Forever!

October 2

But he who feeds on this bread will live forever.

John 6:58

For whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.

Jude 1:13

“So you’re telling me that when I die I’ll continue to live, not in physical form,

but live nonetheless?” Jack could see Stan’s skepticism. “And you believe that?”

Stan asked.

“To the best of my ability,” was Jack’s honest answer. “Look, Stan, I admit

that I don’t fully understand everything the term forever means, but Scripture

says that we will live forever in heaven or hell. I believe that.”

Stan thought about that for a minute and then said, “I don’t know if I can

wrap my mind around that enough to believe it.”

“You can’t wrap your mind around the things of God, Stan,” Jack tried to

explain. “God is so much bigger than us. Just ask Him for the faith to believe

now instead of trying to figure it all out before you accept His offer of salvation.”

Stan was unmoved.

“Look, Stan, I’m just saying it requires faith to believe in something we

can’t categorically prove here and now. I’m also saying that I believe even

though I have some questions about how forever actually works. Forever is a

term we really don’t understand. But not understanding it completely has no

effect on the truth that we will live forever.”

h

We tend to fear things outside our control, disbelieving what we don’t under-

stand. We live from day to day, taking life as it comes. We’re not acquainted

with more than a temporal existence, so it’s hard to grasp the nature of eternity.

Trying to completely understand eternity is like trying to remember what

it was like breathing amniotic fluid. We know it happened; yet we don’t under-

stand it much, if at all.

The word forever conjures thoughts of living with physical, emotional, or

mental limitations for the rest of time. But throughout eternity there will be no

curse, and those limits will cease to exist.

Faith requires belief in an Infinite Someone bigger than our finite mind

truly understands. Our not understanding forever does not make it untrue.

Prayer

“Lord, give me faith to believe in forever so that

my choices here are based on where I want to

spend all that time. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Sludge Free

October 1

You must live no longer as the Gentiles do.

Ephesians 4:17

There was no longer any friendly banter. The politicians had pulled out all

the stops, and the gloves had come off. They were running smear campaigns

and defaming each other. It didn’t matter what damage was done or that they

had stooped to new lows; they wanted to win. Character assassination was the

order of the day.

“Can you believe this?” Melodie said, laying down the newspaper. “Neither

of them is standing on godly principals. All they want is to make his opponent

look bad. I can’t, in good conscience, vote for either one of them.”

Kyle sighed. “They’re both walking in darkness. Both have consistently

voted against moral legislation. They’ve made this election about money and

who’s going to bring the economy back in line. You know, if we would honor

God’s laws, we wouldn’t be in this financial crisis. There doesn’t seem to be a

politician on the Hill that’s standing for what God wants. It’s getting so even

the lesser of two evils is totally evil!” Kyle looked toward the ceiling and voiced

his concerns. “Forgive our nation, Lord, and those of us who allowed things to

get to this point. Raise up men and women to carry the fight to Washington

and right this sinking ship. Lift us out of the darkness that has spread itself

over our nation like sludge. Amen.”

h

The New Living Translation uses the word ungodly in place of Gentiles, denot-

ing Gentiles as anyone not living a godly life.

The world is full of people seeking personal gain in a godless manner.

Among them are many of our politicians. They seek to further and empower

their party’s worldview regardless of the cost.

Paul is precise in his instruction of how we are to respond. We are to avoid

such living while trying to influence those who choose this lifestyle in a godly

manner. We may find ourselves with opportunities to share our faith, yet we

are instructed to not live as they do. Paul knew that our own spirituality will

become contaminated if we swim in sludge.

Prayer

“Lord, keep me under Your watch and care. Help

me refrain from anything that fails to line up

with Your will. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 I Don’t Want This Bed

September 30

Humble yourselves … under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you

up.

1 Peter 5:5, 6

Reuben, struggling to roll over while trying to not wake his wife, finally made it

and then sat up on the edge of the bed. He tentatively reached behind himself

with both hands and began rubbing his lower back. I hate this bed! This thing’s

killin’ my back! I hate my back too. Hey, God, how about a touch, he asked silently.

He’d been asking God for healing for almost thirty years now. My thorn, I guess,

was his first thought, followed by his second, This bed’s gotta go!

He made his way to the shower and just stood there, allowing the hot

water to massage his aching muscles.

June emerged from the bedroom a half hour later, whistling and ready for

the day.

Reuben looked at her and said, “We’re getting a new bed today.” Then he

added, “I refuse to sleep on that slab of rock one more night!”

“I’m sorry, honey,” June said with a bit of a chuckle. “But do you really

think the next mattress is going to be any better than the last four?”

Reuben was determined to try at least one more time. “I won’t be able to

answer that question until we try the new one we’re buying today.” And fol-

lowing breakfast, they jumped in the pickup truck and headed for the Discount

Wholesale Furniture Warehouse.

h

Society often uses the idiom, “You made your bed, now lie in it!” But God says

He can lift us out of difficult circumstances.

It is within each of us to make spiritual changes based on what God is able

to do for us. We are not hindered from asking Him to show us the way to a

better life. We are limited only by our courage to humbly ask Him to show us

how to bring about such improvement.

When we make the effort to lift ourselves day by day to a new spiritual

level, God provides what’s necessary to attain that life. Though it may require

temporary discomfort, we need not suffer a negative attitude that is clouded by

our physical circumstances.

Prayer

“Lord, I come to You asking for guidance. Show

me how to improve my mind-set and to look to

You instead for my daily bread. Amen.”

 I Understand

September 29

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with

our weaknesses.

Hebrews 4:15

As Bart began the long drive back home, sadness descended upon him. His

wife, Jenny, had died two years ago, and now this. He had just left his son, Tren-

ton’s, basic training graduation. Bart had remained strong for Trenton as they’d

released each other in embrace, saying good-bye for who knew how long. Trent

had orders to ship out for the Persian Gulf tomorrow, and the weight of that

was hitting Bart like a sledge to the chest.

Arriving home, Bart listened to the one message on his answering machine.

“Hey, Bart, it’s Gary. Give me a call. I reserved a tee time for six-o’clock at

Apple Valley. Doug and Chris are gonna round out the foursome.”

Gary’s son had been killed in a firefight when the army’s Third Infantry,

along with the 101st Airborne, had made the initial assault on Baghdad in 2003.

As they teed off, just the presence of these three military fathers brought

Bart comfort. They understood his heart. He didn’t need to say anything if he

didn’t want to, but that unspoken support told him that he would find under-

standing with any of them when times became difficult.

h

Gary’s sensitivity to Bart’s situation told him loud and clear, “I understand

what you’re feeling.” Bart knew that Gary’s arranging the golf outing was his

way of saying, “If you need anything, bro, we’re here.”

We all need someone in our lives who understands what we’re going

through, and God is faithful. He quickens the spirit of those who have suffered

similar situations, those who are acquainted with our troubled heart, when we

need encouragement. And, as Gary did for Bart, others step up to comfort us.

Yet, even if no one completely understands, there is One Who truly knows

what our heart needs most. That One is Jesus. Without a doubt, He can say, “I

understand.” Hold out your wounded heart today and find peace.

Prayer

“Jesus, my heart has known sorrow. My heart has known

pain. I thank You for bringing peace and comfort

when I need it most. Help me reach out to others in

that same way whenever I see a need. Amen.”

 Stubborn Pride

September 28

I will break down your stubborn pride.

Leviticus 26:19

They pulled their motorcycles in the drive, hung up their helmets, and headed

for the backyard. They found the girls deep in conversation.

Unexpectedly, Connie turned on Mac; her eyes were like two lasers; her

body language screamed I’m far from happy!

Wary and on guard, Mac realized he wouldn’t have to wait long to find

out why.

“You know something?” Her tongue borrowed the fire from her eyes. “You

have back problems!” she finished vehemently and then let it hang there.

Embarrassed, Mac responded defensively, “What the heck are you talking

about? My back is just fine!” Among his racing thoughts was What is she talkin’

about?

Interrupting those thoughts, she spat out, “It must not be … because every

time you say ‘I’ll be right back,’ you leave, and I don’t see you for hours!”

His pride now fully under attack, Mac remained defensive. “Now just

wait a minute—” But Connie cut him off. “You’ve been gone for seven hours,

Mac!” There was no mistaking her frustration. “I’m tired of you dropping me

off wherever,” she said, waving her arms expansively, “leaving me at your mercy

with no vehicle, to await your return while you go play!”

He realized the truth of her statement, but his pride was unrelenting. “Oh,

bull! That’s not true,” he denied, wondering how lame he sounded.

With tears in her eyes, Connie simply said, “You know the truth, Mac.”

Finally, with the truth undeniable, Mac relented. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want

to admit I was being so insensitive.”

h

Mac realized there was no excuse for his actions. And so it is when our pride

meets the light of God’s truth: all of our arguments are hollow—any defense of

our stubborn pride meets that light and is seen for what it really is: rebellion.

God warned the Israelites He would break their stubborn pride if they

failed to obey His commands. God brings us warning when we exhibit a pride-

ful attitude. We have a choice: choose humility over pride, or God Himself will

humble us.

Prayer

“Lord, help me lay down my pride so I can see the path

You have chosen for me. Help me treat others with the

love and respect they deserve. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Over-the-Road Hospitality

September 27

Even though they are strangers to you … show hospitality.

3 John 8

Jeff was a long-haul trucker by profession, a servant by nature. His wife, Debra,

was both gracious and longsuffering when it came to her husband’s unique

ministry.

It had been two years since Jeff had brought home their last houseguest.

The man had stayed on for two weeks before stealing away in the middle of the

night with some of their possessions.

Jeff was on his way home, pulling an empty trailer, carrying an unantici-

pated passenger. Home typified small-town America, where everyone knew

everyone else—and their business. So it was no secret that Jeff was known as

the purveyor of hospitality within the sleepy little community.

Over the years, Jeff and Deb had taken in strangers, providing food and

shelter for as long as they needed, offering motivation to rise above the circum-

stances that had brought them to Jeff ’s attention.

Notwithstanding their last guest had betrayed their trust, at no time had Jeff

or Debra considered ending their over-the-road ministry. As God continued

bringing people their way, they continued ministering the love of Jesus Christ.

With chagrin, Jeff remembered the lesson he’d learned about showing up

with someone unannounced. So, in light of that bit of hard-earned wisdom, he

called home while his passenger was grabbing them some coffee. “Hey, Deb.

I picked up a fellow that’s down on his luck. You okay with me bringing him

home?” he asked.

Deb didn’t hesitate. “I’ll have the guest room ready with clean sheets,

towels, and washcloths when you get here. Be safe,” she responded, infinitely

touched by her husband’s compassion.

h

We are passing through this life in preparation for eternity. Jesus, although

He had nowhere to lay His own head, was big on hospitality, to the extent

He advised His disciples to shake the dust from their feet if they were refused

welcome during their travels.

We are to extend welcome to those in need—whether acquaintances or

strangers. With all the crime and mistrust today, showing hospitality can be

a daunting, if not dangerous, proposition. Yet, we are to seize the opportunity

when God solicits our hospitality, trusting He will provide for every eventuality.

Prayer

“Lord, teach me to be hospitable. Show me how to

extend the hand of kindness in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

 Strong, Powerful, and Breakable

September 26

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of

God.

1 Peter 4:11

Dale and Kieran, two good-willed people, stomped off in different directions 

following an exchange of words meant to wound each other. It didn’t

matter that they hadn’t meant what they’d said or that they couldn’t tell you

why they’d said such hurtful things.

Kieran ran to the bedroom, wondering if Dale really loved her while Dale,

angry with himself, slammed the sliding glass door on his way outside.

He just didn’t get it. He loved Kieran with all his heart, yet he couldn’t

seem to stop himself from blurting out injurious words, words he really didn’t

mean. He didn’t blame Kieran; he knew she was just responding to his hurtful

words.

Twenty minutes into his thoughts, he walked back in the house, went to

the bedroom, and pulled a sobbing Kieran into his arms. “Honey, I’m so sorry.

I don’t know why I said what I said. Can you forgive me?”

“Dale, you make my heart hurt when you speak to me that way,” she shared

through the tears.

h

It’s really quite amazing the amount of physical protection God gave our

heart. It is encased within an intricate cage of flexible bone, perfectly designed

to shield it from injury, wrapped in sinewy, soft tissue, which is resilient and

powerful. Centered between both lungs and liver, it is the strongest muscle in

the body, forcing life-giving blood through miles of arteries and capillaries.

It requires a tremendous amount of trauma to the chest to damage the heart.

And yet a simple word can completely break it.

We have all experienced heartache or heartbreak at some time in our lives,

the empty feeling we think will never go away.

Some wounds take a long time to heal, and relationships can become

strained.

In the worst of cases, the wound may never heal completely.

Peter says we have a choice of what comes out of our mouth. A heart bent

toward God and a disciplined tongue will save unnecessary wounds.

Prayer

“Lord, help me guard my words. The enemy wants

my sharp tongue to surface. Please help me think

ahead before I speak. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”