Today's One Thing

[Judy Harder]

Whatever God has promised, He is faithful to do it! 
 
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. —Proverbs 30:5-6 (ESV) 
 
 
Trust Him to be There for You
Tony closed his laptop and began to pack things away. He really had about fifteen minutes before he needed to leave the office, but he knew if he opened his email right now, he'd get sucked into something pressing and then be late to pick up his son, Marshall, for his baseball game.

When he and Carol were sure they were ready to have children, he made a decision to never break a promise to his children. His own father made promises and broke them daily. He learned quickly he couldn't depend on his father to do what he said. It causes a lot of issues in other relationships for Tony. He had to work hard to open his heart and trust others. It also made it difficult when he received Christ for him to trust the Word of his Heavenly Father. He didn't want any of his children to struggle with that.

"Hey Dad," Marshall said climbing into the car, "is it okay if Alex comes with us? His dad isn't going to make it so I told him you'd be here and he could ride with us."

Tony popped the trunk. "Sure, Alex. Throw your gear in." Tony smiled thinking to himself, Marshall trusts that I will always do what I say I will. I never want to break that trust. He counts on me to be there for him—just like I count on God to be there for me!

God is the ultimate promise keeper. You can trust His Word. Whatever He has promised, He will do!
 
Today's One Thing
Are there times when you fear that God won't come through for you? Open up your Bible today and remind yourself of His promises for your life!
 
Going Deeper
Hebrews 4:1-13; Hebrews 10:19-25
 
Suggested Intentional Living Broadcast
Depressurized Parenting 
 

[Judy Harder]

What can you do to show your adoration to the Lord? No matter the cost, honor Him. 
 
Jesus said, "Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me." —Mark 14:6 (ESV)   
 
Priceless Adoration
It might have sold for a full year's wages back then, about 300 pence or 60 dollars, and would easily be worth four times that amount today.

But no cost was too high for Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, when it came to honoring the man—the Lord—who had raised her brother from the dead. She was criticized for her act of adoration, but she didn't care. Her sole focus was to take the expensive perfume and, following the custom of that time, pour the entire contents of the bottle upon the head of Jesus.

What was the significance? Jesus made it clear: "She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial." (Mark 14:8 ESV). He went on to say in the next verse, "And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her."

So it is, all these centuries later. Mary's reverent action inspires Christians toward worship, and draws non-believers in Jesus to His love. What can you do to show your adoration to the Lord? No matter the cost, honor your Savior. Then seek to deepen your faith in the Lord through worship, Bible reading, and committed prayer. It will compel others to seek Him, too.   
 
Today's One Thing
Write a poem or sing a song to God. Exalt Him with your words.
 
Going Deeper
John 11:17-44; John 12:1-11; Hebrews 11:32-40
 
Suggested Intentional Living Broadcast
Faith 101 

[Judy Harder]

Practice God's principles of love, and they'll carry over to your relationships.   
 
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. —1 Corinthians 13:13 (ESV) 

Rare and Enduring
The modest double-wide mobile home was packed for the occasion as sons and daughters, grandchildren, and relatives close and distant came together to celebrate Evelyn and Arlie. No wonder, since not many couples can boast of a seventy-fifth wedding anniversary. As the duo sat at the kitchen table enjoying their cake and ice cream, a cousin asked the obvious: "How have the two of you stayed together this long?"

Arlie grunted. "I admit I've been a terrible test for her all these years," he said. "She's going to heaven for sure." The comment earned him a quick but loving backhand slap on the shoulder from Evelyn. "Maybe. But I don't have an unkind word to say about Arlie. He's been by my side all the way. I've not always been the easiest person to live with, either."

"So what attracted you to him?" someone else chimed in. She winked. "He had a car, and the rest of the boys didn't." Arlie added. "Yep. It was a Model T Ford touring car. You kids would call it a 'babe magnet' today." The laughter was interrupted by applause as the two leaned in for a quick kiss.

Enduring love is rare these days, but it is possible as you apply today's verse, and the encouragement of all of 1 Corinthians 13, to your life. Whether it's a marriage or a friendship, put into practice God's principles of love, and they'll carry over to your most precious human relationships.
 
Today's One Thing
Tell your spouse or another special person how much you love them—and why.
 
Going Deeper
Romans 13:8-14; Ephesians 5:21-6:4; 2 Timothy 1:5-13
 
Suggested Intentional Living Broadcast
Romancing Your Mate 

[Judy Harder]

Find new purpose and promise as you learn of God's ways and His righteous love. 

There I will give her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. —Hosea 2:15 (ESV) 

Hopeful Twist
He didn't think he'd taken that much. Yet the garment, silver, and gold Achan stole from the spoils of the fall of Jericho were in direct violation of God's holy command. "But you, keep yourselves from the things devoted to destruction, lest when you have devoted them you take any of the devoted things and make the camp of Israel a thing for destruction and bring trouble upon it." (Joshua 6:18 ESV) When Achan was discovered, the loot was delivered to the valley of Achor, and there he and his family paid the ultimate price for his disobedience.

This sad story is given a hopeful twist by Hosea in today's verse. Here, he says the valley of Achor will become a symbol of new life to the people of Israel as He restores them to Himself. From the most unexpected of places and circumstances, God would bring renewed life and destiny.

With the Lord, there is always the possibility of hope. Has a decision of disobedience left you feeling separated from God? Are you in a valley of despair so deep you can't imagine climbing out of it? There are so many poignant stories like Achan's in the Bible. Each one can be a door of new purpose and promise as you learn of God's ways and His righteous love. Read, study, and apply: a vineyard of rich rewards awaits you.

Today's One Thing
Give God your deepest need in prayer, and listen as He gives you renewed hope.
 
Going Deeper
Joshua 7:1-26; Hosea 2:1-23; 1 Timothy 4:1-16
 
Suggested Intentional Living Broadcast
Facing Hard Times 
 

[Judy Harder]

The lighter side of life can help carry you over the humps. 


A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. —Proverbs 17:22 (ESV) 

The Lighter Side of Marriage
The DVD exercise coach was instructing, "Your heels are off the floor this whole time!" Jackie's husband, Kevin, grunted, "Oh, no they aren't."

Jackie couldn't help but chuckle. She marveled at how her husband could make her laugh even while doing something she didn't really feel like doing so early in the morning. Once Kevin had determined he needed to get healthier, she had decided to support his endeavor and exercise with him. It couldn't hurt her either.

Come to think of it, it was Kevin's sense of humor that had helped them through some really tough situations over the fifteen years of their marriage. Just when she felt like giving up, he had a way of lifting her mood with his wit. So much of life is serious and Kevin knew how to get down to business, but his ability to see the lighter side of life had really carried Jackie over some humps.

"Kevin," she huffed as she jogged in place, "Thank you for making me laugh. You'll never know just how much that helps me get through the tough stuff."
 
Today's One Thing
Choose something in particular to thank your spouse for and keep your sense of humor.
 
Going Deeper
Psalm 16:11, Psalm 126:2-3, Romans 12:9-12
 
Suggested Intentional Living Broadcast
Making a Marriage that Lasts 

[Judy Harder]

Reaching out to another = New perspective 
 
As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. —1 Samuel 18:1 (ESV) 


Be a Friend
Cindy had an independent streak. Especially when she got her feelings hurt, she would pull back from those around her. As she sat alone on Friday night, she began to sulk into a pity party. Nobody cares about what happens to me. Here's the proof. I'm alone. God, I need your encouragement right now.

As soon as she said that prayer, her friend Sadie came to her mind. She knew Sadie was struggling with her relationship with her boyfriend, Tim. Cindy picked up her phone and called Sadie, "I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing."

Fifteen minutes later, with a lighter step in her walk, Cindy was grabbing her keys to head out the door to meet Sadie for coffee. She realized her whole perspective had changed. Reaching out to Sadie had taken the focus off of herself and had even brought her encouragement.

Thank you, God, for reminding me that friendship is not just about my needs being met, but it's about choosing to be there for my friends when they're in need as well, Cindy prayed as she pulled onto the highway.
 
Today's One Thing
Reach out to a friend with specific encouragement.
 
Going Deeper
Job 2:11, 2 Kings 2:2, Ruth 1:16-17
 
Suggested Intentional Living Broadcast
4 Steps to Improve Your Friendships 

[Judy Harder]

Your words matter to those who hear them.   
 
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. —Ephesians 4:29 (ESV) 

   
Building Up
Bertha walked into the convenience store with chocolate on her mind. She wasn't thinking about what chocolate she was going to buy, but what chocolate she was going to give away. In her car sat four chocolate crosses, each encased in an Easter yellow box, adorned with sparkling purple ribbon and a lily sprig.

Waiting in line, Bertha overhears the woman ahead of her mock the clerk after learning he's been nominated as Foster Parent of the Year. Her words of sarcasm and jest pierce the clerk's heart, as evidenced in his wounded face. The corrupt words also stab Bertha's heart—and compel her to respond.

As she is exiting the store, Bertha sweetly calls over her shoulder, "How many children do you have?" He answers, "Four. Why?" Quickly, Bertha runs to her car, returns and waits in line until it's her turn. "You're back," the clerk says. "Yep. And these are for you." Bertha hands him the bag containing the four chocolate crosses. "I think it is awesome that you have been nominated as Foster Parent of the Year. These are for your children." After being stung moments before by the words of a stranger, the clerk now beams from the words of another.

Piercing words leave behind only destruction for the hearer and others in earshot, but edifying words build up the ruins and bless all those who hear. Be aware of how your words hurt—or help—those around you. Allow God to speak through you.

Today's One Thing
Find someone who looks discouraged and speak words of encouragement to them.
 
Going Deeper
Colossians 4:2-6; Ephesians 4:29-5:16
 
Suggested Intentional Living Broadcast
Watching Your Words 

[Judy Harder]

When you unite with your brothers and sisters in Christ in worship, you make the church.   

Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you. —Psalm 33:22 (ESV) 
 
Together is Better
One evening during Vacation Bible School at church, a new student was brought into Amy's classroom. The little boy, Josh, had one arm missing, and Amy was nervous that one of the other children would say something insensitive to him. At the end of the night, Amy asked the children to join her in their usual closing ceremony. "Let's make our churches," she said, putting her hands together to form the "church." "Here's the church and here's the steeple, open the doors and—"

Amy stopped, and looked at Josh in horror. She'd done the very thing she feared the other children would do. Then the little girl sitting next to the boy reached over with her left hand and placed it up to his right hand and said, "Josh, let's make the church together."

When you unite with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in worship, you do exactly what that little girl and one-armed boy did: you make the church. You also set the stage for the Lord to display His steadfast love to you—and anyone else visiting that day. So be caring and sensitive to one another, and praise and exalt the Lord as one! Then pray that your church will be a beacon of hope and new life in Jesus to your community, to reflect Christ in unity and declare His Word with boldness.
 
Today's One Thing
Invite a friend to attend church with you this Sunday.
 
Going Deeper
Ephesians 4:1-13; 1 Peter 3:8-15
 
Suggested Intentional Living Broadcast
Taking Christ to Your Neighbor: with Francis Chan 

[Judy Harder]

As you lovingly care for others in need, God will do the incredible through you. 
 
 
She came and told the man of God, and he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest." —2 Kings 4:7 (ESV) 

Widow Care
She really didn't know the man of God well, except that he was an acquaintance of her late husband. She did know, though, that Elijah might be able to help her. Her husband had left her with unpaid debts so large that the creditors were going to take her two sons as slaves in payment. The widow didn't know where else to turn.

Elijah did. He knew his God could do anything—so he asked the woman, "Tell me, what have you in the house?" And she said, "Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil." Then he said, "Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few. Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. And when one is full, set it aside." (2 Kings 4:2-4 ESV)

She did as the man of God directed, and the result was extraordinary. From her single jar of oil, all the vessels were supernaturally filled! She had enough oil to pay off the creditors and save her sons from slavery, and still more leftover for her and her boys to use.

The Bible repeatedly encourages us to lovingly care for widows. They are under the Lord's special protection through us. Do you know someone who needs your help? Your church is a great place to start. Practice widow care, and you'll please God and achieve the incredible.
 
Today's One Thing
Set aside at least $20 and use it to help a widow or someone else in need.
 
Going Deeper
Luke 7:11-17; 1 Timothy 5:1-16; James 1:19-27
 
Suggested Intentional Living Broadcast
Caring for Widows 

[Judy Harder]

God hears the relentless prayers of parents for their children. 

 
But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to their children's children. —Psalm 103:17 (ESV) 

   
Nighttime Ritual
Jason snuggled under the covers while Liz leaned over. They rubbed noses. He giggled and she whispered, "I'll love you forever." A nighttime ritual. She'd just finished praying with five-year-old Jason after reading a Bible story from the book's color-brushed pages.

After tucking him in bed, Liz stretched across the family room couch. She wrapped herself in comforting thoughts envisioning Jason's strong future in the Lord. From then through his high school years, they prayed together as a family, and talked about the Lord and His ways.

Then the wild college days hit. Jason partied frequently, getting drunk with friends. Praying with his parents was nonexistent. Tears ran down Liz's face almost daily as she recalled those childhood nighttime routines and his faith. Nighttimes for her now meant tossing in bed, wringing the covers like wet clothes in a washer. "God!" she cried out. "Aren't you hearing our prayers? Save my son!" She and her husband remained relentless in prayer.

Slowly but surely, the Lord began mending their relationship. One day, Jason invited them over for breakfast. Just before eating, Jason touched Liz's hand and said, "Let's pray." The nighttime ritual was being gloriously revived, and joyous peace swept through her spirit as she again thought about those precious words: "I'll love you forever."

Children cannot ride the coattails of their parents' faith, but there are biblical principles that can bring hope on the darkest days. Pray with your children and set an example.
 
Today's One Thing
Commit to pray each day with your children while they are young and open.
 
Going Deeper
Deuteronomy 6:6-25; Joel 1:1-14; Mark 10:13-27
 
Suggested Intentional Living Broadcast
Your Kids and Their Faith