July 1

God Wants Me to Be Kind

Experiencing God's power
2 Kings 4:34-37

Read the Bible through:
AM - Ezra 1-2 : PM - Acts 1

He called Gehazi and said, "Call this Shunammite woman." So he called her. And when she came in to him, he said, "Pick up your son." (2 Kings 4:36).

The springtime weather in Northeast Oklahoma is often threatening and severe. When lightening affected the power lines to our house, we would grope around in the dark, trying to locate the candles to shed some light on our surroundings.

Then when the problem was fixed and the lights came back on again, we experienced the power of electricity.

In today's devotional passage, the overwhelming grief of the Shunammite woman is evident. Her son was dead. Meeting Elisha on the road, she pleaded with him to go back home with her because she knew God could use Elisha to raise her son.

Elisha came. He prayed. Then he placed himself upon the boy and waited upon God. Later, God's power was reveled; and the boy was restored to life.

Lord, help me to draw near to You, pray, and patiently wait so I may experience Your power in my life.

June 30

God Wants Me to Be Kind

Beseeching the Lord for others
2 Kings 4:18-33


Read the Bible through:
AM - 2 Chronicles 35-36 : PM - John 21

He went in therefore, shut the door behind the two of them, and prayed to the LORD (2 Kings 4:33).

The Shunammite woman faced a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Her son became sick and died. Elisha prayed to the Lord on her behalf.

Not all obstacles are as serious as the Shunammite woman's. Some barriers just cloud the horizons of our lives in the present.

Such is the case with many of those who attend my church. They have hopes and dreams of the future, juggling many roles. Some are living on inadequate funds. Some live far away from family. Their lives are loaded with responsibilities and discouragement often sets in.

I find great fulfillment in praying for the members of my church - for their safety, their families, and their lives in general. The Lord knows what obstacles they face.

Lord, help me see that praying for others is a privilege.

June 29

God Wants Me to Be Kind

Seeking to help others

2 Kings 4:13

Read the Bible through:

AM - 2 Chronicles 33-34 : PM - John 20:19-31

And he said to him, "Say now to her, 'Look, you have been concerned for us with all this care. What can I do for you? Do you want me to speak on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?'" She answered, "I dwell among my own people." (2 Kings 4:13).

On Memorial Day weekend, 1957, a young couple in our neighborhood was involved in a tragic automobile wreck. Both parents were badly hurt, but the baby was miraculously unharmed. That's when my grandmother stepped forth and volunteered to care for the baby until the parents were back on their feet.

She called on all our neighbors and gathered the items she would need for the baby's care.

She cared for that baby for several weeks. Time passed, and the parents were well enough to go home. It was a sad day when we packed up all that little boys things. We watched them drive away and never heard from them again. But my grandmother often spoke of the blessings she received while she looked after little Jimmy.

The Shunammite woman had no agenda to help Elisha, and my grandmother had none either. Both women's motive was to help someone in God's name.

Lord, give me courage to help others in Your name.

June 28

God Wants Me to Be Kind

Accepting others' kindness
2 Kings 4:8-11

Read the Bible through:
AM - 2 Chronicles 32 : PM - John 20:1-18

Now it happened one day that Elisha went to Shunem, where there was a notable woman, and she persuaded him to eat some food. So it was, as often as he passed by, he would turn in there to eat some food (2 Kings 4:8).

Because of the Shunammite woman's kindness, Elisha could carry on the work of the Lord.

A few weeks ago when my wife and daughter were on a mission trip in the Far East, Ruth Whisenhunt arranged for me to have dinner with a different church family nearly every evening. I had some of the best home cooked food and conversation in the world that week. Ruth's commitment to the Lord's work caused her to reach out to her pastor when he was alone. Each evening was a joy.

Along with the food, my hosts brought words of encouragement and I gratefully accepted their kindness.

Lord, lead me to accept the help of others, knowing that You are the source of all blessings.

June 27

God Wants Me to Be Kind

Responding to other peoples needs
2 Kings 4:1-7

Read the Bible through:
AM - 2 Chronicles 30-31 : PM - John 19:17-42

So Elisha said to her, "What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?" And she said, "Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil." (2 Kings 4:2).

The widow mentioned in today's scripture was in a difficult situation. She informed Elisha. Elisha risked involvement by inquiring in an attempt at identifying the woman's need.

We meet needy people everyday, and many times we find it easier not to get involved at all.

Try these actions: Instead of purchasing that fashionable diamond ring, dwell on the Solid Rock and reach out to someone in His name. Instead of paying for that new sport-utility vehicle, find a widow in church who may need her car repaired.

We may think we have no gift or talent in particular, yet only a kind heart is needed to respond to others in need.

Lord, use me as Your instrument to kindle flames of love and encouragement wherever I find a need.

June 26

God Wants Me to Persevere

In Growth
1 Samuel 2:18-26

Read the Bible through:
AM - 2 Chronicles 28-29 : PM - John 19:1-16

And the child Samuel grew in stature, and in favor both with the LORD and men (1 Sam. 2:26).

The boy Samuel modeled balanced physical, spiritual, and social growth. Healthy life grows, whether plant, animal, or human life. Unhealthy or injured life struggles to grow, if it grows at all. Healthy Christians grow spiritually. Christians who are unhealthy spiritually not only do not grow, but usually regress.

Much is said and written about church problems. Only occasionally do I hear of churches that wrestle with doctrinal problems. Far more frequently, church problems are issues growing out of broken or unhealthy personal relationships. Too little effort seems to be given to cultivating “favor both with the Lord, and men.”

Stunted social skills lead to unfortunate and unnecessary friction at church. Addressing breaches in the fellowship siphons off a church’s energy and often draws pastors and staff members away from major ministries to spend time putting out brush fires.

Lord, help me resolve today to cultivate healthy relationships with You and others.

June 25

God Wants Me to Persevere

In Praise
1 Samuel 2:1-11

Read the Bible through:
AM - 2 Chronicles 26-27 : PM - John 18


"No one is holy like the LORD, For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God (1 Sam. 2:2).

Hannah praised God for His holiness and uniqueness. She cast her praise in poetic form and expressed it through prayer to God.

More broadly, we can think of praise as what we feel, think, or say about God. Sometimes our praise may take the form of unexpressed feelings of awe or adoration. Usually, we think of praise as vocalized expressions made in prayers, songs, or spoken words – expressions that extol God’s attributes and actions.

Families often teach young to utter praise by praying, “God is great; God is good.” Many of the Psalms furnish us words by which to express praise to God. Praising Christians often read back to God the Psalms of praise. Congregations often join in singing hymns of praise to God. Individual believers stand in the midst of God’s wonderful creation and feel overwhelming praise for His handiwork.

Lord, You are worthy to receive honor, glory, and praise for Your greatness, goodness, and grace

June 24

God Wants Me to Persevere

In Godly Action
1 Samuel 1:24-28

Read the Bible through:
AM - 2 Chronicles 24-25 : PM - John 17

"Therefore I also have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the LORD." So they worshiped the LORD there. (1 Sam. 1:28).

Godly action is God-like action. What actions are most like God? Since God is love, loving deeds are God-like. Since God is holy, holy living is God-like. Hannah found God to be faithful in answering prayer so her faithfulness to keep her vow was the godly thing to do. If granted a son, she had promised to devote him to God’s service. God gave her Samuel, so Hannah gave Samuel back to God.

Bible passages that call us to ponder what God is like help us know how we should live God-like lives. Their marriage seemed perfect to all their friends. People did not understand the husband’s brief affair with another woman. Sin stood ready to shatter the marriage. However, deep conviction that forgiveness is the God-like response to sincere repentance resulted in reconciliation. We humans are never more godly than when we forgive those who trespass against us.

Lord, keep me in the quest to know You better and better so that I can become more like You day by day.

June 23

God Wants Me to Persevere

In Gratitude
1 Samuel 1:19-23

Read the Bible through:
AM - 2 Chronicles 22-23 : PM - John 15

So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, "Because I have asked for him from the LORD." (1 Sam. 1:23).

Hannah reflected gratitude in two ways. First, she and her husband worshiped the Lord together (1:19). Their early morning worship was in response to Hannah’s assurance that her prayer for a son had been heard. Among worthy motives for personal and collective worship is our debt of gratitude to God for His man benefits. Failure to worship God regularly may be traced in part to a failure to recognize God as the Source from whom every blessing comes. Gratitude begets worship. To cultivate a grateful heart is to prepare for meaningful worship.

Second, Hannah named her son to reflect her gratitude for answered prayer. Samuel sounds like the Hebrew term for “heard of God.” Her son’s name became for Hannah a perpetual reminder of her debt of gratitude owed the Lord for answering her prayer.

Lord, sensitize me today to the many evidences of Your faithfulness.

June 22

God Wants Me to Persevere

In Faith
1 Samuel 1:12-18

Read the Bible through:
AM - 2 Chronicles 20-21 : PM - John 15

And she said, "Let your maidservant find favor in your sight." So, the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad (1 Sam. 1:12).

Hannah expressed her persevering faith through persistent prayer for her son. She kept on praying until given assurance that her prayer had been heard. She prayed out of a burdened heart. Eli, the priest, misunderstood her agony in prayer to be drunkenness. Upon learning the truth, Eli blessed Hannah. That blessing enabled Hannah to walk from the place of prayer with a confident heart that found expression n her transformed countenance.

The Lord wants us to persevere in our faith. A former neighbor had prayed for her grown son’s salvation all of the son’s life. One Sunday morning he slipped into the church service late and unnoticed by his mother, who sat near the front. At the end of the service, the man made a public profession of faith. Upon seeing her son at the altar, my neighbor shouted with uncontrollable joy. Her years of persistent trust that God would hear her prayer were rewarded.

Lord, help me to persevere in trusting Your promises.

June 21

God Wants Me to Persevere

In prayer
1 Samuel 1:8-11

Read the Bible through:
AM - 2 Chronicles 17-19 : PM - John 14

Then she made a vow and said, "O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head"
(1 Sam. 1:11).

Hannah began her prayer with a confession of God's power as "Lord of hosts." With the eyes of her heart riveted on God, she continued with an acknowledgment of her relationship to God as His "handmaid." With faith fixed on God's greatness and possessing a clear conviction of her position in relation to God, Hannah fashioned a very specific request; she asked for "a man child."

Effective prayer begins with the confession of who God is, not with the list of our needs or desires. If we focus on God, our faith is drawn toward Him. If we focus on our problems, our faith remains earthbound.

O God of grace and power, help me learn to pray always on the basis of all You are and not on the basis of what I lack.

June 20

God Wants Me to Persevere

In adversity
1 Samuel 1:1-7

Read the Bible through:
AM - 2 Chronicles 13-16 : PM - John 13

He [Elkanah] had two wives: the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children (1 Sam. 1:2).

Adversity takes many forms. For Hannah, it took the form of an unfulfilled desire to have a child. Although her husband loved her and demonstrated it to her, her rival took delight in reminding Hannah of her barrenness. Hannah could have despaired, decided life was unfair, and immersed herself in self-pity. Fortified by her husband's love, she chose, however, to endure. Love has the unique capability of helping make adversity bearable.

Hannah's example reminds us that people can endure when life is not perfect and their desires go unfulfilled. Sometimes, like Hannah, we need to receive love from others to help us over rough spots. At other times, like her husband, we need to extend love to someone going through a difficult time.

Dear loving Lord, help me receive your love for me as I look for opportunities to confirm Your love and mine for someone who is having a difficult time.

June 19

God Wants Me to Live In Peace

In redemptive action
Galatians 6:1-2

Read the Bible through:
AM - 2 Chronicles 10-12 : PM - John 12:20-50

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted (Gal. 6:1).

When a child is disobedient or rebellious, it is the parents' responsibility to discipline the child. The discipline is not to be primarily for the purpose of punishment, but for the purpose of restoring the child to obedience and good behavior. The same principle is true of God and His children.

God is responsible for disciplining His children. This passage does not refer to deliberate, continual sin, but refers to one who slips into sin. God uses the church to restore such a person. We are to call the person to accountability, but we are also to restore the person through our encouragement.

We are to restore one who slips into sin with love, gentleness, and humility. Paul warned the Galatian believers to be careful about their attitudes lest they too should fall into temptation.

Lord, keep me free from pride when You call me to help restore a fellow believer.

June 18

God Wants Me to Live In Peace

Not In envy and provocation
Galatians 5:26

Read the Bible through:
AM - 2 Chronicles 7-9 : PM - John 12:1-9

Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another (Gal. 5:26).

I think it would be wonderful to have a beautiful voice so I could sing praises to God. However, I am not blessed with that gift. God has given me other gifts.

God's Word instructs me that I should not be envious of the gifts He has given to others. I am to discover, develop, and use the ones he has given to me. God puts people with the gifts a church needs into a local congregation to be used for the good of the body of believers and for His glory. My church needs my gifts just as it needs the gifts of those who sing.

Also, I am not to provoke others by being critical or by arguing. I am not to be uncooperative. I am to be supportive and encouraging to all who serve God in my church.

Father, thank You for the gifts You have given me.
Help me to develop, use and be contented with them.

June 17

God Wants Me to Live In Peace

In agreement
Genesis 26:26-31

Read the Bible through:
AM - 2 Chronicles 5-6 : PM - John 11

Then they arose early in the morning and swore an oath with one another; and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace (Gen. 26:31).

As a pastor I often see couples who are having problems because they cannot agree in certain areas of their marriages. Sometimes we are aware of churches who bicker rather than serving as a light to their communities.

We are all different with different opinions. There will be times when we do not agree. In His prayer for believers who would come after Him, Jesus prayed that we would be one in Him and one with one another (John 17:21). This unity does not deny our individual personalities. It does not mean we will think identically. Rather, it makes us one in Spirit. Because we are one in the Spirit we can express our differences without hurting each other. We can put aside self to love and serve one another unconditionally. And, yes, we can sometimes put aside our opinions for the greater good of the whole body.

Lord, show me the way to be one in You and with one another.

June 16

God Wants Me to Live In Peace
In covenant
Genesis 26:26-29

Read the Bible through:
AM - 2 Chronicles 3-4 : PM - John 10:22-42

"That you will do us no harm, since we have not touched you, and since we have done nothing to you but good and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the LORD."
(Gen. 26:29).

A contract is a binding agreement between two or more parties. The contract lists the purpose, the requirements of each party, any limitations, and the length of time of the agreement. It is legally enforceable with legal consequences if broken.

A covenant is a solemn promise or pledge. It is intended to be unending. It is not intended to be broken. Isaac and Abimelech made a covenant that resulted in peace among their people. God has made a number of covenants with His people. An Old Testament covenant involved keeping God's laws. One law required blood sacrifice for the atonement of sins. When Christ came, a new covenant was made with believers that resulted in peace with God. Christ paid the price of sin that God required, and we who trust in Him are no longer held accountable.

Father, thank You for Your new covenant by which Jesus paid the price for my sins.

June 15

God Wants Me to Live In Peace
Through worship
Genesis 26:18-25

Read the Bible through:
AM - 2 Chronicles 1-2 : PM - John 10:1-21

The LORD appeared to him the same night and said, "I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham's sake." (Gen. 26:24).

Worship occurs in many ways. Several years ago Jenny Barret spent a year in Mainland China teaching English at a university. She was one of a team of three. Every Sunday morning those three had a worship service. They sang praises and studied the Bible together. On two occasions they were able to attend the only Protestant church in the city of six-million people. They did not understand the words being sung, but they recognized the music and sang along in English. They did not know what the preacher was saying, but they felt the presence of the Holy Spirit and were able to fellowship with the believers.

We can worship God in many ways and in many places, both individually and corporately. The Bible speaks of silence (Hab. 2:20), kneeling (Psalm 95:6), instruments (Psalm 150:3-5), and service (Psalm 134:1) as means of worship.

Father, teach me to worship You in truth and spirit.

June 14

God Wants Me to Live In Peace
Not in fear and lying
Genesis 26:7-17

Read the Bible through:
AM - 1 Chronicles 28-29 : PM - John 9

And the men of the place asked about his wife. And he said, "She is my sister"; for he was afraid to say, "She is my wife," because he thought, "lest the men of the place kill me for Rebekah, because she is beautiful to behold." (Gen. 26:7).

Fear is a devastating emotion. The degrees of fear range from minor to life threatening. The results are many and varied. Americans, as well as others throughout the world, have experienced a wide range of fears the past few years. Fear can cause physical and emotional pain. It can cause missed opportunities. Fear can result in sin such as lying, as it did in Isaac's case. Fear robs a believer of joy and peace.

When our daughter was a little girl, there was a time when she was afraid of the dark. I taught her Psalm 27:1; The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" This verse reminded her that God was with her and would take care of her. She had nothing to fear.

Father, thank You, that I have nothing to be afraid of because You are my salvation in every circumstance.

June 13

God Wants Me to Live In Peace

In His Presence
Genesis 26:1-6

Read the Bible through:
AM - 1 Chronicles 25-27 : PM - John 8:12-59


"Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father" (Gen. 26:3).

What a wondrous experience it will be when we someday stand before the King of kings. We can only imagine what that will be like. Meanwhile, we have the awesome privilege to stand in the presence of the living God when we go directly to Him in prayer. Before Christ came, only a few of God's people had direct access to Him. Today all believers have that privilege.

Even more amazing is the fact that God is with us constantly. Just as God told Isaac He would be with him, Jesus told His disciples He would be with them (and us) always. His presence, through the Holy Spirit, gives us comfort and peace. He gives us guidance and direction for daily living. He is stronger than the evil one and can give us victory over him. If we allow Him to, God will help us be more like Jesus as we walk with Him daily.

Father, thank You, for living in me and through me.

June 12

God Wants Me to Be Joyful

Rejoicing with joy unspeakable
1 Peter 1:3-9

Read the Bible through:
AM - 1 Chronicles 22-24 : PM - John 8:1-11

Christ . . . whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, (1 Pet. 1:8).

Luke 7:1-10 contains a particularly memorable example of real faith. The Roman centurion who sent Jewish elders to Jesus at Capernaum possessed a remarkably strong faith in the Lord. The defining characteristic of the centurion's faith was that it did not depend on anything he had actually seen. Instead, the Roman commander's faith in the Lord was based entirely on the good news he had heard concerning Jesus and His ways.

The Apostle Peter commended those like the centurion who believed based only on the gospel they had received from the Lord's messengers. Unlike Judas, who’s belief in Jesus' divinity required physical evidence, Christians have a reason to "rejoice with joy unspeakable." Our belief is based not on what we have seen, but on what we have heard and believed.

Thank You, Lord, for joy unspeakable.

June 11

God Wants Me to Be Joyful

Rejoicing in those won to Christ
1 Thessalonians 2:18-20

Read the Bible through:
AM - 1 Chronicles 20-21 : PM - John 7:37-53

You are our glory and joy (1 Thess. 2:20).

Most of us have heard the phrase "pride and joy" used to describe someone held in high regard by another. Children and grandchildren, for example, are often referred to as the pride and joy of their respective relatives. I have even heard others refer to a particular individual's car or boat as his pride and joy. This expression, in any context, highlights the source of one's feelings of joy and self-worth.

In the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Thessalonian church, we find that those won to Christ were his pride and joy. He drew his delight and sense of self-worth from seeing others repent and dedicate their lives to the Lord. As we consider the primary basis of glory and joy in our own lives, Paul's words challenge us to be honest with ourselves and to follow his example. Do we rely on other sources to provide these vital feelings? Or, like the apostle, are we truly fulfilled when we see others come to know our Lord?

Father, help me find joy in seeing others turn to You.

June 10

God Wants Me to Be Joyful

Rejoicing in the Lord
Philippians 4:4-5

Read the Bible through:
AM - 1 Chronicles 18-19 : PM - John 7:1-36

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice (Phil. 4:4).

Some Circumstances are neither good nor bad in themselves. The quality of those circumstances depends mainly upon our outlook and how we respond to what is happening. What may seem bad to one person can appear quite good to another or vice versa, based on the viewpoints of the individuals involved.

Through out his letters, Paul suggested a Christian’s outlook should consistently reflect great joy at having received eternal salvation through Christ. Despite what goes on around us, “we have this treasure in earthen vessels” so that although “we are troubled on every side,” we are never “distressed” (2 Cor. 4:7-8). And while events and circumstances beyond our control may make us unhappy, we can at all times find joy in recalling “the hope which is laid up” for us “in heaven” (Col. 1:5). When we weigh our problems against this “unspeakable gift’ of God, we will always find a reason to rejoice (2 Cor. 9:15).

Thank You, Lord, for the enduring joy I have in You.

June 9

God Wants Me to Be Joyful

Rejoicing in His Deliverance
Nehemiah 8:11-17

Read the Bible through:
AM - 1 Chronicles 16-17 : PM - John 6:41-71

Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our LORD. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Neh. 8:17).

The feast of tabernacles commemorated God’s careful guidance of the Israelites during their journey through the desert (Lev. 23:33-34) following their captivity in Egypt. The Lord had stipulated that as part of the festivities, families would house themselves in booths made of branches (Lev. 23:43).

Nehemiah’s account of the festival suggests part of his people’s revived commitment to the Lord involved recalling the blessings of their spiritual heritage. As we read of Israel’s deliverance, we can add our own list of God’s kindnesses to the account. The result will be a renewed sense of gratitude for God’s redemption in the past and joyful anticipation of what He has in store for the future.

Thank You, Father, for Your timeless care and guidance.

June 8

God Wants Me to Be Joyful
Rejoicing in His strength
Nehemiah 8:7-10

Read the Bible through:
AM - 1 Chronicles 13-15 : PM - John 6:16-40

Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our LORD. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Neh. 8:10).

When the people of Jerusalem understood God's law, they were distressed. They recognized their disobedience. While their sadness and shame were necessary parts of repentance, the leaders were careful to assert they should not stop there. Ezra turned their attention away from their weakness and toward the Lord's strength. The prophet encouraged the people to recognize and celebrate God's joyful acceptance of their decision to rededicate themselves to Him.

In Luke 15:10, Jesus affirmed that the repentance of even one single sinner is cause for celebration: "Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." As we repent, we can move beyond our own shortcomings and rejoice in the Lord's unfailing strength and mercy.

Father, use me to help others find peace and joy in Your strength,

June 7

God Wants Me to Be Joyful

Rejoicing in God's word
Nehemiah 8:1-6

Read the Bible through:
AM - 1 Chronicles 11-12 : PM - John 6:1-15

Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up (Neh. 8:5).

Revivals are popular among the modern Southern Baptist Churches. Recently I was invited to be the guest evangelist at a rural Baptist Church in Tennessee. I was asked to preach for several consecutive evening services marked by excitement and renewal among the congregation. Church members encouraged friends to attend and lost folk were given the opportunity to respond to the gospel.

The necessity of revival stems from our natural tendency to be lulled into complacency by our routines. Our marriages, careers, and everyday activities tend to become stale and meaningless unless we experience the joy of periodic revival. We need to gain a fresh perspective on why we do what we do instead of simply going through the motions.

When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, he found the city and its inhabitants in dire need of restoration. The citizens gathered to hear Ezra the scribe read God's Word. They revered God's Word and rejoiced in it.

Father, give me a fresh understanding of Your word today.

June 6

God Wants Me to Be Joyful

Remembering His faithfulness
Psalm 105:42-45

Read the Bible through:
AM - 1 Chronicles 9-10 : PM - John 5:18-47

He brought out His people with joy, His chosen ones with gladness (Psalm 105:43).

Bernard Baruch, the successful financier who served as an advisor to Woodrow Wilson and Franklin D. Roosevelt, once said, "Vote for the man who promises least; he'll be the least disappointing." Baruch's remark reflects the widespread view that most individuals will fail to stand by their promises. Unfortunately, our own experiences often provide abundant evidence to support this opinion.

Psalm 105:4-5 encourages God's people to "Seek the Lord, and His strength: seek His face evermore. Remember His marvelous works that He has done; His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth." While humans often fail to keep their promises, biblical history shows that God has never failed to be true to His Word. As we recall how God delivered His people from their bondage in the past, we can trust in the Lord's promise to help us in times of trouble today.

Father, help me to rest in Your faithfulness at all times.

June 5

God Wants Me to Be Loving

A kind love
2 Samuel 9:1-7

Read the Bible through:
AM - 1 Chronicles 7-8 : PM - John 5:1-17

David said to him, "Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually." (2 Sam. 9:7).

George Muller spent his life serving the Lord by helping poor children. Muller relied entirely on God to supply the day-to-day funding needed to support himself and the orphanage. Although he often had little money, Muller joyfully supported missionaries and others in need.

2 Samuel 9:7 records David's kindness to Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, who was crippled and had seen his share of hardship. Although David did not know this man personally, he remembered and acted upon his promise to care for his friend Jonathan's family. Like those of George Muller, David's acts of kind love remind us that God trusts us to show kindness to those in need - not only when we can afford to or when they happen to be our friends, but simply because they are His children.

Lord, give me the opportunity to help someone for Your sake today

June 4

God Wants Me to Be Loving

An unending love
1 Samuel 20:41-42

Read the Bible through:
AM - 1 Chronicles 5-6 : PM - John 4:43-54

Then Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, since we have both sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, 'May the LORD be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants, forever.'" So he arose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city. (1 Sam. 20:42)

Edmund Spenser's The Faerie Queene is one of the more famous English poems. Part of this late sixteenth century work focuses on friendship and includes a list (that name David and Jonathon) of those who exemplified this virtue. Following the catalogue, Spenser writes, "All these and all that ever had been tied, in bands of friendship, there did live forever, whose lives decayed, yet loves decayed never."

Spenser's assertion recalls Jonathan's tearful farewell to his best friend David. He explained that the love between true friends is an enduring gift from God Himself - lasting treasure that time, distance, and even death cannot erode. As David struggled to overcome the grief he felt at having to leave his friend, Jonathan reminded him that friendship among godly people reflects the unending love of God.

Father, may I never take for granted my precious friends.

June 3

God Wants Me to Be Loving

An unselfish love
1 Samuel 20:12-17

Read the Bible through:
AM - 1 Chronicles 3-4 : PM - John 4:1-42

Now Jonathan again caused David to vow, because he loved him; for he loved him as he loved his own soul (1 Sam. 20:17).

The Old Testament assigns a great deal of importance to verbal blessings, curses, and covenants among God's people. This emphasis illustrates the belief that once spoken, words take on an irrevocable existence of their own and possesses the power to enforce whatever they describe. In Genesis 27, for example, Isaac could not remove his blessing from Jacob once he had uttered it.

The covenant between Jonathan and David exemplifies their respect for potent words. This agreement required each man to care for the other and his family regardless of how drastically circumstances might change. When Jonathan had David "swear again" to uphold his part, he was not questioning David's honesty, but solidifying their mutual commitment. In an act of unselfish love, Jonathan did not seek to protect his own interests, but showed how seriously he took the promise to protect the interests of his friend.

Lord, help me honor the promises I make to my friends.

June 2

God Wants Me to Be Loving

A giving love
1 Samuel 20:1-4

Read the Bible through:
AM - 1 Chronicles 1-2 : PM - John 3:22-36


Jonathan said to David, "Whatever you yourself desire, I will do it for you." (1 Sam. 20:4).

Recently, our preschool Sunday School teacher used visual aids to teach her class that God made soil and sand. She brought large amounts of both substances to church. She encouraged the children to play in the sand and to plant small flowers in the soil. Some of the parents expressed appreciation for the effort the teacher consistently puts into making each week's lesson memorable and meaningful for her young students. This wonderful teacher exemplifies a giving love.

First Samuel 20:4 reminds us that actively submitting ourselves to others ("Whatever you yourself desire ") is the trademark of Christian love. Jonathan's selfless surrender of his will to David's will illustrates what Paul meant when he encouraged believers to present their bodies as "a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable unto God" (Rom. 12:1).

Father, thank You for the opportunities You give me to make a positive difference in others' lives. .