A HABIT OF LYING
JANUARY 23
Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds. (Colossians 3:9)
Rick Pitino says, “Lying makes a problem part of the future; truth makes it a part of the past. “You see, when you tell the truth, you never have to remember what you said; no one has a good enough memory to be a successful liar!
A lie may seem to be the easy way out. But even if it solves your present problem, it creates future ones that blur your vision, cause you to lose confidence before God in prayer, and eventually cost you the respect of others. Even worse-your present lies can only be defended by future lies.
The Ninth Commandment summarized says, “Thou shalt not lie” (see Exodus 20:16), and it is often the most difficult to keep. Have you ever told a lie to spare someone’s feelings, avoid confrontation, or make yourself look better?
One writer says it this way: “Hope built on a lie is always the beginning of loss. Never attempt to build anything on a foundation of lies and half-truths. It will not stand. “If you want to walk with confidence toward God, ask Him to give you the courage to always walk in truth.
REMEMBER, ANYTHING LESS DISTORTS GOD’S PLAN AND LEADS YOU INTO PLACES WHERE HE NEVER MEANT YOU TO BE.
The wise old Mother Superior from County Tipperary was dying. The nuns gathered around her bed trying to make her comfortable. They gave her some warm milk to drink, but she refused it. Then one nun took the glass back to the kitchen. Remembering a bottle of Irish whiskey they had received as a gift the previous Christmas, she opened and poured a generous amount into the warm milk. When she walked back to Mother Superior’s bed, she held the glass to her lips. Mother drank a little, then a little more. Before they knew it, she had drunk the whole glass down to the last drop. “Mother,” the nuns asked with earnest, “Please give us some wisdom before you die.”
She raised herself up in bed with a pious look on her face and said, “Don’t sell that cow.”
HUNGRY FOR GOD
JANUARY 22
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee. (Psalm 63:1)
Talk about lifestyles of the rich and famous! David had the world’s most beautiful women, but sex could not fill the void. If fame could satisfy, he was in a class of his own. If looks could do it, he was an Old Testament version of Sean Connery. But you can eat lobster every night, own resort homes in paradise, and yet still have an emptiness in your heart as big as the Grand Canyon. You see, there’s a God-shaped blank inside cf you. He made you that way.
Ever since Adam walked with God, there has been a longing-akin to a primal scream-for God’s presence in our lives. David speaks for all of us: “My soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is” (Psalm 63:1). He’s saying, “I’ve seen man’s best-and it’s fleeting.” It’s a seat on the board, a trophy from the field of athletics, or a crowd applauding. Then it’s all gone and the emptiness remains.
There’s only one place to go, and that’s to Him. Listen to the rest of the psalm: “Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live” (Psalm 63:3-4).
TODAY, LET YOUR HUNGER LEAD YOU INTO HIS PRESENCE
A pastor goes to the dentist for a set of false teeth.
The first Sunday after he gets his teeth, he talks for only eight minutes. The second Sunday, he talks for only ten minutes. The following Sunday, he talks for 2 hours and 48 minutes.
The congregation has to mob him to get him down from the pulpit, and they ask him what happened.
The pastor explains the first Sunday his gums hurt so bad he couldn’t talk for more than 8 minutes.
The second Sunday his gums hurt too much to talk for more than 10 minutes.
But, the third Sunday, by mistake he put his wife’s teeth in and couldn’t stop talking.
A DISCERNING HEART
JANUARY 21
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart. (1 Kings 3:9-10)
God guides us by revelation and by relationships. That means you need discernment about the people who come into your life. For example when trouble hits, you’ll discover who your friends really are. You can’t lose a real friend, for the Word says, “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). But a lot of us get hurt by discovering that some people weren’t true friends at all.
A man who was going through some difficulties reached out to a pastor thought would stand, by him. The pastor said, “I’m sorry you’re going through this and I’ll pray for you: but it would hurt me to associate with you at the moment. People might think I was being soft on sin.” How sad. But would you have acted any differently?
Discernment is not to be used for judging people. It’s for discerning their spirit. Have you ever been around someone with a critical spirit? A competitive spirit? A controlling spirit? Jesus once said to His disciples, “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.” (Luke 9:55). Amazing! Even the disciples couldn’t discern the spirit that was at work in their own ranks. Can you?
TODAY, WHEN YOU ASK GOD FOR A DISCERNING HEART, HE’LL GIVE YOU ONE.
On an airplane, the flight attendant asked a man, “Would you like dinner?”The man responded, “What are my choices? “The flight attendant answered, “Yes, or no.” …
Tom was a single guy living at home with his father and working in the family business. When he found out he was going to inherit a fortune once his sickly father died, he decided he needed a wife with which to share his fortune.One evening at an investment meeting, he spotted the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her natural beauty took his breath away.
“I may look like just an ordinary man,” he said to her, “but in just a few years, my father will die, and I’ll inherit 20 million dollars.”
Impressed, the woman obtained his business card. Three days later, she became his stepmother.
Women are so much better at estate planning than men.
DON’T QUIT KEEP PLAYING
JANUARY 18
My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in [your] weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
0ne day a mom who wanted to encourage her little boy to keep practicing the piano, took him to hear Paderewski play. They sat near the front, and the boy was fascinated by the big grand piano on the stage. While his mother was talking to a friend, she didn’t notice her son slip away. As the house lights dimmed and the spotlight hit the piano, she gasped as she saw her son on the piano bench, playing, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” Before she could get to him, Paderewski walked over to the keyboard and sat down beside the boy. “Don’t quit, keep playing,” he whispered. Then he reached down with his left hand and began filling in the bass part, and with his right arm he reached around the other side encircling the child, and added a running obligate. Together the old master and the child brought the crowd to its feet.
Child of God, no matter how ill-equipped you may feel, the Master has a word for you: “Don’t quit, keep playing. “No matter what you’re doing today-raising those children, running that business, pastoring that church, or just trying to be a better Christian-don’t quit, keep playing. He will add whatever is needed to turn your efforts into a masterpiece.
REMEMBER, HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR THEE.
My husband and I had just finished tucking our five young ones into bed one evening when we heard sobbing coming from three-year-old Billy’s room. Rushing to his side, we found him crying hysterically. He had accidentally swallowed a penny and was sure he was going to die. No amount of talking could change his mind.
Desperate to calm him, my husband palmed a penny that he happened to have in his pocket and pretended to pull it from Billy’s ear. Billy was delighted. In a flash, he snatched it from my husband’s hand, swallowed it and demanded cheerfully, “Do it again, Dad!”
HAVE YOU PREPARED YOUR WILL YET
JANUARY 17
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children. (Proverbs 13:22)
Most people-about 99 percent-hate to make a will because they’re afraid that as soon as they do, they’ll cash in their chips. “What nonsense! Long life is one of God’s promises to you (see Proverbs 10:27).
I pose a question to every person reading these words. If you died tomorrow, would your money, your home, your furnishings, your clothing, your jewelry, and your valuables, go to the people you want them to? Are you sure?
The best way to be certain that your wishes are respected is to sit down now with a pencil and pad, and write down what you want to leave to whom. Think also of your liquid assets; do you want to leave a certain amount to your church, or a ministry, or a charity you believe in?
Then, call a lawyer right away, and have it put in a legal document. Don’t leave a mess that will mean work for the courts, more taxes for the government, and a legacy of bitterness and confusion for your loved ones.
Your stewardship doesn’t end at the grave. (See 2 Kings 20:1.) If the parable of the talents means anything, then you’ll be rewarded by one standard-what you did with what you had!
THINK ABOUT IT!
When I worked as a medical intern in a local hospital, one of my patients was an elderly man with a thick accent.It took me some time to understand that he had no insurance coverage.One thing he had made clear was that he was a World War II veteran, so I had him transported to the Veteran’s Administration hospital, where he’d be eligible for benefits.The next day my patient was back, with a note from the VA: “Right war, wrong side.” …
The nurse told the parents of a newly born child, “You have a cute baby. “The smiling husband said, “I bet you say that to all new parents.” “No,” she replied, “just to those whose babies really are good-looking. “The husband again asked “So what do you say to the others?” The nurse replied, “The baby looks just like you!” …
IN THE PRESENCE OF MINE ENEMIES
JANUARY 16
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. (Psalm 23:5)
When does God make your cup overflow? In the presence of your enemies. When does God anoint your head with oil? In the presence of your enemies. When do you need goodness and mercy the most? In the presence of your enemies. When do you need the rod and Staff of His comfort and protection? In the presence of your enemies.
Can you see this? The very fact that you’ve made it this far proves His goodness and mercy have been with you all-not just some, but all-the days of your life.
You may say, “But I’m still struggling. “Wonderful; struggle is proof that you refuse to surrender, and that you haven’t been conquered. As long as you hold that position, God can do something for you. Hecan send His Spirit; He can send His Word; He can send friends who’ve been where you are, and who are strong where you’re weak. If you’re teachable, you’re reachable. Just keep an open heart and listen. His promise to you today is, “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:5-6).
TODAY IS ONE OF THOSE DAYS.
A fine is a tax for doing something wrong.
A tax is a fine for doing something right. ..
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The fellow stormed into the postmaster’s office in a fury. “I’ve been getting threatening letters in the mail for months and I want them stopped.” “Of course,” said the postmaster. “Sending threatening letters through the mail is a federal offense. Do you know who’s sending them?” “Yes,” shouted the man. “It’s those crazy nuts down at the Internal Revenue Service.” …
IT RUBS OFF
JANUARY 15
His face glowed from being in the presence of God. (Exodus 34:29TLB)
You can only talk convincingly about the God you know – the One you’ve spent time with. Any other God belongs in a theology book, and you’ll have a hard time selling Him. When Moses came down the mountain, his face shone. He had been in God’s presence, and when you’ve been there it shows. It shows in the way you look, the way you walk and talk, the way you treat your family, the way you spend your money, and the way you respond to hurting people. It rubs off!
Paul Cain says, “Most of us are as close to God as we want to be.”
Think about it. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you (James 4:8). How could you possibly be the same when you’ve been with Him? He transforms everything He touches. Listen: He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1). He didn’t say “visit” or “drop in if you have time”; He said “dwell.” Take up residence. Move in and set up house. It’s all got to do with your desire. David said, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after” (Psalm 27:4).
TODAY, MAKE UP YOUR MIND TO REARRANGE THINGS IN YOUR LIFE SO THAT YOU CAN SPEND MORE TIME IN HIS PRESENCE. IF YOU DO, IT WILL SHOW, BECAUSE IT RUBS OFF!
A computer scientist, a surgeon, and a civil engineer were gathered at the pub. The surgeon boasts, “Surgery is the oldest technology in the world. It’s in the Bible. God removed Adam’s rib while he slept. This is clear evidence that surgery pre-dates all other technological endeavors.”
Without so much as a beat, the civil engineer says, “Before that, God formed the earth, the stars, and everything from nothing but chaos. He created rivers, mountains and oceans. This was clear evidence that civil engineering pre-dates all other technological endeavors.” No to be outdone, the computer scientist points out, “Yes, but where do you think the chaos came from?”
GETTING OVER THE PAST
JANUARY 14
My heart is fixed, 0 God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. (Psalm 57:7)
There are people who’ve had things worse than you and done better, and some who’ve had it better than you and done worse. Your circumstances have little to do with getting over your past …
However, these four things can keep you stuck:
- Resentment. Are you busy trying to “keep up with the Joneses,” or are you trying to bring them down to your level? If so, then listen: “In honour preferring one another” (Romans 12:10).
- Regret. Paul said, “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before” (Philippians 3:13). You’ll never reach ahead until you forget what’s behind. We all have things we wish we’d done differently. Learn from them, forgive yourself, and move on.
- Self-pity. After his greatest victory, Elijah wallowed in it. Listen: “I’ve had enough … take away my life … the people ofIsrael have . . . killed your prophets, and only I am left; and now they are trying to kill me too” (1 Kings 19:4-10). That’s self-pity in the raw, and if you let it in, it’ll take over your life.
- An unteachable spirit! Listen: “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6 NIV). The only thing that’s worse than ignorance is the prejudice that defends it, and the pride that refuses to acknowledge it or rise above it. God has surrounded you with opportunities to learn. Take advantage of them.
- REMEMBER, WHAT YOU LEARN TODAY WILL DETERMINE WHAT YOU BECOME TOMORROW.
A man is lying on the operating table, about to be operated on by his son, the surgeon. The father says, “Son, think of it this way: If anything happens to me, your mother is coming to live with you.” …
An older man, not in the best physical condition, asked the trainer in the gym, “I want to impress a beautiful young girl. Which machine should I use?”The trainer replied, “Use the ATM machine outside!” .
GO FOR THE GOLD
JANUARY 11
I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. (1 Corinthians 9:26 TM)
In Atlanta when they held the 1996 Olympics, you should have seen the place! Three billion dollars worth of new construction, half a million visitors, and thousands of athletes and their trainers from all over the world competing for Olympic Gold. No hour was too early to rise; no distance too great to run; no sacrifice too great in order to win.
Listen to how Paul describes it: “You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win” (1 Corinthians 9:24 TM). Mom, use today to sow the seeds of Christian character into the lives of your children. Sir, strive for excellence, whether you sweep streets or build skyscrapers. Reach out in love and touch someone with kindness, expecting nothing ill return, and be assured that every thought, every word, and every deed will be rewarded at the end of the race. Don’t let anything keep you from reaching the finish line.
Paul said, “I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself (1 Corinthians 9:27 TM). Come on, child of God, this calls for discipline! It calls for endurance! It calls you to sacrifice lesser things in order to win a crown of glory.
THE WORD FOR YOU TODAY IS, “GO FOR THE GOLD!”
My elderly Jewish grandmother was giving me directions to her apartment.
“You come to the front door of the apartment. I am in apartment 4012.”
“There is a big panel at the front door. With your elbow, push button 4012. I will buzz you in. Come inside, the elevator is on the right. Get in, and with your elbow, push 4.”
“When you get out, I’m on the left.”
“With your elbow , hit my doorbell.”
“Grandma, that sounds easy, but, why am I hitting all these buttons with my elbow?”
“Vaat . . . . . You coming empty handed?”
YOUR ATTITUDE DETERMINES EVERYTHING
JANUARY 10
My servant Caleb has a different attitude, and has wholeheartedly followed me.(Numbers 14:24, Berkeley)
Caleb went against the crowd and popular opinion. While the majority thought the giants were too big and God’s people were too small, Caleb never doubted God for a minute. The miracles proved that nothing was too big for God to handle. The manna proved He cared and that every need would be supplied. So with a God like this, how can you fail?
Listen: “Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it” (Numbers 13:30). What an attitude! If only they’d listened. But no; their negative attitude landed them in the wilderness-for forty years! Doubt and unbelief will always lead you into the wilderness. Grumbling and complaining will fill your life with barrenness. John Mason says, “It’s your attitude that determines your altitude. You’ll never rise any higher than it.” Caleb had a different attitude and look at the results he got: “Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb … because that he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel” (Joshua 14:13). HOW’s YOUR ATTITUDE AND YOUR OUTLOOK TODAY?
Several days ago as I left a meeting at our church, I desperately gave myself a personal TSA pat down. I was looking for my keys. They were not in my pockets. A quick search in the meeting room revealed nothing. Suddenly I realized that I must have left them in the car. Frantically I headed for the parking lot.
My wife, Diane, has scolded me many times for leaving the keys in the ignition. My theory is the ignition is the best place not to lose them. Her theory is that the car will be stolen. As I burst through the doors of the church, I came to a terrifying conclusion: her theory was right. The parking lot was empty. I immediately called the police. I gave them my location, confessing that I had left my keys in the car and that it had been stolen.
Then I made the most difficult call of all. “Honey,” I stammered. I always call her “honey” in times like these. “I left my keys in the car, and it has been stolen.”
There was a period of silence. I thought the call had been dropped, but then I heard Diane’s voice. “Ken,” she barked, “I dropped you off!”
Now it was my time to be silent. Embarrassed, I said, “Well, come and get me.”
Diane retorted, “I will, as soon as I convince this policeman I have not stolen your car!”