Happy Independence Day

[Judy Harder]

Beyond Worry
Blessed is he that trusts in the Lord.
Proverbs 16:20 NIV

Because we are imperfect human beings, we worry. Even though we are Christians who have been given the assurance of salvation—even though we are Christians who have received the promise of God's love and protection—we find ourselves fretting over the countless details of everyday life. Jesus understood our concerns when He spoke the reassuring words found in Matthew 6: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life . . ."

As you consider the promises of Jesus, remember that God still sits in His heaven and you are His beloved child. Then, perhaps, you will worry a little less and trust God a little more, and that's as it should be because God is trustworthy . . . and you are protected.

We are not called to be burden-bearers, but cross-bearers and light-bearers. We must cast our burdens on the Lord. - Corrie ten Boom, 100 Days of Prayer

I've read the last page of the Bible. It's all going to turn out all right. - Billy Graham

It is not work that's kills, but worry. And, it is amazing how much wear and tear the human mind and spirit can stand if it is free from friction and well-oiled by the Spirit. - Vance Havner

It has been well said that no man ever sank under the burden of the day. It is when tomorrow's burden is added to the burden of today that the weight is more than a man can bear. Never load yourselves so, my friends. If you find yourselves so loaded, at least remember this: it is your own doing, not God's. He begs you to leave the future to Him and mind the present. - George MacDonald

Today's Prayer
Forgive me, Lord, when I worry. Worry reflects a lack of trust in You. Help me to work, Lord, and not to worry. And, keep me mindful, Father, that nothing, absolutely nothing, will happen this day that You and I cannot handle together. Amen

[Judy Harder]

 

Making Peace with Your Past
The Lord says, "Forget what happened before,
and do not think about the past. Look at the new thing
I am going to do. It is already happening. Don't you see it?
I will make a road in the desert and rivers in the dry land."
Isaiah 43:18-19 NCV

Because you are human, you may be slow to forget yesterday's disappointments. But, if you sincerely seek to focus your hopes and energies on the future, then you must find ways to accept the past, no matter how difficult it may be to do so.

Have you made peace with your past? If so, congratulations. But, if you are mired in the quicksand of regret, it's time to plan your escape. How can you do so? By accepting what has been and by trusting God for what will be.

So, if you have not yet made peace with the past, today is the day to declare an end to all hostilities. When you do, you can then turn your thoughts to the wondrous promises of God and to the glorious future that He has in store for you.

Our yesterdays teach us how to savor our todays and tomorrows. - Patsy Clairmont, 100 Days of Prayer

The wise man gives proper appreciation in his life to his past. He learns to sift the sawdust of heritage in order to find the nuggests that make the current moment have any meaning. - Grady Nutt

Shake the dust from your past, and move forward in His promises. - Kay Arthur

The pages of your past cannot be rewritten, but the pages of your tomorrows are blank. - Zig Ziglar

Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, free me from anger, resentment, and envy. When I am bitter, I cannot feel the peace that You intend for my life. Keep me mindful that forgiveness is Your commandment, and help me accept the past, treasure the present, and trust the future . . . to You. Amen

[Judy Harder]

His Perspective . . . and Yours
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ,
set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits
at God's right hand in the place of honor and power.
Colossians 3:1 NLT

If a temporary loss of perspective has left you worried, exhausted, or both, it's time to readjust your thought patterns. Negative thoughts are habit-forming; thankfully, so are positive ones. With practice, you can form the habit of focusing on God's priorities and your own possibilities. When you do, you'll soon discover that you will spend less time fretting about your challenges and more time praising God for His gifts.

When you call upon the Lord and prayerfully seek His will, He will give you wisdom and perspective. When you make God's priorities your priorities, He will direct your steps and calm your fears. So today and every day hereafter, pray for a sense of balance and perspective. And remember: no problems are too big for God—and that includes yours.

Attitude is the mind's paintbrush; it can color any situation. - Barbara Johnson, 100 Days of Prayer

Instead of being frustrated and overwhelmed by all that is going on in our world, go to the Lord and ask Him to give you His eternal perspective. - Kay Arthur

When we look at the individual parts of our lives, some things appear unfair and unpleasant. When we take them out of the context of the big picture, we easily drift into the attitude that we deserve better, and the tumble down into the pit of pride begins. - Susan Hunt

Today's Prayer
Lord, sometimes, the world's perspective can lead me astray. Sometimes I become confused; sometimes, in the busyness of my daily life, I lose perspective. Help me, Lord, to see the world through Your eyes. Give me guidance and wisdom and perspective. Lead me according to Your plan for my life and according to Your commandments. And keep me ever mindful, Father, that Your reality is the ultimate reality, and that Your truth is the ultimate truth, now and forever. Amen

[Judy Harder]

Solving Problems

People who do what is right may have many problems,
but the Lord will solve them all.
Psalm 34:19 NCV

Life is an exercise in problem-solving. The question is not whether we will encounter problems; the real question is how we will choose to address them. When it comes to solving the problems of everyday living, we often know precisely what needs to be done, but we may be slow in doing it—especially if what needs to be done is difficult or uncomfortable for us. So we put off till tomorrow what should be done today. The words of Psalm 34 remind us that the Lord solves problems for "people who do what is right." And usually, doing "what is right" means doing the uncomfortable work of confronting our problems sooner rather than later. So with no further ado, let the problem-solving begin . . . now.

We are all faced with a series of great opportunities, brilliantly disguised as unsolvable problems. Unsolvable without God's wisdom, that is. - Charles Swindoll, 100 Days of Prayer

You've got problems; I've got problems; all God's children have got problems. The question is how are you going to deal with them? - John Maxwell

I choose joy. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical; cynicism is the tool of a lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God. - Max Lucado

Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines. - Robert Schuller

Today's Prayer
Lord, sometimes my problems are simply too big for me, but they are never too big for You. Let me turn my troubles over to You, Lord, and let me trust in You today and for all eternity. Amen

[Judy Harder]

Beyond Bitterness

Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do.
"I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."
Romans 12:19 MSG

Bitterness is a spiritual sickness. It will consume your soul; it is dangerous to your emotional health. It can destroy you if you let it . . . so don't let it!

If you are caught up in intense feelings of anger or resentment, you know all too well the destructive power of these emotions. How can you rid yourself of these feelings? First, you must prayerfully ask God to cleanse your heart. Then, you must learn to catch yourself whenever thoughts of bitterness or hatred begin to attack you. Your challenge is this: You must learn to resist negative thoughts before they hijack your emotions. Matthew 5:22 teaches us that if we judge our brothers and sisters, we, too, will be subject to judgement. Let us refrain, then, from judging our neighbors. Instead, let us forgive them and love them, while leaving their judgement to a far more capable authority: the One who sits on His throne in heaven.

Revenge is the raging fire that consumes the arsonist. - Max Lucado, 100 Days of Prayer

Bitterness is a spiritual cancer, a rapidly growing malignancy that can consume your life. Bitterness cannot be ignored but must be healed at the very core, and only Christ can heal bitterness. - Beth Moore

Be patient and understanding. Life is too short to be vengeful or malicious. - Phillips Brooks

Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hate. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness. - Corrie ten Boom

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, free me from the poison of bitterness and the futility of blame. Let me turn away from destructive emotions so that I may know the perfect peace and the spiritual abundance that can, and should, be mine. Amen

[Judy Harder]

Unbending Truth
So put away all falsehood and "tell your neighbor the truth"
because we belong to each other.
Ephesians 4:25 NLT

Oswald Chambers advised, "Never support an experience which does not have God as its source, and faith in God as its result." These words serve as a powerful reminder that as Christians we are called to walk with God and to obey His commandments. But, we live in a world that presents us with countless temptations to wander far from God's path. These temptations have the potential to destroy us, in part, because they cause us to be dishonest with ourselves and with others.

Dishonesty is a habit. Once we start bending the truth, we're likely to keep bending it. A far better strategy, of course, is to acquire the habit of being completely forthright with God, with other people, and with ourselves. Honesty is also a habit, a habit that pays powerful dividends for those who place character above convenience. So, the next time you're tempted to bend the truth—or to break it—ask yourself this simple question: "What does God want me to do?" Then listen carefully to your conscience. When you do, your actions will be honorable, and your character will take care of itself. (100 Days of Prayer)

A person's character is determined by his motives, and motive is always a matter of the heart. - John Eldredge

Right actions done for the wrong reason do not help to build the internal quality of character called a "virtue," and it is this quality or character that really matters. - C. S. Lewis

God never called us to naïveté. He called us to integrity. The biblical concept of integrity emphasizes mature innocence not childlike ignorance. - Beth Moore

A solid trust is based on a consistent character. - John Maxwell

Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me see the truth, help me speak the truth, and help me live the truth— today and every day of my life. Amen

[Judy Harder]

A Series of Choices
The thing you should want most is God's kingdom
and doing what God wants.
Then all these other things you need will be given to you.
Matthew 6:33 NCV

Your life is a series of choices. From the instant you wake up in the morning until the moment you nod off to sleep at night, you make countless decisions—decisions about the things you do, decisions about the words you speak, and decisions about the way that you choose to direct your thoughts.

As a believer who has been transformed by the love of Jesus, you have every reason to make wise choices. But sometimes, when the daily grind threatens to grind you up and spit you out, you may make choices that are displeasing to God. When you do, you'll pay a price because you'll forfeit the happiness and the peace that might otherwise have been yours.

So, as you pause to consider the kind of Christian you are— and the kind of Christian you want to become—ask yourself whether you're sitting on the fence or standing in the light. The choice is yours . . . and so are the consequences. (100 Days of Prayer)

There may be no trumpet sound or loud applause when we make a right decision, just a calm sense of resolution and peace. - Gloria Gaither

The greatest choice any man makes is to let God choose for him. - Vance Havner

Life is pretty much like a cafeteria line—it offers us many choices, both good and bad. The Christian must have a spiritual radar that detects the difference not only between bad and good but also among good, better, and best. - Dennis Swanberg

Every day, I find countless opportunities to decide whether I will obey God and demonstrate my love for Him or try to please myself or the world system. God is waiting for my choices. - Bill Bright

Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, I have many choices to make. Help me choose wisely as I follow in the footsteps of Your only begotten Son. Amen

[Judy Harder]

Focusing on God

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now,
and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen
tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever
hard things come up when the time comes.
Matthew 6:34 MSG

All of us may find our courage tested by the inevitable disappointments and tragedies of life. After all, ours is a world filled with uncertainty, hardship, sickness, and danger. Trouble, it seems, is never too far from the front door. When we focus upon our fears and our doubts, we may find many reasons to lie awake at night and fret about the uncertainties of the coming day. A better strategy, of course, is to focus not upon our fears, but instead upon our God. God is as near as your next breath, and He is in control. He offers salvation to all His children, including you. God is your shield and your strength; you are His forever. So don't focus your thoughts upon the fears of the day. Instead, trust God's plan and His eternal love for you. And remember: God is good, and He has the last word.

His hand on me is a father's hand, gently guiding and encouraging. His hand lets me know he is with me, so I am not afraid. - Mary Morrison Suggs, 100 Days of Prayer

Ignoring Him by neglecting prayer and Bible reading will cause you to doubt. - Anne Graham Lotz

Whether our fear is absolutely realistic or out of proportion in our minds, our greatest refuge is Jesus Christ. - Luci Swindoll

Fear and doubt are conquered by a faith that rejoices. And faith can rejoice because the promises of God are as certain as God Himself. - Kay Arthur

Today's Prayer
Your Word reminds me, Lord, that even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I need fear no evil, for You are with me, and You comfort me. Thank You, Lord, for a perfect love that casts out fear. Let me live courageously and faithfully this day and every day. Amen

[Judy Harder]

Daily New Life
     
Commissioned to Witness

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:19-20 NIV

After His resurrection, Jesus addressed His disciples. As recorded in the 28th chapter of Matthew, Christ instructed His followers to share His message with the world. This "Great Commission" applies to Christians of every generation, including our own.

As believers, we are called to share the Good News of Jesus with our families, with our neighbors, and with the world. Christ commanded His disciples to become fishers of men. We must do likewise, and we must do so today. Tomorrow may indeed be too late.

Our commission is quite specific. We are told to be His witness to all nations. For us, as His disciples, to refuse any part of this commission frustrates the love of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. - Catherine Marshall, 100 Days of Prayer

Witnessing is not something that we do for the Lord; it is something that He does through us if we are filled with the Holy Spirit. - Warren Wiersbe

To stand in an uncaring world and say, "See, here is the Christ" is a daring act of courage. - Calvin Miller

In their heart of hearts, I think all true followers of Christ long to become contagious Christians. Though unsure about how to do so or the risks involved, deep down they sense that there isn't anything as rewarding as opening a person up to God's love and truth. - Bill Hybels

Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, every man and woman, every boy and girl is Your child. You desire that all Your children know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Father, let me be part of Your Great Commission. Let me give, let me pray, and let me go out into this world so that I might be a fisher of men . . . for You. Amen

[Judy Harder]

Daily New Life
     
Bridging the Gap

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Deuteronomy 4:9

After a rather lifeless Sunday morning service, the pastor noticed a young boy staring intensely at a large plaque mounted in the church's foyer.  It was covered with names and flanked by American flags.

Recognizing the opportunity to connect, the pastor approached, stood beside the boy, and said quietly, "Good morning young man."  "Good morning," the boy replied, still looking intently at the plaque, he then asked, "Pastor, what's this?"

"Well, son, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service," Then, with a note of gravity in his voice, the boy asked, "Which service did they die in - the 9:30 or the 11:00 o'clock?"

Passing on to the next generation what's dear to our hearts, and what they'll need to live well, is a privilege and burden for any caring adult.  Yet communication gaps can be daunting.  Take time, and choose your words well.

"The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter — 'tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning."- Mark Twain (1835-1910)