Today's One Thing

[Judy Harder]

Life is full of disappointments, but God offers hope. 

 
Hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. —Romans 5:5 (ESV) 

Hold fast to the Hope
Ron traveled a lot for his job, and Mindy was extremely excited this year because he hadn't received any instructions for travel in weeks. It looked like he would be home the week leading up to their 25th wedding anniversary celebration. Mindy had made plans for them to enjoy every moment.

Then Ron got a call. He would have to take a trip that would get him home just in the nick of time for the anniversary party. "I'm sorry, honey! But I will be back in time for the party. This is a big opportunity and it will help us financially put some money back." Mindy shook her head in agreement, but her tears of disappointment ran freely down her face. Ron tried to comfort her.

Disappointment can feel like a rock is sitting in your stomach and pull on your emotions until you become physically ill. When disappointment tries to shatter your dreams and destroy your hope, look to God. He wants to see you filled to overflowing with His joy. Allow His love to consume you and fill the void disappointment can bring.

Life is full of disappointments, but God offers hope for His outcome in your situation. Look to the One who can make the dreams He put within you a reality.
 
Today's One Thing
Hold fast to your hope and continue to dream. God will make a way for you!
 
Going Deeper
Proverbs 13:12; Hebrews 11:1-11

 

[Judy Harder]

Let your goal become bigger than any roadblock. 

 
He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you." —Matthew 17:20 (ESV) 

 
Push Through
"It's just not worth it," Chris shouted into the kitchen from his makeshift office in the den. His wife, Debbie, walked into the den and put her hand on his shoulder. "I just feel like I'm missing out on so much with the boys. Spring ball is starting for both of them and I'm stuck here at this desk."   

"You've come so far," Debbie reminded him. "It's only one more semester. The worst part is over. You'll graduate in five more months. Don't lose focus now. You can do this. The Lord will give you the strength. And I'll help you set a schedule so that you can make the games, even go to some of the practices."

"I just don't see how we can do that, and still keep up with the yard, the things around the house," Chris continued.

"You can't look at what you feel like you're losing, but look at what you're gaining. You are doing this for the boys, for our future. I'll ask my brother to come and take care of the yard and the things you normally do in the spring. That will open up some time for you with the boys." Chris, smiled. "That's brilliant. I hadn't thought of that."

You probably have days when you question if your goal is worth pushing through. It would be easy to quit, but if you let that goal become bigger than the roadblock, then you can press through.
 
Today's One Thing
Allow your goal to become bigger than any roadblock and push on through.
 
Going Deeper
Matthew 17:14-21; Psalm 46

 

[Judy Harder]

Your future is in His hands. 
 
But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, "You are my God." My times are in your hand. —Psalm 35:14-15 (ESV) 

Let Go of the Unknown
We live in a fallen world filled with fear and anxiety. People analyze scenarios of "what if," and spend time worried about things that may never happen or dreading something that turns out not even half as bad as they anticipated.

David penned many of the Psalms, including Psalm 31. As you read his story, you find God made him a big promise—to become king to a nation that God called His very own people. No doubt David had a lot of "what ifs" running through his head. What if I don't really make it to the throne? What if Saul finds me and kills me? What if people find out I murdered a man so I could have his wife? What if I fail as king?

Throughout the Psalms, you can read David's ups and downs. He develops a pattern of giving voice to the deep worries in his heart, but then ultimately he realizes who he's talking to and gives those concerns to God. One example of that is found in Psalm 31:15 where he lets go of the unknown and leaves it with God declaring, "My times are in your hand."

David's statement has great value. Your past, present and future rest in God's hands. He holds your life and your future in His grasp. Whether it is pleasing or not, whether it is dark or bright, you can trust Him and you can rest in Him. Just as David came to realize, you must face the unknowns in faith not in fear.
 
Today's One Thing
Can you declare today, "Lord Jesus, I trust and know today that in Your hands, I am safe and secure."
 
Going Deeper
Psalm 31:9-20; Proverbs 16:9

[Judy Harder]

When God writes His name upon your heart! 
 
For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. —Romans 1:19 (ESV) 
 
There Can Be No Doubt
Hayden sat cross-legged on the blanket in the sand watching his four-year old daughter, Melody run back and forth between him and the waters licking the beach. She was careful not to get too close to the water, but just close enough for it to tickle her toes. Her laughter sang a song that he thought he might never hear.

His wife, Ellen, was told she would never have children, but God's plan for them included three. Hayden looked toward Ellen and watched her cover the top of the twin boys' playpen with a light blanket to shield them from the sun. At nine months old, they were happy to play together with their toys.

He smiled and thought, There is nothing that could ever convince me that God does not exist. Each conception was a miracle. Doctors said Ellen would never conceive, let alone carry twins to full term. And yet, through the miraculous gift of God, she did. The doctors could not explain it, but Hayden and Ellen knew—only God!

The Apostle Paul said we know there is a God because He revealed Himself to us within our hearts. The challenge is not in believing there's a God, but in having your heart open to see the Truth as He reveals it. Sometimes we're just waiting for revelation.
 
Today's One Thing
Have you experienced Him in a way that leaves no doubt that He is? If not, allow Him now to write His name upon your heart!
 
Going Deeper
Romans 1:8-15; Jeremiah 31:31-40

 

[Judy Harder]

Let your life point others to Christ. 
 
For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. —Matthew 24:7 ESV 
 
Trust God and Believe
Thousands of years ago, Noah's world overflowed with evil, violence and corruption. The hearts of men and women were probably not too much different from society today. In the case of Noah's generation, God was so heartbroken by the choices people had made that he regretted creating them. God searched the earth and found one man, Noah, willing to hear Him and do His will.

Noah was a farmer who became a shipbuilder and the only evangelist. Imagine the trust He had in God to obey day after day, building a boat and following God's specific instructions, believing even though he had never experienced rain. It took him 120 years to build the ark. He shared the message of salvation to the people around him. They couldn't imagine rain, much less a flood. No doubt people made fun of him to his face and talked about him in town. People thought he was crazy—only his family believed him.

Noah believed in his heart and stayed on course. He finished his purpose and God did exactly what He had promised. The rain came, the flood covered the earth—and Noah and his family were the only ones who survived.

The Bible is clear—Christ will return—and it will be the same then as it was in the days of Noah. Many will refuse to believe He is coming back, and live their lives their way. Just as Noah held on to what he knew God had told him, you must stay faithful and believe by living your faith so that others will have an opportunity to know Christ and be saved.
 
Today's One Thing
What ONE THING can you do to let your life point others to Him today?
 
Going Deeper
Genesis 6:9-22; Matthew 24:3-14

[Judy Harder]

Expectation plus action brings change.   
 
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." —Romans 1:17 (ESV) 
 
Each Step in Faith
Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase." Many of the world changers, like Martin Luther King Jr., knew sitting around waiting for something to happen would not accomplish anything, and it certainly wouldn't bring the passion burning in his heart for civil liberty forward. He knew the Word of God and believed it—faith without works is dead. You have to put your faith in action and live it out every day.

That is what Martin Luther King Jr. did. Even when the odds were stacked against him and many naysayers telling him it wouldn't happen, he believed in the dream. Expectation plus action brings change.

The reality in King's heart didn't happen overnight, but required small steps of faith and corresponding actions. He became the catalyst that propelled that change. Martin Luther King Jr. was willing to put his faith in action—one step at a time and eventually his dream for civil liberties became a reality.

There are things God wants to do in you and through you, but it requires taking a step of faith and then taking that corresponding action.
 
Today's One Thing
Has God opened doors for you? When he does are you willing to step through?
 
Going Deeper
Romans 1:16-17; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

[Judy Harder]

Resisting the temptation to judge others. 

Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. —Luke 6:37-38 (ESV) 
 
Seeds of Grace
The house was a mess, but it always felt like a mess. With four boys, Candice found it nearly impossible to stay caught up on the laundry and hide the evidence of activity. She picked up the four pair of snowy, wet boots laying in the doorway from the garage and set them neatly to one side. She made sure she shut the laundry room door, silently hoping her sister-in-law wouldn't venture too far from the living room or kitchen during her visit.

She couldn't help but feel like a failure after her sister-in-law, Tara, visited. She was single, organized and meticulous about everything! She never hid her disdain for the lack of organization in Candice's house and always offered "advice" in the form of criticism about how she and her husband Dave, could do a better job with the boys. Now she was bringing her fiancé, Kurt, for introductions to the family.

Once they arrived and conversations began, Candice found herself really liking her soon-to-be brother-in-law. Kurt picked up quickly on Tara's jabs of correction and jumped in. "I come from a big family. I learned right away not to offer family advice to my siblings. I'm sure we won't have all the answers when we start our family, right Tara?" Tara smiled and Candice nodded, thankful for the compassionate grace.

As you are careful about your response in how others respond to the circumstances of life, consider you are sowing seed for some grace you might need during your own challenges in life.
 
Today's One Thing
The next time you're tempted to give some unwanted advice, take the opportunity to sow seeds of grace.
 
Going Deeper
Luke 6:37-42; James 4:11-12

 

[Judy Harder]

Your words are gifts you give to others. 
 
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. —Matthew 12:36-37 (ESV) 
 
The Gift You Give Today
Four-year-old, Stacey, reached into the small gift bag from her grandmother and pulled out a pair of colorful socks. "Socks," she cried. "I hate socks!" Her grandmother tried to console her, "There's another box, honey. The socks go with the outfit."

Quickly, her mother, Janet, pulled Stacey around the corner of the dining room and into the kitchen, just out of earshot of the small gathering of friends and family who had come to celebrate Stacey's birthday. Minutes later, after a quick but firm correction from her mother, Stacey walked back into the dining room with a big smile on her face. "Grammy, I like socks. Thank you for my present."

Your words are gifts you give to others. Like birthday presents carefully chosen and wrapped beautifully, they bring cheer, joy and excitement to both the giver and the receiver. When they are said in haste and without careful consideration, unlike gifts that can be returned, they can't be taken back.

Choose words that are beautiful gifts for others. Wrap your words with tender thought and encouragement and use them to bring joy into your marriage, your family, your workplace and even into the hearts of those you pass on the street.
 
Today's One Thing
What are some words you would like to give to those you love? Write them down and share them with them today.
 
Going Deeper
Psalm 19:14; Matthew 12:33-37

 

[Judy Harder]

It's not what you say you believe, but demonstrating it every day. 
 
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. —1 John 1:5-6 (ESV) 
 
The Authentic Life
Carrie was sick of fake people. She grew up in church watching people act one way in church and another in their daily life. She had been hurt by some of the kids in the college group when they told her she wasn't being very "Christ-like" and yet, the fact that they were excluding her from the group because she wasn't "good enough" made her all the more sure she didn't need Christian friends.

Tiffany noticed that Carrie hadn't been to church in quite some time so she texted her and asked if they could meet. At first, Carrie was reluctant and made excuses but finally gave in. As soon as they sat down with their coffee in hand, Tiffany made her purpose very clear. "I want to apologize for the way some of the college leadership has treated you, and ask for your forgiveness." "Why would you do that," Carrie asked. "You aren't one of the ones who shut me out."

"I didn't stand up and confront the wrong and I should have. Following Christ is not just saying what you believe, but actually living it. I want my actions to mirror the truth of God's Word inside of me."
 
Today's One Thing
How we live speaks to those around us. What choices do you need to make to demonstrate Truth in your relationships? How can you show Christ to others through your choices today?
 
Going Deeper
Isaiah 29:13-19; 1 John 1:5-9

[Judy Harder]

Fueling the passion for your relationship with God. 
 
And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." —Matthew 22:37 (ESV) 
 
Fuel for the Fire
Cassie and Ed sat quietly outside by their fire pit as the last of the fire smoldered. What was hours ago a roaring flame was almost completely out. It had been a beautiful winter evening outside with their friends, as they stayed close and kept warm by the fire. "Ed," Cassie asked, "do you ever feel like your faith is smoldering, kinda like this fire?"

"Sometimes, I do," Ed admitted. "It's like all the busyness of life falls on top of my spirit and I get lost in it, forgetting to spend time in the Bible, in prayer and just being alone with God. Then I look up and there's just a little tiny spark left."

"Remember when we first found God," Cassie whispered. "We were so excited. We told everyone what God had done in our lives. We didn't really care if they wanted to hear it or not."

"Yes, I want it to be like that again," Ed said as he scooted closer to her. "Let's make a commitment to God and to one another this year to keep him the number one priority. I think that works best for me if I put it on my calendar and make time for him every day. We could schedule a little weekend retreat each month, set aside just for him." Cassie nodded her head in agreement.

Fuel the fire of your relationships with God today by scheduling time with God. Spend time in the Bible, reading His Word, in prayer, in worship.
 
Today's One Thing
What ONE THING can you do today that will fuel the fire of your heart and cause you to be more passionate in your relationship with God? Will you act on it today?
 
Going Deeper
Romans 10:17; Psalm 119:105