November 2018 – Daily Devo Time

Daily Devotional for November 30, 2018 – Fancy titles and humble servants…where is your “camp”?

Luke 22:24-27
Within minutes they were bickering over who of them would end up the greatest. But Jesus intervened: “Kings like to throw their weight around and people in authority like to give themselves fancy titles. It’s not going to be that way with you. Let the senior among you become like the junior; let the leader act the part of the servant.

“Who would you rather be: the one who eats the dinner or the one who serves the dinner? You’d rather eat and be served, right? But I’ve taken my place among you as the one who serves. And you’ve stuck with me through thick and thin. Now I confer on you the royal authority my Father conferred on me so you can eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and be strengthened as you take up responsibilities among the congregations of God’s people.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

God loves a humble servant. Unfortunately, too many of us want credit for every little thing we do. I could name dozens of people who have done amazing things for others – humble, obedient servants each and every one. To a person, you would probably ask, “Who is he/she?” Or you would say, “I had no idea he/she served in that capacity, gave that kind of assistance…or could even afford to help in that manner.” These disciples go about their business without fanfare, faithfully serving as God directs and seeking no credit or elevated position because of it.

But for every person I can name in this “camp”…I can identify just as many who seem to always want top billing…credit for every single word and act…accolades and recognition they feel validates them in some day. These are the people who ask, “Do you know who you are dealing with?” They are the ones who feel their “family pedigree” brings with it some sort of privilege. Sometimes, these are also “common, ordinary folks” who are struggling to elevate themselves by making everyone aware of what they have accomplished…their words, actions and “good deeds”.

Jesus is very clear that we are not to make a show of our missions and ministries. He is also incredibly unmistakable about Who is in charge – and deserves the credit! Jesus set the bar high when He came to earth and served the least and the worst of us. He gave us a distinct mandate to operate in the same manner…and to always, always give God all of the glory.

So which camp are you in these days? Are you seeking recognition and accolades for your service, missions and ministries? Or are you humbly serving wherever and whenever God directs…and reflecting the example of our Lord and Savior at every turn? It doesn’t matter WHO you are – or what you are accomplishing. But it does matter to Whom you belong. Can people tell the difference? Do they know you in a way that really matters?

Whose “pedigree” are you reflecting in your daily living? Are you seeking a fancy title on this earth…or a seat at God’s table for all Eternity? How you serve in this lifetime tells the tale…what are your words and actions saying?

Daily Devotional for November 29, 2018 – It’s the little things…

Luke 16:10-13
Anyone who can be trusted in little matters can also be trusted in important matters. But anyone who is dishonest in little matters will be dishonest in important matters. If you cannot be trusted with this wicked wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? And if you cannot be trusted with what belongs to someone else, who will give you something that will be your own? You cannot be the slave of two masters. You will like one more than the other or be more loyal to one than to the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

If you pick something up at the store and put it in your cart – then change your mind…do you return the item to the shelf where you got it? Do you put your shopping cart in the rack…or leave it in an empty parking space? When our children change clothes, we are trying to teach them to pick up the items and neatly fold them…not leave them in a pile on the floor. I’ve noticed that their mother has been teaching them to take their dirty dishes to the kitchen sink or put them in the dishwasher after a meal, and now they sometimes do this at our house.

Do you say, “Please” and “Thank you”…even to the clerk at the store or the wait staff at a restaurant? Do you leave a tip? Do you stop every day to thank God for His amazing love, care, and protection? Truly, the “little” things do matter. And these small steps are the basis for much bigger things. Oh, how we all need to stop and think about this today!

We have become so blind and numb to “the other guy” and a lot of the actions we take for granted and/or say and do each day without a second thought. We’ve made countless bad habits our “second nature”…from language peppered with ugly words to gossip to speeding, road rage and seeing where we can get one over on the other guy. We revel in grabbing a parking spot ahead of someone else rather than letting him/her have it. We pretend certain rules don’t apply to us. We put our interests above those of everyone else…and if we have any time/energy left over, we might do something for others.

You and I know people who make other people feel special – like they are the only person in the room. We also know plenty of folks who are greedy, selfish, and self-centered…and perhaps we are among them (at least at times). Jesus could not be more clear…those who are unfaithful, dishonest, or disobedient in small things will be incapable of behaving differently when it comes to the big matters, and we will not be trusted with the big assignments and blessings. Christian disciples must be single-minded in focus…what pleases Jesus and honors our commitment to Him?

Search your heart today. Look for areas where you are thinking, speaking and acting in a way that belies your allegiance to Jesus…even in the smallest things. Start paying closer attention to every aspect of your daily living…and live intentionally with faith, honesty and obedience to the will of God – with every breath! And pick up after yourself, for goodness’ sake! We’ve all gotta start somewhere!

Daily Devotional for November 27, 2018 – Are you “doing better”?

Luke 12:45-48
“But if the man begins to think, ‘My Lord won’t be back for a long time,’ and begins to whip the men and women he is supposed to protect, and to spend his time at drinking parties and in drunkenness—well, his master will return without notice and remove him from his position of trust and assign him to the place of the unfaithful. He will be severely punished, for though he knew his duty he refused to do it.

“But anyone who is not aware that he is doing wrong will be punished only lightly. Much is required from those to whom much is given, for their responsibility is greater.

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

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” —Maya Angelou

Too many of us know far better than we are doing! We know what God did for us. We know the sacrifices Jesus made on our behalf. We have heard His commands to love one another and to treat others as we want to be treated. We know we are supposed to love each other as Christ loves us. We know all of this and so much more. And still we act like people with no faith…no knowledge of Jesus…and certainly no relationship with Him.

Here are just a few examples…we gossip…we lie…we cheat, steal, and embezzle. We love money and power more than we love Jesus and His children. We treat some people better than others…and some we absolutely treat abominably. We say terrible things…to people and about them. We have time for everything and everyone that interests us…and not a second to spare for those who don’t. We talk to God…when we are in trouble. We do whatever we please and hope that God – and others will forgive us.

This is not a game. Your life as a Christian is serious business. And God is not playing. To those who much has been given, much is expected…and you and I are “those to whom much has been given”! God gave us Jesus…there is nothing greater to give us. What are you going to do with your Gift? Isn’t it time you decided?

Daily Devotional for November 26, 2018 – Why are we here…and what is our purpose? Asking the hard questions…

John 6:35-38
Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen me in action, you don’t really believe me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and don’t let go. I came down from heaven not to follow my own whim but to accomplish the will of the One who sent me.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

I must admit…I am a news junkie. Many days, I tell myself, “Just don’t watch.” Sometimes, I am able to either get busy on a project or change the channel and watch something else. But always, I drift back to the news channels. And more often than not, I cannot stop watching. This morning was no exception. I’ve heard the story of a case of mistaken identity, where an innocent young man was shot and killed in an Alabama shopping mall. I listened to reports of a woman in Mississippi who is running for the U.S. Senate while using racial slurs in her campaign speeches and conversation. “Jokes” have been made about public hangings – of human beings.

I’ve listened to stories of people who have lost everything in natural disasters…personal belongings…their homes…pets…and in some cases, family members. Hurricanes, floods, fires and ice storms in our country have changed countless lives forever in just the last few weeks.

And then I heard the reports this morning of hungry, thirsty, frightened people who are at our nation’s southern border – including children – and there is talk of using lethal measures to keep them from entering our country. Many have been sprayed with tear gas, which one reporter explained could be deadly to infants and small children.

I listened to all of these reports, and I thought about Jesus, the Bread of Life who “holds on and doesn’t let go.” And I thought about how grieved He must be to see His children treating each other in this manner. I read the last sentence again…”I came down from heaven not to follow my own whim, but to accomplish the will of the One who sent me.” And I asked myself, “Why did you and I come to this earth?”

Doesn’t it follow that God had a purpose for each of us? Doesn’t it make sense that the God who loves us so much that He would sacrifice His own Son for our sins cares about every single breath we take? Doesn’t it seem logical that our God planned for our earthly life and designed us for His glory – and to accomplish His will? Do you think that for one second, God planned for us to mistreat one another – or thought that would be a good idea?

I don’t have all of the answers. I cannot single-handedly solve the issues of racial discrimination, or abuse and hatred toward others because of their differences. I don’t have the capability on my own to prevent “natural disasters”. But I serve a God who can. I was put here to collectively work with fellow believers to glorify God and further His Kingdom. And I’m pretty sure you were, as well. So let’s search our hearts and minds today and see where we have veered off course. Where have we replaced God’s will with our whims?

Where have we indicated to a single other person that Jesus holds onto some of His children – but not all of them? Where have we demonstrated that the Bread of Life is intended to only feed and sustain a chosen few? Where have we failed to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to others…and denied God’s love and care for each of us in the process?

These are difficult questions, but we must ask them of ourselves – and keep asking them. We must check our thoughts, words and actions, and ensure that at every turn, we are operating with the love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, kindness, inclusion, compassion and thoughtfulness of Jesus Christ. Anything less is simply unacceptable. Are you willing to ask the hard questions today? Don’t you think you should be?

Daily Devotional for November 25, 2018 – Are you a member of the BOBIJ (Body Of Believers In Jesus)?

John 5:24-27
“It’s urgent that you listen carefully to this: Anyone here who believes what I am saying right now and aligns himself with the Father, who has in fact put me in charge, has at this very moment the real, lasting life and is no longer condemned to be an outsider. This person has taken a giant step from the world of the dead to the world of the living.”

“It’s urgent that you get this right: The time has arrived—I mean right now!—when dead men and women will hear the voice of the Son of God and, hearing, will come alive. Just as the Father has life in himself, he has conferred on the Son life in himself. And he has given him the authority, simply because he is the Son of Man, to decide and carry out matters of Judgment.”

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

As I read this scripture passage, I couldn’t help but think of the many ways that you and I exclude others every single day…both consciously and unconsciously. We divide ourselves into the “Haves” and “Have-nots”…and we judge others based on the category into which they fall. But not Jesus! Simply by virtue of believing in Him and following Him, we are ensured a seat at His table in Heaven for all Eternity! Though we may have been “dead” in a life of sin, we are instantly made alive in Christ Jesus when we acknowledge Him and align ourselves with His teachings.

For me, this is the greatest news ever! The only group to which I truly wish to belong is the Body of Believers in Jesus. How amazing it is to know that admission is not based on economics, good looks or great deeds. How awesome it is to realize that there is NOTHING that you or I can do to be condemned or excluded – ever again! New life in Christ is the real deal…the grand prize…the ultimate “membership”…and it is available to every single person who wishes to be a part of it!

I want us to think long and hard about this…every single person is entitled to belong to the Kingdom of Heaven…EVERYONE! This includes some people who probably would not be at the top of your “list”! But we are not in charge of this. In God’s eyes…there is no exclusion. Anyone and everyone who chooses Jesus is ultimately choosing God. I say often that we will all probably be a little surprised to see a few people in Heaven! But this is the beauty of Christian life and service…it’s available to everyone – even repentant stinkers!

I know that “clubs”, elitism and discrimination will always be part of this world. But I have set my sights on Heaven. No earthly group holds that much attraction for me any longer. Being an outsider on this earth doesn’t bother me in the least, because I know that I belong to the Heavenly Kingdom and will have all of the blessings and privileges of “membership” there someday. For now, it is more than enough to know that I belong to Jesus – and He gives me life and breath, love and care every single day. What about you?

Daily Devotional for November 24, 2018 – Setting priorities…Who is more important?

John 3:30
Jesus must become more important, while I become less important.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

We spent Thanksgiving Day in Little Rock with Greg’s brother and his family. Greg, Grandma E and I made the drive Thursday morning and stayed until late afternoon. Our nephew and his wife were there with three children in tow – ages 9, 4, and 16 months. We had not seen them since the baby was newborn. Obviously, this active toddler stole the show with his cute grins, dances and endless energy. But the older sisters made their presence known, and we tried to balance our time and attention among everyone.

Four-year-old Ellie Grace was often my “shadow”, and she would say, “I need to tell you a secret!” She would whisper in my ear…and mostly, she wanted me to ask Santa for a doll that her parents have told her she cannot have! But whatever she wanted to tell me, I tried to pay attention…and to make her feel important. We spent quite a while at the piano, where I held her finger and pecked out Christmas carols, so that she was “playing” them “by herself”.

Yesterday, Zola came for a sleepover. For more than 24 hours, Greg and I played with her, talked to her, listened to her read, and just made her feel special. We had done the same thing earlier in the week with Timothy and Nathan.

We love our nieces and nephews, and we enjoy spending time with them. Sometimes, we have things that we would like to be doing…but we set these aside to put the children first. We have made their nurture a priority. The children we visited on Sunday live in another state. We may not see them again for another 16 months or more. So giving these little ones our undivided attention was important – to them and to us.

My point in sharing this is to say that there are a lot of times that we have things we would like to do. There are places we wish to go, people we want to see, things we would like to purchase for ourselves, and more. Then Jesus steps right in front of us and says, “I have this need that I want you to meet.” He shows us someone who needs our undivided attention – even if it means missing our favorite television show. He makes us aware of someone’s physical need that requires the $20 we were going to spend on a take-out meal.

We make plans…and Jesus says, “I really need you to do this instead.” And we have a choice. Do we make Jesus more important…or do we serve our own interests? Do we stomp and scream and say, “It’s not fair! I want to buy XYZ!” Or do we ask, “LORD, where to YOU need me to spend my money?” Because I assure you, when we start to make Jesus more important than ourselves…He has an uncanny knack for seeing that we get all we could ever want and need…and He showers us with blessings in the bargain.

Things may not work out just as we planned…but sometimes they are better. Often, the work we do for Jesus brings such blessings that we don’t even remember what we thought we were missing! I told Grandma E this morning that I had not seen virtually anything on television besides children’s programming in almost 2 days – no “news” or “grown-up” programs. And I had not missed it! I barely looked at my phone…and I didn’t miss that, either.

Instead, I have memories of time spent with family…of conversations with little girls who coveted my undivided attention…of listening to my 7-year-old niece read a “chapter book” she adores…laughing right along with her at the plot line, and wondering aloud to each other later just what the main character, Junie B. Jones, would get into next!

Here’s my question for you…”Have you made yourself more or less important than Jesus?” When Christ presents you with choices, how do you weigh your options? Do you consider what will make you happy more than what you know will please Jesus? Do you actually have to stop and think about these choices…or do you readily jump at an opportunity to honor and glorify Jesus with your words and actions? Are you really living fully as a disciple of Christ…ready, willing and able to do whatever He asks – any time or place?

We don’t always recognize the holiness and sanctity of something as small as listing to the whispered “secret” of a 4-year-old child…or spending a few minutes talking to an elderly shut-in who will be alone for the holidays. We don’t always stop to consider that the $10 we would spend on a cup of coffee and pastry could help provide Christmas gifts for a foster child. In short, a lot of us simply don’t think about what we are doing as much as we should. We make ourselves more important than Jesus.

Let’s make this the day that we start to live more intentionally…the day that we start to become less important, as we make Jesus more important. Let’s put Jesus’ missions and ministries ahead of our own desires – and watch Him multiply our efforts to His glory. I promise…there will be plenty of blessings to go around.

Daily Devotional for November 21, 2018 – Celebrating God’s gift of Jesus this Thanksgiving – and always

John 3:16-17
God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them!

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

This time of year, I am especially mindful of family…especially those who are now in Heaven. As I read the sentence in this scripture passage about how God did not send his Son into the world to condemn us, but rather to save us, I couldn’t help but think of a few of my “elders”. We used to laugh that my Grand-dad Arlie had “the Arlie frown”. When he frowned, you knew that something displeased him. Like many mothers, mine was notorious for “the look” that said it all…we had done something she didn’t like – and it showed!

My grandmothers used our first AND middle names to indicate displeasure. Whoopi Goldberg talks often about how her mother used her full name and gave her “the look”. Stay with me here…because my point in sharing this is to say that as a child, when I thought of our “Heavenly Father”…I often thought of a stern authoritarian. Disobey or disappoint, and he would at least give us a serious “frown”…if not downright condemnation. I’ve said before that I often pictured God with a chair in one hand and a whip in the other…ready to punish me if/when I got out of line.

I want us to recognize and remember today is that God is not out to get us! Yes, God is all-powerful, supreme, omnipotent, and able to do exceedingly above and beyond all in our comprehension. Yes, Jesus is an extension of the Heavenly Father and has the same power and authority. But just like our parents and grandparents who loved us beyond measure, God loves us. In fact, He loves us more than any mortal ever could…even our parents!

God loves us so much that He sent His Only Son to live with us and help us get to really know Him. God loves us so much that He allowed Jesus to die on the cross and take the sin of the world on His own shoulders…to pour our His blood to spare our own. We all disappoint God from time to time. Sometimes, I think we even disgust Him. But He never stops loving us – or wanting us to join Him in Heaven someday for all eternity.

The Thanksgiving holiday means different things to different people. We aren’t all thankful and/or celebratory for the same things, necessarily. But on this most important thing, I hope you will agree with me…we should be incredibly thankful for God’s love and His gift of Jesus. We should be thankful for the sacrifice of His Only Son on our behalf…grateful for all of the blessings that He bestows on us every single day…and incredibly humbled that He wants us to live with Him in Heaven – forever and ever!

I am not afraid of God. I respect and revere Him…but I know that even on my worst day, He loves me more than I can ever comprehend. I may still get “the look” or a frown from Him on occasion…but I know that I can use this as a “course correction” to get me back on track. I also know that indescribable feasts and celebrations await me in Heaven someday…that every single day there will be “Thanksgiving Day”…filled with laughter, joy, feasting, fellowship, and love. God so loved the world that He gave us Jesus to make this possible. Let us give thanks for ALL of His good gifts – this day and every day. Amen.

Daily Devotional for November 20, 2018 – When Jesus stands on the shore, are you too busy “fishing” to see Him?

John 21:1-4
After this, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, this time at the Tiberias Sea (the Sea of Galilee). This is how he did it: Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed “Twin”), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the brothers Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. Simon Peter announced, “I’m going fishing.”

The rest of them replied, “We’re going with you.” They went out and got in the boat. They caught nothing that night. When the sun came up, Jesus was standing on the beach, but they didn’t recognize him.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

Today was a really busy day. I had several errands and appointments stacked back-to-back. I was a woman on a mission to check off everything on my “to-do” list. I suspect that millions of people will be in “git-r-done mode” these next few days as we barrel toward Thanksgiving get-togethers and celebratory meals. Everywhere I looked as I shopped at Walmart, people were frenzied – almost frantic – as they gathered all of the ingredients to make family favorites and traditional Thanksgiving fare.

One of the stops on my list was at the salon for a haircut. My hairdresser’s next appointment was a mutual friend whose father recently suffered a stroke. This woman looked like the weight of the world was on her shoulders. Indeed, she does have more than her share of challenges right now. I stopped on my way out of the salon to visit with her, and the story poured out about all that has happened in the last few days. The hairdresser motioned for me to come with this woman while she sat in the styling chair.

As the hairdresser worked her magic, we all three visited. This woman needed to talk…I understood what she is experiencing…and the hairdresser and I both offered consolation and encouragement. I probably stayed with her an extra 20 or 30 minutes.

As I got in my car, I thought about the times that I’ve been through some family crisis. I remember walking through Walmart and feeling like the whole world was spinning, and my world was standing stock still. I remember a part of me wanting to scream, “Don’t you people know that XYZ is happening?” And as I looked at my friend this afternoon, I felt like that she was saying much the same thing…”I just need someone to see me and acknowledge what is going on in my life.”

I don’t always pay such close attention. I’m not as “dialed in” or attentive at times as I should be. Like everyone else, I’m sometimes in a hurry…or so lost in my own thoughts that I don’t “connect the dots”. Sometimes, Jesus is standing right in front of me, and I don’t even see Him. Sometimes, Jesus is placing someone else in front of me and saying, “Minister to this person,” and for whatever reason, I fail Him.

The message today is that we need to slow down, pay attention, and recognize Jesus. Recognize Him when He stands right in front of you and says, “Talk to Me.” Recognize His mission for you when He places someone in your path who needs a hug, a friendly ear, or just a few minutes of your time as they verbalize their feelings. Take time to hear your children when they cry or complain – to dig deeply and figure out what is really going on. Listen to your spouse when he/she is trying to tell you something – with words, actions or body language.

Pay attention to those in your midst who simply need to see or feel the presence of God through you…in whatever manner He decides. Be the hands and feet of Jesus…or the friendly shoulder. Be the encourager, the comforter, the wise counsel, or even the quiet strength that makes a difference in someone else’s life. Learn to more readily recognize Jesus in your own daily living…and to share Him more eagerly with others.

Jesus is “standing on the shore”…but quite often, we are too busy trying to “catch fish” to see Him. We can do better…and we must. Jesus wants us to recognize His presence, to call out to Him, and to help others to see Him, as well. Are you paying attention? Don’t you think you it’s time you were?

Daily Devotional for November 19, 2018 – Loving others as Christ loves us…are you really His friend?

John 15:11-15
“I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father.”

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

Who am I that you are mindful of me…that you hear me, when I call
Is it true that you are thinking of me? How you love me, it’s amazing!

I am a friend of God…I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God…He calls me friend

God Almighty…Lord of Glory…You have called me friend!

“I Am a Friend of God” – ©2005 Israel Houghton

There are friends…and then there are friends. When you stop and think about it…that we would even dare to call Jesus – or God – our “friend” is astounding. But that is exactly what He wants! Jesus wants us to cultivate the kind of relationship with Him where we are so attuned to His message…so in step with His desires…that we totally “get Him”. This makes us more than His servant. Jesus says it makes us His friend…and He wants us to treat others with the same love and respect that we share with Him.

Can I ask you something? Are you loving others with the love of Christ these days…all of them? What about the person whose political leanings differ 180 degrees from your own? What about those who post racial slurs and hate-filled rants on social media? What about the politicians, business people and “celebrities” who behave so badly… or those who abuse others – especially innocent children and helpless animals?

Can you look at those who “differ” from you in some manner and see what Christ sees? Can you love the beautiful creature that He designed and treat him/her with kindness, gentleness, respect, grace and mercy – even when what you physically see disgusts you in some manner? Are you really fair – to all people? Do they truly see the “fruits of the Spirit” in your words and actions? Are you genuinely a friend of God?

Much is made these days of how terrible the world is…how “we are in trouble”, and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. I have a news flash…until you and I start to love each other as Jesus loves us, nothing will improve. But we can start today to make a change…and our efforts will make a difference. Our friend Jesus will see to that!

So what are you waiting for? Spend some time with God and ask Him to change you from the inside out…to give you eyes to see and ears to hear what He recognizes. Vow to love others as Christ loves you…and get ready for a difference in not only your attitude – but also the outward results of your efforts as Christ’s friend. I am a friend of God…amazing as that sounds. He calls me friend and loves me far better than I can ever deserve. Surely I can share some of His love with others. What about you?

Daily Devotional for November 18, 2018 – Christians and cowboys, shout “Yee Haw!”…following Christ with faithful obedience

John 14:29-31
I am telling you this before I leave, so that when it does happen, you will have faith in me. I cannot speak with you much longer, because the ruler of this world is coming. But he has no power over me. I obey my Father, so that everyone in the world might know that I love him.
It is time for us to go now.

“When you’re a cowboy, you can shout, ‘Yee Haw!’” ~ Nathan – age 6

Our boys had a sleepover this weekend. Sister had a birthday party to attend, so she will spend the night with us later this week while the children are out of school on Fall Break. Greg was driving the boys and me to Walmart when Nathan made his pronouncement about cowboys. The discussion turned to whether we had ever known a “real” cowboy, and I told the boys that their great-grandfather – my daddy – was a “cowboy” of sorts, and their Granny was something of a “cowgirl”. Daddy and mother loved to ride horses…in fact, many of their dates were horseback rides. They boys laughed when I told them that their horses were named Punkin and Bubbles.

Timothy said he wanted to know other things “about the family”, so I began to tell him a few things about his ancestors. He asked, “How come I don’t already know this stuff?” I told him that it had just never come up before, but we would gladly tell him anything he wanted to know.

Later, Nathan wanted to sit in the rocking chair in our bedroom. We looked at a scripture that has been placed on the wall above our bed…Proverbs 3:24 – “You will rest without a worry…and sleep soundly.” I asked Nathan why he thought we could sleep soundly. “Who watches over us while we sleep?” I asked him. “God,” he answered promptly. He went on to say that…”I want to go to heaven someday.” I told him that he would…someday. But God has things that He wants him to accomplish here on earth first…things that help God.”

I share these stories about our nephews to illustrate that we are doing our best to guide these children and prepare them for the future. We are telling them about their ancestors and things in the past…we are reminding them that God has work for them to do on this earth…that He will even watch over them while they sleep. Nathan and I talked at length about the many ways that God cares for us every day. These are the kinds of conversations that Jesus had with His disciples…and the 14th Chapter of John is full of specific incidences where Jesus told them what would happen – and why.

But Jesus also gave the disciples reassurance many times that He was going to prepare a place for them…that He would return…that He would leave a Comforter in the form of the Holy Spirit. And much like family history that we pass along to the next generations, Jesus wants you and me to prepare others for His Kingdom. He wants us to witness to them of God’s goodness, grace and mercy. He wants us to share our story of redemption from sin and encourage them to ask forgiveness for themselves. Jesus wants us to speak and act as people who have hope and confidence in His return – and in the eternal Heavenly mansion that He is preparing for each of us.

There are days when I wonder just how much what we say and do is making a difference in our children’s lives and what they believe about God. And then they come out with a gem that tells me that at least some of it is sinking in and resonating. Today, Zola looked at a t-shirt I was wearing with nativity scenes and the phrase, “Best Day Ever”. I told her that it meant Christmas Day, because this was the day that Jesus was born.

Zola is seven. She first said, “Oh, I thought Jesus was born on Halloween.” Strike one for me! There went my confidence in my Bible witness to her! Then she said, “Or maybe it was Easter!” “No,” I reminded her…”Easter was when Jesus rose from the dead and then He went to Heaven a little later on!” She looked at me with puzzlement and said, “So…wouldn’t that be the best day ever?” Now how do you argue with this logic?!

Here’s the thing…our world is filled with people and situations that the devil uses to try to influence us for his gain. It’s not easy to stay on course and follow Jesus. There are days when we will all look in the mirror and wonder if what we are doing makes any difference or truly matters. Are we really on the right path? The answer is twofold…”If you love Jesus and believe wholeheartedly that He is preparing a place for you in Heaven,” you’re headed in the right direction. Additionally, if the Holy Spirit is your constant companion, you have a far better shot at getting things right most days – and showing Jesus to others in your words and actions.

It may very well be true that cowboys get to shout “Yee Haw”…but I can tell you that Christians can do this, as well. Every day with Jesus can be our “best day ever”…and the more we talk about the things that Jesus has done and share them with others, the more opportunity we give Christ to work in their hearts and minds. Who are you listening to these days…mortal men, or Jesus? Who really has your attention – and your heart? Isn’t it time to decide, once and for all?

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