Happy Independence Day

[Judy Harder]

Trust God Each Day

But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, "You are my God." - Psalm 31:14

Do you recall an ad that captured your attention?

No matter which medium . . . television, radio, print, or the web, ads are made to catch attention. Recently I was caught off guard with a newspaper ad. It pictured a gray-haired senior citizen in a wet suit. The woman was holding up her surf board along the edge of the beach. The ad began, "No matter where life takes you, your health care coverage goes along."

The ad was designed to have you think about your future. No one knows what crisis tomorrow may bring. The life of faith involves living each day trusting God to guide and direct your future. That doesn't mean that you are naïve and ignore things like health care coverage. But for the bigger picture of life, you can trust God. In the unexpected events of life, you can trust God. The Bible de¬scribes faith as "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

You may not know where your life is taking you. But you can be sure that tomorrow, God has something prepared for you that you can't see or imagine. That's why we need to learn to trust God each day, no matter what the day holds.

"God's promises are like the stars; the darker the night the brighter they shine." - David Nicholas (1705-1769)

[Judy Harder]

Peace or Worry?

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. - Colossians 3:15

Doesn't the world look pretty safe sometimes?

Peace accords are signed. Cold wars end. The wall comes down. Just when my fears began to calm, I ran across an article about nuclear weapons in Russia. Organized crime is trying to steal nuclear material in Russia and sell it on the black market. And while the FBI can't confirm that material has been stolen, Interpol reported that highly enriched uranium disappeared near St. Petersburg.   

When I learn about the threat of nuclear weapons falling into the wrong hands, it's easy for me to feel anxious. But this is when I can turn to the truth from the Bible and learn from the words of Jesus.

In the Bible, the disciples of Jesus were anxious about their future. Jesus was telling them that he would soon die on a cross and be raised from the dead on the third day. They began to worry about their future. Then Jesus told them, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:26).

It's easy to worry about the future but it's not what God wants for us. I challenge you today to rest in God's peace.

"Peace is more the product of our day-to-day living than of a spectacular program, intermittently executed."
-Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969)

[Judy Harder]

Do Your Homework

Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right. - Proverbs 20:11

When is the last time you made a bad decision because you didn't do your homework?

Over a three year period, thousands of criminals escaped from a Los Angeles County Sheriffs Work-Release program. A large num­ber of these men were hardened criminals, incarcerated for violent crimes. It was reported that most of the men in the program had been asked if they would prefer work-release to doing prison time, and that their criminal record had no bearing on the offer.

God expects us to be wise in our association with others. He doesn't want us to fall prey to smooth talkers. If a person says one thing but his life speaks differently, beware! You can be sure that what you see is what you will get.

I challenge you today to seek wisdom from God in all that you do. Before putting your trust in another, look at his actions. Ask the Lord to give you the discernment necessary to avoid making the wrong decisions when it comes to relationships with others, both in your business life and your personal life.

"Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love, and the future to God's providence."
- St. Augustine ( 354-430)

[Judy Harder]

Secret Kindness

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. -  Matthew 6:3

Has someone ever done something special for you anonymously? Didn't it make you feel wonderful?

There was a doctor who had been practicing medicine for over 30 years in a small Arkansas town. He was called before the State Medical Board because it had been reported that the doctor kept no written records of his patients' medical histories. The doctor admitted that he kept all patient information in his head but avoided having his license revoked when it was discovered that he was the only doctor in the small town and treated most of his patients at no charge.

When was the last time you did something special for someone else without taking credit for the effort? You would be amazed at how something simple can be such a blessing, not only to the receiver, but also to you.

Make a habit of doing a secret kindness for someone each and every day. Not only will you be able to shed happiness on others, but you, too, will surely be blessed!

"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you." - John Wooden (1910-    )

[Judy Harder]

Don't Get Stuck

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. - Psalm 25:8-9

Have you ever strayed from the Lord and wandered down the wrong path? John O'Neil of Huntington, New York has.

The 73 year-old man left a bar late one night in February and walked down a very narrow opening between two buildings. Un¬fortunately for Mr. O'Neil, there wasn't enough space to accom¬modate him and he got stuck. He was wedged so tightly between the buildings that he could not move and spent the night waiting for help. In the morning, the Fire Department was summoned and had to pluck Mr. O'Neil from above.

When we take our eyes off the Lord, we can very easily get our¬selves stuck in a place where we don't want to be. That is why it is so important that God is the focus of all we do.

I challenge you today to assess your direction. Is God at the center of your life and are you allowing Him to direct your path? If you are not, I urge you to do so before you get yourself stuck in a very undesirable place. 

"Every day, I find countless opportunities to decide whether I will obey God and demonstrate my love for Him or try to please myself or the world system. God is waiting for my choices." -Bill Bright (1921-2003)

[Judy Harder]

Expect the Unexpected

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. - Proverbs 16:9

Have you ever calculated and carefully planned something . . . only to find that the results were not what you expected?

In January of 1996, a Los Angeles based radio station awarded a pair of Superbowl tickets to the winner of their "Crazy Stunt" contest. For his stunt, finalist Mike Garcia intended to remove his glass eye, swallow it, bring it back up, and replace it in the socket . . . all before a live audience. In preparation, Garcia consumed a massive quantity of food, followed by a 6-pack of beer. Once onstage, the first half of his stunt went according to plan; Garcia effortlessly removed his glass eye and swallowed it. The second half, however, took an unexpected turn.

The gluttonous portions of food and ale had their anticipated effect. But despite his best efforts, Garcia could not retrieve the eye that he had swallowed. He heaved upon stage for more than fif-teen minutes and then left the stage tired, disappointed, and missing one eye. Had he known the outcome in advance, he probably would have opted to buy tickets, which probably would have been cheaper than what he spent to replace his prosthesis.

Be careful when you find yourself thinking that you have it all figured out. You could be headed for trouble. We need God's input and direction every moment of the day. Remember that even though we are reading the map, He is at the wheel. Look to the Lord when making the smallest, and seemingly most insignificant decisions.

"Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash." -George S. Patton (1885-1945)

[Judy Harder]

It's Nice to be Anywhere

No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death. - Ecclesiastes 8:8

When it comes to the length of your life, what do you consider long enough?

On March 9, 1996 comedian and actor George Burns passed away at the age of 100. He was still performing live comedy, until just a few years before his death. At his 98th birthday celebration, he addressed his guest in true "George Burns style", saying "It's nice to be here . . . at 98, it's nice to be anywhere."

At 98 years-old, George Burns considered every day a gift and he was right! Whether you're twenty-two years old or ninety-two, life is precious and should never be taken for granted. None of us are born with a guaranteed number of days on this earth. We have no promise that we will be here tomorrow and should realize that each moment is priceless. In acknowledging each day as an irreplaceable gift, we will be more likely to make the most of the time that we are given.

Start each morning by thanking the Lord for the day He has given you. Then spend that day, as if you meant what you said.

"When I was a boy the Dead Sea was only sick." - George Burns (1896-1996)

[Judy Harder]

Earning Your Way

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 6:23

How many things can you think of in this world, that are "Free of Charge" . . . no strings attached? Not many! Perhaps that's why there are so many people trying to work their way into the King¬dom of God.

At a "Celebrity Roast" in Beverly Hills, California, long time come¬dian and actor Bob Hope was put on the "Hot Seat". Among the nearly 1,000 people in attendance, were many of Hope's long time friends and fellow entertainers from Hollywood's early days.

Bob Hope's wife, Delores, while reflecting upon the recent passing of two Hollywood legends, Gene Kelly and George Burns, said, "God must want us around for something. So many other wonder¬ful people have gone and we are here. I guess maybe we haven't earned heaven yet." How many mistakenly believe that they can earn their way into heaven?

Accept the "Free Gift" of Salvation by asking Jesus to come into your heart and forgive you and your sins. If you've already taken that step, I challenge you to serve the Lord out of love and appre¬ciation for the gift that he has given you.

"There are many things that are essential to arriving at true peace of mind, and one of the most important is faith, which cannot be acquired without prayer." - John Wooden (1910-    )

[Judy Harder]

You're a Child of God

For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. - Matthew 7:8

Have you ever been in the uncomfortable position of having to defend your rights or your personal property?

A 47 year-old woman conceived by artificial insemination after the death of her father was awarded Social Security "survivor's" benefits. This ended a seven year battle between the woman's mother and the Social Security Administration over the woman's rights as a child of the deceased. The Social Security Administration never conceded that she was legally entitled to the benefits, but rather stated that they did not want to spend the time and money necessary to fight the issue in a court of law.

When you ask Jesus into your heart, you are re-born into the family of God. From that point forward, there is no question that you are His child. You don't have to prove that He is your Father or that you are entitled to receive support from him.

As a child of God, you are given a promise, that all of your needs will be met. No one can deny you that benefit.

Live life with the assurance that you are a child of the King. God is your Father and you will never have to fight for your inheritance.

"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." - Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)

[Judy Harder]

The Danger of Rationalizing

The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. - Proverbs 10:7

Beware when you find yourself rationalizing your actions. Ultimately, you will be trapped by your own deceit and unable to receive any direction from the Lord.

Most of us, at one time or another, have found ourselves rationalizing something we're not quite comfortable with. It's not so much the act of rationalizing, as it is the refusal to receive correction in this area that will get you in trouble.

In Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, a man by the name of Mark Spotz was put on trial for the murder of his brother. Spotz adamantly denied killing his brother, saying, 'He didn't die until he got to the hospital. In my mind, killing someone is taking a life willfully. I didn't do that. I shot my brother and he died. I didn't kill him."

Do you see how clouded your mind can become when you give in to what you know is wrong, and then allow yourself to justify it?

Rationalization is a ticking "time bomb". If you rationalize inappropriate actions, at some point you may find yourself as deluded as this poor fellow in Texas.

"O what a tangled web we weave, when first we practise to deceive!" - Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832)