NEIGHBORS

Having lived in four houses within the past 15 years, we have been given an opportunity to see how neighbors differ. We would always try to take our cues from our neighbors as to the degree of friendliness they wanted. Some were too busy and preoccupied to even notice our presence. Others wanted only a nodding acquaintance with us. Some were friendly with a cheery wave every time they saw us. Sometimes neighbors would open their hearts and homes, wanting a deeper relationship to be established. What a pleasurable surprise that was!

People are like neighbors in their relationship to God. Some are so busy that they don’t even notice He exists. Others want only a nodding acquaintance with Him - they don’t want Him to get too close. Some wave cheerily to Him every day, but otherwise, ignore Him. Then there are the special ones - those who open their hearts and homes to Him, longing for a deeper relationship to be established. Since God is the ultimate good neighbor, He waits for an invitation into lives. Those who welcome Him . . . what pleasure they bring to His yearning heart.

Draw close to God and God will draw close to you. James 4:8

Heavenly Father, please show me how to be one of those special ones in Your eyes - one who opens my heart and home to Your presence. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

GOOD WORDS

In the news, we hear words detailing violence, hatred and strife. Every day we are bombarded with words about job layoffs, global warming, school violence, suicide bombers, floods, homelessness and murder. The news never seems to get better, only worse.

Recently, while reading Romans 5, it was amazing to see such positive, life-giving words throughout. Words seemed to jump off the page - words such as peace, grace, hope, endurance, character, God’s love, reconciled, free gift, justification, abundance, reign, righteous, eternal life.

What a contrast between the words the world has to offer and those words which God has for us. And that’s only in one chapter. Imagine all of the other good words God has for us in the rest of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Let’s discover them for ourselves !

They feast on the abundance of Thy house, and Thou givest them drink from the river of Thy delights. Psalm 36:8

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your written words available to me in Scripture. Please open my eyes and heart to see the abundance of Thy house and the river of Thy delight which You mention in Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

AN AGING TENNIS STAR

It was sad to watch. The tennis player who, for years, had been the best player in the world crumbled during the biggest match of the season. He had been so strong for so long, yet at the young age of 30, his body gave out. With his loss, he sat on the sidelines, his head hanging down in utter dejection.

For us who follow the Lord, we need never experience that sort of dejection at our loss of physical strength. Yes, our bodies may weaken as we grow older, but we know that the growth and strength which the Lord gives to us in our inner person - in our spirit - will only increase with each passing day. Even into our 80s and 90s, if we are on the earth for that length of time, our spiritual strength will increase as we obey the Lord. Bearing fruit into old age is to be expected as the norm for us who love the Lord. Can’t you just feel the sap flowing?

the righteous . . . still bring forth fruit in old age, they are ever full of sap and green; to show that the Lord is upright; He is my rock and there is no unrighteousness in Him. Psalm 92:14-15

Heavenly Father, as the days, months and years are added to my life, please continually reveal Your righteousness through me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

HAVE COURAGE

Our friends’ high school-age son was chosen to go to a leadership conference in Kansas City. Another son seems to be outstanding in chemistry. Their daughter traveled to Japan for a portion of her college credits. Our son’s resume listed capabilities in the graphic design field. Our daughter decided to take up training an ox. Each loved God, desiring to do His will. How we, as adults, marvel at how God has worked in our children’s lives. Looking around at other believing young people’s lives, we notice the same courage to step out and try new things.

When we were young, it seemed the only way to Kansas City was by cyclone, hurricane or tornado. We probably would never have even thought of going to Japan, not to mention studying there. We probably never considered training an ox, having trouble even training a puppy.

Our children’s lives have certainly been enriched by God. In turn, their lives have enriched our own. Perhaps, as we look at our children’s courage to venture out into untried areas, we should consider prayerfully asking the Lord in what areas we should next venture - with His courage.

So I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. Be strong and of good courage. Joshua 1:5

Heavenly Father, please send the courage I need as You prompt me to try new adventures. In Jesus’ name. Amen

FIRST THINGS FIRST

We’ve all heard of the shoemaker whose children had no shoes. We’ve probably also heard of the woman so busy writing a cookbook that she had no time to cook meals for her family. We sigh and cluck our tongues in disapproval. Yet, are we doing the same things, but in a different way?

Are we so busy fussing at our children to pick up their toys that we neglect to sit down and play with our little ones? Are we dynamite at organizing our office at work? At home, however, it is another scene with papers and files overflowing the dining room table?

Of course, we could go on and on with scenes like these but let’s take a minute and survey what is happening in our lives. In what areas do we need to improve? God, in His strength, is more than willing to help us where we need improvement. He doesn’t expect perfection but He does expect us to become more and more like Him every day of our lives.

You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48

Heavenly Father, please open my eyes to see areas in my life which need to be improved. Then show me how to go about improving them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

IMMEDIATE PRAYERS

Finding myself in a difficult situation, I walked over to my friend, Marcie, who had been blind since birth and asked her to pray. She immediately clasped her hands and began talking with our heavenly Father, requesting help. As I stood beside her, I was awestruck by her immediate response on my behalf.

As the difficult situation was remedied before our eyes, I marveled at how a friend’s immediate prayer resulted in all of heaven’s help being made available to me at that moment.

May we be found faithful to pray for those who ask. Immediately.

The prayer of a righteous man (or woman) has great power in its effects. James 5:16

Heavenly Father, thank You for those who have prayed for me down through the years. Help me to be a faithful pray-er. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WEAVING A LIFE

Learning to weave is a complex task.

First, the weaver must chose the thread, strips of fabric or yarn which are to be used.

Second, the loom must be prepared with the warp threads.

Third, the proper sequence of pedals must be used for the desired pattern to emerge.

One step is built upon another until the finished piece emerges.

Weaving is much like life. As in weaving, each step in life is built upon the previous steps. Slipshod work at one stage will surely show up later. If, however, we live our lives prayerfully and carefully, God will show us step by step how to build a beautifully finished piece - us!

For it is precept upon precept. . . line upon line here a little, there a little. Isaiah 28:10

Heavenly Father, please show me how to carefully weave together a life which is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.