January 26- Help Them Round the Bases

Sara Tucholsky played college softball four consecutive years at Western Oregon University, and had never hit a homerun.  In the last game of her career she ripped one over the left centerfield, a monster three-run homer.  As she rounded first she forgot to touch the base.  When she pivoted to go back she sprang her ankle very badly, and could barely crawl back to first.  The umpires conferred; the rule book stated that the player had to touch every base without the assistance of her team mates to record it as a homerun.  The three-run homer was now a two-run single.  If anyone on her team helped her walk the bases the runs would be invalid.

About that time, Mallory Holtman, the first basemen of the opposing team spoke up and said, “Would it be OK if we carried her around the bases?”  You see, the rulebook only stated that her own team-mates were forbidden to carry her; it didn’t say anything about the opposing team.  The umpires approved, then Mallory helped Sara off the ground and assisted her around each base giving Western Oregon University a two point lead.  They held on to win the game by those two runs.

There are very few Mallory Holtmans in the world these days.  She is a shining example of kindness, compassion, and virtue.  She reminds us to help those in need, even the opposing team.  Is this not what Christ did for us?  Find someone today who is hurting and help them “round the bases.”

The best portion of a good man’s life are his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness” – William Woodsworth

January 25- Live Your Day Inspired Anew

In July of 2011 Travis Forbes, a serial killer on the loose broke into the apartment of LYDIA Tillman.  Forbes who had already murdered a college student by the name of Kenia Monge, moved to a northern county in Colorado to find his next victim.  Having stalked LYDIA he forced himself into her apartment and raped her, strangled her, beat her badly, and crushed her jaw.  He proceeded to drench her in bleach and then set the apartment on fire.  Awakened by the smoke and heat from the flames, Lydia jumped from her second-story window unclothed to escape death.  LYDIA suffered a stroke on the way to the hospital and was in a coma for days.   She is currently learning how to speak again.

Forbes was caught, arrested, and sentenced immediately after the horrific events and was charged for the murder of Kenia Monge and the attempted murder of LYDIA Tillman.  The day of his sentencing LYDIA was there.  Before her assaulter was sent away, she stood before the courtroom with an interpreter and offered Travis Forbes something that shocked everyone….forgiveness.  She actually used her name LYDIA as an acronym and told Forbes “Live Your Day Inspired Anew.  Every time you remember my name, know that you have been forgiven.”

The Lord has done the same thing for you.  Your sins have condemned, convicted, and charged you as guilty; but He, who took your sin and shame, stands in the courtroom of justice and declares you forgiven.  Because of His grace you can “Live Your Day Inspired Anew.”

Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it” – Mark Twain

January 24- When Do You Want to Eat?

Years ago someone asked me if it was mandatory to pray every day.  I asked them if they liked to eat every day, to which they replied “of course.”  Well, the Lord said to ask for “daily” bread; not weekly bread, or monthly bread, or holiday bread.  Jesus implied that prayer should be a part of our every-day life.

The fellow proceeded to ask me at what time he should pray in each day.  I replied, “It depends on when you like to eat.”   He was somewhat puzzled; so I continued to tell him the fact that Jesus said “daily bread” insinuates that we pray early.  Logically speaking we wouldn’t pray for daily bread after the day is over.  Not only did Jesus imply to pray daily, He implied to pray early every day.

I wonder how many meals we would miss if God gave in accordance to the quality and quantity of our prayer life.  Some people would go for days, some months, and some even years without a well-balanced meal.  I am thankful that His blessings far surpass our faithfulness; but when we are faithful to pray He is certain to give us His blessings.  Spend time with Him early seeking the provisions for each day.

He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day” – John Bunyan

January 23- My Captain Sees It All

Captain Edward Smith boarded the Titanic as the man in charge.  He would be guiding the behemoth of a vessel as it left its port from Southampton, UK.  With 2224 people aboard it began its course to New York across the Atlantic Ocean.   The Titanic was the largest ship ever to be built, and Edwards was at the helm.  Of course, Edwards and 1513 other souls would never make it across.

There are many different stories that have surfaced as to what Edwards was doing while the ship was sinking.  Some say that he was actually off duty and was sleeping in his quarters.  One story has him heroically placing a child in a lifeboat.  Still another report has him commanding his crew to abandon ship.   We are not certain as to what he was doing in his final moments; the one thing we do know however is that he was limited in his vision.  Edwards couldn’t see up ahead.  His sight was limited.  His vision was inadequate.  His ability to keep the ship away from the iceberg was flawed.  If he could have clearly seen the course before him then the story of the Titanic would have a different ending.

I am glad to know that the Captain of my Ship can see up ahead.  When my vision is weak and blurred, when my sight is impaired, the Lord knows all and sees all.  He never abandons His ship, and I have never caught Him sleeping.  He knows how to lead His children safely to the other side.

If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there shall thy hand lead me…” – King David

January 22- Don’t Be SAD

Studies indicate that cognitive and mood change can be detected in the slightest variation of degrees.  Someone can experience a change in disposition with just a .02 degree adjustment in temperature.  It has been proven that the atmosphere greatly affects our attitude.  Cold weather doesn’t just bring on physical ailments; it can affect us psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually as well.

It is called S.A.D for a reason- Seasonal Affective Disorder is a real issue for many people.  This condition is experienced during the winter months.  Studies indicate that people are more likely to become discouraged, depressed, and even suicidal more in the winter than any other time of the year.

There are a variety of factors associated with this condition: social withdrawal due to the cold weather; changes in your immune system; and the lack or absence of light.  People who experience SAD more commonly live in extremely cold environments, and have very little exposure to the sun.  During the cold season of a believer’s life he finds himself far removed from the light of God’s presence; and the spiritual coldness results in withdrawal from God’s people.  Spiritual coldness will make you SAD.  However, the child of God has every reason to be GLAD.  We have a Salvation that is Real, a Savior that is Risen, a Spirit that is Residing, and Scripture that is Reliable.  When it’s cold outside keep burning for God down deep!

Give me the passion that will burn like fire; let me not sink to be a clod: Make me thy fuel, Flame of God” – Amy Carmichael

January 21- Stuck in the Cold

In the 1983 movie the Christmas Story, an iconic scene unfolded when Ralphie Parker and his friends debated whether or not a person’s tongue would stick to a frozen flagpole.  Ralphie’s friend Schwartz challenged Flick with a “triple dog dare” which ultimately led to Schwartz’s agonizing experience.  As the playground children watched in amazement, Flick approached the flagpole and stuck his tongue out.  Firmly attached to the pole his tongue was stretched out like a rubber band. The scene ended with Flick being left all alone in the courtyard tugging, screaming, and trying to escape his triple-dog dare.

There are a few lessons to learn from the scene: first of all, never take a dare from anyone on the playground; and second of all, never attach yourself to something that is really cold- you just might get stuck.

The cold weather will affect you.  There is a reason why mothers pile garments of clothing upon their young children during the winter months- they know the elements can be harsh.  This is the reason why Christians should guard themselves from spiritual indifference.  Given enough time, the cold environment will take a toll on your spiritual well-being.  Being exposed to the cold elements of indifference and apathy can greatly affect your relationship with God.  Don’t allow the dares of life to keep you stuck out in the cold.

“Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.” – Charles Wesley

January 20- What Are You Gonna Give?

A litte girl overheard her mother praying one night before going to bed.  The mother cried out, “Dear Lord, give us our daily bread.  Give us protection during the night.  Give us a good day tomorrow.  Give us Your blessings.  Give us Your promises.  Give us Your love.  Give us our heart’s desire.  In Your name I pray, Amen.”  She rose up from the prayer and was startled to find the little girl beside her.  Little Susie simply looked up and asked, “Momma, if God gives you all that stuff what are you gonna give God?”

“What are you gonna give God?”  That’s a good question.  So many times our prayers seem more like a laundry list than a time of intimacy and communion.  Our lives would be filled with much more contentment if instead of asking God to do something for us we asked what we could do for Him.

Our heavenly Father knows our needs before we even ask.  Certainly we are to seek and ask for daily provisions; but the next time you pray ask God to reveal something you can do for Him.  God has an assignment for each of His children.  The joy of serving Him is equally as glorious as the blessings He bestows.  Today, God will give thousands of blessings; what will you give Him?

When the fruit of your service is out of all proportion to the gifts you possess- that is Blessing!” – Watchman Nee

January 19- The Life-Jacket of Prayer

A ship was sinking in the middle of a storm, and the captain called out to the crew and said, “Does anyone here know how to pray?” One man stepped forward and said, “Yes sir, I know how to pray.” The captain said, “Wonderful, you pray while the rest of us put on life jackets–we’re one short.”  Isn’t it amazing the lengths we go to avoid prayer?

For so many believers prayer is awkward and uncomfortable; and feels like a forced experience.  To others prayer is so unnatural that it is evaded altogether.  Prayer however is essential to the development of our faith.  Martin Luther said, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”  For certain, a prayer-less believer is a powerless believer.

The apostle Paul challenged us to “pray without ceasing.”  This doesn’t mean to pray twenty-four hours a day, but rather to go from prayer to prayer.  Don’t wait until the ship is sinking to get in touch with God, talk to him every day. Spend time with Him every day.  Make an appointment with Him every day.  And if you will, He is certain to provide a life-jacket for you when life’s ship is sinking.

“Groanings which cannot be uttered are often prayers that cannot be refused” – Charles Spurgeon

January 18- The Power of Influence, Part 2

Influence isn’t merely giving instruction to someone, no, it is much more than that. Influence isn’t merely a title or a position. Influence demands a call to action.  The question is simply this, what makes someone a person of influence?  Consider these simple principles that made David such an influential person when fighting Goliath. Examine how you can use these same principles to experience the power of influence in your life:

• Be Faith-Filled. David’s courage was made possible by his faith and trust in God.
• Be Out-Front. David did not expect someone else to do what he was not willing to do.
• Be Genuine. David was himself; he didn’t try to be something and someone else.
• Be Prepared.  David used tools that had been tried and tested, having proved them to work.
• Be Courageous. David was willing to die for the cause in which he greatly believed.
• Be Strategic. David didn’t wait on Goliath to make the first move.
• Be Passionate. David, though little in stature, was big in heart.

Someone today needs to be moved and stirred by you. What kind of influence do you have on your children, spouse, neighbor, co-workers, or brothers and sisters in Christ? Regardless of your size, profession, title, degree, or age you can be a person of influence.

“The very essence of the power to influence lies in getting the other person to participate” – Harry Overstreet

January 17- The Power of Influence, Part One

Can you see the vast number of soldiers in the Valley of Elah as they have aligned themselves against the Philistines? All of them want victory against the enemy, but not one of them wants to fight this massive behemoth known as Goliath. That includes Saul, the king of Israel, the one who stood head and shoulders above the entire nation. Saul didn’t want to fight either, and for good reason. Goliath was a champion of war, an intimidating creature, and a giant from the enemy territory. But when David (the little shepherd boy from Bethlehem) enters the circumstance things drastically changed.

We all know the story of his courage, his heroism, and his faith in God; but one truth that is often overlooked in this story is the power of his influence. At the end of the passage of Scripture those thousands of knee-knocking soldiers are no longer pointing fingers as to who is going to fight whom. Having seen the little shepherd boy defeat this gargantuan individual they leave their posts in hot pursuit of the Philistines. When they saw the head of Goliath in the hands of David they immediately arose, shouted, and pursued the enemy until victory was won- influence is a powerful thing.

“He is greatest whose strength carries up the most hearts by the attraction of his own” – Henry Ward Beecher