Your thought for today

Being tempted (Friday, July 3)

When we say in the Lord’s Prayer “lead us not into temptation,” perhaps what we actually mean is “protect us from temptation.” Certainly, God would not have us follow him into tempting circumstances or situations. As our creator, He knows well our weaknesses and vulnerability. He realizes we are attracted and excited by all sorts of earthly desires.

What we need is God’s help to keep us out of danger, to protect us from ourselves so to speak. He must be present in our hearts and minds in order to prevent us from being tempted, either mentally or physically. We have no strength or power to save ourselves. If we try to fight the battle on our own, we will surely lose. Of that we can be sure.

Only God can deliver us from the evil that threatens to bring us down. And he will never allow us to be tempted beyond his control.

Imitating God (Thursday, July 2)

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I should reflect his love, his compassion and his patience. Like most people today, however, I fall far short of the mark. I sometimes become angry, lose my concern for others and grow annoyed in tedious situations. I fail both my savior and myself.

In my disheartened condition, I often recall what Paul once wrote to the people of Ephesus. He told them they should, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children” (Ephesians 5:1). Imitating God is one thing and being dearly loved children is quite another. It seems to me that what Paul might be saying, at least in part, is this: “You should imitate God in all you do, and realize that you are just children.” There will be times when we fall. Still, God is there is pick us up because he loves us dearly.

If I want to call myself a believer, then I will accept the fact that I have failed and try to do better the next time. No matter what happens, though, God will always love me. He knows that my heart is always trying to imitate him even when my life does not.

Our all for all of him (Wednesday, July 1)

Only in our nothingness can we become something for God. He cannot do anything with us if we are proud, arrogant, haughty or conceited in any way. Nor can God use us when we mistreat others, when we ignore the downtrodden and when we put ourselves first. We must be willing to give up all, from our attitude to our very life, before God can fulfill his plan through us.

As long as we persist in controlling our actions and thoughts, there will be no room for God. He cannot take us anywhere we do not want to go. We need to follow the one true example of Christ by becoming servants. Jesus humbled himself, says Paul, “and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!”

We have to be willing to go all the way to the cross, if that is God’s will. Early on in our journey of faith, we must make that commitment both to ourselves and to God. When we do, we can be assured that God will use our life in a mighty way. Dying to ourselves, becoming a humble and lowly servant, is the only way to live for him.

Living for God (Tuesday, June 30)

Everywhere we turn these days, people clamor for attention and recognition. Persons across the country and perhaps in our own community tell everyone the great works they are doing. They express how much they are revered for their abilities or talents; they boast about their numerous achievements and awards.

But God is not listening. Nor is he impressed – not in the least. We might even wonder what God thinks when an athlete wins a race and points to the heavens (ostensibly, giving God the credit) while he dances wildly in circles. What entertains us may not amuse God.

According to Paul, our actions and lives should honor God. We can show our love for him more in how we live each day than in grand displays of boasting. “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life,” explains Paul, “to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders…” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).

We need to look to Christ, just as Paul did, for our example. Jesus never ran around the countryside, shouting and proclaiming his greatness. Simply and confidently, he let his words and his life point the way to the Father.

Being courageous in Christ (Monday, June 29)

The apostle Peter needed to learn many things about the kingdom before he could become the true rock of the early church. One of the lessons was how to be courageous in God, not merely bold in himself. Peter had to understand the difference between living for God and living for himself. As modern-day disciples, we need to discover the same truth.

We recall Peter’s bravery as he stepped out of the boat to walk across the water. Then there was Peter’s brash behavior as he cut off the ear of a guard who was coming to arrest Jesus. At the last supper, Peter said he would never deny Christ. So, too, Peter at first refused to let Jesus wash his feet.

Many of us are like Peter at times. We rush into a situation without taking the time to hear what God would have us do. Suddenly, we find ourselves in over our head because of our emotions. All too late we realize we have acted on our own impulses rather than on God’s divine inspiration. Gradually, through trial and error, through falling and failing, Peter realized how to control his conduct.

By the time he wrote his first epistle, Peter was a different person. He had learned restraint, humility and submission. “If anyone speaks,” Peter said, “he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”

Peter came to understand that being courageous in Christ was mightier than being bold in himself.

A little more trust (Sunday, June 28)

I often ask for God’s will to be done, but then become upset when things do not turn out as I had hoped or planned. I have to fight the temptation to think God has somehow overlooked what is best for me – that he isn’t listening to what I am saying or that he does not feel my suffering. I must confess that sometimes I wonder about why God does what he does.

You and I have to be careful not to set our minds on what we want before we ask God to help us. As human beings, we have a tendency to plan out our days and weeks. We keep daily schedules and put important events on calendars. We anticipate what will happen in the future. Our lives can be turned upside down when a sudden change occurs. Perhaps we become ill or need an operation. Maybe we have to go out of town. We might even have to find a new job or a new place to live.

We do not accept change easily or lightly. We are comfortable with our routine and our way of doing things. What we fail to realize, however, is that God is always trying to keep us moving in the right direction. He wants us to follow his perfect will for our lives.

Still, I am like a child who wants to do everything for himself. I always think I know what is best for me. What I have to realize is that God is my Father in every situation, not just when he gives me what I want. I am still learning how to trust completely. Each day I come a little closer to where God wants me to be.

Changing by praying (Saturday, June 27)

As we look around, we sometimes add up all of the things that we wish were different. We long to see things change, if ever so slightly, for the better. Perhaps we have to deal with a difficult person each day. Maybe we work for someone who is inconsiderate and insensitive. Possibly we are looking for a new place to live, but not having any success. It might be that we have been sick and we are tired of the pain. Whatever the problem, we can find relief.

We do not have the power or ability to change people and circumstances, but we do have the opportunity to change ourselves. With God’s guidance and might, we can find the energy to adjust how we think, feel and react. We do not have to become upset over anything; the secret lies in accepting what we face and committing the person or situation to prayer.

If I am bothered by what goes on at work, I need to pray. When I disagree with someone, I need to pray. As soon as I feel depressed or angry, I need to pray. If a person ignores me, I need to pray. By going to the Lord in prayer, I can change myself and my situation.

In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul tells how to be content. “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances.” It sounds so simple, yet you and I struggle each day. Maybe our first step toward change needs to be doing nothing at all – except to pray.

The union of love (Friday, June 26)

There is pain and hurt everywhere. We cannot escape it. If we take the time to look deep into the eyes of our neighbors, we will see their suffering. Too often, though, we look away – afraid of what we might see. Perhaps their grief reminds us of our own. Tucked away in their hearts are the same human miseries that touch us as well. We are alike in our anguish.

We are similar in another way, too. We are the same in our capacity to love. We can reach out to one another in love and bridge the chasm of pain that keeps us apart. By sharing our lives, we can experience the love that Christ tried to show us on the cross, as he died out of his love for us.

“God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.” In turn, his son loved us so much he gave up his life. Now we are called to love one another enough to give away our hearts in tenderness and compassion. Through the Holy Spirit, we are bound together in divine unity through love. We must help each other at the same time God is helping us.

Renewing our strength (Thursday, June 25)

Sometimes we become tired and weary, worn down by the struggles of life. We may feel as though our energy is gone – that it will take all of the remaining strength we possess to make it through today. What has happened? What has taken away our enthusiasm and joy?

Chances are we have become too involved in the world. We have allowed ourselves to get caught up in petty disagreements, the judgments of others, and the demands of our own schedule. Rather than looking at the world from a Christian perspective, we examine everything from a human viewpoint. We see people and situations only from our earthly perception.

What often remains invisible to us are God’s many blessings: the protection, the love, the guidance that He provides. We also are blind to the possibilities and challenges that await us. We do not notice, either, the miracles that have brought us to this time and day; we conveniently forget the past when we forget our purpose for being here.

You and I have a reason to be joyous and a purpose for today. You already know what you must do, and so do I. We need to believe in God and have faith in Him. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7). We must put our trust in the name above all other names, no matter what we witness. God will renew our strength through his righteousness.

The one and only power (Wednesday, June 24)

Some people treat life as though it is a game with definite winners and losers – a battle between the powerful and the powerless. The sport is all about dominance and control; those with the best strategy, the most skillful moves, come out on top. The world is full of leaders who have used a variety of approaches to become successful.

But what is true of this world is not at all true in God’s kingdom. Psalm 37:11 reminds us that “the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.” Only those who are gentle, mild, kind and compassionate will receive God’s treasures. Only those who are willing to follow God, rather than their own devices, will have peace and prosperity.

Bill and Gloria Gaither said it best in “There’s Just Something About That Name” when they wrote: “Kings and kingdoms will all pass away.” God will remain when everything else is gone. He alone is the one true victor and ruler.

Nothing else will matter in the kingdom of eternity except God. On that day the powerful on earth will be powerless as they stand in judgment before God.

From fearful to fearless (Tuesday, June 23)

Nothing can make us weaker, less confident and more afraid than fear. We fear all sorts of things, from confronting certain people to worrying about our health. Fear can make us react in unusual ways or to utter words we regret. Peter, for example, said three times he did not know Jesus. Jonah tried to run away rather than go to Nineveh. Moses made excuses when he was told to go back to Egypt. The fear of being penniless and poor caused Ananias and Sapphira to keep part of the proceeds from their land. Even Adam and Eve were afraid of how God would punish them.

We have become a society prone to fear. We are almost to the point of being fearful of fear. One reason for our anxiety is our lack of self-confidence. You and I have forgotten who we are in Christ; we have let Satan convince us that we are worthless, pathetic creatures who fail over and over again. He is only half right: we do fail often but we are anything but puny and frail. We are God’s children, each one of us more powerful than all the legions of hell.

Another reason for our preoccupation with fear is our lack of trust. We have lost sight of God, of his power and greatness. We fail to remember all that God has done, from creating each one of us to creating this entire universe with its endless complexity. It is time we took back what belongs to us as children of the king. We need to stop being afraid and make the transition from being fearful to being fearless.

Trust him (Monday, June 22)

How do we reconcile the fact that this world is not perfect, but we know that God’s will is? Logically speaking, we would expect God to fashion a world devoid of sin, death, toil or pain. We might argue, too, that God knew Adam and Eve would bring sin into paradise. Why would he allow anything to ruin what he had made pure and perfect?

Pondering such questions says more about our desires than it does about our curiosity to know the answers. First of all, we would not understand God if he did tell us the reasons for these things. Second, knowing the answers would not bring the change we are seeking. In truth, what we want to know is why we have to suffer so much in our lives? “I know your will is perfect, God,” we say. “I know you are good and that you love me. But why must I endure pain and sorrow? Why can’t you heal me? Why can’t you punish the unrighteous? Why can’t you eliminate poverty, hunger and sickness?”

Our Father is able to do anything he desires. His ways, however, are not our ways. He is divine; we are human. God sees the visible as well as the invisible; we see only the physical. Who are we to declare that some things seem unfair or unjust? We see only the small portion of the suffering that affects us.

God would not be God if we could understand all he does and why. All we really need to know is the importance of trusting God to do what is best.

Asking for help (Sunday, June 21)

As we bow our heads and prepare to pray, we need to think earnestly about the sacred act we are about to take part in. We are going to God, the creator of the universe. We are placing our lives before him as we enter into his holy and divine presence. We bring to him our praise, our petitions, our sorrows and our sins.

He hears each word we speak even before we utter a sound. Like a father, he listens patiently, carefully, lovingly. He beholds our hearts and feels our passion. He is in us and we are in him for we are made in his image. Miraculously, wondrously he transforms us. Somehow his great love imparts strength when we are weak and comfort when there is confusion.

We may never fully understand what we are doing when we pray. All we need to know is that God hears us and is moved whenever we draw close to him. His very nature is to help us, but we must be willing (and take time) to ask.

The last word (Saturday, June 20)

Sometimes we fail to think about the things we say. It is only after we have expressed a thought that we realize what we have said. Once we have spoken, however, there is no way to take back the words. They are there forever, whether they remain in our minds and hearts or that of someone else.

We need to remember that words uttered have a lasting impression, good or bad. They can elevate us or lower us. In Psalm 48:1, we discover both the source and the significance of words. “My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses to the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer” (Psalm 48:1). Our speech must come from the heart – through the pure love of God – not from the fickleness of our feelings. So, too, our words must come from wisdom, God’s divine intelligence, and not from our own foolishness.

What we say becomes a written record of our lives. The words do not simply disappear because we no longer see or hear them. Instead, our speech forms the essence of who we are deep inside, whether we are truly living for God or for ourselves.

Finding our way (Friday, June 19)

You and I are complex creatures. We are full of thoughts, desires, feelings, memories and impressions. All of these elements can co-exist simultaneously in our minds and hearts, creating inner conflicts that leave us lost and confused. At times we may be so overwhelmed by the contradictions between our reason and our emotions that we do not recognize ourselves.

No matter how lost we have become, God can help us get back on track. He can remove the pieces of our shattered lives and give us peace. The first step toward our restoration begins with confessing that we are lost and that we need his help. We need to release ourselves into his hands – to give up control of ourselves and let him be both guide and God.

As we strip away the problems of our past, there will be times when we fail. Each time we do, God is there to forgive and to give us a new beginning. We may fall dozens of times. No matter. We can start again. As we get up, we need to keep our eyes firmly fixed on him. Looking up is the only way to prevent ourselves from being down. He is the one, true, simple answer to all of our problems.

Power in the Word (Thursday, June 18)

Prayer is essential to us. It is the spiritual heart of our faith; it connects us intimately with the Father; it lifts us from earthly struggles; it fills our soul with unfathomable love; it cleanses us with forgiveness; it transforms our thinking; it calms our restless feelings; it heals our wounds; it sets us free from oppression; it releases our fears; and it prepares us for eternity.

Nothing in all the universe is greater than prayer. As we speak to God, we need to recall how his power is released by the spoken word. Genesis tells us that God spoke the world into existence, and the Gospel of John explains that Jesus is the word in flesh.

Though we may not fully understand how prayer works, or even the force that is unleashed by our words, we do know what can happen. We can even speak to the mountain and it will be moved, Jesus says. We need to trust the words he has spoken to us.

How much time? (Wednesday, June 17)

Most people take life for granted. We do not fully appreciate what we have been given until we are faced with death. When we read or hear that someone has died, we stop – at least for the moment – to appreciate being alive. We are suddenly reminded that one day our life on earth will end. We never know when: a 17-year-old boy can die in an accident on the same day a 91-year-old woman dies peacefully in a nursing home.

We are given no guarantees on how long we will live, yet we always act as though we have an eternity. We get mad at people, we become upset, we hold on to anger; in each situation we tell ourselves we have plenty of time to make amends and apologies. Foolishly, we deceive ourselves by thinking we will take care of the problem tomorrow or the next day.

You and I try to comfort ourselves, even isolate ourselves, from death by believing that we will live for many more years. We have to understand, though, that only God knows. At the time of our birth, he determined our being. We may have many years remaining, but we may have only days or weeks. All we can do is to live today by glorifying God. It is the only way to make sure we spend our time wisely.

Pray like this (Tuesday, June 16)

Not only are we made in the image and likeness of God, but we are told to imitate Jesus when we go to God in prayer. “This, then, is how you should pray,” Jesus says in Matthew as he begins the Lord’s Prayer. Luke also writes about Jesus instructing the disciples in the proper form and format for prayer: “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name….’” Jesus has given us these specific directions for a reason.

The most obvious, and yet the most overlooked, reason is the fact that we may address God as Father. We can come to the God of the universe and call him Father because we have a unique and special relationship with him. We are his family, his children, his sons and daughters. We are heirs of his power and might. As a father, he has promised to take care of us, to provide for us, if we will only place our lives in his hands.

Allowing God to be our Father is both simple and difficult. We want him to help us and, at the same time, let us do what we think is best. But we cannot follow God and ourselves. We must make a choice. That is why we say “thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” God can only be our Father if we let him.

Our way, God’s way and the world’s way (Monday, June 15)

Our lives can be fine one moment and in turmoil the next. You and I tend to plan and organize our days so that we can move swiftly from one event to another. Often, our schedules are interrupted by unexpected surprises: we get our times mixed up, we forget something, we fall behind, we are delayed, we have to do another errand. Suddenly, all of our careful preparations go out the window. We are forced to rearrange the remaining time we have left in the day.

We might have avoided at least some of our problems, if we would have prayed for God to guide us. Too often, as we sit down to put together a list of priorities for the day, we attempt too much. We make unreal expectations of ourselves and then become impatient when things don’t turn out the way we expect.

In all that we do, Jesus needs to be our example. Our actions must reflect his. Before we undertake any task, large or small, we need to pray. We must put aside our own plans and desires, and seek God’s design. Then, when the problems of the world assail us, we can turn to our Father for relief. We almost never find comfort or answers in turning to ourselves.

As human beings we cannot change everything that goes wrong in our lives. But God can. He has overcome the world. Not only can he give us immediate help; he also can help us avoid future problems. Our way is easiest when we follow God’s way.

The joy for living (Sunday, June 14)

I sometimes wonder if we haven’t lost our joy for living? Even many of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ do not look happy. There are many reasons for us to be discouraged at times, but disappointments should not affect our true happiness. Constantly, we need to remind ourselves that the value in life does not come through how much we accomplish; rather, the worth is in what we achieve.

As we look at the life of Jesus, we begin to see how we should live our lives. Jesus’ ministry to the world was short – no more than three years. Yet, he achieved more than anyone who has ever lived. When we talk about the way Jesus lived, we do not mean that his life was different because he was the Son of God. What I am suggesting is that Jesus really lived his life. There was a certain inner peace, a serene joy, that he displayed. Even his speech resonated with happiness each time he talked of life in eternity with the Father.

Perhaps we need to reflect more of our Father’s joy to the world around us. First, we need to forget about the quantity of work we do for the Lord and focus on the quality.

God's creation (Saturday, June 13)

Perception can make a world of difference. The earth looks much different, for example, from a plane at 25,000 feet. Peacefully and serenely, the ground below glides by. We marvel at all of shapes and shades of landscape scattered here and there. For miles, we see dark blue rivers that twist and turn; forests and fields that are outlined by roads and highways; and large sprawling cities that suddenly seem small and insignificant.

Sometimes we need to get above the clutter and noise of daily life in order to appreciate the world that God made for us, his children. The true wonder and beauty of this life is found in God’s creation, not in the many works of man.

When we start to see the world through the eyes of God, we begin to notice the little things we miss each day. We need to spend more time focusing on what God designed rather than on what man has developed.

Being protected (Friday, June 12)

Each day as we go about our activities, God protects us. He is with us as we drive in traffic, when we are at work or at home, as we visit the doctor for news about recent tests, while we are eating and when we are watching television. No matter where we go or what we do, we are surrounded by the Holy Spirit.

We may never know how much has been kept from us because of God’s protection. We can probably recount numerous examples when we should have been harmed in a traffic accident or some other incident. Perhaps we narrowly escaped permanent injury from an illness or operation. Then there are attacks of spiritual forces that we do not see – the evil that is constantly at work all around us.

God keeps us safe, much like our earthly parents when we were small. We did not realize it at the time, but our mothers and fathers took great care to make sure nothing harmed us. God does the same on a much grander and divine scale. We are his children and he watches over us each second of the day and night.

Jesus gave us the words of the Father so that we would not fear anything. “Surely I am with you always,” he said, “to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). We have God’s mantle of protection over our lives. His covenant keeps us safe through any trial.

One in all (Thursday, June 11)

There are different races, cultures, countries and continents. All of us have varied traditions, customs and practices. Jesus came not that we should remain apart from one another, but that we should be a part of one body, one kingdom and one life. He unites us as one people. Yet, how often do we think of our sameness, not only to one another but also to Christ himself?

It is our nature to dwell on difference – the many aspects that separate us from our neighbors. We frequently distance ourselves from Christian brothers and sisters because we do not agree with them or their conduct. In doing so, we decide that our ways are right, theirs wrong. Our place is not to judge. Instead, we are to draw together under one God, the divine ruler and Savior of all.

We need to remember that we are one, under One and for one. Until we accept this single universal truth, we will never understand the unity of our life on earth as it is in heaven.

The everlasting word (Wednesday, June 10)

In the midst of deadly shootings, starving nations, abused children, fierce fighting and incurable disease, there remains hope. We can go to God each day with confidence, knowing that he has control over each and every situation. He alone rules the world and all that occurs every second, from the motion of the planets to the movement of our very lives.

As human beings, we cannot help but wonder what is going on when death and tragedy occur. We try to make sense out of what we see and hear. But our minds remain empty. There seems to be no logic or reason for the death of a child or the devastation of cancer.

We do not understand. Yet, we cannot lose hope because of our own confusion. Our words, thoughts and hearts must echo the plaintive song in Psalm 71: “For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you.”

Even with a heavy and sad heart we can still praise God. We worship him through our tears, believing in his power and might to overcome the wickedness that seems to triumph all around us. When all is said and done, God will have the last word – the everlasting word. Therein lies our eternal hope.

Waiting on God (Tuesday, June 9)

We often spend a great deal of our time waiting on God. We wait for him to answer our prayers, to give us direction, to fill us with peace and to comfort us with his very presence. While we may think we are simply wasting time because we are not moving forward, God is doing an important work in us.

There always is a purpose and a reason for waiting. During this difficult time, God is teaching us many things. He is helping us learn the act of patience. He also is showing us how to be persistent at the same time we are waiting.

When Jesus left the apostles for the final time, he told them to wait before going out into the world. They were not to do anything until they were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. What thoughts and emotions must have gone through them as they anticipated the time to move out into the world. Surely, they wondered why God was holding them back from doing their work.

God was preparing their hearts and minds during this period of waiting. He was preparing them spiritually for the journey ahead. We need to remember their example and experience as we wait for God. Though we may think nothing is going on during this critical period, God is using the time to make us ready for what lies ahead.

Walking to the Cross (Monday, June 8)

The Cross is before us in all of its beauty and sorrow. We can either run toward the Cross or turn away. Jesus beckons us to come nearer, yet we hesitate. We complain about the difficulty. We may also question what he says. He promises to protect us, but we doubt. He says he will guide us, but we lose faith. He tells us to trust him, but we do not believe. He says to follow his footsteps, but we stop. He encourages us with love, but we see only the pain and suffering.

Jesus offers us life – everything we need to be whole and complete. We can never accept this precious gift, however, if we are not willing to touch him with our heart and spirit. Only when we suffer with Our Lord will we be able to experience the beauty and triumph of his victory.

In spite of all that is going on around us, we have to learn to take Jesus at his word. Our faith in him is the key to walking all of the way to the Cross. It is not an easy journey, but Jesus makes it bearable. If we focus wholly on him, we will be able to endure the pain, the rejection and the suffering. He never took his eyes off the Father. We must do the same.

A future of hope (Sunday, June 7)

When we are faced with disappointments and tragedies, it is hard to think about what will happen in the days ahead. The future seems dark, bleak, almost unbearable. We cannot possibly imagine our situation getting any better. There are other times, though, when we are able to use our imagination. We recall a happy occasion with loved ones, a beautiful scene on the beach, an exciting day at an amusement park, the moment we first fell in love. These joyous thoughts fill us freely with delight and pleasure.

We should look at the future with the same passion and fondness. Paul tells us in Hebrews 11:1 that, "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Our vision for tomorrow, next week or next year should be full of hope, energy and emotion -- the same kind of exhilaration we experience from a cherished memory. We need to remember where we are headed in the future: to the very throne of heaven and a city of infinite beauty. We will, at last, be home with Our Father. What an incredible day awaits us there!

Wearing our faith (Saturday, June 6)

Various passages in the New Testament remind us to clothe ourselves with certain qualities, such as compassion, humility, love, patience and understanding. These are simple virtues, yet many people misunderstand what God is saying. He does not tell us merely to practice these so that we can become better persons. Instead, God instructs us to “clothe ourselves” in them.

Wearing compassion and being compassionate are quite different. When we wear a piece of clothing, it becomes a part of us much like a shirt or a pair of shoes. The items move when we move; we do not have to think about them. On the other hand, when we perform a certain act – say, being compassionate toward someone – we may do so only for the moment. Depending on our circumstances, we might not be kind and considerate all of the time.

We have to learn how to be compassionate, loving and humble constantly. Our calling is to wear these virtues like a piece of clothing so that they become a part of our being. They go with us no matter where we go, what we do or how we feel. When we wrap ourselves in the right way, we are covering ourselves with the eternal garments of heaven.

God's unseen hand (Friday, June 5)

One of the realities of life is that things are not always as they appear. We can be misled by what we see, think or feel. Physics is a marvelous example of just how easily we can be deceived. We have the impression that the earth is standing still -- the sun, stars, and clouds seem to be in motion but not the earth. But we know the earth is whirling on its axis at 1,000 miles per hour. In addition, we have discovered our planet is racing through space at 67,000 miles per hour.

Each day, as we wait for God to work in our lives, we have the notion that he is not doing anything. Days, weeks, months or even years may pass with no apparent movement or change in our lives. We wonder if God has forgotten us.

What we do not see are the thousands of the events God puts into place before we observe any change in our lives. Think of all that had to occur before the Hebrews reached the Promised Land. Decades earlier, even when the people were in bondage, God was at work in their lives. He was bringing forth a child named Moses who would one day save these chosen people from the Egyptians.

God is always at work even if we feel we are standing still. We are not stationary, nor is God at rest. At this very moment, God is moving all the forces in the universe to fulfill his good and perfect plan in each one of our lives.

An active belief (Thursday, June 4)

When we say that we believe in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we are doing much more than acknowledging their existence. We mean that we actually accept the divinity, authority and eternity of the one triune God. We willingly receive all that he has made, visible and invisible.

We also are confessing that God is our Father and Our King – he is the beginning and the end, the giver and hope of all life. Through faith, we recognize his sovereignty in all things, including the power to heal, restore and comfort. We put our trust in his ways, replacing our will for his.

Letting God take control of our entire being is what belief in the trinity is all about. When we no longer know who we are without God, then we are living in an active belief that changes us today, tomorrow and forever. 

A difference (Wednesday, June 3)

People are always watching our actions and listening to our words to see if we are truly who we claim to be. Others want to know if we are different because we are Christians.

Does our “christianity” set us apart or make us distinct in any way? When we talk, for example, do we sound defensive, antagonistic or even angry? Do we open our mouth and speak our mind before we take time to seek God’s guidance? What about how we act? Perhaps we try to control every situation and each person. Maybe we are aggressive and rude in the workplace or on the highway. It could be, too, that we are more concerned about ourselves than with those around us.

There should be a difference that the world can see and hear about us. Whether we are sending an e-mail, talking on the phone, driving our car or shopping at the grocery store, people should notice there is something distinct, unique, about us.

Each day we have dozens of opportunities to show others what it means to be a Christian. They are watching carefully what we say and do, judging whether or not they want what we have.

He is (Tuesday, June 2)

Jesus once asked his disciples an interesting question: “Who do you say that I am?” He wanted to see if they saw him differently than most people. Each day of our lives, Jesus asks us the same question. He wants to know if we really believe in him, if we know he is who he claims to be.

Many people profess Jesus as Lord and Savior, yet their words and actions do not reflect his love, his compassion and his gentleness. Often, there seems to be little difference between those who believe and those who do not believe. We would find it difficult to separate the saved from the unsaved.

But those who truly believe that Jesus is Lord are different. They are the ones who always put others before themselves. They also seem to have a peace and a comfort deep within. They are always patient and kind, no matter what the situation. These are Christians who put their love of Christ into action.

We can be followers and yet not practice what Christ taught. But if we truly follow Jesus, we will use our lives to show the world who he is – that he is indeed the Son of God.

A heart for others (Monday, June 1)

You and I sometimes forget to have compassion toward others. Everywhere we look, people seem to be more concerned about themselves than with their neighbors. Compassion is not merely feeling sorry for someone else. In addition to our empathy, compassion involves taking action. Having compassion for another person means doing something to relieve their pain or suffering.

How many times do we read in scripture about Jesus having compassion toward the sick, the lame, the poor, the hungry, the sorrowful? Jesus did more than feel sorry for these people. He helped them. He healed. He comforted. He fed. He restored. He taught.

Matthew tells the story of two blind men who came to Jesus one day. They shouted to the Lord to be healed, but the embarrassed crowd rebuked them. However, “Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.”

When we have compassion, we have the power to transform lives. Pity affects only our feelings, while compassion reaches out to affect change in the lives of others. We need to be more like Jesus and less like ourselves. We need to practice the kind of compassion that makes a difference.

The omniscient eyes of God (Sunday, May 31)

We may become upset whenever we see brothers and sisters in the faith acting badly. “They should know better,” we proclaim. “As Christians, they have no right to talk like that or to treat people that way.” We, as fellow followers in Christ, have to be careful not to let our disappointment overshadow our faith in God. We need to do all we can to protect our own sacred knowledge that God is in control and that he knows what is going on.

God will never be mocked, whether a situation involves believers or unbelievers. The merchants and moneychangers who once turned the ancient temple courts into a market had to know they were defiling a holy place. They probably thought they could do as they pleased, that it didn’t matter, much like those who misbehave in front of us today.

But the omniscient eyes of God see everything. Suddenly and unexpectedly, Jesus appeared at the temple in Jerusalem, just before the Jewish Passover. He drove out all the sellers and overturned the tables. “How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market,” he exclaimed.

No matter what we do or say in life, God is aware and he is there. He is watching our actions and listening to our words; he is even examining our hearts and thoughts. God may not always make his presence known immediately, as Jesus did at the temple, but he is present. Those who go against what is morally and spiritually right deserve our prayers, not our condemnation. God sees their wrong and he will be their judge. Our primary concern needs to be focused on not losing our faith and belief in the power or authority of God.

No disappointments (Saturday, May 30)

Can there ever be disappointment in God? It is human nature to be downhearted and disappointed from time to time. We may not live up to the expectations of others, not receive recognition for our hard work or fail ourselves by not meeting our own goals.

We can all understand the feelings of loneliness and isolation, even the self-examination, that come with losing a job or being rejected by someone. A new president at a Christian college could have been extremely dejected several years ago. He had moved his family from the Midwest to the West Coast to accept the position. Less than a year later, he was fired. Surprisingly, this faithful man said “I don’t think we can ever experience disappointment in God.” He was right. We can be upset about what happens to us in the world, but we should never be disappointed by what God does in our lives.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul said that “since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The critical element in this passage from the fifth chapter is that “we have peace with God.” Peace is made by God through Jesus Christ. Therefore, by our faith in Jesus, we are “justified” in enjoying that heavenly peace.

The peace we seek during difficult times is always available. We are entitled to it. Yet we often allow others – even well-meaning Christians – to deny us such a divine gift. It is sad when we see this happen. But the greater shame is in not recognizing who we really are in Christ.

Journey to eternity (Friday, May 29)

There are always unexpected surprises, both good and bad, on a journey. As we travel through life, we encounter events and people that sometimes catch us unaware. We can be feeling fine for years and then we are hit with debilitating illness. Or we might be enjoying a productive and fruitful career when unforeseen circumstances suddenly disrupt our plans. Without warning, even the best of us can lose our focus and our hope. In an instant, we are without direction because we have let someone or something derail our outlook for the future.

Oddly enough, however, we do not let any obstacles – large or small – stand in our way when we have spent months planning a vacation. We manage to work through the problems, whether we encounter a flat tire, a change in the weather, reservations that are lost and even minor sickness. Nothing seems to hold us back from enjoying our time away. But our lives can be thrown into turmoil when we do not receive a promotion at work or we are told that we have to work harder – that we aren’t pulling our weight. Immediately, we question whether we have gone into the right profession. We also wonder what will happen in the days ahead. Feelings of anxiety abruptly replace our sense of confidence and purpose.

The journey through life is full of distractions and troubles. We cannot lose our focus, though. Each day we are one day closer to eternity – to a life too incredible to describe. There, God in his very presence will dwell among us and he will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. According to the revelation of John, “The city shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like jasper, clear as crystal. It had a great, high wall. . . . The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass.”

This description is just the beginning of what John saw. The city is there, already waiting for us in all of its beauty. We are on a journey to the New Jerusalem, to a place where the problems of this world will no longer matter.

For him (Thursday, May 28)

The rewards of our labors are little compared to the great wealth and beauty that God has for us. Yet, so often we work to gain the world’s gifts and recognition. We use our strength in vain and waste our days on things that do not last. We concern ourselves with the here and now instead of the everlasting and eternal.

How easy it is to forget we were called by God long before all that we see around us. Before our birth, the Lord knew our name and fashioned our lives. He saw what would happen in each and every situation. He knew the plans he had to keep us safe and to protect us from harm.

Even though our life and our future are guided by him, we look for man’s approval. We will never find what we are seeking, though, because we were created to serve God, not the world. Our purpose is in him; therefore, our reward is in him as well.

Isaiah 49 reminds us that what is due us is in the Lord’s hand. There, too, is where we find all the greatness we will ever need in life. We exist for his glory alone. Not for ourselves.

What you need (Wednesday, May 27)

The truly amazing thing about God is how he is able to love and care for each one of us in a special way. Because we are his children, he knows us intimately. He knows when we hurt, when we are sad, when we are weak and when we are troubled. As our Father, he understands what we need at certain times in our lives.

To some of us he grants peace during difficulty. To others, he offers comfort, understanding, encouragement, strength or hope. For many individuals, God is standing quietly at their side to take away the loneliness and pain.

No matter what we might require today, God will be there. To realize his help and presence, though, we must know ourselves and our need. We should not be looking for understanding when we need companionship. We should not seek favor when we need confidence, and we should not look for tranquility when we need companionship.

The point is this: God will give us precisely what we need, not what we desire. Often, what we want is not good or right for us anyway, like the crippled beggar at the temple gate who asked Peter and John for money. Rather than gold or silver, they gave him complete healing. God does the same for us. He offers what is best, even though we might want something else. Accepting his gift, no matter what it is, can do more for us than we realize. God knows us far better than we know ourselves.

Finding our future (Tuesday, May 26)

The hope of eternal life sometimes seems so far off for the Christian that it is easy to feel defeated or even lost. Doubt arises in our lives from time to time. Fear creeps in. Anxiety slowly replaces cheer. We can become depressed without knowing how we ever got there.

On such occasions, we tend to wonder how we can recover our sense of hope, how we can be restored and be happy once more. What can help us jump over the huge chasm between our despondency and the peace we once possessed? Paul offers the answer in his letter to the Romans. He reminds us that we should “never be lacking in zeal, but keep [our] spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” We can renew ourselves through service to God.

When we get busy doing the work the Lord has planned for us, we forget about our loneliness, our selfishness and our sadness. With our thoughts directed entirely on him, we suddenly discover our hope again. We have everything to gain and nothing to lose when we devote our lives to God. No matter where we look in the world, we find both our being and our hope only in him.

Trust is greater than understanding (Monday, May 25)

I sometimes think how much more I would have done for God if only I understood what he wanted. With just a tiny glimpse of what he had planned, I could have done so much more to be useful. In fact, I would have given everything to follow him.

Yes, it is true that I might have served him better throughout my years, but I would have followed him because I understood and accepted his plan. I would not have gone along out of faith; rather, I would have kept on the path so I could receive what awaited me in the end.

The most important element about our faith is our total trust in God, not our understanding of him. Anyone can serve when there is an explanation to do so. Only a person who believes can serve without justification or motivation. The disciples wanted to follow Jesus because they loved him, not because they wanted something from him.

All we really need to understand about God is that he wants our lives to go a certain way. Most all of his ways involve simple, childlike trust. There is nothing complicated or difficult about it.