August 7
Divorce Prevention
“For I hate divorce,” says the Lord.
Malachi 2:16
Everybody likes to be thought of as number one! America is a nation that prides itself on being number one in many categories, but we are number one in a category that is not good–we’re number one in divorce. One out of every two marriages ends in divorce.
When Jesus was asked about divorce, He made it clear that it was never what God had in mind. Then, He quickly began to talk about marriage and the commitment that’s involved. Obviously, a marriage that lasts a lifetime is what God desires. So, let me suggest 12 words for you and your spouse to live by: words that help with divorce prevention:
• “I love you.”
• “I admire you.”
• “I was wrong.”
• “Please forgive me.”
Expressing love and admiration, admitting when we are wrong and asking forgiveness are the ingredients for divorce prevention. Wouldn’t it be great if, one day, America became number one in marriages that last!
August 6
Evidence for The Resurrection
“Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb, and saw the stone already taken away.”
John 20:1
What evidence is there for the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
First of all, the church still exists to this day. Do you realize that only one fact—the resurrection of Jesus—gave the early church its power? But when Jesus died on the cross, His followers left Him and fled for their lives. Yet something occurred to empower them with great faith. (And the church has still survived in spite of almost 2,000 years of so much sorry preaching!)
People continue to experience the risen Christ living in them. And Sunday is the day of worship. How can you explain a group of Jewish people, who revered the Sabbath, changing the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday? Sunday became known as “the Lord’s Day,” for Jesus rose from the dead that day.
If the resurrection doesn’t account for this, what does? Now I realize none of this proves the resurrection, but it’s evidence that must be dealt with.
August 5
Jesus’ Mission
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,
and to give His life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
Imagine the news from Al Jazeera television shows some American soldiers captured by terrorists in the Middle East. The report is grim – they will face death within a few days. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff sees the story from America. He orders a rescue mission mobilized to find and rescue these men. But what shocks those around him is that he will lead the mission himself. So, he leaves the comfort of his safe office in the Pentagon and flies to the Middle East.
Amazingly, the mission is a success. The men are set free, but sadly, one man on the mission is killed…the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He gave his life to deliver those in captivity from evil.
That’s what the story of Jesus is all about. He left all the comfort and power of heaven to go on a mission to liberate us from the captivity of the evil one, sin and death. Are you willing to let Jesus set you free to really live life to the fullest? Do you believe it?
August 4
Crisis of Success
“For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance.”
Matthew 25:29
Stephen Berglas in The Success Syndrome – Hitting Bottom When You Reach The Top writes about the crisis of success. He says one major cause is “encore anxiety” or fear that you won’t be able to repeat or sustain earlier achievements. So here are a few thoughts to consider as you pursue success:
• The price of success is not just hard work and sacrifice, but the crisis you face when success finally comes. Some are dumbfounded by the emptiness they feel when goals are achieved.
• With the privileges of success come a greater sense of responsibility.
• Surprisingly, the toughest challenge to a person’s character is not adversity, but how one deals with the privileges and pressures of success.
So, why seek it? God wants us to make the most of our talents for His glory. And that’s the key: His glory, not ours. When we earn it and make the most of it God’s way, we realize it’s the only way to truly enjoy success.
August 3
Absolute Truth
“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8:32
Is there such thing as absolute truth?
Most Americans say there isn’t. A recent study showed that 71% of American adults believe there is no such thing as absolute truth. To most of them, truth is relative—relative to their own situation. This means people are creating their own personal moral code, which can be a recipe for disaster. For when truth is relative, absolutely anything seems okay.
So is there absolute truth?
Absolutely! But it’s not found in a religion, a philosophy, or in the ever-changing world of science. It’s found in a person—Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, the life.” He is the way to God, the truth about right and wrong, and the key to abundant life.
Do you want to know absolute truth? Look to Jesus Christ in God’s word. Do you want to know how to live the truth? Just look and see what Jesus did.
August 2
Do Not Disturb
“…do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:4
When it comes to serving our fellow man, most of us tend to live with a mindset that posts a “Do Not Disturb” sign over our heart. We think: “I’m too busy.” “Leave me alone.” “I don’t want to get involved.” “I’ve got my own agenda.”
Our culture is overrun with the attitude, “It’s all about me.” But as Rick Warren writes in his best seller, The Purpose Driven Life, “A meaningful life begins when we realize it’s not all about us. It’s all about God.” When we get to know our Creator through Jesus Christ, and begin to worship God and serve Him, we realize the way we serve God is to serve our fellow man—especially those in need.
“It’s all about me” is incredibly selfish, and it leads to emptiness and spiritual death. Real living begins when we start to know God, and serve Him. Serving God means serving others. It’s one of the keys to discovering your life purpose.
August 1
Trials
“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life.”
James 1:12
There’s an Arab proverb that goes like this: “All sunshine makes for a desert.” Have you ever thought of life that way?
All of us want things to go our way all the time, but we have to admit that life doesn’t work like that. Hard times come. Relationships are damaged. Financial worries plague us. There are even times of war. Yes, the clouds and the storms really do come.
Jesus said, “In this world, you will have trouble.” But the good news is, He didn’t stop there. He also said, “Take heart. I have overcome the world.” Yes, trouble is a fact of life. But Jesus has given us a means of finding victory-the real victory-even in hard times.
Won’t you allow Him to provide all you need to face the good times and the bad? He’s willing and able to provide triumph, even when things look the darkest. Put your trust in Jesus Christ.
