When I was a boy, my mother arranged for me to take violin lessons.

Each year my teacher would schedule concerts for his students. He saw it as an opportunity to encourage and challenge them to do their best.

On one occasion my teacher said, “Please hand me your violin. I want to teach you how to make it beautiful.” I watched as he brought a shine to the fine wood. Then he said, “If you leave it overnight, I will put new strings on it so it will sound as beautiful as it looks. You will be proud to play before the crowd.”

The next day I went to his studio, picked up the violin and began to play it. What a difference the new strings made. Over time, the old strings had lost their strength and could not bring to life the music that was in the instrument.

Years later while going through a difficult time in my life, my mother said to me, “Do you remember the time when your violin teacher tested the strings and decided that they needed to be replaced? This difficult time is the Lord testing you so that you will become a more beautiful and useful Christian.”

Peter said that we will have to suffer all kinds of trials if our faith is to become genuine and result in our praising and honoring God.

Prayer: We thank You, Father, that You love us enough to test us to bring out the best in us. Increase our trust in You, knowing that someday we will become complete in You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

There was a nurse on the children’s ward who enjoyed letting the children listen to their hearts through a stethoscope.

On one occasion she put the ends of a stethoscope into the ears of a small boy and placed the disc over his heart and asked, “What do you hear?”

“It’s Jesus knocking!” he said.

One cannot help but wonder if a faithful Sunday school teacher taught him about Jesus standing at the door of our hearts and asking to be admitted into our lives. And what a staggering thought that is: the creator of the universe and all that man has or ever will discover is knocking gently, hoping earnestly that we will willingly enter into a loving relationship with Him that will last through eternity.

Often we do not hear Him “knocking” on our heart’s door. We become insensitive and indifferent to the many ways He tries to enter our lives. It is easy to go days without reading His Word. Without realizing what is happening we can fill the hours of the day without stopping to worship or praise Him. We might even forget to pray unless there is an emergency.

But it does not matter to Him. He stands there as though ours was the only heart in the world and He will stand there as long as He can, waiting for us to invite Him in.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for Your patience and persistence, Your longing to come into our hearts and control our lives. Help us to recognize Your presence and open the door to Your salvation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

A famous violinist was scheduled for a concert in Houston, Texas. It was announced that he would perform using a violin crafted by Stradivarius that cost thousands of dollars.

At the end of the concert, he took the violin and smashed it to pieces. The crowd was stunned.

Calmly he said, “This is not the Stradivarius. I purchased it last night for $98.00. It was not the quality of the instrument that made the beautiful music, but the quality of the musician.”

When writing to the Christians in Rome, Paul urged them to “present” their entire beings as a living and holy sacrifice to God. To Paul it was completely reasonable because of Christ’s sacrifice for them!

There are times when all of us think that God cannot use us because the tasks we face are so large and we seem so small. That is true. Unless we willingly give all that we are and have to God, we cannot be the person He desires us to be or do the things that He has planned for us.

God wants us to be like the clay in the hands of a potter – clay that He can shape as He sees best for His use. God wants us to be holy and wholly surrender to Him for His service. Peter says it best, “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He way exalt you at the proper time.”

Prayer: Father, I ask that Your Holy Spirit will reveal to me the parts of my life that I choose to keep for myself, and through Him, convict me to do whatever it takes to surrender my life completely to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. (NIV)

A census worker was asking a mother some routine questions. Eventually came the question, “How many children do you have?”

“Well,” she began, “there’s Mary, Kenneth, Martha and...”

“Never mind the names,” interrupted the worker, “just the number.”

She protested quickly, “They’ve got names, they’re more than just numbers.”

In the time in which Jesus lived, it was common for families to keep their flocks of sheep in a common sheepfold. Each morning the shepherd would call his sheep to “come follow me.” Each shepherd had a peculiar tone, range of notes or sounds that alerted his sheep to follow him. The sheep knew their master’s voice and the master knew which sheep were his. Each flock had a personal relationship with their shepherd and responded to his call. It may have been a call for a feast of good grass and cool water or a time to gather close because of a dangerous situation. He cared so much for them that he would lay down his life to protect them.

No wonder Jesus referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd. Wherever we look we see numbers that represent something. But whenever Jesus looks for us or at us, He knows us by our name and calls us by that name – the name He has written in the Book of Life!

Prayer: Father, it is so comforting to know that no matter how insignificant I may feel, You know who I am, where I am and what I need. May I always be listening for Your voice and respond when You call. Amen.

Scripture: John 10:3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. (NIV)

Sir Henry Shackelton was a world famous explorer of the Antarctic. As he was completing the plans for his last expedition, he began to advertise his final journey around the world.

Asked a friend, “Why so much publicity?”

“My friend and colleague, Mr. Wild, has traveled to the deepest, darkest part of Africa,” came the reply. “He left no address, no contact. I wanted the news to reach him. If he knows that I am going, he’ll come with me.”

Shortly after making that statement, his secretary announced, “Wild is here!”

Wild said, “News of your trip reached me in the heart of Africa. Here I am. What are your orders?”

Many years ago there was a great need for people to hear God’s message. It was a time of great moral and spiritual decay. There was one individual who was well established in a respectable career. One day he heard a voice speaking clearly and with compassion. He realized his sinfulness and felt his inadequacy. But he said, “I have seen the King, the Lord almighty.” And after God cleansed him, he heard God’s call and responded by saying, “Lord, I’ll go, send me.”

God is calling on each of us to join Him in a journey to reach those whom He loves and died for – if we will.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, cleanse our hearts, open our ears, and put within us an attitude of willingness to hear Your voice and to willingly follow You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (NIV)

A New Yorker bought a burial plot near his home in New York. Tired of the cold, stormy winters, he moved to Florida to retire. Not long after his move, he bought another burial plot.

He became very ill and was told he would not live much longer. His friends, knowing of the two plots asked, “Where do you want to be buried – here or New York?”

In his anguish, he smiled and said, “Surprise me!”

Life is full of surprises – but death is not one of them. Each time we learn of a friend’s death, read the obituaries, attend a funeral, pass a cemetery or watch the news, we are reminded of the uncertainties of life and the reality of death.

God’s Word states that “man is appointed once to die, then comes judgment.” We can be sure of two things: death and judgment. And we can prepare for both. How? By making arrangements with Him in advance.

The Bible says, “Now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation!”

We must first make sure of our salvation and then reach out to those around us – our family and friends – and bring them to Christ. No surprise is the best surprise!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the assurance of salvation and the promise of eternity with You. Convict us to bring others to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: Hebrews 9:27 "Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." (NIV)

A homeless man was arrested in Holland for sleeping in a cemetery. He dug a hole underneath a tombstone and began to live there. When discovered, he was jailed.

The Bible tells of a man who lived among the tombs in Gadara. Day and night he roamed the graves screaming and slashing himself with sharp stones. Fearing the man, the citizens sought to solve the problem by binding him in chains. All attempts failed.

When Jesus saw the man He wanted to free him from the control of the demons. It was the goal of the demons to control the man. It was the goal of Jesus to free the man from sin and Satan’s control. The demons had power over the man but not over Jesus.

It was true then, it is true today. Jesus wants to set us free from the control of Satan and the destruction that he brings into our lives. After the man was set free, the people noticed the change in his life. We are told that he was “fully clothed and completely sane.”

When Christ comes into our lives there will be changes, too. Our lives will reflect the grace and glory of God as we worship, witness and win others to Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we ask that You change our minds and our hearts and bring salvation to our lives through Christ Who can save us from Satan. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture: Mark 5:1-15

Thomas Edison did not like to attend formal dinners. While attending one that was particularly boring to him, he decided to slip away.

As he approached the door, his host noticed him and exclaimed, “It’s a delight to see you Mr. Edison. What are you working on now?”

“My exit!” came the quick reply.

There are times when we run from something and are considered cowardly. However, wise is the person who realizes the importance of physically removing him or herself from temptation.

The temptation to sin is Satan’s main activity in our lives. He takes great pleasure in challenging our selfishness and fleshly appetites. We are reminded in Hebrews that “Because He (Jesus) Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.”

Our faith and commitment to God will be tested frequently and fiercely. When we are faced with the terror of temptation, we need to turn to God in prayer immediately and not let the temptation intensify. We must ask God to take the temptation from us before it becomes too strong and the struggle too intense. God will always give us the strength to resist because His Word assures us “that no temptation comes our way…without a way out,” if we look to Him for an exit.

Prayer: Help us, Heavenly Father, to be aware of and alert of the temptations that Satan brings into our lives. May we, through Your strength and power, overcome them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13

Everyone was in bed reflecting on the day’s activities before going to sleep. There was a gentle “rapping” that seemed to persist. First, they thought someone was at the door. But no one was there. Puzzled and frightened, they began to search from room to room.

Finally, they found the source. There was a picture of Jesus with His hands outstretched calling people to “Come unto me!” As a fan circulated the air in the room, it caused the picture to move and make the “knocking” sound.

God uses every possible activity to get our attention to hear and heed His voice. Rarely does a day go by that He is does not make Himself obvious to each of us. But He does so in His own way. While we may look for a burning bush, water coming from a rock or a sea parting, He often speaks in a “still, small voice.”

Isaiah said, “Your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, This is the way, walk in it.” God is doing everything He can to get our attention. Has He already given us the answers that we need but refuse to accept?

Too often we put the problem on God when it is our problem. We cannot expect to hear His voice or find His path if we are unavailable or unaware. “Surely you will find me when You seek me with all your heart.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, lead us and guide us, instruct us and protect us, provide for us and nourish us as we walk in Your path and follow Your Word. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Scripture: Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (NIV)

A man was appearing before a judge because of an automobile accident. “How did you happen to hit the other car?” he asked.

“Your honor, it was my wife’s fault,” he answered. “She fell asleep in the back seat.”’

This was not a new defense. Adam was the first man to blame his wife for his wrongdoing. When God asked him why he was hiding, and why he disobeyed God, he said, “The woman You gave me, brought me the fruit, and I ate it.” When that didn’t work, he said, “The serpent tricked me.”

Things have not changed much, have they? No one wants to be accountable when they have done something wrong. We think that if we can hide something, the guilt will go away. God saw Adam and Eve and He sees you and me. It seems foolish to think that we can hide from God.

God created us to have fellowship with Him. When Adam and Eve realized they had sinned, they hid from Him. When we realize our sins and recognize the holiness of God, it is natural to want to become invisible. Our normal response is fear because we know that we have failed to live up to His standards of righteousness.

We need to admit our sin. By His grace and because of His mercy, His love is forever drawing us to Him and we can restore the relationship with Him that He wanted us to have.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to accept Your grace and mercy through Jesus Christ and may we live forever in a right relationship with You. Amen.

Scripture: Genesis 3:8-19

Three men were discussing a mutual acquaintance. Their sharp tongues shredded his reputation.

One of them sighed, “You don’t know the man as well as I do!”

“Oh yes I do,” countered another. “I’m his best friend!”

It is nice to have acquaintances. But deep within us God has planted a craving, a real need for true, authentic friends.

When we are at our worst or our weakest, we need someone who will help and not hurt, care and not condemn. Someone who is merciful, someone who is not calloused but compassionate, someone who knows us inside and out and accepts us as we are, as God does.

The Bible says, “A friend loves at all times. He is there to help when trouble comes.” Friendship is important to God for we find many references to it in His Word. He also encourages us to hold fast to our friends and to protect them in times of adversity.

We have all had those “friends” in life who have let us down, spoken unkindly of us, were not there for us when we needed them. Since Scripture speaks of friendship as a significant part of life, and since we know the importance of friendship, perhaps we can seek out the lonely and unloved and become a true Christian friend to them as Christ has done for us.


Prayer: Lord, help us to be to others as You are to us: someone who is loyal, trusting, honest, willing to listen and help, and never beyond reach. In Your Name, Amen.



Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Two farmers were talking about their crops. Said one, “Aren’t you just thrilled over the large healthy crop of potatoes this year?”

“Not really,” came the reply. “It’s plenty good, but now we don’t have the bad ones to feed the pigs.”

Often we deceive ourselves into believing that we are not good enough for God to love. Sometimes we convince ourselves that we are incapable of achieving the opportunities that God has given us.

There are times when we face a situation and everything appears to be going against us. That is exactly the time we need to realize that God is in that very situation and that one thing is always right: He loves us in all places and at all times. We need to cultivate an unshakeable confidence in God, believing that He can lighten every load, brighten every dark corner and straighten out any path He calls us to travel.

As Christians, we can develop a “faith-filled attitude.” He can and will change us from the inside out. We can develop a new way of looking at life, a new way of thinking about life and a new way of living life. We can look at life through His eyes and discover the goodness He wants to share with us.

Prayer: Father, may we learn to look at everything in life through Your eyes, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, find encouragement and opportunity to honor and serve You. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-6

During the first Gulf War, a platoon of British soldiers became lost in the desert. Some were wounded and all were weary from the endless hours of combat. Finally they saw someone standing on a mound looking at a battle through a pair of binoculars. They struggled to approach him and finally made it.

“Do you know where we are?” asked a soldier, not recognizing the American general.

Condescendingly, he demanded, “Do you know who I am?”

Exclaimed one of the Britishers, “Can you believe this? We’ve got a real problem. He does't know who he is, and we don't know where we are!”

Jesus told parables about things being lost. There is the lost sheep that is rescued, a woman’s lost coin that is found, the prodigal son “who was lost and now is found.” When Jesus spoke of being lost it was always being lost spiritually, separated from God.

Being lost is the most critical problem everyone faces. But the problem can be solved. Jesus said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Those few words summarize the entire mission for Jesus. He came to find us and bring us back to our Heavenly Father that we might be at home with Him.

Do you know where you are?

Prayer: Father, I thank You for coming to find me and for wanting to be my Savior. I ask that You forgive me, save me and give me life everlasting. In Your Name, Amen.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? (NIV)

A small child was fishing with his grandfather. Suddenly in a burst of excitement he asked, “Grandpa, can anyone see God?”

Thinking for a moment he answered, “Son, it's getting so that I can't see anything but God.”

Looking at the beauty of nature, we see the handiwork of God and are reminded that He is creator and Lord of all of life.

When I loose a loved one, I realize that He is a Friend that is much closer than a brother, and in my pain I find His comfort and compassion.

When I am filled with fear, I know that I can turn to Him as my refuge.

When I feel oppressed or overwhelmed, insignificant or insufficient, I know that my Savior has all the strength I need.

When I feel that my life is a shambles, I know that He can put it back together and that He will not give up on me.

When I feel that I have come to the end of my rope, He makes me aware that nothing is impossible with Him.

As sure as God is my Heavenly Father, I know that His presence and power, His grace and goodness, His majesty and might are with me now and will be in eternity. We will never be separated from Him and His love.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we truly believe that You are ever-present, never-failing, all-powerful and all-sufficient. May we trust You for all that we need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: Psalm 19

Rubber bands appear worthless until they are stretched. They remain quiet but ready. They come in different sizes and shapes waiting for various types of assignments. Some are thick, some are thin, some are small and some are large. All are designed for specific uses. However, a rubber band is worthless until it is stretched to its limit. Then it will hold things together, keep things orderly and bring chaos under control.

We cannot accomplish God’s purpose without stretching. When we bear one another’s burden, help someone solve a problem that is beyond their capabilities, wipe away a tear from a saddened eye, give a cup of cold water to a thirsty traveler, we are showing the kindness and grace of God.

Each day we need to stretch our minds and learn something new about our Lord, His Word, His world, and His ways. If we remain as we are, we fail to grow into His likeness and the future He has for us.

We also need to stretch our bodies and bring them under God’s control. The stronger we are physically, the more we can do spiritually. An out-of-control body reflects an out-of-control life. God expects us to do the best we can with what He gives us.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to take what You have given us and stretch it to the limits of our potential. May we never be satisfied with who we are until we become who You have intended us to become in worship and service. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

It was an intense wrestling match. Now that it was over, the crowd was cheering with great enthusiasm. But he knew that it was not for him. He lost, and realized that the shouting was for his opponent. Suddenly, the arena became quiet, and the crowd focused its attention on the “Loser” and the thunderous ovation was directed toward him.

Wrestling is a difficult sport demanding strength, flexibility, courage and stamina. Only those in excellent condition ever enter the ring. But when you’re born without a left arm and your right arm is just half an arm with two fingers growing out of the “stump,” most people would consider that person a freak. Some called the “loser” a freak and said that he had no business wrestling.
Now, his career was over and the crowd was cheering wildly, standing and shouting with all of their strength. Why? He demonstrated that winning isn’t everything, courage is?

Courage is the God given force within the Christian that empowers us to face danger and hardships knowing that God is on our side, and that through Him we will be victorious. Courage gives us the confidence because “greater is He who is within us than he who is in the world?”

The Christian always has an extra resource in the Lord. “Be of good courage…for the Lord your God is with you.”

Prayer: Father, may we realize and accept by faith the fact that You are always with us, will not fail us nor forsake us and we need not be afraid. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: Joshua 1:8-9

It was time for class elections. There was one student in the room whom everyone liked. Unfortunately, he had no skills or talents. The nominating committee got together and decided to make him president.

When asked why, they said, “Well, he can’t write plainly, so he can’t be our secretary.” Another said, “That’s right, and he can’t add or subtract so he can’t be our treasurer. If we didn’t choose him for something, he’d feel bad. So we made him president.”

Jesus said, “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servants also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” Whenever we commit our lives to Jesus Christ, and declare to the world that we are His followers, we give ourselves to serving others by showing compassion and kindness as He did. We are obligated to Him to offer help to the helpless, compassion and counsel to the condemned, and even kindness to those who would ridicule Christ.

Mother Teresa said, “Being unwanted, unloved and uncared for, I think, is more painful and a much greater hunger than the person who has nothing to eat…we must find each other.”

For Jesus’ sake, we must find the ones with disabilities and emphasize their possibilities, the ones with fears must be fortified with faith and the ones without salvation must be brought to the Savior.

Prayer: Lord, open our eyes that we may clearly see those around us who need help and hope, kindness and compassion, that in us they will see You. In Your Name, Amen.

Scripture: 1 John 3:11-20

Fanny Crosby was only six weeks old when the doctor recognized that she was developing a problem with her vision. The doctor treating her did not follow the appropriate procedures and she became blind.

Miss Crosby grew to love the Lord, though times were difficult and learning to live life blind was not easy. Through all of the trials she endured she did not become bitter. Rather, she became a better servant for her Savior. She even forgave the doctor.

Though she was blind, she saw God move clearly in her life. She wrote many hymns and through the hymns guided people to God more graciously and gracefully. She could not see what was going on in her life, but she could see the One Who was the Light of life.

It is not an experience that will bring us down or destroy us. It is our response to it. We can fill out minds and hearts with fear or faith, sarcasm or strength, hate or hope.

Adversity became a spring board to Fanny Crosby. She wrote more than eight thousand hymns. When adversity comes our way, God is with us and He will provide a peace that passes all understanding as He calls us in new directions.

Prayer: Help us, Heavenly Father, to turn to You when adversity invades our lives. May we believe that You have a perfect plan for each of us that will bring us to completion in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11-12 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. (NIV)

While attending Harvard University, Teddy Roosevelt met Alice Hathaway. He immediately knew that she was the girl of his dreams.

He wrote these words in his diary: “A year ago Thanksgiving Day I made a vow to win her. Now that I have done so, the aim of my life shall be to make her happy and to shield her and guard her from every trial.”

Every marriage has its difficult days, its rocky roads, its stormy sessions and its terrible times.

Robert Dodds said, “The goal of marriage is not to think alike, but to think together.” Success in marriage is more than finding the right mate, it is being the right mate. It is more than finding the person who pleases you, it is pleasing the person whom you have found. Marriage does not consist of two people, but three people: a husband, a wife and the Lord. We must allow the God of love, the God Who created marriage, to be the center of the marriage.

Perhaps the words of the Apostle Peter might be good to place on a plaque where wives and husbands could constantly be reminded to “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

Prayer: Father, we are grateful that You created marriage. Help us to work together to honor You first, and then each other – always. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: Ephesians 5:31-32 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. (NIV)

A famous artist had an etching of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in his studio. It was one of his favorite works of art. Each morning when he began his day, he had to straighten it because it would be crooked.

One day he mentioned it to his housekeeper. In frustration she explained, “Each day I have to hang it crooked to make the tower hang straight.”

Many individuals do that with God's Word: they twist and turn its message to get it to say what they want it to say. But the Bible is clear when it claims to contain spiritual truth – truth that is absolute, consistent, irrefutable and unchanging.

The Bible is clear on this point. We do not determine God’s truth, we discover it. The Psalmist declared, “All your words are true, all your just laws will stand forever.” God’s Word is, in fact, an extension of His character – His truthfulness. And Jesus said, “I came to bring truth to the world. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” The beginning and end of truth are fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

We cannot adjust the Bible to ourselves. We must accept the Bible as it is. The words of Paul sum it up: “It straightens us out and helps us do what is right.”

Prayer: Help us, Father, to accept Your Word as truth, and to love it and hide it in our hearts that we might not sin against You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (NIV)

A father wanted to teach his son the value of enduring trying times and difficult days. He placed three pots of water on the stove and brought them to a boil. In the first he placed several carrots. In the second he placed an egg. And in the third he placed some coffee grounds.

After a few moments he looked at his son and said, “John, these carrots went in hard and came out soft. This egg went in soft and came out hard. The coffee gave the water a new taste.”

When we are tested and tried, we need to look into the event as well as beyond the event. If an illness occurs or an accident happens because we have neglected to take care of ourselves, we need to change our behavior if we expect God to take care of us. If suffering or sickness occurs through no fault of our own, we can count on God’s grace to sustain and comfort us. Whatever comes into our lives brings with it an opportunity to grow into Christ likeness.

Suffering never leaves us where it finds us. It can either draw us closer to God or drive us further from Him. God gives us opportunities to grow up and become more like our Lord, or give in and live a life of despair and defeat.

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to break through the darkness of suffering and accept Your strength, hope and encouragement to grow into Your likeness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: James 1:1-4

Every moment or two a teenager kept looking at his watch. The man sitting next to him on the bus noticed this rather strange behavior and became curious. It appeared to be an inexpensive watch and the man said rather sarcastically, “Does your watch tell time?”

“No,” answered the boy, “you gotta look at it!”

All of us have heard that the best advertisement is “word of mouth.” Many successful businesses have been built by one person simply telling another of a good product or fair treatment. We all rely on the words of trusted friends.

This “word of mouth” appears to be lacking when it comes to Christians. We seem to have a hard time sharing our faith with those we work with, play with, eat with. We try to behave like Christians, work like Christians, think like Christians – yet we do not “speak up” like Christians and share our salvation with others.

Paul said to Philemon, “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” We are expected to share our faith by “word of mouth.” When we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior, He will enable us to speak of His salvation on His behalf.

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!”

Prayer: Lord, may our faith come to life in words as well as deeds. Give us the courage to share the joy of our salvation with those whom we know and love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: Psalm 107:2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say this— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, (NIV)

“I know how to get beautiful,” bragged little Julie.

“How?” asked her neighbor.

“You rub this lotion on your body,” she answered, “just like my Mommy does.”

Julie must have had a beautiful Mommy. And she believed that her Mommy’s beauty was some “thing” that could be applied on the outside and a miracle occurred.

Beauty means many things to many people. For some it is a life-long, never-ending, relentless quest. Some individuals try to get rid of every flaw and blemish, believing that eventually perfection will be achieved.

God’s Word says that outward beauty is of no consequences unless the beauty comes from the inside. His Word reminds us that we “should clothe ourselves with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is so precious to God.”

God created us to have purpose and reason for being. Therefore, we are His work of art? Everything about us has been designed to reflect His glory.

“People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person’s thoughts and intentions.” Beauty is something internal that is created by Someone Who is eternal. Said David, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

Prayer: Lord, we ask that our lives might reflect a gracious, God-given beauty that comes from living a life of holiness, worship, prayer and surrender that comes for knowing and being with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: Psalm 51:1-10

It was time for the annual employee performance appraisals. The manager said to a sales associate, “You are the laziest worker I have ever known. Tell me one way that this firm benefits by having you as one of our employees.”

“Well,” came the quick reply, “when you give me a vacation you don't have to hire someone to work in my place?”

Laziness and procrastination are dangerous because they destroy our bodies, minds and souls. God has given us bodies to use in serving Him. But if we do not take proper care of them, we will become weak and unable to serve Him. He has given us minds. But if we do not study His Word and learn about His will for our lives and ways to serve Him by meeting the needs of others, our salvation becomes questionable. And He has given us a soul. We nourish our soul through worship and praise, graciously and humbly waiting before His presence as we bow before Him, recognizing Him as the source of life, knowing that one day we will be with Him for eternity.

Prayer: Help us, Heavenly Father, to make good use of every moment of every day. May we realize the value of each day, the significance of every minute and seize every opportunity to glorify You now and throughout eternity. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

Scripture: Proverbs 6:6-11

Two soldiers had been serving together in Vietnam since their arrival. They had become inseparable. Whenever they went into combat, one would always cover the back of the other. In their many fire-fights, one would always lead and the other would follow. The next time, they would change places.

One day it was John’s turn to go first. But he hesitated for a moment, sensing the closeness of the enemy. Will became anxious and made the first move. He was killed instantly.

Returning home John was telling some of his friends about the experience. “It was my turn,” he said, “but Will took my place and died.”

There was a day in history when Jesus took our place. Peter said, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God...”

Jesus lived His entire life knowing the closeness of the enemy – Satan. He knew that if He did not take our place, the righteous for the unrighteous, that we would die. Christ’s death was the climax of God’s plan to make amends, “to atone,” for our sins.

Because Jesus died for our sins, the innocent for the guilty, we can come to God in faith believing that our sins are fully paid for and that His righteousness is now our righteousness and we are permanently secure in Christ.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your grace and mercy that makes our salvation possible. Through Christ, we know that our sins are forgiven. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, (NIV)

A reporter was sent to study the revivals of D.L. Moody, the great evangelist, while he conducted meetings in England. He listened to him night after night, talked with him, walked with him and even ate with him. He was determined to discover the secret to Moody’s success.

Following his observations, he concluded, “I can see nothing in Moody to account for his marvelous work.”

When Mr. Moody heard the story he laughed and said, “That’s the very secret. There’s nothing in me that can explain it. It is the power of God. The work is God’s, not mine.”

Early in his life, Mr. Moody heard a preacher say, “The world has yet to see what God can do through a man who is fully submitted to Him.” Said Moody, “I’ll be that man!”

The sum of the Christian life is submission to the Lordship of Christ. When Paul wrote to the Romans he begged them to “present their bodies,” meaning “their whole being,” everything about them. He then added that they should present their bodies “as a living sacrifice” – meaning that since they had been born again and were now alive in Christ they were to live fully and faithfully and forever honor Him in a life of service.

Moody said, “I’ll be that man.” We need men and women like that today – surrendered and serving, working and witnessing. Are we willing to do as Moody did?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, stir our hearts, trouble our minds and convict our souls until we surrender our entire life to You in selfless service. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 12:1-2

Queen Elizabeth enjoyed walking among her subjects dressed “incognito.” One day she walked through the gates into town. A faithful servant followed her.

Walking along a road she came across a flock of sheep. Somehow she got in their way and the shepherd shouted, “Keep out of the way, stupid woman.” The queen smiled, but said nothing.

When the shepherd was told that she was the queen, he said bitterly, “Well, she should have dressed like one!”

This happened to Jesus. When he came into the world He created, He was not recognized. Even the people chosen by God to prepare the world for Him rejected Him. Although the Old Testament that they read and believed pointed to His coming, they refused to accept Him.

John said, “Even in His own land and among His own people He was not accepted.” How sad. John continues, “But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.”

This belief in Christ changes us from the inside out. When we become children of God, we become new people with new habits and hopes, new beliefs and behaviors, new attitudes and actions.

We must ask ourselves: Does my life show the world that I am part of God’s family by what I do and where I go?

Prayer: Help me, Heavenly Father, to walk in the world in a way that proves that I am Your child by what I do, and where I go. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: John 1:11-13

A farmer sold his mule to a neighbor. Looking his friend in the eye he said, “He’s a good mule. He’ll work hard all day and do anything you want him to do. But first you’ll have to hit him to get his attention.”

Some of us are like that mule. God has to allow us to get into difficulty before He can get our attention.

Remember the prodigal son? He must have had a good life. But he was not satisfied. He took what was his and left home. His wicked ways led him to a life of sorrow, sadness and separation. Finally he hit bottom. When there was nothing left and no place to go, he returned to his father.

Sometimes it takes great sorrow and tragedy before we turn to God. We try to live our own lives and go our own way and we end up in pitiful, painful places. We push aside our responsibilities to God and fail to be obedient to His directions. Then He does something to get our attention.

The Psalmist said, “Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I keep Your Word.”

Troubles? Problems? Sickness? Broke? Worries? God will do whatever He must to get our attention, not to impair us but to improve us.

Prayer: Father, we thank You that You want us to be close to You and honor You in our lives. We pray that we will always hear Your voice and follow Your paths of righteousness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:67-71

While cutting his grass, a man’s mower stopped running. He took it to be repaired. When he returned to get it, he asked the repairman for the bill. He was told, “Forget it. It was such a small thing to fix, that it’s free.”

But the man insisted on paying, taking some money from his pocket and presenting it to the man.

“Sir,” replied the mechanic, “I’m a Christian, and every now and then I do something to stretch my soul.”

John wrote about that when he said, “If anyone has enough money to live well and sees a brother in need and refuses to help – how can God’s love be in that person?”

When Christ comes in, His love goes out. All around us are people who have needs for the necessities of life. Everywhere we look people have burdens to bear, problems to solve, decisions to make, hearts to heal and sicknesses to survive.

When we see the needs of others and do something about them, we stretch our souls and show His love. We need to stretch our souls every day.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, open our eyes that we may see what Your eyes see, and then move in our hearts to help others even as You did. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 John 3:14-24

A father was having a difficult time getting his son to study and make good grades after he left home and entered college. Said the father, “Son, if you shave your beard, cut your hair, read your Bible and make no lower than a ‘B’ in all of your classes, I’ll buy you a car.”

The deal was made, the car bought, the Bible read but the beard and long hair remained. When the son came home for a weekend visit, the father asked, “Why have you not kept our deal?”

Said the son, “Well, I can’t find anywhere in the Bible where it says you have to have short hair and no beard.”

“Well,” said the Dad, “I can’t find anywhere in the Bible where it says you have to have a car, either.”

Paul states that “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. The new has come.” “In Christ” is one of Paul’s favorite phrases because of the change He made in his life.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we look to You for salvation and You look to us for surrender and submission. Help us to live our lives in You and for You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:19 ...that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. (NIV)

Wherever you went in the Roman Empire, you were reminded of the Roman Emperor. Everywhere you looked you saw his influence and image, his power and prestige. And when a Roman penny was made, the image of the emperor was stamped upon it. Those who used his coins were expected to obey his laws.

We are like those pennies. When God created man He stamped His image in and upon him – within his soul. As a result of that “stamping,” there is within all of us a desire to discover who we are. It is not by accident that there seems to be within every one of us a sense of being lost or the drive to discover or find ones self.

Most people – young or old – do not want to be different. No child wants to stand out. Teenagers all try to look the same. Young adults have a difficult time determining who to identify with and why. Adults want to have the same things as their peers. Each of us has the need to identify with someone or something.

But Christians solve this problem because they can identify with God. We have been created in His image and nothing is like us. Because of the fall, we have been damaged and distorted but not destroyed. If we choose, God can repair the damage and clear up the distortion. Then, one day He will restore us to our original condition. With God, all things are possible through salvation in Christ.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, We accept the promise that You can give us a pure heart, a sound mind, a right spirit and everlasting life with You. Through Christ, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Genesis 1:26-31

When he was 67 years old, Thomas Edison experienced an event that would have caused most of us to give up. The building where he had conducted most of his scientific work burned to the ground.

Looking closely at his father observe the tragedy, his son said, “My heart ached for him as he stood watching his work go up in smoke.”

How did Edison respond? He said, “There’s a great value in disaster. All our mistakes are burned up. Thank God we can start anew!”

Paul said, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not abandoned, struck down, but not destroyed.”

Paul says we are pressured everywhere we look. He adds that we may be persecuted – but we will never be abandoned. He also says that when we are at our wit’s end we are never at hope’s end. And he concludes by saying that we may be knocked down, but never knocked out or destroyed.

Whatever we go through in life, we go through it with God. He will never leave us nor forsake us, and He will be with us and draw us closer to His Son, our Savior.

Prayer: Father, help us to recognize that You are always with us as we face life. May we sense Your presence, peace and power and look to You for victory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (NIV)

Two brothers were born in a farm house in rural Kansas. They attended a one-room school and were responsible to keep the fire going in the stove. One day the stove blew up.

Running from the building, Glen looked around to find his brother. He was no where to be found. He rushed back into the building, but it was too late to save his brother. He escaped with his life but suffered severe burns. Doctor after doctor told him he would never walk again. But he did.

Through all the pain and grief, suffering and struggles, he refused to be discouraged. Though there were times when he was disappointed with the progress he was making, he never gave up. He had a dream and was filled with the determination to make that dream come true. He dreamed that one day he would run faster than anyone in history, master the mile and set the world record. And he did just that – breaking the international record. The world remembers Glen Cunningham but not the fire.

We need to believe as Paul did, “...do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to overcome my handicaps and harmful habits, and plant deep in my heart and mind the purpose that You have for my life. May I only live to bring glory and honor to Your name, through Christ my Lord, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Daniel 1:9 Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel... (NIV)

A motorist driving down a country road noticed a home that was on fire. Sitting calmly as though he was enjoying the fire was the farmer who owned the house.

Shouting loudly the motorist exclaimed, “Your house is on fire!”

“I know it,” came the reply.

“Then why don’t you do something about it?” he asked.

“I am doing something,” said the farmer. “I’m prayin’ for rain.”

We need to use common sense, not nonsense, when we pray. The Lord will not do for us what we can do for ourselves. But He will do for us what we can not do for ourselves if it is in keeping with His will for our lives.

But all of this depends on one thing: obedience. John said, “Whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” Someone said, “If we do not obey, we may as well not pray.”

When God does not answer our prayers, we need to examine our lives, look for our sins, ask His forgiveness and return to a life of obedience to Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, asking is certainly easier that admitting, confessing and forsaking our sins. Help us to obey Your teachings and keep Your commandments. In Christ’s Name we pray, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 John 3:22 And receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. (NIV)

Teenage years are difficult for both the teenager and the parent. But this one in particular became increasingly rebellious and belligerent. It seemed as though she delighted in causing her mother pain and embarrassment. Finally it reached a breaking point when she was arrested for drunk driving. Her mother was grief stricken.

After bringing her home from the police station, they sat facing one another. Finally, the mother presented her with a beautifully wrapped gift box. She opened it with a frown and saw a small rock. “Cute,” she said sarcastically. “What’s it for?”

Finally she saw a small card that was tucked away in the box. She read it slowly: “This rock is more than 200 million years old. That’s how long it will take before I give up on you.” Quietly she began to sob, tears running down her cheeks. She reached across the space that separated her from her mother and hugged her tightly. She apologized for all the pain and sorrow that she had caused and asked her mother to pray with her as she accepted Christ as her Savior.

Long ago Jeremiah the Prophet spoke about a message he received from the Lord. It was, “I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore I have continued My faithfulness to you.”

Prayer: We thank You, Heavenly Father, that Your unending love and sufficient grace is ours to accept. May we be open to Your love and obedient to Your Word. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. (NIV)

A mother took her children to the beach. During a moment of relaxation, her young son suddenly interrupted her bliss, grabbed her by the hand and led her toward the shore where a sea gull lay dead.

“Mom,” he cried, “what happened to him?”

“He died and went to heaven,” was her answer.

Remaining quiet for a moment, he suddenly asked, “Why did God throw him back? Was he a reject?”

Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” The “all” includes everyone and the promise is “rest” – eternal rest which is the salvation He offers to all of us.

There are times when we feel unworthy or unwelcome, discouraged or depressed, anxious or ambivalent, fearful or frightened. All are feelings of rejection. Because Jesus knows that and has experienced that, He says, “Come.”

His word “come” cancels the word “reject.” The “come” is Jesus’ promise that He will accept us no matter what we have done or where we have been. There are no limits to His invitation. There is no end to his “rest.”

Prayer: We come to You, Heavenly Father, just as we are, knowing that You will not only accept us, but that You will never leave us nor forsake us. We thank You for the invitation and promise. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Matthew 11:25-30

Great things are not always accomplished by talent and training. Often times they are accomplished by patience and perseverance.

It took Leonardo Da Vinci eight years to paint The Last Judgment. When he was finished with that painting, it took him ten years to complete The Last Supper.

It took Noah Webster twenty-six years to compile Webster’s Dictionary.

Adam Clark labored for forty years to write his Commentary on the Bible.

Everything worthwhile will take a while before it has worth. That’s why it is called perseverance! We persevere until we can present a product.

Perseverance is stretching our courage beyond our circumstances. When we read of perseverance in Scripture, we come to understand that it means much more than enduring. It means overcoming life’s difficulties with a “peace that passes all understanding” and knowing that the “God of all comfort” has His arms around us.

We read in the Bible that “we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God...we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance...and endurance character...and character hope.” It is through Christ that we become stable, secure and steadfast.

Prayer: Thank you, Heavenly Father, for all that we have in our Lord. It is by Him, through Him, with Him and for Him that we are able to persevere, knowing that all things work together for our good. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 5:1-5

A young man lightly kissed his fiancée on the chin. Pointing politely to her lips, she said, “Aim higher, please.”

Whatever we aim at in life is usually what we get because we never rise higher than our ideals. The Apostle Paul said, “I keep working toward that day when I will be all that Christ saved me for and wants me to be!” Paul’s aim in life was to share the Gospel and win others to his Lord and Savior. There was a time before his conversion when his aim was to harm Christians. After His conversion his aim was to win others to Christ.

It is important to be content and satisfied with what we have, but not who we are or what we do. It is easy to confuse the two. Paul sorted it out and set a great example for us. There were times when he was in prison, shipwrecked, being beaten, going hungry, alone and deserted. That was O.K. with him. He said that he had learned to be content with whatever he had or wherever he was. His only aim was to become like His Lord, and “by all means, save some.”

Prayer: Help me, Father, to become more like You and to be a better Christian tomorrow than I am today. May my aim in life be to bring others to You for Your salvation. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Colossians 3:1-5

One evening a mother was busily straining vegetables to feed her infant daughter. Stomping into the kitchen, her husband demanded, “Hurry up. I want to eat, too.”

Exasperated, she dumped a whole container of peas into a strainer, walked into the living room where he was sitting, placed them in his lap and asked, “How would you like to do this three times a day, seven days a week for who knows how long?”

The next day when he went to his cannery, Dan Gerber could not forget the experience from the night before. As he thought about what had happened and about his wife’s problem, he suddenly had an idea for something new to put into cans – strained baby food.

There are many times when life seems to place problems in our laps that require the wisdom that only comes from God. In fact, He gave us an entire book of the Bible that provides wonderful wisdom, Proverbs. It is ours for the taking.

God gives us His wisdom because it is greater than any of life’s problems, His strength can overcome every weakness and His power can get us through every difficulty.

Prayer: I am so thankful, Lord, that You specialize in solutions. May I constantly turn to Your Word for the wisdom I need for the problems I face. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: James 1:5-8

A man was walking along a dimly lit street. Suddenly a dark figure appeared out of an alley and demanded, “Stop right there.”

Frightened and nervous, the man asked, “What do you want?”

“I want you to help me,” came the response. “I’m poor and I’m hungry and I’m out of work. All I have is this...gun.”

When we need help we look for acceptance and understanding, comfort and compassion, direction and strength, hope and health for the journey called life. We look for someone who has been where we are and has succeeded where we may be failing.

The Christian has God, the power of Christ, the presence of the Holy Spirit and Scripture. When we are overcome with burdens that beat upon us, pain that paralyzes us, fear that frightens us, suffering that scares us, we have an ever present Help in times that terrify us. Jesus Christ “gives us everlasting comfort, good hope, and strength in everything.”

Prayer: Lord, when I am threatened with the uncertainties of life, may I turn to You, knowing that as my Advocate, You will be my protector and provider. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

A boxer was taking an awful beating from his opponent. He was having a hard time standing up so he grabbed the ropes to support himself. When his manager saw this, he cried out, “Stand up and fight. He’s not even hitting you!”

“Then watch the referee,” shouted the boxer. “Somebody’s hitting me.”

Every Christian is in a constant fight with the devil. He is constantly placing evil desires in our minds and in our hearts. We are continually tempted with the desire for more – more money, more possessions, and more recognition, more of everything except a desire for more of our Savior.

When I hear people say that there is no devil, I want to respond by saying, “But somebody is hitting me.” The one hitting me is the devil himself. He constantly hits me with evil desires – desires that make me want more of the things of this world that will separate me from God.

If we want to “get off the ropes” and triumph over sin, we can.

The Bible says, “Submit yourselves to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.” A true formula for success!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, right now, I surrender my heart, mind and soul to You and ask that You will enable me to resist the devil. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: James 4:1-8

Two men went to pay their last respects to a friend. As they approached the casket, one said to the other, “Would you look at him now!”

“Wow,” came the response. “What a shame. Pat didn’t believe in heaven or hell. And now he’s all dressed up and has no place to go.”

But he did have a place to go.

All of us have a place to go when we die. But before that day, all of us have a choice to make. We must all choose to accept Christ as our Savior and spend eternity with Him, or reject His salvation and spend eternity in hell. Simple choice. Major decision.

Heaven and hell are as certain as life and death. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.” We may want to do it “our way” by working, giving or doing good deeds, but Jesus Christ is the only way in.

The consequence of sin is death – eternal separation from God – and that means eternity in hell. “I assure you,” Jesus said, “those who listen to My message and believe in God Who sent Me have eternal life.” He also said, “He who has the Son has life.”

Clear message. Clear choice. Do you have the life that comes from Him?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I realize my need for salvation and understand that it only comes through Jesus Christ. I confess that He alone can save me and I accept Him now. In His Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Revelation 21:1-5

A mother did not know anything about football but she did know and love her son and was proud of everything he did. She was thrilled when he made the college football team.

When telling her neighbor about his accomplishment she was asked, “What position does he play?”

“I think he said he was a pullback,” she answered.

Many times we Christians become “pullbacks.” Instead of witnessing, we remain silent. Rather than giving, we focus on getting. When we can offer help we sometimes let people hurt. There are times when we bring others down when we could build them up. We frequently ignore others when we could become involved in assisting them in difficult times.

Scripture reminds us of several who, at one time or another, became “pullbacks.” One was named Mark. But when he realized that God had something special for him to do, he changed his ways and began serving his Lord. Paul recognized the difference and called him “profitable.” The choice is ours. We can “pullback” or push forward in our service to the Lord and be “profitable” for God.

Prayer: Help me Lord, to seize every opportunity You send my way to be of service in reaching others with Your message. May I always be ready to seek and to serve those who need Your love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 2 Timothy 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. (NIV)

A young boy had cerebral palsy. He used a wheelchair to get from one place to another using only one leg. When he learned of the Special Olympics in California he decided to enter the competition. But he had a major problem: Although he could move his chair from left to right with his good leg, he was unable to move it forward. By accident he discovered that if he turned his wheelchair around and pushed it backwards, he could actually make progress towards a goal. And that is what he did. He pushed his wheelchair backwards and won the race!

Often when a goal seems impossible it is normal and natural to give up. We see obstacles not opportunities. We see blocks and barriers and not options and opportunities.

When faced with dilemmas and doubts, we must ask the Lord to open our eyes to the possibilities around us and the potential He has given us.

Paul was right. He said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”

If Christ is for us, who or what can stop us?

Prayer: Help me Lord, to find in You, solutions for my problems, strength for my weaknesses, direction for my journey and joy in my salvation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (NIV)

Some time ago, a man phoned me and said, “Misfortune just handed me a lemon!”

“What did you do?” I asked.

“I got with God and together we made lemonade,” came the reply.

Misfortune comes to us with a multitude of names. It can be called an accident or an affliction, a calamity or a catastrophe, a tragedy or a trial. Sometimes they come unexpectedly, when we are least prepared. Other times they come after repeated warnings that we do not heed. They may be temporary or permanent, life threatening or life taking. A misfortune may wound us permanently and require us to work diligently to triumph over it.

God’s Word tells us that there are times when God brings misfortune into our lives as a way to test and strengthen our character. Satan will bring misfortune into our lives to get us to turn against God.

When misfortune comes into our lives, God would have it to become a stepping stone to a fortune. Fanny Crosby was a great hymn writer, but she was blind. Paul was a great servant of the Lord, but he had a thorn in the flesh. Their tests became their triumphs.

Prayer: Father, I know that whatever You bring into my life is to make me into Your likeness. May I take what You give me and use it to glorify You. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 2 Corinthians 12:1-9

Little Jennifer refused to do what her mother asked her to do. In frustration her mother said, “Go to your room and tell God what a naughty girl you’ve been.”

She stomped off to her room but came back quickly. Looking her mother in the eye she said, “I just talked to God. He said that I should just forget about what I had done.”

Confession does not come easily. It is difficult to express our guilt and ask God to forgive us for what we have done wrong. No one wants to take the lid off of a mind that thinks evil thoughts. Nor does anyone want to open the windows of a heart that harbors hurtful intentions.

Often we attempt to rationalize our sins – trying to convince ourselves that what we have done is really not bad. If that does not work, we will resort to generalizations saying, “Everyone does it, so it really does not matter.”

Neither one is acceptable to God. Someday, everyone will have to bow before God and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

We must not wait. Now is the day of salvation.

Prayer: Jesus, give me the grace and courage to admit my sins and an understanding of Your mercy that assures me of Your forgiveness. I know that I have fallen short of Your demands. Save me, for Jesus’ sake, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)

Alexander Graham Bell made his first telephone call using an old cigar box, two magnets, and two hundred feet of wire.

The message? “Mr. Watson, come here. I want you.”

That is God’s message to each of us. He says, “I want you.”

He wants us to come to Him for His salvation and the eternal life He has to give us through Christ, His Son. He begins by knocking at the door of our hearts and saying, “If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in.”

But what else does He offer? A hope that will encourage us. A light that will guide us. A peace that will calm us. A purpose that will empower us. A rest that will sustain us. A strength that will fill us. A love that will nourish us. A faith that will work for us. And finally, a home that will welcome us.

“Come unto me,” He says, “and I will give You.....”

Whatever we need is ours for the asking and His for the giving.

Prayer: We come to You, Father, knowing that every good and perfect thing comes from You alone. When we are weak, You can make us strong and when we lack anything, You can fill in the gaps. May we come to You, remembering that whatever concerns us concerned You first. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Matthew 11:28 (New International Version)

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Weeping loudly, a man cried out to me over the phone, “I’m at the end of my rope!”

“Great!” I replied. “Now you are coming to the beginning of the Lord’s!”

All of us must come to the end of our rope when we are looking for ways to be saved. The Bible clearly states, “There is no other name in heaven or on earth that will save you except My name.” We must come to the end of our rope before we find the Lord’s rope of salvation.

When we are feeling weak and paralyzed by the issues of life, we need to turn to the Lord. Paul reminds that we “can do all things through Christ Who gives us strength.”

Often in life God allows us to come to the end our “ropes” before we are willing to reach out or up to take hold of His. At times, we all want to be more than we are and do more than we can. That’s when He calls us and says, “Come unto me – I can and will help you!”

Prayer: Lord, I have trouble admitting that I can’t do everything by myself. Help me to always remember that my strength is made perfect in my weakness as I call upon You for my needs. In Your Name I pray, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:13

The captain of a large ship and his chief engineer got into an argument as to which of them was more important in operating the vessel. Failing to come to an agreement, they decided to swap jobs.

The Chief went to the bridge and the Captain went to the engine room.

It wasn’t long before the Captain called the Chief and said, “I can’t make her go any further.”

“Of course you can’t,” said the Chief. “I’ve run her aground!”

God has given each of us special skills. He wants me to do what He has equipped me for and called me to do. And He wants you to do what He has equipped and called you to do.

Your place is different from my place, but it is just as important. In God’s sight, it is not about prominence, but performance. There will always be someone who looks more important than we do. However, we usually measure ourselves and others by the world’s standards. The Christian must look to and wait upon the Lord for what He wants us to do.

Prayer: Father, let me be satisfied with being the person You want me to be and do the things that You chose for me to do. May I be content with who I am, but not satisfied until I am doing what You have chosen for me. In Your Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Corinthians 12

Many years ago an unknown inventor built a racing car and called it “999”. He then went out, found a motor cyclist named Barney Oldfield and asked him to drive it in a race. He did and the car achieved the speed of a mile a minute. It launched both of their careers.

Years later the auto builder was talking with the driver of his car and said, “You made me, Barney, and I made you.”

“True, Mr. Ford,” he said. “But no one would have heard about either of us if we had not worked together.”

People all around us are waiting to be discovered. Many have talents that could be used to the glory of God. Some could do great things for God if only they were asked.

Andrew found Peter and brought him to Jesus and he became one of the world’s greatest preachers. Paul asked Timothy to become his apprentice and he became a “troubleshooter” who resolved many problems in the early churches. Barnabas befriended Paul and actually recruited him into the ministry and he became a missionary, theologian, evangelist and Apostle to the Gentiles.

We must constantly look around us and find someone we can bring to the Lord.

Prayer: Father, open my eyes to those around me. Let me see not only who they are, but who they can become through Your grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: John 1:40-43

Mother Teresa of India was known for her compassionate heart. As she would travel through the streets of her home town, her heart would be overcome at the sight of those who were waiting to die. Wanting to do something for them, she would drag them into her home and care for them, waiting for them to die.

But something unusual happened. Many of those who had terminal illnesses and were expected to die, suddenly got better and lived. Why? They felt the love of Christ coming through her as she cared for them. Hope sprang up in their hearts and their health returned. Eventually they changed the name of the house from the Home of The Dying to the Home of the Living.

By placing our hope in God, we can turn our lives around. He can take our problems and turn them into His solutions. He can take our sorrows, wipe away our tears and bring us joy. He can take away our illnesses and bring us health. Whatever we need He can provide.

We need to follow the advice of the Psalmist and put our hope in God.

Prayer: Deliver us, heavenly Father from the doubts that would defeat us and the problems that would paralyze us. May we recognize Your strength and power and accept Your loving care that can make us complete. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 41:1-5

It was a break-in along the lines of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. A burglar broke into the Thomas Schimmel home in Michigan, rounded up the valuables, and ate a bowl of cereal. Thomas discovered the theft when he came home. He called the police. They arrived, investigated and left. Then Schimmel decided to go to bed. But when he got to his bedroom, he found the burglar sleeping in his bed. He slept through the investigation. Isn’t that just like sin? It’s not only stupid, it stupefies.

Are you living your life like this burglar? Have you lost your senses and become unaware of the sin in your life? Paul tells us in today’s verse “stop sinning.” When we continue to allow sin to control our lives rather than the Holy Spirit, we will be like the foolish who deny the resurrection. Change your way of thinking. Ask God to show you your sins and confess them to Him. He is an all loving and forgiving God and ready to embrace you with His Grace.

Prayer: Father, I pray that I will not be like this burglar, completely unaware of the sin that is taking over my life. Help me to rid myself of sin, rather than letting it fester in my life. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Corinthians 15:34

A man was asked to deliver three penguins to the zoo before closing time. But his truck broke down. He hailed a friend, expressed his need and gave him $25.00 to run his errand. Just when the truck was fixed, his friend came by with the penguins. He said, “I took them to the zoo. They liked it so much, now I am taking them to the park.”

Have you ever been misunderstood? Sharing your faith can be a frightening task for some Christians. They are fearful of being misunderstood or not being able to communicate effectively. Paul helps us with these fears. First, we must pray and pray diligently. God is faithful to help us when we share the gospel with others. Second, we are to keep our eyes open for opportunities to show Christ’s love to unbelievers through word and action. Are you willing to ask God for opportunities to share your faith?

Prayer: Lord, I pray that the words that leave my lips will always be gracious, kind and Godly. I ask that You will speak through me when I have an opportunity to share my faith. In Christ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Colossians 4:1-6

A pastor in a resort area invited a family to come to church. The father said, “Thanks, preacher. We hike every Sunday, and we can worship God in the woods.”

Yes, it is true that we can worship God in the woods. We are able, through God’s grace, to enter into His presence anytime and anywhere. Yet, we are called to gather together as Christians and encourage one another and love one another. The church, the body of Christ, has the unique and intentional purpose of worshiping God the Father and serving the world in Christ’s name. The church is the tool that God uses to reach and equip all people for His Kingdom. Coming together as believers to study God’s Word and live in a relationship with one another is not a duty to be dreaded; it is God’s provision and blessing for us.

Prayer: Lord, I pray that I will make it a priority in my life to be involved in local church. I pray that I will take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about You and Your Word. I pray that I will get involved in ministry and use my gifts and talents to serve my community for You. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 10:24-25

It was my birthday, and friends surprised me with a party. When it came time for dessert, a rose angel food cake was placed on the table, and I was asked to cut it. Taking hold of the knife, I started to cut the cake, immediately it gave forth the fragrance of a rose. “What a picture of a true Christian,” I cried.

A Christian, like a fragrant cake, should be overflowing with the fragrance of Christ. What happens when our hearts are wounded, when another person’s words or deeds cut deep within our soul? Do we smell like the Rose of Sharon or do we smell rotten? It is very easy to respond rashly when we or a loved one is hurt. We can say things we regret and be even more destructive than we realize at the moment. If we are to love as Christ loved, our response to affliction should be rooted in patience and kindness. There is never a time for jealousy, rudeness or selfishness. When we understand that Christ has loved us despite our sinfulness, it is possible to show love to those who sin against us.

Prayer: Father, I pray that You will help me to always be like Christ when I am wounded or hurting. Help me to forgive and love everyone as Christ has loved me. In Thy Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

When Michelangelo was planning a statue, he went to the marble quarry for a stone. All he could find in the size he wanted was a reject. He took it and formed the body of David into a position would fit. That reject became the renowned David.

That is what God does with us. He takes rejects and turns them into magnificent tools of God. God transformed Mary Magdalene. She was known for her promiscuity but she became an influential follower of Christ. Matthew, the tax collector, was a thief but after he gave his life to Christ he was used to pen part of the Holy Scriptures. Jesus invited four fishermen to leave their jobs and be transformed into preachers and teachers. God can take you and mold you into His image so that you can be used for His kingdom. Are you willing to become a faithful worker for God? It does not matter what you believe about yourself, you can be used by God if you let Him.
Prayer: Lord, I so often feel like a reject, believing that I am of no use to You. I pray that You will take me and turn me into the work of art that only You can. Thank You for loving me and sending Christ to die for my sins. I pray my life will reflect my gratitude. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Matthew 4:18-22

In Texas a man got tired of thieves breaking into his store. So he rigged a shotgun to shoot anyone who entered when it was closed. One morning he came to work and forgot to dismantle the trap. He opened the door and the gun went off. As he fell to the floor he cried, “I’ve shot myself.”

Sometimes our great ideas can get us “killed.” We are attracted by the things of this world and become influenced by its many “traps.” We begin to believe that our plans are better than what God has planned for us. Scripture teaches us that sin leads to death. We mindlessly walk in paths that lead to our destruction and death. Instead, we need to surrender our lives to God and to ask Him to make His way known to us as we read and trust His Word. We need to look to God for His purpose in our lives. As we accept His gracious gift of salvation and eternal life, we must realize that we are citizens of His kingdom and obligated to live lives that honor Him.

Prayer: Father, help me recognize the sin in my life that keeps me from growing into the likeness of Your Son. I pray that Your Holy Spirit will convict me and cleanse me and make me pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 6:23

Haven’t you heard the expression, “I’d give my right arm for that!” A thief did. He broke the window of a store to steal a television. As he reached his arm through the broken glass, a falling section of glass severed it above the elbow.

If we had the chance to ask this thief if he would really give up his arm for a television, I would assume he would not. Yet, each day we trade what is eternally valuable for the temporary pleasures. We work and give our time, energy and money to so many things that have no meaning in life. We do all these things in place of turning to God and using our talents and gifts to serve Him. We make sacrifices in life for what we deem important. What sacrifices are you making for Christ? He has called us to take up our cross and follow Him. What are you willing to give up in order to be a follower of Christ? He wants us to give up everything for Him.

Prayer: Lord, help me to see my life the way that You see it. I am sure that there are some things I need to be doing that I am not doing and some things I need to stop doing. Give me insight and courage to make the necessary corrections for Your sake. In Your name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Luke 9:23

During a major golf tournament the players were having a difficult time with their game because of strong winds. As they attempted to line up their putts, the wind kept blowing them off balance. Most of them played a terrible game. But one, Tony Jacklin, shot a remarkable seventy-one. At the end of his round a reporter asked him his secret. “I used the wind,” he said. “I let the wind work to my advantage.”

As in golf, so it is in life. If we Christians let the winds of adversity work to our advantage, we can accomplish great things.

James tells us that as we face trials and our faith is tested, we develop perseverance. The character trait of perseverance in a person is a mark of maturity. When we are able to persevere in trials, we will become more complete and not lack for anything. God will use our life experiences to change us into godly men and women. We will be able to comfort others as Christ has comforted us. Jesus has called us to use our adversities to further His kingdom and serve others. When we do this, we are glorifying God with our whole lives.

Prayer: Lord, continue to teach me how to use the trials in my life to become more like You. Give me the joy that only You can give me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: James 1:2-4

A new prison was built in British Columbia, and the prisoners tore down the old one. While the cells had heavy doors and the windows steel bars, the walls had been made of paper and clay. A big push could have knocked them out. But the prisoners thought escape was impossible.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you feel as though you cannot escape? Maybe it is the grief over a lost loved one or maybe you are dealing with the consequences of sinful activities. You might be dealing with addictions, whether to alcohol, pornography or spending money you do not have. Whatever it is you are battling, if you allow God’s grace to transform your heart and change you, you will have the strength to combat any sin or temptation. Through Christ’s power, the same power that raised Christ from the dead, you can break the chains that are keeping you from having the life that God wants for you. Through Christ you can do all things.

Prayer: Lord, I give to You all my addictions and burdens that are holding me back. I pray that I will embrace You and Your everlasting love to help me change the habits in my life. Thank You for walking with me through every step of this process. In Your Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:13

One day a friend baked me a cherry pie. While enjoying the second piece, my teeth came down on a cherry stone. When I reached for it, I also found a broken tooth. While nursing the pain, I thought on Proverbs 20:17.

“Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.” Cheating or being fraudulent in any way may get a person ahead, but only temporarily. Dishonest gains are not only found in big corporations with million dollar transactions. God is also aware of the small things. What do you do when you are given too much money back at the cash register? Are you ever tempted to be dishonest at work with your time sheet? Even if dishonesty helps one to succeed in the eyes of the world or increases ones wealth, it is really worth nothing at all. Only the things of God have real worth and are valuable and everlasting. It is also important to know that even if we succeed in fooling the people around us, God still knows our actions and our hearts.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be honest in everything I do, whether in my work day, my personal finances or in my relationships. Forgive me where I have failed and help me to make right what ever offense I have committed. In Your Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 20:17

Two girls were picking apples. One stayed on the ground, while the other climbed the tree. “Don’t step on that branch, it’s weak,” cried the farmer. “If you break it, it will not bear fruit.”

Children are very much like that branch. If we break their spirit and permit them to sin, they will not bear spiritual fruit in their lives. The young had a very important role in Jesus’ earthly ministry. He spoke often that we are to be humble like children and welcome them the way we would welcome Christ. To lead the young into sin is a grave offense. Jesus said death is better than leading a child into sin. Are we aware of the ways we are leading our children into sin? Do we monitor what they see and hear on the television, internet or in the movies? Are we cautious of who they spend time with and what they are doing when with other people? The most important question we can ask ourselves is, “Am I leading by example or am I teaching them evil?” We must examine our lives to be sure that we are showing our children a life patterned after Christ.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the children and youth You have placed in my life. I pray that I will do everything possible to lead them towards Jesus and not away. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Matthew 18:1-7

Once, while filming, I tried to look at the camera and the cue card at the same time. “Don’t squint!” I was told. It’s obvious that when I tried to look in two directions I lost my focus.

The Gospel of Matthew tells the story of Peter walking to meet Jesus. Things were going well. He started strong. He defied the laws of man and nature. It was as though he was walking on a paved highway. But suddenly he began to sink. He took his eyes off of Jesus and became concerned about the high winds and angry waves. When we take our eyes off Christ, we stop trusting in Him and His ability to care for our every need. It is then that we begin to sink as well. We fall into our own miry pits and unless we reach for God, we will drown. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus and walk towards Him in the midst of our storms.

Prayer: Lord, I pray that I will always keep focused on You and Your grace. Help me not to be distracted by things around me, but be able to boldly grow in my faith. In Your Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Matthew 14:23-36

A couple was selling a farm. In a meeting with their attorney, the wife was asked, “Did you sign this deed of your own free will? Did your husband in any way coerce you to sign these papers?”

“Him?” she asked. “I’d like to see him try to coerce me.”

Life is full of choices. We choose our spouses, our careers, our friends, our hobbies and where we live. But above all of those choices is choosing who we will serve with our lives. The supreme choice we all must make is whether or not we will serve God. Throughout Scripture God has challenged everyone to walk with Him and become one of His children by faith and His grace. However, He has never dragged an unwilling heart into His kingdom. He may bring unwelcome events into our lives to get our attention, but in the final analysis, we must decide for Him or against Him. Though we may have turned away from Him in the past, He is waiting for us to come to Him right now. The choice is ours!

Prayer: Lord, of all the decisions I make in life, choosing You to become my Lord and Savior is the most important. May I this day surrender my life completely to You, have an open heart and willingly dedicate all that I am and have to You. In Christ’s Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Joshua 24:15

Dr. David Livingstone went to Africa to become a missionary. The need was great. He wrote home to England asking for more workers.

The leaders wrote, “We would like to send more workers to you, but they want to know if there is a good road into your outpost.”

“If you are offering to send workers who will come only if the road is easy, I can’t use them,” answered Livingstone. “I need workers who are ready to pick up their crosses and follow Christ. The road to Calvary was far from easy.”

Jesus preached to the crowds that if they wanted to follow Him they must be willing to give up everything for Him. Jesus asked His disciples to leave their homes and to be content even if they had no place to lay their heads. We may be asked to give sacrificially of our time, or our money. Perhaps God is calling you to go on a mission trip that will stretch you financially. God may even be calling you to share Christ with someone that has hurt you. To take up our cross means we are willing to follow Christ anywhere He calls.

Prayer: Lord, I pray that I will not look for the easy road, but will embrace Your call on my life no matter how challenging it may be. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Mark 8:34-38

Count Basie, the bandleader, said to a night club owner, “I’m not returning until you have your piano tuned.”

Later the owner called Basie and said, “Everything is ready for you to return!”

After sitting at the piano and playing a few notes, Basie shouted, “It’s still out of tune!”

“But, I had it painted,” protested the owner.

There are many people who claim to be “Christians” but do not understand what that really means. They go to church, are honest and responsible, help the needy and even support good causes. But until they accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, they are not Christians.
Becoming a Christian means I have been saved by God’s grace not by my good works. We can do everything right on the outside, but God cares about what is on inside. John said that we must know the Son of God personally and believe sincerely that we can only be saved through the grace of God. Only then will we have the new life that comes through Christ. We can deceive ourselves and those around us, but not God. He knows what is in our hearts.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want that new life in Christ that John talks about. May I find salvation through Your Son, my Savior, and willingly share Him, Who is life eternal, with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 John 5:12