June 1, 2008

Evangelizing the Lost


Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Kings 24-25 : PM – John 3:1-21

Rejoicing with Heaven
John 15.1-7

7 "I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance'”

I know a pastor who serves in an urban area where an estimated 90 percent of the people are unchurched. He decided that building relationships with people in the community would be the best way to communicate the gospel of God’s love. In one such instance building a good relationship took longer than expected.

For five years the pastor bought gas at the same service station while seeking to win the confidence of Sam, the station manager. Sam was a Filipino who had immigrated to the United States a few years earlier. Finally, on Christmas Eve, 2001, Sam accepted Jesus as Savior. The relationship continues to grow as the two meet each week for Bible study and discipleship.

The angels in heaven rejoiced that Christmas Eve because one who had been lost found Jesus. Do you know someone with whom you should share the gospel of God’s love?

Father, help me as I talk to lost people about Jesus.

May 31, 2008

Evangelizing the Lost

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Kings 21-23 : PM – John 2

Inviting God’s Guests
Luke 14:15-22

23 "Then the master said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.'”

During the Depression era of the last century, the coal-mining region of eastern Tennessee was hit hard by poverty. Miners’ families, living in tiny shacks sprinkled around the lower part of one of those coal mountains, were sometimes subject to further troubles from natural elements. One spring the rains came particularly strong, and the small stream down in the valley spilled over its banks and eventually swept away many of the homes. On the day of the worst of the flooding, a man named Mr. Underwood drove his mule-team coal wagon down to the edge of the floodwaters more than once to bring a load of families up to higher ground. He was determined to leave no one behind.

Floodwaters are rising all around us, and we have the message of the gospel that can bring a dying world to the high ground of salvation. Are we willing to go out and bring them in?

Father, open my eyes to those who are dying in their sins; so I am compelled to lead them to salvation.

May 30, 2008

Evangelizing the Lost

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Kings 18-20 : PM – John 1:19-51

Inviting God’s Guests
Luke 14:15-22

21 " So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.'”

Holiday time at my grandparents’ home was always a treat to me as a child. They lived in the country outside a small Oklahoma town. In spite of its isolated location, when the children and grandchildren arrived on the scene, the farm was an explosion of activity. The adults stayed around the house, but the more than 30 children scattered across the 70 acres letting out pent-up energy until they nearly dropped. Then one of the older kids who had stayed near the house came running to tell us it was time for diner. Instantly, all of us stopped whatever we were doing and raced to the house for one of those meals possible only at Granny’s house.

We believers know the feast our heavenly Father has prepared for those who will trust Him. Remembering the joy we experienced when we came to Him should give us the motivation we need to rush to bring others to His feast.

Father, when I am tempted not to share the gospel, remind me of the joy the gospel has brought to my heart.

May 29, 2008

Evangelizing the Lost

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Kings 16-17 : PM – John 1:1-18

Preaching the Gospel
Romans 10:14-15

15 "How shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’”

I only saw Allen Davis once in my life. It was in a junior high school auditorium in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was playing his trumpet and preaching a sermon aimed directly at junior high students. I can only remember one thing he said. He quoted Psalm 119:11 – “Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.” That verse brought conviction to my heart because I had memorized many verses, not to keep me from sin but to make fun of and mock the Christians in our school. Allen Davis occupies a special place in my heart. He was the one God used to get through to a fifteen year old boy with the “gospel of peace.”

We are bombarded with messages these days. Some of them are good news, but many are not. What a blessing, in the midst of all the things competing for our attention, to hear one telling us the glorious gospel story!

Father, thank you for those who still tell the wonderful gospel story.

May 28, 2008

Serving God Together as a Family

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Kings 14-15 : PM – Luke 24:13-53

Accepting Responsibility
2 Corinthians 5.16-21

20 "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.”

Lily Dawson, a native of India whose parents were missionaries, talks with everyone she encounters and tells them about Christ as she takes her daily walk around the neighborhood, wearing her traditional Indian sari. Although she has changed her residence several times over the years, she continues this habit. Wherever she lives, she is a unique ambassador for Christ, totally reconciled to God.

In a letter to the new Christians at Corinth, Paul urged them to be ambassadors for Christ. These were strong words due to the hostile environment surrounding them. In the less hostile environment of free America, it can be easier for us; but our instructions are the same. Lily Dawson, who accepts her ambassadorship responsibilities strongly and happily, can be an example for us.

Father, help me to be an ambassador for You.

May 27, 2008

Serving God Together as a Family

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Kings 12-13 : PM – Luke 24:1-12

Living for Christ
2 Corinthians 5.14-15

15 "He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.”

Glenn grew up in a home where drinking prevailed. He began drinking in his late teen years and into manhood. He became a borderline alcoholic and thought this was a proper lifestyle. In his late 20’s, he managed a night club. He met and married a Christian woman named JoAnn, who prayed for him many years. Then he began watching Austin’s Dr. Harold O’Chester on television and became convicted of his wasteful sinful lifestyle. Glenn asked Christ into his life. He quit drinking. Wanting to serve Christ, he attended a counseling school. He knew Christ’s love compelled him.

Toady, Reverend Glenn Rogers is minister to Senior Adults at Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin, Texas. He visits the sick, teaches, counsels and encourages seniors. They love him. Glenn says his greatest thrill is seeing someone come to Christ as he did. He no longer lives for himself, but for others. In doing so, he lives for Christ.

Father, help me to live for others and for Christ.

May 26, 2008

The Church: Evangelizing the Lost

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Kings 10-11 : PM – Luke 23:33-56

Praying for Laborers
Matthew 9:35-38

38 "Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

The population of the Burkina Faso tribe in West Africa is largely Muslim. The barren area over which they are spread is one of the world’s poorest countries – few rivers, no seaports, little rainfall, very hot. Water is a precious commodity. Helping the people dig wells has been a priority for Southern Baptist missionaries Clifton and Cathy Curtis. An agricultural specialist from Mississippi, his skills endears him to the people of any village when he helps them dig and construct a successful water well. Later, he tells them about Christ.

The converts are few. Clifton said, “Yes, pray for more laborers to send forth to the harvests.” But he adds that the best laborers are the Burkina Faso people who accept Christ. These go forth under Clifton’s encouragement to other villages, teaching and preaching. The word of Clifton and Cathy Curtis are multiplied, the gospel is spread, and the harvest is increased.

Father, help the Curtis family develop more Burkina Faso laborers; and help me serve as a faithful laborer in Your harvest.

May 25, 2008

Serving God Together as a Family


Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Kings 8-9 : PM – Luke 23:13-32

Doing All As to the Lord
Colossians 3:18-24

23 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to me.”

Oscar, a widower who is a retired state government employee, has a postretirement job at a discount store. He doubles as a salesperson and a front-door greeter. Sometimes children get lost in the huge store, and Oscar helps get children and families back together. His outgoing personality and ever-present smile seem to lift the spirits of both fellow employee and store customers. Oscar is a Christian and a member of Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin, Tx., where, in all kinds of weather, he helps park cars for Sunday services. He reads the Bible every day before going to work. Whether he is greeting or helping people at the store or greeting people on the church parking lot, he believes he is serving the Lord.

Paul told the Colossian Christians that whatever they do they should do it with vigor for the Lord.

Father, help me to remember I work for You and not for men; and I should always do my best for You whatever my task.

May 24, 2008

Serving God Together as a Family

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Kings 6-7 : PM – Luke 23:1-12

Singing with Grace
Colossians 3:12-15

15 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

When Dorothy, baby-sits her grandson, Billy, she seems to have the magic formula for making him contented when he is fussy or crying. She sings to him these children’s songs: “Jesus Loves Me” and “Jesus Loves the Little Children.” Their calming effect on the little fellow is amazing and consistent. Dorothy also sings to the babies in her church nursery. She has found the technique also works there.

Paul instructed the Colossian Christians to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to one another that the word of Christ might dwell richly in them. Perhaps he knew, as Dorothy has discovered, singing has therapeutic benefits. We have learned this type of singing also goes beyond mere therapy for babies and adults. There is both peace and power in the word “Jesus.” Yes, there is something about that name.

Father, help me to remember the peace and calming benefits that come when singing to others about Jesus.

May 23, 2008

Serving God Together as a Family

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Kings 4-5 : PM – Luke 22:54-71

Forgiving Others
Colossians 3:12-14

13 “Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

Becky was a Christian when she married Walter. Walter’s drinking grew to be a problem in their first eight years of marriage. Many nights, he would stay out late drinking with friends. The next morning with a hangover, Walter would apologize. After gently reprimanding him, Becky would gently witness to him about Christ, then forgive him. This scenario continued for another five years. Becky lost count how many times she had forgiven him.

One Easter, Walter attended church with Becky; and after hearing their preacher present the plan of salvation, he accepted Christ. Overjoyed, Becky led Walter in prayer about his drinking; and he vowed to stop drinking – which he did. The power of Christ, along with years of Becky’s forgiveness, won the day for Walter and transformed their marriage.

Father, forgiving is hard for me. Help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me.

May 21, 2008

Serving God Together as a Family

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Kings 1-3 : PM – Luke 22:24-53

Demonstrating Self-Sacrifice
Romans 16:3-4

4 “Who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.”

New York City police officer Moira Smith hurried to the holocaust-type scene on September 11, 2001, when terrorists crashed an airliner into the World Trade Center. Witnesses say she was last seen helping someone down a stairway. Her police dispatcher heard her calm voice on her handheld radio reporting her efforts. Her name tag and badge were recovered near her remains at ground zero much later. She was the only NYPD policewoman killed in the WTC attack.

Facing opposition from unfriendly Jews and a hostile Roman government, Paul’s life was in danger many times as he traveled and preached about Christ. He wrote that his friends Priscilla and Aquila risked their lives to save him. Like police officer Moira Smith, who gave her life for others, they risked their lives that Paul might live.

Father, help me to have the courage to respond if I should need to risk my life to save someone else

May 21, 2008

Serving God Together as a Family

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Kings 22 : PM – Luke 22:1-23

Mentoring Other Believers
Acts 18:24-28

26 “So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”

At 18, I was without direction. One weekend Jim Whitby, Tulsa Area Youth for Christ Director, sat in a car and read Scriptures to me and challenged me to get serious about Christ. I did.

In the weeks ahead he continued to mentor me. He is the only preacher I remember visiting my North Tulsa home. He never made me feel uncomfortable and never seemed to be uncomfortable around me. He is still my spiritual icon.

Aquila and Priscilla mentored Apollos in the “way of God” to help him grow. God often sends people into our lives, such as Aquila and Priscilla and Dr. Jim Whitby.

Lord, help me to be willing and qualified to mentor others.

May 20, 2008

Serving God Together as a Family


Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Kings 20-21 : PM – Luke 21:29-38

Ministering with God’s People
Acts 18:1-4

18 “So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow.”

A high school football player took chemotherapy treatments for cancer that caused him to lose his hair. Weakened, he could not practice with the team, but would suit up at practice and for the games. Saddened for their teammate, the players shaved their heads bald to show support for their teammate.

En route to Ephesus with friends Priscilla and Aquila to preach to the Jews, Paul, fulfilling a vow he had made, had his head shaved. He also did it to better identify himself with the Jews, thereby making his preaching more effective. Often Paul denied himself for the sake of the gospel. Freeborn Paul made himself a slave that his listeners might become free in Christ.

Father, make me willing to alter myself, if necessary, in order to minister to others.

May 19, 2008

Serving God Together as a Family

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Kings 18-19 : PM – Luke 21:1-28

Working With God’s People
Acts 18:1-4

3 “So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.”

As World War II closed, Brother Martin came from the city to preach at the little country church each Sunday. They couldn’t pay him money, but paid him with hams, potatoes, beans, and other homegrown food. There was no parsonage, so he stayed with church families on weekends. The fellowship was sweet when he stayed in the home of a nine year old boy. To that boy, it was better than listening to him preach. But one Sunday his sermon connected and young Jack Lawler, now the editor of the Texas State Trooper was saved.

Paul went to Corinth to preach every Sabbath to both Jews and Greeks. He stayed with Christian friends Aquila and Priscilla. They and Paul were self-supporting tentmakers. No doubt they enjoyed sweet fellowship as they worked together for God’s glory.

Father, thank You, for the sweet fellowship that comes from working with fellow believers.

May 18, 2008

Giving Unselfishly to God’s Work

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Kings 16-17 : PM – Luke 20:27-47

Trusting God’s Grace
2 Corinthians 9:8-15

8 “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”

To me, living by faith means when your needs are fewer, God’s supply is sufficient; when your needs are more, His supply is ample. Within His will, our needs never overwhelm His ability to meet them. At times, like Paul, our need may be to learn “to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Phil. 4:12).

In 1989, when I felt led to leave Oklahoma and go to Nevada, our older children were sophomores and juniors in High School and our youngest was in the third grade. Our new income was going to be $34,000 less than we were used to. Humanly speaking, financial ruin was imminent. But we felt compelled to be obedient and trust God. Nineteen years later how humbly grateful we are for stretching our trust in His marvelous grace and finding Him completely reliable. As it is written: "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever” (Cor. 9:11).

Thank You, God, for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, in whom we find complete satisfaction.

May 17, 2008

Giving Unselfishly to God’s Work

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Kings 14-15 : PM – Luke 20:1-26

Giving Cheerfully
2 Corinthians 9:6-7

7 “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

The most cheerful givers I know are my former pastor and his wife. For more than 35 years, they served the same church. They loved the people and met their needs. Beside feeding us God’s Word, he often fed hungry bodies. His generosity inspired other Christians to participate in the joy of giving to hurting neighbors and to needs around the world. Today he is “retired,” but they serve in churches without salary until the congregations can become spiritually and financially stable and have full-time pastors.

“He who sows bountifully shall reap bountifully.” Jesus said about the seed sown in the good ground “But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (Matt. 13:8). God plants His love in our hearts, which continues to grow until it overflows in generosity to others. They in turn learn the joy of giving, and the harvest in God’s kingdom continues to multiply.

Lord, use me to help multiply the harvest for Your glory.

May 16, 2008

Giving Unselfishly to God’s Work

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Kings 12-13 : PM – Luke 19:28-48

Not Conspiring to Deceive
Acts 5:5-11

9 “Great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.”

Why is it important to be identified with a group? One reason is we feel the need to be recognized and accepted by peers. The early church had the challenge of integrating new converts daily (Acts 2:47).

Barnabas received a lot of recognition with his generosity. Ananias and Sapphira could have sold land and brought a voluntary offering acceptable to God. Instead they nurtured a bit of jealousy, greed, and selfishness and gave Satan fertile soil for their destruction and the disruption of fellowship in the church.

The time to deal with satanic thoughts is the instant we have them. First John 1:9 assures us that when we agree with Ggod about sin, He is willing to forgive and cleanse us. A clean heart before God allows us to be transparent before people. Now that is real freedom!

Lord, cleanse my life of sin so I may give a clear reflection of You.

May 15, 2008

Giving Unselfishly to God’s Work

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Kings 9-11 : PM – Luke 19:1-27

Not deceiving others
Acts 5:1-4

4 “While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

A young man testified in our church in 1984 about how the Lord was sustaining him after his wife’s brutal murder. I decided to interview him and submit his story to a magazine. He was a single father to an infant daughter, was active in the singles department, and was giving his testimony in various churches. Eighteen months later he robbed an armored truck, killed two FBI men, and wounded several others before he was killed. His pastor was devastated that he and others had been deceived by his double life.

The Jerusalem church was experiencing sweet fellowship and great power when Ananias and Sapphira decided to lie before God and the church to gain recognition for themselves. While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God. God does not take lightly dishonor to His name. He knows our secret motives. Are they consistent with the life and witness we give to others?

Lord, purify my heart that my life and words will honor you.

May 14, 2008

Giving Unselfishly to God’s Work

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Kings 7-8 : PM – Luke 18:18-43

Of One Heart and Soul
Acts 4:32-37

32 “Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.”

On September 11, 2001, our nation was drastically changed. A sense of unity with victims and rescuers enveloped us all, and money poured in for the relief efforts. Christians were there to offer not only food and physical comfort, but a witness about the true comforter who wants to save us from eternal disaster. Because they willingly gave of themselves, New York and the nation saw the love of God in action.

God has given us the continual privilege of tithing through our church to not only win our neighbors to Jesus, but to have a part in spreading the good news worldwide. When we read about the persecution and sacrifice our missionaries make to minister, how can we not share our resources to help? Some go; others hold the ropes; We all share the rewards.

Lord, thank You for the privilege of sharing to spread Your kingdom around the world.

May 13, 2008

Giving Unselfishly to God’s Work

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Kings 5-6 : PM – Luke 18:1-17

Following Christ’s Example
2 Corinthians 8:6-9

9 “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.”

A retired couple wanted to spend their last years working in the town they loved. They invested their savings in a store with their house in the back. Upon completion, an electrical short set the building on fire. Watching the flames the wife sobbed that everything was lost. Just then the church bell rang out the hour. The husband hugged her and said, “No, Martha, what we gave to the Lord is still there.”

Jesus admonished His followers to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven … for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:20-21)

Are you using your material resources as a means of investing in the kingdom of God?

Lord, set my heart on You, My possessions will follow where my heart leads.

May 12, 2008

Giving Unselfishly to God’s Work

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Kings 3-4 : PM – Luke 17:20-37

First Giving Ourselves
2 Corinthians 8:1-5

5 “And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.”

A nine-year old boy, Tommy, was saved during the week I was preaching evangelistic messages in Texas. The last day, Sunday, Tommy waited until almost everyone had left and presented me with an envelope carefully folded and taped. He had emptied his piggy bank in order to express his love to me for helping him find the Lord. When I protested, his mother said: “You’ve got to take it. He’s looked forward to giving it to you all day.”

Most of us, when we were first saved, wanted to share Jesus with anyone who would listen. And like the people at Corinth, we were eager to give ourselves to the Lord’s work wherever there was a need because love enjoys giving.

Do you still experience overwhelming joy when you unselfishly give to the Lord and to others?

Lord, I am so bombarded with other’s needs that I tend to forget my family. Help me to be sensitive to their needs.

May 11, 2008

Making Peace in My Family

Read the Bible through:
AM – 1 Kings 1-2 : PM – Luke 17:1-19

Praying Diligently
Genesis 18:27-33

27“Then Abraham answered and said, "Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: 28 Suppose there were five less than the fifty righteous; would You destroy all of the city for lack of five?" So He said, "If I find there forty-five, I will not destroy it.”

A woman shared her prayer testimony while attending a Bible study. She had prayed for her son from the time he was born. Yet, as a young adult, he had murdered another man and was now serving a life sentence. She prayed with a mother’s broken heart for God to deal with the tragedy, and the Lord heard her prayers. Her son has accepted Jesus as his personal Savior and is sharing his faith with other inmates.

Abraham, too, prayed as he faced a tragic family situation. He asked God to spare the city of Sodom in order to spare the lives of his nephew Lot and his family. He even tried to bargain with God by pleading with Him regarding a smaller and smaller number of righteous people in the city.

Lord, I am so bombarded with other’s needs that I tend to forget my family. Help me to be sensitive to their needs.

May 10, 2008

Making Peace in My Family

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Samuel 23-24 : PM – Luke 16:19-31

Responding to a Relative’s Need
Genesis 14:8-16

16 “So he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people.”

Julie had just given birth to her first baby. What was to be a joyful time had turned into an exhaustive nightmare of colic. In the midst of her helplessness the phone rang; and Julie’s sister, Teresa, was calling to tell her she was coming to help. Julie’s independence flinched a bit, but she knew she couldn’t make it on her own.

Abram, too, had a relative in need. Lot had been take captive and all his belongings stolen. When Abram received the news, he didn’t say, “Lot’s a big boy, and he made his choices.” Instead he gathered 318 men from among his servants and went to rescue Lot. His mission was a success; and he brought back Lot, all his possessions, and those with him.

Lord, help me to be aware of the needs in my own family.

May 9, 2008

Making Peace in My Family

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Samuel 21-22 : PM – Luke 16:1-18

Relying on God
Genesis 13:14-18

15 “For all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever”.

When Margie and I were first married, we became friends with an elderly couple in our church. They were nearly triple our age. As their health failed going to live with their son in Louisiana was their only option. Despite their frailties and discouragement, they were trusting in the Lord. They didn’t even talk about their own health concerns, only about the health of their aging friends and how they were praying for them. Their independence was gone and everything had to be done for them, yet they placed complete faith in the Lord that he would provide for all their needs.

Abram’s life was an example of depending on God. He knew the Lord would take care of him and his family. He had acted unselfishly and the Lord rewarded him with the land as far as he could see in all directions. The Lord also would give him more descendants than he could count.

Dear Lord, help me to rely on You today for all my needs.

May 8, 2008

Making Peace in My Family

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Samuel 19-20 : PM – Luke 15

Maintaining Peace
Genesis 13:10-13

11 Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed east. And they separated from each other.

Jake and Shelby were playing as their mother’s were having dinner. Shelby suggested they act out the Jesus story and quickly said, “I’ll be Mary!” Jake replied, “I’ll be the donkey.” And Shelby hopped on his back. Soon the novelty of the ride was over; and Shelby asked, “We aren’t in Bethlehem yet?”

Abram had agreed to allow his nephew Lot to choose the land he wanted first. Lot looked and saw the plain of Jordan with its water everywhere and laid claim to it. He only viewed the land’s outward offerings and didn’t consider the wickedness of the people of Sodom.

Just as the little boy was trying to keep peace with his younger friend by playing the less desirable donkey role, are you willing to let go of your desire and allow family and friends to have first pick?

Dear Lord, help me to look to You for answers in all decisions great and small. I know peace comes from You; and You can help me preserve it in my own family, my church family, and in my family of friends

May 7, 2008

Making peace in My Family

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Samuel 17-18 : PM – Luke 14:25-35

Acting Unselfishly
Genesis 13:5-9

8 So Abram said to Lot, "Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren.

The death of a family member is always a difficult time, especially when there are money and possessions to be distributed. Many times what should be time when families come together ends in jealousy and disagreement, resulting in long term hurt feelings.

Lot and his Uncle Abram had moved into an area that was already populated. This created competition for available land. Strife was occurring between the herdsmen. Abram didn’t want there to be dissention between the two families. He not only recognized the problem, he proposed a solution to their dilemma and offered Lot first choice of land. Abram put his brethren’s family ahead of his own and at the same time demonstrated his faith in God.

Have you faced family arguments over possessions? Ask yourself whether your behavior resembles Abram’s or if you are seeking your own selfish gain.

Lord, help me to have an unselfish heart like Abram’s. Help me to do all I can to keep peace within my family.

May 6, 2008

Making peace in My Family

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Samuel 15-16 : PM – Luke 14:1-24

Focusing on the Lord
Genesis 13:1-4

4 “To the place of the altar which he had made there at first. And there Abram called on the name of the LORD."

As summertime approaches, many families are planning more time together. Warm weather and holidays present opportunities for long weekends and vacations. But in packing for the trip, will the Bible and devotional material make it into the suitcase or carry on?

Upon completion of Abram and Lot’s journey from Egypt to Bethel, Abram stopped and took the time to thank the Lord for all He had done for him. Abram made sure his family kept their focus where it needed to be: on the Lord.

As you plan time to spend with family and friends this summer, don’t forget to call “on the name of the Lord.” And you can call on His name anywhere: by the pool, around the picnic table in the backyard, or even in the car.

Thank You, Lord, for my family and friends and the long days of summer when I can enjoy more of Your beautiful world. Help me to remain focused on You.

May 5, 2008

Making Peace in My Family

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Samuel 13-14 : PM – Luke 13:18-35

Avoiding Covetousness
Luke 12:13-15

15 "And He said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.’"

Countless times we compare our possessions to those of others. Our eyes only see the external. We often think possessions prevent problems.

Did you ever wonder what it would be like if God only looked at the external things in our lives? What if the size of our houses (not to mention how clean they are!) or the entries in our checkbooks, rather than what’s in our hearts, determined God’s love for us?

Jesus reminded His hearers where their focus was to be. He was asked to settle a family dispute and divide an inheritance. He knew the money was creating a huge problem for this family. He warned that covetousness puts on spiritual blinders causing people to only see the “stuff” in other’s lives. He stated it’s not about what people own that gives true peace and joy. That can only come from a relationship with the Lord.

Lord keep my eyes focused on You, not coveting what others have. Help me to count my own blessings.

May 4, 2008

Establishing Godly Standards for My Family

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Samuel 11-12 : PM – Luke 12:1-17

Good Works
Titus 2:6-8

7 "In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility"

Walking downtown, a friend and I met a man needing money. We’re sorry. We don’t have any money.”

Then I remembered. I whispered to my friend. He responded, “It’s your decision.” I had to think/pray fast.

Pulling out the $20 from my wallet, I said: “I cannot say I don’t have money, but this is not my money. It’s God’s money. I’ll give it to you. You’ll be responsible to God for how you use it – no alcohol or drugs.”

He responded, “Yes, no alcohol or drugs,” and thanked us. And we resumed our walk.

Titus was to be an example of Christian character not only in word, but also in deed. He was to be true in actions to what he believed and taught.

I could have ignored the Spirit’s prompting regarding the $20. After all, it wasn’t my money. But I would not have been true to what I believe and have taught about honesty.

Lord, forgive me for ignoring opportunities to do good. Help me to be more sensitive to Your Spirit’s promptings.

May 3, 2008

Establishing Godly Standards for My Family

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Samuel 9-10 : PM – Luke 12:35-59

Sobriety and Love
Titus 2:4-5

4 "That they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children"

Anna Marie, my mother-in-law was a perfect example of a godly woman. She had the qualities of Christian character I desired to emulate. Her lifestyle was impeccable. I never heard her say anything bad about anyone. The Spirit of God permeated her being.

She and my wife talked together about the Lord and prayed together often. What an encouragement she was. Her deep sense of reverence for the presence and power of God was an inspiration to all.

Anna exemplified the teachings set forth in Titus to women on Crete. She was a woman of reverence, of encouraging words. Spirit-controlled, pure, industrious, kind, devoted to her husband and children - she taught women around her to be the same.

Lord, thank You for providing godly examples that have impacted me. Help me be that kind of example to others.

May 2, 2008

Establishing Godly Standards for My Family

Read the Bible through:
AM – 2 Samuel 7-8 : PM – Luke 12:13-14

Allegiance to God
Joshua 24:15

15 "And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

Good intentions can mean nothing if I haven’t first pledged allegiance to God only. To settle the issue of devotion is to establish the bottom line. Such allegiance is a matter of the heart.

Joshua challenged the Israelites to set their hearts right by saying “As for me and my house.” And that generation demonstrated allegiance to God as long as Joshua lived and until the elders who outlived Joshua died.

But did the next generation? And the next? History reveals they did not remain faithful to God.

What happened in passing allegiance to future generations? They didn’t get the message – or they ignored it. How scary when one generation drops the ball.

Dear Lord, what an awesome responsibility to have children who have children who have children. May those who come behind me be found faithful.