Daily Bread

thanks fellas!!!! the comments really make my heart feel good!!! im just glad i can strive to be part of the solution!!!
-jeremy-


Is That Jesus?



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READ: Romans 8:26-29



Whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. —Romans 8:29

As I walked into church one Sunday morning, a little boy looked at me and said to his mother, “Mom, is that Jesus?” Needless to say, I was curious to hear her response. “No,” she said, “that’s our pastor.”

I knew she would say no, of course, but I still wished she could have added something like, “No, that’s our pastor, but he reminds us a lot of Jesus.”

Being like Jesus is the purpose of life for those of us who are called to follow Him. In fact, as John Stott notes, it is the all-consuming goal of our past, our present, and our future. Romans 8:29 tells us that in the past we were “predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.” In the present, we “are being transformed into the same image” (the likeness of Christ), as we grow from “glory to glory” (2 Cor. 3:18). And, in the future, “we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).

Being like Jesus is not about keeping the rules, going to church, and tithing. It’s about knowing His forgiveness, and committing acts of grace and mercy on a consistent basis. It’s about living a life that values all people. And it’s about having a heart of full surrender to the will of our Father.

Be like Jesus. You were saved for it! — Joe Stowell

Be like Jesus—this my song—
In the home and in the throng;
Be like Jesus all day long!
I would be like Jesus. —Rowe

Live in such a way that others see Jesus in you.
 
You'll Win If You Don't Quit!
This is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith.
1 John 5:4 NKJV
The Bible is a 'David and Goliath' book. It's filled with stories of ordinary people whose faith overcame great obstacles and impacted the world around them. That's why John the Apostle writes: "Whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith" (1 John 5:4 NKJV).
If you haven't heard of Irwin Rosenberg, here's his inspiring story. As a junior officer he was discharged from the Navy when he was diagnosed with cancer. That was the standard military procedure at the time. But he was determined to get back both his health and his job. At one point he was given only two weeks to live. But with faith and dogged determination he battled his cancer and eventually brought it under control. Irwin then focused his attention on becoming a naval officer again. But he discovered that navy regulations forbade reinstatement of a person discharged with cancer. Everyone around him said, "Give up. It can't be done. It would take an Act of Congress to get you reinstated." Their advice gave him an idea - he'd pursue an Act of Congress. After years of waiting, petitioning, cutting through red tape and battling bureaucracy, President Truman eventually signed into law a special bill that allowed Irwin Rosenberg to reenlist in the Navy - and go on to become a Rear Admiral in the United States Seventh Fleet!
The poet writes: "You can never tell how close you are, it may be near when it seems afar; so stick to the fight when you're hardest hit - it's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit!"


At Whit's End:
Jesus never promised that obeying Him would be easy. But the hard work and self-discipline of serving Christ are no burden to those who love Him. And if our load starts to feel heavy, we can always trust Christ to help us bear it. Are you heavy burdened today? Why no let Jesus take you yoke. You will love the results!
 
Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. —Matthew 4:19

Stan and Jennifer were speaking at a mission conference in Marion, North Carolina, after their first term of service on the field.

Jennifer told of a Bible study she had held with one woman. The two were discussing Matthew 4:19, and the woman told Jennifer about a word in her native language, which means follow. She said, “It is the word for following closely, not at a distance.”

To illustrate, Jennifer held up slippers used by the native women, showing one far behind the other. Then she moved one slipper right up against the back of the other one, and said that the word means “to follow right on one’s heels.” It suggests that we are to follow Jesus as closely as possible.

Later, when Jennifer was reading over the journal she had been keeping, she was surprised to see that she had often questioned, “Is Jesus enough?” She had been working her way through culture shock, loneliness, illness, and childlessness. At times she had felt far from Christ. But when through prayer and faith she had drawn as close to Him as she could, walking “right on His heels,” He had calmed her soul, restored her strength, and given her peace.

Are you feeling far from the Lord—empty, weak, and afraid? It’s time to follow close on His heels. — David C. Egner

God, give me the faith of a little child!
A faith that will look to Thee—
That never will falter and never fail,
But follow Thee trustingly. —Showerman

The closer we walk with God, the clearer we see His guidance.
 
Words To Live By

The glory of old men is... [wisdom and experience].
Proverbs 20:29 AMP
The Bible says: "The glory of old men is… wisdom and experience," so listen up! An elderly man gives us words to live by: "Time has a way of catching you unawares. It seems like yesterday I was young, just married and embarking on my new life. Where did the years go? I know I've lived them all, and I get 'glimpses' of how it was back then… my hopes and dreams. But here it is… the winter of my life… How did I get here so fast? I remember seeing older people and thinking winter was so far off I couldn't fathom or imagine it. But here it is… my friends are retired and getting grey… they move slower… I see great changes. I remember when they were young and vibrant, now we're the 'old folks' we never thought we'd become. Each day I find that taking a shower is a real target, and taking a nap isn't a treat anymore, it's mandatory, otherwise I fall asleep where I'm sitting! I'm unprepared for the aches, pains, and the loss of strength and ability to do the things I wish I'd done and didn't. Winter's here and I'm not sure how long it will last. If you're not there yet, let me remind you it'll be here faster than you think. Whatever you'd like to accomplish in your life… do it today. Don't put it off, because you can never be sure if this is your winter. There's no guarantee you'll see every season of life, so say all the things you want your loved ones to remember. Your life is a gift from God, how you live it is your gift to Him and ensuing generations."


At Whit's End:
Most people in my age group (40'ish) are looking for ways to cover their gray hair, but the Bible equates gray hair with wisdom. Years of experience have gone into that gray hair (or lack there of for some of us). As we grow in our faith we need to realize that the world's way (normal human wisdom) is not like God's way of thinking. We can spend a lifetime accumulating human wisdom and yet never learn how to have a personal relationship with God. We must come to crucified and risen Christ for true wisdom. He is the only One who can give eternal life and the joy of a personal relationship with our Savior. That, dear friends, is the greatest wisdom of all...Godly wisdom!
--Whit
 
You're A W.I.P

Now we are children of God, and we have not yet been shown what we will be in the future.
1 John 3:2 NCV
The surest way to get discouraged is to compare yourself with others. The Bible says, "Don't compare yourself" (Galatians 6:4 CEV), because some people will look like they're doing a better job and you'll get disheartened, while others won't be as effective and you'll become proud. "Concentrate on doing your best… (2 Timothy 2:15 TM). That way, "You will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and… won't need to compare yourself… (Galatians 6:4 NLT). All the apples on a tree don't ripen at the same time. Paul says, 'knowledge and understanding' take time (Philippians 1:9-10).
One successful author says, "When I began writing, I found myself fumbling with that part of myself. 'I want to be a writer,' I'd think, 'but I have to get this number of books published and this number of good reviews first.' It can take years and many successes in any new area… before we can confidently say to ourselves and others, 'I am'… what has God called you to do? Don't wait until you're successful… Start now by saying you are what you want to become… Yes, you've much to learn… and you may not be an expert… but you don't have to be, to say those two little words I am."
John writes: "Now we are children of God, and we have not yet been shown what we will be in the future" (1 John 3:2 NCV). God uses crooked sticks to draw straight lines and imperfect people to do His perfect will. So, push ahead, cut yourself some slack, and remember you're a W.I.P. - a work-in-progress!


At Whit's End:
The Christian life is a process of becoming more and more like Christ. This process will not be complete until we see Christ fact-to-face, but knowing that it is our ultimate destiny should motivate us to draw closer to Him daily. How are you doing? Are you a Work-in-Progress or has the building of your spiritual life ground to a halt? If the latter is true, get back to work. With God's help you can build a life on the foundation of Christ that is sure to stand up to the storms of life!
 
“Light” Of Creation



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READ: Job 37:1-18



[God] does great things, and unsearchable, marvelous things without number. —Job 5:9

Among the wonders of Jamaica is a body of water called Luminous Lagoon. By day, it is a nondescript bay on the country’s northern coast. By night, it is a marvel of nature.

If you visit there after dark, you notice that the water is filled with millions of phosphorescent organisms. Whenever there is movement, the water and the creatures in the bay glow. When fish swim past your boat, for example, they light up like waterborne fireflies. As the boat glides through the water, the wake shines brightly.

The wonder of God’s creation leaves us speechless, and this is just a small part of the total mystery package of God’s awesome handiwork as spelled out in Job 37 and 38. Listen to what the Lord’s role is in nature’s majesty: “Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes His lightning flash?” (37:15 niv); “What is the way to the abode of light? And where does darkness reside?” (38:19 niv). God’s majestic creations—whether dazzling lightning or glowing fish—are mysteries to us. But as God reminded Job, all of the wonders of our world are His creative handiwork.

When we observe God’s amazing creation, our only response can be that of Job: These are “things too wonderful for me” (42:3). — Dave Branon

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful;
The Lord God made them all. —Alexander

When we cease to wonder, we cease to worship.
 
Almost-Perfect Disguise



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READ: Revelation 12:7-12



The accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. —Revelation 12:10

Radovan Karadzic, once the leader of the Bosnian Serbs and accused of genocide, had been one of the most wanted men in the world. By growing a long, white beard, carrying false papers, and practicing alternative medicine, he fooled everyone—for a while. After 13 years in hiding, he was finally arrested.

The Bible tells us that Satan is also in the business of fooling people with disguises. Right from the beginning of human history, he pretended to be an enlightened advisor, telling Eve that God was not honest with her (Gen. 3:4). He “masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14 NIV), but the Lord Jesus Christ has unmasked him as “a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44).

People often err at two extremes in their view of Satan. Some dismiss him while others attribute more power to him than he deserves. Let us not be deceived. Satan is powerful as the “god of this age” (2 Cor. 4:4). But Christians need not cower before him in fear, because “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). The day is coming when Satan will be cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10).

Until that day, let’s not be deceived but rather live godly lives that reflect the image of Christ, for He is “a man of truth; there is nothing false about Him” (John 7:18 NIV). — C. P. Hia

In our day-to-day existence,
Evil often wears a mask;
Trust the Lord for true discernment—
He gives wisdom when we ask. —Hess

Satan offers nothing but tricks and deceit.
 
Lost And Found



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READ: Luke 15:4-24



This my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. —Luke 15:24

A Wall Street Journal article by Jennifer Saranow chronicled the extraordinary efforts of middle-aged American men who are trying to find the favorite car they once owned and loved, but lost. They are searching on-line car ads, phoning junkyards, and even hiring specialists who charge $400 an hour to help them search for an automobile that once symbolized their youth. These men want the actual car they owned, not one just like it.

Some would call their efforts frivolous—a waste of time and money. But the value of a car, like many things, is in the eye of the beholder.

In Luke 15, people who were despised by their society came to hear Jesus. But some religious leaders complained, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them” (v.2). To affirm how valuable these “sinners” are to God, Jesus told three memorable stories about a lost sheep (vv.4-7), a lost coin (vv.8-10), and a lost son (vv.11-32). Each parable records the anguish of losing, the effort of searching, and the joy of finding something of great worth. In every story, we see a picture of God, the loving Father, who rejoices over every lost soul who is found.

Even if you feel far from God today, you are highly valued by Him. He’s searching for you. — David C. McCasland

I once was lost, but now I’m found;
Praise God! Christ died for me;
He valued me, redeemed my soul;
From sin, He set me free. —Sper

Those who have been found should seek the lost.
 
Don't Nullify God's Grace!

If a... relationship with God could come by rule-keeping... Christ died unnecessarily.
Galatians 2:21 TM
Grace doesn't give anyone a license to live as they please. But the judgmentalism that comes from insisting that others live by our standards has caused untold damage. A well-known preacher writes, "Legalism spreads a paralyzing venom… blinds our eyes, dulls our edge and arouses pride in our heart… Love is overshadowed by a mental clipboard with a long checklist… requiring others to measure up… Soon friendship is fractured by a judgmental attitude and a critical look."
Think you're not guilty? Observe your initial reaction when you meet another believer who doesn't think, act, or dress the way you do. Even when you think you're sophisticated enough to disguise your real feelings they come out in the stony stare and the holier-than-thou attitude. Jesus said, "Never criticize… or it will all come back on you" (Luke 6:37 TLB). When you throw mud you don't just get your hands dirty, you lose ground! "Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!" (John 8:7 NLT). Blowing another person's light out won't make yours shine brighter.
Paul writes: "If a… relationship with God could come by rule-keeping… Christ died unnecessarily." You say, "But what if someone is getting off track or deliberately sinning?" Paul answers "If another believer is overcome by some sin… humbly help that person back onto the right path… be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself" (Galatians 6:1 NLT). When you judge others you're in danger of nullifying the grace you may need yourself before the day is through!


At Whit's End:
Believers today are still in danger of acting as if Christ died needlessly. How, you ask? By replacing Jewish legalism with their own brand of Christian legalism, they are giving people extra laws to obey. By believing they can earn God's favor by what they do, they are not trusting completely in Christ's work on the cross. By struggling to appreciate God's power to change them, they are not resting in God's power to save them. If we could be saved by being good, then Christ did not have to die. But the cross is the ONLY way to salvation.
--Whit
 
Be A Stander



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READ: 2 Timothy 4:9-18



A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. —Proverbs 17:17

Western novelist Stephen Bly says that in the days of America ’s Old West there were two types of friends (and horses): runners and standers. At the first sign of trouble, the runner would bolt—abandoning you to whatever peril you were facing. But a stander would stick with you no matter the circumstances. Unfortunately, you wouldn’t know which kind of friend you had until trouble came. And then it was too late—unless your friend was a stander.

Rather than being concerned with what kind of friends we have, however, we ought to consider what kind of friends we are. In the final days of Paul’s ministry, as he awaited death, some who had ministered with him turned into runners and abandoned him to face execution alone. In his last letter, he listed some (like Demas) who had run off, then simply stated, “Only Luke is with me” (2 Tim. 4:11). Luke was a stander. While undoubtedly disappointed by those who had deserted him, Paul must have been deeply comforted to know he was not alone.

Proverbs tells us that “a friend loves at all times” (17:17). During times of adversity, we need friends we can rely on. When the people we know face trouble, what kind of friend will we be—a runner or a stander? — Bill Crowder

Dear Lord, help us to be the kind of friend who doesn’t run when our friends are in need.

Give us the courage to stand by them, the wisdom to know what to say, and the ability to serve them. Amen.

A true friend stands with us in times of trial.
 
What 'Sells'

Another Jesus... a different spirit... a different gospel...
2 Corinthians 11:4 NKJV
In an old Peanuts cartoon strip, on the first day of the new school year students are told to write an essay about returning to class. Lucy wrote, "Vacations are nice, but it's good to get back to school. There's nothing more satisfying or challenging than education, and I look forward to a year of expanding knowledge." The teacher was pleased and complimented Lucy on her essay. In the final frame of the cartoon Lucy leans over and whispers to Charlie Brown, "After a while, you learn what sells." The temptation to preach 'what sells' is always with us. Paul warns the Corinthian church to be on guard against anyone who preaches 'another Jesus… a different spirit… or a different gospel.'
Like Jonah, we are called to preach to people who'd rather hear something different. But running away didn't work for Jonah, and it won't work for us. 'The Lord sent out a great wind on the sea… so that the ship was about to be broken up' (Jonah 1:4 NKJV). If He has to, God will shipwreck our plans in order to get us to go where we need to go, and to say what He's called us to say.
One pastor recently acknowledged that his message was attracting big crowds but not turning people into disciples, so he changed direction. The first thing God told Jonah to say when he reached Nineveh was, 'Repent.' The Gospel does two things: It comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable. The truth that sets us free will make us feel bad before it makes us feel good. God's goal is not our comfort; it's producing in us the character of Christ so the world will be drawn to Him.


At Whit's End:
Have you ever heard a great speaker and felt yourself falling for the soothing words coming off his or her lips? Granted, some of these speakers are pure in motive, but not all of them. Unfortunately, we have seen this in Christianity too. Today there are many false teachers that seem to make sense, until we take the time to look deeper. Don't believe someone simply because he or she sounds like an authority or says words you like to hear. Search the Bible and check his or her teaching against God's Word. The Bible should be your authoritative guide. Don't list to any "authoritative preacher" who contradicts God's Word.
--Whit
 
Prisoners Of Sin



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READ: Galatians 3:19-29



The Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. —Galatians 3:22

A 2008 report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime said, “At any given time there are more than 10 million people imprisoned worldwide.” Since some prisoners are being released while new ones are being sentenced every day, there are more than 30 million total prisoners worldwide each year. Statistics like these have caused many people to work for prison reform and a reexamination of sentencing laws.

From a spiritual perspective, the Bible offers an even more staggering statistic: “The Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin” (Gal. 3:22 niv). In what is sometimes considered a difficult passage to understand, Paul says that although the Old Testament law could not impart life (v.21), it was an effective teacher in showing us that we need a Savior who can give life (v.24). The bad news is that “the Scripture has confined all under sin,” and the good news is “that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe” (v.22).

When we give our lives to Christ, who has fulfilled the requirements of the law, we are no longer imprisoned by sin. Instead, we enter a fellowship of people from every nationality and social status.

In Christ, we are free indeed! — David C. McCasland

The law reveals the mind of God,
The prophets too made clear His will;
But Christ alone brings life and peace,
His words our deepest needs fulfill. —D. De Haan

Deliverance from sin is the greatest of all freedoms.
 
Repent

I gave her time to repent, but she would not.
Revelation 2:21 NLT
God's patience is amazing! In one of the most extraordinary examples of it, He gave Jezebel time to repent. When her wicked husband Ahab humbled himself, God healed and restored him. Humbling yourself before God will turn things around in your life when nothing else will work. James writes: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up" (James 4:10). Humble yourself - don't wait for God to do it!
The Bible says: "Do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and punishes everyone He accepts as a son" (Hebrews 12:5-6 NIV). Notice two important statements in this Scripture: (1) "Do not make light of the Lord's discipline." A 'nobody's going to tell me what to do' attitude cost Jezebel dearly, and it will cost you too! (2) "Do not lose heart when He rebukes you." Don't see God's correction as rejection, see it as proof you're His child and that He has great plans for you. Paul considered himself a bondservant to Christ. To be bonded means to be bound by certain obligations. In the Old Testament God marked His priests by putting blood on the lobe of their right ear, the thumb of their right hand, and the big toe of their right foot.
So the word for you today is - your hearing, your talents, and your walk must honor God! As a bondservant to Christ you can't 'do your own thing'; you're called to walk according to His instructions. If you're not - repent and get right with God!


At Whit's End:
I have a friend who jokingly said, "The problem with some people is they can't admit their faults. Of course, I'd admit mine if I had any." Granted, my friend was joking, but the problem many people have is they pridefully, stubbornly hold on to things God has asked them to let go. Are you one of those people? I admit, I was at one time. When God asks us to repent, it means to change our mind and direction from following our own way and to follow His. God has given us time in His mercy to decide to follow Him. Only our stubbornness/pride stands in the way.
--Whit
 
GOLDDUSTERS5703 said:
Repent

I gave her time to repent, but she would not.
Revelation 2:21 NLT
God's patience is amazing! In one of the most extraordinary examples of it, He gave Jezebel time to repent. When her wicked husband Ahab humbled himself, God healed and restored him. Humbling yourself before God will turn things around in your life when nothing else will work. James writes: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up" (James 4:10). Humble yourself - don't wait for God to do it!
The Bible says: "Do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and punishes everyone He accepts as a son" (Hebrews 12:5-6 NIV). Notice two important statements in this Scripture: (1) "Do not make light of the Lord's discipline." A 'nobody's going to tell me what to do' attitude cost Jezebel dearly, and it will cost you too! (2) "Do not lose heart when He rebukes you." Don't see God's correction as rejection, see it as proof you're His child and that He has great plans for you. Paul considered himself a bondservant to Christ. To be bonded means to be bound by certain obligations. In the Old Testament God marked His priests by putting blood on the lobe of their right ear, the thumb of their right hand, and the big toe of their right foot.
So the word for you today is - your hearing, your talents, and your walk must honor God! As a bondservant to Christ you can't 'do your own thing'; you're called to walk according to His instructions. If you're not - repent and get right with God!


At Whit's End:
I have a friend who jokingly said, "The problem with some people is they can't admit their faults. Of course, I'd admit mine if I had any." Granted, my friend was joking, but the problem many people have is they pridefully, stubbornly hold on to things God has asked them to let go. Are you one of those people? I admit, I was at one time. When God asks us to repent, it means to change our mind and direction from following our own way and to follow His. God has given us time in His mercy to decide to follow Him. Only our stubbornness/pride stands in the way.
--Whit
Click to expand...

I like this one! Just so happens I wore my Humble Pie t-shirt today! It says on the back "Be humble, or get humbled" What a coincidence!

Keep em coming Goldduster!:clap:
 
Seeds And Faith



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READ: Galatians 6:7-10



Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. —Galatians 6:7

I read a fable about a man who was browsing in a store when he made the shocking discovery that God was behind a sales counter. So the man walked over and asked, “What are You selling?” God replied, “What does your heart desire?” The man said, “I want happiness, peace of mind, and freedom from fear . . . for me and the whole world.” God smiled and said, “I don’t sell fruit here. Only seeds.”

In Galatians 6, Paul stressed the importance of sowing seeds of God-honoring behavior, for “whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (v.7). We can’t expect to experience the fruit of God’s blessings if we don’t recognize the importance of doing our part.

It helps to follow the example of others who have sown good seed. Author Samuel Shoemaker said that a good example can either inspire us or cause us to say, “Oh yes, he (or she) is like that. He is not troubled by temper or nerves or impatience or worry as I am; he is just a happier temperament.” Shoemaker continued, “It may not occur to us that perhaps he had to fight for his serenity, and that we might win if we would do the same.”

Are you weary of the way you are? Ask God for His help and begin sowing seeds of new actions and responses today. In due season the Spirit will give the increase. — Joanie Yoder

We’re always sowing seeds in life
By everything we do and say,
So let’s make sure the fruit we reap
Comes from the good we do each day. —Hess

The seeds we sow today determine the kind of fruit we’ll reap tomorrow.
 
How To Succeed On The Job

With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.
Ephesians 6:7
How do you succeed on the job? (1) By keeping your eyes on your objective. Are you selling windows? Then don't walk into someone's house and offer unsolicited advice about their living room d‚cor. Focus on what you're called to do. People can be easily offended, and by speaking about areas outside your expertise - what your customer has solicited your help in - you can jeopardize good opportunities. And learn to appreciate people, even those you don't like. Customers are not friends; friends are friends. Place value on others. Respect them, even if your personal opinions differ from theirs! Remember, your success is not determined by their personality. (2) By treating everyone fairly and equally. If you show favoritism by only being kind and respectful to those you like, you're in for trouble - if not now, then down the road. You need to learn how to work with people who aren't your favorites. Why? Because they will remember your attitude, whether good or bad, and not be particularly inclined to help you in the future. (3) By trying not to take things personally. You must learn to let go of grudges and to set aside past histories with some of your co-workers. When you find your emotions flaring up and you're tempted to react, stop and remember what's really going on; you're in the midst of a battle and the first shots have been fired. This is the time to say a silent prayer, remember your true calling, and respond with love, patience and a professionalism that will cause those around you to respect what you've got!


At Whit's End:
Okay, let's face it, almost all of us have mumbled something about how much we hate our job at one time or another. Maybe it has even happened this week (although I hope not). But how, as Christians, are we asked to go about our "normal" job? Christian employees should do their job as if Jesus Christ were their supervisor (Ouch! Goodbye long lunch). On the other hand, Christian employers should treat their employees fairly and with respect. Can you be trusted to do you best, even when the boss is not around? Remember that no matter whom you work for, and no matter who works for you, the One you ultimately should want to please is your Father in Heaven.
--Whit
 
Comfort In Troubled Times

God will help her at break of day.
Psalm 46:5 NIV
When your world is suddenly turned upside down, remember, God's plans for your life haven't been cancelled! When you feel trapped with no way out, here are some things to remember:
1) Look for the river. 'There is a river whose streams make glad… ' (Psalm 46:4 NIV). In Old Testament symbolism, rivers represent God's supply for your every need. When every human source of supply seems to have dried up, don't fear, look for the river.
2) Look for the city. God has planted His 'city of God , the holy place where the Most High dwells' (Psalm 46:4 NIV), right in the middle of your circumstances. God's city, the symbol of His presence and power, guarantees He's still in control and that He will restore peace and order to your troubled world.
3) Look for the signs of God's presence. 'God will help [you] at break of day' (Psalm 46:5 NIV). Daybreak, a symbol of new beginnings, gives you confidence that beyond this time of trouble and testing, a new day is at hand. 'Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning' (Lamentations 3:23 NLT).
4) 'Come… see the works of the Lord… ' (Psalm 46:8 NIV). Reviewing the record of His mighty acts builds your faith and reminds you that He is the 'same yesterday and today and forever' (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). If He took care of you then, He will take care of you now.
5) Look to God and be at peace. Based on the tested and proven foundation of His power and faithfulness, you can live by the Scripture, 'Be still, and know that I am God… ' (Psalm 46:10 NIV).


At Whit's End:
If you've ever visited the coast, you often see homes with a large barrel at the corner of the house. Why is this? For decoration? Style? Those who have lived near the coast for years will tell you the simple answer is to catch the fresh rain water as it runs off the house. This water is used for many things, including watering flowers and other vegetation. It may seem odd that they'd do this with all the water they could ever imagine rolling in with the waves, but salt water does them little good when it comes to usefulness (besides recreation). In your Christian life who, or what, is your "rain barrel?" As long as it is God, you will receive blessings. When we dip into other founts to draw our water, God is not please, hence our blessings dry up (no pun intended). It really is that simple.
--Whit

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The Heat Of Our Desire



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READ: Psalm 42



As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. —Psalm 42:1

Pastor A. W. Tozer (1897–1963) read the great Christian theologians until he could write about them with ease. He challenges us: “Come near to the holy men and women of the past and you will soon feel the heat of their desire after God. They mourned for Him, they prayed and wrestled and sought for Him day and night, in season and out, and when they had found Him the finding was all the sweeter for the long seeking.”

The writer of Psalm 42 had the kind of longing for the Lord that Tozer spoke about. Feeling separated from God, the psalmist used the simile of a deer panting with thirst to express his deep yearning for a taste of the presence of God. “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God” (vv.1-2). The heat of his desire for the Lord was so great and his sorrow so intense, he did more weeping than eating (v.3). But the psalmist’s longing was satisfied when he placed his hope in God and praised Him for His presence and help (vv.5-8).

O that we would have a longing and thirsting for Him that is so intense that others would feel the heat of our desire for Him! — Marvin Williams

My heart’s desire is to know You, Lord,
To walk close beside You today;
To know Your grace, Your love, Your power,
For You are my life and my way. —Cetas

Only Jesus, the Living Water, can satisfy the thirsty soul.
 
God’s Embrace



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READ: Romans 12:3-11


Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another. —Romans 12:10

Soon after her family left for the evening, Carol started to think that her hospital room must be the loneliest place in the world. Nighttime had fallen, her fears about her illness were back, and she felt overwhelming despair as she lay there alone.

Closing her eyes, she began to talk to God: “O Lord, I know I am not really alone. You are here with me. Please calm my heart and give me peace. Let me feel Your arms around me, holding me.”

As she prayed, Carol felt her fears beginning to subside. And when she opened her eyes, she looked up to see the warm, sparkling eyes of her friend Marge, who reached out to encircle her in a big hug. Carol felt as if God Himself were holding her tightly.

God often uses fellow believers to show us His love. “We, being many, are one body in Christ. . . . Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them” ( Rom. 12:5-6). We serve others “with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 4:11).

When we show love and compassion in simple, practical ways, we are a part of God’s ministry to His people. — Cindy Hess Kasper

Teach me to love, this is my prayer—
May the compassion of Thy heart I share;
Ready a cup of water to give,
May I unselfishly for others live. —Peterson

We show our love for God when we love His family.
 
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