May 2
“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18, ESV)
“A man put up a sign in his yard that read: “Puppies for Sale.” Among those who came to inquire was a young boy. “Please, Mister,” he said, “I’d like to buy one of your puppies if they don’t cost too much.” “Well, son, they’re $25.” The boy looked crushed. “I’ve only got two dollars and five cents. Could I see them anyway?” “Of course. Maybe we can work something out,” said the man. The lad’s eyes danced at the sight of those five little balls of fur. “I heard that one has a bad leg,” he said. “Yes, I’m afraid she’ll be crippled for life.” “Well, that’s the puppy I want. Could I pay for her a little at a time?” The man responded, “But she’ll always have a limp.” Smiling bravely, the boy pulled up one pant leg, revealing a brace. “I don’t walk good either.” Then, looking at the puppy sympathetically, he continued, “I guess she’ll need a lot of love and help. I sure did. It’s not so easy being crippled.” “Here, take her,” said the man. “I know you’ll give her a good home. And just forget the money.”” (from “Our Daily Bread”)
I find it interesting that the boy was not “crushed” because he had a bad leg and needed to wear a leg brace. Instead, he was “crushed” because he couldn’t afford to buy the crippled puppy. One person may feel the weight of a sickness. Another person might reel at the discovery of a leaky roof. A young man might feel completely brokenhearted when the prettiest girl at school doesn’t care for him. A college student may feel utterly beaten down at the loss of the school’s football team during the playoffs. Some people are brokenhearted over little things. Some feel the crush of a burden that is life-threatening. Life is never all sunshine and roses. There are bad days. There are moments of hurt. There are times of pain.
1 John 4:8 tells us that a main character trait of God is love. God cares. When Jesus heard about Lazarus’ death, the scripture says that Jesus “wept” (John 11:35). God has a soft spot when it comes to us humans, especially the hurting. We were created in the image of God. We were created to be in relationship with God. That means that God has a special place in HIS heart for you. Do you realize how much you are loved? Do you realize how much God wants to comfort you when you are hurting?
Today’s scripture is a reminder that the Lord has a soft heart. Psalm 34:18 notes that “the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” The Lord is not averse to suffering. God is not afraid to approach the hurting, heal the afflicted, nor comfort the bereaved. Some human beings go out of their way to avoid suffering in pain. Not your God!
John grew up hating hospitals. He saw them as places of suffering and pain and sickness. He stayed as far away from the hospital in his hometown as possible. He was even offered a job at the hospital, a good paying one, but declined.
When John turned twenty-five, he was told that his grandmother was dying. His mother called him on the phone, begging him to meet the rest of the family at the hospital. They were all going to take turns by her bedside. John was his grandmother’s favorite. He practically grew up at her house. He stopped by her house every day after school. He helped do work around the house. He was like another son. But, when John was notified of his grandmother’s dying at the hospital, John refused to go to the hospital. All the other family members were there. John never came.
Some people have a fear of being at a hospital, around dying people, or in places of suffering. I know people who would never visit Auschwitz or listen to a story of a survivor from 9/11. They don’t like to be reminded of pain and suffering. When a person is suffering or in pain, they walk away.
Lena was a softie. She loved people. She loved animals. When she was a teenager, she wanted to be a medical doctor. Then, she wanted to be a social worker. For a while, she thought about being a veterinarian. What Lena knew for sure was that she wanted to help in whatever way possible.
Despite this love for people and animals, Lena had one serious personal hangup. She couldn’t stand to see a suffering dog or cat or person. If a friend told her that someone was dying, she would avoid the whole situation. She wouldn’t even talk about it! If an animal was hit by a car, she would call for help, but she would absolutely not stand by to help the injured animal or the stunned driver.
One beautiful day in July 2018, Lena took her kayak to the lake. She loved getting out in nature and seeing the wonderful life around her. As she pushed the kayak away from the shore and started rowing, she was so excited to be back on the water!
One hour into her jaunt, Lena noticed a burlap bag by the edge of the lake. It was moving! As she drew closer to the anomaly, she heard crying. Overcome with fear, Lena paddled away thinking that the bag probably held puppies who were tossed into the river. Who knows how many dead or dying puppies were in there! She couldn’t stand to open the bag, so she began to paddle away furiously.
Then, in that moment, Lena grew ill. She couldn’t stand the suffering cries. She couldn’t stand the thought of a life that could be saved from drowning because of her stupid fears. She turned the kayak around, heading back to the scene with the burlap bag. Hard as it was, she opened the burlap bag. Indeed, half of the six puppies were dead. Drowned. Two were crying loudly. One was barely moving. She hurriedly buried the three dead and brought the other three back to the dock. She took the three puppies to an animal hospital nearby and paid for their care. She also was referred to a local animal shelter to give the puppies a fighting chance at a new home. It was the most difficult week of Lena’s life to that point. But she had done it. She had rescued those three pups. She knew that leaving them at the water’s edge that day would have been unforgiveable and unforgettable. It would have haunted her dreams for the rest of her life.
Some people find a way to help and love those who are hurt, in pain, or dying. Some people find a way to care for the grieving or offer a shoulder to the crying. Could you set aside your biases and fears and help one in need?
Today’s scripture is not just a reminder that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted crushed in spirit. The Lord has a heart for them. God wants to help. If you want to follow God’s ways, you need to develop that soft heart, increase your love, and make it a point to reach out to those in need. Like Lena, you may have to set aside some fear in order to reach out. It is all a part of God’s will.
Don’t be surprised if God places a hurting soul near you. God has hopes you will help. God has a plan for you to reach out. It’s in God’s character to “be near” to those who are hurting. Is it also in your character to do the same?
I find it interesting that the boy was not “crushed” because he had a bad leg and needed to wear a leg brace. Instead, he was “crushed” because he couldn’t afford to buy the crippled puppy. One person may feel the weight of a sickness. Another person might reel at the discovery of a leaky roof. A young man might feel completely brokenhearted when the prettiest girl at school doesn’t care for him. A college student may feel utterly beaten down at the loss of the school’s football team during the playoffs. Some people are brokenhearted over little things. Some feel the crush of a burden that is life-threatening. Life is never all sunshine and roses. There are bad days. There are moments of hurt. There are times of pain.
1 John 4:8 tells us that a main character trait of God is love. God cares. When Jesus heard about Lazarus’ death, the scripture says that Jesus “wept” (John 11:35). God has a soft spot when it comes to us humans, especially the hurting. We were created in the image of God. We were created to be in relationship with God. That means that God has a special place in HIS heart for you. Do you realize how much you are loved? Do you realize how much God wants to comfort you when you are hurting?
Today’s scripture is a reminder that the Lord has a soft heart. Psalm 34:18 notes that “the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” The Lord is not averse to suffering. God is not afraid to approach the hurting, heal the afflicted, nor comfort the bereaved. Some human beings go out of their way to avoid suffering in pain. Not your God!
John grew up hating hospitals. He saw them as places of suffering and pain and sickness. He stayed as far away from the hospital in his hometown as possible. He was even offered a job at the hospital, a good paying one, but declined.
When John turned twenty-five, he was told that his grandmother was dying. His mother called him on the phone, begging him to meet the rest of the family at the hospital. They were all going to take turns by her bedside. John was his grandmother’s favorite. He practically grew up at her house. He stopped by her house every day after school. He helped do work around the house. He was like another son. But, when John was notified of his grandmother’s dying at the hospital, John refused to go to the hospital. All the other family members were there. John never came.
Some people have a fear of being at a hospital, around dying people, or in places of suffering. I know people who would never visit Auschwitz or listen to a story of a survivor from 9/11. They don’t like to be reminded of pain and suffering. When a person is suffering or in pain, they walk away.
Lena was a softie. She loved people. She loved animals. When she was a teenager, she wanted to be a medical doctor. Then, she wanted to be a social worker. For a while, she thought about being a veterinarian. What Lena knew for sure was that she wanted to help in whatever way possible.
Despite this love for people and animals, Lena had one serious personal hangup. She couldn’t stand to see a suffering dog or cat or person. If a friend told her that someone was dying, she would avoid the whole situation. She wouldn’t even talk about it! If an animal was hit by a car, she would call for help, but she would absolutely not stand by to help the injured animal or the stunned driver.
One beautiful day in July 2018, Lena took her kayak to the lake. She loved getting out in nature and seeing the wonderful life around her. As she pushed the kayak away from the shore and started rowing, she was so excited to be back on the water!
One hour into her jaunt, Lena noticed a burlap bag by the edge of the lake. It was moving! As she drew closer to the anomaly, she heard crying. Overcome with fear, Lena paddled away thinking that the bag probably held puppies who were tossed into the river. Who knows how many dead or dying puppies were in there! She couldn’t stand to open the bag, so she began to paddle away furiously.
Then, in that moment, Lena grew ill. She couldn’t stand the suffering cries. She couldn’t stand the thought of a life that could be saved from drowning because of her stupid fears. She turned the kayak around, heading back to the scene with the burlap bag. Hard as it was, she opened the burlap bag. Indeed, half of the six puppies were dead. Drowned. Two were crying loudly. One was barely moving. She hurriedly buried the three dead and brought the other three back to the dock. She took the three puppies to an animal hospital nearby and paid for their care. She also was referred to a local animal shelter to give the puppies a fighting chance at a new home. It was the most difficult week of Lena’s life to that point. But she had done it. She had rescued those three pups. She knew that leaving them at the water’s edge that day would have been unforgiveable and unforgettable. It would have haunted her dreams for the rest of her life.
Some people find a way to help and love those who are hurt, in pain, or dying. Some people find a way to care for the grieving or offer a shoulder to the crying. Could you set aside your biases and fears and help one in need?
Today’s scripture is not just a reminder that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted crushed in spirit. The Lord has a heart for them. God wants to help. If you want to follow God’s ways, you need to develop that soft heart, increase your love, and make it a point to reach out to those in need. Like Lena, you may have to set aside some fear in order to reach out. It is all a part of God’s will.
Don’t be surprised if God places a hurting soul near you. God has hopes you will help. God has a plan for you to reach out. It’s in God’s character to “be near” to those who are hurting. Is it also in your character to do the same?
May 4
“See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15, ESV)
“A young boy in Korea was a houseboy for some American soldiers. Sometimes they thought it was funny to play harmless jokes on him. They would tease him. They would tie his shoestrings together. They would lock him out of the house.
Eventually they realized that their practical jokes were not viewed as funny by the boy, so they apologized. He said, “That’s okay, I will stop spitting in your soup now.”” (from The Outlaws of Success, Scott McKain)
The entire time the soldiers were picking on their Korean servant, he was getting even with them for their antics! The soldiers never knew until that day they apologized. So often, people harm others without knowing. Then again, some people harm others knowingly. Some are even good at getting even.
“A college professor answered his telephone at 3:00 A.M. “This is your neighbor, Mr. Smith,” said the voice. “Your dog is barking and keeping me awake.” The professor thanked him kindly and hung up. The next morning Mr. Smith’s telephone rang at exactly 3 A.M. “This is the professor,” said the caller. “I just wanted you to know that I don’t have a dog!”” (Encyclopedia of Illustrations #14107). Thus, the professor got even with his neighbor for waking him up the night before!
Some people enjoy getting even. They may relish the thought of making another person suffer for a wrong committed. However, Romans 12 teaches us that vengeance, or getting even, is something that belongs to God alone. The Bible never encourages human beings to be passionate about giving payback for a wrong. Jesus even taught that when slapped on one cheek, you should offer the other as well (Matthew 5:39).
Phillip Yancey called vengeance “a passion to get even”; an emotion that seeks to “even the score”. However, he clarified that “the problem with vengeance is that it never gets what it wants; it never evens the score. Fairness never comes. The chain reaction set off by every act of vengeance … ties both the injured and injurer to an escalator of pain… and the elevator never stops, never lets anyone off”. Life can hardly return to peaceful once vengeance has been brought to bear.
In a church located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, two women were known to be long-time enemies. They would never serve on a church committee together. They could hardly stand to be around each other. When they did attend a gathering together, they would sit at opposite ends of the room. When worshipping, they sat on opposite sides of the sanctuary!
After a stare-down at a congregational meeting, the husband of one of the women asked his wife, “Why are you mad at Ethel anyway?” She responded, “I don’t remember the first fight that caused everything. But, I do know of many other instances where that evil woman piled it on!” The husband asked the pastor to intervene. When the pastor attempted to speak to each of the women separately, they both threatened to have the pastor thrown out of the church if he didn’t end his interference!
Knowing their souls were in danger, the pastor gave a sermon on the topic of vengeance. Then, he asked all the members of the congregation to pray for one another, set aside their ill will toward others, and offer forgiveness for any slights. The sermon did nothing to quell the animosity of the two women.
Finally, the pastor asked the elders of the church what to do. He was told, “Leave it be, pastor. You can bring a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. The two women will never give up their fight. In fact, we don’t think either knows how to exist anymore without hatred for the other. We just hope they don’t end up in hell over this bitterness.”
God had other plans.
A few years later, the granddaughter of one woman fell in love with the grandson of the other. The love between the two young people was beautiful. When the engagement was announced, both ladies were mortified. What would they do now? Finally, when the wedding day arrived, both women were required to sit in the front pews. Later, they were required to stand for pictures together with their grandchildren. Though thoroughly uncomfortable at being around each other, they could see the love of their grandchildren. Then, when great-grandchildren came along, both women ached to visit the little ones. Their special love for those great-grandchildren melted their anger and quelled their desire to get even. Over time, the two actually became good friends. However, to this day, neither can remember the impetus for their bitter feud!
The scripture for today from 1 Thessalonians 5:15 contains a command that the faithful “repay no one evil for evil.” It encourages Christians to “do good to one another and to everyone.” This is not an easy task for many people. Little resentments, upsetting remarks, dirty deeds, and manipulations can make even the most faithful of individuals desire to even the score. When wronged, your heart rate may increase. Your blood may boil (figuratively, of course!). You might fantasize about ways to get even. You might even dare to pray that God strike another down! Be wary of any form of vengeance. As Phillip Yancey noted, the passion to get even never gets what it wants. It only leads to more hurt and pain.
In today’s world where people are so very thin-skinned, there will be those who form hatred for the smallest of slights. One young lady refuses to speak to her grandmother for not using the “right pronouns”. Two brothers have not spoken for a dozen years due to a misunderstanding over a family heirloom. A jealous young girl attempted to get another girl fired for saying “Good morning” to her boyfriend. Social media has become a battleground for airing tiffs and grievances and pet-peeves. The more people repay “evil for evil”, the more suffering will be unleashed in our world. Following today’s scripture as a life principle could save our world from many heartaches. Sadly, the world is hell bent on self-destruction and getting even.
Are you harboring any ill will toward another? Why let it eat at your soul? Do you secretly desire another person to falter or fail or suffer? Why harbor such a sinful attitude? Don’t wait to confess the sin of vengeance. Desiring to even the score will only act as a poison to your very soul.
Eventually they realized that their practical jokes were not viewed as funny by the boy, so they apologized. He said, “That’s okay, I will stop spitting in your soup now.”” (from The Outlaws of Success, Scott McKain)
The entire time the soldiers were picking on their Korean servant, he was getting even with them for their antics! The soldiers never knew until that day they apologized. So often, people harm others without knowing. Then again, some people harm others knowingly. Some are even good at getting even.
“A college professor answered his telephone at 3:00 A.M. “This is your neighbor, Mr. Smith,” said the voice. “Your dog is barking and keeping me awake.” The professor thanked him kindly and hung up. The next morning Mr. Smith’s telephone rang at exactly 3 A.M. “This is the professor,” said the caller. “I just wanted you to know that I don’t have a dog!”” (Encyclopedia of Illustrations #14107). Thus, the professor got even with his neighbor for waking him up the night before!
Some people enjoy getting even. They may relish the thought of making another person suffer for a wrong committed. However, Romans 12 teaches us that vengeance, or getting even, is something that belongs to God alone. The Bible never encourages human beings to be passionate about giving payback for a wrong. Jesus even taught that when slapped on one cheek, you should offer the other as well (Matthew 5:39).
Phillip Yancey called vengeance “a passion to get even”; an emotion that seeks to “even the score”. However, he clarified that “the problem with vengeance is that it never gets what it wants; it never evens the score. Fairness never comes. The chain reaction set off by every act of vengeance … ties both the injured and injurer to an escalator of pain… and the elevator never stops, never lets anyone off”. Life can hardly return to peaceful once vengeance has been brought to bear.
In a church located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, two women were known to be long-time enemies. They would never serve on a church committee together. They could hardly stand to be around each other. When they did attend a gathering together, they would sit at opposite ends of the room. When worshipping, they sat on opposite sides of the sanctuary!
After a stare-down at a congregational meeting, the husband of one of the women asked his wife, “Why are you mad at Ethel anyway?” She responded, “I don’t remember the first fight that caused everything. But, I do know of many other instances where that evil woman piled it on!” The husband asked the pastor to intervene. When the pastor attempted to speak to each of the women separately, they both threatened to have the pastor thrown out of the church if he didn’t end his interference!
Knowing their souls were in danger, the pastor gave a sermon on the topic of vengeance. Then, he asked all the members of the congregation to pray for one another, set aside their ill will toward others, and offer forgiveness for any slights. The sermon did nothing to quell the animosity of the two women.
Finally, the pastor asked the elders of the church what to do. He was told, “Leave it be, pastor. You can bring a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. The two women will never give up their fight. In fact, we don’t think either knows how to exist anymore without hatred for the other. We just hope they don’t end up in hell over this bitterness.”
God had other plans.
A few years later, the granddaughter of one woman fell in love with the grandson of the other. The love between the two young people was beautiful. When the engagement was announced, both ladies were mortified. What would they do now? Finally, when the wedding day arrived, both women were required to sit in the front pews. Later, they were required to stand for pictures together with their grandchildren. Though thoroughly uncomfortable at being around each other, they could see the love of their grandchildren. Then, when great-grandchildren came along, both women ached to visit the little ones. Their special love for those great-grandchildren melted their anger and quelled their desire to get even. Over time, the two actually became good friends. However, to this day, neither can remember the impetus for their bitter feud!
The scripture for today from 1 Thessalonians 5:15 contains a command that the faithful “repay no one evil for evil.” It encourages Christians to “do good to one another and to everyone.” This is not an easy task for many people. Little resentments, upsetting remarks, dirty deeds, and manipulations can make even the most faithful of individuals desire to even the score. When wronged, your heart rate may increase. Your blood may boil (figuratively, of course!). You might fantasize about ways to get even. You might even dare to pray that God strike another down! Be wary of any form of vengeance. As Phillip Yancey noted, the passion to get even never gets what it wants. It only leads to more hurt and pain.
In today’s world where people are so very thin-skinned, there will be those who form hatred for the smallest of slights. One young lady refuses to speak to her grandmother for not using the “right pronouns”. Two brothers have not spoken for a dozen years due to a misunderstanding over a family heirloom. A jealous young girl attempted to get another girl fired for saying “Good morning” to her boyfriend. Social media has become a battleground for airing tiffs and grievances and pet-peeves. The more people repay “evil for evil”, the more suffering will be unleashed in our world. Following today’s scripture as a life principle could save our world from many heartaches. Sadly, the world is hell bent on self-destruction and getting even.
Are you harboring any ill will toward another? Why let it eat at your soul? Do you secretly desire another person to falter or fail or suffer? Why harbor such a sinful attitude? Don’t wait to confess the sin of vengeance. Desiring to even the score will only act as a poison to your very soul.
May 6
“And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.” (Matthew 11:4–5, ESV
When John the Baptist was wondering if Jesus was the Christ, Jesus told John’s disciples to share the gospel’s effects: “the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.” (Matthew 11:4-5) For Jesus, proof of the gospel’s efficacy was displayed when lives were changed, people were healed, the scriptures were taught, and the good news of salvation was shared. In effect, Jesus claimed that whenever God’s gospel was shared, powerful things happened. People were blessed. Lives were changed. Miracles occurred. Spiritual changes took place. If you want to know whether a place is holy, this scripture reminds us to look for the effects of the gospel in that place. When God is active, lives will be changed. Amazing things will happen. God will touch the lives of those who hear and respond.
Sadly, I see too many Christians who have turned their spiritual life into a spirit-less trek. They don’t expect miracles. They don’t anticipate that the gospel message will bring healing. I’ve even heard some Christians say that miracles don’t happen anymore… those only happened in biblical times! How wrong they are! Whenever God is present, miracles occur, lives are changed, powerful spiritual manifestations occur. If you aren’t experiencing God’s active work around you, something is spiritually WRONG! You need to ask God to rekindle the Holy Spirit within you and then unleash the power of the gospel on your surroundings!
A famous preacher was getting ready to begin the service at New Park Street Church in London. He believed God had the power to change lives. He expected God’s Spirit to work wonders. Several nights before, he felt God calling him to preach on Luke 7:36-50. The scripture was about a woman who had sinned and who used her tears to wipe Jesus’ feet as she anointed them. The preacher prayed about what to say and how to say it. He then wrote and edited a message for that night. Then, he readied his heart for worship.
When the pastor got into the pulpit that night, he began his sermon by quoting Jesus from Luke 7:44, “Seeest thou this woman?” Without his knowing, in the audience that night was a prostitute. She was planning on suicide. She felt worthless and unforgiven. In fact, she had already convinced herself to jump off a particular bridge, Blackfriar’s Bridge within hours. On her way to commit suicide, she decided to make one last appeal for God’s forgiveness. As she sat in a pew, she heard the pastor shout the words from scripture that Jesus said about that woman who anointed him with tears… “Do you see this woman?” When the pastor shouted those words, the prostitute immediately felt she was being accused just like the woman in the scripture. However, when the preacher went on to explain how Jesus was praising the act of kindness given by this woman, the prostitute listened intently. Her heart became warmed that Jesus would forgive the sins of that women. The prostitute felt Jesus calling her directly. She responded by giving up her notions of suicide, was baptized, and became an active follower of Jesus Christ.
Why is it that people go to worship without expecting to meet with God at that holy place? Whenever people gather together in Jesus’ name, powerful things happen. Why not?
A man who was on his way home after buying some gin saw the crowd at a church door and pushed his way in to see what was going on. He took a spot in the church and planned on spoiling the message. As the service began, Charles Spurgeon, who was speaking that night, turned and faced the congregation and said that there was a man in the gallery who had a gin bottle in his pocket and had come with no good motive. Shocked, the startled man stayed for the rest of the worship service and was converted.
How could the pastor know that the prostitute needed to hear a scripture of a woman being saved by Jesus in order to hear the gospel? He couldn’t know. How could Charles Spurgeon have known that a man had just bought some gin and was going to act up during worship? He didn’t. Both times, the pastor found out later what God was doing all along. God was making miracles happen. God was going to bless the gospel message. God was going to change lives in those services!
In our scripture for today, Jesus was confident in the power of the gospel. Jesus knew that amazing things happen whenever people came seeking an audience with God. When you pray, be ready for God to speak! When you go to bed at night, expect that God may whisper to you in your dreams. When you are in worship, don’t be surprised by the nudges and musings as the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart. 1 Peter 3:15 reminds you to “always be prepared” to share the gospel. At any moment, someone may ask you why you believe. At any moment, a miracle may occur. You never know the time and place when someone will need you to pray or share a hug or offer a shoulder or lend a hand.
Amazing things happen when people of God follow the working of the Holy Spirit as it acts around them. Can’t you feel it? Don’t you expect it?
Sadly, I see too many Christians who have turned their spiritual life into a spirit-less trek. They don’t expect miracles. They don’t anticipate that the gospel message will bring healing. I’ve even heard some Christians say that miracles don’t happen anymore… those only happened in biblical times! How wrong they are! Whenever God is present, miracles occur, lives are changed, powerful spiritual manifestations occur. If you aren’t experiencing God’s active work around you, something is spiritually WRONG! You need to ask God to rekindle the Holy Spirit within you and then unleash the power of the gospel on your surroundings!
A famous preacher was getting ready to begin the service at New Park Street Church in London. He believed God had the power to change lives. He expected God’s Spirit to work wonders. Several nights before, he felt God calling him to preach on Luke 7:36-50. The scripture was about a woman who had sinned and who used her tears to wipe Jesus’ feet as she anointed them. The preacher prayed about what to say and how to say it. He then wrote and edited a message for that night. Then, he readied his heart for worship.
When the pastor got into the pulpit that night, he began his sermon by quoting Jesus from Luke 7:44, “Seeest thou this woman?” Without his knowing, in the audience that night was a prostitute. She was planning on suicide. She felt worthless and unforgiven. In fact, she had already convinced herself to jump off a particular bridge, Blackfriar’s Bridge within hours. On her way to commit suicide, she decided to make one last appeal for God’s forgiveness. As she sat in a pew, she heard the pastor shout the words from scripture that Jesus said about that woman who anointed him with tears… “Do you see this woman?” When the pastor shouted those words, the prostitute immediately felt she was being accused just like the woman in the scripture. However, when the preacher went on to explain how Jesus was praising the act of kindness given by this woman, the prostitute listened intently. Her heart became warmed that Jesus would forgive the sins of that women. The prostitute felt Jesus calling her directly. She responded by giving up her notions of suicide, was baptized, and became an active follower of Jesus Christ.
Why is it that people go to worship without expecting to meet with God at that holy place? Whenever people gather together in Jesus’ name, powerful things happen. Why not?
A man who was on his way home after buying some gin saw the crowd at a church door and pushed his way in to see what was going on. He took a spot in the church and planned on spoiling the message. As the service began, Charles Spurgeon, who was speaking that night, turned and faced the congregation and said that there was a man in the gallery who had a gin bottle in his pocket and had come with no good motive. Shocked, the startled man stayed for the rest of the worship service and was converted.
How could the pastor know that the prostitute needed to hear a scripture of a woman being saved by Jesus in order to hear the gospel? He couldn’t know. How could Charles Spurgeon have known that a man had just bought some gin and was going to act up during worship? He didn’t. Both times, the pastor found out later what God was doing all along. God was making miracles happen. God was going to bless the gospel message. God was going to change lives in those services!
In our scripture for today, Jesus was confident in the power of the gospel. Jesus knew that amazing things happen whenever people came seeking an audience with God. When you pray, be ready for God to speak! When you go to bed at night, expect that God may whisper to you in your dreams. When you are in worship, don’t be surprised by the nudges and musings as the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart. 1 Peter 3:15 reminds you to “always be prepared” to share the gospel. At any moment, someone may ask you why you believe. At any moment, a miracle may occur. You never know the time and place when someone will need you to pray or share a hug or offer a shoulder or lend a hand.
Amazing things happen when people of God follow the working of the Holy Spirit as it acts around them. Can’t you feel it? Don’t you expect it?
May 9
“The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8, NLT)
Daniel Cohen and his friends were expecting a scenic drive as they made their way from Bryce Canyon, Utah, to the Grand Canyon in Arizona in 2008. As the beautiful day turned dark, they traveled along following their GPS. However, the GPS had a system error that led them to the edge of a very steep cliff. Only just managing to stop in time, the group found that they had almost driven off the cliff to their deaths. The group managed to stop just before plunging over. The 25 travelers were stuck in the wilderness all night before being rescued the next morning.
A woman was videotaped plunging into the ocean at a boat ramp in Hawaii. How had she gotten there? She followed directions on her phone that led her down a road leading to her destination. Trusting in the map on her phone and the directions it gave, the woman thought she was on the road when she drove down the boat ramp and into the ocean. Boaters had to rescue her as the car sank beneath the waves.
It’s easy to become complacent with GPS technology. The Global Positioning system is known to be accurate to within 9 feet on average. The military version is known to be accurate to three feet almost everywhere. When you follow a GPS in a vehicle for a few times, and find that it is correct, you inevitably fall under its spell. It makes you think it knows where you are, the best route to your destination, and how long it will take to get to where you are going. However, the GPS can give you inaccurate information or directions. There are errors in mapping. There can be errors in the code. Sometimes, the directions you are given are not the best for you, nor safe. It helps to be aware of your situation.
Spiritually, people sometimes also follow wrong directions. A person might misinterpret a scripture and its meaning for life. A young person might trust the wisdom of a mentor, following along blindly in a way that may suit the mentor but not God Almighty! Even listening to the directions of a parent may prove fruitless if the parent is not considering the welfare of the child nor using wisdom that comes from God! There is no lack of people today who would like to direct your steps, push you in a certain direction, or convince you to follow their lead. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell which way in life is the right one for you.
The scripture for today can offer help in that regard. It suggests that you follow God’s guidance when you need direction. In Psalm 32:8, the Lord claims, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Of course, in order to follow God’s direction, you need to have an open line of communication to the Lord! That won’t happen if you are mired in sin, seldom in prayer, don’t have spiritually trustworthy friends, or aren’t listening to God’s Holy Spirit!
Many young people don’t know what it was like to have a card catalog at the library. The card catalog contained a listing of all the books in the library by title and author and sometimes by subject. It was necessary in pre-computer days to find the right book among the multitudes of library shelves. However, sometimes the card catalog wouldn’t help a library goer, especially when he or she didn’t understand the directions written in the entry. A library brochure in Durham, North Carolina, USA, mentioned that one of its patrons couldn’t find a book because the card catalog entry suggested that the reader “See Main Entry”. The words on the card assumed that the patron would look at the main entry in the card catalog. Instead, the library goer thought the card catalog wanted her to go find the book at the main entry to the building. A librarian found the confused young woman trying to find the book she was looking for by the front steps of the library. She misunderstood the directions!
So many people go through life following the wrong directions or misunderstanding the directions God is giving. It is important that your relationship with God is strong enough, your prayers frequent enough, and your understanding of God’s Word is thorough enough for your to not only hear God’s direction but follow God’s guidance. It helps to have someone who knows God and scripture well enough to guide you. However, nothing can replace God’s direction. And nothing helps more in following God’s direction than a total commitment and trust and obedience to Jesus and His teachings.
Today, consider the following:
Whose voices do you trust most? Can you discern God’s directions? When is the last time you felt the Holy Spirit leading you to someone or away from some thing? Do you heed God's warnings?
A woman was videotaped plunging into the ocean at a boat ramp in Hawaii. How had she gotten there? She followed directions on her phone that led her down a road leading to her destination. Trusting in the map on her phone and the directions it gave, the woman thought she was on the road when she drove down the boat ramp and into the ocean. Boaters had to rescue her as the car sank beneath the waves.
It’s easy to become complacent with GPS technology. The Global Positioning system is known to be accurate to within 9 feet on average. The military version is known to be accurate to three feet almost everywhere. When you follow a GPS in a vehicle for a few times, and find that it is correct, you inevitably fall under its spell. It makes you think it knows where you are, the best route to your destination, and how long it will take to get to where you are going. However, the GPS can give you inaccurate information or directions. There are errors in mapping. There can be errors in the code. Sometimes, the directions you are given are not the best for you, nor safe. It helps to be aware of your situation.
Spiritually, people sometimes also follow wrong directions. A person might misinterpret a scripture and its meaning for life. A young person might trust the wisdom of a mentor, following along blindly in a way that may suit the mentor but not God Almighty! Even listening to the directions of a parent may prove fruitless if the parent is not considering the welfare of the child nor using wisdom that comes from God! There is no lack of people today who would like to direct your steps, push you in a certain direction, or convince you to follow their lead. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell which way in life is the right one for you.
The scripture for today can offer help in that regard. It suggests that you follow God’s guidance when you need direction. In Psalm 32:8, the Lord claims, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Of course, in order to follow God’s direction, you need to have an open line of communication to the Lord! That won’t happen if you are mired in sin, seldom in prayer, don’t have spiritually trustworthy friends, or aren’t listening to God’s Holy Spirit!
Many young people don’t know what it was like to have a card catalog at the library. The card catalog contained a listing of all the books in the library by title and author and sometimes by subject. It was necessary in pre-computer days to find the right book among the multitudes of library shelves. However, sometimes the card catalog wouldn’t help a library goer, especially when he or she didn’t understand the directions written in the entry. A library brochure in Durham, North Carolina, USA, mentioned that one of its patrons couldn’t find a book because the card catalog entry suggested that the reader “See Main Entry”. The words on the card assumed that the patron would look at the main entry in the card catalog. Instead, the library goer thought the card catalog wanted her to go find the book at the main entry to the building. A librarian found the confused young woman trying to find the book she was looking for by the front steps of the library. She misunderstood the directions!
So many people go through life following the wrong directions or misunderstanding the directions God is giving. It is important that your relationship with God is strong enough, your prayers frequent enough, and your understanding of God’s Word is thorough enough for your to not only hear God’s direction but follow God’s guidance. It helps to have someone who knows God and scripture well enough to guide you. However, nothing can replace God’s direction. And nothing helps more in following God’s direction than a total commitment and trust and obedience to Jesus and His teachings.
Today, consider the following:
Whose voices do you trust most? Can you discern God’s directions? When is the last time you felt the Holy Spirit leading you to someone or away from some thing? Do you heed God's warnings?
May 12
“This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.” (Isaiah 30:15, NLT)
Daniel’s world was falling apart. An error in judgment at work caused all kinds of problems. In response, he was terminated. As Daniel drove home, everything was catching up to him. He now had no job. His wife was sick with COVID. His son was doing poorly in one of his middle school classes. He had lost so much of his confidence. Daniel felt his life was a dumpster fire, his world falling apart.
Daniel was tempted to get blind drunk. He used to do that in his younger days, before he had a family that needed him to be sober. He thought about his past. Every failure he had in life seemed to jump on his back. Every mistake he ever made came back to haunt him. As he drove along, he became distracted. He almost drove through a red light. Though he wasn’t a good churchgoer, Daniel said a prayer asking God for help. Seconds later, he thought about going to see his mother on the way home. Her house was only a few blocks off his route.
As Daniel drove in the driveway, his mother waved to him from the door. Daniel smiled for the first time that day. He had no doubts about his parents’ love for him. With a heavy heart, Daniel got out of his truck and walked to his mom at the door to her house. There, they hugged. Then, after a few pleasantries, Daniel went into her kitchen and sat down. She offered him a cup of coffee. For the next hour, Daniel opened up about his hurt and pain and sorrow over everything that was going wrong.
That morning at the kitchen table, Daniel and his mother worked out what he should do. He applied for unemployment. He checked into health insurance for the family. He informed his wife of his termination. He made a short-term budget for the next couple of months. He worked out some of the wording he would put in his resume. By the time Daniel was ready to leave, he said to his mother, “You know, I always found you a great source of comfort. You let nothing get to you. You are a solid rock. You amaze me! Have I told you that I love you?”
Daniel’s mother responded with thanks, then grabbed his hand and said, “Son, my strength and peace and calmness comes from God. Every morning when I pray, God eases my burdens and prepares me for another hectic day. But throughout the day, I feel God’s peace around me. God has never let me down. Whenever I wanted to let things get to me, instead I turned to Jesus. I have full confidence that HE will be there for me.” Then, they prayed together.
As Daniel left his mother that day, he realized that his mother was his greatest source of strength. After Daniel’s mother died, Daniel realized that God was the real source of strength for the whole family. To this day, Daniel cherishes his parents. He also has a great reverence for God.
After a day of hectic healing, Jesus retired to a place to pray. He wanted quiet. Not long after, His disciples ended up on the Sea of Galilee caught in a storm. As the disciples feared for their lives, Jesus calmly walked on the water to the boat, then got in. Turning to the sky, Jesus calmed the storm, held back the winds, and eased the waves. Jesus is still doing that today. When storms come to the faithful, he eases their intensity. When the waves of life threaten to overturn everything, He eases those waves. When the faithful cry out to Him in fear, He calms their life-storms.
Our scripture for today comes from the prophet Isaiah. After years of sinning, God warned the people of Israel to “return to HIM” (Isaiah 30:15). Through Isaiah, the people were reminded that their only salvation in life would come if they “returned” to God and “rested” in the grace of God. The scripture for today ends with the response by the people of Israel: “they would have none of it”. The people would not listen. They would not repent and return to Almighty God. They were too proud, too entrenched in their sin, too enamored with worldly pleasures.
In the middle of this verse for today, God reminded the people of Israel that their strength comes from the “quietness and confidence” that is only really experienced when in a right relationship with God. Because the people of Israel were not being faithful, that quietness and confidence would be missing. Sorely missing.
Daniel’s mother, in the story above, had that quietness and confidence that comes from a right relationship with God. Jesus had that quietness and confidence when He calmed the stormy waters. Do you have that quietness and confidence even now?
Because so many people are not right with God in our world today, their lives are filled with drama and noise and pressures and turmoil. Messages from email and social media fill the waking hours of many. The pressures of a poor economy with rising interest rates saps one’s paycheck and savings. Family needs increase one’s burdens. Responsibilities weigh us down. Fear about the future, regrets from past mistakes, and the stress of obligations can have you at wits end. Why do people not return to God? Why do they not find comfort in prayer? Why do they not take time to be quiet with God? Quietness and confidence with God is their strength. Do they not see it? Do you?
Take time each day to be quiet before God. Rest your weary soul in the arms of the Lord. Pray while letting go of your worries and fears. Let God be God over you. Let God’s strength be your confidence. Let Jesus calm the storms. Be still and know that God is firmly in control! (Psalm 46:10)
“In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” This is a truth concerning all the trials and troubles of this life. Some of you are passing through business troubles, for there are many tremors in the business world, and perhaps they are causing you to shake and tremble. If so, do not be readily carried away by these secondary matters. Do not let them depress or excite you. Hold loosely to all worldly things, but grip firmly the unseen God. Fussing, worrying, and hurrying will do no good. Be calm and quiet; all will be well if you are the Lord’s child.
Perhaps your trial is personal sickness. If so, nothing can be better than quietness and confidence. Worrying will not make you well, though it might keep you ill. You will be sick just as long as God appoints, but if anything can help to heal it is quietness and confidence of heart.
Have you lost a friend? Is there a great sorrow? Have you some loved one lying in a new grave? My friend, you cannot bring the dear one back, and you should not wish to do so. It is wise to submit to the inevitable. It is gracious to bow to the will of your ever–gracious God. You cannot do anything that will be as helpful to your sorrowing spirit as to exercise quietness and confidence; it will indeed be your strength.
Do you have a sorrow fully equal to bereavement? Have you a loved one who daily suffers? Is that the living cross you have to carry? Do not worry. Submit to the Lord’s will. Ask Him for grace to acquiesce in it, and learn to wait on the Lord.
God’s tested child, whatever your condition, remember this promise, “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” (from a sermon by Charles Spurgeon, Beside Still Waters, p. 132)
Daniel was tempted to get blind drunk. He used to do that in his younger days, before he had a family that needed him to be sober. He thought about his past. Every failure he had in life seemed to jump on his back. Every mistake he ever made came back to haunt him. As he drove along, he became distracted. He almost drove through a red light. Though he wasn’t a good churchgoer, Daniel said a prayer asking God for help. Seconds later, he thought about going to see his mother on the way home. Her house was only a few blocks off his route.
As Daniel drove in the driveway, his mother waved to him from the door. Daniel smiled for the first time that day. He had no doubts about his parents’ love for him. With a heavy heart, Daniel got out of his truck and walked to his mom at the door to her house. There, they hugged. Then, after a few pleasantries, Daniel went into her kitchen and sat down. She offered him a cup of coffee. For the next hour, Daniel opened up about his hurt and pain and sorrow over everything that was going wrong.
That morning at the kitchen table, Daniel and his mother worked out what he should do. He applied for unemployment. He checked into health insurance for the family. He informed his wife of his termination. He made a short-term budget for the next couple of months. He worked out some of the wording he would put in his resume. By the time Daniel was ready to leave, he said to his mother, “You know, I always found you a great source of comfort. You let nothing get to you. You are a solid rock. You amaze me! Have I told you that I love you?”
Daniel’s mother responded with thanks, then grabbed his hand and said, “Son, my strength and peace and calmness comes from God. Every morning when I pray, God eases my burdens and prepares me for another hectic day. But throughout the day, I feel God’s peace around me. God has never let me down. Whenever I wanted to let things get to me, instead I turned to Jesus. I have full confidence that HE will be there for me.” Then, they prayed together.
As Daniel left his mother that day, he realized that his mother was his greatest source of strength. After Daniel’s mother died, Daniel realized that God was the real source of strength for the whole family. To this day, Daniel cherishes his parents. He also has a great reverence for God.
After a day of hectic healing, Jesus retired to a place to pray. He wanted quiet. Not long after, His disciples ended up on the Sea of Galilee caught in a storm. As the disciples feared for their lives, Jesus calmly walked on the water to the boat, then got in. Turning to the sky, Jesus calmed the storm, held back the winds, and eased the waves. Jesus is still doing that today. When storms come to the faithful, he eases their intensity. When the waves of life threaten to overturn everything, He eases those waves. When the faithful cry out to Him in fear, He calms their life-storms.
Our scripture for today comes from the prophet Isaiah. After years of sinning, God warned the people of Israel to “return to HIM” (Isaiah 30:15). Through Isaiah, the people were reminded that their only salvation in life would come if they “returned” to God and “rested” in the grace of God. The scripture for today ends with the response by the people of Israel: “they would have none of it”. The people would not listen. They would not repent and return to Almighty God. They were too proud, too entrenched in their sin, too enamored with worldly pleasures.
In the middle of this verse for today, God reminded the people of Israel that their strength comes from the “quietness and confidence” that is only really experienced when in a right relationship with God. Because the people of Israel were not being faithful, that quietness and confidence would be missing. Sorely missing.
Daniel’s mother, in the story above, had that quietness and confidence that comes from a right relationship with God. Jesus had that quietness and confidence when He calmed the stormy waters. Do you have that quietness and confidence even now?
Because so many people are not right with God in our world today, their lives are filled with drama and noise and pressures and turmoil. Messages from email and social media fill the waking hours of many. The pressures of a poor economy with rising interest rates saps one’s paycheck and savings. Family needs increase one’s burdens. Responsibilities weigh us down. Fear about the future, regrets from past mistakes, and the stress of obligations can have you at wits end. Why do people not return to God? Why do they not find comfort in prayer? Why do they not take time to be quiet with God? Quietness and confidence with God is their strength. Do they not see it? Do you?
Take time each day to be quiet before God. Rest your weary soul in the arms of the Lord. Pray while letting go of your worries and fears. Let God be God over you. Let God’s strength be your confidence. Let Jesus calm the storms. Be still and know that God is firmly in control! (Psalm 46:10)
“In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” This is a truth concerning all the trials and troubles of this life. Some of you are passing through business troubles, for there are many tremors in the business world, and perhaps they are causing you to shake and tremble. If so, do not be readily carried away by these secondary matters. Do not let them depress or excite you. Hold loosely to all worldly things, but grip firmly the unseen God. Fussing, worrying, and hurrying will do no good. Be calm and quiet; all will be well if you are the Lord’s child.
Perhaps your trial is personal sickness. If so, nothing can be better than quietness and confidence. Worrying will not make you well, though it might keep you ill. You will be sick just as long as God appoints, but if anything can help to heal it is quietness and confidence of heart.
Have you lost a friend? Is there a great sorrow? Have you some loved one lying in a new grave? My friend, you cannot bring the dear one back, and you should not wish to do so. It is wise to submit to the inevitable. It is gracious to bow to the will of your ever–gracious God. You cannot do anything that will be as helpful to your sorrowing spirit as to exercise quietness and confidence; it will indeed be your strength.
Do you have a sorrow fully equal to bereavement? Have you a loved one who daily suffers? Is that the living cross you have to carry? Do not worry. Submit to the Lord’s will. Ask Him for grace to acquiesce in it, and learn to wait on the Lord.
God’s tested child, whatever your condition, remember this promise, “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” (from a sermon by Charles Spurgeon, Beside Still Waters, p. 132)
May14
“I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
(Romans 8:38–39, NLT)
(Romans 8:38–39, NLT)
“Fifteen-year-old David Marks, eyes blurred with tears, left home with a dollar in his pocket to preach the gospel. The “boy preacher” soon created a stir in the American northeast, and he kept going for the next 25 years. He rode one horse 19,000 miles, preached to thousands, organized churches throughout New England, published books, wrote articles, taught school, and worked diligently in opposition to slavery and in support of foreign missions. Then he died from sheer exhaustion at age 40.
Just before sunset on May 13, 1828, Marks rode into the little town of Ancaster, Ontario, announcing he would preach in seven minutes in the park. A small crowd gathered, and he asked if anyone had a text he would like to hear preached. A man mockingly said, “Nothing!”
Marks immediately began preaching on “nothing.” God created the world from “nothing,” he said. God gave us laws in which there is “nothing” unjust. But, Marks continued, we have broken God’s law and there is “nothing” in us to justify us. There will be “nothing” to comfort sinners in death or hell. But, while Christians have “nothing” of their own in which to boast, we have Christ. And in him, we have “nothing” to cause us grief, “nothing” to disturb our peace, and “nothing” to fear in eternity.
Finishing his sermon, Marks mounted his horse and traveled to the next village. But some time later he returned to Ancaster. This time a larger group assembled, and the meeting house was opened to him. David preached “something” to them. He said there is “something” above all things. There is “something” in man designed to live forever, but there is also “something” in us that makes us unhappy. There is “something” about the gospel that reverses our unhappiness, “something” that gives us hope. There is “something” that will disturb the impenitent in death, but “something” resides in Christians that the world can’t understand, and “something” in eternity to give us everlasting joy.
All that from an uneducated young circuit rider, his mind filled with Scripture and his heart full of Christ, who had “something” to say—and “nothing” to fear.” (Robert J. Morgan, On This Day)
“Nothing” has a lot to do with today’s scripture. In it, we are told that “nothing can ever separate us from the love of God” (Romans 8:38). NOTHING! If you want to be with God right now, you can. Just close your eyes and pray toward heaven. In moments, God’s Spirit will be with you. If you need God’s grace and forgiveness right now, nothing can stop it from happening if you desire it faithfully. If you need it, Heavenly arms can encircle you where you are.
If God wanted to, God could bless you with great riches in this second. God could take you to heaven in this moment. God could redeem your soul or ease your heaviest burden. It would be easy for God to do this right now. Nothing on earth or in heaven can stop God from acting. Satan can’t stop it. Bad people can’t stop it. You could be in the deepest, darkest hole in the ground and that wouldn’t stop God from being with you. Even if you didn’t want to be with God, God could walk with you. God could speak to you and be present to you. Nothing can stop the love of God from blessing you. All you have to do is seek it.
Jesus said, “Ask and it shall be given you, seek and you will find, knock and it will be open to you!” (Matthew 7:7). All God wants is for you to ask for His grace, seek His wisdom, and knock at Heaven in prayer. Then, God will act. God’s love is waiting to be unleashed on our world, ready and willing to be at your direction. Nothing can stop God from being present. What will you do?
A mother of three young girls was cleaning the church, as was her job, when she heard a person crying. Fearing someone had been injured, she sought out the sounds of tears. When she came to the sanctuary, there was a young woman seated in the front row. She must have slipped in unnoticed through the propped open door that the mother used for taking out the trash. The mother approached the woman cautiously, then sat in the pew behind her. She then said out loud, “I’m just going to say a short prayer and leave, Ok?” The woman nodded. The mother reached out and touched the woman’s shoulder and prayed silently for God to be present. Then, the mother went back to her work. Later, as she looked in on the crying woman in the sanctuary, the mother noticed that she had left.
For the mother cleaning the sanctuary, that was the end of the story. For the woman, it was not. The woman came to me later to say that because of some big mistakes in her life, she felt like giving up. As she contemplated suicide, she came to the sanctuary and asked God why HE never, ever was around. That moment was when the mother, who cleaned the church, came in to pray with her. After the prayer, the woman wondered why the cleaning lady had prayed with her. Then, God spoke to her. God told the young woman that HE had personally led the cleaning lady to her in that moment. God was all around that young woman. God had been hearing her. God had been present. The woman had not been paying attention and had previously been oblivious to how close God had been.
Just when you get the stupid notion like God doesn’t care or isn’t around or doesn’t hear your prayers, this scripture gets to remind you that NOTHING can separate you from God. Even death cannot stop the love of God from being present if you are one of the faithful who seeks it (Romans 8:38!).
Isn’t it nice to know that not only does God know you, but God also loves you more than anyone has ever loved you? He’s waiting to speak with you, even now….
Just before sunset on May 13, 1828, Marks rode into the little town of Ancaster, Ontario, announcing he would preach in seven minutes in the park. A small crowd gathered, and he asked if anyone had a text he would like to hear preached. A man mockingly said, “Nothing!”
Marks immediately began preaching on “nothing.” God created the world from “nothing,” he said. God gave us laws in which there is “nothing” unjust. But, Marks continued, we have broken God’s law and there is “nothing” in us to justify us. There will be “nothing” to comfort sinners in death or hell. But, while Christians have “nothing” of their own in which to boast, we have Christ. And in him, we have “nothing” to cause us grief, “nothing” to disturb our peace, and “nothing” to fear in eternity.
Finishing his sermon, Marks mounted his horse and traveled to the next village. But some time later he returned to Ancaster. This time a larger group assembled, and the meeting house was opened to him. David preached “something” to them. He said there is “something” above all things. There is “something” in man designed to live forever, but there is also “something” in us that makes us unhappy. There is “something” about the gospel that reverses our unhappiness, “something” that gives us hope. There is “something” that will disturb the impenitent in death, but “something” resides in Christians that the world can’t understand, and “something” in eternity to give us everlasting joy.
All that from an uneducated young circuit rider, his mind filled with Scripture and his heart full of Christ, who had “something” to say—and “nothing” to fear.” (Robert J. Morgan, On This Day)
“Nothing” has a lot to do with today’s scripture. In it, we are told that “nothing can ever separate us from the love of God” (Romans 8:38). NOTHING! If you want to be with God right now, you can. Just close your eyes and pray toward heaven. In moments, God’s Spirit will be with you. If you need God’s grace and forgiveness right now, nothing can stop it from happening if you desire it faithfully. If you need it, Heavenly arms can encircle you where you are.
If God wanted to, God could bless you with great riches in this second. God could take you to heaven in this moment. God could redeem your soul or ease your heaviest burden. It would be easy for God to do this right now. Nothing on earth or in heaven can stop God from acting. Satan can’t stop it. Bad people can’t stop it. You could be in the deepest, darkest hole in the ground and that wouldn’t stop God from being with you. Even if you didn’t want to be with God, God could walk with you. God could speak to you and be present to you. Nothing can stop the love of God from blessing you. All you have to do is seek it.
Jesus said, “Ask and it shall be given you, seek and you will find, knock and it will be open to you!” (Matthew 7:7). All God wants is for you to ask for His grace, seek His wisdom, and knock at Heaven in prayer. Then, God will act. God’s love is waiting to be unleashed on our world, ready and willing to be at your direction. Nothing can stop God from being present. What will you do?
A mother of three young girls was cleaning the church, as was her job, when she heard a person crying. Fearing someone had been injured, she sought out the sounds of tears. When she came to the sanctuary, there was a young woman seated in the front row. She must have slipped in unnoticed through the propped open door that the mother used for taking out the trash. The mother approached the woman cautiously, then sat in the pew behind her. She then said out loud, “I’m just going to say a short prayer and leave, Ok?” The woman nodded. The mother reached out and touched the woman’s shoulder and prayed silently for God to be present. Then, the mother went back to her work. Later, as she looked in on the crying woman in the sanctuary, the mother noticed that she had left.
For the mother cleaning the sanctuary, that was the end of the story. For the woman, it was not. The woman came to me later to say that because of some big mistakes in her life, she felt like giving up. As she contemplated suicide, she came to the sanctuary and asked God why HE never, ever was around. That moment was when the mother, who cleaned the church, came in to pray with her. After the prayer, the woman wondered why the cleaning lady had prayed with her. Then, God spoke to her. God told the young woman that HE had personally led the cleaning lady to her in that moment. God was all around that young woman. God had been hearing her. God had been present. The woman had not been paying attention and had previously been oblivious to how close God had been.
Just when you get the stupid notion like God doesn’t care or isn’t around or doesn’t hear your prayers, this scripture gets to remind you that NOTHING can separate you from God. Even death cannot stop the love of God from being present if you are one of the faithful who seeks it (Romans 8:38!).
Isn’t it nice to know that not only does God know you, but God also loves you more than anyone has ever loved you? He’s waiting to speak with you, even now….
May 16
“But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.” (Psalm 92:12, NLT)
As a loving husband and father, Gerry made time for his family. He worked long hours, but when he was home, he purposefully spent time with his wife and son. Gerry went to every school and social function for his son. He attended church faithfully, being an active member and even a deacon. Gerry and his wife also donated time at the local food pantry. And, without fail, Gerry took his wife out on a date faithfully every week possible.
When Gerry’s son was twelve, he died suddenly. He drowned while swimming at a summer camping program. Gerry was heartbroken. He and his wife went through a very difficult time, with months of pain and sobbing and depression and dark times of grief. At one point during their grieving, Gerry and his wife went to see the pastor for counseling. During their first counseling session, Gerry asked the pastor, “How do you know if you were a good father? I’m not sure I did enough for my son. I worked such long hours. I have great regrets about all my hours working. Maybe I could have done more with my son during his short life!” With those words, Gerry broke down. His wife sobbed next to him openly.
After a few moments, the pastor replied, “I find it interesting you question your time with you son. In Sunday School, he would often tell the others in his class about things you did together, little day trips you took, about that time when you went fishing and caught a ten-pound walleye, and more.” After more conversation, Gerry and his wife found out that their son often shared stories of their outings, his birthday parties, the family trips, and more. Gerry never knew how much each of those trips and the family time so affected his son. In that moment Gerry only beginning to realize that he indeed was a great blessing in his son’s life.
You will never know how much you affect the lives of others around you. The impact of your presence in this world is often obscured as you can never completely know what other people are thinking nor about the influence of your words. Placing a strong Christian in the midst of a group affects the group. The prayer life of a godly person alone can do amazing things in the lives of those around them. The person of God can bring healing, encouragement, hope, forgiveness and grace to every interaction.
I was told by a missionary that Christians in China had to be isolated from other inmates whenever they were arrested for their faith. The Christians would constantly evangelize and pray and make other Christian disciples by their actions! This caused the repressive socialist regime in China to fear the influence of a faithful child of God.
The scripture for today from Psalm 92 illustrates that the person of God will “flourish like palm trees” when they are filled with the Holy Spirit and live a life of holiness. God blesses their works. God touches the lives of those around them. God, inevitably, changes the world with their presence and influence.
“John Vredenburgh preached in a Somerville, New York, church for many years, often feeling that his ministry was a great failure even though he preached the gospel faithfully. His death came amidst discouragements, and even some of his members wondered about his success and effectiveness as a minister.
Not long after his death, however, spiritual revival came to Somerville. On one Sunday alone, 200 people came to Christ—most of whom dated their spiritual stirrings from the ministry of John Vredenburgh.
Faithfulness and persistence are great virtues in the service of Jesus Christ. “Pay Day, Some Day” was a significant theme and message of the great Southern Baptist pastor, R. G. Lee—and since God’s timing is always perfect, it surely will come in good time.” (Bill Bright, from Promises)
Today, your faith WILL influence others. Your acts of kindness and faithfulness will make a difference. You may not see the effects of your godliness, but those effects permeate the world around you. Your faith will “flourish”. Your prayers will inevitably touch lives. God will do great things around you…. never doubt it! If Jesus has touched your life and the Holy Spirit has filled you, beautiful gifts of grace will “flourish” around you. It is a given. It’s a God thing. It is surely to happen. So… get to it!
When Gerry’s son was twelve, he died suddenly. He drowned while swimming at a summer camping program. Gerry was heartbroken. He and his wife went through a very difficult time, with months of pain and sobbing and depression and dark times of grief. At one point during their grieving, Gerry and his wife went to see the pastor for counseling. During their first counseling session, Gerry asked the pastor, “How do you know if you were a good father? I’m not sure I did enough for my son. I worked such long hours. I have great regrets about all my hours working. Maybe I could have done more with my son during his short life!” With those words, Gerry broke down. His wife sobbed next to him openly.
After a few moments, the pastor replied, “I find it interesting you question your time with you son. In Sunday School, he would often tell the others in his class about things you did together, little day trips you took, about that time when you went fishing and caught a ten-pound walleye, and more.” After more conversation, Gerry and his wife found out that their son often shared stories of their outings, his birthday parties, the family trips, and more. Gerry never knew how much each of those trips and the family time so affected his son. In that moment Gerry only beginning to realize that he indeed was a great blessing in his son’s life.
You will never know how much you affect the lives of others around you. The impact of your presence in this world is often obscured as you can never completely know what other people are thinking nor about the influence of your words. Placing a strong Christian in the midst of a group affects the group. The prayer life of a godly person alone can do amazing things in the lives of those around them. The person of God can bring healing, encouragement, hope, forgiveness and grace to every interaction.
I was told by a missionary that Christians in China had to be isolated from other inmates whenever they were arrested for their faith. The Christians would constantly evangelize and pray and make other Christian disciples by their actions! This caused the repressive socialist regime in China to fear the influence of a faithful child of God.
The scripture for today from Psalm 92 illustrates that the person of God will “flourish like palm trees” when they are filled with the Holy Spirit and live a life of holiness. God blesses their works. God touches the lives of those around them. God, inevitably, changes the world with their presence and influence.
“John Vredenburgh preached in a Somerville, New York, church for many years, often feeling that his ministry was a great failure even though he preached the gospel faithfully. His death came amidst discouragements, and even some of his members wondered about his success and effectiveness as a minister.
Not long after his death, however, spiritual revival came to Somerville. On one Sunday alone, 200 people came to Christ—most of whom dated their spiritual stirrings from the ministry of John Vredenburgh.
Faithfulness and persistence are great virtues in the service of Jesus Christ. “Pay Day, Some Day” was a significant theme and message of the great Southern Baptist pastor, R. G. Lee—and since God’s timing is always perfect, it surely will come in good time.” (Bill Bright, from Promises)
Today, your faith WILL influence others. Your acts of kindness and faithfulness will make a difference. You may not see the effects of your godliness, but those effects permeate the world around you. Your faith will “flourish”. Your prayers will inevitably touch lives. God will do great things around you…. never doubt it! If Jesus has touched your life and the Holy Spirit has filled you, beautiful gifts of grace will “flourish” around you. It is a given. It’s a God thing. It is surely to happen. So… get to it!
May 18
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.” (1 Peter 4:7, ESV)
The early days of the church following the death and resurrection of Jesus were dark and difficult and dangerous. People were killed for believing in Jesus the Christ! According to tradition, Thomas was speared to death, Andrew was crucified, and James was clubbed to death. Stephen was stoned. Paul and Peter were both taken as prisoners to Rome. Paul, it is believed, was beheaded. Peter was crucified upside down. Needless to say, being a follower of Jesus meant your life could be taken at any time.
The churches also experienced much trauma during this period. Corinthian Christians dealt with members getting drunk during communion, people taking sides against each other, worshippers placating the Greek gods, and much more. The Roman Christians had to worship in underground caves to be safe. It was never easy to be a Christian during this era.
With all the challenges and dangers surrounding first-century Christians, Peter wanted them to stand faithful. His letters contained many instructions on how to remain true to God. Today’s scripture contains one piece of information Peter sought to pass on to believers. It involved the subject of prayer. Because the end times were at hand, Peter urged the faithful to “be self-controlled and sober-minded” in their prayers (1 Peter 4:7).
Self-control is named as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. After explaining the Greek word used for self-control in this passage, the Bible Sense Lexicon states that a person who retains spiritual “self-control” is able to control one’s own desires, especially ones that are sensual or passion-driven. This self-regulation is done with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit and in sync with righteousness and holiness. If you lose “self-control” in your prayer life, you will find your prayers riddled with desires and pleas to get your own desires met. Your spiritual life will be tainted by worldly lusts and wishes and hopes. You will lose your ability to see the value of things from God’s perspective.
Along with “self-control”, Peter urged followers of Christ to be sober or sober-minded. The meaning of this word in Greek not only is to keep oneself from being drunk or drugged, it also means to be alert and aware of what is going on around you. For example, drugs and alcohol block your inhibitions and blind you to dangers. Many other things in life that can blind you and keep you from being spiritually or physically aware of your situation. Lusts, temptations, and power, among other earthly impulses can manipulate your emotions, affect your hormones, and block your alertness. You can never be sober if you are blinded by a drug or a belief or a desire.
So, how do you personally remain “self-controlled and sober-minded” while praying in these modern times? That is indeed the question for today.
The mind can become clouded by worldly pursuits, pain, and temptations. A mind that is clouded cannot be self-controlled nor sober-minded. Thus, a mind that is clouded with worldly ideals is not a mind that can pray reverently. A clouded mind is a constant threat against powerful prayer.
During his college years, Pastor Mike R. was not the most reverent of men. In fact, he was rather worldly. Many weekends found him drinking too much. His grades were hit and miss. He was a little too enamored with the freedom he had at college. However, Mike vowed to himself that he would go to chapel every Sunday morning. He felt he owed that to God. He felt called to ministry and desired a closer relationship with God.
As Mike was sitting in Chapel one beautiful, warm May Sunday morning, he thought back on his first two years in college. There were too many nights when he drank too much. Some Sunday mornings, Mike R. came to chapel worship with a hangover. Once, he was still drunk. On two occasions, Mike came to worship after having sex with a classmate. He had no plans for a long-term relationship with either. He just enjoyed their time together. This made Mike feel rather cheap. It also made him feel worse about himself and a future in ministry. For the first time in a long time, Mike R. prayed with self-control and a sober mind that he needed to make better decisions at college and in his life. He couldn’t fool around figuratively and literally any longer. Worship that morning rejuvenated Mike’s relationship with God. It fueled a renewal of his faith that carried him through the rest of college and on to seminary.
Mike’s mind was clouded by alcohol, girls, and college fun for too long. It affected not only his spiritual life but his life choices. To this day, Pastor Mike R. wonders what would have happened if during that time in college he had gotten a girl pregnant, crashed his car after a long night of drinking, or failed his classes due to a lack of effort! When your mind is clouded, all kinds of mistakes and erroneous thinking can mess with faithful judgment!
What may be clouding your mind in this period of your life? Are you ready to gain more self-control and soberness in your spiritual life, your prayers, and with your choices? Peter is urging you to do some self-examination. God needs you take heed to this scripture. When your mind is clouded, you can’t see what is coming and will lack godly insight as to what is true or holy or valued or important.
The churches also experienced much trauma during this period. Corinthian Christians dealt with members getting drunk during communion, people taking sides against each other, worshippers placating the Greek gods, and much more. The Roman Christians had to worship in underground caves to be safe. It was never easy to be a Christian during this era.
With all the challenges and dangers surrounding first-century Christians, Peter wanted them to stand faithful. His letters contained many instructions on how to remain true to God. Today’s scripture contains one piece of information Peter sought to pass on to believers. It involved the subject of prayer. Because the end times were at hand, Peter urged the faithful to “be self-controlled and sober-minded” in their prayers (1 Peter 4:7).
Self-control is named as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. After explaining the Greek word used for self-control in this passage, the Bible Sense Lexicon states that a person who retains spiritual “self-control” is able to control one’s own desires, especially ones that are sensual or passion-driven. This self-regulation is done with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit and in sync with righteousness and holiness. If you lose “self-control” in your prayer life, you will find your prayers riddled with desires and pleas to get your own desires met. Your spiritual life will be tainted by worldly lusts and wishes and hopes. You will lose your ability to see the value of things from God’s perspective.
Along with “self-control”, Peter urged followers of Christ to be sober or sober-minded. The meaning of this word in Greek not only is to keep oneself from being drunk or drugged, it also means to be alert and aware of what is going on around you. For example, drugs and alcohol block your inhibitions and blind you to dangers. Many other things in life that can blind you and keep you from being spiritually or physically aware of your situation. Lusts, temptations, and power, among other earthly impulses can manipulate your emotions, affect your hormones, and block your alertness. You can never be sober if you are blinded by a drug or a belief or a desire.
So, how do you personally remain “self-controlled and sober-minded” while praying in these modern times? That is indeed the question for today.
The mind can become clouded by worldly pursuits, pain, and temptations. A mind that is clouded cannot be self-controlled nor sober-minded. Thus, a mind that is clouded with worldly ideals is not a mind that can pray reverently. A clouded mind is a constant threat against powerful prayer.
During his college years, Pastor Mike R. was not the most reverent of men. In fact, he was rather worldly. Many weekends found him drinking too much. His grades were hit and miss. He was a little too enamored with the freedom he had at college. However, Mike vowed to himself that he would go to chapel every Sunday morning. He felt he owed that to God. He felt called to ministry and desired a closer relationship with God.
As Mike was sitting in Chapel one beautiful, warm May Sunday morning, he thought back on his first two years in college. There were too many nights when he drank too much. Some Sunday mornings, Mike R. came to chapel worship with a hangover. Once, he was still drunk. On two occasions, Mike came to worship after having sex with a classmate. He had no plans for a long-term relationship with either. He just enjoyed their time together. This made Mike feel rather cheap. It also made him feel worse about himself and a future in ministry. For the first time in a long time, Mike R. prayed with self-control and a sober mind that he needed to make better decisions at college and in his life. He couldn’t fool around figuratively and literally any longer. Worship that morning rejuvenated Mike’s relationship with God. It fueled a renewal of his faith that carried him through the rest of college and on to seminary.
Mike’s mind was clouded by alcohol, girls, and college fun for too long. It affected not only his spiritual life but his life choices. To this day, Pastor Mike R. wonders what would have happened if during that time in college he had gotten a girl pregnant, crashed his car after a long night of drinking, or failed his classes due to a lack of effort! When your mind is clouded, all kinds of mistakes and erroneous thinking can mess with faithful judgment!
What may be clouding your mind in this period of your life? Are you ready to gain more self-control and soberness in your spiritual life, your prayers, and with your choices? Peter is urging you to do some self-examination. God needs you take heed to this scripture. When your mind is clouded, you can’t see what is coming and will lack godly insight as to what is true or holy or valued or important.
May 20
“I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy for me.” (Numbers 11:14, ESV)
While traveling in the wilderness toward the promised land, God made sure the people had enough to eat. Early on, God sent them manna, which gave the people enough food for sustenance. But the people craved more and better food. They became disenchanted with the manna God provided and began to complain to Moses. They were hungry for meat and cried out for better food. Moses wanted to fix this, and asked God to do something. God was angry at the audacity of the people of Israel. Their food was sustaining them. God was providing. They just weren’t happy with the accommodations. And the scripture states emphatically that “the anger of the Lord blazed hotly” (Numbers 11:10) against the complainers who were not satisfied.
In the midst of this food crisis in the wilderness, Moses became overwhelmed by all his burdens. He was responsible for conveying God’s wishes to the people of Israel. He was responsible to God for the faithfulness of the people. Daily, Moses carried the weight of spiritual, moral, and ethical choices, as well as the burden of finding food and water in the wilderness. He helped correct wrongs, oversaw injustices, and planned for a future entry into the promised land. Moses had his own family responsibilities as well. With all the duties and tasks placed upon Moses, he faltered in Numbers 11. He could not bear all the responsibilities and burdens required any longer. He was getting on in years. He just didn’t have the stamina, though he had the desire to soldier on. Moses approached God for help using the words used in the scripture for today. Moses said to the Lord God, “I am not able to carry all this people alone, the burden is too heavy for me.” (Numbers 11:14).
Immediately after asking for God’s help to carry all these burdens, God stepped in. God forced Moses to chose seventy elders among the Israelites (Numbers 11:16). They were to help Moses to lead the people. God also sent quails to descend on the camp (Numbers 11:32). Thus, the people were able to eat meat. In essence, God supplied all the needs in that moment, plus God gave Moses other spiritual leaders to help him bear the burden of leadership. God didn’t lessen Moses’ responsibilities. Those responsibilities were crucial for Israel’s future! Instead, the Lord God supplied elders to help bear the load of Moses and more food to help ease the hunger of the people of Israel.
God also will help you with difficult burdens in your life. Have you ever had a time when your burdens became overwhelming? Did oppressive responsibilities ever take a terrible toll upon your spiritual life and physical health? At times like this, it is crucial to reevaluate your responsibilities and call upon the Lord for help. Then, listen for the Lord to lead you to the changes required in order to deal with your situation.
Earl was the father of three young girls. When his wife died of cancer in 1946, Earl did his best for his girls. Though grieving the loss of his wife, Earl gave the three a lot of love. Relatives stepped in to help care for the girls while Earl worked. Also, neighbors and friends brought food and offered to watch the girls whenever Earl was called in unexpectedly to work.
After two years of work at the plant while solely taking care of all the needs of his family, Earl had lost twenty-five pounds. He was not eating right. He was pale. Often, Earl went into work with bags under his eyes from staying up with one of the girls who had an illness or with the youngest who had nightmares weekly. Though Earl was a religious man, he didn’t pray much. That changed as the weeks wore on. Earl began begging for God’s help to remedy the situation.
When a woman named Elsie down the street from Earl lost her husband to cancer, Earl understood her suffering. He tried to comfort her, knowing what it was like to lose a spouse to cancer. A few months after Elsie became a widow, Earl saw her on the sidewalk taking a stroll. Elsie asked about the girls. Earl figured that since Elsie had a daughter of her own that she wanted guidance on how to deal with a grieving daughter. Earl and Elsie talked there on the sidewalk for a good half hour. Then, Earl invited Elsie to chat more over breakfast the next day. At breakfast, Elsie offered to help Earl with the girls if Earl could help her with some of the household maintenance she could not do. The two made a pact to help each other out. What Earl did not know was that this was the beginning of their relationship that ended with their own marriage.
A year after the two were married, Elsie told Earl how she had prayed for help after her husband died from cancer. Earl explained that he had done the same after the death of his wife. When the two compared notes, they realized that not only were they praying for some of the same things but that they were certain that God was behind all of it! God was helping each to carry their heavy burdens. They were amazed how God had done such a beautiful thing in bringing them together!
It surprises me that people don’t see more of God’s work in easing people’s burdens and caring for their needs! God often works in the background to supply what we need when we need it. So too, when we have a legitimate need (not just a want or wish!), God will often find a way to help. You may not see it right away, but the help will be forthcoming!
Do you need some help carrying a heavy load? Seek God’s help! See if God has some people in mind to help you bear the load! Pray to God for strength. Recognize the Holy Spirit’s guidance. God loves you so much that HE is even now working to carry you through…..
Look back in your life… have you noticed the times when God helped you, protected you, supplied a need, or gave you strength? How many times has God sent someone to help you at just the right time?
In the midst of this food crisis in the wilderness, Moses became overwhelmed by all his burdens. He was responsible for conveying God’s wishes to the people of Israel. He was responsible to God for the faithfulness of the people. Daily, Moses carried the weight of spiritual, moral, and ethical choices, as well as the burden of finding food and water in the wilderness. He helped correct wrongs, oversaw injustices, and planned for a future entry into the promised land. Moses had his own family responsibilities as well. With all the duties and tasks placed upon Moses, he faltered in Numbers 11. He could not bear all the responsibilities and burdens required any longer. He was getting on in years. He just didn’t have the stamina, though he had the desire to soldier on. Moses approached God for help using the words used in the scripture for today. Moses said to the Lord God, “I am not able to carry all this people alone, the burden is too heavy for me.” (Numbers 11:14).
Immediately after asking for God’s help to carry all these burdens, God stepped in. God forced Moses to chose seventy elders among the Israelites (Numbers 11:16). They were to help Moses to lead the people. God also sent quails to descend on the camp (Numbers 11:32). Thus, the people were able to eat meat. In essence, God supplied all the needs in that moment, plus God gave Moses other spiritual leaders to help him bear the burden of leadership. God didn’t lessen Moses’ responsibilities. Those responsibilities were crucial for Israel’s future! Instead, the Lord God supplied elders to help bear the load of Moses and more food to help ease the hunger of the people of Israel.
God also will help you with difficult burdens in your life. Have you ever had a time when your burdens became overwhelming? Did oppressive responsibilities ever take a terrible toll upon your spiritual life and physical health? At times like this, it is crucial to reevaluate your responsibilities and call upon the Lord for help. Then, listen for the Lord to lead you to the changes required in order to deal with your situation.
Earl was the father of three young girls. When his wife died of cancer in 1946, Earl did his best for his girls. Though grieving the loss of his wife, Earl gave the three a lot of love. Relatives stepped in to help care for the girls while Earl worked. Also, neighbors and friends brought food and offered to watch the girls whenever Earl was called in unexpectedly to work.
After two years of work at the plant while solely taking care of all the needs of his family, Earl had lost twenty-five pounds. He was not eating right. He was pale. Often, Earl went into work with bags under his eyes from staying up with one of the girls who had an illness or with the youngest who had nightmares weekly. Though Earl was a religious man, he didn’t pray much. That changed as the weeks wore on. Earl began begging for God’s help to remedy the situation.
When a woman named Elsie down the street from Earl lost her husband to cancer, Earl understood her suffering. He tried to comfort her, knowing what it was like to lose a spouse to cancer. A few months after Elsie became a widow, Earl saw her on the sidewalk taking a stroll. Elsie asked about the girls. Earl figured that since Elsie had a daughter of her own that she wanted guidance on how to deal with a grieving daughter. Earl and Elsie talked there on the sidewalk for a good half hour. Then, Earl invited Elsie to chat more over breakfast the next day. At breakfast, Elsie offered to help Earl with the girls if Earl could help her with some of the household maintenance she could not do. The two made a pact to help each other out. What Earl did not know was that this was the beginning of their relationship that ended with their own marriage.
A year after the two were married, Elsie told Earl how she had prayed for help after her husband died from cancer. Earl explained that he had done the same after the death of his wife. When the two compared notes, they realized that not only were they praying for some of the same things but that they were certain that God was behind all of it! God was helping each to carry their heavy burdens. They were amazed how God had done such a beautiful thing in bringing them together!
It surprises me that people don’t see more of God’s work in easing people’s burdens and caring for their needs! God often works in the background to supply what we need when we need it. So too, when we have a legitimate need (not just a want or wish!), God will often find a way to help. You may not see it right away, but the help will be forthcoming!
Do you need some help carrying a heavy load? Seek God’s help! See if God has some people in mind to help you bear the load! Pray to God for strength. Recognize the Holy Spirit’s guidance. God loves you so much that HE is even now working to carry you through…..
Look back in your life… have you noticed the times when God helped you, protected you, supplied a need, or gave you strength? How many times has God sent someone to help you at just the right time?
May 22
“Your own ears will hear him [the Lord]. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21, NLT)
Most modern planes have special guidance systems built in. These guidance systems help the pilot to keep on track, provide autopilot capabilities, and negotiate landings. A few years ago, I was on a smaller plane where you could view the cockpit. It was a blustery day with heavy cloud cover, and the winds were rocking the plane. Some of my fellow passengers looked a little green from nausea. Others looked worried about crashing. As for me, I sat close enough to the cockpit to see the instrument panel. I saw that the pilot and copilot were following a course heading. I could see the GPS system with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) guiding them to the airport. And I could even see a representation of the landing strip coming onto their displays. Whenever the wind pushed us off course to the left, the pilot corrected to the right. When the wind changed direction, pushing us right, he steered the plane left. All the while, I could see the pilot using the information from the instruments to guide him to a safe landing.
Our scripture for today coming from the book of Isaiah explains that, like the GPS on an airplane, God also guides people in the right direction for their own safety. Isaiah 30 describes a spiritual, moral, and even military fight that went on in ancient Israel. In those days, some of the Israelites trusted in the military might of great armies and allies. They saw swift military horses and mighty chariots as the kind of stuff that keeps a nation strong. In “deals with the devil”, Israel made some military treaties during this era that came back to haunt them. As if trusting in military alliances and chariots wasn’t enough, many of the people in Israel began to place their hope in military might instead of in God. This led to moral and religious lapses in judgment, idolatry, and sinful living throughout the promised land. Through the prophet Isaiah, God attempted to correct this wrongful thinking. God demanded the people confess their sin and return to holiness. Then, in our scripture for today, God promised to guide Israel back to faithfulness. God was going to whisper in the ears of the faithful “the way they should go, whether to the right or to the left” (Isaiah 30:21). Like the GPS helps the pilot negotiate the safe route for a plane, God was going to show the people of Israel the best way to negotiate their way through difficult times.
I find it very interesting that God promised the faithful people that HE would help them choose the right path in life. He would whisper in their ear which way to go. Since God is not in human form presently, how would God whisper into a person’s ear? I believe the scripture was trying to describe the way the Holy Spirit speaks to us. Throughout scripture, the Holy Spirit guided the faithful. Moses was guided to Mt. Sinai. The people of Israel were led to the promised land. Jesus negotiated his way through the wilderness immediately following His baptism. All were led by the Holy Spirit. All heard the voice of God showing them which way to go.
Don’t ever think God doesn’t use the Holy Spirit to speak to you, guide you, advise you. In John 14 and 15, Jesus even taught his disciples that after His death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit would come as a counselor to teach them and guide them along the paths they should take (John 14:26, John 15:26). The guiding presence of the Holy Spirit was promised to the faithful. That same Holy Spirit can guide you too when you listen to its leading!
Josie went to her best friend for help. Josie trusted that her best friend, Sherry, would help her work through a problem at work. Josie was asked by a friend at work named James to go away for the weekend to a wine-tasting event in Napa Valley. Josie really liked this guy. She desired to date him for months. Then, he asked her to go to the wine-tasting. It seemed like a big step. Was it a date? Was it just two friends going away for the weekend? James had promised that for the wine-tasting, he would get two motel rooms and they would have a blast together. Josie was sorely tempted to go.
As she talked to Sherry, Josie was excited about the event. Sherry, on the other hand, was not so optimistic. Sherry began to question why James would opt for a weekend away with Josie instead of a nice meal, a few coffee dates, or a night out. Sherry was skeptical. Josie was enamored with James and despite a few lingering doubts when she prayed, excited about the possibilities. Josie decided to meet James at the motel and go to the wine-tasting event.
A few days later, Sherry called to check on how everything went. As Josie spoke to Sherry over the phone, her voice was shaky. So much went wrong at the weekend wine-tasting event. When James met up with Josie at the motel, everything seemed wonderful. He was excited; she was excited. They decided to check in, then go for dinner. That’s when things began to go wrong. The motel had somehow messed up the reservations. There was only one room reserved for the two. It had two queen-sized beds, but still. When James asked Josie to “just go with it…. we’ll make it work”, little alarms began to ring in the back of Josie’s mind. Josie told James she felt uncomfortable but offered to pay half for the room. Did James purposefully reserve only one room at the motel to get her to sleep with him? Did James think she had such loose morals as to sleep with a guy on their first date? Giving James the benefit of the doubt that the motel had messed up, they had dinner together and later went to sleep.
During the night, James slipped over to Josie’s bed. He put his arm around her and began to spoon. Josie awoke to his embrace in her bed. She was shocked! She didn’t sleep around. She didn’t want to start a relationship this way with James! Maybe this was a setup! Josie was so upset, she packed up and left the motel, driving straight home at 3AM!
During her phone call with Sherry a few days later, Josie began to see clearly that all along, God was sending her warnings. Sherry had misgivings about James’ offer. Josie didn’t like the idea of a weekend away for a first date. The warning bells Josie heard going off in her mind with the motel room mix-up should have been the giveaway. James was trying to take advantage of Josie. BUT, God was trying to protect her.
Because faith means something to you, don’t overlook those signs God sends. Don’t ignore it when the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart or whispers to your ear! God cares about you. God wants to direct your steps and guide your way. The Lord wants to preserve your faithfulness and steer you clear of temptations.
Before you make financial decisions, seek the Lord’s advice. When you meet with your doctor about medical problems, meet also with God in prayer! As you negotiate your way through life, the Holy Spirit will be whispering directions. God will protect you when you follow HIS path.
Has the Holy Spirit been whispering directions to you lately? Is there a direction you need to go, a decision you need to make, a course-correction that must take place? Seek the Lord for advice. Don’t ignore the Holy Spirit when decisions must be made, or plans need to be altered.
Our scripture for today coming from the book of Isaiah explains that, like the GPS on an airplane, God also guides people in the right direction for their own safety. Isaiah 30 describes a spiritual, moral, and even military fight that went on in ancient Israel. In those days, some of the Israelites trusted in the military might of great armies and allies. They saw swift military horses and mighty chariots as the kind of stuff that keeps a nation strong. In “deals with the devil”, Israel made some military treaties during this era that came back to haunt them. As if trusting in military alliances and chariots wasn’t enough, many of the people in Israel began to place their hope in military might instead of in God. This led to moral and religious lapses in judgment, idolatry, and sinful living throughout the promised land. Through the prophet Isaiah, God attempted to correct this wrongful thinking. God demanded the people confess their sin and return to holiness. Then, in our scripture for today, God promised to guide Israel back to faithfulness. God was going to whisper in the ears of the faithful “the way they should go, whether to the right or to the left” (Isaiah 30:21). Like the GPS helps the pilot negotiate the safe route for a plane, God was going to show the people of Israel the best way to negotiate their way through difficult times.
I find it very interesting that God promised the faithful people that HE would help them choose the right path in life. He would whisper in their ear which way to go. Since God is not in human form presently, how would God whisper into a person’s ear? I believe the scripture was trying to describe the way the Holy Spirit speaks to us. Throughout scripture, the Holy Spirit guided the faithful. Moses was guided to Mt. Sinai. The people of Israel were led to the promised land. Jesus negotiated his way through the wilderness immediately following His baptism. All were led by the Holy Spirit. All heard the voice of God showing them which way to go.
Don’t ever think God doesn’t use the Holy Spirit to speak to you, guide you, advise you. In John 14 and 15, Jesus even taught his disciples that after His death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit would come as a counselor to teach them and guide them along the paths they should take (John 14:26, John 15:26). The guiding presence of the Holy Spirit was promised to the faithful. That same Holy Spirit can guide you too when you listen to its leading!
Josie went to her best friend for help. Josie trusted that her best friend, Sherry, would help her work through a problem at work. Josie was asked by a friend at work named James to go away for the weekend to a wine-tasting event in Napa Valley. Josie really liked this guy. She desired to date him for months. Then, he asked her to go to the wine-tasting. It seemed like a big step. Was it a date? Was it just two friends going away for the weekend? James had promised that for the wine-tasting, he would get two motel rooms and they would have a blast together. Josie was sorely tempted to go.
As she talked to Sherry, Josie was excited about the event. Sherry, on the other hand, was not so optimistic. Sherry began to question why James would opt for a weekend away with Josie instead of a nice meal, a few coffee dates, or a night out. Sherry was skeptical. Josie was enamored with James and despite a few lingering doubts when she prayed, excited about the possibilities. Josie decided to meet James at the motel and go to the wine-tasting event.
A few days later, Sherry called to check on how everything went. As Josie spoke to Sherry over the phone, her voice was shaky. So much went wrong at the weekend wine-tasting event. When James met up with Josie at the motel, everything seemed wonderful. He was excited; she was excited. They decided to check in, then go for dinner. That’s when things began to go wrong. The motel had somehow messed up the reservations. There was only one room reserved for the two. It had two queen-sized beds, but still. When James asked Josie to “just go with it…. we’ll make it work”, little alarms began to ring in the back of Josie’s mind. Josie told James she felt uncomfortable but offered to pay half for the room. Did James purposefully reserve only one room at the motel to get her to sleep with him? Did James think she had such loose morals as to sleep with a guy on their first date? Giving James the benefit of the doubt that the motel had messed up, they had dinner together and later went to sleep.
During the night, James slipped over to Josie’s bed. He put his arm around her and began to spoon. Josie awoke to his embrace in her bed. She was shocked! She didn’t sleep around. She didn’t want to start a relationship this way with James! Maybe this was a setup! Josie was so upset, she packed up and left the motel, driving straight home at 3AM!
During her phone call with Sherry a few days later, Josie began to see clearly that all along, God was sending her warnings. Sherry had misgivings about James’ offer. Josie didn’t like the idea of a weekend away for a first date. The warning bells Josie heard going off in her mind with the motel room mix-up should have been the giveaway. James was trying to take advantage of Josie. BUT, God was trying to protect her.
Because faith means something to you, don’t overlook those signs God sends. Don’t ignore it when the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart or whispers to your ear! God cares about you. God wants to direct your steps and guide your way. The Lord wants to preserve your faithfulness and steer you clear of temptations.
Before you make financial decisions, seek the Lord’s advice. When you meet with your doctor about medical problems, meet also with God in prayer! As you negotiate your way through life, the Holy Spirit will be whispering directions. God will protect you when you follow HIS path.
Has the Holy Spirit been whispering directions to you lately? Is there a direction you need to go, a decision you need to make, a course-correction that must take place? Seek the Lord for advice. Don’t ignore the Holy Spirit when decisions must be made, or plans need to be altered.