.....proving

Everyone suffers rejection at some point in their lives. Some high school seniors don't get into college, or into the college of their choice. Many college graduates don't get the dream job that he or she had counted on. Suitors are turned down. Social slights happen daily.  

Some people so internalize the rejections they encounter that they become paralyzed by life. They abandon their dreams. They settle for less than God intended with their lives. They give up and resign themselves to mediocrity. They allow the judgments other people pass on them to define them. What a shame!

Imagine the difference that would have been made in our world if certain people had accepted others' rejection of them as the final word on their worth.

     Beethoven's music teacher said he was "hopeless" at composing.

     Albert Einstein was feared to be mentally challenged as a child.

     Walt Disney was told he had no talent. 

 

You've no doubt seen pictures of Michelangelo's David. Maybe you've stood in front of it and marveled at its flawless lines. Many judge it to be the world's most perfect piece of sculpture. The torso of the Biblical hero who went from shepherd boy to King of Israel is rendered in exquisite detail including the muscle contractions etched on his forehead.  It seems as if the statue is almost ready to come alive.

This masterpiece was carved from a single block of marble that two other artists had already discarded for its imperfections! It actually resembles what happened with the historical figure himself. When God sent his prophet to anoint the next king for Israel, neither Samuel nor the family patriarch to whom God had sent him considered David to be in the running. He wasn't even invited in from the fields to meet the visiting holy man. He was, after all, just a shepherd boy tending sheep.

The David story contains this marvelous line: "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at the outward appearance; but God looks at the heart".  1 Samuel 16:7 Just as Michelangelo would later see possibilities for a flawed block of marble others had discarded, God saw possibilities for a raw young man for whom others appear not to have forecast greatness.

A rejected marble block in Michelangelo's hands yielded artistic brilliance. A slighted youth in God's hands became the legendary King of Israel. So why should you let life's slights and rejections define you? In the hands of The Master, you still have infinite possibilities before you to prove the critics wrong. 

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

.....lifeboats

At the end of his third missionary journey Paul was arrested in Jerusalem, transferred about 40 miles up the road to Caesarea, and made to sit in prison for over two years before being sent by boat to stand trial in Rome. During the journey to Rome, a storm blew the ship off course and threatened to kill everyone on board.

"In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, 'Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.' So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it fall away." Acts 27:30-32

Where is our true security? 

Most of us have lifeboats which we keep close to our side. Even after we've accepted the forgiveness and saving grace of Jesus, we tend to keep the lifeboats - just in case. We say we're trusting our future to God, but we still make sure every step of our life is planned for the next 30 years and fight any attempt to deviate from "the plan" - just in case.

We say we understand the concept of eternity and the idea that our life is "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" James 4:14, but we still strive for titles and positions so our friends and family can remember us as "successful" - just in case. We say we want to live for Jesus and praise our Heavenly Father for all eternity, but we still don't want to miss the immediate pleasures of the world - just in case.

If we keep one foot in the ship and one foot in the lifeboat, we will never live as God desires. It makes absolutely no sense to say we believe and trust God with our eternity and yet fail to trust Him with the uncertainties of tomorrow or the storms of today. Cutting the lifeboats means we place ALL our trust in God, believe His Word as truth, and live accordingly: "Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" James 1:22.

We MUST stay with the ship! A saving relationship with Jesus implies we have recognized the eternal storm of sin which threatened to sink us to the pit of hell, but it also implies we are clinging to His forgiveness as the ONLY way to be saved; "for there is no other name under Heaven given to men by which we must be saved" Acts 4:12.

Let's ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any area of our life which is not consistent with a life of unrestrained belief and trust. Then, let's ask for the strength and courage to, once and for all, give Him ALL of our heart and cut the lifeboats.

- steve troxel

.....other

The parable of the prodigal son contains so many practical lessons on relationships that we often forget Jesus spoke this parable in response to an accusation from the Pharisees; "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them" Luke 15:2. 

The message of the prodigal son is really about our Heavenly Father who rejoices every time a "sinner" turns their heart to Him in repentance. But why did Jesus talk about TWO sons? What was the message of the son who remained at home?

He was the son who quietly watched his younger brother make disrespectful demands on his father; "Give me my share of the estate" Luke 15:12. He was the son who stayed at home to work the fields while his brother "squandered his wealth in wild living" Luke 15:13. And he was the son who became angry with his father and refused to celebrate his brother's return: "All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat" Luke 15:29. 

This was the son who walked the straight and narrow - walked the path of disciplined obedience - but he missed his opportunity to receive true blessings as he walked.

"'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.'"Luke 15:31

The son had been "slaving" in the hope of a future blessing, but his heart was not joyfully serving. He missed the real blessing of walking with his father and having free access to everything his father owned.

As believers in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, we understand that people can be saved at any point in their life - regardless of past sins. The thief on the cross received his Salvation only moments before he died. But there is always part of us that cries "foul!" Somehow it doesn't seem fair when others have worked so hard for so long.

This attitude shows we also have missed the blessing of walking with our Lord. Heaven is never a reward for "obedient" living; it is a free gift to those who believe in Jesus. We should never feel we are "slaving" under the burden of His commands in order to earn His favor. Rather, we are to joyfully follow because we know that only in Him, only walking with Him in a loving relationship, is there true peace, true contentment...true blessings!

Let's follow our Lord with a firm perspective of eternity, but let's never become so focused on the future that we miss the blessings given to us today - the blessings of the journey! Let's renew our joy at being allowed to walk every day with our Heavenly Father and rejoice whenever a repentant heart returns home. 

Let's never make the sad mistake of living the burdened life of the other son.

- steve troxel 

.....far

In considering the parable of the prodigal son. We see how we must often "Love Enough to Let Go" and trust that God will continue to work in the life of a prodigal even as they walk through "Their Field of Pigs." As the son was longing to eat the pig food, he decided to return home and began to rehearse what he would say; "I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son" Luke 15:18-19.

The son returned home. But before he could give his speech, before he could tell his father about his 

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him experience...before he could "prove" his repentance or say ANYTHING, the father received him with joy Luke 15:20

When the father saw his son had returned, he was overjoyed and wanted to celebrate: "Bring the fatted calf...for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found" Luke 15:23,24. This type of love and joy cannot be manufactured for a one-time event. It must be established in the relationship long before there is trouble and maintained even when all else is falling apart.

The scripture isn't clear about what turmoil occurred when the prodigal son left home. We're never told of the father's pain - but I assure you it was there. It's not clear how long the son was away - but I KNOW the father spent many anxious moments worrying about his son. And yet, when the son returned, there was joy and forgiveness. Without condoning the poor choices the son had made, the father received the son and loved him without reservation.

In many ways, we are the prodigal son who has walked away. But when we turn to our Heavenly Father in faith, He accepts us without requiring that we earn His love or demonstrate our worth. We may have drifted far and are unsure how to find our way back into His loving arms, but when we turn and seek Him, we find He is right there ready to receive us Home.

Jesus Christ submitted to a horrible death in order to provide a path of restoration. We who have been restored are now called to restore with others in this same manner; "Forgive as the Lord forgave you" Colossians 3:13. We are called to be a catalyst of restoration, not a hedge of thorns which must be vaulted over. When a prodigal or anyone who has drifted away begins to return, let's believe the best, be filled with compassion, and receive them back with true forgiveness and joy...even while they are a long way off.

- adapted from Steve troxel's 'a long way off'  

.....fruit

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me John 15:4  

Many people today are looking for a shortcut to spirituality. They’re looking for the quick fix, for the emotional experience that will transform their lives. But there are no shortcuts to spirituality. There is no such thing as a quick fix. There is no emotional experience that will change everything for you. If you want to grow and indeed flourish as a Christian, it will come down to a day-to-day commitment that you make.

You won’t see fruit grow overnight any more than you could plant a tree on Monday and eat peaches from it on Tuesday. It takes time. But in time, you will see the results as you’re faithful and consistent in the things that you need to do.

In John 15, Jesus compares Himself to a grapevine, God the Father to a gardener, and His followers to fruit. Psalm 1 reinforces the idea: “They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do” verse 3.

God has planted us, and as we sink our roots deeply into Him, He gives us permanence. Maybe that is why the psalmist David prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me” Psalm 51:10. The word David used for steadfast could be translated as “stable,” “fixed,” or “constant.”

God also gives us productivity. If you are a believer who is walking with God, spiritual fruit will come out of your life. And what is this fruit? Galatians 5:22–23 tells us, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control”.

Producing spiritual fruit is not an overnight process. It takes time to grow. But in time it comes. The Bible tells us that “God has made everything beautiful for its own time” Ecclesiastes 3:11. So be patient. It may not happen as quickly as you would like.

God gives us prosperity. Psalm 1:3 tells us, “Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do” . Our entire lives—family life, church life, personal life, business life—find balance because we are properly aligned with God. When we don’t have this balance, we will be unhappy people. When the droughts of life devastate others because they have no resources to draw from, followers of Christ have an unfailing source.

As Christians we grow frustrated because we see nonbelievers prospering, or so it appears. Things are going wonderfully for them, or so it seems. We see people who are dishonest and violate the standards of God, yet things seem to go along wonderfully for them. It all evens out in the end. Be consistent. Make a commitment to sink your roots deeply into Him, and you will see spiritual fruit in your life. You also will find happiness in the truest sense of the word. 

- adapted from greg lauries article on 'overnight fruit'

.....go

God will use every tool available to draw His children Home. Our highest desire for those who are lost must be to see them secure in the arms of God. Notice that in the parable of the prodigal son there is no mention of the father between the time the son left and when he returned home. The father appears to have watched his son leave and then simply waited for his return.

But the father must have known of his son's condition while away; "this son of mine was dead and is alive again" Luke 15:24. There must have been many reports of the son's activities which were openly discussed with the rest of the family: "The older brother became angry...'this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home'" Luke 15:28,30. And yet, while the son was away, the father never once stepped in to "rescue" him.

Was the father lazy and uncaring? Was this simply the product of a macho culture that didn't show much emotion? Or rather, was this a father who truly knew how God's grace could work a difficult situation toward a wonderful good?

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."James 1:2-4

We often reference this passage during times of personal trial. These verses encourage us to understand that God will make use of our difficult times. We are encouraged to trust God so fully that we actually rejoice because we know He will use our trials to make us complete.

Many of us understand and at least try to apply these verses in our own life. But it's an additional step of faith to trust and apply these verses in the life of others - especially those we dearly love. If we are to rejoice in our own trials because of the good being worked within us, there is also a sense in which we should rejoice in the trials of others.

As painful as it must have been, the father stayed away and allowed God to complete His work - even though it meant his son would actually long to eat with the pigs! And yes, this father loved his son.

When someone we love goes astray, let's continue to lift them up in prayer; always let them know they are loved and continually speak a gentle message of truth. Let's NEVER give up hope, but let's allow God to finish the glorious work He's begun. Let's trust Him above ALL else and love enough to let go

- steve troxel

.....pigs

The parable of the prodigal son has had special meaning to our family over the years. We have witnessed nearly every aspect of this parable work itself out through the life of our eldest daughter, from the pain of her rebellion to the joy of her return. Many of you journeyed through this parable with us and held us up in prayer for many years. This is a common issue faced by parents all over the world; no matter what country or culture, parents agonize over the one who has gone astray.

In this parable, we see a rebellious young man demanding what he felt was rightfully his: "Father, give me my share of the estate" Luke 15:12. This disrespectful attitude grew until the son no longer desired to live under his father's roof. He "got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living" Luke 15:13.

The reason this is such a universally common issue is that we are all born with the same sinful nature - a nature which holds us in tight control unless we are utterly transformed by the Spirit of God through faith in Jesus; "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires" Romans 8:5. At the heart of the sinful nature is a pride which continually demands what we believe we deserve - this is the root of all sin!

The prodigal son continued to live according to his sinful nature until he found himself in a field of pigs; "he longed to fill his stomach with the pods the pigs were eating" Luke 15:16. But God used this terrible situation to soften the heart of the prodigal son and bring him to a state of submitted repentance.

"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.'"Luke 15:17-18

Before the son left home, I'm sure the father tried to provide wise counsel about the true priorities in life. I'm sure the father desperately tried every possible method of guiding the son along the straight and narrow path. I'm also pretty sure the father simply held his son close and wept. Unfortunately, the lessons the son needed to learn could only be taught through pigs.

There is nothing more painful than to watch someone you love walk down a path of obvious pain; nothing rips the heart like watching your child walk away from God and engage in various forms of "wild living." 

But it helps to remember that God loves the prodigal more than we can hope or imagine. He desires to live with them in an eternally restored relationship. Our Heavenly Father will never miss an opportunity to teach the prodigal and draw them near - even as they may drift and sink - even as they may wallow in their field of pigs. 

.....completion

A great tragedy within the Christian faith is that many who believe they are on their way to Heaven will one day find they are sadly mistaken. They have been misled into believing that Church membership, being "good," or working extra hard will ensure Salvation, but on the day of judgment they will be cast aside. 

This tragedy must be fought by speaking the truth about Salvation. We must teach of the need to trust in the saving grace offered through the sacrifice of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin. We must teach that faith in Jesus Christ - the Lord and Savior clearly presented in God's Word - is the ONLY way!

A second tragedy is that many who have truly trusted in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin, and desire to love Him and serve Him with all their heart, will live their days full of doubt and fear. They are on their way to Heaven but doubt when they don't feel good enough to deserve such a gift, and they fear a Holy God who couldn't possibly save one so unworthy. As they draw closer to the Light, their failures are revealed, and they become discouraged or try to work harder to please God and gain His acceptance. We must also fight this tragedy by speaking the truth about Salvation.

The glorious truth is that none of us are good enough! 

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23. 

Without God's grace, no one can ever hope to hit the mark of His perfect glory.

We don't enter Heaven based on what we have done; rather, we are accepted based on the One in whom we have placed our faith; "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith" Ephesians 2:8. At the moment of Salvation, we become an eternal Child of God; "You are not your own; you were bought at a price" 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. 

We were purchased with His blood and have become a "new creation: the old has gone, the new has come" 2 Corinthians 5:17. But a new creation does not continue down the same path.

We are "born again" when the Spirit of God transforms our heart. And as a new creation, we will learn to crawl, then walk, and one day run! We may stumble, but God promises we will continue to grow, for it is His plan that ALL His children become "conformed to the likeness of His Son" Romans 8:29...and being conformed is a lifetime process!

"Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."Philippians 1:6

God has given us His Holy Spirit and "sealed us for the day of redemption" Ephesians 4:30. Let's be confident in God's promise. We must continue to draw closer and give Him more of our heart, but we must also remember that we are His and He WILL finish the work He began. Our Heavenly Father has saved us AND promised to carry us to completion.

- steve troxel

.....looks

After Joshua died, the nation of Israel was ruled by judges for over 300 years. During this time, the people turned to God when life became difficult, but "did evil in the eyes of the Lord" Judges 3:7 when the difficult times passed. Finally, they cried out for a king: "We want a king to rule us. Then we will be like the other nations" 1 Samuel 8:20. God gave them exactly what they wanted; He gave them Saul, "An impressive young man without equal among the Israelites" 1 Samuel 9:2.

Saul looked impressive and was loved by the people, but he failed to obey God's commands. After several years, God rejected Saul as king and sent Samuel to anoint a new king from among the sons of Jesse. When Samuel arrived at Jesse's home, he saw Eliab and thought for sure he was to be the next king.

"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'"1 Samuel 16:7

Samuel assumed the next king would fit the same "impressive" mold as Saul. But this king was to be chosen according to the criteria of God, not the criteria of man. God chose David, not because of his appearance or status, but because of his heart.

How often do we fall into the trap of evaluating others based on outward appearance? How often do we draw conclusions about a person based on looks and status. These prejudices affect the relationships we pursue and the counsel we give as well as receive. But God calls us to consider the heart of others and to strongly examine the condition of our own heart!

Much of our life is focused on being externally impressive. We desire the "right" looks, credentials, and possessions. We believe our outward condition makes us more valued, and some people actually do evaluate us based on these outward coverings. But God looks past the external and directly pierces into who we are on the inside. Our focus must forever be on how we are viewed in the eyes of God, not the eyes of man.

There are very few things with eternal value. And nothing outside the will of God can survive the flames of judgment. The priorities of our life become the treasures which mold our heart; "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" Matthew 6:21. And our heart is NEVER hidden from the eyes of God!

Let's place our treasure firmly in the palm of His Hand. Let's begin to consider the riches stored inside our Brothers and Sisters, and consider our true appearance as we stand before our holy Father. Everything external will one day fade away and we will stand bare and empty, with God looking at our heart.

.....example

When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, the gospel accounts of Jesus had not yet been written. Most believers didn't know many details of Jesus' life, so it was difficult to encourage by saying to live as Jesus would live. Instead, Paul led others to Jesus through the example he demonstrated in his own life.

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ 1 Corinthians 11:1

In setting the example, Paul certainly didn't claim to be perfect. He would be the first to stand up and say; "What a wretched man I am!" Romans 7:24. Though Paul wrote and preached on how to live the Christian life, he still admitted his imperfections; "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that which Christ Jesus took hold of me" Philippians 3:12.

And yet, Paul also knew he was a child of God and was willing to place his life in open view for others to examine and imitate; "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice" Philippians 4:9.

When we claim to follow Jesus, the world takes notice - whether we like it or not. We may not feel we are witnessing, but for many people we are the only view of Jesus they will ever see and the only words of Jesus they will ever hear. We may not realize it but the way we live cries out, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."

Do we want others to put into practice what they see in us? We will always fall short, but would our example cause others to be drawn closer to God or to drift further away? Do we follow Jesus' command to love one another so that, "By this all men will know you are My disciples" John 13:35? This is a huge responsibility and one we must not assume is only for the "Super-Christian."

A friend of mine had an "I Love Jesus" sticker on his car. One day, as he angrily sped in and out of traffic, he realized his driving was not setting a good Christian example. He solved this "problem" by removing the sticker. Rather than modify an area of his life, my friend removed his public identification with Jesus.

We cannot remove the "I Love Jesus" stickers from our life. The world is watching and we must be bold enough to stand and accept the accountability. We need men and women of strength and character - Brothers and Sisters who love one another and love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength! 

Let's fall more in love with Jesus Christ and be among those who seek to live a life that brings Him glory and honor in ALL we do. Others are ready to follow. Let's show them the path to Christ as we set the example. 

- steve troxel

.....face

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith Hebrews 12:2

Robert Louis Stevenson loved to recount the story of a ship tossed in a storm. The sea was rough and the rocky coast perilous. Danger was real and dread expectancy active among the seamen. One frantic sailor who was laboring below the water line could contain himself no longer. He rushed to the control room, closed the door behind himself, and stood frozen in fright watching the captain wrestle with the controls of the huge ship.

Skill of mind and strength of hand enabled the captain to guide the vessel through the threatening rocks into open water. The Captain turned slightly, looked at the frightened sailor, and smiled. The youth returned below deck and assured the crew all danger was over. 

When they inquired how he knew, he answered, "I have seen the face of the Captain, and he smiled at me."

If you will only...

     "turn your eyes upon Jesus,

      look full in His wonderful face,

      the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

      in the light of His Glory and Grace."

When you know who is in control, there is no fear! 

- david langerfeld 

.....quiet

When the electricity went out recently, I was impressed with how quiet it was.  We live with continual background noise. Indoors we have the sounds of air conditioning units, washers and dryers, tv's, computers, telephones, computers, fax machines, answer machines, stereos, and kids.  Outdoors are lawnmowers, leaf-blowers, trains, airplanes, insects, birds, animals, cars and cell phones.

We have all kinds of noise inside our heads, too.  Past tapes, what others have said and done, things we have done or told ourselves.  And what about the noise our hearts make? They laugh, cry, remember, and talk to us too!

I don't think of myself as somebody who leads a fast-paced, jet-set life.  That is until I notice how long it takes me to relax and unwind.   Getting quiet doesn't happen quickly  for me.  Sometimes I even have to consciously work at it.  Even David, songwriter extraordinaire, wise warrior, and anointed King of Israel, needed to be reminded by God to "Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

It's a noisy world.  And we all need a quiet place in the midst of all the noise.  A safe place, where we can BE STILL, and hear the Lord.  He very much wants to tell us how much he loves us, and how unique and special we are to him.

Ask him to help you find a safe place, a place where you can go and listen to the quiet.  Thank God he provides places for us, whether inside our mind and heart, or in a physical spot. Journey there and see what wonderful surprises Jesus has planned to share with you in this brand new day of Today that you've never seen before.

- sally ireland kennedy

.....secure

I am the door of the sheep John 10:7

Warren Wiersbe explained John 10:1-6 like this: “The middle Eastern sheepfold was very simple: a stone wall, perhaps ten feet high, surrounded it, and an opening served as the door. The shepherds in the village would drive their sheep into the fold at nightfall and leave the porter to stand guard. 

In the morning each shepherd would call his own sheep, which would recognize their shepherd’s voice and come out of the fold. The porter (or one of the shepherds) would sleep at the opening of the fold and actually become ‘the door.’”

Jesus said He was "the Door". When we are in Him, we have the stone walls of His protective care all around us, and He Himself stands guard to make sure we’re “safe and secure from all alarm,” as we sing in an old Gospel song. Take a deep breath today and remember that you don’t need to be afraid. Jesus, the Door, is your protective Shepherd.

- david jeremiah

.....turning

"See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction... life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live." Deuteronomy 30:15-19

"...as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7

Clearing out clutter, and sprucing up after the holiday, called for something new from the nearby garden shop. I picked a hardy houseplant and placed the pot outside where you could see it from the kitchen. It looked perfect out there.

One day I looked out the window and the plant was all bent over and facing the other way. It had gotten plenty of water, what happened? It looked so pretty before!

It seemed like that plant changed direction overnight. Of course, it didn't happen that fast. It was like time lapse photography. Each day, the little leaves turned their faces towards the sun. Imperceptibly, the plant was turning. Ever so slowly. And over a period of time, the difference was noticeable.

Plants don't have a choice. They just do what they do. We, however, have a choice. We can choose what we look at, what we think about, what we absorb.

In our day-to-day lives, all the seemingly insignificant decisions we make, matter. As we turn in the direction of our focus, little by little, the choices pile up to create a definite, noticeable change. The Bible says: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about these things." Phil. 4:8

Wherever we may be planted, we can bloom and grow, as we continue to decide and purpose to follow in the path our Lord has mapped out for us in His Word. Thank you, Lord, in Jesus' name, amen.

- sally i. kennedy

.....mistaken

A man exiting a grocery store was very surprised when a rather good-looking and perky young lady greeted him cheerfully by saying, "Good evening!"  Her face was beaming.  At least she was smiling until he gave her that "Who are you?" look.  He couldn't remember having ever seen her before. 

Then she obviously realized that a mistake had been made and apologized.  She explained, "Oh, I'm so sorry. When I first saw you I thought you were the father of one of my children."  She walked on her way into the store.

The man was left staring dumbfounded after her.  More than a bit puzzled, he thought to himself, “What is the world coming to?  An attractive woman who doesn't even keep track of what the father of her children looks like!"  However, he was also a bit flattered that he might resemble one of her former suitors, but also hoped that nobody overheard her saying that she mistook him for being the father of one of her children.

A bit stunned, he walked to his car.  He still did not realize, of course, that she was..... a second grade teacher.

A case of mistaken identity.  Have you ever done that?  You see someone in the store or on the street that you think you know and you call out and wave only to realize that it's not really them at all.  First glances can be deceiving.

I've done the same thing spiritually, too.  I've judged people at a glance as being stuck-up only to find out later on that they are only shy.  I've judged people for their irritability only to find out later what burdens they had been carrying that caused them to be a bit short with me.  I've judged some people as "hopeless sinners" only to discover in time a humble heart and a spirit that wants to surrender to God.

This is what the Pharisees in the time of Jesus just couldn't seem to understand.  They couldn't get past the first appearances.  They couldn't get beyond the outside to look at the heart.  And they didn't much care to get to know any of "those people" long enough to learn anything about their problems, their struggles, or their heart.

"For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7.

- alan smith

.....up

A short while after Moses and the people of Israel miraculously passed through the Red Sea, "the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites" (Exodus 17:8). The Israelites did not have the power to win this battle on their own, so Moses sent Joshua to the battlefield and then climbed to the top of a hill: "I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands" Exodus 17:9.

God had previously demonstrated His power as Moses raised his staff to part the Red Sea Exodus 14:16. He had also told Moses to use his staff to cause water to flow out of a rock Exodus 17:5-6. Moses was now trusting God to demonstrate His power once again as he lifted this same staff in battle.

"As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up - one on one side, one on the other - so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword." Exodus 17:11-13

Moses knew what he had to do, but he simply became worn out. Fortunately for the people of Israel, Moses had two trusted companions who stood by his side and were willing to hold up his arms until the battle was won.

Many people have committed their lives to fighting the battle for the Kingdom of God. These, who are daily on the front lines, feel greatly outnumbered and are prone to grow weary. They desperately need an Aaron and a Hur to come alongside with prayer and encouragement.

I feel very fortunate to have people all over the world praying for this ministry. Almost every day I receive notes of thanks and encouragement. This is a wonderful blessing and a confirmation that I am on the right path!

Our pastors, ministry leaders, missionaries, and those who continually look for ways to serve, need this same type of support; "Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness" Hebrews 3:13.

Those who faithfully serve may appear strong and confident, but they come under daily attack and their arms are getting very tired; they need to be reassured and loved. Our missionaries have stepped out with great faith, but they are also very lonely and need to know someone still cares.

Many of our Brothers and Sisters are on the front lines of battle today. Let's join them by becoming a continual "supply line" of encouragement and prayer. Let's be like Aaron and Hur, and hold up their arms!

- steve troxel

.....move

Moses received clear instruction as God spoke to him from the burning bush; "I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt" (Exodus 3:10). Moses debated with God regarding his assignment and pushed God to the limit of His patience; "The Lord's anger burned against Moses" Exodus 4:14.

But once he began to follow, Moses maintained a close relationship with God and witnessed His mighty hand in many different ways. God worked through Moses to bring plagues against the Egyptians and to miraculously bring the Israelites out of Egypt. As Pharaoh released the Israelites and they began their journey into the desert, Moses witnessed more of God's power; "By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light" Exodus 13:21.

However, as the Israelites approached the Red Sea, "Pharaoh and his officials changed their mind" (Exodus 14:5). Every chariot in Egypt was sent to bring the Israelites back. With no escape route in sight, and the Egyptian army closing in, the people cried out to God. Moses tried to calm the people, "The Lord will fight for you: you need only to be still" Exodus 14:14. But being still was not in God's plan.

"Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.'"Exodus 14:15-16

God had been in close communion with Moses. He had given His direction and demonstrated His awesome power. Now at this moment of crisis, God expected Moses to know what to do: "Why are you crying out to Me...move on!"

We must diligently seek His will in stillness and prepare our life to follow where He leads; "be still and know that He is God" Psalm 46:10. But we cannot allow our stillness to make us immobile: "Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap" Ecclesiastes 11:4. The conditions will never feel perfect, nor will we ever feel fully prepared; beware of a never-ending mission analysis which paralyzes us from action. In the end we must remember: "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31.

There will always come a time when God expects us to demonstrate our faith in what He has provided. Let's prepare for that time by drawing near and learning to trust in HIS ability. Let's live with an active faith such that when we know His power, know His provision, and know His direction, we are able to trust and move on.

- steve troxel

.....you

At the height of a political corruption trial, the prosecuting attorney attacked a witness.  "Isn't it true," he bellowed, "that you accepted five thousand dollars to compromise this case?"  The witness stared out the window, as though he hadn't hear the question.

"Isn't it true that you accepted five thousand dollars to compromise this case?" the lawyer repeated.  The witness still did not respond. Finally, the judge leaned over and said, "Sir, please answer the question."

"Oh," the startled witness said, "I thought he was talking to you."

I seem to have the same trouble when I'm preaching.  Everybody thinks I'm talking to everyone else!   It's easy to listen to a sermon thinking, "Boy, I sure hope brother so-and-so is listening to this one!"  (I know, I've done it myself).  

It is crucial, though, that we listen to all messages that come from the word of God with the thought, "What does this have to say to me?" because only when I make personal application can I learn and grow.

"Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye?  Hypocrite!  First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Matthew 7:3-5

It's an important lesson. I'm sure you can think of someone who really needs to hear it!!!

- alan smith

.....roots

Roots are the underground branches that spread out beneath plants and trees as anchors. They provide water and nutrients from the soil to feed the plant. Some roots are familiar, like carrots, potatoes, and radishes. But because roots are usually out of sight, many people don’t realize how long and vast they can be. An alfalfa plant only two or three feet high may have roots reaching out as far as 30 feet.

If you lay all the roots of a corn plant end to end, the resulting strand could be up to 500 feet long. Roots of the giant California redwoods have been known to occupy as much as 50,000 cubic feet of subsoil. Cavers in South Africa found a tree with the deepest-reaching root so far: a wild fig tree with a root that extended nearly 400 feet into the ground! In addition, roots can be incredibly strong.

It’s common knowledge that, given enough time, roots can crack foundations, snap water lines, and lift sidewalks. Once they find even the tiniest crack, a rootlet can break through compacted soil, stone, or concrete and even push aside large boulders. For example, when tree roots become wedged in granite, it is the hard granite that splits while the comparatively fragile-looking root stubbornly continues to grow.

And why are roots so tenacious? They’re looking for water. While some plants like cacti have swollen roots that store water for the dry months, most roots reach out long distances in search of water to transport back to the plant. Plants flourish where there is plenty of water, which is why the trees growing along a stream look more vibrant than the ones growing farther away.

The Bible teaches that a person who delights in the law of the Lord “shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water” Psalm 1:3. Would you like to prosper in whatever you do? Then let meditating on God’s Word become your delight!

"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."Psalm 1:3

- doug batchelor

.....about

God had an assignment for Moses that required complete trust, and preparation began by establishing the holiness of the One who was calling; "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground" Exodus 3:5.

God's chosen people had lived in Egyptian slavery for more than four hundred years. Now, God chose Moses to be His messenger and instrument of power; "I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt" Exodus 3:10. On one hand, God's call is always a great honor...on the other, it can be very frightening.

Moses gave every possible excuse to convince God He had made a wrong choice: "Who am I to go to Pharaoh?" 3:11, "What if they do not believe me?" 4:1, "I am slow of speech and tongue" 4:10. God was patient with Moses, but finally He had enough.

"The Lord said to him, 'Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.' But Moses said, 'O Lord, please send someone else to do it.' Then the Lord's anger burned against Moses."Exodus 4:11-14

Moses would later be described as "more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth" Numbers 12:2. But as he stood before God and received his initial assignment for battle, his "humility" was nothing more than a self-absorbed lack of faith. 

Moses looked at his own abilities and didn't see how success was possible. He failed to see the Creator of the Universe who promised to walk by His side.

Our Christian walk is ALL about God working through us. OF COURSE our abilities will seem too small; of course the enemy will seem too big! The seemingly impossible steps are all part of His plan. Our Heavenly Father desires an intimate and passionate relationship built on absolute trust, so why would He ever lead us in a direction that did not require our complete dependence on Him? 

The assignment may seem impossible, but His call is our greatest assurance of victory; "If God be for us, who can be against us" Romans 8:31.

When God is truly Lord of our life, it's false humility to believe we cannot follow where He leads. Let's allow His glory to so completely fill our vision that we can boldly follow because we KNOW...it's all about Him.

- steve troxel

.....kind

I had a lot of hatred in my life. It wasn't something outwardly manifested, but there was a kind of inward grinding. I was disgusted with people, with things, with issues. Like so many other people, I was insecure. Every time I met someone different from me, he became a threat to me. 

But I hated one man more than anyone else in the world. My father. I hated his guts. To me he was the town alcoholic. If you're from a small town and one of your parents is an alcoholic, you know what I'm talking about. Everybody knows. My friends would come to high school and make jokes about my father being downtown. They didn't think it bothered me. I was like other people, laughing on the outside, but let me tell you, I was crying on the inside. I'd go out in the barn and see mother beaten so badly she couldn't get up, lying in the manure behind the cows. 

When we had friends over, I would take my father out, tie him up in the barn, and park the car up around the silo. We would tell our friends he'd had to go somewhere. I don't think anyone could have hated anyone more than I hated my father. 

After I made my decision for Christ -- maybe five months later -- a love from God through Jesus Christ entered my life and was so strong it took that hatred and turned it upside down. I was able to look my father squarely in the eyes and say, "Dad, I love you." And I really meant it. After some of the things I'd done, that shook him up.

When I transferred to a private university I was in a serious car accident. My neck in traction, I was taken home. I'll never forget my father coming into my room. He asked me, "Son, how can you love a father like me?" I said, "Dad, six months ago I despised you." Then I shared with him my conclusion about Jesus Christ: "Dad, I let Christ come into my life. I can't explain it completely but as a result of that relationship I've found the capacity to love and accept not only you, but other people just the way they are." 

Forty-five minutes later, one of the greatest thrills of my life occurred. Somebody in my own family, someone who knew me so well I couldn't pull the wool over his eyes, said to me, "Son, if God can do in my life what I've seen Him do in yours, then I want to give Him the opportunity." Right there my father prayed with me and trusted Christ. 

- josh mcdowell

.....alone

The news about Him spread all the more, so the crowds of people came to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed  Luke 5:15-16

Jesus had a relationship with the Father which can only be described as absolute perfection; "If you really knew Me, you would know My Father as well. Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father" John 14:7,9. We long for and desperately seek the presence of God, but Jesus Christ IS the very presence of God: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us" John 1:1,14.

And though He had perfect union with the Father, created the entire Universe, and demonstrated complete control over the elements of nature as He "rebuked the wind and the raging waters" Luke 8:24, Jesus still made time to be alone with the Father in prayer. Why?

Prior to the important decision of choosing His twelve apostles, Jesus "went out to a mountainside and spent the night praying" Luke 6:12. On the night before He was crucified, Jesus was in such anguish that He prayed until "His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground" Luke 22:44. Jesus, through His life and death, taught us of the need for prayer and how we ought to relate to God...and these are lessons we must not ignore!

If Jesus, who is Perfection, demonstrated such need of prayer, how much more necessary is it for us who contain so many flaws and so easily drift away from God. We cannot wave our hand to calm the storm, but we CAN pray for patience and the strength to endure, and relentlessly ask for His help. We are to live in such constant communion with God that we "pray continually" 1 Thessalonians 5:17, even as we drive in busy traffic, manage multiple assignments, or care for noisy children.

But each of us must also set aside time, which is often, where we can withdraw to a quiet place. Yes, the presence of God can be found in the midst of our busyness, but we all need times of quiet where we can be refreshed and receive direction - times when we can simply lift our hearts to God and say, "Thank You!" 

Let's develop and maintain the discipline of entering the courts of His presence. Let's regularly set aside times of quiet to get alone and pray.

.....alone

If you only trust in God "if" or "when" He gives you what you want, or the answers you want, then you're not really trusting in God.  God will give you what you NEED because he created you and He knows what's best for you.  

It may not be what you WANT, or what YOU think you need, but it will be exactly what's best for you.  Believing that is real faith; trusting in Him when you don't get what you think you need - that's the mark of a true disciple: "If any man wants to be my disciple, let him DENY HIMSELF; take up his cross daily and follow me!" Luke 9:23 

The whole book of Job in the Old Testament is based on the fact that Job trusted in God whether he was rich or poor, healthy or sick, with a family or without a family - Job still trusted God.  in fact, he says, "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

Proverbs 3:5-6 says: "Trust I the Lord with all your heart; in all your ways acknowledge Him; and He will direct your paths."

You don't "ask God for advice". Instead, you trust God - you FOLLOW HIM!  You ask him for wisdom and discernment, but you surrender to Hs will.  It's not about you, it's about God.  

When the three Hebrew young men (Shadrack, Meshack and Abednigo) were about to be thrown into the fiery furnace, they told Nebuchadnezzar "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."   They were willing to serve God whether he gave them what they wanted or not.  That's real trust!!! You have to willing to trust God, to follow Christ no matter what.  

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6-7 

- david langerfeld

.....bush

We need quiet times of prayer in order to strengthen our relationship with God and receive His direction. No walk of submission and obedience can be complete without actually spending time with God to hear where He is leading.

Moses was born a Hebrew slave under Egyptian rule, but circumstances allowed him to be raised as a prince in Pharaoh's court Exodus 2:1-10. As a young man, Moses began to see the injustice toward the Hebrews. At one point he took matters into his own hands and killed an Egyptian for mistreating a Hebrew slave. This action caused Moses to be misunderstood by the Hebrews and hunted by the Egyptians, so he fled across the desert to the land of Midian where he settled as a shepherd.

Going from Egyptian prince to Midianite shepherd was quite a change. As a prince, Moses received the finest education as well as the most advanced military training, but it was as a simple shepherd that Moses received the training he most needed to accomplish God's work.

Moses was a peaceful shepherd for 40 years, but then "The angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush" Exodus 3:2. The bush was on fire but not actually being burned. This definitely got his attention, so Moses went to take a closer look.

"When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, 'Moses! Moses!' And Moses said, 'Here I am.'" Exodus 3:4

Notice that God waited until Moses saw the bush, stopped what he was doing, and drew himself near. I wonder how h    `ow long had Moses needed to experience the stillness of tending the flock before he was ready to hear God? Oh Lord, help us to be still!

God is at work all around us, and He's calling us to join Him today. The bushes are burning, but in the hurriedness of our daily lives we most often fail to notice - fail to stop and draw near. Is it any wonder we have a hard time hearing His call? What will we see when God allows us to look back at the life we might have lived if we would only have taken time to listen?

Let's not miss the opportunity to participate in God's wonderful plan. Let's create time to be very still and look intently for where God is working. Then, with great expectation, let's join Him and draw near to the burning bush.

- steve troxel

.....courts

The moment we enter through the Gate of Jesus Christ, by believing in Him for the forgiveness of our sins, we dramatically alter our eternity; "I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved" John 10:9. 

We were once blind and destined for eternal separation from God, but now we "see" and will spend eternity as His child. After passing through the Gate, God begins to conform us "to the likeness of His Son" (Romans 8:29), until our only desire is to bring Him glory, and praise His name forever.

At times, this process can be painful. It can hurt to strip away layers of pride and crawl from under the dominion of our old sinful nature; it can hurt to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus. But as we persevere and catch a glimpse of His glory, we will never again desire to be away from His presence.

Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked Psalm 84:10

A single day in the presence of God is better than a thousand days anywhere else - better than ANYTHING this world can offer. If we do not believe this truth, we have not yet been in His presence; we have not yet tasted the sweet fruit of His Spirit. And if we believe and have experienced the peaceful joy of His courts but are now consumed and burdened by the trials of this world, then perhaps we have simply forgotten how sweet and fulfilling His presence can be.

Our Heavenly Father longs for us to have this same passion in our life; "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise" Psalm 100:4. So if this passion has faded due to distractions and entanglements, know that He is calling for us to return.

The courts of God's holy temple now reside within every believer; "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that His Spirit lives in you" 1 Corinthians 3:16. His presence is available to us right now! No matter how distant we may feel, He is really closer than we imagine. 

Let's enter through the gate and fill His temple with praise! 

Let's return to a life focused on passionate worship. 

Let's determine to spend every moment of every day rejoicing in the courts of God.