I Understand

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses.
Hebrews 4:15

As Bart began the long drive back home, sadness descended upon him. His wife, Jenny, had died two years ago, and now this. He had just left his son, Trenton’s, basic training graduation. Bart had remained strong for Trenton as they’d released each other in embrace, saying good-bye for who knew how long. Trent had orders to ship out for the Persian Gulf tomorrow, and the weight of that was hitting Bart like a sledge to the chest.
Arriving home, Bart listened to the one message on his answering machine. “Hey, Bart, it’s Gary. Give me a call. I reserved a tee time for six-o’clock at Apple Valley. Doug and Chris are gonna round out the foursome.”
Gary’s son had been killed in a firefight when the army’s Third Infantry, along with the 101st Airborne, had made the initial assault on Baghdad in 2003.
As they teed off, just the presence of these three military fathers brought Bart comfort. They understood his heart. He didn't need to say anything if he didn't want to, but that unspoken support told him that he would find understanding with any of them when times became difficult.

†

Gary’s sensitivity to Bart’s situation told him loud and clear, “I understand what you’re feeling.” Bart knew that Gary’s arranging the golf outing was his way of saying, “If you need anything, bro, we’re here.”
We all need someone in our lives who understands what we’re going through, and God is faithful. He quickens the spirit of those who have suffered similar situations, those who are acquainted with our troubled heart, when we need encouragement. And, as Gary did for Bart, others step up to comfort us.
Yet, even if no one completely understands, there is One Who truly knows what our heart needs most. That One is Jesus. Without a doubt, He can say, “I understand.” Hold out your wounded heart today and find peace.

Prayer

“Jesus, my heart has known sorrow. My heart has known pain. I thank You for bringing peace and comfort when I need it most. Help me reach out to others in that same way whenever I see a need. Amen.”

Over-the-Road Hospitality

Even though they are strangers to you … show hospitality.
3 John 8

Jeff was a long-haul trucker by profession, a servant by nature. His wife, Debra,
was both gracious and longsuffering when it came to her husband’s unique
ministry.
It had been two years since Jeff had brought home their last houseguest.
The man had stayed on for two weeks before stealing away in the middle of the
night with some of their possessions.
Jeff was on his way home, pulling an empty trailer, carrying an unanticipated
passenger. Home typified small-town America, where everyone knew
everyone else—and their business. So it was no secret that Jeff was known as
the purveyor of hospitality within the sleepy little community.
Over the years, Jeff and Deb had taken in strangers, providing food and
shelter for as long as they needed, offering motivation to rise above the circumstances
that had brought them to Jeff ’s attention.
Notwithstanding their last guest had betrayed their trust, at no time had Jeff
or Debbie considered ending their over-the-road ministry. As God continued
bringing people their way, they continued ministering the love of Jesus Christ.
With chagrin, Jeff remembered the lesson he’d learned about showing up
with someone unannounced. So, in light of that bit of hard-earned wisdom, he
called home while his passenger was grabbing them some coffee. “Hey, Deb.
I picked up a fellow that’s down on his luck. You okay with me bringing him
home?” he asked.
Deb didn’t hesitate. “I’ll have the guest room ready with clean sheets,
towels, and washcloths when you get here. Be safe,” she responded, infinitely
touched by her husband’s compassion.

†

We are passing through this life in preparation for eternity. Jesus, although
He had nowhere to lay His own head, was big on hospitality, to the extent
He advised His disciples to shake the dust from their feet if they were refused
welcome during their travels.
We are to extend welcome to those in need—whether acquaintances or
strangers. With all the crime and mistrust today, showing hospitality can be
a daunting, if not dangerous, proposition. Yet, we are to seize the opportunity
when God solicits our hospitality, trusting He will provide for every eventuality.

Prayer

“Lord, teach me to be hospitable. Show me how to
extend the hand of kindness in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

Strong, Powerful, and Breakable

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.
1 Peter 4:11

Dale and Kieran, two good-willed people, stomped off in different directions following an exchange of words meant to wound each other. It didn’t matter that they hadn't meant what they’d said or that they couldn’t tell you why they’d said such hurtful things.
Kieran ran to the bedroom, wondering if Dale really loved her while Dale, angry with himself, slammed the sliding glass door on his way outside.
He just didn’t get it. He loved Kieran with all his heart, yet he couldn’t seem to stop himself from blurting out injurious words, words he really didn’t mean. He didn’t blame Kieran; he knew she was just responding to his hurtful words.
Twenty minutes into his thoughts, he walked back in the house, went to the bedroom, and pulled a sobbing Kieran into his arms. “Honey, I’m so sorry. I don’t know why I said what I said. Can you forgive me?”
“Dale, you make my heart hurt when you speak to me that way,” she shared through the tears.

Strong, Powerful, and Breakable
September 26
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.
1 Peter 4:11
Dale and Kieran, two good-willed people, stomped off in different directions following an exchange of words meant to wound each other. It didn’t matter that they hadn’t meant what they’d said or that they couldn’t tell you why they’d said such hurtful things.
Kieran ran to the bedroom, wondering if Dale really loved her while Dale, angry with himself, slammed the sliding glass door on his way outside.
He just didn’t get it. He loved Kieran with all his heart, yet he couldn’t seem to stop himself from blurting out injurious words, words he really didn’t mean. He didn’t blame Kieran; he knew she was just responding to his hurtful words.
Twenty minutes into his thoughts, he walked back in the house, went to the bedroom, and pulled a sobbing Kieran into his arms. “Honey, I’m so sorry. I don’t know why I said what I said. Can you forgive me?”
“Dale, you make my heart hurt when you speak to me that way,” she shared through the tears.
hh
It’s really quite amazing the amount of physical protection God gave our heart. It is encased within an intricate cage of flexible bone, perfectly designed to shield it from injury, wrapped in sinewy, soft tissue, which is resilient and powerful. Centered between both lungs and liver, it is the strongest muscle in the body, forcing life-giving blood through miles of arteries and capillaries. It requires a tremendous amount of trauma to the chest to damage the heart.
And yet a simple word can completely break it.
We have all experienced heartache or heartbreak at some time in our lives, the empty feeling we think will never go away.
Some wounds take a long time to heal, and relationships can become strained.
In the worst of cases, the wound may never heal completely.
Peter says we have a choice of what comes out of our mouth. A heart bent toward God and a disciplined tongue will save unnecessary wounds.

†

It’s really quite amazing the amount of physical protection God gave our heart. It is encased within an intricate cage of flexible bone, perfectly designed to shield it from injury, wrapped in sinewy, soft tissue, which is resilient and powerful. Centered between both lungs and liver, it is the strongest muscle in the body, forcing life-giving blood through miles of arteries and capillaries. It requires a tremendous amount of trauma to the chest to damage the heart.
And yet a simple word can completely break it.
We have all experienced heartache or heartbreak at some time in our lives, the empty feeling we think will never go away.
Some wounds take a long time to heal, and relationships can become strained.
In the worst of cases, the wound may never heal completely.
Peter says we have a choice of what comes out of our mouth. A heart bent toward God and a disciplined tongue will save unnecessary wounds.

Prayer

“Lord, help me guard my words. The enemy wants my sharp tongue to surface. Please help me think ahead before I speak. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

1–800-Who Cares?

Those who are pure in their own eyes … those whose teeth are swords …
Proverbs 30:12, 14

“Excuse me, young man. Could you tell me if there—” The elderly gentleman began, but was immediately cut off!
“Do I look like a tour guide?” the young man said condescendingly. “Look, old man, if you want directions, call 1–800-WHO-CARES!” And with that, he reburied his head in the book he was reading.
Taken aback, the gentleman looked about the mall’s concourse to determine if there was a pharmacy in the complex; his wife was having an angina attack. She’d forgotten her pills and needed nitro to relieve the pain and tightness in her chest!
Deciding to try once more, he began, “Young man, I don’t understand your attitude, nor do I care at this moment to teach you how to respect your elders, but my wife is in need of medication immediately, and I need to know if there is a pharmacy in the mall!”
“Oh, dude, I’m sorry. I didn't know. Yeah, there’s one down that hall,” he said, pointing to his right, “about half way down on the right.”
With that, the gentleman headed that direction, focused on bringing his wife the care she needed, but determined to revisit the young man if he was still there when this was over.

†

Every generation has a group of people whose world is so small that they believe they are the epicenter. Conversely, each generation has become increasingly disrespectful. They have graduated summa cum I couldn't care less, responding viciously to those who have done them no harm.
The truth is they are a result of our own teaching. We have relaxed the boundaries of discipline to the point that we allow blatant disrespect within our classrooms in deference to lawsuits against well-intended educators in the name of civil rights. This epidemic has run amok! We have forfeited the right to civility because we do not wish to deal with the responsibility of changing matters, leaving it to be inherited by each ensuing generation.
There is not ample room to address this issue correctly here; to say discipline begins at home is a good start.

Prayer

“Help me care about raising caring, respectful children, Lord. Guide me as I guide them. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Model of Integrity

In everything set them an example … show integrity
Titus 2:6, 7

The last thing Russ needed was a three-inch rock through his windshield. But last thing or not, here it came! It shattered the windshield with a loud crack, creating a lightning-bolt effect across the entire windshield. “You’ve gotta be kidding!” he groaned. This’ll raise my insurance premiums, was his first thought. Then he had a second thought and followed the truck until he was able to pull alongside and motion the driver to pull over.
When stopped, Russ said, “Hey, I’m sorry to bother you, but your trailer just threw a rock through my windshield.”
“Oh, man. I’m sorry,” the driver said. “I just left a muddy jobsite. Musta picked it up there. Look, call my boss, Mr. Keen,” he said, scribbling his boss’s number on a company business card. “He’ll make it right.”
Skeptical, yet thanking the man, Russ got back in his car and dialed the number. “Yeah, hi, my name’s Russ Bettencourt. You don’t know me, but one of your trucks just threw a rock through my windshield. Your driver gave me this number and said to call you.”
“I’m very sorry Mr. Bettencourt. Do you live in the area?” Keen asked.
Russ answered, “I do,” surprised that the man’s response seemed truly genuine.
“Good,” he said. “I’ll call Strang and schedule the repairs. Let’s see if we can’t get it repaired within the week. Can you be reached at the number on my caller ID?” he asked.
“Yes,” Russ answered.
“Then I’ll call you later with a time and date,” he said, and they both hung up.
True to his word, the new windshield was installed two days later.

†

Integrity is a priceless teacher. When least expected, it will not only bring a welcome surprise, it will create goodwill, leaving an example of how to respond under difficult conditions.
Mr. Keen could easily have advised Russ to turn the claim in on his vehicle insurance, yet he chose to do what he’d been taught: treat people with respect and exhibit integrity, leave them a model to follow when dealing with others in the future.

Prayer

“Help me to be a person of integrity, Lord, so that others will follow the example You provide them through me. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Poor in Christ

But the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.
Matthew 8:20

Napoleon was neat, clean, and well dressed. But upon closer inspection, you’d have found that his clothes, although clean and pressed, were threadbare and meticulously hand patched from within, hiding small holes.
He drove a nondescript sedan with worn tires and duct tape holding the driver-side mirror in place. Napoleon had been a teacher of music, music being his second love, Jesus his first.
Napoleon tuned pianos most evenings. He was an interesting man, knowledgeable and well spoken, yet modest, and was often heard to say, “Oh, I just can’t wait!” and when asked for what, he’d say, “Well, for the day I see Jesus! Don’t you know?”
I’m not sure where Napoleon lived, but I am sure it was a modest home, nothing extravagant. You see, not too many people knew of what his love for Jesus and others led him to do. His meager stipend as a teacher paid his bills; his piano-tuning money paid others’ bills.
Napoleon was filled with goodwill; he couldn’t seem to give enough to assuage the desire of his heart. As I said, not too many people knew of his generosity, for it had all been done anonymously. I’m sure that’s why there were only six people at his graveside service. To him it wouldn’t have mattered; he wouldn’t have wanted accolades he felt were meant for Another.

†

Jesus had no material ties to this world, and for good reason. He knew the work He had to do before His death must be void of distractions.
Napoleon felt the same way. He was a simple man who’d taken literally what Jesus had said about the cost of following.
Are there things we hang onto a little too tightly, that if asked to give up we might hesitate?
Jesus didn’t say we had to be poor to follow Him; He did say we had to be ready to let go of things upon request and to listen for requests.
Do we have any needless distractions? Blessings held on to cease to be blessings. Are there areas in our lives in which Christ would have us become poor?

Prayer

“What I have, You provided. Is there anything You would have me give away for You or learn to use more in a kingdom way? Amen.”

The Cost of Grace

Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!
Romans 6:1, 2

“Where do you get off telling me I need to make changes?” Trip asked heatedly. “And what’s so wrong with me looking at this anyway! It’s not as if I’m cheating on you!” He threw the magazine across the coffee table and sat back in his chair, smoldering.
“You wait just a minute, Trip. I didn’t make that statement! You said you wanted to change,” Kerry reminded her husband. “Every time I see you looking at those women, I feel cheap and dirty.” She picked the magazine up off the floor, holding it toward him. “Do you really think it shouldn’t bother me?” Tears began to well up. “This can be forgiven. But if you’re going to live closer to Christ, like you professed you wanted to, you’re going to have to make real changes. Do you think God approves of this magazine?” she asked, raising it higher.
That hit home. He’d said he wanted to change, and he’d meant it. But was this so wrong? No sooner had he posed the question in his mind than he had his answer. No matter how he wanted to justify his actions, he just couldn’t picture Jesus flipping through those pages. “I’m sorry,” he said, all the fire gone out of him.
Kerry said softly, “I forgive you. But maybe you’d do better telling God.”

†

We can be sure that when we submit our lives to Christ and His care, we will be convicted by those things that do not merit our attention. To continue in doing things that mock God is to solicit evil.
Paul was absolutely clear that grace covers every sin we repent of. But he was also adamant that we do not have licensure to continue living in our old nature with blatant disregard for Christ-like behavior.
Grace cost God His Son. To repeat our past is to mock the cross. When we do that, it guarantees moral struggle and dire consequences. Because as much as God loves us, He hates sin.

Prayer

“Lord, help me put to death anything that is an affront to You. Forgive me in my weakness and give me strength to kill any sin that remains. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”