Today's One Thing

[Judy Harder]

For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope...
Romans 8:20 NIV


Loving His Mercy
Jim and Brittany were in a slump. Times were hard enough with the recession, with their house upside down and benefits cut from their jobs. The year of 2012 followed suit with so much heartache: a young brother's death, two pay cuts, a miscarriage, depression, and families at odds with each other.

Finally one night, Brittany cried out, "Please Lord. We are losing. We just need one win... just one."

Have you ever been to that deep, dark place? Why does God allow that?

God didn't even spare His own Son the pain and shame of torture and death. The only way for us to understand the pain it cost for our freedom is to experience a little of that burden ourselves. To know His hope, you must know His joy, His peace, and yes, even His pain. He doesn't always spare you from hardship, but neither did He spare Himself from His cross.

Today's One Thing
Seek out and meditate on God's mercy, knowing that even in trials, His mercy is apparent.


Going Deeper
Romans 8:18-29; James 1:1-16

 

[Judy Harder]

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 NIV


That One Little Message
Have you felt lost in today's rush? Most people have. It happens so frequently in the mad scramble of emails, phone calls, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest... you name it, and it can steal your time. People talk so much in the cacophony of social media, communicating with everyone, and yet it seems they barely connect.

But what happens when you get that note, that email, that phone call from someone who really cares. Their words are sent just to encourage and support you. You appreciate that person you can lean on and cry with. Suddenly the social media "connection" that is promised, but rarely delivered, washes away like the sand, and the pearl of true relationship becomes obvious.

Your Heavenly Father longs for this connection with you, and He offers a peace that can drown out the shouts of a world that can often be the loudest voice in the room.

Today's One Thing
When you talk with God, visit a quiet place, away from even your computer and phone; be still and cherish the silence.


Going Deeper
Phil 3:7-21; John 14:15-31

[Judy Harder]

Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 62:6 NIV


Beautiful Scars
The beautiful young woman lay unconscious in the hospital bed in the ICU. Her grief-stricken family stood around her as the doctors tried to revive her from the coma, induced by severe head trauma. Finally, the quiet conversation took the most feared turn; the girl would not awake. Their niece, sister, daughter, friend, once full of life... was gone. How do you handle something like that? How do you not simply lose your grip on reality?

For all the twist and turns of grief, even though traumatic events can seem to shake the earth beneath your feet, the promise is clear. If we make God our rock and our defense, we will not be moved; we will not be torn from a foundation upon which the hope and power of Christ rest.

The rains may fall and the winds may blow, eroding and shaping the landscape of your life, but nothing can dislodge your solid trust in the sacrifice of Jesus. Not even death.


Today's One Thing
In your most shaking experiences, meditate on how God anchors you to a solid, life-giving hope in His Son.


Going Deeper
Psalm 62, 63

[Judy Harder]

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13


Praying for Your Spouse
The Lord is a God of love and wants your life to be filled with joy and purpose. He loves hearing from you in prayer and delights in helping you, your spouse and your family.

Your marriage brings joy to the Lord, and he wants to help you find solutions to challenges you encounter. By praying for your spouse and praying together, the two of you will find what pleases Him. His direction can be clear for your marriage. It will bring all the other areas of life into focus.

If you haven't prayed in a while, don't worry. He is always ready to have a conversation with you. By asking for His guidance, you'll feel your relationship grow. It will help you and your spouse walk hand in hand.

The key to connecting with God is to begin talking to Him, several times a day. Talk to him like a friend. That's what you are to Him. Tell the Lord about your thoughts and concerns. He is never too busy to listen.


Today's One Thing
Pray for your spouse. Pray for success and blessings from the Lord.

Going Deeper
John 5:15, Hebrews 4:16, Psalm 139:13-16

 

[Judy Harder]

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34 


Thoughtfulness
God is a thoughtful provider. He gives you everything you need from the grandeur of nature to the miracle of life. His creations are inspiring. His plan for salvation is perfect.

In your busy life today, there can be little time to be thoughtful. The line between helpful and hassled can blur by the sheer volume of work to be done. But you can slow the world down and step off the fast ride. 

Take a deep breath and experience the goodness of life, God's majesty. You can help others, through thoughtfulness and intentional kindness. Even if you have to go out of your way to help someone, do it.

You can be a bright light and an inspiration through demonstrations of love and respect. Thoughtfulness makes others feel special, blessed by the goodness of the Lord.


Today's One Thing
Choose to be thoughtful today. Pick up the tab for the next person in line at the coffee shop. Give your seat on the bus to someone else.


Going Deeper
Hebrews 12:29, Romans 12:2

[Judy Harder]

The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.
Daniel 9:9


Need for Mercy
Ed came home one afternoon to find that the TV, stereo and some jewelry had been stolen. His wife, Beth, rushed home from work. After the police left, Ed and Beth prayed, "Lord, we have no insurance and cannot afford to replace these things. Please return them to us." Then Ed's heart softened as he reflected on how he was an ex-offender and had gone to jail for embezzlement. He told, Beth, "We must first forgive."

After the thief had been arrested, Ed visited him. He forgave him and gave a Bible to his brother who had assisted in the crime. Soon the robber told police where the stolen things were hidden. Ed even testified on the thief's behalf when the he pled guilty to the burglary. Most of all, the young man invited Jesus Christ into his life!

When you experience the reality of God's mercy in your area of weakness, you become more sensitive to those who need mercy. Thank God for His bountiful mercy and experience the joy of showing mercy to others.


Today's One Thing
Be intentional about forgiving someone who has wronged you.


Going Deeper
Romans 11:32-33; Matthew 9:13

[Judy Harder]

He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalms 147:3 NIV


Broken No More
You can't take a pill for this. Surgery won't help. And you certainly can't run away from it. It's a broken heart.

Maybe someone you loved left you or was taken from you. Or someone you trusted betrayed you. The pain runs deep and you may not imagine ever facing a day again without it.

But Jesus is the Master Healer. Not only of flesh and bone, but of your spirit, your most inner being where the brokenness resides. In Psalms 57:1 we are told to take refuge in the shadow of His wings until the disaster has passed. He wants to shelter you in your time of need. He understands your hurt better than anyone else. He knows where it comes from and He alone can walk you through it.

Because of Jesus there is a light at the end of the tunnel, a rainbow after the storm and a silver lining behind every cloud.


Today's One Thing
Put on your favorite worship music, close your eyes and let the Holy Spirit minister healing to your heart.


Going Deeper
Isaiah 63: 1-3; Deuteronomy 31:8

[Judy Harder]

Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows him his counsel?
Isaiah 40:13


All the Answers
Many consider Albert Einstein the smartest person in history. His theory of relativity came from an essay he wrote when he was 16 years old. By age 26, Einstein had published five major research papers in an important German journal. For one of those papers he received his doctorate. Einstein's discoveries about the atom advanced the arenas of energy and medicine. He also was awarded the 1921 Nobel Prize for his work on theoretical physics.

Many scientists spend their lives trying to understand and solve the mysteries of life and the universe. But for God, there are no mysteries. He is the only source of all knowledge, understanding and wisdom. So remember you don't need an IQ like Einstein's when you know someone who knows all the answers! As you read the Bible and pray, ask God to reveal His wisdom to you. He has so much He wants you to know and understand!


Today's One Thing
Thank God for His knowledge of your past, present and future.


Going Deeper
Job 15:8; Romans 11:34

 

[Judy Harder]

Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16


Ocean of Mercy
A young mother was enjoying the California ocean with her young baby. Suddenly a large wave hit her and the backwash engulfed the baby and swept her back into the ocean.

Three skim boarders saw what happened and raced up the beach. One of the three dove in and rescued the baby in the frothing surf. He grabbed her just as they were hit by another large wave. He lifted the child to the surface knowing she had not had a breath for the last three waves. He fought his way upstream and handed the child back to her relieved mother.

It's often easy to take God's mercy for granted.  That is, until you experience an overwhelming wave of difficulty. Yet, God is there to sweep you up when you feel like you're drowning in challenges. Once again, He faithfully shows you His great love and provision. So thank God every day for the blessings and the challenges. As you do, ask Him for opportunities to show others His mercy in tangible ways.

Today's One Thing
Thank God for how He has shown you His mercy recently.


Going Deeper
1 Peter 1:3-5; Ephesians 2:4-5

[Judy Harder]

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 14:27


Prescription for Peace
A year ago Eugene and Kirstin didn't know if they would make it through the night. The couple decided to go to a midnight movie with some friends. Soon after the movie started, a masked gunman walked in the theater and opened fire. Eugene pushed Kirstin under the chairs. Eugene got shot in the hip and in the knee. Then the shooter's gun jammed. With Kristin supporting Eugene, they escaped the theater with their friends as the gunman pulled out another gun.

One year later, Eugene has recovered and the couple decided to marry on the anniversary of the shooting. Kirstin and Eugene know their relationship with Jesus Christ has helped them turn tragedy into a special day. Eugene said, "Our faith is definitely a big part of the story."

There is only one true prescription for peace in difficult times...knowing God is in control when all appears otherwise. He is able to work all things together for your good. Nothing can hinder his plans for you!


Today's One Thing
Practice trusting God this week for every event in which you feel fearful or out of control.


Going Deeper
Jeremiah 29:11-14; Isaiah 26:3