Today's One Thing

[Judy Harder]

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
Philippians 2:2 NIV


Work for Relationships
If you've followed Christ for very long, no doubt you've encountered difficult Christians. Personality clashes, gossip, and hurtful words are not uncommon in many churches. There are conflict-ridden influences all around you as you do life. When disagreement arises, it's easy to disconnect, or even turn on one another.

Paul encouraged the Philippians to agree with one another, stop complaining and work together. As Christians; we should not contend with one another but unite against a mutual enemy. When we are united in love, Christ's strength is most abundant.

Paul encouraged spiritual unity challenging believers to love one another. When you choose to love others—even the difficult ones—you reveal Christ's heart to put others first.

True unity comes when believers draw upon Christ's love. An intentional decision to care for one another's problems, as if they were your own, brings change in your heart and the heart of others. It's not easy; it takes work.

Remember, all followers of Christ are children of God and share equally in His great love. Love is your decision. Allow the love of God to spill out of your heart and flow into others demonstrating His great love for you and for other Christians. Build unity and peace through your actions today.


Today's One Thing
Do you have a deep love for fellow Christians—even those that are not so lovable? Ask God to show you how you can flow in His love when conflict arises.


Going Deeper
Philippians 2:1-11; 1 Peter 3:8-22

 

[Judy Harder]

Christmas should be one of the best times of the year when families draw near to each other in a spirit of love and unity to celebrate the birth of their Savior.
Luke 2:10-11 NIV


Word and Actions of Unity and Peace
Christmas should be one of the best times of the year when families draw near to each other in a spirit of love and unity to celebrate the birth of their Savior. All too many times unmet expectations, financial stress and unresolved family issues can blot out the joy of the Christmas season and cause you to lose sight of the amazing gift of God's Son, Jesus, to the world.

All families have their issues. Feuding couples, sullen teenagers, and disgruntled relatives – when they all come together during the holidays, the potential for drama is ever present. Pile on money worries, too many people crammed into small spaces and idealized expectations of what Christmas is "supposed" to be like... and you have a combustible mix.

We're imperfect beings saved only by God's grace. Don't compare yourself with other people or with an "ideal". Whether you are a blended family, a single family of one, or a divorced parent raising your kids alone, embrace that reality and believe that Jesus loves you and is going to bless you, whatever your situation. The best you can do is practice grace with yourself and with your loved ones.

Maybe you aren't happy with your family relationships and the way things are going. It's up to you to forgive, accept and love them just as they are – dysfunctions and all. Focus on what you can do to change your own attitudes and perspectives. Then wait on God to work a miracle in your family.


Today's One Thing
As emotions rise during the Christmas season, take a deep breath and invite the Lord to be your peace through the holidays. Intentionally choose words and actions that offer unity in your family.


Going Deeper
Luke 2:1-21; Isaiah 6:6-7

[Judy Harder]

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 1:5 NIV


Positive Words for Positive Parents
The word guilt shows up only twice in the entire New Testament. Criticize doesn't make a single appearance in most translations. Yet parents often criticize themselves to the point of hopelessness because of their difficult circumstances. It's easy to do, but it actually takes away from your ability to parent your child by God's design.

Here's what God's Word does have to say about guilt: Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). That's your promise straight from the Father's heart, the same God who through Jesus' sacrifice for sin has made you blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe (Philippians 2:15 paraphrase).

Think about those words that weigh on your heart. Then ask the Lord to give you the insight needed to completely let go of the guilt.


Today's One Thing
So what are you telling yourself as a parent? Identify the words or phrases that need to be removed from your mental and verbal vocabulary and stop using them today.


Going Deeper
Romans 8:1-16; Philippians 2:12-18

[Judy Harder]

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Matthew 5:7 NIV


Make Some Grace Deposits
David and his brother, Mark had worked hard all day setting up Mark's new office. Mark had lost his job a few months ago and finances had been tight—especially with the decision Mark made to start his own company instead of going back to work for someone else. Both were tired, hungry and ready for a break.

When David suggested they take a break and get something to eat for a second time, Mark snapped at him. His words were harsh and heavy. But David just smiled and walked into another room to start unloading boxes.

Mark took a few minutes and then stepped into the room where his brother was working. "Hey! I'm sorry I went off on you," he said. Normally David would have given it right back to him with both barrels, but something was different. "So, what gives," Mark questioned. "Normally you'd be in my face with the way I've been acting."

"I've realized that I need grace so many times each day and God gives it to me liberally" David said. "It's about time I started giving grace to others. There's going to come a time when I need grace from you, too, so I want to make sure I've made some 'grace' deposits into your life." Mark gave his brother a hug and suggested they take a lunch break—his treat!

Thomas Adams said, "He who demands mercy and shows none ruins the bridge over which he himself is to pass."


Today's One Thing
Is there someone in your life that you need to extend grace to today?


Going Deeper
Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 103:1-22

[Judy Harder]

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.
Hebrews 11:8 NIV


Take a Walk with God—Every Day
When was the last time you got into your car and had absolutely no idea where you were going? You just started it up, backed out of the driveway and started on your merry way—probably never. When you set out on a journey, you have a good idea where you are going. You may have a map, perhaps you googled it, or plugged the addresses in on your GPS navigator.

But, this is pretty much what Abraham did. He didn't have the technology we have today, but he believed he heard from God to leave his country. So he packed up his belongings, his family, his tents, and his livestock—and started walking. He began a journey with God as his guide. He went in whatever direction God told him to go.

That takes a lot of faith, and a real desire to hear what God is saying. He had to walk with God. He had to believe that God was right there, every step of the way, walking side by side with him. He depended on God every day to show him where to go, what to do, and where to stop for the night. He trusted that God knew the lay of the land including what food and drink the land would provide, what enemies or friends he would encounter and what predators were lying in wait for him.

Time with God is vital to your success. He has the answers for the questions you face every day. He knows what direction you need to go to live a life that pleases Him.
 
Today's One Thing
What ONE THING can you do that will help you walk more closely with God and hear what direction He would have you go today?
 
Going Deeper
Genesis 12:1-9; Hebrews 11:8-16

 

[Judy Harder]

Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? Who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind.
Psalm 15:1, 4 NIV


Promises for a Healthy Marriage
John's broken promises started small. First he was late for dinner, then he missed dinner altogether without a text or phone call. He excused himself from his commitment to his wife and family because he was working—providing for his family. His wife, Leah, was understanding—at first. When he began to break promises to his children about attending their sporting events, Leah decided it was time for a conversation about keeping commitments to one another.

It takes years to build trust and just minutes to destroy it. Value the trust that you have—especially with your spouse. Doing what you say you're going to do—not some of the time but all of the time—demonstrates your commitment to your marriage and your family.

As you carefully consider each promise made, let God be your examples. He always keeps His promises. There will be times when you need to renegotiate a promise, so do it in advance. Set the expectations in your relationship so that they are achievable and build trust with each commitment.
 
Today's One Thing
What ONE THING do you need to do today that will honor your spouse and build trust in your marriage relationship? Be determined to do that ONE THING today.
 
Going Deeper
Numbers 30:2; Psalm 15

[Judy Harder]

When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.
Proverbs 10:25 NIV


Storms Reveal Strengths and Weaknesses
Change comes to every marriage. Some changes are celebrated—a promotion, personal achievement, a new job, or a new baby. But sometimes the changes bring disappointment—loss of a job, health issues or financial crisis. Every marriage faces a storm at some point in the relationship.

Hard times have a way of revealing the best—and worst—in our character. Like nuggets of gold emerging from the silt are those whose Christian witness remains strong in the face of adversity, while those of lukewarm faith are also quickly exposed. When storms arise and threats to your relationship appear, face those difficulties together and hold fast to God's instruction. When you've invested in your relationship, built trust and remained committed—you can make it through even the most difficult of storms.
 
Today's One Thing
What storm are you facing today and what ONE THING can you communicate to your spouse that will help you work together to overcome the storm?
 
Going Deeper
Matthew 8:23-27; Deuteronomy 31:1-8

 

[Judy Harder]

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Psalm 20:7 NIV


Money Matters at Christmas
The materialism associated with Christmas, and the perceived need to buy your children and family members everything they'd like to receive as gifts, can put additional stress on your marriage at Christmas time.

In addition to keeping the focus on the true meaning of the holiday – the celebration of the birth of God's Son, Jesus, you want to keep peace and harmony in the home that last well past the Christmas seasons.

You can stress less when it comes to Christmastime spending if you'll agree to plan ahead by planning a budget and staying committed to not overspend. Together you can remain committed not to borrow money to pay for gift giving. Help each other work with cash and when you run out of cash, agree to stop buying.

Some marriages become divided during the Christmas season while other marriages are strengthened each year. The difference is in how couples respond: They either unite or divide. Your marriage can grow and become stronger than ever before when you agree to face the challenges of Christmas spending together.
 
Today's One Thing
Discuss the challenges you might face in your finances with Christmas spending. Then agree together and in prayer that you will stress less this Christmas season by doing this together.
 
Going Deeper
Amos 3:3; Matthew 18:19

[Judy Harder]

"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
Luke 1:34-35 NIV


The Miraculous Christmas Spirit
From the very beginning, the miraculous power of Christmas existed. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God spoke and the Holy Spirit moved.

Throughout the Bible we see the power of God at work: the parting of the Red Sea, the slaying of giant Goliath, Daniel's salvation from the Lion's Den, and certainly the conception of Jesus in Mary's womb.
Then, the miraculous Christmas Spirit was born into the earth and became flesh. Jesus became a man, walked on the earth and gave His life so that every person could have the opportunity to experience the Spirit of Christmas.

Romans 8:11 says that the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in you. You have the miraculous Spirit of Christmas within you to help you live each day pleasing to the One who gave you life. Whatever challenges you are facing this Christmas, God's miracle working power is available to you. 
 
Today's One Thing
What do you desire for God to do in you or your family this Christmas? Talk to Him about it today.
 
Going Deeper
Genesis 1:1-3, John 15:26-27

[Judy Harder]

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:2 NIV


The Right New Year Resolutions
God created you with a purpose and planned for you to succeed. You have an intentional God who desires for you to complete His purpose for your life. So, have you thought about your New Year resolutions for next year?

Maybe you don't even make resolutions anymore because you've discovered it's too difficult to keep the resolutions you made year after year. Perhaps there is a good reason you struggled to keep them. Often the resolutions you make are little more than a list of things you want to change in your life that you try to accomplish on your own.

This year, consider making a change. Instead of creating a list of your own, ask God what things He would have you work on this year. Open the closets of your heart and let God do some early spring cleaning. Let the light of His Word shine brightly in some of the places perhaps you've not really wanted to look at yourself. On your own, you can be powerless to change, but with God's help, this year can be different. This year you can work on His list and experience change, promotion, strength and commitment to those things He would have you do.

Make a decision to focus on God's list, His plan and His purpose for your life. When you trust and rely on Him, you can keep every single resolution that you make together. 
 
Today's One Thing
Take some time today to get alone with God and ask Him about the list of resolutions He would have you make for this year. Maybe it's just ONE THING.
 
Going Deeper
Matthew 19:25-27; Hebrews 13:5-7