Self Exposure

September 12

Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly.

Proverbs 13:16

The Vice Unit had set up a false-front store in order to implement a sting of the neighborhood criminals who had been pawning stolen goods at many of the local pawn shops; anything from electronics to SUVs.

They began their sting by purchasing stolen goods, giving the thieves money in exchange for their merchandise, delaying their arrest until the sting was complete.

Undercover officers marveled at the pride of the crooks. Having established a working relationship with the undercover officers, several criminals began to brag about their proficiency in stealing cars and told of how they had strong-armed many of their victims at the end of a gun. They spoke of their exploits as if they were a badge of honor, never showing remorse for their actions.

The sting lasted eight weeks, netting seventy-two arrests—the team took the dangerous criminals off the streets immediately, but away from their operation, so as not to tip off the others about the storefront sting—which resulted in recovery of all the stolen merchandise and the conviction of each individual arrested.

Behind bars several offenders admitted that their own bragging had been the weapon used to convict them. Had they not been so free with their words they might have received lighter sentences.

†

Proud of their criminal prowess, these offenders brought the full measure of the legal system upon themselves because of self exposure. Their crimes alone would have netted them jail time, yet additional months and years were added to each sentence because of their lack of remorse while bragging about their illegal acts.

A wise man speaks occasionally and a fool doesn’t know when to hold his tongue. Those who speak with knowledge improve the lives of those around them and enrich individual relationships. When we speak out of turn we share from a shallow well, often alienating those around us.

Prayer

“Teach me to posses something of value before I try to share it, Lord. Help me keep from becoming foolish in speech and action. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

 The Perfect Hiding Place!

September 11

But Jehosheba…took Joash…and stole him away... She put him…in a bedroom…so he was not killed. He remained hidden…for six years…

II Kings 11:2, 3

“Okay, Kevin. Count to a hundred by fives!” Jackie told his friend.

“Okay!” Kevin said enthusiastically. Laying his head against his forearm which was against the porch post, he began, “Five, ten, fifteen, twenty, twenty-five, thirty…” About thirty seconds later, “Ninety-five, a hundred! Ready or not, here I come!” And off he went to find his friends.

Jackie watched from his hiding place. There was no way Kevin was going to find him unless he stumbled on him. He’d found the spot quite by accident. His dad had shown him where he kept the dog food a couple years ago in the bin, next to the kennel. Jackie had noticed a void of sorts behind the boards. It was just big enough to allow someone a little room to move. Jackie had wiggled in and pulled a bale of straw against the opening. He remained totally hidden, watching Kevin through the slit in the boards. In a span of about ten minutes Kevin found everyone but him.

Eventually, Kevin got tired of looking and gave up, hollering, “Ollie, Ollie in free!” giving Jackie the signal he had won and could come out of hiding. To everyone’s surprise, Jackie emerged not ten feet from them!

“Holy smokes!” one boy exclaimed. “He’da never found you! That’s the perfect hiding place!”

†

Young children look harmless. But Satan sees them as future threats, and the sooner he can render them impotent or powerless, the better. Consequently, our kids are born into a deadly game of hide and seek.

Until God hollers, “Ollie, Ollie in free!” we, like Jehosheba, need to hide our kids from the enemy’s influence, censoring their activities with wisdom and spiritual insight. We are not keeping them from experiencing life, or sowing wild seeds; we are keeping them from abortion, addiction, sexual immorality, and possible suicide.

We can give them the perfect hiding place in Jesus Christ; He’s the safest place they’ll ever find!

Prayer

“Help me keep my children from the dangers that lurk in the darkness, Lord. Help me be the godly parent they need me to be. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Find And Fulfill Your Purpose

September 10

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.

1Corinthians 12:4

Bonnie was a prayer warrior, an intercessor for God. He routinely orchestrated divine appointments to introduce Bonnie to the people He wanted her to pray with and for. She’d gotten used to His conspicuous intervention.

As Bonnie walked through the ‘Old Towne’ district during her lunch hour, a flash of sunlight glinted off the ‘Token’ bracelet on her wrist. Immediately, she began praying for the waitress she’d met two days ago. Following that, she prayed for several others she’d promised to pray for.

This was her prayer bracelet, worn specifically to remind her of her promises to lift the needs of the people she met in her daily routine; people like the struggling single-mom she’d spoken to last week, and the young man who worked in the Human Resources department at one of the local factories. The bracelet had interchangeable charms that she etched the people’s names, as well as one-word reminders.

Bonnie befriended total strangers on a regular basis for the purpose of asking them if there were needs she could lift in prayer. And for those who expressed a specific need, Bonnie would secretly note it, and begin to lift them before the Lord during her daily routine. She would continue until God released her from praying for that person and need. In this she found purpose.

†

Each of us is purposed by God, as 1Corinthians 12 clearly states. We have specific God-given talents and skills we are meant to put to use each day. Bonnie’s gifting is the ability to create and foster relationships, praying God’s insight into the lives of those within her sphere of influence.

We may not be asked to covertly befriend total strangers for the purpose of prayer, but our purpose is just as important for the work of God’s Kingdom. If you want to feel the fulfillment and pleasure of the Lord, determine to find your gifting, and begin practicing it. What you practice will be what you become proficient in. Become a participant in God’s plan of salvation, find and fulfill your purpose.

Prayer

“Show me what my gifting is, Lord, and teach me how to use that gift to enrich the lives of others. Help me help You advance the Kingdom of Your Christ. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Lying and Dying

September 9

You have not lied just to human beings but to God.

Acts 5:4

The doctors could not find the root cause of Euwan’s illness. About a year and a half ago he’d begun feeling ‘unhealthy’. “I don’t know,” he’d say, “I just don’t feel right. I feel…odd.”

As the days turned into weeks Euwan’s quest to find out what was wrong intensified. He went from his family practitioner to a specialist in viral diseases. But the weeks turned into months, and Euwan grew worse. At this point he was willing to try anything. So he went to a local church, and asked the pastor to pray for him.

Before he prayed, the pastor asked, “When you first noticed the symptoms, what was going on in your life?”

Euwan thought for a bit, and realized that the onset coincided with a business deal he’d brokered. Reluctantly, he told the pastor.

“Well,” the pastor said, “What kind of a deal did you make? Was it fair and beneficial for both sides?”

Instantly Euwan remembered what he’d said to the board members of the company they’d purchased. His own words came back like hammer blows to his heart: “Yes, we intend to keep all your employees…” But as soon as the merger had been completed, Euwan ordered a down-sizing. They had always intended to minimize the workforce to save their company money.

†

Illnesses of this nature happen every day, but mostly aren’t attributed to their root cause. Lying has physiological consequences that can even lead to death. Euwan’s conscience wouldn’t allow him to deny what he’d done, and it had taken a huge toll on him.

When we lie there is only one option that will restore us, physically and spiritually: the truth. God already knows we lied, and is waiting to see what we’re going to do. What we fear most is disclosing the truth to those to whom we’ve lied, because we fear their wrath, but tell them we must.

Whether they forgive us or not, God will, and He is hopeful that we will repent.

What we do with our deceit is up to us.

Prayer

“Lord, if I have lied, help me make it right. Set me free from the bondage of deception, and help me to always speak the truth. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Calling on Angels

September 8

He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

Mark 1:13

As Stan shared about the night he came to Christ, I couldn’t help but grin. “My Father-in-law invited me to attend a ‘Firestorm’ conference with him. I thought ‘okay, it’s probably only gonna be a couple hours…no big deal.’ I had no idea it was a three day event! The evangelist the first night seemed to know me personally. I know that because he talked about me all night!” he said, tongue-in-cheek. “I saw him in the halls of the stadium after and asked him to remember me and my battle with alcoholism in his prayers. He surprised me. ‘Let’s pray right now!’ he said. It was awesome! I haven’t had the urge to drink from that moment to this!”

Stan shook his head as he said, “But when I got home I couldn’t find anyone to teach me about Jesus...everyone I approached said, ‘Just read your Bible, Stan. God will help you understand.’ Even my pastor wouldn’t make time for me...”

I could tell he’d been more than a little frustrated as he continued, “Then one day I was reading in Mark where Jesus had been led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit, and angels had ministered to him. Right then I remembered that somewhere else I’d read that we would do everything Jesus did. So I said, ‘Lord, I can’t find anyone to teach me about You. Would You please send Your angels to reveal the truth of Your word.’ For the next two months everything I read I understood! It was awesome!”

†

As a babe in Christ, Stan took God’s word as truth. And because of his earnest request, he received.

God loves it when we come expectantly, laying claim to His promises! Yet, many of us doubt because we have never seen or experienced the manifestation of an angelic encounter. But just because we have not yet experienced something does not negate its validity. Stan can attest that such occurrences do happen.

For the new or seasoned in Christ, God is waiting to send ministering angels your way. Call out and see. And when you call, wait as a desperate man in the desert. God will send them.

Prayer

“Father God, please send Your angels to minister to my needs. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 We Must Come To Jesus

September 7

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.

Acts 4:12

Jesse died at the age of fifty-one. He’d lived a life of simplicity and had been a generous man. He had a deep abiding love for his family. Jesse also loved horses. There wasn’t a week that went by that you didn’t see Jesse with his kids and grandkids riding in the evening after he returned home from work. Seeing his children raised with good manners, sound moral character, and generous hearts was important to him. But until three weeks before his death, Jesse hadn’t known Jesus as his personal Savior.

At his funeral a gentleman stood and spoke a simple, yet powerful truth, “We all know Jesse was a generous man…in most part because he learned it from his mother. But that generosity wouldn’t have gotten him into Heaven. Had he not accepted the pastor’s offer to make Jesus his Lord and Savior three weeks ago, today would be a dark day. But because of his decision to do that, we can celebrate Jesse’s death!”

“You may be a good person…” he said, making eye contact with each person, but if you don’t know Jesus the way Jesse came to know Him, you’ll spend eternity in Hell, and the day of your funeral will be a dark day. Please think about that,” he said and returned to his seat.

†

Short of accepting Jesus’ sacrifice, laying claim to His righteousness alone, you will discover upon the day of your death that Heaven and Hell are real, that God only inhabits one of them, and that you are going to spend eternity tormented with the knowledge that things could have been different if you’d only made the right decision.

There is no other way to speak this truth; you are either saved by the blood of Jesus, or you will receive a spiritual death sentence the moment you die. To gain salvation, we must come to Jesus.

I urge and invite you to make the right decision today.

Prayer

“Father God, thank You for the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus, that covers all my sin. I accept that sacrifice, now. Please forgive me, and show me how to live my life for You. Amen.”

 Sowing Forgiveness

September 6

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger…Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:31, 32

Life on a dairy farm is demanding; two or three milking shifts per day, crop production, and machine maintenance tie farmers to the homestead. Mark had left the farm as soon as he’d turned eighteen…but not because of the hard work.

“I got up each day wondering where Dad was gonna hit me. All I thought about was ending the beatings once and for all, but…” his voiced trailed off. Eventually he continued, “Over the years God replaced the anger with a desire to share the gospel with my parents. Finally, it got to the point that their salvation was all I could think about! So one night after church I took them a Bible...” the tears came again. “Dad said, ‘Is that some magazine or somethin’?’ I told him, ‘No! It’s a book about your salvation, and you can either read it and follow its teaching and have eternal life with Jesus, or you can spend eternity in hell!’ 

I surprised myself speaking that way to Dad,” he said candidly. “I talked about Jesus’ love for them for more than two hours…I shared things I didn’t even know I knew!” His voice carried a note of sadness as he said, “Dad cried a little…but that’s as far as it went with him.” But joy replaced the sorrow as he said, “Mom accepted Jesus into her heart, and I baptized her two days later! I guess I’ll just have to keep praying for Dad.”

†

Too many people identify with Mark’s story. Child abuse steals the soul; it’s not easily forgiven, and next to impossible to forget. In Mark’s case it took twenty years for the anger to abate, allowing the Holy Spirit to move in such a way that Mark became more concerned about his father’s salvation than the memory of his beatings.

In many cases it takes years, but God can heal all wounds. As with the crops on a dairy farm, forgiveness must be sown to produce a harvest. But once sown, Jesus will faithfully help us tend the crop.

Prayer

“Father, today it’s difficult to forgive. Help me continue to walk in forgiveness each day until it becomes complete in my heart. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Living as Sacrifices

September 5

For to me, to live is Christ...

Philippians 1:21

“I can’t do this anymore!” Jack all but hollered. “I don’t know what God wants from us? I have no idea what step to take next that would bring resolution to our problems!”

Jack’s frustration stemmed from the ongoing trials he and his wife, Tanna, had been experiencing over the past four years. The unrest in the home, brought on by persistent physical and constant financial struggles, was at a fevered pitch. They rarely went a day without arguing over things that would normally be overlooked as insignificant. And the periods between these arguments was filled with deafening silence.

When more than a minute passed without her response he silently blamed her…It would be nice if you’d engage!

Locked in his own reasoning-challenged battle, Jack couldn’t know that Tanna’s mind was filled with her own fear-driven thoughts. So, he began building his own argument for his wife’s lack of response…Right, you think this is all ‘MY’ fault! Which wasn’t true, but by this time Satan had planted seeds of guilt and shame over his inability to earn a living. He uttered his last statement aloud, “I’m so tired right now I’d rather be a dead martyr than a living sacrifice.”

†

Sound familiar? Many Christians share Jack’s sentiment, which begs the question: Why does a loving God allow His children to experience this kind of turmoil when He has the power to do otherwise?

Many New Testament scriptures tell us we will suffer, Jesus Himself said it. But, like Jack, we desire an answer that will at least offer comfort in the midst of the conflict.

Paul writes in verse fourteen, “Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”

The list of reasons why God allows us to work through our trials is long. But in many cases He knows someone else is watching for our reaction to our circumstances. He believes we have the strength to show the world what a living sacrifice looks like. What we show them is how we choose to respond to life’s trials.

Prayer

“Lord, sometimes I feel it’d be easier dying for You than living through these trying times. Give me Your strength to walk in integrity, as a living sacrifice in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

 The Appointment

September 4

…the Spirit of truth…will guide you...

John 16:13

Intending to take about a half hour break, Rich and Don began preparing a quick lunch on the narrow beach just below the class III rapids they’d just navigated. Not their regular putout, they’d pressed on down stream because Rich had felt an urge to go a bit farther before stopping.

It was Labor Day weekend, and the river was packed. As they watched, group after group of novice rafters struggled to navigate this perilous stretch of Green River rapids. Suddenly, a family of five rounded the bend and entered the gorge. Inexperienced, they were unable to keep the bow of their raft headed down-stream. 

As they hit the rapids the raft slammed against the sheer granite wall and capsized, spilling everyone into the rushing water. The young boy managed to grab onto a huge rock in the center of the river, while dad got the two girls to shore. Mom, however, was nowhere to be seen. Don, trained in river rescue, and Rich, a S.W.A.T. Commander, responded immediately by launching their raft into the lower section of the rapids, heading for the buffeting raft.

“I think I saw something near the stern,” Rich hollered as they stroked against the current. As they reached the wildly bouncing raft, training took over. Rich launched himself into the now half submerged raft and crawled to the stern. Looking over, he found the mother, with only her face above water, struggling to hang on. Pulling her onto the raft, Rich paddled to shore. Not long after, the boy was rescued from his perch on the rock.

†

Many would call what happened destiny, luck, or coincidence. Those who follow Jesus Christ call these ‘divine appointments’. Had Rich and Don not yielded to the subtle urging to press on, that holiday weekend might have ended in tragedy. Thankfully, Rich listened, and showed up for the divine appointment.

God gives His Holy Spirit as a guide to all who follow His Son. The Spirit, gently urges us, knowing when an extra mile down-stream will make all the difference, then He leaves the choice to follow up to us.

Prayer

“Help me to be sensitive to Your urgings, Lord. Teach me to be discerning and obedient. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 The Truth About Death

September 3

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

1John 4:10 KJV

Attending her third family funeral in as many months, Kendra was angry…This isn’t fair! A loving God would never do this! her mind screamed.

The recent deaths had caused Kendra to doubt the existence of God; because if there was, He wouldn’t keep killing the people she loved! And since there was no God, she rejected any notion of salvation through Jesus Christ as well. Friends had told her she was being too analytical, and needed to accept certain things by faith. They’d told her that this side of Heaven there was no such thing as complete understanding. But she wanted proof!

The pastor began the eulogy, “On this side of death we are faced with the greatest decision we will ever make.” Searching the eyes of each mourner, his glance settled on Kendra. “The Bible tells us that our spirit will live forever after our mortal death. If you’re not sure what lies ahead, I challenge you to listen to this message of hope in Jesus Christ. You see, what happens the moment following our last breath on earth will be determined by what we believe. 

Following that breath we will be in the presence of a loving, and holy God. At that moment we will have complete understanding and our choice for eternity will be sealed. We either accepted Jesus' sacrifice and will live with Him or we will realize our horrific mistake and find ourselves apart from God for eternity.”

It was as if God had spoken audibly to Kendra. Her anger, and her façade, melted away as tears streamed down her cheeks.

†

Kendra’s anger over her loss is understandable. However, her analytical assumption about why God allows death is wrong.

Death was never God’s intention. Adam’s disobedience brought that sentence upon humanity. But because of God’s great love for us, provision was made so that we would not live forever in our sin. He sent His Son to die in our place in order that we might not suffer our deserved fate: eternal separation from God due to our sin.

Jesus came to die…to bring peace between God and man. Only His shed blood makes us righteous before a holy God. But that blood must be applied before our last breath. If you have not claimed the blood of Jesus, I invite you to do that now.

Prayer

“Come in to my life today, Lord Jesus… Amen.”

  Lone Ranger Syndrome

September 2

Do not forsake your friend…and do not go to your brother’s house when disaster strikes you—better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

Proverbs 27:10

Blair rarely asked for help with anything. And this morning his do-it-yourself ideology almost cost him his life…

Blair had decided it was time to start cutting firewood for the coming winter. So, loading his chainsaw and other woodcutting tools into his pickup, he headed up on the hill to cut two dead trees he’d spotted during a recent hike.

He notched the first tree in the direction he wanted it to fall and began cutting on the opposite side, just above the notch. Unexpectedly, the tree ‘POPPED!’ and twisted off the stump prematurely, catching him off guard. As he turned to run the tree fell, catching his left leg, pinning him to the ground. 

Feeling around, he determined nothing was broken or bleeding. But no matter how hard he tried, he was unable to free himself. With the realization that his cell phone was out of reach in his jacket pocket, Blair prayed, “God, I need help. I know I shouldn’t have come up here alone, but please send someone to find me.”

Minutes later he heard the low, droning sound of a four wheeler. Up the well road came his neighbor, Fred, who would later tell him that he’d heard the chainsaw, and had come to offer a helping hand.

†

In the long-running 1950s TV western, ‘The Lone Ranger’, the title’s hero fought bad guys and brought them to justice. Sadly, many of us take on the persona of a Lone Ranger, fighting our battles alone, exposing ourselves to pitfalls, dangers, and setbacks that could be avoided if we would only part with our pride.

As today’s text points out, Lone Ranger Syndrome is not part of God’s plan for our lives. In truth, the Lone Ranger wasn’t a loner. His trusted companion, Tonto, was always by his side, ready to help his friend.

God has positioned our ‘Tontos’ within the sound of our voice. But it’s up to us to ask them for help.

Prayer

“Help me to be humble and wise, Lord. Help me put to death this Lone Ranger mentality. And teach me how to ask for help. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Keeping Watch

September 1

Be on guard! Be alert! ...keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back… If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.

Mark 13:33, 35, 36

Tom watched as Warren grabbed his lunch pail and headed for the factory door following the ‘Shift’ whistle that signaled the end of the workday. That man definitely knows when quitting time is. What Tom didn’t know was that Warren worked a second job as shift supervisor at a warehouse across town. Appreciating Warren’s situation, and his strong work ethic, the owner of the warehouse allowed him to start his job a half hour later than normal. Having just thirty minutes to travel the ten miles between locations, Warren kept close track of time.

A second fact Tom wasn’t aware of was that the employees Warren supervised took advantage of his absence during their first half hour of work by lounging around in the break room. A couple of them brazenly used the time to take a nap.

So they were shocked when, today, Warren walked through the door fifteen minutes early, catching them lounging around instead of stocking orders!

Warren had suspected something of the kind and had made special arrangements to leave his factory job early to confirm his suspicions. The lazy employees were given a written notice and warned that any further abuse of company time would see them losing a week of work without pay.

†

Jesus’ words in today’s text are not a suggestion. He speaks them with the ring of warning…because being asleep at His return will cost us more than a written notice in our employment file. Unfortunately, most of us don’t think He’s coming before we lay our head on the pillow tonight.

Belief in Jesus’ warning is paramount to resisting the temptation to fall asleep spiritually. This truth can only be confirmed by being in relationship with the One Who spoke the words. So how do we remain spiritually alert when weariness threatens to shorten our attention span? By keeping watch with Jesus each and every day.

Prayer

“Holy Spirit, help me remain alert and watchful. I want to be wide awake when Jesus returns. Fan the candle of my heart into an eternal flame! In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Devoted to Idols

August 31

I gave them my Sabbaths…their hearts were devoted to their idols.

Ezekiel 20:12, 16

As Kenny read the passage from Ezekiel, memories from forty years ago came flooding back: Twelve-year-old Kenny had the sensation of being watched as he nonchalantly walked out of sight of his house. Once he was sure his parents could no longer see him, he trotted the half mile to the ball field. It was almost 2:00 o’clock. He was late!

He was greeted by jeers from his friends, “Where you been, Tanner? Mommy wouldn’t let you come out to play?”

“Shut up! I’m here now! Let’s play!” came Kenny’s embarrassed response.

Kenny’s parents forbid him to play sports on Sunday, saying, “Sunday is the Lord’s day. We honor God by resting from the need to accomplish things by working or pursuing our own pleasures.” How was he supposed to explain it to his friends when he didn’t understand it himself? How could having fun on Sunday be a bad thing?

Back in the present, Kenny smiled as he realized he now understood his parent’s reasoning for entering God’s rest.

†

We have quietly, yet steadily removed rest from the Sabbath. There’s just not enough time for us to sacrifice a day of work…or pleasure. ‘God really doesn’t expect us to do nothing for a whole day…does He?!’ we rationalize. Yet, God’s command has never changed—only our perception of it.

One day a week God invites us to put aside those things we strive to accomplish during the other six. In His invitation we’re meant to find rest for our soul; a day of reflection and restoration. During this down-time He is able to show us which things are important, and which are not. In truth, we can accomplish more by resting on the Sabbath day, allowing Him to prepare us for the next six.

Today’s scripture is controversial. We reject the notion that we are too busy, or devoted to idols. But ask yourself, “What do I do on the Sabbath that I would have trouble giving up?”

God can’t restore us spiritually if we fail to respond to His invitation.

Prayer

“LORD, in today’s fast-paced world I have trouble slowing down. Show me what I covet above our relationship, and help me surrender it to You. Amen.”

 Kinsman Warriors

August 30

So he said, “These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth.”

Zechariah 4:14

Mitch and Lee frequently communicated during the day; mostly by text messaging.

Lee was Mitch’s nephew. He was also a seasoned cop.

Each morning Mitch lifted Lee to the Lord, asking that God give Lee wisdom and strength, with the accompaniment of supernatural protection so he could protect the citizens of his community. “Thank You, Almighty God, for always being conspicuous in Lee’s life. And for always speaking to him in ways he understands. Help him make the right decisions today. Show him things he needs to see, and give him discernment beyond his own. Infuse him with Your strength so that he can protect those You have placed in his care,” Mitch prayed.

As he carried out the duties of his vocation each day, Lee was aware that God would show him the things he needed to see, and speak to him about the things he needed to know. He knew that apart from God, there was no way he could make a real difference. “Thank You, Lord, for those who faithfully pray for me. Thank You for always watching my six. Help me see what’s really happening on the streets today. Surround me with Your warring angels, and use me to make this city a safer place.”

†

When in uniform, we immediately know that Lee is a warrior. But to look at Mitch no one would suspect that he serves God in the same capacity, because he fights his battles inconspicuously.

In today’s passage, the two olive trees represent Zerubbabel and Joshua, one a prince the other a priest; both endued with the gifts and graces of God's Holy Spirit. Although contemporaries, they were of different vocations. But both were mighty men of God.

The same holds true of Mitch and Lee. Both men were created for battle. And so were you. Like Zerubbabel and Joshua, you were created to serve the Lord of all the earth. And whether you serve in the sight of others, or quietly behind the scenes, you are no less integral, no more valuable. You are kinsman warriors.

Prayer

“Almighty God, fill me with Your strength and the fearlessness of a warrior. Watch over me as I engage the enemy on Your behalf. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 The Eye of the Storm

August 29

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

Mark 4:39

For various reasons, many had chosen to remain behind and ride out the storm. Yet as Katrina bore down on the gulf coast, those who had stayed were questioning the wisdom of their decision.

With wind and waves battering their house, the Cullison’s were wishing they’d left when their neighbors had. But it was too late; storm surge blocked the evacuation routes. They were destined to see this through to the end.

As the driving rain beat upon their shuttered windows, one thought became apparent; this was going to be a long day. Around 11:00am the wind abated, the skies cleared, and they ventured outside for a look. The eye of Katrina had arrived.

The destruction was incomprehensible. Complete homes were gone; debris and wreckage littered the neighborhood. Only the fact that their house was situated on a low hill had kept the storm surge from their doorstep.

Knowing this respite would be brief they checked the exterior of the house and then returned inside to await the arrival of the back wall of the eye, and the rest of the storm. It was remarkable how such peace could exist in the midst of such fury.

†

The storms of life come with and without warning, beating relentlessly upon us. But, like the eye of a hurricane, there is a place where the winds and the waves are held at bay.

Jesus’ words brought peace to a perilous situation…and the hearts of His disciples.

In the poem, ‘The Eye of the Storm’, the author writes, “…the waves may be mountains, the fields battle planes, and the earth be immersed in a deluge of rains, yet the soul stayed on God may sing bravely it's Psalm for the heart of the storm is the center of calm!”

Our refuge and peace are found in the Person of Jesus Christ. For when our eyes are on Him, we are resting in the eye of the storm.

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, speak to the winds and the waves in the storms of my life, and bring peace to my heart. Amen.”

 He Hears Me When I Cry

August 28

I love the LORD, for he heard my voice…Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.

Psalm 116:1, 2

“Mooooom!?” echoed a young girl’s cry from the shallow end of the pool. Nancy instinctively turned her head toward the cry. Seeing Lindsay wasn’t in any immediate danger, she walked over the where her daughter was splashing water in the face of her cousin, who was doing the same to her.

“Make him stop, Mom!” Lindsay complained.

Nancy stifled a laugh, “If you don’t like it, stop splashing Shawn. And, Shawn, big boys aren’t supposed to pick on little girls, especially when it’s their younger cousin,” she admonished her nephew.

With the situation settled for the time being, Nancy walked back to her chaise lounge and lay back down.

“Where’d you go?” Polly asked opening her eyes just enough to look in her sister’s direction.

“I heard Lindsay hollering at Shawn.”

“In this chaos?!” Rachel exclaimed. “There’s got to be two hundred screaming kids in that pool! How’d you hear Lindsay’s voice above all that noise?”

“I guess my ears are tuned to hear my kids when they need me,” Nancy said. “You’ll hear your baby’s voice when he’s born, too,” she added, pointing to her friends growing tummy.

†

As a mother’s ears hear the sound of her child’s voice among a hundred other screaming kids, so is God able to hear our individual cry among the countless voices of those who cry out to Him.

The Psalmist was so impressed by the turning of God’s ear to his cry of distress, “Then I called on the name of the LORD: ‘LORD, save me!’ ”, that he resolved to call on the LORD for the rest of his life.

It is unfathomable to us that God can and does hear our voice even when millions, if not billions of voices are calling His Name at the same time. Omniscience and omnipotence give Him the ability to not only hear us, but they enable God to minister to us intimately at the same time He is ministering to others. And although we may not totally understand how that works, we can rest assured that He hears us when we cry.

Prayer

“I am amazed that You can hear me when I cry, LORD. Thank You for always listening. Amen.”

 How Big Is Your Vision of God?

August 27

Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.

Isaiah 54:2, 3

Tanya, a missionary from Bandung, Indonesia, was back home for a family wedding. She had come to share with our congregation in this morning’s service. Her message was about God’s vision for us, corporately and individually. She began by asking, “How big is your vision of God? Did you come today expecting Him to fill you up? If so, what size vessel did you bring for Him to fill?”

Using one of the church’s trash cans as a visual aid, she said, “This trash can holds much more than a drinking glass; both represent vessels that can be filled. So I ask again: What size vessel did you come with today? God will fill whatever you brought, but only an amount equal to our vision of Who He is. How big is your vision of God?”

She spoke about the beauty in Indonesia, the waterfalls, and how powerful they are. “If you came to get water from one of our waterfalls and you only brought a drinking glass it would be filled in less time than it would take to blink your eye. However, if you brought a larger vessel, like this trash can, you could hold so much more! God’s love and grace is like that waterfall roaring over the cliffs. There is more than we can hold, and it’s never-ending. So learn to expect more…and bring the largest vessel you can!”

†

We, the church, are the City of Zion that today’s text refers to. Our hearts are occupied by God’s Holy Spirit. Isaiah’s prophecy of Zion’s future glory is ours. But in order for it to be of any use, we must tap into this Inner Source and His power.

Everyone we come in contact with, regardless of the image they portray, need God’s love and grace because every heart was created by Him to commune with Him. We can impact those hearts if we allow God to fill us to overflowing.

To do this we must enlarge the place of our tents. i.e.: come expecting to be filled by a larger than life God.

Prayer

“Fill me to overflowing, Lord, so that I might leak into the lives of those You bring my way. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Un-reluctant Benefactors

August 26

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2Corinthians 9:7

As Marie left her mom and dad’s, her brother-in-law, Kenny, gave her a hug and slipped something into her hand. “It’s not much,” he said, with a look that conveyed there’d be no argument. “We figured you guys might be able to use it. And tell Mitch I don’t want to hear any complaints!” he added good-naturedly, knowing his brother-in-law would accept their gift, but might feel a bit uncomfortable about it.  

What Kenny and Irene didn’t know was that Mitch and Marie had made a house payment just that morning, and their checking account had a balance of only $4.25, a woefully insufficient amount to cover the two utility bills that were due for disconnect in three days.  

Mitch and Marie had prayed when making the house payment that God would provide a way to keep them from losing phone service. Thanks to their un-reluctant benefactors there was enough to pay both bills and fill the gas tank! Now they’d be able to go to church on Sunday! 

†

God does not intend for everyone to start handing out money. But He does expect us to extend a helping hand when He asks. God wants to know the answer to this question: “If I ask you to help your fellow man, are you willing to respond without reluctance?”  

Many of us have the means to, yet we hold on tightly to what we have, believing: “It’s my money!”    

The fact is…its all God’s to begin with. We are merely supposed to be good stewards of what we have.  

God is eager to bless others through generous hearts. That’s why He asked Kenny. Kenny wasn’t looking to be blessed; he was looking to be God’s hand of provision. The wonder-filled part is that, although he’d have done it without God’s reciprocity, Kenny got blessed as well.       

Prayer

“Father, when I take inventory of the things I have I realize that You are generous, Your provision for my life is such a blessing. Help me hold on loosely to everything You’ve given me, and ready to pass it along at any given moment. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Agents of Prophecy

August 25

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

Colossians 3:21

Dell was one of the smartest kids in school. He was also one of the most under-achieving freshmen Mr. Holman ever taught. Finding ways to engage the young man had proven a challenge.

Mr. Holman talked to Dell’s other teachers and some of his friends, intending to discover why someone so bright seemed to care so little about his future. What he discovered was disturbing. Dell’s father was a bully. Although he never touched Dell physically, he broke his spirit mentally and emotionally, spewing venomous curses at him, “You’re so stupid! You can’t even tell the difference between a spark plug and a fuel injector! What the hell is wrong with you?! You’ll never be a mechanic! You’re worthless!”

Knowing otherwise, Mr. Holman determined to show Dell who he really was. Over time, he was able to penetrate Dell’s protective barriers. Once inside, he spoke words of truth; words to edify and nurture; words of encouragement and support. By his senior year, Dell’s poor self-image had been replaced by one of hope-filled anticipation. His grades mirrored his intellect, and he began setting goals for the future.

†

Day in and day out the man who should have been encouraging Dell was beating him down. Dell, instead of looking toward a successful future in a career he could find pleasure and happiness in, aspired only to survive and escape his father’s harsh treatment.

We are agents of prophecy. Our children hear everything we say. Not only do our words speak loud and clear, our body language and voice inflection have much to say as well. Make no mistake…children will become who we tell them they are.

Fathers, don’t make the mistake of telling your daughter, “Go change your clothes, you look like a whore!” or she just might turn to the streets for a father’s love.

Our kids go from stroller to SUV in less time than it takes to blink. We have only a small window of influence. We should look for every opportunity to invest wisely.

Sometime today, tell your children how smart they are, and how blessed you are to have them.

Prayer

“Holy Spirit, give me words of encouragement to speak over my children; help me build their self-esteem. And hold my tongue in times of frustration to keep me from discouraging them. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Who Will Meet All Your Needs?

August 24

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

Philippians 4:19

It was 1980, several years before I allowed God back into my life. Until then I didn’t realize playing the lottery wasn’t the best way to invest my family’s finances. We played the big jackpot on a weekly basis, betting the same six numbers every time.

The company I worked for had gone on strike several weeks before, and we were down to our last five dollars. Faced with the choice of buying milk for our two year old son or placing that weekly five dollar bet, I stopped at the store and used our remaining funds to purchase milk. Our son’s welfare came before my hopes of hitting the lottery.

Curious, we watched the Saturday evening drawing. The first number matched, then the second, and third. We couldn’t believe it when the fourth and fifth numbers hit as well! But when the sixth and final number matched, we just sat there, wondering if Satan was being allowed to play a cruel joke on us. For three years we had played the same numbers each week, never hitting the big jackpot. Yet that day, when we had no money on the line, our numbers came up, and the 1.7 million dollars that could have been ours went unclaimed.

†

Today’s story is true, and I have never once regretted buying the milk. I don’t know how many times I’ve told the story, but each time I do, I smile, because to tell you the truth, considering the lifestyle I was living, getting that much money would have been signing my death warrant. I believe God was protecting me…and my family.

Sadly, many individuals, desperate to find their way out of financial, moral, or emotional poverty, spend their life chasing false hope.

Scripture tells us that there is only One hope…and that He will meet all our needs. I believe that, because from that day in 1980 to this, we have never gone without. Our children even attended college, and are now on their own.

I can honestly say that my God has met every need we ever had. My hope truly is in Christ Jesus. I pray yours is also.

Prayer

“Bless You, Father, for always giving us exactly what we need. Amen.”

 Harps and Halos

August 23

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away…

Revelation 21:1

As I talked with Roger, I had a vision of Jesus introducing me to family members I had never met on earth. We were surrounded by a multitude of relatives, all waiting to say ‘Welcome!’

“Heaven is so glorious…I can’t wait!” I said. “I’ll get to meet my Grandfathers, who did much to advance the Kingdom of God, and thereby passed on to me the legacy of serving Jesus Christ. We’ll be reunited with those we’ve lost. You’ll see Hope once more...”

Roger’s voice held the conviction of a man who believed God’s promise, “1Corinthians 2:9 says, ‘Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.’” He shared, “I tell my congregation that Heaven has been misrepresented by those who don’t know what awaits us…it’s more glorious and tangible than where we are today. But when you’ve never experienced it firsthand it’s difficult to visualize the truth.”

“It’s sad,” I said, “God’s own people don’t have a true picture of what Heaven looks like. It’s been portrayed as harps and halos by people who haven’t understood what God’s word really says.”

†

There will be harps in Heaven (Revelation 14 &15). As for the halos, we will receive certain crowns (James 1 & 1Peter 5). But Heaven is so much more!

Roger’s comment about visualization is a plague upon the Church. Many Christians have been given a pitiful view of Heaven, if they’ve been given one at all.

But Scripture is quite clear in that our Heavenly existence will be tangible, with commerce and employment (Matthew 25). We will serve the Lord with joy…nothing will have the drudgery or sense of toil it has here on earth (Revelation 22).

1Corinthians 2:10 says, “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” If you don’t know what the scriptures indicate about Heaven, look it up. As you do, ask the Holy Spirit for a glimpse of the truth. I guarantee that if you look, He’ll show you the Heaven today’s text truly represents.

Prayer

“Give me a true picture of Heaven, Holy Spirit. Show me a glimpse of my Heavenly Home. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Pounded and Polished

August 22

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith.

1Peter 1:6, 7

I was taken with the beauty of the coastline along California Highway 101, specifically the rocky outcroppings that towered above the Pacific Ocean. The stretch of road I was traveling followed the west coast of San Francisco Peninsula, passing by the Año Nuevo State Reserve and the historic Pigeon Point Lighthouse. I was in some beautiful country to say the least.

Just north of the San Francisco area, near Goat Rock and the point at which the Napa Valley spills into the sea, I stopped and got out. I was struck by how rugged the coastline was. Rocks of varying sizes and shapes protruded from the ocean, marking this as a dangerous area for watercraft if you didn’t know the shoreline. Seals bobbed on the waves, watching as I walked along the shore.

There was no mistaking the high-water mark. Year after year the waves pounded upon the rock, wearing away its sharp edges. There was a beauty in the grain and texture of the polished rock that was not evident higher up the cliffs. It was, to say the least, quite stunning; the contrast remarkable. One looked smooth and refined, the other harsh and treacherous. The power released as the surf pounded against the rocks was awesome! The pounding waves had polished and removed the rough exterior, revealing the beauty within.

†

Like the beauty of those rocks after the waves pounded and polished them for millennia is our spirit following years of great trials and grief. Much desired is the end result.

Yet understandably, most of us want the wise spirit without enduring the hardships that carve and shape such results. To expect great wisdom by any other means is idealistic. No one enjoys the pounding, but few, if any, would trade the experience for anything we have to offer.

Rejoice in such trials, and give God praise for holding you in the storms that produce a genuine faith that the world can easily see.

Prayer

“Lord, as You polish me give me the strength and grace to give You praise. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Built-in Protection

August 21

For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever…

Psalm 37:28

Eddie was fascinated by the changes he noticed in the tadpole’s roundish bodies. In just two days they’d gone from having only eyes and a tail to having four legs! “Daddy, hows come the tadpoles have legs now an’ their tails are gettin’ shorter?” he asked, mystified by this overnight phenomenon.

“Tadpoles are actually baby frogs, Eddie. They go through stages of growth called metamorphosis.”

“Meta what?” the six-year-old asked.

Josh laughed, and enunciated, “Met…a…mor…pho…sis, Eddie. It’s when something new begins to grow and other things disappear…like the tail.”

“Oh…” Eddie responded, unsure, but trying to figure it out.

“God made them that way to protect them. When they’re first born they start out swimming, and turn into frogs in about three weeks.” Josh continued to explain, “Usually they’re born in these little puddles to keep fish from eating them while they’re still small. Once they grow legs they can hop to the nearest source of water. As they go through metamorphosis, different animals want to eat them. And even though God protects them, some still get eaten by predators like weasels, mink, and large-mouth bass.”

“Look at that, Daddy!” Eddie pointed, “That one is walkin’ outta the puddle! If all them things think they taste so good, how’s it ever gonna grow up?!”

Josh thought a moment, “Do you see how he’s a different color than the younger tadpoles?”

“Yeah?”

“Well, his green skin will help him hide him in the marsh around our pond.”

“Ohhhh…that’s way cool!” Eddie said. “God is really smart! They got built-in protection!”

†

Just as God has provided protection for tadpoles, He has placed safeguards within our reach. The difference is that we, unlike the frog, have to ask for His protection. Once past our ‘tadpole stage’ we become accountable. At that point we must choose.

David’s 37^th Psalm is one of ‘either or’. We can either accept God’s built-in protection through Jesus Christ, by which we receive His righteousness and all of the promises in Psalm 37, or…we can refuse, and remain vulnerable and in constant danger, with no promise of tomorrow.

Prayer

“Lord, I need and want Your protection. Please hide me from the enemy in the righteousness of Christ. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 The Evidence of Jesus

August 20

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy…

1Peter 1:8-9

Our Postmistress, Jane, has one of the most pleasant outlooks I have ever observed. Nothing dampens her spirits. Not even today’s inclement weather. So, as the low-hanging clouds continued to dump torrential rain, her part in our inevitable verbal exchange could be somewhat predicted.

“Morning, Miss Jane.” I said, opening the always enjoyable dialogue.

“Beautiful day, isn’t it?!” she replied.

Attempting to see if I could throw Jane off her game, I said, “At forty-five thousand feet possibly.”

With a look of shock on her face, and fists on her hips, Jane responded in mock indignation, “Well…I’ve never heard such a poor interpretation of such a beautiful day! I’ve always known your lovely wife was the one with the bubbly personality. But I did have hopes for you,” she teased. “I can’t believe that you are unable to see the beauty of such a fine day!”

“No evidence to base it on,” I teased.

“Just like a man!” she chided. “Always have to have proof!”

†

Jane represents a wonderful few who view life as it is meant to be viewed, without the need of stimulation in the form of sunshine and rainbows. The truth is that the sun was shining. The fact that its rays hadn’t made it to this particular part of the world didn’t change that truth.

And so it is with those who choose to believe in and follow Jesus Christ. Although none of us has seen Him, we know He exists and is alive. To true Christians this fact is absolute and indisputable, we need no further proof.

Yet, the world demands evidence in the flesh. And without it they continue going about their day, living unto themselves.

We, as Christians, are supposed to be the evidence they demand. But when we fail to exhibit inexpressible and glorious joy, Jesus is misrepresented. I know we all have problems. But so does Jane. It just doesn’t affect her attitude.

Prayer

“Father, I believe without visual proof. Help me act in accordance with my belief. Help me exhibit inexpressible and glorious joy, that I might be the evidence of Jesus. Amen.”

 Choose Life

August 19

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 8:6

Jeremy spent his days in a place so spiritually dark that rational thought was elusive. Eventually the darkness became so oppressive that he decided, If this is all there is, to hell with it! He wasn’t sure how he was going to end things…he just wanted to do it quickly…before he lost his nerve. Jeremy entertained several scenarios. Each method was viable. But the last thing he wanted was to screw this up!

Then, out of nowhere came a moment of clarity, What if there’s more than this?

But the enemy was relentless… There must not be. If there was, you’d have figured it out by now.

On and on it went, one thought after another. Finally, Jeremy got a pistol from the lock box in his father’s closet. As he raised it to his temple, a voice whispered, “If you kill yourself you will definitely find out the truth. But then it will be too late to do anything about it.” Laying the pistol on his nightstand, he realized he didn’t want to find out he was wrong.

†

Jeremy had been governed by the flesh for so long that he felt his only choice was to silence the negative thoughts that continued to plague him. Thankfully, a remnant of truth kept him from pulling the trigger. However, today’s text tells us that unless Jeremy changed what governed his thoughts, he would eventually find himself with a gun to his head once more.

Although we have no choice over the things that influenced our childhood, we can, with Jesus’ help, effect positive changes as we mature. We can, as Paul says in Romans 12:1-3, renew our minds. God, through Paul, tells us that our minds are controlled by the things we entertain. And although we are not quick to admit it, there are only two kinds of thought: godly/edifying or evil/deluded; good fruit or rotten fruit; life or death. We have the power to choose life.

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, encourage me by Your Spirit to choose life each day, and stand against the lies of Satan. As I commit myself to Your care, show me what I need to do today. Amen.”

 God Loves The Mets*

August 18

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

Eric grew up loving life. He really enjoyed sports, food, and music…but most of all, Eric loved people. Eric said goodbye to the local small town radio station he’d been employed by and moved to the west coast to join childhood friend, Ian, in pursuing a career in music. Suddenly, he found himself working part-time at one of the largest Bay-area radio stations.

Michael, golf pro and coworker from the station, invited Eric to play a round of golf with him and his wife, Alice. Steve, the sports director of the station would round out the foursome. As they played and chatted, sharing fragments of personal history, Eric learned Steve had been part of the 1986 NY Mets organization. Immediately, Eric felt compelled to share a pertinent childhood story, “It was 1986,” he began. “It appeared the game was lost…no chance the Mets would win.”

Steve smiled as the story unfolded.

“Mom was a stickler for bedtime, but that night, following my relentless appeal to watch my favorite team, she surrendered. It was my prayer that did it, Mom said. ‘God, take care of the little boy who looks like Ian, and please let the Mets win the World Series. Amen.’ That’s what I prayed.” He smiled, “Mom let me go back downstairs! Right then the TV cameras panned the outfield. Hanging from the upper deck was a sheet that said, ‘God loves the Mets!’ Mom said, ‘The Mets are going to win…I know it!’ She said she knew they’d win because it would be a benchmark to building my faith.” Looking at Steve, he said, “You know the rest of the story. Poor Billy Buchner lives in infamy…but my Mets won! The truth is it did impact my faith.”

†

God cares about even the small things in a seven-year-old’s life. To think that 25 years before, as a seven year old, Eric had requested victory for his favorite team…a team Steve was affiliated with, and that their paths would cross this day. God has always ordered Eric’s steps.

When we understand that God has purposed our lives we can, like Eric, trust Him to direct our steps.

Prayer

“Lord of my life, thank You for always keeping my feet headed in the right direction. May You always continue guiding my steps. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

*Co-written by Nancy Clouston

 Illuminating the Road of Life

August 17

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105

It was raining heavily; the clouds had lowered until they obscured everything but the road itself. The car’s headlights fought to illuminate even the smallest piece of real estate. Walter’s eyes hurt from the constant strain. “In all my years of driving, these roads are the worst I’ve seen! And I can’t even see the potholes for the rain!” he complained.

I’m pretty sure ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’ is what they call what happened next.

“I’m surprised they haven’t flattened all four tires or swallow the car whole!”

WHAM! The car lurched toward the shoulder of the road as Walter fought to maintain control. Then the right rear tire struck the pothole with tremendous force, causing the car’s rear end to momentarily loose contact with the road.

The next thing Penny saw was the guardrail coming at her too fast for Walter to do anything about. “Look out!” she hollered, just before hitting it and bouncing back onto the highway.

Miraculously, Walter regained control and stopped the car. Startled, shaken, yet unharmed, they got out and surveyed the damage. The right side of the car would need extensive body work and both right-side tires would need replaced. Walter called for a tow truck, thankful they had not been injured.

†

Harsh winters in the Midwest wreak havoc on paved roads. During the day, snowmelt finds its way into every crack and crevice. As the sun goes down, so does the temperature. The water freezes and transforms the cracks into crevices. As this procedure repeats itself, the asphalt breaks apart, leaving potholes the size of small cars.

In much the same way, the sin in our lives causes the road we travel to become rough and treacherous, filled with spiritual hazards.

God’s word provides the illuminating light necessary to navigate the road safely so we can move over and around the obstacles. But unlike the headlights of Walter’s car, God’s word cuts through the murkiest nights, showing us where danger lurks.

We have a choice…remain on the road riddled with destruction, or follow the path He has lighted for our safety.

Prayer

“Lord of Light, show me the hazards that lay ahead. Illuminate my path and keep me from harm. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, amen.”

 Refuse to be Used

August 16

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

Psalm 133:1

Addie wasn’t just disappointed, she was angry, “This carpet is the wrong shade of blue! We ordered ‘Slate Blue’, not ‘Saxony Blue’!”

“I’m sorry, Ma’am,” the driver said. “This is what the purchase order said to deliver,” he said, showing her the manifest.

“I don’t care what your piece of paper says! I know what we ordered!”

The driver was getting uncomfortable. He’d had unsatisfied customers before, but this lady was coming unglued. “Well, why don’t we call the store and talk to the salesman who sold you the carpet.”

“You do that!” she spat. “And while you’re doing that, I’ll call the pastor and we’ll see what he has to say about your establishment’s incompetence!”

In truth, the color difference in the two shades was virtually indiscernible. But this woman was acting like he’d sold her firstborn into captivity.

As the driver dialed his boss, the thought popped into his head that Dad was right; carpet color creates major issues when it comes to dealing with churches.

†

Sound silly? Unfortunately, today’s story is factual. More churches have split over the color of their new carpet or the style of chairs or pews to use in the sanctuary than because of theological or doctrinal differences.

David, in today’s text, had seen both the good and bad in people by the time he wrote the 133 Psalm. He, like his son, Solomon, discovered that living in unity was preferable to an atmosphere of strife and dysfunction. Both wrote frequently about the benefits of being like-minded and working together instead of letting little things become much larger issues. They knew that when pettiness surfaces, good sense goes out the window. Sensible people become irrational and nasty. And nothing can stop a move of God quicker.

Satan searches constantly for petty hearts within the church. And wherever he can find willing participants, he puts them to work.

The only way to ensure that God has His way with in our lives is for us to refuse to be used by the enemy.

Prayer

“Holy Spirit, make me aware when Satan is trying to enlist my participation. Show me if I become petty and divisive. Help me create a spirit of unity among the brethren. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Drinking Buddies

August 15

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

Hebrews 5:18

The four Sholan brothers were talented. Their family band, ‘Whippoorwill’ played frequently throughout the continental United States. Many weekends they treated the neighborhood to a country music concert of sorts as their band practiced for upcoming gigs on the front porch. They were, quite honestly, very good. 

The problem was they were not just brothers, they were drinking buddies. For the most part, no one complained about the noise…except on the weekends they drank. On those weekends their mood shifted from placid amicability, to raucous indifference.

The atmosphere around the neighborhood became tense. Their song choice took on a darker tone; songs with questionable lyrics were belted out without consideration that ladies, teens and toddlers were present, and within earshot. When that happened trouble wasn’t far behind. Parents would herd their kids indoors before the usual tripping over cords and falling over amplifiers ensued.

In the end, the neighbors took the issue to City Council, where council members passed an ordnance forbidding the ‘outdoor’ playing of music without the issuance of a special permit.

Eventually, a spirit of animosity towards each other settled over the neighborhood.

†

When we drink to get ‘comfortable with ourselves’ or set out to drown our sorrows, we numb our senses. God says not to do that. Drinking leaves us vulnerable, and causes us to do things we mostly regret, or even worse, don’t remember. We not only make fools of ourselves, we are in dangerous territory.

God wants drinking buddies, but not the alcoholic kind. He wants those who are willing to drink deep of His Spirit, those who want to be filled with the joy and wonder of His anointing and love.

When we get drunk on wine we lose self-control, we shut out the voice of God and reason, and we are no longer able to discipline ourselves with wisdom and good judgment. And…we also annoy a lot of innocent people.

Prayer

“Keep me from the debauchery of alcohol and other sordid mind altering chemicals. I would much rather know what it feels like to be drunk in the Spirit. Right now, in this moment, fill me with joy and laughter. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Go and Live Like It!

August 14

For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.

Hebrews 8:12

Lloyd was the Director of a 'Young Adults Program'. One of his favorite teaching methods was the use of word pictures, a practice that caught and held the attention of his students.

Yesterday, Lloyd had directed his students to dress in formal attire when they came to class today. Unsure of his intention, they nonetheless showed up in suits and dresses. As they entered, they each received a small scroll.

The lesson today was on letting go of past mistakes. Lloyd instructed his students to write their deepest regrets and past transgressions on the scrolls and then tie them back up.

When everyone was finished, Lloyd had them pile into the school’s bus for a trip. Their destination turned out to be a funeral home. When they entered there was an empty casket at the front of the small chapel. Lloyd preached a message on forgiveness, and then instructed his students to pass by the casket, and drop their scroll in, signifying the death of past sins. He then had six young men carry the casket to a waiting hearse. They proceeded to the cemetery, where Lloyd performed a graveside service. At the conclusion Lloyd said, “The past is dead. As of this minute, life begins anew. Go and live like it!”

†

Isaiah 43:18 and 19 says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” God, in essence, says, “I have given you a clean slate!” His deepest desire is that we reach our full potential as godly children. He wants us to understand that He is not mad at us, nor disappointed. All toddlers make mistakes, and need guidance and direction. God is actually contemplating our future, watching each step with the wisdom of an understanding Father.

But if Satan can keep us focused on our sins we will never feel worthy of reaching for the brass ring with Jesus.

The truth is all our mistakes, past, present, and future, have been atoned for (Hebrews 10:10-14). Go and live like it!

Prayer

“Thank You, Jesus, for cancelling out my sin. Thank You, Father God, for giving me a clean slate. I accept these truths! Amen.”

 The Rice Bowl

August 13

“This poor widow has put in more than all the others.

Luke 21:3

The congregation listened as the pastor spoke of those who had lost so much during the recent tornado outbreak. As he spoke, a member of the congregation came forward and dropped a check in the offering plate. Many eagerly followed suit, including a widowed mother of three.

The pastor noticed her gift was not monetary in nature, but was instead, a small wooden bowl. Knowing the woman was extremely poor, he stepped over to her and quietly said, “God appreciates your generous gesture, Molly. But isn’t this the bowl you carry rice home from the market in?”

Her challenge ended any argument, “Can’t the poor give as well?”

“Yes,” was all he could say.

Another member of the congregation stood and said, “I will give you $1000 for that bowl!”

Stunned, the woman watched as the man came forward and placed a check in the plate to cover his purchase. He then turned to the congregation, lifted the bowl in both hands, and said, “I have here in my hands a valuable bowl. Who will give me $100 for it?” In less than thirty seconds the bidding reached $4000! “Sold!” he shouted.

After the new buyer came forward and settled her debt, she turned and said, “Many of you bid against me in an effort to buy this special, one of a kind bowl. I would like to offer each of you a chance to buy it…” and the little bowl was auctioned off once more. Time and again, the bowl was sold to the highest bidder. And when the auction finally ended, the little rice bowl had raised more than $86,000!

†

God appreciates all who give…especially when it benefits others directly. Yet, when we give out of our poverty, it moves His heart. And He, in turn, moves the hearts of those who witness such generosity.

Scripture says God loves a cheerful giver. It’s a matter of our heart, not our bank account. What do you have that would thrill God’s heart if you generously gave it away to benefit another?

Prayer

“Everything I have is Yours, Father God. In this moment I ask You to show me how to give as the woman with the rice bowl. Teach me the true nature of generosity. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Revenge is the LORD's

August 12

It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them

Deuteronomy 32:35

Perry’s schedule had just been changed and Thursday, not Wednesday, was now his mid-week evening shift. He’d unduly been suspended for a week for missing his shift, “I called as soon as I discovered the oversight. But she told me not to bother coming in.”

Norm asked his son, “Have you missed any work in the year you’ve been there?”

“Nope. It doesn’t seem fair.” He expanded a bit on the situation, “My supervisor doesn’t like me, and I have a hard time liking her…she’s kinda petty. One evening, shortly after she’d taken over the position,” Perry noted, “she saw me walking from the patio. I had both hands full, yet she pointed to a napkin on the floor and growled, ‘Pick up that napkin!’ I looked at her and said, ‘Can’t you give me a hand and pick it up instead of exercising your authority?’ She didn’t like my standing up to her, and she’s treated me like crap ever since. I’m not stressed out. I just called so you and Mom could pray with me.”

Norm was angry, but tried not to let his voice betray his emotion, “Well, let’s ask God to resolve the issue...” and the three of them prayed that God would have His way in this situation.

†

It’s easy to get caught off guard, allowing the enemy to push our buttons. But God says, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

In today’s text, God assures us that He is watching what is going on, and will avenge us in His time, even telling us that disaster will befall them. But…we can help change that if we will pray for them, and let God change their heart.

It’s impossible to do in our own power, so trust in His Power instead. When we turn things over to Him, He changes our heart while attempting to change theirs.

Prayer

“Father, there are times I want revenge, and it’s hard not to get angry. Help me realize that I give people control of my life if I give in to my anger. Give me peace instead, and judge them according to Your will. Amen.”

 One or the Other

August 11

He who is not with me is against me...

Luke 11:23

The young girl stood, trying to make a decision. She thought she’d settled the matter before leaving the apartment, but now, standing in front of the local Planned Parenthood clinic, she wasn’t so sure. She had decided to resolve this unplanned pregnancy by abortion, and had been told Planned Parenthood would provide the procedure at no cost. 

This morning she’d read in the Planned Parenthood abortion pamphlet, that the sixteen-cell mass, called the Morula stage of pregnancy, wasn’t a living being. But something inside her told her they were wrong. Her Sunday School teacher’s words echoed in her mind: “Life begins at conception. Even the female egg and male sperm are forms of life.” If that’s true, she admitted, then this isn’t just ‘a shapeless mass of cells’ inside me, like the pamphlet says!

Turning, she walked slowly back to her car, her earlier decision reversed. One way or another, she was going to have this baby. She’d trust God to work out the details. Right now she had to figure out how to tell her parents.

†

A modern day euphemism found on tee shirts and bumper stickers states, “If you aren’t part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.” In other words, “If you’re not with me you’re against me.” There is no room in that statement for gray areas…you are on one side or the other.

Today’s story sheds light on one such case. Planned Parenthood offers abortions to women, many in their early teens, mindful of the fact they are killing the unborn. In the time it took me to write this devotion there have been over 300 abortions. In a study by the Guttmacher Institute, the website Conservapedia shared statistics stating that nearly 148 abortions are performed every hour in the United States alone.

There is no middle ground on this issue. Jesus told the Pharisees, “He who is not with me is against me.” On whose side do you stand?

Don’t let another child die without your voice being heard.

Prayer

“Father of Life, forgive us for such evil. Give us the courage, wisdom, and strength to handle the legal issues and moral perversion involved in such a horrendous crime. Help us reach those who casually and heartlessly end life without conscience. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

 Undaunted

August 10

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

J.J. smiled as she watched Jim approach her teller window using a walker. She smiled because Jim’s ‘never-give-up-or-in’ attitude blessed her, and spoke volumes about the man. His perseverance silently encouraged everyone that knew him. He helped keep their perspective focused on things that mattered.

“Morning, J.J.!” he greeted. “How are you doing this fine morning?”

“Just wonderful Mr.Gault. And how are you?” she asked.

“I couldn’t be better if I was twins!” he replied jovially.

Born with polio, Jim had determined at a young age that he would not be defined by his disease. He’d graduated Valedictorian of a senior class of more than 300 students, and gone on to receive a bachelors, masters, and graduate degree from the Ohio State University. Since then it seemed as though everything he put his hand to had prospered. Many credited Jim’s success to a ‘Midas Touch’ of sorts. The truth was Jim worked harder than everyone else. For most of his life Jim had been the first to arrive and the last to leave the office. He was a dedicated man.

J.J. smiled at his ‘twins’ comment and said, “I’m not sure the world could take two of you anyway, Sir.”

He laughed, finished his banking business, and headed for one of the bank’s offices. He stopped in front of the door marked ‘CEO’. But instead of knocking, Jim opened the door, shuffled his way to the desk, and took his usual position…behind the desk.

Thirty years ago, Jim, recognizing the need for a family-oriented, full-service bank. Undaunted by the challenges such an undertaking presented, Jim founded the credit union, and has never missed a day of work.

†

We have a choice as far as life is concerned. We can either play the hand we’ve been dealt, or we can sit on the sidelines, moping about how bad we’ve got it. It’s kinda hard to do the latter with people like Jim as an example.

If we refuse to be undaunted by whatever hurdles or obstacles we face, we will be amazed at where we find ourselves twenty years down the road. No matter how bad you’ve got it, God can and will give you the strength to carry on.

Prayer

“Give me strength, Lord! Then lead…and I’ll follow! Amen.”