I’ve Never Been Better

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

I can’t remember [if ever] a day reading a newspaper full of good news, can you? If I take the news at face value, there is hardly any ongoing good in the world. Tension in the Middle East, economies on the brink of collapse, and natural calamities one after the other - these are troubling times.

That’s why I love the message of the Psalmist, “For in the time of trouble He shall hide me...” [Psalm 27:5].

Yes, these are troubling times, but as a Christ follower, I’m well because my life is hid with Christ in God [Colossians 3:3]. It reminds me of a cowboy I  once heard about. 

He was pulling a horse trailer on a long Texas road, his faithful dog by his side in the pick-up. He happened to take a curve too fast and lost control of the truck. The result was a terrible accident.

A Texas Ranger happened upon the scene. He saw the horse, the dog, and the cowboy all in terrible shape, laying near the overturned vehicles. Being an animal lover, his attention was first drawn to the horse. He recognized the serious nature of the injuries, pulled out his pistol, and put the horse out of its misery. Then he went to the dog, which was also critically wounded. His heart was gripped as the dog whined in pain, so again, he pulled out his revolver and ended its suffering. 

With a smoking gun in hand, he next went to the cowboy who had witnessed the action of the Ranger. He had suffered multiple fractures and could barely breathe. The Ranger asked the cowboy, “Hey, are you okay?” With unexpected energy the cowboy responded, “I’ve never been better!”

We are pilgrims in this sinful and dangerous world. Sometimes we get wounded which, at times seems unbearable. It’s at those times the truth of the Psalmist comes to bear. It’s there I can find a spiritual and supernatural strength to say, “I’ve never been better!”  

One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:4-5 

Living and Dead Seas

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

Israel has an interesting geographical phenomenon. It contains two landlocked lakes, or seas. One is thought to be alive and one dead. The sea full of life is the Kinneret - you probably know it as the Sea of Galilee. The dead sea is - you guessed it - the Dead Sea. 

The Kinneret constantly gives up its water as it flows through the Jordan Valley into the Dead Sea. But the Dead Sea is stingy; it does not empty its water at all. Since it refuses to release its water, the Dead Sea is continually shrinking because the intense heat evaporates more water than is flowing into this lowest spot on Earth. 

You’ve probably figured out the point of this eDevotion. The Sea that is alive is the one that gives. So it is with a Christ follower. The more of your life you pour out, the more alive, filled up, and refreshed you will be. Of course, if you hold back, well you should keep this Jewish limerick in mind: 

There once was a sea that was dead
It was, 'cause it only got fed
And never gave up
Not one single cup
Now that's something to keep in your head

By this we know love of God, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 1st John 3:16-18

Why God Used D. L. Moody

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

D. L. Moody died in the last days of the 19th century, December 22, 1899, to be exact. At that time, Dr. R. A. Torrey was probably his closest associate and friend. 

When Moody died, Torrey soon took worldwide lead in great citywide campaigns in Australia, England and America. In 1923 Dr. Torrey was asked to speak at a service on "Why God Used D. L. Moody." It was a powerful sermon that became a book by the same title. I have read that sermon many times, and each time, I am stirred in spirit to do more for the Lord. You can buy the book here for $0.60.

Torrey mentioned seven reasons God used Moody. Here they are without commentary:

• Moody was a fully surrendered man, he held nothing back from the Lord 
• He was a man of much prayer 
• He was a deep and practical student of the Bible 
• He was a humble man 
• He was not a lover of money 
• He had a consuming passion for the salvation of the lost
• And he was endued with Power from on High 

Dear Christ follower, do you want to have a close, intimate relationship with God and bear lasting fruit for Him? I can think of no better way to go about it than the example of Dwight Lyman Moody. My heart is convicted, how about yours?

Post Thanksgiving - Thanksgiving!

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

In America, Thanksgiving is a time that blends together the history and traditions that Americans hold dear, especially highlighting the home and family. Thanksgiving is synonymous with stuff that can be found at home – special meals with the wonderful aromas from the kitchen, kids and grandkids, long distance phone calls, family reunions, football games, family indoor and outdoor games, friends dropping by, abundant desserts, and meaningful fellowship.

In addition to that, for the Christ follower, it is a time of reflection and a special reminder that God has, again, been faithful to us. The sweet and simple things of life are brought into clear focus. The meals and memories have a way of blocking out selfishness and ushering in a sincere spirit of gratitude, love, and genuine joy.

It promotes a spirit of humility and gratitude to God for His mercy, His abundance, His protection, His favor. Thanksgiving is a day that simplifies life.  

Unfortunately for many people, Thanksgiving has become merely another day off work or break from school with no consideration of the central message of the holiday. So I propose POST THANKSGIVING - THANKSGIVING! As Christ followers, let’s praise and thank God. Let’s keep or rekindle the spirit of Thanksgiving in our lives, homes, churches and communities. 

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. Psalms 69:30  

Give Thanks, Rejoice, and Be Glad

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

The Bible and history is filled with stories about God’s faithfulness. Whether it’s the account of Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, or the Old Testament prophets; whether it is the account of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, or the Apostles and the early Church; whether it’s Martin Luther and the Reformation, or the Pilgrims on the Mayflower, it’s the same - generation after generation - it is the story of the glory and faithfulness of God. 

Thanksgiving is a time when we acknowledge that. It is an exercise in reciting the attributes of God, the works of God, the glory of God; exploring the depths of God. Thanksgiving is the very act of adoration and worship itself.

Dear Christ follower, this Thanksgiving season give thanks for the marvelous things that the Lord has done. Rejoice and be glad! Our God is good and He has done great things! 

Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, “The LORD be magnified!” Psalm 40:16

“Now What Do You Say?”

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

I was in the check out line at Wal Mart the other day [yes, I shop at Wal Mart], when a young lad begged his Mother for money to play video games. She had already completed her purchase and everything was bagged and ready to go. When she told her son that she didn’t have any cash, the boy continued his request for money. A very nice lady handed the boy a dollar bill and told the Mom, “With your permission, let him have this for a video game.” The boy was smiling ear to ear. His Mother said, “Now, what do you say?” He replied, "Can I go play the game now?"

His response is indicative of our narcissistic culture. Have we really come to the place where we think thankfulness is beneath us, that we somehow deserve everything we want? 

It caused me to reflect on my attitude with God for all His blessings. As a Christ follower, I don’t want to come to the place where I say, in word or action, “I deserve what You have given me. Can I go play now?” The right thing to do is bow before Him and say in all humility, “Thank you for every gift from Your hand.”

The Christ follower has as his/her example none other than the Lord Himself.  And while I’m certain that He thanked His Father for many other things, the Gospels record at least four of them:

• John 6:11 - for the Father’s provision of food
• John 11:41 - for the Father listening to His prayers
• Luke 10:21 - for the Father’s revealed will
• Luke 22:19, 20 - for the Father’s redemptive plan

Thanks to my computer’s Bible software, I was able to quickly look up many passages about thankfulness. I was reminded that we are commanded to give thanks, and even how, where, why, and how often to give thanks. 

Let’s follow our Lord’s example and the clear teaching of Scripture and be thankful Christ followers. 

In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1st Thessalonians 5:18

Keep “Thanks” In Your Thanksgiving

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

I once read the story of a pastor and his wife who invited a new couple in the church over for Thanksgiving dinner. Entering the house, they were welcomed by the pastor, and the wonderful aroma of turkey and all the trimmings that came from the kitchen. 

After a bit of fellowship, the table was set, and what a feast there was before them! However, they were taken aback by something that seemed so out of place. Right in the center of the table, amid the turkey, dressing, casseroles, and pies, were three Chinese takeout cartons and a plate of egg rolls.

"I know what you're thinking," the pastor said. "Why is there Chinese takeout on the table?"

Then he recounted the story. "23 years ago on Thanksgiving Day, my dear wife burned the turkey and started a fire in the oven. The fire spread and before it was extinguished, the kitchen and entire Thanksgiving meal were charred black!"

"So after the fire department left, we ordered Chinese takeout and that was our Thanksgiving meal. And every year since then, we've had Chinese takeout as a part of our meal to remind us to be thankful for what we have." 

A Christ follower knows that Thanksgiving isn’t merely a holiday, it is a way of life. First and foremost, we serve a loving God who sent his Son to die for our sins. 

Maybe you won’t put a representation of some blessing you’ve received on your table, but at least reflect on what you are thankful for this year — as well as all of God’s blessings in your life! 

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalms 118:1