Today's One Thing

[Judy Harder]

It's tempting to wait for some day down the road to worry about important choices. But that day may come sooner than you think.   


But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. —Matthew 24:36 (ESV) 


Someday is Here
Lana wasn't expecting the phone to ring that night. She picked up the call with a sinking feeling in her stomach, and listened as the police officer gave her the devastating news.

Some 30 years ago her parents had sat her down as a preadolescent, some 30 years ago now, and talked to her about how some day they wouldn't be there anymore; some day she would have to get by on her own, with God alone to guide her way. "Someday is here," she thought.

A few weeks later, after the funeral, Lana sat her own daughter down and told her how someday would come for her as well. "It always comes sooner than expected. Place your faith and foundation in the Lord so you won't be alone when one day the phone rings in your own house."

"Someday" comes for all of us. It could be 30 years from now, or 30 minutes. There's no way to be ready for it, but there is a way to brace ourselves for life's blindsides. When, not if, suffering crashes into the path of your life, remember to trust in the only One who will never fail you. "Someday," for you, though unexpected and often brutal, can mean a humbling and freeing dependence on God.
 
Today's One Thing
Don't wait for "someday." Place your true reliance and trust in the God who is the author and finisher of every day.
 
Going Deeper
Galatians 3:15-29; Luke 12:22-40

 

[Judy Harder]

Those with lots of friends reach out to others with a heart for relationship. 
 

Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. —Proverbs 27:9  (ESV) 

   
Cultivating New Friendships
Dena adjusted her voice activated navigational system in her car. She leaned back and took a deep breath. This was her first trip by herself in her new city. She knew moving, especially at her age, was going to take a lot of effort.

She thought back to the life she had six years ago before her husband died unexpectedly of a heart attack. Their home on seven acres quickly proved too much for her to keep up with. So she sold her home and moved into the small little town they'd made their home for more than 30 years. When she retired, she knew it was time to do something new so she accepted her son, Eddie's invitation to move to another state and live with them.

She was doing what she could to make friends. "I'm not normally very outgoing," she told her daughter-in-law, Vanessa. "But I'm willing to try." She had connected with a few ladies in a Bible study, at their church. She had become a volunteer at the hospital and now she had joined a hiking club for others her age. Thankfully, most everyone had been very friendly so far, which encouraged her. 

Dena pushed her car into reverse and backed out of the garage and into the street. "Here we go," Lord, she prayed. "Let me connect with those you want in my life. May I be a blessing to them and may we add to one another's lives as you direct."

Look closely at someone you know who has a good supply of friends. You'll find that they reach out and cultivate friendships, rather than sitting around waiting for others to befriend them.
 
Today's One Thing
What are you willing to do today to cultivate new friendships?
 
Going Deeper
Proverbs 22:24-27; 2 Samuel 9:1-13

[Judy Harder]

Do you struggle to follow God's will for fear of what He might ask you to give up? 


The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. —Psalm 138:8 (ESV) 
 

Giving Up Control
"You're a control freak," Brian said to his wife, Ginger with a tone that accused her. Ginger frowned looking at the dishwasher, after taking the dishes out one at a time and rearranging them. Brian continued, "They will come clean, no matter how they're put in there. I thought I was doing you a favor and helping out."

Ginger's mind raced as his words cut deep into her heart—but they were true. "You do that to the kids, too. They're never going to learn to make their beds, tie their shoes, or anything else as long as you go along behind them 'perfecting' their attempts to do things on their own. "Why can't you just let it go?" he asked, as he grabbed his jacket and headed out the door to take their son to soccer practice.

Ginger knew her need to control came from growing up in a strict family atmosphere. For the most part, decisions were made for her and she had little control over what she did and didn't do growing up. So, as soon as she was on her own, she took control of everything in her life—and in the lives of others who would let her do so.

She turned on the dishwasher and went outside for a walk. I am a control freak, she said to herself. I even control my relationship with God. I refuse to fully surrender to Him for fear that He'll ask me to do something that I don't want to do, she realized. I've got to make a change today. She came upon a shade tree and sat down beneath it, and began to open up her heart—fully—to God as she began to pray.

Do you struggle to follow God's will for fear of what He might ask you to give up? Trust God that whatever He asks of you, can only lead to His very best for your life.
 
Today's One Thing
What ONE THING do you need to give completely to God today?
 
Going Deeper
Psalm 23:1-6; 1 John 4:7-21

[Judy Harder]

When you want God's very best and are seeking His will, it's important to be willing to walk through the doors he opens before you. 
 

At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison - that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. —Colossians 4:3-4 (ESV) 
 
Open Doors to God's Will
Jessie's phone rang. She scooped it from the table as she walked by carrying a load of dirty clothes for the washer. It was her mother, Pam. "Hi Mom! How's it going?" she chirped.

"It's going really well," her mother replied. Jessie noticed her mom's voice was much more upbeat than normal. The last few weeks she'd struggled with her decision of where to relocate. It was good to hear her voice positive and optimistic. Since Jessie's father died four years ago, Pam had lived with her younger sister, Jane. Pam had been a big help to her with their two small children since her husband had been deployed overseas. But now he was coming home and they would be moving hundreds of miles from family and friends.

Pam wanted to move back to their hometown, where her daughters had all grown up, but it was a tiny community and homes were hard to come by in the area she wanted to live. Pam had been prayerful about her decision for several months. No doors had opened for her to return there, so Jessie suggested she move in with them. It was still far from family and friends, but they lived in a city with a large retirement population.

"I've decided to move in with you," Pam told Jessie. I believe it is where I belong. I love your church. It is a beautiful community and I have peace in this decision. It will be difficult getting to know new people and acclimating to a new home, but I believe this is the next phase of what God has for me."

Sometimes what you want, isn't what you need. When you want God's very best and are seeking His will, it's important to be willing to walk through the doors He opens and explore the opportunities He brings your way.
 
Today's One Thing
What doors have opened for you in the past week? Ask God to give you peace and courage to walk through them today.
 
Going Deeper
Colossians 4:1-6; Psalm 91:1-16

[Judy Harder]

Jesus is forever in your corner, cheering you on, seeking to connect with you.   



Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. —Matthew 26:31 (ESV) 


Reaching Out to Jesus
"It's just so frustrating," Hillary complained to her mother, Joan. "What's frustrating?" Joan asked as she prepared a salad for their lunch together.

"Oh, this whole deal with Raquel. I love her to pieces. We've been friends a long time, but I'm the one always reaching out. I'm the one who suggests we get together. I even have to come up with where we're going to meet and what we're going to do."

"Well, honey," her mother replied. "She's really busy with two jobs right now."

"I know," Hillary agreed, taking the salad dressing out of the refrigerator and putting it on the table. "It just gets old. It makes me feel like she doesn't value the relationship—that I'm not important to her. I'm tempted to just wait and see how much time passes before she makes a point to connect with me."

"Well, I guess you could," Joan said slowly, "but would that be Christ-like? Can you imagine Jesus disconnecting from you. He is forever reaching out to you—wanting you to connect with Him. He is that friend that is always there. I know it's hard, but maybe Raquel is going through something and she needs to know that you will always be there for her."

"You're right, Mom," Hillary said, her voice softening. Instead of complaining to you, I should go to the Lord in prayer—for me, and for Raquel. I know He will show me how to be the friend she needs."

Jesus will never stop reaching out to you for a relationship. He is the One who will forever be in your corner, cheering you on, seeking to connect with you.
 
Today's One Thing
Time in prayer connects you to the one who loves you most. What is it that you need to reach out to the Lord about today?
 
Going Deeper
Matthew 26:36-46; 1 Timothy 2:1-15

[Judy Harder]

It's important to accept responsibility and receive the consequences of your actions—good or bad. 



For each will have to bear his own load. —Galatians 6:5 (ESV) 


Accepting Responsibility
Returning to her desk from a meeting, Sharon set her files down next to her computer. She noticed that she had an unread text message on her phone that she'd left on her desk. It was from her son, Shawn. She sighed deeply after reading his text. Once again, he's forgotten his backpack, with homework assignments at home, and he expected her to save the day—again.

She dialed her husband's number. "Gerald, I want us to be on the same page with this. I'm calling to let you know that Shawn forgot his backpack this morning, and this time, I'm not going to take off work in order to get it to him."

"Good," Gerald agreed. "It's about time you let him be responsible for his own actions. He needs to accept the consequences, whatever they are, for not having his assignments. And when he starts blaming you for getting a bad grade, we'll address it together."

Sharon texted her son:

NOT ABLE TO HELP THIS TIME. YOU'LL HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF IT. MOM.

An intentional life requires you to be 100% responsible for what you think, how you feel, what you say and do. It's important to accept responsibility and receive the consequences of your actions—good or bad. You may need to go to those you may have blamed and ask for their forgiveness if He leads you to do so.
 
Today's One Thing
What area of your life do you need to take more responsibility for? Ask God to help you step up and be responsible.
 
Going Deeper
Galatians 6:1-5; 2 Samuel 12:1-14


 

[Judy Harder]

Unconditional love can mend a broken heart and restore relationship.   


Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.  —1 John 4:11-12 (ESV) 
     

Unconditional Love
Tamara's parents divorced when she was 12, and her mother moved her and her two brothers to another state, thousands of miles from their father. Her father made little or no contact with his children as they were growing up. He told Tamara years later that he felt it was best if he just bowed out. Even as an adult, their relationship proved difficult.

Tamara fidgeted at the kitchen sink, thinking about the invitation she'd accepted to visit her dad. With her husband's encouragement, she decided it was time to introduce the boys to their Grandpa. She and Phillip asked God to restore Tamara's relationship with her father.

Weeks later, they piled into their minivan and trekked across country. Tamara felt butterflies in her stomach as they turned down the country dirt road where she'd spent her first 12 years of life. "Well," Phillip said, "it looks like the whole family is here to greet us," as her father's house came into view. Tamara saw her father, grandmother, aunt and cousins sitting on the front porch.

Tamara looked at Phillip as they were bombarded with hugs and kisses. Then her father said, "Ya'll come into the house, we have dinner ready." As they sat across the table from one another, Tamara could tell her father was really trying to connect. Finally, her four year-old son broke the tension. "Grandpa Matt," he said from across the table, "I love you."

A child's unconditional love melted a grown man's heart and opened the door to healing necessary to bring a family back together.
 
Today's One Thing
Is there a relationship in your life that is difficult? How can you show unconditional love in that relationship today?
 
Going Deeper
Romans 12:9-10; 1 John 4:7-11

 

[Judy Harder]

It's important to have relationships with those that share your faith, but it's also important to love those who don't believe.   



You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. —Matthew 5:14 (ESV) 



Shine Your Light into All the Word
Scotty jumped out of the car, slammed the door, and raced ahead of his dad into the house. "Mom, Mom," he called loudly as he set his lunchbox and backpack on the dining room table. Jana shut the door to the dryer and made her way into the dining room to great him.

"Hey Buddy, how was your first day of first grade?"

"It was great, Mom," he said, smiling from ear to ear. "And guess what?" he said, not really waiting for her to reply. "I asked everyone in my class if they knew Jesus, even my teacher. She does know him. And I made sure that I only played with the kids who know Jesus, too."

"Oh," Jana said, a little taken aback. She looked quizzically at her husband, Todd, who shrugged his shoulders as if to say, I don't know where he got that idea.

Jana turned back to Scotty, "Honey, you can play with all the kids, not just the ones who know Jesus. He wants us to show others how much He loves them by treating them with love and respect. As they get to know you, they will see Jesus in you and hopefully, want to know Him like you do."

"Oh, okay! Scotty said. He paused and seemed to think about it a little more and said, "I will play with all the kids tomorrow. I'll be extra good so they'll see Him inside me."

It's important to have relationships with those that share your faith, but it's also important to love those who don't believe. As you demonstrate the love of God and let His light shine through you, His love can draw them into a relationship with Him.
 
Today's One Thing
How will you let your light shine into the lives of others today?
 
Going Deeper
Matthew 5:1-16; John 8:12-30

[Judy Harder]

It's important to ask for help! 


Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. —Galatians 6:2 (ESV) 
   

Eliminate Emotional Ooze—Ask for Help
Kay sipped her coffee. The steam warmed her hands and broke the chill off her cold office as she began her day. She opened her email and began her daily routine of responding to matters at hand. Her eyes fell on Bart's words, a team member she supervised. Wow! Kay thought. His comments are short and snippy. He's obviously irritated. That's so unlike him. She opened a second email from Bart. Again, a short and defensive tone seethed from her computer monitor. Clearly he's frustrated.

She dialed his number and asked him to come to her office. Seconds later he appeared at her office door. "How are you doing?" She inquired. "I noticed some irritation or frustration in a few emails from you this morning."

"I'm sorry," he mumbled, hanging his head. "I didn't mean to take my frustration out on you. I'm extremely upset because payroll messed up my last few paychecks. They can't fix it until the next payroll cycle and things are tight."

Kay's voice softened. "I'm so sorry; I didn't know about this. Let me see what I can do." Kay dropped everything and spent the day cutting the red tape necessary to put a check for his back pay into Bart's hands.

Sometimes it's hard to ask for help or to let other people into your private world. Stuffing emotions usually doesn't help. Instead the emotion your feeling finds its way to the surface—often unrelated to whatever is really troubling you. God is your help. He will show you who you can trust to share your challenges. It's okay to ask for help—from Him and from others.
 
Today's One Thing
Is there something in your heart that is causing you to ooze with emotion? Ask God today about sharing your heart with a friend or coworker.
 
Going Deeper
Psalm 121:1-8; Galatians 6:1-10

[Judy Harder]

Don't wait until you're far from God before you decide to pursue Him. 



Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.  —Isaiah 55:6-7 (ESV) 

   
Refuse to Drift
Cameron and his brother, Nate were thrilled about the annual family camping trip. This year their parents agreed the boys were old enough to handle their own canoe on the river. Once on the river the boys burst ahead, excited to be on their own. Several times their father shouted warnings not to get too far ahead. It was important not to drift away from the rest of the group.

Caught up in their excitement, the boys realized they had lost sight of their family. The river had grown wide and the boys realized they needed direction in which way to go. They paddled backwards, but the current was too strong.

They began to drift to the left fork in the river just as they saw their family coming into the clearing, but it was too late. The boys flew over the most treacherous rapids. They lost their canoe and escaped the river with cuts and bruises.

Isaiah 55:6 tells us to call on the name of God while he is near. God won't move away from you, but sometimes it's easy with life's distractions to drift away from Him. Don't wait until you are far from God before you decide to pursue Him.
 
Today's One Thing
Pursue God today in whatever manner He leads you.
 
Going Deeper
Hebrews 2:1-4; Isaiah 55:1-13