February 04

My Greatest Day


“You are My witnesses,” says the Lord, “and My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before me there was no God formed, nor shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the LORD, and besides Me there is no savior.”

Isaiah 43:10-11 (NKJV)


Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

John 14:6 (NKJV)


I don’t even remember the year, but my greatest day ever, occurred when I was a young boy. Maybe I was 8 or maybe I was 9. It doesn’t much matter. The important thing was that I had this great day.

Whatever the weather, it was a sunny day indeed. The joy was fresh; the freedom new and releasing; and the peace was there to stay.

That morning, I came running and skipping down the church hallway, beaming from ear to ear. “Mommy! Mommy! I have Jesus in my heart!”

I didn’t have to say anything more. My mother scooped me up into her arms. Her loving embrace so real, so understanding. You see, she was a child of the King as well, and my great day was her great day too.

Have you ever had this great day? If not, consider the profound truth of John 3:16 and this great reality: God loved us so much He sent His only Son to die for our imperfections and to give us His perfection. Now He offers this free gift. All anyone need do to receive this gift is to trust in Him—by faith accept Christ’s work on their behalf. “Believe and you shall be saved,” is what the Bible says. So, please, accept the gift ... and enjoy, not only a great day ... but the greatest day of your life!


Father, thank You for Your love, Your sacrifice. May many hear of Your Great Gift and believe. Amen.

February 03

Lessons from the ATM


Be still in the presence of the LORD and wait patiently for him to act.

Psalm 37:7 (NLT)


Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him and he will help you.

Psalm 37:5 (NLT)


In quietness and trust is your strength.

Isaiah 30:15 (NAS)


Last week, I was running around like a crazy man. Go! Go! Go! I was so busy and in such a hurry, I left my ATM card in the machine. Talk about embarrassing!

There is a better way, a quieter way to journey through life. It’s called trust. Trusting in Him, not self. Toning it down and tuning into Him. Relaxing long enough to hear His voice. Spending a moment to ask for directions. And instead of driving away from the ATM with a wild eye and a fist full of cash, perhaps it’s better to linger at a different bank—the bank of wisdom of my all-knowing Heavenly Father. The One who, at times, must look at me and shake His head. The One who never stops loving me—in spite of me! The One who controls the resources of the Universe. The One who quietly waits for me to ask and receive.


LORD, thank you for the gentle nudge last week, the reminder I don’t need to speed through life. Bring Your quiet pace to my life and Your much-needed peace. Amen.

February 02

Double Blessings


God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

Hebrews 6:10 (NIV)


This morning I am double blessed. The joy of praying for others I love is magnified by God’s promise—He will not forget this work for him.

Each morning I pray for my family and our kids in particular, but this last year I have added Tomoe, our exchange student from Japan and six children from around the world. These other six are among the poorest on the planet and some in pretty desperate situations. Through prayer Ruth, Sara, Uwamahoro, Yeshi, Divine and Vichara have found a special place in my heart. And there are others I’m adding too, ones I care for very much. It is my pleasure to pray for them and now it is my added joy to know God is pleased. And there's something else—He encourages me to continue to help in prayer.

There is amazing power when God’s word and prayer meet. And when we know we pray according to His will it not only impacts others … it impacts us as well.


LORD, thank you for this message that You notice my work, that I am helping others, and that You are truly pleased. May I always give You the glory. Amen.