Today's One Thing

[Judy Harder]

There is no time limit on how long you should pray for your breakthrough. 

Pray without ceasing. —1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV) 
 
Don't Stop Believing
When the phone call came, it was utterly unexpected, and more like something out of a dream.

"Mom?" There was a pause, the wail of a siren in the background. "It's me."

Janis hardly knew what to think. "Sarah? Honey, where are you? Are you okay?"

"Yes, Mom, I'm all right." Janis swore she could hear her daughter's smile. It's been so long since she'd actually seen it. "I'm at the bus stop downtown. I was wondering if you could come get me."

Janis' heart leaped in her chest. But she also remembered her condition. "You know what I told you six months ago. You have to give up that life. You have to be ready to leave those people behind and—"

"I know, Mom. And I have. I'm ready. It took this long, too long. But I'm ready. And I'm a little hungry, too."

Janis knew her response betrayed her tears, but she hardly cared. "I'm grabbing the car keys now, sweetie. I'll be right there, and—I love you."

How long should you pray for your miracle? Whether you are believing God for a financial need, a job, the mending of a broken relationship, or even the return of a prodigal, the answer is clear. Keep praying; keep trusting; never let go of your hope in Him. When the night in your soul seems darkest, His light will still shine through. 
 
Today's One Thing
Ask God again to perform the incredible for you, and give Him praise in the waiting.
 
Going Deeper
Romans 1:1-12; Ephesians 6:10-20; Colossians 1:3-14

 

[Judy Harder]

Good physical health habits will feed your spiritual life.
 
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him. —Colossians 2:6 (ESV) 
 
Fresh Vitality
Rick locked the front door and felt the brisk morning air brush his face. The sun still rested behind the mountains, but the light of the coming sunrise traced the sky, kissing the thin clouds with a pink hue. He didn't want to get up early this morning; it'd been a long week. Yet he rose and put on his exercise gear anyway, knowing that once he got outside, he'd be good to go.

He stopped jogging after the knee surgery. Age was relentlessly catching up to him. Still, he could walk—the fitness books said to "walk with purpose"—and so he did, most every morning, understanding that his present and future health was not only important to him and his family; it was important to God. To serve His Lord with continued vigor, he needed to be strong. "Lord, keep me safe as I walk, and let it bring energy to my body and soul. Amen." Prayer spoken, Rick took his first step onto the sidewalk.

You've likely heard the saying, "Exercise is its own reward." That's true, but even more so for Rick, because the discipline he gained by consistently walking also fed his persistence to serve God, study His Word, and maintain His prayer life. Your physical walk—or whatever exercise is best for you—will also aid your spiritual walk in Him. So move your body and stay healthy, and you'll bring fresh vitality to your spirit and soul.
 
Today's One Thing
Spend 30 minutes exercising, then thank God for what He enabled you to achieve.
 
Going Deeper
Psalm 37:23-31; Proverbs 4:10-22; Colossians 3:12-17

 

[Judy Harder]

Each day is a gift from God, and He'll be with you in the triumphs and the toil. 
 
Everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil – this is God's gift to man. —Ecclesiastes 3:13 (ESV) 
 
His Promised Presence
Nicole closed the door and walked into the backyard. Her hand wiped away the perspiration from her brow as she squinted toward the fast-setting sun. "I never thought this day would end," she said quietly, seeing it all again, flash screens of her day shuffling by as though she was flipping the lever on a toy View-Master. The coffee sloshing onto Dave's lap, not enough to burn him but plenty enough to stain his new slacks; Justin tripping and scraping his hand as they rounded the last corner on the walk to school; the hose on the washing machine splitting open to spray cold water all over the laundry room. It had certainly been a day for spills, of that she was certain.

Then Nicole glanced inside to spy her husband and son clearing the kitchen table—and she couldn't help but smile. She looked back at the horizon, the sun now tucked behind the hills. "Thank you, Lord," she said, "for giving me this day, the bad and the good." She felt the warmth of His presence with the soft orange glow of the sky.

Each day is a gift from God. That doesn't mean it'll be trouble-free—but it is yours, given by a loving Lord who promises to be with you in the triumphs and the toil. Allow that assurance to cause you to take pleasure in what has already happened, and spark hope within you for what's still ahead.     
 
Today's One Thing
Look back at the events of this day with thankfulness for how God has been with you.
 
Going Deeper
Psalm 34:1-10; Hebrews 10:19-24; 32-36

[Judy Harder]

There are moments in life when we can only trust in the provision of God.   

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. —2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) 
 
Never Let You Down
"Honey, you know there's no way we can do this right now."

Will looked at his wife Emily and saw the frustration etched in her face. No, it was something more diabolical. Fear.

"But you know we have no other choice. We can't make it without a car." He felt his leg muscles tightening, his body ready to run, to flee from this latest financial blow. But something, someone, held him firm. "It's been hard enough you having to ride the bus every day to and from the restaurant after the other car broke down. We have to get this one fixed."

He watched Emily slump deeper into the sofa. She took a deep breath. "But how?"

Will called forth all the faith he could draw from his spirit. He sat down next to Emily and took her hand. "We'll take what's left in the savings, which should cover the repair. Then we'll pray... a lot. We have to trust God. He's never let us down in the past. He won't start now."

There are situations in life when we come to the end of ourselves and can only trust in the provision on God. Yet as we rely on the Lord, a curious thing happens: the fear that once paralyzed us is vanquished by the Holy Spirit and replaced with His strength. As His power and love is kindled within us, we also find a self-control and perspective that can only come from God. Believe Him today!
 
Today's One Thing
Trust God to provide for your need, and allow Him to remove your fear.
 
Going Deeper
Jeremiah 42:7-12; Romans 8:12-27

[Judy Harder]

Are you hesitant to forgive someone who has hurt you?   
 
Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. —Colossians 3:13 (ESV) 
 
Set Yourself Free
Cassie clinched her fist and her jaw tightened. "What is it," her mother, Sandra, asked. "It's that girl, Rebecca that accused me of stealing her Spanish notebook. She never said she was sorry for accusing me, even after the principal found it at the bottom of her locker. That was, of course, after they had searched my locker for it."

"Honey, I'm so sorry that happened to you. I know it hurt your feelings for someone to think you would steal."

"Yes, almost everyone believed her."

"Well, I know it's hard, and she didn't apologize, but you need to forgive her anyway," Sandra encouraged. "Anger, bitterness and resentment are natural feelings when someone has hurt you. But you have to let go of those feelings or they will eat you up inside. God loves you and He wants you to forgive, for your benefit more than anyone else's."

"It's hard," Cassie, replied, with tears in her eyes. "I'm still angry at her. Will you pray with me now, before I go inside, that God will help me let it go?" Sandra took Cassie's hand and they bowed their heads.

Are you hesitant to forgive someone who has hurt you? Corrie ten Boom said, "Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and handcuffs of hate. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness." Set yourself free by choosing to forgive today.
 
Today's One Thing
What ONE THING do you need to forgive today? Take a moment and talk to God about it now.
 
Going Deeper
Matthew 26:26-29; Luke 24:44-48

 

[Judy Harder]

God has authorized you to reach your destiny. 
 
Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. —Hebrews 10:35-36 (ESV) 
 
You CAN!
It would be a catastrophe if you missed the opportunities to obtain your complete potential just because you lacked confidence.

In her book, So Long, Insecurity: You've Been A Bad Friend To Us, Beth Moore writes: "As long as we live, our self-absorption and our insecurity will walk together, holding hands and swinging them back and forth like two little girls on their way to a pretend playground they can never find. Human nature dictates that most often we will be as insecure as we are self-absorbed. The best possible way to keep from getting sucked into the superficial narcissistic mentality that money, possessions, and sensuality can satisfy and secure us is to deliberately give ourselves to something much greater...[Christ] showed us that giving, rather than getting, is the means to receiving...to find yourself, your true self, you must lose yourself in something larger."

God has given you everything you need to reach the full potential He has placed within you. When you know who you are in Christ, you can realize your dreams and desires. He promised to guide you and make all of His resources available to you. With His help, you can tackle any challenge life throws your way.

Today's One Thing
What ONE THING do you need to settle in your heart today so that you can walk confidently into the future God has for you?
 
Going Deeper
1 John 3:19-24; Psalm 20:7

[Judy Harder]

When you come together to serve one another, you receives more than you may ever expect. 
 
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. —Proverbs 11:25 (ESV) 
 
The Gifts of Friendship and Service
Maggie's dogs were barking. Something was going on in the front yard. She peeked out the kitchen window to see a team of people traipsing around in her front yard. Still in her housecoat, she opened the front door and Peter, a friend of her husband, Michael, from their church group, stood in front of her with a weed-eater in hand.

"Hey Maggie," he started, "We thought we'd come and work on the yard today. I know you have had your hands full with Michael deployed, so here we are." Maggie was speechless so she just smiled. Peter continued, "If you'll open the garage door, we'll get the riding lawn mower fired up and mulch these leaves up for you."

"Right away," Maggie replied softly. "I'll get dressed and come and help you guys, too."

"Oh, no." Peter said adamantly. "This is our gift to you and Michael."

A few hours later Maggie brought some tea and sandwiches out onto the back patio and motioned for the team to come on over and take a break. About ten men and women settled on her back porch. "Thank you all for coming and doing this. The yard looks 100 times better than it has since we moved in. It is truly a gift."

When you come together to serve one another, you receive more than you may ever expect. Share the love of God through the gifts of friendship and service today.
 
Today's One Thing
Where would the Lord have you demonstrate His love through service today?
 
Going Deeper
Matthew 25:35-40; 1 John 3:11-24


 

[Judy Harder]

Perseverance is the key to attaining your goals and reaching your dreams.   
 
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. —James 1:12 (ESV) 
 
By Perseverance
Going to school to finish his bachelor's degree with a full time job and a family was an overwhelming thought to Darin, from the very beginning. He and his wife, Jane, had prayed about it and felt it was the right thing to do. "We'll make adjustments in our schedules to accommodate your studies. I'll take up slack with the boy's activities too."

Over the next year and a half, Darin pushed hard. There were days he really wanted to quit. He felt the drain of energy, but he kept his goal in sight as he remained faithful to his commitments. He was able to keep his grades high, make time for his studies, his job and even make most of the boys' baseball games and some of their school activities.

He took the whole family out to dinner and a movie to celebrate his achievement the day he received his degree in the mail. Six months later, he was offered a promotion—which would never have been a possibility with his company without the completed degree.

Perseverance is the ability to remain fixed on something until it is finished. It is the key to attaining your goals and reaching your dreams.
 
Today's One Thing
Is there something you are striving to accomplish? Hold fast to your commitment and refuse to give up today.
 
Going Deeper
James 1:2-17; Galatians 6:1-9


 

[Judy Harder]

Are you still rescuing your child from life lessons he or she needs to learn? 
 
 
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. —1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV) 


Intentionally Parenting Your Teen
Colton's father, Josh, noticed each morning that his son was hitting the snooze button more and more frequently. He mentioned to his wife, Denise, "I think Colton is staying up too late and having trouble getting up in the morning." Denise smiled. "I guess this is our first test in treating him like an accountable young man now that he's 13. He will have to suffer the consequences."

"Okay, so we're agreed that we're not going to 'help' him with this," Josh confirmed. "Right," Denise replied.

The next morning Colton hit the snooze button one too many times and then bolted to the kitchen to find his breakfast on the table, cold. "Mom, why didn't you wake me up," he asked shoveling his food into his mouth. "I'm going to miss the bus."

"You're a teenager now," Denise told him. "It's your responsibility to get up and get ready in time for the bus." He looked at his father, for support. "Better bust a move," his Dad affirmed his mother's remark.

Colton slid his feet into his shoes, grabbed his coat and backpack with one hand, and shoved his toast into his mouth with the other as he ran out the front door just as the bus driver honked.

As the door slammed shut, Josh said to Denise. "That was kinda hard, but I kept telling myself, I will not rescue my child from life lessons he needs to learn—when I do, I weaken him." She winked at him and tossed him his lunch as she said, "Way to go, intentional parent!"

Today's One Thing
Are you still rescuing your child from life lessons he or she needs to learn? What ONE THING can you do today to help them take responsibility for themselves?
 
Going Deeper
1Timothy 4:6-16; Romans 13:1-14

[Judy Harder]

Keeping your commitments means doing what you say you're going to do—not some of the time but all of the time.   

I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips. —Psalm 89:34 (ESV) 
 
Keeping the Trust
Gretchen was tired of Brad's lame excuses. He was her co-worker, not her employee, but his delays on his project cost her team time, money and resources. She decided to confront him one afternoon. "Brad, can I talk to you," she asked politely interrupting his thoughts as he sat in front of his computer.

"Sure," he replied. "What's up?"

"I'm extremely frustrated in trying to meet our deadlines for upcoming projects. I really need your help. When you tell me you can deliver your part of the creative elements on a certain date, I take you at your word. However, over the past few months, I no longer trust you to keep your commitments. I need a solution to help me facilitate our timing. It sets our team back every time I have to make adjustments because your deadlines are missed."

Brad squirmed uncomfortably. "I know I'm not good at managing my projects," he admitted. "What can I do?"

"First, give me a realistic date that you are truly going to work toward. Hit that date 9 out of 10 times, and I'll give you grace on the tenth one. When you are committed, it puts money into the company, and it makes you look successful in front of the team."

"Deal," Brad agreed, shaking Gretchen's hand.

Keeping your commitments means doing what you say you're going to do—not some of the time but all of the time. Let God be our example—He always keeps His commitments.

Today's One Thing
What ONE THING could you do today that would help you keep the commitments you've made?
 
Going Deeper
Psalm 89:19-37; Ecclesiastes 5:1-7