But God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for u. Romans 5:8
The boy knelt at the water’s edge and struggled to reach his sailboat. It was special to him because his father had helped create it. He followed the stream’s edge until the current swept the sailboat out of sight.
Several evening he returned in hope it had drifted ashore. One day he was surprised to see it displayed in a thrift-shop window. He rushed inside and explained, "That boat in the window’s mine. I want it back, … please."
"Sorry son, that boat belongs to me, now," said the clerk.
"But mister, my dad and me made that boat. I lost it in the stream … .”
"I believe you, son. But, if you want that boat you’ve got to buy it like anyone else."
The boy ran home, broke open his bank and took everything he had to the store where he bought his boat back.
We too are God’s creation. If we disregard his voice and drift from his counsel, Satan captures us and displays us in his trophy case. In spite of this, Christ ransomed us with his life at Calvary. We were God’s creation, but he willingly paid for our safe return.
Prayer; Dear Jesus, keep us within your safety that we may avoid unnecessary hardships.
Thought for the day
The closer we get to God, the more we realize our distance.
Prayer focus
Lukewarm Christians
Wednesday
Monday
Scoring For the Wrong Team
… but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philipians 3:13-14
As a teenager, my parents encouraged me to try out for the school basketball team. I was only a mediocre athlete, but my size allowed me to play on the varsity team. The most memorable experience occurred during competition, when I shot at the wrong basket and scored for the opposing team. I was embarrassed further when each time I had the ball, the opposing team shouted for me to shoot. My teammates defended me, but I was stigmatized the entire school year because I had scored for the opposing team.
As Christians, we may make mistakes that reflect poorly on Christ and the
church. Others usually forgive our mistakes, but we cannot to forgive ourselves. We must accept that part of the learning process is making mistakes. If we allow an ominous shadow from our past mistakes to darken our day we are scoring points for the enemy of our soul. There is no shame in making mistakes, but we disgrace the cross of Christ when we refuse to keep trying.
Prayer; Oh God, Thank you for reconciliation. Help us understand that you perceive us according to our potential not our shortcomings.
Thought for the day
Today’s mistakes prepare us for tomorrow’s victories
Prayer focus
Discouraged people who cannot forgive themselves
As a teenager, my parents encouraged me to try out for the school basketball team. I was only a mediocre athlete, but my size allowed me to play on the varsity team. The most memorable experience occurred during competition, when I shot at the wrong basket and scored for the opposing team. I was embarrassed further when each time I had the ball, the opposing team shouted for me to shoot. My teammates defended me, but I was stigmatized the entire school year because I had scored for the opposing team.
As Christians, we may make mistakes that reflect poorly on Christ and the
church. Others usually forgive our mistakes, but we cannot to forgive ourselves. We must accept that part of the learning process is making mistakes. If we allow an ominous shadow from our past mistakes to darken our day we are scoring points for the enemy of our soul. There is no shame in making mistakes, but we disgrace the cross of Christ when we refuse to keep trying.
Prayer; Oh God, Thank you for reconciliation. Help us understand that you perceive us according to our potential not our shortcomings.
Thought for the day
Today’s mistakes prepare us for tomorrow’s victories
Prayer focus
Discouraged people who cannot forgive themselves
The Missing Piece of the Puzzle
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light 1 Peter 2:9
I spent hours assembling the thousand-word puzzle only to discover in the end that one piece was missing. Unwilling to abandon the project I improvised with parts from other puzzles; yet, they all looked unnatural. Drawing pictures on cardboard, and printing substitutes only marred the beauty of the masterpiece. Regardless of my substitution, when I looked at the puzzle I noticed only the flaw. A substitute allowed me to complete the project, but nothing took the place of the original.
I often think of that experience when I pray for God’s will in my life. I believe he has not only a specific purpose for each person, but he also creates each person with the necessary characteristics to support that purpose. We may not appreciate those characteristics in ourselves; in fact, sometimes we consider them flaws. Even so, another person cannot do the work each of us is designed to accomplish. If we refuse to accept God’s plan, he reluctantly replaces us. A replacement completes the work; but the beauty God intended will never be revealed.
Prayer; Dear God, Help us realize you never make mistakes—even in us.
Thought for the day
God’s work we cannot do, our work God will not do
Prayer focus
To become aware of our individual influences on those around us
I spent hours assembling the thousand-word puzzle only to discover in the end that one piece was missing. Unwilling to abandon the project I improvised with parts from other puzzles; yet, they all looked unnatural. Drawing pictures on cardboard, and printing substitutes only marred the beauty of the masterpiece. Regardless of my substitution, when I looked at the puzzle I noticed only the flaw. A substitute allowed me to complete the project, but nothing took the place of the original.
I often think of that experience when I pray for God’s will in my life. I believe he has not only a specific purpose for each person, but he also creates each person with the necessary characteristics to support that purpose. We may not appreciate those characteristics in ourselves; in fact, sometimes we consider them flaws. Even so, another person cannot do the work each of us is designed to accomplish. If we refuse to accept God’s plan, he reluctantly replaces us. A replacement completes the work; but the beauty God intended will never be revealed.
Prayer; Dear God, Help us realize you never make mistakes—even in us.
Thought for the day
God’s work we cannot do, our work God will not do
Prayer focus
To become aware of our individual influences on those around us
God is Not Finished, Yet
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20
It was ten minutes before closing time, but the guard blocked my entry to the store. “I talked to a salesman, they’re expecting me,” I said.
“We’re closed for the day,” he replied.
A surge of fear rushed through me as I explained my two-hour drive to purchase a tool for our shop.
He cracked the door, “Did anyone talk to this man?”
No response.
The lights were turned off, and the staff appeared ready to leave. Finally, after persistence and silent prayer a salesclerk responded and helped me.. I made my purchase and left for home. It had been a stressful time because our customers depended on us to complete orders on time.
Driving home, I thanked God, and wondered how often the store had closed early.
I also reflected on my own spiritual manners. Often, I had given up just before God knocked at my door with an answer. At the outset I faced difficulties with determination, but later became discouraged, and cut God’s work short. As I thought of past trials I discovered there was a relationship between waiting periods and victories. Part of growing spiritually is learning that God is never late—we just give up too soon.
Prayer; Dear God, Help us trust you to manage our affairs. Help us realize we cheat ourselves when we give up too soon.
T
hought for the day
To wait on God no time is lost
Prayer Focus
Impatient people
It was ten minutes before closing time, but the guard blocked my entry to the store. “I talked to a salesman, they’re expecting me,” I said.
“We’re closed for the day,” he replied.
A surge of fear rushed through me as I explained my two-hour drive to purchase a tool for our shop.
He cracked the door, “Did anyone talk to this man?”
No response.
The lights were turned off, and the staff appeared ready to leave. Finally, after persistence and silent prayer a salesclerk responded and helped me.. I made my purchase and left for home. It had been a stressful time because our customers depended on us to complete orders on time.
Driving home, I thanked God, and wondered how often the store had closed early.
I also reflected on my own spiritual manners. Often, I had given up just before God knocked at my door with an answer. At the outset I faced difficulties with determination, but later became discouraged, and cut God’s work short. As I thought of past trials I discovered there was a relationship between waiting periods and victories. Part of growing spiritually is learning that God is never late—we just give up too soon.
Prayer; Dear God, Help us trust you to manage our affairs. Help us realize we cheat ourselves when we give up too soon.
T
hought for the day
To wait on God no time is lost
Prayer Focus
Impatient people
Thursday
Those Haunting Voices in our Heads
Yes, I do admit to hearing voices in my head. More specifically, one recurring voice. This little guy never has anything fresh to say, and his dialogue lines are always negative. An obnoxious tenant, his intrusion is more annoying than a yapping Chihuahua on caffeine. “Give up! Give up! Give up!” he says. "You can't do anything for God. Who are you to try and do something? Yap! Yap! Yap! Yap!”
I know I’m supposed to ignore him, but occasionally I weaken and fall victim to his discouragement. I can’t tell you how many times he’s crushed my dreams like a Styrofoam cup underfoot. According to my little voice; I’m too busy to get involved in any kind of ministry, I’m too untalkative, and I’m too boring.
But after years of battling with The Voice, I’ve finally found a sound rebuttal that even The Voice can’t ignore. It was quite a light-bulb moment to realize I am indeed qualified to work in the Gospel. Yes, even in spite of my lack of talent. According to Scripture the weak, foolish, and base things are God’s first choice to use in His work (I Corinthians 1:26-29). He specializes in using the weak things, the foolish things, and the base things to make something great.
It doesn’t require a degree in theology to understand this scriptural principle—our inadequacies qualify us for God’s work. All He wants out of the deal is to receive glory. You won’t find this strategy used in mainstream corporate America—it’s totally a God thing. In fact, the Bible records numerous examples of God taking something insufficient and making it into something special. The wedding host gave Him water—He made wine. The disciples handed Him a child’s fish dinner—He fed over five thousand. Of course none of us were there to see it, but He made the worlds using nothing but His word (Hebrews 11:3).
It’s a humbling thought to think our little offerings are seeds for God's work, but after all He did promise He “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). That single promise removes all limits on our potential, because most of us can think up some really big things
The dissenting voices may never completely leave our heads, but instead of questioning our ability, we must admit that we are indeed inadequate. God has chosen us for His work, not because of our talent but because of our lack of talent. He will anoint our weak skills and use them to create something great.
In His own words, it will be so great that you will “wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you (Habakkuk 1:5).
I know I’m supposed to ignore him, but occasionally I weaken and fall victim to his discouragement. I can’t tell you how many times he’s crushed my dreams like a Styrofoam cup underfoot. According to my little voice; I’m too busy to get involved in any kind of ministry, I’m too untalkative, and I’m too boring.
But after years of battling with The Voice, I’ve finally found a sound rebuttal that even The Voice can’t ignore. It was quite a light-bulb moment to realize I am indeed qualified to work in the Gospel. Yes, even in spite of my lack of talent. According to Scripture the weak, foolish, and base things are God’s first choice to use in His work (I Corinthians 1:26-29). He specializes in using the weak things, the foolish things, and the base things to make something great.
It doesn’t require a degree in theology to understand this scriptural principle—our inadequacies qualify us for God’s work. All He wants out of the deal is to receive glory. You won’t find this strategy used in mainstream corporate America—it’s totally a God thing. In fact, the Bible records numerous examples of God taking something insufficient and making it into something special. The wedding host gave Him water—He made wine. The disciples handed Him a child’s fish dinner—He fed over five thousand. Of course none of us were there to see it, but He made the worlds using nothing but His word (Hebrews 11:3).
It’s a humbling thought to think our little offerings are seeds for God's work, but after all He did promise He “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). That single promise removes all limits on our potential, because most of us can think up some really big things
The dissenting voices may never completely leave our heads, but instead of questioning our ability, we must admit that we are indeed inadequate. God has chosen us for His work, not because of our talent but because of our lack of talent. He will anoint our weak skills and use them to create something great.
In His own words, it will be so great that you will “wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you (Habakkuk 1:5).
Monday
Places Where the Chisel Never Strikes
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
As I watched a stonecutter at his work, I noticed there were places where his chisel never marred the stone’s surface. The untouched areas served to shape the project and add character much the same as the deep cuts, that removed large chunks of stone. The artist used both strategies to construct his masterpiece.
All that day God seemed to whisper that we go through much the same progression in life. I realized that character is shaped not only by events that transpire in our lives, but also by the situations we avoid. If every circumstance we go through is a stroke of the chisel, then avoiding negative influences also can be a defining attribute.
Our surroundings have a lasting effect on us. Experiences don’t just shape us; they can also mar us, leaving scars that can be difficult to erase. For that reason we are wise to choose experiences and settings that will help keep us unblemished. If we are careful when we choose we will find it easier to be Christ-like.
Prayer: Dear God, help us make choices that will shape us into your likeness. Help us evaluate possibilities and opportunities according to their affect on our spiritual growth.
Thought for the Day
The choices we make—good and bad shape us.
Prayer Focus
Spiritual maturity
As I watched a stonecutter at his work, I noticed there were places where his chisel never marred the stone’s surface. The untouched areas served to shape the project and add character much the same as the deep cuts, that removed large chunks of stone. The artist used both strategies to construct his masterpiece.
All that day God seemed to whisper that we go through much the same progression in life. I realized that character is shaped not only by events that transpire in our lives, but also by the situations we avoid. If every circumstance we go through is a stroke of the chisel, then avoiding negative influences also can be a defining attribute.
Our surroundings have a lasting effect on us. Experiences don’t just shape us; they can also mar us, leaving scars that can be difficult to erase. For that reason we are wise to choose experiences and settings that will help keep us unblemished. If we are careful when we choose we will find it easier to be Christ-like.
Prayer: Dear God, help us make choices that will shape us into your likeness. Help us evaluate possibilities and opportunities according to their affect on our spiritual growth.
Thought for the Day
The choices we make—good and bad shape us.
Prayer Focus
Spiritual maturity
Lest We Forget Our Purpose
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature Mark 16:15
Ironically, the first customer of the new Post Office walked out with the same letters he arrived with only minutes earlier. The 39-million dollar Post Office opened its doors for the first time that day in 1939, but a serious oversight was made. No one installed the slots for the mail drop. Although the building was beautiful; it did not fulfill its purpose.
At first I chuckled when I read about the contractor’s mistake. But then I considered how Christians get busy and neglect their real purpose—to minister to others. Too often we place a high priority on the outward presentation. We want our churches to look beautiful and our worship to sound magnificent—and rightly so. But sometimes we overlook the obvious and our Christian mission is slighted.
We get too busy to stop and chat or send a card, forgetting that much of Jesus’ ministry was built on conversation around the dinner table. If we neglect to share ourselves with others we neglect to minister, and are destined to be unsuccessful in our mission
Prayer; Dear Father: Give us understanding to recognize that busy activity is different from meaningful ministry. Help us fulfill our purpose by delivering the good news to lost humanity.
Thought for the day
We must periodically reaffirm our commitment lest our productivity is sterilized with activity
Prayer focus
People not reaching their potential in Christ’ work
Ironically, the first customer of the new Post Office walked out with the same letters he arrived with only minutes earlier. The 39-million dollar Post Office opened its doors for the first time that day in 1939, but a serious oversight was made. No one installed the slots for the mail drop. Although the building was beautiful; it did not fulfill its purpose.
At first I chuckled when I read about the contractor’s mistake. But then I considered how Christians get busy and neglect their real purpose—to minister to others. Too often we place a high priority on the outward presentation. We want our churches to look beautiful and our worship to sound magnificent—and rightly so. But sometimes we overlook the obvious and our Christian mission is slighted.
We get too busy to stop and chat or send a card, forgetting that much of Jesus’ ministry was built on conversation around the dinner table. If we neglect to share ourselves with others we neglect to minister, and are destined to be unsuccessful in our mission
Prayer; Dear Father: Give us understanding to recognize that busy activity is different from meaningful ministry. Help us fulfill our purpose by delivering the good news to lost humanity.
Thought for the day
We must periodically reaffirm our commitment lest our productivity is sterilized with activity
Prayer focus
People not reaching their potential in Christ’ work
The Language of God
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians (KJV)
Throughout centuries, rulers have attempted experiments to determine the natural language of humans. They believed if all linguistic input could be kept from babies, the first words spoken would be the original tongue of humankind. One such experiment was carried out in the thirteenth century by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen.
The babies were isolated from human language in hope when they reached talking age they would develop their own innate language. Sadly these children died unexplainably before they spoke their first words. This incident makes us wonder if human survival requires communication with other humans.
Similarly, newborn Christians must interact with other Christians in order to survive. A relationship without some type of communication will inevitably die. We not only need encouragement from our Christian peers, but we also need communication with our spiritual caregiver. As God watches over us continuously, we must communicate our emotions and desires. Otherwise, we cut our spiritual umbilical cord.
Prayer; Jesus, teach us to speak from our heart, and love the time we spend in prayer.
Thought for the day
If Jesus cleared his calendar to pray we should also
Prayer focus
People too busy to talk to God
Throughout centuries, rulers have attempted experiments to determine the natural language of humans. They believed if all linguistic input could be kept from babies, the first words spoken would be the original tongue of humankind. One such experiment was carried out in the thirteenth century by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen.
The babies were isolated from human language in hope when they reached talking age they would develop their own innate language. Sadly these children died unexplainably before they spoke their first words. This incident makes us wonder if human survival requires communication with other humans.
Similarly, newborn Christians must interact with other Christians in order to survive. A relationship without some type of communication will inevitably die. We not only need encouragement from our Christian peers, but we also need communication with our spiritual caregiver. As God watches over us continuously, we must communicate our emotions and desires. Otherwise, we cut our spiritual umbilical cord.
Prayer; Jesus, teach us to speak from our heart, and love the time we spend in prayer.
Thought for the day
If Jesus cleared his calendar to pray we should also
Prayer focus
People too busy to talk to God
Friday
Retreat is not an Option
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand Ephesians 6:13
When General Napoleon Bonaparte surveyed the battlefield at Waterloo and realized he was defeated, he reluctantly turned to his drummer and ordered, “Sound the retreat.” The confused boy replied, “Master in all our campaigns in Europe, I have never learned to sound the retreat.” Napoleon was quiet a moment, “All right drummer boy, sound the advance.” Apparently, Napoleon decided to engage in battle and make a stand even though he realized the probable outcome.
Frequently we also engage in spiritual battles where appearances indicate a likely defeat. At times we even feel justified in giving up, but the child of God is obliged to stand firm and refuse retreat regardless of the circumstances. We are not expected to rebuttal every attack with a perfect answer—only remain steadfast in our position for Christ. Unlike Napoleon who lost the battle of Waterloo we are guaranteed a victory, because Christ has already defeated Satan on our behalf.
The full significance of our battles may never be understood from a carnal point of view. But our commitment to Christ seals our victory, and we are always triumphant regardless of the visible outcome.
Prayer; Savior, Give us the strength to stand for biblical principles regardless of personal consequences.
Thought for the day
Standing for Christ is always a good stand
Prayer focus; Unconfident Christians
When General Napoleon Bonaparte surveyed the battlefield at Waterloo and realized he was defeated, he reluctantly turned to his drummer and ordered, “Sound the retreat.” The confused boy replied, “Master in all our campaigns in Europe, I have never learned to sound the retreat.” Napoleon was quiet a moment, “All right drummer boy, sound the advance.” Apparently, Napoleon decided to engage in battle and make a stand even though he realized the probable outcome.
Frequently we also engage in spiritual battles where appearances indicate a likely defeat. At times we even feel justified in giving up, but the child of God is obliged to stand firm and refuse retreat regardless of the circumstances. We are not expected to rebuttal every attack with a perfect answer—only remain steadfast in our position for Christ. Unlike Napoleon who lost the battle of Waterloo we are guaranteed a victory, because Christ has already defeated Satan on our behalf.
The full significance of our battles may never be understood from a carnal point of view. But our commitment to Christ seals our victory, and we are always triumphant regardless of the visible outcome.
Prayer; Savior, Give us the strength to stand for biblical principles regardless of personal consequences.
Thought for the day
Standing for Christ is always a good stand
Prayer focus; Unconfident Christians
Where are Your Roots?
So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:33
A tiny branch from a young tree grew inside the backdoor of our woodshop. Since we rarely used the back door, we let it continue to grow. It was cute at first, but eventually it became pale and sickly from lack of sunlight. When we tried to force it outside the door, it refused to bend. It had grown in this abnormal shape too long. Finally, we had to cut it down.
Yet, each time I looked at the plant inside the shop door, I thought of Christians who give the impression of being inside the church when in reality their roots remain outside the church body. They begin the Christian walk with good intentions, but continue to keep company with those who appose a Christian lifestyle. Eventually, the gravitational pull of worldly influence overpowers their relationship with Christ. It cannot be otherwise. They will have to severe themselves from worldly association in order to grow. Otherwise their commitment to Christ will weaken.
Prayer; Help us God, to evaluate the company we keep and protect ourselves from negative influences against your will. Guide us to make choices for the benefit of our spiritual growth.
Thought for the day
The company we keep not only reflects who we are, but also determines who we will become
Prayer focus
People who lack Christian fellowship
A tiny branch from a young tree grew inside the backdoor of our woodshop. Since we rarely used the back door, we let it continue to grow. It was cute at first, but eventually it became pale and sickly from lack of sunlight. When we tried to force it outside the door, it refused to bend. It had grown in this abnormal shape too long. Finally, we had to cut it down.
Yet, each time I looked at the plant inside the shop door, I thought of Christians who give the impression of being inside the church when in reality their roots remain outside the church body. They begin the Christian walk with good intentions, but continue to keep company with those who appose a Christian lifestyle. Eventually, the gravitational pull of worldly influence overpowers their relationship with Christ. It cannot be otherwise. They will have to severe themselves from worldly association in order to grow. Otherwise their commitment to Christ will weaken.
Prayer; Help us God, to evaluate the company we keep and protect ourselves from negative influences against your will. Guide us to make choices for the benefit of our spiritual growth.
Thought for the day
The company we keep not only reflects who we are, but also determines who we will become
Prayer focus
People who lack Christian fellowship
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
