We adopted her on a cool fall day. Rejected by her mother and malnourished, we were her only hope. She was like any other kid with one exception: her baah. Gracie was a goat.
When my friend asked me to take her, I couldn’t resist. We had chickens and ducks, why not a goat? I made Gracie a warm home in our utility shed and introduced her to a baby bottle. After a few misses, she latched on. Her cries for milk kept us coming regularly during the day and night.
Gracie eventually grew into a beautiful nanny and was just like a pet. She wandered freely among the chickens and ducks as if one of them. If I accidentally left the gate open, she’d follow me around the yard never attempting to run away. She knew who had rescued her.
God rescued us just as I did Gracie. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly (Romans 5:6).
God didn’t send Jesus simply to set a good example, to demonstrate his love, to show divine justice or to be victorious over sin-although his life and death did all those things. Jesus was on a rescue mission. Faith in him is our only chance.
We can be good and even turn over a new leaf, but we’ll never be good enough and the leaf will eventually turn back over. Good works and good actions-though important, aren’t what it’s about. We needed someone to die for our sins, and that was Jesus’ sole purpose. Faith appropriates forgiveness and connects us to God. Have you let Christ rescue you?
Prayer: Merciful Lord, thank You for providing for our rescue and for saving us in the nick of time.
My wife and I prayed over the decision for months. Should I resign or stay? God gave no clear direction other than a nagging feeling resigning was the right thing to do.
Early Friday morning, I woke my wife and whispered, “I know what I’m going to do.” Logically, resigning made little sense. We could move in with Mom, but how would we pay bills? We decided to sell half of our antique collection just to prove to God we were serious about obeying him.
Once we took the faith step, unforeseen things materialized. We tagged our antiques with “nonnegotiable” prices and no one dickered. A friend bought a few things, handed us her payment, and said, “Consider the rest a gift.” A gift four times what she owed. Another friend called: “I shared your situation with my Sunday School class and asked if they wanted to help.” They gave four times what she expected.
We wanted God to give a step by step plan; he wanted trust. We wanted assurance we could meet budget; he said “Don’t worry.” Many were concerned about our faith decision, but God said, “You take the step and then I’ll open doors.”
Abraham probably wanted more specifics too, but God simply told him to leave his homeland. The only promise was many descendants and God’s presence. So he went: By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going (Hebrews 11:8).
Faith stepping means moving ahead even when God hasn’t given the particulars. I’m more comfortable with it now than I once was. I’ve built up a trust factor. God promises he won’t let me down, and he never has. When we’re finely tuned to the Spirit’s voice through prayer, we’ll always step where God wants at just the right time. Are you willing to faith step?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, wherever You lead, we’ll follow.
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I say it doesn’t bother me too much-at least most of the time. But I’m probably no different than most. Change disrupts my life.
On one Andy Griffith episode, the council is considering selling the town canon. As Andy and Barney discuss the matter prior to the meeting, it’s evident Andy favors selling the canon while Barney doesn’t. Andy remarks, “You don’t like change do you.” Barney replies, “As a matter of fact, I don’t.”
Mary Magdalene didn’t care for it either. She visits Jesus’ grave early Sunday morning and is surprised to find the tomb entrance open and his body gone. Running to find Peter and John, she tells them someone has stolen Jesus’ body. Despite Jesus’ efforts to teach his followers about his death and resurrection, they just didn’t get it-or want to. They liked Jesus’ company.
Peter and John run to the tomb. Mary’s news is true. They leave but Mary stays behind weeping. Suddenly Jesus is there. Mary grabs him but hears, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.”(John 20:17). Mary wants things like they were, but the resurrection changed everything.
Religious ruts and life routines are easily fallen into but difficult to escape. Change requires thinking and acting differently as well as going against the current. It’s required to enter God’s Kingdom. We must exchange our sinful nature for a new one. Change is also necessary for abundant living.
Religious rituals such as church attendance, prayer and Bible reading can easily lose their meaning. God gives new opportunities to serve him, but success requires adapting our methods. What can you change to be more effective for God?
Prayer: Father, help us develop fresh approaches to share Your love.
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I was a young adult and had been hooked since I was fourteen.
It was the seventies. In the United States of America especially, sexual revolution, political corruption, war, draft dodging, civil rights, gay rights, hallucinogenic drugs, alcohol and cigarettes were rife. I struggled with the latter. Most of my friends and peers smoked as well as quite a few family members. Smoking was permitted almost everywhere. Even in the hospital.
But something caused me to reconsider the habit. I was asked to teach a Sunday School class at my church. Sporting a pack of cigarettes in my front pocket while standing before an open Bible and students eagerly wanting to learn just didn’t seem right. So I quit.
John the Baptist was a teetotaler. No eating food prohibited by Jewish regulations. No drinking or anything else that might damage his reputation. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’ (Matthew 11:18). As Jesus’ forerunner, he wasn’t required to give up these things; it was simply his choice. Jesus on the other hand enjoyed socializing. This confused people who probably assumed the reverse should be true.
Believers for centuries have debated whether tobacco, alcohol and a host of other things are ethical. From teetotalers to indulgers to liberals, we run the gamut. While there are no specific commands not to drink, smoke or take drugs, there are verses reminding us our bodies are temples of God’s Spirit and that our testimony is fragile and important.
God’s goal is for us to point others to his love and help them live a spiritually productive life. Any actions hindering the process should be re-evaluated and perhaps left off.
Prayer: Merciful Savior, strengthen us to leave off anything hindering our work for You.
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When I walked in, I thought I had died and went to the wrong place: screaming and hollering, filth circulating in the air, some people running and others standing idle, stale air. I quickly became claustrophobic and wanted to escape.
My first encounter with the weave room in a textile mill wasn’t pleasant. Having done a short stent in another mill previously, I swore I’d never set foot in another. But I did. Hundreds of looms congregated, all shouting at the top of their lungs. I could hardly hear the person standing beside me who was trying her best to train me. Though I persevered for three long years, I never enjoyed a quiet moment.
Jesus had a difficult time finding quiet places too. Crowds thronged him, some out of curiosity and others because they wanted healing. Sometimes he had to leave the good things he was doing to rejuvenate. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31).
Our personal worlds are busy places. Community involvement, ball games, work, hobbies, family, yard work, housework, friends-it all crowds life making us want to run to quiet places where there’s no one but us and God. Places where we can be still and know he’s God.
Quiet places help us maintain our sanity and focus and prevent our schedules from overwhelming us. In our quiet places, we can meditate on God’s Word, pray, think and pour our hearts out to a loving God who can revitalize our spirits. Have you visited a quiet place recently?
Prayer: God, keep us from the busyness that keeps us from You.
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I thought I heard him right, but I went to bed anyway.
I was living in a single wide mobile home in the woods. Our section of the state was experiencing unusually inclimate weather. Temperatures dropped, winds gusted and sleet fell.
As I listened to the elements fight, I thought I heard God say, “Sleep on the couch tonight.” My bedroom was on the opposite end of the mobile home but seemed safer since a large pine tree loomed just outside the living room. The nagging voice continued but supposing it was my imagination, I went to my bedroom anyway. It was almost a fatal mistake.
Two a. m. arrived with the unmistakable sound of crumbling metal and breaking glass. When I roused, a pine tree was resting six inches from my face. Only the back door’s extra support saved me from being sliced in half. I discovered ignoring God can be life-threatening.
Jesus says believers have the unique ability to hear him when others can’t. His disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand’ (Luke 8:9-10).
But some obstacles can keep even believers from hearing God. Unconfessed sin does. David said, If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened (Psalm 66:18). Sin produces static, drowning out God’s voice. Stubbornness is another. Demanding our way regardless of what God wants. “Fessing up” and remaining humble opens our ears to hear God clearly. What is God saying that you aren’t hearing?
Prayer: Father, remove any attitudes that prevent us from hearing You clearly.
With flashlights in hand, they entered the gym. “Ready or not here we come.”
Hide n seek is an old game, but we gave it a twist. The kids called it “Hide n Seek in the Dark.” While two adult seekers waited outside, several other adults helped the hiders hide. We put them on top of refrigerators, stuffed them in garbage cans and packed them in cabinets. Anywhere the searchlight might miss. After a few minutes, the seekers announced, “Ready or not here we come.” Those who kept quiet usually won the game. After all, that’s the goal.
Hagar wasn’t interested in hiding. She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me.” (Genesis 16:13). Abraham’s wife was childless, so she adopted a period custom and gave her servant Hagar to Abraham to bear one for her. Hagar mistakenly rubbed her good fortune in Sarah’s face, Sarah retaliated, and Hagar ran away. God found her, told her to go home and promised her many descendents. Hagar realized God sees our misery and named the place “the God who sees me.”
Hagar probably begged for God’s intervention. She wasn’t interested in hiding. I like her method. When I’m in pain or when life throws me a fast ball, I’m not interested in hiding. I want God to see me and act.
The Bible promises God is near when we’re in pain. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Crying out shows dependence and acknowledges our belief he has plans and knows what’s necessary for them to materialize. Our part is letting him see us. Don’t try to handle life’s pain. Let God see you.
Prayer: God, enable us to allow You into our pain and plans.
Six months and now they were leaving? What was I supposed to do?
I had temporarily moved in with my parents-a difficult adjustment after being out on your own for awhile. Our home was four miles from the nearest town with not a neighbor in site. All the quiet I could want, and now they were moving.
My prayers were answered when a gentleman allowed me to put a mobile home on his property. I was set-or so I thought. As I lay in bed one winter night, a large pine tree uprooted and fell squarely across my bedroom. When I finally woke up, I was face to face with a large intruder. Friends rescued me again, allowing me to stay with them while the mobile home was repaired. God supplied every need I had during my stay in that community.
Paul was equally confident God would meet his needs. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
I’ve experienced some episodes when I wondered whether God was going to come through; usually because my wants and needs were mixed up or because I was off track spiritually. Needs I must have for existence, but wants are well, wants.
We are more valuable than plants and animals. While God cares for them and exhibits his creative genius by their existence, his attention is always heavily focused on us. We are created in his image and designed to glorify him by our existence.
When we live out our life’s purpose he will meet every need we have according to his timetable. Trust God for every spiritual, emotional, physical and financial need you have.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, grow our faith so we’ll depend on You for every need.
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Green isn’t their ripened color, but every produce department seems to prefer it.
I like yellow bananas, but producers pick and ship them green to retailers. I don’t like raw tomatoes, but even if I did I couldn’t enjoy them knowing what happens to ripen them. They too are picked green and then sprayed with carbon dioxide prior to shipping for rapid ripening.
The process benefits farmers and retailers, but I’ve heard too many people say, “There’s nothing like a vine ripened tomato.” Artificial measures interfere with God’s natural ripening process, resulting in diminished flavor and faster than normal decomposition.
God gasses us with the Spirit when we connect to Christ by faith. The Spirit produces God-like fruit in us, but God doesn’t simply want fruit. He wants much fruit. Fruit of good quality and flavor. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples (John 15:8).
God’s fruit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control, but he doesn’t spray us with chemicals for rapid ripening. Quality fruit takes time, and he wants the best. Not selective love; unconditional love. Not joy only when things go well; joy in all circumstances. Not peace in the absence of turmoil but peace in its midst. Not kindness only to those who return it; kindness even to our enemies. Or self-control just when the road is smooth but dependence on God then and when things are out of control.
God wants an abundance of quality fruit in our life, but we choose whether it happens. What priorities need changing for the vine-ripened effect to take hold in your life?
Prayer: Spirit of God, prepare us for the fruit You want to produce.
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Series: 5 Things A Man...
“The buck stops here-”a saying that derives from “pass the buck,” which means transferring responsibility to someone else.
Before I’m labeled a male chauvinist, let me applaud women and their contributions, but when fathers are present in families God designs that the buck stops with them. Unfortunately, it’s frequently passed.
Paul has been labeled because of this one verse. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord (Ephesians 5:22). Misunderstanding his intent and ignoring God’s design for families can result in a wife unknowingly damaging her husband’s spiritual leadership position.
Wives who make all the decisions steal the husband’s leadership. Running a close second is failing to discuss decisions. Men are infamous for passing the buck, so wives often become the sole decision makers because husbands are unengaged. Wives with disconnected husbands need to encourage their connection. Marriage is a partnership, not a dictatorship or solo ship.
Usurping family devotions can hinder a husband’s spiritual leadership. Men are notorious for jumping ship here too, and women often take the role by default. Husbands need encouragement to take their God assigned lead in the family’s spiritual development.
When women speak badly about their husbands to others or downgrade them in front of the children, this too steals their ability to lead. “Male egos” are often more fragile than men will admit and need frequent stroking.
Failure to submit to God’s designated position for the husband also steals his leadership capability. Wives aren’t slaves without rights or doormats for walking on. Husbands and wives are equal partners, but God designates ultimate responsibility to the man when present. Submitting isn’t an issue when men love their wives as much as Christ did the church.
As a wife, how can you encourage your husband to step up to the plate? As a husband, how can you make your wife feel like an equal partner?
Prayer: Merciful Lord, remind us our families are stronger when we work together with You as the head.
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My middle brother’s was a Pekinese looking stuffed dog, and he carried it everywhere.
Security blankets are common for children but may not be literal. They may be stuffed animals, pacifiers or any number of odd things, but they provide security and help calm the separation anxiety felt when a parent isn’t nearby.
Normally our security blankets-and the insecurities they represent, are discarded as we get older. But other insecurities can develop in adulthood, and a few of them are challenging for men. Connected to the husband’s capability of loving his wife is loving himself. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies (Ephesians 5:28). Insecurities hinder the process.
Hardwired into men is a sense of manhood often represented by the ability to reproduce. When this is lost because of age, an accident, or by surgical choice, feelings of insecurity often follow. Loving wives reassure husbands their love isn’t based on this ability.
Inability to support their family can lead to insecurity. In many cultures, men are viewed as breadwinners. When health or loss of employment makes this impossible, it can affect how men feel about themselves.
Body issues can make men insecure. I hated my body growing up and am still not overly fond of it. Fortunately my wife adores it, tells me so, and in the process drives away my insecurity about it.
The fear of not finding a woman to love him is another male insecurity. God created us for relationships. Adam needed an Eve and men still need women.
Not pleasing their mothers is often a veiled male insecurity. Special bonds develop between mother and son. Sons need to know they please their mothers, and wives need to understand this necessity.
Insecurities represent fears, and only a perfect love relationship with Christ drives them out.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, soothe our insecurities with the balm of Your love.
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Series: 5 Things A Man...
My wife and I were eating with another couple when a tale of church “drama” arose. After hearing the story and the blown-out-of-proportion reactions, the other woman’s husband remarked; “Women are crazy. A man would have…”
Though the writer of Proverbs didn’t say it in so many words, he acknowledged we think, feel and act. For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). Since males and females think differently, our actions and reactions are different as well. While exceptions abound, the following are often true.
Men tend to decide based on logic and facts while women listen to feelings. Aunt Bee of The Andy Griffith Show was once selected for jury duty and then for a case of breaking and entering. All the other jurors (who were male) immediately pronounced the victim guilty. Aunt Bee didn’t agree. He seemed like such a nice man (feelings). And she was right.
Men are less concerned with appearance. My wife’s shoes must match her outfit and purse, which leads to a multitude of all three. Men are normally satisfied with two colors of shoes, and it doesn’t matter what color our wallet is. My grandfather’s philosophy was; “If you put it together, it goes together.”
Men are normally cut and dry with decisions while women like to talk about the ins and outs and possible solutions.
Closely connected to the above is the male tendency to retreat to his man-cave during stressful times while women want to talk things out. Failure to understand this difference can turn disagreements into arguments.
With members of the opposite sex, men gravitate toward appearance while women (though attracted by that too) are more interested in character. Relationships built solely on the first will never stand the trials relationships encounter.
God created us with the tendencies we have, but understanding each other’s differences makes our relationships more enjoyable and profitable.
Prayer: Thank You Father for making us wonderfully complex.
Series: 5 Things A Man...
The saying is trite but true nevertheless: “Anyone can be a daddy, but it takes a special person to be a father.”
Fathers in the home are in short supply. Homes with several children, each by a different father, and none living in the home are rapidly increasing. Studies on the consequences of absentee fathers show children’s behavior and emotional well being are affected.
But simply being in the home isn’t enough. Fathers must play an active role. Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).
Fathers should bring discipline. Mothers provide it also-and must sometimes do it alone when the father doesn’t do his part, but fathers should take the lead. Parents differ in what methods are most effective, but discipline should teach respect for authority, adherence to house rules and most of all obedience to God’s standards.
By example, fathers should teach their sons how to treat women. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). Christ died for the church. Mothers are equal partners in the relationship and should be treated with respect and unconditional love.
Fathers bring support to the family. Men were once the primary “bread winners.” Though this isn’t always true presently, fathers should ensure their family’s needs are met.
God charges fathers to bring spiritual headship to the home. In single parent homes, mothers are often forced to take this role, but when both parents are present it’s the father’s responsibility to teach God’s standards to his children along with the mother’s support.
Fathers also provide male role models-especially for their sons. Through their example, fathers teach responsibility, stability, love, that it’s permissible to cry and show other emotions and that serving God isn’t just something for women because they’re weak.
If you’re a father, what do you need to bring to your family?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, enable us to be the kind of fathers You designed us to be.
Series: 5 Things A Man…
The 1960’s and 1970’s were challenging years, but it was when I came of age and began searching for a wife.
Amidst the sexual revolution, drugs and loose morals, I looked for one who hadn’t fallen prey to the times and who matched the Bible’s teaching about honorable wives. Living in the twenty first century, finding a good wife is more challenging, which may explain why thousands flock to online dating services that match personality traits.
According to King Lemuel-author of the proverb, finding good wives centuries ago may have been difficult too. A wife of noble character who can find? (Proverbs 31:10) But the difficulty of discovery doesn’t prevent him from listing what should characterize her.
Men find trust attractive. Her husband can trust her (v. 11 NLT). Relationships without it are doomed, and outside beauty can’t replace honesty. Trust is built over time, but can be destroyed by one unwise action.
Modesty is beautiful. Men may gawk at women with short skirts and low cut blouses, but they normally don’t want their wives dressed similarly. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns (v.22 NLT). Marriages built on physical attraction alone won’t endure.
Compassion is important. She extends a helping hand to the poor (v. 20 NLT). Good wives spend enormous time tending to their family’s needs but also extend themselves beyond their families.
A good wife is her husband’s companion. She brings him good, not harm (v. 12 NLT). Men often reflect macho attitudes-pretending we don’t need anyone, but we do.
Good wives are fearless. She laughs without fear of the future (v. 25 NLT). Men are also known for thinking we can conquer anything when deep inside we know we can’t.
Trust God to help you find an honorable wife if you haven’t, and if you have thank him daily for her.
Prayer: Father we thank You for honorable wives.
Series: Psalm 23 for the 21st Century
I’ve worked in places that had a wonderful one, others where it was mediocre and some where there was none at all. I’ve contributed when possible and opted out when it wasn’t.
Social Security is the only retirement plan many in the United States of America have. For the fortunate who work at places where retirement contribution is offered, hope is brighter than it is for those whose only expectation is a system teetering on the brink of bankruptcy.
Even the best retirement plans have occasional hiccups. No one can predict the flow of a country’s economy. What’s gained during several up years can be lost entirely during a few down years. The rise and fall of stock and bond prices is unpredictable.
David’s hope was more secure than hope in Social Security or the best laid out portfolio. And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever (Psalm 23:6 KJV). God was his shepherd now and would be throughout eternity. Regardless of his life trials, his ultimate investment was safe.
I’ve watched my retirement investments dwindle during a sour economy and blossom in boom years. I’ve built retirement funds only to deplete them when unforeseeable circumstances came along.
But my sole hope isn’t Social Security or retirement investments. A relationship with a God who promises to care for my every need is my chief investment. He knows the details of my circumstances and why I’m where I am at present. Even if my only departing treasure is the casket I’m buried in, I’m a rich man. As a joint heir with Christ, everything he has is mine-and that’s everything. Invest in the only secure retirement fund available-a relationship of faith in Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Eternal Father, may our eternal investments be made in heavenly funds that only gain and never lose.
Series: Psalm 23 for the 21st Century
I haven’t been or known anyone who was. But I have seen it on television, heard about it on the news and watched it at the movies.
Stalking is an age old practice of animals and humans. Predatory animals like bears, wolves and those from the large cat family stalk their quarry. Ambling right up to a food source would only result in it running away. So they stalk. Cats crouch, wolves run in packs and bears suddenly appear and pounce. Regardless of the method, it’s preceded by stalking. Human stalkers often act with typical animal behavior. Victims are selected, followed, observed, often contacted and sometimes assaulted and even murdered.
David’s sheep were stalked by wild animals, but David was hounded by God’s goodness and mercy: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life (Psalm 23:6 KJV).
God stalks his children with goodness and mercy. He even stalks those who want nothing to do with him. God’s common grace-in the form of sunshine, rain and other blessings, falls on those who love him and those who don’t. But those who worship God receive extra measures of goodness and mercy. They also appreciate and channel it.
God’s goodness and mercy are unconditional and unending. We don’t deserve either, but he gives them nevertheless. These virtues stalk us when we’re good and when we’re not so good. We can’t work for them but only receive and enjoy them. God stalks us when we’re stagnant so we’ll grow. He stalks us when we’re growing spiritually so we’ll grow more. And he stalks when he’s ignored to get the attention of those ignoring him. His love won’t allow him to do less. God does the stalking but it’s our responsibility to determine his purpose.
Prayer: Thank You merciful God for stalking us with virtues we don’t deserve.
Series: Psalm 23 for the 21st Century
My wife knows how to “put on the dog.”
For those not familiar with the phrase, it means to make things extra special. When we have guests in our home, or when she plans a special event in the community or at church, she “puts on the dog.”
Michelle is a thrifty spender. She doesn’t patronize the “uptown” stores for her do-dads, but she can take items from the local dollar store and dress them up with fancy additions so no one knows the difference. And the meals are exquisite. Her banquets are considered feasts by most, and desserts are her specialty. Michelle loves to welcome and entertain guests.
God does too as David testifies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings (Psalm 23:5 NLT). In David’s culture, it was customary for hosts to have their guest’s heads anointed with fragrant oil as a type of lotion. The idiom hadn’t been invented, but they “put on the dog” nevertheless.
God invites everyone to his heavenly banquet but only those who come by the door of Christ’s forgiveness actually enter. Upon entering, our position changes from guest to son/daughter and friend. God honors us with a never ending party. Time changes to eternity which is not measured in days or years.
But we don’t have to wait for heaven to receive God’s blessings. They’re available and experienced from the moment we trust Jesus as our Savior. Jesus offers abundant life now and throughout eternity. God’s blessings don’t necessarily entail wealth and power, but they always involve the peaceful assurance that he’ll give what we need, when we need it and for as long as we need it. Is your cup overflowing with God’s blessings?
Prayer: Thanks You merciful Lord for welcoming us into Your house of blessings.
Series: Psalm 23 for the 21st Century
He woke me in the middle of the night causing my heart to beat rapidly. I’d never faced this enemy before.
My heart raced as if awakened by a bad dream. After five minutes, I woke my wife who called the ambulance. After a shot and hospital visit, I was sent to a cardiologist who diagnosed the enemy as tachycardia-from two Greek words meaning rapid and of the heart. Fortunately mine is treatable with medicine.
David’s enemy wasn’t physical but rather people and predators. He killed lions and bears when they tried to steal his sheep, and he killed a giant who insulted his God. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the host of a banquet protected their guests at all costs. God was David’s host: Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies (Psalm 23:5 KJV).
Enemies aren’t always people wanting to rob or kill us because of what we have or because they dislike us. Enemies often show up as pain, suffering, disease and injury. No one enjoys an enemy who changes our physical lifestyle and ability. And pain may alert us something is amiss, but we don’t enjoy it continually.
Life’s a banquet and God is the host protecting us. But this doesn’t mean we’ll never contract a disease, be the victims of criminal acts, experience tragedy, lose our possessions, or have our family fall apart. These and other things happen to God’s children daily.
God’s protection is positional and eternal. When accepted as his child, nothing can steal us from his family or take the eternity of heaven he promises. Sin in all its disguises may assault us, but God’s grace enables us to endure and overcome any enemy it sends. Trust in God when the enemy strikes.
Prayer: Merciful Lord, thank You for Your eternal protection from every enemy.
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Series: Psalm 23 for the 21st Century
Hers was a slow death; about ten years to be exact.
Alzheimer’s attacked my maternal grandmother long before she took her final breath, but it signaled the beginning of the end. At first, she was just forgetful. We assumed it was the effects of age. Then it became more pronounced. By the time it ran its course, she no longer remembered her family’s names, couldn’t drive and couldn’t stay by herself.
In the final stages, even her children weren’t able to care for her and placed her in an assisted living facility. But the shock of being away from home took its toll. Congestive heart failure set in and she was placed in the hospital. After leaving for a bite to eat and returning, my parents were greeted by a nurse whose eyes told the story. She was gone.
As he led his sheep from pasture to pasture, David walked through valleys littered with predators and robbers. But he didn’t fear them or the fact they might take his life. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me (Psalm 23:4 KJV).
Death is a normal part of life. We can’t prevent it; at the most we can only prolong it. I feared it as a youngster, defied it as a teenager and pondered it at mid life. I now accept its inevitability. While I don’t welcome it, I do what follows.
Only life lived in a faith connection with God prepares us for death and eternity and helps us enjoy living without fear in the present. When our last breath is taken-whether by tragedy, a criminal act, a deadly disease or by simply closing our eyes, God takes the hand of his children and ushers them into his beautiful eternity. Are you ready for the valley of death?
Prayer: Father, when our eyes close in death, we trust You for our eternity.
Series: Psalm 23 for the 21st Century
Situated within the Mojave Desert in eastern California is the lowest, driest and hottest location in North America.
On July 10, 1913, the highest reported temperature in the Western Hemisphere, 134 degrees Fahrenheit, was reported at Furnace Creek in Death Valley-a reading two degrees short of the world record. With a basin 282 feet below sea level and walled by steep mountain ranges, the dry air and sparse plant cover allows the sun to heat the surface to unbearable temperatures. Annual precipitation averages only 2.36 inches a year.
Life’s valleys can be just as hot and dry. I’ve walked through a few I don’t care to repeat. My emotions were scorched and my physical energy drained. David was familiar with valley walking. He led his sheep through valleys frequented by robbers and wild animals, but he didn’t fear because his shepherd protected him. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me (Psalm 23:4 KJV).
We all periodically walk through valleys. Our world groans under the curse of sin which brings damaging effects on people and the natural order. People do despicable things and nature acts in devastating ways. Others can put us in the valley or we can do it ourselves through disobedience. And valleys are painful, but they don’t last forever. At some point-either through confession or the natural progression of events, we walk out and up to the mountaintop.
Valley walking is more easily endured by remembering God walks with us through them. We have no reason to fear. He’ll protect and comfort us no matter how dark, hot or long the valley. Put your trust in God when you’re in the valleys. Drink from his Word, trust his Spirit’s guidance and lean on good friends.
Prayer: Merciful Shepherd, we trust ourselves to Your care when we’re in the valleys.
Series: Psalm 23 for the 21st Century
It abruptly stopped and disappeared beneath our feet. Fortunately we had a map.
Paths are supposed to lead to a destination. This one did; the top of a mountain. But it didn’t continue or circle back. It simply stopped. Paths are paths because people or animals walk them regularly. Grass is worn because of the traffic. I’ve walked root littered paths, rock infested paths, paths leading over mountain balds and paths passing through dense woods. Some popular paths are even denoted on maps.
Walking paths has purpose. I’ve never walked one just to say I did. I was going somewhere, looking at scenery, or taking a shortcut. I’ve walked some paths that disappointed me and others that amazed me.
David was a shepherd and a path walker. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake (Psalm 23:3 KJV).God led David to paths of righteousness and gave him strength to walk them but wouldn’t force him to. Sometimes he walked the right path; at other times he chose the wrong one. God has led me to the same paths, and I’ve followed David’s example-good choices and not so good choices.
What paths we take in life and why is important. A modern translation reads He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths (NLT). Right paths lead to love, kindness, integrity, patience, unselfishness, godly living, joy and peace. God provides the strength to walk these paths, but we must choose them instead of paths leading to the opposite.
When we rebel against the paths our Shepherd leads us to, we throw away the chance to experience life’s best. The next time you’re tempted to take an alternate route, choose the Shepherd’s path instead.
Prayer: Great Shepherd, guide us to the paths leading to life’s best and strengthen us to walk them.
Series: Psalm 23 for the 21 st Century
I had never witnessed a body of water raging like this one; I was drawn to it.
Thompson River is the most remote of several rivers crossing from North Carolina into South Carolina and flowing into Lake Jocassee, dropping 1750 feet in just over four miles.
Car sized boulders line the river, and the raging water is so deafening you can hardly hear another person talk or an animal walk. While the river appears out of control, it isn’t. Steep embankments, uprooted trees and rocks cage it in.
When life seemed out of control, David says his great Shepherd led him to green pastures and still waters. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters (Psalm 23:2 KJV). He could have taken him to the opposite but this would only have intensified his pain.
Raging waters parrot an out of control life while quiet waters mirror contentment and peace regardless of our circumstances. I’ve slept by raging waters-Thompson River included, but I’ve never slept peacefully by them. The noise-along with wondering what I’m not hearing that might be dangerous, keeps me awake, but peaceful streams lull me into a childlike sleep.
God’s Spirit will take us to peaceful streams when life seems out of control. He invites us to eat from green meadows that give spiritual, emotional and physical strength-meadows entered through prayer and quiet meditation on his Word. Then he tells us to drink from the peaceful stream of contentment.
Believing he guides and controls our circumstances-regardless of how it appears, takes us to the soul refreshing waters of peaceful streams while trying to handle life on our own only leads to inaccessible raging rivers. Which are you drinking from?
Prayer: Savior God, when life appears out of control, take us to the quiet streams.
Series: Psalm 23 for the 21 st Century
I’
ve had one as long as I can remember. Usually more than one. Wants.
I want a new car. One with less miles and a lower monthly payment. I’d like my own home. A place I paid for that no one could take from me. In the mountains where I could walk outside and see God’s beauty rolling across the mountaintops. I’d also like perfect kids, a decent paying job, good health, a nice investment portfolio, a retirement nest egg and one each of the latest tech devices.
Looking over the list, I realize I’m still in want. But the psalmist says if God is my shepherd, I won’t want. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want (Psalm 23:1 KJV).
Modern Bible versions more clearly translate the Hebrew word chacer, which means to lack or be lacking. The Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need (NLT).
And that’s the idea. David provided everything his sheep needed. They may have wanted to eat in dangerous places or drink from polluted water, but he wouldn’t allow it. As a sheep, David’s shepherd gave him everything he needed. He lacked nothing.
I have no doubt I’ll die with wants but not needs. I’ve always had everything required to survive and accomplish God’s plan-and I always will. God promises this to every sheep.
Learning the difference between wants and needs-and what God promises about each, makes for a happier and more focused life. It also prevents anger at God when he doesn’t give everything we think we need. God is a loving shepherd who knows us intimately. Worry, anxiety and fear over things or our future shouldn’t consume our attention. Let God teach you to live with a “no lack” frame of mind.
Prayer: Father, teach us to trust You for every need.
Series: Psalm 23 for the Twenty First Century
“It’s mine; you can’t have it.” Mom, Dad, he took my…” “Johnny share with your…”
If you have kids you’ve heard it and struggled with the challenge of teaching them to share with siblings, friends and strangers. They aren’t married yet, but the old saying applies: “What’s mine is mine and what’s yours is mine.”
Selfishness doesn’t always leave after childhood. Not learning to share early in life leads to selfishness in adulthood. But as adults, the toys are bigger and the consequences of selfishness more acute.
I admit my periodic selfishness. Being a collector of books, I’ve frequently had other people want to borrow them. The wheels in my mind turn before I answer “Yes.” “Will they take care of it, spill coffee on it, let their dog chew it up or their kids tear it up?” So I think up a reason to say “No.” “I use that book a lot,” “I don’t loan my books” or “I know where you can get it real cheap.”
David had a personal connection with God: The LORD is my shepherd (23:1 KJV). But his personal relationship didn’t lead to selfishness. The Lord was his God but many other people were connected to him too, and he answered their prayers just like David’s. He also protected and guided them as he did David.
God’s plan was always that he be shared with everyone so all can enjoy his love, guidance and provision. He wasn’t just David’s God. He belongs to anyone willing to repent of their sins and trust him in faith. When we do, he wants us to share him with those who haven’t. And we can by the practical selfless things we do every day. Are you sharing God with others or keeping him to yourself?
Prayer: God of all humanity, prod us to share your love and goodness with everyone we meet.
It was beautiful. Vibrant leaves. Gorgeous blooms. But it wasn’t getting much taller.
Crepe Myrtles are one of my favorite trees, so I planted one. The single trunk soon multiplied into many and suckers nipped at the base. It grew only a few inches by the second year. I had no choice but to remove what stunted its growth.
If plants could speak, they’d say “Ouch” when pruned. They don’t comprehend we’re doing them a favor. Plants grow through photosynthesis and from nutrients in the soil, but without pruning their growth is undirected and their fruit production less than possible.
When connected to the vine (Jesus) by faith, we also inherit the potential to bear fruit, but pruning is required for efficiency. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (John 15:2)
Unlike plants who can’t speak, I usually say, “Ouch” when God prunes me. Or “Can’t you figure out a better way to get me on track?” God knows I can’t grow in the right direction, at the desired rate or produce the fruit I’m capable of without a little help now and then. So he’s pruned me through sickness, disappointment, depression, discouragement, broken relationships, financial challenges, death and a multitude of other things I’d rather forget.
But I’m taller and leaner now, and most of the suckers have disappeared. I seldom worry and anxiety only shows up occasionally. My trust factor is stronger, and I enjoy each day God allows me to wake up. So don’t resist God’s pruning. Enjoy it however he does it, knowing you’ll be more fruitful afterwards.
Prayer: Father, enable us to trust Your pruning, realizing You are working to develop our full potential.
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Tick, tock, tick, tock. Each pendulum swinging in sync as each gear turns precisely.
Collecting spring wound clocks was my passion. They sat on mantels, tables and hung on the walls of our home. Each passing hour was welcomed by a symphony of melodic chimes-each with its unique bong, musical song or clucking cuckoo.
Nights were the same, but we grew accustomed to the tick tock and only awakened if they stopped. It was different for visitors who often remarked; “How do you sleep with all those clocks chiming?”
Familiarity breeds indifference to chiming clocks. It can cause the same in our relationship with Christ. Jesus said; I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other. (Revelation 3:15)
I’ve gargled with lukewarm water and immediately wanted to spit it out. Jesus felt like doing the same with the lukewarm believers at Laodicea. They were comfortable, indifferent, idle and refused to stand for anything. Their self satisfaction nauseated Christ.
Religious familiarity births excitement or neglect, and the choice is ours. I’ve watched people outside the Bible Belt of the United States wish for a church on every street corner, and I’ve observed people in the Bible Belt sour on religion while it surrounds them.
God wants our all, not meaningless service dependent on how we feel at any given moment. Lukewarm living disgusts God and steals our fulfillment. He’ll spit us out which entails missing his blessings-material, spiritual and emotional. How much better to enjoy abundant living by being hot for him. What attitudes or actions need changing to move you to the faithful no matter what side?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, guard our hearts against lukewarm living.
We adopted her on a cool fall day. Rejected by her mother and malnourished, we were her only hope. She was like any other kid with one exception: her baah. Gracie was a goat. 
