I'M BACK!!!

Special Selection - "Praise Is What I Do"

Daily Reading - "Lift Up Your Eyes On High, And See Who Has Created These Things." Isa 40:26 NKJV

This is how it read today...

Mon. April 26

"LIST UP YOUR EYES ON HIGH, AND SEE WHO HAS CREATED THESE THINGS." (ISA 40:26 NKJV)

A Sense Of Awe

G.K. Chesterton wrote: "The world is not lacking in wonders, but in a sense of wonder." It's said that if the earth were as small as the moon its gravitation wouldn't sustain our needs. On the other hand, if it were as large as Jupiter its extreme gravitation would make human movement almost impossible. If we were as close to the sun as Venus the heat would be enbearable; if we were as far away as Mars every region would experience snow and ice nightly. If the oceans were half their size we'd get only 25 percent of our present rainfall; if they were one-eighth larger, annual precipitation would increase 400 percent, turning the earth into a vast uninhabitable swamp. Water solidifies at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. But if the oceans were subjected to that law, the amount of thawing in the polar regions wouldn't balance out and we'd all end up encased in ice. To prevent this, God put salt in the sea to alter its freezing point. How's that for a day's work? The Psalmist wrote: "How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all...I will sing praise to my God as long as I live" (Ps 104:24-33 NIV). If God's workmanship wouldn't make you praise Him and want to know Him better, what would? John Stott said, "Our greatest claim to nobility is our created capacity to know God, to be in personal relationship with Him, to love Him and to worship Him. Indeed, we are most truly human when we are on our knees before our creator."

Special Selection - "Sovereign God"

Daily Reading - "I Consider Everything A Loss Compared To The Surpassing Greatness Of Knowing Christ." Php 3:8 NIV

Here is how it read today.

Tues. April 6

"I CONSIDER EVERYTHING A LOSS COMPARED TO THE SURPASSING GREATNESS OF KNOWING CHRIST." (PHP 3:8 NIV)

GOD'S APPROVAL

Many of us race from one thing to another, driven by our need to accomplish, yet never feeling fulfilled or stopping long enough to appreciate our worth in God's eyes. Lasting fulfillment doesn't come from reaching another goal or deadline. Paul wrote much of the New Testament, preached to world leaders and built the church, yet his heart's cry was "that I might know [be intimately acquainted with] Him" (v. 10 NKJV)> Until God affirms you, the praises of men will keep falling into a heart that leaks. Once the thrill of the chase is over, there has to be more to your life than just accomplishing another goal. Our challenge is to address our nagging approval addiction (yes, addiction!) by turning to God to find the only approval that can truly satisfy - His approval. Paul worked hard, but he did it for one sole reason: "We labor...that we might be accepted of Him." Ask yourself, "Why am I doing what I do? Who am I doing it for?" Your answers will be revealing. What makes you think you can fulfill God's purpose for your life without taking the time and effort required to build a relationship with Him? Without fresh fire in your soul you will burn out. Another credential and another trophy won't cut it. Only God can restore what all your striving has depleted. God will never ask you to do anything that replaces what His presence alone can do. In His presence crowns lose their luster and human accolades become meaningless (See Rev 4:10-11). There you can let it all go, without losing anything.

Daily Reading - "O Death, Where Is Your Sting?" 1Co 15:55 NKJV

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Mon. April 5

"O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?" (1 CO 15:55 NKJV)

The Sting Has Been Removed

The story's told of a boy and his father driving down a country road when a bee flew in the car window. The boy, who was allergic to bee stings, was terrified. The father quickly reached out, grabbed the bee, squeezed it into his hand and then released it. The boy grew frantic as it buzzed by him. Again the father reached out his hand, but this time he pointed to his palm. There, stuck in his flesh, was the stinger of the bee. "Do you see this?" he asked. "You don't need to be afraid any more. I've taken the string for you." The message of Easter is, as a believer you don't need to fear death because Christ has died and risen again. The sting has been removed. Death is not the end, it's just the beginning!

Job, who'd experienced the tragic loss of seven sons and three daughters in a single day, asked, "If a man dies, shall he live again?" (Job 14:14 NKJV). He needed an answer! We all do. Five chapters later he got one: "I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!" (Job 19:25027 NKJV). The Psalmist rejoiced in the same hope: "As for me, I will see your face in the righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness" (Ps 17:15 NKJV).

Daily Reading - "And They Crucified Him" Mk 15:24 NIV

This is how it read today...

Fri. April 2

"AND THEY CRUCIFIED HIM." (MK 15:24 NIV)

CRUCIFIXION

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In The Expositor's Bible Commentary C. Truman Davis, M.D. writes, "What is crucifixion? A medical doctor provides a physical description: 'As he slowly sags down...on the nails in the wrists, excrutiating pain shoots along the fingers and up the arms to explode in the brain-the nails in the wrists are putting pressure on the median nerves. As he pushes himself upward to avoid stretching torment, he places teh full weight on the nail through his feet. Again in agony of the nail tearing through the nerves between the bones of the feet. As the arms fatigue, cramps sweep through the muscles, knotting them in deep, relentless, throbbing pain. With these cramps comes the inability to push himself upward to breathe. Air can be drawn into the lungs but not exhaled. He fights to raise himself in order to get even one small breath...hours of this limitless pain, cycles of twisting, joint-rendering cramps, intermittent partial asphyxiation, searing pain as tissue is torn from his lacerated back as he moves up and down against the timber. Then another agony begins: a deep, crushing pain in the chest as the pericardium slowly fills with serum and begins to compress the heart. It is now almost over - the loss of tissue fluids reaches critical level - the compressed heart is struggling to pump heavy, thick, sluggish blood into the tissues - the tortued lungs are making a frantic effort to gasp in small gulps of air. He can feel the chill of death creeping through his tissues...finally he can allow his body to die." The Bible records it in these words: "And they crucified him."

Special Seletion - "Power Praise"

Daily Reading - "You Are The Salt Of The Earth...You Are The Light Of The World." Mt 5:13-14 NKJV

Here is how it read today.

Wed. March 31

"YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH...YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD." (MT 5:13-14 NKJV)

Salt and Light

Christ's critics told the truth when they said, "He stirs up the people." (Lk 23:5 NKJV). The apostles' critics told the truth when they said, "They have turned the world upside down" (See Ac 17:6 NKJV). Jesus and His disciples were "Let's do something about it" people, rather than "Let's not make waves" people. Which are you? Jesus said: "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out...You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all...Let your light so shine before men, that they may see you good works and glorify your Father" (Mt 5:13-16 NKJV). The purpose of light is to illuminate, not just be an accessory. Being shy, or inarticulate, or not knowing the Scriptures well enough to share them is not an acceptable excuse. You are the only Christian some people will ever meet, so a lot is riding on you. Jim Elliott, who died as a missionary and martyr, said: "God makes His ministers a flame of fire. Am I ignitable? God, deliver me from the dead asbestos of 'other things.' Saturate me with the oil of your spirit that I may be a flame. Make me your fuel, flame of God." Today, make that your prayer!

Special Selection - "I Wanna Thank You"

Daily Reading - "Lead Me, O Lord...Make You Way Straight Before My Face." Ps 5:8 NKJV

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Tues. March 30

"LEAD ME, O LORD...MAKE YOUR WAY STRAIGHT BEFORE MY FACE." (PS 5:8 NKJV)

Just Drive, And Let God Direct You!

Hanna Whitall Smith, writes: "God's voice will always be in harmony with itself, regardless of how many ways He may speak. The voices may be many, the massage can be but one. If God tells me in one voice to do, or leave undone anything, He cannot possibly tell me the opposite in another voice...therefore my rule for distinguishing the voice of God would be to bring it to the test of harmony." To know that you're being led by God you must: (1) Believe that He has a plan for you life; (2) Spend time in prayer asking Him to reveal it; (3) Step out and obey Him, even though He doesn't tell you all you'd like to know; (4) Be confident that even in difficult times He's still directing your steps. During the making of Ben-Hur, Charlton Heston trained long hours to drive a chariot for the movie's big chariot race. He improved greatly, but he became convinced that the task was more than he could handle. So he approached the legendary movie director Cecil B. DeMille and said, "I've worked hard as mastering this rig, I think I can drive it convincingly in the scene, but I don't think I can win the race." After a moment's silence DeMille smile and said, "You just drive, I'll direct." He did, and the chariot race became on of the movie's most memorable highlights. You don't need all the answers, you only need to know you've fully obeyed the instructions God gave you. One you know that, just drive, and let Him direct you.

Special Selection - "Since Jesus Came"

Daily Reading - "Because You Have Been Trustworthy." Lk 19:17 NIV

Here is how it read today.

Mon. March 22

"BECAUSE YOU HAVE BEEN TRUSTWORTHY." (LK 19:17 NIV)

MONEY

Money will buy you a bed but not sleep, books but not brains, foor but not an appetite, a house but now a home, medicine but not health, luxuries but not happiness, image but not character, and religion but not salvation. you say, "Does that mean God doesn't want me to have money?" No, He will actually trust you with more money when you demonstrate that your trust is not in your money, but in Him alone (See 1 Ti 6:17). The Bible teaches three things about money: (1) When you become a good steward of what you have, God will entrust you with more. "Then he sent for the servants to whome he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. The first one came one and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned ten more.' 'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities'" (Lk 19:15-17 NIV). (2) When your focus is on serving others, God will entrust you with more. When Job took the focus off himeself and began to pray for others, "The Lord...gave him twice as much as he had before" (Job 42:10 NIV). (3) When you can walk away from material things to do God's will, God will entrust you with more. Abraham left the security of his home to fulfill God's plan, and he ended up one of the world's wealthiest men. On the other hand, the rich young ruler said no to following Christ because the cost was too high (See Mk 10:17-22). You ask, "What was the cost?" Everything!

Daily Reading - "Cease From Anger...It Only Causes Harm." Ps 37:8 NKJV

Here is how it read today.

Fri. March 19

"CEASE FROM ANGER...IT ONLY CAUSES HARM." (PS 37:8 NKJV)

Lingering Anger

In a 1994 newspaper article, "War's Lethal Leftovers Threaten Europeans," Associated Press reporter Christopher Burns writes: "The bombs of WWII are still killing in Europe. They turn up - and sometimes blow up - at construction sites, in fishing nets, or on beaches fifty years after the guns fell silent. Hundreds of tons of explosives are recovered every year in France alone. Thirteen bombs exploded in France in 1993, killing 12 people and wounding 11. 'I've lost two of my colleagues,' said Yvon Bouvet, who heads a government team in the Champagne-Ardennes region that defuses explosives from both WWI and II. Unexploded bombs become more dangerous with time. With the corrosion inside, the weapon becomes more unstable, and the detonator can be exposed."

What is true of lingering bombs is also true of lingering anger: it explodes when you least expect it. Anger is not something to be proud of, it's something to be prayed over because: it hurts those closest to you; it causes you to lose respect in the eyes of others; it closes doors of opportunity; it puts you on dangerous ground with God. Take a moment and read what God's Word says about your lingering anger: "Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret-it only causes harm" (Ps 38:8 NKJV). "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city" (Pr 16:32 NKJV). "The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression" (Pr 19:11 NKJV).

Daily Reading - "He Will Order His Angels To Protect You Wherever You Go." Ps 91:11 NLT

Here is how it read today.

Thurs. March 18

"HE WILL ORDER HIS ANGELS TO PROTECT YOU WHEREVER YOU GO." (PS 91:11 NLT)

Protected By Angels

Every two weeks the missionary went to the city to purchase medical supplies for a small field hospital where he served. On one of his trips he saw two men fighting on the street. One was seriously injured so he stopped, treated his wounds and shared God's love with him. Then he headed home, stopping in the jungle to camp overnight. When he visited the city two weeks later a man approached him - the same one he'd helped on his previous trip. The man said, "I knew you carried money and medicine with you, so our gang followed you to your camp planning to kill you for the money and the drugs. But just as we were about to attack, we saw twenty-six armed guards surrounding you." The missionary replied, "No, that's impossible; I was all alone." The man countered, "But my buddies saw them too. We counted them." Months later when the missionary told this story back at his home church, a guy interrupted, "Exactly what day did this take place?" When the missionary identified the specific day the guy was amazed. He said, "On that exact night in Africa it was morning here, and I felt a strange urge to pray for you. It was so strong that I phone some folks to come to the church and pray with me. Would all of you who prayed with me that day please stand up? One by one the missionary counted them - twenty-six - the exact number of the armed guards. The truth is: "He will order his angels to protect you wherever you go."

Daily Reading - "I Am Filled With Power, With The Spirit Of The Lord." Mic 3:8 NIV

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Tues. March 16

"I AM FILLED WITH POWER, WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD." (MIC 3:8 NIV)

Releasing The Power Within You

Picture this: Huge shovels dig house-sized scoops of coal. Pulverized and loaded onto railroad boxcars, the coal travels to a generating plant in East Texas where it's crushed into powder. Super heated, this powder ignites like gasoline when blowin into giant furnaces that crank three turbines. Whirring at 3600 revolutions per minute these turbines are housed in massive concrete and steel casings. They generate enough electricity for entire cities. You ask the chief engineer, "Where do you store the electricity?" He replies, "We don't store it, we just make it. When a light switch is flipped on in Dallas, a hundred miles west, it places a demand on the sytem; it registers at the generating plan and prompts greater output." Understand this: God's power cannot be stored; it only comes in the measure required, at the moment of need, and as your faith places a demand on it. To release the power of God that is already within you, you must: (1) Decide that material things will never be your first pursuit. Seek first his kingdom...and all these things will be given to you as well" (Mt 6:33 NIV). (2) Realize that God cannot move where there is no faith. "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Heb 11:6 NIV). So begin using your faith, even in small things. (3) Keep in mind that God will always use something you already have. So look within yourself, acknowledge what He's given you and "put it out there." (4) Don't forget to give God the glory. When the praise comes, pass it on to Him.

Daily Reading - "Do Not Worry About Tomorrow" Mt 6:34 NKJV

Here is how it read today.

Fri. March 12

"DO NOT WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW." (MT 6:34 NKJV)

God's Economics For Tough Times (5)

Dr. Jay Adams tells the story of a man who decided to give up worry. When a friend noticed how relaxed he looked and asked how he'd conquered worry, he said, "It's simple; I just hired a guy to do my worrying for me." Asked how much that cost, he replied, "$10,000 a month." Where will you get the money?" his anxious friend queried. He replied calmly, "That's his worry, not mine!" Jesus tells us to hand our worries over to Him! He understands that we're anxious about our finances and worried we won't be able to afford the things we need. So He instructs us, "Do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'" (Mt 6:31 NIV). Notice, it's the combination of "worrying" and "saying" that brings on anxiety. Your self-talk, plus your words to others about your fears, are negative reinforcers, distorting your perceptions, magnifying your fear and making you feel helpless and hopeless about your circumstances and your future. Don't do that! Claim the "much more" passages Jesus gave us in Matthew 6. "Look at the birds...your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" (v.26). "God clothes the grass of the field...will he not much more clothe you?" (v. 30). Worry belongs to unbelievers, not to kingdom citizens. "For the pagans (unbelievers) run after (exert great effort, pursue apprehensively, are anxiously preoccupied with) all these things" - food, drink and clothing. (v. 32). Make "his kingdom and his righteousness" your focus, not the unpredictable economy, and "all these things will be given to you as well" (v. 33).

Daily Reading - "Do Not Worry About Tomorrow" Mt 6:34 NKJV

Here is how it read.

Thurs. March 11

"DON'T WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW." (MT 6:34 NKJV)

God's Economics For Tough Times (4)

To prosper in tough times: (1) Resist greed. "You shall not covet" (Ex 20:17 NIV). The drive to keep up with the Joneses enslaves us and stresses us out. Jesus identified the law of diminishing returns in coveting. "Be on your guard against...greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Lk 12:15 NIV). The bottom line is: your self-worth cannot be built on your net worth, especially in this economy. John says: "These...desires...to buy everything that appeals to you...are not from God" (1Jn 2:16 TLB). Sharing, not owning things, brings lasting satisfaction and joy! (2) Don't co-sign. "Don't...guarantee another person's debt or put up security for someone else. If you can't pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you" (Pr 22:26-27 NLT). This isn't just good advice; it's a divine directive. Your friends who got "burned" by countersigning debts will all say, "Amen!" God isn't saying don't help others. He blesses those who help the needy. But His way of helping is by prayer, giving, lending without expecting a return, offering wise counsel, but not taking on their debt. (3) Work hard. Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich (Pr 10:4 NLT). "Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, but the one who gathers by labor increases it" (Pr 13:11 NAS). "A man skilled in his work...will stand before kings...not...before obscure men" (Pr 22:29 NAS). Even in a tough economy God will promote the honest, skilled, hard worker to higher places and greater prosperity!

Daily Reading - "Do Not Worry About Tomorrow" Mt 6:34 NKJV

Here is how it read today.

Tues. March 10

"DO NOT WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW." (MT 6:34 NKJV)

God's Economics For Tough Times (2)

Fear makes us react emotionally, doing all the wrong things. We abandon the principles of Scripture and grab for all we can get, withholding and hoarding in case things get worse. Don't surrender to the fears rampant in our increasingly godless culture. Instead, faithfully follow God's economics for tough times. When Israel did this they enjoyed mega harvest. But when they withheld and hoarded what God provided, He said, "You are under a curse - the whole nation of you" (Mal 3:9 NIV). Whether they experienced abundance or lack, depended on their attitude and actions towards God's economics. His principles required they "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse," not a partial tithe (v. 10). If they'd "Honor the Lord with...the first fruits of all [their] crops," their barns would "overflow" and their vats "brim over" (Pr 3:9-10 NIV). Jesus taught that if you "give will be given to you" in abundance determined by the "measure you use" when giving (See Lk 6:38 NIV). You, not the economy, determine the measure of your harvest by the measure of the seed you sow. The Bible says, "He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully" (2Co 9:6 NKJV). The way it works in God's economy is, those who "withhold unduly...come to poverty," while those who "give freely...gain even more." God promises, "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Pr 11:24-25 NIV). Try it. God's principles work in any economy!

Daily Reading - "Do Not Worry About Tomorrow." Mt 6:34 NKJV

Here is how it read today.

Wed. March 8


"DON'T WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW." (MT 6:34 NKJV)

God's Economics For Tough Times (1)

A television news announcer recently quipped, "Speaking of the economy, if it weren't for bad news there'd be no news at all!" Each time we face a downturn we tend to forget we've "been there, done that" and got through it by God's grace. Like ancient Israel we anticipate the doom, spread discouragement, join those who gripe about the government, and long for "the good old days." How does the God who brought water from the rock, manna from the sky and ravens to feed a hungry prophet expect His people to respond to tough financial times?

The answer is: choose the right economy! As a believer you must choose between two economies. The first is the kingdom of God where He rules and reigns, owns all resources and dispenses them generously to meet His people's needs, independent of global economic conditions. The second is the kingdom of this world where men compete selfishly to be number one. In God's upside-down kingdom the rules are reversed. He says, "My ways [are] higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isa 55:9 NIV). In this world's kingdom where the rule is, "Get what you can and can what you get," you're always vulnerable to greed and manipulation. So God told His people, "Choose for yourselves...whom you will serve" (Jos 24:15 NIV). Which economy will you choose, trust Him, and "don't worry about tomorrow!"

Special Selection - "I'm Still Standing"

Daily Reading - "Behold, I Make All Things New." Rev 21:5 NKJV

Here is how it read today.

Fri. Feb 19

"BEHOLD, I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW." (REV 21:5 NKJV)

How To Get Over Your Past (2)

Your past can either be an albatross around your neck, or the wind beneath your wings. So: (1) Accept what happened. If you don't you'll keep reliving it. While working in the Congo as a missionary, Helen Roseveare was brutally raped. Writing about it she says, "I must ask myself, 'Can I thank God for trusting me with this experience, even if He never tells me why?'" The secret of trust doesn't lie in answers; it lies in acceptance. It's knowing that in the midst of whatever happened, is happening, or will happen - God is in control. Either you fix your mind on that and determine to live again, or go through life feeling you never got a fair shake. (2) Bury the past or live with its ghost. Rehashing old hurts is life watching the same movie over and over, hoping for a different ending. It's not going to happen! Learn from it and move on. You don't drown by falling into the water, you drown by staying there. (3) Get out of the blame game. Blame is a waste of time. When you lame yourself you multiply guilt, chain yourself to the past, and increase your already low self-esteem. When you blame God you cut yourself off from His power, doubt replaces trust, and you put down roots of bitterness that make you cynical. When you blame others you add to the distance between them and you, and lost the only option that works - forgiveness. Instead, trust the One who promised to "make all things new," and move forward.

Special Selection - "Forward"

Daily Reading - "I Must Work The Works Of Him Who Sent Me." Jn 9:4 NKJV

Well since I was out of it somehow and posted today's reading yesterday, I might as well post the reading for yesterday today, so here it is...

"I MUST WORK THE WORKS OF HIM WHO SENT ME." (JN 9:4 NKJV)

ZEAL

The Bible word for passion is zeal. Without it, life can become pretty drab. Everything is a "have to" and nothing is a "want to" or a "must." Zeal keeps you going when others quit. It pushes you through the toughest times and gives you energy you didn't know you possessed. Nothing can take its place: (1) Opportunity can't. Opportunity may open the door, but without zeal you won't make the most of your opportunities and you won't get to your destiny. Howard Hendricks said, "You don't put live eggs under dead chickens." That's what opportunities are to people without zeal. (2) Knowledge can't. Some of America's worst president are reputed to have been the smartest. And some of the greatest, such as Abraham Lincoln, had very little formal education. A resume may get you through the door, but that's as far as it will get you. (Talent can't. There are many people in the world with great natural talent who never achieve personal or professional success. Talent is like money; it only grows when you put it to work. (4) Others can't. You'll will never be successful without the help of others, but merely being surrounded with the right people doesn't guarantee success. A team with no heart won't succeed. Zeal is the difference-maker. And one of the secrets to having zeal, is knowing God has truly called and gifted you to do a certain thing. Jesus said: "I must work the works of Him who sent Me." This kind of zeal is not taught but "caught," so if you're lacking in it today, spend more time with Jesus.

2 for 1 Special Selection - "I Know I've Been Change" & "

Daily Reading - "They Shall Obtain Joy And Gladness; Sorrow And Sighing Shall Flee Away." Isa 51:11 NKJV

Here is how it read today.

Thurs. Feb 18

"THEY SHALL OBTAIN JOY AND GLADNESS; SORROW AND SIGHING SHALL FLEE AWAY." (ISA 51:11 NKJV)

HOW TO GET OVER YOUR PAST (1)

All of us have chapters we wish we could rewrite. Dr. Harold Bloomfield says, "Unresolved emotional pain wreaks havoc on your immune system, cardiac function, hormone levels, and other physical functions. We mus make peace with our past because our life may literally depend on it." To get over your past you must:

(1) Start looking at it differently. Reframe it. Ask, "How did it make me stronger? What do I know now that I didn't know then?" Don't focus on what you lost, but on what you gained. (2) Understand the difference between guilt and shame. Guilt is feeling bad about what you've done - it's healthy; shame is feeling bad about who you are - it's toxic and debilitating. All of us have things we'd like to change about ourselves, but when God created us He said, "It was very good" (Ge 1:31), so start seeing yourself as He sees you. (3) Stop punishing yourself with the "if only's." After stumbling badly and having God pick him up, David wrote: "Happy is the person whose sins are forgiven...whom the Lord does not consider guilty" (Ps 32:1-2 NCV). Forgive yourself; God has. Because He sees you through the cross, you are "accepted" (See Eph 1:6). (4) Move from pain to gain. Healing takes time, so expect some anger, fear and sadness. Don't disown them; they're part of the process. But don't adopt them either; know when it's time to move on. You can't walk backwards into the future, and the future God has in mind contains more happiness than any past you can remember.

Special Selection - "Have Mercy (We Pray Oh God)

Daily Reading - "Be Fruitful." Ge 1:28 NKJV

Here is how it read today.

Tues. Feb 16

"BE FRUITFUL." (GE 1:28 NKJV)

Are You Bearing Fruit? (3)

Eight times in six verses Jesus tells us to "abide" (See Jn 15). Why? Because it's not natural! Jesus knew that in the coming years His disciples would be called upon to produce enough fruit to cover the world. But you can't even begin to have that kind of impact without first achieving the one thing you're likely to neglect, or allow to be crowded out of your life - more of Him! Things will arise each day to keep you from spending quality time with the Lord. And as for an extended period of time to wait in God's presence - that'll take an effort equal to an act of Congress. So you've three options: (1) Live a worthless life. "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as branch and is withered" (Jn 15:6 NKJV). The word withered means "worthless." Don't spend your life on worthless things. (2) Accept God's discipline. "No chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness" (Heb 12:11 NKJV). What's God after? Fruit, and He will do whatever it takes to get it. We all have our "pruning stories." God's discipline usually starts with sin problem: an unconfronted behavior or attitude. And it ends when the problem ends. The discipline doesn't have to continue - it's up to us! We only experience pain as long as we hang on to sin. (3) Stay close to God. If you draw spiritual nourishment from Him each day, if you allow the power that flows through Him to flow through you, nothing will keep you from reaching the abundant life Jesus promised.

Special Selection - "One Of Us"

Daily Reading - "In The Year That King Uzziah Died, I Saw The Lord Seated On A Throne." Isa 6:1 NIV

Here is how it read today.

Fri. Feb 12

"IN THE YEAR THAT KING UZZIAH DIED, I SAW THE LORD SEATED ON A THRONE." (ISA 6:1 NIV)

Gog Is Still On The Throne!

The Bibles says that in the end times certain things will happen, like: (1) Wars, famines, and earthquakes (See MT 24:6-7). For much of the world these things are now daily reality. (2) Jesus said: "Many will come in M name...and will deceive many" (Mt 24:5 NKJV). In recent years we've seen the rise of false prophets claiming to speak for God. (3) Jesus also said: "You will be hated...for My name's sake" (Mt 24:9 NKJV). Christians are under attack worldwide in places like China, Sudan, Africa, Saudi Arabia and North Korea. (4) Jesus said: "This gospel...will be preached in all the world...the end will come" (Mt 24:14 NKJV). Technology is making this increasingly possible through print, TV, radio and the internet. (5) God said He would shake things up until only those things which cannot be shaken would remain (See Heb 12:27). All around us corporate executives are caving in to greed while our financial security goes up in smoke. But take heart Child of God - when governments flounder and leaders fail, God still rules, His Word still stands, His plans are still being fulfilled. Isaiah wrote: "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted." That's all Isaiah needed to know, and it's all you need to know too! God's not pacing the streets of heaven worrying about what's happening. He's still on the throne, so fix your eyes on Him and keep them there! Charles Spurgeon said, "God has promised to keep His people, and He will keep His promise."

Special Selection - "I'm Walking In Authority"

Daily Reading - "You...Tested Us...Refined Us Like Silver...[And]...Brought Us To A Place Of Abundance." Ps 66:10-12 NIV

Here is how it read today.

Thurs. Feb 11

"YOU...TESTED US...REFINED US LIKE SILVER...[AND]...BROUGHT US TO A PLACE OF ABUNDANCE." (PS 66:10-12 NIV)

IT'S A TEST OF FAITH

When Jesus explained the cost of following Him, some of His disciples walked away. Yet the impact of those who didn't is still felt in the world today. By the time they wrote their epistles, His apostles had learned to see every test in life as a chance to strengthen their faith and multiply their effectiveness.

Tests of faith are opportunities to surrender something of value to God, even when we have the right now to. In a test of faith you'll feel assaulted and stretched by circumstances, yet not distant from God; tried by them, but not judged or guilty. The Psalmist writes: "For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver...you brought us to a place of abundance." A test of faith doesn't really test anything unless it pushes you beyond your last test - past what you've already proven! If you try to run or pull back each time you reach what seems like your limit, you'll never know how much you can trust God - or how much He can trust you. The fire that refines us like silver can come as a job lost, a relationship lost, good health lost, or a reputation lost. But with God, the end result is never in doubt. If you're wondering today, "How much more can I take?" listen to the words of Bishop J.C. Ryle: "This only we may be assured of, that if tomorrow brings a cross, He who sends it can and will send the grace to hear it." In God's kingdom it works like this: "Faith tested, character refined, abundance given."

Special Selection - "Melody From Heaven"

Daily Reading - "Jesus Stooped Down." Jn 8:6 NKJV

Here is how it read today.

Wed. Feb 10

"JESUS STOOPED DOWN." (JN 8:6 NKJV)

LIFT THEM!

Remember the woman "caught in the act" of adultery? The Pharisees stooped to pick up stones. Jesus stopped to pick her up. Which group are you in? You can't be choosy about who you help. Some of us think we should only help those who believe like we do. No. "Uphold the weak, be patient with all" (1Th 5:14 NKJV).

There's a story about a guy who fell into a pit and couldn't get out: A subjective person came along and said, "Well, it's logical somebody would fall down there." A Pharisee said, "Only bad people fall into pits." A judgmental Christian said, "You deserve your pit." A realist said, "Not that's a pit." A geologist told him to appreciate the rock strata in the pit. A tax agent asked him if he was paying taxes on the pit. A self-pitying person said, ""You haven't seen anything until you've seen my pit." An optimist said, "Things could be worse." A pessimist said, "Things will get worse." Jesus, seeing the guy in the pit, reached down, took him by the hand and lifted him out of the pit.

Have you noticed how Jesus ends his famous parable about the Good Samaritan? "Go and do likewise" (Lk 10:37 NKJV). You have power to affect the lives of those around you. Your encouragement can be the difference-maker in someone's day, week, or even life, sending them in a whole new direction. But it's difficult to encourage people if you don't know what they need. So become a student of people. Learn what makes them tick, know what lifts them.

Special Selection - "The Best In Me"

Daily Reading - "If [A Man] Has A Wife Who Is Not A Believer." 1Co 7:12 NIV

Here is how it read today.

Tues. Feb 9

"IF [A MAN] HAS A WIFE WHO IS NOT A BELIEVER." (1CO 7:12 NIV)

When Your Mate Doesn't Share Your Faith (5)

A wise husband listens to God. "Husbands...live with your wives in an understanding way...show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered" (1Pe 3:7 NAS). In this verse, the original Greek word for "understanding" implies seeking, enquiry and investigation, which are all action verbs. As a husband you must try to understand your wife. That means avoiding three things: being passive, presumptuous, or pressuring. Nothing open our hearts like feeling cherished and understood by those we value. It provides validation, which, for your wife, is more valuable than information. For a wife who doesn't share your faith, an understanding husband is God's greatest asset. So: Don't overreact when problems arise. Stay calm and handle things graciously. Use your "sound mind" to discern the needs and causes behind her behavior (See 2Ti 1:7). Ask yourself: "Does she resent church because I put it and my Christian friends before her?" Make it a priority to learn to meet her needs. "Show her honor." If she feels taken for granted or neglected your words will fall on deaf ears. Lover her, and she'll listen to you. Place her needs ahead of your own; regularly acknowledge her value to you; remember her feminine vulnerability and handle her sensitively. Follow God's instructions confidently, faithfully and patiently, "so that your prayers will not be hindered." Neglect them, and you are praying in vain. Simply do your part, pray in faith, and leave God's part to Him!

Special Selection - "Count Your Blessings"

Daily Reading - "If A Woman Has A Husband Who Is Not A Believer." 1Co 7:13 NIV

Here is how it read today.

Mon. Feb 8

"IF A WOMAN HAS A HUSBAND WHO IS NOT A BELIEVER." 1CO 7:13 NIV

"When Your Mate Doesn't Share Your Faith (4)"

A wise wife listens to God. When you know things your partner doesn't about God and His Word, it's hard to resist, "demonstrating your knowledge." But it's an art God wants you to master. Here are two Bible principles that will help you to lead, not push, your husband closer to God: (1) The principle of submission. "Wives, in the same way may be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives" (1Pe 3:1 NIV). Submission to the needs of others if hard on our pride, especially when we know we're scripturally right. The need to be "right," however, will sabotage your hopes for your mate's salvation. The words, "in teh same way," refer to 1 Peter 2:21-25 where Jesus submitted to injustice, to save us. To submit is Christ-like. It's also the best method of getting self out of God's way so God can work on your mate. (2) The principle of silence. "[That] they may be won over without words." To protect your marriage and save your husband, God exempts you from the role of being His mouthpiece. However sincere, don't "preach" at him. That includes placing Bibles, spiritual books and CD's where he can't miss them. If you do, he'll tune you out for sure. "How else will he get the message?" you ask. "By the behavior of their wives...a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight" (1Pe 3:1-4 NIV). Try it God's way!

Special Selection - "There Is A Fountain"

It Is What It Is/Where I'm At 2/5

Daily Reading - "If A Woman Has A Husband Who Is Not A Believer." 1Co 7:13 NIV

Here is how it read today.

Fri. Feb 5

"IF A WOMAN HAS A HUSBAND WHO IS NOT A BELIEVER." (1CO 7:13 NIV)

When Your Mate Doesn't Share Your Faith (1)

Living with an unbelieving mate is both a challenge and an opportunity. It's a challenge because believers and unbelievers see life differently. And it's an opportunity because God can use you to close the gap and win them to Christ. But for that to take place you must make two commitments: (1) Commit yourself to your own growth through loving them and living with them. Once you've committed, you're ready for this practical and helpful counsel.

Remember the unbeliever's spiritual limitations. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2Co 5:17 NIV). On;y when they're "In Christ" can they be a "new creation." Only then will "the old" go! The old will dominate until they receive the new. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (Jn 3:6). Remember, the unbeliever suffers from spiritual birth defects they can't overcome until the new birth corrects them. "The flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so...those...in the flesh cannot please God" (Ro 8:7-8 NAS). If they don't love God's Word, prayer and church like you do, it's because they're controlled by the flesh and are "not even able" to. So have realistic expectations. Remember what you were like B.C. (Before Christ)? Be patient, loving and kind while God does His work in them.

Special Selection - "God's Favor"

Daily Reading - "God Blesses Those Who Are [Gentle]." Mt 5:5 NLT

Here is how it read today.

Thurs. Feb 4

"GOD BLESSES THOSE WHO ARE [GENTLE]." (MT 5:5 NLT)

Gentleness

The word "gentleness" sounds so much like weakness that we are tempted to think of the word "wimp." Nothing could be further from the truth! Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek [gentle]: for they shall inherit the earth" (KJV). Notice, the gentle don't strive, manipulate, or compete like others, yet they inherit everything. When you "inherit" something you don't have to strive for it, you receive it because you're loved, valued, and part of the family.

Gentleness is born of love. It refuses to rush to judgment; doesn't drop names of force its way because it has nothing to prove; is trouble when the structure, the budget or the corporate image becomes more important than the people we're called to serve; is grieved when the schedule leaves no time to stop and care for the young, the old, the sick or the hurting. Gentleness is a virtue hard to find in a society that admires toughness. We're encouraged to get things done and get them done on time, even though people get trampled on in the process. Success, accomplishment and productivity count, but at what cost? There's no place for gentleness in such a milieu.

Paul was a powerhouse for God, yet he wrote: "We were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children" (1 Th 2:7 NIV). A gentle person treads lightly, listens carefully, looks tenderly, and touches with reverence and sensitivity. The gentle know that true growth requires nurture, not force. So let's dress ourselves in gentleness, for in our tough and unbending world, gentleness is a vivid reminder of God's presence among us.

Special Selection - "Um Good"

Daily Reading - "Blessed Are The Merciful: For They Shall Obtain Mercy." Mt 5:7

Here is how it read today.

Tues. Feb 2

"BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL: FOR THEY SHALL OBTAIN MERCY." (MT 5:7)

Don't Prejudge Others

Agnes Goddard writes, "The first assignment for my husband Cecil in his art class was to sketch the San Luis Rey mission in Oceanside, California. Everyone turned in a sketch. When the teacher came to Cecil's, he held it up and said, 'Who's the figure in the doorway of the mission?' Cecil said, 'That's the padre.' The teacher said, 'Don't you think he looks a little sick?' 'He could be,' Cecil responded. 'I'm an artist, not a doctor.'"

Not a day goes by without somebody doing or saying something that evokes in us the need to form an opinion about them. The idea that we have to "sort it all out" and make judgments about it, is an idea we are born with. The ancient fathers said that judging others is a heavy burden, whereas being judged by them is a light one. Once we let go of our need to judge others, we experience an incredible freedom. We are free to "obtain mercy."

Most of us aren't aware of how deeply rooted our prejudices are. We've convinced ourselves we related easily to people who are different from us. But our spontaneous thoughts, uncensored words and knee-jerk reactions reveal that our prejudices color our thinking. Strangers (people different from us) stir up fear, suspicion and hostility. They make us lose our sense of security by being just "other." What's the answer? Only when we embrace God's unconditional love for us, and begin to see those "other" people as equally loved by Him, can we build bridges over which we can walk to share God's love and enjoy His family.

Special Selection - "Are You Listening"

Daily Reading - "If God Has Given You Leadership Ability." Ro 12:8 NLT

Here is how it read today.

Fri. Jan 29

"IF GOD HAS GIVEN YOU LEADERSHIP ABILITY." (RO 12:8 NLT)

It's Tough Being A Leader

Pastor, you know you're having a really bad day when you finally remember the name of the person you promised to visit in the hospital - while reading the obituaries; you can't find the book of Obadiah while leading a Bible study. your treasurer sends you a postcard from Geneva; you are informed that the youth group used steel wool sponges for the car wash; you are elected Pastor Emeritus - and you're only twenty-eight; at a wedding, you call the groom by the bride's former boyfriend's name; your personal parking spot gets relocated - to a restaurant three blocks away; you preach the same sermon for the second week, and nobody notices; the church votes to change your day off to Sunday.

Seriously, if God has given you leadership ability, remember that what sets great leaders apart is: (1) They're facilitators. They realize that nobody will ever be what they ought to be until they're first doing what they ought to be doing, and that the way to fulfill your calling is to help others discover and fulfill theirs. (2) They're courteous. They never look down or talk down. They don't have one set of manners for important people and another for the less important. To them everybody is important because everybody has God-given potential; they just work to bring it out. (3) They're decisive. As a leader you'll be remembered for two things: the problems you created and the ones you solved. Yes, you'll make mistakes, learn humility, hunger for personal growth, draw strength from God, and hopefully do it better next time.

Special Selection - "We Must Praise"

Daily Reading - "The Lord...Is A Jealous God." Ex 34:14 NKJV

Here is how it read today.

Thur. Jan 28

"THE LORD...IS A JEALOUS GOD." (EX 34:14 NKJV)

Alone With God

God is jealous of anything that takes His place in your life, especially a "relationship idol." You say. "What's that?" It's the lie that convinces you your happiness depends on another When you look to somebody other than God for security, purpose, worth and contentment - all the things He willingly provides - He's Jealous. So tear down that idol! Yes, it's hard to have nobody to shame your life with, or come hone to. But when God wants you to hear His voice, sometimes He silences all the rest. Has it occured to you that you're alone, not because nobody likes you, but because God is drawing you to a deeper place of intimacy with Him? "How can I know?" you ask. Joshua was alone when God gave him the plan for conquering Jericho. John was alone on the island of Patmos when Heaven opened and he wrote the book of Revelation. The Bibles says: "Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak" (Ge 32:24 NIV). That's when God know who you are, you'll allow yourself to be swallowed up in somebody else's life in order to find worth and fulfillment. You'll think you need them in order to enjoy being you. No, let God tell you who you are. After all, who knows you better? The only way you'll discover your true identity, is by being alone with God!

Special Selection - "Because He Lives"

Daily Reading - "It Is God Who Makes Us Able To Do All That We Do." 2Co 3:5 NCV

Here is how it read today.

Thurs. Jan 28

"IT IS GOD WHO MAKE US ABLE TO DO ALL THAT WE DO." (2CO 3:5 NCV)

"ME-ITIS" (2)

God's plan is to minimize you, and maximize "Christ in you!" And He will do whatever it takes to make it happen. When you succeed through your own efforts, you take the credit. But when you have to depend on God, He gets the credit. "It is God who makes us able to do all that we do." That doesn't make you worth less, it just identifies the source of your worth. Chuck Swindoll says, "The very things we dread, brought contentment to Paul. He never said to his prison guard, 'Next time you're near the emperor's assistant urge him to get me out. I shouldn't be here in the first place.' Paul's attitude prevented him from keeping a record of wrongs done to him...He was in prison by divine appointment...If you want to learn contentment, develop an attitude of unselfish humility...Start with family and neighbors; model it before employees and clients...you won't have to raise flags or pass out tracts...the result will amaze you. 'Do [all things] without complaining and arguing, so...no one can criticize you. Live...as children of God...in a world...of crooked and perverse people' (Php 2:14-5 NLT)...Joyful acceptance, free of petty disputes and bickering...Nothing's more contagious!" Paul continues: "I am glad to boast about my weaknesses...that the power of Christ can work through me...I take pleasure...insults, hardships, persecutions...troubles...For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2Co 12:9-10 NLT). If you haven't reached that point yet, remember this acronym based on the word SELF: S-urrender to Christ daily. E-mpty yourself of anything that hinders you from doing His will. L-ift up your heart to Him. F-eed on His Word.

Special Selection - "My Soul Has Been Anchored."

Daily Reading - "Look...Into My Own Heart." Ps 139:23 CEV

Here is how it read today.

Wed. Jan 27

"LOOK...INTO MY HEART." (PS 139:23 CEV)

"ME-ITIS" (1)

Dr. David Jeremiah says, "When you're sick, physical symptoms let you know there's something wrong. 'Me-virus' has warning signs too, like: Mirroritis: obsession with your appearance. Moneyitis: tightfistidness, equating your self-worth with your net worth and overspending on personal wants. Micromanageitis: insisting on doing things your way. Majestyitis: an exaggerated opinion of your importance and a sense of entitlement. Makeoveritis: the drive to 'one-up' everybody else." The Psalmist prayed: "Look...into my heart." K.P. Yohannan says, "When it's only God and you, you're more apt to face your pride and your sins. With everyone else we argue these things away, look wonderful and smile. Before God, we face ourselves, cleansing and purification take place, and we're less phony."

Curing "me-itis" calls for: (1) Strengthening your spiritual immune system with Scripture: "[His] great and precious promises...enable you to...escape...corruption" (2Pe 1:4 NLT). (2) Prayer: "Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done [and] His peace will guard your hearts" (Php 4:6-7 NLT). (3) A clear conscience: "I confessed my sins...you forgave me and took away my guilt" (Ps 32:5 CEV). (4) Fellowship: "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together...exhorting one another" (Heb 10:25 NKJV). (5) Service: "Each of you has received a gift,,,to serve others...that in everything God will be praised" (1 Pe 4:10-11 NCV). (6) Relationships: Pick your friends carefully, and avoid "me-itis" carriers (See Pr 22:25 TM). (7) Giving: "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" Pr 11:25 NIV).

Special Selection - "I Didn't Know My Own Strength"

Daily Reading - "Enoch...Had This Testimony, That He Pleased God." Heb 11:5

Here is how it read today.

Fri. Jan 22

"ENOCH...HAD THIS TESTIMONY, THAT HE PLEASED GOD." (HEB 11:5)

The Ultimate Trophy (1)

In the movie Cool Runnings the Jamaican bobsled team is so desperate to win an Olympic medal, they're convince none of their efforts matter if they end up without it. All the learning, joy and growth they'd devoted themselves to are forgotten next to a piece of metal on a ribbon. Their coach is a four-hundred pound man who won an Olympic medal bobsledding twenty years earlier and had been a complete loser ever since. He tells them, 'If you're not enough before the gold medal, you're not enough with it."

Jesus talked a lot about rewards. But the pursuit of rewards can hurt us when we go after them for the wrong reason. A trophy is not the achievement itself - it's not the learning we've gained, the muscles we've trained, or the courage we've developed. It's just a symbol of achievement. It's an external validation of our worth . At best, the trophies in the showcase are little reminders, something to make us grateful for the past and keep us motivated for the future. At its worst, the trophy case becomes a shrine, a tool to prop up a false image of ourselves. Trophies bring momentary pleasure that can be addicting, but the pleasure always wears off. In the book of Revelation we see twenty-four leaders "lay their crowns before the throne and say: 'You are worthy, our Lord and God" (Rev 4:10-11 NIV). When you give all the glory to God, your accomplishments bring joy, but when you try to take the credit for yourself your trophies tarnish, fade and become a burden. Look at Enoch, his ultimate trophy was "that he pleased God."

Special Selection - "On TIme God"

Daily Reading - "No Good Thing Will He Withhold From Those Who Walk Uprightly." Ps 84:11 NKJV

Here is how it read today.

Thur. Jan 21

"NO GOOD THING WILL HE WITHHOLD FROM THOSE WHO WALK UPRIGHTLY." (PS 84:11 NKJV)

Is God Saying, "WAIT?"

Often the toughest times in life are those moments when all we know about God doesn't seem to help or get us the results we want. That's when we learn about His silence. Whenever God doesn't say a word, He's teaching, even in stillness. He's allowing us to grow by forcing us to think, study, and arrive at conclusions while He stands by like the loving parent He is. Faith comes by hearing, but patience comes by silence. Patience is what God gives you when bad things remain unchanged. It's His sedative for the troubled heart. It's the balm He rubs into your aching muscles when it feels like you're being stretched to breaking point. These are times when the pain lasts so long that only God can release the patience required - the sheer grace to get you through it.
There are great benefits to waiting. For example, if you learn to wait and observe, you'll make better choices. The thing you think you can't live without today, you may be glad to live without tomorrow. "No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly." So when God says, "Wait," trust Him. Either it's not what you need at this time or He has something better in mind for you. You say, "But what am I going to do in the meantime?" The Bible says, "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart" (Ps 27:14 NKJV). Stop fussing, stop pushing, allow God to work and you'll come out of this stronger and with a better result.

Special Selection - "He's Done Enough"

Daily Reading - "That Your Prayers May Not Be Hindered." !Pe 3:7 NKJV

Here is how it read today.

Wed. Jan 20

"THAT YOUR PRAYERS MAY NOT BE HINDERED." (1PE 3:7 NKJV)

Fighting and Praying

The right environment for answered prayer is one that's free from "anger or disputing" (1Ti 2:8 NIV). God blesses where there's unity. That's why Satan works so hard to keep husbands and wives at odds with each other. That way we won't pray together, much less expect our prayers to get God excited. Peter addresses this head-on: "If you don't treat [your wife] as you should, your prayers will not get ready answers" (1Pe 3:7 TLB). When a couple's prayers are hindered, the devil has the key to the house and he can come and go at will.
James gives us another angle on the foolishness of fighting and praying. Not only do we fight about stuff, but after we fight we still don't get what we want. Why? In some cases, it's because we should have prayed for it instead of fighting about it. In other cases, we don't get it because God isn't about to give it to us so we can blow it on ourselves. James writes: "What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don't they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don't have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have...so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong" (Jas 4:1-3 NLT). You can't fight and pray at the same time - so decide which it's going to be!

Special Selection - "Never Give Up"

Daily Reading - "These Three Remain: Faith, Hope, Love." 1Co 13:13 NIV

Here is how it read today...

Tues. Jan 19

"THESE THREE REMAIN: FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE." (1CO 13:13 NIV)

Keep Hope Alive

In 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton attempted the first land crossing of Antarctica. But his ship, the Endurance, got stuck in icy waters and sank. Shackleton and his twenty-seven-member crew were stranded twelve hundred miles from civilization, drifting on ice floes with just three rickety lifeboats, a few tents and limited provisions. Eventually they reached a small island and waited while Shackleton and a handful of men took one of the lifeboats eight hundred miles over tumultuous seas to a whaling station. Shackleton returned with a rescue ship, and every man survived the eighteen-month ordeal. How did he keep everybody's hope alive? First, he modeled optimism. Shackleton, who described optimism as "true moral courage," always believed that he and his crew would survive, and he spread that optimism to everyone around him. Second, he nurtured their sense of significance. He kept everyone involved by seeking their opinions and giving them tasks which made them feel like they were part of the solution. Third, he encouraged them. He used humor and promoted a lighthearted atmosphere. Shackleton recognized that under extreme pressure, the ability to lighten the mood neutralizes fear and enables people to focus, re-energize, and prevail over daunting obstacles. Isn't it interesting that one of the few items Shackleton rescued from the sinking ship was a crewman's banjo? He did it so the group could have music. Shackleton was a prime example of how one person can keep hope alive. If you know someone who's in the middle of a difficult trial, your words of kindness and love, your confidence in them, your ability to lighten their load, can keep hope alive.

Special Selection - "I Love the Lord ft. The Georgia Mass Choir"

Daily Reading - "A Foolish Man Devours All He Has." Pr 21:20 NIV

Here is how it read today.

Mon. Jan 18

"A FOOLISH MAN DEVOURS ALL HE HAS." (PR 21:20 NIV)

God And Your Money (3)

If you want to be a good steward of what God has entrusted to you, do these four things:
(1) Reduce the debt you carry. Be guided by wisdom, not impulse. Spending less than you earn is the key to financial security. When you're in debt over your head it pre-commits you and dictates what you can do down the road. What you do today is the only influence you have over tomorrow.
(2) Remember, cash is king! Don't worry about sophisticated investment strategies until you've got at least three to six months' living expenses in the bank. That way you're prepared when emergencies arise - and they will. The Bible says: "In the house of the wise are stores...but a foolish man devours all he has."
(3) Have a long-term financial goal and refer to it regularly. Lion tamers use a stool for control. Why? Because the lion will try to focus on all four legs, and end up confused. Focus on your long-term goal!
(4) Don't just save, sow. "Whoever sows generously will also reap generously" (2Co 9:6 NIV). True financial freedom comes when giving no longer threatens your sense of security, because you've learned that consecutive sowing into God's kingdom always generates consecutive reaping. The truth is, there's no better way live!

Special Selection - "Long As I Got King Jesus"

Daily Reading - "Behold, A Woman...With An Issue." MT 9:20

Here is how it read today.

Sat. Jan 9

"BEHOLD, A WOMAN...WITH AN ISSUE." (MT 9:20)

Bring Your "Issues" To Jesus

Are there "issues" you've struggled with so long that they have drained the life out of you? Do they whip out their resumes and remind you that you've already tried every solution and nothing has worked? Do they whisper, "I'm here to stay, get used to it"? Have you told yourself, "I thought by this particular date my marriage would be healed or my health restored, I'd be out of debt or the door would've opened," but it hasn't happened and you're discouraged? If so, do what this woman did: "Behold, a woman...with an issue...twelve years...said within herself...If I may but touch [him]...I shall be whole" (w. 20-21). This hurting woman had three options. She could have said to herself: (1) "Nothing is going to change." (2) "In a crowd this size Jesus will never notice me." (3) "If I may but touch [him]...I shall be whole." She chose the third option; so should you! Tune out the nay-sayers, silence your doubts, start speaking words of faith and move in His direction.
Matthew writes: "He relieved the inwardly tormented. He cured the bodily ill. He fulfilled Isaiah's well-known sermon: He took our illnesses, He carried our diseases" (Mt 8:17 TM). Jesus loves you and wants to make you whole. Your past doesn't matter, nor do your present circumstances. The only thing that matters is touching Him by faith. What Jesus said to this woman, He's saying to you today: "Your faith has made you well. Go in peace" (Mk 5:34 NKJV). So bring your "issues" to Jesus and let Him touch you.

Special Selection - "Something About the Name Jesus."

Daily Reading - "Your Word Is...A Light To My Path." Ps 119:105 NKJV

Here is how it read today.

Fri. Jan 8

"YOUR WORD IS...A LIGHT TO MY PATH." (PS 119:105 NKJV)

Read Your Bible!

When asked, "What book has most influenced your life?" most folks say the Bible. Yet fewer than 14% of us read it every day. How come? Our most common excuses are: (1) I've no time. Really? Many of the books in your Bible can be read in ten to forty-five minutes, some in less than twenty minutes. By taking a chapter a day you can complete the book of Proverbs in a month and the Epistles of James in five days. (2) I don't know where to begin. If starting in Genesis and working your way through seems overwhelming break it into bite-sized pieces. Pick a Gospel and read the life of Christ. Just get started! (3) It's not exciting. Do you like romance? Read the book of Ruth. Looking for adventure? Try Judges or Acts. Enjoy poetry? Explore Song of Solomon. From history to how-to, it's all in Scripture. (4) Isn't going to church every week good enough? Billy Graham says, "The Bible is the road map for life, and while your pastor can highlight the best route to take, you learn how to navigate life's twists and turns for yourself." (5) It makes me uncomfortable. When you don't know what God's Word actually says, it's easy to equate it with negative experiences and hypocrisy you've observed, then throw out the baby with the bathwater. No question, the Bible makes you face hard truths. It "judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Heb 4:12 NIV). It gives you a check-up from the neck, up. But you'll discover who you are, what you're called to do, and become empowered to do it!

Special Selection - "Nobody Like Him"

Daily Reading - "I Will Give You Words And Wisdom." Lk 21:15 NIV

Here is how it read today.

Wed. Jan 6

"I WILL GIVE YOU WORDS AND WISDOM." (LK 21:15 NIV)

Ask God For Wisdom

God doesn't issue rules and regulations for every moment; instead, He provides guidelines and principles and allows us to make decisions. That's because He's glorified when we choose to consult, trust and obey Him. James writes: "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all" (Jas 1:5 NIV). You haven't really begun to live until you've learned to tap into God's wisdom comes a remarkable absence of fear. We're no longer intimidated by circumstances or the opinions of those around us. We can lose a job or get promoted, and neither will derail us. We can get into an unexpected valley or soar to the pinnacle of success, and cope equally well with both. That's because the wisdom of God gives us balance, insight and stability. None of these are natural traits, each is a by-product of the wisdom that comes from God. We don't get them simply because we're Christians. No, we get them because we ask for them. God's wisdom provides us with the sixth sense needed in confusing situations, and the strength to press on confidently in spite of unanswered questions. Do you need wisdom today? Spend more time with the One who said: "I will give you words and wisdom (He offers both) that none of your adversaries will be able to...contradict." It works like this: when you make Jesus Lord of your life you're given access to the wisdom of God. With the Son of God, comes the wisdom of God. It's all part of the package.

Special Selection - "What If God Is Unhappy"

Daily Reading - "Love Never Fails." 1Co 13:8 NKJV

Here is how it read today.

Tues. Jan 5

"LOVE NEVER FAILS." (1CO 13:8 NKJV)

Improving Your Marriage

Here are five ideas for putting new life into your marriage:
(1) Renew your commitment. Rough spots are normal in marriage. What else would you expect from two imperfect people? Decide, "I'm going to win my mate again.? And start with an act of your will, not a feeling in your stomach. Say, "I'll do what I need to do for the highest good of my mate." Yes, it's tough when only one partner makes the commitment. But when you do, that gets you on track with the Lord and frees Him up to deal with your mate. Any marriage will work when two people say, "Lord, tell us what to do." God can make a difference in your marriage, but it takes work. The feelings will come back, but feelings can't be the determining factor in your decision. (2) Start dating again. Nobody likes being taken for granted so adopt the attitude, "I'm going to keep wooing and winning my mate." (3) Give up something for my mate. It sends the right signal when you say, "Yes, I know I planned to do that, but I'd rather be with you." (4) Pay attention to little things. The little stuff gets forgotten too easily, like paying your wife compliments or buying her a card to say, "I love you." Or surprising, your husband by wearing his favorite dress and making him a special meal. (5) Accentuate the positive. Anybody can be a critic. If you look hard enough you'll never run out of things that aren't perfect about your mate. Try looking that hard for something good, let them know what you find, and watch what happens!

Where I'm At/It Is What It Is Jan 4

Special Selection - "Every Time I Breathe"

Daily Reading - "All Those...Gained [God's] Approval." Heb 11:39 NAS

Here is how it read today.

Mon. Jan 4

"ALL THESE...GAINED [GOD'S] APPROVAL." (HEB 11:39)

Living By Faith

Hebrews Chapter 11 is often referred to as "the gallery of faith." Two groups are mentioned. Group one "escaped...the sword" (v. 34). Group two "were put to death with the sword" (v. 37). Now we'd all like to be in one group, but the Bibles says both groups "gained [God's] approval through their faith." The Message paraphrases this Scripture: "These people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance" (Heb 11:13 TM). Their faith kept them focused!
Sometimes faith is an instrument of change, other times it's a means of survival; it's what gives you the tenacity to truth God when His will seems to clash with yours. Often your faith is perfected more when things don't change than when they do. You don't need faith for what you can see or have already attained; you need it when life makes no sense, when you can't explain why the baby dies, or the job falls through, or the marriage isn't working, or the wicked prosper, of the good die, or the righteous suffer, or the kind receive no comfort. We think there's only one good outcome - the one we want. No, we must trust the character and plan of God; who He is and what He does. We must see Him at work in whatever comes our way. And even when we can't, we must trust Him, knowing He "causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose" "Ro 8:28 NLT). Did you get that? Everything!