Seal of Approval

On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.
John 6:27

Each June, area churches work together in conjunction with a local bakery, and pass out free loves of fresh bread to the community.
The day begins early with runners, as they are titled, shuttling bread between the bakery and drop off sites. Trucks full of bread, dinner rolls, croissants, and flatbread arrive throughout the day.
Deliverers are assigned designated sections of the community. They pick up supplies and go door to door passing out the baked goods, offering words of God’s love and encouragement.
There are pick up sites where people from outlying areas come for bread as well. No limits are placed on how many items one may receive (up until the bakery runs out). If you have great need, you receive an amount equal to that need.
When asked, “Why do you do this?” by recipients, they tell them of Jesus’ love and how He is the Bread of Life and how this act is symbolic of that gift.
Some ask, “Is the bread stale?” and are guaranteed, “Each item has the freshness seal of approval.”
Some life-changing stories shared during this day are truly inspirational. Men and women alike cry, telling the deliverer they had no food in the house.
Bread of Life changes lives on both sides of the effort. For no one can ever be the same after witnessing or having a desperate need met.

†

Such outreach for Jesus is a tremendous thing. Yet we do not have to wait for one day in June to deliver the Bread of Life to our communities.
Even as some are in desperate need of the physical nourishment this type of event provides, everyone in the world is in need of God’s spiritual gift of life through His Son. So much so that God put in His written Word His seal of approval on what His Son did on our behalf.
We are to be light and salt in a dark and tasteless world. This is one example of how to do that. We have God-given creative ability. Put it to use for His kingdom.

Prayer

“Lord of all Creation, show me how I can make a difference in my community. Give me the vessel with which to help transform lives. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Not Unlike My Own

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize … we have one who has been tempted in every way.
Hebrews 4:15

As Gary shared with Preston about an ongoing temptation he was dealing with, he said, “Nobody understands what I’m going through.”
“I hear what you’re saying, Gary,” Preston said. “But your struggle is not unlike my own. Not necessarily literally, but we all deal with some kind of temptation.” He shared briefly of his battle with vanity.
Happily married, Preston was a handsome man. But he turned women’s heads in public. It created a tug-of-war between his pride and ego and his faith. “Believe me when I say it required God’s intervention to get victory over my pride.”
“So how’d you work it out?” Gary asked. “You know, how’d you stop looking in the mirror all the time?”
Preston chuckled. “I still look in the mirror, Gary. I have to shave,” he joked. “But seriously, I had to be humbled myself. And as God humbled me, He adjusted my attitude. What I look like does not define who I am. It does, however, present temptation. And that’s the point I’m trying to make. We’re all tempted.” He paused and then added, “But the great part is that Jesus knows how we feel. He’s been tempted the same way we’re being tempted. You’re neither alone nor unique. And if you’re willing to seek His guidance, Jesus is willing to help with the victory.”

†

When we’re under attack and can’t free ourselves on our own, it’s hard to admit that others have been where we are and gained a victory. It’s easier to believe that no one else has ever experienced the kind of trial we’re in. It’s one of the ways Satan keeps us where we are. And if successful, he’ll continue using it against us.
God put on skin so we would know He could relate to our human suffering. Jesus knows exactly what we’re going through. He is the way of escape and wants to help. And if we cry out to Jesus, He’ll answer, “Your battle is not unlike My own was. I know how to help you.”

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, I need Your help. Give me wisdom beyond my own; lead me into a victorious life. Amen.”

Peace … At Whose Expense?

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:9

The brothers had been estranged for years. Neither felt they were wrong. For a fact, they each felt the other was to blame. Consequently, neither of them took the initiative to resolve the issues keeping them apart, so small in light of the impact it had on these once-close siblings.
A childhood friend had been praying for them for a few years when he had a revelation: talk to them individually about the joy they had shared growing up, the laughter and tears, all of it. He got them to recall times of swimming in the farm pond, camping in the mountains, even the time they had hitchhiked to a rock concert in ’76.
As they continued to remember the wonderful times they’d had, they began to gain a renewed perspective. Warmth replaced bitterness; forgiveness replaced anger. The chasm melted away in light of the truth; it wasn’t bigger than their love. Because of the devotion of a friend, they learned to share their lives once again.

†

Unresolved wounds breed. They never give in or go away. If we choose to embrace the wound, we give it life, and it takes hold in our heart. Untreated, it can become a stronghold of bitterness. Most of the time, we can’t even recall what the initial offense was; we just want vindication! Self-vindication never heals. This friend decided to take positive action that would hopefully lead to reconciliation. The action required the brothers to recall the better, more important times. No offense should outweigh the value of the relationship. We are asked to become peacemakers, to place relationships above anything that would threaten them. Peacemakers are sons of God because they understand how priceless relationship is to the Father; without it, we are damned.

Prayer

“Lord, Thank you for the peacemakers in my life. I admit that it’s hard for me to forgive and be the one to ask for forgiveness for any part I played in the rifts of my life. Help me understand that being a peacemaker starts the beginning of healing in my life. Please give me strength as I take that first step. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Thankstobegiven

Praise be to … God … he has given us new birth … through the resurrection of Jesus Christ …
1 Peter 1:3

It was in the cold predawn of Thanksgiving Day that found Jack poised to forget about the festivities scheduled for later that day. This must have been what Ebenezer Scrooge felt like.
Jack had been up all night. The routine was always the same: cough violently for two to three hours, spitting up blood several times during the coughing fits. He’d been dealing pretty well with these episodes up until last night. This one had lasted almost five hours; he was exhausted. It’s only been two weeks since the last episode. Why so soon? he wondered. And why on Thanksgiving? Are You testing my thank-o-meter? he asked God.
Actually, the episodes had been pretty regular, one every three or four months. So, to have another one so soon brought concern as he contemplated the possibilities. Several reasons came to mind, but the one that prevailed was it’s getting worse. His doctors had told him that at some point symptoms would accelerate and then things would happen pretty fast. Give me grace for today, Lord. Give me a heart of gladness instead of gloom.
If this was to be his last Thanksgiving, Jack was determined to make it one of the most thank-filled days of his life.

†

There are enough negative things to focus on in the world to allow us to live in despair, cursing the day. But because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can choose to live a life of victory, reminded that this is not our home. He took care of all our tomorrows, and someday soon we will be with Him in heaven.
This world is a temporal place; it is not our home. And we have the promise of life beyond our pain. What we deal with today is real, and sometimes it stinks. But we can maintain a thankful heart in the midst of our struggles if we lay claim to a permanent life in Christ.
The greatest reason for our Thankstobegiven is Salvation unto eternal life. Once received, nothing can take it away!

Prayer

“I don’t want to whine, Lord. Keep me focused on things to be thankful for. May I always be filled with thanks because of the gift of Your Son! In His Name, amen.”

Where’s Your Heart Set?

Set your hearts on things above …
Colossians 3:2

The story goes that an old man was sitting at the edge of town, whittling, when a traveler appeared. “I’m a stranger hereabouts, just kinda passin’ through.” Then the traveler asked, “What are the people like here in this town?”
The old whittler paused a moment, looked up, and asked, “What were they like where you came from?”
Taken aback, he answered, “They were kinda mean and nasty. Wouldn’t lift a finger ta help you.”
The old whittler gave him a long look, shook his head sadly, and said, “Well, you’ll find that’s what they’re like here.”
The traveler responded cynically, “Kinda what I figured!” and walked on into town.
As the man disappeared, a second traveler walked up to the old whittler and said, “I’m looking for a place to settle down. This looks like a nice town. What are the people like?”
Once again the old whittler asked, “What were they like where you came from?”
The traveler responded, “Oh, they were wonderful. People went out of their way to be kind. If there was a need, someone was always ready to lend a hand.”
The old whittler nodded and said, “Well, you’ll find that’s exactly what they’re like here!”
“Wonderful!” the traveler responded and headed into town.

†

Two travelers with the very same question regarding the very same people in the very same town received two very different answers. Why? Because the old whittler knew they would find what they were used to looking for.
Our outlook on life sets the tone for our expectations. What we come to expect, we will experience. If we project these expectations long enough, they will become the rule of thumb by which we judge everything.
When we look for the good in people, we will find it. Likewise, when we look for their faults, they will become evident.
Christ died to fill our hearts with hope, not irritability. We can choose what we experience. It is a matter of disciplining our hearts to look for the right things. Where is your heart set?

Prayer

“Lord, give me eyes to see the good in others, not only the bad. Develop in me a right attitude so I might be a blessing to this world. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Arch the Angel

And do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Luke 18:16

They’d been practicing for the school’s Christmas play for a week, and Mrs. Doty still hadn’t made a decision regarding the lead character. “Lord, I know whoever I choose will do a wonderful job, but I feel like Arch is supposed to be someone specific. Help me choose the right child.”
Putting it out of her mind long enough to read this morning’s entries in her students’ daily journals, she smiled, marveling at nine-year-olds’ perspectives on what was important. She could hear each little voice as she read their entry. How precious each child was to her. She spent her life nurturing little hearts and minds because of her love for children and teaching.
Finally, she came to Pete’s journal. “I love God. He is my Lord,” this morning’s entry read. A preordained moment—she had asked, and here was the answer!
Three weeks later, Mrs. Doty’s third-grade class took the stage in what was to be one of the most memorable performances of her tenure. Arch stole the show. The smallest boy in the class, Pete was wonderfully animated as he glided across the stage singing, “I can zoom, and I can hover when I’m workin’ under cover, and folks never seem to see the likes of me.”

†

Children are approximately forty percent of our population—and one hundred percent of our future. The generation we are raising up for tomorrow should be the focus of today.
A child’s heart is a rough gem in need of polishing. Many of us have been blessed by the strong hand of a father, the attentive love of a mother, and the extra polishing by the Mrs. Dotys in life.
Sadly, others have never known the dedication of someone devoted to cultivating their spirit. Instead, they heard they were no good and would never amount to anything.
Innocence yields to direction. It learns to treat in keeping with how it is treated.
“Do not hinder them” is a directive.

Prayer

“Help me polish my kids correctly, Lord. Give me the wisdom and patience to bring a precious gemstone from these rough-cut stones You have entrusted to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Are We Compelled?

For Christ’s love compels us.
2 Corinthians 5:14

It was hard to miss the man perched eight feet above the ground, standing on the highest level of the fountain. A sizeable crowd had gathered to listen. His voice was rich and strong and could be heard over quite a distance.
He spoke a message of love and commitment to God, to family, and to each other.
And the longer he spoke, the more impassioned he became.
He hoped they were listening, hearing his words of counsel. “God loves us unconditionally! But if we continue to disregard His decrees and continue living without moral restrictions, He cannot ignore our rebellion!”
Many stopped just long enough to hear the message. Some shook their heads in disgust; some offered harsh comments; each went their own way.
Others, constrained by the message, were held captive by its unblemished truth. This nondescript street preacher was speaking to any and all who would listen. And unmindful of their response, he spoke from his heart.
“We are trampling on God’s love! We rebel and dare Him to show us His judgment!” He held nothing back, yet his manner was nonjudgmental. It was as if you could hear his soul crying out, “Please, listen! The Lord cannot allow us to go unpunished! His holiness cannot abide our sin. His love will not let us go!”
It was as if Christ Himself were speaking to the masses. And just like in Jesus’ day, the people were divided.

†

Paul brought a message of reconciliation to Corinth. His message, much like this street preacher’s, fell on both fertile and barren soil alike. Yet he could not remain silent. Christ’s love so compelled him that he cared nothing of what they thought of him, only the message.
I have known a few who were compelled to this level of devotion; gripped so desperately by the truth of what awaits those who refuse to accept the cross of Calvary and the One Who paid the price for their salvation that they throw all caution to the wind to bring this message.
We are compelled by Christ, and in light of the truth, we should refuse to remain silent.

Prayer

“Give me words to speak, Lord. Compel me to tell others of Your great love. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”