Happy Independence Day

[Judy Harder]

August 21, 2011 


Daily New Life
     
Overcommitted?
Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame.
Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant.
Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder.
Romans 12:11-12 MSG

Do you have too many things on your to-do list and too few hours in which to do them? If so, it's time to take a long, hard look at the way you're prioritizing your days and your life.

The world encourages you to rush full-speed ahead, taking on lots of new commitments, doing many things, but doing few things well. God, on the other hand, encourages you to slow down, to quiet yourself, and to spend time with Him. And you can be sure that God's way is best.

How will you organize your life? Will you carve out quiet moments with the Creator? And while you're at it, will you focus your energies and your resources on only the most important tasks on your to-do list? Or will you max out your schedule, leaving much of your most important work undone?

Today, slow yourself down and commit more time to God. When you do, you'll be amazed at how the Father can revolutionize your life when you start spending more time with Him.

Life is strenuous. See that your clock does not run down. - Mrs. Charles E. Cowman

Taking care of yourself physically really helps emotionally. People who get a lot of sleep, who do the things that relieve stress, can withstand a lot of stress. - Laura Bush

Jesus taught us by example to get out of the rat race and recharge our batteries. - Barbara Johnson

Come, come, come unto Me, / Weary and sore distressed; / Come, come, come unto Me, / Come unto Me and rest. - Fanny Crosby

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, when I'm tired, give me the wisdom to do the smart thing: give me the wisdom to put my head on my pillow and rest! Amen

[Judy Harder]

August 22, 2011   

Sharing Your Burdens with God
If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31 NKJV

The Bible promises this: tough times are temporary but God's love is not—God's love endures forever. So what does that mean to you? Just this: From time to time, everybody faces hardships and disappointments, and so will you. And when tough times arrive, God always stands ready to protect you and to heal you. Your task is straightforward: you must share your burdens with Him.

As Corrie ten Boom observed, "Any concern that is too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden."  Those are comforting words, especially in these difficult days.

Whatever the size of your challenges, God is big enough to handle them. Ask for His help today, with faith and with fervor. Instead of turning things over in your mind, turn them over to God in prayer. Instead of worrying about your next decision, ask God to lead the way. Cast your burdens upon the One who cannot be shaken, and rest assured that He always hears your prayers.

We are not called to be burden-bearers, but cross-bearers and light-bearers. We must cast our burdens on the Lord. - Corrie ten Boom

When you're enjoying the fulfillment and fellowship that inevitably accompanies authentic service, ministry is a joy. Instead of exhausting you, it energizes you; instead of burnout, you experience blessing. - Bill Hybels

God knows what each of us is dealing with. He knows our pressures. He knows our conflicts. And, He has made a provision for each and every one of them. That provision is Himself in the person of the Holy Spirit, dwelling in us and empowering us to respond rightly. - Kay Arthur

No matter what we are going through, no matter how long the waiting for answers, of one thing we may be sure. God is faithful. He keeps His promises. What He starts, He finishes . . . including His perfect work in us. - Gloria Gaither

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, whatever "it" is, You can handle it! Let me turn to You when I am burdened and when I am worried. You are my loving Father, and I will always trust You. Amen

[Judy Harder]

Daily New Life
     
Let Jesus Guide the Way
I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone
who believes in Me would not remain in darkness.
John 12:46 HCSB

Is Jesus the cornerstone of your life . . . or have you relegated Him to a far corner of your life? The answer to this question will determine the quality, the direction, the tone, and the ultimate destination of your life here on earth and your life throughout eternity.

Thomas Brooks spoke for believers of every generation when he observed, "Christ is the sun, and all the watches of our lives should be set by the dial of His motion." Christ, indeed, is the ultimate Savior of mankind and the personal Savior of those who believe in Him. As His servants, we should place Him at the very center of our lives. And every day that God gives us breath, we should share Christ's love and His message with a world that needs both.

The dearest friend on earth is but a mere shadow compared with Jesus Christ. - Oswald Chambers

When we are in a situation where Jesus is all we have, we soon discover He is all we really need. - Gigi Graham Tchividjian

In your greatest weakness, turn to your greatest strength, Jesus, and hear Him say, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV). - Lisa Whelchel

Tell me the story of Jesus. Write on my heart every word. Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard. - Fanny Crosby

Today's Prayer
Dear Jesus, You are my Savior and my protector. Give me the courage to trust You completely. Today, I will praise You, I will honor You, and I will live according to Your commandments. Amen

[Judy Harder]

 Daily New Life
     
Your Real Riches
Don't collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don't break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21 HCSB

All too often we focus our thoughts and energies on the accumulation of earthly treasures, creating untold stress in our lives and leaving precious little time to accumulate the only treasures that really matter: the spiritual kind. Our material possessions have the potential to do great good—depending upon how we use them. If we allow the things we own to own us, we may pay dearly for our misplaced priorities.

Society focuses intently on material possessions, but God's Word teaches us time and again that money matters little when compared to the spiritual gifts that the Creator offers to those who put Him first in their lives. So today, keep your possessions in perspective. Remember that God should come first, and everything else next. When you give God His rightful place in your heart, you'll have a clearer vision of the things that really matter. Then, you can joyfully thank your Heavenly Father for spiritual blessings that are, in truth, too numerous to count.

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. - Jim Elliot

Wealth is something entrusted to us by God, something God doesn't want us to trust. He wants us to trust Him. - Warren Wiersbe

When possessions become our god, we become materialistic and greedy . . . and we forfeit our contentment and our joy. - Charles Swindoll

What we possess often possesses us—we are possessed by possessions. - Oswald Chambers

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, all I have belongs to You. When I leave this world I take nothing with me. Help me to value my relationship with You—and my relationships with others—more than I value my material possessions. Amen

[Judy Harder]

Daily New Life
     
This Is His Day
This is the day that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad today!
Psalm 118:24 NCV

God gives us this day; He fills it to the brim with possibilities, and He challenges us to use it for His purposes. The 118th Psalm reminds us that today, like every other day, is a cause for celebration. The day is presented to us fresh and clean at midnight, free of charge, but we must beware: Today is a non-renewable resource—once it's gone, it's gone forever. Our responsibility, of course, is to use this day in the service of God's will and according to His commandments.

Today, treasure the time that God has given you. Give Him the glory and the praise and the thanksgiving that He deserves. And search for the hidden possibilities that God has placed along your path. This day is a priceless gift from God, so use it joyfully and encourage others to do likewise. After all, this is the day the Lord has made.

Some of us seem so anxious about avoiding hell that we forget to celebrate our journey toward heaven. - Philip Yancey

All our life is a celebration for us; we are convinced, in fact, that God is always everywhere. We sing while we work . . . we pray while we carry out all life's other occupations. - St. Clement of Alexandria

The church is the last place on earth to be solemn . . . provided you have lived right. - Sam Jones

Celebration is possible only through the deep realization that life and death are never found completely separate. Celebration can really come about only where fear and love, joy and sorrow, tear and smiles can exist together. - Henri Nouwen

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, You have given me so many blessings, and as a way of saying "Thank You," I will celebrate. I will be a joyful Christian, Lord, quick to smile and slow to frown. And, I will share my joy with my family, with my friends, and with my neighbors, this day and every day. Amen

[Judy Harder]

 Daily New Life
     
Using Your Talents
Do not neglect the gift that is in you.
1 Timothy 4:14 NKJV

God gives each of us a unique assortment of talents and opportunities. And our Heavenly Father instructs us to be faithful stewards of the gifts that He bestows upon us. But we live in a world that encourages us to do otherwise.

Ours is a society that is filled to the brim with countless opportunities to squander our time, our resources, and our talents. So we must be watchful for distractions and temptations that might lead us astray.

God has blessed you with unique opportunities to serve Him, and He has given you every tool that you need to do so. Today, accept this challenge: value the talent that God has given you, nourish it, make it grow, and share it with the world. After all, the best way to say "Thank You" for God's gifts is to use them.

Not everyone possesses boundless energy or a conspicuous talent. We are not equally blessed with great intellect or physical beauty or emotional strength. But we have all been given the same ability to be faithful. - Gigi Graham Tchividjian

The Lord has abundantly blessed me all of my life. I'm not trying to pay Him back for all of His wonderful gifts; I just realize that He gave them to me to give away. - Lisa Whelchel

It is the definition of joy to be able to offer back to God the essence of what He's placed in you, be that creativity or a love of ideas or a compassionate heart or the gift of hospitality. - Paula Rinehart

Almighty God created us, redeemed us, called us, endowed us with gifts and abilities and perceptions. To demean the gift is to insult the Giver. - Penelope Stokes

Today's Prayer
Father, You have given me abilities to be used for the glory of Your kingdom. Give me the courage and the perseverance to use those talents. Keep me mindful that all my gifts come from You, Lord. Let me be Your faithful, humble servant, and let me give You all the glory and all the praise. Amen

 

[Judy Harder]

Daily New Life
     
Good Decisions Mean Less Stress
If you need wisdom—if you want to know what
God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you.
He will not resent your asking.
James 1:5 NLT

Life presents each of us with countless questions, conundrums, doubts, and problems. Thankfully, the riddles of everyday living are not too difficult to solve if we look for answers in the right places. When we have questions, we should consult God's Word, we should consult our own consciences, and we should consult a few close friends and family members.

Perhaps Søren Kierkegaard was stating the obvious when he observed, "Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Still, Kierkegaard's words are far easier to understand than they are to live by.

Taking a forward-looking (and stress-conquering) approach to life means learning the art of solving difficult problems sensibly and consistently . . . and sooner rather than later.

Life is built on character, but character is built on decisions. - Warren Wiersbe

No trumpets sound when the important decisions of our life are made. Destiny is made known silently. - Agnes DeMille

The Reference Point for the Christian is the Bible. All values, judgments, and attitudes must be gauged in relationship to this Reference Point. - Ruth Bell Graham

Successful people make right decisions early and manage those decisions daily. - John Maxwell

Don't be overwhelmed . . . take it one day and one prayer at a time. - Stormie Omartian

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord, give me the insight to make wise decisions and the courage to act upon the decisions that I make. Amen

[Judy Harder]

August 28, 2011     

Taking Care of Your Body
Didn't you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don't you see that you can't live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you.
1 Corinthians 6:19 MSG

Are you concerned about your spiritual, physical, or emotional health? If so, there is a timeless source of comfort and advice that is as near as your bookshelf. That source is the Holy Bible.

God's Word has much to say about every aspect of your life, including your health. If you face personal health challenges that seem almost insoluble, have faith and seek God's wisdom. If you can't seem to get yourself on a sensible diet or on a program of regular physical exercise, consult God's teachings. If your approach to your physical or emotional health has, up to this point, been undisciplined, pray to your Creator for the strength to do what you know is right.

God has given you the Holy Bible for the purpose of knowing His promises, His power, His commandments, His wisdom, His love, and His Son. As you seek to improve the state of your own health, study God's teachings and apply them to your life. When you do, you will be blessed, now and forever.

Our body is like armor, our soul like the warrior. Take care of both, and you will be ready for what comes. - Amma St. Syncletice

Laughter is the language of the young at heart and the antidote to what ails us. - Barbara Johnson

People are funny. When they are young, they will spend their health to get wealth. Later, they will gladly pay all they have trying to get their health back. - John Maxwell

You can't buy good health at the doctor's office—you've got to earn it for yourself. - Marie T. Freeman

Today's Prayer
Lord, when I am ill, weak, or troubled, You heal me. Renew me, Father, and let me trust Your will for my life. Let me welcome Your unending love and Your healing touch, now and forever. Amen

[Judy Harder]

August 29, 2011     

Daily New Life
     
Follow Him
Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will find it."
Matthew 16:24-25 HCSB

Jesus walks with you. Are you walking with Him seven days a week, and not just on Sunday mornings? Are you a seven-day-a-week Christian who carries your faith with you to work each day, or do you try to keep Jesus at a "safe" distance when you're not sitting in church? Hopefully, you understand the wisdom of walking with Christ all day every day.

Jesus loved you so much that He endured unspeakable humiliation and suffering for you. How will you respond to Christ's sacrifice? Will you take up His cross and follow Him—during good times and tough times—or will you choose another path? When you place your hopes squarely at the foot of the cross, when you place Jesus squarely at the center of your life, you will be blessed.

Do you seek to fulfill God's purpose for your life? Do you seek spiritual abundance? Would you like to partake in "the peace that passes all understanding"? Then follow Christ. Follow Him by picking up His cross today and every day that you live. When you do, you will quickly discover that Christ's love has the power to change everything, including you.

You who suffer take heart. Christ is the answer to sorrow. - Billy Graham

Jesus Christ is not a security from storms. He is perfect security in storms. - Kathy Troccoli

When you are in deep water . . . trust the One who walked on it. - Anonymous

In the midst of the pressure and the heat, I am confident His hand is on my life, developing my faith until I display His glory, transforming me into a vessel of honor that pleases Him! - Anne Graham Lotz

Today's Prayer
Dear Jesus, because I am Your disciple, I will trust You, I will obey Your teachings, and I will share Your Good News. You have given me life abundant and life eternal, and I will follow You today and forever. Amen

[Judy Harder]

Daily New Life
     
Joy in God's Presence

Bible Reading: Psalm 65:1-4

We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of his will for us and the power to carry it out.

Most of us need to desire something before we will wholeheartedly seek after it. Until we realize how much God loves us and cares about the details of our lives, we won't want to pray to him. Until we sincerely believe that he has completely forgiven us, we will be ashamed to face him. If we hold to our misconceptions about God, this step will be a formidable chore rather than a joy.

The life of King David gives us hope. Long after he had come face-to-face with his own sinfulness, he was able to sing, "What mighty praise, O God, belongs to you in Zion. We will fulfill our vows to you, for you answer our prayers. All of us must come to you. Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all. What joy for those you choose to bring near, those who live in your holy courts. What festivities await us inside your holy Temple" (Psalm 65:1-4). God wants us to be like those who live and serve in his temple, walking freely into his presence. He wants us to know that we are welcome and valued before him. (See also Matthew 10:29-31.)

The place where God lives can be a place of joy and happiness for us now. We can look forward to spending time with him and living in his presence every day.

It is essential for our recovery that we draw close to God.