Thursday July 1
“When he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion [on him].” Lk 15:20 NKJV
What’s Your Attitude Toward Your Child?
Chuck Colson writes, “When I was at Buckingham Palace…Prince Philip asked me, ‘What can we do about crime here in England?’ I replied, ‘Send more children to Sunday school.’ He thought I was joking. But I pointed out a study by sociologist Christy Davies, which found that in the first half of the 1800s British society was marked by high levels of crime and violence, which dropped dramatically in the late 1800s and early 1900s. What changed an entire nation’s national character? Throughout that period attendance at Sunday schools rose steadily until by 1888, a full 75 percent of children in England were enrolled. Since then attendance has fallen off…with a corresponding increase in crime and disorder. If we fill the Sunday schools we can change hearts and restore society.”
Does that mean our children will never lose their way? No, it just means they’ll realize the truth of what they were taught, recall the joys of being in “Father’s house,” and return because they know they’ll be welcomed back. You’ll notice, no charge of parental neglect is laid at the doorstep of the prodigal’s father. He was a great role model. He supported his children financially and emotionally. He guided them without forcing them to conform. He gave them room to fail—and a place to return. What does reflect on us as parents, however, is our attitude toward them. Your child may be “a great way off,” but they need to know you care, that you love and pray for them, and that you’ll welcome them home.
Friday July 2
“My Father never stops working, and so I keep working, too.” Jn 5:17 NCV
Your Work Matters to God (1)
A salesman stopped to visit a client and was amazed to find a big dog emptying wastebaskets. “All part of the job!” the dog said cheerfully. “Does your boss know how fortunate he is to have a talking dog?” the salesman asked. “No,’” replied the dog, “and don’t tell him—or he’ll have me answering phones next!” The Bible says, “There is nothing better than to…find satisfaction in work…these pleasures are from…God” (Ecc 2:24 NLT). Max Lucado says: “Before God gave Adam a wife or child…He gave him a job in ‘the garden…to cultivate…and keep it’ (Ge 2:15 NAS). God deems work worthy of its own engraved commandment: ‘You shall work six days, but on the seventh…you shall rest’ (Ex 34:21 NAS). But emphasis on the day of rest can make us miss the command to work…your work matters to God…and society…Cities need plumbers. Nations need soldiers. Stoplights break. Bones break…Someone has to raise kids, raise cane, and manage the kids who raise Cain! Whether you log-on or lace-up…you imitate God…Jesus said, ‘My Father never stops working…so I keep working too’ (Jn 5:17 NCV). Your career consumes half your life. Shouldn’t it broadcast God? Don’t those 40-60 hours belong to Him too? The Bible never promotes work-a-holism as pain medication, but God calls the physically-able to till the gardens He gives…So use your uniqueness (what you do), to make a big deal out of God (why you do it), every day of your life (where you do it).”
Saturday July 3
“God cares about honesty in the workplace.” Pr 16:11 TM
Your Work Matters to God (2)
The Human Resources Director was taken aback when he heard what the job applicant asked to be paid. “You certainly expect to be compensated well for a beginner.” The applicant replied, “Well sure, work is a lot harder when you don’t know what you’re doing.” A cute story, but: “God cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is His business.” You should give an honest day’s work for an honest day’s wages. Eric Harvey says: “Think about somebody you know who’s of good character, and reflect on the characteristics that make them a role model…Chances are that high on the list is commitment—an unwavering dedication to being a good family member and friend—to doing their best on and off the job…to doing what’s right, noble and decent. Committed people…have their heads and hearts in the right place. They keep their priorities straight…stay focused on what’s important…What they believe drives how they behave, and how they behave determines their character…their reputation…and the legacy they leave.” Abraham Lincoln observed: “Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality. It’s the words that speak boldly of your intentions, and the actions which speak louder than the words. It’s making time when there is none…it’s coming through time after time, year after year. Commitment is the stuff character’s made of…the power to change the face of things…the daily triumph of integrity over skepticism.” An admirer approached the world-renowned pianist Van Cliburn after one of his concerts and said, “I’d give my life to be able to play like you.” Smiling, Cliburn replied, “I did!”
Sunday July 4
“Work…as…for the Lord.” Col 3:23 NLT
Your Work Matters to God (3)
Dr. Adrian Rogers said: “God takes ordinary people and gives them power to do extraordinary things. Whether you put hub caps on tires…key data…dig ditches or wash dishes, ‘work as…for the Lord.’ Jesus’ home was the cottage of a working man. Mending plows or mending souls, Jesus was doing God’s work because people need houses and furniture. Knowing you’re serving the Lord puts dignity in running a machine, greasing cars, carrying mail, painting houses, or cutting grass. Tell God, ‘I’m doing this for you and I’ll do it with all my might’…That kind of attitude puts a spring in your step…You’re a priest of God…in full-time service, and if that doesn’t ring your bell—your clapper’s broken!” As Leigh Priebe Kearney says: “No job’s perfect…there’ll always be things you aren’t thrilled about. See the big picture: find out where the company’s heading and how you fit in. Reach out: ask what’s important to your co-workers and how you can help them.” You can have almost anything you want, if you help enough other people get what they want. Remember the three C’s: (1) Commitment. Workers who get ahead share a sense of commitment: they’re fully engaged in their work. (2) Control. They’re proactive, not passive. (3) Challenge. They see stressors as opportunities for growth. Don’t wait for your ship to come in—swim out to meet it! Management won’t suddenly recognize your potential, pluck you from obscurity and rocket you to the top. Draft a plan, then talk to your boss. A game plan shows you’re open to professional growth. Keep learning: talk to people from other departments, take classes, and tackle projects outside your comfort zone.
Monday July 5
“Forgiving one another…even as Christ forgave you.” Col 3:13 NKJV
Is There Someone You Need to Forgive?
The greatest power you have over anyone who hurts you, is the power of forgiveness. When you say, “I forgive, and no longer hold it against you,” both sides are set free from the negative bond that exists between you. But there’s more: we also free ourselves from the burden of being the “offended one.” As long as we don’t forgive those who’ve wounded us we take them with us, or worse, carry them like an albatross around our neck. One of our great temptations is to cling in anger to our enemies, then define ourselves as being wounded by them. Forgiveness, therefore, not only liberates the other party, it liberates us too! It’s the way to true freedom. Now, forgiving doesn’t always mean forgetting. Though we forgive somebody, the memory of what they did might stay with us a long time. We can carry it in our emotions as a scar, or even in our bodies as a physical sign. But forgiveness changes how we remember. It turns the curse into a blessing. When we forgive our parents for their divorce, our children for their lack of love, our friends for their unfaithfulness in times of need, our counselors for their bad advice, or our boss for treating us unfairly, we no longer have to experience ourselves as the victims of events over which we have no control. Forgiveness allows us to take back our power and not let the events embitter, limit, or destroy us. Is there someone you need to forgive?
Tuesday July 6
“My soul, wait silently for God.” Ps 62:5 NKJV
The Ability to Wait Well
Daniel Coleman calls the ability to wait well, “the master attitude.” Having it requires: (1) Humility. “As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters…so our eyes look to the Lord” (Ps 123:2 NKJV). The story’s told about a guy who waited so long to see his doctor that he ended up sending the doctor a bill for his time! Seriously, in life there’s a correlation between status and waiting. Lower status people generally wait for higher status ones, and the wise learn to wait with grace. Waiting reminds us that we’re not in charge; it humbles us in ways we need to be humbled. (2) Trust. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Pr 3:5 NKJV). Among trapeze artists, a special relationship exists between the flyer and the catcher. Once the flyer lets go, he must trust the catcher to grab him. Likewise, we must do what God tells us, then wait for Him, even when we don’t clearly see His hand at work. Those are the seasons that deepen and develop our faith. (3) Expectation. “My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.” Eugene Peterson writes: “In prayer, we are aware that God is in action, and that when the circumstances are ready, when others are in the right place, and when our hearts are prepared, He will call us into action. Waiting in prayer is a disciplined refusal to act before God acts.” So the word for you today is, “Learn to wait well, it’s the master attitude!”
Wednesday July 7
“Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool.” Ps 99:5 NKJV
Wonder and Worship
Never lose your sense of wonder, or you’ll lose your motivation for worship. Unless you believe God is all-powerful, ever-present and approachable, you’ll live in a state of anxiety believing that everything depends on you. You’ll shrink from sharing your faith in case you’re ridiculed or can’t find the right words. You’ll fail to be generous because the source of your security is in yourself. You’ll avoid confronting those who need it, because without the certainty of God’s acceptance you become a slave to people’s opinions.
We live in a cynical age that discourages wonder. We’ve diminished the marvel and awe, yet deep down we still ache for it. When you shrink your concept of God to fit your own rationale, you pray without faith, work without passion, serve without joy, and suffer without hope. And the result is fear, retreat, and loss of vision. But there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to restore your understanding of how big and wonderful God is—worship. God created us so that when we experience something awe-inspiring we need to praise it, to wrap words around it. We don’t worship God because He needs it, but because we do. Without worship our perception of Him is incomplete, we forget how great He is, we overlook our calling and become self-involved. We lose our sense of wonder and gratitude by plodding through life with blinders on, and we become self-reliant, stubborn and proud. So, each day let’s pause and say with the Psalmist, “Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool.”
Thursday July 8
“Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Pr 10:4 NIV
God Rewards Diligence
Ruth was working as a farmhand when Boaz picked her to be his wife. Elisha was plowing his fields when Elijah hired him to be his assistant. Peter, James and John were fishing when Jesus chose them to be disciples. God calls people with a proven work ethic. Not once did Jesus call lazy people, or those sitting around waiting for their big break.
In God’s eyes there are no menial jobs, only menial attitudes. Whether you’re the janitor or the CEO, “It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1Co 4:2). God will only give you more, when you’ve proven yourself with what you’ve got. The Bible says: “He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich” (Pr 10:4 NKJV). “The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich” (Pr 13:4 NKJV). “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings” (Pr 22:29 NKJV). Blessing follows work just as surely as reaping follows sowing. “The Lord will command the blessing on…all to which you set your hand” (Dt 28:8 NKJV). God blesses dreams, but not daydreamers. You’ve got to get up and go to work! “Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it” (Ge 2:15 NKJV). When God made Adam He put him to work, because productivity is essential to self-esteem! So discern where you belong, work hard, then when something needs to be done God will know where to find you.
Friday July 9
“Now the Lord…said to Abram.” Ge 12:1 NKJV
Abraham (1)
The life of Abraham teaches us that: (1) God can call you at any time of life. Without protesting or postponing, Abraham said, “Yes Lord!” And his unquestioning obedience is a rebuke to those of us who say, “I’m too old, leave it to the younger folks.” Or, “I’ve earned the right to kick back and take it easy; let others do the heavy lifting.” There’s no retirement in the service of the King of Kings! He has the right to ask you for anything, and send you anywhere at any season of life. (2) God’s plan brings fulfillment, but it’s always greater than your own personal fulfillment. Abraham was called to populate the entire Middle East. “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing” (v. 2 NKJV). These words are a rebuke to those among us who seek to make a name for ourselves rather than allowing God to do it for us. In God’s kingdom you don’t seek status, you earn it by being of service to others. (3) God will treat others according to how they treat you. God told Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you” (v. 3 NKJV). When you are in God’s will you don’t have to promote or protect yourself, God will do it for you. “He permitted no man to do them wrong; yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes, saying, ‘Do not touch My anointed ones’” (1Ch 16:21-22 NKJV). Knowing that sets you free to go where God wants you to go and do what He wants you to do.
Saturday July 10
“Now the Lord…said to Abram.” Ge 12:1 NKJV
Abraham (2)
Abraham had the ability to hear God’s voice. “Now the Lord…said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.’” Abraham couldn’t turn to the Scriptures for guidance, and there were no prophets around to say, “Thus saith the Lord.” Getting it right was critical. He was being called to leave his job, his home and his security. He needed to know that the voice he was hearing was truly God’s voice. This leads us to conclude that Abraham had developed a relationship with the Lord. And building a relationship takes time, effort, sensitivity and commitment. Others may counsel you and confirm what God is telling you, but ultimately you must learn to hear from God for yourself. Nothing increases your confidence like knowing God has given you clear direction for your life.
Author Gary Thomas says he and his wife prayed extensively about buying a house and gave God many opportunities to close the door. Five years later, when the house was worth considerably less than they paid for it, they asked God, “Why didn’t You stop us?” At that point God’s Spirit whispered, “Have you ever considered the possibility that I wanted you in that neighborhood to minister there, rather than to boost your financial equity?” God didn’t tell Abraham, “Stay here, and I’ll make you even richer.” No, He said, “Get out.” Yes, he became rich. But does obedience obligate God to bless us in the way we think He should, or can it call us to sacrifice? Think about the cross before you answer that one!
Sunday July 11
“Now the Lord…said to Abram.” Ge 12:1 NKJV
Abraham (3)
Abraham trusted God to fulfill His promise, come what may. “By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents” (Heb 11:9 NKJV). Some nights Abraham probably thought, “I wish I was back home sleeping in my own bed.” Being in God’s will gives you confidence, but it won’t always make you comfortable. Following a plan you didn’t devise, to a destination you see in your mind but can’t explain, is called “walking by faith.” God decides the plan, moves you from point A to point B, and says, “Trust me; I’ve got it all worked out.”
In 1945, before he met Billy Graham, Cliff Barrows and his fiancée, Billie, had scraped together enough funds for a simple wedding and two train tickets to a city with a resort hotel. On arrival, however, they found the hotel shut down. Stranded in an unfamiliar city with little money, they thumbed a ride. A sympathetic driver took them to a grocery store owned by a woman he knew. The newlyweds spent their first night in a room above the store. The next day, when the lady overheard Cliff playing Christian songs on his trombone, she arranged for them to spend the rest of their honeymoon at a friend’s house. Several days later the host invited them to attend a youth rally where a young evangelist was speaking. The song leader that night was sick, and Cliff was asked to take charge of the music. The young evangelist, of course, was Billy Graham. The two became partners from then on. When things don’t go your way, God has plans of His own. Better plans!
Monday July 12
“Live purposefully.” Eph 5:15 AMP
Do Something!
Are you easily swayed by what others say and do, or do you have a plan and stick with it? Are you doing what you love, or just doing things out of mindless routine? Mark Twain said, “The secret of success is to make your vocation your vacation.” In other words, love what you do and do what you love! Many of us never get around to fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives because we’re so busy keeping everybody happy. This world is filled with people who think they know what you should be doing with your life. No, it’s your life, and when you stand before God He won’t ask anybody else about it except you! Are you courageous enough to follow your heart rather than the crowd? Are you focused, even when many voices try to draw you away from your purpose? An interesting phenomenon occurs when you have no strong convictions or clear purpose of your own; you tend to get irritated with those who do.
The term “whatever” seems to be especially popular these days. While we must always strive to live in harmony and consider other people’s feelings and viewpoint, God’s Word condemns complacency, indifference, and an unwillingness to stand up for what we know is right. We need to be intentional. We can’t just stand around waiting to see what everyone else is going to do, then follow the crowd. There are basically two kinds of people: those who wait for something to happen, and those who make things happen. Don’t say, “I wish they would do something about this problem.” You are they—do something!
Tuesday July 13
“The number of the disciples multiplied greatly.” Ac 6:7 NKJV
Knowing What’s Important for You
The New Testament church experienced phenomenal growth when its leaders recognized what they were not called to do, delegated it to others and got back to doing what only they could do. As a result, “the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem.” Keeping your mind on what’s important for you requires simplification, and simplification means trade-offs. It means saying no to certain things you’d like to do. If you don’t choose what trade-offs you make, someone else will. The “Pareto Principle” teaches that 20 percent of your effort produces 80 percent of your success. So identify your 20 percent, stay there, delegate the rest or let it go. To help you do this, answer these three questions: (1) What takes up most of your time and energy? Determine how your activities can be categorized according to the following list: (a) Something I was taught or told I should do. (b) Something I see other successful people doing. (c) Something I know I should be doing. (2) Are you maximizing your strengths? If you need help determining what your strengths are, seek advice from others who know you well, then ask yourself, “Am I doing them? Am I growing in my ability to do them? Am I enlisting others to do what I can’t or shouldn’t do?” (3) Are you spread out too thin? Are you determined to know everything that goes on in every area of your life? Is your philosophy, “If you want something done right, do it yourself?” No, nobody has that much time and energy! Learn to let some stuff go, get back into focus and start concentrating on what’s important for you.
Wednesday July 14
“Whoever accepts and trusts the Son gets…everything.” Jn 3:36 TM
The Best of Both Worlds
It’s said that the wealthy English Baron Fitzgerald had only one child, a son. Early in his teens the boy’s mother died. Tragically, in his late teens the boy died also. In the meantime, Fitzgerald’s financial holdings greatly increased due to acquiring the artwork of Europe’s greatest masters. Before his death, Fitzgerald left explicit instructions that an auction be held at which his entire art collection would be sold. A big crowd of prospective buyers gathered. Among them were many well-known museum curators and private collectors eager to bid. The artwork was displayed for viewing before the auction began. Among the paintings was one that received little attention. It was of poor quality and by an unknown local artist. It happened to be a portrait of Fitzgerald’s only son. As the auction began the auctioneer read from Fitzgerald’s will, which clearly instructed that the first painting to be sold was of “my beloved son.” Because of its poor quality the painting didn’t receive any bids—except one. The bidder was the old servant who’d helped raise the boy and had dearly loved him. For less than an English pound he bought the painting. At that point the auctioneer stopped the bidding and asked the attorney to read again from the will. The crowd was hushed as he read, “Whoever purchases this painting of my son, gets all my art collection—the auction is over!”
Christ: without Him you have nothing. But with Him you have the best of both worlds: this one, and the one to come.
Thursday July 15
“‘Test me in this,’ says the Lord.” Mal 3:10 NIV
Be a Tither!
It’s estimated that less than one-tenth of all those who attend church, give a tenth of their income to God’s work, even though the Bible clearly teaches that the first tenth of all we earn belongs to God. “A tithe of everything…is holy to the Lord” (Lev 27:30 NIV). Today two-thirds of the church’s income comes from people aged sixty-nine or older. That’s alarming! We need to teach our children the responsibility and rewards of tithing. Perhaps you think tithing only applied to those who lived under the Old Testament law, like the Pharisees. No, Jesus said, “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees…you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:20 NIV). The tithe is a minimum, your love and faith should determine the maximum. Abraham paid tithes six hundred years before the law (See Ge 14:20), then Jesus endorsed it saying we “ought” to tithe (See Mt 23:23), and the writer to the Hebrews confirmed that it’s still God’s plan (See Heb 7:4-5). As believers, we are the spiritual seed of Abraham, and as such, his blessings have been promised to us (See Gal 3:14). But if you want what Abraham had, you’ve got to do what Abraham did—and he was the first man in Scripture to tithe! Giving God the first tenth of your income makes Him number one in your priorities. His Word says, “‘Bring the whole tithe…Test me in this,’…‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it’” (Mal 3:10 NIV). Do you want to walk in God’s blessings? Be a tither!
Friday July 16
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me.” Mt 11:29 NKJV
Pace Yourself (1)
Too many of us are like the guy who said, “When I rest, I rust.” Here’s a news flash—there will always be something else to do! If you’re constantly driven by “what needs to be done,” you’ll burn out and fail to do what God has assigned you to do. So here are some practical suggestions for pacing yourself:
(1) Change your eating habits. The Bible says, “It’s not smart to stuff yourself with sweets” (Pr 25:27 TM). You wouldn’t put sugar into your gas tank, so be wise; educate yourself about good nutrition. (2) Be clear about where you want to go. Set specific goals, and have a plan and a timetable for reaching them. Don’t be controlled by mindless routine. (3) Instead of ignoring your problems, resolve them. Act before they become chronic and start sapping your energy. (4) Don’t “veg” on TV. Too much television dulls you mentally and lulls you into lethargy, but “they that wait upon the Lord…renew their strength” (Isa 40:31). (5) If you’re overloaded, don’t take on more. Don’t say yes out of a sense of guilt, false responsibility, or the need to be needed. (6) Take a break. When did you last take time to get away? A change of pace and fresh scenery are great battery-chargers. (7) Get to bed earlier. When you burn the candle at both ends, you are the one who burns out. You say, “But I’m doing it for the Lord.” Notice what the Lord says: “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late…for so He gives His beloved sleep” (Ps 127:2 NKJV).
Saturday July 17
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me.” Mt 11:29 NKJV
Pace Yourself (2)
Galileo said, “I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason and intellect, has intended us to forego their use.” When Jesus says, “My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Mt 11:30 NKJV), His intention for you is to discover His will for your life, unlock and develop the gifts He’s given you, draw daily on His power, use your common sense, and don’t live stressed out. That means:
(1) Change your attitude. Ever notice how some people on a rollercoaster close their eyes, clench their teeth and wait for the ride to end, while up front the wide-eyed thrill-seekers relish every peak and plunge? They’re all on the same trip, but their attitudes are entirely different. You can’t always control what happens to you, but you can decide how you’ll respond to it. For instance, choosing to see problems as opportunities for growth develops you instead of draining you. (2) Get physical. “Physical exercise has…value” (1Ti 4:8 GNT). You don’t have to drive forty minutes to a health club, then wait thirty minutes to get on a treadmill for twenty minutes. Just start walking. A brisk walk works wonders for you physically and mentally. Come on, get moving! (3) Tap into the power of God’s Word. Practice scriptural affirmations: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Col 3:16 NIV). But before that can happen you must feed your mind with the Scriptures, then meditate on them until they take root and grow within you. That way they’ll be there when you need them!
Sunday July 18
“Those…hired last…you paid…the same as…us.” Mt 20:12 NCV
Performance-Based or Grace-Based?
In Christ’s parable five different groups of workers are hired. The first group complained when those who worked only the last hour, got paid the same wages as those who worked all day. They are typical of performance-based Christians. They think that because they avoid certain sins, God’s getting a good deal. Instead of rejoicing with those who come late to the kingdom, they’re resentful. They’re easy to spot because they’ve three characteristics: (1) A complaining spirit. They overlook the good, zero in on the negative, and seek out people who agree with them. What’s the cure? A good memory! Recalling what God has done for you, and all the grace-based benefits of His love you enjoy each day. (2) A resentful spirit. Instead of resting in God’s grace they act like duty-bound soldiers—conscripts, not volunteers. They struggle constantly for God’s approval, never feel like they measure up, and their hostility prevents them from experiencing joy. But the moment they begin to reflect on God’s goodness to them, their resentment begins to lessen. (3) A judgmental spirit. “It’s not fair,” they think. “I did the work and they get the credit.” They forget that God dispenses gifts—not wages. He “does not…repay us according to our iniquities” (Ps 103:10 NIV), but lavishes us with grace and mercy. So who are these grace-based Christians? Latecomers with no contracts or merits; their relationship with God is based solely on grace. They’re happy with whatever He’s offering, humbled by His goodness, and motivated to work by overwhelming gratitude.
Monday July 19
“The integrity of the honest keeps them on track.” Pr 11:3 TM
Strive for Integrity, Not Popularity!
Joseph said no to the advances of Potiphar’s wife, not because he thought he couldn’t get away with it, but because he knew he couldn’t live with himself if he said yes. Ted Engstrom writes: “The world needs people who cannot be bought; whose word is their bond; who put character above wealth; who possess opinions and a will; who are larger than their vocations; who don’t hesitate to take chances; who won’t lose their individuality in a crowd; who will be as honest in small things as they are in great things; who will make no compromise with wrong; whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires; who will not say they do it ‘because everybody else does it;’ who are true to their friends through good report and evil report, in adversity as well as in prosperity; who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning and hard-heartedness are the best qualities for winning success; who are not afraid to stand for the truth even when it’s unpopular; who say ‘no’ with emphasis, even though the rest of the world says ‘yes.’”
In what he calls a compromise of integrity, psychiatrist Leo Randall analyzes the relationship between former President Nixon and some of his closest confidants in the Watergate scandal. He records a conversation between Senator Howard Baker and Nixon aide Herbert Porter: Baker: “Did you ever have qualms about what you were doing?” Porter: “No!” Baker: “Why?” Porter: “Group pressure. I was afraid of not being considered a team player.” So strive for integrity, not popularity!
Tuesday July 20
“The race is not to the swift.” Ecc 9:11 NKJV
Keep the Torch Burning!
In ancient Greek marathons a torch was handed to each runner at the starting line. To win, they had to cross the finish line with their torch still burning. What a picture! “Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Lk 12:48). In God’s kingdom you are called to run your best race and break the tape with the fire in your heart still burning. The torch race was a tough one that led through mountains and valleys. Doubtless there were times when others would pass you by, when your strength would fail, when you lost your way and had to get back on track, or stumbled and had to get back up. What counted in this race was not style—but staying power!
The Bible says: “Run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus…lest you become weary and discouraged” (Heb 12:1-3 NKJV). How did Jesus run His race? As a boy of twelve He told His parents, “I must be about my Father’s business” (Lk 2:49). Later, when the crowd tried to take Him in a different direction and impose their agenda on Him, He said, “I must work the works of him that sent me” (Jn 9:4). Facing the cross, He announced, “For this cause I was born” (Jn 18:37 NKJV). On the cross, He announced, “It is finished” (Jn 19:30). In Revelation chapter one verse fourteen we get one of our last recorded glimpses of Christ, and “His eyes [are] like a flame of fire” (NKJV). He crossed the finish line with the torch still burning. And He is your example!
Wednesday July 21
“Live joyfully with the wife whom you love.” Ecc 9:9 NKJV
Marriage Rights (1)
Sonja Ely writes: “I was watching my five-year-old granddaughter play with her toys. At one point she staged a wedding, first playing the role of the mother who assigned specific duties, then suddenly becoming the bride with her ‘teddy bear’ groom. She picked him up and said to the ‘minister’ presiding, ‘Now you can read us our rights.’ Without missing a beat, she became the minister who said, ‘You have the right to remain silent, anything you say may be held against you, you have the right to have an attorney present, you may kiss the bride.’” To know what your marriage rights are, you must understand that:
(1) Marriage is God’s idea. In Eden He said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him” (Ge 2:18 NKJV). The word comparable means “compatible with his (or her) needs.” When you marry someone, you marry everything they’ve been through. Each of you brings your own baggage. Unless you sort out what to keep and what to discard, things can quickly erode. (2) When you leave God out, you have problems. Satan has made marriage one of his prime targets. He loves to promote strife. When it comes to marriage we must learn to forgive, “Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2Co 2:11 NKJV). God’s plan for your relationship is strength and harmony, not strife and confusion. He wants to help you build a strong, loving union that glorifies Him. To do that, you must show grace, and resolve to make Jesus Lord of your relationship.
Thursday July 22
“Live joyfully with the wife whom you love.” Ecc 9:9 NKJV
Marriage Rights (2)
In discussing marriage on his TV sitcom, Jerry Seinfeld tells his friend why he’s not married: “No healthy person would want the neglect I have to offer.” Let’s face it, even the best marriages are made up of two imperfect people who sometimes neglect each other. And when you’ve been hurt it’s easy to react in the flesh instead of responding in the Spirit. Some hurts go deep. At this point we must remember that forgiveness is a decision, but trust is a process; when it’s been torn down, it takes time to rebuild. Men and women often perceive trust differently. When a woman’s been hurt, her husband may think an apology should immediately enable her to trust him again, move on, and not talk about it. That’s not so; two things need to happen first:
(1) The offending partner needs to acknowledge what they’ve done. Don’t just tell your mate to “get over it.” Validate their feelings, even though they act like they don’t want you to. Acknowledge their pain. When others rationalize or trivialize what’s hurting us, it only makes us angrier. Only when we feel validated do our wounds begin to heal. (2) The offended partner needs to make sure that bitterness doesn’t creep in. “How can I do that?” you ask. By refusing to stay hurt any longer than is absolutely necessary, and by allowing God to heal your heart and restore your love. The Bible says, “If you hear his voice today, don’t be stubborn” (Heb 4:7 CEV). When God gives you the grace to forgive and release the hurt, you need to seize it!
Friday July 23
“Live joyfully with the wife whom you love.” Ecc 9:9 NKJV
Marriage Rights (3)
After the death of the child David fathered with Bathsheba, we read, “Then David got up…washed himself…changed his clothes…went to the Tabernacle and worshiped the Lord. After that, he returned to the palace and…ate. His advisers were amazed. ‘We don’t understand you,’ they told him. ‘While the [baby] was still living, you wept and refused to eat. But now that the [baby] is dead, you have stopped your mourning and are eating again’” (2Sa 12:20-21 NLT). Why did David mourn more intensely before the baby died than he did after? Because men grieve hard, but not necessarily as long. Once something’s over, they’ve a tendency to move on. This can cause problems. Often men genuinely don’t understand why their wives can’t accept that “what’s done is done,” and move on too. Listen to David’s logic: “I fasted and wept while the child was alive, for I said, ‘Perhaps the Lord will be gracious to me and let the child live.’ But why should I fast when he is dead? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me” (2Sa 12:22-23 NLT). The Bible says God “comforts us…so that…When [others] are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort” (2Co 1:4 NLT). David’s next move was crucial. He “comforted Bathsheba, his wife” (2Sa 12:24 NLT). Notice, David didn’t ask, “What’s wrong with you? When are you going to get over this?” He recognized that even though he was beginning to heal, his wife was still hurting. The healing process accelerates once you begin to empathize with, and comfort your mate.
Saturday July 24
“Live joyfully with the wife whom you love.” Ecc 9:9 NKJV
Marriage Rights (4)
When your mate loses their job and you find yourself suddenly going through a season of financial uncertainty, here are three things you need to keep in mind:
(1) Remember, it’s just a season. The important thing is to guard your attitude while you’re waiting for things to turn around. Unless he’s lazy or an outright freeloader, your husband already feels bad because he can’t provide. He knows the kids need shoes, the bills are piling up and that you’re tired of eating hamburgers and macaroni, so don’t keep reminding him! (2) Now is the time to get behind him and strengthen his ego, not deflate it. “How?” you ask. By asking yourself, “Am I always complaining? Do I highlight the things we don’t have? Do I covet stuff that’s beyond our budget right now? Am I doing my part to cut back and make ends meet, or am I splurging on non-essentials, shopping at the mall every day and wanting to eat out every night?” (3) Remember, “this too shall pass.” Now is not a good time to remind your husband (or your wife if she’s the breadwinner) about the new car your brother bought or the great house your friend just closed on. Now is the time to practice saying with Paul, “I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything that happens…I have learned the secret of being [content]” (Php 4:11-12 NCV). Has God ever failed you? No, and He won’t now, so make up your mind to trust Him. How you handle this season may well determine whether your relationship emerges weaker or stronger.
Sunday July 25
“Live joyfully with the wife whom you love.” Ecc 9:9 NKJV
Marriage Rights (5)
You say, “My mate is a terrible housekeeper. What can I do?” Although keeping house is historically seen as a woman’s responsibility, today roles have changed. Financial necessity may dictate that you both work outside the home. In many instances the husband helps run the house. It’s not a “right or wrong” issue; what’s important is that you make sure you’re both singing from the same song sheet concerning your expectations. When you expect one thing and your mate expects another, there’s trouble ahead! So, here are a few suggestions to help you:
(1) Pick the right time. Don’t discuss difficult issues when you’re upset, wait till you both feel better. The Bible says, “Be willing to listen and slow to speak…anger will not help” (Jas 1:19-20 NCV). When emotions run high, instead of solving problems you just end up making things worse. (2) Try to compromise. Look for middle ground. Recognize that what seems important to you may not be important to your mate. Maybe it wasn’t important to you either in the early days, so you let it slide. (3) Learn to negotiate or you’ll always be frustrated. Aim for a “win-win” solution. This may mean washing the dishes or helping put the kids to bed so you can have more time together. It involves giving on both sides. (4) Pray with and for one another. Ninety percent of couples today don’t do this, yet it’s the most important thing you can do, because Jesus said, “If two of you agree…concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven” (Mt. 18:19 NKJV).
Monday July 26
“Live joyfully with the wife whom you love.” Ecc 9:9 NKJV
Marriage Rights (6)
Men and women often speak a different language. Men tend to be physical while women tend to be more verbal. Sometimes a wife’s memory for details can make her husband wonder if he’s losing his mind. And when you don’t understand each other it can feel like you’re living in the Tower of Babel. That’s the place in the Old Testament where families were divided because they couldn’t understand each other’s language, all progress stopped and confusion reigned. Before that happens, here are a few basics you need to weave into your daily communication:
(1) Start by asking your partner to share why they do what they do, and say what they say. Study their methods of communication, and try to explain yours. In many instances you’ll be surprised, if not shocked. You may be saying one thing while your mate is hearing something entirely different. (2) Men tend to avoid confrontation, so cornering and interrogating your husband may bring you the opposite result to what you want. Solomon said, “It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman” (Pr 25:24 NKJV). The goal is to win your mate over, not win the argument. (3) The Bible says, “God…brings into existence what did not exist before“ (See Ro 4:17 NLT). The love you planned to show once your partner has changed, show it now, be patient, and watch things improve. Grace can transform your Tower of Babel into a home of love and unity. Ask God, He’ll show you how!
Tuesday July 27
“Live joyfully with the wife whom you love.” Ecc 9:9 NKJV
Marriage Rights (7)
What if you’re single, looking for a mate and haven’t found one yet? God created Eve specifically for Adam. Then, “He brought her to the man. And Adam said: ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh’” (Ge 2:22-23 NKJV). When God brings you the right person, a spiritual and emotional bonding will take place. When you try to get ahead of Him you end up with regrets and recriminations. Peter de Vries explained it this way: “The difficulty with marriage is that we fall in love with a personality, but must live with a character.” So, wait on God!
When God looked across eternity He saw you. He gave you certain traits and abilities that make you unique. He knew exactly who you would need to help fulfill His purposes and develop the gifts He’s given you. Until that happens, remember, He is your spiritual partner! He’s been caring for you all along: protecting you, providing for you and directing your steps, right? So be careful how you treat Him. If you can’t keep your vow to the Lord, it’s doubtful you’ll keep it to anybody else. Speaking to those who are single, Paul writes, “Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called…Do not be concerned about it…rather use it” (1Co 7:20-21 NKJV). Stop wrestling with your singleness and use this time to develop your relationship with God. Never forget that one of the greatest visitations of the Holy Spirit happened to a single, small-town girl named Mary, proving that when you trust God’s timing He always sends you the best!
Wednesday July 28
“Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.” Pr 13:4 NLT
Give It All You’ve Got!
By the time she was sixteen, Romana Bañuelos had been deserted by her husband and left to raise her two children alone. Living in Mexico, she was poverty-stricken, untrained in any profession and unable to speak English. But that didn’t stop her. She had a dream—one she refused to let go of. With only a few dollars in her pocket she headed for Los Angeles, where she used her last seven dollars to take a taxi to the home of a distant relative. Romana refused to live on the charity of others. Immediately she found a job washing dishes, followed by a second job making tortillas from midnight until 6 a.m. From her two jobs she was able to save five hundred dollars, which she used to invest in her own tortilla machine. Over time, and with a great deal of hard work and study, she became the owner of Ramona’s Mexican Food Products, the largest Mexican food products business in the world. And that’s not all. She was hand-picked by President Dwight Eisenhower to become the thirty-seventh United States Treasurer. Romana Bañuelos exemplified what Eisenhower had to say about dreams and discipline propelling our future: “We succeed only as we identify in life, or in war, or in anything else, a single overriding objective, and make all other considerations bend to that one objective.” Whether you flip burgers or trade futures, remember these words: “Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.” God will only add His blessing to your best effort, so today, give it all you’ve got!
Thursday July 29
“These are the children [the Lord] has given me.” Ge 33:5 NCV
Your Child’s Love
It’s easy to complain about the things you don’t have, and overlook or take for granted the things you do—simple things that enrich your life! Maybe this story by Dr. James Dobson will help change your perspective.
“Some time ago a friend of mine punished his three-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became upset when she tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, ‘This is for you, Daddy.’ He was embarrassed by his earlier over-reaction. But his anger flared again when he opened the box and found it empty. He shouted at her, ‘Don’t you know that when you give someone a present there’s supposed to be something inside?’ The little girl looked up at him in tears and said, ‘Oh, Daddy, it’s not empty. I blew kisses into it. I filled it with my love and I wrapped it up just for you.’ He was crushed. Quickly he put his arms around her, hugged her and asked for her forgiveness. My friend told me that he kept that gold box by his bed for years, and whenever he got discouraged he’d take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it in there. In a very real sense, each of us parents have been given a gold container filled with the unconditional love of our children. There’s not a more precious possession anyone could hold.”
Friday July 30
“Shamgar…killed six hundred…Philistines with an ox goad.” Jdg 3:31 NKJV
Shamgar’s Secret (1)
The Bible says, “Shamgar…killed six hundred…Philistines with an ox goad; and he also delivered Israel.” Shamgar was just a farmer who owned a field, but he was willing to fight for it. His odds weren’t good: six hundred to one. But he beat the odds, saved his field, and delivered Israel. So you can start out small and end up blessing others greatly. The Bible says, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin” (Zec 4:10 NLT). Every oak tree started as an acorn. Tom Monaghan started Domino’s Pizza in 1960 with one little shop. He struggled for eight years. When his shop burned to the ground, the insurance company paid him only one cent on the dollar to cover his losses. All he knew was pizza, so he started another shop. He worked a hundred hours a week. Up to this point he had only taken a one-week-long vacation—for his honeymoon. By 1971 he was 1.5 million dollars in debt. But he stayed in his field, which was the pizza business, and tried something new. He limited his menu to pizza only, and decided to deliver it hot and fresh to customers at no extra charge. It worked. By 2007, Domino’s Pizza had grown to 6,100 stores across the United States and other countries. Today he’s one of the richest men in the nation, and he gives most of his profits to charity. What was his secret? He started where he was. He fought for what he believed to be his God-given purpose. And when he got knocked down he got back up.
Saturday July 31
“Shamgar…killed six hundred…Philistines with an ox goad.” Jdg 3:31 NKJV
Shamgar’s Secret (2)
Shamgar lived in dangerous times. Philistine gangs roamed the countryside, robbing people: “In the days of Shamgar…people avoided the main roads; and travelers stayed on…pathroads” (Jdg 5:6 NLT). Shamgar’s only weapon was an ox goad, a long wooden staff with a steel tip used to prod oxen. But it wasn’t until he came under attack that he discovered its full potential. Understand this: God has given you an “ox goad”, something you can use to win in the situation you’re facing. If you seek Him, He’ll show you what it is. Like the boy with the five loaves and two fishes, God will take something small, bless it, then multiply it to bless others. The Bible says we are to “be instant in season, out of season” (2Ti 4:2). The Greek words for “be instant” could be translated “be prepared.” The Greek word for “season” means “opportunity.” You need to be preparing yourself now, when it looks like nothing is happening, because your season will change and the opportunity to act will suddenly present itself. When it does, you must be ready. In life, opportunities are either coming towards you, or passing you by. In college, a professor told Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that if he kept using such lofty words, he would never be a very effective public speaker. You have to wonder what that professor thought as he listened to Dr. King’s “I have a dream” speech, and watched him go on to champion civil rights. What’s your ox goad? Use it, and God will bless it!
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