May 31 thru June 6 2009

SUNDAY, Titus 2:15b; Most of the problems we see in families, friendships, at work and even in the church are because someone feels under appreciated. No one likes to be taken for granted and no one likes to feel that their contributions have been ignored. In fact, psychologists tell us that one of the basic desires of all people is the desire to feel appreciated. This being the case, as Christians we need to be sure that we take the time to appreciate both the big and small things that people do for us or for the church (doing unto others as we would have them do unto us). But we must also be aware that if we aren’t careful we can create a climate where we will be ignored and unappreciated. Certainly, we’ve all done or said things we’ve regretted, that is called experience. The important thing is that as we grow in grace and wisdom that we learn how to not only give appreciation but also to be worthy of it. Let no one look down on you

MONDAY, Titus 3:8b; How long has it been since you deliberately set out to do something nice for someone? I’m not talking about writing a check to your favorite charity or participating in some church or group activity such as Habitat for Humanity or a mission trip to Mexico to build church buildings. I’m talking about being aware of someone who has some need and going out of your way to meet it. There maybe an elderly neighbor that could use your help? Perhaps there is someone who has suffered a loss needing companionship, or a child needing someone to help them learn to read. I know all the reasons we don’t do these things (Unfortunately, I’ve used a few of them myself), but the meaning of Christian love doesn’t bow before our reasons. It is still defined as putting the needs of others before our own comfort and desires. Those who have believed in God…apply themselves to good deeds, these are excellent and profitable to men.

TUESDAY, Psalm 134:14; Many years ago, I became acquainted with a retired retailer who lived in a small town. I always enjoyed hearing his stories, especially the one he told about what happened when Wal-Mart built a store in his town. Naturally, their entry into the market sent shock waves through the retail community. A meeting of all the store owners was held and it was decided that in order to compete, it would be necessary for all the stores to be open on Sunday. A stanch Christian from the old school, he refused to join the other merchants in opening on Sunday. They tried everything to convince him of the folly of his decision, but he stayed true to his convictions. Within a year, most of the other businesses had closed their doors, they discovered that the overhead for a seven day a week operation was just too great. But my friend was able to remain in business because after seeking God’s wisdom he was led to focus on those things he could offer his customers that the retail giant couldn’t. The Lord will vindicate His people...

WEDNESDAY, Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her. John 8:7 (8:3-11)
Someone sent me a group of jokes and stories the other day and one of them reminded me of this passage. It seems that a student in a writing class had an assignment to write a short story. Like so many people, the student waited until the last minute to complete the assignment and failed to proofread carefully. One of the sentences in the story read as follows, “Marge stood at the head of the stairs, lost her balance and fell. When John found her, she was laying prostitute at the bottom of the stairs.” The week after the assignments had been turned in the instructor returned the graded stories. She had circled the sentence and written in the margin, “You need to learn to distinguish between a fallen woman and one who has simply slipped.” Of course the writer had meant prostrate, not prostitute but in his haste he had failed to be sure he had typed the right word. How many times do we get the wrong word when we hastily judge the actions or motives of others? Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.

THURSDAY, Psalm 86:17; Is it proper to seek God’s blessings in our lives? There are some who don’t believe we should, that we should simply take whatever comes along and be satisfied with it. Of course, the real question goes to our motives for seeking God’s blessing. What motivates us to seek God’s blessings? Is it simply to acquire material things? Is it because we need better health? The Psalmist prays for a “sign” (which would indicate some outward manifestation, perhaps better health, material things, etc) but he tells us that his motive is not simply a selfish desire for more, rather it is in order that God be glorified. Show me a sign of your favor, so that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame, because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

FRIDAY, Psalm 86:4; Christianity is a supposed to be a joyous way of life, even though there are those down through history (and even today) who would deny this fact. Of course, there are times when the problems, cares and pressure of daily living weigh us down. When this happens it can drain any sense of joy out of us. What’s a Christian to do? The answer is to follow the Psalmist example, go to our kind heavenly father, tell him what is bothering you and ask him to gladden your mind. Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

SATURDAY, Psalm 86:7; The book of Job tells us that our days are full of trouble. But there is another truth that balances those dire words, that truth is that almighty God cares for us and will guide and assist us if we allow him. This means that even when we are faced with major obstacles, crisis or problems we can have inner peace, assurance and gladness. The reason is simple, we know that no matter what trouble we find coming our way, God is just a prayer away, and he will answer us! In the day of my trouble I call on you, for you will answer me