August 22

He Made All the Stars!


He made all the stars—the Bear, Orion, the Pleiades, and the constellations of the southern sky. His great works are too marvelous to understand. He performs miracles without number.

Job 10:9-10 (NLT)


Some good friends gave a portion of this verse to their young daughter to memorize. “He made all the stars….”

It probably didn’t happen this way, but I can picture Stu and Roana standing with little Sarah outside their home in Northern Michigan. It’s dark outside—pitch black except for the canopy of twinkling stars overhead. As they hold Sarah close they point and whisper, “He made all the stars!”

“He made all the stars….” A simple truth easy enough for a child to grasp, but how profound and how deep! Oh, what God has done. What He shows us. And what He continues to do.

It’s all too marvelous. The stars: the icing on the cake—the ever-present reality that He works miracles in our lives each and every day—powerful, long-lasting miracles. Miracles of creation. Miracles of relationship. Miracles of love.

He touches our lives with beauty. If only we would remember, open our eyes, lift up our heads and … rejoice!


Father, thank You for Your sweet reminders, beautiful testimonies to Your great heart of love. Accept our humble thanks and our sincerest praise. Amen.

August 21

Seeing Past the Mist of Time

… your years go on through all generations. In the beginning you laid the foundation of all the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain….

Psalm 102:24-26 (NIV)

Most people realize life is short. Most Christians understand God is eternal and unchanging. What we fail to grasp is how Eternal God wants to fill our lives, here and now, to shape eternity.

This is when our temporal lives take on everlasting worth: when they reflect His glory. Our light on earth may dim and fade from view, but as we allow God to touch others through us, these lights will remain in eternity—our legacy assured, His glorious reward ensured.

Someday the very stars He hung in space will fall from their celestial stations. Yet, He will remain, and so will the memory of the work He has done in and through us.

Living for Him, shining for Him: this is something brighter than the brightest star. This is God’s design.

Lord, the night sky is a wonder—Your very own miracle for us to see. Help us shine bright too, bear Your light and bring glory to thee. Amen.

August 20

My Bold Decision

I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20 (NLT)

I will always be bold for Christ … my life will always honor Christ … For to me, living is for Christ….

Philippians 1:20-21 (NLT)

Our church leadership spent a whole day in retreat strategizing, coming up with goals to support our church vision. Several goals were agreed upon, but one seemed to strike a chord with everyone. Heads were nodding all over the room as Rex printed out, “Strengthen Band of Brothers” … our Men’s Ministry.

This was my turf. As Director of Adult Ministries, it fell into my area. I thought of the attention we would need to give this high priority area. I mean, we all agreed: marriages, families, relationships all needed strengthening. The key is our men.

Then the reality hit, our Band of Brothers leader was moving and there was little of a team to work with. We needed a leader!

After interviewing and asking three highly qualified men to take this on and even before the last one said no, I could sense God’s call. “Are you listening? Someone has suggested you lead … now I am suggesting….”

I heard a leader is one who sacrifices. Someone who does what no one else will do. Someone like Jesus.

I’ll take this on, because that’s what Jesus would do….

Lord, help me serve well. Encourage others through me just as You have encouraged me. Amen.

August 19

Me and My Bent Nose


Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest any one fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled….

Hebrews 12:14-15 (NKJV)

Therefore I , a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace.

Ephesians 4:1-3 (NLT)


I got off the phone, and my wife asked me what was going on. She heard it in my voice and knew something was wrong.

I was stinging from what felt like a verbal double-blast. I had placed a call for help, and instead of getting help, I was receiving an assignment—one I didn’t need or want!

But as time and Spirit allow, I look back from the other side now and see how I overwhelmed my brother with my request. In the process of seeking help, I spun him up on his most pressing need. You see, he needed help too, but I was so singularly focused, I didn’t want to hear it.

It seemed a hard lesson, but I understand. Different thoughts from a different person should not be handled with indifference. I hope I do better from now on.

I’ve extended the olive branch, and I will continue to offer it. My brother is worth it—in spite of different views and interests.

Time is too short, and Christ’s kingdom is too important to be chiseling at its walls.


Lord, thank You for our needs. Help us to find answers. Help me be more concerned with others needs and less with my own. Amen.

August 18

The Joy of Looking Back


What joy for those you choose to bring near, those who live in your holy courts…. You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior.

Psalm 65:4-5 (NLT)


I have a friend who is a prayer warrior. She keeps a prayer journal where she records her prayer requests, and in time, God’s answers to those requests. The thing she has learned is: God answers prayer!

The truth for all of us is when we start living for God—doing life His way—and pray according to His will, He hears us. And He answers!

I haven’t kept a journal like my friend and I probably should, but I know God has answered so many of my prayers. I look back and I remember. He was there listening to our prayers for Ryan and his struggles with Apert Syndrome and twenty-four surgeries. The Almighty was there listening and answering when I deployed to the Middle East. He was there listening and answering and providing when I was unemployed.

He has allowed us all the privilege of drawing near, of entering His courts, of witnessing the way He takes care of His own. For me, it has been a joy.


Father, thank You for opening Your door to me. May my prayers please You and unleash Your mighty power. Amen.

August 17

Keep It Simple


But I fear that somehow you will be led away from your pure and simple devotion to Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:3 (NLT)


“This is insanity. It’s absolutely insane!” Our Director of Women’s Ministries looked at my wife’s weekly schedule in shock.

This was the schedule: rehearsing and performing with the church Worship Team, leading the Women’s weekly worship time, and leading a ladies discussion group, just for openers. She was also an active member of a small group Bible study and she was leading the church Family Camp Ministry and helping with fundraisers. Add to this, raising three boys and supporting a husband involved in a similar array of ministries and activities—and then top it all off with her 25 hours a week work schedule! Insanity seemed a fitting word indeed.

Yeah, Kris’ women’s director hit the nail on the head. And it taught us a lesson: our desire to serve God with our best sometimes means saying, “No." It’s all about simplicity. Simply loving God. Simply following God. Simple.


Lord, help me to see how best to serve You. Help me to keep it simple: to love You with all my heart, to follow You and Your desires. Help me to serve without being led away from Your will—Your good and perfect will. Amen.