What Do You See?

The citizens of a small community were overwhelmed with discouragement. The drought had destroyed the crops of the farmers, and they were facing bankruptcy. The merchants were unable to purchase inventory for their stores because their customers could not pay their bills. And things went downhill from there. 

Everyone was heartbroken and depressed except one elderly man of God. He invited the leaders of the community to his home for a meeting to see if he could encourage them to continue a little longer. 

 His friends came to his home and sat around his kitchen table. He asked them to turn from facing him while he hung a large piece of white paper on a wall. Then, he asked them to turn and look at it. As they did, he placed a black dot in the center and asked, “Gentlemen, what do you see?” 

In unison, they said, “A black dot.” Not one of them mentioned the white paper that surrounded the one small black dot.  

“Gentlemen,” he asked, “are there some blessings in your life that we can place around the black dot that might make it not so obvious?” One by one, they thought of the good things that they had been overlooking in their time of loss and grief. 

 God’s goodness sometimes disappears from our horizon. When days are difficult and nights are long, it is easy to see the dot and not the One who can remove it. 

Prayer:  Help us, Heavenly Father, to be aware of all that we have because of Your goodness and grace. Give us faith to endure the difficulties of life through Your strength. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today:  Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Matthew 19:26 

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What Do You See?

The citizens of a small community were overwhelmed with discouragement. The drought had destroyed the crops of the farmers, and they were facing bankruptcy. The merchants were unable to purchase inventory for their stores because their customers could not pay their bills. And things went downhill from there. 

Everyone was heartbroken and depressed except one elderly man of God. He invited the leaders of the community to his home for a meeting to see if he could encourage them to continue a little longer. 

 His friends came to his home and sat around his kitchen table. He asked them to turn from facing him while he hung a large piece of white paper on a wall. Then, he asked them to turn and look at it. As they did, he placed a black dot in the center and asked, “Gentlemen, what do you see?” 

In unison, they said, “A black dot.” Not one of them mentioned the white paper that surrounded the one small black dot.  

“Gentlemen,” he asked, “are there some blessings in your life that we can place around the black dot that might make it not so obvious?” One by one, they thought of the good things that they had been overlooking in their time of loss and grief. 

 God’s goodness sometimes disappears from our horizon. When days are difficult and nights are long, it is easy to see the dot and not the One who can remove it. 

Prayer:  Help us, Heavenly Father, to be aware of all that we have because of Your goodness and grace. Give us faith to endure the difficulties of life through Your strength. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today:  Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Matthew 19:26 

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The Source Of Peace

Russ Ortiz was an outstanding baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. In fact, in one season he won twenty-one games. 

On one occasion, a reporter asked him how he kept calm in situations when it looked like he would lose control of the game. Quickly he replied, “When I am on the mound and need a calming experience, I look under the bill of my cap. You see, I keep a Bible verse there,” he explained. “When I started doing it,” he continued, “it helped me put things in perspective.” 

The Christian is never guaranteed a life free from stress, strife, or the challenges of the world. Being a disciple of Christ does not promise us of quiet paths and calm waters. But it does assure us that when we keep our minds securely focused on God and His Word, we will know perfect peace even in the most turbulent times. 

Isaiah, in a song of praise to the Lord, wrote, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on You!”  

This is a powerful promise for every believer. His Word and His faithfulness provide all of the assurance that we need to know that He will give us perfect peace. It exceeds all of the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding that we find in the writings of worldly authors. In Him, we have everything we need: His eternal and unchanging love. When we accept this fact, there is no reason for us to fear the chaos that confronts us or the confusion that surrounds us. He gives us peace. 

Prayer:  Lord, may we accept the peace that You offer us through Your Son, our Savior. Help us to rely on Him and His power to protect and preserve us in all things. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today:  You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on You! Isaiah 26:3

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The Source Of Peace

Russ Ortiz was an outstanding baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. In fact, in one season he won twenty-one games. 

On one occasion, a reporter asked him how he kept calm in situations when it looked like he would lose control of the game. Quickly he replied, “When I am on the mound and need a calming experience, I look under the bill of my cap. You see, I keep a Bible verse there,” he explained. “When I started doing it,” he continued, “it helped me put things in perspective.” 

The Christian is never guaranteed a life free from stress, strife, or the challenges of the world. Being a disciple of Christ does not promise us of quiet paths and calm waters. But it does assure us that when we keep our minds securely focused on God and His Word, we will know perfect peace even in the most turbulent times. 

Isaiah, in a song of praise to the Lord, wrote, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on You!”  

This is a powerful promise for every believer. His Word and His faithfulness provide all of the assurance that we need to know that He will give us perfect peace. It exceeds all of the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding that we find in the writings of worldly authors. In Him, we have everything we need: His eternal and unchanging love. When we accept this fact, there is no reason for us to fear the chaos that confronts us or the confusion that surrounds us. He gives us peace. 

Prayer:  Lord, may we accept the peace that You offer us through Your Son, our Savior. Help us to rely on Him and His power to protect and preserve us in all things. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today:  You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on You! Isaiah 26:3

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Dig Deeper!

Henry was caught up in the gold rush. Shortly after arriving in California, he found a mine, staked a claim, and began digging. One day he found some ore, became excited, and believed he had struck it rich. He knew, without any doubt, that fame and fortune would soon be his. 

He kept digging for a few weeks but eventually became discouraged and wanted to quit. Finally, a stranger approached him and offered to purchase his mine. In a moment of frustration, he agreed to sell his rights for $11,000.00. 

The new owner was excited about his purchase and began to dig where Henry stopped. And he kept digging for years and years. Eventually, the Comstock Mine produced 340 million dollars of gold! 

Wanting to encourage the church in Galatia, the Apostle Paul wrote, “So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessings at the appropriate time.”  

We have all faced those times in our lives when we become discouraged and distressed at doing what we believe is the right thing to do. No one offers a word of thanks or encouragement, and there are no visible results to accompany our hard work. But Paul reminds us to keep on keeping on and doing good and then trust God for the results. Giving in or giving up or giving out is the sure way to forfeit the blessing that God will award us for being faithful. 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, may we be faithful to You in what You ask us to do. Protect us from allowing discouraging moments to destroy us and doubts to defeat us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today: So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessings at the appropriate time. Galatians 6:9 

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Dig Deeper!

Henry was caught up in the gold rush. Shortly after arriving in California, he found a mine, staked a claim, and began digging. One day he found some ore, became excited, and believed he had struck it rich. He knew, without any doubt, that fame and fortune would soon be his. 

He kept digging for a few weeks but eventually became discouraged and wanted to quit. Finally, a stranger approached him and offered to purchase his mine. In a moment of frustration, he agreed to sell his rights for $11,000.00. 

The new owner was excited about his purchase and began to dig where Henry stopped. And he kept digging for years and years. Eventually, the Comstock Mine produced 340 million dollars of gold! 

Wanting to encourage the church in Galatia, the Apostle Paul wrote, “So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessings at the appropriate time.”  

We have all faced those times in our lives when we become discouraged and distressed at doing what we believe is the right thing to do. No one offers a word of thanks or encouragement, and there are no visible results to accompany our hard work. But Paul reminds us to keep on keeping on and doing good and then trust God for the results. Giving in or giving up or giving out is the sure way to forfeit the blessing that God will award us for being faithful. 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, may we be faithful to You in what You ask us to do. Protect us from allowing discouraging moments to destroy us and doubts to defeat us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today: So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessings at the appropriate time. Galatians 6:9 

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To Believe Is To Achieve

A group of men was preparing to climb Mount Everest. As the final pieces of their plan fell into place, a psychologist asked if he could interview them. They agreed to his request, and he met with them at their camp. 

Looking at each one of them carefully and intently, he asked them – one by one -“Tell me, will you get to the top?” 

The first answered, “I certainly hope so.” The second responded, “I’ll do my best.” The third, “I’m going to give it all I’ve got.” And, the fourth said, “Yes, I will.” And he did - and he was the only one! 

 Our bodies can achieve what our hearts believe, and our hearts believe what comes from our minds. A lack of faith enlarges our fears and turns the fears into facts. The shadows that our thoughts create can become so dreadful that we are afraid to face them. Our worries eventually become walls that we cannot climb over or around. 

Often when someone asks us to do “something” for the Lord, our minds create fears that are not based on facts, but shadows that have no substance. We have no vision of being able to accomplish new challenges and cannot see through the windows of opportunity God offers us. 

Isaiah, the Prophet, boldly declared, “See, God has come to save me, I will trust in Him and not be afraid! The Lord God is my strength and my song, He has become my salvation!”  

 If we truly trust God, all things are possible.  

Prayer:  Lord, in Your grace, You bring so many opportunities and challenges into our lives that allow us to honor You. Help us to trust in You and be victorious. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today:  See, God has come to save me, I will trust in Him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song, He has become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2 

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To Believe Is To Achieve

A group of men was preparing to climb Mount Everest. As the final pieces of their plan fell into place, a psychologist asked if he could interview them. They agreed to his request, and he met with them at their camp. 

Looking at each one of them carefully and intently, he asked them – one by one -“Tell me, will you get to the top?” 

The first answered, “I certainly hope so.” The second responded, “I’ll do my best.” The third, “I’m going to give it all I’ve got.” And, the fourth said, “Yes, I will.” And he did - and he was the only one! 

 Our bodies can achieve what our hearts believe, and our hearts believe what comes from our minds. A lack of faith enlarges our fears and turns the fears into facts. The shadows that our thoughts create can become so dreadful that we are afraid to face them. Our worries eventually become walls that we cannot climb over or around. 

Often when someone asks us to do “something” for the Lord, our minds create fears that are not based on facts, but shadows that have no substance. We have no vision of being able to accomplish new challenges and cannot see through the windows of opportunity God offers us. 

Isaiah, the Prophet, boldly declared, “See, God has come to save me, I will trust in Him and not be afraid! The Lord God is my strength and my song, He has become my salvation!”  

 If we truly trust God, all things are possible.  

Prayer:  Lord, in Your grace, You bring so many opportunities and challenges into our lives that allow us to honor You. Help us to trust in You and be victorious. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today:  See, God has come to save me, I will trust in Him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song, He has become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2 

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Pray Or Worry - Which?

Each morning Josie and her Mom prayed together before she left for school. One morning after they prayed, Josie noticed a look of distress and worry on her Mom’s face. 

Concerned, she said, “Mom, we just prayed together and thanked the Lord for everything we had and then told Him about everything we needed. I thought that if we prayed, we wouldn’t have to worry. I didn’t know that we could do both at the same time.” 

Worry and faith are incompatible. If we have faith, there is no need to worry, and if we worry, we do not need to pray. One seems to cancel out the other.  

Many would argue that it is impossible not to worry at least some of the time. But, listen to Paul: “Don’t worry about anything,” he said. “Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and then thank Him for all He has done” and is going to do! 

Maybe that’s the key to avoid worrying: When we thank God for all that He has done for us, we can see His hand at work in our lives. And, rather than worrying about what might or might not happen, we can see that what has happened has benefitted us in one way or another. When we have this attitude, we will realize that God is protecting us and providing for our every need. 

Paul advised the church members at Philippi to turn their worries into prayers. He wanted them to have a strong faith, deep trust, and sincere belief in the Lord for all things. And, think of this: If our faith and trust belief are weak, worrying won’t help.  

Prayer:  Lord, increase our faith to exceed the size of our fears and our trust to be large enough to combat the uncertainties of life. May we become steadfast and sure. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today:  Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 

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Pray Or Worry - Which?

Each morning Josie and her Mom prayed together before she left for school. One morning after they prayed, Josie noticed a look of distress and worry on her Mom’s face. 

Concerned, she said, “Mom, we just prayed together and thanked the Lord for everything we had and then told Him about everything we needed. I thought that if we prayed, we wouldn’t have to worry. I didn’t know that we could do both at the same time.” 

Worry and faith are incompatible. If we have faith, there is no need to worry, and if we worry, we do not need to pray. One seems to cancel out the other.  

Many would argue that it is impossible not to worry at least some of the time. But, listen to Paul: “Don’t worry about anything,” he said. “Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and then thank Him for all He has done” and is going to do! 

Maybe that’s the key to avoid worrying: When we thank God for all that He has done for us, we can see His hand at work in our lives. And, rather than worrying about what might or might not happen, we can see that what has happened has benefitted us in one way or another. When we have this attitude, we will realize that God is protecting us and providing for our every need. 

Paul advised the church members at Philippi to turn their worries into prayers. He wanted them to have a strong faith, deep trust, and sincere belief in the Lord for all things. And, think of this: If our faith and trust belief are weak, worrying won’t help.  

Prayer:  Lord, increase our faith to exceed the size of our fears and our trust to be large enough to combat the uncertainties of life. May we become steadfast and sure. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today:  Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 

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At Least One More Thing

The elderly deacon was encouraging a young, yet very successful, entrepreneur to pray and surrender his life to the Lord. Arrogantly he said, “There’s no need for me to pray. I have everything I can imagine. I am young, handsome, and rich. What else is there?” 

“Well,” replied the man graciously, “there’s at least one more thing you may want to consider. You may want to consider asking God for humility.”  

It is fascinating to recall the fact that God created the universe out of nothing, and that unless we are willing to become nothing, the Lord will be unable to make anything significant out of us. Pride is a destructive force in so many lives. It limits our potential. 

When we come to believe that we deserve what we have and become self-centered and self-serving, we are developing an attitude of self-dependence and not God-dependence. We forget the fact that whatever we have we have by the grace of God, and that our abilities to accomplish anything and everything come from Him. When this happens, we tend to become greedy and forget our responsibility to honor God with everything that we have. 

The cure for being self-centered and self-serving is humility. Humility shows that we are submissive and dependent on God and that we approach Him in meekness and respect. David said that the “Lord leads the humble in what is right.” God can only lead the humble. 

Prayer:  Father, we need Your leadership in our lives. Without Your guidance and direction, we may achieve much, but we will miss the greater things You have for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today:  And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 

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At Least One More Thing

The elderly deacon was encouraging a young, yet very successful, entrepreneur to pray and surrender his life to the Lord. Arrogantly he said, “There’s no need for me to pray. I have everything I can imagine. I am young, handsome, and rich. What else is there?” 

“Well,” replied the man graciously, “there’s at least one more thing you may want to consider. You may want to consider asking God for humility.”  

It is fascinating to recall the fact that God created the universe out of nothing, and that unless we are willing to become nothing, the Lord will be unable to make anything significant out of us. Pride is a destructive force in so many lives. It limits our potential. 

When we come to believe that we deserve what we have and become self-centered and self-serving, we are developing an attitude of self-dependence and not God-dependence. We forget the fact that whatever we have we have by the grace of God, and that our abilities to accomplish anything and everything come from Him. When this happens, we tend to become greedy and forget our responsibility to honor God with everything that we have. 

The cure for being self-centered and self-serving is humility. Humility shows that we are submissive and dependent on God and that we approach Him in meekness and respect. David said that the “Lord leads the humble in what is right.” God can only lead the humble. 

Prayer:  Father, we need Your leadership in our lives. Without Your guidance and direction, we may achieve much, but we will miss the greater things You have for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today:  And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 

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Anger In Action

A college professor was having a difficult time getting his students to do their required assignments. As the class was about to end, he said emphatically, “When you come to class tomorrow, it would be wise to have your assignment completed and ready for my review.” 

The next day when class began, he said in a loud, threatening voice, “Hold up your papers with your right hand!” All of the students complied with his demand except one. He held up his paper with his left hand. 

Incensed, the professor shouted, “Right hand stupid, not your left hand. Don’t you know the difference?” 

“Yes, sir, I do, sir,” said the student. “But I lost my right hand in combat.”  

The Greeks had a particular phrase for anger. They called it “a brief madness.” It seems appropriate. When we become angry, we lose control of ourselves, and we often say things that are hurtful, hateful, and harmful. 

David, the Psalmist, was wise when he wrote, “Stop your anger! Turn from your rage....it only leads to harm.” 

Anger and rage are toxic, destructive emotions that reveal a desire to dominate and destroy and control others. That is not our responsibility. Our responsibility is to concentrate on God and His love, mercy, and grace in our lives and find peace as we trust Him to control us. 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, help us to turn our anger into affection and our frustration into faith - knowing that You will turn our trials into triumphs if we surrender to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today: Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper - it only leads to harm. Psalm 37:8 

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Anger In Action

A college professor was having a difficult time getting his students to do their required assignments. As the class was about to end, he said emphatically, “When you come to class tomorrow, it would be wise to have your assignment completed and ready for my review.” 

The next day when class began, he said in a loud, threatening voice, “Hold up your papers with your right hand!” All of the students complied with his demand except one. He held up his paper with his left hand. 

Incensed, the professor shouted, “Right hand stupid, not your left hand. Don’t you know the difference?” 

“Yes, sir, I do, sir,” said the student. “But I lost my right hand in combat.”  

The Greeks had a particular phrase for anger. They called it “a brief madness.” It seems appropriate. When we become angry, we lose control of ourselves, and we often say things that are hurtful, hateful, and harmful. 

David, the Psalmist, was wise when he wrote, “Stop your anger! Turn from your rage....it only leads to harm.” 

Anger and rage are toxic, destructive emotions that reveal a desire to dominate and destroy and control others. That is not our responsibility. Our responsibility is to concentrate on God and His love, mercy, and grace in our lives and find peace as we trust Him to control us. 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, help us to turn our anger into affection and our frustration into faith - knowing that You will turn our trials into triumphs if we surrender to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today: Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper - it only leads to harm. Psalm 37:8 

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Where's The Piccolo?

Sir Michael Costa was a celebrated and successful conductor in England. He was recognized by others for the demands he placed on musicians to be accurate and to perform with excellence. In fact, many resented him for his adherence to high musical standards. 

On one occasion, during a rehearsal of a large choir and orchestra, he brought the music to an abrupt stop. The musicians were puzzled until he shouted, “Where’s the piccolo? I can’t hear the piccolo.” 

With all of the musicians playing as loudly as they could, and the choir singing as loudly as it could, the piccolo player thought to himself, “My instrument is so small, and the sound it makes is so insignificant, it won’t be missed.” But to Costa, the sound of one small, seemingly insignificant instrument, was essential to complete the harmony for the concert to be acceptable. 

Paul, writing to the church at Corinth, said, “Now, all of you together are Christ’s body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.” Here we find him emphasizing the significance, obligation, and responsibility that each of us has to use our talents and skills to do the work of Christ through our church and its various activities. 

 One of the dangers of comparing ourselves to others is that we come out looking as small as a piccolo. Remember, the Conductor needs us to play our part to complete His concert. 

Prayer:  Lord, we each play our part in Your symphony of grace. May we realize that if we do not play our role and play it well, Your Kingdom will be incomplete. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today:  All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

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Where's The Piccolo?

Sir Michael Costa was a celebrated and successful conductor in England. He was recognized by others for the demands he placed on musicians to be accurate and to perform with excellence. In fact, many resented him for his adherence to high musical standards. 

On one occasion, during a rehearsal of a large choir and orchestra, he brought the music to an abrupt stop. The musicians were puzzled until he shouted, “Where’s the piccolo? I can’t hear the piccolo.” 

With all of the musicians playing as loudly as they could, and the choir singing as loudly as it could, the piccolo player thought to himself, “My instrument is so small, and the sound it makes is so insignificant, it won’t be missed.” But to Costa, the sound of one small, seemingly insignificant instrument, was essential to complete the harmony for the concert to be acceptable. 

Paul, writing to the church at Corinth, said, “Now, all of you together are Christ’s body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.” Here we find him emphasizing the significance, obligation, and responsibility that each of us has to use our talents and skills to do the work of Christ through our church and its various activities. 

 One of the dangers of comparing ourselves to others is that we come out looking as small as a piccolo. Remember, the Conductor needs us to play our part to complete His concert. 

Prayer:  Lord, we each play our part in Your symphony of grace. May we realize that if we do not play our role and play it well, Your Kingdom will be incomplete. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today:  All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

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No Cushion For His Cross

A missionary told the story of watching a man, dressed like Jesus, carrying a cross through crowded streets during Easter week. He was intrigued by the scene and got as close to the man as possible. He wanted to observe him more carefully so he could tell the story to others. When he finally was a few feet from him, he noticed that under his garment was a pillow that cushioned the weight of the cross so it would not hurt or cause him pain.  

 We must never forget the weight of the cross that Jesus carried on our behalf. Picture, if you can, the scene: the heat of the day, the blood streaming down His face from the crown of thorns, and stripes down His back from the horrible beatings He endured before the nails were driven through His hands and feet, crowds laughing and taunting, alone and abandoned by His trusted friends and followers.  

Too often we look at an empty cross and forget the reality of the cross and what it cost Jesus and His Father. Our religion has become a religion of convenience - not of conviction. 

We have glamorized the cross as an object of art and made it into a piece of jewelry that adorns the necks of people who do not know or want to know the story of the extreme cost of our redemption. To many it is simply an ornament - something worn but not born. Jesus said, “If you want to be my follower, then shoulder your cross and follow me closely.” No pillow required. 

Prayer:  Help us, Father, through Your Spirit, to understand the cost and value of our salvation. May we accept our part of the cost by shouldering our cross with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today: Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. Mark 8:34 

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No Cushion For His Cross

A missionary told the story of watching a man, dressed like Jesus, carrying a cross through crowded streets during Easter week. He was intrigued by the scene and got as close to the man as possible. He wanted to observe him more carefully so he could tell the story to others. When he finally was a few feet from him, he noticed that under his garment was a pillow that cushioned the weight of the cross so it would not hurt or cause him pain.  

 We must never forget the weight of the cross that Jesus carried on our behalf. Picture, if you can, the scene: the heat of the day, the blood streaming down His face from the crown of thorns, and stripes down His back from the horrible beatings He endured before the nails were driven through His hands and feet, crowds laughing and taunting, alone and abandoned by His trusted friends and followers.  

Too often we look at an empty cross and forget the reality of the cross and what it cost Jesus and His Father. Our religion has become a religion of convenience - not of conviction. 

We have glamorized the cross as an object of art and made it into a piece of jewelry that adorns the necks of people who do not know or want to know the story of the extreme cost of our redemption. To many it is simply an ornament - something worn but not born. Jesus said, “If you want to be my follower, then shoulder your cross and follow me closely.” No pillow required. 

Prayer:  Help us, Father, through Your Spirit, to understand the cost and value of our salvation. May we accept our part of the cost by shouldering our cross with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today: Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. Mark 8:34 

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I Want To Help Others

He could feel the damp moisture in the late-night London fog each time a gust of wind blew against him. Blind and alone, he was feeling his way down a deserted street with a white cane in one hand and a lantern in the other.  

Eventually, a stranger approached him, walking in the opposite direction. Amused, and in a sarcastic voice, he said, “Why are you, a blind man, carrying a lantern?”  

“Oh, sir,” replied the blind man, “I’m not carrying it for myself. It’s for others. I want to help them so they won’t stumble over me.” 

Often we think only of ourselves: our problems and our pains, our difficulties and our dilemmas, our hard times and horrible tasks. How unfortunate! 

It is the duty of the Christian to think of everyone and everything that may cause problems for ourselves and others as well. We are responsible for holding up a light in the darkness of this world for those around us who are seeking their way through life.  

And we are not only to light a pathway for them in times of life’s darkest moments but to help them find the “Light of the World” - Jesus - who is “the Way, the Truth and the Life!” 

God’s Word is clear and unconditional when it states, “Each one of us will give an account of himself to God” for what we did and do not do. We must hold high the Light! 

Prayer:  Father, even though we are kind and gracious when we help others through times of darkness, it does not relieve us of our responsibility to present “the Light.” In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today: This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. 1 John 1:5 

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I Want To Help Others

He could feel the damp moisture in the late-night London fog each time a gust of wind blew against him. Blind and alone, he was feeling his way down a deserted street with a white cane in one hand and a lantern in the other.  

Eventually, a stranger approached him, walking in the opposite direction. Amused, and in a sarcastic voice, he said, “Why are you, a blind man, carrying a lantern?”  

“Oh, sir,” replied the blind man, “I’m not carrying it for myself. It’s for others. I want to help them so they won’t stumble over me.” 

Often we think only of ourselves: our problems and our pains, our difficulties and our dilemmas, our hard times and horrible tasks. How unfortunate! 

It is the duty of the Christian to think of everyone and everything that may cause problems for ourselves and others as well. We are responsible for holding up a light in the darkness of this world for those around us who are seeking their way through life.  

And we are not only to light a pathway for them in times of life’s darkest moments but to help them find the “Light of the World” - Jesus - who is “the Way, the Truth and the Life!” 

God’s Word is clear and unconditional when it states, “Each one of us will give an account of himself to God” for what we did and do not do. We must hold high the Light! 

Prayer:  Father, even though we are kind and gracious when we help others through times of darkness, it does not relieve us of our responsibility to present “the Light.” In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today: This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. 1 John 1:5 

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Where Is God?

Sir John Franklin is remembered for being a great Englishman and explorer of the Arctic region of the planet. As he was planning one of his expeditions, he decided that, based on his various journeys, he would revise the map of the world. 

Previous to Franklin, others had been marking unknown territories with phrases such as “Here be Dragons,” and “Here be Demons.” 

 But, on his revised map, he wrote, “Here be God.” Sir Franklin, as a result of his journeys, knew that wherever he was, God would be. Even in the most distant, most lonely, and most inaccessible places, he believed that he would find God. 

In Psalm 121, we discover the assurance and hope that wherever we are, God is. He is with us always, protecting us and providing for our every need - day or night. He not only made the mountains and seas, the valleys and deserts, but all that they contain.  

 We must never forget that the Creator of the universe is the sustainer of the universe. Trusting the One Who “put it all together” enables us to believe that He will not allow “dragons” and “demons” to overcome the one who trusts in His goodness and grace.  

Nothing will ever divert or distract God from watching over His children. We can have the utmost confidence that in Him, we are safe and can never escape His untiring, unceasing watch over us. 

Prayer:  May we join our voices with the Psalmist, Father, and shout, “Keep watch over me, Lord, as You come and go, both now and forever!” How blest we are for Your love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today:  The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalm 121 

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Where Is God?

Sir John Franklin is remembered for being a great Englishman and explorer of the Arctic region of the planet. As he was planning one of his expeditions, he decided that, based on his various journeys, he would revise the map of the world. 

Previous to Franklin, others had been marking unknown territories with phrases such as “Here be Dragons,” and “Here be Demons.” 

 But, on his revised map, he wrote, “Here be God.” Sir Franklin, as a result of his journeys, knew that wherever he was, God would be. Even in the most distant, most lonely, and most inaccessible places, he believed that he would find God. 

In Psalm 121, we discover the assurance and hope that wherever we are, God is. He is with us always, protecting us and providing for our every need - day or night. He not only made the mountains and seas, the valleys and deserts, but all that they contain.  

 We must never forget that the Creator of the universe is the sustainer of the universe. Trusting the One Who “put it all together” enables us to believe that He will not allow “dragons” and “demons” to overcome the one who trusts in His goodness and grace.  

Nothing will ever divert or distract God from watching over His children. We can have the utmost confidence that in Him, we are safe and can never escape His untiring, unceasing watch over us. 

Prayer:  May we join our voices with the Psalmist, Father, and shout, “Keep watch over me, Lord, as You come and go, both now and forever!” How blest we are for Your love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today:  The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalm 121 

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Let God Be The Judge

Young Anthony was ending his prayers before leaving for school. “And, finally, God, thank You for this beautiful day that You have given us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.” 

“But, Anthony,” protested his mother, “this is not going to be a beautiful day. Large thunderstorms are approaching.” 

“I know, Mom,” replied Anthony. “Never judge a day by its weather,” he said as he ran out the door. 

The Psalmist proclaimed, “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!”  

Sometimes when we get halfway through a day, we feel that there is nothing to rejoice about or to be thankful for. Our problems mount, and their solutions evade us. Our plans are interrupted by meaningless demands that make no sense at all. Our decisions seem to be wrong, no matter how hard we tried to get them right. Our sorrow overwhelms us, and our guilt appears beyond God’s forgiveness. What then? Rejoice? Makes no sense to most people. 

But, according to the Psalmist, that’s the best thing we can do. When we read the Psalms carefully and allow God to speak to us clearly, we will discover that the authors were open and honest with God about their difficulties. And, when they talked to God sincerely, by the time they came to the close of their prayers, they ended them by giving Him praise. Give Him facts. He’ll help! 

Prayer:  Thank You, God, for always being with us in all of our difficulties. Help us to know and hear Your voice and then accept Your grace as a solution to our problems. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today: This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24-28

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Let God Be The Judge

Young Anthony was ending his prayers before leaving for school. “And, finally, God, thank You for this beautiful day that You have given us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.” 

“But, Anthony,” protested his mother, “this is not going to be a beautiful day. Large thunderstorms are approaching.” 

“I know, Mom,” replied Anthony. “Never judge a day by its weather,” he said as he ran out the door. 

The Psalmist proclaimed, “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!”  

Sometimes when we get halfway through a day, we feel that there is nothing to rejoice about or to be thankful for. Our problems mount, and their solutions evade us. Our plans are interrupted by meaningless demands that make no sense at all. Our decisions seem to be wrong, no matter how hard we tried to get them right. Our sorrow overwhelms us, and our guilt appears beyond God’s forgiveness. What then? Rejoice? Makes no sense to most people. 

But, according to the Psalmist, that’s the best thing we can do. When we read the Psalms carefully and allow God to speak to us clearly, we will discover that the authors were open and honest with God about their difficulties. And, when they talked to God sincerely, by the time they came to the close of their prayers, they ended them by giving Him praise. Give Him facts. He’ll help! 

Prayer:  Thank You, God, for always being with us in all of our difficulties. Help us to know and hear Your voice and then accept Your grace as a solution to our problems. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today: This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24-28

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Using Everything For The Lord

Shauna was on her way home from work, tired from a stressful day. The road was icy, and the curves dangerous. Suddenly the car began to skid and plunged into a river crusted with ice. 

A truck with four men also returning from work was following some distance behind her. When they saw what had happened, they stopped their truck, and with no hesitation, dove into the icy water to rescue her. 

One of the four men was Terry Kelly. Terry did not know how to swim and had a withered right arm that was almost useless. Nevertheless, he knew he wanted to do something. And he did. 

The men found the car locked, and Shauna, on the inside losing consciousness, was struggling in fear. But, Terry was able to get his small, withered arm through a window that was partially open, and unlock the door. The men were then able to rescue and revive Shauna. 

Though many would have questioned the value of, or perhaps ridiculed, Terry’s withered arm, it worked wonders when it had to. 

Paul said, “Give yourselves completely to God since you have been given new life. And use your whole body (even a withered arm?) as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God.”  

God has a unique plan for each of our lives. And He wants to do through us what He has not or cannot do through anyone else. Whatever He asks us to do is within the gifts and abilities He has given us. His plan for each of us may even include what we may consider our “defects.” 

Prayer:  Lord, we are all “perfect” in Your sight for the work that You are calling us to do. May we look beyond what we see to what You see as our worth to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today:  Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Romans 6:13

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Using Everything For The Lord

Shauna was on her way home from work, tired from a stressful day. The road was icy, and the curves dangerous. Suddenly the car began to skid and plunged into a river crusted with ice. 

A truck with four men also returning from work was following some distance behind her. When they saw what had happened, they stopped their truck, and with no hesitation, dove into the icy water to rescue her. 

One of the four men was Terry Kelly. Terry did not know how to swim and had a withered right arm that was almost useless. Nevertheless, he knew he wanted to do something. And he did. 

The men found the car locked, and Shauna, on the inside losing consciousness, was struggling in fear. But, Terry was able to get his small, withered arm through a window that was partially open, and unlock the door. The men were then able to rescue and revive Shauna. 

Though many would have questioned the value of, or perhaps ridiculed, Terry’s withered arm, it worked wonders when it had to. 

Paul said, “Give yourselves completely to God since you have been given new life. And use your whole body (even a withered arm?) as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God.”  

God has a unique plan for each of our lives. And He wants to do through us what He has not or cannot do through anyone else. Whatever He asks us to do is within the gifts and abilities He has given us. His plan for each of us may even include what we may consider our “defects.” 

Prayer:  Lord, we are all “perfect” in Your sight for the work that You are calling us to do. May we look beyond what we see to what You see as our worth to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today:  Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Romans 6:13

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Earning It Is What Matters!

A friend of Clark Gable took her young son to his home for a visit. As they were about to leave, the boy pointed to the Oscar that Gable had won and asked, “May I have this?” 

“Sure,” answered Gable, giving the Oscar to the child. 

“Give it back immediately,” shouted the mother in shock. 

“Oh, no,” said Gable. “Keep it. Having the Oscar around doesn’t mean anything to me. Earning it does.”  

Focusing on the future has many benefits. Paul boldly declared that “I am still not all I should be! But I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead I strain to reach the end of the race.” 

Paul had excellent reasons to want to forget the past - he persecuted Christians and even had them killed. He held them in great contempt, creating fear and anxiety among them. But, he also accomplished many outstanding things for Christ before he wrote these words. In all reality, he could have “stayed stuck” for one reason or another: either feelings of guilt from the evil things he had done to Christians or a sense of false pride for his exemplary service to his Lord. 

These are two traps that every Christian faces: our failures and our successes. Either trap can destroy or defeat what God is calling us to do. We must avoid the “traps” and move forward!  

Prayer:  Help us, Father, not to ruin the present or the future by staying stuck in the past. You have called us to do great things through Christ. May we always be faithful. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today: No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:13-14 

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Earning It Is What Matters!

A friend of Clark Gable took her young son to his home for a visit. As they were about to leave, the boy pointed to the Oscar that Gable had won and asked, “May I have this?” 

“Sure,” answered Gable, giving the Oscar to the child. 

“Give it back immediately,” shouted the mother in shock. 

“Oh, no,” said Gable. “Keep it. Having the Oscar around doesn’t mean anything to me. Earning it does.”  

Focusing on the future has many benefits. Paul boldly declared that “I am still not all I should be! But I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead I strain to reach the end of the race.” 

Paul had excellent reasons to want to forget the past - he persecuted Christians and even had them killed. He held them in great contempt, creating fear and anxiety among them. But, he also accomplished many outstanding things for Christ before he wrote these words. In all reality, he could have “stayed stuck” for one reason or another: either feelings of guilt from the evil things he had done to Christians or a sense of false pride for his exemplary service to his Lord. 

These are two traps that every Christian faces: our failures and our successes. Either trap can destroy or defeat what God is calling us to do. We must avoid the “traps” and move forward!  

Prayer:  Help us, Father, not to ruin the present or the future by staying stuck in the past. You have called us to do great things through Christ. May we always be faithful. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today: No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:13-14 

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That Doesn't Look Like Me!

A young mother went to Mr. Duffy, asking him to do a portrait of her so that her children would know what she looked like as a young lady. Mr. Duffy was known for his “idealized” paintings - painting his clients as they could be if they were “ideal,” not real. 

When she returned after several months of waiting, she was shocked by what she saw. Angrily she said, “That doesn’t look like me.” 

“I know,” he replied graciously, “but try your best to look as lovely as it does.”  

Mr. Duffy saw in the mother what she could become. So, when he painted her portrait, he brought out the best in her, the “ideal.” His goal? He wanted to help her achieve her best. 

One day after Andrew met and accepted Jesus as the Messiah, he brought Simon to meet Him. As Jesus looked intently at him, He saw an “ideal” disciple and said, “You are Simon, the son of John - but you will from now on be called Cephas (which means Rock).” 

Jesus saw not only who Simon was at that moment in time, but who he could and would one day become. That is the reason He gave him a new name. Peter was not always a “solid rock” during his days with Jesus. But, that is what he became: “rock-solid” as he grew in Christ. 

Fortunately, Christ always sees more in us than we see in ourselves. He sees us as we can be - rock-solid - in our witness for and work with Him. Come. Follow Me! The future awaits. 

Prayer:  Lord, may we walk with You, in faith, believing that You have great plans for our lives. May we trust You completely and become “rock-solid” disciples. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today:  You are Simon, the son of John - but you will from now on be called Cephas (which means Rock). John 1:42 

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