Ashamed At His Coming

A young child lay dying. When asked if there was anything special he wanted he replied, “I would like to meet the president.” The word was relayed to the White House by a special friend of the president.

The next day, and without warning, President Eisenhower went to the child’s home and knocked on the door. The father, not knowing who was there, opened the door. To his surprise it was the president.

The child was elated – his wish had come true. But not so the father. He was embarrassed and horrified. There he stood, unshaven and in a torn undershirt. With head bowed and tears streaming down his cheeks, he muttered repeatedly, “If only I had known, if only I had known…”

Our Lord may return at any moment. Perhaps sooner rather than later. Jesus said, “Of that day and hour, no man knows.” Although we may not know when, we can certainly be prepared. The visible proof of our being prepared for His return is to be clothed in His righteousness and doing His work in His world.

Speaking of His return Jesus used the word “Watch!” If we are truly watching for His return, we will be abiding in Him “and we will not be ashamed...”

Prayer: Father, may we not only look for and long for Your return, but be found fully prepared and unashamed because we are ready to meet You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

All I Want Is...

The James family gathered together for a quiet time and discussion. Albert climbed into his father’s lap and hugged him with all his might. Teasingly, he asked, “Well, son, what do you want now?”

“Nothing now,” he answered. “All I want is you!”

How unfortunate for us that we rarely go to our Heavenly Father unless we want something. It seems that when we approach Him it is for something that contributes to our well-being, our health, family problems, issues at work, our financial needs or a friend. Too often we are more interested in the gifts that the Giver has to give us than the Giver.

We ask rather than adore and we prey rather than praise and we want rather than worship.

It is true that our Lord has invited us to ask if we want to receive and to come to Him for anything and everything – no matter when or what. For most of us it is a long standing habit that might be hard to break.

Perhaps it would change the nature of our relationship with God if, on occasion, we simply said to Him in a prayer of gratitude, “All I want is You!”

Prayer: Lord, we truly love You! Forgive us for hearts and minds that only focus on our wants and needs. Help us to also express our love and praise. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Why Do Good?

Have you ever wondered what good might come from an act of kindness?

Looking for something to drink in place of wine, Thomas Welch began to make grape juice in his kitchen. He shared it with some of his friends. They enjoyed it so very much that they asked him to make enough of it for them to take home and share with others. From his kindness came the company that bears his name to this day: Welch’s Grape Juice.

Elliott Handler enjoyed making doll furniture in his garage for his many friends. His miniature products were so attractive, contained so much detail and were made so well that he could not meet the many requests for his products. Because of his many acts of kindness and the fine quality of his products, he became the head of Mattel, one of the largest toy companies in the world.

It is almost impossible to walk past the loaves of bread in a super market without noticing Pepperidge Farm products. Years ago Margaret Rudkin began baking bread in her kitchen to share with her neighbors and the rest of the story is history.

Paul said, “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. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone.”

It is discouraging to continue to do the right thing and receive no recognition or reward. Often it costs us personally to continue to give and never receive anything in return – perhaps not even a word of thanks. But we are challenged in God’s Word to continue to do good even if we do not receive any recognition or any reward. God will always bless us if we do what we do in His name.

Prayer: Father, we pray that we use whatever talents You have given us to honor You and serve those around us. May we always do our best and leave the results up to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Galatians 6:9-10 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Where Are You Going?

A lady backed out of her parking place in a large mall during a blizzard and was having a difficult time seeing. A few feet from her car were the blinking lights of a snow plow. She decided to follow it, thinking it would take her safely to the exit.

After a few twists and turns the operator of the snow plow stopped, got out of his warm cab and went to the window of her car and asked, “Where are you going?”

“To the exit,” she answered.

“Well then,” he said, “don’t follow me. I’m not going anyplace. I’m only here to plow the parking lot.”

Everyone needs a leader. As Christians, we are blessed to have a Leader who can guide us safely through life – One who knows what is best for us and believes in us and is a faithful encourager. The Christian’s Leader is one who knows our strengths and weaknesses and will never call us to do what He knows is beyond our skills, abilities and potential.

Jeremiah said, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” The Prophet is assuring us that God has an individual plan for each of our lives and that it is a good plan. Because He has a plan for each of us, we can have faith in Him and be filled with hope for our future. God has planned our future and knows what we need to do, what He calls us to do.

This does not mean that we will not have difficult days or trying times, be spared hardships or heartaches. But it does mean that God will see us through pain and sorrow and lead us to victory. We have His word that He will lead us through the valleys and shadows into His glorious presence.

Prayer: How thankful we are, Lord, that You have a plan that has been designed especially for each of us. May we be faithful to trust and follow You all the days of our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

What's The Problem?

A man who was grossly overweight made an appointment with a psychiatrist. He wanted to know why he could not control his eating.

“Why,” he asked, “am I so fat?”

Pausing to think for a moment, the psychiatrist responded, “Because your life is focused on food. When you go to a baseball game, you indulge in hotdogs and beer. When you watch TV, it means snacks like candy, chips and other snacks. When...”

Before he gave another example the patient interrupted and said, “You’re right. Now tell me, what type of food do you serve during your sessions?”

Whatever is uppermost in our minds is what we live for and eventually die for. Jesus, wanting us to be sure our priorities are the ones that lead us to living God-pleasing lives said, “Blessed are those who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness for they will be satisfied.”

Whenever we surrender to anything in our life that is self-destructive or self-defeating, it is a sure sign that He does not have His proper place of honor in our lives. Peace and healing, happiness and satisfaction only come from the Lord

Prayer: Lord, as we look at our lives, may we realize that if things are out of control, we need to search our hearts for Your solution. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.