Treasure Hunt

November 21

“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine…and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?

Luke 15:3, 4

Reluctant to give up searching for his missing cell phone, Pastor Don headed out the door for Sunday morning services. The thought of not recovering the phone, with all his contact information and important messages, continued to plague him all morning. Even in the midst of bringing the Morning’s message he couldn’t keep from thinking about it, I gotta find that phone!

Arriving home following the service, he began another round of ‘Treasure Hunt’. He prayed it wouldn’t be another fruitless search. He started by rummaging through both cars again, dialing his number from his wife’s phone, listening for any faint noise. Nothing. He hunted through every room in the house once more. Still nothing.

Taking a break, he sat down on the couch. On a whim, he dialed his number once more. Buzzzz…buzzzz…buzzzz… He was sitting right on top of it!

Unable to retrieve the phone by reaching through the cracks, he got his tools and disassembled the sectional. Unexpectedly, with his lost phone now in hand, he was euphoric, even giddy. He felt as if he’d just won a great prize!

†

Today’s scenario is a perfect example of how God feels about those who are lost. His heart and Spirit are forever seeking them.

As Christ-followers we are called to join His Treasure Hunt. Whether in a far-off country, or in some storm-ravaged place where people cry desperately for help, we are called to be light; called not out of a sense of responsibility, but because it’s one of the greatest privileges we have been given…passing on the grace we have so freely received!

More than ever we should be hunting in our own counties, cities, and neighborhoods. Unfortunately, the fear of what others might think can become a deterrent.

Ask yourself: If the task to propagate the first-century church had been given to me, would it have survived? Would anyone know who Jesus Christ is because of me?

Don’t allow fear to stop you from sharing the Gospel. Leave the comfort of the ninety-nine and hunt for the one.

Prayer

“Lead me to those who are lost, Lord Jesus, and give me the courage to introduce them to You. Amen.”

 The Pumpkin Patch Prophecy *

November 20

In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy…

Acts 2:17

Renee, and her husband, Ken, had shared a beach house with family and friends seven hundred miles from home. Following a great week they started for home, a four vehicle caravan of sorts. Shortly into the trip Ken’s pick-up truck began running rough, and the thought of driving through the mountains like this was not an option. Ken told the others to go ahead, and he and Renee withdrew from the caravan at the next small town, searching for a mechanic.

Unknown to them, three days prior, Renee’s sister, Rachelle, had a vision and called another sibling, Mary, to ask her to pray. In the vision she’d seen a horrible car crash; Renee had been fatally injured. She asked Mary to keep the details between them, knowing that though Ken had been attending church and growing, he was still unsure about this “listening to the Holy Spirit” stuff. The two agreed, praying with diligence that God would intervene.

Arriving home before Ken and Renee, the ‘caravan’ told of an awful accident. With tires squealing and hard braking, they had barely escaped.

Following an extra day and night, with a mechanic finding no problem, Ken and Renee returned home, the pick-up running perfectly. Once home they reported a great trip; they’d even seen two memorable sights in the small town. One, a huge field with hundreds of pumpkins! The other, a small church wedding with the wedding party lined up outside as the Bride and Groom departed. “What a picture!”

Mary looked at Rachelle. The exact details in the vision Rachelle had shared with her! As they told Ken, his eyes widened. “This Holy Spirit stuff is real isn't it?” he said.

†

How awesome: one had a vision, the other got his sight. And the prophet Joel said these things would happen. Ken’s reluctance to believe in prophecy was wiped away in one weekend. God had spoken to Rachelle before the incident, and had caused ‘engine problems’ in Ken’s pick-up to keep him from experiencing the heartache of losing Renee.

This is a true story. Whether you choose to believe it is entirely up to you. God does speak to His people and show them mysteries.

Prayer

“Make me a believer, Lord. Amen.”

* Devotion written by Nancy Clouston 

 Not Who I Am

November 19

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

Matthew 5:17

A 'Case Manager' at Job & Family Services, Ken clearly remembered being slapped across the face the last time this woman had been in his office. “Liz, I know our last appointment didn’t end the way you’d hoped, and the truth is I wish I could have helped you. But the program guidelines wouldn’t allow it.”

“So… you gonna deny me again?!” she immediately challenged.

“I’m going to do whatever the guidelines call for, Liz.”

As Ken reviewed the verifications Liz had provided, he realized that another ‘denial’ was exactly what this case would result in. “I’m sorry, Liz, but you don’t meet the income guidelines again.”

Incensed, she started to rise…

“Wait… please…” Ken implored. “I have something I’d like to propose.”

Hesitantly, she settled back into the chair, “What?!”

“Tomorrow is Saturday. I would like to come to your house and repair your car, myself. Look…I know you think I’m uncaring and heartless, and in your shoes I might feel the same, but what I do is not who I am.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means I do care about you and your situation. but I don’t control what the program guidelines dictate. I do, however, have to abide by them. But it doesn’t mean I don’t understand or care. So…if you’ll allow me, I’ll come by to fix your car and pay for it myself.”

Skeptical, Liz accepted the offer.

Following the repairs that next evening, Liz asked, “Why would you do this for me, especially after the way I’ve treated you?”

Ken smiled. Give me the words to answer that question, Lord…

†

Had Ken not compassionately reached out to Liz she might never have known that the rigid person she encountered wasn’t at all who he was.

Many times, when doing what the rules dictate, we are judged unjustly; because what we do does not always define who we are.

Jesus told the people that His coming did not reject or eliminate the law, but that grace should now accompany it.

As Disciples of Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to extend grace on a daily basis, and reveal Whose we are, if we only choose to explore the possibilities.

Prayer

“Lord, help me see people for who they are and not judge them by what they do. Please, show me where I can be Your hands and feet today. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 As Good As His Word

November 18

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 1:20

“God told me I’d meet my wife when I transferred to Lee University,” Josh told the group attending the training seminar. “But when I finished my junior year and still hadn’t met someone I began to wonder… ‘Was I mistaken? Hadn’t God promised me a wife?”

He shook his head, “By the end of my senior year I hadn’t had a single date! I’d been so sure Mrs. Holland would have appeared by now. But she was a no-show. I returned home puzzled.”

“Reflecting on my time at Lee I realized I had met a girl in my first year at Lee…we had become friends… But she was with someone else. So she couldn’t have been the one… could she?

We kept in touch after graduation, and I found out she broke it off with the other guy. We talked on the phone every so often, then a couple times a week, and eventually every day. Ultimately, we got married. So…God hadn’t reneged on His promise; He just said I’d meet my wife at Lee. He didn’t say we’d get married there. It’s funny how we hear God say something and immediately form our own version of how that is supposed to look.”

†

Josh never questioned God’s promise, yet at the end of his time at Lee University he was puzzled. Had God actually spoken the promise? Or, had he 'imagined' the whole thing?

When God’s promise doesn’t come to fruition immediately we can actually begin to doubt. Did He really say ...?

Only faith or prior experience with having waited on the fulfillment of one of God’s promises can silence our suspicious heart.

Scripture tells us that our promises come through Christ, and our faith says ‘let it be so’. When we hear from God we can be sure that what He has spoken will come to pass. He is as good as His word; His word just might look a little different than what we were expecting. So keep an open mind…and hold fast to what God said.

Prayer

“Give me the faith to hold onto your promise, Lord, no matter how long it takes. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Hope That Never Fades

November 17

In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.

1Peter 1:3, 4

It had been five weeks since Matt had been laid to rest. Those five weeks had been a time of reflection for Kim, recalling different events God had used to weld her and Matt’s lives into a strong marriage. As much as she missed Matt she was thankful for their more than thirty years together.

These five weeks had also been a time of agonized waiting, waiting to say goodbye to another precious member of her family. That’s what they were doing this morning, saying goodbye to her son, Ryan, who had succumbed to ALS at the early age of twenty-seven. This morning Kim was helping her daughter-in-law, Michael, make final arrangements. Occasionally, the sorrow would overcome one of them and they would stop what they were doing and just embrace each other.

Were it not for their faith, they might have easily found themselves raising their fists to God in anger. Instead, they spoke fondly of special times spent with their spouses. In truth, they were thankful that God had not allowed father or son to languish and suffer long illnesses.

†

When someone we love is taken from us the shock of their death can take a while to register. When it does there is sorrow and grief, with a sense of loss that feels as if it will never go away. As Christians, we can take comfort in the fact that our parting and grief is temporal.

Although it has been some time since their passing, Matt and Ryan’s physical loss is still deeply felt by Kim and Michael. I’m equally confident both hold tightly to the promise and hope of a Heavenly reunion.

It is this hope Jesus bought with His blood on the cross of Calvary. And it is this knowledge that brings comfort, and a hope that never fades.

Prayer

“May the hope and promise of a grand reunion give us comfort, Lord. Amen.”

 After The Fire

November 16

And after the fire came a gentle whisper.

1Kings 19:12

Trudie was surprised by the sudden and powerful nudge of the Holy Spirit, “Call Nell…” Obeying the unction, she dialed her good friend’s phone number, and waited for a response from the other end of the line. There was none, as the call went to voicemail. After trying two more times, with the same results, she felt another nudge, “Get ready and drive to Nell and Jack’s house.”

Never one to discount or ignore this type of urgency of the Spirit, she told her husband, George about the divine messages, and about not being able to contact Nell.

“Well, we’d better go,” George said.

So they climbed in the car, and began the three hour drive. At about the half-way point Trudie attempted to call again, but each time it went to voicemail. Concerned, they decided to go the rest of the way even though they had no more than God’s incomplete instructions to go on.

Arriving at Jack and Nell’s, they found no one home. Again God spoke, “Go to the hospital…” Trudie and George pressed on, arriving at the hospital some twenty minutes later. “Is there a Nell or Jack Clouston admitted here?” Trudie asked the receptionist.

“Yes, Jack was admitted on Saturday.”

Minutes later, Jack and Nell were surprised to see their life-long friends walk through the door. And even more surprised, and blessed, when Trudie related the course of events that had led them here.

†

God’s voice is neither thundering nor loud. It is intimate and personal, reaching deep into our soul. His voice can be commanding and urgent, yet soft and comforting. Hearing His voice requires listening with our spiritual ears. As today’s text says, God is not in the fire, we will find Him speaking to us in a gentle whisper.

Once we’ve heard Him, we have a choice: obey or disregard the restrained request. If we want the blessing of having our obedience rewarded as were Trudie and George, we must obey God’s leading.

Once we’ve followed God’s leading we will never again need more than that first, gentle whisper to begin the next journey.

Prayer

“Father, help me to always be attentive to Your voice. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 The Vigil

November 15

Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.

Psalm 127:3

Every room in the house was full. Family and friends smiled and laughed while keenly aware of the common bond that brought them here. They were holding vigil, awaiting the passing of the patriarch of the family who held a special place in each of their hearts. They had come to share in the final hours of his life. Looking at each face you just knew they were remembering the good times past…offsetting the sadness of today.

Throughout the house, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren laughed and told jokes as they shared an informal lunch; and all of this his wife of sixty-six years absorbed from the couch by his bed.

These were his descendants, the linage that would carry on; his heritage and reward from the Lord. His love for each compelled them to come and be close at this time.

Had you walked into the house without knowledge of the circumstances you might have thought it was a party, for they understood that this transition was to be celebrated more than mourned. Yes, they would miss him, but the knowledge of his destination outweighed the sorrow, at least for today, for he was headed Home to see Jesus!

†

There could be no greater epitaph than to be surrounded by our children and offspring as we go home to be with Jesus, listening to them celebrate our transition from this life into the fullness of joy that awaits every believer and follower of Jesus Christ. Such an image is testament to a life well-lived and a family well-loved, through good times and bad.

This comes from loving with abandon those who we have been charged by the Lord to care for in the short time we are here on Earth. James 4:14 says we are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. This phase of life is short. Eternity awaits us.

If you’re not sure that this would be the scene around your death bed, make every effort to set things right so that your passing from here into eternity will bring celebration and not a veil of sorrow and regret.

Prayer

“Thank You, Father God, for my children. They truly are my heritage and reward. Thank You for always watching over them. Amen.”

 Celebrate Today!

November 14

a time to be born and a time to die… a time to weep and a time to laugh

Ecclesiastes 3:2, 4

It was approaching midnight and the crowd in the waiting maternity room had dwindled to a handful of people. The long hours awaiting my granddaughter’s birth were filled with an extended dialogue between my wife, Nancy, my son, Eric, and me.

Eric and Lindsay’s childhood dominated the conversation. We laughed as we recalled events, each account bringing fond memories. As happy and laughter-filled as these memories were they were overshadowed by one particular event that evoked only sadness, and a sense of premature grief. Eric and Lindsay had lost a childhood friend in a tragic accident on New Year’s Eve a few years ago.

But on this night restoration of celebration was taking place.

“You know what tomorrow is, right?” Eric said.

“Yep. Linds and I were talking about that last week,” Nancy responded.

Eric looked at the clock on his iPhone, “It’d be fitting if Lindsay waits twenty minutes to have Jozlyn.”

Knowing the significance of tomorrow, I joined the conversation, “Frankie would have been what, thirty-five?”

“Thirty-six,” Eric said, still saddened by the loss of his close friend.

“It’ll be bittersweet, but it’ll be a great reason to celebrate November fourteenth again,” Nancy said, bringing the thought full circle.

†

One life ends, another begins. Such is the uncertainty of our days upon this earth. Psalm 139:16 tells us the day of our death is a known point in time. Yet, we tend to treat this fact with impunity. We’d rather not consider such truth...and because of our denial we take today for granted.

Today’s text reminds us that life is cyclical. We are born knowing we will one day die. This knowledge should motivate us to appreciate the present with the passion God intended. His desire is that we greet each new day with a desire to know Him better while finding joy in what we do.

November fourteenth hadn’t been ‘celebrated’ in a long time. However, with Jozlyn’s birth, our children once again had reason to laugh and rejoice as the memory of a close friend took on new meaning.

Prayer

“Lord of life, thank You for the miracle of life and the gift of today. Help me celebrate this day with purpose. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Special Needs

November 13

Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

1Samuel 16:7

Michael Garcia approached the group, intending to take their dinner order. As he got close enough to hear the conversation that thought changed. One member of the group aired a demeaning insult that could be heard several tables away. “Special needs children should be special somewhere else!”

Michael, and everyone else who heard the comment, was taken aback. He knew they were referring to Milo Castillo, the Down-Syndrome five-year-old who sat at the next table. The Castillo family, regulars at Laurenzo’s, were shocked to hear such open slander. Being fond of Milo, the comment angered Michael. He approached the table, and with all the civility he could muster, said, “I'm not going to be able to serve you.”

“What?! Why not?” they asked.

“Because of your insensitive remark. How could you say that?” Michael demanded of the one who had spoken the heartless slur. “How could you say that about a beautiful 5-year-old angel?”

†

How have we sunk to the level of cruelty required to denigrate and belittle someone as tender as a five-year-old? Sadly, insensitive intolerance is all too common today, and offensive comments are made without apology or excuse. It would seem some people can’t get past outward appearance when it makes them uncomfortable. If anyone had special needs in Laurenzo’s that night it was the man who made the comment, because he was in serious need of a heart transplant. Voicing such an opinion in such a vulgar manner revealed a heart hardened by some unforgiven wounding.

Thankfully Michael, without thought of how his refusal to serve the group would affect his employment status, immediately responded to the intolerant customer. His action, applauded by not only the Castillo family and the owners of Laurenzo’s, was direct, decisive, and appropriate.

We should take a page from God’s Book, and look at the heart, which in Milo’s case is purer than driven snow, unpretentious, and more humble than someone born without Down-Syndrome.

Prayer

“Father of all those You call special, soften our hearts to see the true worth of everyone we meet. And may we champion those who need a voice. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Leverage

November 12

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

2Corinthians 2:11 KJV

Kurt and Stevie decided to settle the matter by means of arm wrestling. They’d grown up watching the movie ‘Over The Top’ starring Sylvester Stallone, the truck-driving good guy, who beat the odds by winning the Las Vegas Arm Wrestling Tournament, and the top prize of a new semi.

Today it wasn’t a truck at stake, but a single baseball card of disputed ownership.

“No cheating!” Stevie admonished.

“I don’t cheat!” Kurt spat back. “I do what Sly did to gain an advantage!” he countered, referring to Stallone’s positioning his hand slightly over his opponent’s thumb to help cancel any size advantage by the use of leverage.

“That’s not fair! You’re bigger than me! I get to go ‘over the top!’” Stevie argued, as they wrangled for position.

Few things are as entertaining as two adolescent boys settling their battles through competition. Spurred on by an increase in testosterone, they exaggerate body language, posturing in an attempt to intimidate each other and gain a psychological advantage. This contest proved to be no different as Kurt and Stevie fought for any advantage. After all…there was a baseball card at stake!

Unexpectedly, Kurt hollered, “Go!” and instantly, Stevie was pinned.

“That’s not fair! I wasn’t ready!” Stevie argued, rubbing his sore arm, pointing out yet another problem with young aggression.

†

Leverage, defined as ‘an advantage in position or in means at one’s disposal’ is what Satan uses to gain unfair advantage when he detects weakness. Paul encourages us not to be ignorant of these devices.

In today’s text, Paul is speaking about forgiveness for sinners, by sinners. We are not to act as Satan, taking unfair advantage of others, and unwittingly becoming one of his pawns. As difficult as this sometimes is, we need to take a breath, step back, and ask God to provide the desire to exhibit the same grace we ourselves have been extended.

If practiced faithfully, grace and forgiveness become the leverage by which we overcome the enemy’s wiles.

Prayer

“Lord, help me discern any advantage the enemy would use as leverage in my life. Give me wisdom and conviction to live for You alone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

 One Moment of Perfect Love

November 11

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

John 13:34

The rafters of the Van Hoosen Middle School Auditorium in Rochester Hills, Michigan, reverberated above the crowd’s cheers. The motivation for their excitement? Seventh grader Owen Groesser, team manager turned player, had come off the bench as a substitute.

Owen was beloved by his teammates and coach, and they celebrated Owen’s appearance on the court as much as anyone. The reason? Owen was born with Down Syndrome.

The game resumed and the building shook even more as Owen took a pass on Van Hoosen’s end of the court. Everyone watched, including the opposing team’s players, as Owen launched his first shot attempt in organized basketball. The ball banked off the backboard and swished through the net! The noise level escalated to a raucous timbre. Owen had just made a 3-pointer!

Ecstatic over Owen’s achievement, the crowd was showing their approval of his shot and Coach Jeff Howell’s decision to give Owen some playing time.

Not satisfied with his initial success however, Owen sank a second 3-pointer just minutes later! The reaction of the crowd was so great that Coach Howell played Owen the next night as well, where he sank two more 3-point baskets. At the end of the game the team rallied around Owen, hoisting him upon their shoulders in victory!

†

In a time when there is an ever-increasing pressure to win it’s refreshing to hear a story of real sportsmanship emerge. There are few things in life that rival the fulfillment that emanates from the hearts of those who care enough to not only include Owen as one of the team, but herald his presence and triumphant accomplishments.

Only a heart that loves unselfishly would sacrifice the limelight so someone else might know the sensation.

This was a ‘team effort’ committed to bringing Owen a rare moment of joy he will remember for the rest of his life. It is one moment of perfect love. It is this love Jesus gives to us twenty-four seven, three sixty-five.

Prayer

“Lord, I thank You for fostering within me an unselfish love that has no agenda. May You find me anxious to help initiate and participate in these moments of perfect love. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Testimony of Love

November 10

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 12:18

Now in her nineties, Martha had taught Second Grade. “Emma was a beautiful little girl, but I could tell there was something wrong that day.” She shook her head sadly, remembering how her heart hurt for Emma.

“She just sat there, gazing longingly out the window at the other children as they laughed and played. I asked, ‘Why aren’t you outside with the other kids?’ Her answer broke my heart. ‘They don’t want to play with me, Mrs. Stull. They think I stink.’

I sat her in my lap and hugged her tight. I remember telling her, 'You are beautiful and I love you.’ She looked up at me and smiled. The belt on her tattered and soiled dress was hanging loosely so I tied it in a knot and told her to tell the others it was a ‘love knot’ tied by Mrs. Stull.

I always wondered what happened to Emma. Then one day, some thirty years later, a woman called my home and asked, ‘Are you the Mrs. Stull who taught at Elmwood Elementary School?’ I said I was, and she said, ‘Oh, I’m so glad I found you! I wanted to tell you how much it meant to me that you cared enough to put me in your lap and hug me that day! You saved my life! You didn’t know it, but my brother was sexually molesting me at the time, and I felt so worthless… but you told me you loved me, and that gave me the strength to go on! I now speak world-wide, telling women my story, encouraging them, and assuring them that they are beautiful and worthy of God’s love!’

†

We have the power to help heal wounds if we take the opportunity to say a kind word or do a kind act when it presents itself. Simple acts of kindness can heal a hurting heart, and far outlive the healer’s lifetime.

Emma was dealing with far more than any eight-year-old girl was ever meant to when Mrs. Stull saw a hurting child and acted in love. We can do the same when Holy Spirit leads us to those who are hurting.

Prayer

“Lord, show me someone who is hurting today, and fill my mouth with words of wisdom, so they feel Your love. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 A Heart of Worship

November 9

These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

Isaiah 29:13

Daniel paused while leading worship, “I grew up in the church. I had given my life to Jesus, and was active in youth group. I sang in the junior choir and attended church faithfully …” he paused. “But as far as worshiping the Lord went, I was only going through the motions. I worshiped God merely because I felt like it was my duty; like a slave obligated to his master.”

Daniel’s countenance changed as he continued, “But we were made for worship! And as scripture says, God inhabits the praises of His people. When that happens, Heaven invades Earth! God comes to us!”

“But as I said before, I’d invested nothing of myself … I was going through the motions out of a sense of responsibility.”

Daniel smiled, “But there came a moment, a moment when I finally understood this simple truth: God wants us to be in relationship with Him so we can discover how deep, how wide, and how far His love extends! I finally understood!”

He laughed, “Now I worship Him because I want to, because I love Him and I just can’t tell Him enough how much I appreciate Who He is and what He’s done for me!”

“So tonight, let go of your inhibitions, misconceptions, and fears, and worship God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength!”

†

True worship is born out of knowing we have been given mercy instead of spiritual death, grace instead of God’s wrath. Worship begins in each heart, birthed after this revelation, and then pours forth from a willing heart, a hungry heart, a heart of gratitude and understanding.

Today’s text reveals that many before us have held God at arm’s length, ignorant of the immensity of the sacrifice made to secure our redemption. Sadly, many never come to that understanding. You know when you witness it, because once the revelation hits you that God sacrificed His own Son on your behalf, it is impossible to merely offer Him lip service.

Prayer

“Father of redemption, I want to bring You the praise of my heart! Fill me with the song You gave me at my birth so I can sing it to You! In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Let's Say Thanks Already!

November 8th

When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people...

Mark 8:6

Lindsay placed the grilled cheese sandwich in front of her eighteen-month-old daughter, Jozlyn, and turned back to get their drinks. Her mom, Nancy, was getting the rest of the food and condiments from the fridge.

Both heard 'jabbering' along with a slapping sound, and turned to find they were being beckoned. Ready to eat, Jozlyn was rapping on her highchair tray with her little hand, while trying to be understood in 'toddler-speak'.

Having gotten their attention, she held out her hands, looking with anticipation from her sandwich to her mom and grandma, and back to the sandwich.

Lindsay responded with a knowing smile. “Okay, Little J,” she said, as she and Nancy walked over, and took Jozlyn's hands so they could say grace.

As Lindsay said, “Amen,” Jozlyn pulled her hands away, picked up a wedge of her sandwich, and began eating; God had been thanked, her food had been blessed, and it was okay to eat!

Lindsay and Nancy smiled, delighted Jozlyn had waited to begin eating until thanks had been given.

†

The term 'Out of the mouths of babes' is apropos in this situation. Although complete understanding is years away, Jozlyn already knows the importance of bowing her head and thanking God for her food.

Having witnessed and been a part of prayer before every meal of her young life, Jozlyn, hungry as she was, knew she needed to say thanks for the food before she ate. Having her display basic understanding, and a willingness to adhere to her parent's teaching at such a tender age, was exciting.

We have many examples throughout scripture where Jesus and His Disciples showed gratitude for the things they received from the hand of God.

As Jozlyn's actions attests, we learn best by example, and God knows it. I think it quite probable that many in the crowd mentioned in today's text witnessed the value of giving thanks, and applied that simple yet powerful act of gratitude from that day forward.

Prayer

“Father, for all we receive from Your hand, we give You thanks! Amen.”

 No Sign of Life

November 7

I have come that they may have life...

John 10:10

Bill and Amy were out for their evening walk, which took them past Amy’s Grandmother’s house. As they passed the house Amy glanced through the window. Seeing her Grama sitting on the couch, she waved. Walking on Amy said, “I don’t think she saw me.”

As they passed by on their second lap, Amy realized her Grama hadn’t moved since their last time by. Suddenly concerned, they turned up the drive and approached the front window, hoping to catch some sign of life. “I can’t tell if she’s breathing or not, Bill!”

It appeared Amy’s Grandmother had died while watching TV. The door was locked and knocking on the window got no response. Bill dialed 911, and the operator dispatched a police cruiser and squad to the residence. Arriving on scene, the officer decided to kick the door in. As he did the knob flew from the door, hitting Thelma in the forehead. To everyone’s surprise she awoke with a start! Seeing a uniformed officer looming over her, she blurted, “What are you doing in my house?!”

“I’m sorry, Grama,” Amy exclaimed, “but we thought you were dead!”

With her heartbeat returning to normal, Grama rubbed her forehead and replied sheepishly, “Nope, just taking a nap. I took my hearing aids out and fell asleep sitting up.”

†

Jesus came to give us eternal life. And with one act of surrender, that life can be ours. Many have made the decision to follow Jesus. Others have either never heard of Him, or have decided they are satisfied with the life they've chosen.

Like Amy and Bill, we should care enough to take action when we encounter someone who shows no sign of life. It may be difficult to tell where a person is in their walk with Jesus Christ, but it is usually evident when there is no walk at all.

It is every Christian’s privilege to share the hope they have in Jesus Christ. We are meant to be Jesus' hand extended. We have firsthand knowledge of of mercy and grace, and we should be happy to pass it along, knowing God will take things from there.

Prayer

“Holy Spirit, point out to me those around me who are perishing and give me the courage to speak to them about Jesus and the life they can have by surrendering to His care. Amen.”

 Bringing God Praise

November 6

Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.

John 15:8

It was Wednesday evening and the mid-week service at church was only a half hour away. Marilyn had planned to go straight to the church after shopping. But as she reentered her credit card’s PIN the machine’s display once again said ‘DECLINED’. I thought for sure I had activated this card. Now what do I do? The grocery store didn’t accept checks and all her money was in this single account. There wasn’t time enough to go home, come back, and make it to church on time. Searching her purse, Marilyn found fifteen dollars, thirteen short of the total.

As her seventy-six year-old mind struggled to come up with other options an attractive young woman suddenly stepped forward, “I’ll take care of it,” she said, swiping her card.

As the young woman turned away Marilyn said, “You must be a Christian.”

The young lady nodded, and they both moved to the bagging area where introductions were made. “Charlene,” she said, intentionally withholding her last name while extending her hand. Smiling, Marilyn promised to pay Charlene’s act of kindness forward, making a silent vow to be on the lookout for an opportunity to bring God glory by helping someone in need.

†

The natural progression for a Christian’s life is one of bearing the fruit of good deeds. We are supposed to conduct ourselves in such a way that people realize our actions are the product of a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This is not something to be preferred; it should be the motivating factor that gets us out of bed each morning.

In every occasion we are given a choice; to serve ourselves or others. Church historian, Bernhard Loshe, wrote, “Since we authenticate God’s salvation by our lives and words, we can either impugn or enhance God’s reputation by bad or good examples.”

Being on the giving end of God’s blessing, as Charlene was, is one of the most fulfilling rewards we will ever experience. But the most important benefit of such action is that it brings God praise.

Prayer

“LORD, I want the life I live to bring You praise. Help me be the light that draws others to You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Two Very Different People

November 5

And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

Genesis 4:8

Growing up, Tim and Paul faced challenges no child was ever meant to face. Both mother and father were alcoholics, and never sought treatment for their disease. As boys, Tim and Paul had suffered beatings from their father while fending for themselves finding something to eat, doing their own laundry, and everything else necessary for survival.

As the years passed, Tim became angry and lashed out at society, eventually adopting a lifestyle of criminal behavior. He found himself incarcerated more than he was free.

Paul, in sharp contrast, became a police officer, serving the community his parents had been a drain on.

On patrol one night, a call came over Paul’s radio, asking for any officers in the vicinity to respond to a hostage situation. Paul and his partner were only six blocks away and responded immediately. When they arrived at the address Paul was shocked to find out the hostage-taker was his brother, Tim.

Realizing he was too close to the situation, Paul remained in the cruiser while his partner joined the SWAT Team that was already on the scene. After a tense two hour standoff, police were able to negotiate a peaceful resolution, taking Tim into custody.

†

How do two people who experience the same circumstances, tumultuous or otherwise, wind up on opposite ends of the personality/psyche spectrum?

Some time ago, I heard an explanation that has stuck with me. It may be the best explanation I’ve ever heard: “If you drop two bottles they will both break. But it’s the way they break that determines what happens with the remnants. One breaks and shatters into a million pieces, crushed by the experience. The other shatters and a sharp weapon is fashioned.”

Everyone encounters unfair challenges in life. The difference in how we respond and develop has always been whether we, like Paul, allow our hearts to be healed, or, like Tim, allow bitterness to take root. Disappointment is inevitable, discouragement is a choice.

Prayer

“Lord, I choose to give You the shattered pieces of my life to bring healing. Take those pieces and fashion a weapon for Your service. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 He Comes to…Destroy

November 4

The thief comes only to…destroy;

John 10:10

When Mark and Vanessa Rodriguez returned from vacation they weren’t prepared for what they found. Sometime during their absence there’d been a break-in. Their home was trashed. Finding no sign of forced entry, Mark asked Vanessa, “Did you forget to lock the door when we left?”

Vanessa reacted immediately, “What do you mean did ‘I’ forget to lock the door?! You were the last one out…remember?!”

They had gone on this vacation to try and relieve the stress in their marriage, to rekindle the spark that was there when they’d first met. They’d spent hours walking hand in hand on the beach, and shared time alone in the condo…just the two of them.

Alone, away from the demands of the world, they talked and assessed their life. Mark had promised to cut back on his hours at work, and had committed to really listening to Vanessa. She, in turn, promised not to take everything he said as an attack. When the week ended, they knew that the same deep love they’d had for one another still burned inside, but the old patterns had reemerged. In a moment of clarity, Mark saw what was happening, and said, “I’m so sorry, Nessa. It doesn’t matter how it happened. It’s not worth fighting over.” They both realized that reconciliation was going to take a concerted effort.

†

In the same way the Rodriguez home was ransacked, satan wants to bring ruin to our relationships. There is an unparalleled bitterness that drives him to destroy the things of God. It’s personal because he hates God…and every one of His children, so he tries to undermine our relationships.

Using the wedges of loneliness, mistrust, pride, heartache, entitlement, and many other tools, satan sets about driving us apart. Over time, we forget how it all started, but, unwilling to give in, we assert our right to hang on to our bitterness and resentment. We hold on to blame, and Satan wins.

Only by bringing our problems to Jesus can we ever hope to find healing and reconciliation. With this critical information, shouldn't we deny satan the opportunity to destroy our lives?

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, I come today asking forgiveness for my stubborn heart. Heal this relationship and make it new. Show me how to surrender my will to You. Amen.”

 He Comes to…Kill

November 3

The thief comes only to…kill.

John 10:10

Noella cringed as if doing so would soften the cutting blow. “You’re so stupid! I wish I’d had an abortion!” her mother screamed. But no matter how hard she tried, Noella couldn’t stop the words from penetrating her heart. But her mother wasn’t finished, “Your father was just like you…worthless!”

All the way to school her mother’s words echoed in her mind.

Born with fetal alcohol syndrome, Noella’s first twelve years of life had been anything but pleasant. With multiple learning disabilities, and underdeveloped for her age, she found herself at a disadvantage. Her classmates shunned her. And her teachers seemed not to care that she was failing in every class. Their conditioned response each time she requested additional assistance was, “There’s just not enough time to help every individual student, Noella. Ask your mother for help.” It seemed there was no one she could turn to.

And then, the school hired Mrs. Shoemaker as the Administrator for Student Assistance. She conducted assessments of each student that fell under her authority. When she met Noella something drew her to the small sixth grader. “How would you like it if you and I became friends?” she asked.

“Ohhh!” the joy poured from Noella’s heart. “That would be wonderful!”

†

The enemy will stop at nothing to kill our spirit, and to that end, He uses discouragement, depression, slander and every other weapon in his arsenal in order to commit emotional and spiritual assassination, things such as circumstances and events, family and friends.

Sadly, many parents fall into his trap. Regardless of what we think, there is no valid excuse. Saying, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that…” may be the right thing to do afterwords, but the results are still the same…we have wounded our child’s spirit. We must refrain from saying hurtful things.

If we are to be successful in raising emotionally healthy children we must be diligent in policing our words and actions. We should pattern our parenting skills after Mrs. Shoemaker instead of Noella’s mother. Investing wisely in our children requires conscious effort. When the enemy tries to enlist your assistance, refuse to participate.

Prayer

“Father, may I always speak words of encouragement and edification to those I have influence over. Help me guard my words. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 He Comes to…Steal*

November 2

The thief comes only to steal…

John 10:10

Sitting in his tree stand for an afternoon bowhunt, the hunter watched as the squirrel scurried from one place to another, looking for acorns. Each time he found a nut the squirrel would place it in his mouth while he dug a hole, then he would bury it with the intention of digging it up when food became scarce during the late-winter months.

For hours, the squirrel diligently hunted and gathered so that he might have food stored against times of need. As sunset approached the squirrel climbed his den tree and settled into his nest for the night, no doubt satisfied with the work he’d accomplished.

As the hunter continued to watch, he noticed an animal slinking along in the gathering darkness. As it drew closer he realized it was an opossum. He watched as the scavenger went from one cache to another, digging up the squirrel’s acorns and eating them. In less than half the time it had taken the squirrel to find and bury the nuts the opossum had found and eaten every one. And then off he plodded…his belly full of someone else’s provisions.

†

The opossum is a natural-born thief. He, like Satan, steals what rightfully belongs to others. The big difference is Satan knows better, and does it anyway. As a matter of fact, scripture says he looks for opportunities to steal everything we have. He is especially keen on stealing the promises of God.

One example would be when he sends the spirit of confusion to steal God’s word as we read our Bible, attempting to keep us from gaining strength through understanding. In this we must be deliberate, asking God to open the scriptures to us, and then planting it deep in our heart by meditating on what He shows us.

We must be tenacious in hanging on to the things God gives us. Knowing the enemy is coming to steal gives us power. With such knowledge we can take action.

Prayer

“Holy Spirit, Help me remain vigilant. Please alert me when the enemy is attempting to steal something from me so I can be ready to take authority over his actions, in Jesus’ Name. Show me how to derail his attempts. Amen!”

*Today’s devotion was inspired by Dan & Nancy Dick, authors of Wisdom From The Bible, ©1986 Barbour and Company, Inc.

Sewing Good Seeds

November 1

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Proverbs 22:6

I watched as my son-in-law, Corey, and my son, Eric, walked my parent's rural property with my granddaughter, Jozlyn, following Easter dinner. The 62 degree day was a welcomed change from the grip of a winter that had been both cold and snowy, and up until three weeks ago seemed it would never release it's death-grip.

Watching succeeding generations follow in our footsteps brought a smile to my face. We had invested both time and love in our children, praying they would become good examples for their peers, and role models for their children. They had, indeed, become individuals of integrity and wisdom.

I watched as Corey swept brush out of Jozlyn's way with his foot, mindful that her little feet and legs might easily become entangled in the prickly weeds of winter. My smile widened as the height of imitation played out before me.

Like a track sprinter backing into the starting blocks, seventeen-month-old Jozlyn, bent down, placed her hands on her daddy's shoe, and with one foot, shoved at the weeds she had just witnessed Daddy brush out of the way. Stretching her little body, Jozlyn continued pushing at the one single weed that refused to yield.

“Keep pushing, Little J,” Daddy encouraged.

Resetting herself, she stretched as far as her little body could reach. The defiant weed moved! She stood, looking up...

“That's my big girl!” came the response she had worked so hard for.

And with that, they continued their stroll.

†

What do we look like to our children? What do their innocent little eyes see when we're not paying attention? Do we want them to imitate those actions? Do we exhibit good moral character, or inadvertently teach them things we'd rather they not witness?

In the same way today's text suggests that parents teach their children the right way to live so they won't forget went they get older, our actions can just as easily give them a heritage of destruction to fall back on.

Everything we do and every step we take is an example of how we view life, and what we are teaching the next generation to emulate.

It requires mindful investment to raise good kids, intentionally showing them how to be honest and trustworthy. We will reap what we have sown.

What kind of adults do you want your to children to become?

Prayer

“Help me be the right example for my children and the world, Lord. Amen.”