December 29

HE DIED FOR ALL, THAT THOSE WHO LIVE SHOULD LIVE NO LONGER FOR THEMSELVES BUT FOR HIM WHO DIED FOR THEM AND ROSE AGAIN. 
2 Corinthians 5:15

Mark Twain said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do."

The new year is approaching and "if you fail to plan you will plan to fail." So what do you want 2009 to look like in your life a year from now?  What would you like to do?  What's your plan?  Is this the year you step out and do something bold and adventuresome? 

I read the other day that a man has run at least a mile every day for 25 years.  There are people who have done that for 40 years.  Those records began with the first day and the first mile.  So what will it be for you this year?

An exercise program?  A new attitude?  A devotional time with God every day? A new budget?  Renewed focused worship? A better relationship with your spouse or children?  To live with God's presence?

Blessings on your day,

December 22

JUST AS THE SON OF MAN DID NOT COME TO BE SERVED, BUT TO SERVE AND GIVE HIS LIFE AS A RANSOM FOR MANY.  Matthew 20:28

My wife made the comment to me a few days ago "I just love to buy presents."  And she does.  Christmas, birthdays, weddings and special occasions are times for her to buy and give presents.  

I think that's just the way she is, but more important that is the influence that our God has had upon her.  She sees in our Lord Jesus that His greatest desire is to serve and to give.  He is always doing that. 

This Christmas season is proof enough of that. He loved us so much that He came here born of a woman so that He could give His life as a ransom for us.  But every day needs to be proof as well.  He loves us so much that He forgives us and He forgives us without end.  In fact He forgives us for the same sins that we commit over and over again.

Let's rejoice during these final days of Advent that our God is such a giving and forgiving God and that He gave to us the greatest Gift of all in His Son, Jesus.

Blessings on your day,

December 15

HE WHO TESTIFIES TO THESE THINGS SAYS "SURELY I AM COMING SOON." Revelation 22:20

When people hear the words "I'll be home soon,"  there is mixed reaction.  If you are a young person who has had a party while your parents are away, it may mean PANIC. You have to clean up the house before they get there.

But if you are the wife of a Marine in Iraq you will be anxiously awaiting and time can not go by quickly enough.

So when you read the words of Jesus in Revelation "I am coming soon," what is your reaction?  Are you ready for Him to come?  Are you looking forward to the day?  Or are you panicking feeling like you have to do all these things yet. 

Let me assure you that the ONLY thing you need to do is put your faith and confidence in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and you are ready.  And during the few days of Advent that are left we have time to prepare our hearts and lives again to rejoice in His coming the first time.  He came for our salvation.  He's coming again for our salvation. 

The words that follow the above verse are "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."  Make them your words today. 

Blessings on your day,

December 8

YOU HAVE CAST ALL MY SINS BEHIND YOUR BACK.  Isaiah 38:17

Did you know that the farthest point east and the farthest point west in the United States are both in Alaska? 

It's true. Pochnoi Point in the Aleutians is as far west as you can go and still be in the United States. But if you travel a few miles farther west, you'll end up at Alaska's Amatignak Island. Because that spot is west of the 180th meridian separating the Eastern and the Western Hemispheres, it is technically east of the rest of the United States.

That may seem like a geographic trick but with God there are no tricks.  What you see is what you get.  Advent is the season in which we celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He came born in Bethlehem's manger to be a child. And as that child He was the Son of God, He actually took our sins and died on a cross for them.  That enables our God to cast them all behind His back.  Jesus' death and resurrection makes it possible for God to, in a sense, to throw them away meaning that they have no affect on us because they have been paid for.

Isn't our God is amazing?  He loves us so much that He did everything necessary so that you and I can spend eternity with Him in heaven.  Celebrate that this Advent season.

Blessings on your day,

December 1

IT IS BETTER TO TRUST IN THE LORD THAN TO PUT CONFIDENCE IN MAN. Psalm 118:8

Did you know that verse is THE VERY CENTER of the Bible?  There are 594 chapters before that and 594 chapters after it. It's interesting that the shortest chapter in the Bible precedes Psalm 118 - Psalm 117.  And of course, the longest chapter in the Bible follows it -  Psalm 119.

Thus the long and short of it is that that verse needs to be the center of our lives as well.  It is better to trust in the Lord.  What else is there?  What else can be more important than to put our complete trust and confidence in Him alone? 

It's better to trust in the Lord.  It's better for us. It's better for our past. It's better for our future. And it's better for our eternity.  It's better because that's what God asks of us, His followers.  It's trust that makes us His followers.  It's trust that receives what He gives to His followers.  It's trust that accepts what He gives and enables us to serve as His followers. 

If that is at the center of our lives, then everything else revolves around it.  If that is at the center of our lives, then nothing else matters.  MAKE IT THE CENTER! 

Blessings on your day,

November 24

HE FELL ON HIS FACE AT JESUS' FEET, GIVING HIM THANKS.  Luke 17:16

We have a soda machine or pop machine, whichever you use, at church.  And I find it interesting how people respond to it.  If it gives you what you want there is no trouble. But if it does not work then everyone complains.

I wonder if that's the way we are with God also.  As long as things are going well and we have what we want there is no trouble. But the minute things do not or that we don't get what we want we start complaining.

We celebrate Thanksgiving this week.  It's a time to remind us of all the blessings that we have from our God. And He does give us so much!  Maybe this year is one of those times when we don't have everything we want but still it is a lot.  Maybe this is the year that things are not going so well for us, but still we are blessed. 

The Samaritan returned to give thanks to Jesus for his healing.  Let's remember to give thanks to our God for His grace, our life, and everything that we do not. And let's not grumble about the things that we don't have.

Blessings on your day,

November 17

WHATEVER ONE SOWS, THAT WILL HE ALSO REAP.    Galatians 6:7

About a month ago, Portals of Prayer had something that I was really able to relate to.  It stated "When I was a farm boy, I was the most environment-and-conservation-friendly herbicide.  I walked the rows with a corn knife or a hoe, chopping down weeds. If I let a weed go uncut, it would go to seed and the next year there would be more weeds."

That was true of my life. It was an annual thing.  That reminds me of the "weeds" that grow in our life.  If we let them grow unchecked, they only get worse and worse. 

Perhaps in our day we could talk about the things that get into our minds are like the information that is put into a computer.  What goes in is what comes out.  If we allow the seeds of doubt, despair, corruption and violence then that's what gets produced in our lives. 

But if we take the time to allow God to sow His seed of grace and goodness, of love and forgiveness, then that's what will be produced in our lives.  Take the time each day to be with God and let Him have His way with you.

Blessings on your day,

November 10

TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU, AND LEARN FROM ME, FOR I AM GENTLE AND LOWLY IN HEART.   Matthew 11:29

Every time I read this passage I think back to my days in Ogallala, NE.  Back then there were Horse Pulls at the County Fair.  And I just loved to watch them.

I remember two teams of horses in particular.  One was a very spirited team.  It always seemed to me that they were dangerous to be around.  The driver always needed help in hitching them up to the sled to be pulled.  But they were powerful and for the most part pulled together.  Although once they got out of synch they were in trouble.

The other team was as gentle as can be.  The driver would stop them and hitch them up by himself as they stood still.  Then he would take the reins and talk to them and gently, but powerfully they would lean into the load and pull together.  They usually won.

Being teamed with our Lord Jesus is like that.  He is gentle. He helps us always.  He carries our burdens and removes our sins.  The tie that binds us together is so important because it is for our benefit.  Rejoice that you are yoked to our Lord Jesus.

Blessings on your day,

November 3

YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN TOMORROW. FOR WHAT IS YOUR LIFE? IT IS EVEN A VAPOR THAT APPEARS FOR A LITTLE TIME AND THEN VANISHES AWAY.   James 4:14

I don't know if you have noticed the gorgeous colors of the trees recently.  There is a tree outside my office door that is one half RED and one half GREEN.  It is beautiful!   I don't ever recall seeing that color before on that tree.  But it reminds me that Fall is here and pretty soon that tree will be bare. 

I suppose I could put a sign on it "FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY."  That same sign could be attached to our foreheads or on the back of our shirt too. 

We're here for a limited time only.  Each day we live is a day that we will never get to re-live again.  It is gone.  That says to me that we need to use each day wisely. 

Recently my Honda reached 200,000 miles. That was traumatic for me.  I began to wonder how many miles are left in it?  The same is true for us: How many days are left for us.  We're here for a limited time only.  Be a good steward of each day.

Blessings on your day,

October 27

GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH, AN EVER PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE.  Psalm 46:1

This week we will observe the anniversary of the Reformation.  Psalm 46 was one of Martin Luther's favorite psalms.  And I think in our times it might become one of ours as well. 

When the world is falling down around us or as the Psalmist put it "though the earth gives way." There's a lot of this world that is giving way these days.  The economy is in sad shape.  House values are way down.  Our retirement is in jeopardy.  Conflicts abound.  And life in general is kind of shaky. 

So where do we turn in times like these?  God continues to be our Strength and Stay.  He continues.  He is still God. He is still in charge.  He is still our Savior.  And He still LOVES us!  We can turn to Him. We can depend upon Him. 

Let me encourage you today to continue to trust this God of ours.  Continue to know that Jesus Christ has died and risen again for you.  And that He loves you with an everlasting love. 

Blessings on your day,

October 20

SEEK THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE ABOVE, WHERE CHRIST IS, SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD  Colossians 3:1

I really enjoy where we live because I can look up into the night or morning sky and see SO MANY stars. On a clear night I love to step outside and look up.  It's so dark, And there are so many stars.  Some twinkle and some just shine.  I know, the ones that twinkle are stars and the ones that don't are planets (technically speaking).  Some are bright and some are pretty dim. 

But nevertheless it always reminds me of what David once wrote in the Psalm 8. "WHEN I CONSIDER YOUR HEAVENS, THE WORK OF YOUR FINGERS, THE MOON AND THE STARS, WHICH YOU HAVE ORDAINED, WHAT IS MAN THAT YOU ARE MINDFUL OF HIM (3-4)?"

That's why St Paul encourages us to "Seek those things which are above..." When we look up we have to realize that our problems are rather small in comparison to what our God has to deal with all the time.  So surely He can handle whatever is bothering us. 

Maybe we all need to go outside and look up some evening or some morning. God loves us.  And He seeks to help us. 

Blessings on your day,

October 13

"COME LET US BUILD OURSELVES A CITY AND A TOWER WITH ITS TOP TO THE HEAVENS, AND LET US MAKE A NAME FOR OURSELVES..." Genesis 11:4

For 41 years the Empire State Building was the world's tallest building at 1250 feet. Then there were the twin towers, followed by the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur and the Taipei 101 building.  Soon the 2,657 foot Burj in Dubai will be completed later this year. 

It seems that ever since Genesis 11 man has been trying to build things taller and taller. The Bible says he has been trying to build a monument and make a name for himself.  You probably remember what God did with the people building the Tower of Babel. Their intent was to disobey God along with seeking to make a name for themselves. It was a matter of pride and not for God's glory. 

All that means that maybe we need to re-think what we do.  Are we living our lives in obedience to God?  Or are we living them for ourselves?  Significance in God's eyes is being a servant, not 'building a tower'. 

Let me encourage you today to work at obeying our God and to work at doing things to His glory. 

Blessings on your day,

October 6

I DID NOT SAY...'SEEK ME IN VAIN.'     Isaiah 45:19

I am amazed at how easy it has become to find one another in stores with cell phones.  Whenever I go wandering off looking at things while my wife shops, I always get this phone call. "Where are you?"

Before cell phones we always had to decide about a time and a rendezvous.  I remember once when we had done that when our children were smaller.  We were going to meet at such and such a place at such and such a time. Well, the time came and I was at what I thought was the right place. 

I was there.  I watched for them. I looked for them.  I wondered about them.  And I was getting worried about them when they didn't come.  But I had made the mistake. I was in the wrong place. And when I found them, they were right where they said they would be. 

That's the way our God is.  He's there, right where He said He would be.  We're the ones who are not looking for Him.  He said He would be in His Word, and in the sacraments.  But where do we look for Him?  In all those places where we think He might be. 

Today let me encourage you to rejoice that He is right where He is supposed to be, and He's waiting for us right now.

Blessings on your day,

September 29

EACH OF YOU SHOULD LOOK NOT ONLY TO YOUR OWN INTERESTS, BUT ALSO TO THE INTERESTS OF OTHERS.  Philippians 2:4

I find it interesting that as 21st century humans we are really good at the first part of that verse.  And it seems like we have become quite good at ignoring the second.  We even have this saying that fits what we do - "DO YOUR OWN THING." 

God is all for us doing our own thing because each of us is unique.  He didn't make any two of us the same.  But He is NOT in favor of us putting our own interests ahead of His own, yet we have a history of doing just that.  Besides 'doing our own thing' usually ends with disastrous results. 

I'm thinking of what Adam and Eve did so many years ago.  God had placed them in the Garden of Eden.  It was paradise.  It couldn't get any better. But they, of course, rejected God's plan in favor of doing their own thing.  They chose their own way which ended up driving them right out of the garden.

Every day you and I are faced with choices that have to answer the same question.  Are we doing our own thing? Do we want to do things our way or God's?  Are we putting our interests ahead of God's?  In Judges the writer says "In those days Israel had no king, so the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes."  He wrote that for today, I think.

Blessings on your day,

September 22

BEWARE THAT YOU DO NOT FORGET THE LORD YOUR GOD BY NOT KEEPING HIS COMMANDMENTS, HIS JUDGMENTS, AND HIS STATUTES.  Deuteronomy 8:11

I wonder what is going on in the minds of our people today.  The economy seems to be getting worse.  The candidates' speeches are becoming more and more as character assassination.  The wars have their ups and downs.  And prices keep going up and up. 

I remember reading that Alexandr Solzhenitsyn said that he learned to pray in a Siberian concentration camp because he had no other hope.  Before his arrest, when things were going well, he seldom gave God a thought.

When things are going well, we don't have questions. But when things get bad we wonder where God is in all of this.  I wonder if you are having some doubts about your life and your priorities today.  With things getting worse, it may be that it's time for us to start giving God a thought and even more.

He still loves us.  He is still there for us. He is still in charge of heaven and earth.  And He still desires for us to serve Him.  Be careful that success keeps us away from God thinking that we don't need Him and can do it on our own.

Don't wait for things to get bad, put your trust in Him now.  And talk to Him about your life.

Blessings on your day,

September 15

LOVE NEVER FAILS.    1 Corinthians 13:8

With the Olympic Games being history, we have images of all kinds of happenings: the 4X100 teams dropping the baton, the 8 gold medals, the opening ceremony, and the balance beam gold medal performance. 

The paper described Shawn Johnson, the young lady from Des Moines, Iowa, as a humble, gracious, and caring athlete. 

She reminded me of Eric Liddell, the former champion runner who won the 400 meters in 1924 in Paris.  He was that way also.  In fact he spent the last 20 years of his life as a missionary teacher and rural pastor.  During WWII he was in a Japanese internment camp and lived out the words of I Corinthians 13.  When he died in February 1945, one internee described him as a man "who lived better than he preached."

Love never fails.  Is that working in your heart and life?  Are you living better than you preach?

Blessings on your day,

September 8

THEY TRAIN TO OBTAIN A PERISHABLE CROWN, BUT WE TRAIN FOR AN IMPERISHABLE CROWN.  1 Corinthians 9:25

I know that sports bring out the best and the worst in people.  You always hear about the bad that happens: the father who gets banned from baseball because he pushed an umpire, the parents who actually get into a fist fight because of something one of them said, and of course the trash talk that goes on all the time.

I know there are people who just hate to see teams lose.  It's like can't both be winners?  Can't they tie?  I hear it all the time at the College World Series.  These teams struggle a whole season to get to Omaha.  You just hate to see them be defeated and have to go home.  And the reactions of the players make it worse.  Some actually cry.  Somehow we lose sight of the fact that it's just a game.   

Paul brings us to reality and directs our thoughts heavenward.  If all that fuss is about a temporary trophy, what kind of celebration must there be to know that we are winners in Christ Jesus and that the crown we receive is the crown of LIFE, eternal life?  Truly, let's celebrate the joy that is ours in Christ Jesus!!

Blessings on your day,

September 2

MY SOUL LONGS, YES, EVEN FAINTS FOR THE COURTS OF THE LORD.  Psalm 84:2

A couple of weeks ago for a children's message in worship, one little boy came running up the aisle and sat down next to me.  He was the first one there.  Obviously he wanted to be there.  He was so excited, to say the least, to come and hear the message I had prepared. 

I thought to myself, WOW!  Isn't that the way we all should be? Shouldn't we all be so eager to hear God's Word that we run to spend time with our God. 

The author of Psalm 84 appears to voice his eagerness.  I read in a commentary that some believe that the author was not able to get to the Temple for a while and he wrote this psalm to declare his longing and desire to get there.  He's the one who says later "one day of worship in God's house is better than a thousand elsewhere."

Can you say that is true for you?  Are you always ready and eager to get to church, or even to spend a few minutes with our God in devotion and prayer each day?  

I think I can understand the Psalmist because I can tell you that I can't wait to get up in the morning and spend a few minutes with Him in His Word.  Let me encourage you to try it. 

Blessings on your day,

August 25

AS AN EAGLE STIRS UP ITS NEST, HOVERS OVER ITS YOUNG, SPREADING OUT ITS WINGS....SO THE LORD ALONE LED JACOB.  Deuteronomy 32:11-12

After the June 27^th storm a pair of robins decided to make a nest in our very small and stripped tree in our back yard.  I didn't know about it until one day I was out back and had this bird "dive bombing" me.  And when it got so close that I could hear the flapping of its wings, I didn't like it.

But there wasn't much I could do.  I could have taken out the nest.  I could have done something to get rid of the birds.  But for 4 weeks I watched.  And one day it was like where did everyone go?  Then I noticed that one robin was sitting on my neighbor's roof and the other one was watching from a nearby tree as the little ones were trying to fly, landing in the grass about every 10 feet or so.  And when I got too close there they were again making sure that I was going to do no harm to their young.

Isn't that the way our God is?  We may think that at times He has abandoned us, but He is always nearby.  We may feel as though we are in great danger, but He is hovering over us and with His angels keeps us from great harm and danger. 

Rejoice in the goodness and love of God today,

Blessings on your day,

August 18

WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS FOR GOOD WORKS.  Ephesians 2;10

Do you remember 8 months ago when our former coach at Nebraska was fired? There was talk of all this money that he would get because he had signed a contract and we were obligated to pay him.  But he found work very quickly and it saved us a great deal of money.  However, he could have received this money for doing absolutely nothing.

You and I need to be careful that we don't look at our faith like that.  I mean that we think that God has saved me, therefore I don't need to do a thing. 

But look at what Paul says "WE WERE CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS FOR GOOD WORKS."  God called us and enlisted us to go to work for Him.  Remember this is not to earn His favor, but it is in gratitude for His favor. 

Because we are saved, we are eager to serve.  Because we are His, we desire to give.  Because we have been forgiven, we are free to do those good works that He has set aside and assigned for us to do.  They are things that only we can do. I mean that only each of us can do.

Blessings on your day,

August 11

PRESENT YOUR BODIES AS A LIVING SACRIFICE...   Romans 12:1

We have been praying for our service men and women who are in the military.  Our three serve in Afghanistan and Iraq, not very safe places these days.  I think of them quite often.  I think of the sacrifices that they are making for us. 

I know that when they entered the military they gave up a lot.  They left a great deal of freedom that they had.  They left some of the things that were important to them.  They gave up a lot of their rights to make their own decisions and choices.  But they did that saying in affect, "I am no longer doing things for me. I am doing them for the service of my country." And I for one, appreciate what they are doing.

I think that's like what God is asking of us in Romans, to give ourselves as living sacrifices, to give up the things that are important to us, to give up the rights we have to make our own decisions and choices, we leave behind being totally free in order to serve HIM. 

I want to encourage you today in your service and sacrifice.  We do that not for ourselves but we do it for Him, to honor Him, to bring Him glory. 

Blessings on your day,

August 4

WHEN JESUS HAD SENT THE MULTITUDES AWAY, HE WENT UP ON THE MOUNTAIN BY HIMSELF TO PRAY.    Matthew 14:23

A week ago I was invited to give the invocation at Omaha's City Council Meeting.  I was introduced to each of the members of the Council.  Needless to say I was a bit nervous about the invitation.  I know I shouldn't have been.  It's not like I have never prayed before in front of people.  But after all this was the City Council.  Since then I have learned that three of the men I met are possible candidates for Mayor. 

But you know what, I have met and I know the King of kings and the Creator of the universe.  I get to talk to Him everyday or whenever I want.  I don't need a special invitation to do that on a special day.   I have one and I know that His ears are always open to me and His attention is always on me. 

Jesus is a great example for us.  He prayed often.  He prayed before events took place. He prayed during miracles.  And He prayed after He had sent every one away.  He prayed always.  We can too.  We can pray as He did.  We have the attention and love of our Father.

Blessings on your day,

July 28

WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM IS NOT CONDEMNED, BUT WHOEVER DOES NOT BELIEVE IS CONDEMNED ALREADY.   John 3:18

I recently had a new timing belt put in the ole Honda (it's got 197,000 miles and it purrs like a kitten) and I couldn't help but think of the statement I heard a long time ago that a mechanic said to the owner of the car.  "For two hundred dollars I can make it run like new, but for four hundred dollars I can make it run like it's supposed to."  I have a mechanic who makes it run like it's supposed to without charging me $400. 

But I also have a God who makes me new every day.  And He doesn't charge me a thing.  In fact He forgives and renews me because He loves me in Jesus Christ.  Jesus has already removed my bad parts, my sins and all my guilt.  And He puts on me the covering of righteousness.  I am forgiven and I am free. 

I many times wish that I could 'run' like I am supposed to, but I can't.  There is that part of me that is still sinful and that sinful part causes me to disobey and rebel against my God.  It causes me to be selfish and filled with pride.  But in spite of that my God loves me.  And everyday He is there for me.  EVERY DAY!!

Be assured that He is making you new today. 

Blessings on your day,

July 21

IT WAS NOT BECAUSE YOU WERE MORE IN NUMBER THAN ANY OTHER PEOPLE THAT THE LORD SET HIS LOVE ON YOU AND CHOSE YOU, FOR YOU WERE THE FEWEST OF ALL PEOPLES.    Deuteronomy 7:7

Do you have any idea of why God loves you?  Is it because you are so nice?  Is it because you are attractive?  Is it because you do so many things for Him?  Is it because you have a great personality? 

I don't want to burst your bubble, but it's none of those things.  God loves you NOT because of you.  He loves you because of WHO He is. 

I ask every young couple who come to get married why they are marrying this person. They always tell me because "He makes me feel secure."  "She fulfills me."  "He loves me for who I am."  "She is a caring person."  Did you notice those statements are all about the other person.

The same is true for God. It's always about the other person. It's always about us. He always loves us.  He has demonstrated that to us in Jesus' cross and empty tomb.  He loves us NO MATTER WHAT, not because of who we are but because of WHO He is. 

Be assured today that He loves you and He will always love you!

Blessings on your day,

July 7

WHY ARE YOU CAST DOWN, O MY SOUL? WHY ARE YOU DISQUIETED WITHIN ME?  HOPE IN GOD; FOR I SHALL YET PRAISE HIM.   Psalm 42:5

A very successful businessman was asked to speak to the graduates at their commencement.  He told them that he had a most unusual wish for them.  He said "If I could have one hope for you as you go out into the world, it would be this:  I HOPE YOU FAIL.  I hope you fail at something important to you."

As I read the Old Testament I see that so many of the successes of God's people come out of their failures.  They trust their own wisdom and their own plans but then fail miserable. 

Aren't our down times because we do the very same thing?  "Why are you cast down of my soul?" Isn't because we failed in some area of our lives? 

Don't we need to come to the realization that as the psalmist says "As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after thee." (Psalm 42:1)?  We need to begin with God instead of turning to Him after we have failed. 

Let me encourage you to spend some time with Him in His Word and discover what it is that He desires of you this day.

Blessings on your day,

June 30

THE WORD OF THE LORD CAME TO JEREMIAH! Jeremiah 25:1

I once read about some humming birds that were like children.  At a feeder that had been set out for them and refilled every day there would be no humming birds feeding for hours on end.  Then when it seemed like one of them wanted to feed.  All of a sudden every humming bird in the neighborhood wanted to feed.  And as a result there were "wars", pushing and shoving each other to get at it. 

Now, doesn't that sometimes seem true of children?  I mean one toy lays in the middle of the play area and no one is playing with it.  Then all of a sudden one child wants it and as a result everyone wants to play with it and thus there ends up to be tears and one hits another.

Wouldn't it be nice if that were true of adults when it came to reading God's Word?  If one person all of a sudden started reading it, wouldn't it be great if everyone then wanted to read and study it?  Why not try it. 

What would happen if you and I committed to reading His Word daily?  Maybe we need to tell someone and they might become like children or better yet humming birds that want to feed on it all the time.

Blessings on your day,

June 23

HE PRAYED, "O LORD, GOD OF ISRAEL, THERE IS NO GOD LIKE YOU IN ALL OF HEAVEN AND EARTH."    2 Chronicles 6:14

I'd like to follow up last week's devotion with a quote "You begin to seek God for who He is when you stop seeking Him for what He can do for you."

When we continually seek God only for what we can get out of Him then are we really seeking the God of the Scriptures for Who he really is?  I mean if our faith continues to be self centered and our prayers are only for stuff then what does that say about our relationship with God?  What does it say about the way we see Him? 

The God of the Bible loves us incredibly and wants to have a personal relationship with us.  IT'S a RELATIONSHIP, not a discount house.  It's a relationship where we spend time with Him, get to know Him, and seek to do what HE WANTS not what we desire! 

I keep remembering the words of Patrick Morley of years ago "There is the God we want, and there is the God who is, and they are not the same God."  Let me encourage you to spend time in His Word and get to know the God who is.

Blessings on your day,

June 16

YOU KEEP YOUR PROMISES AND SHOW UNFAILING LOVE TO ALL WHO OBEY YOU AND ARE EAGER TO DO YOUR WILL.  2 Chronicles 6:14

In my devotions I have been reading in the book of Romans and the words from the Old Testament in the third chapter struck me.  "There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God."  "There is no one who does good, not even one." 

That tells me that NO ONE deserves God's help. If He waited to help us until we deserved it, well, you know we wouldn't get it - EVER!  Besides are we asking for God's help?

I know you are going to say that we do.  But what help do people ask for? Physical stuff, health, help when they're in trouble.  But do we ask for God's help where we really need it - in our spiritual lives?

That's where we need God.  And that's where we need His help.  And the good news is that He helps us there in spite of our not asking for it.  He helps us because He loves us.  He helps us, not because of us, but because of Him, because of who He is.  Praise God that He does.

Blessings on your day,

June 9

I AM THE LORD AND I WILL BRING YOU OUT FROM UNDER THE BURDENS OF THE EGYPTIANS...AND I WILL REDEEM YOU WITH AN OUTSTRETCHED ARM AND WITH GREAT ACTS OF JUDGMENT.  Exodus 6:6

I find it very interesting when I teach students in our school that a lot of their knowledge of the Bible is what they have learned from movies and videos.  When we come across to some of the things that the movies have taken liberties with, I usually say 'You have been watching too much television again.' 

It's important for us to get the truth directly from the source instead of relying upon what others have tried to show in movies.  So let me encourage you today again to spend some time with our God in His Word.  Read it regularly.  Read it systematically.  Read it and let our God speak to you so that you know what it says.

One of my favorite questions continues to be to members of boards at church, with people in small groups studies and just generally:  HOW'S YOUR DEVOTIONAL LIFE GOING? So, how's yours?

Blessings on your day,

June 2

TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND DO NOT LEAN ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING.   Proverbs 3:5

Recently I have been in contact with some extended family and discovered that some of them live in Colorado.  It caused me to think of when I was a child that my parents would take me to visit family in Colorado.  I recall that I would ride along not knowing where we were going and not really caring about how we were going to get there.

You see, I trusted my father.  I had ridden with him many times and he always got us where we were going and back again.  I felt that he knew where we were going and that's all that mattered. 

Our heavenly Father desires that same kind of trust from us in our lives.  As His children we can feel that He knows what He is doing and where we are going.  I can let Him do the 'driving' as it were in my life.  He's been there and back again. 

God promises to be with us always.  And His promises are a great assurance and comfort to me.  Let them be so for you.

Blessings on your day,

May 27

NEITHER THIS MAN NOR HIS PARENTS SINNED, BUT THAT THE WORKS OF GOD SHOULD BE REVEALED IN HIM.   John 9:3

You don't know Nick Vujicic but he has never has a sore arm or knee problems. He has never smashed his finger in a door or stubbed his toe or even banged his shin against a coffee table.  You see Nick doesn't have a shin, or a toe, or a finger.  He was born with no legs and no arms. 

His attitude though is "God won't let anything happen to us in our life unless He has a good purpose for it all."   That's what Jesus said in chapter 9 of John's gospel.  "It's so that the works of God may be revealed through him." 

Nick gets to see how God is using him in ways that others can't be used.  He travels the world getting a lot of attention and then being able to spread the gospel and love of Jesus.

What's going on in your life today that God can use 'so that His works may be revealed?'  You can trust this God in any and all circumstances in your life. 

Blessings on your day,

May 19

DO NOT WORRY.   Matthew 6:25

With the bear commercial for Lowes I couldn't help but remember a story I read about a 15-pound orange and white cat named Jack who took his job of guarding his owner's backyard very seriously. In fact so seriously that one day they found him sitting at the base of a tall tree looking up at a large black bear.

Jack had hissed at the bear who came wandering in and scared the bear that he quickly climbed the tree.  Now you wonder: How could a big black bear be afraid of a little kitty?

But might that same question be asked of us when worry and fear take over our lives and keep us from living?  We have a powerful God who loves us.  He said that we have nothing to worry about or fear because He knows our needs and He provides. 

So, please when you are tempted to give in to worry or fear, remember to keep your perspective.  God knows.  And He will take care of you.  HE LOVES YOU!!

Blessings on your day,

May 12

JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID: "O, WOMAN, GREAT IS YOUR FAITH! LET IT BE TO YOU AS YOU DESIRE."   Matthew 15:28

In 1953 a small business called "The Rocket Chemical Company" set out to create a line of rust-prevention solvents and degreasers for use in the aerospace industry.  It took them 40 attempts to perfect their formula. But it was the original secret formula for WD-40, which stands for Water Displacement.  The 40th attempt is still in use today.  It is a story of persistence.

Matthew tells of a similar story with a woman in Canaan.  She had a daughter who was possessed by a demon.  She heard about Jesus and went to Him.  She asked for His help, even though it seemed like everything was against her - race, religion, gender, the disciples, satan, and for a moment even Jesus.  BUT SHE DID NOT GIVE UP.

She continued and the daughter was healed, plus Jesus commends her for her faith. 

We are invited and encouraged to come to Jesus just like that with boldness and persistence. Keep asking.  Keep seeking.  Keep knocking.  We will find grace and mercy.

Blessings on your day,

May 5

I HEARD THE VOICE OF THE LORD, SAYING: "WHOM SHALL I SEND, AND WHO WILL GO FOR US?"   Isaiah 6:8

I keep reading about the latest person to be dismissed from The American Idol show.  Does everyone watch that? or read about it?  It is interesting to me that so many do. 

I don't know if you realize it or not but this type of showing trying to find the latest talent is not a new concept.  Only the show is different.  Some of you may recall that the original show was "Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour".  That led to "The Gong Show." 

God is searching for talent too.  He is looking for people to tell the story of His Son's death and resurrection.  He is asking for volunteers to share with that person at work, or your neighbor, or that member of the family the good news of Jesus' love for them.

Everyone of us is qualified.  Each of us has the talent.  We even have the heart.  What it takes is the determination to say something.  God will give you the words.  Try it.  You'll like it.

Blessings on your day,

April 28

YOU WERE NOT REDEEMED WITH CORRUPTIBLE THINGS,...BUT WITH THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST.    1 Peter 1:18-19

A successful businessman made this statement:  "Almost every religion talks about a savior coming.  When you look into the mirror in the morning, you're looking at that savior.  Nobody else is going to save you but yourself."

Obviously as Christians we all disagree with that statement because we know that we have a Savior and His name is Jesus.  He came to this world for us - to go to a cross to suffer for our sins and the die there.  But on Easter He rose again for our salvation.  He has done it all for us. 

Peter states in the book of Acts in a sermon: "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."  I think that's pretty clear. 

We cannot save ourselves. No matter how hard we try and even think that we can - WE CANNOT!! Only by God's grace

Blessings on your day,

April 21

WHERE THERE IS NO REVELATION, THE PEOPLE CAST OFF RESTRAINT; BUT BLESSED IS HE WHO KEEPS THE LAW.  Proverbs 29:18

Have you noticed that our society and culture keeps spiraling downward?  It's like it is out of control and it keeps getting worse and worse.  As I watch some of the previews of the upcoming shows for this summer and next fall on television, I am shocked! 

But then I read recently the above verse from Proverbs and it all makes sense. We have been "casting off restraint" for a long time. We have been not just ignoring God's will and commands, but we have been deliberately disobeying them. 

It's like what happened at the foot of the mountain when Moses was gone for 40 days.  The people "cast off restraint" and ended up in an out of control scene that I don't want to think about.  But that's exactly what happens when there is no standard of what is right and wrong.  And like them we end up in bondage and real freedom. 

So let me encourage you to seek the revelation of God in His Word for the benefit of your life and your freedom in Jesus.

Blessings on your day,

April 14

THAT THEY MAY KNOW YOU, THE ONLY TRUE GOD, AND JESUS CHRIST WHOM YOU HAVE SENT.  John 17:3

Every time I go to Lowes or Home Depot or Menards I see the workshops that they offer for DO IT YOURSELFERS.  But I realize that some people take this do-it-yourself thing too far. And they create their own God.

A report in Newsweek said a youth pastor asked his teens who they think God is. One said He was like his grandfather: 'He's there, but I never see him.'  Another suggested He is 'an evil being who wants to punish me all the time.'  The last teen concluded that everyone is right because that's what they really believe.

Can we decide who God is by taking a poll?  Hardly!  We can't make up our own God as we go.  But I'm afraid that the whole idea is increasing.

Jesus said that we can know the ONLY TRUE GOD. He's revealed Himself in the Bible. We need to read it once to see who He really is. He's a loving, caring God whose Son died and rose again for our forgiveness and salvation. And we need to read it often to really get to know HIm.

Blessings on your day,

April 7

OUT OF THE HEART OF MEN PROCEED EVIL THOUGHTS, ADULTERIES, FORNICATIONS, MURDERS, THEFTS, COVETOUSNESS, WICKEDNESS, DECEIT... Mark 7:21-22

Pretty soon we are going to be able to enjoy some of the fruits of our gardens.  But in the meantime we get to shop for them in the stores. I don't know how you pick your fruits and vegetables. I have my own way. 

Most of the time I smell the fruit. I have this theory that if it doesn't smell like it's supposed to, it's not going to taste like it. For melons I thump them. If it doesn't sound the same as thumping my tummy it's not any good. 

But even with my techniques I still can't tell for sure what's on the inside. That's true of people also. We may see only the outside, yet on the inside a person can be hold on to anger or ugly attitudes. They may be terribly bitter. They may have too high of an attitude about themselves. 

Jesus said it's the things on the inside, your heart, your thoughts, your attitudes that really matter.

Blessings on your day,

March 31

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, AND FAITHFULNESS.  Galatians 5:22

Do you have a to-do list?  What's on it for today? Or this week?  Paying bills? Cleaning a cupboard or your office?  Finishing up your taxes?  We all have things we need to get done today or this week, whether we write them down or not. 

To-do lists are helpful but there may be another list that is even more important.  I am suggesting that each of us have a "to be" list.  Albert Einstein said, "Try not to become a man of success, but rather to become a man of value." 

In a sense what Paul was encouraging the Galatians was to be concerned about their character, about who they were, about their "to be" list.  He said that if we are controlled by the Spirit of God, then He will produce those characteristics we know as the fruit. 

Is there a part of that fruit that is lacking in your life?  Do you need to work on one of them?  Perhaps that needs to move to the top of your "to do" list today or this week.

Blessings on your day,

March 24

WHEN HE HAD RECEIVED THE DRINK, JESUS SAID 'IT IS FINISHED.' WITH THAT, HE BOWED HIS HEAD AND GAVE UP HIS SPIRIT.  John 19:30

No one wants to die, no one except our Lord Jesus, although there is an excellent example from WWII.  A hardened communist, in the Nazi concentration camps watched a lady by the name of Maria. He saw the Nazi, filling their quotas, had sentenced a young mother to the gas chamber.  When the Christian, Maria, saw what had happened, she pushed the mother aside and took her place. 

That's exactly what our Lord Jesus did. He took our place. He suffered and died when we should have. He received the punishment of God when we deserved it. He was made sin for us. And He did it willingly.

He died, but then HE ROSE AGAIN, earning our salvation. Indeed His task is finished. But ours is just beginning. We rejoice in His grace and mercy. And we can honor Him with a life lived like Maria and our Lord - one of giving and sacrificing for others. 

Blessings on your day,

March 17

AND WHEN HE DREW NEAR AND SAW THE CITY, HE WEPT OVER IT.  Luke 19:41

Yesterday we celebrated the beginning of Holy Week by hearing how our Lord Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem amidst the shouts and cheers receiving Him as King and Lord on Palm Sunday.

But interestingly Luke records a rather unusual response of our Lord. We would think that it would have pleased Him that finally the people were acknowledging Him. But He wept.  He shed tears.  And He does this because He sees into the hearts of the people.  In the middle of the palm branches and cloaks,  there is no desire for the things of God.

In the Portals of Prayer yesterday it stated, "Jesus sees the heart today as well. Sometimes our faith becomes more than content.  Religion, repentance, faith - fine as long as we don't have to change.  Love and unselfishness - find, as long as I come first.  Condemn sin - fine, as long as you don't apply it to me.  Can we see His grief over us in the Palm Sunday tears of Jesus?" 

Where are we? Are we like the crowds of Jerusalem or do we truly accept Him as Lord and King? May your Holy Week observance be centered on rejoicing in Jesus' love and mercy.

Blessings on your day,

March 10

"ONE ACT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS LEADS TO JUSTIFICATION AND LIFE FOR ALL MEN."  Romans 5:18

We often hear and maybe disagree with judgments that are passed down by judges in court.  Some we think are too harsh and others are not harsh enough.  A judge once stated "There's no such thing as the grace of the court." 

When a person is judged guilty, he is guilty.  That won't change.  The judge may be merciful or not.  But he cannot erase the crime.  Even if the criminal goes free, he's still guilty. 

However, JUSTIFICATION is what the almighty Judge can give.  To justify means to declare "NOT GUILTY".  And only God can do that.  In fact He has in Jesus Christ.  That's what this Lenten season is all about.  We get to hear again the wonderful fact that Jesus, the Son of God, took all our sins and went to a cross to suffer and die and then to rise again just so that God could declare us NOT GUILTY. 

No matter what you have done, in Jesus Christ, God can declare you not guilty. You can be forgiven because of Him.  So trust in Him and accept His grace.

Blessings on your day,

March 3

JESUS SAID TO HIM, "AGAIN IT IS WRITTEN, YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST."  Matthew 4:7

C.S. Lewis once said that the one who gives in to temptation quickly doesn't really know temptation, because it doesn't take much to get him to sin.  The more one resists temptation, the more temptation one encounters, as the devil persists. 

So where are you on the scale?  Are you being tempted constantly and are you giving in easily?  Or are you being tempted a lot and by the grace of God able to say "NO"?

As you recall our Lord Jesus was tempted for 40 days and 40 nights out there in the wilderness as He was fasting and being prepared for His ministry.  "Give it up," the devil was urging Him.  "Those people aren't worth it."  "Take care of yourself."  "Watch your backside."

But Jesus wasn't concerned about Himself.  He was concerned for us.  He was in love with us. And He wanted the best for us.  He was willing to do ANYTHING for us including giving up His life so that we could have eternal life.  What are you willing to give up for Him?

Blessings on your day,

February 25

AS SOON AS JUDAS TOOK THE BREAD, SATAN ENTERED INTO HIM.  

John 13:27

A week or two ago we heard about the temptation of our Lord and how satan came to Him three times in subtle ways to entice Him to sin and thus disqualify Him from being the Savior of mankind.

I read this recently. As one family began their supper they thanked God for the food, for health and the like. But then, during the meal there was this listing of complaints about work, the weather, and life in general.  The youngest asked, "Dad, did God hear our prayer?'"

"Of course."

"And, has God heard the rest of what we have said at supper?"

Dad answered in a shaky voice  "YES"  

"Then, Daddy, which do you think God believed?"

How easily satan tempts us in our lives and in our conversations.  If we are truly grateful to God for His gifts, then we need to be grateful for ALL of the them.

Blessings on your day,

February 18

BE OF GOOD CHEER! IT IS I; DO NOT BE AFRAID.   Matthew 14:27

Aren't you glad that the most depressing day of the year is passed?  It usually falls during the third week of January.  It takes place during those dark and cold days when the bills from Christmas come in our mailboxes.  And maybe by then you have either broken or kept your New Year's Resolutions.  But maybe you didn't even know all that!  And most important: It's passed!

Maybe you don't always know when things are going from bad to worse.  The economy certainly hasn't been the greatest and I think we know that.  Maybe our health hasn't been the best either but we probably know that also.  But what about our spiritual life?  How is that going?  That may not be so readily seen or known.  But we can FEEL IT.  We can SENSE IT. 

As the words of Jesus remind us that He is still who He said He was.  He is still the Lord of heaven and earth. He is still the same Jesus who loves us incredibly. He is still the same God who came for our forgiveness and our salvation. And He is still with us. 

With Him at our side there is nothing to fear.  And that can lead us even in the dark and cold, depressing days of January and now February to be of GOOD CHEER.  I pray for that in your lives.

Blessings on your day,

February 11

HE SAVED US ....... BY THE WASHING OF REGENERATION AND RENEWAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.   Titus 3:5

A couple of weeks ago we heard that Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John.  Isn't it something that God can take ordinary water and do such a powerful thing with it?

I remember in the Old Testament a man by the name of Naaman.  Remember? He was the commander of the entire Syrian army, but he had leprosy. The prophet Elijah told him to go and wash in the Jordan River and the leprosy would go away.

Naaman grew angry because he expected something more.  He didn't expect to be healed by an ordinary bath in ordinary water.  But what a surprise when he did. 

It shouldn't surprise us when God does the same for you and me in Baptism.  Ordinary water, yet He makes us His child. He gives us faith.  He forgives our sins.  And He empowers us for life, and eternal life.  Please don't forget what God can do with ordinary things.

Blessings on your day,

February 4

BE OF GOOD CHEER! IT IS I; DO NOT BE AFRAID.   Matthew 14:27

Aren't you glad that the most depressing day of the year is passed?  It usually falls during the third week of January.  It takes place during those dark and cold days when the bills from Christmas come in our mailboxes.  And maybe by then you have either broken or kept your New Year's Resolutions.  But maybe you didn't even know all that!  And most important: It's passed!

Maybe you don't always know when things are going from bad to worse.  The economy certainly hasn't been the greatest and I think we know that.  Maybe our health hasn't been the best either but we probably know that also.  But what about our spiritual life?  How is that going?  That may not be so readily seen or known.  But we can FEEL IT.  We can SENSE IT. 

As the words of Jesus remind us that He is still who He said He was.  He is still the Lord of heaven and earth. He is still the same Jesus who loves us incredibly. He is still the same God who came for our forgiveness and our salvation. And He is still with us. 

With Him at our side there is nothing to fear.  And that can lead us even in the dark and cold, depressing days of January and now February to be of GOOD CHEER.  I pray for that in your lives.

Blessings on your day,

January 28

GOD SHOWED HOW MUCH HE LOVED US BY SENDING HIS SON INTO THE WORLD SO THAT WE MIGHT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH HIM. 1 John 4:9

Are you getting ready for baseball season yet?  It’s coming.  Spring training begins in a couple of weeks. And so does Lent.

In baseball a ‘sacrifice’ means that a batter has hit a ball so that it advances a runner to the next base.  In Holy Scripture the ‘sacrifice’ means that Jesus Christ laid down His life in our place so that we could advance not just to the next base but to heaven.  It means that our gracious God has made a sacrifice of His own Son for us, His creatures.  It means that He punished Him in our place so that we could be free of our sins.

God’s sacrifice doesn’t need repeating like those in baseball.  His was once for all, for all time and for all people.  And it means that forgiveness and salvation are available to us. 

As we prepare our hearts to observe Lent this year, remember its focus is upon the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Blessings on your day,

January 21

FOR EVERYONE WHO EXALTS HIMSELF WILL BE HUMBLED, AND HE WHO HUMBLES HIMSELF WILL BE EXALTED. Luke 14:11

In the book “Flags of Our Fathers,” James Bradley tells of the WWII battle of Iwo Jima and its famous flag-raising on Mount Suribachi. Mr Bradley’s father was one of those who raised that flag.

But more important Mr John Bradley was a medic who was committed to helping and serving others. John Bradley won the Navy Cross for heroism and valor during that battle, but he never spoke of it to his family. In fact, it was only after his death that they learned of his military decorations. Mr Bradley was a humble man.

There was another man who was humble also. In fact that individual humbled Himself to become a man. The Bible says that Jesus Christ humbled Himself and took on the form of a man, even humbling Himself to death. And that death was for us. And now as a result He is highly exalted. In fact it says that at the NAME OF JESUS every knee will bow. Let me encourage you to bow in humble adoration of this King who came to suffer, die and rise again for us.

Blessings on your day,

January 14

I DECLARE TO YOU THE GOSPEL WHICH I PREACHED TO YOU. 1 Corinthians 15:1

I am wondering if all those Christmas presents have been used and worn and maybe there are some toys that have been broken? How quickly we get over the excitement of their newness… And maybe how quickly outdated they become…

The computer we just bought is old and outdated already. The flannel shirt we received and the new winter coat is too warm to wear during the nice weather. And the music we downloaded is old. There are new songs on the horizon that everyone wants to be listening to.

But I have to tell you that’s not true of the good news that we heard just a couple of weeks ago – that God in His tremendous love for us sent His Son, Jesus, here to this world born as a tiny baby, that He grew up and lived for us a perfect life and then how He sacrificed that life for us on a cross to suffer, die but then to rise again. I never tire of hearing that story. I pray that you don’t either.

Blessings on your day,

January 7

I DECLARE TO YOU THE GOSPEL WHICH I PREACHED TO YOU. 1 Corinthians 15:1

By now everything is put away. All the decorations are down. School has begun once again. But it is only the 13th day of Christmas. Yet how quickly that tree and those ornaments are put away for another year! In my neighborhood the lights stopped being lighted on the 27th of December.

I am hoping that you and I are not so quick to put away the real meaning of why we celebrate during this time of year. It would be easy because of our busy schedules to go right back to where we were on December 2nd.

But WE CAN’T! We have just observed once again the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ, the fact that God came to earth in the person of His Son, born in Bethlehem. It was the supreme demonstration of His love for us. He was not going to let us go our own way. He had to intervene and work out our salvation for us.

How can you forget that? How can you so easily put that away and box it up for another year? God loves you. He will always love you.

Blessings on your day,