Today's One Thing

[Judy Harder]

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV


Point Others to Christ
Dex, who owned a local auto body repair shop, had been known to drink too much, cuss and tell inappropriate jokes. Instead of attending church with his wife and children—he hung out each Sunday morning at his small community donut shop drinking coffee and exaggerating about his own great adventures when he was younger.

Days before his daughter gave birth to his first grandson, he began to ask his daughter questions about God and faith. The next Sunday morning Dex was missing from his place in line at the donut shop. He had found his place next to his family in church. At the close of the service he went forward and asked Jesus to change his heart and life. He became a member of the church and went with his family to church—not just Sundays but Wednesday nights too.

His buddies noticed a difference over the next few months. Dex's cleaned up his language and stopped telling inappropriate jokes. He even did his best not to add to his stories. One by one his friends came to him and asked, "What changed." To which Dex replied, "I want to set the right example for my grandson. I want to follow Christ so that if he follows in my footsteps I'll know I've helped point him to God.

None of us get where we're going alone. Just as you probably heard someone else's story or had the opportunity to walk alongside mentors God has brought into your life, make sure that you give back with an example for others to follow.


Today's One Thing
Is there someone the Lord has put on your heart to help grow in faith. Ask the Lord to show you how you can make yourself available to them as a friend, coach and mentor.


Going Deeper
1 Timothy 41-16; Romans 13:11-14

[Judy Harder]

When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.
Psalm 118:5-7 NIV 


What's your story?
Pastor Allen sat across the table from Shane and Tiffany. Newlyweds, they were having some challenges with extended family relationships and their finances. They came to their pastor for some help.

"I believe my faith grows with each obstacle I face," the pastor said. And after 30 years of marriage, raising three children and going through all the ups and downs life can bring—I have a lot of examples of God bringing me through." Shane and Tiffany listened more closely. Each time a new challenge to my faith taunts me to doubt God and his faithfulness, I bring up a story of a time God was there for me," he continued. It assures me He will help me make it through whatever crisis stands in my way today.

Shane and Tiffany were encouraged as he went on to share several stories that were specific to their two faith challenges. He demonstrated how God did amazing and very miraculous things in his life. He assured them that it wasn't because he was a pastor, because God would be faithful to get them through just as well.

Do you have stories of God's faithfulness you can share with your friends and family? You may be amazed just how much your own story will inspire and encourage others in their faith as you are willing to share!

Today's One Thing
Build your faith by remembering the times God has been faithful in your life. Take those stories and as transparently as you can, share your experiences with others.


Going Deeper
Psalm 118:1-18; 1 John 1:1-10

[Judy Harder]

Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.
Psalm 48:9 NIV


Sharing Faith and Family
Alexis was really nervous. She had invited her girlfriend, Mariah, for a Friday night sleepover and because she wasn't a Christian, like Alexis' family was—she was a little unsure how her friend would respond to her family's choices.

When her mom called the family together, Mariah smiled and exclaimed, "You guys actually sit down at the table. "Yeah, Alexis said as she set out the plates and silverware. "We pass the food and everything."

Wanting to be included, Alexis' little brother blurted out, "We hold hands and pray and everything." Alexis offered a weak smile, but Mariah seemed excited. Once the family was seated, Alexis dad asked each person around the table to share a little about their day—good things and also challenging ones. Mariah couldn't wait to tell about her grade of 100% on her spelling test.

The family held hands and bowed their heads as Mom offered thanks to God. As soon as they raised their heads, Mariah blurted out, "I wish my family sat down together, talked—and maybe even prayed."

Prayer builds the sense of spiritual community in your home, the realization that you are one as a family and that you serve the same God. Praying together connects you, helps you share one another's burdens and gives you opportunity to celebrate victories. Nothing is more intimate than praying with those you love—and when you do that as a family, it's powerful.


Today's One Thing
What ONE THING can you do to encourage your children to share their faith with friends?


Going Deeper
Matthew 28:16-20; Philippians 2:12-13

 

[Judy Harder]

Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to fish for people.'
Mark 1:17 NIV


Jobs or Jesus
The word vocation comes from a Latin word meaning "to call." So it's not a stretch to think of our skill set, trade or employment as a "calling." But sometimes your workplace can become a compartment of your life you don't associate with the true calling God has placed in your life.

Jesus calls Peter and John from their fishing boats, quite literally from their livelihood, to follow Him. God calls you to prioritize Him over your work, whether you're a janitor or a CEO. It's not about what you do. It's about who you're doing it for.

God's not calling everyone to quit their jobs and become monks in a monastery; there were many that Jesus didn't call to leave their jobs or professions. In fact, your "calling" is where God wants you to be so you can have the relationships in which He desires to express His love and grace.


Today's One Thing
Keep an eye out for  someone in your office who God may be calling you to love.


Going Deeper
Psa 40; Isa 40:15-31
 

[Judy Harder]

Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.
1 Peter 2:18 NIV


Imperfect Authority
It never fails. The boss says, "Do this," and it's utterly obvious that what they want is the wrong thing to do. Your parents' rules are clearly irrelevant and out-of-date. Your HOA is way too strict about the weeds in your front yard.

Mismanagement is nothing new. It's also unavoidable; every human boss is fallible.

Submission to imperfect authority is one of the best ways to accept God's sovereign rule over your life in a broken world. Rebelling against leaders who are just as sinful and broken is to deny God a powerful way to humble you and give you opportunities to show mercy and grace. In short, it denies you an easy chance to love others as Christ loves you.


Today's One Thing
Remember to show respect for your boss, frustrating as it sometimes is, so God can work both in your heart and theirs.


Going Deeper
Titus 2; Eph 6:1-9

[Judy Harder]

Rejoice Always, pray continually...
1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 NIV


Oh, I Need Thee
I need Thee Every Hour, written by Annie Sherwood Hawks, contains a powerful dependence on God.

I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.
I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their pow'r when Thou art nigh.
I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.

When asked about the words in the song, she said, "It was not until many years after [I composed the words] when the shadow of a great loss fell over my life that I understood something of the comforting in the words I have been permitted to write."

Sometimes we cannot know the true comfort of God until there is nothing left but just that. Annie's story should remind you how staying focused on the provision of God can be important in your worst times of trouble. Needing Him "every hour" is knowledge you should never abandon, no matter what your circumstances.


Today's One Thing
Choose to make God first in your life, by spending your best energy on time with Him.


Going Deeper
Lam 3: 22-33; Psalm 88

[Judy Harder]

Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but [forgive] seventy-seven times."
Matthew 18:22 NIV


Seventy Times Seven
Jesus told a story about a master betrayed by his debtor's irresponsibility; forgiven his debt, he then refused to forgive the debt owed to him by another. Do you wonder what it was like for him to have such an incredible loss on his hands, and to cease to demand what he was owed? And then to watch his forgivee be unforgiving...?

Sometimes it's like you reach that moment when you're just done. That moment when your emotional debt is so far past due by your loved one that you reach your extensions on credit? Maybe you've kept forgiving so much but feel unforgiven yourself, in spite of all your letting them off the hook.

At that moment you are faced with the decision to be like the first man or the second.

At that moment, when you've forgiven 490 times, and you're staring down number 491, remind yourself of what God has forgiven you. 490 forgivenesses is nothing compared to what God could keep records of if He chose. Draw strength for your mercy from His.

Today's One Thing: Today, spend your quiet time asking God to soften your heart, so you can forgive others even in the face of the four-hundredth ninety-first time.


Today's One Thing
Today, spend your quiet time asking God to soften your heart, so you can forgive others even in the face of the four-hundredth ninety-first time.


Going Deeper
Matt 18:21-35; Psalm 130

[Judy Harder]

Now therefore, let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take care and do it, for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, no partiality, nor taking of bribes.
2 Chronicles 19:7 NIV


Your Impartial God
The Supreme Court, which is the highest court in our country, consists of a chief justice and eight associate justices who are nominated by the president and confirmed by the United States Senate. The justices are publicly known as conservative, moderate or liberal.

Each Supreme Court justice has one vote. While many cases are decided unanimously, some of the highest profile cases often expose each justice's particular ideological beliefs. If we should expect justice anywhere, it should be when a case comes before these esteemed justices. Yet, they are just human. When the gavel strikes the bench, it is impossible for them to be impartial in every case.

God's justice is based on His holiness, truthfulness and righteousness. There is one Bible that He uses to impartially judge and reward all people. There are no secret agendas for certain people.

Approach God with your every plea and concern. He sees them as equally important. Trust God, who loves you unconditionally, to judge and reward according to His impartial objectivity.


Today's One Thing
Ask God to help you make impartial and fair decisions regarding other people today.


Going Deeper
Acts 10:34-35

[Judy Harder]

Jesus gave them this answer: "Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does."
John 5:19 NIV


They're Watching You
As a fellow believer, your job is to share Christ with others—believers and nonbelievers alike. People are trying to find their purpose in life. No matter what your job is, God wants to use you in His ministry—and His ministry is people.

How do you leverage your talents for the Kingdom of God? Well, whatever God has called you to do—wherever He's placed you to do it—use it to His glory. People need to connect with other people and hear the Truth in a loving way. You share the Good News through your actions. Believers and nonbelievers are watching you. What you say and what you do every day really matters.

Jesus' thoughts were always on others—even as he was about to be arrested. In John 17 he turned to the cross and did three things: 1) prayed for himself, 2) prayed for his disciples, 3) prayed for all believers including you and me.

Do your actions add to people's lives? Do you offer affirmation, inspiration and hope? Are you equipping them from the overflow of joy that comes from knowing Christ?


Today's One Thing
One thing you can do today—strive to live intentionally for Christ by being aware that what you say and do really does matter.


Going Deeper
John 5:16-30; 1 Peter 2:11-25

 

[Judy Harder]

For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.
Galatians 5:17 NIV


Leading Your Children as You Follow Him
Have you ever watched a small child follow? Imagine those little feet walking closely behind a parent—even placing their little feet directly into the footprints of the one they are following. They often mimic the actions, repeat the words, and follow specifically each thing that parent does.

An intentional Christian is a Christ-follower who actually follows. As followers of Jesus Christ, it's easy to be very unintentional in our submission to Him. We make excuses and justify our actions when we want to go our own way.

Now, there is nothing today that's keeping us from being a true follower of Jesus. It's a decision you have made. The Bible tells us that none of us just naturally seek to be a follower of Christ. It's because of God's wooing that draws us and we find ourselves in a position that we want to accept Him and make Him a part of our lives.

When your children are small, they will follow where you lead. As they grow they want to discover their own way. The example you consistently provide them with as you follow Christ, will show them the way each day.


Today's One Thing
Make an intentional decision to lead your children by example. You can mark their destination by demonstrating the direction they should grow in Him today?


Going Deeper
Galatians 5:13-25; Leviticus 19