March 26

Over the Hill and Soaring

Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.

2 Corinthians 4:16b (NLT)

At 50 years of age, I agree with the Apostle Paul and take great pleasure in this verse. Oh, don’t get me wrong. I’m not glad my aging body is breaking down and giving me a few aches and pains. No, I’m excited that in spite of this body, I’m growing closer to the Lord each day.

What an absolute joy when things get better and better ... on the inside! When that happens, we come to realize the value of real treasure. There is life in the spirit—real and lasting life!

Because these earthen vessels waste away is no reason to be glum or whiney. Instead, our human frailties point us to what is lasting … our everlasting life in Jesus Christ … the work we do for Him and the riches He plants in our souls.

Oh, the joys of being renewed every day! Have you experienced this renewal? You can. It’s as simple as leaning on Him!

Lord, thank You for the health and the strength You have given. Help us appreciate these gifts, and help us appreciate our relationship with You. As we do, renew our spirits and fill our hearts. Amen.

March 25

Real Refreshment

“If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.”

John 7:37b (NKJV)

For my people have done two evil things: They have forsaken me—the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!

Jeremiah 2:13 (NLT)

When we lived in San Antonio, Texas, our guests marveled at how wonderful our water tasted. Our tap water, you see, came from the Edward’s Aquifer—a giant reservoir beneath much of South Texas.

Rain would soak the soil and pass through hundreds of feet of limestone—nature’s own purification system—and collect in caverns underground. The result was purely delicious water!

God compares himself to this type of cool, refreshing water. This Living Water satisfies our souls like nothing else, but for some reason, we don’t believe it. Instead, we venture far from the reservoir in search of “better stuff.” This venture is like tapping into a broken cistern—leaking and tainted by who knows what. We haul up the dregs, pour it down our throats with a vengence and wonder why we're not satisfied. For some reason, we just don't get it. Our thirst for living water, our thirst for the divine is not quenched.

Only God can truly satisfy our thirst for life.

Have you tasted His water? Have you left your His love for something else? If so, what keeps you from returning to His well that never runs dry? When you tire of broken cisterns, just remember, His invitation stands, “Come!”

Lord, speak to our hearts. Forgive us for wandering. Refresh our souls as we return to You. Amen.

March 24

God’s Art

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

When I think of a masterpiece, I think of a Rembrandt, or a Monet, or maybe the statue of David or something like the Sistine Chapel. As I contemplate these great works, known for their impressive beauty, it seems obvious they were not meant to be hidden away but to be viewed, pondered and enjoyed.

Like these man-made masterpieces, we too are works of art. Only we have the potential of being far better—for we were created by the Greatest Artist of all. Our living up to His design is what it’s all about. It’s why we’re here—to bring the Great Artist the glory He deserves.

At one time, we may have lived a life far from His artistry—in fact some of us may have displayed a disgustingly ugly picture of ourselves … but He entered our lives and made all things new. He washed our canvas clean and began to apply His master brushstrokes, and before long, as one stroke was laid upon another, beauty emerged that would bless others.

He’s not through with us yet, but His work is clear—the intricate details continue to emerge as we allow the Master to work. And, more and more, we become His masterpieces as we live the life He calls us to.

Do you think of yourself as a masterpiece? You should and you will ... as you live for Him, you will see His portrait emerge ... and others will too.

Lord, help us to encourage others with Your beauty. Let our deeds be done for Your glory—not ours. Amen.

March 23

Everlasting Gold

You say, “I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing.” And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.

Revelation 3:17 (NLT)

Give me an eagerness for your decrees; do not inflict me with love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things and give me life through your word.

Psalm 119:36, 37 (NLT)

Several years ago, I felt the love of money wrap its fingers tight around my soul. It disturbed me, and these verses struck a chord deep within my heart. With tears in my eyes I prayed, “Lord never let me be rich if it would take my eyes off of You.” I haven’t regretted that prayer.

By American standards, I am not rich. Occasionally, we run out of money before all our bills are paid and my wife and I sit down and talk about priorities. It’s on those days, when things seem hard financially, I wonder about my prayer that day … but not for long. For God soon reminds me of all He has given—things of real value like the filling of His Spirit and the incredible fruit He brings—His love, joy and peace being three of my favorites (see Galatians 5:22-23).

Christ offers this gold to all who believe in Him. Here, in Revelation 3, He offered it to the wealthy Laodiceans who were “neither cold nor hot” but rather “poor and blind and naked”. This gold is not the easy life so many look for in vain. It is the real deal—treasure refined by the fires of trial and tribulation this world brings to the serious Christian. And this gold, purified by fire, is worth everything.

The Scriptures say, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:3). Real riches, you see, lie in the heart.

What fills your's?

Lord, give me gold that is everlasting. Make me the person You want me to be—not motivated by money and the pursuit of things, but motivated by love. Lord, give me this gold—the purest treasure. Amen.

March 22

Attitude Makes All the Difference

“God did it. He sent me here … to preserve your lives … God has sent me here to keep you and your families alive so that you will become a great nation … Yes, it was God who sent me here, not you! … he made me counselor to Pharaoh—manager of his entire household and ruler over all Egypt … God has made me master over all the land of Egypt.”

Genesis 45:4-9 (NLT)

When it comes to attitude, Joseph is a shining example—one of those few characters in the Bible who has nothing but good spoken of him. Though he was abused, accused, mistreated and wronged, he refused to react. Instead, he showed great patience. His great attitude is reflected in how he repeatedly recognizes God’s sovereignty. Not Joseph’s power, not Joseph’s ability, but God’s.

It was this appreciation of God’s control over life that allowed him to stay the course through some pretty turbulent situations, and we hear it in his words. His right attitude was perfectly expressed in his own version of Romans 8:28. In Genesis 50:20 he said, “As far as I’m concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil … so I could save the lives of many people.”

Joseph knew, apart from God, he could do nothing, but in His grip and doing His will, something good would happen—and it did. God did do good, and He will do good. Our attitudes of faith make all the difference.

Lord, grant me wisdom to see Your hand, and the ability to patiently watch Your good unfold. Bless not only me but the people all around me. Amen.

March 21

Making the Cut

Shout with joy to the Lord … He made us and we are His.

Psalm 100:1, 3 (NLT)

When I was a kid, we would often choose up teams at recess. I remember the sweet satisfaction when I heard my name called. They want me! The captain chose me! I belonged.

While acceptance is very important to children, it’s also important to adults. As Christians, there is nothing more significant than realizing God’s incredible love for us and that we are His. It is the great satisfier. It stirs the soul. And when we think about it, what have we to worry about? God has saved us! We are His. Life IS good, because we belong. We are part of God’s great kingdom.

We should laugh with joy, because God, the One who made the stars, the moon, and our very own planet, wants us. We made the cut! Glory, hallelujah, shout for joy!

Lord, praise Your name, and a thousand times, “Thank You!” Give me wisdom to do thy will, to share these truths, to spread this joy. Amen.

March 20

We Have a Problem

Do not fret because of evildoers.

Psalm 37:1a (NKJV)

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.

Isaiah 41:10 (NAS)

Many of us can relate to those fateful words, “Houston, we have a problem.” Those words, spoken right after a terrifying explosion aboard the ill-fated Apollo 13 space mission, calmly expressed the surprise of what would soon seem a hopeless situation—a crippled space vehicle headed away from earth.

Recently, we have had our own surprises, and they haven't been pleasant either. The shocking news of a child molester within our own church sends chills down my back. Even though the church’s well-thought out procedures prevented this individual from doing harm during church programs or at the church itself, I still groan and shake my head. Why? How could he? What a disaster! What are we going to do? These thoughts fill my mind and I wonder … but then I remember, God is in His heaven, and He is right here too. Is there anything here He has not known? Does this surprise Him in the least? Can He take us through this to something better? Yes, He can take us somewhere better, and I believe with all my heart, He will.

I think back to Apollo 13, the movie. My favorite line comes from the head controller at one of the darkest moments of the mission. Many on the Mission Control team believe they are about the Apollo 13 crew will not survive reentry. The pessimists are in the majority now and they grimly voice their doubts, including some of the top NASA officials. Just then, Gene Crans takes the high ground with this comment, “Sir, with all due respect, I believe this will be our finest hour.”

These words echo in my soul. God will see us through. He works miracles and somehow He will turn this curse into a blessing. He will walk beside these victims, their families, this church. And He will draw us close as He works our problems to reveal His glory. Yes, we have a problem, but God will see us through. Apollo 13 had a happy ending and, by God’s grace, so will we.

Father, shine Your light of truth and bring healing to those who have suffered with this. Thank You for being right here, right now; and thank You that You knew the path to our healing even before this problem occurred. Continue to comfort us and strengthen us through this dark time. Amen.

March 19

Controlling Self

I say then, walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh … Now the works of the flesh are evident … But the fruit of the Spirit is … self-control.

Galatians 5:16,19, 22, 23 (NKJV)

I heard something awful. Someone we know, a churchgoer, has abused some innocent children. Inside, I am groaning. This could prove devastating to so many. I groan again, but before I get on my spiritual high horse, I need to remember, but for the grace of God there go I.

Anyone of us is capable of any sin given the particular set of circumstances and influences that can lead to such behavior. Our only hope is to walk so close to Him, to give Jesus so much of ourselves, and to trust Him so much that we are incapable of doing anything that would displease Him.

This is walking in the Spirit. Its fruit follows close behind. And self is controlled … by Him!

Father, we pray for these victims and their families. Comfort them and walk with them through these difficult days. Somehow, and in Your time, encourage everyone who is involved in this terrible thing. Sin always has a price to pay. Correct the offender and teach him a new way to live. Help us to understand how we can forgive someone engaged in such decadent and harmful activity. Help us trust in You that Your good will may work in amazing ways. Provide a beautiful silver lining we don't see. Amen.