April 02

Taking Responsibility

I will lead a life of integrity in my own home … I will keep a protective eye on the godly, so they may dwell with me in safety.

Psalm 101:2, 6 (NLT)

The Christian life is one of responsibility. The sooner we believers come to understand our new life in Christ means trusting Him by thinking and speaking and doing right things, the sooner we discover His fruit in our lives.

David trusted God with all his heart, and this lowly shepherd boy became the great King of Israel. For people like David, who have a heart steadfast for God, we will see their integrity, and God's power in and around them.

Why not become such a person? You can. The path is clear. God invites you to join Him, and what a journey! To discover what we never understood or thought possible … to know Him and to please Him … this is the great success of life. This is what He offers you—now, today!

Lord, draw us closer to You and fill our lives. Help us live life with integrity that we may do right things and find our success in You. Amen.

April 01

A Quality of Time for Others

Job’s three friends … sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights.

Job 2:11, 13 (NIV)

Some might question whether Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, or Zophar the Naamathite were really good friends of Job. But I am impressed.

Sitting beside someone for seven days and seven nights without saying a word speaks, in a word, volumes. Granted, the pace of life was very different in Job’s day, but still, these three stopped what they were doing and went to be with Job. What better way to show friendship and care than by BEING THERE.

This is the secret of quality time. Being available. Being there. Spending large amounts of time doing almost anything … or absolutely nothing.

Jobs three friends would later say some things that would get them in trouble, but initially, look at their hearts. They are there for their friend in his darkest hour. Their example is convicting. Am I taking time for people? Do I hear of others’ troubles? Do I see their pain and suffering?

Do I go?

Do you?

Lord, give us this Christ-like attitude of caring for others. Touch our hearts and minds that we may help others … that we might be there for them … for You. Amen.

March 31

The Only Way is … Up!

Come, let us return to the Lord! … he will heal us … he will bandage our wounds … he will restore us….

Hosea 6:1, 2 (NLT)

In his kindness God has called you … he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.

1 Peter 5:10 (NLT)

Sometimes, we don’t look up until we hit bottom. Hmmm. Why is that?

I guess there’s something about a huge fall that helps our focus. Maybe we weren't responsible for what happened. Maybe we had no control over the circumstances, but in the end, we finally see our need for God because, quite frankly, we’ve come to the end of ourselves. Unfortunately, for some of us, it takes a long time to reach this point.

The wonderful truth though is this: no matter how hard our spill, God is always there to pick us up. And whether the world has beat us down or we’ve tripped and fallen all by ourselves, God has the answer: “Come … return to the Lord!”

Have you taken a fall lately? Have life circumstances gotten out-of-control? Are you just plain hurting? There is good news: God heals; He binds our wounds; He restores. So, lift your eyes … and come!

Lord, we all make mistakes and I know I’ve made my share. Thank You for calling me and for giving me a fresh start. Restore Your glory to my life, and lift me up. Amen.

March 30

Lord, Strengthen Our Hands

But I said, “Should a man like me run away?”

Nehemiah 6:11 (NIV)

My help comes from the Lord. Who made the heavens and the earth. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.

Psalm 121: 2, 5 (NLT)

I love the story of Nehemiah and sometimes dream of being this kind of hero. What a man and what a mission! He worked to protect his people by rebuilding the city wall and in so doing keeping the enemy at bay.

He was determined, but most important, he relied on God. He prayed and he encouraged his people. He was humble and he depended on God. And in the end? The wall was rebuilt, the mission completed, and the city enjoyed great peace.

How and where is God leading you? It takes vision and heart to follow God—whether the territory is dangerous or not. Will you rely on Him and get it done? If you do, you will be one of God’s heroes—just like Nehemiah.

Lord, help me even as You helped Nehemiah. Grant me Your vision, strengthen my hands, and put Your joy in my heart as You did for him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

March 29

Carried by God

For the Kingdom of God is not fancy talk; it is living by God’s power.

1 Corinthians 4:20 (NLT)

For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.

Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

Sports Illustrated called Dick Hoyt the Strongest Dad in the World—and for good reason. For many years Dick has pushed, pulled and carried his handicapped son, Rick, in marathons, road races, and triathlons—even the famed Iron Man Triathlon in Hawaii which consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a full 26.2-mile marathon. Wow!

The sight of dad carrying son in such a loving way impacts all who see it, but even more meaningful are son Rick’s words, “Dad, when we run the race, I don’t feel handicapped.”

In many ways, we are just as weak and helpless as Rick, perhaps even more so, and yet, we have a loving Father who is more caring and so much more powerful than Dick Hoyt. And the wonderful news is our Heavenly Father will carry us … if we let Him. He loves nothing more than to take our hand, hoist us onto His powerful shoulders, and guide us through this tough race called life. He has the strength—not us—and He wants to help. Our job is to submit, to trust, to watch Him work in and through us and … to ENJOY!

Have you felt the frustration, the powerlessness, of running the race of life in your own strength? Consider the power of the King of the Universe. Let God's strength carry you, and rest on Him.

Father, whether we realize it or not, we are weak, but good things happen when we ask You to take control. Fill our lives with Your Spirit, with Your strength, Father. Help us and use us in Your way. Amen.

March 28

Fix Those Thoughts

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Fix your thoughts….”

Philippians 4:6, 8b (NLT)

Boy, did I need this Scripture yesterday! Buried under a heavy To Do list, I surfaced in a sea of worry, and before I knew it, I was getting angry because the things I wanted to get done were not getting done. Talk about a bad attitude!

Once again, I am brought back to the realization, “It’s not about me; it’s all about Him.” The solution is simple—if I am willing. Stop worrying; stop being angry; fix my thoughts on something better.

Paul gives me a great list of positives to fix my mind on. He tells me to think about those things that are true and honorable and right as well as those things that are pure and lovely and admirable. He then finishes his list by telling me to focus on things that are excellent and worthy of praise. The top qualifier for me to focus my mind on? God and His word!

For some reason, thinking about God, praying and reading His word all work together to pull me out of my pit. He lifts me up to that higher level of thought, attitude and action. And so, this is what I will do—everyday!

How about you? Do you need an attitude adjustment too?

Lord, remind me of Your character; teach me Your ways; show me the wonderful work You have for me. And help me to focus on these good and positive things. Amen.

March 27

Letting Go….

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

Job 1:21b (NKJV)

They say God is a merciful God, and I believe that with all my heart, but I also believe God tests us. Today, I feel like He is exploring new territory in my life as I am experiencing something I haven’t felt in years … heartache.

Let me go back to that part about mercy. You see, I always wanted a daughter, and I always regretted the fact we never had a little girl, but now I know why—God is merciful. I say that because today I know the truth: it hurts too much when they leave.

For thirteen days we lived an adventure: we housed and fed and thoroughly enjoyed the company of a very shy, gentle, and young Japanese lady. The family bonded with her right away—in spite of the language barrier. Her first real sentence didn’t come until after I upset her morning schedule.

“Take shower now!” she pleaded with her almond eyes.

Later we practiced English by playing Go Fish.

She looked at me with smiling eyes, “Dahd, do you have any … Ace?” I think this was the longest sentence she braved, but it was enough. We were like family. And she was good at cards. She beat me and my young son ten times in a row—each time smiling, laughing joyfully and flashing peace signs at us. Her laugh was infectious but contained, and at times, spontaneous. When I fumbled with my chopsticks at a local restaurant she tried to stifle her giggles, but with little success.

She loved jigsaw puzzles and Sudoku, Ginger Peach tea and Coca Cola, shopping and more shopping. And now … she is gone.

For thirteen days the Lord blessed us with a 17-year old Japanese exchange student named Tomoe.

The Lord still blesses us—with fond memories, with new friends, and new adventures … and email.

Lord, thank You for the people you bring into our lives. Help us make the most of these opportunities by living, by loving, and when necessary by letting go. May your blessing follow Tomoe all the days of her life. May you bless her and all those around her—sky high. Amen.