Completely Covered

According to Greek legend, Achilles was the greatest warrior who ever lived. In Homer’s Iliad, he was the hero of the Trojan Wars. When he was a baby his mother wanted him to be invulnerable to injury. So, early in his life she took him to the River Styx, believing that it had miraculous powers, held him by his heels and dipped him in the water. Only his heels were not covered by the water.

He became a great warrior! Unfortunately, he was killed in battle by a poisoned arrow that pierced his heel – the only spot that was not covered by the water from the River Styx. It is from this legend that we talk of “our Achilles heel.”

Although it is only a legend it teaches us a significant fact: Our surrender to Christ must be complete. Paul advises us that we are not “to let any part of our body become a tool of wickedness to be used for sinning...instead...let your whole body be as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God.”

Surrender is often difficult for some of us for fear that we will fail our Lord. Does this come from the idea that we think we are responsible for victory over sin? We are not! It is God working in us and for us and through us that gives us victory over sin through Christ. Whatever we do not surrender to God is claimed by Satan and causes us to sin.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to remember that the battle and the victory are in Your hands. We know that if we surrender to You we will not be defeated. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 6:12-14 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. 

Careful: God At Work

One morning a man, seeking direction in his life, was going through his mail. He had prayed earnestly for direction from God but it never seemed to come. On this day, however, things changed.

Tucked away in the pile of mail he was sorting through was a magazine that was addressed to his neighbor. He looked at the cover and saw an article entitled, “The Needs of the Congo.” His curiosity got the best of him so he opened the magazine and read the article. It touched his heart deeply.

For days he prayed about its contents and the opportunities and challenges it presented. Finally, one day he declared, “My search is over.” He went to the Congo, lost himself in his work and became a great medical missionary and author. Ultimately he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his work.

Albert Schweitzer was a theologian, philosopher, organist, and physician. But one day he became a medical missionary where he lost himself in God’s will doing God’s work among the lost and dying.

Was it an accident that the mailman put the magazine in the wrong mail box? Of course not. He too was doing God’s work. Although some may consider it an “accident” it was actually “an act of God” to get his attention.

Prayer: How marvelous are the different ways, Lord, You use to get our attention to do Your will. Help us to be alert to see and hear what You have for us to do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

Am I Doing My Best?

John Baker was an unlikely candidate to become a respected track star. He was not very well built, much shorter than other members of the track team and appeared to be uncoordinated. But something happened.

During his junior year in high school the coaches wanted his best friend to join the track team. He refused. When John learned of this he said, “Let me join and maybe he’ll come with me.” They agreed to John’s suggestion and both boys began running track together.

At the first cross country track event most eyes were focused on the state champion, Lloyd Goff. When the race began, he quickly took the lead. But as the racers approached the finish line, one runner was far in front of the others. The coach turned to his assistant and said, “Here comes Goff.” Taking his binoculars he looked and said, “Wow! It’s not Goff - it’s Baker.”

After the race the coach asked Baker how he was able to win the race. “I focused on the runner in front of me and said, ‘Am I doing my best?’ And when I passed him I said that about the next one in front of me until I passed them all.”

All of us who profess to be Christians need to ask ourselves constantly: “Am I doing my best for Christ?”

Prayer: You have given us so much, Father, that we sometimes forget what we have and what we can do for You. May we do more for You today than we did yesterday. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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

All Together - Now, Smile

It was her first day at work and the manager was carefully going over the responsibilities of his new secretary. After carefully explaining her tasks, he said, “Now I’d like to tell you a few things about myself so you will know what kind of person I am.”

He then began telling her about his college career – how he excelled in academics and athletics. He then started to talk about his accomplishments with the company, how he received one promotion after another and was rewarded with raises and bonuses. He spent a great amount of time bragging about himself.

Finally, in her frustration she asked, “Tell me sir, have you ever had a group photo taken of yourself?”

Many worry about being properly recognized for their position and status. We want others to know what we can do and how well we can do it – whether they are interested or not. We want others to look us to us and stand in awe of our accomplishments.

However, Peter warns us to remember that it is God’s recognition that matters most. Human praise is one thing but God’s approval is all that counts. In His own time, God will bless our efforts and honor our work. We must also remember that the recognition may not come in this lifetime. But, if we are faithful to Him and give Him the glory, He will surely reward us in heaven.

Prayer: Lord, whatever we do in life is because of Your grace. The talents and skills, the abilities and strength come to us to give back to You in loving service. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s almighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6

A Discouraging Day

It began with a toaster that didn’t work. Then the washing machine stopped in the middle of a large load of soiled clothes and dirty water. The garbage disposal quit and the sink backed up. Deciding to take a walk outside to get the mail, Bev looked up at the clouds and shook her head.

Opening the one letter she found in the mail box, she was overwhelmed when she discovered a bill that she could not pay. Her husband hadn’t worked for two months. He was laid-off when work slowed down at the factory.

Walking back into the house she picked up her young toddler, placed him on her lap, hugged him tightly and began to cry. Suddenly he struggled in her arms and when he got loose and without saying a word, took the pacifier from his mouth and placed it in hers.

He felt her pain and reached out, giving her all that he had.

If a child can feel our sorrow, how much more can our Heavenly Father feel our pain? Whatever concerns us concerned Him first. Certainly, then, our problems become His priorities.

That is why Jesus said, “You can ask for anything in My name, and I will do it.” Need a toaster or washer, a plumber or job, God is bigger than any of them. No wonder, then, that Jesus said “ask for anything.”

Prayer: We ask, Lord, that You will increase our faith to exceed the size of our problems. May we take You at Your Word – in faith, believing in Your promises. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: John 14:13-14 “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name and I will do it.”