On Eagle’s Wings

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.
Isaiah 40:31

It was clear and cold as she stepped out the back door, heading for town. The sun had risen into a brilliantly blue winter sky. The snow on the ground made it almost blinding. She spotted two cardinals sitting in the walnut tree at the back of the property. There were few birds around this time of year.
Just as she reached the car, she heard a screeeech. Looking in the direction it had come from, she spotted the eagle! He was just hanging there, circling as if weightless. These were her birds! Well, God’s birds really. But she felt He had given them to her. They had been His witnesses to her in rough times. God had always brought them on just the right day at just the right time, letting her know He was watching.
These majestic birds had migrated to this river bottom some twenty years ago. They had made tremendous advancement; there were now some ten nesting pairs in a twenty-square-mile area. Each time she witnessed the awesome grace and beauty of the huge birds, she gave God thanks.

†

We are witness to God’s creative power and imagination. Eagles are but one example of His love of beauty in majesty. They are also the model He chose in Scripture to convey power, strength, and safety.
Isaiah pronounces God’s promise of renewed strength and the ability to overcome, rising above the cares of the world if we trust and hope in the Lord. God wants us to understand that our daily strength should come from Him alone.
By putting our trust in Him, we will never grow weary. He doesn’t promise life will be easy. But if we allow Him to draw us apart from our labor, He will replace our weakness with His strength. The text suggests that we do this expectantly, trusting Him to produce in us a work we are incapable of.

Prayer

“Lord, we thank You that You send us signs of Your strength to encourage us. Help us come to an understanding that we can exchange our limited strength for Your unlimited power. Teach us as we come in faith. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

There Are No Soft Rocks

And do not give the devil a foothold.
Ephesians 4:27

The driver slammed on his brakes! The bush the kid was hiding behind wasn’t nearly big enough to keep him from eventual discovery. Panic gripped his heart! Why had he thrown those limestone pebbles in the first place? He was paralyzed by fear! Even though everything in him screamed run, his body wouldn’t respond.
Time stood still; then a flashlight with an angry voice attached emerged and started probing for him. “Who threw those rocks? Where are you?” He sure was mad! As he was about to bolt, the beam of light found him.
Oh no! He jumped up and turned to run, but the man had anticipated his move and intercepted him, grabbing his sweatshirt by the collar, pulling him up short. “What do you think you’re doing, kid? You could’ve killed us!” At that moment, he heard the little girl crying in the car.
“I’m sorry, mister!” he offered, scared to death. “I didn’t think it was such a big deal. I thought it would be fun,” he blurted out, realizing this wasn’t fun at all. It was about to get a lot worse when Dad found out!

†

Rarely as children do we contemplate how our actions affect others. Uninformed choices usually lead to consequence rather than reward. Unrestrained, pranks can, and often do, graduate to more daring exploits in order to elicit excitement. Childhood traits are patterns that become footholds for the enemy. Left unchecked, they become strongholds. It requires substantial effort to unlearn bad behaviors, so it is critical that we help our children learn good behaviors that breed character and integrity. Well-informed children stand a much better chance of making right choices more consistently. This requires investment of ourselves and our time in our children in order to raise up caretakers for their generation.
If we fail to do this, our children will reap the harvest of their own experiences. We will be leaving them open for innumerable enemy footholds.

Prayer

“I love the children You have entrusted to me, Lord. Help me invest in their character and future. Help me nurture them instead of allowing the world to raise them. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Rebuilding Hope

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need.
Romans 12:12, 13

As they boarded the plane to return home, there were mixed feelings of fulfillment and abandonment. The destruction seen on TV was incomprehensible prior to having witnessed it firsthand. Walking among the ruined buildings, seeing the empty lots where nothing remained and where lives had been lost, had been sobering. They had come here to give of themselves, to try to help make a difference in someone else’s life, to share God’s love with those who weren’t able to pick themselves up on their own.
The number of homes that had been swept away by Katrina was mind-boggling. They had spent a week working out of a church that had been converted into a workstation/sleeping quarters/diner/clinic, and yes, still a church on Sunday and Wednesday. They had been the tenth crew to have worked on this specific house and were privileged to have completed all the necessary repairs and construction. It was time for the family, who was currently staying in Ohio, to come home.

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Paul exhorted the Roman church to be encouragers not only in word, but also in deed. They were to share their resources with those in need. Because there are still those in need around the world, those same words apply to us.
Jesus said, “You will always have the poor among you.” His hope was that we wouldn’t leave them in their need. He asks and expects us to take an active part in rehabilitating those who can’t make it on their own.
Does it matter to you why your children have needs? Or do you help meet those needs because you love them or because they may not be able make it on their own?
As children of God, we are to look for, not away from, opportunities to restore hope and help for those less fortunate around the world and in our own neighborhood.

Prayer

“I know it’s as important to pray as it is to go, Lord. Help me know how to share with those in need around the world and in my backyard. Tell me if I am to go. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Little Buddy

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects.
1 Corinthians 13:6, 7

He ran onto the field, dragging the portable water fountain behind him. As each player took his turn drinking, he’d smile at Pete and rub his head.
Pete was team manager and waterboy. Standing four feet tall at age twelve, he was affectionately known among these athletic young men as their little buddy. Nobody bullied Pete, whether at a game or in school. If the players got wind of someone giving him a hard time, they paid him a visit and convinced him to rethink his actions.
Pete had had growth issues. And despite his short stature, instead of making fun of this little sixth-grader, the team adopted him in brotherly love as a full-fledged member. And, as a member of their team, he was afforded their protection. And protect Pete they did. As Pete grew older and taller, the bond remained. These young men would always feel a special connection to Pete, one born in love. Eventually, out of college and settled in his career, Pete hosted the football team’s Web site. It was his way of paying forward the bonds built in those early years.

†

There are almost an identical number of references in Scripture admonishing us to refrain from oppression and harm as there is instructing us to encourage and protect. We are to not only abstain from ridiculing others but also stand with them against oppression.
Psalm 83 instructs us to, “Defend the cause of the weak … maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.” The members of Pete’s high school football team chose to support rather than devalue his life.
We are all given opportunities to come alongside others, to become their encouragers. Many times these opportunities are ripe with confrontation, and we may feel uncertain and uncomfortable. But wrong actions must not go uncontested. If left unchecked, they foster growth. We are called to take a stand against the fear mongers of the world.

Prayer

“I get uncomfortable in the midst of controversy, Lord. Help me do the right thing, to stand in love against those who would defile and beat down those who are weak or those who are tired. I am a soldier of Christ. Help me act like one. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Right Time

At just the right time, when we were still powerless.
Romans 5:6

“Stop worrying, Loran. He’ll be here like he promised,” Gail said to her son.
“You think so?” asked the apprehensive twelve year-old. “I sure hope he doesn’t forget. He never called to remind me, you know.”
“Honey, Uncle Bob knows how much this game means to you. He knows you’ll be ready to go. You’re worrying for no reason. You’ll see. He’ll be here at 6:30 like he said,” she reassured him.
At 6:25, Bob’s truck pulled in the driveway. He jumped out with a smile on his face and waved at Loran, who had jumped off the porch and was running to meet him. “You goin’ somewhere, Loran?” he asked teasingly.
“Aw, Uncle Bob. Stop teasin’!” he said as he threw a punch at his uncle’s stomach. “You know darn well where we’re goin’.”
Bob eluded the punch and rubbed Loran’s head. “We’re gonna have a great time tonight, buddy! Fifth game, tied at two apiece. Our guys are gonna do it this year. I can feel it!” Bob’s excitement transferred to Loran.
“If we don’t get goin’, we’re gonna be late!” Loran scolded.
Jumping back in the truck, Bob looked at his sister and winked. “Guess he’s right. We don’t wanna be late for the game. I’ll have ‘im back kinda late, sis. Don’t wait up.”

†

Paul spoke to the Romans about God’s timing. How God’s appointed time, or kairos time, a specific moment when God shows up, is always the right time.
This verse in Scripture tells us that God’s timing is impeccable. He’s never early, never late. Yet we fret and invite stress into our lives because we doubt He’s remembered His promises. Like Loran, we think because we haven’t heard from Him lately that we’ve fallen off His radar.
Waiting stretches and tests our faith. During a time of God’s silence, we can lose hope and sight of the truth. In the silence is where Satan whispers, “God doesn’t care.” But that’s a lie. If we immerse ourselves in His word while we wait, we will find the assurance that He will show up at just the right time!

Prayer

“Sometimes I doubt that You’ll show up when I need You, Father. Help me wait in faith. Amen.”

Poor by Choice

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3

This soon-to-be mother made up her mind and walked into the hospital. This is the right choice, she told herself. She’d recently been downsized out of a job and her medical benefits. Thinking only of the baby, she stepped to the registration counter and said, “I’m in labor. I’m not due for another two weeks, but my water broke about an hour ago. I have no insurance and cannot promise you when, but I will pay for this somehow.”
The receptionist called for the doctor on call and had a nurse assist the young woman to an exam room. “Have you had any prenatal care, hon?” the nurse asked. “Oh, yes,” she answered with a shy smile. “You see, I only lost my job six weeks ago, and the coverage just ran out. I couldn’t afford to pay the ongoing premiums.” With a smile that said she understood, the receptionist chuckled and said, “We’ll worry about the bill later, hon. For now, let’s concentrate on bringing your child into the world. We have programs that will help, so don’t you worry about that right now. Have you picked out names for the little one yet?”

†

The self-sacrifice of motherhood wasn’t lost on the receptionist. She’d raised four of her own. This young girl was putting the needs of her unborn child ahead of her pride. She instinctively understood that self-sacrifice is the cry of a mother’s heart, an ingrained willingness to put her children ahead of herself.

Being poor in spirit is not about financial destitution; it’s about making the choice to go without for the sake of another. We are constantly faced with this choice during the course of our lives. We can choose to allow pride and fear to tell us, “Take care of numero uno!” or we can ask for kingdom eyes to see the true needs around us, to look at others with spiritual discernment and concern, to be poor in spirit for the sake of another.

Prayer

“Father, help me fight the selfish desire to meet my needs ahead of those less fortunate. Help me to see where I might be able to make a difference in someone else’s life today. In Jesus Name, amen.”

Timeless Hope

Plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11

“Okay! Okay! I’ve got it!” Leslie said emphatically to her older brother. “Let’s make Mom a quilt out of all the scrap material from the last ten years, and we’ll use the rest to make Dad a pair of slippers!” she expressed with excitement.
“Sweeeet!” Kellen answered. “That’s perfect! We’ll use the camo pattern for Dad’s slippers!”
Leslie said, “This one may take us several nights! We’ll need to get started early.”
Christmas was two months gone, and they were already planning next year’s presents. It had become their timeless tradition when they were very young to lock themselves in their bedroom on Christmas Eve and make this final Christmas gift out of love for their parents.
Each year their imagination and creativity were put to the test to come up with the perfect gift. And as each year passed, it became more of a challenge. Yet each year they elicited huge smiles from Mom and Dad in recognition of their labor of love.

†

Love from the bottom of a heart is priceless. It speaks a timeless language all its own.
Leslie and Kellen were not making presents for the sake of tradition; they did it because they were part of a loving family. The love they poured into their gifts was immeasurable. They were already looking to the future, anticipating the time they would spend together creating a gift of love for their parents.
Loving God with this depth of devotion requires spending intimate time with Him.
Because of the loving relationship with their parents, Leslie and Kellen eagerly anticipated working together to create something of lasting value for them.
As God’s children, we can do the same; we can build hope for the future!
As co-laborers with Jesus, we can help create timeless relationships between the lost of this world and our Father. We can help give them timeless hope and bring them to the Father Who holds their future.

Prayer

“God of hope, we thank you for the hope we find in Jesus. Help us to excitedly prepare to help create lasting and timeless relationships for You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Obedience

But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice.”
1 Samuel 15:22

She had come to the hospital because of God’s urging. She was here to minister in prayer. She found the family surrounding her friend’s bed. Each face said they knew their mother wouldn’t last the night. The doctor had said as much. She looked at them and simply said, “God asked me to come here tonight and pray for your mother.” With that, she left the room and crouched down in the hallway.
All through the night she prayed, knowing this friend’s adult children did not know God. All through the night she asked Him to bring glory to His Name and draw these men and women unto Himself. Frequently, one of them would come out to see if she was still there and thank her for what she was doing. Her presence seemed to bring them comfort. When morning dawned, there was marked improvement. Several days later, this mother of seven walked out of the hospital under her own power.

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Our obedience allows God to work through us in ways we can’t imagine. When God is involved, the impact of our witness is immeasurable. This prayer warrior was an instrument of God. He had urged her during prayer that evening to come to the hospital and pray. She never hesitated. Her presence had opened a door for those who witnessed her obedience to God.
They didn’t know this woman very well before this night, but they knew their mother did. Because of her obedience, they were comfortable enough to ask questions about the One who had healed their mother.
We can show others the door to salvation with one act of obedience. God wants us to know when we respond, He moves.

Prayer

“Healer of our souls, we give You glory. Speak to us in such a way that we recognize Your urging. We want to be instruments that lead others to salvation. Give us courage to do what You ask when You ask without question. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Time Is Running Out

Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.
Hebrews 9:27

Joe had invited several friends over to watch game four of the NBA finals: Cleveland versus San Antonio. The Cavs had made it to the finals for the first time in franchise history; the Spurs were last season’s league champs.
The score was tied at ninety-eight, and the Alamo Dome was alive with anticipation. It was Cavs ball with thirty-seven seconds left in the fourth quarter and two timeouts. Spurs were up three games to none in the best of seven series; it was win or go home for the Cavs. Inbounding the ball, they moved up into the frontcourt. With eight seconds left, James drove the lane. The screen went blue! “Nooooo!” everybody screamed. “Not now!” Joe was livid. He tried to find the game on another channel, but all one hundred fifty-eight channels were lost; he dropped into his recliner in disbelief. By the time the picture was restored the game was over.

†

In the same way, the clock is counting down on our lives. Time is running out on each of us, and the game will end without warning. From the moment of our birth we are headed toward the day of our death. There is no guarantee of our next breath. Yet some of us live in denial of that truth.
As suddenly as the satellite signal was lost in the basketball game, our lives will end. We will find ourselves before the One Who offered to set us free. If Jesus Christ is Lord of our lives, we should live in such a way that makes those who don’t know Him curious about where we get our strength.
We are spiritual beings in a physical body. Our spirit will live for eternity, either in heaven or hell. Both are real, only one is inhabited by God. In the other will be realization that any chance of being near your Creator has been missed forever. Don’t allow the world to feed you lies that imply you have all the time you need. The clock is ticking.

Prayer

“Father of all Creation, speak the truth of this message to every heart that reads it. Please draw them into a relationship with You, now. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Faith, Hope, and Love

Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13

Looking across the room, his gaze fell upon the two candle-holders sitting on the table. They’d been a gift to him and his wife on their twenty-fifth anniversary. Four inches square, the relief cuts on the sides held significance to faith and love. A lighthouse illuminating the world was the symbol of faith while a large, flourishing heart, surrounded by stars defined love. It struck him that there wasn’t one for hope. And right now hope was what he needed because hopelessness was threatening to beat him into submission. He knew God was at work. He just wasn’t sure how or where.
Having just been turned down for full-time employment in a job he’d been doing part-time and way behind on the bills, he wondered what God was up to. There seemed to be no resolution. Yet his faith in God’s abiding love, and that of his wife of thirty years, gave him hope. These two constants could never be taken away. God was not taken unawares. He would work things out.

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When things don’t go our way, we can become disillusioned, perhaps even broken. Unless we have a solid foundation built on the knowledge that our lives are anchored in God’s love, we can lose hope. Paul told the Romans at the end of chapter eight there was nowhere they could go that God’s love could not find them. Nothing they could do would separate them from the depth of that love. “Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus” (verse 39).
The events in our lives can bring us low. Whether we stay there is up to us. God wants to encourage us in our trials. We do well to remember we have the greatest love of all at our disposal. That love builds faith and hope. God’s embrace is two moves away—just turn and reach up.

Prayer

“Thank You for the hope we have in You, Abba. Draw me close to You as I reach up and give you my heart for mending. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Out of the Blinding Darkness

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light.
Isaiah 42:16

Craig had been lost for hours when he saw the light in the distance. “Finally!” he uttered in relief. A wildlife photographer, he had set out that snowy morning following fresh elk tracks, hoping to get some good photos. The animal had entered the dark timber where the snow wasn’t as deep.
In dark timber, things are a lot closer, trees are only feet apart, and landmarks appear the same in every direction. Taking a new compass reading, he set out. As he continued trailing the bull, he encountered other tracks. It became harder to distinguish the original trail. He decided to take another compass reading before continuing on. That’s when he realized his compass was gone! Somewhere in the heavy brush, it had been torn from his pack!
With fading daylight, the elk was forgotten; finding his way out took precedence. He walked for forty minutes as his anxiety mounted. Then he saw a light in the distance. Heading toward it, he found a hunting cabin. After a short explanation, the cabin owner said he knew exactly where Craig was parked. Thirty minutes later, he deposited a weary and grateful Craig at his vehicle.

†

Craig had been four miles off course. Had the man in the cabin not lighted the lantern, Craig would have had to rely on his wilderness skills for survival. During daylight, he might have been able to backtrack. But in the dark, with failing light, he would have been forced to spend the night where he was, so he didn’t stray even further off course.
We can lose our way spiritually and get caught up in things that appear innocent and harmless. In the midst of our hunt, we can become lost. It’s only a step or two farther into the dark timber. Without a spiritual compass, we can die. Thankfully, God gave us the Holy Spirit as our compass. But it’s our responsibility to take frequent readings to assure ourselves we are on the right path.

Prayer

“Help me see Your guiding light when I stray, Lord. Please point me in the right direction when I get off track. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Perfectly Unique Imperfections

But when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
1 Corinthians 3:10

As the master glassblower puffed gently, a small bulb appeared at the end of the forging tube. Working with quick, decisive motions, she rolled the six-foot tube along a lintel while her apprentice held thick, wet newspaper under the glass, creating a more slender tube. A more forceful puff of air and a larger bulb was created at the end of the tube. The apprentice now used a cup-shaped, cast-steel ladle to shape the vase as the forging tube continued to spin.
Working in unison—one blowing and spinning the tube, the other handling the glass with different tools—they achieved the desired effect. Frequently, the entire work of art was placed back into the furnace for reheating.
When asked why the glass was continually placed in the furnace, she answered, “The glass has many imperfections. As we re-fire the glass, we remove many, but not all, of them. The remaining imperfections are what make each creation unique; it gives the piece more value.”

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Until the day Jesus comes back for the church, we will be imperfect. This does not translate into useless. In the same way the vase has great value even though it is flawed, we too are of great value to God.
The trials of life refine us. God uses the Holy Spirit to influence our lives in one way while He reveals truth to us in another. He places us into the forging fires to remove our imperfections. What is left is a less-flawed vessel.
As we walk through the fire, we become a purer version of the person God means us to be. The Holy Spirit urges us while God directs us. Our refining yields the desired effect. As the forgings cool, we reflect a clearer image of the One Who is perfect in every way.

Prayer

“Please use me, Lord. I need to feel valuable. I want to make a difference in this life. Guide me through the refining fires so I reflect a better representation of Your image to those I meet along life’s path. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Wind and the Waves

He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he … rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
Matthew 8:26

The sky was pregnant with rain. In the next instant, it pounded on the metal roof of the ground floor room of the lighthouse. He was uneasy. Watching as the waves buffeted the side of the building, he sensed this was going to be a bad storm.
The salt spray beat against the windows as the wind whipped the waves into whitecaps. Though he was on dry land in a lighthouse that had stood the test of time, he was afraid.
It was then he noticed the smallish captain of a sixty-foot fishing vessel preparing to leave port. He ventured, “Aren’t those waves too big for your ship? I mean, isn’t it too dangerous to leave just now?!”
The captain took a sip of his coffee and said in the calmest of voices, “Son, those swells aren’t much. By the time we pass the break wall, they’ll be thirty footers.” There was a gleam in his eyes that made the man wonder if he’d taken leave of his senses. “I’ve faced much rougher weather at sea; we’ll be just fine.” The perfect picture of peace with a calmness about him, the captain finished his coffee, nodded at the man, and headed for his ship.

†

Jesus was sleeping right up until the disciples, in fear for their lives, awakened him. He rebuked the winds and the waves, and then he rebuked them. “Why are you so afraid?” Can you hear them? “What? Are you crazy? Look at the situation we’re in!” Seasoned fishermen are used to rough weather. So this was one bad storm.
In an instant, the storm subsides. Awestruck, they asked, “Who is this man that even the wind and waves obey him?” They were to discover that peace is not dependant upon circumstances, but upon Whom our faith rests. Like the captain in today’s story, they knew the One who calms the storm in each of us and tells the wind and the waves, “Be still.”

Prayer

“Please still the storm in my soul, Lord. Help me weather this battle; help me trust that You will never allow me to drown under the burdens of life. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Honesty or Salary?

Do not use dishonest standards when measuring length, weight, or quantity. Use honest scales, and honest weights.
Leviticus 19:35, 36

Three months on the job and he’d just had his salary doubled! It was the most exciting position Mike had ever had. But he was in a quandary because he felt the company was using questionable business practices known as job shopping.
Though widely accepted in the industry, Mike considered the practice dishonest. Once the company was awarded the bid on a job Mike had submitted, they would ask him to call all the suppliers they had used to compile the bid and ask them to give him a lower price on the materials or they would find someone else to provide the product they needed at a lower price, hence, maximizing the company’s profit. Mike, in an act many viewed as bordering on lunacy, told his boss that unless the company stopped the practice, he would no longer be able to work for them.

†

God set a standard to live by. He expects us to act accordingly. When we compromise principals or ethics in any way, we sacrifice part of our integrity. Done frequently enough, we become desensitized to what we are doing. “It’s not really so bad,” we tell ourselves to alleviate guilt and conviction. If left unchecked, it spills over into every part of our lives.
Mike knew he would someday stand before God and give an account of his actions. He knew there was no answer that could excuse being dishonest to justify a large salary. We want others to treat us fairly. We teach others about who we are by our adherence to our integrity. In Mike’s case, the company refused to change business practices, and so he chose to leave. We may never be faced with a decision as big as Mike’s, but when we are faced with unethical issues, we must make a choice. Honesty or deceit? Which will it be?

Prayer

“I am tempted to look the other way sometimes, Lord. Help me witness truth when I am confronted with unethical issues. Help others to see the affect You have on my life. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Call

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here I am. Send me!”
Isaiah 6:8

He was fourteen when God called him the first time. It was through a wonderful woman he’d known for years. Although deaf, she served God faithfully. She asked if she could share something she felt God wanted him to know. “I guess so,” the boy tentatively answered. Holding his face in her hands, looking directly into his eyes, she said, “God told me that you would be a great minister for Him some day!” Not really understanding, he answered, “Okay.” And that, as they say, was the end of that.
Over the years, the call was replaced by other desires, yet a sense of longing plagued him. Still, he continued to resist. He knew what the call was—God’s invitation to be in relationship with Him in a way that would make him wholehearted. He couldn’t tell you why, but he was afraid of the call. But as a patient Father does, God waited. The man finally answered the call and in that answer found a joy and contentment that fulfilled the longing in his heart.

†

Isaiah’s relationship with God was so close that he overheard God asking for someone to go. In those close relationships, we are conscious of God’s voice. We overhear Him speaking in our presence, asking us to go for Him. We can be so uncertain and fearful that we want God to call us by name, saying, “John, please do this for me.” God rarely calls us that way. His hope is that we would be in a close enough relationship with Him that when we hear Him say, “Whom shall I send?” we answer, “Here I am, send me.”
Everyone’s call is different; for one it’s a helping hand to someone in need, to another it’s giving someone a ride to the store. It is not to be feared, but embraced. All are called. Sadly, few answer.

Prayer

“I get afraid when I hear You speak, Lord. I don’t know why; I just do. Help me walk through the fear. Help me understand that by serving others I serve You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Guard Their Hearts

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Proverbs 4:23

As she crossed the threshold, her senses came alive. It took a moment for the scent of apples and cinnamon to register. Then came the aroma of garlic, lemon pepper, and onions. She was smiling as she set her purse on the stand by the door.
Her husband appeared and took her jacket. “What are you up to?” she asked with a question in her eyes. “Your table is ready, madam,” he teased with a mischievous wink and escorted her into the dining room. He’d used their best china in a table setting for two. Long stemmed roses woven into a twisting candelabra created a beautiful centerpiece. The plates were adorned with linen napkins arranged in the shape of hearts. The lights were low with a dozen candles burning here and there and rose petals scattered on the table. He had gone to great lengths to let her know how special she was. Aware that he had spent the better part of the afternoon in preparation, the sensation of being loved and adored flooded her heart.

†

Proverbs instructs us to guard our hearts, for from it we live! If not well provided for, it loses the capacity to engage. Our hearts must be healthy and whole to relate to the world the way we’re supposed to.
We were created for relationships. In them, we learn how to treat one another. In marriage, we learn what it means to give of ourselves, to become selfless, and to display our love for each other. We are given charge to guard not only our heart, but the hearts of those we love. Their hearts, and therefore their ability to love and live in covenant, is given over to us to care for and nurture. When we place their needs ahead of our own, showing them we intend to guard their hearts, we are filled with wonder and completeness.

Prayer

“Help us understand that Your mandate to “guard our hearts” does not give us license to care only for our own. Lord, teach us to love in a way that others may benefit from our actions. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Chimneys of Life

But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away … and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:16, 17

Dave knew what the thump from the basement was. So getting out of his chair, he grabbed his gloves from the coat rack and headed downstairs. An old brick chimney rose from the cellar up through the middle of the house, allowing the gas furnace to be vented.
During the coldest months, birds would swoop into the chimney, warming themselves in the updraft. Occasionally one ventured too far, and unable to fly out, it would drop into the furnace where it could become trapped and die. The fortunate ones made it through the vent pipe into the basement, escaping an immediate death sentence, but remaining trapped.
Trapped by means of deception, they would fly against the basement window, believing it to be a way of escape. The very thing that appeared to bring gratification brought entrapment and sometimes death. Dave, knowing they would die without his intervention, would go into the basement and catch them, cradling them in his hands until he set them free outdoors. To not do so would impose a death sentence.

†

Starved for love and security, we swoop into the chimneys of life, seeking life-giving warmth and protection, never realizing that to venture too far traps us, and we are unable to find our way out alone. We are deceived! Without intervention, we may die in these traps.
But God, in His infinite mercy and grace, reaches into the chimney, offering to set us free. He desires to remove the veil Satan has placed over our spiritual eyes and heart, keeping us captive. God urges us to turn to Him. He wants to cradle us in His hands, bringing us out of captivity and setting us free in the Spirit. God speaks to our hearts, saying, “See the chimney for what it is; take hold of My hand. I want to exchange the death sentence for eternal life.”

Prayer

“I sometimes end up in places I’m not supposed to be, Lord. Psalm 139 says no matter where I go, You will hold me fast. Hold me, Lord. Don’t let me go. Set me free. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Boundaries

Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.
Proverbs 29:18

Paula looked in her rear-view mirror to see red and blue flashing lights; the siren wailed as the cruiser gained on her. Pulling over and rolling down the window, she waited on the officer. He shined his flashlight on her as he bent over and asked for her license and registration, asking, “Do you know how fast you were going, ma’am?”
Paula explained, “The dash lights just went out as I came over the hill back there, so I’m not really sure. Somewhere around twenty-five miles per hour, officer.” She wasn’t lying; her dash lights really had failed. It was almost 5:00 a.m., and she was on her way to work. Figuring she’d get away with a warning, she was angry when the officer came back with a ticket. “I can’t believe you’d write me a ticket when my dash lights failed on me at 5:00 a.m.!”
To which he replied, “You were doing thirty-five miles per hour in a twenty-five mile-per-hour zone, ma’am. And this happens to be the time of day I work.”

†

Boundaries are limits placed upon mankind to avoid anarchy and assure everyone’s safety. Boundaries are guidelines that teach us how we are to act and treat each other. They are as old as the foundations of the earth. The universe is full of them, both physical and spiritual.
Satan is also limited by boundaries. He tries to cross them and gain entrance into our lives, sometimes subtly, sometimes in frontal attacks. We, as believers in the power of God, must exercise our authority in Christ to maintain those boundaries. We enforce Satan’s boundaries by resisting temptation and speaking truth from the Word, by standing firm in the knowledge of God. It’s up to us to contend for our freedom from the enemy by entering the battle. By seeking God’s will for our lives, we’re halfway there.

Prayer

“Help me stay within the boundaries You set for my life, Lord. I understand that when the enemy comes in temptation, I must put up barriers to keep him from leading me into destructive behaviors. Speak to me through Your Word, circumstances, and others. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Snow*

Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
Isaiah 1:18

The air was cold and crisp as she sat in her car, awaiting her husband. The snow had started out light and then quickly became heavy. The flakes were nickel-sized wafers, floating gently down, touching everything within her view. A hush fell with it, covering everything.
As she watched, it began to cover trees, bushes, grass, parked cars, the street, even the wires strung overhead, blanketing everything in a layer of pure white. It was as if God was speaking to her through the beauty of this moment.
It was so white! The world looked so clean! No dirt! Not a single track from a car.
When she’d arrived an hour earlier, there had been visible clutter and dirt. There were things people had discarded and left behind, such as gum, candy wrappers, and cans. Things that had been splattered by passing motorists, leaving a layer of grime on everything in its wake, were now unseen, even the layers of thick dirt between the bricks that paved the street. It was as if God were saying, “I make all things white as snow. I can wash away all the dirt, all the wrong.”

†

As we walk down life’s path, making choices that cause us to become dirty, God wants us to know we are still redeemable. When we are willing and obedient, choosing to follow Him, Jesus promises to cleanse us and make us white as snow. Unlike the things covered by the snow, God’s cleansing touch completely removes the dirt in our lives. Psalm 103 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
When we repent, turn from our sin, and submit to His will, we can be assured we are covered with the righteousness of Christ; we are made pure as the driven snow.

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, thank You for being our spiritual healer. As we come surrendering our lives to Your will, please cleanse us and cloak us in Your righteousness. Amen.”

*Co-Written with Nancy Clouston

He Exceeds Expectations!

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine … be glory … ”
Ephesians 3:20, 21

Having lost a kidney to cancer years ago, Donna’s remaining kidney was failing for the same reason. On dialysis five days a week and needing a kidney transplant, there was less than a one in four hundred thousand chance of a match.
The elders anointed her as the church body gathered around. They prayed for a match to be found, prayed for God’s peace, and for God to sustain her. What happened wasn’t on the list.
At her next doctor’s appointment, an MRI was ordered to check on the progress of the tumor. As he entered the exam room, the doctor had a dismayed look on his face. Holding the film to the light, he said, “I believe you have another tumor where your first kidney was removed.” The negative revealed a small growth resembling a lima bean. Donna felt a rush of hope. “I know what that is! It’s a new kidney, not cancer!” The doctor tried to reason with her that kidneys do not replace themselves, especially after so many years. But to his surprise, over the next two weeks, this lima bean grew to become a viable, working kidney. Donna has not needed dialysis to this day. And by the way, the diseased kidney was also healed.

†

We are amazed and somewhat surprised when God steps onto the scene in power. We pray in faith and yet are stunned when God chooses to answer in a way that eclipses what we pray for.

Miracles and healings did not pass away with the apostles. It is for God’s glory that they occur. He is sovereign and will bestow or withhold healing as He sees fit. We should always pray in unshakable faith, believing for miracles and healing, leaving room only for God’s decision as to how He will answer our petitions. With boldness, in prayer and thanksgiving, we are to approach the throne of our Creator.

Prayer

“Sovereign God, we are humbled when You recreate what You first created. Teach us to come boldly before Your throne, with faith that produces hope! We yield to You in all we do and continue to believe for healing when it serves Your purpose. Amen.”

The Look

Immediately a rooster crowed.
Matthew 26:74

This wasn’t the first time Jeff had played the part of Peter in the passion play. He’d even felt a small portion of Peter’s anguish in past performances. But tonight something shocking had happened. As he turned from the fire barrel, having denied Christ a third time, he was looking into the eyes of Jesus. Not the actor playing the part, but Christ himself! He folded to the floor and wept uncontrollably, great sobs racking his body. To the audience, it appeared to be a tremendous performance. To Jeff, it was as if he were Peter! He had received a large measure of the agony the apostle must have felt that night. He couldn’t stem the flow of tears as he pried himself from the floor.
Jeff didn’t share his experience immediately. When he finally did, the tears came again, unabated. Yet this time there wasn’t shame and conviction. In their place were love and restoration. Jeff understood that Jesus had done for him what He had done for Peter.

†

Romans 5:10 says, “That while we were still God’s enemies … Christ died for us.” The look Jeff saw in Jesus’ eyes wasn’t one of condemnation but of sorrow—a sorrow born of the knowledge that there is within each of us a weakness that places flesh ahead of spirit.
Jeff received a gift, a revelation. Jesus showed him the depths of His love. Christ freely came knowing we would kill Him. First as an infant—in an infant there is no fault. This baby was pure enough to meet the demands of Justice. He grew into a warrior with the strength to lead us through the murkiest waters and lift us from the pits of hell; so fierce is His love that He left His throne to live in our world! Finally, as a Savior willing to stand in our place and be defiled because He could not stand that we would spend eternity without Him! The look says, “I love you!”

Prayer

“Jesus, we come humbly in response to that look into our soul. Though we have denied You in the past, forgive us today as we ask to understand and surrender to You. Lead us into reconciliation. Amen.”

Do This

Do this in remembrance of me.
1 Corinthians 11:24

He donned a hygienic mask, latex gloves, and sterilized the communion kit. Then he prepared the elements. He was bringing the Lord’s Supper to a recovering cancer patient. She had been isolated from the public for the past twelve weeks due to an insufficient white cell count as a result of chemotherapy.
He thought about God’s healing power as he broke the matzo into the tiny tray. As he poured the juice, the blood of the Holy Lamb of God, he reflected on last night’s phone call. “Hi, Dana. It’s Pastor Chuck. I was wondering if it would be all right to bring communion to you and Paul tomorrow morning.”
“That would be wonderful!” she replied. “I just hung up from talking to a friend. He mentioned that he was getting ready to take communion to a shut-in. As I hung up I said, ‘Oh, Paul, I wished our church did that.’”
Chuck was never surprised when he found that God’s urging was in response to prayer.

†

Divine appointments are opportunities to do the work of the kingdom for God, to be His instrument of blessing. In our busyness, we sometimes view these as inconveniences. Yet if we listen closely, stop rushing, and respond to His urging, we discover God’s eager desire to bring blessings. When Chuck brought the Lord’s Supper to Paul and Dana, he brought God’s love and healing power. When we obey, God sends His power through us to encourage others. It always amazed Chuck that he was the recipient of a large portion of that blessing.
As our relationship with God deepens, He asks us to carry His love further into His kingdom. Fear from the enemy wishes to stop that from happening. God wants us to know His strength is sufficient to meet that fear head-on and walk right through it. Our obedience will determine if someone receives a blessing.

Prayer

“Father of inspiration, right now we give ourselves over to You to be used in bringing a blessing to those in need of one. Touch our hearts and minds so that we can respond as Your instruments of love. Blessed be Your Name, amen.”

The Good Fight

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9

She’d left the house in a huff—the typical Sunday morning routine lately. Kids in tow, arguing, “If Dad doesn’t have to go to church, why do we?” She pressed on, angry and feeling defeated. This was a battle she no longer felt like fighting; she was ready to give up. “Are You watching, God? Do You care about my family? I hate fighting with Rick.” He’d been wounded at church years ago and refused to allow it to happen again. “Why did You let that happen, Lord? Don’t You care that he was wounded?”
As she pulled into the parking lot, she glanced toward the digital marquee in front of the church. Doing a double take, she looked back. Today’s message read, “I know sometimes it doesn’t feel like it, but I am watching. God.” Staring at the marquee as the message scrolled by once more, she sensed God’s presence and peace. “Give me strength, Lord.” she whispered.

†

We are never alone. Occasionally, when it seems He is nowhere near our galaxy, the God Who set the stars in the sky and calls them by name, kneels down and speaks ours.
Singlehandedly rearing children in the Lord was never God’s design. Many deal with spouses who would rather play nine holes, sleep in, or just relax and read the Sunday paper than attend church.
If you are one who is fighting this battle, remember that God is at work while you are being faithful for both of you. He wants you to know this is a battle for your children’s future and spiritual direction, as well as your spouse’s. When you choose to fight the good fight, you follow the exhortation in Galatians. Those who walk away from God must come back on their own. It’s called free will. But God says, “Do not become weary, for at the proper time you will reap the harvest.”

Prayer

“Lord, give me strength to continue this fight. Heal my heart and the wounds of those I love. Bring resolution to painful memories and restore us to complete spiritual health. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

A Matter of Perspective

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8–9

Through a clear and cloudless sky, the jet banked hard left, preparing for final approach. Looking out the window, the businessman saw the hand and heard the voice of God. There, below him, was a single, fluffy, white cloud. Centered on the cloud was a perfect, vibrantly colored rainbow—not an arch as we see from the ground, but a perfect circle. And in the center of it all was the shadow of his plane cast by the noonday sun.
In that moment God whispered, “This is My promise. There is no place that exists outside my love; no valley is below this circle; no mountain rises above it. There is no east; there is no west; there is only my love. This is My promise.”
There wasn’t time to snap a picture before the plane leveled out, but that didn’t matter; he would never forget the image. A sense of peace replaced his harried and stress-filled mind.

†

Following the flood, God promised Noah to never again destroy the earth with water. His covenant was the first recorded rainbow. “I have set my bow in the cloud.” Never having witnessed one before, Noah must have been awestruck!
In the fourth chapter of Revelation, John describes how God remembers that promise: “A rainbow resembling an emerald, encircling the Throne of God,” not arching above it, but encircling the throne, all encompassing and never ending, just like God’s promises.
The image and the whisper through the window of that plane let the businessman know that God was aware of his life and the problems he faced. From God’s perspective, the things we deal with and witness each day are usually not what they appear to be; there is a purpose. God asks that we trust Him to work in our lives for that purpose.

Prayer

“Lord, I don’t look at things the way You do. Help me to see what You see as I look at the issues of my life. Help me to trust in Your promise. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Soiled Parts

This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.
1 John 3:19, 20

The walls were soiled and stained; the wallpaper was curling at the edges and hanging loose in places. The furniture was run-down, sagging cushions and gouges in the wood. The curtains were torn but still not much light penetrated them, and the dust took on the appearance of silt. It was dirty and repulsive here. That was all right; the more silt covered, the better.
She came here so seldom she couldn’t remember the last time she’d been here. Pausing, she looked amidst the rubble. It was then she noticed Him standing there, just inside the door. She’d almost forgotten; she’d invited Him. He was waiting for her to acknowledge His presence, but what was there to say? It was all here for Him to see, those things in her life she was ashamed of and not sure how to deal with. Time seemed to drag on forever, but He never moved. She knew He was waiting for her to speak. “I can’t seem to get rid of these things,” she said. “I try and try.” He spoke softly, “Will you let me help?” She awakened with a start. What a dream! Jesus had just seen the darkest part of her heart and still loved her!

†

Omniscience doesn’t mean knowing some things; it means knowing everything. God’s desire is that we come into a relationship with Him where meaningful conversations about the issues of our heart bring healing.
His hope is that our hearts will bend in such a way that we give Him those silt-covered parts for cleansing. He wants us to know the truth: belonging to Him removes condemnation from the heart.

Prayer

“Lord, there are things that I wish You didn’t know about me, but You do. That You could still love me is hard to grasp, so sometimes I act like You don’t. Help me be open and honest with myself so we can talk about the soiled parts of my heart. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Brokenhearted Prisoners

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.
Isaiah 61:1

She spilled some of the precious liquid as muscle spasms caused a twitch. Cooking the smack was getting harder. It was just before 11:00 a.m., and her stash was gone. She’d care in about two hours, just not right now. Firing the load, she fell back on the couch, the rush driving every thought from her mind. That’s what she was after, numbness. She wanted the pain to go away.
For a sixteen-year-old, childhood seemed so long ago. Two hours later, she came to in restraints in the psych ward of a hospital where she underwent detox. She wasn’t sure when the young woman had begun visiting. She’d started out just sitting with her. By the end of the first week, she was helping her dress and eat. Then one day the young woman didn’t come. In her place was a book with a note paper clipped to it. The note read, “The rest is up to you. This saved my life; it can save yours too.” With tears running down her cheeks, she opened it at the bookmark. There was a verse highlighted with a name superimposed over two words; it read, “For God so loved Janet that he gave his one and only Son,” (John 3:16). Tears flowed unabated as she sobbed. She didn’t know what her next move was; she just knew she couldn’t live like a prisoner anymore.

†

Addiction takes many forms, stealing the soul of millions of God’s Creation, leaving them destitute and alone. Many die, still searching for that elusive “first high,” not understanding their motives, and never having known or experienced the love of Christ.
Those who have been rescued from addiction know it’s impossible to attain true victory on your own. In Christ alone can we find the strength to live. He will bind up the brokenhearted and set the captives free!

Prayer

“Saving Lord, we petition for the souls of those lost in addiction. Draw them near, tear down the veil the enemy keeps in place, and set the captives free. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Useful Hands

He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his hands.
Ephesians 4:28

He had come to the hardware store to buy a new ball glove. As he walked by the fishing equipment, he was mesmerized by the brightly colored assortment of lures. There were shysters, rapallas, spoons, and jitterbugs. But one lure caught his eye more than the others. It was a chartreuse popper! For no reason he could understand, the boy looked around to see if anyone was watching, reached around the counter, and took the lure, pocketing it.
He left the store without even looking at ball gloves. He couldn’t seem to get away fast enough! On his way home, he pulled the box from his pocket and removed the lure. He couldn’t wait to try it out! Then, as unexplainable as his first urge, he knew he must return it and apologize for stealing.
The storeowner listened to the boy’s story and proposed the boy work for him until he had paid restitution. It took the boy two weeks of hard work to pay his debt. He never forgot that lesson or the storeowner.

†

The owner of the hardware had been a wise man, understanding that the deed could not go unpunished or the boy may repeat his offense. Contacting the boy’s parents and using work as a way of teaching the boy the value of putting his hands to good use, he was able to help the young boy with not only his guilt but also caused him to be able to appreciate what he could accomplish through honest labor.
Left unchecked, who knew what this young boy would do. The owner understood that little thieves are easier to rehabilitate and always worth the effort. He gave of himself for the future of the boy, understanding that, “But for the grace of God, there go I.”

Prayer

“Lord, only You know the evil that inhabits the hearts of men. Please lead me in such a way that I will not judge others, nor fall under judgment myself. Cause me to have useful hands. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

When Fear Becomes Trust

But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes … and never fails to bear fruit.

Jeremiah 17:7, 8

The gentleman sitting across from him was six feet and four inches tall, three hundred fifty pounds, and barrel-chested. He’d always been intimidated sharing his faith with big men. Today’s circumstances changed all that. He felt God urging him to pray with this man. He’d just been told that the medical equipment the man needed to survive had been denied as he had no means to pay for the machine or the care involved. Stuffing his fear, he asked the man, “Would it be all right if we pray about this?” The man answered, “Sure, I guess.” He prayed a short but direct prayer that God would have His way, removing any obstacles between the man and the care he needed. Finished, they completed the interview, and the man left.

Fifteen minutes later, the phone rang. Picking up the receiver, he heard sobbing on the other end of the line. Through sobs, the big man explained that upon his return home, he had listened to his voice mail. The lone message had been the medical provider. The message said, “It’s against our policy, but we’re bringing the equipment you need, and we’ll worry about payment later.”

†

When we answer God’s call, He works in ways we cannot imagine. He moves the hearts of people that know and follow Him, and He works on the hearts of those who don’t.

When God gets us in the classroom, He intends that we learn these lessons for future reference. The man behind the desk learned that he could share his faith with anyone as long as God was in control. The big man had learned to trust God for his very existence. Stepping out in faith pays exponential dividends.

Prayer

“Almighty Father, teach me to trust You in every part of my life. Help me to step out in faith and give the fear of my life to You so I can be better used by You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

His Strong Right Hand

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life … with your right hand you save me.
Psalm 138:7

Steve and Rita traversed the snow-covered rocks to the floor of the gorge. Virtually unknown to the general public, Ice Rocks is hidden less than three miles off the main highway and just yards off the beaten path. Yet without knowledge of the rock formation, you would never suspect its presence.
A beautiful waterfall any time of the year, it is striking in mid- to late winter. A crescent-shaped gorge with a waterfall in its center, it boasts stalagmite and stalactite icicles as large as semi trailers. The gorge is sixty feet deep with a forty-foot mound of rock in the center. The falls becomes a frozen chute in winter, solid on three sides, water continuously pounding the creek bottom. Steve had Rita stand at the base of the falls to give the photo a sense of proportion. Hearing a loud crack, they moved quickly away from the immediate area. As they rounded the mountain of rock, putting distance between them and the ice, they heard a thunderous crash. Something had let go! Returning, they found a forty-foot piece of ice lying at the base of the falls, right where Rita had been standing. Had they not been warned by the crack, Rita might have been killed!

†

Steve and Rita had experienced God’s protection many times in their lives. They recognized His intervention on this day, moving them out of harm’s way with a warning crack. Although God is at work in all His children’s lives, we sometimes chalk His supernatural protection up to coincidence, good luck, or what some call fate. Regardless of what we read or see in movies, we are not two ships passing in the night. Nor are we feathers just floating about on the wind, guided by every breeze that comes along. Our Father has a strong right hand. With it, He preserves our lives. As His children, our choices will always be His concern. He protects us when we heed His warning. His desire is that we choose wisely, making some of the rescues unnecessary.

Prayer

“Thank You, Papa, for Your loving protection. Help us recognize Your right hand at work in our lives so we might give You praise. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”