Happy Independence Day

[Judy Harder]

God's Timetable
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand,
that he may lift you up in due time.
1 Peter 5:6 NIV

Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is to wait. This is especially true when we're in a hurry and when we want things to happen now, if not sooner! But God's plan does not always happen in the way that we would like or at the time of our own choosing. Our task—as believing Christians who trust in a benevolent, all knowing Father—is to wait patiently for God to reveal Himself.

We human beings are, by nature, impatient. We know what we want, and we know exactly when we want it: RIGHT NOW! But, God knows better. He has created a world that unfolds according to His own timetable, not ours . . . thank goodness!

Waiting on God brings us to the journey's end quicker than our feet. - Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, 100 Days of Prayer

Will not the Lord's time be better than your time? - C. H. Spurgeon

God is not hurried along in the Time-stream of this universe any more than an author is hurried along in the imaginary time of his own novel. He has infinite attention to spare for each one of us. He does not have to deal with us in the mass. You are as much alone with Him as if you were the only being He had ever created. When Christ died, He died for you individually just as much as if you have been the only man in the world. - C. S. Lewis

God is in no hurry. Compared to the works of mankind, He is extremely deliberate. God is not a slave to the human clock. - Charles Swindoll

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, Your timing is always right for me. You have a plan for my life that is grander than I can imagine. When I am impatient, remind me that You are never early or late. You are always on time, Father, so let me trust in You . . . always. Amen

[Judy Harder]

October 21, 2011  Daily New Life
     
Roadmap for Life
Every word of God is flawless;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Proverbs 30:5 NIV

God's Word is a roadmap for life here on earth and for life eternal. As Christians, we are called upon to study God's Holy Word, to trust its promises, to follow its commandments, and to share its Good News with the world. As believers, we must study the Bible and meditate upon its meaning for our lives. Otherwise, we deprive ourselves of a priceless gift from our Creator. God's Holy Word is, indeed, a transforming, life-changing, one-of-a-kind treasure. And, a passing acquaintance with the Good Book is insufficient for Christians who seek to obey God's Word and to understand His will. After all, neither man nor woman should live by bread alone . . .

Walking in faith brings you to the Word of God. There you will be healed, cleansed, fed, nurtured, equipped, and matured. - Kay Arthur, 100 Days of Prayer

God did not write a book and send it by messenger to be read at a distance by unaided minds. He spoke a Book and lives in His spoken words, constantly speaking His words and causing the power of them to persist across the years. - A. W. Tozer

The only way we can understand the Bible is by personal contact with the Living Word. - Oswald Chambers

There is no way to draw closer to God unless you are in the Word of God every day. It's your compass. Your guide. You can't get where you need to go without it. - Stormie Omartian

Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, Your Holy Word is a light unto my path. In all that I do, help me be a worthy witness for You as I share the Good News of Your perfect Son and Your perfect Word. Amen

[Judy Harder]

 

Actions That Reflect Our Beliefs
If the way you live isn't consistent with what you believe, then it's wrong.
Romans 14:23 MSG

Are you the kind of practical Christian who is willing to dig in and do what needs to be done when it needs to be done? If so, congratulations: God acknowledges your service and blesses it. But if you find yourself more interested in the fine points of theology than in the needs of your neighbors, it's time to rearrange your priorities.

As Christians, we must do our best to ensure that our actions are accurate reflections of our beliefs. Our theology must be demonstrated, not only by our words but, more importantly, by our actions. In short, we should be practical believers, quick to act whenever we see an opportunity to serve God.

God needs believers who are willing to roll up their sleeves and go to work for Him. Count yourself among that number. Theology is a good thing unless it interferes with God's work. And it's up to you to make certain that your theology doesn't.

Do noble things, do not dream them all day long. - Charles Kingsley, 100 Days of Prayer

Although our actions have nothing to do with gaining our own salvation, they might be used by God to save somebody else! What we do really matters, and it can affect the eternities of people we care about. - Bill Hybels

Let us not be content to wait and see what will happen, but give us the determination to make the right things happen. - Peter Marshall

It is by acts and not by ideas that people live. - Harry Emerson Fosdick

Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, I believe in You, and I believe in Your Word. Help me to live in such a way that my actions validate my beliefs—and let the glory be Yours forever. Amen

[Judy Harder]

 Daily New Life
     
The Right Kind of Behavior
By this we know that we have come to know Him,
if we keep His commandments.
1 John 2:3 NASB

When we behave ourselves as godly men, we honor God. When we live righteously and according to God's commandments, He blesses us in ways that we cannot fully understand. When we seek righteousness in our own lives—and when we seek the companionship of those who do likewise—we reap the spiritual rewards that God intends for us to enjoy.

Today, as you fulfill your responsibilities, hold fast to that which is good, and associate yourself with believers who behave themselves in like fashion. When you do, your good works will serve as a powerful example for others and as a worthy offering to your Creator.

A pure theology and a loose morality will never mix. - C. H. Spurgeon, 100 Days of Prayer

Christians are the citizens of heaven, and while we are on earth, we ought to behave like heaven's citizens. - Warren Wiersbe

Be such a man, and live such a life, that if every man were such as you, and every life a life like yours, this earth would be God's Paradise. - Phillips Brooks

We should live in light of being called out of this world at any time into the presence of God, where we will receive our eternal reward. - John MacArthur

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, this world has countless temptations, distractions, interruptions, and frustrations. When I allow my focus to drift away from You and Your Word, I suffer. But, when I turn my thoughts and my prayers to You, Heavenly Father, You guide my path. Let me discover the right thing to do— and let me do it—this day and every day that I live. Amen

[Judy Harder]

Daily New Life
     
His Rule, Your Rule
Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb for behavior:
Ask yourself what you want people to do for you,
then grab the initiative and do it for them.
Add up God's Law and Prophets and this is what you get.
Matthew 7:12 MSG

Is the Golden Rule your rule? Hopefully so. After all, Jesus instructs you to treat other people in the same way that you want to be treated. But sometimes, especially when you're feeling the pressures of everyday living, obeying the Golden Rule can seem like an impossible task—but it's not.

Would you like to make the world a better place? If so, you can start by practicing the Golden Rule. If you want to know how to treat other people, ask the person you see every time you look into the mirror. The answer you receive will tell you exactly what to do.

To keep the Golden Rule we must put ourselves in other people's places, but to do that consists in and depends upon picturing ourselves in their places. - Harry Emerson Fosdick, 100 Days of Prayer

It is my calling to treat every human being with grace and dignity, to treat every person, whether encountered in a palace or a gas station, as a life made in the image of God. - Sheila Walsh

It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no one can sincerely try to help another without helping herself. - Barbara Johnson

It is wrong for anyone to be anxious to receive more from his neighbor than he himself is willing to give to God. - St. Francis of Assisi

Today's Prayer
Lord, I thank You for friends and family members who practice the Golden Rule. Because I expect to be treated with kindness, let me be kind. Because I wish to be loved, let me be loving. In all things, Lord, let me live by the Golden Rule, and let me express my gratitude to those who offer kindness to me. Amen

[Judy Harder]

Daily New Life
     




Enthusiasm for Christ
So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready
to receive the gift that's coming when Jesus arrives.
Don't lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil,
doing just what you feel like doing. You didn't know
any better then; you do now. As obedient children,
let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life,
a life energetic and blazing with holiness.
1 Peter 1:13-15 MSG

When we fan the flames of enthusiasm for Christ, our faith serves as a beacon to others. John Wesley advised, "Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn." His words still ring true.

Our world desperately needs faithful believers who share the Good News of Jesus with joyful exuberance. Be such a believer. The world desperately needs your enthusiasm—now!

Enthusiasm, like the flu, is contagious—we get it from one another. - Barbara Johnson, 100 Days of Prayer

We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about. - Charles Kingsley

One of the great needs in the church today is for every Christian to become enthusiastic about his faith in Jesus Christ. - Billy Graham

Diligence applies to whatever you do in your Christian life. Anything done in the Lord's service is worth doing with enthusiasm and care. - John MacArthur

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, let me be an enthusiastic participant in life. And let my enthusiasm bring honor and glory to You. Amen

[Judy Harder]

Daily New Life
     
Outgrowing Bad Habits
Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."
1 Corinthians 15:33 NKJV

It's an old saying and a true one: First, you make your habits, and then your habits make you. Some habits will inevitably bring you closer to God; other habits will lead you away from the path He has chosen for you. If you sincerely desire to improve your spiritual health, you must honestly examine the habits that make up the fabric of your day. And you must abandon those habits that are displeasing to God.

If you trust God, and if you keep asking for His help, He can transform your life. If you sincerely ask Him to help you, the same God who created the universe will help you defeat the harmful habits that have heretofore defeated you. So, if at first you don't succeed, keep praying. God is listening, and He's ready to help you become a better person if you ask Him . . . so ask today.

You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. - John Maxwell, 100 Days of Prayer

Since behaviors become habits, make them work with you and not against you. - E. Stanley Jones

Just as iron, even without willing it, is drawn by a magnet, so is a slave to bad habits dragged about by them. - John Climacus

Do nothing that you would not like to be doing when Jesus comes. Go no place where you would not like to be found when He returns. - Corrie ten Boom

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, help me break bad habits and form good ones. And let me make a habit of sharing the things that I own and the love that I feel in my heart. Amen

[Judy Harder]

Daily New Life
     
He Overcomes
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer,
I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 NKJV

There are few sadder sights on earth than the sight of a person who has lost all hope. In difficult times, hope can be elusive, but Christians need never lose it. After all, God is good; His love endures; He has promised His children the gift of eternal life.

If you find yourself falling into the spiritual traps of worry and discouragement, consider the words of Jesus. It was Christ who promised, "I have overcome the world." This world is indeed a place of trials and tribulations, but as believers, we are secure. God has promised us peace, joy, and eternal life. And, of course, God always keeps His promises.

When you say a situation or a person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God. - Charles Allen, 100 Days of Prayer

Without the certainty of His resurrection, we would come to the end of this life without hope, with nothing to anticipate except despair and doubt. But because He lives, we rejoice, knowing soon we will meet our Savior face to face, and the troubles and trials of this world will be behind us. - Bill Bright

The Lord Himself has laid the foundation of His people's hopes. We must determine if our hopes are built on this foundation. - C. H. Spurgeon

Hope can give us life. It can provide energy that would otherwise do us in completely if we tried to operate in our own strength. - Barbara Johnson

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, let my hopes always reside in You. If I become discouraged, let me turn to You. If I grow tired, let me find strength in You. You are my Father, and I will place my faith, my trust, and my hopes in You. Amen

[Judy Harder]

The Temptation to Judge
When they continued to ask Jesus their question,
he raised up and said, "Anyone here who has never sinned
can throw the first stone at her."
John 8:7 NCV

The warning of Matthew 7:1 is clear: "Judge not, that ye be not judged" (KJV). Yet even the most devoted Christians may fall prey to a powerful yet subtle temptation: the temptation to judge others. But as obedient followers of Christ, we are commanded to refrain from such behavior.

As Jesus came upon a young woman who had been condemned by the Pharisees, He spoke not only to the crowd that was gathered there, but also to all generations when He warned, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her" ( John 8:7 KJV). Christ's message is clear, and it applies not only to the Pharisees of ancient times, but also to us.

Forget the faults of others by remembering your own. - John Bunyan, 100 Days of Prayer

Only Christ can free us from the prison of legalism, and then only if we are willing to be freed. - Madeleine L'Engle

Judging draws the judgment of others. - Catherine Marshall

Being critical of others, including God, is one way we try to avoid facing and judging our own sins. - Warren Wiersbe

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, sometimes I am quick to judge others. But, You have commanded me not to judge. Keep me mindful, Father, that when I judge others, I am living outside of Your will for my life. You have forgiven me, Lord. Let me forgive others, let me love them, and let me help them . . . without judging them. Amen

[Judy Harder]

Daily New Life
     
The World . . . and You
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world,
but let God transform you into a new person
by changing the way you think.
Romans 12:2 NLT

We live in the world, but we must not worship it. Our duty is to place God first and everything else second. But because we are fallible beings with imperfect faith, placing God in His rightful place is often difficult. In fact, at every turn, or so it seems, we are tempted to do otherwise.

The 21st-century world is a noisy, distracting place filled with countless opportunities to stray from God's will. The world seems to cry, "Worship me with your time, your money, your energy, and your thoughts!" But God commands otherwise: He commands us to worship Him and Him alone; everything else must be secondary.

The only ultimate disaster that can befall us, I have come to realize, is to feel ourselves to be home on earth. - Max Lucado, 100 Days of Prayer

Because the world is deceptive, it is dangerous. The world can even deceive God's own people and lead them into trouble. - Warren Wiersbe

Our fight is not against any physical enemy; it is against organizations and powers that are spiritual. We must struggle against sin all our lives, but we are assured we will win. - Corrie ten Boom

A fish would never be happy living on land, because it was made for water. An eagle could never feel satisfied if it wasn't allowed to fly. You will never feel completely satisfied on earth, because you were made for more. - Rick Warren

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, I am an imperfect human being living in an imperfect world. Direct my path far from the temptations and distractions of this world, and let me follow in the footsteps of Your Son today and forever. Amen