September 30
Football
“In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east.”
Zechariah 14:4
I love football season—the fans cheering, the big games, the great rivalries. With every new season there’s always anticipation and hope. Will the players rise to the challenge, or will some bad play cost the team a game? Or even a season? And certainly no play in football is more important than the touchdown…the goal of every drive.
Did you know the Bible speaks about a touchdown, the greatest touchdown ever? It’s something Jews and Christians alike will agree on. The Bible says it’s going to happen just as time is running out, at the end of the game. The Messiah is going to touch down on the Mount of Olives in Israel. The Scriptures teach us the great touchdown will occur by a man named Jesus.
He’s coming for those who are on His team, and to judge those who are not. His touchdown will mean victory for His team, and lasting defeat for the opponents. The question is, are you going to be one who celebrates His touchdown, or one who loses the ultimate game of life?
September 29
Victory Over Temptation
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13
Let’s talk about temptation. How do you keep a decision to do wrong from getting the best of you?
Realize that temptation is a part of life. The Bible tells us Jesus was tempted in every way we are—every way. The big difference in Him and all of us is that He never gave in to it.
So, how can we keep temptation from getting the best of us?
Just say no. Don’t take time to flirt with it, or even argue. Just say no.
Then scram. Get out of there! This is one time in life when running is not cowardly, but the bravest thing you can do.
Ask God’s help resisting it. For things too tough to resist, things you battle constantly, simply admit they’re too tough and ask God’s help in resisting them. The power used by the only Man never give in to temptation is available to all of us. We just need to confess our weakness and admit our need for Him and His strength.
September 28
Porn “…do not give the devil an opportunity.”
Ephesians 4:27
Porn has invaded the home through the Internet. And now the worst, most hardcore pornography is available to any child, teen, or adult who can click on a computer, laptop, or, in days ahead, a cell phone.
A poll of the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 70% of 15-17 year olds accidentally come across porn on-line. Internet pornography has been called the crack cocaine of sexual addiction. It’s often justified in the name of freedom, but it’s insidiously evil. It’s exploitation of women. It ruins marriages. It puts a man’s mind in the gutter. Men will always struggle with lust, but porn is like throwing gasoline on the fire.
So men, put that computer or laptop where your wife can always see it. Parents, be sure your computers have blocks and are placed in open areas where they can be monitored.
And those who are battling addiction to porn, admit your problem to God. Ask His help and then get some help. You’ll be a real man if you do.
September 27
Definition of Success
“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.”
Joshua 1:8
How do you become a lasting success? If you were to give a definition of success, what would it be?
I imagine many of you might say, “Well, money and the things you have are a measure of success.” And if you see others who live lavishly, you might say, “Well, he or she is a success.” And yet many who have much are dismal failures.
Og Mandino, author of The Greatest Salesman in the World, says the only difference in success and failure is good and bad habits; that success is a state of mind.
What’s your definition of success?
Let me suggest this one: Success is the process of fulfilling your purpose in life and doing it well. In short, success is a by-product of a life well lived.
I propose to you that the most successful person who ever lived is Jesus Christ. He knew His purpose. He fulfilled it perfectly. Jesus Christ—the most successful man who ever walked this earth. Why don’t you consider Him as your role model?
September 26
A Great Prayer for Your Children
For this reason also…we have not ceased to pray for you…”
Colossians 1:9
We need to pray for our children. For many years, my wife has prayed a prayer from scripture for our three sons. Here are some ideas for you to try:
Pray that they will increase in the knowledge of God. Most parents’ greatest hope for their children is that they will be happy, but a fulfilled life comes from knowing God. Without God, there is a nagging emptiness. Lots of people know about God, but knowing Him personally is different. We all know a lot about our nation’s president but only a few know him personally.
Pray that they live a worthy life. Pray that their lives have an impact for good, and that they will be people of trustworthy character.
Pray that they’re strengthened in God’s power. The world and evil influences will seek to pull our children down. They need God’s power to be strong, resist temptation, and do the right thing.
And, thank God for each child. They are unique creations of God.
We all need to pray for our children. I hope these thoughts help.
September 25
Nothing Is Impossible With God
“…Jesus said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.
Mark 10:27
One of the greatest verses in the Bible is, “For nothing will be impossible with God.” Do you believe it? It’s what the angel told Mary, the mother of Jesus, when he announced that she would give birth to God’s son as a virgin.
If you are facing a particularly tough challenge where you need strength and wisdom beyond yourself, will be you believe nothing will be impossible with God? If you are in a season of grief and not sure you can make it, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God? If you are facing discouragement, disappointment, depression, or despair, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God? If you are struggling in your family, will you believe nothing will be impossible with God? Mary did and because she did, Jesus came to be our savior. He died and rose, conquering sin and death for you and me. The story of Jesus reminds us of how nothing will be impossible with God.
September 24
The Varsity…yet not My will, but yours [Lord] be done.
Luke 22:42
“What’ll ya have? What’ll ya have? What’ll ya have?”
If you are from the Atlanta area, these familiar words exemplify quick service for tasty food from a restaurant steeped in tradition. Many people feel that prayer is like putting in an order for what we want. Yet prayer is most of all about getting to know God and His will for our lives. One of the ways God teaches us His will is by not always giving us what we want. You say, “Well, what’s wrong with getting what I want?” Nothing, if it’s God’s best. But if it’s not, there are always negative consequences, so be careful what you ask for!
Prayer is powerful in allowing us to connect with God. But it’s not at all about God simply saying, “What’ll ya have?” It is about discovering what He wants for our lives.
Perhaps the question should be reversed to “Lord, what’ll ya have of me?”
September 23
The Checkbook Doesn’t Lie
“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
2 Corinthians 9:6
I had an interesting conversation with a friend who is an atheist. He had visited our church and heard statistics on the high number of families who give nothing to the Lord’s work each year. The basic minimum in faithful giving, according to the Bible, is ten percent, or a tithe. My friend said to me, “I was shocked. I thought if you people really believe this stuff about God, heaven, and hell, and the importance of spreading the message, you’d want to give more than ten percent. ‘Cause what could be more important than that?”
Jesus would agree, for He clearly said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be.” In short, where you spend your money reveals the priorities of your heart. So, what does your checkbook say about your priorities? The checkbook doesn’t lie. So to all you folks who profess to be Christians, what does your checkbook say about your faith in God? Do you really believe what you profess to believe?
September 22
Knowing The Truth
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory…full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14
To know Jesus we need to know Scripture, for Jesus teaches, “Thy Word is truth.” Do you believe this?
Today, very few believe in absolute truth, yet Scripture records that Jesus said He is the truth. Jesus claims to be “absolute truth.” Truth is found in a person, not a religion, not a philosophy, and not a code of morality. The absolute truth about God is found in Jesus. And the truth of Jesus is discovered in Scripture. Thus, Jesus and Scripture are not mutually exclusive.
We cannot know truth unless we know Jesus. We cannot know Jesus unless we know Scripture. Therefore, we have to decide if what Jesus says about Scripture is true. So, are Jesus and the Word absolute truth? Absolutely! God reveals Himself in a person, and God reveals that person in His Word, for Jesus says, “Thy word is truth
September 21
Pressure
“…And your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
Ephesians 6:15
People today live pressure-filled lives and it’s taking its toll. Dr. Joel Elkes says, “Our mode of life—the way we live—is emerging as today’s main cause of illness.” The American Academy of Family Physicians says that two-thirds of all visits to doctors are stress related, and that stress is now known as the major contributor to heart disease, cancer, accidental injuries, and suicide.”
People attend stress seminars and devour books on stress. Sometimes they find that just focusing on it makes them more uptight. But, let’s face it, stress and pressure are a part of life.
Even Jesus Christ promised us that we’ll all face it. He said, “In this world you’ll face much tribulation.” Tribulation also means pressure. He goes on to say, “but take heart. I have overcome the world.” Jesus does not promise us freedom from pressure, but He does promise us peace amidst the stress. Inner peace is a by-product of knowing Christ as Savior and Lord. The good news is, it’s available to all who trust in Him.
Yes, pressure is a part of life, but Christ gives us peace amidst the pressure. And that’s not a bad way to live!
September 20
Husbands Understand Your Wives Need Security
“Husbands…live with your wives in an understanding way.”
1 Peter 3:7
Part of husbands loving their wives is showing understanding toward them. God’s Word says, “Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way.” Part of understanding is knowing their need for romance. But another part of understanding your wife is meeting their need for security. God’s Word says that we are to remember they are the “weaker vessel.”
Now ladies, before you start screaming, realize that this does not mean women are weaker than men intellectually, spiritually, emotionally or relationally. Often women are stronger than men are relationally. But they are usually weaker physically. In a world where some men may not have the best intentions toward women, women can feel vulnerable and in need of protection. Providing security for your wife is a way of letting her know that you love her. It meets a great need she hopes you’ll fulfill.
September 19
Reaping What You Sow
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.”
Galatians 6:7
A young teenager wanted to aggravate the hard-working farmer that lived next door. He led some of his pals to sneak into the farmer’s field one night and spread crab grass seeds all over the farm. Soon, the crab grass came up. He laughed every time he saw the farmer vainly trying to get rid of it.
A few years later, long after the teenager forgot his prank, he fell in love with the farmer’s daughter and they were married. When her father died, he inherited the farm and for the rest of his life he battled that sorry crab grass he had spread all over his fields.
The Bible says, “For whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” In short, when we’re hard on others, they tend to be hard on us. It’s the law of the harvest. When you plant tomatoes, you don’t get squash, for the harvest never lies.
What kind of seeds are you sowing and what kind of harvest are you reaping? Let’s remember…in life, we reap what we sow.
September 18
Mid-Life Blues
“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17
Mid-life has come to the Baby Boomer! The thought of millions of Boomers in a mid-life crisis can unsettle even the most stable mind. Mid-life is the time when hard driving adults begin to grow weary of all their responsibilities. They can feel trapped. Boredom may kick in as they realize their goals. Depression may set in from goals that have not been realized and never will be.
Bob Buford calls this stage of life “halftime.” In sports, halftime is when the teams regroup, catch their breath, go out and do better in the second half. Buford says that the key to getting through a mid-life crisis is shifting our focus from success to significance.
I propose that the key to lasting significance lies in meaningful relationships—relationships with God, family, and friends. It’s found in doing your best with the gifts and talents God has given you. It’s found in living life God’s way, with Godly character.
Mid-life is a key time to get those things right, before the second half begins. If you’re at mid-life, seek to shift your focus from success, to significance. If you do, your second half can be even better than your first.
September 17
Blame Game
“A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own mind.”
Proverbs 18:2
Often spouses blame their mates for their problems. Years ago, Reader’s Digest told of a woman who had finally had enough. She went to her lawyer, saying her husband was driving her crazy. She wanted a divorce.
The lawyer asked, “Do you have any grounds?”
She said, “Yes, we have 4 or 5 acres.”
The lawyer thought this might be interesting. He then asked, “Does he beat you up?”
She responded, “No, I get up before that bum every morning.”
The lawyer dropped his pen and said, “Well, why do you want a divorce?”
She replied, “My husband is an idiot who can’t carry on an intelligent conversation.”
The blame game always makes us look foolish in the end. If you are struggling in your marriage:
• Ask God for help and forgiveness where you have fallen short.
• Ask God to help you forgive your spouse.
• Ask your spouse to forgive where you have fallen short.
• Love, respect, and affirm your spouse daily.
You may be surprised that your spouse ain’t so bad after all; moreover, they may very well feel the same.
September 16
Environmental Concern
“God said to them…Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Genesis 1:28
There’s a great deal of concern about the environment these days. That’s good, for the very first chapter of the Bible, Genesis 1, tells us that one of man’s major responsibilities is to care for the environment. You could say Genesis 1 is the ultimate environmental manifesto.
Amidst this environmental concern is also tremendous confusion, and it lies with the wrong focus. Some environmentalists worship nature more than the God of all nature. Some worship creation more than the creator. It is as ludicrous as having a greater awe for the painting, Mona Lisa, than for her creator, Leonardo de Vinci.
When nature is supreme, we get confused and misguided. When nature is respected and managed out of obedience to God, the Creator, then we’re able to care for the environment in a way that makes sense. That way is best for all creation.
September 15
Pseudo Grief
“… They always go astray in their heart, and they did not know my ways.”
Hebrews 3:10
A modern day phenomenon in the age of TV is the irrational outpouring of pseudo grief. People grieve more intensely for an image they’ve never personally known, than they do for a neighbor or family member who dies.
We saw this most dramatically with the death of Lady Di and JFK, Jr. Both represented what society saw as the best of their nation’s royalty. Both were young, glamorous, attractive and wealthy. They were the ideal in the world’s eyes. Yet, most of us didn’t know them. We just knew the image presented on the screen.
Do you care more for images than the real people in your life?
Who do you grieve for the most when they’re gone. If it’s an image on TV, you’re living a ‘pseudo life,’… not a real life. For real living comes with real relationships and sometimes, with loss, that involves real grief. But when that loss comes, a real relationship with God will get you through that grief. Real relationships have real pain, but they also have real meaning. Meaningful relationships with God and your fellow man are essential to real living.
September 14
Extra Mile Service
“Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.”
Matthew 5:41
My wife and I were staying in a nice hotel for a special occasion. One day we went to the pool, and before we could get seated attendants brought us towels and ice water. When I went jogging as I re-entered the lobby a bellman gave me a bottle of water. They kept surprising us with unexpected extra mile service.
I really believe that any corporation, organization, or ministry, where extra mile service is a part of the culture, will have a greater impact for good. Extra mile service goes beyond what is expected.
Do you know who originated the idea? Jesus Christ. He said, “Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.” Rome ruled their culture, and it was legal for any Roman soldier to ask a civilian to help them carry their armor for one mile at any time. The people greatly resented it. So what Jesus taught, shocked them. But following Jesus calls for extra mile service. Even if you don’t follow Him, that service is always appreciated.
September 13
When Prayer Disappoints
“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives…”
James 4:3
You’ll find little argument from people about the importance of prayer. Most people pray. Everyone needs it. But the reality is, prayer is often disappointing. We don’t get the results we desire. Let me share with you why: It’s found in the Bible, in the book of James. “You ask and do not receive because you ask selfishly.”
Prayer is not so much about asking God for what we want. It’s about finding out what He wants and finding the strength to do it. Selfish prayers disappoint. Prayers to get to know God, to find strength and to do His will, bring tremendous results—sometimes even supernatural results. This kind of praying is powerful because you get plugged into the ultimate power source—the God of the universe.
How’s your prayer life? Fulfilling or disappointing? Remember your motive, for your heart is the key. Why don’t you take a moment right now and talk with God for the purpose of seeking His will. You’ll be pleased with the results!
September 12
Religion Causes More Wars
“Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this…to keep oneself unstained by the world.”
James 1:27
Another major objection to Christianity is, “Religion is the cause of more problems and wars than anything else.” The response: You’re right, religion is the cause of many wars and conflicts.
• Look at the Middle East today.
• Look at the abuses in church history.
• The crusades were the so-called Christian holy wars seeking to claim the Holy Land for the true faith.
• The horror of the Inquisition, with so-called heretics burned at the stake and Jews expelled from Spain.
• More recently, look at September 11, 2001, or the terror and killing in Northern Ireland—hate smothered with perverted religion.
Yet, Jesus never taught this. He says to love and forgive your enemies. There has been some bad stuff in religion, but Jesus would never call on Christians to force other people to believe in Him and His word. There is nothing in the Bible that teaches that. That is manmade religion—not Jesus. Yes, a lot of religion stinks. It’s caused tons of unnecessary problems, but Jesus is the One you want to look to. Unlike misguided religion, what He teaches is always good.
September 11
One Question for God
“…do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
Matthew 6:13
George Barna polled Americans: “If you could ask God one question, what would it be?” The number one answer was, “Why is there so much pain and suffering?”
Take September 11, 2001. If God is all-powerful and all-knowing, why didn’t He prevent the Muslim terrorists from destroying the World Trade Towers? If He doesn’t stop evil like that, why should I believe in Him? If He couldn’t do anything about it, He isn’t much of a God, is He?
Two things to keep in mind: God gets blamed for a lot of man’s evil and God has given man a free will. Ironically, the more victimized people are by man’s evil, the more they tend to blame God. But we are not created as computers programmed to do good or evil. Like God, we can make choices.
So why does God, Who’s all-loving and all-powerful, allow suffering and evil? No answer is adequate, but God’s main concern is that we trust Him to bring good out of evil. If He did it when mankind murdered His innocent Son, He can do it with September 11, 2001 and any other evil we face.
September 10
Grandparents—A Key Relationship
“Grandchildren are the crown of old men…”
Proverbs 17:6
Isn’t it amazing how the normal conflicts in the parent-child relationship don’t seem to be a problem with grandparents and grandchildren? Grandparents may have old-fashioned values, but they’re admired by their grandkids.
What do you think of when you think of a beloved grandparent? Even hardened cynics often get misty-eyed when recalling memories of a grandparent, yet grandparents are often the forgotten victims of divorce and separation. In June of 2000, even the Supreme Court defended the parents’ right to restrict or cut off ties with the grandparents of their children.
Parents, let’s do all we can to enhance the relationship between our children and their grandparents. It’s part of their heritage that they need to understand. It’s part of their identity that makes them whole. God’s Word says, “Grandchildren are the crown of old men.” If at all possible, don’t deny them their crown.
September 9
Just Do It
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”
John 15:4
In the old days, Nike had a commercial that everyone saw. The implication was that all that’s needed to become an athlete is determination, hard work, and those shoes.
When it comes to human nature, life is very different. Human beings just aren’t disciplined enough to do all we need to do. We can’t change ourselves by our own initiative.
One of the Biblical writers, an avid sports fan by the name of Paul, recognized that changing human nature calls on something else—a supernatural change agent. Our only responsibility is to be willing to allow that change agent to bring about the needed improvements.
No, He might not improve your golf game, even though you wish He would. He may not give you the ability to hit home runs. He will adjust your attitude, your character, and your relationships for the better, however, JUST DO IT. Allow Christ to change you from an ineffective, frustrated self-improver, to a winner in the game of life.
September 8
Respecting Our Parents
“Every one of you shall reverence his mother and his father…”
Leviticus 19:3
The Bible commands us to honor our parents. This command has three major phases: Phase 1 is to obey when we are children; Phase 3 is to care for our parents needs when they’re unable to care for themselves; The middle phase is usually the longest. It’s that time when we become adult children and our parents can still meet their own needs. In this phase, we are called to respect our parents.
Respect doesn’t mean obedience. Parents of adult children need to remember this, just as adult children need to remember it. Respect means seeking their input when appropriate, yet doing what God wants you to do, most of all. Respect means showing them love and spending time with them.
And, to the parents of adult children, are you helping or hindering the opportunity for respect? You may be pushing your adult child away. Remember, respect breeds respect.
The middle phase of honoring our parents is the longest. Let’s make the most of it, both parent and child.
September 7
Marriage and Divorce
“What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”
Matthew 19:6
One of the arguments for same-sex marriage is that the high rate of divorce has done more harm to the family than same-sex marriage ever would. Sadly, this point to justify the sin of homosexuality does expose an obvious hypocrisy in the church today.
Jesus was once asked, “Is it ever lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?” Jesus answered the question about divorce by talking about marriage, saying, “He who created them from the beginning made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one flesh…what therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”
In short, God’s intention for marriage is “only between a man and a woman for life.” This speaks to the need for repentance in the church when it comes to marriage commitment. Jesus upheld God’s original plan for marriage. If we are married or get married, let’s be sure we do as well.
