life they can have by surrendering to His care. Amen.”

 Bringing God Praise

November 6

Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.

John 15:8

It was Wednesday evening and the mid-week service at church was only a half hour away. Marilyn had planned to go straight to the church after shopping. But as she reentered her credit card’s PIN the machine’s display once again said ‘DECLINED’. I thought for sure I had activated this card. Now what do I do? The grocery store didn’t accept checks and all her money was in this single account. There wasn’t time enough to go home, come back, and make it to church on time. Searching her purse, Marilyn found fifteen dollars, thirteen short of the total.

As her seventy-six year-old mind struggled to come up with other options an attractive young woman suddenly stepped forward, “I’ll take care of it,” she said, swiping her card.

As the young woman turned away Marilyn said, “You must be a Christian.”

The young lady nodded, and they both moved to the bagging area where introductions were made. “Charlene,” she said, intentionally withholding her last name while extending her hand. Smiling, Marilyn promised to pay Charlene’s act of kindness forward, making a silent vow to be on the lookout for an opportunity to bring God glory by helping someone in need.

†

The natural progression for a Christian’s life is one of bearing the fruit of good deeds. We are supposed to conduct ourselves in such a way that people realize our actions are the product of a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This is not something to be preferred; it should be the motivating factor that gets us out of bed each morning.

In every occasion we are given a choice; to serve ourselves or others. Church historian, Bernhard Loshe, wrote, “Since we authenticate God’s salvation by our lives and words, we can either impugn or enhance God’s reputation by bad or good examples.”

Being on the giving end of God’s blessing, as Charlene was, is one of the most fulfilling rewards we will ever experience. But the most important benefit of such action is that it brings God praise.

Prayer

“LORD, I want the life I live to bring You praise. Help me be the light that draws others to You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Two Very Different People

November 5

And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

Genesis 4:8

Growing up, Tim and Paul faced challenges no child was ever meant to face. Both mother and father were alcoholics, and never sought treatment for their disease. As boys, Tim and Paul had suffered beatings from their father while fending for themselves finding something to eat, doing their own laundry, and everything else necessary for survival.

As the years passed, Tim became angry and lashed out at society, eventually adopting a lifestyle of criminal behavior. He found himself incarcerated more than he was free.

Paul, in sharp contrast, became a police officer, serving the community his parents had been a drain on.

On patrol one night, a call came over Paul’s radio, asking for any officers in the vicinity to respond to a hostage situation. Paul and his partner were only six blocks away and responded immediately. When they arrived at the address Paul was shocked to find out the hostage-taker was his brother, Tim.

Realizing he was too close to the situation, Paul remained in the cruiser while his partner joined the SWAT Team that was already on the scene. After a tense two hour standoff, police were able to negotiate a peaceful resolution, taking Tim into custody.

†

How do two people who experience the same circumstances, tumultuous or otherwise, wind up on opposite ends of the personality/psyche spectrum?

Some time ago, I heard an explanation that has stuck with me. It may be the best explanation I’ve ever heard: “If you drop two bottles they will both break. But it’s the way they break that determines what happens with the remnants. One breaks and shatters into a million pieces, crushed by the experience. The other shatters and a sharp weapon is fashioned.”

Everyone encounters unfair challenges in life. The difference in how we respond and develop has always been whether we, like Paul, allow our hearts to be healed, or, like Tim, allow bitterness to take root. Disappointment is inevitable, discouragement is a choice.

Prayer

“Lord, I choose to give You the shattered pieces of my life to bring healing. Take those pieces and fashion a weapon for Your service. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”