Is It The End Or The Beginning?

Two men met for prayer early one morning. After reading a passage of Scripture, they knelt in prayer. Said the first, “Lord, it’s hard for me to pray. You know that I am at the end of all my resources. I have nothing left. I am totally broken in mind, heart, and spirit!”  

Upon hearing his brokenness, his prayer partner put his arm around his shoulder and shouted, “How wonderful! Now you are at the beginning of God’s resources.” 

Mark’s Gospel has an exciting story about a ruler and his resources. It reminds us of the importance and necessity of eternal values rather than earthly riches. 

Jesus, in speaking of the emphasis we place on money, said, “People with wealth will have a difficult time in getting into heaven.” Astonished, one of his disciples asked, “Well, if money won’t get us into heaven, what will?”  

Calmly He replied, “Humanly speaking, getting into heaven on your own is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” 

Material possessions and our desire to acquire them tend to fix our hearts on the things of this world. When this happens, we lose sight of what is truly valuable: our relationship with God. He becomes unimportant. 

For many, it is easier to pass the test of adversity than the test of prosperity. Prosperity places the focus on ourselves, while adversity proves our need for God.  

Prayer:  Help us to realize, Lord, that unless we place our trust in You and the redeeming love of God, we lose sight of what is important! May we seek Your “way.” 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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Now Or Never

A soldier was assigned the responsibility of driving a senator from the airport to a military installation. Between the baggage claim area and the vehicle, he noticed an elderly lady struggling to pull her suitcase behind her. He immediately went to her rescue and pulled the bag until they met her waiting family. He then paused to help a young mother secure her child in a stroller. After that, he helped a man who was having a difficult time opening the door to the restroom. 

Impressed, the senator asked, “How is it that you see so many people who need help and immediately go to their rescue?” 

After a moment of silence, he replied quietly, “During my tour of duty in Vietnam, it was my job to clear minefields. I never knew if my next step would be my last. It was there that I learned to get the most out of every moment because, in life, it’s now or never.”  

Paul summed it up this way: “Share each other’s troubles and problems because if you do so, you will obey the law of Christ.” We, as Christians, have a responsibility to God and to others who are faced with a difficult situation, to help them in their time of need. It can be as simple as opening a door or as complex as helping them through the loss of a loved one. 

The size of the problem does not matter to God. What matters most to Him is the willingness of His children to help those in need. 

Prayer:  We pray, Lord, for eyes that see the needs of others, ears that hear the cries of others, hearts that are open to others, and hands that are willing to help others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today: Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 

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Facing Reality

Linus approached Charlie Brown in a comic strip and boldly asked, “Charlie Brown, do you want to know what the trouble is with you?” 

“No,” he answered. 

“That’s the trouble with you, Charlie Brown,” screamed Linus. “You don’t want to know what the trouble is with you!” 

Charlie Brown is not the only one with that problem. 

Few want to hear or accept the fact that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” But, not wanting to listen to that fact, does not change anything. 

To refuse to hear something does not mean that it was not said. And, if we deny something does not mean that it is not true. Sin is sin, and it comes in all sizes and shapes, colors and containers, with many options and countless opportunities. 

We all seem to have a Charlie Brown attitude. Few want to admit that we have broken God’s laws or that we have refused to follow the teachings of Jesus. But, Paul said all have sinned and fallen short of God’s plan. That “all” includes every one of us. 

Denying the fact of sin will not keep us from sinning nor eliminate the penalty that comes from being disobedient to God. No one is foolish enough to believe that if they deny the reality of death, they will live forever. We must all admit and accept what is: “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life!”  

Prayer:  Open our hearts, Father, to the truths in Your Word and the reality of sin and salvation. May we look to You in faith, believing that You alone can save us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today: For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23 

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"It May Be My Last"

It began as a day like any other day. James Galway, a brilliant flutist, was happily walking to his morning rehearsal. While crossing a street, a speeding motorcyclist hit him and shattered the bones in both of his legs and one arm. 

He was rushed to the hospital, and the orthopedic surgeons immediately began a lengthy operation as they attempted to repair the damage. Unfortunately, the bones did not heal as quickly or properly as they had anticipated. As a result, he had to remain in the hospital for many months. As he left the hospital, he said, “It took quite a while to pick up the pieces.”  

While he was still recovering from the accident, he told a fellow-musician, “I decided from the moment I left the hospital, I would play every concert, record every album, give every performance and live every day as though it may be my last.” He summed it all up by saying that his new goal in life was to make sure that every time he played, his performance would be as near to perfection as God wanted it to be! 

No doubt that is what Paul had in mind when he wrote, “Whatever you may do, do all to the glory and honor of God!” 

There is a two-fold implication in this verse: Whatever we do is a choice. And, with that choice, if we are a Christian, there is an opportunity to bring honor and glory to God. So, not only are our decisions critical but with each one we make, we represent Christ. 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, guide us in each of our choices. Make us conscious of everything we do, knowing that we are always representing You by the way we live. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today: So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 

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Frozen In Fear

A young man from Kansas dreamed of becoming a crew member of a tall ship. Finally, his lifelong ambition was realized when he was offered an opportunity to set sail on one of the few remaining vessels. His enthusiasm was short-lived when, after a few days, the captain ordered him to climb to the “crow’s nest” and search the horizon for approaching vessels. 

The higher up he climbed on the rope ladder, the more frightened he became, and the slower his progress. Halfway up, he stopped, frozen in his tracks. He was unable to move. No amount of persuasion or encouragement from the sailors below inspired him to go higher. Finally, someone had to climb up behind him and slowly coax him down to safety. 

Now and then, we all seem to get “stuck” when we are unable to overcome an old habit, when facing a new challenge or being forced to do something we have never done before. People all around us may provide insight and ideas to solve our problem and challenge us to move on. But nothing seems to make sense, and we “freeze” in our tracks. 

However, God, in His Word, promises that “He gives His power to the faint and weary, and might to him who has no strength.” 

When life’s obstacles “freeze” us with fear, we must claim the promises of God and move forward in faith!  

Prayer:  Lord, increase our faith. May our doubts disappear, and our trust in Your promises give us the confidence and assurance that You will always provide for our safety and security. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Scripture For Today: He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Isaiah 40:29-31 

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