July 28

Learning the Lessons


Jesus asked them, “How many loaves of bread do you have? Go and see.” When they found out they said, “Five and two fish.” … Jesus took the five loaves and two fish and, looking up to heaven, he thanked God for the food. He divided the bread and gave it to his followers for them to give to the people. Then he divided the two fish…. All the people ate and were satisfied. The followers filled twelve baskets with the leftover pieces…. There were five thousand men who ate.

Mark 6:38-44 (NCV)


He saw his followers struggling hard to row the boat because the wind was blowing against them.… Jesus came to them, walking on the water….The followers were greatly amazed. They did not understand about the miracle of the five loaves because their minds were closed.

Mark 6:48, 51-52 (NCV)


The disciples just didn’t get it. Though Jesus spent much time with them, though he worked countless miracles in their presence, and even though they followed him ardently ... the lessons sometimes didn’t sink in. The lessons were there, but they had not yet put two and two together to reach the life-changing solution.

The lessons from the feeding of the five thousand are many. Here are but three:

1. Jesus really is the Son of God, and so, He is Lord of all.

2. Jesus satisfies like no one else. He is God the Son, and in His greatness we find satisfaction.

3. In Jesus’ hands, little becomes much. By placing ourselves in His hands, God uses us to change the world for good.

It took the disciples three full years with Christ to learn these lessons. How long will it take us?


Father, open our minds to Your truths. Come to us. We place ourselves in Your hands; use us for good. Amen.

July 27

Getting It Right


God’s business is putting things right; he loves getting the lines straight, setting us straight.

Psalm 11:7a (the Message)


I love to pray, “Not my will, but Thine be done!” The reason I say that to God is because it gives us both an out, and I’ve learned over time—God knows what He’s doing! Too many times, I don’t … but He always does.

So, this morning, I’m encouraged because someone said, “No.” That’s right. The man we asked to lead our Men’s Ministry very graciously said, “No, I can’t, but thanks for asking!”

Now, I can hardly believe I’m saying this, but I’m thrilled. We prayed for wisdom; we prayed for peace; and we prayed for God’s will to be done. I believe with all my heart, we received positive answers to all three requests. Not our will, but Thine be done.

So, what now? Well, we continue praying for wisdom, for peace and for God’s man … and … for God’s men.

So, I am rejoicing and for more than one reason. I am rejoicing because we have a brother who said, “I won’t lead ... but I’d like to be involved!” … and that answers another prayer!


Lord, You are so good in showing us Your plan as we trust in You and ask Your help. Guide our steps Lord, as we walk by faith. Amen.

July 26

What He Wants Me to See


Father, I want these whom you’ve given me to be with me, so they can see my glory.

John 17:24a (NLT)


I had been flying twin-engine jets out of Northern Michigan for nearly three years. The thing I loved most was flying my Cessna T-37 over the Great Lakes. I took special pleasure flying over the turquoise-colored summer waters of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron and what really caught my eye—that crowning gem—Mackinac Island. It seemed a little bit of heaven and I vowed to take my future bride there. It became an obsession, and I couldn’t dismiss the thought until I showed her.

Well, we did go and what a marvelous time. Absolutely idyllic—from the boat ride over with the fresh lake air in our faces to exploring and celebrating new island discoveries on a tandem bike to finally relaxing late in the day on the Grand Hotel's front porch in those old-fashioned rockers. What a day for a young couple in love!

My anticipation back then and the emotions I felt, give me a faint glimmer of my Savior’s love and desire for me. I’m just beginning to understand, He longs for me to be with Him, to know Him so much better, to see His treasures. And to enjoy one thing in particular—His glory!

That, it seems, is why He made me—to share in His glory.

It sounds like heaven to me….


Father, I am so slow to understand the wondrous things in store for us. In Your time, open my eyes. I can hardly wait. Amen.

July 25

Giving Up the Club


If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing even to give up their lives to follow me. Those who want to save their lives will give up true life. But those who give up their lives for me and for the Good News will have true life.

Mark 8:34-36 (NCV)


My wife frequently reminds me of when we were in our twenties and I would ask her, “What do you want to do when we retire?” I had this dream of summer homes, pools and oceans, a life of rest and ease, peace and quiet, leisure and fun. Hmmmm. Funny how life turns out—especially when we let go of our desires and float free into His perfect will.

The things He allowed to come our way are not what we would have chosen: a child whose syndrome required twenty-five extensive surgeries, being stationed so far from the rest of the family, or that year I spent in Saudi Arabia, and so many other things we came to accept from His hand.

Yes, the dreams of golf and tennis, cards at the club and a casual afternoon plunge in the pool are long gone. Instead, He has given us a heart for true treasures: people, not possessions; His Word, and not our own way; and ministering to others, not ourselves. This is true life because this is His life.


Father, I open my hand to You. Take what You will and leave me Your life—true life in Christ. Amen.

July 24

Making Things Right


So Esau hated Jacob … and said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand, then I will kill my brother Jacob.”

Genesis 27:41 (NKJV)


So Isaac sent Jacob away….

Genesis 28:5 (NKJV)


Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return … and I will be with you.”

Genesis 31:3 (NKJV) .


[Jacob] crossed over … and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him and they wept.

Genesis 33:3, 4 (NKJV)


Jacob was like you and me … human to the core. Known as a cheater, his most famous con was stealing his brother’s inheritance. Since this was a really big deal to Esau, Jacob found himself on the run and living far from home. This is where God did a work with him and it's where He chooses to work with so many of us who need to come down a notch, but with Jacob, it took more than a change of scenery ... it took years.

Over time, God would teach Jacob humility and trust and, finally, convince him to turn in his running shoes. God's lessons are worthwhile, for Jacob became Israel, God's man and the father of a great nation. You see, historically, God does good things with His people, and do you know what? He wants to do something good with us too.

He wants to right the wrongs in our lives and bring healing to our relationships, but it isn't easy. It happens when we learn His ways. Like when we humble ourselves and trust Him and face our worst fears. This is when we find God's embrace, God's kiss, and it is like none other, because ... it makes all things right!


Father, help me overcome my fears by trusting You and by humbling myself before those I may have offended. Amen.

July 23

Leading Others to Truth


You put the lamp on a lamp stand … You people who can hear me, listen!

Mark 4:21, 23 (NCV)

The best leaders I’ve known had one thing in common. They were all good listeners. Whether they were generals trying to accomplish a mission, or small group leaders building a tight-knit group of growing believers, or the dad next door helping his kids to understand the hows and whys of life, they all listened well.

Effective leadership involves: listening … and responding … and caring. Leading others to Christ involves the same ability. To have an effective witness, be a good listener. But this isn't necessarily the model I grew up with.

When I was a shy, introverted young man, the scariest words I heard were, “Let’s go witnessing!” I remember that sinking feeling when we would load up cars and vans and head for the nearby shopping mall, or go door-to-door in the neighborhood. To me it was the ultimate adrenaline rush. But you know, I think we did a whole lot more talking than listening. I sure don’t remember “leading” anybody to the Lord that way. While this technique may be good for planting spiritual seeds and reaching some people with the Good News, I think the old adage is true: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

As believers, we are His witnesses--whether we like it or not. To be effective witnesses, we lead others to the truth. Certainly we will open our mouths and share the great and wonderful truth of Jesus Christ who died for us all that He might give us it all, but we lead by listening, by responding in love, by genuinely caring.

Jesus wants us to be leaders, maybe not CEOs or boardroom directors, but compassionate, helpful, proactive people--His bold witnesses to a world in need. We start by listening.

Lord, take me out of my comfort zone for Your glory. Show me needs I can meet. Help me lead others to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.