Today's One Thing

[Judy Harder]

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Proverbs 4:7


True Wisdom
In 1953, there were only 100 computers in use around the world. Today, there are more than 110 million computers in homes, schools, and offices. Some of the most sophisticated supercomputers now can perform nearly 32 billion calculations per second and can store a billion characters in their memories. They can do in one hour what it would take a desktop computer forty years to perform. Yet, the more technology we have, the more we realize how much we still do not know.

God not only knows everything but His knowledge is never superseded or made obsolete by new discoveries. He will give you wisdom to handle your situations when you talk to Him, read the Bible and pursue counsel from others you know and trust. So seek God's wisdom every day and build your life on the foundation of His truth.er for your good. Nothing can hinder his plans for you!


Today's One Thing
Learn something about God by reading the Bible and share that with someone today. 


Going Deeper
Proverbs 2:6; James 1:5

[Judy Harder]

Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
John 13:17 NIV


Secret Service
Jan looked around her house and was amazed at how clean it looked. She had been working long hours and with a forty-five minute commute, there hadn't been much time to keep up with housework. Yet her house looked clean and her floors, of all things, were immaculate.

Months later Jan learned that a friend of hers had been secretly mopping her floors while she was away at work. Her friend knew this would release some of Jan's stress and found a way to serve her friend without her knowing it. Stunned, Jan pondered that one would even think of doing such a thing. To help in this way would have never entered her mind.
Do you have a friend in need? Is there a way you can help to meet that need?


Today's One Thing
Ask God to show you what you might be able to do to help a friend today. You will both be blessed.


Going Deeper
John 13:1-17, Matthew 20:28, Luke 22:27

[Judy Harder]

Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."
1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV


Friendship Check-Up 
Have you ever found yourself in a place you never intended to go? Maybe one thing led to another and before you knew it you were participating in things that had no place in your life. Was it a "friend" who encouraged you to go in that direction?

There is a story in the Bible about a young man who found himself far from home. He hung out with people who were living wildly and he spent all his inheritance. When his money ran out, he took a job feeding pigs. One day he realized the pigs were eating better food than he was, and he decided to make a change.

It is important to evaluate the character of the people you spend time with. Choose friends who are serious about their relationship with God and they will encourage you in that direction. You will find yourself on the road that leads to places you truly want to go.


Today's One Thing
Evaluate who you're spending most of your time with and determine if you need to make a change in order to grow closer in your relationship with God.


Going Deeper
Luke 15:11-24, 1 Peter 5:8-9

 

[Judy Harder]

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.
Ephesians 6:7-8 NIV


Do It for Him
Have you noticed it's easy to think that freedom is doing what you want to do—doing what makes you feel good? That's not as satisfying as it may first appear. When "self" is indulged it just usually wants more, and the thirst is never fully quenched. Yet, there is such joy in serving others. This doesn't come naturally; you must rely on God's power through His Holy Spirit to lead you.

Jesus lived the example of giving up His own desires for God's will and His love for people. He served in the ultimate way so that humans can be truly free from the bondage of self-focused indulgence that leads to wanting more and more.

Do you find yourself dissatisfied? Tweak your perspective. Ask God for His help, and discover the reward of freedom in service to others.


Today's One Thing
Choose to do something for another and enjoy God's rewards of focusing on someone else's needs.


Going Deeper
Galatians 5:13-26, 1 Peter 4:10

[Judy Harder]

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Philippians 2:3-4 NIV


Selfless Act of Love
The young lady knew her friend would die if she didn't get a new kidney. She announced to her family that she would donate one of hers so her friend would have a fighting chance at life. They were a match, so the plan was put into place. A few months later they both went through surgery and spent two months recovering.

Other than one's very life, it doesn't get much closer to laying down your life for your friend than to give up an organ that you may someday need. What an incredible act of love.

Maybe you don't need to give up a kidney, but is there some way you can serve someone near you today?


Today's One Thing
Express your love by doing at least one unexpected act of kindness today for someone near you.


Going Deeper
Matthew 7:12, Philippians 2:12-18

 

[Judy Harder]

The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'
Matthew 25:40 NIV


Reach Beyond Yourself   
Mother Teresa gave her life to serving and loving the poorest of the poor. She chose to be the feet and hands of Christ, reaching out with His love to the unwanted and uncared people of Calcutta. She gave up a more comfortable life to hit the streets and take care of the needs of others.

Is serving others a part of your life? Do you look for ways to meet the needs of those around you? It may not come naturally to you, but there are hurting people all around you. They may look like they have their act together, but if you look a little closer you will see their needs. Is there a small or big way you can show the love of Christ to them?


Today's One Thing
Look for a way to serve someone in need today. Tell them Jesus sent you.


Going Deeper
Matthew 25:34-40, John 12:12-17

 

[Judy Harder]

But Jonathan had taken a great liking to David and warned him, "My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there."
I Samuel 19:1b-2 NIV


Jonathan Friendship
David had a kind of friend that everyone needs. Jonathan, who knew his own father was jealous of David, risked his life for his friend. Jonathan's father, King Saul, was so infuriated that he set out to kill David. Saul had turned his back on God.

Jonathan warned his friend, David, knowing how his confused and angry father might respond. He questioned the king boldly about his behavior, reminding him of David's good works for him. Jonathan stood face to face with wrong behavior and targeted his father's behavior with the truth on David's behalf. He then spoke with honesty and love to his friend, David.

Are you that kind of friend? Do you have a friend who is honest with you and seeks your best interest even when it's not easy?


Today's One Thing
Be a "Jonathan" kind of friend today by speaking honestly and with love, to your friend.


Going Deeper
I Samuel 19:1-7, Proverbs 27:6

[Judy Harder]

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 NIV


You Need Others
Are you an independent spirit? Do you try to function without needing help from others? Have you lost trust in friends who have let you down? The truth is you need good, healthy friendships. God didn't create people to be alone. He made you for relationship with others.

Even the struggle to work out differences is actually a good thing. If you attempt to see your friend's side of things and to learn from each other, that is the essence of the Proverb that talks about iron sharpening iron. God uses friendships to refine you and take you places He wants you to go.

Don't be an island. Choose your friends wisely and work through challenges with patience, and you will grow to appreciate good relationships.


Today's One Thing
Reach out to a friend who challenges you to grow in your relationship with Christ.


Going Deeper
Proverbs 27:17, Proverbs 27:6, Hebrews 10:25

[Judy Harder]

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 


True Strength
Paul Anderson holds the Guinness world record for the most weight ever lifted by a human being. In 1957, Paul lifted 6,270 pounds with his legs and back. However, he was not always physically strong.

Paul was diagnosed with kidney disease at age five. His parents were told that he couldn't play outside and would likely be weak and frail all his life. Paul's mom put him on a special diet and encouraged him to excel physically all through his childhood and teens. He played football in high school and began experimenting with weight lifting. Paul made bars out of tractor axels and wheels and even used a huge safe on a special leather strap to do squats on a platform in his yard, just to be able to train with enough weight to get stronger.

Paul won the world weightlifting championships and was the first man to ever squat over 700 pounds. He was also the last American to win a gold medal in the super heavyweight division. Then Paul spent the rest of his life doing demonstrations, telling others about Jesus Christ and operating a youth home to help young men live productive lives.

Paul Anderson's feats were amazing, but his true strength came from his Heavenly Father. God promises to empower you with strength when you are weak. So as you face trials this week, ask Him to help you overcome them with His supernatural strength!


Today's One Thing
Say "I can do all this through God who gives me strength" throughout the day.


Going Deeper
Psalm 73:26; Isaiah 40:31

[Judy Harder]

For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
Ecclesiastes 12:14


He Rights Wrongs
When Raleigh Washington joined the army, he was quickly promoted from captain to major and then lieutenant colonel. Raleigh was on his way to becoming a general when he was falsely accused of misconduct. Although none of the accusations were proven, Raleigh was given the choice of retirement in lieu of being discharged. He refused to admit he was guilty in order to receive his retirement benefits. Raleigh chose not to become bitter and entered school to become a pastor.

When he graduated, Raleigh met a lawyer named Jeff who learned about his military case. For nine years, Jeff worked to reverse the army's decision. Finally, Raleigh was reinstated for one day so he could retire and receive all the accrued retirement benefits. His record was cleared and every document against him was destroyed.

You may encounter injustice in any place at any time. But God is aware of every injustice and He has His own way of righting wrongs. Even if someone deals with you unfairly, remember God will perfect those things that concern you.


Today's One Thing
Tell God about unfair treatment you have received recently. Then let go and leave it to Him to deal with the one who wronged you.


Going Deeper
Jeremiah 51:56; Jeremiah 17:10