Tim Hetzner, President of Lutheran Church Charities, who normally writes the daily devotions, is out of the country right now leading a Biblical Study tour in the Middle East. While he is out, he has asked Pete Imlah on the LCC staff to cover for him. Pete is Director of Mission and Outreach at LCC.

Played: 1 | Download | Duration: 00:02:38

So Many Questions

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!
Proverbs 16:16

God doesn't explain Himself to us with the clarity that we humans would prefer (think about this: if God did explain Himself with perfect clarity, we wouldn't have enough brainpower to understand the explanation that He gave!).

When innocent people are hurt, we question God because we can't figure out exactly what He's doing, or why. Why are innocent people allowed to feel pain and good people allowed to die? Since we can't fully answer those kinds of questions now, we must trust in God's love, God's wisdom, and God's plan.

And while we're waiting for that wonderful day (in heaven) when all our questions will be answered, we should use the time that we have here on earth to help the people who need it most. After all, we'll have plenty of time to have our questions answered when we get to heaven. But when it comes to helping our neighbors and sharing Christ with them, we don't have nearly that much time. So let's get busy helping and sharing… right now!

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, When I depend upon the world's wisdom, I make many mistakes. But when I trust in Your wisdom, I build my life on a firm foundation. Today I ask that You empower me to trust in Your Word and follow it, knowing that the ultimate wisdom is Your wisdom and the ultimate truth is Your truth. I pray this in Jesus' Name. Amen

Tim Hetzner, President of Lutheran Church Charities, who normally writes the daily devotions, is out of the country right now leading a Biblical Study tour in the Middle East. While he is out, he has asked Pete Imlah on the LCC staff to cover for him. Pete is Director of Mission and Outreach at LCC.

Played: 41 | Download | Duration: 00:03:25

New Beginnings

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9-11

As you think about your future - and as you consider the countless opportunities that will be woven in the fabric of the days ahead - be sure to include God in your plans. When you do, He will guide your steps and light your path.

Perhaps you desire to change the direction of your life, or perhaps you're determined to make major modifications in the way you live or the way you think. If so, you and God, working together, can do it. But don't expect change to be easy or instant. God expects you to do your fair share of the work - and that's as it should be. Nonetheless, if you trust in the Lord completely, and if you don't give up, you're destined to accomplish big things… very big things.

Lasting change doesn't occur "out there"; it occurs "in here". It occurs not in the shifting sands of your own particular circumstances, but in quiet depths of your own obedient heart. So if you're in search of a new beginning in 2010 or, for that matter, a new you, don't expect changing circumstances to miraculously transform you into the person you want to become. Transformation starts with God, and it starts in the silent center of a humble human heart - like yours.

No matter how badly we have failed, we can always get up and begin again. Our God is the God of new beginnings.
- Warren Wiersbe -

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, Create in me a new heart - a heart that reflects the love You have poured out upon me. Help me to seek and faithfully follow You in all I do this coming year. When I need to change, Lord, change me, and make me new again. I pray this in Jesus' Name. Amen

Played: 64 | Download | Duration: 00:02:54

The Courage To Go First

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

We all know what needs to be changed. Many of us come home from work every night frustrated because of it. We don't lack insight; we just lack the courage to do something about it! But real leaders are different; they'd rather risk criticism and experience failure on the way to success than remain silent and die on the sidelines. That's what gives others courage to follow them! Most folks have a dream they long to fulfill - they just need somebody to take the first step to show them the way. You can be that somebody! Without courage we simply accumulate a collection of good ideas and regrets. Most of our missed opportunities would not have been missed had we only been willing to push through our fear and embrace what could be. All of us feel fear, but here's the difference: eventually a true leader's need for progress overwhelms his reluctance to take a risk. He can live more easily with the prospects of having tried and failed, than not having tried at all. He knows that failure is an inevitable part of success. He also realizes that failure looks and feels completely different in the rear view mirror than it does when it is staring at you through the windscreen. The truth is that while the average person fears stepping out into a new opportunity, the true leader fears missing out on it. So, if you're afraid to step out today, listen: "I am with you; that is all you need" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Prayer
Heavenly Father, Help me to risk new things trusting you in all things. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Played: 60 | Download | Duration: 00:02:24

Handling Criticism - Part 4

"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there'" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said Philip.
John 1:46

Let's take one final look at handling criticism. (1) Don't just see if there's a critic, see if there's a crowd. Mrs. Smith invited a well-known pianist to entertain at her dinner party. When it was over, everyone praised his performance except one lady. "I thought he was lousy," she said. Immediately the hostess intervened: "Pay no attention to her. She doesn't know what she's talking about. She only repeats what she hears everybody else say." See if your critic has a cheering section; if they do, you may need to make some changes. George Bernard Shaw, the Irish playwright, certainly had his critics, but he knew how to handle them. After one opening night, a critic stood up and shouted, 'It's rotten!' To which Shaw replied, "I agree, but what are we against so many" (2) Wait for time to prove them wrong. Time is your best ally. It forces deception to the surface and allows the truth to prove you right. When Nathanael asked concerning Jesus, "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there" . Philip answered, "Come and see." Often, as events unfold, the cause of the criticism will be eliminated and you'll be vindicated. No other politician in history had worse things said about him than Lincoln. The day after he delivered the Gettysburg Address, The Chicago Times called it, "Silly, flat, dish-watery utterances." Today millions flock to The Lincoln Memorial, but not a soul remembers the editor who wrote those scathing words.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, Help me to be more thick-skinned when others criticize me - like you were. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Played: 58 | Download | Duration: 00:02:49

Handling Criticism - Part 3

A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
Proverbs 19:11

Here are some more thoughts on handling criticism. (1) Surround yourself with the right people! When you've optional time, spend it with those who build you up, not tear you down. Quality time with the right people will galvanize you against the effects of the worst criticism. It'll also keep you from becoming critical yourself. If crows attack a hawk, the hawk doesn't counter-attack, instead it soars higher and higher in ever widening circles until the pests leave it alone. Good strategy! Circle above your adversaries rather than stooping to their level. Listen: "It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel" (Proverbs 20:3). If your attitude is to have any effect on people, it'll be because of your example, not your defensiveness. (2) Concentrate on your mission - change your mistakes! Most of us do the opposite; when criticism comes we change our mission and concentrate on our mistakes. If you run every time you make a mistake, you'll never accomplish anything; you'll live in constant frustration. The only real mistakes are the ones from which we learn nothing. So instead of dwelling on your mistakes, count on making some, growing wiser and moving on to finish the job. There's an old Arab proverb that says, "If you stop every time a dog barks, your road will never end." Don't let your mistakes become roadblocks; turn them into building blocks. Since "iron sharpens iron" ask God to help you grow stronger through criticism (see Proverbs 27:17).

Prayer
Heavenly Father - Keep me focused on seeing Positive Ways that help me get tasks and other things done. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Played: 65 | Download | Duration: 00:03:12

Handling Criticism - Part 2

Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.
Proverbs 19:20

Let's take another look at handling criticism. (1) Watch your attitude! Your negative attitude can be more destructive than somebody else's critical spirit. You know what they say: "A chip on your shoulder usually indicates wood higher up." Peter writes, "You have been called for this purpose (note: the call of Christ sometimes involves being misunderstood), since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, Who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him Who judges righteously" (1 Peter 2:21-23). Hey, give it to God! (2) Realize that good people get criticized! Jesus was called a glutton (see Matthew 11:19); a drinker (see Luke 7:34); a friend of questionable characters (Matthew 11:19). People whose minds are polluted and whose vision isn't clear, won't understand behavior based on obedience to God. So, when your ideas and values conflict with theirs, try to be understanding. (3) Stay physically and spiritually in shape! Exhaustion has a profound effect on the way we act and react. Elijah slipped into depression because of weariness. Jezebel was relentless, her opposition sapped his strength. Listen to him, "It is enough. Now, O Lord, take away my life" (1 Kings 19:4). How's that for a 'downer'? Watch out, Satan will take advantage of your weariness. When you're tired, you can easily become over sensitive and miss the opportunity for growth that comes with the criticism.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me listen to and heed the spiritual council of others; so that I can heed those things that need correcting in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Played: 101 | Download | Duration: 00:02:49

Handling Criticism - Part 1

my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.
Proverbs 23:16

Are you being criticized? If so, try doing these three things: (1) Understand the difference between constructive and destructive criticism. Learn how to interpret criticism by asking: (a) in what spirit is it given? If your critic's attitude is kind, rest assured it's meant to be constructive (b) when is the criticism given? When somebody criticizes you publicly, usually their intentions aren't the best (c) why is the criticism given? Solomon says, 'The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out' (Proverbs 20:5). Hurting people hurt others, so always ask, "Is the criticism given for my benefit, or just from personal hurt?" (2) Don't take yourself too seriously. Face it, occasionally we all do stupid things. Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves and learn from their blunders. (3) Look beyond the criticism and see the critic. Is it someone you respect? Are they constantly critical? If so, don't place too much value on what they say; they're probably just projecting their frustration on to you - like the 12-year-old boy who hadn't spoken since he was born. After being served oatmeal for breakfast several weeks in a row he shouted, "Yuck, I hate this stuff!" His mother jumped up, hugged him and said, "We thought you couldn't talk. Why haven't you ever spoken to us?" Bluntly he exclaimed, "Because up until now everything's been okay." Some folks talk only when they're ticked off. The important question is does your critic sincerely want to help you?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the wisdom to sort out what is constructive and destructive criticism. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Played: 67 | Download | Duration: 00:02:45

Making Withdrawals!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Ephesians 6:10

Generally speaking, God calls us to step out and do things we don't feel qualified to do. Why? So that we'll learn to lean more on Him. "Does that mean I won't make mistakes?" No, it means you probably will. But instead of being discouraged, you'll accept them as part of the learning curve and go on to greater things! Often we look at a task and think, "There's no way I can do this."  Hey, you're looking through the wrong end of the telescope! You're looking at yourself instead of God! When God called Joshua to take the place of Moses, He promised him: "as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee'" (Joshua 1:5). Now if God promises to be with you (and He does), that's all you need! His strength is best shown through your weakness (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). Whatever ingredients are lacking in the natural realm you can withdraw from your account in the spiritual realm. Listen: "be strong in the Lord - be empowered through your union with Him; draw your strength from Him - that strength which His [boundless] might provides" (Ephesians 6:10 Amp). What kind of might? "Boundless might!" Where do you draw it from? The ultimate source - God! Christ empowers and equips you as you fellowship with Him, so stop selling yourself short! Armed with His might you have more capabilities than you think and you're able to do a lot more than you've done in the past. So today, put your confidence in God and stop doubting yourself!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to trust you and stop doubting myself. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Played: 74 | Download | Duration: 00:00:00

Ten Commandments For In-Laws!

and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'
Matthew 19:5

After a big argument, a couple was driving along in silence when they passed a barnyard filled with mules and donkeys. "Relatives of yours?" he asked. "Yes," she replied, "in-laws!" Know why God said, "a man shall leave his father and mother"? Because two's company and three's a crowd! Check out the following Ten Commandments for In-laws. (1) Thou shalt love, honor, and respect the couple (2) Thou shalt grant them independence, resisting the urge to show them a 'better way' of doing things. (3) Thou shalt be loyal and not criticize them. Remember, "That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging" (Matthew 7:2). (4) Thou shalt not find fault. Listen: "Don't jump on their failures unless you want the same treatment" (Matthew 7:1). (5) Thou shalt not outwear thy welcome, and always phone before thou showest up at their dwelling. Listen: "don't show up at all hours' [they'll] 'get fed up" (Proverbs 25:17). (6) Thou shalt not expect them to visit thee too often (7) Thou shalt refrain from giving unsolicited advice. Listen: "A fool uttereth his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in" (Proverbs 29:11). (8) Thou shalt not talk about how thou wantest grandchildren, unless they're already on the way (9) Thou shalt respect their decorating taste, even when it differeth from thine (10) Thou shalt pray for them daily and without fail. If you're an in-law who doesn't want to become an out-law, observe these commandments!

Prayer
Heavenly Father - help me treat my in-laws in a way that is dignified and just. Thank you for in-laws who care for me. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Played: 58 | Download | Duration: 00:03:03

Are You Listening?

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
Isaiah 30:21

Ever hear of the ‘Impostor Syndrome’? It describes those who feel terminally unworthy of their success, so they live defensively, never allowing anyone too close lest they draw the same conclusion. True success is an inside job. It’s your verdict on your life, not somebody else’s. When educator, Parker Palmer, was offered a college presidency, it meant more money, status and influence. Career-wise it required no further thought! But when he asked some trusted friends to help him verify that it was God’s will, one asked, ‘What would you like about being president’’ Palmer replied, ‘Well, I wouldn’t like the politics and fund-raising, or giving up studying and teaching.’ His friend persisted, ‘Yes, but what would you enjoy?’ Palmer writes: ‘I felt compelled to give an honest answer, one that appalled even me. ‘I guess what I’d like most is getting my picture in the paper with the word president under it.’ There was a long silence and then my friend asked something that cracked us all up - and cracked me wide open; ‘Parker,’ he said, ‘Can’t you think of an easier way to get your picture in the paper?’ Elizabeth Dole said, ‘Success is doing something that makes you say, ‘Nothing I ever did made me feel this good.’ How about you? Are you doing what you love for its own sake, not just for money and prestige? If you are, you’re truly successful. God said, ‘You will hear a voice say, 'This is the way - walk here.'" Want to know what you should do? Listen!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, you always have a perfect fit for each of us in what we should do – thank you for that. If I am not working in my passion then let me see the door you are placing open before me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Played: 110 | Download | Duration: 00:03:04

Spiritual Landmarks

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far has the LORD helped us."
1 Samuel 7:12

It's a good idea to establish some spiritual landmarks, reminding us of the times God intervened on our behalf. Without them we quickly forget, lose our bearings, or claim credit for things we'd nothing to do with. When God miraculously opened the Jordan River for the Israelites to pass over, He knew something they didn't - that soon they'd come up against Jericho, their biggest obstacle. That's when they'd need reminders and a reference point. So He told them to collect 12 stones from the Jordan and build a memorial. This would act as a reminder of His past faithfulness. God was saying, 'When you can't cope with the future, check with the past. My goodness will stand inventory.' Samuel did the same after Israel defeated the Philistines. He took a stone and named it Ebenezer, saying, 'Thus far has the Lord helped us' (1 Samuel 7:12). Think of some of the spiritual landmarks in your life 'thus far'. Like the day Jesus saved you from a bad situation; or specific instances when He guided you; or doors He opened that you thought were permanently shut; or scrapes He brought you through. Go ahead, establish some spiritual landmarks by keeping a record of these events! They're important, because whenever you're struggling, they'll remind you of how God's cared for you. They'll help you to see His past goodness, even when you weren't aware of it. They'll give you a sense of gratitude for yesterday's blessings and the confidence to face whatever tomorrow brings!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all the times that you have given me "markers" to show me your presence in my life. Help me mark them and remember them as I go forward today. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Played: 86 | Download | Duration: 00:00:00

Enjoy Your Kids!

Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God's intimate friendship blessed my house.
Job 29:4

In her book, Forever Erma, Erma Bombeck writes, 'When my children were young I made them tidy up their rooms, make their own snacks and put the laundry in the utility room. Now, when they come home, I put all the rules aside. I'm like a concierge looking for a big tip. I follow them around asking, 'Are you hungry? Can I get you something? Do you have any laundry? Do you need some money?' 'I eat when they want to eat, cook their favorite foods just before they tell me they're going out with their friends, then watch helplessly as they eat their way through a pound of baked ham at three in the afternoon. On their visit my life changes. I have no care. My washer is set on extra-large load and has two socks and a T-shirt in it. The phone rings constantly and it's never for me. At the end of their visit, we set aside a day, pack a lunch and head for the airport. It isn't until I return home that I sense how orderly my life has become. I enjoy the quiet. The TV remote control is rescued from the clothes basket and returned to its proper place on the coffee table. The empty milk and juice cartons are removed from the refrigerator, the wet towels are put in the washer, the bathroom is returned to health standards. It is my world again - so why am I crying?'

Prayer
Heavenly Father - thank you for the gift of children - children that can come and visit - and then return home again!!! In Jesus' Name, Amen

Played: 58 | Download | Duration: 00:02:54

Wicks And Reeds

A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory.
Matthew 12:20

What do all these people have in common? (1) A woman cowering before an angry mob that’s threatening to stone her? (2) A paralyzed man on a stretcher begging his friends not to give up as they stare at a house overflowing with people? (3) A blind man crying out to a rabbi? They’re all ‘bruised reeds’ and ‘smoldering wicks’ that God refused to give up on! What’s more fragile than a bruised reed? Kids playing beside the River Jordan made music pipes out of them. As they were hollowed out and holes bored in them, they were often bruised and discarded. Perhaps you once stood tall and strong, nourished and rooted in the riverbed. But now you’re hidden in the rushes, bruised by hurtful words, a mate’s betrayal, your own failure, or harsh religion. What’s closer to extinction than a smoldering wick? When the oil in primitive lamps was gone and the wick burned low, it was extinguished, thrown away as worthless and replaced. Did you once glow with faith, lighting the path for others until the icy winds of criticism, unforgiveness and judgmentalism left you one snuff away from darkness? The world thinks it knows what to do with you - break you off and snuff you out! But not Jesus: ‘A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out’. No matter how far gone you may feel, you’re not beyond the reach of God’s grace. So, come to Him today and let Him make you whole again!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to accept your daily process of wanting to make me “new” again! Forgive my sins and shape and mold me into what you created and want me to be. In Jesus’ Precious Name I pray, Amen

Played: 78 | Download | Duration: 00:02:36

Prepare Now!

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!
1 Corinthians 10:12

Greater success always leads to greater temptation! And your response to that temptation will depend entirely upon the condition of your soul at the time. Nobody plans to fail, but ignoring your spiritual condition guarantees failure. ‘So what can I do’’ you ask? Begin preparing - now! You can wait until the night before your final degree exam to prepare, but there’s no cramming for a test of character. It comes up like an impromptu quiz, and you’re either ready or you’re not. Refuse to make the journey alone! Letting others in on what you want to be, reinforces your perimeter of protection. Becoming accountable is a powerful incentive to check any behavior that might take you out of bounds. And on those inevitable occasions when you do drift across the line, the fact that someone else knows and will correct you on it is a compelling motivator to take responsibility for your actions and correct them quickly. Constantly ask yourself: ‘What small thing in my life right now has the potential to become destructive? And who knows about it other than me’? It’s better to expose your struggles to a handful of people who really care about you, than run the risk of being publicly exposed before those who couldn’t care less. You owe it to yourself to identify and conquer those baby dragons that have the potential to grow up and wound not only you, but also those who put their trust in you.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to take an honest look at my life to recognize the areas that I am weak or vulnerable, and by your power and those close to me, help protect me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Played: 62 | Download | Duration: 00:02:48

One-Step-At-A-Time!

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:4

Try to recognize the seasons in your spiritual life. Sometimes you’ll have a short intense burst of growth (spring time), followed by a longer period of stabilizing and testing (autumn and winter). ‘But what about these problems I’d like God to remove’? you ask. It’s alright to pray for a miracle, but don’t be disappointed if the answer comes through a gradual change! Over time, a slow steady stream of water will erode the hardest rock and turn giant boulders into pebbles. You may feel frustrated with the pace of your progress, but God’s never in a hurry. He took 80 years to prepare Moses, including 40 in the wilderness. For 14,600 days Moses probably wondered, ‘Is it time yet’? But God kept saying, ‘Not yet’. Contrary to many popular book titles, there are no ‘easy steps to maturity’. When God wants to make a mushroom He does it overnight. When He wants to make a giant oak He takes 100 years. With God, a delay is not a denial. Remember how far you’ve come, not just how far you have to go. Sure, you’re not where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be. Years ago people wore a popular button with the letters PBPGINFWMY - it stood for ‘Please be patient, God is not finished with me yet’. And God isn’t finished with you either, so just keep moving forward, a-step-at-a-time!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me patience knowing that you are working in my life to bring me to maturity and completion. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Played: 74 | Download | Duration: 00:02:57

What Are You Carrying?

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalms 90:12

In the 19th Century, 138 English sailors decided to chart the Northwest Passage around the Canadian Arctic to the Pacific. It was to be the turning point in Arctic exploration. And it was, but not because they succeeded! It was because they perished that subsequent navigators learned this lesson - prepare for the journey! The voyage was projected to take two to three years, yet they carried only 12-day’s fuel and no suitable clothing. However, what they lacked in preparation they compensated for in entertainment. They had a 2,400-volume library, musical instruments, cut glass, china and silverware for everybody on board. Strangely they left better equipped for afternoon tea than for the Arctic. But stranger still, we do the same! We think little of our eternal destination, but make sure we’re entertained with plenty of ‘toys’ along the way. Listen: “Teach us how short our lives are that we may be wise.” (Psalm 90:12). It’s dangerous to assume you have more time. God’s given us clear instructions for the trip and told us what to bring: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (see Galatians 5:22-23). His Word’s our map and His Spirit’s our compass. Listen: ‘‘He goes on ahead of them’’ (John 10:4). He’s even gone before us to mark the route and describe the landmarks. So, what are you carrying today? Material things? Don’t be deceived; they may matter now, but they won’t when you reach your destination. There, it’s not what you have, it’s Who you know. There, it’s being known by God!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me repack now as I prepare to start a new year, a new journey following you. In Jesus' Precious Name, Amen

Played: 74 | Download | Duration: 00:02:57

Identifying Your Opportunities

“The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you.”
1 Samuel 17:37

David didn’t show up that day with the intention of becoming a hero, he was just delivering bread to his brothers. But when he saw Goliath, he seized an opportunity that other warriors only dream about. Today’s opportunities will catch you by surprise - if you’re not alert and ready, you’ll miss them. What others saw in David had actually been there all along. If you’re truly a leader, you already possess the talent necessary to lead. But your courage is what will establish you as a leader before others. The leaders we revere most walk on to the pages of history through timely displays of courage; courage on the battlefield or in the boardroom, courage to defend the defenseless or simply to attempt what nobody else thought possible. “But I don’t have the money,” you say. Don’t worry; capital follows courage. “What” always precedes “how”. Don’t be intimidated by the numbers, God isn’t moved by spreadsheets and market conditions. He responds to faith! Don’t let “how” intimidate you. It’s because “how” is so challenging that it provides you with great opportunity. If the pathway to success were well lit, it would already be crowded. If “how” wasn’t a problem, somebody else would have already figured it out. All progress begins with one question: “What needs to be done?” And somebody needs to be asking that question - why not you? To those who have the courage to ask that question and the faith to hang on until they discover or create the answer belongs the future.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to look at the things that need to be done – and not worry about the how, trusting you that if it is your will it will happen. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Played: 80 | Download | Duration: 00:02:44

Dare To Dream!

Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.
Proverbs 4:26

Every great accomplishment began as a dream in somebody’s heart. All things are created twice: first in your mind, then in your life. Dreamers allow their minds to wander outside the boundaries of what is, creating a mental picture of what could be. They’re not always the most talented or the best educated - just the ones who refuse to put brackets on their thinking or to limit themselves by what others have done, or failed to do. And that requires courage - lots of it! On the heels of every dream there’s a demon of doubt. No sooner is our dream conceived than our minds are suddenly filled with all the reasons why it won’t work. And certain folks around us will be quick to confirm those fears! In spite of that, we must forge ahead and dream; otherwise we’ll spend our lives fulfilling the dreams of others. Andy Stanley writes: “I keep a little card on my desk that reads: ‘Dream no small dreams, for they stir not the hearts of men.’ More than once that simple statement has kept me from retreating from my dreams. I know from experience that it’s impossible to lead without a dream. When leaders are no longer willing to dream, it’s only a short time before followers are unwilling to follow. So dream! Dream big! Dream often. Somewhere in those random ideas that flood your mind is one that will capture your heart and imagination. And that seemingly random idea may very well evolve into a vision for your life.”

Prayer
Heavenly Father, Help me to continue to dream dreams – rooted in Your Word and in line with Your Will. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Played: 82 | Download | Duration: 00:02:34

Leaving Your Comfort Zone!

Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Mark 1:20

You’re just one step of obedience away from the next truth God wants you to learn about Him. That’s why you can’t afford to stay where you are. We all have a tendency to cling to the familiar, to find our comfort zone and dig in. The trouble is, when we’re no longer being stretched we begin to shrink, become complacent, think we can handle things on our own, and stop growing. And that’s a dangerous place to be. So, if you’re restless today and feel as if there’s more than you’ve been settling for, it may be time to consider facing down some old fears and walking through them into some new experiences, new relationships and new opportunities. When Jesus called James and John they were on familiar turf, doing what came naturally - repairing their fishing nets. But they couldn’t stay there and still follow Him. Neither can you! The Bible says, “Immediately He called them, and they left and went after Him.” They had to leave the familiar in order to fulfill their destiny. And just in case you think you’re too old to try something new, remember that Abraham was 75 when he discovered his life’s assignment. Timothy, on the other hand, was just 17. Age isn’t the issue. Availability is! It takes guts to leave ruts. Especially when your rut has rewarded you with a comfortable lifestyle. But if you want to experience God in a deeper dimension - one that’ll stretch you - you must be ready to leave your comfort zone and follow Him. Are you?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I like to sit back and be comfortable where I am. Stretch me and mold me into the new things you have ahead of me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

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A Perspective That Is Eternal

Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.
Luke 6:23

Jesus said, "Blessed are you when men hate you, exclude you, and reject your name as evil. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy" (Luke 6:22-23). Now, Jesus didn’t mean, "If you’re persecuted on My behalf you’ll be so happy you’ll dance an Irish jig." No, read on: "Your reward is great in heaven." Those six words reveal why you can rejoice in the worst of circumstances. You see, there’s a direct connection between something you do for God on earth, and something "great" He’s going to do for you in heaven. Jesus isn’t asking you to enjoy misery on His behalf. That’s masochism. He’s saying that your rewards in heaven for certain actions on earth will be so wonderful that simply knowing they’re coming can transform how you live now. Yes, even create spontaneous outbursts of joy! Listen to these three verses: "He shall reward every man according to his works" (Matthew 16:27). "you will have treasure in heaven" (Matthew 19:21). "you will be repaid at the resurrection" (Luke 14:14). Wow! God’s keeping track of what you do for Him every day. You have more to gain by serving the Lord than you ever imagined. Yes, He’ll bless and reward you in this life, but nothing by comparison to what awaits you in eternity. Simple decisions such as how you spend your time, your money and your energy, suddenly become opportunities of great promise. Once you understand this, you begin to live with an unshakable certainty that everything you do today - matters forever. And that truth can change your life for the better!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me always keep my eye upon the eternal and not upon immediate gratification. In Jesus’ Name, Amen