August 31
Talents
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things.”
Matthew 25:21
A wealthy man had three servants. He was going on a long trip so he gave one servant five talents, one servant two talents, and the other servant one talent. In those days, one talent was a large sum of money. He told each one to make good use of what he had entrusted to them so he could realize a good increase of his investment when he returned.
The five-talent man doubled his talents to ten. The two-talent man doubled his to four. And the one talent man, fearing he might lose it, refused to take risks or even to try. He just buried his.
When the master returned, he heard the report of the five- and two-talent servants. He gave them equal praise, for they both made the most of what was entrusted to them. But the one-talent man, who produced nothing, made him furious and he took the talent and gave it to the servant with ten.
Jesus told this story. Communists hate it. The moral—all men are not created equal but all of us have equal responsibility to make the most of what we have. Are you making the most of your talents for God? We all have at least one talent and Jesus is very clear – use it or lose it.
August 30
Cleave
“…[he] shall give happiness to his wife whom he has taken.”
Deuteronomy 24:5
When God’s Word says of marriage, “A man shall leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife,” the word cleave means to “join together,” “to glue,” or “to cement.” This implies that there will always be pressures on the marriage to pull apart.
Pressures like:
• Busyness that leaves little quality time.
• Work can become all-consuming.
• Demands of children. Children are a blessing and we feel so responsible, but our spouse is to come first.
• Money, how it’s earned, saved, consumed, or wasted. It can become an idol and put before our spouse.
• Health problems. This is the reason wedding vows include “in sickness and in health.”
• Infidelity. This is the big one. This one can be devastating.
Yet when a husband and wife commit to cleave, no matter what, and look to God for strength and help, a marriage can withstand any pressure that seeks to pull it apart.
August 29
The Schools
“…blessed are they who keep my ways. Heed instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.”
Proverbs 8:32-33
The twentieth century was a time of radical change in our education system. A study done of the Fullerton, California, School System compared the problems in the 1940’s to the 1980’s and the differences were astounding. In the forties, the major problems with students were truancy, running in the halls, talking in class, and chewing gum. In the eighties the major problems included teenage pregnancy, violence, stealing, rape, bringing knives and guns to school, drug abuse and vandalism. And with the recent school shootings, the problems are even worse.
When we hear results like this, we realize the tremendous decline of values in our overall society. I encourage you to look to the Ten Commandments. The fact is, you can’t find better guidance for teaching our children how to live a successful life and how to care for their fellow man than the Big Ten. And why not begin by teaching them to your own children? Society will be a better place because of it.
August 28
A Man After God’s Own Heart
“I have sinned against the Lord…”
2 Samuel 12:13
Adultery. Murder. Abuse of power. Do these sound like the actions of someone who would have a special place in God’s heart?
Surprisingly, the Bible shows us that King David was a man who found special favor with God, even though he was guilty of all those things. But the Bible also shows us that David recognized his mistakes and called them what they were—sins against God. He asked God’s forgiveness and then committed himself to living God’s way.
Even though we may not have done the same things that David did, we have all sinned. God’s word says, “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” He died to pay the penalty for our sins and to offer us forgiveness.
When you mess up, confess your sin to God just like David did. Ask for God’s forgiveness and for strength to resist sin in the future. Anything you say won’t be a surprise to Him…He knows everything. But He is the only answer to man’s ultimate problem of sin.
August 27
Church
“How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You to dwell in Your courts. We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple.”
Psalm 65:4
How do you feel about church? Do you think it’s full of hypocrites? A place for weaklings? A self-righteous, religious club?
All those charges may be true. After all, churches are made up of people, and people are not perfect. Imperfect people make for imperfect churches. In fact, if you ever find a perfect church, please don’t join it. You’ll mess it up in a skinny second.
The church is a hospital for sinners, not a hotel for saints. It’s a place where people go to improve their spiritual health. It’s a place where people go for encouragement, and to get their spiritual batteries recharged.
For non-Christians, it’s where they learn what it means to follow Christ and how to have a relationship with God. Why not give church a try? After all, what makes you think you’re going to like heaven, if you don’t want to be with God’s people here on earth?
August 26
A Just Result
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.
Ecclesiastes 9:10
As a teenager, I went to work in a tennis shop, learning to string racquets. The owner told me I’d have to practice on old racquets for a couple of weeks before he’d let me string customers’ racquets and get paid. After a few weeks, he gave me a brand new Jack Kramer racquet to string for one of his best customers. In the dark ages of the twentieth century, there were no finer racquets.
I worked carefully and slowly, and when I was done, I said to the shop owner, “I hope he likes it ’cause that’s the best I can do.” He looked it over and smiled and said, “I hope so, too, ’cause it’s yours.”
That man gave me a gift that has lasted long after the racquet gave out. We need to do our best to treat folks like we want to be treated – ’cause we never know when our actions may come back to bless us or haunt us. God’s word is clear, “Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.”
August 25
Emptiness
“The conclusion, when all is heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13
Do you ever feel like you’ve done it all? Success, wealth, pleasure, thrills and yet you feel empty inside? Solomon, the ancient king of Israel, was such a man. He had extraordinary success and wealth, incredible intellect, more women and sex than Wilt Chamberlain, and yet it all became meaningless to him. He felt so empty inside because he turned his back on God to pursue all that he wanted for himself. He was a classic example of a good man who started strong, but turned wrong and wound up empty.
But the good news of the story of Solomon is that late in his life he came to his senses and turned back to God. After trying everything else, he said the key to life is “to fear God and keep His commandments.” Fear means reverence. In other words, to revere God, worship Him and show you mean it by obeying His word.
Do you feel empty and weary? Trust God and obey Him. It’s the key to real living.
August 24
Calling
“…for the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.”
Romans 11:29
What is a calling? Can anyone get one? Sometimes people struggle to understand what a calling is. It sounds so mystical and mysterious.
A calling is an invitation or summons to leave what we’re doing to serve someone who needs us. It always involves feelings of inadequacy because it moves us out of our comfort zone. It always involves sacrifice, unselfishness, and commitment for us to use our talents, abilities, and life experiences to serve God and man. A calling of God is always an inner leading from Him that is consistent with God’s Word in Scripture.
Can anybody be called?
Everybody is. For the highest calling in life is not to be a teacher or public servant, not to be a pastor or a doctor, but to be a Christian and follow Jesus in faith. It’s a calling for life and for eternity that you don’t want to miss.
Have you accepted life’s highest calling?
August 23
The First Mile
“…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith”
Hebrews 12:1-2
So much is said about going the extra mile…and that’s a good thing. In fact, Jesus Christ taught us to go the extra mile in service to others. But we often overlook the importance of going the first mile. Joggers know when in training it is not always the third or fourth mile that is the toughest but rather it is the first mile! To just get started sometimes can be our biggest challenge.
How do you start your day? You probably have a whole list of things that need to be accomplished. Sometimes there is so much stuff we are so overwhelmed that we don’t know where to start. Other times we jump over some very important things knowing there is so many other things to do. Start that first mile of the day by quietly spending a few moments in scripture and in prayer and you will find the rest of the day is much easier to navigate.
Remember, whether you are training for the big road race or simply for the daily race of life, the extra mile does not mean anything unless you faithfully go the first one.
August 22
Leaders are Courageous
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
Obviously, leaders make things happen; they bring about change. Leaders also:
• Clearly communicate what they stand for—what their goals are. They have clear direction.
• Have an ability to motivate others to do what they want them to do. People want to follow leaders. Sometimes this is for good, sometimes it is for evil.
• Delegate. They trust in others to get the job done. They know that consistently micromanaging destroys the morale of those they are called to lead.
All these are key traits of leadership, but what separates leaders from great leaders?
I believe that it’s courage – the courage to do what’s right and to do what needs to be done—especially when the heat is on, people are grumbling, and times are hard. Great leaders have the courage to lead others to carry out their vision no matter how hard the course. This courage can be found in the Lord.
Leaders: God’s Word says, “Be strong and courageous.” Courage is the key in all great leaders.
August 21
Empty Nest
“…lest you forget the things which your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons.”
Deuteronomy 4:9
Have you ever thought of how parenting is a continual process of letting go? James Dobson says, “Parents must grant their children independence consistent with their age and maturity. When a child can tie his shoes, let him. When he can walk safely to school, let him.” This prepares them (and us) to leave “the nest,” but it isn’t always easy to do.
For many Baby Boomers the empty nest is a constantly emerging reality. To prepare for that time, parents must remember that parenting is learning to let go and using the time we have with our children as a time of preparation for adulthood.
In that light, a verse in Proverbs is a great verse to live by: “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” In short, the best way to be ready to let go of our kids is to prepare them to live responsible, Godly lives—on their own.
August 20
Jesus And Church Hypocrites
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:6
One of the main objections to Christianity and the church is all the hypocrisy and, no doubt, there’s a ton of it. Most people outside the church don’t realize how much Jesus hates hypocrisy, as well. In His most famous sermon He blasted showy giving and praying that was designed to impress others rather than to please God and help our fellow man.
He says the best way to give to others, is to do it anonymously. The best way to pray is to seek out a place to be alone with God and privately pour out your heart to Him.
It’s not that Jesus is down on doing good publicly; it’s the motive that matters to God. One thing’s for sure…showy religious hypocrites don’t impress God at all. So don’t miss out on Jesus Christ because of the hypocrisy in the church. Take a fresh look at Him in God’s Word. The more you see, the more you’ll like, because He despises hypocrisy even more than you do.
August 19
Who Do You Think Jesus Is?
“[Jesus] said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’”
Matthew 16:15
In our increasingly secular and Biblically illiterate culture, there are all sorts of ideas about who Jesus is. For many weeks in 2003, The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown was number one best seller. It described Jesus as just a man who was married to Mary Magdalene. It said they had a child, and the church sought to cover this up for 2000 years. The book appeals to pseudo-intellectuals who have a weak historical and Biblical background.
Who do you think Jesus is? That’s the exact question Jesus asked of His disciples. Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus affirmed his answer.
Most of the world accepts Jesus, the man, as a good prophet or teacher. But only a minority of the world believes He is “the Christ, the son of the Living God.” I’m part of the minority who believes that Jesus is who He says He is. What about you? Who do you think Jesus is?
August 18
Tough Pressure On The Family
“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Matthew 6:33
One of the toughest pressures working against the family is materialism. Kids keep the pressure on parents to have what their friends have. Husbands put pressure on their wives to go to work—to keep up with the Jones’—though she may prefer to be at home. Wives often make it clear to husbands how dissatisfied they are with what they have, causing the husband to feel like an unappreciated failure. To top it all off, Madison Avenue adds fuel to the fire by convincing us every product is the gateway to happiness. Materialism, often rationalized as a concern for the family, has a way, unfortunately, of creating enormous dissatisfaction within the family.
Jesus has a better idea. It almost seems un-American in our culture of consumerism: “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (as described in the Bible) and all these things shall be added unto you.” Does that mean we don’t work hard? Absolutely not! We are called to work, but it has to do with priorities that help the family stay together.
God unites the family. Materialism pulls it apart.
August 17
Ethics And Morality
“Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord’…and I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me you who practice lawlessness.’”
Matthew 7:22-23
The New York Times ran a front-page article on the life of strippers in Las Vegas. It seems they have heated up the controversy on stripper etiquette and whether it is right or wrong for them to engage in prostitution. One stripper even said she would never engage in prostitution because she “had God in her life.” I wonder what God thinks of that.
We all have moral values, but are they the right moral values? The fact is, everyone has a moral philosophy – some code of right and wrong. Most believe passionately in their code—even the mafia. In ancient Israel when the people turned from God, the Bible says each man did what was right in his own eyes. That is America today. All kinds of evil are rationalized in the process. God may be given lip service, but His Word on morality is ignored.
The greatest moral philosophy is found in Jesus and in God’s Word. Ignore this and you’ll be amazed at what you’ll find yourself justifying.
August 16
Letting Go As A Parent
“I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”
3 John 1:4
There was an emotional moment my wife and I experienced with all of our boys. It happened when we walked each of them to the bus stop to begin first grade, and knew the first stage of parenting (the preschool years) was over.
Then, it happened again as each of our boys left home for college. Really, the whole parenting process is one of letting go. Let me make a few suggestions:
1. Do whatever you can to allow Mom to be at home fulltime with the children in the preschool years. I realize single parents don’t have this option, but if it is economically possible to work it out—do it. This short-term sacrifice brings long-term results.
2. Love them always and let them know of your love for them.
3. Discipline them consistently, so that they’ll know there are consequences for stepping over the line.
4. Pray for them regularly, that they’ll make wise choices and that their influences are for good.
Letting go is not easy, but with God’s help and our love, our children can grow to be responsible adults.
August 15
The Antichrist
“For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.”
Matthew 24:24
Who’s the most charismatic leader you’ve ever seen – past or present? Is it a political leader, religious leader, or a leader in academia? Leaders can be a tremendous influence for good or evil.
The Bible talks about a great leader who will burst onto the world scene. He will appear to be good, seeking to bring unity and peace to the world. He will focus on the desire for economic prosperity. He will be an extraordinarily brilliant and gifted leader who will cause the world to be in awe.
But don’t be led astray. The Bible calls him the antiChrist. He will be incredibly attractive and charismatic, but all about himself. He will be the embodiment of evil, but appear to be good. He will be an imposter and counterfeit of the one Man who will ultimately bring true peace—Jesus Christ. That’s why this man is called the anti-Christ. Study what the Bible says about the contrast of the anti-Christ and Jesus. Believe, but don’t be deceived.
August 14
Three Keys For Mom
“Rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer…”
Romans 12:12
It’s not easy being a mom these days. Whether you’re home fulltime or working outside the home, there are challenges. There’s a verse of scripture in Romans that contains three keys for moms and, really, anyone who wants to live a victorious life:
Be joyful in hope. Every mom has hope for her kids. When a mom trusts in the Lord and believes His promises in scripture, she can be joyful in hope for the future of her family.
Persevere in trials. There will be difficulties and trials for every mom (kids not doing well, times of feeling unappreciated, etc.). But when her hope is grounded in God, she can find strength to endure any trial.
Be devoted to prayer. Hey, moms, with so many trials and so much out of your control, be devoted to prayer. Turn your concerns, your fears, and your children over to the Lord. Prayer is the power source for being a great mom and a great person.
So hope, perseverance, and prayer—three keys to victory for moms and most everyone.
August 13
Key To Greatness
“He poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet.”
John 13:5
When you think of someone who is truly great, who do you think of?
In the field of music, you might think of Bach or Beethoven. Maybe you think of President Washington or Lincoln. Talents, accomplishment, power, fame, or wealth usually determine greatness in this world. But Jesus tells us the true measurement of greatness in the kingdom of God is the kind of servant you are. He healed the sick. He reached out to the hurting. He even washed His own disciples’ feet. In the end, His greatest service was to give His life as a ransom for many.
The late Al Burruss said, “When you’re alive, your wealth is measured by the number who serve you. But when you die, your wealth is measured by the number that you’ve served.” Jesus is the greatest example of that truth. He served us all.
Do you want to be great? Jesus set the ultimate example by serving us to the point of ultimate personal sacrifice. Why don’t you seek to be great by being a servant to your fellow man?
August 12
Good News In A World Of Bad News
“I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.”
John 10:10
We’re constantly bombarded with bad news on newscast after newscast. It’s depressing. The harsh reality of the daily news challenges those who believe that man is inherently good and the world is getting better.
The Bible tells us the truth. Human beings are not innately good and kind, and society is not progressing toward universal peace and harmony. Why, just the opposite is true. Man’s sin is a constant reality and if we don’t want to believe it, we can just ignore the news and refuse to lock our doors at night.
There is good news, however. God is in control of history and anyone who acknowledges his need for God in Christ holds the key to inner peace and security. For in Christ, whether we live or die, we can’t lose. Christ gives us the key to eternal life and living this life victoriously.
August 11
Aging Parents
“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise…”
Ephesians 6:2
Perhaps the toughest stage of life is parenting our parents. It’s a role-reversal both parent and child would rather avoid. The Bible clearly teaches us to honor our parents, and that means caring for them when they are old. Let me suggest a few thoughts:
• The greatest gift you can give your aging parents is time, but if physical distance is great, take time to call or write on a regular basis.
• Be prayerful and sensitive when parents can no longer care for themselves or their home. Be honest in helping them think about where they’ll live—be it a retirement center, a nursing home, or with you.
• As you face these tough decisions, be motivated by love, not guilt. Do what they most need, not what you most want.
Honoring our parents sometimes means parenting our parents. Remember, we reap what we sow. One day we hope that our children will have learned from us how to care for us when we are old.
August 10
Parenting Children
“You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit…when you walk…when you lie down and when you rise up.”
Deuteronomy 11:19
The first stage of parenting children in the home is the preschool years. The second stage is the childhood years, ages six through twelve. During these years, Dr. James Dobson says parents should practice the “baton principle”: In a relay race, the most important time is the passing of the baton—if it’s dropped, the race is lost—parenting children in the home means passing the baton of Godly values to the next generation.
God’s Word teaches us, as parents, to love God with all our heart, soul, and might, and to diligently teach the commands of God to our children when we sit in our house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down, and when we rise up. We need to teach our kids how to live as we go about everyday life; in short, our kids need to see that our faith in God is real and consistent. This calls for a lot of love for God and for our children. But when done well, the baton of Godly values is handed off to the new generation.
August 9
Another Objection to Christianity: The Bible Is Full Of Errors
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit…and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12
One of the main objections to Christianity is this: “The Bible is filled with myths and mistakes. It’s a book of men rather than a book of God.” But the real questions behind this objection are:
• “Can the Bible be trusted?”
• “Is it really true?”
• “Is it God’s Word, or man’s?”
First response: What mistakes are you concerned about? Is there a possibility you are parroting some professor like the breath-taking brilliance of a college freshman? Or have you really studied it yourself and determined there are mistakes?
Secondly, all of Scripture’s dependability rises and falls with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If that did not occur, the book is filled with lies and Christianity is a colossal hoax! But if Jesus rose from the dead, then everything else in the Bible is possible and believable. Believing in the Bible begins with Jesus. And faith in Jesus begins with the trustworthiness of Scripture. You can trust Jesus and His Word to be absolutely true.
August 8
True Faith Lived Out
…The Righteous man shall live by faith.”
Galatians 3:11
Many centuries ago, God revealed how true faith is lived out. God’s Word says, “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God.”
Think about it. Doing justice is being concerned for those who are left out, looked over, abused, and oppressed. Loving kindness is being considerate, thoughtful, and actively working for the good of others. Walking humbly with God is seeing God and self from the right perspective, thankful for His grace.
Today, when it seems that religious faith is seen as negative and even bigoted, I hope you will consider God’s Word. Only one person in all of history has lived up to this standard, and that was Jesus Christ. He alone was perfectly just and kind and walked with His Father, God. He can help you live out life today as a demonstration of what true faith is. Why not try it?
