His Glorious Riches

November 26

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

Philippians 4:19

Making handcrafted wind chimes had become more than a hobby, and I was realizing my make-shift sander wasn’t very efficient.

From time to time I discussed my future dreams for the business with Don, a valued and respected customer. In the process I told him about a new sander I had been saving for until something unexpected had come up, requiring the use of what I’d saved. I was simply sharing.

Two weeks later, Don called and asked if he could drop by to deliver some aluminum pipe I had ordered. When Don arrived he invited me to lunch. We shared a wonderful time of fellowship over great food, then headed back to the house to discuss the chime he wanted for his granddaughter.

“If you had that sander we talked about where would you put it?” Don asked, referring to the limited work space in my small shed.

“Right here in this corner,” I said, pointing to the only space available. “I’ll move the dresser into the larger part of the building and put the sander in there on an angle.”

Don grinned and said, “You’ll need to get busy then, because I have something in the back of my truck for you.”

Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Don was blessing me with the very sander I had dreamed of buying!

†

Having bought several of my chimes, Don’s awareness of my need was one of appreciative understanding. So when God spoke to him, he simply followed His request to its conclusion.

We have the ability to be God’s answer to someone’s hope-filled prayer. The possibilities are endless; from a piece of machinery to a hug or a lift to the store. If we will listen and respond when the Holy Spirit speaks, we can be the one God uses to meet one of His child’s needs.

Don’s response to my need was to faithfully follow God’s suggested will. God will never force us, but once we’ve obediently complied, we will never again hesitate to be used as part of His glorious riches.

Prayer

“Provider God, show me who You want to meet a need for and give me the faith to follow Your will. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

There is no quicker way to make God smile than to obey.

This devotion is dedicated to Don & Maryanna Harley, who know God intimately

and listen when He speaks.

 Talked to Sleep

November 25

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:15 KJV

Dewey and Kathy were flying home from Indonesia. The plane they were on had three seats on one side of the isle and two on the other. They were assigned to the side with three. Giving Kathy the window seat, Dewey sat in the middle.

A few minutes later, a middle-aged man of oriental descent took the isle seat beside Dewey. He appeared nervous and it was almost impossible to miss his vice-like grip on the armrests. In an attempt to take the man’s focus off his obvious fear of flying, Dewey leaned over and introduced himself. The man gave Dewey his name and then said, “I don’t like flying; especially long flights like this. I can’t get to sleep because I’m too nervous. But traveling is part of my job, so I have no choice.”

Dewey decided to engage the man in conversation. Once again, the gentleman reiterated his distaste for flying, and asked Dewey if he was nervous. When Dewey responded “no” the man asked how he managed that? Dewey explained that he always prayed before boarding the plane. The man considered Dewey’s response but said nothing, and the conversation ended. Five minutes later Dewey glanced over to discover his new neighbor was sound asleep!

Upon awakening an hour and a half later, Dewey smiled and asked, “Did you have a good nap?”

The gentleman grinned, and said, “Yes, I did indeed! Talking to you made me able to sleep.”

†

The outward manifestation of an inward relationship brought peace to this man’s heart and soul. The assurance in Dewey’s voice, along with the calm manner in which he spoke, silenced the spirit of fear within him. The man, not completely understanding how it happened, knew it was something about Dewey that had made it possible for him to sleep.

Our attitude and actions have a profound effect on those we come in contact with. They will either see something they desire, or we will leave a bad taste in their mouth. Shouldn’t they see something desirable?

Prayer

“Lord, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You and those I meet. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Peelin’ Carrots

November 24

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it

Proverbs 22:6 KJV

It was late fall and the boys were visiting Gramma while Daddy ran some errands. Wyatt, a thoughtful 6 yr old, and Garrett, a rambunctious 4 yr old, were busying themselves, playing and chattering…doing the things they enjoyed doing at Gramma’s house.

As afternoon turned to evening and darkness was settling in Wyatt declared, “We’ll just have to spend the night, Gramma. It’s getting dark.”

“Your dad will be here soon. You have school tomorrow,” she said continuing to prepare vegetables for the next day’s dinner.

“Can I help, Gramma?” Wyatt asked.

Always quick to invite the boys’ assistance in the kitchen, she pulled a chair to the sink, “Sure, Wyatt!” She loved teaching her grandsons things that would help them in the future.

Garrett asked if he could help, too. Not really excited to share his time with Gramma, Wyatt exclaimed, “He’s too little to peel carrots!”

Helping Garrett climb up on the chair, Gramma assured Wyatt, “Garret needs to learn too, just like you did, so he can go to school,” she said as a reminder to Wyatt of the times he’d helped her peel carrots when he was Garrett’s age.

As Wyatt scooted over, giving his younger brother room on the chair, he pondered a moment and then proclaimed, “Now Gramma, I haven’t’ peeled one carrot in school!”

†

Raising our children is our responsibility, and no one else’s. In this we must be deliberate, because what we pour into them as they mature is what will come out.

Our responsibility is to nurture them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We must instill integrity and good moral character in our kids if they are to be good citizens, loving parents, and positive role models.

Their future actions will be a result of what we take the time to teach them now. So pull a chair up to the kitchen sink, and invite your child or grandchild to help peel carrots.

Prayer

“Help me raise my children to be godly, moral, and responsible, Lord, and to treat others with compassion and the attitude of a servant. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Lead By Example

November 23

In everything set them an example by doing what is good.

Titus 2:7

Returning home from deployment in Afghanistan, Powerlifter and Bodybuilder Shawn Frankl felt led to train out of ‘Big Iron Gym’, in Omaha, Nebraska, because the owner, Rick Hussey, was a renowned trainer. That the gym was a two hour drive from Shawn’s home didn’t deter him. But after ten years, Shawn questioned whether he was making any impact there for Christ. He and his wife, Melissa, discussed his concerns but agreed to stay on at Big Iron. Shawn had never forced his faith on anyone at the gym, especially Rick. He’d just lived it out, and over time they realized he wasn’t a ‘One-Show Pony’…he believed in this God he served.

Rick was a great trainer, and Shawn did everything he was told. And because of Shawn’s commitment, Rick respected him. So when Rick’s cancer reemerged, he asked Shawn who he thought he should go to for treatment. Sensing the time was right, Shawn replied, “Rick, the only way you’re really gonna get fixed is to give your life to Jesus Christ.” Rick did just that…

Two months later, at Rick’s funeral, hundreds of people showed up to honor the man they’d all respected. Shawn had placed two-hundred Bibles on a table for anyone who wanted one. The pastor concluded his powerful message by inviting those who wanted to follow Rick’s lead to invite Christ into their hearts. When the funeral was over not a single Bible was left. People had indeed followed Rick’s example!

†

The result of Shawn’s willingness to be Christ’s example at Big Iron Gym was Rick’s eventual salvation. Because of Rick’s reputation as the preeminent trainer in Powerlifting, people followed his advice. So at his funeral it was only natural that many followed his example and invited Jesus into their hearts. There will be people in Heaven who might have otherwise perished because Shawn led by example.

What we do as Christians matters. How we represent our Savior will have an impact on those who are watching. Like Shawn, we are meant to lead others to Christ by the example we set.

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, teach me to be a great follower so I can lead others to You. Amen.”

 Crossing The Line

November 22

Fathers, do not exasperate your children...

Ephesians 6:4

Glenn had taken one look at the way Jeff was dressed and decided the best way to discourage his son from wearing pants four sizes too small was to make an example of him. So…focusing the video camera, Glenn said, “Turn around…slowly...keep your hands up.” Reluctantly, Jeff did as his father instructed. “It looks like you done stole a midget’s pants! I bet you can’t even pull ’em up!”

Angry for being subjected to such treatment, Jeff hoped this impromptu documentary would soon end. But his nightmare was only beginning, because Glenn, figuring he had enough footage, uploaded the clip to the internet. He turned to Jeff, “You think lettin’ your underwear hang out looks cool? Let’s see what people on YouTube think.”

In less than twenty-four hours the video went viral, getting over 280,000 views. In the ‘Comments’ section people wrote things like, Kudos to you, pops! and Now that’s novel parenting! I’da never thought of that! and Awesome, dad!

After reading another dozen such comments, Glenn figured he’d made his point and deleted the link.

†

At first look this appears to be a harmless form of apparel censorship; even a little amusing. But, was Glenn’s attempt at unconventional discipline appropriate? Was what he did acceptable parenting in a world where senseless people say spanking is child abuse?

Answer this question: Would you strip your son to the waist, pull his pants halfway to his knees, and put him on display in the town square, open to everyone’s ridicule, a target for their lewd remarks? Not only would he be open to the ridicule of every sane passerby, he’d be free game for those who are just plain mean, and the mentally ill. You could be creating a potentially dangerous situation.

Had Glenn stopped at just shooting the video, and then compelled Jeff to change clothes, it might have been effective without crossing the line. But airing family issues on YouTube goes against today’s text, because we should never, for any reason, humiliate our children.

If you don’t approve of the clothes your kids are wearing, sit them down and discuss the matter; set guidelines, and enforce them.

Prayer

“Lord, help me remain sensitive to the possible consequences of how I discipline my children. Help me to be a loving parent. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Treasure Hunt

November 21

“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine…and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?

Luke 15:3, 4

Reluctant to give up searching for his missing cell phone, Pastor Don headed out the door for Sunday morning services. The thought of not recovering the phone, with all his contact information and important messages, continued to plague him all morning. Even in the midst of bringing the Morning’s message he couldn’t keep from thinking about it, I gotta find that phone!

Arriving home following the service, he began another round of ‘Treasure Hunt’. He prayed it wouldn’t be another fruitless search. He started by rummaging through both cars again, dialing his number from his wife’s phone, listening for any faint noise. Nothing. He hunted through every room in the house once more. Still nothing.

Taking a break, he sat down on the couch. On a whim, he dialed his number once more. Buzzzz…buzzzz…buzzzz… He was sitting right on top of it!

Unable to retrieve the phone by reaching through the cracks, he got his tools and disassembled the sectional. Unexpectedly, with his lost phone now in hand, he was euphoric, even giddy. He felt as if he’d just won a great prize!

†

Today’s scenario is a perfect example of how God feels about those who are lost. His heart and Spirit are forever seeking them.

As Christ-followers we are called to join His Treasure Hunt. Whether in a far-off country, or in some storm-ravaged place where people cry desperately for help, we are called to be light; called not out of a sense of responsibility, but because it’s one of the greatest privileges we have been given…passing on the grace we have so freely received!

More than ever we should be hunting in our own counties, cities, and neighborhoods. Unfortunately, the fear of what others might think can become a deterrent.

Ask yourself: If the task to propagate the first-century church had been given to me, would it have survived? Would anyone know who Jesus Christ is because of me?

Don’t allow fear to stop you from sharing the Gospel. Leave the comfort of the ninety-nine and hunt for the one.

Prayer

“Lead me to those who are lost, Lord Jesus, and give me the courage to introduce them to You. Amen.”

 The Pumpkin Patch Prophecy *

November 20

In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy…

Acts 2:17

Renee, and her husband, Ken, had shared a beach house with family and friends seven hundred miles from home. Following a great week they started for home, a four vehicle caravan of sorts. Shortly into the trip Ken’s pick-up truck began running rough, and the thought of driving through the mountains like this was not an option. Ken told the others to go ahead, and he and Renee withdrew from the caravan at the next small town, searching for a mechanic.

Unknown to them, three days prior, Renee’s sister, Rachelle, had a vision and called another sibling, Mary, to ask her to pray. In the vision she’d seen a horrible car crash; Renee had been fatally injured. She asked Mary to keep the details between them, knowing that though Ken had been attending church and growing, he was still unsure about this “listening to the Holy Spirit” stuff. The two agreed, praying with diligence that God would intervene.

Arriving home before Ken and Renee, the ‘caravan’ told of an awful accident. With tires squealing and hard braking, they had barely escaped.

Following an extra day and night, with a mechanic finding no problem, Ken and Renee returned home, the pick-up running perfectly. Once home they reported a great trip; they’d even seen two memorable sights in the small town. One, a huge field with hundreds of pumpkins! The other, a small church wedding with the wedding party lined up outside as the Bride and Groom departed. “What a picture!”

Mary looked at Rachelle. The exact details in the vision Rachelle had shared with her! As they told Ken, his eyes widened. “This Holy Spirit stuff is real isn't it?” he said.

†

How awesome: one had a vision, the other got his sight. And the prophet Joel said these things would happen. Ken’s reluctance to believe in prophecy was wiped away in one weekend. God had spoken to Rachelle before the incident, and had caused ‘engine problems’ in Ken’s pick-up to keep him from experiencing the heartache of losing Renee.

This is a true story. Whether you choose to believe it is entirely up to you. God does speak to His people and show them mysteries.

Prayer

“Make me a believer, Lord. Amen.”

* Devotion written by Nancy Clouston