October 28

Being Well


I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. … I prayed to the Lord and He answered me … I cried out to the Lord in my suffering and he heard me.

Psalm 34:1,4,6 (NLT)


Praise the Lord, I tell myself; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, I tell myself and never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.

Psalm 103:1-3 (NLT)


Today is a new day—another day to value and honor and praise the Lord. Today, I am well. David’s words remind me to thank God for answering prayer and for restoring my good health.

In sickness and in health, I can praise God for He is good and worth every bit of my praise and so much more!

Some days are harder to sing praise than others, but today … today it is easy to say thank you. Today it is easy to praise the Lord. And so I shall.


Lord, thank You for health—one of Your greatest blessings, so easily taken for granted, so easily forgotten. Don’t ever let me forget … Your blessings are the best! Amen.

October 27

An Ultimate Sacrifice


But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

Acts 7:55 (NKJV)


Stephen, the first martyr of the Church, lived all out for God. He spoke with passion. He zealously proclaimed the truth, and though he riled his fellow Jews, he earned a standing ovation from Jesus Christ Himself. God was well pleased.

Hmmm. Stephen is a great example of what I need to do to please God. I must live for Him heartily.

Still, my passion for God, seen in word and deed, is not merely overt theatrics; it begins in the heart and mind. God’s truth working in my life motivates me, impacts others, and brings Him good pleasure. And that is what it is all about!


Father, help me be more like Stephen—so honest, so true and so on fire for the cause of Christ. Amen.

October 26

A Time for Thanks


… in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)


… and making melody in your hearts to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father….

Ephesians 5:19b-20 (NKJV)


Timely verses. They came to me in a most unusual circumstance, I think. I was laying flat on my back suffering the same stomach ailment my young son Alex had fought just days before.

Now, it was my turn.

As my stomach grumbled, I scanned the ceiling and this came to me: I have much to be thankful for. I have a wonderful wife and three fine boys. I have good friends. I live in a terrific home, in a great neighborhood and in the most powerful nation on earth. I have reasonable health, freedom and … life!

The momentary setback of my sickness suddenly took a back seat then faded from view as God’s word came alive in my heart. Thank You, Lord for everything, for all things … always.


Father, these words are said from the heart, “Thank You!” Amen.

October 25

Listen—Really Listen


Anyone who is willing to hear should listen and understand.

Matthew 11:15 (NLT)


“I am so sorry,” I said. “For abandoning you, for using you … please forgive me.” My wife’s expression was reward enough. Finally—I got it! The chapter I read an hour earlier finally clicked. I understood.

It was the morning after my wife had sat down beside me and tried reading from John and Staci Eldridge’s new book, Captivating. She read, but I didn’t hear. It had been late and even though Chapter Six seemed so important to her, I was tired. I just didn’t get it.

The next morning, my wife left to sing with the choir. Alone, I went into my usual routine of prayer and quiet time, but on this occasion something was wrong. God seemed to clear His throat and nod at my wife’s book. Hmmm.... I remembered her excited expression when she finished reading and set the book down. “Well … what do you think? Do you get it?” She seemed so hopeful.

The truth was I didn’t get it, and my stumbling explanation of what she read did not impress her. Before turning the light out that night, her sad eyes said more than her words. “I know it’s late. Will you read the chapter again tomorrow?”

“Yeah, sure.” I yawned and rolled over, and that was the last time she mentioned it.

So, Sunday morning found me reading it again and finally understanding my wife’s pain and … my part in it. It was convicting, to say the least. And I learned again, it is amazing what one hears when one listens—really listens.


Lord, open my heart and my ears. Amen.

October 24

It’s Time to Ask


Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

John 16:24 (NKJV)


He has showered his kindness on us … he will give us everything he promised….

Ephesians 1:8, 14 (NLT)


The group time was coming to a close and the leader asked his usual question, “Okay, what can we pray for this week? What sha;ll we pray about?”

Silence.

People look at the floor or they look around expecting someone else will say something, but no one does. Finally, someone remembers a sick relative they can pray for and the meeting closes.

I’ve been there. I’ve done this—guilty! I think I’ve seen this most often in men’s groups. We just aren’t primed to pray.

It’s sad. We have incredible wealth and power in Christ and yet we aren’t exploiting it for God’s kingdom and glory.

When will we open our eyes, our hearts? When will we get serious with prayer? His offer still stands—ask and receive. It’s good today. It's good right now....


Lord, open my eyes to the needs around me. Help me make prayer a priority. Show me what You can do! Amen.