April 17- Is Your Life in Tune?

The word “accord” in the New Testament is a beautiful word meaning unison, harmony, and oneness.  .  It means to be in the same mind or doing something at the same pace.  The early church was often found in “one accord.”  We actually get our English word symphony from this word

Not long ago I went to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra with my family.  The show began with a soloist playing the violin at center stage.  The one note was beautifully played; but she was soon accompanied by the strings, followed by the brass instruments, then the percussions and the strings.  The one note was beautifully played, but when all the instruments joined her it was breath-taking.

The reason why the early church was so successful was because of their willingness and ability to work together.  The early church prayed together, worshiped together, and served together.  They certainly were not perfect people but they did value the importance of teamwork and spiritual camaraderie.   Much like an instrumentalist in the orchestra we must know our part and labor in unison with others in the service of God.  Does your life strike a chord with others, or is it out of tune?

When a believer shuns fellowship with other Christians the devil smiles” – Corrie Ten Boom

April 16- Stuck in a Rut

During the summer months in northern Canada the back roads thaw out from the cold and hard winters.  When vehicles travel on these country roads they oftentimes leave deep and wide ruts which become frozen again when the winter months arrive.  For travelers entering those isolated areas there is a sign that reads, “Driver, please choose carefully which rut you drive in, you will be in it for the next twenty miles.”

There are long-lasting, far-reaching consequences to the decisions we make.  Some people make mistakes early on in life and have to pay for those choices for a long time.  Many people get in the “rut” of sin and would like to leave; but unfortunately it’s not that easy.  They become stuck in a certain lifestyle, habit, or addiction without the strength or ability to get out.

We must choose wisely the course for our life.  The road you take today will be the path you travel tomorrow.  We must follow the Lord Jesus Christ and His plan.  He leads us in good righteous paths for His name’s sake.  Follow hard after the Lord and I assure you, you will be thankful you did once you reach the destination He has prepared.

The road you take today will be the path you travel tomorrow” – Kenneth Kuykendall

April 15- Why Are You On the Roof?

Not long ago I watched a construction crew do some repair on a local church in my community.  There was a team of roofers who climbed several 24-foot ladders and made their way to the roof.  I watched as they cautiously and carefully made their way to the top of the church.  For the next few minutes they worked steadily at whatever it was they were doing.

My mind went to the passage of Scripture of the men who brought the sick of the palsy unto the Lord.  When they could not enter the house they climbed upon the roof carrying the sick upon his bed.  When they entered they broke the ceiling tile and lowered their friend into the presence of the Lord.  Christ healed the man because He saw their faith.

I wonder if we spend more time, energy, and effort in constructing buildings than we do in bringing people to Jesus?  As I watched the workers on top of the local church I thought to myself, “Too many believers are like these workers- they would rather remodel a sanctuary than rescue a soul.”  The primary purpose and function of the local church is to seek the lost and lead them to Jesus.  Let’s build buildings for the sole purpose of facilitating the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Some wish to live within the sound of a chapel bell; I wish to run a rescue mission within a yard of hell” – C.T.Studd

April 14- Be a Two-Dollar Friend

My psychology professor in college told me that true friends are  like $2 bills- they are out there, but it is rare to find one.  Everyone one needs a friend.  C.S. Lewis said, “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: What? You too?  I thought I was the only one.”

However, in order to have friends the Bible teaches that we must be friendly. What does it mean to be a true friend?

1. Be Someone Others Can Talk With.  Relationships are established through conversations.  If you rarely return calls or go weeks or months without talking with someone, odds are you are not a close friend.

2. Be Someone Others Can Turn To.  Does your name come to the forefront when others are in need?  Are there people in your life that seek your counsel, opinion, and time?  People need to know they can depend on you during difficult times.

3. Be Someone Others Can Trust In.  At the end of the day, a true friend is someone you can share the most intimate details of your life.  Real friendship does not break the bonds of confidence.  Someone needs you to be a $2 Friend.

I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light” – Helen Keller

April 13- Wisdom Over Wealth

An angel appeared at a faculty meeting and told the Dean of Students that in return for his unselfish and exemplary behavior, the Lord would reward him with his choice of infinite wealth, wisdom or beauty. Without hesitating, the dean selected infinite wisdom.  “Done!” said the angel, and disappeared in a cloud of smoke and a bolt of lightning.

Everyone in the room immediately asked him questions about life, finances, relationships, religion and the like.  The Dean just sat there speechless until someone said, “Say something!”  The Dean, overwhelmed by all the abrupt and pressing questions, looked at them all and said, “I should have taken the money.”

The truth is, wisdom is the most valuable treasure on earth.  King Solomon said this of wisdom, “For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!” (Proverbs 8:11, 16:16)

Money can purchase many things in life; unfortunately happiness is not one of them.  Pursue wisdom, as Solomon said, it is the “principal thing.”

If you are not content with what you have; you will not be satisfied if it were doubled – Charles Spurgeon

April 12- Turn the Sign On

One of my favorites places to eat is Krispy Kreme Donuts.  There is nothing more inviting than seeing the famous “Hot Now” sign glowing in the store window.  This well-known sign lets the public know that the donuts have recently been glazed and are still warm from being in the oven.  There is nothing like going down the road and seeing the bright red sign.

However, As much as I love seeing the sign, I love eating the donuts more.  What makes the sign so appealing on the exterior is what is waiting for me on the interior.

Christians should be the same way.  The joy of knowing Jesus should be glowing in our lives in such a manner that when onlookers pass by they would want to know more about our God.  The reason why the world rarely tastes the goodness of God is because we as believers have failed to turn the light on.  If Jesus is as good as we say He is, we will have no trouble or issue telling others about Him.  You see, when your product is as good as Krispy Kreme’s, you proudly and consistently display the sign.  My friend, our Savior is far greater than a donut- He is the Bread of Life!  Turn on your spiritual sign, and invite others to taste of His grace.

If your Gospel isn’t touching others, it hasn’t touched you!” – Curry Blake

April 11- 5 Road-blocks to Prayer

If we turn our faucet on and no water comes out, we try to fix it.  If we flip the wall-switch and see no light, we start checking the wires.  If we crank up our car and see the Service-Engine-Soon light, we take it to the mechanic.  But what about our prayer life?  When we feel like we are not getting through to the Lord we need to search intensely for the problem.  There are many things that can hinder our prayer life:

1. Unconfessed Sin- sin affects our prayer life so that God cannot hear us when we pray. Ask God to reveal any sin that has never been confessed.

2. Undeterred Schedule– too times we are so busy that when we pray our hearts and mind our in a thousand other places.

3. Unresolved Squabbles– if we have an unresolved issue with our brother or sister we are instructed to get things right with them before we attempt to approach God.  One cannot pray effectively if he has issues with others.

4. Uncontrollable Struggles– sometimes we allow the burdens and weights of life to keep us from spending time with God in prayer- this is when we should pray the most.

5. Unasked Specifics- Vague generalities are the curse of our prayer life. We are to Ask, Seek, and Knock with specific requests in mind.

Determine today to remove these roadblocks from your life and make the most of your time with God.

This perpetual hurry of business and company ruins me in soul if not body.  More solitude and earlier hours!” – William Wilberforce

April 10- The Value of Solitude

Many times in the life and ministry of Christ He is found in solitude with His Father.  Jesus was not a hermit or an isolationist; on the contrary, He was always surrounded by vast multitudes of people with great needs.  But He did know the value of spending time alone with God.

In the busynes of life we oftentimes fail to get alone with our Father.  We become inundated with appointments, schedules, obligations, and responsibilites.  We surround ourselves with people, entertainment, and technology.  In the attempt to connect with everything around us, oftentimes we become disconnected with God.

There is great value in solitude for when we get alone with God we dismiss all the cumbersome noise that so often distracts us from hearing His voice.  Time with God allows us to pray and commune with the Lord on a more personal level.  Time with God affords meditation upon His Word.  Time with God allots worship, praise, and adoration.  Time alone with God will cause you to refocus and reconnect with what is important in life.  There are only twenty-four hours in a day, so you cannot “make” time with the Lord.  No, to spend time with God you will have to “take” it.  The time you spend with Him is the most valuable time of the day.

Our religious activities should be ordered in such a way as to have plenty of time for the cultivation of the fruits of solitude” – A.W. Tozer

April 9- Before and After

There is something very effective about “Before and After” pictures. Whether it is a weight-loss product or a home-improvement tool, we love to see what something looked like before, and what it looks like now.  This marketing technique is effective because it gives us an idea on how the product can and will change our life.

The life of the apostle Paul had some dramatic changes.  His “Before” picture was not very appealing.  He was a persecutor of the church, a self-righteous zealot, and a hate-filled religious leader.  His cold and insolent manner proved that he only knew about God- he certainly didn’t know God.  But his “After” picture was altogether different.  Saul of Tarsus transformed into the apostle Paul, an infectious soul.  He became the dynamic leader of the early church.  His love and affection toward the brethen was undeniable, and his God-given abilties were unmistakable.

Why such a dramatic change?  On the road to Damascus, Saul of Tarsus met the risen Savior, and his life would forever be different.  The difference between his “Before and After” picture was his relationship with Christ.  Jesus is still in the life-changing business.  He can do for us what no other person, program, or product can do.

Follow me and I will make you fishers of men” – Jesus Christ

April 8- Divine Recognition

I have a friend who recently celebrated 40 years of ministry as pastor at the same church. A multitude of parishioners, family, and friends congregated to honor his life and faithfulness. A video was played of old pictures from the early days of his ministry. A host of speakers acknowledged his influence in their lives. Many testimonies were given about this man and how he helped families with their financial, emotional, and spiritual problems. Several awards and plaques commemorated the day with words of kindness and grace. I watched my friend throughout the course of the event; his face beamed with joy, gladness, and even tearful emotion.

Everyone enjoys being honored. There is not a person I know who doesn’t like to be recognized for their hard work and labor; and the Bible teaches us to give honor unto whom honor is due. Recognition brings value to our lives.

However, the greatest honor in life is not given through banquets, awards, or testimonies of our generosities. The greatest honor bestowed upon anyone is to hear the words of our Savior, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” No other words are sweeter heard. What joy and adulation to have the God of all creation pleased with our lives. To hear those words we must seek to honor and please Him everyday. The only way to please Him then is to please Him now. Will the decisions and choices you make in this day bring honor to Christ? It is certain; a life that honors God will be honored by God.

I’m not bound to win, I’m bound to be true. I’m not bound to succeed, but I’m bound to live up to what light I have” – Abraham Lincoln