July 24


Perfect Love


... the whole family in heaven ...

Ephesians 3:15 (NKJV)


I was reading the most interesting devotion this last week—I think it was by Max Lucado. His words painted this great contrast between earth and heaven, death and life.

Briefly, the author pointed to the pain and sorrow of our personal losses here on earth—graveside services, black hearses and weeping loved ones. But then he opened the door and showed the other side—the heavenly side. For at the very moment tears are falling and eulogies are given, the angels and all of heaven are throwing this wild, confetti-strewn party as the newest addition steps into the grandeur of glory. Talk about beautiful!

The picture was so clear and so heartwarming (moving from the hard and bitter world of the morgue to the maternity ward of a newer, richer life) it absolutely struck me with desire. I see this picture and it fills my heart with incredible joy, because it won’t be long, really (for any of us), until we stand hand in hand in heaven praising our glorious God and overcome with an emotion we have never quite experienced. An emotion we only dream of—a perfect love for God.


Abba Father, thank You for this beautiful image: sharing heaven with all my friends—the family of God.

July 23


Affection for Others


He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others....

Galatians 5:22 (THE MESSAGE)


My greatest joys in life come from God and the gifts He brings into my life. More often than not, He brings people. Our paths cross, we meet, and, so many times, I get to see God at work in their situations. A sweet fruit indeed and something I didn’t work for or deserve.

The other gift He seems to give me in abundance is compassion and a heart I sometimes feel is way too soft. It is a soul designed to see the best in others and a hope for so much more. It is a love that lives within me, tender and true. Full to bursting, it craves peace and hope, the perfect will of God and a greater good for people near and far.

His gifts: fruit that nourishes our souls.


Lord, thank You for these gifts. Thank You for this joy!

July 22


From 5 to 50: Valuing a Faithful Life


Be faithful, even if you have to die, and I will give you the crown of life.

Revelation 2:10 (NCV)


About two years ago, we started sponsoring Ruth, a young Haitian and one of eight children orphaned when mom and dad died from AIDS. She wasn’t quite six-years old when she shared this prayer request—that she would be faithful to Jesus all the days of her life. Wow.

I pray this prayer for Ruth every day and whenever I can, I pray it for friends and family, and for myself. Think about this promise. Not everyone who gets to heaven will be rewarded (II Cor. 5:10), but you and I will be—if we remain faithful. If we listen to Jesus’ words and take them seriously, if we really, truly love God with all our heart, strength, mind and souls and love our neighbors as ourselves. If we listen and do as He says, He lavishes a reward beyond description. There is a crown! The crown of life is yours, it’s mine ... if we remain faithful.


Lord, as hard as it is sometimes, help us to persevere in faithfulness by loving You and by loving others. Help us we pray. Amen.

July 21


Twenty-five Years


Protect him with your love and truth. Then I will praise your name forever, and everyday I will keep my promises.

Psalm 61:7-8 (NCV)


This verse came to me the day of my twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. Here is what I wrote that day:

Twenty-five years ago tonight, my wife Kris and I knelt beside our bed and prayed for God’s blessing on our love for Him and for each other. It was our wedding night and the start of an adventure we never would have dreamed.

By His generous love and guiding truth, we have survived this roller coaster of life, love and marriage. It hasn’t been easy, but life together has been worth the sacrifice. So, tonight we found ourselves reflecting on our romantic retreat—shopping, dining, and enjoying the warmth of a perfectly splendid summer day.

Now here we are: kneeling beside our king-sized bed thanking God for our lives, our family, and our love. I finish my prayer with this: I ask for another 25 years—to live, to love, and to be His light.

God is good, and I find peace in His love, comfort in His truth, and steadfastness in being the man He wants me to be—a man of my word.


Father, thank You so much for Kris, this woman of passionate integrity and gracious loveliness. We both know I don’t deserve her, so let me say it one more time: thank You for being so good to me!

July 20

Seeking True Beauty


God is being patient with you … He wants all people to change their hearts….

II Peter 3:9 (NCV)


Again, this morning in my quiet study, the Spirit takes this Holy Word and nudges me with it. Because it’s true, and because I truly do love God and genuinely want to obey, I listen.

I am not perfect, God knows this, and He waits for me. He encourages me, teaches me, and works with me. This morning I view Him as the prophet Jeremiah did: as the Great Potter working and reworking His chosen vessel until it’s perfected just as He desires. He doesn’t abandon me, and He doesn’t stop my spinning world, He simply lays His gentle and gracious hands on me—patiently, lovingly. And, as I begin to reform and transform, I sense His growing smile, a silent nod of approval, and, finally confirmation, “Yes, yes! That’s what I wanted.”

This morning I see God’s heart. Not to hurt me, but to help me. To see change on the inside that turns glorious—the simple beauty of an obedient heart.


Father, thank you for this image: You are the Potter, I am the clay. Please, make me your own special work of art. Amen.