February 19

The Highway of Holiness

It will be named the Highway of Holiness.... It will be only for those who walk in God's way.
Isaiah 35:8

The Highway of Holiness is God's chosen path for us. I suspect it is not well traveled, but it should be, for it is the right way to get from point A to point B—point A being the here and now, point B being eternity with Him.

The amazing thing about this road? It's toll-free. It only requires one thing—that we agree to travel His way. Holy living on a holy journey. It sounds so high and unattainable, but it isn't. All it requires is one step of faith followed by another, followed by another. Once started, it can be hard to stop. That's the whole idea—to get to point B, on track and at full speed.

If you've been on this highway, you know the exhileration. If you haven't experienced it, or if you're tired of the road you're on now, try His. Your journey can begin right here, right now. So find that on ramp: trust Him, live life in His power. Discover a godly life on the Highway of Holiness ... and enjoy the trip!

Father, open our eyes to Your way. Guide our journey—one step at a time. Amen.

February 18

The Slippery Walk

Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip … Show Your marvelous loving kindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You….
Psalm 17:5, 7 (NKJV)

A couple weeks back we had snow then it warmed up and melted only to refreeze overnight. The next day looked perfect—a clear sky, bright sunshine, and that fresh, invigorating air. Ah, yes, perfect—except for the streets and sidewalks covered with ice!

The schools did the wise thing of course; they delayed arrivals for two hours. Initially, my two younger boys cheered, and then as the delay expired, they insisted I walk them to school. I love these boys, and sometimes it is hard to say no—besides this had the makings of an adventure. So, I agreed.

We started our three-block expedition heading uphill … on ice. On some of the more treacherous stretches, we held hands and went slow trying to decide whether to steer left or right, on the sidewalk or off. We kept our heads down, craned our necks and toe-tapped the clear ice. On easier footing, we ran and slid, laughing at each other’s boot-skating bravado.

In a short while we arrived at school safe and on time, the boys quick to run inside the warm building. On the way back, I reflected on the simple joy of walking together, holding hands, and sharing the adventure. It jogged my thinking. Doesn’t God want to share our daily adventures, walk beside us, and hold our hands too? Since I know He does, I think I’ll extend the invitation. How about you?

Lord, forgive me for not inviting You into my life. Draw me close, Lord. Hold my hand and guide my steps today. Amen.

February 17

A Need I Can Meet

Because he was just and right in all his dealings. That is why God blessed him. He made sure that justice and help were given to the poor and needy, and everything went well for him. Isn’t that what it means to know me? asks the Lord.
Jeremiah 22:15b-16 (NLT)

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it is in your power to help them.
Proverbs 3:27 (NLT)

Remember, it is a sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
James 4:17 (NLT)

This morning I read of Bunya, now a small boy in Cambodia. His mother left him wrapped in a shirt—abandoned in a hospital bed. He remained there for some time unattended, covered with ants and hungry. Praise God, he was found by Christians. Now he has a home at the Place of Rescue orphanage supported by Samaritan’s Purse.

Bunya’s story had a happy ending, but what of the 60,000 other orphans in that single country devastated by civil conflict and poverty? And what is my responsibility?

Someone recently shared this fact: “If you have a bank account, money in your purse, or change in a bag, you are one of the richest 8% of the world.”

By the world’s standards, I am rich. It is in my power to help others. I will give, because I know it is what God wants me to do, and because it is right and it pleases Him. How about you? Will you help too?

Father, bless these gifts so the poor and the needy may know of Your rich love. Amen.

February 16

Serving—In the Zone

Care for the flock of God entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.
1 Peter 5:2 (NLT)

If we do what helps them, we will build them up in the Lord … Remember that Christ came as a servant….
Romans 15:2b, 8a (NLT)

Not all of us are elders, or deacons, or church leaders of any kind, but all believers should serve the Body of Christ with their gifts. Serving others, whether in a leadership role or not, should be a joyful experience. Too many times, though we get our eyes off God and serving His flock and onto our day timers. We’re concerned with our over-extended schedules and our quest to get, to be, to do.

When will we learn to put first things first, to quit living under the tyranny of the urgent, and allow Christ to rule fully in our hearts?

When will that happen? It will happen when we let go. It will happen when we consider others’ needs ahead of our own. And when His desires become our desires, we will see His blessings—on us, on others, on His Church—just as He intended.

Father, fill our hearts with the joy of serving You. May many be blessed as we do Your will. Amen.

February 15
Learning to Love
I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.
Psalm 40:10 (NLT)
When one is in love it is hard not to bubble over in the emotion of it and proclaim the goodness of one’s love interest. So it is with a genuine love for God.
The more we discover about God’s love for us the greater our passion for Him. The Bible says, we love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19), and as we pursue Him we typically find greater evidence of that love. It is only natural to share this Good News—God’s love has blessed us! How can we hide this truth? We can’t. This information is too wonderful.
The truth that penetrates our hearts and minds, this love that stirs us up will also open our mouths. Our words become the evidence of what is building in our hearts: the love of God.
Lord, fill our hearts with Your love. Let others hear of Your glory from us, but even more, let them see it in our love for them. May we learn to love like You! Amen.

February 14
The Need for Oneness
And the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a companion who will help him.”
Genesis 2:18 (NLT)
What an eye-opener. Did you read this verse? I mean read between the lines and hear what God is telling us. Adam lived in the perfect environment. There was peace and plenty. Nature abounded with a beauty we can only imagine. There was incredible harmony, and something even greater—a fantastic, intimate relationship with God. Genesis tells us Adam walked in the garden each day with God. What an awesome thing! Yet, something was not right. God’s words strike me: “It is not good for man to be alone.” What is He saying? What does this mean?
For most of us lacking the gift of celibacy, it means we need a mate, a special someone, to make our lives truly good. Understand this, there is nothing greater than knowing God, but there is nothing so fulfilling as knowing God and growing in that relationship with an intimate partner.
God’s design is for oneness—oneness with Him, oneness with my mate, oneness with the Body of Christ, the Church. This is when life gets good, really good.
Lord, thank You for my spouse. You are indeed a great God and a great gift-giver. Thank You for Your wonderful design! Amen.

February 13
Overcoming Fear
I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. … Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life….
Psalm 23:4, 6 (NLT)
The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love….
Psalm 33:18 (NIV)
Most of us will face two great distractors in life: fear and worry. So how do we deal with these troublesome two? I think David gives us our answer. If anyone had cause to worry or fear, it was David.
David had served his God, his nation and his king in great ways. He had done absolutely nothing wrong, and yet, King Saul hated him. In fact, Saul got so agitated he threw a spear at David one time … then spent years chasing him with his army.
Saul pursued David relentlessly, but David was not afraid. Why not? Because David knew God loved him, and he trusted God to watch over him. Read the Psalms and hear David’s heart. He knew God loved him.
When you and I realize God loves us—really loves us—and that He is on our side, our fears and worries melt away. God’s love changes us and a new devotion to Him gives us His peace.
So what are you afraid of? Is it something the God of the universe can’t handle? I don’t think so. Remember God loves you … and His love never fails!
Lord, fill us with this understanding: “For God so loved the world….” Amen.