40 Day Devotional
Window Shapes
February 23, 2018
Have you ever wondered why an airplane’s windows are rounded? They weren’t always that way. In fact, early aircraft were well known for their perfectly square panes of glass. However modern technology allowed planes to travel faster and before long some manufacturers found their planes falling apart in the air. The engineers worked hard to find the cause of these breaks and soon found out that it was the squared windows. The corners of the glass were weak spots and couldn’t stay intact at high wind speeds. Thus... the rounded corner window was born. Everything has a weak spot. You do too. Have you ever sat and thought about what it is? What tempts you to do things you shouldn’t? What do you find yourself swearing you won’t repeat but do anyway? The Bible talks about the reason for this in Matthew 26:41. Jesus tells us, “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” Our flesh is weak. God is strong. And when the speed of life increases... somewhere at the corner of good intentions and willpower... we start to buckle. We don’t possess enough internal fortitude to stand up to the unrelenting pull to sin. However, when we commit to God that we will watch for weak spots and pray for strength when we find them... God gives us the ability to replace temporary satisfaction with long-lasting joy. Don’t wait for your life to crash to make changes... call out to God and round out the windows of your life. You may not be able to stop the pressure but you can build things into your life to prevent it from bringing you down.
Bedside Table
February 22, 2018
Have you stayed in a hotel lately? When was the last time you opened the bedside table drawer to see if there was a Bible in there? According to a recent study, chances are the table will be empty. In 2006, nearly all hotels had the word of God by the bed... but in 2017 that number is less than fifty percent. Why? The answer is sad but simple. In many parts of our world, people feel as though they don’t need God’s word as much. They think of the Bible as a great book of suggestions... but because their lives are going so well they really don’t need to follow what’s in there. When people stop reading it... or specifically asking for it... hotels don’t feel obligated to provide it. Out of sight, out of mind. It’s easy to wonder what the world is coming to... but here’s the saddest truth of all. There are some people that DO have a Bible and never open it. Not having a Bible to read is one thing... not reading the one we have is tragic. Today take some time and start your journey through the scriptures. Maybe start with the life of Christ in Matthew 1:1... dive into the wisdom-filled proverbs... or enjoy the challenges and encouragement that comes from books like Ephesians or Colossians. What lessons did Moses’ life give us? Why did Jesus come? If you’re a believer... recommit to spending time with God daily to grow and gain understanding of God’s heart through His word. A little time with the Bible each day can radically change the direction of your life for the better.
Superman Saves The Day
February 21, 2018
Their home was about to be foreclosed on. There was no hope among them as they packed the boxes up one after another... getting ready to leave the place they loved and grew up in. The home had been in the family since the 1950s... but it looked like the financial trouble the current members of the family found themselves in would be the end of the decades-old connection they had with the house. That is until Superman saved the day. In a dark corner of the garage sat an unmarked and long-forgotten box filled with comic books . In that box sat a copy of Action Comics #1 in great condition. What’s so special about that book? It was the very first appearance of Superman. Street value? Well north of a million dollars. That old comic from someone who lived long ago in the house was going to pay the amount due and keep the property safe. Miracles still happen. Sometimes superheroes save homes. Cancer re-checks come back unexplainably clear. Doomed marriages end in reconciliation not divorce. God hasn’t given up answering prayer... and He does so in any and every way He sees fit. Find yourself praying for something that seems hopeless? God wants to remind you that He is the author or hope. About to give up on something? Ready to quit on someone or yourself? Keep praying... God is working behind the scenes in ways you may not realize. Stay patient. Keep the faith. And don’t quit. And when things seem darkest and you don’t know where to turn... reach out. You’ll find yourself in the loving arms of a Savior who counts your tears and loves you more than you realize. Superman may be able to fly... but only Christ can heal a broken heart and bring joy to the beaten down. Hang in there... God’s got you.
Getting Into Harvard
February 20, 2018
Have you ever wondered how tough it is to get into Harvard? Recent data tells us that nearly forty thousand people apply to the school each year... and only five percent are accepted. In fact, the president of Harvard once stated that they could fill their entire incoming freshmen class with valedictorians from high schools around the country twice over. They only take the crème de la crème... the best of the best. It requires a near perfect transcript, an impeccable entrance essay, and just plain luck to get in. It’s a good thing Heaven isn’t like that. In fact, you don’t have to be perfect... or know how to play an instrument... or be at the top of your game in any discipline at all. You don’t have to submit an application or worry about receiving a rejection letter after trying so hard. The requirement for entry into a perfect eternity? A relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s simply telling God that you are giving up your way and accepting His. That you want Him to come into your heart and salvage you... to save you. It’s giving everything you understand about yourself to everything you understand about God. And the Bible says that when we do that we are guaranteed entry into a place far more spectacular than any ivy league building. We spend forever with Christ. In a perfect place free from pain, suffering, and worry. If you’ve never asked Christ into your life, I encourage you to reread that paragraph above and pray those things to Him. If you have prayed that prayer already... share it with someone you love. It could change them forever... and it’s the best decision they will ever make.
First Night Effect
February 19, 2018
There are many that find it very difficult to get a good night’s sleep away from their own bed. They toss and turn desperately looking for a few hours of uninterrupted rest... but it never seems to happen. Why? What is it about a different place that challenges the mind and body? Scientists have discovered that when we sleep in an unfamiliar place, the left side of our brain stays semi-awake while the right-side rests. We are more vigilant... ready to spring awake at a moment’s notice. The phenomenon is called the “the first night effect” and it affects millions of travelers every year. Does the brain not completely pause because it’s the body’s way of protecting itself? Is it the stress of different lights, smells, and sounds in a strange place? We may never know. For some of us the reason for not sleeping isn’t “the first night effect” at all. We go to bed stressed. Worried about the next day. The reason we can’t sleep isn’t some kind of brain issue... it’s a trust issue. We just can’t seem to put the pressure of the day behind us and it blocks our ability to slumber. Jesus has the answer. Look what He says in Matthew 11:28 “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’” Want to sleep better at night... whether you’re at home or on the road? Trust God with what’s worrying you. Pray and ask God to shoulder what’s weighing you down. Leave your stresses at the foot of the cross and refuse to go back and pick them up. God is already working on those things in ways you can’t see yet... and your worry doesn’t help Him do that. Trust more. Worry less. A stronger faith leads to a deeper sleep.
RSVP
February 18, 2018
Jessica and her husband returned the RSVP the day after they received it... clearly marking “Yes” that they would be attending the wedding of a friend. Unfortunately, something came up on the day of the ceremony and the two were unable to honor that commitment. What they got in the mail the next week was astonishing. It was a bill for $75.90. Sent by the bride and groom to cover the cost of the food that Jessica and her husband didn’t eat (as well as a service charge and tax). The bill said that the newly married couple would have liked a call stating that Jessica wasn’t coming... and that a reimbursement was appropriate. Can you imagine? Being charged for not honoring a commitment? Being responsible for something we said we’d do but didn’t? Can you imagine if God held us accountable for breaking promises? He does. James 5:12 “But most of all, my brothers and sisters, never take an oath, by heaven or earth or anything else. Just say a simple yes or no, so that you will not sin and be condemned.” This scripture tells us that God holds us to our commitments... and when we don’t honor them, there’s a price to pay. When we promise and break it... we sin. And there are consequences for that. Before saying yes or no to something... be sure that it’s something that you intend to honor. It’s better to disappoint someone in the short run than God in the long run.
Loved
February 17, 2018
A Vietnamese teenager won the right to change his name. He was born Mai Phat Sau Nghin Ruoi. In English his name means “fined six thousand and five hundred”.... so named because that’s what the Vietnamese government charged his father for having a fifth child. Can you imagine being named after something like that? Labeled as a mistake for the rest of your life? Every time you think about your birth you come to the same conclusion that you are some type of liability? So many people do... You were a problem child... you’ll never amount to anything. That bad choice you made before you got married? Here’s your label. Grew up in a low-income home? You’ll never rise above it. The addiction that you had... you’ll never break free. Somewhere along the line we start to believe that who we were back then defines who we are now. Once a mistake... always a mistake. We wear our past problems like a name badge that’s permanently affixed above our hearts for the world to see. The Bible says that this is not the case: 2 Corinthians 5:17 “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” If you have a relationship with Christ, who you once were... that label you were given... is gone. You no longer have to be defined by your past mistakes or live under the unfair judgment of people who don’t understand that your scars are not marks of shame but revelations of growth. Dare to change your name. Push past who you once were and accept that you are a NEW creation... with a NEW name... given to you by Christ Himself! The teenager in our story above changed his name to Mai Hoang Long... which translates to “Golden Dragon”. What will your new name be? Forgiven? Accepted? Strong? Overcomer? World Changer? Confident? Secure? Choose today to see yourself through God’s eyes... and you’ll find that the only label He wants you to wear simply says... Loved.
Renting A Fish
February 16, 2018
Most hotels give their guests the basics... hair dryers, extra pillows, etc. But there’s a hotel in Belgium that does things a little differently. They provide something that has become quite popular: goldfish. Guests can request a goldfish and bowl be sent to their room for a small fee. The reason? Companionship. Hotel management has discovered that people get lonely... and the mere presence of a small fish makes them feel less so. Have you ever felt lonely? Ever felt isolated from the world even when you’re in a crowd of people? I have good news for you. There isn’t one moment of any day where you are ever completely by yourself. God tells us in His word that He is always with us. Hebrews 13:5 says, “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’”. Isn’t that comforting? Will you always feel Him around you? Maybe not. Does it mean that bad things won’t happen to you? Nope. However, just knowing that the King of Kings intentionally chooses to stay by your side regardless of your circumstances, income, or mood should bring you great comfort and peace. Renting a fish may make you temporarily smile... but you’ve got to give it back. God’s passion for you... His purpose for you... and His presence WITH you is forever.
Weight Of The World
February 15, 2018
A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they'd be asked the "half empty or half full" question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she asked: "How heavy is this glass of water?" Some guessed 8 ounces... others 20 ounces... She replied, "The weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn't change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." Stress is the same way. Hold it for a little http://while...no problem. A little while longer...a little more weight. All day? A week? It quickly becomes unbearable. So how can we control the pressure on our lives? Take Jesus up on what He offers in 1 Peter chapter 5 verse 7: “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” God wants us to turn to Him when times get tough... We weren’t created to carry the weight of the world... so today, let’s choose to trust in His strength and not our own.
Cereal Decline
February 14, 2018
Breakfast cereal sales are down thirty percent over the last fifteen years. Are people growing up? Are their tastes changing? No, it’s not that. The reason most people have moved on from cereal is laziness. Surveys have shown that they just don’t want to clean up after themselves after eating a bowl of it. Seriously. People would rather eat protein bars and toss the wrapper than pour milk over flakes of corn. All because it takes less effort. Many have grown accustomed to finding the easiest way. And that might explain the decline in those proclaiming to follow God these days. Fact is, there is nothing easy about being a Christ-follower. Jesus tells us in Matthew 16:24 "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.” Living for Jesus involves sacrifice, putting others first, and dedication. There’s no substitute for taking up our cross daily and serving the people that God puts in our path. The burden is heavy... the work is hard... and the required surrender is total. But when we commit to it... the reward is eternal and the impact is monumental. Find yourself looking for simple Christianity? Seeking an easy way to serve God? Don’t bother. There are no shortcuts when it comes to following Jesus. But when we go all in and dedicate ourselves to His people... the blessings we receive are more than we could ever imagine or deserve.
Where Is Your Net?
February 13, 2018
John 21:6 “Then he said, ‘Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!’ So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.” The disciples had fished all night with no luck. They’d thrown out their nets and been unsuccessful in catching even the tiniest brim. But why? These were some experienced men of the sea… they were used to pulling in thousands. What could have possibly caused this lack of success? It was pretty simple. The net was on the wrong side. Sometimes we fish for things with our nets on the wrong side, too. Some are fishing for the right mate in a sea filled with wrong people. Some are seeking God’s blessing in a life filled with disobedience. Others confess that they want to share their faith, but only hang around other Christians. Sometimes it requires moving the boat. Most of the time, it’s simply a matter of putting your net on the right side… on the side Jesus instructs us to put it on. Want a Godly relationship? Cast your net among those that honor God with their lives. Christ tells us in His word that bad company corrupts good character (1 Cor. 15:33). Too many are looking for deep-water fish in canals. Want God’s blessings? Cast your net into the river of generosity and servanthood. When we give of our time, talent, and resources… God blesses our efforts. Too many are asking God to give His stamp of approval on life plans He had no part in creating. Want others to know about Christ? Cast your net right where you are. There are plenty excuses to stay silent… dare to be bold… tell others (starting with those that share your last name). You may not have all the answers… and you may not be a Bible expert… but God has done something big in your life. Share it. And if the nets come back empty the first time…don’t quit. Keep casting them out on the right side… and big things will happen. Ready to go fishing? Cast away!
Sweet Honey
February 12, 2018
Did you know that germs cannot live in honey because it’s too sweet? It’s true. The sugar in the honey causes the water part of the bacteria to evaporate… thus killing the bad germ. Similarly, that’s why jellies can be put into jars and kept indefinitely without fear of contamination. It’s the sugar… the sweetness.. that makes all the difference. As we think about our world today, many would tell you that the way to deal with the corruption and evil is to seek revenge. After all, if we are wronged… they have it coming. We hurt… they should hurt. However, scripture tells us differently. In fact, we are told in Luke 6 that we should “return good for evil” and in Proverbs 16:24… that it is gracious words (like a honeycomb) that brings “healing to the bones”. God says when the world wants to sour us… reply with kindness. Turn the other cheek. Extend the olive branch. Allow God’s sweetness in our heart to drive out the bitterness of what the flesh might want us to do. It may not be our first reaction…. but the more often we choose it… the closer to Christ we will be.
Real Fulfillment
February 11, 2018
There’s an old Chinese proverb that says: “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.” If you’ve ever come to the aid of someone in need you know the truth in that statement. There’s something about being there for a person that gives us a sense of fulfillment… a feeling of greater purpose. This shouldn’t be surprising if you are a Christ-follower. Scripture tells us in Acts 20:35 that “It is more blessed to give than to receive” In Proverbs 11:25 we read “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Loving others…serving them… is something that God Himself has instructed us to do. And when we stay obedient in this, the Bible tells us time and time again that we will be blessed.
Hide and Go Seek
February 10, 2018
Do you remember playing hide and go seek as a child? You’d run and hide while someone you knew started their slow countdown from 10 to 1. After that they would sprint through the house looking for any sign of you. The more you’d play…the better you would get at hiding. Before long you knew all the best spots where your friends never thought to look. Many feel that way about God. Over time, they become quite good at hiding from Him. Or, if not physically, they hide things about themselves from Him. I guess they figure that if they don’t say it out loud.. He doesn’t know. Maybe if they avoid accountability, God never finds them or discovers what they’ve done. The Bible sets it straight in Psalm 139. In it, David says that no matter where he goes… God is there. He is all-knowing… all-powerful… and everywhere at one time. It may be tempting to hide… but there are far greater results when we step out into the light and reveal what God already knows. When we talk to Him and tell Him what’s inside us… He can begin the healing process in our hearts. Find yourself in the shadows today? Spend some time talking with the One who already knows what put you there and wants to guide you back into the sunlight.
The Center
February 9, 2018
The earth spins 1000 times faster at the equator than it does at either one of the poles. In fact, that’s why rockets are launched closer to the Earth’s midline than further away. When a spacecraft is launched from around the equator, it is already traveling at a considerably faster speed… thus making it more fuel efficient and quicker to enter orbit. Isn’t that true in our lives as well? The closer we are to the center of things…the faster paced life is. Some thrive in the environment… while others do whatever they can to retreat to the slower pace of the poles. But what speed does God want us to live? Galatians 6:9 tells us: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” We have to remember that It’s not about the speed of life…it’s about staying at it and not quitting. There will be times in our lives where we’ll sprint…and others where we’ll jog. What God is concerned about is our priorities and our perseverance. At whatever speed you’re living… are we putting Him first? Are we loving and serving others? If so… run on. Don’t give up on the dream that He’s put in your heart long before you were born. And whatever you do… in whatever season you find yourself in… at whatever speed life is coming at you…. don’t quit. Breakthrough is coming… and God has big things planned for you!