Unequally Yoked

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.
2 Corinthians 6:14

The farmer led the oxen into the stall preparing to put them under yoke for plowing. He laid the wooden crossbeam over their necks. Next, taking the yoke itself, he sent the stave end up through the hole on one side of the beam while his son held the other end in place; he then spun on the wooden nut. At that moment, the low-side ox was stung by a bee. Jerking his head and causing the loosely tied cinch reigns to come undone, the ox stepped out of the yoke, causing the full weight of it to fall on the off ox, who twisted its head sideways under the strain. The farmer quickly grabbed the yoke, lifting it and relieving the unwanted pressure. His son grabbed the trailing reigns, coaxed the ox back into the yoke, and tightly tied the reigns to the stable cinch. Back under the yoke, the oxen shared the weight of the load.

†

When we choose to disobey God’s directive not to become unequally yoked with unbelievers, we expose ourselves to unnecessary problems and heartache. Unbelievers don’t respond the same as believers to trials or difficulties. Unbelievers do not adhere to God’s directives, nor do they care that we do. And when problems arise, a believer can be left with the full weight of responsibility, thereby twisting his neck out of joint, causing emotional turmoil. This diametric opposition can cause broken relationships.
Some of us enter relationships thinking, I can help them believe, and so we go about implementing change in an effort to mold the person into the image we desire them to be. In the end, we only cause or reveal insurmountable barriers.
Only God can affect that kind of change. And His desire is that we leave it to Him and not enter into those relationships unless the person changes. It’s our responsibility to refrain from relationships with anyone who does not follow God’s instruction.

Prayer

“All Knowing Father, help us to steer clear of relationships that are not founded on You. Help us to deal rightly with human desire. Please show us grace when we fail to listen to Your decrees and gently bring us back under Your instruction. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Breath of Life

The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living thing.
Genesis 2:7

The car came out of nowhere, slamming into the driver’s side door of her SUV. The side airbags deployed immediately, preventing her serious injury. But the man in the oncoming car had been ejected through his windshield, coming to rest on the hood of her car. Regaining her senses, she climbed over the console and exited the passenger side door, coming around the front of the car to check on the man. Holding her fingers to his neck, she discovered he had no pulse. Climbing up beside the man, she began first aid. Looking for blockage in his airway and finding none, she pinched his nose and began respirations, then pumped on the man’s chest. She continued CPR, and after five repetitions, the man responded, yet remained unconscious. He was transported to a nearby trauma unit where he eventually recovered from his injuries. The very person he hit had saved his life by providing the precious breath necessary to sustain his life.

†

It has been said we breathe some of the very air Jesus himself breathed two thousand years ago. Science says that all oxygen is recycled, stating that .00037 percent of all air molecules have been co-breathed by everyone who has ever existed. Regardless of the validity of that statement, we have all been given the gift of life. When God “breathed into his nostrils,” He created life and an oxygen-rich environment capable of sustaining that life. We should never mistake the truth of the statement made in this passage. He didn’t just bring Adam to life; He created an atmosphere that would sustain us forever, giving us an opportunity to understand the awesome power of God.

Prayer

“Breath of Life, we thank You for life-giving oxygen. Without it, we could not survive. Help us to understand the power You possess and Your desire that we become vessels of that same power through the gift of the Holy Spirit. May we become fresh breath in a stagnant world. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Proper Timing

Whoever obeys his commands will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure.
Ecclesiastes 8:5

He stood silently by and watched as I swung the sledge against the wedge, attempting to fell the tree. It was a big, old tree, seventy feet tall and spreading out some forty feet. It would make a lot of firewood. I began to hear a chuckle every now and again.
After ten minutes of pounding, I was tiring quickly and sweating profusely. I’d made no progress, and he was openly laughing. In my wounded pride, I said, “If you think you can do it better, have at it.” He stepped over, re-placed the wedge, and in three, well-timed swings, dropped the tree right were he wanted.
Exasperated, all I could do was shake my head, smile, and ask, “So what’s the secret?” My father-in-law winked, pointed at the sky, and said, “You have to look up when you’re wedging a tree. You wait until the tree sways against the wedge, then, as it begins to sway the other way, you drive the wedge deeper and wait, driving it deeper with each swing. It’s all in the timing. To get the timing right, you have to look up.”

†

Often, we struggle against unseen pressures, forgoing the council of those wiser than ourselves. Instead of seeking their experience in regard to the pressure we’re facing, we forge ahead, making our own way. Our self-sufficient mind-set doesn’t leave much room for admitting we could benefit from someone else’s wisdom, and our efforts are diminished when we navigate life on our own. Like wedging a tree, we need wisdom concerning our actions in overcoming the pressures we face. God, if we will allow Him, can move people and sway things to work in our favor, moving them in such a way that it increases our strength, not deplete it. “A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” That’s God, us, and others.

Prayer

“Lord, I tend to have tunnel vision at times. Please whisper for me to look up to You. Help me change from my self-sufficient ways in an effort to become God sufficient. I admit I cannot do this on my own. Amen.”

Granddad’s Treasure Chest

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19

As Tom brushed dirt from the miniature treasure chest, he was transported fifteen years back through time to the day he and his Grandad had buried it in the backyard of the family farm. Grandad had said, “Tom, there are only a few things really important in life: the love of family, the feel of a good book in your hands, and most of all, the love and faithfulness of God. Without the latter, the others don’t have any significance.” Throwing dirt over the chest, he had said, “Let’s dig it up on your twentieth birthday and weigh the importance of the things we’re burying today.”
As Tom opened the chest, he couldn’t suppress a sob; he wished Grandad were here to do this with him. The first item he uncovered was the medal Grandad had received for service to his country. Next was an old pair of Grandad’s eyeglasses; Tom had always liked them and thought he might need them in the future. There was an old report card, a few old coins, and a pack of baseball cards. The last item Tom pulled from the chest was a pocket-sized Bible. It had been the first item Grandad had placed in the chest.

†

Tom remembered what his Grandad had said when he’d placed that little Bible in the chest. “Son, everything we have placed in here will have a price placed on it when you dig it up, all except this one; this little Bible is priceless. The words of this book will sustain you when all these other things are gone. Never place a higher value on the things of this world than you do the Word of God. If you trust in God, you’ll never be alone, never be poor, and never be lost.” Tom smiled. He had adhered to his Grandad’s faith.

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, I want my heart to be in heaven. Help me live for You here so that I can live with You there. Amen.”

Anchors Away

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.
Proverbs 23:4

They had a swimming pool in the backyard, a five-bedroom, thirty-two-hundred-square-foot home on seventy well-groomed acres, a cabin in the mountains, and stress that wouldn’t be assuaged!
Brad and Beth worked nonstop, six days a week, and never seemed to have enough time to relax and enjoy the things they’d worked so hard to obtain. Brad could still hear his father assert, “Be the best at what you do, Brad.” He’d taken it to heart. He was the CEO at Corporate HQ and Beth was a successful civil attorney.
Top in their individual fields, they had gone on numerous business vacations over the years for business personnel only. Their kids were being raised by a nanny and seldom saw their parents during daylight hours.
It had all seemed so grand in the beginning; now it seemed as if they worked too hard and missed too much just to pay the bills.

†

Having material possessions is not wrong in and of itself. However, how we make use of those possessions and our time does matter. Brad’s father had died young, leaving Brad as the man of the house at an early age.
What Brad had thought of as sound advice had driven him to his version of success. He had achieved the top of the hill. But since Sundays were their only day off, they spent them maintaining their property, including spring cleaning and fall closure of the cabin, which was mostly rented out to people they would never meet.
They hardly ever had time for family outings, rarely used the pool, and never made it to church. All the things they held precious had turned out to be anchors around their necks. Brad remembered how in Sunday school his father had told the class, “We should live our lives as pleasing unto the Lord.” Somehow in his youth Brad hadn’t made the distinction between working like a dog and working for the Lord. It was time to make some changes.

Prayer

“Father, please give me the wisdom to know when I’m working for me instead of You. Help me to know when enough is enough. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Pop Bottles

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Luke 6:38

It was a hot Saturday afternoon, and the boys of Scout Troop 429 were on a pop-bottle drive. They needed new pup tents. The torn and leaky World War II leftovers just weren’t cutting it anymore, so they were in search of anyone who would donate to their cause. Coming to a place that appeared to need of a lot of yard work, the boys noticed several bottles lying by the back door. It looked as if they’d been discarded where they’d been finished.
Knocking, they were greeted by a gruff-voiced old man leaning on a cane. They explained why they were there and proposed that they be allowed to keep the bottles in exchange for mowing his lawn, saving him the trouble of cleanup. The old man thought a moment, rubbed his bald head, then smiled, saying, “Tell you what. If it’s okay with your parents, and you younguns would like to help me out a mite by cleaning things up and such around here, I’ll just buy each of you a tent myself, and you can have all the bottles you find.”
Wow, what an offer! With their father’s permission and the details ironed out, the boys spent the rest of that day cleaning off the porch and with a mower retrieved from the backyard shed, mowed the lawn, restoring the Jenkins place to its former charm. Per their agreement, they would tackle the windows and garage next week.

†

What the boys hadn’t known before striking their bargain with Mr. Jenkins was that his garage was stacked full of old soda bottles he’d never gotten around to redeeming—over two thousand bottles at three cents apiece! What a deal indeed! Willing to help Mr. Jenkins for the promise of only a few bottles, they were rewarded beyond their wildest dreams.

Prayer

“Lord, we ask for your guidance. Teach us to care about others, not for personal reward, but because it’s the right thing to do. Lead us to those who are unable to help themselves and use us to meet their needs. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Chair and Tuesdays

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8

I had noticed the chair but hadn’t asked about it. It sat just to the right of the headboard of her bed, close enough that she could reach out and touch it. The story she shared was from her soul. “That chair’s been sitting right there since 1984. That’s the year Bill died. I put it there so I could talk to him. I sure do miss him. I never really got over losing him, you know. I was angry at God for a while, especially about Tuesdays. It was a Tuesday when Bill died. The following Tuesday, Bill’s best friend died. The week after that, my dog died, and the week after that, Mom had a stroke and died fourteen months later on a Tuesday. I hate Tuesdays!”
She shared her pain with me that day, and I understood; we all have things we get angry at God about. Even the most God-fearing people get angry at God from time to time. She finished by saying, “I’m not angry at God anymore, but I still hate Tuesdays! Now the chair is there so me, Bill, and God can all spend time together; then they don’t feel so far away. I sure miss Bill.”

†

We have a God who knows our pain, every wound of our heart. He knows every thought, too. So He’s not surprised when we finally admit that we’re mad at Him for one reason or another. He has enough love and patience to hear us out, walk beside us, or carry us when that’s necessary. He knows all our faults and waits us out, hoping our rebellion will end so He can lead us into deeper understanding.
God’s desire is that we bring Him the burdens we weren’t meant to carry. He always meets us where we are and accepts any advancement in His direction.

Prayer

“Abba, forgive me for my unrepentant anger. Help me want to give it all to You. I struggle with forgiving others. I feel it’s my right to hang on to the pain. Help me understand what Jesus meant when he taught the disciples, ‘And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.’ In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Thin Blue Line

By: Craig Clouston

Since the advent of pictures from space, the Earth's atmosphere, that pale blue halo, has been referred to as 'The Thin Blue Line.' This analogy represents the combination of elements and gases that create the conditions which allows us to breath, live, and thrive. And the miracle of this thin blue line, for the most part, is taken for granted. Only when we get the wind knocked out of us, or are deprived of these life-giving elements, do we appreciate the sweet taste of this ever-present and desperately-needed provision; Oxygen is, quite literally, the breath of life.

There is another, just as critical and vital, 'Thin Blue Line.' This line allows us the freedom to go about our daily business without worry or concern for our or our family's welfare. We can work, play, shop, worship and sleep without thought of someone or some-thing accosting us or destroying our plans. And much like the atmosphere, we go about our business without a second thought of its impact on our lives...until we find ourselves in a position of need. And at such a time, just like that first gulp of oxygen, we desperately want this 'Thin Blue Line' to assert itself, make itself known, and restore safety and order to our lives.

And just as our atmosphere, this 'Thin Blue Line' flexes without being breached. This is due, in no small part, to the nature of the men and women who put on the uniform of law enforcement and take the oath to respect, obey, and uphold the laws of their respective communities and this Great Nation. They serve without thought of who we are, and whether or not we deserve their protection; they do it because it's the profession they've chosen; it is this distinction that speaks volumes about who they are and what they believe.

That 'Line' has, unfortunately, been assaulted time and again, most recently with the senseless murder of Danville, Ohio Police Officer Thomas Cottrell. The Cottrell family's loss understandably knocked the air out of the Danville and surrounding communities as well, dealing a blow to the Law Enforcement Fraternity nationwide. Sadly, this story is being played out across this country with haters and terrorists blatantly assassinating our men and women in uniform simply because they disagree with their ideology, and because there are undercurrents of evil living and thriving.

My family, personally, have four current members of this Courageous Fraternity; one a Major Crimes Detective/S.W.A.T. Commander, one a County Deputy Sheriff/K-9 Officer, and the third, a Municipal Court Adult Probation Officer, and one life-time K-9 Officer in Pennsylvania. To a man they serve with valor and distinction, and selflessly place themselves directly in the cross-hairs of prejudice.

The more than 900,000 men and women who have taken an oath to serve and protect the citizens in their communities across the United States are hated simply because of the uniform they wear. They protect the rights of you and me, quite literally placing themselves between us and harms way.

This article is mean to bring to light the truth of the heinous acts of the few hate-filled people in our country and world-wide trying to strike fear into the moral-majority.

To silently stand by and hope others will fight this fight is the choice that has brought us to where we are today. Choose to make a difference...help support 'The Thin Blue Line'...

Open Waters

Fear not, for I have redeemed you … When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
Isaiah 43:1, 2

He had never known real fear. He hadn’t realized this kind of fear even existed before today. Sure, he’d been scared, but never anything like this. Surfacing after jumping off the pier, Phil was facing open waters; he had an unobstructed view of Lake Erie through his diving mask. All he could see was the vast expanse of water, and he was instantly paralyzed; he couldn’t breathe! To say he was afraid would have been a tremendous understatement. Then his training and experience kicked in; survival mode took over.
Perplexed and still unable to draw a breath, he turned, and in a state he would later describe as controlled panic, swam back to the dock and climbed up the ladder. Finally able to draw a breath, he emerged from what had felt like a death trap.

†

With an understanding that God has redeemed us by our act of repentance and turning to Jesus, the promise from Isaiah applies to each of us.
As with literal open waters, spiritual waters hold danger. Phil was an experienced swimmer and lifeguard, yet he wasn’t ready for the shock he received when the only thing his eyes could see was open water.
Left completely unprepared, it could have meant death. His training had been enough to save his life. It is imperative that we understand the dangers we face ahead of time; there are predators in those spiritual waters seeking our spiritual death.
We may not know in what form they will come, but by preparing ourselves with biblical wisdom, the training needed for survival, we will be better able to recognize and fend off the attacks when they do come.

Prayer

“Holy Spirit, please show me where I lack wisdom. Teach me Your ways as I open the Word so that I might be able to stand against the enemy when he comes. Train me so that I may also help others stand against the enemy. Thank You for Your presence when I pass through the waters of life. Amen.”

Love Your Neighbor

Therefore, as God’s chosen people and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12

It was raining hard when they drove by the man walking along the side of the road. Soaking wet, he blended into the darkness. They’d seen him before and knew he was headed for the bridge up ahead. He would spend the night under the bridge above the river.
Continuing across the bridge, Kenny dropped Betty off at home and quickly gathered a few items. Returning across the bridge, he found the man just reaching the point where he usually dropped off into the underworld he preferred. Rolling down the window, Kenny asked if there was anything he could do. The man shyly declined and began to step over the guardrail. The urgency in Kenny’s voice stopped him, and the rain-soaked man turned, saying, “I could use a little bit to eat if you’ve got something.” Asking him to get in, Kenny headed home where he and Betty shared conversation and a meal with the man. Finished eating, he declined lodging. He was given dry clothes, a backpack, and an umbrella. Eagerly accepting the items and excusing himself, he left the house, opening the umbrella as he walked down the hill toward the bridge.
Neither Kenny nor Betty would ever forget the broken-toothed grin that was shyly given in response to the love they had shared with this child of God as he walked out of their lives.

†

Blessings beyond our wildest imagination are both given and received when we step outside our comfort zone in an effort to treat others with respect. We are given opportunities to minister in difficult circumstances. It is God’s desire that we take the time to let our hearts express the kindness and compassion He inherently gave us. We don’t know what this act of kindness did for that man on that rainy night, but we rest in the knowledge that God never leaves seeds unwatered.

Prayer

“Father, please make me an instrument of Your love. Teach me to give of my time as well as my finances. Help me recognize the opportunities for what they really are, Your test of my love for You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Dignified

The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.
Matthew 25:40

As a hospice nurse, Mandy had been tending Harlan’s needs for several weeks. Early on she’d learned about his love for Jesus and the old hymns. An integral part of her life growing up in the church, hymns spoke to Mandy’s heart as well. So as she tenderly wiped his brow with a soft, cool cloth, or massaged his atrophied muscles to aid in blood circulation, she sang hymns. It didn’t matter that Harlan never responded to her efforts because of his deteriorating condition; she sang as if he could. Yet deep inside she wondered if Harlan heard the words he held so dear?
Today, as she finished singing At The Cross, Harlan opened his eyes, turned his head toward her, and smiled, as tears of gratitude slipped from the corners of his eyes. His whole countenance was transformed in that moment; and so was Mandy’s! For with that smile came the understanding that he had heard! No longer did she wonder if her service was witnessed by the Father only. It was as if God were saying, “Thank you for treating Harlan with dignity. He has served me faithfully, as you are doing now. Well done!”
Then, as quickly as the moment had come, it passed. Harlan closed his eyes, turned his head back to center, and slipped away into the arms of Jesus.
Having lived his life unto the Lord, this humble servant was now with his Redeemer. His last breath on earth was followed immediately by his first breath in heaven! Harlan was now face-to-face with Jesus!

†

The dignity shown to Harlan, by a woman having limited knowledge of his life and how he’d lived, was grounded in the understanding that all life is precious to God.
Young or old, healthy or infirm, we are directed to be considerate of others, showing them respect and dignity. For when we dignify them, we dignify Jesus.

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, please make me sensitive to those who need a touch of Your love so that I might serve You by serving them. Amen.”

Relentless Pursuit

No one comes to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.
John 6:44

With a smile of satisfaction, the hunter listened as the beagle made his turn, bringing the rabbit back around for the second time. With a chuckle, he thought back several years to when he’d begun training the pup to track. Chief had been relentless in his pursuit of rabbits, but he unknowingly steered them in a straight line, away from the hunter.
Being wise, the hunter had used a more seasoned dog to train the youngster, allowing the more mature female, named Brownie, to teach the passionate young male that being good on the trail wasn’t the only goal in his pursuit. He must learn to guide the rabbit in the preferred direction by making a wider circle than the rabbit, resulting in the rabbit turning back toward the hunter. In essence, the rabbit was given his own free will while being pursued. It was up to the dog to guide that free will.

†

Like the young beagle, we sometimes strike out on the wrong track in life, seeking freedom and unattained goals. Without guidance, these efforts can lead us into misery and bondage. But God, in His wisdom, circles a little wider, pursuing us, yet allowing our free will to remain intact. He leaves the twists and turns up to us, all the while speaking to us through circumstances, others around us, and directly to our spirit. He whispers about the freedom that is available through His Son, Jesus. His goal is for us to accept His sacrifice, repent of our sin, turning in the right direction by submitting our free will in trade for true freedom. His pursuit is relentless. He will never leave us nor forsake us. But the choices are ours. Unlike the rabbit, when we turn back to Him, we choose life.

Prayer

“Father God, I sense Your pursuit. Thank You that You never leave me totally alone. When I get off track, please bring me back around where it’s safe. Draw me closer to Jesus. Help me understand that there is true freedom in Christ. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The In Between

I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
Ephesians 4:1

There were tears mixed with laughter at the dinner. There must have been three hundred people in attendance. All of them had come to share precious memories of the man they had laid to rest that morning.
He had not been a pillar of the community, nor was he well known outside this circle of friends. Yet his life had a profound effect on the people he touched.
A philanthropist of sorts, Byron had given over seventy percent of his meager earnings to others in need. He’d held on loosely to what he had; it was his way of giving to the Lord. He never made it public and would have denied any connection to the prosperity others enjoyed due to his generosity. He lived a simple life in a simple home.
His wife had preceded him in death. He’d kept her memory alive by spending time doing things they’d done together: walking in the morning dawn, watching the sunrise, or watching the eagles soar over the river bottoms, so majestic and awe inspiring. Simple. Yes, that was how he’d seen himself.
But these people knew him for who he really was. He’d shared selflessly with each one of them somewhere between the day of his birth and today. They each had a personal story of his eager generosity. And together they represented his in between.

†

Gravestones are purchased to memorialize the life of loved ones. On them we place a date of birth and a date of death. But what happens between those two dates is how we will be remembered.
In verse four of today’s text, Paul spoke of “one hope”: the hope we have in Jesus through His Holy Spirit. It is His Spirit at work in us, the Spirit of God Who teaches us how to live. Our response to His urgings can make a difference in the lives of untold numbers of those in need if we respond accordingly.
How will we be remembered for our in between?

Prayer

“Spirit of God, lead me. Help me make a difference in the lives of those who need a special touch. And help me remain obscure whenever my pride screams for recognition. Help me be a vessel of hope. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Splendor of the Son*

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28–30

The rain sounded so relaxing with a cadence that lulled you into restful slumber. It fell all through the night. In the early morning hours, when the temperature was at its most frigid point, layer upon layer of ice formed, causing tree branches to bow down, almost touching the ground. As the sun rose over the horizon, the boughs glistened with dazzling beauty. And although the rays of sunshine continued to dance on the frozen limbs, the temperature remained at the freezing point.
Some branches that had been shielded from the full cascade of rain began to gently ease upward as droplets of water fell from their grasp. Some remained bent and looked as though they longed for relief.
Unfortunately, the early morning sun hadn’t reached many of the heavier, ice-laden branches, and they snapped, broken and lifeless—branches that had glistened in the splendor of the sun, branches that wished to grow, but could no longer bear the strain of the weight.

†

What a tremendous waste that so many trees would be destroyed because they weren’t strong enough to bear the additional load. And so it is with us as the wounds and disappointments accumulate, causing unbearable strain because, due to embarrassment and pride, we cut ourselves off from the critical help we need. We pridefully believe that no one else could ever understand. And so the wounds continue to build, weighing heavily on us, our emotional and spiritual stability ready to break at any moment. If we refuse to share our pain, it will eventually consume us.
Jesus never meant for us to carry such burdens alone, and we should never allow them to cling to us until they gradually overwhelm us. Unlike the tree, we need not be broken. We can be wonderfully wholehearted, overcoming the seemingly insurmountable pressures of life if we turn to Jesus. Jesus wants to carry our burdens so that through His efforts we will reflect the splendor of the Son.

Prayer

“Jesus, thank you for giving me rest. Help me learn how to give you all my burdens, both great and small, so the things of this world don’t overtake me. Amen.”

* Written by: Nancy Clouston

The Right of Succession

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother—which is the first commandment with a promise—that it may go well with you and you may enjoy long life on the earth.
Ephesians 6:1–3

The right of succession is a powerful thing. It tells little boys and girls that freedom is just around the corner. Here is but one example.
The three boys had built a tree house for the ages. But they had gone against their parents’ admonition to build it low for safety, on the first or second limb, which was sissy stuff as far as they were concerned.
Instead, they built the tree house as high as they could. Besides, this gave them a better vantage point from which to watch the neighborhood!
The floor was made of two-by-fours and plywood leftover from recent construction on a nearby house. The sidewalls were made of interwoven twine with no gaps big enough to fall through.
Young boys become bored quickly. And seeking a challenge, they began climbing in from above, over the walls. Unexpectedly, one of the neighbor boys fell, breaking his arm.
Their disobedience had caused serious injury. It also brought about the dismantling of the tree house.

†

Disobedience has consequences. And most little boys don’t think much about their impulses. That’s why God created the fifth commandment: “Listen to Dad and Mom. They’re not out to ruin your day; they’re just trying to keep you from killing yourselves!” (Slightly paraphrased).
Quite honestly, disobedience isn’t limited to youth. Society tells us, “Grab the gusto in life!” “Get what you can when you can get it!” and “Take care of numero uno!” Grown-ups, as well as children, tend to think they know what’s best and, in disobedience to God, reap death and destruction.
Paul in Ephesians reiterates God’s promise that if we are obedient: God will bless us. Not necessarily with millions of dollars and perfect health, but we will reap something more desirable: peace, love, and a clear conscience.

Prayer

“Lord, speak to me about each choice and decision in my life. Help me be obedient to You out of love. Teach me to not give in to the excitement and allure of this world. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Let’s Go Fishin’!

But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Matthew 5:39

Billy stood by as Cindy pounded mercilessly on Ryan. She had Ryan’s arms pinned to the ground with her knees, taunting him, “So how’s it feel now, tough guy?”
Cindy, sixteen, beautiful, and a tomboy, had come around the corner of the house to find Ryan punching Billy in the face, and Billy’s nose bleeding. Hollering, “Get off my brother!” she dove, tackling Ryan and rolling on top of him. Ryan wanted to hit back, but he’d been raised to never hit a girl and to turn the other cheek. Right now, he didn’t think much of his parent’s teaching—this hurt!
He covered up the best he could, but Cindy still managed to land a few. So much for her ever being my girlfriend! he thought. Besides, Billy and I fight like this all the time. What’s the big deal?! When Cindy finally let him up, Ryan’s arms ached from defending himself.
But true to how ten-year-olds view such matters, less than five minutes later, he and Billy grabbed their fishing poles and headed for the creek, recent events forgotten.

†

Kids are able to take things in stride without placing blame or harboring resentment. Ryan would never forget that beating. With fondness, laughter, and exaggerated animation, Ryan told and retold the story to his children as a way of leading by example, holding with the philosophy that “Boys do not hit girls; little or big ones.”
Violence breeds violence; it never solves problems. Though turning the other cheek is not an easy thing to do, Christ managed to do it. He lovingly endured horrible beatings for me and you. With Jesus as our example, how then, shall we live?

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, it doesn’t feel natural to back down when confronted. I get embarrassed and want to strike back! Help me do what You did when they beat You; help me understand the true meaning of turning the other cheek. Amen.”

Praise and Cursing

Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.
James 3:10

Brian vigorously shook his hand, cursing, as if by doing so it would alleviate the pain in his thumb, the one he’d just smashed with that blasted hammer.
“Sorry, Lord,” he said sheepishly. “It just slipped.” Nowadays, he didn’t slip as often as he used to. Nevertheless, his vulgar language was something he needed to work on. He hadn’t realized how trashy his language had become until three years ago when his four-year-old son had sworn in public, using God’s name in vain, along with some other embarrassing language. Unfortunately, it had been said in front of Brian’s aunt who was visiting the family.
The epitome of a lady, his aunt had attempted to alleviate everyone’s embarrassment by saying, “Oh, the things kids learn in school these days.”
But Brian had to admit that Bruce had picked up the language at home. After all, he wasn’t even in school yet!

†

Brian attended church on a regular basis, and he truly believed he was living a godly life. But when we use our own moral compass to guide ourselves, we will end up off course.
God knows our weaknesses and loves us in spite of them. We are to be the best representative of Christ we can. And that requires conscious effort.
James wrote much about our tongues and how they can create serious issues. Our words will either lead others toward Christ or away from Him. We need to be conscious of the way we speak and the words we use.
Swearing does not bring glory to God. Consistency is important, not only when in public, but especially when we are by ourselves. It requires spiritual discipline to be a good example. There are no occasions in which we are totally alone; God always hears what we say. Being consistent begins with being conscious of Whose we are.

Prayer

“Loving Father, I need Your strength. I try to deny that it’s a big deal when I swear. Help me understand the effect my words have on others. Show me the truth of my actions. Help me to be a better representation of Your Son. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

On Sale, Forgiveness!

When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly.
1 Corinthians 4:12, 13

Carol silently prayed for peace as she headed for her car. She hadn’t spoken what was on her mind when the sales manager had belittled her in front of everyone in the store. Knowing she had done the right thing by not making a scene didn’t alleviate her frustration. And to top it off, her manager was wrong! Carol wasn’t the one who had placed the incorrect sales price on the shirt rack. She knew who was responsible, but chose to remain silent.
This past week’s Bible study had been about forgiveness. She knew it was the right thing to do, but the last thing she wanted to do right now was forgive that man! Forgiving the manager wasn’t about him; it was about her. If she chose to remain angry, she would open the door to resentment and bitterness. Experience had taught her how miserable that would be. “Give me the desire to forgive Connor, Lord. I don’t want to right now, but you know what really happened. Help me be content in knowing that.” It wasn’t immediate, but peace would come.

†

When we are injured by others, we have two choices: allow it to harden our heart or turn it over to God. In choosing the former, we reap anger and resentment; bitterness takes over our emotional mindset. Left unresolved, it will turn us inside out, and we lose any chance we might have at peace. Though we may have a right to our anger, we must understand that by hanging on to that right, we become ill—emotionally and physically.
But by giving up our right to our anger and by turning things over to God and allowing Him to bring resolution in our heart, God can handle the problem, and we benefit from His peace.
It’s our choice; we can receive peace or reap illness of the soul. Only by giving up our rights can we overcome and answer kindly when wronged.

Prayer

“Lord, I don’t have the ability to forgive without Your help. I’m guilty of offending You and others, and I want to be forgiven. So please give me the desire to forgive. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Finish Well!

Forgetting what is behind … I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13, 14

The young man was pleased with the progress he had made. The model of his latest architectural masterpiece was taking shape! It wouldn’t be long before he could present the project to the marketing department. He thought back to the break he’d been given three years ago.
He had landed the job with this firm, had his own office, and even had an expense account. He had become dependable, earning their trust and thanks by producing exceptional buildings with beautiful renderings and visual stimulation. His designs were second to none; his talents were much sought after in the construction industry.
But what many people were unaware of was that Jason had been in prison. There had been a time in his life that he had broken the law. He had paid his debt and now worked hard to build a better life for himself and his family.

†

We are sometimes judged, justly or unjustly, by our mistakes. What matters more than the mistakes of our past is how we finish. We are unable to personally atone for the past; only the blood of Christ has that power. But by making changes and right choices in the pattern of our lives, things can change for the better.
People tend to judge with historical data, not affording grace to those who have made mistakes. In Jason’s case, they knew of his criminal record and still chose to extend him an opportunity. Like that firm, God sees our full potential and withholds judgment until we finish.
Throughout biblical history, we see evidence of esteemed men and women making mistakes yet finishing well: Abraham, Isaac, David, Rahab, and the Samaritan woman, even Mary Magdalene. All of them broke God’s law, yet each changed and finished well. We have the ability to do the same. By forgetting the past and pressing forward in Christ Jesus, we too can finish well.

Prayer

“Judge of the universe, thank You for calling me in Your direction. I get so bogged down when I focus on my past failures. Help me focus on the right course in life and keep my eyes pointed in the right direction with my head lifted up. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

When God Says Hello

What is man that you are mindful of him?
Psalm 8:4

When Chuck found out the church of his childhood was being sold, he and his wife drove up for a visit. Thirty-five years of his absence melted away as they walked the halls of the old building. Chuck had given his life to Christ in this church; his father had entered the ministry here.
Near the end of their visit, they entered the fireside room, noticing a card table in the center of the room. On it were two pictorial directories, two pieces of construction paper, and several old bulletins, all of which sat on an old, heavily bound church ledger. After a cursory inspection of the ledger, Chuck opened the directories to find they held significance; the first was the year his father entered the ministry; the second was the year they had moved away.
Turning his focus to the construction paper, Chuck noticed that on each page were two photographs. Upon closer inspection, he discovered that staring back at him from two of the photos, one on each paper, was ten-year-old Chuckie in VBS class! Now, even if the pastor had known who he was, which he didn’t, he couldn’t have dug up these items before their arrival! This was from God for Chuck. He was saying hello in such a personal way that it was almost audible! Tears filled Chuck’s eyes as he felt God’s embrace.

†

Sometimes we get the idea that a God big enough to help us during our greatest needs is too busy to be watching us with affection. Or even more astonishingly, that He would spend time sorting through our memories to prove it!
God wants us to understand that it doesn’t dim the lights of heaven when He acts on our behalf. Nor does it remove His focus from others when He bends low enough that we feel His breath on our face. He is Almighty God, the God of all Creation who had each of us in mind before the foundations of time!

Prayer

“Papa, I am in awe to know how much You care for me. Thank You for being a personal God, able to bend down to my level when I need You. May I always sense Your affection. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Plans of Hope

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future … You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11, 13

Work was coming slower due to the housing crunch, and Gary was stressed. The bills were mounting; there was unspoken strain between he and his wife, and he didn’t know what to do. He’d been trusting God for as long as he could remember, yet this was different; there seemed to be a silence on God’s part right now. He felt they were being tested to see if they really believed what they professed, that God would meet all their needs.
A friend suggested they allow their prayer time to become a time of listening rather than petitioning. So over the next two weeks, Gary and Beth spent their mornings together, asking only for God’s wisdom to deal with each day and what it brought, looking to Him for guidance and strength.
Job contracts remained flat lined; it seemed as if nothing was happening, yet during those two weeks, they had felt God’s peace. This morning, they’d received a card in the mail containing well wishes and fifty dollars from an anonymous donor. Two days later a friend dropped by with a bag of potatoes and a sack of onions. Over the next several weeks, they watched as God provided in ways they never would have imagined.

†

When we’re stressed out and fretting over unmet needs, we can get emotionally bogged down. God’s voice can become white noise in our lives, and we can lose hope.
The art of listening is something we develop. It requires intentional thought. In a chaotic society that vies for every thought, we must force ourselves to slow down, spend time alone with God, and listen. By listening for His voice instead of immediately trying to resolve problems on our own, we become aware of God’s leading. It is then we learn to walk beside God and not run ahead into hopeless frustration.

Prayer

“God of hope, we ask to hear Your voice so that we may know You are near. Help us trust You and Your plan for our future. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Little Arrows

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
Psalm 127:4–5

Having received three calls in the last two hours, the police chief was compelled to respond to the clinic’s complaints and asked the protestors to move an additional fifty feet from the clinic.
Suddenly, everyone’s attention went to the young couple exiting the building. They were smiling and holding hands. Still in college, they had not planned for children this early in the marriage. Unsure of how they would meet the medical bills or find the needed finances to raise the child, they had considered abortion.
They stopped and shared their decision to keep the child with the group outside the clinic. Elated by the news, several protestors donated money to help with immediate expenses. They gave them names and phone numbers of people willing to provide assistance, from aftercare to babysitting.
One protestor, an OB/GYN, gave them her business card and asked them to call her office for an appointment; she offered them free prenatal care.

†

We are mistaken when we believe that the choices we make don’t influence others. Abortion is a procedure that ends life. The child is persecuted to death; they have no say in the matter, and the miracle of life is snuffed out in an act so wrong that there are no words to define how a holy God feels about it.
Roe v. Wade provides the legal right to end life in the womb; it does not justify it before God. It neither has the ability to stop the truth of how precious life is nor when it is conceived.
God alone is judge and jury; as His servants, we are to champion the unborn, love the unlovable, and be a guiding influence in difficult circumstances, reaching out when each opportunity presents itself. God can change lives when we make ourselves available.

Prayer

“Father of all Creation, forgive us for a selfishness and arrogance that allows us to end life in the name of personal choice. There are no excuses we can bring you. Reveal to the world Your heart regarding the sanctity of life. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Garbage Tampering

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.
Deuteronomy 30:19–20

He carried the garbage to the curb as he had for the last two years, leaving the bags the prescribed three feet from the road. It seemed innocent enough, yet today it felt deceitful. You see, he’d been putting his trash out with the neighbor’s, allowing her garbage man to pick it up.
It hadn’t seemed like such a big deal. After all, he gave his neighbor money once in a while to help her out and ease his conscience. But today, as he carried the bags to the curb, he was overcome with a startling conviction that this was wrong.
Admitting his actions had been a form of stealing, he carried the bags back to his trash bin, went into the house, and called the refuse company to admit his deception, asking forgiveness and offering to pay restitution if they required it.

†

We spend our days making choices that affect our lives not just for the immediate future, but by setting patterns. When we set wrong patterns, we hinder God’s ability to bless us. We dismiss these little issues without much thought because we’ve ingrained these patterns in our lives to the extent that we categorize our sins—a form of desensitization. “Nope, can’t do that; that one will bring lots of grief!” “That’s not so bad as long as no one finds out; it won’t really matter.”
Today’s text reveals that God sees everything we do, knows every thought we embrace, and we alone are subject to His blessings or curses. We live our lives asking for and expecting God’s blessings but are frustrated and can’t understand why life is an uphill battle most days. Could it be because we don’t recognize or admit that the little things we’re hiding stand in His way? It is God’s desire to bless us.

Prayer

“Father God, giver of blessings and curses, help me to live a life worthy of blessing. I don’t do well on my own. Reveal to me anything that would bring death. Help me remove them from my life and draw nearer to you. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Precious Insults

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you … because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.
Matthew 5:11–12

The prisoner lay in a huddled ball in the corner of the damp, dark cell. It smelled of urine and vomit from not being cleaned in weeks, if not months. They had just thrown him head first into the cell. Unable to brace himself because of the beating he’d just received, he landed on his face, reinjuring the broken nose he’d suffered two weeks ago in another similar beating.
Le Chen whispered, “Yesu, you are stronger than Mogui1 and all who torment Le Chen. I thank you that you think Le Chen is worthy of suffering for Your name.” Chen had been a prisoner for three months now. He’d been charged with subverting Chinese law by worshiping in his home and possessing part of Shengjing2. It was unlawful to worship outside the Chinese government’s ‘Three-Self Church’ in Honshu Province, or anywhere in China, for that matter, or to possess a Bible in part or whole.
Being tormented for their faith was nothing new to Chen or his family. The Le family counted it a blessing to suffer for the cause of Christ.

†

Many Christians will never suffer the pain and persecution portrayed in today’s scenario. Many, however, do or will.
If given the circumstances of Chen, how would we fair? Would we count it a blessing to suffer for the cause of Christ, or would we complain about the conditions?
The secret is in how we relate our lives to the suffering of Christ. Have we died unto ourselves in Christ? Or is that just a fashionable statement?
Jesus wants us to relate to him in such a way that our desire is to look just like him in every way.
Eternal perspective is about bringing the kingdom of Christ to the here and now so it can be seen by those in need. It’s about understanding that our suffering is not to be considered a high cost in light of eternity.

Prayer

“Yesu, I ask for strength and courage to stand up in your name. Tell me when and where to speak, for I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s in Your Name I pray, amen.”

1 Chinese for Satan
2 Chinese for Bible

Pay Attention

If only you had paid attention to my commands.
Isaiah 48:18

As Wendy put her foot on the ice, Bridgette cautioned her, “I wouldn’t go out on the ice yet, Wendy. It hasn’t been cold long enough to be safe.”
“Oh, you’re just a wuss!” Wendy said and stepped completely onto the pond.
“There’s no ice in the center of the pond, Wendy!” Bridgette stressed. “It’s not as thick as you think! Don’t be foolish, please!” she begged.
“Aw, come on, it’s safe enough right here!” she chided and jumped up and down to make her point.
In the next instant, they heard a loud crack. Fear and panic replaced Wendy’s bravado as she disappeared through the ice! She came up flailing and screaming, “Help!”
As Wendy floundered, Bridgette ran to the farmhouse. She was met by her father who’d heard her screams and come to investigate. Bridgette’s explanation came spilling out in a terror-filled voice. Grasping the situation, he turned and ran to the barn, grabbed a rope and sprinted for the pond. Hollering to Wendy to keep treading water, he hurriedly tied the rope to the dock, secured it to his waist, and crawled out onto the ice. As he neared his frantic daughter, the ice gave way. Swimming the remaining distance, he grabbed Wendy, then using the rope, slowly pulled them back to solid ground. Once she was safe, he verbalized his displeasure, “Now you know why I told you to stay off the ice until I said it was okay. Next time, pay attention.”

†

It is my belief that God would like us to pay attention. But being the self-sufficient people we are, we set out on our own when His instructions don’t lead in the direction we’re headed. We foolishly tell ourselves, “It won’t happen to me, I’ll be fine!” only to find out too late that it happens to us all at one time or another.
God is not a domineering Father who doesn’t want us to enjoy life. On the contrary, His commands have a purpose meant to protect us from ourselves and others. But free will being what it is, keeps God from enforcing our obedience.

Prayer

“Lord, Help me understand that Your commands are meant for my own good and not the demands of a high-handed Father. Amen.”

The Devil We Know

In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free.
Psalm 118:5

Doug and Cheryl had never been in this part of town. They ran a homeless shelter on the north side but had felt led to the east side tonight. It was an especially cold evening, and they’d come here to pass out blankets and coats.
Passing among the men and women huddled around fire barrels, they shared words of encouragement, speaking of God’s love and how He wanted to make a difference in their lives.
“Lady,” one man responded in anger, “if God loves everybody so much, then why are there so many homeless people? God doesn’t give a rip about us!” He turned his back on Cheryl and walked away.
“Please, sir,” she pleaded. “He does care. He sent us here to help you.”
He turned back momentarily, and in a trembling voice and with bitterness in his eyes, he said, “Lady, I don’t want your charity! And I don’t want God’s either!”
Doug tried to follow, hoping to reason with the man, but was cut off by one of the man’s friends. “He’s been here a long time, mister,” the man said. “He’s bitter about the past. You mean well, and we appreciate your kindness, but his memories outweigh your gift.”
Taking a blanket for himself, he said, “Give him time to see how others respond. Maybe someday he’ll figure out that God didn’t put him here.”

†

Sometimes we prefer the devil we know to the deliverance we don’t understand. Fear of the unknown can keep us from investigating our inner selves and keep us from finding out there is strength within that would fight to see ourselves set free.
One of the hardest lessons regarding free will is that God is no more to blame for our poor choices than He is responsible for the decisions we get right. He can only suggest. Then we are free to do as we please.
There is no forcing hope on someone who resents his or her circumstances yet refuses to change. Only when we give God permission to care can we overcome the devil we know.

Prayer

“Lord, sometimes I feel untrusting and alone. Help me see these chains of bondage for what they are: lies to keep me bound. Deliver me from Satan’s lies. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Our Daily Bread

Give us today our daily bread.
Matthew 6:11

The Ryersons were in for the evening. So upon hearing the doorbell, Christian asked his daughters if one of them was expecting a caller. “No, Dad,” they answered in unison.
Rising from his chair, he answered the door, surprised to find three young children pressed against a diminutive woman, trying to hide within the folds of her skirt. They peeked at him with shy smiles. “Excuse me, sir,” the woman began. “I saw the light in your windows. My car has broken down, and I would like to use your phone if I could to call for assistance.” She appeared to struggle with her own shyness but remained resolute about getting this matter resolved.
“Come in, please,” Christian said, waving his hand for them to enter. “There’s a fire in the hearth if the kids would like to warm themselves,” he added, winking at the children, who looked hopefully up at their mother.
“Yes. Go ahead,” she responded. “But behave yourselves, do you understand?”
“Okay, Mommy!” they hollered over their shoulders, running for the warmth emanating from the den.
Christian ventured, “Perhaps I can take a look at your car while you and the children remain here? I might just be able to repair it.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t want to put you out,” said the woman quickly.
“It’s no problem.” He assured her, grabbing his coat. “Which way down the lane and how far is it?”

†

God sends our daily bread as we need it in myriad forms.
Are we ready, like Christian, to be used to meet a need at an unexpected, and possibly at an inconvenient time in the name of kindness and compassion? Or more aptly defined, in the name of the Lord?
The Lord’s Prayer is not an empty petition to be recited by memory with no thought of its depth or meaning. How better to show the love of the Father than by the giving of ourselves rather than our possessions?
It’s far easier to offer our phone than our services. And being used as a blessing is not a requirement. But if this were your wife and children, would you not pray they find their daily bread?

Prayer

“May You find me willing to be used as someone’s daily bread today, Lord. Amen.”

Against All Reason

The flames will not set you ablaze.
Isaiah 43:2

Ten-year-old Nancy and her older sister, Rachel, jumped off the school bus and ran into the house. It was a frigid winter afternoon. The house was cold!
“The furnace is out,” Nancy said, her disappointment evident. “Your turn,” Rachel responded. With Mom working all day for a church-affiliated conference center, the girls were responsible for restoking the furnace.
Nancy headed to the basement. Tossing some kindling on top of the few remaining coals, she opened the damper a bit to get a draft going, adding larger pieces of coal and wood on top of the kindling.
Twenty minutes later, she checked on the fire; it still hadn’t caught. So, opening the damper completely, she watched until the wood began to burn. “Finally!” she said, closing the furnace door and heading back upstairs.
Fifteen minutes later, it hit her. I forgot to shut the damper! Running to the basement, she saw the furnace glowing red hot! I’ve got to cool the fire down somehow!
Grabbing the garden hose, she opened the furnace door with gloves, stood back, and sprayed. Foohm! The fire’s reaction was immediate; Nancy’s reaction was instinct-driven. Her eyes slammed shut, just as hot ash, soot, and flames shot out the furnace door!
Having heard the roar from upstairs, Rachel ran to the basement. There stood Nancy—covered in soot from head to toe, except for her eyes, which she’d managed to open again—miraculously unharmed. Rachel broke into hysterical laughter.

†

It was a miracle the furnace hadn’t exploded the instant the water hit it. It defied the laws of physics. Flames and hot embers had been ejected from the furnace and had landed on her, and though blackened, even her clothes had not been singed. Nancy had not received a single burn.
Through the hand of God, Nancy was spared tremendous pain and injury, horrible disfigurement, and possible death. The realization of what could have happened has been spoken of fondly during the ensuing forty years. The picture of that little ten-year-old girl, assaulted by fire yet unharmed, speaks of God’s protection as loudly today as it did back then.

Prayer

“You, God, are the God of promises and miracles, and we give You praise. Amen.”

The Sunday Paper

Cast all your anxiety on him, for he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7

One minute Stevie was laboring through snowdrifts, the next he was flat on his back.
A rural paperboy, Stevie was held captive under the weight of two hundred Sunday edition papers jammed into the bags crisscrossing his shoulders. It was 3:15 a.m., and there was no one he could call on for help.
Slight of build, it was all he could do to hoist the bags in place before leaving the house on his early morning trek. His route usually took him an hour and a half to deliver. The deep snow would increase that by fifty percent. But right now it stood to be several hours! He realized he had to extricate himself if he didn’t want to spend several hours waiting for someone to miss him and come looking.
Spurred on by the thought of freezing to death at the tender age of eleven, he managed to dig himself out from under the bags. Free of his predicament, he left one bag lying there, returning for it in a circuitous route after emptying the first bag.
Stevie learned two valuable lessons that morning: never carry more than you can handle, and fear is a great motivator!

†

God never intends us to carry the burdens of life alone. We make that choice ourselves. Today’s headline speaks of sharing the load. Too often we try to extricate ourselves from the burdens of life. We struggle under intense, self-inflicted weight, not understanding that God is right beside us, waiting for us to ask for help. As with Stevie, we sometimes try to carry more than we are meant to. Succeeding on our own in the beginning, we come to believe that it is God’s plan for us to do it ourselves. If we do that enough times successfully, we end up like Stevie—with the weight of the world on our shoulders.
As we learn to become God sufficient instead of self-sufficient, we find that our burdens decrease as our dependency on God increases.

Prayer

“Teach me to share, Lord. Sometimes I’m not so good at it. I’ve been told to be self-sufficient in order to be strong. Show me the benefits of giving You the heavy weight of daily living. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Don’t Let Me Go

If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us from here.
Exodus 33:15

Don and Candy had a decision to make. Their attorney had called, telling them they had been given Candy’s childhood home, a Brownstone duplex in Ohio, in an estate settlement. Her aunt, who had lived in the upstairs apartment, had recently passed away, leaving Candy the property with a clear deed.
But, having worked in their church’s youth ministry for over twenty years, they felt a strong call to stay here in California and minister to the kids of their neighborhood. They were unsure of whether their time here was to come to an end at this time.
Lying in bed that night they discussed their options and prayed, asking God to show them what He wanted them to do. During the night both dreamt the same dream. In the dream they were driving away from the duplex, waving goodbye to a stranger standing on the porch. Upon awakening, they shared their dream with each other and came to the conclusion God was telling them to rent out the duplex and stay in California for now.

†

We all have difficult choices in which we would like to know that our final decision was inspired by God. And God will not always be as conspicuous in His answers as He was with Don and Candy. Yet, learning to listen for His response to our prayers and petitions can be achieved. Hearing God is not rocket science, but it does require active listening on our part.
By reading and studying God’s Word each day, we learn to draw on Spirit-inspired insight and wisdom hidden for us within the pages of Scripture. There are tremendous benefits to submitting everything to God and asking for His guidance.
As in Moses’ case, we should cry, “If You’re not where I’m going, don’t let me go!” Through active listening can we develop the ability to hear God’s response to our requests.

Prayer

“Please let me know Your will for the days and events of my life, Lord. Teach me to listen and hear what Your Spirit reveals to me and then act accordingly with courage and peace. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Mourn Just a While

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4

In a daze at the graveside, the young parents were thinking about that moment three days ago when the switch to the respirator had been turned off. Their infant son, Michael, had been born with no brain function. Prenatal ultrasounds and sonograms had been business as usual. There had been no cause for alarm, no telltale signs, until Michael was born.
A void so vast with a sense of unending pain gripped them as they laid their son to rest. They were to begin grief counseling with their pastor tomorrow. An older couple from church had called last night to offer words of comfort and hope. Right now, comfort was elusive and didn’t feel like an attainable goal. They felt the pain of a loss so unspeakable that it tore at their hearts with relentless realization. Their son was gone! They didn’t know if they would ever recover. Quite honestly, today, they didn’t much care about the future. In time, they would learn that grief is a process. Comfort would come. But today they mourned.
The older couple had reached out in experience. They had lost twin daughters several years before in a car crash. They knew firsthand the pain that gripped this young couple, and they wanted them to know that God could heal their pain. It would not go away immediately, but with love and support, they would weather this storm.

†

The loss of a child seems so unfair. Death has a way of seeming final. And comfort is so elusive in a child’s unexpected passing.
Mourning is a process; it teaches us to respect and appreciate the sanctity of life. The process of mourning grows us in ways nothing else can; it causes an urgency of purpose, and focusing on that purpose is where the healing begins.
Death is not the end; it is the promise of a new beginning. Mourning may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.

Prayer

“Abba! We cry out in our pain. Bring comfort and peace to those who know this pain. Bring direction to their lives this day. Show them how to bring this pain to You so they might be healed and find peace. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Spotlight

You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.
Psalm 77:14

The officer listened as the radio dispatch reported a westbound motorist in the eastbound lanes of the interstate he was patrolling. The driver was traveling in the wrong direction at a high rate of speed, heading toward his position. Entering the westbound lanes, he turned on his spotlight, hoping to alert eastbound drivers to the danger while systematically looking for the wrong-way vehicle. Radio reports told him that he was ahead of the vehicle, so he slowed down.
Scanning back in the direction the vehicle was coming from, he spotted the car’s headlights, a stark contrast among the taillights in that lane. He could see motorists taking evasive action to avoid the oncoming car.
As the vehicle approached, he matched its speed, shining his spotlight on the driver-side window in hopes of getting the driver’s attention. Finally, the driver responded and pulled over. As two other cruisers pulled up, he turned off the spotlight.
Just as the light winked out, he remembered the repair order he’d issued on this car two weeks before for a broken spotlight. Trying the spotlight once again, it failed to work. Exiting the cruiser, he used his flashlight to illuminate the spotlight. He noticed the same broken bulb from two weeks ago lying at the bottom of the lens. The repairs had not been completed!

†

There are those who question whether God still performs miracles. Some feel the need to explain how things happen.
Whether you believe this story or not will be determined by Who you perceive God to be. By explaining how things happen, we maintain a false sense of control over them. If we are unable to explain the how of events, we are then required to believe by faith.
God continually displayed His power among the nation of Israel during the exodus, yet they continued to rebel because miracles themselves do not ensure belief.
The story above is true. Events are related exactly as they happened. God is big enough to make a broken spotlight work. He leaves the belief part up to us.

Prayer

“Teach us to have faith, Lord. And forgive us for our doubt. It’s not always so easy to believe without seeing. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”