Today's One Thing

[Judy Harder]

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9


Justice and Mercy
God is just. However, He often delays His justice so people can come to know Him. For example, Dr. Cyril E.M. Joad, the former head of the Philosophy Department at the University of London, and some of his colleagues, may have done more to undermine the faith of the collegiate world of recent generations. Dr. Joad taught that God was an impersonal part of the cosmos and that there is no accountability to Him. Yet, God did not strike him dead or give him a crippling disease. Before he died, Dr. Joad became a zealous follower of Jesus Christ. Most likely many of his followers started a relationship with Jesus Christ as a result of his testimony and writings.

God’s delayed justice is an opportunity for Him to show His mercy to many. Follow your Father’s example--examine your motivations in the way you deal with difficult people. Look for opportunities to extend mercy!


Today’s One Thing
Thank God for ways that He has shown you mercy by delaying justice.


Going Deeper
Galatians 6:7; Romans 2:1-4

 

[Judy Harder]

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16


Reflect God's Glory
Jesse had his first taste of alcohol as a child and became an alcoholic by fourteen.  By age thirty-six, Jesse was a drunk and drug user living on the streets. After a tragic train accident and then a suicide attempt, Jesse landed in jail. While he sat in his cell, Jesse reviewed his life. A man named Leon was his cell mate and helped him read the Gospel of John three times. For the first time, Jesse heard the truth of God's Word and trusted Jesus with his life. When he was released, Jesse began a ministry to share his faith with homeless people.

Just as Jesus Christ dramatically transformed Jesse's life, He also can do the same for you. Like Jesse, your life can then reflect God's glory shining through your love, mercy and grace toward others. Imagine what a difference you could make in the lives of your family, friends and coworkers!


Today's One Thing
Make an intentional effort to extend love, mercy and grace to a stranger today.


Going Deeper
Psalm 105:1-4; 1 Peter 2:12

 

[Judy Harder]

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:29


Unlimited Source of Strength
James Hudson Taylor was a pioneer missionary who shared the message of Jesus to the people of inland China. On the outside, Taylor may have appeared as a pillar of strength. But the pressures and demands of growing ministry responsibilities were taking their toll. He felt overwhelmed and frustrated. Taylor struggled and felt powerless against temptation.

Then Taylor received a letter from a fellow missionary, John McCarthy. McCarthy encouraged him to rest in the fact that Jesus loves him. He encouraged Taylor not to strive or struggle to do the right thing but to just trust in God for power and peace. Taylor realized how fruitless and vain his previous exertions were and he took McCarthy's advice.

As a result, the difference in Taylor's life became apparent to everyone around him. Whenever he spoke, a new sense of peace seemed to flow from him. Troubles did not worry Taylor as before. He spent more time in prayer and thanked God for being the source of his strength to handle his pressures and temptations.

God is not only the unlimited source of strength but He will give it to you when you trust in Him.


Today's One Thing
The Bible says, "The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace (Psalm 29:11). Think about that today when you experience stress.


Going Deeper
Psalm 28:7; Ephesians 6:10

 

[Judy Harder]

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9


God Always Listens
During NASA's Apollo 13 flight, three astronauts were scheduled to walk on the moon. Just after they blasted off, there was an explosion on their ship. The astronauts aborted their plans to make a moon landing and it appeared they would not have enough engine power and oxygen to return to earth alive. For agonizing hours, they orbited behind the moon, out of reach of radio contact with Mission Control in Houston. All over the country Americans prayed for the safety of the astronauts. The country breathed a sigh of relief when radio contact was reestablished and Apollo 13 successfully landed home.

It's important to remember that God is no less present behind the shadow of the moon then right beside you right now. He hears you, sees you, walks with you and cares for you no matter where you are. Your Creator is not limited by time or space or height or depth. He is always with you whether you are taking giant steps or baby steps of faith.


Today's One Thing
Think about a difficult situation when you were thankful for God's presence.


Going Deeper
Isaiah 65:24

 

[Judy Harder]

Am I only a God nearby, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?' declares the Lord. 'Do not I fill heaven and earth?' declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 23:23-24


God is Present
With current technology, you can be physically present in one country while seeing and talking to someone in another part of the world. In a sense, you are "present" through your face on the screen although you are not physically in the same room with the other person.

The Bible says that God is Spirit. He doesn't dwell in three-dimensional space as we do. He is present everywhere in the fullest sense at the same time. God is no less present in one portion of the world than any other. There is not a sliver of space anywhere in the universe where He is not powerfully present with all of His wonderful attributes. Most of all, no matter where you are and what you are doing right now, God is present with you.


Today's One Thing
Thank God that wherever you go today, He is right there with you.


Going Deeper
Psalm 139:1-10

 

[Judy Harder]

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:29


No Favorites
Special interest groups often seek preferential treatment because of their cause or agenda. Many people around the world suffer because of treatment given to others based on their ethnic preference, gender bias, religious prejudice or socioeconomic class discrimination. Others live in fear if they do not give preferential worship to the gods of money, sports or beauty. Too many young people have been led into a life of misery because they believed others would accept them if they joined a special clique or group.

In today's society where bribes, corruption and preferential treatment prevail, the Bible says that God does not show favoritism. Only He is able to help us rise above our sinful preferences to become impartial in our dealings with others. 

Ask the Lord to help you exhibit more of His impartial views in your attitudes and actions with friends, family and co-workers. When you emulate God's perspective about equality, you will experience greater freedom.


Today's One Thing
Ask God to free you from prejudice as you intentionally show kindness to a stranger today.


Going Deeper
Romans 2:5-11

[Judy Harder]

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.
Isaiah 53:4 NIV


Beautiful Scars
Looking at the almost stitch-like marks on her own forearms was eerie for Jessica. The lines of past pain reminded her of the emotional pit that had encouraged her cutting habit. As a younger woman, she struggled with the loneliness, self-doubt, and societal pressures of the world, and in her darkness, she shut down her feelings, trying to hide from the deadly roller coaster of depression. Jessica described her cutting as "the only way to feel," after deadening herself to all emotion.

Looking back, she remarks, "I settled for pain because I thought joy was impossible, but I finally realized God is in control of both."

You may have struggled similarly. Perhaps your scars are only on the inside. But no matter what marks you bear from this broken world, Jesus has already healed your scars with His, and He has already borne the greater suffering.


Today's One Thing
In your lost and forgotten times, remember that Christ brought hope into your life for exactly this moment.


Going Deeper
Isa 53; John 5:12-26

[Judy Harder]

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repay their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.
I Timothy 5:4


God's Plan for the Next Generation 
your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." God's definition of honor includes the care and protection of the elderly, as well as the young. Older adults have had experiences that often produce wisdom, allowing God to use the elderly to teach the young.

The story of Ruth and Naomi illustrates God's desire and intent for his people. Naomi was left a widow in a foreign country. Too old to remarry, she decided to go back to Judah and live the remainder of her life among relatives. Ruth, one of her two daughter's-in-law – both widows themselves – chose to go with her and care for her. Why? Because of her love for and devotion to Naomi, her mother. Honoring Naomi by following her guidance, Ruth marries Boaz, Naomi's wealthy relative, assuring Naomi's care, protection and provision.

Caring for the elderly is God's plan for future generations. The wisdom they offer is essential to guiding the young through the difficulties of life. They are God's faithful teachers.


Today's One Thing
Honor and care for all the elderly in your life and let them know they are loved and have a purpose!


Going Deeper
Proverbs 23:22, Ruth 1-4

[Judy Harder]

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
Mark 4:39 NIV


Peace Amidst Chaos
Go to your cupboard and get a glass. Pour it full of water, place it on a flat surface, and stare at it for a minute. What happens?

The water settles, the bubbles float, then pop, and then... Nothing, right?

But if you were to look at that glass through an electron microscope, you would see the most random chaos of molecules shooting around so fast there would be little sense to it. Microscopic physics are at work everywhere, and though all seems peaceful, so much more is happening undetected by the five senses; from invisible chaos comes visible order.

Sometimes, that's how God works in our lives, especially through relationships. Today may deliver stress from your closest friends and family, or a complete stranger. But keep in mind the Lord moves powerfully through the presence of other people in your life. There is stillness despite the clutter, and perspective despite the anguish. Those moments are precious.


Today's One Thing
In today's chaos, take time to be still and seek the peace of God during trying times—especially in your relationships.


Going Deeper
Romans 2:5-11

[Judy Harder]

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repay their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.
I Timothy 5:4


God's Plan for the Next Generation
God has a heart for the elderly. In Exodus 20:12, God commanded the children of Israel to "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." God's definition of honor includes the care and protection of the elderly, as well as the young. Older adults have had experiences that often produce wisdom, allowing God to use the elderly to teach the young.

The story of Ruth and Naomi illustrates God's desire and intent for His people. Naomi was left a widow in a foreign country. Too old to remarry, she decided to go back to Judah and live the remainder of her life among relatives. Ruth, one of her two daughter's-in-law – both widows themselves – chose to go with her and care for her. Why? Because of her love for and devotion to Naomi, her mother. Honoring Naomi by following her guidance, Ruth married Boaz, Naomi's wealthy relative, assuring Naomi's care, protection and provision.

Caring for the elderly is God's plan for future generations. The wisdom they offer is essential to guiding the young through the difficulties of life. They are God's faithful teachers.


Today's One Thing
Demonstrate honor and care for the elderly in your life and let them know they are loved and have a purpose!


Going Deeper
Proverbs 23:22, Ruth 1-4