The Word For You Today
Your Daily Encouragement for April 2017
Pets Are a Gift From God
April 30, 2017 • Bob Gass
A man wrote to a hotel where he wanted to go for vacation and asked, “Could I bring my dog? He’s very well behaved.” The hotel owner replied, “I’ve been operating this hotel for thirty years and in all that time I’ve never had a dog steal towels, bedclothes, silverware, or pictures off the walls. I’ve never had to evict a dog in the middle of the night for being drunk and disorderly, and I’ve never had one run out without paying the bill. Yes, your dog is welcome. And furthermore, if your dog will vouch for you, you’re welcome too.” Solomon writes, “The godly care for their animals.” Ever consider godliness from that perspective? Maybe you’re thinking, “This doesn’t sound too spiritual.” Think again! “Every good gift…is from above, and cometh down from the Father” (James 1:17). Many a grieving heart is comforted by a pet whose love and loyalty makes their loss more bearable and helps them to go on. Did you know people with pets live longer, stay healthier, recover faster, and experience less depression? Who will ever forget the dogs on 9/11 as they searched through the carnage of the World Trade Center, howling in distress because they couldn’t rescue those who perished? And how about the skilled dogs that give sight to the blind and visually impaired? That sounds pretty spiritual, right? When God created our pets, He said, “It [was] good.” Why did He say that? Because they have the virtues of mankind without its vices. So let’s recognize them as a gift from God, be grateful for them, and take good care of them!
Confront Them!
April 29, 2017 • Bob Gass
Can you imagine the courage and integrity it took for Nathan the prophet to challenge King David about his affair with Bathsheba? Most of us tend to avoid confrontation because we fear being disliked and rejected. But when you avoid confrontation it often makes things worse. By hiding his sin, David was robbing himself of the blessing of the Lord. Looking back, he wrote, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my…prayer” (Psalm 66:18-19 NIV). The tiny growth you don’t want to deal with now can end up becoming a cancer that consumes you in the future. That’s too high a price to pay. If you love someone, you’ll take your courage in your hand and confront them in love. Confrontation is an opportunity to help develop that person—provided you do it respectfully and with their best interest at heart. Here are ten guidelines to help you confront someone in a positive way: (1) Do it ASAP. (2) Address the wrong action, not the person. (3) Address only what the person can change. (4) Give them the benefit of the doubt. (5) Be specific. (6) Avoid sarcasm. (7) Avoid saying “you always” and “you never” because they are not true. (8) When it’s appropriate, tell them how you feel about what was done wrong. (9) Give them a plan to fix the problem. (10) Affirm them as a person and as a friend. The Bible says, “The Lord corrects those he loves” (Proverbs 3:12 NCV). So if you love someone, you’ll confront them in the right way.
Christ Is In You (2)
April 28, 2017 • Bob Gass
Paul writes, “Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20 NKJV). No other religion makes such a claim. No other movement implies the living presence of its founder in his followers. No wonder Paul refers to it as “the mystery.” We comprehend the idea of Christ for me or with me or ahead of me. But Paul said it’s better than that—Christ in me! In his writings, Paul refers to this union with Christ 216 times. John mentions it 26 times. They describe a Christ who not only woos us to Himself but actually “ones” us with Himself. John writes, “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God” (1 John 4:15 NKJV). Just as you own the home you live in, so the Christ who lives in you owns you. And when you own a home, you rearrange it the way you want it. Likewise, Jesus moves in and commandeers your hands and feet, requisitions your mind and your tongue. Do you sense things being rearranged in your life today? That’s “Christ in you”! Eugene Peterson paraphrases Paul’s words this way: “He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son” (Romans 8:29 TM). Ever hear the old saying, “Making a silk purse out of a pig’s ear”? That’s what Jesus does when He takes up residence in your heart. He has a plan for your life, and He also provides the power to fulfill it. And what’s your part? To surrender and cooperate fully with Him.
Christ Is In You (1)
April 27, 2017 • Bob Gass
When God said, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you,” you could call it “a spiritual heart transplant.” Tara Storch understands this miracle. In 2010, a skiing accident claimed the life of her thirteen-year-old daughter, Taylor. What followed for Tara and her husband, Todd, was every parent’s worst nightmare: a funeral, a burial, a flood of questions and tears. They decided to donate their daughter’s organs to needy patients. And few people needed a heart more than Patricia Winters. Her heart had begun to fail five years earlier, leaving her too weak to do much more than sleep. Taylor’s heart gave Patricia a fresh start in life. Taylor’s mom had only one request: she wanted to hear her daughter’s heartbeat. She and Todd flew from Dallas to Phoenix and went to Patricia’s home, where the two mothers embraced for a long time. Then Patricia offered Tara and Todd a stethoscope. The question is: when they listened to the healthy rhythm, whose heart did they hear? Did they not hear the still-beating heart of their daughter? It indwelt a different body, but the heart was still the heart of their child. And when God hears your heart, does He not hear the still-beating heart of His Son? Paul said, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20 NKJV). The apostle sensed within himself not just the philosophy, ideals, and influence of Christ, but the person of Christ. Christ moved in—and He still does. “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27 NKJV).
To Be Kind Is to Be Godly
April 26, 2017 • Bob Gass
The Bible says, “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms…that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus” (vv. 6-7 NIV). God sent Jesus from heaven to earth so that we can leave earth one day and go to heaven. This is evidence of God’s kindness, even to those who aren’t yet believers. Beyond that, enjoying the presence of Christ in heaven will remind us of God’s great kindness for all eternity. God places so high a premium on kindness that He never wants us to forget it. So if you want to be “godly,” you must endeavour to be kind. Sometimes Christians are so committed to the tenets of their faith that they come across sounding harsh and end up turning people off. Be careful; you can have the right doctrine—and the wrong spirit! God’s grace attracts people, it doesn’t repel them. In The Lion and the Mouse, Aesop said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, ever is wasted.” It costs to be unkind, but it pays to be kind. So take every opportunity today to be kind to others. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” The apostle Paul puts it like this: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10 NIV). Today remember that to be kind is to be godly.
How Do You Affect Others?
April 25, 2017 • Bob Gass
We have a tendency to adopt the attitudes of the people closest to us. That’s why Paul wrote, “Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you.” The truth is that doubters get what they expect—and so do believers! Looking for God’s best in every situation isn’t just scriptural; it helps you identify opportunities you’d otherwise miss. Seeing people through God’s eyes causes them to be attracted to you and open in how they react. Is that important? Absolutely! Why? Because often your attitude will touch them before your message does. Management consultant Fred Smith points out that there are two kinds of people in any organization: polluters and purifiers. The polluters are like smokestacks, belching out dirty smoke all the time. They hate clear skies, and no matter how good it gets, they find a way to make it gloomy. When the people around them breathe their toxins, they feel sicker and sicker. Purifiers, on the other hand, make everything around them better. It doesn’t matter what kind of rotten atmosphere they encounter. They take in the toxic words of polluters just like everyone else does, but they filter them before passing them on. What goes in gloomy and negative comes out fresh and clear. The question is: when you spend time with people, do they walk away feeling better or worse? Do you clear the air by giving them encouragement and fresh perspective, or do they leave feeling downcast and discouraged? Observe how people respond to you, and you’ll know which group you belong to.
Guard Against Intolerance
April 24, 2017 • Bob Gass
Guard against intolerance Tolerance is not just about agreeing to embrace our differences. It’s about accepting the other person’s right to believe as they wish and to behave according to those beliefs. One of the great tests of spiritual maturity is our willingness to love and pray for those whose beliefs and behaviours are unacceptable to us. Instead of condemning people who err, we should see them the same way we see a blind man walking toward a cliff’s edge. Our reaction should not be to condemn him but to have compassion and try to show him a safer route. Now let’s be clear—compassion is not compromise, any more than we could accuse God, who loves sinners and hates sin, of compromise. Why don’t we just emulate our heavenly Father? In Bible days, Jews looked down on Gentiles and referred to them as “dogs” (see Matthew 15:26-28). But Jesus came and redeemed those “dogs” and turned them into disciples. When Cornelius the Gentile summoned Peter the Jew to his home, Peter was reluctant to go. He explained, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean” (Acts 10:28 NKJV). God was uprooting embedded traditions and opening up new opportunities for the gospel. Peter continued, “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him” (vv. 34-35 NKJV). Could it be that God wants to expand the borders of your mind for His glory? If you’re open to it, He will bless you.
Enjoy Each Season of Your Life!
April 23, 2017 • Bob Gass
Your life is lived in seasons, and to be fruitful, you must recognize the season you’re in and maximize it. “How can I tell when a season is ending?” you ask. Because the grace that accompanied that season will lift, and what was once rewarding will start to feel unrewarding. The Bible says a successful man or woman is like a tree planted by streams of water “which yields its fruit in season.” You can only be fruitful in your season! That’s where blessing and success occur. You can’t just do it whenever you want to; it has to be in your appointed time. When the right season comes, it’s effortless for a tree to produce what’s stored within. And there’s fruit within you that will be produced when you understand what season you’re in. But there are rules for each season; let’s look at them. Spring—is for training and discipline. That’s when you begin to see God’s purpose for your life and prepare for it. Summer—is for maturing what spring started. The seeds you sowed and nurtured then will grow and multiply now. Autumn—is when you no longer have the passion of youth but the steady calm of the seasoned veteran. If you’re wise, you’re now working smarter instead of harder. It’s time to transition and prepare for the upcoming winter. Winter—is when you assess your accomplishments, enjoy your rewards, pass on your counsel, and take your bows. You have fought the good fight, kept the faith, and finished the course (see 2 Timothy 4:7). If you do it right, each season can be the best season of your life!
Teaching Children Patience (3)
April 22, 2017 • Bob Gass
Do these three things: (1) Don’t be Mr. or Mrs. Quick-Fix-It. Your kids need to learn to respond the right way to difficult conditions. That means dealing with frustrations, not being rescued from them. Overprotecting produces a sense of inadequacy and powerlessness in them. By quick-fixing everything, you’ll rear children who cannot handle life. They’ll expect to be rescued from all trouble and become overly dependent on others. The Bible says, “Troubles make us more patient” (Romans 5:3 ERV). Allow your children to experience age-appropriate challenges, and they will thank you later for the strengths and coping skills they’ve developed. (2) Prepare them to wait. When you know in advance that your child will have to wait (for instance, in a doctor’s office or an airport), help them prepare for it. “Make the best use of your time” (Ephesians 5:16 NLT). Have them pack items they enjoy. Because they chose the items, they’ll feel they invested in the process. (3) Keep a positive attitude. If you constantly complain while waiting in traffic or for someone who’s late, your children will do the same. Instead, try saying, “This delay gives us time to tell each other about our day.” Or, “Even when we feel frustrated about waiting, God’s timing is always perfect!” Teach them God’s perspective on patience: “You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong” (James 5:7 TM).
Teaching Children Patience (2)
April 21, 2017 • Bob Gass
Here are five more teaching tips: (1) Teach by experiment. Toddlers through “tweens” can appreciate the time it takes a plant to grow, so involve them in planting a seed and watching it grow. Explain how everything in life takes time to change and develop. Teach the meaning of Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV: “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” (2) Make use of visuals. Younger children especially need visuals when waiting for an event to happen. If it’s 4:30 and dinner is at 5:00, use a timer. If it’s 18 days until the family trip to Disney World, let them mark the days off on a calendar. Often their problem with waiting is not knowing when it will end. (3) Don’t interrupt and don’t tolerate interruptions. Toddlers to teens—kids interrupt! Adults, too. Interruptions are usually a rude and frustrating display of impatience. Unless it’s an emergency, be clear: kids—and adults—are to wait their turn to speak. It’s more than good manners—it’s obeying God’s Word. “There is…a time to keep silence, and a time to speak” (vv. 1, 7 NKJV). (4) Make use of board games. Most board games require taking turns, which means waiting. Your kids will hardly realize they’re practicing patience! Chess and checkers are good for tweens. Scrabble educates teenagers and teaches them patience. (5) Reward their patience. When your toddler waits for his sippy cup to be filled while you feed the baby, thank him for waiting so well. If your teen saves her money to buy an iPod, compliment her wisdom and reinforce it by perhaps donating the last few dollars to her purchase.
Teaching Children Patience (1)
April 20, 2017 • Bob Gass
Waiting patiently is what life, God, and success demand. Even when we have done the right things, God requires us to wait for the results. “You have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:36 NKJV). How do we help our children develop this vitally important life skill? Writer and mother Tammy Darling says, (1) Set clear boundaries. For instance, say, “You may have that when I’ve seen you wait patiently.” Don’t be moved by their demands! (2) Refocus their attention. Waiting in line at the store can be an occasion for impatience. So try a guessing game—like “I Spy”—with younger kids, or get older kids talking about family vacation plans. (3) Teach by example. Do you pass other motorists on the highway just to get one car length ahead? Impulsively charge something rather than wait until you have the money to buy it? Whether they’re three or thirteen, your children learn by watching you. (4) Avoid constantly saying, “Hurry up!” Toddlers typically dawdle. They have no idea how long getting ready takes. So instead of always telling them to hurry, help them learn the process and pace of getting ready. “It’s time to put your toys away…time to get your shoes and socks on…time to put your jacket on.” Instead of frustrating them with commands to hustle, involve them in actions they understand and can handle. This teaches them how to manage time practically.
Be Kind to the Unkind
April 19, 2017 • Bob Gass
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (vv. 27-28 NIV). Then He added, “Your reward will be great” (v. 35 NIV). God sees, He records, and He’ll reward you for every kind act you do. It’s easy to be kind to those who are kind to us, but you must grow in grace in order to be kind to the people who mistreat you. In the comic strip Nancy, Sluggo once told Nancy, “That new kid in school is nothing but a big fathead!” Nancy replied, “You shouldn’t call people names like that. I never call people names.” Sluggo replied, “Well, I just got mad when he said you were stupid looking.” Whereupon Nancy demanded, “What else did that big fathead say?” It’s easy to react to acts of kindness with kindness. The real challenge is responding with kindness to those who lack it. In 2009, tired of the vicious attacks politicians make against each other and the talking heads in media who label people “ignorant, stupid, and dumb” because they don’t espouse their political philosophy, Mark DeMoss launched a movement known as the Civility Project. Its pledge goes like this: “I will be civil in my public discourse and behaviour. I will be respectful of others whether or not I agree with them. I will stand against incivility when I see it.” It’s a good policy to adopt! Every one of us has a “kindness kit” we carry with us everywhere we go. It’s better known as our tongue. Never underestimate the power of one kind word.
Judgement Day Will Be a Great Day for You
April 18, 2017 • Bob Gass
Will you get into heaven because you are worthy? No, you’ll get there because Jesus, the One in whom you’ve placed your trust, is worthy! “As we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love” (vv. 17-18 NLT). On the day of judgment, earthly wealth won’t matter. Physical beauty won’t be factored in. Fame will be forgotten. You might stand next to Napoleon or Julius Caesar, but you won’t be asking them about Waterloo or Brutus. All eyes will be on Jesus. Those who ignored Him will hear the words, “Depart from me” (Matthew 25:41). But for those who accept Him as their Lord and Saviour there need be no fear. “We can face him with confidence because we live like Christ here in this world.” Think about that! God sees you the way He sees Christ—worthy and accepted. And since you’re “in Christ,” you can view judgment day the way He does—with confidence. Does Christ fear judgment? No, a sinless soul needn’t. Does He fear death? No, the giver of life wouldn’t. So should we who are “in Christ” fear judgment or death? Not at all: “Our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s.” So judgment day will be a great day for you!
Battling Bitterness
April 17, 2017 • Bob Gass
At 92, Jenny never missed a chance to recall how her sister refused to buy her a pair of shoes 50 years ago! All those years marinating “in the gall of bitterness” (Acts 8:23). Anne Peterson says, “An offense burrows into our hearts. We replay it…creating ruts that’ll be hard to rebuild later…we enlist support, which pushes us further into resentment. We decipher the offense as intentional and our offender as full of spite. As we find reasons, real or imagined, to dislike them…we form another layer of bitterness…Then like a beach ball, we try to submerge…it pops up…splashing everyone.” The Bible says, “Make sure…bitterness doesn’t take root and grow up to cause trouble that corrupts many” (Hebrews 12:15 GW). So remember: (1) Forgiveness isn’t optional. “If…possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18 NIV). It may not be possible to live in harmony with everyone, but God still requires you to forgive those who have hurt you. (2) As you forgive, you’re forgiven. The Bible says when you’re “full of bitterness,” you’re “captive to sin” (Acts 8:23 NIV). Don’t forget that Jesus didn’t just die for you, He died for those who offend you. Do they deserve forgiveness? No. But then again, do you? (3) Pray for your enemies. Ask God to bring to mind the people you need to forgive and melt the bitterness in your heart toward them. It’s impossible to harbour resentment toward somebody you’re praying for. Yes, sometimes it’s hard to forgive, but you “can do all things through Christ” (Philippians 4:13).
Do You Believe This?
April 16, 2017 • Bob Gass
We struggle with the idea of our own mortality. It’s said that Florence Nightingale feared death so much that after the Crimean War she went to bed and basically stayed there until she died in 1910. Chuck Swindoll says we skirt the subject by using: “(1) Humour. Making a joke of it keeps death at a safe distance so we never have to face reality. (2) Denial. King Louis XIV of France wouldn’t allow the word death to be uttered in his presence. But on September 1, 1715, he discovered that death can’t be wished out of existence. People spend so much on anti-aging creams, Botox, and plastic surgery to avoid seeing evidence of death’s approach. (3) Romanticism. A man in Europe built a special room where he can live with his dead wife. His bed is next to her casket. He decorated the room with flowers and candles. He writes her poetry every day in a romantic attempt to avoid the pain of her passing. (4) Fear. Observe fellow passengers on an airplane when turbulence causes sudden drops and vibrations. Young and old alike scream and cry out.” The good news is you don’t have to fear death! The One who defeated it said, “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19 NIV). When you repent and commit your life to Christ, you have His personal guarantee of eternal life. After Lazarus died, Jesus told his sister Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life…Everyone who…believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this?” If you do, you’ll live forever with Christ.