Today's One Thing

[Judy Harder]

Jealousy can become a detour in your life that could take you out of the way of God's best.


A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. —Proverbs 14:30 (ESV) 

 

A Spring-Cleaning in Your Heart
Mariah angrily threw her laptop, purse and jacket into the backseat of her car. She took a deep breath before settling behind the wheel of her car. Her best friend, Sheila slipped into the passenger side of the car.

"Why do you let him get under your skin, anyway? You are both extremely talented in very different ways," Sheila encouraged, sipping on her soda as Mariah backed out of the parking lot.

"It just seems like wherever I go; he goes. Whatever projects I bid on; he bids on. His work is good; just different. He just rubs me the wrong way."

"Are you jealous of him?" Sheila asked digging a little deeper than Mariah was comfortable with.

"Wow! I guess so," Mariah admitted as she slid her car into the left lane and waited for the green left turn arrow. "I'm not normally jealous. I ask the Lord to bring me the clients He desires me to work with. I must really have some leftover anger since he got the art gallery contract I really wanted."

"Yeah, but look how God opened doors after that for you."

"Sheila, you are so good for me. You make me look at myself in real time! I need to ask the Lord to do some spring-cleaning in my heart. I don't want to be jealous or resentful about this—or anything else."

Jealousy can become a detour in your life that could take you out of the way of God's best. It can impact your emotions and fill your heart and mind with thoughts contrary to God's Word. When you choose to trust Him to direct your path, you will find that it's not about beating the competition, but following His lead.
 
Today's One Thing
What ONE THING do you need to follow God's lead on today?
 
Going Deeper
James 4:1-12; 2 Corinthians 12:11-21

[Judy Harder]

The stories of the Bible are true and can be trusted. 



Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. —Luke 9:16 (ESV) 

Pure Fact
"Magic" is defined as the power of apparently influencing the course of events by using mysterious or supernatural forces. Yet a magician will tell you performing magic is actually mastering the art of illusion: using sleight of hand or deceptive devices to produce a misleading or false impression of reality.

Skeptics who read the story of Jesus' feeding of the throng of people from Luke 9 can only assume the story is pure fiction, because no sleight of hand could've produced the amount of food needed to feed an estimated 5,000 people from a pair of fish and five loaves of bread. Even the disciples were perplexed: "Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions," they insisted to Jesus, "for we are here in a desolate place." (Luke 9:12 ESV) But Christ told His followers to have the people break into groups of about 50 people each, and then proceeded to say the prayer from today's verse. What happened? The people were fed to the full, and a dozen baskets of leftovers remained. Only real magic—actual supernatural forces—could do that.

From Genesis to the Gospels to Revelation, the stories of the Bible are true and can be trusted. The Lord of Scripture could do anything then, and He can perform all things today. Have faith for the miracle you need right now. Believe God's Word!
 
Today's One Thing
Read Scripture, then pray for your most overwhelming need. Trust God will respond.
 
Going Deeper
Psalm 55:1-17; Matthew 21:18-22; John 10:25-38

[Judy Harder]

Develop a lifestyle of praise to God and live with joy! 


Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! —Psalms 32:11 (ESV) 
 

Enthusiasm Finder
She'd heard about the madness of it all, but nothing prepared Teri for what she experienced as she accompanied her boyfriend Alex to the party to watch the big championship game. Balloons and streamers with team colors floated near the ceiling, and cookies, chips, and even the obligatory fruit plate filled the folding table at the side of the room. The television was enormous, way bigger than the one that dotted a corner of her small apartment. Yet the thing Teri noticed most of all after the game started was the open, unabashed enthusiasm her boyfriend's buddies, and even their wives or girlfriends, showed toward their team. They screamed, they cheered, they jumped up and down—all for a bunch of guys in baggy shorts bouncing around a ball.

Then she thought about her own enthusiasm about her hobbies, her job, her faith: and found herself curiously lacking. Why couldn't she have this same sort of childlike joy for the life or her Lord? Later that night before bed, Teri prayed, "God, help me be as thrilled about you, and what you're doing in me, as Alex and his friends are about sports. Let me learn to live with joy!"

Sometimes it's the strangest things that cause you to notice what you're missing. Are you lacking enthusiasm for life? Do you want to develop a lifestyle of praise to God? Ask the Lord to work in your mind and heart. He'll give you plenty to shout about.
 
Today's One Thing
Do a Word study on "joy." What does it teach you to be happy about? Make a list.
 
Going Deeper
Psalm 65:1-13; Isaiah 51:3-11; Colossians 1:10-20


 

[Judy Harder]

God will use everything that happened to you and in you to accomplish His purposes. 

Be still, and know that I am God. —Psalm 46:10 (ESV) 
     
Not Done Yet
Annabelle looked around at the large banquet hall, glanced across at the others seated with her at the round table, and still couldn't help but wonder why she was here.

Invited by a friend, she knew coming was a good idea. This ministry organization was doing incredible work in her community, and her involvement with them would certainly be a positive experience. But she was about to retire from lifelong church work, and was still reeling from the losses of both her husband and mother in the past year. She really didn't know what her next step in life should be. Annabelle nibbled at her salad. "Am I still useful, Lord?" she wondered silently. "Do I still have a purpose with you?"

As the ministry leader shared his vision, a still, small voice began speaking to Annabelle's spirit. "My daughter," it said. "Everything that's happened to you, and every ability I've nurtured within you, has been for my purposes. Listen." Just then, the speaker shared a need within the organization—specific, vital, and ideal for Annabelle's skill set. Her heart leaped. "That's it!" she said, just loud enough to earn a surprised look from the woman next to her. Annabelle smiled and realized she was about to cry, but she didn't care. "I know what God wants me to do next," she whispered to the woman. "I'm not done yet."

Where are you? Listen. He is God, and He still has a purpose for you.
 
Today's One Thing
Commit to the Lord in prayer that you will not hesitate to obey when He speaks to you.
 
Going Deeper
Psalm 66:8-20; John 10:1-14

[Catwoman]

Love reading you, Miss Judy.    You post the best stuff!!! 

[Judy Harder]

Christ is more than powerful enough to meet your greatest need.   


This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. —John 2:11 (ESV) 


Supernaturally Sweet
It could be argued it was a miracle of convenience. Little is known about how a wedding was performed in the Holy Land in the time of Christ, but it is known the feast was important and could carry on for days. To fail in hospitality was a serious offense, so it made sense Jesus' mother Mary would want to spare the hosts of the wedding at Cana in Galilee needless embarrassment.

At her prompting, Christ asked some servants to fill six stone jars with ordinary water. He then made them extraordinary. He turned the water into wine, and it wasn't the cheap stuff: the guests credited the bridegroom for saving the choicest wine for last. The bridegroom surely had no idea what had happened, but centuries later his wedding feast remains immortalized in the pages of the Bible because of what Jesus did: His first recorded miracle.

You serve a miracle-working Lord, and today you may need something more than a miracle of convenience. Perhaps you have recently lost a loved one and need comfort; or find yourself unemployed and need provision; or are recovering from a broken relationship and need restoration. Whatever it is, Jesus is more than powerful enough to turn your sour circumstances into something supernaturally sweet. Ask, trust, and receive from Him!
 
Today's One Thing
As His disciple and child, believe God for your need in prayer. Expect Him to respond.
 
Going Deeper
Exodus 14:13-31; Matthew 7:7-11; John 2:1-11


 

[Judy Harder]

There is a fountain to refresh eternally all those who are parched by sin and suffering.   

Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. —John 4:14 (ESV) 
 

Unabashed Testimony
The woman you meet in John 4 is much like anyone who might visit your church this weekend. She had a questionable past, yet her innermost heartaches left her thirsty and seeking something more—something better.

Her encounter with Jesus Christ, this man who could give her "living water," was unexpected, even shocking. His knowledge of God, and of her supposedly hidden secrets, certainly startled her. It also changed her life. Leaving her water jar beside the well, she went back into town and told anyone who would listen: "Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?" (John 4:29 ESV) As a result, many Samaritans from that town believed in Jesus as the Messiah because of her unabashed testimony.

"The story of the conversion of the woman of Samaria has a universal meaning," wrote Edith Deen in All the Women of the Bible. "She is the prototype of women everywhere who live for carnal pleasures. It is comforting to know today, that as it was in the time of Jesus, there is a fountain to refresh eternally all those who are parched by sin and suffering."

Are you thirsty today? Drink from God's goodness and be restored. Then, when you enter your house of worship this Sunday, look around. Pick out someone you've never seen before, and introduce yourself. Invite them back. Pray for them. Ask God to draw them to His ever-flowing love.
 
Today's One Thing
Like Jesus at the well, offer someone the living water of your Lord.
 
Going Deeper
Isaiah 55:1-13; John 7:25-40; Revelation 22:1-11

[Judy Harder]

Others will place you in a position of trust—if you treat them with kindness.   


Thus says the Lord of hosts, "Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another." —Zechariah 7:9 (ESV) 


Soothing Self-Talk
The moment Sarah walked inside, the ambiance of the coffee shop bathed her with relief. As she got in line, she sensed the wisdom of her decision to leave the house for awhile. Her husband Bill gratefully agreed to watch the grandkids; he knew why she was upset. Her son Jon and his wife Joanna were still making irresponsible financial decisions, and now they had the audacity to ask if her and Bill would watch the kids next weekend so they could go to California. It was ridiculous, and Sarah told them so. They left in a huff, prompting Sarah's coffee run to cool off her emotions.

As she sat sipping her mocha, a college girl tried to order, but her card was rejected. Without hesitation, the older gentleman behind her bought the girl's drink, and then was surprised himself when the cashier let him get his drink for free in response to his act of kindness. Kindness. "I haven't been the least bit kind to Jon or Joanna lately," she told herself. "All I've been is critical. I was young once. I spent stupidly. But I learned from my mistakes. They will, too." She left the coffee shop. "Thank you, Lord," Sarah whispered as she retrieved her car keys. "I'll apologize, and then be positive and helpful if they ask for advice."

Others will be more likely to place you in a position of influence and trust—if you treat them with kindness. Quench your critical spirit, and show mercy.
 
Today's One Thing
Speak words of encouragement to the person in your family who is most difficult.
 
Going Deeper
Proverbs 15:1-7; Galatians 5:16-26; Colossians 3:12-21

[Judy Harder]

You can be the Father God purposed you to be.   



And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction. —Malachi 4:6 (ESV) 
 


Be the Father Your Children Need
Keith looked across the yard at his dad as he chased one of his grandsons carrying the football. He looked at his wife, Amy, who waddled toward him expecting their first child. "What's up?" she smiled. "You have a funny look on your face."

"I was just thinking about what a great childhood I had and what a great dad I have. I hope I can be like him in many ways." Amy sat down in the lawn chair next to Keith and nodded, urging him to continue. "My dad was strict with us, but taught us to believe God and believe in ourselves. He demanded obedience but also extended grace when we needed it. He was an excellent provider and modeled his faith in front of us."

Amy took his hand. "You're going to do great with our baby. You and I have lots of support and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Your dad raising you has prepared you to be the father God has called you to be."

You can be the father God wants you to be. Everyone makes mistakes, but God gives grace. Even if your father wasn't the greatest role model, you have the help of the Holy Spirit to teach you how to be the father God desires you to be for your children.
 
Today's One Thing
Are you listening to the Holy Spirit as you grow in fatherhood? Take time to hear His voice today.
 
Going Deeper
Colossians 3:18-25; Proverbs 1:1-33

[Judy Harder]

God will fulfill your dream, in His timing, as you trust in Him and take a risk. 

 
May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans! —Psalms 20:4 (ESV) 
   

Master Maestro
When they met, Alan sensed God had orchestrated the encounter. He loved coaching writers, and Millie enthusiastically shared how she'd been journaling, writing stories and devotionals, and was excited to join his writers group. The next day she sent him some samples of her writing—and an added note: "Many years ago, I wrote in my journal a prayer that went something like this: 'Father God, please use the writings you have given me in a way that would bring you glory. It is my desire to be published, to share what you have spoken to me. Please, Lord, answer the desire of my heart.' After writing that prayer, I continued to write even though I wasn't seeing an answer to my prayer."

She concluded, "Last night after we talked, I got in my car and cried and shook my head and asked God if meeting you was the beginning to Him answering my prayer of long ago and fulfilling the desire of my heart. I'm almost too afraid to believe it could be true."

Millie is about to be published for the first time. Her writing will be read by thousands of people. She knows this is just the beginning of what God is going to do with her writing!

Has God given you a dream, or perhaps equipped you to help someone achieve their heartfelt desire. Trust the Lord, take a risk, and seek to be used by Him.
 
Today's One Thing
Do something to boldly step forward toward the dream God has planted in your heart.
 
Going Deeper
Psalm 37:3-9; Romans 12:1-8; Ephesians 5:15-21