Come Ye Yourselves Apart

- Mark 6:31-32

INTRODUCTION

Most Christians know the commandment of Christ given to the apostles to go “into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15
), but far too few recognize the same Lord commanded these same apostles to separate themselves “into a desert place, and rest a while” (Mark 6:31
). It is better to obediently rest than to prematurely burn out in the service of God. It has been said that one will either come apart (in rest) or he will come apart in spiritual disintegration. The Lord obviously wanted to demonstrate this truth and commanded the disciples to separate themselves for the purpose of finding some rest. The disciples obeyed and departed into a desert place. Each believer today should examine whether he or she is obeying this command of the Lord.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Jesus cared for His disciples and wanted them to rest (cp. Psalm 23:1-2 a). If they did not, He knew they would become frustrated with their work as did Martha (Luke 10:38-42 ). He brought them to a desert place (no distractions) so they could be with Him (Psalm 46:10
  a).
• (For everyone): Are you burnt out in the work of God? Are you presently going through the motions and doing so in the strength of the flesh rather than joyfully doing God’s work God’s way?
• When is the last time you withdrew yourself into a “desert place” to rest for a while? Do you feel guilty when you require some time away from the work of God?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Thank the Lord for showing you your need for rest.
• Ask God to help you know when it is time for rest.

Resting Neath the Yoke

- Matthew 11:28-30

INTRODUCTION

The implications of this passage may seem like an oxymoron to most readers! The Lord invited all that labour and are heavy laden to accept a yoke. (A yoke is to be placed upon a pair of animals to attach to a plow or cart in order to help them labour together.) Why would the Lord invite those weary from labour to wear a yoke? And then, why would the Lord promise rest by inviting people to labour? The answer lies in Matthew 11:30
where the Lord said, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Rarely will one find labour in this world that can refresh the labourer, but the Lord promises to labour with those who labour for Him (1 Corinthians 3:9
), therefore making His labour refreshing.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Our work should never be a burden because the Lord is always working with us (Exodus 33:14
  ; Isaiah 41:13
  ; Mark 16:20
  ; 2 Corinthians 6:1
  a). Jesus knew this (John 16:32
  ) and so did Paul (2 Timothy 4:16-17 ).
• (For everyone): Are you weary from labouring for the things of this world? Are you weary from labouring for the Lord in your own strength? Are you willing to take the Lord’s yoke upon you and be His colabourer?
• Are you tired? Are you on the verge of giving up on life? Will you take the Lord’s easy yoke and light burden?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Thank the Lord for the rest He provides in labour.
• Ask God for the rest you so desperately need.

There Remaineth a Rest

- Hebrews 4:1-11

INTRODUCTION

In creation, God laboured six days before resting on the seventh (Hebrews 4:4
, 10). One day, all who know the Lord as Saviour will cease from their labours. It will be a time of eternal rest experienced only by those who are born again. At that time, the saved will no longer be faced with the difficulties associated with labour involving tears, sorrow, and pain (Revelation 21:4
). According to Revelation 14:13
, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” For many, rest is hard to find in this life, but one can rejoice in knowing “There remaineth . . . a rest to the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9
).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): When Adam and Eve sinned, God put a curse on the earth. Life would be full of labour and man would eventually die (Genesis 3:16-19 ). Yet in eternity, God promised there would be no more curse (Revelation 22:1-3 ). We will enjoy perfect rest.
• (For everyone): Are you longing for rest but cannot seem to find it here on this earth? Do you know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour? If so, rejoice in knowing that your rest is coming.
• Are you labouring for the Lord? What works will “follow” you when you leave this world? Are you expecting any rewards from the Lord or have you laboured only for yourself?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Thank God for the promised rest.
• Ask the Lord to help you labour faithfully for Him until the day of your homegoing.

Religious But Lost

- Acts 26:1-5

INTRODUCTION

Paul testified that he was one of the most religious people that ever lived. When defending himself before the religious leaders of his day, he said that he “lived a Pharisee” “after the most straitest sect” of his religion. He “profited in the Jews’ religion above many” of his equals (Galatians 1:14
). Paul’s devotion to his religion was so striking that many heard of his “conversation [lifestyle] in time past in the Jews’ religion” (Galatians 1:13
). If any individual could have had confidence in his religious efforts, it would have been the apostle Paul (Philippians 3:4-6 ). After all, he was blameless “touching the righteousness which is in the law” (Philippians 3:6
). However, in spite of his religious fervor and devotion, the apostle Paul was lost and on his way to hell until he trusted Jesus Christ as Saviour (Philippians 3:7-11 ). Paul later considered his earlier “service to God” to be nothing more than dung.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Read Luke 18:9-14 . The Pharisee was proud of what he did and did not do. The publican was willing to admit that he had sinned and depended on God's mercy to clear his guilt. This again proves that works can never save (Titus 3:5-7 ; Ephesians 2:8-9 ).
• (For everyone): What are some religious credentials of which Paul could boast (Philippians 3:4-6 )? Why did these credentials fall short of satisfying Paul’s needs?
• What are some religious credentials that people most often boast of today (i.e., baptism, church membership, tithing)? How do each of these fall short of giving man what he truly needs?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to help you rely on His Son rather than upon your religion.
• Ask the Lord to open the eyes of those trusting in their religion for salvation.

Zealous for Religion

- Galatians 1:13-14

INTRODUCTION

Historically, men have been willing to go to great lengths for their religion. Paul said he persecuted and wasted the church of God (Galatians 1:13
) and hauled men and women to prison (Acts 8:3
). He was so zealous for his religion, he consented unto the death of Stephen as he preached the truth (Acts 8:1
). According to Paul’s own testimony, he went “beyond measure” (Galatians 1:13
) “above” many his equals (Galatians 1:14
) being “more exceedingly zealous” (Galatians 1:14
). This should come as no surprise; men are often willing to do anything for their religion, even breaking the law or killing those who do not accept their religious precepts. Unfortunately, far too many people have forsaken the simplicity which is in Christ and have instead pursued the complexity and labour of religion (2 Corinthians 11:3
).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): The Jews wanted to be saved by keeping the law and worked hard at doing so, but they were wrong and were not saved (Romans 10:1-5 ). They were zealous in reaching out to others, but their belief was wrong (Matthew 23:15
  ).
• (For everyone): Read the testimony of Naaman (2 Kings 5:9-14 ). Why was Naaman upset? What did his servants suggest was the problem? How is this similar to what men want from religion?
• What are some things you have witnessed in your lifetime that others were willing to do for their religion? How much better of a Christian could you be if you had their zeal?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to give you zeal for Him like others have for their false religions.
• Ask the Lord to burden your heart for the religiously lost people.

Resting Neath the Yoke

Matthew 11:28-30

INTRODUCTION

The implications of this passage may seem like an oxymoron to most readers! The Lord invited all that labour and are heavy laden to accept a yoke. (A yoke is to be placed upon a pair of animals to attach to a plow or cart in order to help them labour together.) Why would the Lord invite those weary from labour to wear a yoke? And then, why would the Lord promise rest by inviting people to labour? The answer lies in Matthew 11:30
where the Lord said, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Rarely will one find labour in this world that can refresh the labourer, but the Lord promises to labour with those who labour for Him (1 Corinthians 3:9
), therefore making His labour refreshing.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Our work should never be a burden because the Lord is always working with us (Exodus 33:14
  ; Isaiah 41:13
  ; Mark 16:20
  ; 2 Corinthians 6:1
  a). Jesus knew this (John 16:32
  ) and so did Paul (2 Timothy 4:16-17 ).
• (For everyone): Are you weary from labouring for the things of this world? Are you weary from labouring for the Lord in your own strength? Are you willing to take the Lord’s yoke upon you and be His colabourer?
• Are you tired? Are you on the verge of giving up on life? Will you take the Lord’s easy yoke and light burden?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Thank the Lord for the rest He provides in labour.
• Ask God for the rest you so desperately need.

Come Ye Yourselves Apart

Mark 6:31-32

INTRODUCTION

Most Christians know the commandment of Christ given to the apostles to go “into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15
), but far too few recognize the same Lord commanded these same apostles to separate themselves “into a desert place, and rest a while” (Mark 6:31
). It is better to obediently rest than to prematurely burn out in the service of God. It has been said that one will either come apart (in rest) or he will come apart in spiritual disintegration. The Lord obviously wanted to demonstrate this truth and commanded the disciples to separate themselves for the purpose of finding some rest. The disciples obeyed and departed into a desert place. Each believer today should examine whether he or she is obeying this command of the Lord.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Jesus cared for His disciples and wanted them to rest (cp. Psalm 23:1-2 a). If they did not, He knew they would become frustrated with their work as did Martha (Luke 10:38-42 ). He brought them to a desert place (no distractions) so they could be with Him (Psalm 46:10
  a).
• (For everyone): Are you burnt out in the work of God? Are you presently going through the motions and doing so in the strength of the flesh rather than joyfully doing God’s work God’s way?
• When is the last time you withdrew yourself into a “desert place” to rest for a while? Do you feel guilty when you require some time away from the work of God?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Thank the Lord for showing you your need for rest.
• Ask God to help you know when it is time for rest.

HYMN

BLESSED ASSURANCE

YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Devotional for Oct. 2nd

YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

A story is told of a man crossing the Atlantic by ship. One night, as he was confined to his cabin due to seasickness, he heard the cry, "Man overboard!" He felt that there was nothing he could do to help, but he said to himself, "I can at least put my lantern in the porthole." He struggled to his feet and hung the light so it would shine out into the darkness.

The next day he learned that the person had been rescued and had told others, "I was going down in the dark night for the last time when someone put a light in a porthole. As it shone on my hand, a sailor in a lifeboat grabbed it and pulled me in."

God has chosen us to reach out and bring light into the darkness, to light up lives, no matter how small or insignificant we may feel!

"To the world you might just be another person, but to one person you may be the whole world."

Give From The Heart

Give From The Heart
Let's joyfully give our lives as we give from the heart.
In the book of Malachi, God called the people of Israel back to the law He established 800 years earlier with Moses. God spoke of the necessity of a pure sacrifice (Malachi 1:7-8), and the need for the priests to speak a message of truth (Malachi 2:7-8). He also addressed the issue of giving back a portion of our resources - a portion referred to as the tithe.
Malachi 3:8, 10

"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob Me. But you ask, 'How do we rob You?' In tithes and offerings. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house."
The principle of an offering began with Cain and Able (Genesis 4:3-4). Abraham then demonstrated the concept of the tithe when he gave Melchizedek "a tenth of everything" (Genesis 14:20). But systematic tithing was not established until God gave the law to Moses, (Leviticus 27:30-33).
In the time of Malachi, God not only called for a return to the discipline of tithing, He also directly linked tithing to blessings and gave the ultimate challenge: "Test Me in this and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of Heaven" (Malachi 3:10). God certainly never "owes" us because of anything we do, but His Word contains a consistent call to obedience, and true obedience always results in true blessing.

When Jesus died on the cross, He fulfilled the law for all who believe. And though the legalistic letter of the law has passed away, the intent of the law (which is the heart of God) remains for all time; "These {laws} are a shadow of the things to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ" (Colossians 2:17).

The intent, or "reality," of all the law is that God dearly loves us and is Lord over ALL areas of our life. The law teaches this truth and shows us how far short we fall of His standard. The purpose of the law was much more than teaching us to comply with a written code. The shadow contained in the written law says "Thou shalt not kill," but the reality in Christ says to not even have hatred in our heart, (Matthew 5:21-22). The shadow in the law also says "Thou shalt not commit adultery," but the reality in Christ says to even refrain from lust (Matthew 5:27-28).

When we debate about the "rules" of how much and where to give, we are focused on the shadow and miss the reality of Christ - He loves us and is Lord of ALL! As we focus our eyes on Christ, we will give. We will give generously, "not reluctantly or under compulsion" (2 Corinthians 9:7). We will gladly give of our time, talents, and finances to whatever need He directs; and as we give and join in His work, we will better understand His true blessings. When He is truly Lord of all, we will not simply give according to a "formula" dictated by the law, we will live under His grace and give according to the law's intent. When He is Lord, we will cease to rob God and will joyfully give our lives as we give from the heart.

Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

Him—Just Him

TODAY'S DEVOTIONAL - September 30th

Him—Just Him

"For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day."  2 Timothy 1:12

I heard of a lady who memorized so many verses of Scripture that she quoted them back to the Lord in praise to His name. When she grew old and began to lose her memory, she could only remember one verse, "For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." She would quote it over and over.

Soon her memory deteriorated more, and all she could remember was just the phrase "committed unto Him." It brought her much comfort. Finally she came to a place where all she could say was "Him."

You can distill the Bible down to that one word, "Him." Can you tune all of your life to that one note of praise? Him.

Adrian Rogers.

MURDERED!

TODAY'S DEVOTIONAL - September 29th

MURDERED!

(From Spurgeon's autobiography)

There was a day, as I took my walks abroad, when I came by a spot forever engraved upon my memory, for there I saw this Friend, my best, my only Friend
. . .
MURDERED!

I stooped down in sad affright, and looked at Him. I saw that His hands had been pierced with rough iron nails, and His feet had been torn in the same way. There was misery in His dead countenance so terrible that I scarcely dared to look upon it. His body was emaciated with hunger, His back was red with bloody scourges, and His brow had a circle of wounds about it--clearly could one see that these had been pierced by thorns.

I shuddered, for I had known this Friend full well. He never had a fault--He was the purest of the pure, the holiest of the holy.

Who could have injured Him?

For He never injured any man--all His life long He "went about doing good." He had healed the sick, He had fed the hungry, He had raised the dead--for which of these works did they kill Him? He had never breathed out anything else but love--and as I looked into the poor sorrowful face, so full of agony, and yet so full of love--I wondered who could have been a wretch so vile as to pierce hands like His. I said within myself, "Where can these traitors live? Who are these that could have smitten such a One as this?"

Had they murdered an oppressor--we might have forgiven them; had they slain one who had indulged in vice or villainy--it might have been his desert; had it been a murderer and a rebel, or one who had committed sedition--we would have said, "Bury his corpse--justice has at last given him his due!"

But when You were slain, my best, my only-beloved--where did the traitors hide? Let me seize them, and they shall be put to death! If there are torments that I can devise--surely they shall endure them all. Oh! what jealousy--what revenge I felt! If I might but find these murderers, what I would do to them!

And as I looked upon that corpse, I heard a footstep, and wondered where it was. I listened, and I clearly perceived that the murderer was close at hand! It was dark, and I groped about to find him. I found that, somehow or other, wherever I put out my hand, I could not meet with him, for he was NEARER to me than my hand would go.

At last I put my hand upon my bosom. "I have you now!" said I--for lo, he was in my own heart--the murderer was hiding within my own bosom, dwelling in the recesses of my inmost soul!

Ah! then I wept indeed, that I, in the very presence of my murdered Master, should be harboring the murderer! I felt myself most guilty while I bowed over His corpse, and sang that plaintive hymn, "Twas you, MY SINS, my cruel sins, His chief tormentors were! Each of my sins became a nail, and unbelief the spear!"

Amid the rabble which hounded the Redeemer to His doom, there were some gracious souls whose bitter anguish sought vent in wailing and lamentations--fit music to accompany that march of woe.

When my soul can, in imagination, see the Savior bearing His cross to Calvary, she joins the godly women, and weeps with them; for, indeed, there is true cause for grief--cause lying deeper than those mourning women thought. They bewailed innocence maltreated, goodness persecuted, love bleeding, meekness about to die--but my heart has a deeper and more bitter cause to mourn.

MY SINS were the scourges which lacerated those blessed shoulders, and crowned those bleeding brows with thorns! My sins cried, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" and laid the cross upon His gracious shoulders.

His being led forth to die is sorrow enough for one eternity--but MY having been His murderer, is more, infinitely more grief than one poor fountain of tears can express.

If Christ has died for me, as ungodly as I am, without strength as I am--then I cannot live in sin any longer, but must arouse myself to love and serve Him who has redeemed me.

I cannot trifle with the evil which slew my best Friend.

I must be holy for His sake.

How can I live in sin--when He has died to save me from it?

J.R. Miller's

Never Too Old for Help

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL - September 28th
Never Too Old for Help

Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, Lord, to help me. (Psalms 70:1 NIV)

“Will you help me please?” As a person living with cerebral palsy I often have to say these words. Many of the tasks I need help with are skills that children learn to do independently, like buttoning a shirt, brushing my teeth, and cutting meat on my plate. Even though I would love to do these simple tasks myself, I have to come to grips with
the fact that I will always need assistance.

My dependency on others was brought to mind as I was singing the hymn “I Need Thee Every Hour.” I wondered, “Do we really need the Lord like I need other people to help me get through the day?” The psalmist David surely did think so. In this psalm he calls himself “poor and needy” and asks God to “come quickly” to help him. David was aware that he needed God’s help in dealing with his enemies. I am sure that he felt that he needed the Lord’s help every minute of every day for the rest of his life.

You might not need help like I do, but each of us needs God’s assistance when trouble comes, when facing temptation, in confusion, and in decision-making. Reliance on God is a sign of being realistic that we do not have all the answers, but our all-powerful Lord does. That kind of help we will never  outgrow.

—Steve Laman

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that no matter how old we get we can always count on you for help.

Victory Is Just a Prayer Away

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL - September 26th
Victory Is Just a Prayer Away

 Uphold me according unto Thy Word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.” Psalm 119:116


Paul did much of his writing from a prison cell. Maybe you also feel like you are in a prison of sorts today with every door shut in your face. Maybe you are in a prison of despair and doubt. Perhaps you just heard from the doctor and received a bad report, or are dreading a visit this week. Maybe you’re in a financial prison of debt or a domestic
prison of abuse and you feel there is no way out. Friend, I want to tell you that there is a way out for you. God is still on His throne. He hears and answers every prayer.

Victory over your situation is just a prayer away. The circumstances may not change, but your perspective and attitude will change as you begin to pray and praise God. You
and I don’t have a need that God cannot meet.


Pray this prayer today: “Father, I need You. I need You to forgive me where I have failed You. I need You to change my heart and strengthen my faith so I see my prison as a palace. Change my attitude from dread to joy, from jealousy to contentment, from worry to trust. I love You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Adrian Rogers.

A Prayer for When You Fear Death

TODAY'S DEVOTIONAL - September 25th
A Prayer for When You Fear Death
By Greg Laurie

"The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?" – Psalm 27:1

Have you ever been stung by a bee? It's not a fun experience. But though it's painful for the person being stung, it's fatal for the bee.

When a honeybee stings a person, it can't pull its little barbed stinger back out. This is a one-time experience for them. They had better think carefully about who they are going to sting, because once they do it, they are not going to survive.

When a bee stings you, not only is the bee's stinger left in you but also part of its abdomen and digestive tract, as well as nerves and muscles. This massive abdominal rupture kills the bee shortly after it stings.

That is what happened when Jesus died on the cross. In his enduring hatred for God's Son, Satan thought it would be a great idea to have Jesus betrayed, arrested, beaten within an inch of His life, and then crucified and put to death on a Roman cross. The devil said, "This is my moment. I am going to sting Him. I will have a role in His death. When He dies, that is the end of Him." Everything went according to Satan's plan, and like a bee, he flew off thinking he had succeeded.

But everything went according to God's plan as well, and the sting of death was its own defeat. As 1 Corinthians 15:54 –55 says, "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"

Where is the sting of death for the believer? It is ripped out, because at the cross, Jesus took the stinger out of death. This is a great truth. As Christians, we no longer need to fear death because our souls will live on forever with Christ.

Dear Lord, we will face many terrifying events throughout this life, but may we never forget that the ultimate victory belongs to you. Through your sacrifice, death has been defeated. As we continue to walk in your truth, help us to set our eyes on Heavenly things.

Amen.

How to Cry Out to God

TODAY'S DEVOTIONAL - September 24th
How to Cry Out to God

And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. Matthew 14:29-30 KJV

The phone rings, and you answer. A sullen voice informs you of a tragedy. Your heart is so heavy that you feel as though you could die. What do you do?

Bad news, danger, and pain all cause us to look for help. As believers, we dwell with the almighty God, who is able to aid us. At those moments when we are sideswiped by life's circumstances, we should cry out to Him.

In the Bible, crying out refers to speaking audibly with great emotion concerning an urgent need. God invites us to use this form of prayer to communicate that we desperately need His mercy.

It takes both faith and humility to share our heart's concern aloud. Crying out, then, is a way for God's children to express trust in the Lord's ability and willingness to help. By calling upon Him with such urgency, wealso lay down our pride and any attitude of self-sufficiency.

The Word of God assures us that our Father hears our cries and responds. In Psalm 3:4, for example, David wrote, "I was crying to the Lord with my voice, and He answered from His holy mountain." When we call aloud for help in Jesus' name, we invite His power into the situation. Remember that there is strength in just speaking His name.

When we cry out to God, He may remove the problem immediately, yet we often have to wait for His perfect timing. Harsh circumstances might even be allowed to remain for His good purposes. But we can always count on His comfort and presence, which enable us to live with joy and hope.

Dr. Charles Stanley

Yes You Can!

TODAY'S DEVOTIONAL - September 23rd
Yes You Can!

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."  (Micah 6:8 NIV)

A friend who was down in the dumps wrote me a letter a few weeks ago. His life was full of problems. His heart was full of worries. He was low on hope. He ended his letter to me with this question: "We can't really change this crazy world we live in, can we?" I answered him immediately and started my own letter with these words: "Yes, we most certainly can!"

I can still remember one of the first times someone changed my world. She was the music teacher at my elementary school, the guitarist at our church, and a family friend. I had a huge crush on her too and wanted to impress her more than anything. I had no talent at any instrument, however, and my singing while enthusiastic was quite awful. One day she let me try playing her guitar. I did my best but could only stumble along. When I was done I put my head down. "I guess I am not very good," I told her. She looked at me with her kind eyes, smiled, and said: "We are all good at something. You just need to find out what you are good at. Then you can share it with the world."

Those simple words changed me. They planted a seed in my soul that continues to grow to this day. They made me realize that I had something to give to others. I had something inside of me that was good and that could change this world for the better. I just had to find it, bring it out and share it. And that is what I have tried to do all of the years since that fateful day.

Can you change the world? Yes you can! You can change it and make it better every single day of your life. You can change it one choice, one person, and one kind act at a time. All you have to do is share your goodness. All you have to do is live your love. Mother Teresa once said: "God doesn't ask us to do great things, only small things with great love." Make your love great then! Live well! Do good! Change the world!

Joseph J. Mazzella

Just a Little Thing...What Harm can it Do?

TODAY'S DEVOTIONAL - September 22nd
Just a Little Thing...What Harm can it Do?

How often have you heard someone say "It's just a little thing..."

Romans 3:23 tells us "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."

The worst murderer, the child molester, the drunk in the gutter...the worst thing you can think of is not a more punishable sin than that "little white lie". The wisest man on earth spoke about little foxes and vines: "Catch us the foxes, The little foxes that spoil the vines, For our vines have tender grapes."  (Song of Solomon 2:15 NKJV)

The great Johnstown Flood of 1889 began as a little crack in the dam but the end result was 2,209 persons lost their lives and property damage was US$17 Million.

Other little things are important, too. A smile, a hug, a kind word -- a little thing to be sure but it can make a world of difference in someone's life.

Have you ever had the blessing of holding a newborn in your arms? Such a little thing to be sure but what a joy it is.

Recently I learned the value of a little thing! I loaded my aging washing machine to begin my usual laundry day chores. The washer filled, swished, drained and -- stopped! I tried again. Again fill, swish, drain and stop! I live on a limited budget which has little leeway for a new washer. Oh what was I going to do? Pray! Yes, that was what I did -- oh, and call the repairman. After carefully checking each relay switch and each wiring connection he was about to give up; but being the careful technician he is, he just couldn't so he began to consider other possible causes. Ah ha! There was something between the two tubs. No, that wasn't possible -- but it was! A Sock! Just a little sock but a very expensive one to be sure. That day I learned firsthand the value of a little thing.

Now if I am tempted to discount the little things I remember my "very expensive sock" and know that the little things are important.

Wynona Gordon

The Power of Patience

TODAY'S DEVOTIONAL - September 21st

The Power of Patience

By Dr. Charles Stanley

9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, 14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. 15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. Hebrews 6:9-15 KJV

Picture yourself waiting in a checkout line that hasn't moved for ten minutes. Many of us would feel frustrated. We live in a generation that expects instant results.

Everyone struggles with some degree of impatience. We're born with this trait--think about a three-month-old who wants milk in the middle of the night. The inborn reaction is to fuss at the first hint of discomfort and to keep at it until the need is met. Patterns from our old "flesh" nature make this a continual battle for most people, but one that is very worthwhile to fight.

Let's consider the biblical definition of patience. It can mean both long suffering and perseverance, or not giving up and yielding under pressure. In either case, it reveals itself when we are willing to wait without frustration while suffering or experiencing some strong desire. In other words, we accept difficult situations without giving God deadlines. What's more, patience means accepting what the Lord gives, on His timetable--or what He chooses not to give. This quality results in inner peace and lack of stress. Meanwhile, we should pray, obey, and persist as we seek God's direction.

The danger of impatience is that we might miss the Lord's perfect plan and His blessing. Only when we trust our Father's will and timing can we rest peacefully.

What causes you stress? Carefully examine whether you are taking matters into your own hands or releasing the circumstance to almighty God. Listen to Psalm 37:7, which says, "Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him." Seek His way and His timing. Anything else can be destructive.

Take the Time to Dance

TODAY'S DEVOTIONAL - September 20th

Take the Time to Dance

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance...He has made everything beautiful in its time."  (Eccl 3:1-4,11)

It was over twenty years ago. My young family and I had just moved into the house I live in now. I could hear my children playing in my son's bedroom while I washed the breakfast dishes in the kitchen sink. Our television was on the country music video channel and I was humming along to the tunes while I scrubbed the frying pan. Suddenly, I felt a gentle tug on the leg of my blue jeans. I looked down and saw my little daughter looking up at me with her sparkling blue-grey eyes. She had snuck back into the kitchen unheard. I smiled down at her, dried my hands, reached down and picked her up. I held her in my arms and we swayed back and forth for a few minutes to the music coming from the TV. Then she giggled, gave my neck a big squeeze, and motioned that she wanted down again. I gave her a final spin around, set her down, and watched as she laughed and ran down the hallway to play again.

I knew that she probably wouldn't remember this moment, but I made sure to place it carefully in the treasure chest of my soul. Even then I was aware of how fast she was growing up and knew that if I blinked I would miss it. I was right too. The days flew by far too fast.

Soon she was too "big" to dance with Dad anymore and hugs and kisses had to be done in private so I wouldn't embarrass her in front of her friends. Before I knew it she was in high school, then college, and then living on her own. Yet, when I look at my adult daughter these days part of me still sees that bright eyed little girl so full of laughter and love.

Time in this life is brief. Always remember then to take the time to dance. Take the time to love. Take the time to pray. Take the time to laugh and to sing. Take the time to give hugs and kisses. Take the time to watch the sunset. Take the time to thank God for every day you have.

Take the time to cherish each moment you are given. Life is too short not to be lived in joy.

By: Joseph J. Mazzella

Something To Think About

TODAY'S DEVOTIONAL - September 19th
Something To Think About

At two degrees north of the Arctic Circle, in Inuvik, Canada, the sun sets for the last time below the horizon in early December. After nearly 30 days of darkness, the return of the sun is celebrated around January 6th at the annual Inuvik Sunrise Festival, with food, dance, music, snow carving, and winter activities.

1 John 2:8b – The darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. (NIV)

While I was watching a documentary about the Sunrise Festival, a thought-provoking comparison popped into my mind. Great crowds of people were gathered together with upraised arms. All eyes were glued to the sky. Some were singing, while others were dancing, leaping, and cheering. They were all waiting breathlessly, expectantly, joyously for the moment that they had looked forward to for so long, the moment when the sun would return and peek above the horizon. Soon the frigid winter would release its icy grip, and the long darkness would be over. The sun would be back on its throne and reigning once again.

It struck me, that in the Bible, there is an amazing parallel to the return of Son of God.

Luke 21:27 – And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with great (transcendent and overwhelming) power and [all His kingly] glory (majesty and splendor). (AMPC)

What a day of rejoicing that will be for those who have committed their lives to Jesus Christ, Who came to this earth to redeem mankind through the sacrifice of His life.

It is impossible to imagine how we will feel if we are privileged to be part of the crowd standing there as we hear His voice calling us up.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 – Then we, the living ones who remain [on the earth], shall simultaneously be caught up along with [the resurrected dead] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so always (through the eternity of the eternities) we shall be with the Lord! (AMPC)

Then, as we gather together with Jesus and His bride, the church, in the heavenly dining hall for the marriage supper of the Lamb, our feasting and rejoicing and singing and praising and thanksgiving will be far beyond our wildest imaginations.

I realize that the celebration of the return of the sun that I watched on the television was a very important highlight for the Inuit people of the Arctic, yet it pales into insignificance in light of the day of the return of the Son of God.

None of the Inuit ever doubt that the sun will return, because of their personal experience, so they watch with joyous expectation. Similarly, we who have a personal experience with the Son of God have no doubt that He will return, and it could be at any moment. So we, too, watch with joyous expectation, and we say, "Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly."

Prayer: Dear Lord, we pray that the eyes of many people who do not believe that the Son of God will return to this earth, even though He promised that He would come back, may be opened. Heavenly Father, help us to rise to Your challenge of making disciples of all the nations. In Jesus' name, we ask. Amen.

Sharon Y. Greer
Ontario, Canada