Headed Home

…we will come to them and make our home with them.

John 14:23

On the way home from a family wedding in North Carolina, Jamie had taken a more scenic route, wanting to take in the lush mountain vistas.

This was the Blue Ridge chain of the Appalachians, and more beautiful country was hard to come by. However, the narrow roads were torn up from the rough winter the area had experienced. Suddenly, a huge pothole loomed in his lane. With on-coming traffic, Jamie wasn't able to avoid it. The impact almost ripped the steering wheel from his grasp, and the ensuing ‘THUD’ caused the tire to blow out.   

Remembering his spare was buried under all their suitcases and a couple pieces of furniture Celeste’s sister had sent home with them he grumbled, “Just great! Thirty-seven hundred feet up a mountain and no gas station for miles.”

As Jamie was contemplating the most direct route to the spare tire a large wrecker came around the bend. It slowed, and pulled up beside them, “Can I give you a hand?” the bearded driver asked with a knowing smile.

As it turned out, the wrecker was from a fleet of full-service trucks; the driver even had the exact tire Jamie needed! Half an hour later, new tire mounted and balanced, they were back on the road.

†

Every path in life has potholes and challenges, and Satan does his best to make sure we don’t have a clear view of the road ahead. And just like Jamie, we get blind-sided every now and then.

While in the midst of the struggle we can lose sight of the truth: this is not our home, and everything we suffer now is only temporal.

Having made that point, the fact remains that temporal suffering is miserable, and we can find ourselves taking detours that make the journey home more painful and lengthy.  

Jesus, in today’s text, reminds us to hang on to His promise that one day soon our suffering will end, and we will be home! Until that time comes He will continue to send help during trying times…just like He did for Jamie.

Prayer

“When I’m in the midst of struggles and pain remind me that I’m not home yet, Lord, and give me the strength to hang on until I get there. Amen.”

Does It Matter to Me?

Train a child in the way he should go …
Proverbs 22:6

“Look, Gretchen, if you want to fight with the school board over this issue, that’s your business. But don’t involve me, because it’s not my fight!” Luther said heatedly. “I don’t happen to agree with your perspective about our freedoms being taking away!” he added emphatically.
Gretchen was astonished. “How can you say that with a clear conscience? By not taking a stand against the removal of God from every part of our society, or when liberal teachers try to pass off smut for legitimate reading material, you passively take their side!”
“I've taught my children the difference between creationism and evolution, I’ll have you know!” he fired back. “And they know about those smutty books too. I've forbidden them to read them!” He argued. “If more parents took care of these things at home, it wouldn't matter what these liberal-minded lobbyists did. And we wouldn't be having this battle!” he finished, face flushed in irritation.
“You're right about parents needing to take an active role in reading assigned materials in the home prior to their children being given an assignment. But as parents, our responsibility goes much deeper than that. Your children may know the difference between what is ethical and what is immoral,” she interjected. “But what about your grandchildren? And what makes you think your kids won’t read those books anyway? Or don’t you care?” Gretchen couldn't believe how anyone could explain away their responsibility to take a stand against the advancement of evil.

†

Silence among the Christian community has been the greatest proponent to the propagation of evolution and removal of our entire belief system from not only our public schools, but society as a whole. According to scripture there are very few times we have the option of whether to engage the enemy or not.
The 'it’s-not-my-fight' mentality, where we neither have the time nor wish to be connected to anything that might make us look like a zealot, is too prevalent in the body of Christ today. We say ridiculous things like, “I don’t want to make anybody angry; I just want to be Jesus to them; or People will think I'm intolerant.”
Be assured: Jesus would not tolerate what we allow because of our fear of man. And with that knowledge we must ask ourselves: does it matter to me?
Silence in the face of immorality is apathy. Nobody is perfect, and many of us wish we'd made better choices along the way. But now is not the time to let Satan remind you of the past, or scare you into submission with whispers of unpopularity and reprisal. Each generation slips a little further from God's truth. Don't let that be because of you.

Prayer

“Lord, give me the sense and courage to take a stand and be willing to defend our freedom of religion. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Awkward Moments

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

Luke 6:41

When Keith noticed the large piece of plastic lying in the office parking lot he’d decided to leave it lay and see how long it took before the responsible party decided to clean up after themselves.

That had been almost a month ago, and still it lay wedged against one of the bumper blocks in the parking space. Faded from exposure to sunlight, the refuse had become a constant irritant. The fact that no one had bothered to do anything about the litter became a point of contention. There was no way he was going to pick it up…and it appeared nobody else was either.   

In a moment of frustration he accosted the responsible party, “You park in the same place every morning. You notice that piece of plastic wedged in the bumper block?”

The man’s response served to frustrate him even more, “Yeah. Thought about picking it up but it’s filthy…don’t wanna get that crap on my clothes.”

The grievance was out before wisdom could stop it, “It’s your trash!”

The man slowly turned to look at Keith. “No…it’s not. Take a closer look.”

Stunned, Keith walked over, bent down and picked the weathered plastic up, and was instantly sorry for his accusation. What he thought was this man’s litter was, in fact, his. It was the wrapping from his new printer! How had it managed to get out here?  

†

If we would spend more time policing our own actions instead of scrutinizing what others are doing we would be doing ourselves a great favor instead of the injustice we do by keeping track of other’s supposed shortcomings.

Had the pastor been willing to pick up the piece of plastic when he’d first noticed it he could have saved himself weeks of unnecessary frustration, and a very awkward and embarrassing moment.  

Taking the opportunity to help someone instead of criticizing them might just save us an awkward moment; something we should keep in mind the next time we are tempted to judge.

Prayer

“Father, help me overlook the actions of others and focus on sweeping my own side of the street. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Stuck in Saturday

I tell you the truth … you will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
John 16:20

Penny lay awake, the heartache tonight not much less than a year ago. She hadn't slept much since Richard had died.
Married only six months, Richard had died when his car skidded on a patch of ice. The vehicle had gone over the guardrail above a deep gorge, rolling several times before coming to rest at the bottom. It had been several hours before he was found, and it had taken several more to remove him from the wreckage; he’d lived for two days before succumbing to his injuries.
Penny was numb, yet her brain never shut down. She rarely went a full ten minutes without it all playing back in her mind: the scene at the trauma center, the two days in ICU, the funeral, and the emptiness. It seemed her life was stuck on replay.
Penny cried out to God for answers, answers that probably wouldn't relieve the ache or make this any easier.
Family and friends felt she was stuck in her grief. They continued to minister to her in love, praying that her outlook would brighten, bringing this profound grief to an end.

†

Anyone who has lost a loved one or a friend knows the depth of Penny’s heartache. Their absence creates a hole in us that refuses to be refilled; we've lost someone so precious that to think otherwise would feel like betrayal.
Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, did what He could to reassure His disciples of His resurrection. But on Good Friday nothing could take away the sting, the shock, or the pain in their chests. And all day Saturday they tried unsuccessfully to console themselves.
Then came Sunday!
The truth is if we live long enough, we will experience Penny’s pain. If we love deeply, we will grieve the same way. But someday our grief will turn to joy. It’s Jesus’ resurrection that keeps us from getting stuck in Saturday.
Death came on Friday, resurrection on Sunday, but there was a very long day in between. It’s okay to grieve. But do it with hope.

Prayer

“Give us strength to walk on in the pain, Lord. Thank You that, because of Jesus, this pain will turn to joy. Amen.”

Point of Impact

All of us who are mature should take such a view of things.
Philippians 3:15

Mark Pendleton was forty-something, slightly built, and showing signs of balding. Yet there was a quiet confidence about him that caused people to take a second look.
Proceeding with his demonstration, Mark shared that as a young man he’d gotten into trouble. Then a friend had introduced him to Jesus, and he began learning about God’s plan for his life.
Through the martial arts, God taught Mark where to direct his attention in matters of importance and how to harness the strength necessary to demolish any obstacles the enemy placed in his way.
“In order to break these blocks,” Mark explained, “I must first establish the correct point of impact, then visualize my punch reaching that point. To be successful, I must focus on the bottom of the stack. I visualize the completed punch having reached a point at which the blocks will have broken.”
The crowd watched as Mark began his mental focus routine. Standing two feet behind the blocks, Mark slowly rotated his fist, driving his arm and shoulders in a downward, slow motion punch to the bottom of the stack. When he was finished with his preparation, Mark stepped up to the blocks, and with a loud “hiya,” he executed one more punch, completely shattering all six blocks!

†

As we mature, we set out to make our mark on society. Many of us succeed, obtaining goal after goal, never looking back.
In contrast, many of us fall short of the success we envisioned, hopelessly lost in failure. For the vast majority of us, it’s because our goals were not set correctly, and our point of impact was unclear. In order to successfully reach our intended goal, we must determine the correct point of impact.
Paul told the Philippians to forget their past failures and press on. We too must forget the past and set new goals.
Wisdom suggests we set attainable goals in order to not become discouraged. Then we must visualize completion of the goal. Most importantly, we must rely on God’s strength and instruction when determining the point of impact.

Prayer

“Lord, guide me along life’s path and help me look for the right point of impact within my realm of influence. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Don’t Gloat

Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles do not let your heart rejoice.
Proverbs 24:17

“What did I tell you about taking pleasure in other people’s misfortune?” Steve posed the question to his daughter, Karla. “Phil works hard providing for his family. And now that he’s lost his job, they’ll have a rough go of it.”
“I don’t care how rough they have it!” Karla said vehemently. “He’s a jerk, Daddy. I can’t believe you’re taking his side after what he did to Sheila,” she spat.
“Listen, Karla, I don’t approve of your attitude or how he treated Sheila when he broke up with her. She’s my little girl just like you, and it hurt when that happened. But that was fifteen years ago. You need to forgive him and let God work it out,” he advised. “It’s just as wrong for you to gloat over him losing his job as it was for him to cheat on Sheila. It bothers me to see you taking pleasure in his family’s suffering.”
“I’m sorry, Daddy. But he’s still a jerk!” was all she would say.
“You know, Karla, sometimes I wonder what you’re thinking. I’m your father, not your judge. But you profess to have a heart of forgiveness, yet when someone you dislike encounters problems, you find it amusing. That’s not how God wants us to respond. And remember, what goes around comes around.”
“I’ll take my chances,” she said and left the room.

†

It’s tempting and natural to take pleasure in the misfortune of our enemy. It’s also wrong. We are to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us. A true test of forgiveness is not in forgiving someone with whom we have a good relationship, but rather, when it is someone we dislike.
It’s easy to find satisfaction when someone we dislike has fallen on hard times. That’s why God instructs us not to gloat when it happens. He asks us to have a spirit of forgiveness and leave retribution, if any is required, to Him.

Prayer

“Help me forgive my enemies, Lord. Teach me to put the past behind me and look to bring healing to their lives instead of rejoicing in their pain. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Take Time to Laugh

A time to laugh …
Ecclesiastes 3:4

Lindsay walked through the front door and did a double take. Jack never leaves the house looking like this, she thought; there were dirty dishes on the kitchen counter, the stove, and in the sink. Two comforters lay haphazardly on the living room carpet, and dirty clothes littered the laundry room floor. She’d only been gone for one day! This was completely uncharacteristic of Jack. He’s got some explaining to do, she thought.
Setting aside her briefcase and hanging her coat on the wall peg, she set out to find her husband.
As she headed down the hall toward the toy room, she caught muffled laughter. Curious, she silently made her way to the room and stood outside the closed door, listening. Beth! She smiled as she recognized her youngest daughter’s squeal.
“Stop, Daddy! Quit tickling me!” Then Jenny’s laugh joined the mix, followed by Jack’s gruff voice. “The tickling continues until you both surrender!”
“We surrender! We surrender!” they said in unison.
As Lindsay listened, her heart began to melt. It thawed completely when Jenny said, “Thanks for playing with us today, Daddy! This has been the bestest day ever!” “Yeah, Daddy, the bestest!” Beth agreed.
All the irritation vanished in light of the truth: some things are more important than a spotless home.

†

There truly is a time for every season and activity. Housework is important; but so is laughter! Our children are only young once, and many opportunities to teach them the importance of spending time doing the right thing at the right time vanish with their youth.
When teachable moments present themselves, we must seize the opportunity to teach and instruct and not allow the moment to slip away because we were too busy being busy.
Being too rigid will find us standing on the wrong side of many issues. Not only will it bring dissention among the ranks, but our children and their children will ultimately pay the price. Lighten up and laugh a little. The work will still be there when the laughter fades.

Prayer

“Lord, keep me from being too busy when it’s time to laugh. Reset the attitude of my heart so I will recognize what time it is. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

So, What Do You Think?

They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of … ignorance.
Ephesians 4:18

Gwen’s transformation from atheism to Christianity began in a local coffee bar when an engaging young man named Britt asked her, “So, what do you think is going to happen to you when you die?”
Gwen had given him the answer she’d used hundreds of times to defend her position. “I will cease to exist, end of story.”
A few espressos later, Britt had convinced Gwen to attend church with him the following Sunday. She heard the gospel message in a way that made sense. And for the first time she began to doubt her position. She began to pray and asked God to reveal Himself.
Britt challenged her to read the Bible. Within two weeks, Gwen became convinced there was a God, and she wanted to know Him. Giving her life to Christ had been life-changing. Having a new perspective on eternity, Gwen felt an urgency to share her new-found faith with those who had shared her ungodly skepticism. She now realized that the alternative to not asking the tough question was eternal death for those with whom she had shared her ignorance. Though she felt a twinge of fear each time, she refused to allow it to stop her from asking each one, “So, what do you think is going to happen to you when you die?”

†

Sharing our faith can be confrontational. The truth is most of us don’t like confrontation. The other side of the coin is having the knowledge we asked the question and gave someone an opportunity to say yes to Jesus. If we don’t ask them the question, who will? This is not someone else’s job.
Approximately 150,000 people die each day worldwide, many of them never knowing Christ for lack of someone asking them the tough question.
If this Jesus we follow and trust with our eternal lives is Who He says He is and Who we believe He is, how can we allow the question to go unasked?

Prayer

“Lord, I know I will survive the embarrassment and discomfort of sharing my faith with unbelievers. May I find the courage to take as many people to heaven with me as I can. In Jesus’ mighty Name, amen!”

This post is dedicated to Lindsay, Daddy's Little Girl, and her wonderful husband, Corey, on their wedding anniversary! May God continue using and blessing you! Happy Anniversary!

Daddy’s Charge

So now I charge you in the sight of all Israel and of the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God: Be careful to follow all the commands of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and pass it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever.
1 Chronicles 28:8

As they circled the dance floor, he held her close. His little girl had grown too fast. He felt so blessed, so proud of who she had become. He was feeling the separation that comes when our children come of age. Beautiful beyond words, she smiled a tear-filled smile, Daddy’s girl all the way! The dance ended too soon. Roles had changed in less than an hour. He had gone from provider and protector to sometimes advisor and prayerful encourager—advisor only when solicited.
He thought back to the ceremony when he’d charged his new son, “Today, I present to you my daughter. I charge you with the nurturing love of a mother and the fearless protection of a father. May you be strong when necessary and gentle in times of tears. And may God bless this union.”
Back in the present, he thought, Funny how life screams by at light-speed when it involves our children. He caught his wife’s knowing smile over the crowd. He was pretty sure she was saying, “Now you know how my dad felt.” He had a new perspective.

†

Responsibility brings with it promise. In this text’s pronouncement, Israel, if they followed God’s commands, would inherit the land set aside for them for all generations.
We are to not only follow God’s commands, but to faithfully instruct our offspring. They are to be nurtured, able to leave us, moving into the next season of their lives. We are charged with calling them to accountability.
As with the father in this story, we are to charge those who inherit the care of those entrusted to us. We are not to do this with ambiguity. We are to actively speak truth of responsibility to the next generation.

Prayer

“You charge us this day, to follow Your commands, Lord. Teach us to be faithful in response to that responsibility as we follow Your leading. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Evil’s House

If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house.
Proverbs 17:13

Flynn said good-bye to his last guest and closed the door. “Wow! What a night,” he said, smiling at his wife, Leslie. The grim look on her face alerted him to something amiss. “What is it?” he asked.
“Someone has taken the cookie jar fund,” came her somber reply. “As I began washing the dessert dishes, I noticed the lid on the jar was a little crooked. So out of curiosity I lifted the lid. The money is gone. I know it was there right before the dinner because I dropped in some change from my purse right after I got home from the grocery store.” Then she added, “I didn’t want to say anything while the guests were here because I didn’t want to offend the innocent parties. What should we do?”
After a moment of thought, Flynn said, “I don’t know that we should do anything, honey. To find out who took it would require asking each person if he or she knew anything about the missing money. We would be putting everyone’s integrity in question, and I’m not sure I’m willing to do that. I’m thinking that whoever took it will have to deal with his guilty conscience and that God will convict him of his evil actions. Let’s just let God handle it,” Flynn suggested. “We can replace what’s missing so the kids don’t suffer for someone else’s poor choices and leave it at that.”

†

To repay someone’s generosity by stealing from him is to ensure evil a place in our heart and house. Evil acts, regardless of the act, give Satan a foothold he will exploit in an effort to turn it into a stronghold.
If the person remains unrepentant, evil will eventually become a fortress seeping into every part of his life. It will ultimately bring total destruction to the entire household, leaving no one unaffected.
Solomon says that the one who commits evil will never be free from it. The only way to escape evil’s house and Satan’s grip is to bring our actions before the Lord in repentance. Then follow His leading.

Prayer

“Keep evil from my doorstep and my heart, Lord. Amen.”

Clear Conscience

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.
1 Peter 3:14

They called him a whistle blower. As they agency’s head accountant, Wes had called for an investigation into alleged improprieties. Everyone felt he had betrayed the agency. They didn't know what Wes knew. He had discovered that three of the top executives had embezzled 2.3 million dollars in company retirement funds.
He’d figured it out while doing an in-depth cross-check of the last two years’ books. Someone had cooked the books to show bogus market exchanges after the year-to-date expenditures had been signed off on.
Someone had slanted the books to make it appear the firm had spent millions on a new office building in the downtown district and that each employee was a contributing shareholder.
He’d uncovered a trail where thousands of dollars at a time had been siphoned from the money market investments without anyone’s knowledge. Wes ran across the discrepancies by checking deposit dates against phony real estate entries.
When the two-month external investigation proved Wes had been right, the whistle-blower label was replaced with pats on the back and a huge debt of thanks. Wes had done what was right. In his mind, he couldn't have done otherwise.

†

Sometimes doing the right thing requires taking some abuse. But that should never be the deciding factor in how we proceed. To look the other way when things are not as they should be is to forfeit character, honesty, and integrity.
Wes could have chosen to ignore his discovery. He could have simply resigned his position and gone to another agency. He was aware that by implicating those in authority he was taking a chance on having his character dragged through the mud. After all, he’d only been with the company a little over a year, and it was his word against theirs. For a while, it had been a very lonely stand.
It is better to suffer a while for what is right than live with a troubled heart. There is no substitute for a clear conscience.

Prayer

“I want to be a person of great integrity, Lord. Help me to put what’s right ahead of my comfort no matter the circumstances. In Jesus’ Name, amen. “

Then Who?

If anyone … sees his brother in need but has no pity … how can the love of God be in him?
1 John 3:17

The little girl looked so forlorn. Her mother looked as though she were fighting back tears. A covert glance revealed smudged faces and dirty clothes.
Lord, please send someone to minister to whatever problems they’re facing. Meet their needs, Sherry silently prayed as the elevator stopped on her floor.
“Why not you?” God softly invited.
Oh, Lord, I’ve got to get to work, she rationalized and stepped off the elevator.
“If not you, then who?” God whispered.
What am I supposed to say? Their personal issues are none of my business, she argued.
“Compassion is everyone’s business,” came the soft reprisal.
Turning back, Sherry hesitantly spoke. “Excuse me. I don’t want to offend you, but it appears as though you could use some help. Is there something I can do?”
The tears refused to be held back any longer. “I’m sorry,” the mother began. “It’s been so difficult lately. I lost my job. Cyndi and I have been living in homeless shelters. I came here in hopes of getting a job, but the way I look, I’m afraid no one would hire me.”
Reaching into her purse, Sherry pulled out a brush and began brushing the little girl’s hair, listening as the mother told her story. “Maybe I can help,” Sherry began.

†

We may not own a business and be able to hire the unemployed or have spare rooms to offer, but we can still reach out to those in need in whatever capacity we are able. Whether we choose to see it or not, hardship surrounds us.
The third chapter of John’s first letter deals with how we are to respond to God’s love. He invites us to mercifully emulate that love to a world in need.
It may take a few extra minutes, and we may be a bit uncomfortable, but when we encounter someone in need, we should mentally trade places, as if we ourselves were the one in need. And then remember God’s challenging appeal: if not you, then who?

Prayer

“Father, thank You for the loving sacrifice that made me right with You. May You find in me a willingness to be Your hand of mercy when You call. Amen.”

Hope with a Smile

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:35

Sally awakened at 4:00 a.m., said a hearty “Good morning, Father” as her feet hit the floor, and headed for the shower. She dressed and headed for the kitchen to fix breakfast for herself and Tiger. “Hiya, kiddo,” she greeted the big cat, stroking his sleek fur.
Eggs cooking, she spooned tuna delight into Tiger’s dish. “Eat it all now!” she said in mock sternness, then chuckled as Tiger cocked his head at her. Dishes done, she headed out the door, ready to meet the day. She loved the short drive to work as it often afforded her a beautiful sunrise or a full moon hanging in the waning night sky.
Sally volunteered in the day surgery unit of the local hospital.
With a smile on her face and a servant’s heart, she set about putting things in order. “I love the quiet,” she would say. “When I arrive, there’s no one here but me. I like that.” Arranging doctors’ charts and nurses’ orders, preparing each room by making sure everything was ready was Sally’s way of ministering to the staff.
Those rounds complete, Sally took her station in the lobby, greeting everyone scheduled for surgery. She took names and met needs, adding quiet words of encouragement and comfort or a prayer offered from a heart that had felt their pain and known their fears. Sally was the bright spot in their day; she gave them hope with a smile.

†

A servant’s heart is a precious thing. Out of it flows kindness with compassion and tenderness through encouragement. It’s born of a deep love for others, a selfless love like Jesus showed us on Calvary.
Servanthood is this great ability to rid others of their heartache and fear, rejection and pain, if only for a little while.
Jesus calls those who give of themselves in this way His disciples. And for good reason. They love with abandon, holding nothing back, lifting others above the struggles they face. Such an extravagant love makes a remarkable impact, and it begins with a mind-set that brings hope with a smile.

Prayer

“Help me love like You do, Lord. Use me to brighten someone else’s day. In Your Name, I pray. Amen.”

As Is

Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom.
Proverbs 23:23

The price was attractive, but something didn't feel right. It could be either a blessing or a sham. “I don’t know, Michael. This car should cost almost twice the asking price,” Brice warned. “I can’t tell you what, but something’s not right.”
“Aw, you’re just jealous ‘cause I found such a sweet deal! I’m buying this car.” Having made up his mind, Michael secured a loan and purchased the vehicle.
Three weeks later, the transmission began to slip. Taking the car to a local dealership, he discovered the previous owner had taken steps to temporarily hide the mechanical problem in order to sell the car.
Angry at being played for a fool, Michael called the man. “I’m returning the car! You deceived me!” he accused.
Unfazed, the man responded, “You bought that car as is. As it is now yours, I don’t care what you do with it. Sell it for all I care!” he said, chuckling as he hung up.
What had looked like such a sweet deal had become one of the worst deals Michael had ever made. He should have listened to the wisdom of his friend and at least had the vehicle checked out before buying it.

†

We live in a world where Satan influences some of the most harmless-looking people. When we fail to be wise or refuse to listen to wise counsel, we can be taken in. And to make matters worse, Satan gets us to attack ourselves. “You deserve a break. Look how sweet this deal is!” he whispers. We shove aside our doubts and bury the truth in denial for the glitter of the moment.
And when we’ve made the deal, he sits back, laughing. “You knew what you were getting into. You bought the package as is. Now live with it!”
It’s tempting to sell ourselves short when something appealing, yet toxic, appears. God exhorts us to purchase the truth and not exchange it for a seductive lie, to get wisdom and hang on to it with a relentless grip.

Prayer

“Help me listen for the truth in the midst of all the lies, Lord. Then help me hang on to it. Amen.”

A Pound of Salt

Let your conversation be … seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:6

Neil had been looking for ways to witness to his neighbors. So when he saw one of them using a rickety stepladder to remove a broken tree limb, he grabbed one of his sturdy work ladders and headed over to help.
“Hey, Jeff? I saw you using that old ladder and decided I couldn’t let you do that when I have a much safer one. Here, let me help.” And with that, he set up his six-foot fiberglass stepladder, positioned it where Jeff could safely reach the big limb, and said, “Go ahead, I’ll hold it for you.”
Jeff asked one of his sons to lift the end of the heavy limb to remove pressure at the cut so the saw wouldn’t bind. Neil, trying to help, told the young man how to lift the limb. When instruction failed to bring the desired results, Neil grabbed the limb and held it aloft, showing the young man what he’d meant.
The limb was removed and dragged away. Neil took his ladder and returned home, believing he had just shared the love of Christ.
Two days later, he met the son while walking, and when he spoke, the boy did not answer. Disturbed, he asked what the problem was. The young man admitted he had been embarrassed when Neil had taken over.
Neil had done the opposite of what he had intended.

†

Too much salt tastes worse than none. Our best intentions, if not carefully considered, can bring harm. Neil’s offer of the ladder, though well-intended, exuded arrogance.
In his spontaneity, he hadn’t thought out how best to approach the opportunity. His desire to help was good, but he was ill advised in taking control of circumstances. Instead of a dash of salt, he dumped out the whole shaker.
Our actions need filtered through the question, How will what I do affect others?
What we do in the Lord’s name is meant to have a
profound, positive effect. We must take care to season and not saturate.

Prayer

“Lord, I never want to offend where I intend to show people Your love. Help me listen for Your guidance instead of rushing in ahead of You. Amen.”

It’s All About God’s Timing

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

1 Peter 5:6

I smiled when I saw the caller-I.D, “Hi Don! How’ve you been?”

“Good, good!” he answered.

“What’s been going on?”

“Well…since I haven’t seen you lately I thought I’d touch base with you,” there was a controlled excitement in the tone of his voice.

“Sounds like something’s happened?” I prompted.

There was joy in his voice, “I got that miracle I’ve been praying for!”

“How? When?” I asked, genuinely excited for him.

“The other night I was watchin’ a ball game. When it ended I changed the channel to Donnie Swaggert. Just as I changed the channel Rev. Swaggert said, ‘If any of you need a healing, now is the time to get it!’ So I laid my hands on my stomach and claimed, ‘Lord, I believe in the work of the cross and all its benefits. I claim this healing in the Name of Jesus!’ Nothing strange happened and I went to bed thinking maybe nothing was gonna happen. But when I woke up the next morning, I was healed!”

†

During Don’s trials he always maintained that God could heal him, and would, when He chose to. He had been prayed for many times during his seven year struggle with this infirmity. So, why now? Had Don believed any different this time? Had he asked the right way this time?

I can tell you with certainty that neither reason ever stood as barriers to God’s ability and desire to heal Don. I can also say with certainty that it was all about timing: God’s timing. God desired to heal Don from the first prayer, but the time wasn’t right. How do I know that? Because Don didn’t receive healing before now.

When God’s timing (in due time) meets with our need, healing will most certainly happen. If you’ve been asking for a healing that you have not yet received, remain humble, keep asking in faith, and patiently await God’s timing!

Prayer

“Lord, I proclaim that Jesus died on the Cross of Calvary to secure my salvation and healing, and I wait in faith for Your timing. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Fidelity

He who loves his wife loves himself.
Ephesians 5:28

“Flirting, however harmless you might feel about it, is still being unfaithful to Gretchen,” Cal said. “It’s a temptation to take it a step further. Yes, it can make you feel alive. It wouldn’t be tempting if it didn’t. But it’s wrong, Randy. Gretchen deserves better. So do you.”
“But I don’t feel in love anymore,” Randy argued. “This other woman makes me feel appreciated and understood. I don’t get that from Gretchen. I’m tired of going through the motions.”
“You know, Randy, Patty and I felt the same way years ago. We’d lost the spark, and it felt too much like work to pretend. But we stuck it out and allowed God to lead us through counseling where we found out things had begun to overshadow our love; we’d stopped communicating.
“Randy, when someone of the opposite sex pays attention to us in a way our spouse hasn’t, we can easily form an unhealthy emotional bond. It feels right, and it tempts us to give up in spite of the covenant we made. You’ve got to fight the temptation,” Cal urged.
“How’d you get through it?” Randy asked.
“With a lot of work in God’s strength, and understanding that issues will always raise themselves up to assault our marriage. We fought for what we knew was right. And in the fighting, we learned that our love hadn’t died; it had become bogged down by the issues we faced.”

†

No-fault divorce, disillusionments, and annulments are easily granted and too widely accepted. “If you aren’t happy, move on,” we say, putting our happiness ahead of our spouse, our children, and our commitment.
Marriage is meant to be forever, not until we get tired.
Fidelity is standing in God’s strength instead of our own, holding ground not meant to be given up. It’s where integrity is discovered and selfish ambitions are laid to rest.
Fifty percent of today’s marriages end in divorce. Statistics say that eighty percent of those who remarry will divorce again. You will take each unattended issue wherever you go. Great reward can come from not giving in to selfish desires. Stay and fight for what God ordained.

Prayer

“Weld my marriage to You, Lord. Help us stand and fight instead of giving in to the temptations of infidelity. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Be Still

Be still, and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10

As Dell’s parents left the neurologist’s office, they were coming to grips with the truth that Dell wasn’t going to outgrow this.
He had just been diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome, a neurological disorder that manifests itself through various involuntary motor tics and vocalizations. The head jerking and rapid eye blinking now had a name.
As time passed, they helped Dell adjust to each new tic and the frustration it brought. They helped him develop coping skills for everything from homework to sleeping habits. It seemed like the battles would never end. And when they asked for a tutor at school, their request was denied because Tourette’s was not yet recognized as a learning disability. They were stunned.
It was difficult for Carolyn and Mark to watched Dell struggle, estranged from his peers because of his tics, belittled because he was different.
As months turned into years, they continued to ask God to take away this trying disorder that brought ridicule and tears. All God seemed to say was, “Be still,” and in place of healing came grace.
As Dell matured, God’s purpose emerged, and the desired healing was forgotten. Dell was a man of compassion with deep conviction. An accomplished musician, Dell graduated college with a degree in communications and music. God had elevated Dell above his struggles.

†

It’s easy to overlook the silver lining because we’re focused on the trial. Believing God has our best interest at heart can be a difficult thing, especially when it involves our children. It’s easy to forget that God intimately understands our heartache where our children are concerned.
How many of us would willingly have sent our only child to die for something he didn’t do, especially knowing he was going to die in place of the guilty party?
When storms hammer us, it’s natural to cry out for deliverance. It’s not natural to believe God would allow this to happen. So when we cry out only to hear Him say, “Be still,” it doesn’t make much sense. Have faith.
God is inviting us, like the psalmist, to focus on Him. And though the earth gives way … to not fear.

Prayer

“Lord, I have trouble trusting You when I can’t see Your purpose. Help me to trust You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

GPS

I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Joshua 1:5

Dennis traveled to work by different routes each morning, which is quite remarkable since he traveled more than thirty-five miles one-way to his place of employment. But why would someone take a different route to work each morning instead of the quickest way possible, thereby minimizing travel time and saving fuel? Why? Because Dennis was called by God to intercede on behalf of people who would probably never know they were being prayed for. As he drove through each neighborhood he prayed, asking God to meet each need and draw the families to Himself.   

Dennis enjoyed his silent ministry, rising early each morning—having mapped out that day’s route the night before—to meditate on the morning’s drive. Then, he’d give his wife, Mary Ellen, a kiss, and set out to pray for the needs of the people on his chosen route.   

But this morning Dennis’ heart was troubled. God hadn’t been as forthcoming in verifying which route to take, nor had he sensed any explicit prayer-assignments for those homes he would encounter. Dennis reasoned that maybe God was asking him to be faithful in spite of the silence. As he backed out of the driveway, he vented his frustration audibly, “Do you even know where I am?”

God’s response was immediate... “I always know where you are, Dennis. I have not left you. Take heart! For you are My GPS…my God Positioned Servant!”

†

How difficult it is sometimes when we experience the silence of God. It can be, and many times is, perplexing to know He’s there and yet not hear a peep out of Him. It’s one of the ways He teaches us to choose between right and wrong, as well as learning to stay committed, in the face of adversity.

He wants us to continue on in spite of His silence, growing in the knowledge and confidence that we are capable of making right choices. And if we make a mistake, He’ll be quick to nudge us through His Holy Spirit.

But never doubt His presence…you are His GPS!

Prayer

“Lord, lead on, and teach me to trust You in the silence. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

What Is Faith?

Now faith is being sure of … what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

Helen was agnostic. “How can you believe in God?” she asked. “And how are you so sure He exists?”
Ronnie chose her words carefully. “I see God in nature and in the details of life. I've personally seen Him work in the circumstances of my life, and I hear Him when He speaks to my spirit, Helen.”
“So now you’re saying God talks to you? Yeah, right!” Helen’s comment was dripping with sarcasm. She refused to believe in God because she had never witnessed conclusive proof of His existence.
Ignoring Helen’s remark, Ronnie went on. “Answer this question, Helen. Can you prove God doesn't exist? For example, you can’t see the wind, but you know it’s there. When you flip on a light switch, you expect there to be light. And you know the sun will come up tomorrow no matter what. Each requires an act of faith to believe in. Why is it such a stretch to believe in a Creator?”
Helen didn't like where this was headed. “Each of those can be proven scientifically. What’s your point?”
“My point is that faith fails to be faith when we have tangible proof. You demand tangible proof of God’s existence, and unless you get it, you will continue to reject the possibility that there is Someone outside your control in control of your life. God asks us to believe without seeing.”

†

The thought of being subject to Someone else’s authority has caused multitudes great anguish. God’s existence challenges our life choices.
Any religion that denies Christ’s deity, meaning Jesus is the only way to heaven, shares an inability to believe God would condemn. They refuse to believe they are condemned, not by God, but by their own choices, and so they choose to disbelieve. In their unrighteous and unholy living, there is no room for admitting a Holy God cannot abide their actions.
Christians believe solely on His Word, the circumstantial evidence surrounding us and our ability to reason.
Our stance on whether or not He exists will not change that He does.
Faith is making an informed decision, aware that where we spend eternity hangs in the balance.

Prayer

“Give me words of truth to speak into nonbeliever’s doubt, Lord. Amen.”

Not By Sight

Walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7

Sandy’s mother, Gladys, was legally blind. Now in her eighties, Sandy helped care for her.
“Mom,” Sandy said. “Do you remember the day you sent me to school for the first time?”
“Oh, honey! That’s a day I will never forget! It’s funny you should ask,” Gladys responded with delight.
“Whaddya mean?” Sandy asked.
“I was thinking about that just last week. I felt so bad making you get on that bus. I cried most of the morning. I called your father and told him he’d have to stay home from work and send you himself if the crying continued!” She laughed. “I made it through those first few weeks with a lot of tissues and prayer. And I grew to trust God.” Gladys’s eyes were blind, but you could tell she was seeing those days in a way blindness couldn’t alter.
“Many a time I thanked the good Lord for His constant assurance. Not knowing the reasons for some of the trials we went through made it difficult. And though I didn’t always understand what He was up to, I learned to trust Him. As I trusted God, He proved faithful. Those lessons have come in handy. If I didn’t trust Him, I’d have become angry or bitter about my blindness. Knowing He has His reasons has allowed me to look past the obstacle and lean on His strength as I face each new day.”

†

God rarely explains the reasons for His actions. And we have a choice in response: anger and frustration or submission and trust.
Faith requires risk. When we take a calculated risk, we have some idea of how things will turn out. Yet sometimes we have no idea what God is up to. And that can be disconcerting if we dwell on what’s next.
Gladys could easily have spent her days questioning God about her blindness. Instead, because of her experience and years of walking with Him, she chose to believe that He would bring blessings out of difficulty. Having emerged victorious through the trials of her life gave her hope for the future.

Prayer

“Lord, teach me to trust. Show me how to have faith instead of giving in to the natural tendency to cut and run. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Last Place We Look

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
Psalm 105:3

They split up to cover more ground.
“Where’d you see it last? And how long ago was that?” Tony hollered up the stairs. He and Jill had been searching for her butterfly necklace for half an hour.

"I don't remember," she hollered back. It's perfect for the gown I'm wearing, was the thought that drove her to find the necklace, even if that meant being late for their dinner engagement. 

Tony had checked the kitchen and downstairs bathroom. Nothing! He’d pulled the cushions from each piece of furniture and reached into every crack but had come up empty. Now in the guestroom, he began looking through drawers while asking God for patience. This is not my favorite pastime, Lord!

Jill continued searching through jewelry boxes. Still no necklace. “Any luck yet?” she hollered.
Tony reined in his frustration. “Not yet...”
Then suddenly, “I found it!” Jill hollered triumphantly and whispered, “Thank you, Jesus!”
As Tony worked the clasp, fastening the chain around his wife's neck, she explained, “It was in the zipper compartment of one of my backup purses! Wouldn't you know it, it was in the last place I looked!”
Tony couldn't help himself, “Of course it was in the last place you looked! You wouldn't continue looking once you found it, would you?!”

†

If we knew exactly where we’d lost something of value, we wouldn't waste time looking for it somewhere else. We would go straight to that spot and retrieve the lost item.
So why is it that when we feel lost God is frequently the last place we look for guidance when seeking the path back to safety and stability? Sometimes it's because we feel a need to rescue ourselves.
Self-sufficiency is a form of pride. Yet generations have been raised by the maxims: “Stand on your own two feet,” “Buck up,” “Get in there,” “No one is going to do it for you.”
We've become a do-it-yourself society without much God-sufficiency.
What are we teaching our children?
David, for all his faults, constantly sought God’s wisdom and strength. No matter how many mistakes he made, David relied on God’s loving guidance until the day he died.
It is not God’s desire to be found in the last place we look.

Prayer

“I need help today and every day, Lord. Help me come quickly to stand in Your strength. Amen.”

Shocked to His Senses

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12

Jim regained consciousness. He was dazed and confused but alive. He’d been filling the grain silos. With one silo full, he was moving the boom of the elevator over to the next silo. As the boom swung, it came in contact with a bare power line. Thousands of volts of electricity shot through his body, discharging through his toes into the ground. The resulting shock knocked him unconscious. Awakening, Jim crawled to his neighbor’s. He was transported to the county hospital where he received treatment and was later released.
The following week, Jim received a visit from a local pastor. He had come to invite Jim to church. “I can talk to God anytime I want right out there in the fields,” Jim said, swinging his arm expansively.
The pastor asked, “But do you? If you had died that day, do you know if your soul would be in heaven?”
Jim had to admit he didn’t. As for talking to God while out in the fields …
He took the pastor up on his offer.

†

Jim’s true relationship with God began the day he was introduced to his own mortality. That relationship grew over time as he came to know the One Who saved his life. He eventually became the pastor of a local church.
Instead of harvesting grain, Jim began to reap souls for the kingdom. And though now with the Lord, Jim’s legacy of harvest continues through his family and parishioners.
One significant moment can bring change to our lives and the lives of countless others. Today’s text says that we have the ability to gain wisdom by our actions, the act of learning from God what He has in store for our lives. Do we continue on in false ignorance?

Prayer

“Lord, teach us to number our days according to Your Word. And to walk uprightly in relationship with You. Guide us into wisdom that is pertinent in our lives and Your kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

*

The Secret

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.
Philippians 4:12

In light of her circumstances, Elsie had a tremendous outlook on life. Her secret? She looked for the brightest part of each day and refused to let circumstances dictate her attitude. She certainly had reason to do otherwise.
Elsie’s multiple myloma had resurfaced after twenty years of remission, and she’d just come through colon cancer that had required several surgical procedures. Right now, her doctor was advising her to undergo chemotherapy on top of her radiation treatment. Having been through this before, Elsie took a moment before she responded to the doctor’s suggested course of treatment.
“What do you think, Tommy? Are you up for this again?” she asked her husband.
Tom said, “I’m up for whatever you decide, Els. No matter what, God’ll get us through this.”
She looked at her surgeon. “Can we have a couple days to discuss things and pray about it, Doc? I’m involved with the kids at the hospice center. If I undergo therapy, it’ll mean giving that up for a while. I want to be sure.”
He was inspired by Elsie’s concern for others in the midst of considering her own welfare. She motivated him to approach life with tenacity. He smiled, “Sure, Elsie. You and Tom take whatever time you need. Then call me with your decision.”

†

How we live gives witness to what we believe. Others read us like a book. So what do they see? Contentedness or contention?
Elsie knew this was something God would handle and guide her through. It was evident God had her trust, and He was in control of her life.
A grouch is not difficult to spot. Neither is someone who inspires us to live above defeat and despondency.
Paul discovered what Jesus already knew: by looking to our ultimate future, we are better able to walk through today with hope in our hearts.
Elsie’s thoughts? “Live like heaven begins tomorrow; sing like no one is listening; dance like no one is watching; and love like you’ve never been hurt before.” Sounds like a good place to start.

Prayer

“Teach me the secret, Lord, of being content by trusting You for everything in my life. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

4

Reverence and the Flag*

July 4

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Proverbs 22:6

As the Color Guard marched in the parade, Chet, a retired Air Force pilot, was saddened by how many people remained seated, with hats on their heads as the American flag passed by. The men and women from his generation would never show such a lack of respect and blatant disregard for their country’s flag and the sacrifice it represented. These people seemed indifferent about the freedom they enjoyed and took for granted. Chet had lost friends and comrades in WWII, and how or why these succeeding generations failed to honor and respect such sacrifice was beyond his comprehension.  

As they proceeded, Chet’s eye caught a small boy suddenly stand to attention, salute the men and the flag, and hold his salute! With a tear sliding down his cheek, Chet returned the prescribed military gesture, realizing, There is still hope that what we’ve done will not be forgotten or taken for granted.

†

The right for Americans to arbitrarily snub their nose at their Nation’s flag has been paid for with the blood and sacrifice of brave men and women, and their families, who’ve given of themselves, building the foundation upon which others have continued to build, knowing that freedom comes at a price.

This Nation was founded by fearless men and women who stood on godly principles which, when not adhered to, breed ignorance and disrespect. By failing to pass along a sense of duty, honor, and self-sacrifice, we have lost who we are and how we arrived at this moment in history.

It is, therefore, our responsibility to train and nurture each succeeding generation, teaching them to cherish the freedom they enjoy, and help them understand what a precious commodity it is. This applies to our spiritual heritage as well.

If Jesus were to walk by would our children remain seated on the curb, or would they stand in reverence and honor, recognizing the sacrifice that was made to set them free?

Prayer

“Father of our freedom, we thank and give You honor. May we never lose sight of the sacrifice for our freedom, and may we never fail to pass on the importance of the price that was paid. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

* Dedicated to Chester Miller, a good friend and good man

1

Some Will Perish

They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.

2Thessalonians 2:10

Mindy’s sense of guilt and shame deepened as the pastor continued his message, “There is a Heaven to be sought and a Hell to be shunned! The Bible says that once we’ve accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we must maintain good standing with God, so that on the day we see Him face to face we will be acceptable in his sight."

To Mindy it was just more proof that God was vengeful and unyielding. She’d heard of God’s great love for her, yet the God this man preached about sure didn’t sound like someone who cared about anything but keeping track of her mistakes, so He could read the long list to her on the day she stood before Him to be judged. All she could expect from this God on that day was a sentenced to Hell.

Where’s this great love I keep hearing about? Mindy wondered. How could I ever hope to measure up to those standards? She felt the grip of hopelessness tighten on her heart. There’s no way I could ever meet his demands…Mindy left the service feeling defeated.

†

My prayer is that you understand we can no more maintain our salvation than we can earn it. So when you hear a message of ‘sustaining our good standing with God in order to be acceptable’, that message is not accurate. We should want to honor our Creator out of our love for Him. But to fall down and fail does not rob us of our right-standing with God. His grace abounds in this world that so desperately needs such love.

But as real as this misconception of a vengeful God is, so is the danger of presenting a God who will allow no one to perish; even to the extent that He withholds judgment completely. Some say this is the meaning of grace.     

Here is the truth: God’s holiness cannot abide the presence of unrighteousness. Jesus’ death provided victory over all sin, with one exception: We must personally accept God’s gift of Jesus’ atoning blood. Failing that, we sentence ourselves to Hell, by rejecting such love. This is not the act of an angry, vengeful God. It is the act of a selfish, petulant child refusing to be saved.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to know You as the loving Father You are instead of the vengeful bully some present You to be. In Jesus’ Name, amen.” 

Set Them Free

Set Them Free

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:17

Kevin had been the sole survivor of an attack on his M2 Bradley tank. Tears began to build in Lauren’s eyes as she listened to her brother’s story. “The IED came out of nowhere. One minute we’re haulin’ along, the next there’s this deafening explosion, and there’s fire everywhere!” Then his voice lowered. “Guys were screaming.”
Fighting for composure, he went on. “Next thing I remember is waking up in Walter Reed. That’s where I found out I was the only one that made it; someone from the Humvee behind us had pulled me free.” Kevin’s face mirrored the loss he was feeling. “They were my friends,” he whispered. “Why them and not me? Why’d they have to die?”
“I don’t know the answer to your question, Kev,” his dad quietly answered. “But sometimes good people die so that others might live.” He continued, “Freedom will always have its casualties. War is a reality in the world in which we live. When tyranny sets itself up to steal freedom from those who hold it precious, there will be conflict. Your willingness to fight and set others free was shared by each of your friends, son. Remember them. Never forget they understood the sacrifice of freedom, just like you, and paid the ultimate price. When others are held captive, our freedom, if it means anything at all, must rise up and defend them in their weakness. We must set them free.”

†

When Satan set himself up against his Creator, he began the work of pitting man against man, good against evil. Since then there have been casualties of war. Sadly, there will be more.
Seeing what mankind had done to His plan, God undertook the means by which we are set free. He submitted Himself to the hardships of a war He could have won with the utterance of one word. Yet with a love so deep that He could not bring Himself to destroy His Creation, He spoke to His Son, “We must set them free.” And in one act of love, They set us free!

Prayer

“Mighty God, thank You for Jesus. May we never take His sacrifice for granted. Amen.”

The Art Of Listening

The Art of Listening

Listen to advice and accept instruction.
Proverbs 19:20

Gary’s patience was being tested. His young trainee continually interrupted his instruction, trying to finish Gary’s sentences. Yet each time he spoke out of turn, he found himself embarrassed as Gary showed him the error in his assumptions.
“Look, Bobby, I know you’re intelligent,” Gary began. “But every time you interrupt, you display an inability to listen to instruction, and you extend the length of this training session. Please listen and hold your responses and questions until we complete each phase. All right?”
“I’m sorry, sir. I just get kinda nervous in these situations. I want you to know I’ll be able to handle whatever you give me to do. I don’t want to upset you. I really want this job and want to impress you. I guess that was a crash and burn effort.”
“Look, Bobby,” Gary confided, “we don’t mind training someone who is willing to learn. That type of person takes instruction well. And that’s who we’re looking for.”
“I understand. If I promise to listen, will you give me another chance?” he asked, his countenance showing he meant what he said.
Gary was sensitive to the young man’s uneasiness. “Sure, Bobby. It’s understandable that you’re a little bit nervous. But in the future … I suggest you train yourself to listen. You’ll learn a lot more.”

†

Listening is a discipline. Bobby is not unique. We've all spoken out of turn only to find out we were wrong. It’s easy to want to showcase our experience. But in our eagerness to succeed, we can speak when we should be listening. A willingness to show ourselves teachable is far more attractive than continually trying to outguess or impress someone.
Active listening is the art of controlling our emotions and our tongue, trading our silence for knowledge we might not possess. Failure to listen robs us of vital knowledge that may benefit us in the future. It also shows us as immature and impulsive. It is better for us to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open our mouths and confirm it.

Prayer

“Help me learn to listen, Lord. Still my tongue and open the ears of my heart. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”