July 2018 – Daily Devo Time

Daily Devotional for July 31, 2018 – People are watching…always set a good example!

Titus 2:7-8
Always set a good example for others. Be sincere and serious when you teach. Use clean language that no one can criticize. Do this, and your enemies will be too ashamed to say anything against you.

People are watching. If you don’t believe this, post something controversial on Facebook…or use an expletive in front of a child! Someone notices everything you say…what you wear…how you treat others. You may think your kind gestures are extended in secret or anonymity…but someone is watching – and it may be somebody on the periphery.

I have been blessed to work with children off and on for more than 40 years. These youngsters are great “barometers” of how we are doing and the kind of examples we are setting for others. They are quick to remind us when we fall short. They notice – and sometimes mimic – our words and actions. If you don’t believe me, just stand back and listen while young children play. You may find much of what is said and done to be painfully familiar!

But you don’t have to work with children to be cognizant of how important it is to live intentionally…to set a good example…to be serious in your words and deeds…and to “keep it clean”! And this is not all about negative behaviors. People notice the positives, as well. More than once, our Timothy has asked us, “Why are you both so happy all the time?” He has also told me…”You always say ‘The LORD will fix it!’” I notice when adults are kind and welcoming toward little children – and I also take note of those who all but cringe when a child approaches them. I am aware of teens and young adults who acknowledge “seniors” and treat them with respectful attention – and those who turn and look the other direction.

I try very hard not to judge others. But I also have to say that when I observe someone who speaks hatefully or uses foul language…or someone who seems to disparage others in some manner…my impression of him/her is colored. I notice the person who is always positive and helpful. I respect those who choose words carefully and are thoughtful about the activities in which they engage. I also notice people who always seem to have an axe to grind, speak and act selfishly, or turn and look away rather than acknowledge someone they have deemed “unworthy” in some manner.

If you go back and read this entire chapter of Paul’s letter to Titus, you will see that he reminds everyone to exercise self-control in everything – and that…“Their faith, love, and patience must never fail.” People are watching…and many will decide whether to accept Jesus as their Savior – and serve Him – based on what you show them. What kind of example are you setting these days?

Daily Devotional for July 30, 2018 – Are you ready to help?

Romans 15:1-2
Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”

Yesterday, a dear friend of mine who pastors a small country church posted a fervent prayer on Facebook. She needed a miracle. This incredibly strong, faith-filled woman of God was having what one friend referred to as a “homesick moment – homesick for Heaven.” Another called it a “wilderness season”, when one cannot find God anywhere, but He is everywhere. Let me tell you…we are all going to have these times in our lives.

Let’s be honest…when life is “good” and “all of the stars align,” we have little to no problem trusting God and walking in faith. We feel joy in our hearts and have a bounce in our step…and we believe there is nothing that we cannot accomplish in the power of God Almighty. But let “trouble” come…and even the most “seasoned” disciple can have a “moment”. So imagine what it must be like for those whose foundation of faith and trust in Jesus is already on unsteady ground.

These are the people who really need us. Yes, we must pause and do what we can to encourage those like my friend…and many did! By the end of the day, she posted a message that her “miracle” had come…and it arrived on the words and prayers of her beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. But for every situation like this, there are dozens who need more from us.

There are countless people who look at us day in and out and think, “He/she has it together in a way that I never will.” They may find it difficult – if not impossible – to express their concerns to us, for fear of ridicule or a lecture. They may see our level of Christian faith as totally unattainable for themselves, due to a number of circumstances.

Many people may not realize that every single one of us has a sinful past, moments of weakness – and doubt – and a constant battle to stave off the devil. They may not understand that complete peace and confidence in God does not simply fall into our laps…it takes continual effort. And they may simply not know how to share their heart with us…much less ask for help.

So what are we to do? We must be ever vigilant in our search for those who might need an encouraging word. We must get out of our own heads and “circles” – and pay attention to those around us. We need to notice what is happening to others…how they are reacting and responding (or not)…and cultivate a Spirit-led “sense” for the hearts and needs of others. And we must be the vehicle for their “miracle”, however God desires to deliver it.

As this scripture passage notes, we must be ready, willing, and able by the power of the Holy Spirit to ask others, “How can I help?” We must then follow through on this offer. It’s why we are here…why Jesus died for us…why God designed us to be Christ’s disciples until He returns for His church. There is no more important mission for any of us.

Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work? Is this the day that you will share your faith with someone else and offer to help? Don’t you think it should be?

Daily Devotional for July 29, 2018 – Living at peace and building strong faith

Romans 14:19
We should try to live at peace and help each other have a strong faith.

Today was “one of those days” in Sunday school. Thirteen elementary school students from grades 2-5 were in a “mood” and could not stop talking, wiggling and misbehaving. The other leader and I had to get on to several…and I had to absolutely stop the lesson more than once and call on a child by name in order to get his/her attention – and the notice of the children on either side. By the time the lesson ended, I felt like I’d been in a rodeo…and the other leader looked just as frazzled!

As I reflected on this lesson – and those of my childhood by comparison, a couple of things struck me. Yes, I had to remind a few students to behave today – and I even had to speak a little sternly at times. And yes, when I was a child, this type of behavior would probably not have dared to happen. If so, parents would have been contacted, and consequences would have been swift and sure.

I do expect children to behave in my class. I insist that all hands (and other body parts) stop moving – and all talking cease – when scripture is being read. We try to maintain some level of decorum while making the lessons fun and interesting.

So as I read this passage tonight, I thought of some of my Sunday school teachers who were more concerned with “law and order” in their classes than sharing their faith with young students. I know that the children with whom I am engaged at church and in the community know that I love Jesus – and them…and that I always have open arms and a spare hug to share. I pray that they always know that I am someone to whom they can come with any question or concern and receive acceptance without judgment.

But more importantly, I hope that when these children remember me, they think of someone who shared her faith in Jesus Christ. I pray that they think of me as a person who “walks the walk” and truly trusts God in all situations and circumstances. I want to be known as someone who loves Jesus and operates in joy and peace because of His presence in my life. I did have a few Sunday school teachers and church leaders like that…and they are my heroes and role models to this day.

I know that you may not be a children’s Sunday school teacher. So what can you do to demonstrate Christian faith and encouragement? Stop criticizing others…for anything from their hairstyle to their political leaning to their skin color, economic status, or sexual orientation. Quit laughing at off-color jokes and unkind comments and agreeing with people who call others by an ugly name. I know it sounds silly, but don’t say you hate this or that while you have a “Jesus Loves You” bumper sticker on your car – or one that says, “XYZ church invites you to join us on Sunday!”

Stop and think about what you say and do…how you act…and who you are influencing – both positively and negatively. If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything! Smile more…offer your opinions less…and practice implementing a hefty dose of patience. I am asking God to help me to do this – with “children” of all ages. Hopefully, when they look at me, they will see at least a faint outline of the face of Jesus and feel His love, grace, mercy and forgiveness. Don’t you think it’s worth a shot?

Daily Devotional for July 28, 2018 – Love others as much as you love yourself

Romans 13:8-10
Let love be your only debt! If you love others, you have done all that the Law demands. In the Law there are many commands, such as, “Be faithful in marriage. Do not murder. Do not steal. Do not want what belongs to others.” But all of these are summed up in the command that says, “Love others as much as you love yourself.” No one who loves others will harm them. So love is all that the Law demands.

I worked on this devotional for several hours, trying to craft just the right message. Finally, I left my desk to mull over what I had written, and I felt God tell me, “You’re overthinking this.” Just as this scripture passage boils this down to one command, I need to let these verses do my talking today.

So I will leave you with this thought. Everything about our Christian faith – and God – is summed up in one word…LOVE. When we put love at the forefront, God takes care of everything else. We don’t have to wonder if we are heeding this “law” or that one – we know that we are, because we are operating completely in love. When we “love others as much as we love ourselves”, we treat them as we wish to be treated. And this honors God and His presence in our lives.

The message is simple…love others as much as you love yourself. God will surely do the rest.

Daily Devotional for July 27, 2018 – Defeating evil with good…

Romans 12:21
Don’t let evil defeat you, but defeat evil with good.

I was visiting with friends a few weeks ago, and one of them asked, “Where does this all end? It seems like the world is filled with evil people…and there doesn’t appear to be any relief in sight!” Another spoke up and said, “You have to look at it another way. Out of all of this evil, some people are standing up and doing what is right. They are finding ways to bring about good, in spite of the evil. We must not lose sight of the good things that many are doing.”

At first glance, I thought this was a rather “Pollyanna” attitude. But on second glance, I began to take a look at what is happening. People from all over the world came together to rescue twelve soccer players and their coach from a cave in Thailand. Groups have rallied across America to fund “rescue missions” to reunite parents and children who were separated at our nation’s southern border – and to fight the injustice that has been done to them. People are working in soup kitchens – and out of the backs of their cars – to feed the hungry. Grass roots efforts have begun to address dozens of humanitarian causes and environmental issues – and many of these grew out of reaction and protest to what is happening in our country.

When I read Romans 12:21, I was reminded that God is not evil. Jesus represents the complete opposite of wickedness and sin. And as Christ’s disciples, we are called to defeat evil with good by operating in His goodness. I told my Sunday school students recently that almost daily, the devil tries to “mess with me” as I go about my daily activities. When I sense this, I stop and begin to chant, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!” Sometimes, I sing a hymn of praise, such as “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…sweetest name I know!” or “I love you, Lord”. The devil always cowers and shrinks away…his evil is no match for the goodness of my Jesus!

Every time we are confronted with an evil word or action, we should counter it with a good one. Every time we are tempted to speak of defeat and helplessness, we should stop and call on the hope and assurance of Jesus…to verbalize that we can do all things through His strength. We must not bury our heads in the sand and pretend that all is well in our world – or that we are helpless to make things better. We must fight injustices and counteract evil with good at every turn.

We must not grow complacent – or allow ourselves to feel crushed under the weight of evil. We serve a God “whose power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine.” (Ephesians 3:20-21). It’s time we embrace His supremacy within us and show the world just how good our God is…and how amazing life can be when we give Him complete control. Are you ready to get started?

Daily Devotional for July 26, 2018 – Loving others and serving Jesus – you can’t pick and choose!

Romans 10:11-13
For the Scriptures tell us that no one who believes in Christ will ever be disappointed. Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect: they all have the same Lord who generously gives his riches to all those who ask him for them. Anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.

Last week at VBS, there was a little boy in one of my classes who really tugged at my heart. Because I am pretty sure he’s a foster child, I’ll call him “Adam”, which is not his real name. Adam was incredibly nervous. He did not want to participate in any activities. He would cower…and scream if prodded, saying, “I won’t win”, or “I won’t do it right!” When we played “Pin the Hat on Romper (the VBS mascot), Adam eagerly awaited his turn, only to crumple to the floor when he took off the blindfold and realized that he had not put the hat directly on the river otter’s head. He was genuinely devastated.

I saw Adam again last Sunday when I collected the older students in our “opening” activities. He was once again crying in despair, because he had not been successful in some game that he attempted to play.

There is no convincing this little boy that all is well…he is certain that nothing is right. But here’s the thing. As I prayed for him this morning, God spoke to me and said, “I love him.” I knew this already, but I was reminded that God loves the “broken” little child who feels he/she is a failure. He loves the adult who feels the same way – even if this is expressed somewhat differently. God loves all of us…and He has a special place in Heaven for those of us who trust Him and surrender our sins to Jesus…every.single.one.of.us!

Today, I saw a video on Facebook where a man who was dining in a restaurant felt the urge to step over to the table of a complete stranger and tell this woman how lovely she looked. As he did, the woman said to him…”I know you! I know your spirit!” She explained that her husband had died a year earlier – and this was exactly the kind of statement that he would make to her…and she had been truly blessed by this man’s approach.

The man who had spoken to this stranger noted that God gave him a “shoulder tap” and said, “Bless this person.” And that is what he did. Are you wondering what this story has to do with my description of the little boy, Adam? This was yet another reminder of how God loves us…so much that he will send a stranger to relay a message. God loves us so much that He will trust us to carry a blessing to someone else. We have no knowledge of this person. We don’t know what is in the individual’s heart. We just know that God is telling us to go…speak…do…and bless.

I share all of this to say that the Jesus to whom we surrender and call our Savior is available to anyone who calls on Him to forgive their sins and redeem them. The Jesus we serve wants you and me to love others in His name…to reach out our hand and open our heart, and let them know that He is available to them just as much as He is to us.

Jesus wants us to pray for the “broken children” of the world – to love on them when the opportunity arises…and never to waste a minute trying to figure out if they are the right color, size, shape, sexual orientation, political party, economic status, or ethnicity. Jesus doesn’t want us to pause when He gives us a “shoulder tap” and ask, “Are you kidding? You want ME to step out of my comfort zone and speak to a complete stranger?” He doesn’t want us to cower in the security of our own home when He calls on us to get out and get busy sharing His Good News!

Too many people say that Jesus came to save anyone who will call on His name…but in truth, they want to pick and choose who that includes. Some are willing to embrace anyone and everyone – if they don’t have to personally interact with them and/or minister to the ones who are different in some way or deemed “unlovable”. The truth is…we simply don’t get to do this.

God sent Jesus to save any and all of us who will call on His name. And if you are in that number, then you must extend Christ’s love to everyone in your midst. We don’t get to pick and choose who, how, when, or where we represent Jesus…and we shouldn’t even think of this.

What sort of “shoulder tap” have you gotten lately? Who has God placed in your path and said, “Love him/her in my name”? Isn’t it time we got busy following the scriptures and serving with faithful, inclusive obedience? Will this be the day that you begin?

Daily Devotional for July 25, 2018 – Holding your temper – and your tongue…

Proverbs 29:11
Don’t be a fool
and quickly lose your temper—
be sensible and patient.

On even the best day, teaching can be a challenge. There are at least 15-25 individual personalities all clamoring for attention – including that of the teacher! Anyone who has worked with children knows that they can be ticking time-bombs just waiting to erupt with a range of emotions…from excitement to anger and frustration. And many times, there are so many extenuating circumstances that contribute…if only we will take a breath and recognize them.

I recall one time when Timothy was in second grade, and he had a substitute teacher for several consecutive days. I was assisting the substitute teacher, and I grew frustrated with several inattentive children. I realized that I was losing my patience…and I did not like myself in that moment. I stepped aside, took a breath, and regrouped. I was familiar enough with the backgrounds of these children to realize that there were other factors that contributed to their behaviors. And I took a minute, breathed deeply, and returned to the lesson with a fresh attitude and a better perspective.

This was a good lesson for me…and one I have tried to apply to other situations. When someone says something caustic or controversial, I try not to react immediately. Sometimes, I simply walk away. I know people who can offer “snappy comebacks” and witty responses…but I am not one of them. So I am learning that it is better to stop and take a breath – or possibly remove myself from the situation rather than make things worse.

I am a work in progress. I don’t have this “down pat” by any means. But I know that God wants us to respond to others with patience and kindness, no matter the circumstance. We see many examples in the New Testament where Jesus modeled this for us. We know better – now it is time to do better!

Search your heart and see where you might be reacting and responding in anger. Ask God to give you wisdom and strength to control your emotions. Call on Him to provide you with patience and the ability to step back and take a minute before responding. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you and give you the right words and actions, so that you do not respond foolishly or out of anger and frustration. Be the living example of Jesus to others in all things…and strive to never, ever lose your cool!

Daily Devotional for July 23, 2018 – When enemies meet trouble…resisting the “happy dance” temptation…

Proverbs 24:17
Do not rejoice when your enemy meets trouble. Let there be no gladness when he falls—

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

“He had it coming.” How many times have you heard this phrase? How many times have you felt even a little tinge of glee when someone who had offended you or displeased you in some manner got a “comeuppance”? Surely you have reveled in the defeat of at least one political candidate! Most likely, you have celebrated when “your” team won – and you may have even boasted and crowed to the losing team – or at least some of their fans.

Sometimes, our “victory” is so sweet that we have a hard time remembering what life must be like for the other person. When we feel like someone deserves any trouble that comes their way, we may be tempted to do a bit of a “happy dance”. But the Bible tells us that faithful disciples do not enjoy another person’s misery – not even that of their “enemy”. I KNOW…this is really a tough one!

Surely it’s okay to feel a little vindicated at times. God will give us a minute to revel…right? It seems to me that there is a fine line – and I do mean fine – between celebrating when justice is done – and rejoicing in another person’s troubles. And we must prayerfully seek His wisdom so that we can recognize this balance.

We must remember that these people are also God’s children. When they experience pain or disappointment, so does He. We must take no delight in their suffering or difficulty. None of us is perfect. We all sin and fall short of God’s glory. And there is an opportunity for someone, somewhere, to delight in OUR displeasure and “sentence” at that moment.

The message of this scripture seems to somewhat be, “Put yourself in the shoes of others.” Consider how you would feel if people delighted in your “justice”. Remember WHOSE you are…and how it grieves God when you wish any kind of heartache or misfortune on another of His children.

Do not rejoice when an “enemy” falls. Instead, pray for him/her and ask God to use this experience to build their faith – and to strengthen our obedience in all things. Revenge may feel good for the moment…but loving others with the love of Christ has everlasting effects. Let’s do all we can to practice the latter. We might be amazed at the results!

Daily Devotional for July 22, 2018 – Letting God shape your friendships – and keeping them!

Proverbs 17:9
You will keep your friends
if you forgive them,
but you will lose your friends
if you keep talking about
what they did wrong.

Children have memories like elephants. And some of their favorite questions begin with…”Do you remember when you…?” Our youngsters remember the time that I erased their favorite video on DVR…the giant spill in the kitchen…anything I have ever forgotten that pertained to them…and several “promises” they feel I did not keep. Bless them…it’s part of being a kid. They look up to the adults in their lives, and expect no less than perfection. Learning to forgive – and somewhat dismiss – the mistakes that “their grownups” make is a huge lesson.

But we adults should know better. Reminding our friends and loved ones of past mistakes or unfulfilled promises doesn’t generally serve any of us well. Recalling “the good ole days” is one thing…but dredging up uncomfortable incidents from someone’s past may be quite another. After all, who wants to talk about exes and failed relationships, dropping out of college, or jobs that didn’t work out as hoped? In general, no one wants to review past miscues – or to be reminded of his/her faults. And as Christian brothers and sisters, we ought to know better than to participate in this kind of behavior.

My most treasured friends are the ones who know me best and never mention my shortcomings! Godly friends never talk about bad hairdos, prior lapses in judgment, or other hurtful or embarrassing situations. They look past the time that you acted foolishly – or inadvertently said something really mean or hurtful. They see the beautiful person God created you to be – and promote THAT person! Truly good friends do everything possible to make sure that they bring out the best in each other. They squelch any attempts by others to deride their friends…and they are quick to forgive shortcomings – and move forward.

God wants us to be kind to each other…to offer support, encouragement – and forgiveness, when necessary. He wants us to be honest and fair with each other. But God does not want us to dwell on past mistakes and operate in unforgiveness. The greatest friends we will ever have are those who know us best – and love us anyway! And this is the kind of friend that God wants us to be to others.

We are not children. It’s time to grow up and be the kind of friends that God wants us to be. And this means forgiving and forgetting…building one another up…and striving to make our friends the best version of themselves that they can be. God can help us with this, if we will let Him. Are you ready to let Him shape your friendships? Isn’t it time you were?

Daily Devotional for July 21, 2018 – Gossip is no good…unless it’s “Telephone”!

Proverbs 16:28
Gossip is no good! It causes hard feelings and comes between friends.

When Timothy was in 2nd grade, I volunteered in his classroom each week. One day as a “time filler”, I taught the children to play a game I call “Telephone”. I whispered a phrase to one child, and he/she whispered it to another. We passed the comment from one student to the next…and the last child had to repeat the phrase. It was NEVER the same as what I had told the first child.

We’ve played “Telephone” a few times in Sunday school, too, because the kids LOVE this game! I have stressed to them that “Telephone” teaches us a lesson about gossip…and indeed, some people call the game by this name. The kids like “Telephone” because it is fun. But I hope they will remember the “lesson” – and think twice about repeating things others tell them.

One of the most dangerous phrases on the planet is, “I don’t know if this is true or not, but I heard…” You can fill in the blank, based on your own experiences. But we all know of too many instances where hurtful, inaccurate information was spread by people who wanted to look important because they appeared to be “in the know”.

There is a lot of interesting information about gossip on a Wikipedia page*. If you have time, you might want to read some of it…particularly about the part that pertains to Christianity. The Apostle Paul often referred to gossip as “backbiting”. Wikipedia describes it as…”idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others; the act is also known as dishing or tattling.” Regardless of what you call it, the Bible is clear that gossip should be avoided at all costs.

What should you do when you are tempted to share a “juicy tidbit”? Stop, breathe, and ask yourself, “Is this helpful or necessary?” It make take some work, but I can tell you from experience that you will feel so much happier to know that you sat on some information rather than share it with someone else and risking hurt feelings or passing along misinformation – and stirring up trouble.

If someone starts to share information with you that seems to be “idle talk or rumor,” you can change the subject or simply say, “I don’t want to know this.” You don’t have to be rude or smug…but a firm refusal to participate will ensure that you do not compromise your own integrity or Christian obedience.

“Telephone” is a fun game. The distortions as the comment is passed from one to another are often hilarious…and harmless. But the risk of sharing distortions and hurtful misinformation in real life is just too high to merit our engagement. And God has told us not to do it. These should be reasons enough to do all we can to keep gossip out of our lives. And if we ask God to help us with this, He surely will.

Stop, breathe, and pray…and make sure the only “gossip” you ever share is the “Telephone” variety!

*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gossip

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