.....go

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-3

One of the hardest animals to catch is the ring-tailed monkey. For the local natives, however, it’s very simple. They’ve been catching this agile little animal with ease for years. 

The method they use is based on knowledge of the animal. Their trap is nothing more than a melon growing on a vine. The seeds of this melon are a favorite of the monkey. Knowing this, they simply cut a hole in the melon, just large enough for the monkey to insert his hand to reach the seeds inside. 

The monkey will stick his hand in, grab as many seeds as he can, then start to withdraw it. This he cannot do. His fist is now larger than the hole. The monkey will pull and tug, screech and fight the melon for hours. But he can’t get free of the trap unless he gives up the seeds, which he refuses to do.

That's the danger of sin!  When we refuse to release the sin we're hanging on to - unforgiveness, bitterness, pride, etc. - we're easy prey for Satan.  1 Timothy 3:7 and 2 Timothy 2:26 both refer to a snare, to a trap, set by the devil. When I refuse to forgive, when I refuse to let go, the devil becomes the monkey hunter and I become the monkey. 

- charles swindoll

.....disciples

One of the last commands Jesus gave was to "go and make disciples of all nations" Matthew 28:19.

 The making of a disciple is the complete work of the Holy Spirit; but we are told to join in this work by teaching people to believe in the sacrifice of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin, to humbly submit control of their life into His hands, and to "obey everything I have commanded you" Matthew 28:20.

God's Word contains the complete description of what it means to believe, submit, and obey. And though there are several commands we are called to obey, the single command which will have the greatest impact on the world around us is the command to love.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another."John 13:34-35

The phrase "As I have loved you" ought to rip at our heart. Though there was nothing in us to deserve His love, Jesus gave His life. And long before He gave His physical life, He gave something even greater; He "made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" Philippians 2:7. Jesus loved enough to give up who He was for those completely unlovable, and this is the level of love we are called to demonstrate to one another.

We are called to a sacrificial love - a love that gives and considers the needs of others ahead of our own. We are called to give our time, our tears, our understanding, and even our material resources when necessary. We are called to love enough to rejoice when others rejoice, but also to hurt when others hurt, and to forgive simply because Jesus first forgave us. We are called to love!

But notice why we are called to such love. Our love for others is certainly an expression of gratitude to God and a maturing process as we grow into the likeness of Christ, but Jesus also says our love for others is the one sure way of telling the world we are followers of Christ. Our love becomes an act of worship because, through love, we are boldly declaring Jesus is Lord! As we love, even when others may not "deserve" our love, we actively show the world the joy and peace found only in Jesus.

The world is overflowing with people who need love, who have run out of hope, longing for someone to let them know they care. We are those who must care! We must reach out to one another with a love that defies all worldly wisdom and understanding. 

We must love as Jesus loved us. 

This love will be used to work miracles; this love will bring glory and honor to our Heavenly Father; this love will show the world that we are truly His disciples. 

- steve troxel

.....baptism

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life Romans 6:4

When Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt, he took them to the edge of the Red Sea. The people saw the sea before them and heard the chariots of the Egyptians behind them. They knew they were trapped - and they lost their faith in God. 

They thought God was no longer at work in their lives. In panic and despair, they turned on Moses and said, "Why did you bring us out into the desert to die? When we were slaves in Egypt, didn't we tell you, 'Just leave us alone and let us continue serving the Egyptians.' Better to live as slaves than to die out here!"

They couldn't imagine that God's path to freedom actually led straight into and through the deep waters! The waters of the Red Sea, like the New Testament sacrament of baptism, are a symbol of death. When Moses parted the Red Sea, the people of Israel walked upon the dry seabed with walls of water on either side. They descended into the depths of the sea. They died to their old selves and rose to a new life that led to the Promised Land.

Like the people of Israel in their journey, we panic and cry out to God, "Did You bring me out into this desert of adversity to die?" We would rather live as slaves than die to self and yield control of our lives to God. But God takes us through the depths so that we can emerge as new people, ready to enter the Promised Land.

- os hillman

....cast

Very early in life (almost from birth) we are trained to be successful according to the world's definition of success. We are driven by goals and accomplishments from the day we take our first steps and ride our first bike. As we grow older, we are pressured to accumulate knowledge and "things" in order to prove our success.

In our Christian walk, Jesus calls us to a new definition of success - one determined not by what we accomplish, but by our obedience. The disciples walked and talked with Jesus, but they still faced many challenges with faith and obedience. One morning after fishing all night without a catch, Jesus called from the shore. John 21:6 "He said, 'Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some {fish}.' When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish."

The disciples were successful that morning. But we must understand that the large number of fish did not define their success. They would have been successful even if the nets remained empty. They were successful the moment they were obedient and threw out the net. One thousand years earlier, King Saul was told to "attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them," 1 Samuel 15:3. 

But Saul allowed the Amalekite king and the best livestock to survive. He tried to cover His disobedience by saying the calves and lambs were for a sacrifice to God. "But Samuel replied: 'Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'" 1 Samuel 15:22.

In any task we undertake for God, it's easy to become discouraged by our apparent lack of success. We often feel inadequate - and those feelings increase when our goals seem to be elusive. But we must remember, the outcome of the task is secondary to our obedience. God doesn't need our "fish" - He wants our devotion and trust. He desires that we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. 

Let's take our eyes off the accomplishment of the "catch" and what we can produce. Rather, let's focus on walking each step according to His leading. Let's concentrate all our effort on obeying His call to cast out the net. 

- david langerfeld

.....difference

One day Jesus will welcome us home, and we will hear the words “Well done, my good and faithful servant” Matthew 5:21 That is why the Bible reminds us, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” Galatians 6:9.

I remember hearing the late Alan Redpath talk about a message he heard many years ago when he was a young accountant. The speaker was talking about having a saved soul but a lost life. In other words, it is possible for us to be saved and forgiven of our sin yet waste our lives by not serving the Lord.

Redpath kept thinking about the words “saved soul, lost life,” and he ultimately made a commitment to the Lord. He prayed, “Lord, I want to serve You. I don’t bring a lot to the table, but what I have is now Yours.”

Some Christians are basically throwing their lives away and living for themselves. Maybe that describes you. And maybe you think it’s too late and that God could never use you.

It isn’t too late for you to recommit your life to God and say, “Lord, I want my life to make a difference. You have given me something to do. You have given me certain abilities and talents, and I want to serve You. Whatever role You have for me, I want to be a part of what You’re doing.”

Don’t waste your life. If you will step forward and make yourself available, God will help you do what He has called you to do.

- greg laurie

.....knock

We are a blessed people! Not since Adam has man had such access to the presence of God. We no longer need a priest with a specific sacrifice, and we need not pray a specific prayer...but there IS a condition. The Most Holy Place of the presence of God can only be entered by those who come by faith in Jesus Christ. If we desire the presence of God, we must first open the door of our heart.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20 Here is contained the great mystery of God's plan for man. He desires a people who recognize their need, hear His voice, and open the door to invite Him in. He then promises to enter and "set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come" 2 Corinthians 1:22. This is His sovereign, majestic, and glorious plan.

God's Word never indicates that Jesus will crash through the door of our heart; He is never pictured as huffing and puffing to blow the door down. And He certainly NEVER sneaks in through a side window! He simply and patiently stands at the door and knocks - He says, "I am here. Won't you invite Me in?"

Opening the door involves an understanding of who Jesus is, as related to our need for forgiveness, and an act of submission which releases control of our life. We may hear His voice through something someone says or something we read - we may "hear" Him knocking as we sit in silence - but when we hear, we must be willing to open the door; "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts" Hebrews 3:15.

Many people will hear the knock of Jesus, but few will open the door. Most will spend a lifetime evaluating the knock and analyzing the One who is knocking; some will even push a little food onto the front porch; but few will actually recognize their need and open the door. Let's invite Him in today and commune with Him EVERY day for all eternity. 

Today, let's answer His gentle knock.

- steve troxel

.....communion

One of the amazingly consistent themes through all of God's Word is His desire to fellowship with His children. When God created Adam and placed him in the Garden of Eden, Adam was allowed to enjoy God's presence. God brought Adam the animals to name Genesis 2:19 and actually walked with Adam during the day. However, this fellowship was broken and man was cast out of God's presence when Adam sinned by eating the forbidden fruit.

Many years later, God formed the nation of Israel to be a people fully devoted to Him. When God led the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery, He told Moses to construct a holy place for His presence to reside. God called this the Most Holy Place and instructed that it be separated from the rest of the tabernacle by a curtain.

The Lord said to Moses: Tell your brother Aaron not to come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place behind the curtain in front of the atonement cover on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud over the atonement cover. Leviticus 16:2

The presence of God resided in the Most Holy Place, behind a curtain, and could only be entered by the High Priest once a year on the Day of Atonement. The High Priest would enter the Most Holy Place with the blood of a goat as a sacrifice for the sins of the people Leviticus 16:15.

God loved us so much, and so greatly desired a lasting and intimate fellowship, that He gave His Son to be the final sacrifice for our sins: "He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption" Hebrews 9:12.

When Jesus died on the cross, "the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom" Matthew 27:51. His sacrifice provided a way for us to enter the Most Holy Place, into the presence of God, at any moment; "We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus" Hebrews 10:19.

God is calling us to reach out and draw near to His presence through faith in the sacrifice of His Son. The Creator of the Universe is knocking at the door; "If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me" Revelation 3:20. Our Heavenly Father is calling us to an eternity of fellowship. Let's open the door and enter His presence today. Let's step forward with confidence, and boldly enter the Most Holy Place.

- steve troxel

....fireworks

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-2

A week before Independence Day, I noticed a fireworks stand in a parking lot in our city. It reminded me of the many wonderful fireworks shows I've attended with my family. There's something magical about those brilliant colors exploding against the dark sky. 

But there's a problem with fireworks. They don't last. The same is true of many of the "fireworks" experiences in our lives. We fight and struggle for things that seem beautiful and alluring, but after we get them, their appeal disappears, just like fireworks. Maybe it's a shiny new car or dream vacation.  Maybe it's a big, impressive house. It might even be a promotion at work or a prestigious career. 

So many of the things of this world are like fireworks. They promise happiness and fulfillment but can't deliver. TV commercials play on our emotions, making us believe that if we drive a certain kind of SUV or clean our floors with their super-efficient mop, we'll be happy at last. More often than not, all we feel is disillusioned. 

If you've had enough of these "fireworks" experiences and the letdowns that follow, I challenge you to pursue the only thing in life that doesn't disappoint: a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The astounding thing about loving God is that it actually gets better every day. Once you give your heart to Jesus, you'll have happiness and fulfillment that lasts into eternity, and you'll never want to go back to "fireworks" experiences again.  

- david langerfeld

....reliance

 "Rely not on yourselves, but on God...
   He delivered us...
   He will deliver us...
   He will continue to deliver us..." 2 Corinthians 1:9-10
I quit!
I've tried my best to live
....as God expects me to
....as my family expects me to
I want to do the best, but I always fail.
I give up!
There's no use trying!
I just fail...
I?
"Rely not on yourselves, but on God...
   He delivered us
      He will deliver us
         He will continue to deliver us"
Again and again and again
like food, 
like sleep,
God will give us strength every day.
"Rely not on yourselves, but on God."

.....provision

As a young teenage boy, David showed a deep understanding of God's strength as he prepared to fight Goliath; "The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" 1 Samuel 17:37. 

The understanding that God was fighting the battle allowed David to confidently approach Goliath with nothing more than a sling and a few stones; "This day the Lord will hand you over to me" 1 Samuel 17:46.

After many years of being pursued by king Saul, David continued to demonstrate his belief that every victory he enjoyed came as a direct result of God's hand.

The Amalekites had raided the village where David and his men were living. Under God's promise of victory, David set off with six hundred men to battle the enemy and take back their stolen possessions; but two hundred of the men were too tired to join the fight. After the victorious battle, the four hundred who fought wanted to exclude the two hundred who stayed behind; "Because they did not go out with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered" 1 Samuel 30:22. 

But David reminded them Who really won the battle."No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the Lord has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the forces that came against us."1 Samuel 30:23

David understood it would not have mattered whether four hundred or forty, or even four, had gone into battle - it would not have mattered whether the men were skilled or unskilled - the battle would have been won. The battle was won because of God's promise and His provision, not because of the men's ability.

As we see the battle approaching, we must draw even closer to our Heavenly Father. He has given us abilities which we must use, but then we must place all our trust in Him for the results. If the battle appears to be a failure, we must trust that God is in control and working toward His good and perfect plan. When God is in control, there are no failures as viewed through His eyes. And if the battle appears to be victorious, we must not allow our pride to take credit for the work God has done - for this always results in failure, regardless of our perception of victory.

God owns ALL and provides ALL. He owns our possessions, our relationships, and our ministries. He owns our abilities as well as our lack, our successes as well as our failures. As we come through our next battle (and we will!) - in fact, even in the midst of the battle - let's return the ownership and give Him all the glory. Let's never attempt to control or hold tight to what the Lord has provided. 

- steve troxel

......step

A dozen teams, each including three people standing shoulder to shoulder, prepared for the four-legged race. Each outside person bound to the person in the middle by colorful rags at their ankles and knees, every trio locked their eyes on the finish line. 

When the whistle blew, the teams lunged forward. Most of them fell and struggled to regain their footing. A few groups chose to hop instead of walk. Some gave up. But one team delayed their start, confirmed their plan, and communicated as they moved forward. They stumbled along the way but pressed on and soon passed all the teams. Their willingness to cooperate, step by step, enabled them to cross the finish line together.

Living for God within the community of believers in Jesus often feels as frustrating as trying to move forward during a four-legged race. We often stumble when interacting with people who hold different opinions from us.

Peter speaks of prayer, hospitality, and using our gifts to align ourselves in unity for life ahead. He urges believers in Jesus to “love each other deeply” 1 Peter 4:8, to be hospitable without complaining, and to “serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” v. 10. When we ask God to help us communicate and cooperate, we can lead the race in showing the world how to celebrate differences and live together in unity.

- xochitl dixon

.....daily

This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.  Matthew 6:9-11

I have always talked about trusting God for our daily bread in terms of our physical needs, our daily resources, or how we ought to be fed through the daily study of His Word. But, on our current journey, daily bread has come to represent things like patience, a calming of fear and anxiety, and a general increase of strength.

Most of us, at some point in our life, will find ourselves entering a severe trial completely unprepared. Perhaps you are even in the middle of a trial right now and are feeling completely overwhelmed, unable to see how you will make it to the end. The promise of God is not that He will remove the trial, but that He will walk with us and comfort us every step of the way. 

We don't have to know how we will navigate through all the obstacles ahead, or how the journey will even end; we simply need to face the current day and trust Him with all our heart. Though what we face may be difficult, let's hold tight and remember His love. Let's pray and always trust His promise to provide us with our daily strength.

.....hand

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3

You never know when you need the Lord's comfort the most - when God's care wi11 be your only hope to face tomorrow.

One day in 1932, pianist, singer, and songwriter Thomas A. Dorsey discovered his need for God's comfort. He left his pregnant wife, Nettie, at home in Chicago while he drove his Model A to St. Louis to sing at a revival meeting. All went well and the crowd responded enthusiastically. At the end of Dorsey's performance, he received a telegram with the tragic news that his wife had died in childbirth. Within hours, the baby boy also died.

Filled with grief, Dorsey sought answers. Should he have stayed in Chicago and not gone to St. Louis? Had God done him an injustice? A few days after Nettie's death, Dorsey sat down at the piano and began to play. Finally, sensing God's peace and closeness, he began to sing some new words and play a new song:

  Precious Lord, take my hand

  Lead me on, let me stand;

  I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;

  Through the storm, through the night

  Lead me on to the light;

  Take my hand, precious Lord, take me home. 

Is there a problem too big for you to handle alone?  Or a grief to great to bear?  Put your hand in the Lord's.  Let the "God of all comfort" lead you home.   

....shouts

God often speaks to me early in the mornings in a word, a phrase, or at most one sentence. One morning my impression was simply “Psalm 30.” These promptings are always jewels to pursue.

The first time I read the psalm, what jumped out at me is who God is in the verbs telling what he does:

  v 1  lifter and deliverer

  v 2  answerer of prayer and healer

  v 3  preserver and life-giver

  v 4  holy name

  v 5  favor, comforter, and joy

  v 6  provider, prosperity, and security

  v 7  protector and strength

  v10 One who hears, has mercy, and helps

  v11 One who turns mourning into dancing and sackcloth to joy

But in the midst of these wonderful attributes, David referred to enemies, sickness, near-death experiences. He had real emotions of depression, weeping, desperation, dismay at unanswered prayer, mourning, and the sackcloth of fasting.

Notice that David began the psalm with praise, praised God and gave thanks in the middle, and ended with praise and thanksgiving. In all his trials and adversity he kept his eyes on God. None of the “bad” was bigger than God.

And that’s the point. When God delivers us, He brings us through life circumstances, not necessarily around them. And that’s worth a shout of joy.

- sylvia gunter

.....walls

Nehemiah lived in the days following the Israelite captivity in Babylon. The first captives had been allowed to return to Jerusalem and reconstruct the temple. However, those who returned had left the walls of the city in great disrepair. When Nehemiah heard this discouraging report, he asked permission of the king to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the once mighty walls.

Nehemiah's request was granted. He traveled to Jerusalem in the year 445 BC and motivated the people to rebuild the walls in record time. But Nehemiah discovered there was more broken in Jerusalem than just physical walls. It had been many years since the people truly worshipped God; spiritual walls were now in desperate need of mending.

Nehemiah knew the only way toward spiritual repair was through the Word of God. He gathered the people and they wept as Ezra read God's Word "from daybreak till noon" Nehemiah 8:3. For seven days, Ezra continued to read. On the eighth day, walls began to mend as the people "spent another quarter {of the day} in confession and worshipping the Lord" Nehemiah 9:3. True repair occurred as they recommitted their lives to following the commands of God.

All these now bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses...and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the Lord. Nehemiah 10:29

Our world continues to change. 

• Nations continue to build physical walls and attack one another while showing little concern for the spiritual walls which protect from the real enemy. 
• Years of neglect, and large scale drifting from God's path, have left our spiritual walls cracked and vulnerable. 
• Our families are seldom led by God and our courts make laws without seeking His counsel. Attacks come from every direction and our defenses are weak!

The repair of our spiritual walls will not occur at the national level. Governments have become too large and diverse to even recognize this need. But we have the opportunity all around the world to rebuild, one individual, one family, one church, and one community at a time. We have the ability to repair the portion of wall within our circle of influence. Together, we CAN rebuild and strengthen!!

As in the time of Nehemiah, we must return to a passion for the Word of God. His Word reveals His eternal plan through faith in His Son, and provides guidance and strength for our daily walk through His Spirit. Let's become people dedicated to study and prayer, and allow each day of our lives to be led by God's Spirit. Let's make a lasting commitment to focus on the eternal and rebuild our spiritual walls.

- steve troxel

....23

The Lord is my Shepherd  -  That’s Relationship!

I shall not want  -  That’s Supply!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures  -  That’s Rest!

He leadeth me beside the still waters  -  That’s Refreshment!

He restoreth my soul  -  That’s Healing!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness  -  That’s Guidance!

For His name sake  -  That’s Purpose!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death  -  That’s Testing!

I will fear no evil  -  That’s Protection!

For Thou art with me  -  That’s Faithfulness!

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me  -  That's Discipline!

Thou prepareth a table before me in the presence of mine enemies  -  That’s Hope!

Thou annointest my head with oil  -  That’s Consecration!

My cup runneth over  -  That’s Abundance!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life  -  That’s Blessing!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord  -  That’s Security!

Forever  -  That’s Eternity!

 

....eternal

Heavenly Father, we pray for comfort and peace for those directly affected by the tragic events this week. For those who lost loved ones, we pray that You would become their refuge and source of strength. For the children who lost a parent, we pray their hearts would remain tender and receptive to Your Word. We pray for those searching for answers. Please reveal Your truth and help us all to understand that apart from You there is nothing! In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.

This prayer was originally distributed several years ago after a major tragedy in which many people died. Unfortunately, it could also be a prayer for every day of the year because of the thousands who die in accidents, or as a result of senseless violence or disease, or because of starvation or addiction to drugs, or due to the tragedy of terrorism and war. So many lives seem needlessly shortened. But even life which reaches its full potential is incredibly short: "What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" James 4:14. As I continue to age, and as I continue to witness the final journey of others, this truth becomes more and more real. Our time is short!

When world tragedy occurs, we ought to sincerely pray for those affected; it's not often the whole world can pray for a specific group of people. And when individual tragedy occurs, we are certainly called to sincerely pray and seek ways to comfort those in need. But, in the midst of these tragedies, we should also take a moment to consider the frailty and brevity of life, and how our own priorities reflect this truth. We must strive for a firmer understanding that anything outside the will of God will one day fade away. Any other "god" who receives our worship in the form of excess time, thought, energy, or resources will most surely burn and be swept aside; it will not last!

"What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on...those who use the things of the world, {use them} as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away." 1 Corinthians 7:29,31 No matter how many times I read these truths of God's Word, I know I don't yet fully understand. I know our time is short, but I continually gain my identity and become engrossed in the trivial things of this world. Father forgive me!

If there is any good to come out of tragedy, it will only be as we resolve to "fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen" 2 Corinthians 4:18. We must allow events such as these to firmly establish that "what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" 2 Corinthians 4:18.

It's time we turn our heart to God in true revival and do ALL as unto the Lord. We can no longer give our lives to what is temporary and passing away. It's time we unashamedly worship Him and follow where He leads. It's time we draw close to His presence and remember the eternal.

- steve troxel

....kids

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2 

The 1992 Olympics in Barcelona featured one of the most memorable moments of sports history.

Derek Redmond of Great Britain was on the way to fulfilling a lifetime dream, that of winning a gold medal in the Olympics. He had earned a spot in the semifinals of the 400-meter race, and as the gun sounded to start the race, Derek got off to a great start. He was running the race of his life, and the finish line was in sight, when suddenly he felt a stab of pain in his right leg. He pitched face-first to the track with a torn hamstring. The race was over for Derek.

He struggled to his feet before the medical team could reach him. Though every runner had passed him, he began hopping forward, tears of pain and disappointment streaking his face, determined to finish the race. Suddenly, a man plowed through the security guards on the sidelines and ran onto the track. He raced up to Derek and hugged him. "You don't have to do this," Jim Redmond told his weeping son. "Yes, I do," Derek answered. "Well, then," his father said, "we're going to finish this together."

Derek's father gripped his son around the shoulders, and they faced the finish line, resolutely waving off the security men who hovered about them. They limped and hopped together, Derek's head sometimes buried in his father's shoulder, and stayed in Derek's lane all the way to the end. The watching crowd gasped at first at the unusual scene. Then, one by one, they rose to their feet, and began cheering and crying at the son's determination and the father's support.

How many times have I stayed in the stands when I should have run onto the track to support my kids? Too many, I must confess. But becoming a refuge to my children will mean running to their side, not to carry them, but to come alongside them when they face hurt and disappointment.

    It will mean saying, "We're going to finish this together."

    It will mean enduring the stares of the crowd and ignoring the cries of critics.

    It may be personally risky, it may be professionally unwise, but it will be worth it to hear my kids say, "Thanks, Dad, you're my defender."

Maybe you've been there. Without warning, everything you've planned for and worked hard for your entire life came crashing down at your feet. Maybe it was a disaster, a force of nature, that destroyed your physical home. Maybe it was a divorce that destroyed your family. Maybe you were terminated from a job with undue notice and for no apparent reason. The race that you had prepared to run ended as abruptly as Derek Redmond's race, and it seemed the whole world passed you by.

Your life lay in pieces, and the thought of quitting loomed before you as the only feasible alternative. Who could blame you? But, like Derek Redmond, you decided to finish the race. Why? You had no chance of winning. You had no chance of fulfilling the dream you had set out to accomplish. But, determinedly, you began to place one foot in front of the other.

Suddenly, someone burst through the crowd and came alongside you. It was your heavenly Father. "We'll finish this together," he says, as he wraps his arm around your shoulder and limps forward with you to the finish line. And as you hobble, side-by-side, the air is electrified as the audience is enthralled. Rising to their feet, a low rumble begins to form above the clapping of hands. Their applause -- an inadequate expression of praise for such a meritorious event -- is muffled by the stomping of their feet. The sound rises to a fever-high pitch as together the Father and son cross the finish line.

"I will never leave you. I will never forsake you."   That is why we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper, so I will not be afraid." Hebrews 13:5-6

- wayne holmes 

....passion

We are encouraged to be true worshipers who walk with God every day and refuse to put Him "on the shelf." We must never become people who worship with our lips, but have hearts which are far from God Isaiah 29:13. We need to be careful not to stray from the path of devoted love to become entangled in the weeds and thorns of selfish convenience.

But how can we guard against such wandering? 

How can we recognize when we are beginning to stray? 

And how can we return to the place we truly desire?

The answer to these questions will always be found in a deep and passionate love! Our relationship with God is not based on an exercise of our intellect, but on a transformation of our heart. Our relationship began with a work of the Spirit as our heart became His. It must now continue as we walk so closely that our only desire is to give Him ALL our heart - to give Him what is already His.

After years of successful rule, David's kingdom was now in total rebellion. His son, Absalom, was attempting to become the new king and had forced David to flee into the desert. With his life's work falling apart, and far from his home and place of worship, David turned to God and gave us a clear picture of Godly passion.

O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and Your glory. Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands. Psalm 63:1-4

Although it may be difficult to maintain this level of passion every moment of the day, this IS the relationship to which we have been called. This is worship! We must realize that this world is a "dry and weary land" when compared to walking in His presence. We must long for God's love more than life itself and seek to glorify Him in all we do.

If this type of relationship sounds foreign - maybe even a little radical - then I invite you to "taste and see that the Lord is good" Psalm 34:8. He will pour out His blessings on those who step out in faith and truly give Him their heart. 

If you already understand this relationship but realize the passion has faded, then I boldly exhort you to return. Return to what you know will truly satisfy - to what you know is eternal, imperishable. Let's all return to the place of true worship. Let's all draw near and worship with a heart full of passion.

- steve troxel

.....convenience

Paul had been arrested and sent to Caesarea to stand trial before Governor Felix. During his trial, Paul spoke of his worship of God and belief in His Word. Felix kept Paul in prison but often talked with him about his faith.

"He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, 'That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.'"Acts 24:24-25  Governor Felix had the ability to hear the gospel from the greatest theologian of all time and yet failed to act on what he heard.

Several years earlier, Herod had arrested John the Baptist for speaking against his marriage (Herod was married to his own brother's wife). Though Herod wanted to kill John, he also feared and respected him because he was a righteous and holy man: "When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him" Mark 6:20. Herod liked to listen to John's uncompromising message of repentance, and yet he failed to act on what he heard.

When Jesus was arrested, Pilate came face to face with the Son of God. He heard Jesus calmly claim to be King of the Jews and to have special favor from God; "You would have no power over Me if it were not given to you from above" John 19:11. Pilate listened to Jesus, found no fault, and tried to set Him free John 19:12; but in the end, Pilate failed to act on the truth.

Most of us experience a wonderful religious freedom today. We have free access to God's Word and can usually find a local church willing to preach the truth. Yet, how often do we fail to act on what we receive? How often do our religious activities become cold and mechanical, lacking any real interest? "These people come near to Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me" Isaiah 29:13.

If our worship does not invade every area of our life, then God is not on the throne of our life. We must trust Him in ALL things! We ought to have a passion for God as well as an uncompromising willingness to act upon the direction we receive. We should long for His presence and obediently follow each and every day - not just during our once a week worship.

Let's NEVER put God on the shelf or ask Him to be "on-call." He is the Creator of the Universe who has called us to a committed life of full time worship. Let's follow where He leads and never treat our Heavenly Father as a God of convenience.

- steve troxel

.....up

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 

A while back I was at a restaurant with my wife, and we were enjoying the view as the sun began to set. Then I glanced at a table nearby where a young family was sitting. The dad was on his phone, the mother was on her phone, and the baby was on a tablet—in fact, there was a tablet holder in the stroller!

I thought, “What are we doing to these kids?” We put them in front of devices and bombard them with information, and I wonder whether their brains are forming properly. Are they even learning to read social cues and communicate?

What concerns me is that a lot of parents are leaving their kids to themselves. Yet it’s the parents’ job to raise their own children. God created the family, and He loves the family. And as someone has pointed out, a family can survive without a nation, but a nation cannot survive without the family.

Ephesian 6:4 reminds us, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord”. The phrase “bring them up” means “to nourish.” We should protect our children, watch over them, and help them process what they’re being exposed to.

Moses said to the Israelites, “And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up” Deuteronomy 6:6–7.

As a parent, nothing can happen through you until it has first happened to you. 

You cannot take your children any further spiritually than you have gone yourself.

- greg laurie

.....control

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.  Ecclesiastes 3:1 

I constantly look at my watch throughout the day. 

What time is it? What time are we supposed to be there? How much time will it take?

Time is a part of our lives. It’s inescapable. That is what Solomon was talking about when he wrote, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1. We find two important words in this verse: “season” and “time.” The Hebrew word for “season” refers to a fixed, definite portion of time, while the word for “time” refers to a beginning or a starting period.

When we put those words together, we see that Solomon is telling us that God has appointed everything that comes into our lives for a specific purpose. God knows just when to bring things in, and He knows how long they should last. The things we experience are not random events that float in and out of our lives. Rather, they are specific events that God has chosen, and they are timely and purposeful. This includes the good times that we experience and the bad times we experience.

And in retrospect, we’ll see that many of the bad times will turn out to be good times. That’s because it is through those so-called bad times that we learn some of life’s most important lessons. We also will recognize that we’re not in charge of our lives. God is. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we come under His protective care. This means God is fully aware of everything that happens to us.

God is always paying careful attention to the smallest detail of our lives and is in complete control of all circumstances. 

There’s a season for everything. 

We’re not victims of fate or dumb luck, God is guiding and directing our steps.

- greg laurie

....free

"Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?" These words probably took you to the scene of a courtroom where a witness is being sworn in, with one hand raised while the other is placed over a Bible. But where do you think those words came from? Yes, from the Bible itself! 

The ninth commandment goes far beyond the courtroom. It is part of a set of rules and guidelines given to us by the God of justice - a God who took the time to make laws against murder, stealing, adultery, blasphemy and lying because He cares and wants to protect us from the pain that these sins incur. It is in God's nature to be truthful because HE IS TRUTH! John 14:6

As followers of the One True God, we are called to tell the truth… and nothing but the truth. There is no such thing as a "little white lie". All lies are hurtful and destructive. Whether we exaggerate stories or twist the truth to impress others; whether we make false advertisements or fib to avoid trouble or because it's convenient at the time, lies poison our relationships. No matter the form of our dishonesty and duplicity, God's will for us is to stop lying and tell the truth.

When legendary magician, Harry Houdini, came into town to do his show, he often went to the local jail, gathering a crowd of people along the way. To get a lot of "buzz" going about his upcoming performance, he would ask the jailer to lock him in a cell. Time after time, jail after jail, town after town, Houdini escaped within minutes. 

But one jailer had heard that Houdini was coming, and the jailer was ready. When Houdini closed the cell door, the jailer put the key in the lock and secretly turned it in the wrong direction. He then removed the key, and everyone watched as Houdini struggled to escape — by unknowingly locking himself in repeatedly. Finally, in frustration, Houdini admitted he could not escape. The jailer then revealed his deception. Houdini had believed a lie, and the lie had held him captive. 

Regardless of whether we are in a courtroom or if it has just become a part of our act, God's Word is clear on the subject. "Thou shalt not lie".  However He does offer a way to escape - He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life - "and you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free." John 8:32 

....counsel

As Moses was about to die, he transferred leadership of Israel to Joshua. God gave His approval of Joshua with the instructions, "Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go" Joshua 1:7.

Initially, Joshua sought God's counsel for every step he took. Joshua received direction for crossing the Jordan river Joshua 3, building a lasting memorial Joshua 4, renewing the covenant of circumcision Joshua 5, and defeating the fortified city of Jericho Joshua 6. In all of this Joshua listened and obeyed; "So the Lord was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land" Joshua 6:27.

However, after the miraculous success at Jericho - after Joshua witnessed the city walls fall with the sound of a trumpet and a shout - Joshua's confidence began to grow. When it was time to attack the small city of Ai, Joshua relied on his own strength and the advice of men rather than seeking God.

"'Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary all the people, for only a few men are there.' So about three thousand men went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai."Joshua 7:3-4

Attacking the city of Ai seemed an insignificant decision; it was a small city and the Israelite army was mighty. And God had already given general instructions to conquer the entire land and an assurance of victory in battle; "I will give you every place where you set your foot...No one will be able to stand up against you" Joshua 1:3,5. 

But, unknown to Joshua, there was sin in his camp, spiritual battles which would hinder any physical victory; "That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies" Joshua 7:12. The fulfillment of God's promises assumed Joshua was walking with God and trusting in His strength.

When did we last seek and received counsel from God? If it's been longer than the time it took to begin our last step, we may be attempting to fight a battle we cannot win. We must never presume to know God's specific plan without asking for specific directions. Just because He said "Go and make disciples of all nations" Matthew 28:19, does not mean we can presume on His method or His timing; "Apart from Me you can do nothing" John 15:5. All things ought to be accomplished within the context of a loving relationship with our Heavenly Father!

God will show us the way, but we must ask for His guidance; "I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken" Psalm 16:8. Our battles are never won because of our strength or the enemy's weakness. They are won only as we allow God to guide and then boldly follow where He leads. No matter how insignificant the decision may appear, let's be sure to walk in His strength and always seek His counsel.

- steve troxel

....know

The walk of a Christian is a life-long process of being transformed into the likeness of Jesus. This process brings us continually closer to God and, in a very real way, shows the gospel message to the world. There is no clearer demonstration of a transformed heart and true love for Christ than when we forgive one another. The simple fact that it's so difficult makes forgiveness a blazing light into a dark and dying world. The unity obtained through forgiveness causes those in the world to be drawn closer to Christ.

"May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me."John 17:23

Being united is never a call to compromise the essential truths of the gospel; but it is clearly a call to put aside quarreling over trivial issues and stamp out all jealously, envy, and one of the greatest evils known to man, pride! Pride keeps more people separated from God and more relationships locked in unforgiveness than any other sin.

Continued forgiveness demonstrates the gospel because it requires us to honestly face our pride, place our trust in God, and walk in absolute humility. Forgiveness is not something we can do in our own strength. When we have been wounded, unfairly treated and misunderstood, our pride wants things to be "even." It demands the other person confess and repent, to somehow humble themselves and seek our favor. 

True forgiveness of others brings us back to the cross where we must confess the ugliness of our heart, acknowledge our need for God's forgiveness, and, once again, remove ourselves from the throne of control.

Continued forgiveness requires a daily crucifixion of our fleshly, pride-filled self, and a submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit. It requires a complete trust in our Heavenly Father to continue the process He has begun in our life and to fully work in the life of others according to His perfect timing. This is a life which shines and causes the world to notice.

Let's take a new look at all unforgiveness and determine once and for all to give our pride to God. Let's glorify our Father and become a living example of the gospel. Let's live in unity through love and forgiveness...so the world may know!

- steve troxel

 

....join

We are encouraged to hold on to Jesus at all times even when our strength fades and we become weary. Our faith ensures we will overcome and receive the gift of eternal life. We can take great comfort in knowing that Jesus will carry us and not let us fall. But we must also remember we were not born into His family to be permanently carried: "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles" Isaiah 40:31. As we continue to draw near to God, He WILL renew our strength; and when He does, we must once again march into battle.

We often forget there is a spiritual war being fought all around us. We tend to become passive because we don't completely see the fighting. There are no official announcements of enemy strength and no news flashes of casualties. But make no mistake...it is a war!

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."Ephesians 6:12

Just as surely as there is a God who gave His Son to die for our sins, there is also an enemy doing battle in an ongoing war. The end of the war is certain, and we know who wins! But until that end, the enemy is attempting to disrupt God's plan and remove as many as possible from the fight. The stakes of this war are high. The enemy continues to attack.

But we are NOT defeated! We may lose our focus - we may stray from what is really important and trust in things which are fading, or even face trials which cause fear and doubt - but we are definitely not defeated! The road to victory has been paved with the blood of Christ. We walk in victory as we remain on His path with determined steps of drawing closer to God and loving Him with all our heart.

There are many all around us with deep wounds who are literally dying for help, dying to be loved and restored back to health. There are many more heading down a path of destruction in desperate need of someone who truly cares. Let's not be content to sit on the sidelines or be forever carried. Let's present our lives to God and allow Him to work through us to encourage others in their walk, to love beyond what is humanly possible, and to share the hope of Jesus with whoever crosses our path. Let's rededicate our lives to an uncompromising faith and join the battle!

- steve troxel

.....overcome

God's Word contains many passages which encourage us in our struggles. Paul tells us to "press on toward the goal" Philippians 3:14, "run a good race" Galatians 5:7, and "fight the good fight" 2 Timothy 4:7. Each of these acknowledge the struggle and exhort us to keep moving forward. But there are times we become weary and even the thought of pressing, running, or fighting becomes difficult. Yet, we know we must endure - we must overcome!

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God."Revelation 2:7

In the second and third chapters of Revelation, John is dictating the words spoken by Jesus. In these two chapters, Jesus speaks seven times about "him who overcomes." Each time there is a gift or reward for the one who is "successful" and overcomes. This is certainly good motivation for us to endure, but the question still remains: How can we overcome as our strength begins to fade?

John knew what it took to overcome. Several years earlier, he had written a letter to encourage believers to stay committed and to give the assurance of eternal life. He also specified exactly who would overcome: "Everyone born of God overcomes the world... Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God" 1 John 5:4-5. Read this carefully and rejoice! Those who believe are those who will overcome!!

We must endure and overcome the world, but our faith in Jesus and NOT our strength is what allows us to endure. There are times we must run and times we must fight, times we will be called to be a mighty warrior for the Lord. But there are also times when we are terribly weak, times of great tribulation, times we must grab on to Jesus and allow HIS strength to carry us through the storm. These are times we will need to simply hold on!

When the battle seems unbearable, "Hold on to what you have - I {Jesus} am coming soon" Revelation 3:11. When we feel surrounded by evil and the darkness is closing in, "Hold on to the good" 1 Thessalonians 5:21. And when we become overwhelmed with doubt and fear, "Hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast" Hebrews 3:6.

When we are weary in the storm, let's take comfort in the peaceful waters ahead. Let's fix our eyes on Jesus and hold on...He will never let us go. He has given His Children a wonderful promise: as we continue to believe and trust Him with all our heart, we WILL overcome!

- steve troxel

 

.....used

"A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9

When the pilot of a Cessna 208 traveling from the Bahamas to Florida became incoherent and fell against the controls, one of the passengers, Darren Harrison, radioed traffic control for help. Darren wasn’t a pilot, but suddenly he was responsible for flying and landing the plane. Thankfully, one of the air traffic controllers was also a flight instructor and calmly helped him safely land the plane.

I’m certain the air traffic controller didn’t anticipate walking someone through how to land a plane when he arrived at work that day, but he was “in the right place at the right time” to help.

Whatever God has for you today, whether it’s teaching children or running errands, He has placed you exactly where He wants you to be. You are “in the right place at the right time” to make a difference for Him through your words and actions. You never know how or when He will use you to encourage or help those around you. Be ready to be used by Him today!

 

"God’s plans for you are better than any plans you have for yourself."  Greg Laurie

- david jeremiah 

....mind

"Your attitude (or mind in the KJV) should be the same as that of Christ Jesus" Philippians 2:5

Jesus came to give His life as a sacrifice for sin. But many portions of His life were for the express purpose of giving us an example by which to live. With all the power of the Universe at His command, He humbled Himself and demonstrated the mind and attitude of a servant; "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve" (Matthew 20:28).

The Son demonstrated a mind of obedience and lived to honor His Father in ALL He did, even though being obedient might result in discomfort or pain...or even death: "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39).

As He obediently served, Jesus also demonstrated a mind void of all pride. With more abilities than we can possibly comprehend, Jesus still gave all the glory to His Father; "By Myself I can do nothing...for I seek not to please Myself but Him who sent Me" (John 5:30). His entire life became an example of how we are to be an empty vessel through which God may work.

Moments before He died - after being beaten, whipped, spit upon and nailed to a cross - Jesus still demonstrated the mind of supreme love and forgiveness; "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).

Though we know we have far to go, the mind of Christ becomes our example to follow. We must develop the mind of a humble servant, void of pride, who desires nothing more than for our Heavenly Father to work in and through our life. 

Let's live as His Child, loving and forgiving others as Christ first loved and forgave us. We, who have been transformed, ought to continue the process of transformation, and more fully develop the mind of Christ. 

- steve troxel