Doing Everything For His Glory.

Psalm 23 (NIV)

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

2  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths

    for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

There was once a Shakespearean actor who was known everywhere for his one-man show of readings and recitations from the Classics. He would always end his performance with a dramatic reading of Psalm 23. Each night, without exception, as the actor began his recitation -- "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want" -- the crowd would listen attentively. And then, at the conclusion of the psalm, they would rise in thunderous applause in appreciation of the actor's incredible ability to bring the verse to life.

But one night, just before the actor was to offer his customary recital of Psalm 23, a young man from the audience spoke up. "Sir doyou mind if tonight I recite Psalm 23?"

The actor was quite taken back by this unusual request, but he allowed the young man to come forward and stand front and center on the stage to recite the psalm, knowing that the ability of this unskilled youth would be no match for his own talent.

With a soft voice, the young man began to recite the words of the psalm. When he was finished, there was no applause. There was no standing ovation as on other nights. All that could be heard was the sound of weeping. The audience had been so moved by the young man's recitation that every eye was full of tears.

Amazed by what he had heard, the actor said to the youth, "I don't understand. I have been performing Psalm 23 for years. I have a lifetime of experience and training -- but I have never been able to move an audience as you have tonight. Tell me, what is your secret?" The young man humbly replied, "Well sir, you know the psalm...but I know the Shepherd."

It's not enough to just know the content of the Bible -- its stories, its sayings, and its teachings. Unless you know the author, the Bible is nothing more than just another book. But when you put your faith in Jesus Christ and have entered into a personal relationship with God the Father, the Bible truly becomes "living and active -- sharper than any double-edged sword." (Hebrews 4:12).

Dear Lord, help us not just know the content of the Bible but help it be living and active in us so that those who see us we see You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Bahamas and the Christian Church

1 Peter 2:21 (NIV)

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

In Honor of my wife turning ??  I have taken her on a cruise to the Bahamas. As I was preparing this devotional ahead of time I thought this would fit nicely.

are made up of well over 700 islands and 2400 cays. Doesn't this sound a bit like the Christian church? There is just one major difference: Many churches proclaim to be the "One True Church", while none of the islands or cays claim to be the One True Bahamas! Instead, all of the inhabitants of these islands are united, proud to be Bahamians!

Can you imagine a single small island tearing itself away and claiming to be the only true Bahamas? How would the world see this? They would discern that another country has just been formed, but that new country would not be considered the One True Bahamas when there are more than 700 other islands and 2400 cays who could claim that title!

We better wake up from our stupor and do what Peter urges us to do: "Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." (1 Peter 2:21 NIV)

What example did Jesus leave us? Is it a model of independence and pride? Is it an illustration of the concept "My way or the highway"? Absolutely not! Here are the words He left us with: "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." (1 John 4:10 NIV)

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16 NIV)

Jesus has set us an example of love, LOVE, LOVE!!!

What should be our reaction to this kind of love as followers of Christ?

"Since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." (1 John 4:11-12 NIV)

"We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, 'I love God,' yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother." (1 John 4:19-21 NIV)

Moreover, one of Jesus' last prayers while on earth was this: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35 NIV)

If we want to revolutionize the world, we need to clean up our house first! We are not proclaimers of a certain denomination. None of our denominations really matter! Remember, Jesus never proclaimed to be a Presbyterian or a Wesleyan or a Baptist or a Lutheren or even a Non-denominational! In fact He never even proclaimed to be a Christian! The focus should never have been directed on our inner self or on our place of worship, but on the One who loved us so much that He willingly died for us so that eternity was made possible to each one of us!

We are not here to build our kingdom! We are here to proclaim God's kingdom and the only way we can do that is by loving not only God with all of our heart, but each other above anything else as well!

You want a revolution? Focus on Jesus! You want change in this world? Reach out towards your brothers and sisters across the myriads of denominations and love each other the way Jesus' showed us the example! Only then will this world really realize what Jesus is about!

Dear Lord, we pray that we would not focus on our denominations but instead focus in You. Help us love others like You love them. Help us be the one that shows your love today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Does God Know About This?

Deuteronomy 29:29 (NIV)

The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.

There's a couple in Arkansas who have given their six-year-old son strict instructions to come home from playing every afternoon no later than 5 p.m. He is allowed to play with his friends, but his parents are quite serious about his curfew. If he is not home by 5 p.m., they begin to worry and call around the neighborhood to find out where he is. The boy knows this, though, and is careful to arrive every day on time.

One April Monday, however, the day after Daylight Saving Time went into effect, the boy was late coming home. When he finally arrived, a few minutes before 6 p.m., his mother scolded him for being late. "You know you are to be home by five," she said, "and here it is nearly six."

Puzzled, the little boy pointed out the window. "But the light," he protested, "the light; it's the light that tells me when to come home." Realizing what had happened, his mother smiled and gently explained that the day before the time had been changed, that everyone had reset their clocks and, now, the daylight lasted longer.

The boy's eyes narrowed. "Does God know about this?" He asked suspiciously.

It's easy to see why a young boy would ask such a question, but no matter what the circumstance prompting the question, the answer to "Does God know about this?" Is always, "Yes, He knows." David reflected on this quality of God in Psalm 139:

"Lord, you have examined me and know all about me. You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts before I think them. You know where I go and where I lie down. You know thoroughly everything I do. Lord, even before I say a word, you already know it. You are all around me -- in front and in back -- and have put your hand on me. Your knowledge is amazing to me; it is more than I can understand." (Psalm 139:1-6)

At times, it is a bit frightening to realize that God knows so much about us, but ultimately it is a comforting thought -- that someone knows so much about us, yet still loves us. Because God knows us so well, He knows our deepest needs. Let us take comfort today in the realization that God knows everything about us there is to know.

Dear Lord, we thank You that You know all about us and still love us and are there to lead and guide us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Just a Little Bit of Friendliness

John 10:10 (NIV)

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

It started small. In 1931 the Wall was just an ordinary pharmacy with one huge goal: to reach out to those in need. The depression years were terrible, and many businesses were going belly up; but despite the fact that the home of this particular pharmacy, Wall, South Dakota, was only a tiny town, it knew how to survive.

How?

Located at the entrance to the South Dakota Badlands, tourists frequently passed through Wall during the hot summer months. The pharmacist figured out that the greatest need he could fill for these tourists was to quench their thirst. Although in those days they did not have refrigerators like we do now, he figured out a way to provide free ice water to anyone entering his pharmacy. But more than this, he treated anyone visiting his store like royalty.

Before long, the little pharmacy of Wall, soon to be known as "The Wall", along with its pharmacist who cared enough to take an interest in his customers, became famous all over the state, and eventually all over the US. People literally flocked in.

Over the years, business continued to boom, and now The Wall has expanded to the point that it could better be called an indoor mall. Covering an entire city block, it contains a variety of stores where one can buy clothing, shoes, books, toys, souvenirs, music, food… and of course, pharmaceutical drugs. But it is still renown not only for its many services, but especially for its friendly and caring staff and its free ice water.

Being friendly attracts people. Caring for others makes people think. Being genuinely interested into the welfare of others opens up even the hardcore introverts. People flock to places where they really feel welcome.

I have to wonder why so many churches can't seem to attract those who don't know Jesus.

I mean, the gospel message is powerful. Not only does it free people from addictions, it also provides freedom and real life beyond anyone's wildest dreams. Jesus is alive and He backs up his message of salvation: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10 NIV); "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matt 28:18-20 NIV).

So why aren't people flocking in?

Is it possible that it's because we, as Christians, do not know how to genuinely be interested into the welfare of others? Is it possible that we don't really know how to love others like Jesus did? Is it possible that we don't know Jesus intimately enough? "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35 NIV); "No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." (1 John 4:12 NIV)

If newcomers don't feel welcome in an establishment, especially in a church, they will eventually stop coming. Churches are famous for clicks, but we have to ask ourselves if we attend church to be with our friends, or if we attend with the single purpose of worshiping the One who makes a difference in our lives, of loving and adoring Him and of loving and encouraging those He died for? Isn't attending for any other reason truly a waste of time?

"Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" (Matt 7:22-23 NIV)

What is your purpose for attending church? Do you want to follow in Jesus' steps? Do you want to obey His call to love one another and to broadcast His dynamic message of love and deliverance to a generation that hungers for real meaning in life?

A little bit of friendliness will have a huge impact on someone's life. If you don't believe it, visit the Wall in Wall, South Dakota.

Dear Lord, we pray that we would display the friendliness that will impact somebody today and bring them to You. Help us be that glass of water. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

We Can't Understand Everything About God.

Deuteronomy 29:29 (NIV)

The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.

Antonio Stradivari was born in 1644, and established his shop in Cremona, Italy, where he remained active until his death in 1737. Stradivari made harps, guitars, violas, and cellos--more than 1,100 instruments in all, by current estimate. About 650 of these instruments survive today.

No modern violinmaker has been able to replicate Stradivari's work. The violins of Stradivari's time were treated with a varnish made from the resinous material of any of a number of possible plants. It is not known what method Stradivari used to cook the resin (or for how long he cooked it), but its translucent sheen lent to the violins a robust whiskey color and may have also enhanced the wood's ability to echo sound so clearly.

We can measure the instruments' varying lengths (a little more than 14 inches), depths (about 11/4 inch), and width. Even a marginally talented copyist can make a violin with the specs of a Stradivarius. Yet no one has been able to make an instrument that yields the extraordinary tonal quality of a Strad.

Stephanie Chase is a world renown violinist who has said: "Because the perfection of a Stradivarius has never been matched by another maker past or present, it makes you think we must be missing something... Which leads us to the fact that there must be a higher concept, some overriding principle that he abided by that we just have not been able to understand."

If we cannot understand how to replicate a violin, how can we possibly understand the mysteries of God?

Dear Lord, thank You for those things You have revealed to us. Give us the wisdom to continually seek after all that You have for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Knowledge or Love?

1 Corinthians 13:8 (NIV)

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

What would you prefer: Knowledge or love? Take your time before deciding, because the decision you make can affect your life for eternity.

And while you think about this, let me share with you a true story I read.

In the spring of 1955, an insignificant dolphin appeared in the bay of Opononi, in the Northern island of New Zealand. At first nobody paid any attention to her. She was just a dolphin, after all! But she, who was later called Opo, cautiously approached the beach, near the wharf.

With her playful spirit and love for children, it wasn't long before her presence in the bay attracted attention. Especially since she loved to juggle balls and empty beer bottles on her snout!

Before anyone knew it, Opo had made world news. Multitudes traveled over dusty, unpaved roads, crowding into tiny Opononi to see that special dolphin. She became an overnight sensation, and as if she sensed how special she was, she went out of her way to show the people love and to make everyone around her feel special.

But not everybody welcomed Opo's presence in the bay. There was a group of fishermen who were quite upset by her presence. You see, they knew that dolphins feed on fish, and that to stay alive, they require a huge amount of fish each day. They worried that the waters of Opononi bay would soon be depleted of the fish that they, themselves, needed for their livelihood. They did everything they knew to discourage the young dolphin, even jabbing her with oars.

And how did Opo respond? She just kept on loving the people of Opononi!

On the evening of March 8, 1956, the local municipality made law that it was an offense to molest dolphins in the Hokianga Harbor  The very next day, Opo was found dead, jammed in a crevice between two rocks.

The people of Opononi mourned their loss. No one had shown them such love and acceptance, even amoung hostility. Accusations flew wide, but it was never discovered how she arrived at her untimely death.

I wonder if we, too, tend to be hostile towards others at time, because of what we think we know about them. If our goal is not to build up those around us, then either directly or indirectly, our actions will tear them down. It's all a question of love.

"Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." (1 Cor 8:1 NIV)

Dear Lord, fill us with Your love today and help to show that love to those around us no matter the circumstances. In Jesus’ Love, Amen. 

Really? Can That be True?

Revelation 21:4 (NIV)

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

The following is based on a true story.

Little Zenabu (which means beautiful in Swahili) had never seen snow before. His small village in Africa was situated in the midst of a desert, surrounded by low-lying desertous vegetation, and the hut he grew up in was built in such a way that it stayed cool on the inside, even in the midst of fierce afternoon heat.

One day his grandfather tried to tell Zenabu about snow. He said it was beautiful white crystals that fall from the sky and covered everything with a blanket of white. Zenabu's response was to roar with laughter. What a vivid imagination his grandfather had! The only things that he had ever seen falling from the sky were occasional raindrops. Oh, and of course the birds that he shot down with his bow. But little white crystals? Ridiculous!

Then one day Zenabu and his parents moved to France, to the Alps. Zenabu was astounded by how green everything was. He had never had seen so many leaf-covered trees in his life! Then December rolled around, and along with it the first snowfall of the year. Little Zenabu awoke to a fairy-tale world. Everything was covered in white! The trees, the grass, his house, even his dad's car! Amazed, he touched the cold substance. Then he picked up a handful and tossed it in the air. But that wasn't enough, and the next thing his mother knew, he was rolling in the snow, waving his arms back and forth, unaware that he was making snow angels. He even built a small hut with it. That white material was out of this world!

Then he remembered his grandfather's words and his heart skipped a beat. His grandfather had been right all along! He quickly scribbled a note to his grandfather, then taking a handful of the wondrous substance, he stuffed it, along with the note, into an envelope and mailed it. As he imagined his grandfather's face when he opened the letter, he couldn't contain his excitement!

The postman that day wasn't too happy, however. The snow melted in the mailbox, soaking about a dozen letters. "Another prankster!" he muttered. "Wait until I find out who did this!"

As Christians, we are kingdom bound. The kingdom already exists in our midst, but it will be an even greater reality when we reach Heaven. Just imagine: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…" (Rev 21:4 NIV) We will be reunited with departed loved ones, but the most excitingly thing of all is that we will be able to see Jesus face to face. We will be able to worship Him, to cover Him with our thankfulness. I can't wait to run into His arms, to hug Him tenderly, and with tears streaming down my face, to fall on my knees before Him in loving adoration.

As Christians we know where we are heading. Death does not scare us: "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" (1 Cor 15:55 NIV) In fact, when our days are over on this planet and we find ourselves on our death bed, excitement should overtake us because we know where we are going and nobody can rob us of this unfathomable reality!

Why is it, then, that so many believers live like there is no tomorrow? They go to church, but the rest of the week, they live defeated lives, filled with self-gratification and self-imposed depression. When they experience close encounters with death, they are left trembling with anxiety. The apostle John summed it up well: "Surely you know that Christ showed up in order to get rid of sin. There is no sin in him, and sin is not part of his program. No one who lives deeply in Christ makes a practice of sin. None of those who do practice sin have taken a good look at Christ. They've got him all backwards." (1 John 3:5-6 The Message)

One question we need to ask ourselves daily is this: "How real is Jesus in my life?"

If for some reason Jesus has become less of a reality than the circumstances surrounding our lives, it is time for a reality check. It is time to fall to our knees and reaffix our attention on the One who should be our only reality. "Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in.

Unfathomable reality? Maybe for those who never experienced Him in their lives, but for those of us who, like little Zenabu, have experienced first-hand the unfathomable reality, we should know better! Jesus is our only reality. He is our goal in everything we do. With Him at our side, we can face tomorrow with a huge grin on our faces.

Dear Lord, we thank You that we can face tomorrow knowing that You are there with us. We pray for strength today to show that reality to those around us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.