Archive of previous devotions

Standing (Monday, May 31)

Many times I am guilty of trying to save the world. I want to tell others what to do and how to live their lives. I find myself wanting to do all sorts of things as I go through the day. I want to tell people how to drive, how to change their lives, how to find happiness, how to be successful, how to manage their time, how to act, how to dress, how to look. And so on. I even think about how the Church needs to change and what we, as Christians, should be doing to further the kingdom here on earth.

Now there is nothing wrong with having a desire, a heart, for change. But it is God who is in charge; he must bring about the change. I cannot control any of the circumstances around me. All I can do is to change myself. If I can focus on his will for my life, two things will happen. First, God will begin to change me. Second, God will take care of the things that need to be corrected both in others and in the world.

But there is, I think, another important element in the equation. I must be willing to pray without ceasing and to stand. Both are essential. I need to turn everything over to God and I need to take a stand for him. To do anything less is going only halfway. For what can God accomplish, through me or anyone else, if we pray but are not willing to follow his way? The apostle Paul emphasized that after we have done all we can, through prayer and individual works, we must continue to stand up for God’s righteousness. We must not allow hatred, greed, covetousness, contempt, jealousy, misunderstanding, pride or anything else to tear down the body of Christ.

Jesus came so that we would have life and have it more abundantly. There is a cost, though, that we must pay. We must be willing to let God take charge and, at the same time, defend his laws and principles. When we do, we will not always be popular or even accepted by those around us. In fact, we may even be rejected. But, the reward is we will be able to know the greater life that rises above everything else on earth.

Our acts (Sunday, May 30)

Every story has a beginning, middle and an end. But one book of the New Testament does not have an ending. The Book of Acts is not finished. The story begins with the ascension of Jesus, chronicles the actions of his disciples, and stops abruptly with Paul in Rome under house arrest. In the final chapter, he is a prisoner who speaks freely to all who will listen about eternal freedom.

Throughout the narrative, Luke’s testament records in detail how the good news of the kingdom was revealed to Jews and Gentiles alike, from Jerusalem all the way to Rome. What now, one might wonder. What happens now that Paul is gone? The next section of the Book of Acts depends on us and what we do.

As modern-day apostles, we are writing the next chapters. Our acts and actions today continue to tell the story of what Jesus is doing through the Holy Spirit. Day by day, for the past 2,000 years, the book has grown larger and more convincing. More have been healed. More have been saved. More are now living for him.

This particular book of scripture is titled The Acts of the Apostles for good reason: it proves the power and authority of our Savior to the world. In a very real sense, Jesus is the main character of Luke’s account, just as he is the subject of our lives. His ministry began at the young age of 30 and it has lasted through the ages. Now we tell the story. We are a living testimony in a story that will not end until Jesus comes again. I wonder what you and I will add to the book.

Telling our testament (Saturday, May 29)

There is always enormous joy and rejoicing whenever people talk of God’s greatness. For who can remain still or quiet when there is good news to share? Come and hear, says the psalmist, and I will tell what God has done for me.

Proclaiming what God has done for us is what demonstrates his love and grace. Our witness and our words convince others that God is real, alive – that he can instill hope even in the hopeless. All the proof we need is in our own lives. Consider all we have seen. Our experiences through the years, through the tears and through the trials confirm our belief in him. We are here today because God alone has protected and sustained us, not because of anything we have done for ourselves.

Everywhere we look we can see our past in the people we encounter. We, too, wandered from day to day without much purpose until someone told us the good news of God. Now that we know him, we need to tell others what he has done. They need to know that knowing him can make a difference in their lives as well.

Our testimony can be the testament that just one person needs to accept him.

Trust his way (Friday, May 28)

It was the best day of our life and it was also the worst day of our life. Our grand-daughters had just been turned into beautiful little princesses at the Disney World Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. We were having lunch in Cinderella Castle with all of the other princesses, including those from every Disney movie, when our cell phone rang. The kennel back home had lost our two-year-old Siberian Husky.

In a split second, our excitement and joy turned into despair and fear. We had raised him from a puppy and now he was loose in a city of half a million people over 15 square miles. We will find him, I told my wife. I refused to believe that God would allow anything to spoil this precious moment in our first real family vacation.

For the next two days, we did our best to trust God rather than our own thoughts and doubts. We had to push ourselves to enjoy this time with four generations of our family as we visited one theme park after another. Still, there was no word from anyone at the kennel. No one had even seen our dog. When we returned home, we joined in the search. We trekked through every neighborhood and forest. Each day, we were covered with ticks and scratches. No success for three full days, though people here and there had at least seen him.

I went to bed a couple of nights ago vowing that I would find him the next day no matter what I had to do. Oddly, I woke up at 12:45 a.m. and could not go back to sleep for some reason. I decided to get up for a while. As I looked out the front bedroom window, our dog Chase was standing in the driveway; he was bathed in the soft blue light of a full moon as he looked down the street at what he thinks is his park. Somehow he had traveled three miles, and over or through a canal, to reach us.

We will never know exactly how our dog made it back home. But we certainly know who guided him and protected him each step of the way: the same one who watches over us every minute. God had answered our prayers and, once again, we learned the value of trusting him even when we are afraid.

We are God’s reflection (Thursday, May 27)

Dear Lord, you are the architect of this day. You will design what is best. You alone will build a perfect structure in me.

With each breath, every word and each step, you will shape me and mold me. You will construct a temple to you and for your glory. The world will look at me and say, Look and see what God has done; he has put together a magnificent work! Only a great Creator could have done such a thing.

What I am and what I do today is a tribute to you, Lord. I am ready to be used, to be a servant so that others can see your love and compassion. Make me what you want me to be, not for myself, but for you. Let others see in me what I see in you.

Desiring his gifts (Wednesday, May 26)

The Lord blesses us each day in his way, regardless of what we are experiencing. He protects us from evil we cannot see; he guides us on a path that is not always clear; he gives us opportunities we may not discern; and he loves us no matter what we do or say. Any of these gifts alone would be sufficient for our daily sustenance, but God showers us every second with all of his divine grace and mercy.

He is generous beyond measure. Yet how many times today will I take him for granted? Will I suddenly forget his love for me when I am asked to help another person? Perhaps I will look the other way when I face a difficult situation. I might even become aggressive or hostile toward others in order to receive the attention I think I deserve. Whenever I act according to my own human nature, I can be sure I am ignoring God’s desire as well as his blessings.

Too often we overlook both the meaning and the purpose of our lives. We cannot expect to serve God and, at the same time, find satisfaction in the world. It does not work that way. Our way is always contrary to God’s will. Only when we truly desire the gifts of God can we begin to appreciate everything he does for us all of the time.

God must be there (Tuesday, May 25)

Sometimes I wonder why God either planned or allowed certain incidents in my life to occur, especially those situations that have brought me tremendous torment and anguish. Why has God permitted me to suffer at times, almost to the point of chronic depression or anxiety? What purpose can there be in such pain?

Most of us have been broken by life many times. We all bear the scars of deep wounds. These marks will always be a visible reminder of the past and may never disappear completely. At the same time, though, I realize I am still willing and able to live each day with determination. Hardship and tragedy have not crippled me, even though I am haunted occasionally by my own feelings and emotions.

Through it all, I have learned that my small courage and strength were not sufficient for the journey. I realize that I alone did not possess the capacity to endure, or even accept, the many trials I have encountered. My human abilities were too frail and weak.

I have survived and I am still here because of God’s great love and compassion, not because of any power of my own. Whether God plans the tribulations we face in life or he allows them to happen to us is beside the point. The truth is he alone sustains us. We cannot do it alone by ourselves.

Our good news (Monday, May 24)

Our task is to tell others how to repair the brokenness in their lives. Jesus came to restore our relationship with the Father. Now it is up to us to lead others toward that reconciliation – to tell them they can have hope for the future and that they do not have to live in despair.

The world is desperate for the message of salvation. If only we will take the time to share what we know, we will see lives changed before our very eyes: the poor will become rich, the homeless will have shelter, the sick will be healed and the lost will be found. People will discover the hidden purpose and meaning of their lives. No longer will they have to look to those around them to find joy and satisfaction; they will have the peace and comfort of the Father within them at all times.

Sometimes you and I take for granted all that God has done in our lives: the many times our health has been restored, our finances have been repaired, our prayers have been answered, our emptiness has been replaced and our losses have been returned.

What God has done for us, he wants to do for others. Incredibly, he can use our brokenness to show the power of his word. But the world will never understand until we tell them the “good news.”

Unspoken signs of love (Sunday, May 23)

Divine love transcends culture, race, gender and age. There is no one anywhere who does not respond to the kind of love that Jesus tried to show the world: a warm smile, a gentle touch, a helpful hand, something to eat or drink, a word of comfort, a simple prayer. All of these display the holy and godly love of the heart.

Too often we communicate with others using our lips and hands. We say how we feel or we stand by as someone struggles. We fail to let our heart speak. We do not offer understanding, kindness, support and encouragement.

Our days are a journey of becoming more Christ-like, to love as he loved and to live as he lived. We cannot learn how to be compassionate toward others all at once. Love develops slowly and deliberately. Over time, we begin to realize the potential of what we can do through God.

We discover we can love in greater ways when we are guided by the heart, for that is where God speaks to us each day.

Until the storm passes (Saturday, May 22)

During a storm, we wait patiently for the weather to clear. We may sit quietly, looking out the window, or we may keep busy with chores that need to be done. Usually we do not worry about our safety because we are inside, in a familiar and comfortable place.

We are not so calm, however, when we encounter trials and difficulties. We become full of anxiety and unrest, wondering how long the tempest will last. Our minds begin wondering about the future or look back on the past to better understand the situation. Still, we find little consolation or peace. In fact, we may even feel worse with each passing minute. Nothing seems to quiet our restless minds.

What we frequently fail to remember is the protection that we have in God. He is our shelter and refuge during any storm. Nothing will happen to us as long as we do as he says: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Only in the stillness – in the silence and tranquility of his presence – can we discover that we are safe and secure from all harm.

Offer love (Friday, May 21)

The greatest commandment – to love the Lord with all of our heart – must be our goal each day, from the time we wake up in the morning until we go to bed at night. In every circumstance, no matter how difficult, we need to say, 'I love you Lord.'

It does not come easily at first. We are stubborn followers. Somehow we have the notion in our heads that our love for God depends on our present situation. We have no difficulty loving him when things are going well. What happens, though, when we are in pain? How do we feel when we are tired, overwhelmed or just plain worn out? Are we able to say with complete conviction and assurance, 'I love you Lord.'

Until we reach the point where we can love God, despite the struggles of daily life, we will not love him as we should. Our love must be the same as his – we must love without limitation or restraint. We have to love him unconditionally, not on condition of our current happiness. Love is not measured by degrees or levels. Absolute love is all or nothing at all.

The more often we can say ‘I love you Lord,’ the more we will grow to trust him. Gradually, through practice and persistence, we will be able to love him more than anything else in the world. He will be first and above all, just as Jesus said.

Believing without seeing (Thursday, May 20)

Many people today do not accept Jesus because they doubt the stories in the Bible. A common argument concerns the writers of these accounts. Another line of reasoning is that the events could have been made up. Still others admit Jesus did live, but he was no more divine than you or me.

All of this set me to wondering. Would things be any different if it were possible to see and hear Jesus? What if Jesus had lived during this age of television, computers and cameras? What if someone, for example, had a camcorder and could actually record Jesus walking from town to town, speaking to the multitudes and eating with sinners? Would people be more willing to accept his teaching if they saw him on video healing the sick or washing the feet of his disciples? Would pictures convince the world that Jesus was, indeed, the son of God?

I think not. For one, the discussions would run much the same. People would question the authenticity of the pictures, whether the events were staged and how Jesus actually did all of these things. In fact, seeing Jesus in action most likely would raise more questions and disputes than answers.

Faith in Jesus does not come merely from seeing and hearing. It must proceed from deep inside the heart out of a sincere trust in him, not from what we casually observe. Seeing is not necessarily believing, especially when it comes to God. He does not reveal himself fully except to those who are willing to accept him first. What these skeptics see is only half of the picture. The other half comes in realizing that Jesus can be everywhere, through the Holy Spirit, because his presence does not depend on a human body.

Truly, it is what we do not see that convinces us that Jesus is real.

Less is more (Wednesday, May 19)

No one can build up the self and the kingdom at the same time. A person will either boast of individual greatness or of the great things of God. But not both together.

In a similar manner, one cannot serve another person by serving himself. A decision is inevitable: which matters more? I must ask myself if I am more important than all those in the body. Of course not, even though I might act like it at times.

My value is not determined simply by what I do on my own. My worth depends on what I do for the Lord – how much I give for his purpose and service.

The more I let him use me, the greater I become. Less of me means more of God.

Healing or patching? (Tuesday, May 18)

Jesus came so that we would have life, now and for eternity. We are made new creatures in him and through him, leaving the past behind. Even so, we cannot resist the temptation to graft at least part of the old self to our recreated body.

No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth to an old garment, Jesus said, for the patch will pull away from the garment. Often, we try to take the hurts and pains of years ago and attach them to our present self. We even attempt to stitch previous regrets into this new fabric. But it will not work. Sooner or later, everything will unravel. The tear in our lives will become worse, perhaps even beyond repair.

Jesus adds that it is impossible to put new wine into old, worn out wineskins. If we do, he says, the skins will burst; the wine will run out all over and the wineskins will be ruined. Our lives are much the same. We cannot fill ourselves with the new life of Christ without letting him change us completely.

He must remake us both on the outside and inside so that his life and love can be preserved within us. It is impossible to live for him if we only patch up our wounds. Eventually, the seam will rip apart unless we are fully restored by his hand.

A picture of you and God (Monday, May 17)

You and I need to see ourselves in a much different way. We have a chance each day to re-discover and re-imagine ourselves, if we take the time to look at God first. He speaks to us softly, gently, and reminds us what our lives are all about. The image he reveals to the world and to us is far from the familiar one we most often see.

The snapshot we carry around in our minds is lonely and desolate. We are by ourselves, alone in the middle of nowhere, looking up toward heaven. But the picture God shows us is full and complete; we are safe and secure. He is there with us, protecting us and showing us which direction to go.

When we glimpse the photograph of God with us, we realize that we are never alone. He is always there, in the struggles as well as the successes. No matter how lost and deserted we may feel at times, the truth is that there are always two figures in the picture. We can see God standing next to us even though he is unseen by the rest of the world.

Your day (Sunday, May 16)

We need to learn how to live by the courage that is in our hearts rather than by the doubt that is in our minds. Simple faith in God can overcome any fear or uncertainty we have in our head. With God, all things are possible, even what we cannot now see or fathom.

What person is able to realize what God can do in a lifetime? How often, perhaps many times each day, are we kept from harm or sickness? How constant his protection has been, though we did not see or feel him present. During those times when we thought we were alone, he was all around us. His invisible hand surrounded us like a glove. His love kept us safe and secure.

Although everything in our lives has not turned out the way we would like, we can take comfort in knowing (and believing) that all has been according to God’s plan. On those occasions when we experienced pain, frustration, the loss of a job or promotion, rejection and disappointment, he was there with us. Despite the darkness, he has never left us in the dark. More important, he has never forsaken us.

As we live this day, we do not live it alone. Long before our birth, God had this time planned. What the hours ahead of us hold, we do not know. But we should know, both in our heart and head, God will be with us each minute.

Overcoming opposition (Saturday, May 15)

There is much to be said for opposition, for it brings forth opportunity. The larger the opposition, the greater the opportunity. The more who came against Jesus, for example, the more he could spread the truth about the kingdom.

Jews and Gentiles alike criticized his teaching. They fought against his preaching and mocked his miracles. Only a small number dared to believe he was the messiah; fewer still accepted him as the Son of God. News of this radical redeemer spread quickly throughout the known world, no doubt all the faster because of the tremendous opposition he faced.

Crowds everywhere turned out to hear and watch him. Most probably came because they doubted or detested him. Still, they were present nonetheless, listening and observing, and he had an opportunity to reach out to them. In much the same way, Paul wanted to remain in Ephesus at one point because the people there were against him. I will stay on until Pentecost, he says, since a great door for effective work has opened to me and there are many who oppose me.

You and I can do the most for the Lord when we are counted out and considered the least of all. If people come against us because of our faith or who we are in Christ, we have a tremendous opportunity to show them we believe what we say. The stronger the opposition, the more God will do through us.

Make a change (Friday, May 14)

Not far from our neighborhood is an abandoned house. The brick structure went up about 15 years ago, but suddenly the building stopped. According to locals, the couple decided to get a divorce and the house was left as is: no windows or doors, just a shell of a six- or seven-bedroom home. It rises majestically, with five tall chimneys, on perhaps 10 acres. But no one lives there.

There are probably many stories about what happened to the couple. Whatever one is true, though, the sad fact is that both of them forgot the vows they made to love and to cherish until death.

I am guilty, too, of forgetting the many promises that I made to my wife almost 38 years ago. From time to time, I have heard the words on the radio or television. But I have never recited them aloud since 1972. Today, I spoke the words to myself and remembered what I pledged to do.

Through the years, I know I have broken my vow to cherish over and over again. Yet, my wife continues to love me. Perhaps it is high time for all of us remember what we declared to do in the past, whether it has to do with our marriage or our relationship with God. It is never too late for us to change our ways. We cannot change yesterday, but we can certainly make a difference right now and tomorrow.

Ready for the test (Thursday, May 13)

The saying goes that there is no testimony without a test. Turning the expression around can make for an interesting thought as well: there is no test without a testimony. Either way we look at the trials and tests in our lives, the process is the same. God allows us to bear hardship in order to develop our spiritual strength.

All day yesterday, I was training for a test. I was exercising, taking extra vitamins and minerals, watching what I ate at each meal and getting plenty of rest. You might think I was preparing for a physical test. No. Instead, I was shaping up for a blood test. As silly as that notion sounds, we take this kind of approach all of the time when it comes to God’s tests. We can no more make sure we are ready in one day for a blood test than we can be set for what God has in store for us by uttering a quick prayer or memorizing a single scripture verse.

Each day is a chance to grow stronger and more grounded in God. When our lives are firmly planted in the soil of his Word, nothing can bring us down. Just like a huge oak, we have to make sure our roots grow deeper with every passing year; we cannot expect them to sprout forth in one day.

It takes time to grow. Nothing happens overnight. Once the crop is planted, the farmer begins to make sure his machines and tools are ready for the harvest ahead. He does not sit around watching television; he prepares. Let us do the same with our lives. Let us mature a little each day so that we, too, are constantly ready to serve the Lord at anytime or anyplace. Then we will have a remarkable testimony to give after each test is over.

No coincidence (Wednesday, May 12)

How many times have certain persons come to mind and, then, suddenly we see them at the store? Or we receive an unexpected phone call or email? Perhaps we are deep in prayer when God places a name on our mind. Much later, we find out that this individual was going through some difficulty at exactly the same time we were praying.

To the world, these are coincidences – oddities that happen by chance. Nothing more than serendipity. But what are the odds of such things occurring hundreds or thousands of time in a lifetime? More than a million to one, I suppose.

I believe there are reasons and purposes for why we recall people for no reason at all. It is all about God’s design for us and them. When someone thinks about us or we think about someone, we instantly remember our concern and compassion for that person. We ask the Holy Spirit to take care of and protect those whom we love.

Our love for others is stronger than any other emotion or power in the world. Yes, we can show our love in material ways. But the greater love is that which lives on the spiritual level, the kind of love that keeps us together even when we are apart. Love is the invisible tie that binds us to one another. So it is natural, and right, that we will be drawn to think about each other from time to time out of love.

Red light, green light (Tuesday, May 11)

Learning to follow God is not easy. Sometimes he says to move forward while other times he says to stop. Failing to listen and obey most always spells difficulty. Once in a while, it can mean disaster.

Most children know the game called Red Light/Green Light. One person acts as the stop light while all of the others stand some distance away. They must listen carefully to the instructions; they can go forward on green, but must stop on red. If the stop light turns around and sees anyone moving after shouting red, that person is out of the game. The winner is the first person to reach the stop light. Occasionally, the stop light wins because everyone else has been eliminated.

Our lives are not a game, but the rules are much like Red Light/Green Light; the directions are simple and straight-forward. God never tries to fool us by saying one thing and expecting another. He tells us when to hold fast and when to proceed. I daresay that many times he has caught us in motion long after he shouts stop. Similar to this child’s sport, we as Christians will never reach the goal if we keep getting caught doing the wrong thing.

If children can learn when to stop and go, then what is wrong with us as adults? Most of us stop and go every day on the road, each time we come to an intersection. Why is it so different and difficult when it comes to God? All we have to do is to listen and follow his commands.

Sowing with our heart (Monday, May 10)

We often go to the Lord asking for help when we should be asking how we can help. We need to be ever mindful of opportunities to serve, whether it is at home, at the office, down the street or in our community. God wants to use us to show his love to the world.

Many times we think we need some special preparation or purpose in order to do God’s will. What we forget is that God has already made us ready. We can accomplish the things God has called us to do because he is working through us. He is always present in the process. We will never reach the point when we are wholly able by ourselves.

All we need to have is the desire to be used, to want to help in little ways. We must plant the tiny seeds so that he can reap the great harvest. God will take care of the big things that need to be done, but we must be willing to go out into the field. He will honor and bless all we do in his name, no matter how small or insignificant.

When we sow our hearts for service, God gives us everything we need even before we ask.

Living now for the future (Sunday, May 9)

What is difficult to fathom to our little mind is how we are made alive in Christ. Paul tried to explain the concept in his letter to the Ephesians. Though at one time you lived among the world, Paul wrote, God chose you and brought you out of darkness because of his great love.

The same is true of us today. God’s whole and complete mercy has given us new life through his son. First, we are made alive by Christ; our spirit lives in him and his in us. Second, we were dead but now we are raised up with Christ; our salvation is sure. Third, we are seated forever with Christ; we have a place in eternity. All this is a gift from God. There is no way to earn it. We can receive it only by faith.

Our life in eternity has already begun because of what we believe and profess right now, this very day, while we are still alive on earth.

Graduation (Saturday, May 8)

Today is a special occasion both for God and for millions of people. At many universities and colleges throughout the United States, this is graduation day. The U. S. Census Bureau estimates that roughly 3.2 million students will receive degrees from institutions of higher learning this year. Families and friends will gather across the nation to celebrate the marvelous achievements of their loved ones.

This day also is a time of hope and happiness as new graduates look forward to the future. With high anticipation, they will ponder what is in store for them in moving from the security of school to the risks of the workplace. No doubt these bright minds will be filled with conflicting thoughts of joy, excitement and more than a little fear.

We might wonder, too, where all of them will find work. But there is a place for each one, most especially for those who have been called by the Lord for unique service. God has selected certain individuals for his purpose and work. The tens of thousands who are committed to him, who have put their hope and trust in him, will find favor. They will not have to worry about what lies ahead for they know that God has a good and perfect plan for their entire lives.

May we spend today sharing the excitement that new beginnings always bring. But may we also pray for these chosen graduates – that God will use them to change the world for his sake, and that they will continue to follow his will for the rest of their careers. He has indeed begun a great work in them and he will see it through to the end.

The pleasure of pleasing him (Friday, May 7)

I always do what pleases him, Jesus said. Are we able to say the same of ourselves, even for one hour of our life? Do we always do what pleases God the Father? Notice that Jesus did not quality his words. He did not say “I sometimes please him” or “I try my best to please him” or even “I please him most of the time.” He said he always did what brought honor and pleasure to God.

I suspect that most of us, most of the time, please ourselves. Then, when we run into difficulty or suffer heartache, we finally do what God wanted us to do in the first place. Sooner or later we wind up doing the Father’s will. So why not do it from the very beginning?

The next time someone cuts in front of you on the road, remember “I always do what pleases him” and not me. When a person gives you a hard time for no reason at all, remember “I always do what pleases him” and not me. If you experience rejection by a friend, remember “I always do what pleases him” and not me. Whenever you are tempted to become angry or seek justice, remember “I always do what pleases him” and not me.

We must learn to discipline ourselves. We need to hold ourselves accountable, just as God does, for everything in our lives. Our desire each minute of every day should be to say, “I always do what pleases him.” We should always strive to please him in all ways.

Content or content? (Thursday, May 6)

Many ideas may come to mind when seeing the word “content.” We might think of one meaning: that of being satisfied or pleased. On the other hand, we could consider the content – what is included or inside – of something.

Very early each morning, I see the word “content” as I prepare to upload a devotion to this site. I always have to click on this word to reach the page where I can add new thoughts. Each time I go through this daily process, I always ask myself if I am content (happy) with the content (what is being said) in these inspirational messages.

Often, I also end up taking stock of who and what I am. Am I content (comfortable) with the content (the components and parts) of my life? How am I really doing at being a good and trusting disciple? Perhaps God is not as content with my content as I am at times.

These are two very different words, with separate pronunciations, even though they are spelled the same. We have to be careful that we do not confuse them and fool ourselves into thinking we are better persons than we really are. We should be pleased with the substance of our life only when God is content with our content.

Building our lives (Wednesday, May 5)

Without God in everything, I have nothing. He is either all or I am nothing at all. You and I need to remember that the Lord has to be a part of anything we do, from having breakfast at the beginning of the day to driving to work to sharing time with our family in the evening.

The words of Psalm 127:1 remind us of exactly how to live. “Unless the Lord builds the house, the workers labor in vain.” I cannot “build” my life or my future without involving God. Nor can I make plans, attend meetings, go to the store, cut the grass or even go golfing unless I involve God. With every breath I take, he is there to enable me to serve him anywhere because he is everywhere.

May we continue to learn how important the Lord is to us all of the time. Today, we will accomplish nothing on our own; whatever we achieve has to do with what we believe. God is the foundation of our life and we build everything upon him.

Minute by minute and hour by hour, this day is a day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it as we construct our lives around him and in him.

Forgive for God (Tuesday, May 4)

It is easy to hold a grudge, but hard to forgive. It is easy to hate, but hard to love. It is easy to be angry, but hard to be patient. God calls us to do what is difficult, not what is always easy. He knows what is good for us, and we need to trust his judgment.

A woman I know has a license plate that spells out the word forgive. Every time I see her car in the parking lot at work, I am reminded of what God says over and over. He commands us to forgive others no matter what they have done to us. We must do the hard thing and forgive them.

Even if someone did something that made us lose our job, we must forgive. Even if a person told damaging stories about us, we must forgive. Even if our reputation suffers, we must forgive. Even if an individual takes credit for what we have done, we must forgive.

God does not ask us what we want to do. He tells us. We have no say in the matter and we do not get to choose our will over God’s. Either we obey him or not. It is that simple, even though what we have to do is difficult. If we do not forgive, we are on our own. If we make an effort to forgive, God will be with us and help us. The sooner we start forgiving, the quicker we will be able to put our anger, hate and resentment behind us. These things have no place in our life and they belong in the past.

If you cannot forgive for yourself, at least forgive for God.   

Thankful for life (Monday, May 3)

How often do we take the time to consider all we have been given, and to give thanks for our blessings? Look at everything we own, all the people who love us, the money we possess, where we live and the opportunities that await us. Even though our lives are far from perfect, we can experience a sense of peace and contentment that the world will never understand.

Because of who we are in Christ, we can celebrate each new day with gladness. We see things we never noticed before. We hear sounds that startle us. We think of sweet memories from the past. We realize, with a certain surprise, what our lives are all about. If only for a moment, we are able to grasp a little of what we will have in eternity.

What can make this day so different is our attitude and perspective. God has not changed at all; he is still the same. But, for the first time in a long while, maybe we have changed. We wake up feeling good, refreshed, and we suddenly are filled with enthusiasm. We look forward to what will happen to today, whether it is planned or not.

These hours are before us. They are a gift from God to us. How we live today depends on how much we are truly thankful to him.

The shadow of his spirit (Sunday, May 2)

The closer we are to the Lord, the more effective our lives can be. He calls us to be near to him at all times. There is a reason. Suppose I place my hand a foot or two from the ground on a bright sunny day; the shadow it casts will be a little larger than the actual size of my hand. But if I raise my arm over my head, the shadow of my small hand becomes enormous. It is much like an ordinary bird, 100 feet in the air or more, which can spread an image the size of car.

Scripture tells us about the effect that Peter had on people. In the Book of Acts, Luke says that the multitudes were healed merely by Peter’s shadow. “They even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on any one of them.”

Because Peter was spiritually close to the Father, he was able to change the lives of people here on earth. We can have the same effect, too, if we focus entirely on things above rather than on things below. When we draw up close to heaven, God uses us down in the world. He can even use our shadow to restore life to the lost.

It's about him (Saturday, May 1)

Most often we think only of ourselves when God puts us in a certain place or situation. We look for meaning by looking at our lives. We wonder what God wants us to see or to learn. We examine our personal needs rather seeing the needs that are all around us.

It is not always about us. Not everything has to do with what is good for us. God may send us somewhere for the sake of others. He might make us move far away from where we have lived for years (near family and friends), for example, in order to help certain people. In giving up what we want, God uses us to accomplish what he wants.

As we leave ourselves and our desires behind, God has us serving him in new ways. We find ourselves helping people whom we have just met. Suddenly, in a completely different community we are doing all kinds of things: cutting the neighbor’s lawn, moving furniture for someone down the street, being a good listener to a person we barely know.

The point is that God many times uses us to reach people. We are serving him when we serve others. When we made the decision years ago to follow him, we agreed to do his will. He took us seriously – at our word. So he takes our life and uses it to bless others. The reason does not always have to do with us.  It's really all about him.