Today's One Thing

[Judy Harder]

Maybe your life seems ordinary and common to you, but you were created by the Master Artist—God Himself.

As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  —Philippians 1:20-21 (ESV) 
 
Hope and Great Expectation
Jarod's girlfriend, Tabitha, was a beautiful artist. When they first met, she was reluctant to share her artwork with him. Through his encouragement and praise, he pressed her to share her talent with the world. As he introduced her to friends and shared her talent with them, he was able to connect her to a local art gallery that showcased some of her pieces. A few weeks later two of her pieces were sold for more than she ever imagined.

As a result of her newfound success, the owner of the gallery invited her to participate in an upcoming artist spotlight and asked her specifically to create a few brand new pieces just for this particular show. Tabitha was delighted and nervous.

She  privately worked away in her studio on the new pieces. She took Jerod to the exhibit a few minutes early for a private reveal of her work. As she unveiled each one, his response of amazement and excitement were the best gift she could have imagined. "They are each some of your best work yet," he declared proudly.

Maybe your life seems ordinary and common to you, but you were created by the Master Artist—God Himself. As you give yourself to God each day with hope and great expectation, you will find you will discover hidden promises within you that make you a masterpiece, unique and special for Him.

Today's One Thing
What are you expecting from God today? Talk to Him about it.
 
Going Deeper
Philippians 1:19-26; Ephesians 2:1-10

[Judy Harder]

You are the direct result today of how you've managed the more or less of your life.
 
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live... —Deuteronomy 30:19 (ESV) 
 
Managing the More or Less of Your Life
Lisa was learning that life is a series of tradeoffs. To have more of what she wanted, she needed to remove some of the things that were less important in her life.

At a recent checkup, her doctor informed her of his concerns about a rise in her blood sugar levels. He encouraged her to eat more fruits and vegetables, remove the sugary snacks and get thirty minutes to an hour of exercise a day. She agreed those were some good choices she wanted to add into her life.

Her challenge was that she wanted to help people. When the hospital called and said they were short on volunteers for a particular day, she usually dropped everything and filled in—several times a week in addition to her normal volunteer schedule. If family or friends needed a last minute baby sitter, cake made for a bake sale, or other things, she squeezed them in. That usually meant neglecting her commitment to take care of herself.

She prayed and asked God to help her keep her schedule. When people called and asked her to do something not on her calendar, she began making it a habit to get her calendar and see what she could trade out for that time. She refused to cut out her exercise time each day as well as the time she needed to prepare healthy meals and snacks for her family.

Her persistence paid off. In six months, she learned to say "no," when she needed to, and a visit to the doctor showed her sugar levels had returned to normal.

To have more of what we want, we must intentionally have less of what we don't want. That's effectively managing the more or less of your life. You are the direct result today of how you've managed the more or less of your life.

Today's One Thing
What do you want more of, and what do you want less of in your life? Make a list of 5 things you want more of and 5 things you want less of. Then, choose ONE THING to focus on this week to add to and take from to intentionally manage the more or the less in your life.
 
Going Deeper
James 1:12-18; Philippians 4:2-9

[Judy Harder]

Your relationships with God should be a big part of who you are.
 
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. —1 John 3:11 (ESV) 
 
Identified through Relationship
Have you ever been introduced by way of relationship: Paula's daughter, Stephanie's friend, Tom's assistant or Liz's accountant? These type of introductions in no way provide your new acquaintance with a real understanding of who you are. They seldom give much of a clue as to your personality traits, character or identity.

Can you imagine someone introducing you by way of your status as a child of God? What if you were introduced as "She's so full of love, just like your Heavenly Father," or "She's so creative, just like her father, God"! Has anyone ever said something like, "He's so discerning; so full of wisdom," or "She radiates with a peace that few people have"?

Arlene Raven said, "The way in which we think of ourselves has everything to do with how our world sees us." Your relationship with God should be a big part of who you are. With God as your father, others should see His character and nature flowing from your personality. There is no better way to be identified than as His child.

Today's One Thing
What parts of who you are reflect the character and nature of God?
 
Going Deeper
1 John 3:11-24; Ephesians 5:1-14

[Judy Harder]

Did God place you on the planet for a time like this? 

For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? —Esther 4:14 (ESV) 
 
Born for Such a Time as Today!
In the Old Testament, Esther, was a Jewish woman. She won the favor of the King of Persia and became his queen. Haman, one of the king's men, plotted to wipe her people—God's people—completely out of the kingdom in which he lived. Esther's cousin, who had been like a father to her, heard of Haman's plan and sent word to Esther saying, "Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

To go into the king's presence without an invitation could mean her death. She sent word back to her cousin asking all of her people to fast and pray before she went before the king. She says, "When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." 

When we read a story like Esther's, we can see that she was there for a specific reason. God used her to save His people in her day. She didn't know that she would live. She put her life in God's hands and trusted Him with her purpose.

Did God place you on the planet for a time like this? For what purpose did God place you in the earth? Whether you know it or not, He has given you a specific purpose.   

Today's One Thing
Become intentional in understanding what your God-given purpose is. Seek Him for it today.
 
Going Deeper
Esther 4:1-17; Psalm 139:13-18

[Judy Harder]

Marriage is a picture of God's love for His church.
 
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. —1 Peter 4:8-10 (ESV) 
 
Is Your Husband Your Superhero?
"Angie, you and Clark seem to have a great relationship," her friend Pamela said. "I've noticed you are always so positive about him. I've been around other women who whine and complain about their husbands, but you are always cheering him on, telling others what a great father and husband he is."

"He really is amazing," Angie commented. "The beginning was really rocky. We were young and I had a lot of baggage coming into the marriage. The first five years were a real nightmare. We were too worried about what others would think so we didn't consider marriage counseling an option. Instead, we both began to entertain the thought of divorce. The more I thought about it, the more I imagined passing our son back and forth. Since I am a child of divorce, I didn't want that."

Angie took a breath and then continued. "We decided we were going to do this. We learned to work extremely hard to understand each other. We began to compliment the strengths we saw in each other, rather than tearing each other down at our weakest points. We practiced grace and accepted mercy."

"Through prayer with each other, trust in God, some great books—and God's divine appointment to move us hundreds of miles away from friends and family where we had no choice but to lean on each other, we came through the fire with a strong marriage. We'll celebrate 30 years of marriage this month and I have to honestly say, he is my superhero and my biggest fan!"

Marriage is a sacred institution. A man is to love his wife as Christ loved the church and a woman is to reverence and respect her husband. It's a picture of God's love for His church. 

Today's One Thing
What are some of the things you love most about your spouse? Tell him or her those things today.
 
Going Deeper
1 Peter 4:1-11; Ephesians 4:17-32

[Judy Harder]

God created each one of us, each individually different to complement one another. 
 
For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. —Ephesians 5:8-10 (ESV) 
 
We Are Better Together!
It was tough going back to college as an adult, but Kristin knew she needed to do it in order to pursue the passion in her heart to help people. Many of her classes required team projects, which she hated because she feared others who refused to work as hard as she did would cause her grades to suffer.

She prayed and asked God to help her work with others and be an inspiration to her team instead of the one who nagged them about meeting deadlines. She connected with a team that was in most of her classes and they decided to form a permanent team throughout the remainder of their course work through graduation.

She began to see that God had blessed her with a team that complemented one another's strengths and weaknesses. When it came to project management, organizing and attention to detail—she was there. Another in her group was extremely analytical and had a gift for all the mathematical and technical issues. Another was creative and able to stretch the team to go to the next level—making their projects much more than Kristin dreamed.

"Lord, thank you," Kristin prayed. "You have shown me how we need each other. And when you're in the midst of it, we can work together and become better than we would be individually."
 
Today's One Thing
Is there something you are struggling with today where you could use some help. Ask someone to join your team today.
 
Going Deeper
1 John 4:19-21; 1 Peter 5:6-11

[Judy Harder]

The next time you want to ask someone about their future plans, consider your words.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. —1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV) 
 
The Right Words of Encouragement
Erica wasn't sure she wanted to go home for her cousin Miriam's wedding. She complained to her friend, Paige, "I just so don't want to have to deal with those questions like, 'When are you going to settle down? Find a husband? Have a few children?"

"I know," Paige replied. "In other words, they want to know, when we're going to get a life like they have."

"It's not like that isn't something I eventually want—but it's not top of mind right now. I like my life, my friends, and my career," Erica continued. "I like that I'm making it on my own. And I wish they'd just trust that when God brings the right man into my life, I'll be listening to Him and follow God's direction. I'm fine with His timing for that to come into my life."

"Sometimes these questions can be hurtful," Paige offered. "I try to give them grace thinking they just don't know better. It was really hard last Christmas after Jeff and I broke up, for those I love to say things that hurt me unintentionally. And then I reacted badly and my mother felt the need to explain why."

Erica joked, "Maybe I should buy a t-shirt and wear it that says, "I love my life just like it is. Thanks for NOT asking!"

The next time you want to ask someone about their future plans, consider your words. A better question might be--What is God doing in your life? And, would you be willing to share?
 
Today's One Thing
How can you encourage someone today with your words?
 
Going Deeper
John 6:60-71; Deuteronomy 17:14-20

 

[Judy Harder]

Success in managing your emotions is a choice you make each day.     
 
For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. —Galatians 5:17-18 (ESV) 
 
Keeping a Handle On Your Emotions
Alisha was tired and overwhelmed. She had two sick toddlers and a new baby that wasn't sleeping all night. She was frustrated with Jeff, her husband, whose business took him away from home in the middle of this mess and so he was not there to help.

After a third difficult night, she had an emotional meltdown during a phone conversation with Jeff when he asked her how she was doing. "I just can't do this alone," she cried, "I am a mess." Jeff let her vent for a few more minutes and then said, "Honey! I know this is hard, but you've got to get ahold of yourself. Is there any way your mom or my sister could maybe come over and give you another set of hands? Sometimes we need to ask for help."

After taking a deep breath and holding it for a second, Alisha calmed down. She wanted to scream but instead, admitted that he was right. She needed to ask for help. "Yes, please call your sister, and I'll text my mom. Together maybe they can help me stay sane until you get home."

Success in managing your emotions is a choice you make each day. When you try to run from them, deny that you have them, blame others for them, or ignore them, you do so at great risk to yourself and to those that you love. Sometimes you must be willing to ask for help.
 
Today's One Thing
What do you do to manage your emotions? How do you recognize when you are at a tipping point?
 
Going Deeper
Galatians 5:16-24; Ephesians 6:11-17

[Judy Harder]

Train your children for their own journey toward the intentional life in Christ by demonstrating lifelong habits of Bible study and prayer in your own life.
 
Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright. —Proverbs 20:11 (ESV) 
 
Train Your Children for Their Own Journey
As Megan shopped for groceries, a loud cry of another child screeched through the grocery store. Her tuned ears knew it was the sound of a tantrum, just beginning to wind up. Her own three year-old, Michael, looked at her with big eyes. He took a deep breath and asked, "That little boy isn't obeying his mommy, is he?"

"She smiled at her son, and said "No! No, he's not. But you are being very obedient. Thank you for helping me." She glanced back at her shopping list, thankful that she'd marked everything off of her list and could exit the store quickly.

Long before He was identified as the Savior of the world, those who knew Him, even as a child held Jesus in high esteem. Luke 2:52 says, And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. The Bible provides few particulars about Jesus' life as an adolescent, but good reputations are earned, not conferred by happenstance.

Stature is often in reference to physical height, but it can also denote esteem, honor, respect and reverence. From boyhood on, Jesus certainly practiced a virtue that others noticed.

The Bible provides a clear picture of the nature and character of the life Jesus lived. God wants all His children – both young and old – to grow steadily in His wisdom and knowledge until we begin to resemble Him in our thoughts, words and actions. One of the best places to start training your children for their own journey toward the intentional life in Christ is to demonstrate lifelong habits of Bible study and prayer in your own life, and model it for them.
 
Today's One Thing
One of the best places to start training your children for their own journey toward the intentional life in Christ is to demonstrate lifelong habits of Bible study and prayer in your own life, and model it for them.
 
Going Deeper
Luke 2:41-52; Proverbs 20:1-11

[Judy Harder]

Working together as a team gives everyone the opportunity to share in meeting the needs of the family. 

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. —Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) 
 
Working Together for Family
"I guess I never really thought I would be a stay at home mom," Carolyn commented to her friend Tara. "My mom stayed home with us, until my parents divorced and then she went to work to support us. I started working at sixteen, while still in high school. After Kevin and I had our first child, Jayce, I stayed home with him for about three months. I thought I was going to go crazy."

"Financially," Tara admitted, "staying home with the kids was never an option for me. We need two incomes to make ends meet. I think I would love to stay home, but my husband, Britt, never supported me on that. The hardest thing is balancing the 40-plus hours a week and keeping up with the family's needs."

"Planning and having a routine is vital to staying on top of things," Carolyn remarked. "The times we've been without a set schedule or didn't follow through, turned to chaos. With some flexibility when needed, we follow a pattern throughout the week...the kids' outside activities, crockpot meals, laundry on certain nights...the kids have responsibilities, and Kevin, he really does pitch in and help."

"I can see how important it is to stay on the same page as a family," Tara agreed. "Maybe you can share some of your recipes and give me some pointers in how to keep things moving forward through the week." "Happy to," Carolyn smiled, "I'll send you a copy of the schedule I post on the fridge, too."

Working together as a team is important to family dynamics. It gives everyone the opportunity to share in meeting the needs of the family. Parents can lead by modeling work and play for the family. It gives children a sense of responsibility, achievement and an understanding of what it means to be contributing part of the whole.
 
Today's One Thing
Is your family a great team? What can you do this week to encourage your team to work together for the common goals of the family?
 
Going Deeper
Proverbs 31:10-31; Colossians 3:18-25