May 13

Remember, Remember, Remember!

Remember His marvelous works….

1 Chronicles 16:12a (NKJV)


Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator.

Ecclesiastes 12:1 (NLT)


One of my biggest shortcomings is forgetfulness. I forget names, birthdays, my scheduled activities. Sometimes it’s embarrassing, but you know, I don’t think I’m alone.

When I read my Bible, I see these reminders everywhere: remember, remember, remember! Even in the New Testament. What were some of Jesus’ last words? How about, “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19)?

I’m getting the message: God wants us to remember. He wants us to remember what He has done; He wants us to remember He is God, not us.

Why is remembering so important? I can think of at least three reasons. First, without remembering, we risk losing sight of God and His plan for us and may well end up following someone or something else. Second, this forgetful lifestyle proves empty and we miss so much. We especially miss the joy of doing the Lord’s work. Finally, by not remembering, we fail to pass on to our children the blessing, this testimony of God.

He has done such great things. He is worthy of all our thoughts, our time, our acts of worship. So, remember your Creator; think on these things; and pass them on!


Lord, thank You for all You have done. Help me remember Your goodness and mercy. Amen.

May 12

Good Soldiers

… let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 (NLT)


For a new soldier, protective gear is a priority if they are to survive in combat. The Apostle Paul made this connection between physical and spiritual warfare. He knew these young believers in Thessalonica would come under persecution. He also knew their best means of survival came from being equipped with these three: faith, love and hope. For the believer, these three protect heart and head.

Believers today should take this message seriously for even though some may never be physically persecuted like these early believers, we all have a deceptive enemy who pursues and attacks on the spiritual front. And what is it that will disarm and neutralize this great enemy? It is faith that comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17); it is from the selfless love Christ commands us to share (John 15:17); and it is from our hope of heaven and eternity with Him (Romans 5:1-5; 1 Peter 1:3-6, 21). These three, like a three-legged stool, give us balance and control—something every good soldier, young or old, should possess. This strong armor builds our confidence in Him and helps motivate our advance.

So, how well are you outfitted with faith, love and hope? Is this armor functioning as it should, or is it slipping out of place? If it's slipping, spend some time with your Commander and get yourself squared away.


Lord, increase our faith, our love, our hope. Help us to be good soldiers of the cross. Amen.

May 11

Discipline or Distraction?

Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.

1 Timothy 4:7 (NAS)

Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness.

1 Timothy 4:7 (NLT)

They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers.

Acts 2:42 (NKJV)


Distractions are a reality of life. Lately, my distraction has been money and investments. The hype of Wall Street and the hounding of financial gurus who "want to make you rich” sing to my heart like sirens on a rocky shore. The attraction quickly moves to obsession and then to addiction. How sad to think how I easily I can set myself on their course.

To pull myself free, I need what the first century believers had: discipline … and each other. They continued steadfast and they did it together.

I will disengage from the hours spent reading investment sheets, analyzing stocks and fretting over buying and selling. Instead, I will spend my time and energy in using and developing the spiritual gifts God has given me.

Will you pray for me to continue steadfast, to spend my time wisely? And what about you? Can we pray for you?

What’s your distraction?


Lord, help us to share our burdens. Help us to focus on You. Amen.

May 10

Abraham’s Choices

Abraham had two sons, one from his slave-wife and one from his freeborn wife.

Galatians 4:22 (NLT)


Father Abraham offers us so many lessons for life. The great lesson I take from Abraham is the lesson of choice. I have a free will just like Abraham. I can choose to obey, to believe God and walk in faith, or I can venture out on my own … and suffer the consequences!

At different times, Abraham walked both of those roads and it’s seen in this verse. God promised Abraham a son, but after waiting so many years and at the suggestion of his wife, he slept with her handmaid in his own attempt to father an heir. It was NOT the best choice.

Each day I face similar choices: will I seek God’s best or will I listen to the world’s attractive offer? Will I patiently pray and wait for God’s will or will I take what looks like the easy road only to find it leads to an empty desert?

Sometimes the world woos us with its powerfully sweet promise of pleasure and other enticements. It’s a strong voice that fills our ears but an empty message. Is it calling out to you? Are you being swayed? You have a choice too—just like Abraham. Which road will you choose?


Father, help us to walk by faith— not by sight ... or any other human sense. Fill us with Your Spirit. Amen.

May 09

His Good Gifts Come in Time

Keep on asking and you will be given what you ask for … If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him.

Matthew 7:7a (NLT)

My 8-year old son has been dealing with a fear of bad weather--wind in particular. There have been many occasions when he has come to our bedside and asked to sleep with us, his small passionate voice describing a rattling screen or the scary trees swaying as ominous shadows of the night. Each time we would comfort him, take him back to his bed and encourage him to pray, to trust God, to be brave. Some evenings he was very brave. Occasionally, we would get a return visit.

Then, last night, a huge windstorm hit after our son fell asleep. The mighty wind pummeled us. It rolled down the length of our home shaking it and every screen on the front of the house. Soon quiet footsteps approached the bed and a tiny voice whispered, “Can I sleep with you? The wind is really bothering me.“

I lifted the covers and he crawled in between us--safe and sound, warm and comfy, he soon fell fast asleep. It reminded me of how God sometimes answers my pleas--in time, when it’s just right. When I really need His comfort, He’s there for me.

Lord, thanks for listening! Bless us with Your good gifts, and bless us with Your presence, the greatest gift of all. Amen.

May 08

Devotion

I saw the Lord … Then I heard the Lord say, “Whom shall I send as a messenger to my people? Who will go for us?” And I said, "Lord, I’ll go! Send me.”

Isaiah 6:1,8 (NLT)

Once more he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep….”

John 21:17 (NLT)

… something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized … And … he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”

Acts 9:18,20 (NLT)

At an Adult Ministry team meeting, our leader, Judy Renner, shared these three Scriptures with us. The three men in these passages have much in common. All three were Jews, familiar with the law; all saw the Lord; and all would go on to serve Him well--even giving their lives as a result of His message. One of the greatest characteristics they shared was their devotion. Each one served from the heart.

Too many times, we serve out of a sense of duty and wonder why our service is such a burden. Service was not a burden for these three spiritual giants. Devotion, you see, builds passion. As we love the Lord, truly love the Lord as they did, our service will come naturally … as will His joy!

Lord, enter our hearts as You did with Isaiah, Peter and Paul, and fill our lives! Amen.

May 07

Launching a Son

Then Moses called for Joshua….

Deuteronomy 31:7 (NLT)


I feel I’m passing the baton to the next generation. Just like Moses did.

Moses made some mistakes in life (who hasn’t) and he didn't get to go with this new generation of Israelites—the ones who would actually enter and possess the Promised Land. Moses was cool: he didn’t have a pity party over his exclusion, he trusted God and did his duty. He handed control over to Joshua; he blessed Joshua; he graciously faded from view.

This resonates deep within. You see, my son has turned 18. He heads off to college this fall. Soon he will be out on his own and, like it or not, I will fade from view.

I see my need to be more like Moses. I need to do my duty to the very end. My son needs my encouragement, as well as my well-intended advice. Yes, he needs my blessing, but he also needs me to let go. While I fade from view, he must press on. My words, our common memories, these will go with him ... and God will be with him, I have no doubt about that. It will be enough….


Lord, help me encourage my son. Give me good words for him. Give him courage and strength and the knowledge You are with him. Let it be enough. Amen.