.....wrong

When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment John 16:8

Adam Thompson of Cincinnati, Ohio, was the first American to fill a bathtub.   Doctors who heard of it predicted rheumatism and inflammation of the lungs.   Some cities banned the new 'bathtub exercise'. Today a home is not complete without a bathtub or shower. The crowd was wrong. 

England once had a law forbidding anyone to drive a vehicle faster than four miles an hour without a person going before them with a red flag. Today we have vehicles capable of more than one hundred times that speed. The crowd was wrong.

Westinghouse was called a fool for daring to think that he could stop a train with wind. Now Westinghouse air brakes are being used the world over.   Again the crowd was wrong.

"What is Radium?" the crowd jeered at Madame Curie. Today it is a valuable asset in fighting disease. The crowd was wrong.  

For eleven years Goodyear and his wife worked on vulcanizing rubber.  Everyone laughed at them, but today millions ride on Goodyear tires. The crowd was mistaken.

Publishers told Zane Grey that he had no writing ability. But his books are still being read today.  The crowd was wrong.

Being wrong can be a serious matter, and that applies particularly to our relationship with God.  Too much is at stake.  We can be wrong about many things. The world can be wrong about things - it has been through the ages.   However, we dare not be wrong about Jesus.  God offers us eternal life through Jesus Christ.   He so loved the world that He gave His only Son, and whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

- ron clarke

.....follow

When Jesus walked on the earth, He called a few select people to follow Him as He ministered. There was something irresistible about His call, something that opened eyes to a new reality and caused a radical change.

If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? Luke 9:23-25

Peter, James and John were partners in a small fishing business on the Sea of Galilee. This was their source of support for themselves as well as their families. Yet when they heard the call to become "fishers of men," they eagerly responded; "So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed Him" Luke 5:11.

Matthew (Levi) was a tax collector - a Jew appointed by the Roman government to collect taxes from his Jewish brothers. As a tax collector, Matthew made a good living, but he walked away from his life of security when Jesus called: "'Follow Me,' Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed Him" Luke 5:27-28.

In the Old Testament, Abraham moved his entire household to follow God without even knowing where he was being sent Genesis 12:1-5. Moses, at eighty years old, left the peaceful life of tending flocks to follow God's call to confront Pharaoh Exodus 3. And Elisha completely destroyed his old way of life when Elijah called: "He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people. Then he set out to follow Elijah" 1 Kings 19:21.

Answering the call to follow will always require a change, but the change may not be in physical location, profession, or status. The change may not always bring hardship. King Solomon followed God and was the richest man on earth. Joseph followed God and was the second most powerful man in Egypt. There is definitely a change involved with taking up our cross and following, but the real change occurs in the heart. It's a change where we learn "the secret of being content...whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want" Philippians 4:12. It's a change where we leave our old values and priorities and find complete fulfillment in Christ.

As we draw closer to our Heavenly Father, we will find His call to be irresistible. We will learn the freedom and power of daily being led by His Spirit. And, as with many others who have gone before, we will NEVER regret answering the call to leave everything and follow.

- steve troxel

.....bride

Though we have freedom in Christ, we are also called to live a life of holiness. As we continue to walk with Jesus, we are called to strive for purity in our worship while understanding that nothing we do can ever add to His gift of Salvation.

Perhaps this relationship is best understood by considering our "marriage" to Christ; "I promised you to one husband, to Christ" 2 Corinthians 11:2. Jesus demonstrated His love for us, His eternal bride, when He gave His life, and NOTHING "will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus" Romans 8:39. He promised to never leave us nor forsake us Hebrews 13:5, and even "if we are faithless, He will remain faithful" 2 Timothy 2:13. His love is perfect!

His perfect love must never produce complacency. We have no fear of losing our Bridegroom or driving Him away, and we need not earn His acceptance. But if we truly understand His love, we ought to be compelled to return His love in everything we do and live to bring Him glory and honor. When the people of Israel turned their hearts away from God, it caused Him great pain. They were His chosen people - His chosen bride whom He dearly loved - and yet, they continued to seek a life apart from Him.

How I have been grieved by their adulterous hearts, which have turned away from Me, and by their eyes, which have lusted after their idols Ezekiel 6:9 This pain still occurs today whenever we withhold even a portion of our heart. We are married to a loving God who gave His life so we could live, but He is also "a consuming fire, a jealous God" Deuteronomy 4:24. When we allow our heart to become attracted to the things of this world or controlled by its set of values, we become an adulterous bride; "Don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God?" James 4:4.

Many of our discussions of what is "acceptable" behavior for the bride of Christ, miss the true essence of our relationship. We are to be passionately in love! Our greatest desire should be to do those things which please the Bridegroom, not to cause Him grief as we live on the cold edge of what is "allowable." 

Everything is allowable! But what are the things which properly express our love?

Let's keep our heart pure and devoted to Him. Let's abide in Him and love Him with ALL our heart. Let's commit to living the remainder of our days as a faithful and loving bride.

.....wonderful

I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well Psalm 139:14

As our plane began its descent, the flight attendant read the long list of arrival information as if she were reading it for the thousandth time that day - no emotion or interest as she droned on and on about our impending arrival. Then, with the same tired, disinterested voice, she finished by saying, "Have a wonderful day." The dryness of her tone contrasted with her words. She said "wonderful", but in a manner completely absent of any sense of wonder.

Sometimes, I fear that we approach our relationship with God in the same way: Routine. Bored. Apathetic. Disinterested. Through Christ, we have the privilege of being adopted into the family of the living God, and yet, often there seems to be little of the sense of wonder that should accompany that remarkable reality.

Job questioned God about his suffering, but when challenged by God, Job was humbled by the wonder of His Creator and His creation. Job replied, "You asked, 'Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge'? Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know" Job 42:3  I long for the wonder of God to take hold of my heart.

You are one of God's adopted children.  You are incredibly special to God.  Live like you are a child of God and have an exciting, incredible, awesome, terrific, "wonderful" day!

- bill crowder

....fear

In these times of great uncertainty - with concern about things like war, terrorism, the economy, our health and the health of our children - let's always remember, our Heavenly Father is the Creator of the Universe. He formed the Heavens and the Earth out of nothing, and, as we place our trust in Him, He has given a basic promise: "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you" Hebrews 13:5. His desire is for us to draw nearer in our love and worship, and allow His Spirit to remove all fear.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging Psalm 46:1-3

Although we are uncertain what tomorrow may bring, we ought to have confidence in the One who has promised to walk with us through all our tomorrows and guide us home. If we believe Jesus died for our sin, rose again in victory over death, and is seated at the right hand of the Father - if we surrender our life to who He is and what He has done - our eternal home has been firmly established; "Our citizenship is in Heaven" Philippians 3:20. As a child of the Sovereign King, as one who believes in our eternal future, we no longer have reason to fear; "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship" Romans 8:15

We no longer have a reason...but still we fear. The unknown is scary and makes us feel out of control. But as we pray for an end to violence, and as we strive to make this world safer, better educated, and more prosperous, and as we continually pray for healing, we must understand there is only one true solution to our fear.

Our fear will only be removed as we love the Lord with ALL our heart, soul, mind and strength. When we understand that our life is not our own, we will love with a complete abandonment to His desire. We will pray and live each day with the surrender demonstrated by Christ; "Father...not My will, but Yours be done" Luke 22:42. As we live each day to bring Him glory and honor, fear WILL begin to fade: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear" 1 John 4:18.

Yes, these days, and all days, contain some uncertainty. If we continue to focus on what we can see, there will always be uncertainties. But our faith, hope, and joy are in His eternal glory, not in this world which will one day pass away. Let's refuse to let our fear of the unknown cripple our love or service for God; there is still much work He has for us to do. Let's pray that our love will increase, that our worship will intensify, and that we will boldly stand up and proclaim, "We will not fear!"

- steve troxel

.....build

When the armies of Babylon made their final invasion of Jerusalem, they took many captives into exile and completely destroyed the temple - destroyed God's dwelling among His chosen people. After many years, a group of Israelites were allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild this precious dwelling place of God.

This group began the work with great excitement: "With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord, 'He is good; His love to Israel endures forever'" Ezra 3:11. But they soon encountered opposition; "The peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building" Ezra 4:4. The opposition grew until all construction came to a standstill. God sent a message through the prophet Haggai to encourage His people to return to their important task.

"Be strong, all you people of the land," declares the Lord, "and work. For I am with you," declares the Lord Almighty. "This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And My Spirit remains among you. Do not fear."Haggai 2:4-5

God encouraged the people to continue building the temple by reminding them He was still with them. He had rescued His people from slavery so He could dwell among them, and He had given His Spirit as a guide and comforter; "They were given rest by the Spirit of the Lord. This is how You guided Your people" Isaiah 63:14.

Today, WE are His temple, being built for His glory: "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:16. The same Spirit who was given to be with God's chosen people of the past is the same Spirit who now fills us and gives us the power to live a victorious life in Christ, gives us the power to build according to God's perfect plan.

We have all heard and read the truth - we know how Christ desires for us to live - but the Spirit is given to "guide you into all truth" John 16:13. Jesus said the Holy Spirit will "remind you of everything I have said to you" John 14:26. The Truth is our only building material, and the Spirit holds the only plans. He will guide and direct as we listen and prepare our heart to follow.

God sent His Son to set us free from sin, and He gave us His Spirit so we may live in freedom and build a temple which glorifies His name. There are many in the world who seek to discourage and make us afraid to continue building, many who create fierce opposition. But let's continue the work He has already begun. Let's continue to walk in victory and daily build according to the Spirit.

- steve troxel

.....land

As we become more like Christ, we naturally desire to do only those things consistent with the will of our Heavenly Father. We also saw that this can be a frustrating time as we search...and wait! But the search is a time where we learn more about trust, more about submitting our own desires to His will, and more about preparing to go when He calls.

Abraham was a man of great faith who was chosen to begin the covenant relationship between God and man. Through Abraham's son, Isaac, and his grandson Jacob, the nation of Israel was born. However, when God's Word first introduces us to Abraham, he is already 75 years old and settled with his family in the land of Haran. Then, with absolutely no warning, God calls...

"The Lord had said to Abraham, 'Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.'"Genesis 12:1 God wanted Abraham to move to the land of promise; "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you" Genesis 12:2. We are not told that Abraham was searching for God's will or even preparing for the call, but he was definitely ready. Abraham had no idea where he was going, how long he would be gone, or how he was going to get to where God directed, but he trusted God's promise and went.

It's interesting to note there was no further discussion or clarification from God after the call was made - God gave direction, and Abraham obeyed; "So Abraham left, as the Lord had told him" Genesis 12:4. Abraham may have left with a slight uncertainty in his decision - a slight hesitation in his step - but he had faith enough to trust and obey.

God has a promised land to which He is calling us today. It is a land where we find contentment in all situations Philippians 4:12, rejoice in our trials James 1:2, and give thanks in all circumstances 1 Thessalonians 5:18 because we KNOW God is working all things together for the good Romans 8:28. It is a land of united families where marriage vows represent an unbreakable covenant; a place where children honor their father and mother; and a land where parents lead their children by following Christ. Most of all, it is a land where we love Him with ALL our heart in ALL we do, say, and think!

God is calling us to trust Him and follow where He leads. Sometimes His call is very specific (and we must diligently prepare to hear and obey this call) but often His call is simply to let go of our own understanding, search His Word for truth, and follow Him to the Promised Land.

- steve troxel

.....search

We have come to that wonderful place where our only desire is to do God's will. We have begun to view our time on earth with an eternal perspective and are now in the process of aligning our life with His desires. We truly desire to do the will of God, so we desperately (and often unceasingly) search for His will. This is a significant step of maturity for any believer, but it can also be a time of great frustration.

Before we were saved, we were controlled by a sinful nature. This nature manifested itself in a variety of ways; "sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like" Galatians 5:19-21.

Through the Spirit of Christ, we now have the power to break free from the control of the sinful nature. And, though most of the sinful nature is clearly out of character with a Christian walk, the sin which is often the hardest to recognize is that of selfish ambition. Even in our striving to live according to God's will, we continually battle the desire to achieve and accomplish.

The deception which surrounds selfish ambition sounds so good and spiritual: "God, let me do something really great....for You! I'm ready to have a MAJOR impact in Your Kingdom." We look for God's will as if it is some sort of mountain to climb, and then we become frustrated when we never seem to arrive at the summit. But God's will is never a destination. His will is always a process - always found in the journey! His will is that we love Him, trust Him, and seek Him with all our heart.

Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You Psalm 9:10Anyone who earnestly searches for God's will has a strong desire to please Him. They love God with all their heart and are leaning on Him for guidance like never before. This love and trust mean more to God than anything we could ever accomplish. But God allows us to search, because the search is what brings us to His throne.

We must continue to seek His desire for our life and always be prepared to follow where He leads. But we must also strip back the layers of pride which require an achievement of something grand. We have found His perfect will when we walk in humble submission, with a thankful and loving heart, and are actively involved in the search.

- steve troxel

.....refuse

As we continue the fight, whatever fight this season finds us in, we must remember our true battles are not against flesh and blood - not against the media or the government or the economy, not against our children or spouse or others in the workplace - but "against the spiritual forces of evil in the Heavenly realms" Ephesians 6:12. 

The true battles occur in a world which is real, but unseen; and yet, the battles we see and hear everywhere we turn are the ones which tend to consume our thoughts and cause us to become angry...and to fear.

As Jesus was teaching and healing around the Sea of Galilee, large crowds of people began to come out to Him. One evening, Jesus decided to leave the crowds behind and sail with His disciples to the other side of the sea. As Jesus slept in the back of the boat, a terrible storm soon developed. The disciples woke Jesus and cried out in fear, "Teacher, don't You care if we drown?" Mark 4:38.

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to His disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?'Mark 4:39-40

The disciples had seen Jesus cure a man with leprosy, heal a paralytic, and teach with the authority of Almighty God, but now they thought Jesus didn't care. When Jesus rose, He rebuked the storm as well as His disciples. These men who were chosen to walk with the Son of God were now accused by Jesus of being afraid and living without faith.

This same event occurs in our life today. Jesus climbs into our boat and directs us to a distant shore. We've heard about His miracles so we joyfully cast off, expecting a smooth sail. Suddenly, the wind begins to blow and the waves turn white; this is probably not the voyage we had in mind. No longer able to see the shore, we begin to wonder why we ever set sail. Did we really hear His voice? And in our desperation we pathetically cry out, "Don't You care if we drown?" ... Is our faith really so weak?

In the midst of our fears, we must remember that the God to whom we cry is the same God who created the Heavens and the earth, sent His Son to die for our sins, and gave us His Spirit "with whom we were sealed for the day of redemption" Ephesians 4:30. He is the same God who chose us to walk by His side!

Jesus is still committed to our journey, and still in complete control. In His perfect timing He will calm ALL the wind and waves, ALL the roaring seas. When doubts begin to surface, we must draw even closer, hold on even tighter, and trust Him even deeper. No matter what battles we see with our eyes and hear with our ears, no matter how many changes we face along the way, we must be determined to live each moment by faith and refuse to be afraid. 

- steve troxel

.....truth

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy Proverbs 28:13

At his annual check-up, James panicked when the doctor asked him, “How often do you exercise?” “Three times a week,” he blurted, then added, “Sometimes more if I’m feeling ambitious.” The doctor turned to his computer. “Interesting… because your Apple Watch says otherwise.” Turns out James had accidentally synced his health data with the clinic’s app. Busted by the truth! Now he walks laps every evening — not just for his health, but out of shame.

We laugh because we’ve all been there. Maybe not with a fitness tracker, but with some area of life where we tried to sound a little better than we really were. We hide the parts we’re not proud of. We downplay our mistakes or highlight our best moments while quietly sweeping the rest under the rug. But sooner or later, something — or someone — holds up a mirror that says, “Actually… here’s what’s real.”

The good news? God already knows. Every slip-up, every lame excuse, and every good intention that didn’t quite make it to action — none of it surprises him. And yet, God still loves us deeply. His desire is not to expose us or shame us. He wants to set us free.

Proverbs 28:13 reminds us that hiding our sins only creates a heavy burden. But when we’re honest – when we confess and forsake our sins -- we find mercy. Not rejection. Not shame. Mercy.

Confession isn't just about admitting what we’ve done wrong; it’s about letting go of the exhausting pressure to look better than we truly are. It’s saying, “Here I am, God — no filters, no excuses.” And in that place of honesty, God always meets us with grace.

So today, you may need to take a spiritual walk — not for your heart rate, but for your heart. Bring God the real data: the missed goals, the lazy days, the hard feelings, the spiritual dry spells. He already knows. And he stands ready to extend mercy.

- ellena kalinga

Father, thank you for knowing the real me and still loving me. Help me to stop pretending and start walking in truth. Give me the courage to bring my whole self — weaknesses, excuses, and all — into your light. Thank you for meeting me there with mercy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....stay

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant...” Philippians 2:5-7

Want to know the weather? Just check the dog by the back door:

If the dog is wet, it’s raining.

If the dog is really soaked, it’s pouring.

If his fur is standing up, it’s windy.

If there’s snow on his back, — it’s snowing. ( for this method to work, the dog has to stay outside — especially when the weather gets bad)

Sincerely,

The Cat

It’s a silly image, but it hits close to home. It’s funny how often we’re like that cat — content to let someone else deal with the cold, wet, messy parts of life while we stay warm, comfortable, and dry. Whether it’s a difficult conversation, a friend in crisis, or a need in the church, it’s tempting to think, “Someone else will handle it. I’ll just stay right here.”

But real love doesn’t hide behind the door. 

And real faith doesn’t settle for comfort.

Jesus certainly didn’t. He didn’t watch our struggles from a safe distance. He didn’t send encouragement from heaven without getting involved. Instead, he stepped into our weather — our mess, our pain, our broken world. He got wet. He got hurt. He walked through wind and storm right beside us.

And if we’re following Jesus, we’re expected to carry that same faithfulness into the lives of others. To step outside our comfort zone. To get our hands dirty. To check on our neighbor, send that text, sit with the hurting, show up for the lonely, and love people in practical ways — even when it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or downright messy.

It’s not about being a hero. It’s about showing up — like Christ does for us — again and again. With love. With patience. With grace that doesn’t quit when the weather gets rough. So today, don’t be like that cat. Be like Christ. Step out into someone’s storm.

Prayer

Father, thank you for showing up for me every day, rain or shine. Help me not to hide in comfort or convenience, but to step out in love. Give me eyes to see who needs a reminder of your love — and the courage to be that reminder. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....serve

We need to walk with God in continued obedience in order to honor Him and allow us to experience His very best. God's plan is that we learn to live in His presence and become "conformed to the likeness of His Son" Romans 8:29. This means we must listen intently for God's direction and follow where He leads, not just blindly walk down what appears to be His path.

David was crowned king of Judah soon after Saul died in the year 1010 BC. About seven years later, all of Israel acknowledged David as their new king. One of David's first actions as king was to move the Ark of God from the home of Abinadab to Jerusalem. David and all the officials believed that by making the Ark a more central focus for the nation, God would bless all of Israel.

This was a very exciting time. The Ark was being transported on a new cart pulled by oxen, and over thirty thousand people were "celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals" 2 Samuel 6:5. But even during this time of great excitement, God clearly demonstrated the need for obedience.

When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the Ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down and he died there beside the Ark of God 2 Samuel 6:6-7

Uzzah's intentions were good, but God considered his actions irreverent. Uzzah desired to serve God by keeping the Ark from falling to the ground, but his enthusiastic and well intentioned actions were not directed by God. In fact, Uzzah's actions were in direct conflict with God's Word.

During the time of Moses, God had given instructions that the Ark should be moved with poles Exodus 25:14-15 and that anyone who touched the Ark must be put to death Numbers 4:15. Uzzah served where he thought there was a need, but he served at the expense of true obedience.

We must learn great sensitivity to God's leading. Seemingly godly action, if done outside the will of God, is sin. We must never assume that what "looks" good and godly is truly of God. Our Heavenly Father will always be faithful to lead us in His perfect will. But we must be willing to spend time  worshiping at His feet, communing with Him in prayer, and waiting patiently for His direction. As we serve our Lord, let's do so with great enthusiasm, but let's always allow Him to lead and serve Him in obedience.

- steve troxel

.....destiny

Moses disobeyed God's command with obtaining water from the rock. God called Moses' disobedience a lack of trust and punished him quite harshly; "Because you did not trust Me enough to honor Me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them" Numbers 20:12. God did not destine Moses for failure; rather, He sovereignly allowed Moses to choose which path he would travel, even if that meant traveling away from the path of God.

Nearly forty years earlier, God allowed the entire nation of Israel to make a similar choice. When God brought the people out of Egyptian slavery, His plan - His destiny for His chosen people - was to lead them into the promised land of Canaan. But when the twelve spies gave their report, the people chose the path of fear and disobedience.

God always attributes disobedience to a failure to believe and trust; "How long will they refuse to believe in Me?" Numbers 14:11. God was about to "strike them down with a plague and destroy them" Numbers 14:12, but Moses pleaded for mercy; "In accordance with Your great love, forgive the sin of these people" Numbers 14:19. God heard Moses and was indeed merciful.

I have forgiven them, as you asked. Nevertheless, not one of the men who saw My glory and the miraculous signs I performed in Egypt and in the desert but who disobeyed Me and tested Me ten times - not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their forefathers. No one who has treated Me with contempt will ever see it Numbers 14:20-23

Those who receive the gracious gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus are God's chosen people. We have believed and promised to walk in obedience, and He has promised to forgive us when we disobey and even when we fail to trust Him with ALL our heart. But God also has a plan - a destiny - for His chosen people; "For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son" Romans 8:29.

Our Heavenly Father knew us before the foundations of the world, and, in His perfect plan, has destined us to walk in faith and become more and more like Jesus. But He also gives us the freedom to choose. Every day we must choose to walk in faith - choose to trust and believe. Every day we either walk down a path of obedience or down the destructive path of sin which leads us away. Yes, God will forgive, but He also will not withhold His discipline!

Let's live each day in obedient faith and continue to believe His Word is true. Let's submit our lives to His conforming Hands and trust Him to guide us down the path of our perfect destiny. 

- steve troxel

.....become

There is a story that comes out of the Bedouin culture. "Bedouin" is the Aramaic name for "desert dwellers." These people live much as the characters of the Old Testament did. During a heated argument, according to this story, a young Bedouin struck and killed a friend of his. Knowing the ancient, inflexible customs of his people, the young man fled, running across the desert under the cover of darkness, seeking safety.

He went to the black tent of the tribal chief in order to seek his protection. The old chief took the young Arab in. The chief assured him that he would be safe until the matter could be settled legally. The next day, the young man's pursuers arrived, demanding the murderer be turned over to them. They would see that justice would prevail in their own way. "But I have given my word," protested the chief.

"But you don't know whom he killed!" they countered. 

  

"I have given my word," the chief repeated.

"He killed your son!" one of them blurted out. The chief was deeply and visibly shaken with his news. He stood speechless with his head bowed for a long time. The accused and the accusers as well as curious onlookers waited breathlessly. What would happen to the young man? Finally the old man raised his head. "Then he shall become my son," he informed them, "and everything I have will one day be his."

The young man certainly didn't deserve such generosity. And that, of course, is the point. Love in its purest form is beyond comprehension. No one can merit it. It is freely given. It is agape, the love of God. Look to the cross. At the cross we encounter love in its purest form.

- king duncan

.....more

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation… I can do all this through him who gives me strength Philippians 4:11–13

At Thule Air Base in Greenland — where it was a brisk 20 degrees below zero — an Air Force cargo plane sat waiting. The crew, shivering and frustrated, couldn’t leave until the sewage tank was pumped out. The Airman assigned to the job didn’t seem to be in any rush.

The Aircraft Commander, freezing and fed up, chewed him out and threatened punishment. But the Airman calmly replied, “Sir, I have no stripes, it’s 20 below, I'm stationed in Greenland, and I’m pumping sewage. What are you going to do to punish me?”

You have to appreciate his perspective. Beneath his sarcasm is a powerful truth: sometimes life already feels like it’s dealt all the hardship it can. When you're knee-deep in sewage (or any other difficulty), it’s hard to imagine how things could get any worse. But that can also be the moment you realize just how little control others have over your peace.

Paul, writing from prison, understood that. He said, “I’ve learned to be content in any and every situation.” He knew what it was to be hungry and full, praised and punished, free and in chains. But through all of it, his strength and peace didn’t come from his circumstances — they came from Christ.

That’s the secret. When your identity and your joy are grounded in Jesus, no situation can shake you. Even if you’re standing in the muck, you can say with confidence, “What else can you throw at me? I know where my strength comes from.”

So, whether you’re soaring high right now or about to hit rock bottom, remember that your worth isn’t tied to your circumstances. It’s anchored in the One you belong to — and he is with you in every moment, offering strength for the hard days and grace for the tough assignments.

- alan smith

Father, thank you for being my strength in both the easy and the hard places. When I feel overwhelmed by my circumstances, remind me that my peace comes from belonging to you. Help me to find joy when life gets tough. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....soar

God often uses storms in our life to shape and mold us "to the likeness of His Son" Romans 8:29. James says that storms (or trials) are used to make us "mature and complete, not lacking anything" James 1:4. So when will all our storms end? Not until the process is complete. Not until we are called home to be with the Lord!

But there is certainly much more to our Christian walk than storm survival. As we mature and grow closer to our Heavenly Father, we will see more clearly His purpose and learn to actually rejoice during our times of difficulty. Rather than fight the wind, we will allow it to teach us and cause us to soar! The storms will continue to be a part of our life, but we will also experience seasons of great victory.

These seasons of victorious soaring WILL come! For they are as much a part of our journey as the storm. But they are equally a time of teaching - a time we must be reminded to keep our eyes on Jesus and trust the guidance of His Spirit.

The Israelites had wandered forty years in the desert and were now ready to cross into the promised land of Canaan. But Moses warned them to never stop praising and trusting God: "When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God" Deuteronomy 8:10-11. Moses warned that when we fail to trust God during the peaceful times of blessing, we tend to forget and quickly become susceptible to our sinful pride.

You may say to yourself, 'My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.' But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant. Deuteronomy 8:17-18

We must continually "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" Proverbs 3:5. We must trust as the storm approaches and as the waves threaten to sink our boat; but we must also trust as the wind and waves are calmed. In fact, we must focus on trusting Him even more when the storm ceases. In difficult times, we are continually reminded of our need for God, but times of blessing can cause us to trust our own ability...and forget.

God desires far more than to just be available during our times of great need. He desires to walk with us in an intimate relationship every moment of the day. Let's continue to trust Him while we are sailing through the storm. But as we victoriously rise up on the wings of eagles, let's also remember to praise Him and trust while we soar.

- steve troxel

.....criticism

If you listen to correction to improve your life, you will live among the wise. Those who refuse correction hate themselves, but those who accept correction gain understanding Proverbs 15:31–32

Winston Churchill exemplified integrity in the face of opposition. During his last year in office, he attended an official ceremony. Several rows behind him two gentlemen began whispering. "That's Winston Churchill." "They say he is getting senile." "They say he should step aside and leave the running of the nation to more dynamic and capable men." When the ceremony was over, Churchill turned and said, "Gentlemen, they also say he is deaf!"

Criticism. Nobody enjoys it. Even if it's done kindly, it still stings. And when it’s harsh or unfair, it can feel downright crushing. But criticism — even unfair criticism — can serve a useful purpose. We need to be humble enough to recognize that some criticisms are justly deserved. Even when critics are unkind and they exaggerate our failures, there may still be some truth in what they say. If we immediately become defensive, we might miss a valuable opportunity to grow.

Abraham Lincoln once heard that one of his cabinet members, Edwin Stanton, had called him a fool. Lincoln’s response was this: "Mr. Stanton is a wise man. If he said I am a fool, I had better look into the matter." That’s the kind of humility and maturity God calls us to. Instead of getting defensive or discouraged, we need to ask ourselves: Is there truth in what’s being said? If so, what can I learn from it? If not, how can I respond with grace rather than anger?

Even when the criticism is completely unfounded, it gives us a chance to practice patience, self-control, and forgiveness. Criticism doesn't have to tear us down. Rather, it should be a stepping stone to spiritual growth. It's an opportunity to learn what we're doing wrong and what we need to correct. It can sharpen our character, teach us humility, and help us become more like Christ.

May you “listen to correction to improve your life”, so that you can truly “live among the wise”.

- alan smith

Father, it’s not easy to hear criticism, but I know you can use it for good in my life. Help me to listen with a humble heart. Teach me to grow from correction and not be crushed by it. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....response

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger Proverbs 15:1

After three and a half hours of standing in long lines, filling out forms, and dealing with cranky clerks at the DMV, a man finally completed his task and decided to swing by a toy store to purchase a baseball bat for his son. He brought it to the register, and the clerk asked with a smile, “Cash or charge?” “Cash,” he snapped. Realizing how sharp his tone was, he quickly apologized and explained, “Sorry. I’ve just spent the entire afternoon at the DMV.” Without missing a beat, the clerk grinned and asked, “Would you like the bat gift-wrapped — or are you going back there?”

That story serves as a reminder that when we’re tired, annoyed, or stressed out, we tend to carry that tension with us — and sometimes the next person we meet gets caught in the crossfire. The truth is, we can’t always control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." That little verse is packed with wisdom. Because the way we respond in tense moments can either defuse a situation or light the match that makes it worse.

Our lives are full of those “... days” — those moments when everything seems to go wrong, people are difficult, and we’re tempted to be short-tempered. But God invites us to a better way. He calls us to respond with gentleness and grace, not because people deserve it, but because that’s how God responds to us.

Jesus faced constant pressure, criticism, and confrontation. He was misunderstood, rejected, and insulted — and yet, time and again, he answered with compassion. His gentleness wasn’t weakness — it was strength under control. And that’s the same kind of strength he wants to shape in us.

So today, if the lines are long, the rules don’t make sense, and people are annoying, remember this: offer a gentle answer. You never know how that small moment of grace might change someone’s day — including yours

Father, thank you for being so patient and gentle with me. Help me to respond to others with that same grace, especially when I’m tired or frustrated. Teach me to be a calming presence in a chaotic world. In Jesus’ name, amen.

.....real

Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14

Kids have a humorous way of seeing the world, especially when it comes to heavenly things. Listen to some of their thoughts on angels:

“I only know the names of two angels, Hark and Harold.” — Gregory, 5

“Everybody’s got it all wrong. Angels don’t wear halos anymore. I forget why, but scientists are working on it.” — Olive, 9

“My guardian angel helps me with math, but he’s not much good for science.” — Henry, 8

You have to smile. Kids might get a few of the details mixed up, but they manage to get the important things right — angels are real, angels help us, and heaven is closer and far more personal than we often realize.

The Bible tells us that angels are powerful, spiritual beings created by God to serve him and watch over us. They aren’t humans who “earned their wings” . Rather, they are "ministering spirits" — sent by God to help, guide, and protect those who belong to him.

Psalm 91:11 promises: "He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."

What an incredible thought! God cares about you so much that he fills your life with reminders of his protection, both seen and unseen. His angels may be invisible most of the time, but their presence is real. They stand as a quiet but powerful testimony that you are not alone.

So, learn something from those kids. They may not have all the facts correct, but here’s what they got right — a simple, confident trust that heaven is real, that help is near, and that God is always watching over us, even if we can’t see it. And maybe, just maybe, that childlike faith is exactly what we need, too.

 

Father, thank you for loving me so much that you would send your angels to help and protect me. Thank you even more for sending Jesus to save me. Help me to find joy in knowing that you are always near. In Jesus’ name, amen.

....more

Prayer is a vitally important part of our Christian walk, but it is often greatly misunderstood. Prayer is how we talk with our Heavenly Father. It can never be used to manipulate God or cause Him to do anything outside His perfect will. God is not ours to command; He is not obligated to grant our wishes!

Our attitude toward prayer reveals much about how we view God and the closeness of our relationship through faith in Jesus. If we continually wait for a crisis before we pray, we actually demonstrate a lack of love. A man may say he loves his wife, but if he only occasionally talks with her he reveals a shallow relationship. True love will always be reflected by a desire to spend time together. And if we lift our problems to God in prayer but also give Him our expected solutions, we demonstrate a lack of trust and reveal a misunderstanding of His sovereign nature and limitless ability.

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us Ephesians 3:20 The consistent message through all of scripture is that God is calling us to a closer relationship - calling us to love Him with ALL our heart, soul, mind and strength Mark 12:30. Therefore, our prayers MUST begin from a position of love. He wants us to continually know Him more and understand the true meaning of "My God will meet all your needs" Philippians 4:19, and "with God all things are possible" Matthew 19:26. He wants us to love Him and trust Him to provide!

It's foolish for us to limit God to our own understanding. He created the Universe and knew the end of time before the beginning. He can, and will, "perfectly" solve our problems. He is working all things together for the good and using all situations to conform us to the likeness of His Son Romans 8:28-29.

Through a proper attitude of prayer, we acknowledge and submit to God's sovereignty. We praise Him because we know He is able to do much more than anything we ask, and we submit because we know His understanding and purpose is perfect; "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" Matthew 6:10. 

Our prayer is not a matter of "working things out" with God - not of wrestling until we obtain OUR solution - rather, prayer simply becomes submission to His direction and trust in His plan.

We must present ourselves as empty vessels and allow God to work through us each and every day. Let's love Him enough to "pray continually" 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Let's make our requests known, but then let's submit and humbly acknowledge that He can do immeasurably more.

- steve troxel