But let your answer be “yes, yes” or “no, no”… (Matthew 5:37)

Although taken captive as children, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were so wise that as adults, they were put over the affairs of the Babylon province. Then King Nebuchadnezzar, whom they served, built a gold image of some 100 feet high and placed it in their province. He invited the empire’s leaders to the dedication of the image and gave a command that when a tribute of music sounded, all should fall down and worship the golden image. Whoever failed to do so was to be thrown into a giant furnace.

The music played and all fell face down before the image…all, that is, except Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. They were Jews, and had been taught from earliest memory never to worship a graven image. Word of their refusal quickly reached the king, and in a rage, the king summoned them. The three men did not hesitate in saying to the king, “We will not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image.”

Furious, the king ordered the three to be cast in the giant furnace heated seven times hotter than usual, only to find that the fire had no effect on them. They emerged unscorched! The “no” of these faithful men resulted in the king decreeing that no person in the land would speak anything against the God they worshiped. And Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—whom the king had named Shadrach, Mesach and Abed-Nego—were promoted in their province.

If the answer you intend to give in a certain situation is “no,” make it mean something. In today’s world, many people accept it as an acronym for “Negotiations Open” and it is not that. When you stand by your word, God will stand behind you to back what you say.

Holy Creator of Truth, grant us the courage to mean what we say and to say what we mean. May our “no” be taken for what it is intended!

Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her, for she is your life. (Proverbs 4: 13)

A young ensign had nearly completed his first overseas tour of sea duty when he was given the opportunity to display his ability at getting the ship under way. With a stream of crisp commands, he had the decks buzzing with men and soon, the ship had left port and was steaming out of the channel.

The ensign’s efficiency had been remarkable. In fact, the deck as abuzz with talk that he had set a new record for getting the mammoth destroyer under way. The ensign glowed at his accomplishment and was not all that surprised when another seaman approached him with a message from the captain. He was, however, a bit surprised to find that it was a radio message, and he was even more surprised when read, “My personal congratulations upon completing your underway preparation exercise according to the book and with amazing speed. In your haste, however, you have overlooked one of the unwritten rules—make sure the captain is on board before getting under way.”

God’s Manual for Life, the Bible, is our ‘set of instructions” for getting our lives under way. But we must never become so bound to the book that we forget the Author of it and relationship God desires to have with us on our voyage through life.

God of Love, please be “on board” with us as we set forth on the sea of life each day!

Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. (Matthew 7: 17)

A generation ago, many people had parents or grandparents who were Christians. Though they didn’t always live as they should, they were clearly committed to the principles of Scripture and identified with Jesus Christ. Families stuck together, and couples didn’t divorce simply because they couldn’t seem to get along. They went to church, paid taxes, and supported each other in the family and the community. Many people today grow up in homes where there is no mention of God apart from profanity, no religious training, and no sense of moral right or wrong.

Though church attendance is still significant, godliness and righteousness seem to run very shallow. We speak of freedom as though it meant “freedom from,” as in freedom from duty, responsibility, parenthood or accepting the consequences of our own behavior.

Are we so far gone as a culture that there is no hope of returning to the values of the past? Absolutely not! But the consequences of our failures can’t be canceled by government spending or by fainthearted messages about how to “feel good” about yourself at the expense of society or others in general.

God’s solution remains unchanged: “If My people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7: 14)

Holy Creator, may we be willing to follow Your tried and true method of receiving Your mercy and being uplifting to those around us!

Blessed are the peacemakers…(Matthew 5:9)

In his book entitled The Secrets of Happiness, Billy Graham relates the story of two deacons who quarreled over an old line fence; they had not spoken to each other for a long time. One of them, wanting make peace, took his Bible and went to visit his neighbor. Handing his Bible to his “old enemy,” he said, “John, you read and I’ll pray. We need to resolve this and rekindle our friendship.”

But John, fumbling for his glasses, said, “But I can’t read. I don’t have my spectacles.”

“Take mine,” said the peace-loving neighbor.

After they had read the Word and prayed together, they arose and embraced each other. John handed back the glasses his neighbor had given him to use and said through his tears, “Jim, that old fence line looks different through your glasses.”

When we have the peace of God, we can see things through “the other person’s glasses,” and by doing that, we can make peace.

God of healing, may we be willing to see the view that others see in order to bring healing to our relationships!

And they went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. (Mark 16:20)

I read of a man who was involved in a tragic accident. He lost both legs and his left arm and only a finger and thumb remained on his right hand. But he still possessed a brilliant mind, enriched with a good education and broadened with world travel. At first he thought there was nothing he could do but remain a helpless sufferer.

A thought came to him. It was always nice to receive letters, but why not write them—he could still use his right hand with some difficulty. But to whom should he write?

Was there anyone shut in and incapacitated like he was who could be encouraged by his letters? He thought of men in prison—they did have some hope of release whereas he had none—but it was worth a try.

He wrote to a Christian organization concerned with prison ministry. He was told that his letters could not be answered—it was against prison rules, but he commenced this one-sided correspondence.

He wrote twice a week, and it taxed his strength to the limit. But into the letters who put his whole soul, all his experience, all his faith, all his wit, and all his Christian optimism. Frequently he felt discouraged and was tempted to give it up. But it was his one remaining activity, and he resolved to continue as long as he could.

At last he got a letter. It was very short, written on prison stationery, by the officer whose duty it was to censor the incoming mail. All it said was: “Please write on the best paper you can afford. Your letters are passed from cell to cell until they literally fall to pieces.”

No matter what our personal situation is, we still have God-given gifts and talents, experience, and encouragement that we can share with others.

Holy Creator, grant us the strength to witness of You to others, no matter what our circumstances may be. Help us to get out of “self” and share with others Your awesome gifts!

As Jesus was coming out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son whom I love—in You I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:10)

It must have been a captivating scene. Here was a man who was definitely not part of the inner religious circle. He was a “PK” (priest’s kid) who appeared to have rebelled against the conformed practices of the day, and he was preaching a new and strange message.

Scary…some may have thought—and probably he was. A wardrobe of camel’s hair and a diet of locust and wild honey? That seems a little much for any of us today to comprehend.

But crowds were flocking to him and responding to his strange, new message. How could he handle all this attention? Would it go to his head just like so many others? Would the fallacy of it all show up and just die away?

It didn’t. Why? The message remained pure. John, probably against strong temptation, kept his focus on the message he had been called to proclaim. He proclaimed Jesus Christ to the world he lived in.

When John’s disciples complained that everyone was abandoning him and turning to Jesus, he simply responded, “He must increase and I must decrease.” He knew who Jesus was and his message remained pure.

What is our main message today? Is it different from what the world around us is proclaiming? Is it pure? Is it, “Jesus Christ is the One?

God of Justice, may we proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ and not get caught up in our own importance!

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6: 34)

There are two days out of every week about which we should not worry—two days that should be kept free from apprehension. One of these days is Yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its aches and pains, its faults and blunders. Yesterday has passed forever and is beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring Yesterday back. We cannot undo a single act we performed; we cannot erase a single word we said; we cannot rectify a single mistake. Yesterday has passed forever beyond recall. Let it go.

The other day we should not worry about is Tomorrow, with its possible adversities, its burdens, its large promise, and poor performance. Tomorrow is also beyond our immediate control. Tomorrow’s sun will rise either in splendor or behind a mass of clouds—but it will rise. And until it does, we have no stake in Tomorrow because it has yet to be born.

That leaves us but one day—Today! And a person can fight the battles of just one day. Yesterday and Tomorrow are futile worries. Let us resolve to walk the journey of Today and never take on the burden of more that just this one day at a time.

God of Now, may our focus be today and may Your grace provide the stability in our walk through now!

In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups, and the flocks and herds and camels as well. (Genesis 32: 7)

Murphy was part sheep dog—energetic, devoted, and lovable. He enjoyed being taken for walks. The leash was necessary, for while he loved people, he seemed to view cars as marauding lions. Whenever a car would pass, Murphy would bark and try to chase it away from the family that he was protecting. Firm handling and a reassuring voice would sometimes convince him that it was safe to walk sedately and the passing cars would do no harm. Indeed, on the leash with his master in control, he was a safe dog.

Jacob knew that God was with him. On his journey back to Canaan, just after Laban had left him, angels visited him. Twice, God had told Jacob to return and that he would be safe, yet Jacob was still afraid of his brother, Esau, because of the rage he had witnessed in his brother. He had received word that his brother was approaching to meet him and had with him an army of over four hundred men. Jacob worked out a means of saving at least half of his possessions. He had no way of knowing what was in Esau’s heart or what his brother’s intentions might be.

When our circumstances overwhelm us, it is best to pray and to trust in God for the outcome. Taking matters into our own hands is only a half measure. God can see the total picture and God can provide the total solution.

Holy Creator, may we learn to trust You for the outcome of events in our lives instead of trying to find solutions on our own!

The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. (Ecclesiastes 7:8)

Are you one who is in a hurry? Always rushing? Impatient with waiting for the beginning of some anticipated event?

The Bible is full of people who couldn’t seem to wait—people who wanted to hurry God. Jacob was a man who couldn’t wait. He was an impatient person. He knew that God had told him he would be stronger than his brother, Esau. It was God’s plan that Jacob would inherit the promise that had been given to Abraham and Isaac. But Jacob couldn’t wait for God’s timing to work out the details of this promise, so he tricked Isaac into giving him the blessing that was traditionally reserved for the first-born family heir. While Jacob’s impatient action did not change God’s ultimate purpose, it did make it harder on Jacob.

As a result of his actions, Jacob’s brother was angry to a point of wanting to kill him and Jacob had to leave home and family and travel to a distant country that was strange to him.

It is vitally important in our spiritual walk to be prepared for the things that God will use us for. But it is equally important to be the best we can be where we are right now and not push for God’s promises before their time has come to fruition. The timing of any opportunity of God’s is important and it is our duty to be ready, to be faithful and to be willing, all the while being patient and functional where God has placed us.

God of Wisdom, grant us the patience to wait for your time schedule and not be caught up in our own time clocks!

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. (1 John 4: 18)

A man had just buried his wife. His little daughter had lost her mother. Their hearts seemed to be breaking, and loneliness engulfed them as they came home to an empty house. At bedtime the father placed the little girl’s bed near his own. Then he turned out the light and lay down. After a while, through the darkness, came the little girl’s voice, “Daddy, are you there?”

And he answered, “Yes, Dear, I’m here. Now you go to sleep.”

After a period of silence, the little voice came again, “Daddy, are you still there?”

Once again he answered patiently, “Yes, Dear, I’m still here. Now go to sleep.”

After a long period of silence her voice came again, this time more confident, “Daddy, I can’t see you, but I know you’re there.”

Social pressures, abandonment of friends or family, misunderstanding and irrational fears - we live in a world where many strange gods compete for our loyalty. But even when we are trapped by our own fears or the fears of others, let us never forget the abiding love and security we can find in our Creator, even when we can’t see God.

Holy Parent, you are always there, even though we cannot see you. Hold our hand in the midst of our dark moments.

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day God visits us. (1 Peter 2:12)

What was it that was so powerful when John pointed out Jesus as the Messiah, the One to follow? Why did other people believe him and accept the power of that particular testimony? The reasons can be found simply in John’s life.

Consider every aspect of John’s life. They showed his commitment to the message he carried. What he ate, what he wore, where he lived, how he spoke—all these things identified him as completely surrendered to seeing God’s will fulfilled on this earth.

Second, John’s message focused on God, not on John. His listeners were offered hope through two images that represent God’s mercy and forgiveness: the lamb and the dove.

Our challenge is direct and immediate. We need to closely examine our testimonies regarding God in light of our daily walks, our witness about Jesus Christ and what God has done for us and how they are received by others. Are our lives lived as children of God? Is our language clean enough to represent God’s presence being here? Is our focus on God’s will or on our selves and our “wants?” Simply put, what do we need to change in order to make an impact on the people around us?

God of love and mercy, fill my heart with the words and actions that I might emulate You and Your presence on earth!

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom, to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:8)

Galileo once said, “I do not feel obligated to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason and intellect has intended that we forgo their use.” In other words, God gave you a brain—use it!!

An essential part of being human is the ability to think, reflect and reason things out. Our spirituality is involved in our ideas and perceptions because that is how we have grown through the centuries as a race of people.

A great tragedy in human existence is that so many fail to think rationally or to reason because of the stifling addictions that plague humankind: food, drugs, alcohol, sex, work, money, and religions or creeds. Everyone suffers when our choices in life are impacted by things outside ourselves that influence or interrupt our God-given logic.

An even greater tragedy occurs when people bow down and pay homage to a belief or an idea rather than the God who created us. The world has become full of denominations that put forth ideas and creeds that are not scripturally sound. As a result, humanity suffers collectively.

Through careful reading of the scriptures we can find our way through the maze of fads and human ideas that have formed religions contrary to the basic trust and faith in God. And it is through this discovery that we, as a people, can mend the injustices and prejudices of a fickle world.

God of love and justice, lay upon our hearts the pure and real basics of our relationship with You and with each other.

For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind. (II Timothy 1:7)

Fear is like a killer. It stops the God-given spirituality in our lives from taking shape under the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit. Fear is connected to doubt—doubt of self. Our low self-esteem will generate fear, whether it be fear of others, fear of failure, or even fear of success. In order to conquer this thing called fear, we must confront it and talk about it.

Fear will not disappear simply because we wish it to go away, hope that it will go away, or even pray that it will go away. It is a strong feeling that needs to be identified and seen for what it really is—or as in many cases, for what it is not.

When we forget that we are creations of a most powerful God, we encounter fear of people, places, what tomorrow might bring, and even life itself. But under the guiding hand of the Creator, all the fears we might imagine can be faced. God is always on our side.

Paul reminds us that fear is not something that comes from God—rather love and the power of the Holy Spirit within us are the gifts that God gives and these very gifts are the ones that will overcome fears. What fears we have need only be brought to the light.

Holy God of strength and power, help us to see that our fears are not from You, but the answers to our fears are!

But if we walk in the light as God is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, God’s Son, purifies us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)

The jailer in Phillippi thought he had it all under control. His world was probably all in order, and maybe he dreamed of a nice promotion as he kept watch over Paul and Silas in their darkened cell. Then his world crumbled. That’s when he realized that it was himself who was in darkness. His secure world was suddenly out of control and despair set in. To him there was no longer a reason to live.

That’s when, through Paul, he heard the word of hope. The voice of hope made him long for the light. Paul’s message to him was very simple: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ!”

Humans tend to be in control of their environment. They control their circumstances as much as they can and there often seems to be an air of self-sufficiency about them. But God can create disaster in a brief moment, and sometimes will, in the interest of spiritual reality. That reality is simply that human energy and thought are no match for the power that God can impart to a person in the name of Jesus Christ.

Have you ever experienced the refreshing joy of calling on the name of Jesus and finding a solution to your “out of control” situation? When things go wrong and you feel out of control, call on Jesus’ name and let the party begin!

Holy God of solutions, lift us out of our self-sufficiency and show us the true answers to problems as we call out Your Son’s Holy name!

If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? (1 Corinthians 12:17)

Valentine’s Day! It’s a good time to remind lovers, husbands, and wives that “I need you!” is a very important thing to be said. We know that “two shall become as one flesh,” but we tend to take that for granted. Sweet candies and gifts are fine, but sweet words are better.

These same words and concepts would be very much in order in our churches today. In the city of Corinth, the Christians had a bit of a problem with pride and competitiveness. Some folks saw their own personal gifts as very special while they looked down upon or criticized the gifts of others. Somehow they missed the concept that the gifts were given to compliment each other—that no gift standing alone has as much value as when it is blended with the other gifts in the group. To say, “I need you!” is a simple truth of God. We were all created to need each other to bring about a “whole.”

I may be able to stand in front of a group and speak without experiencing the number one fear of American people, public speaking, but if I suggest to you that I am superior to you because of the gift God has given to me, I am acting like the eye that says the ear is inferior. We all have gifts and parts to play on the stage of life. And each one is very important.

Most Holy Creator, may I honor and uplift the gifts of others that my own gifts might blend with theirs. May we come together to create a “whole.”

My God Sings Me A Love Song

By Jerry Browning

As I wander through the mist of early morning

My heart will wander to the hazen hills

My heart reaches out to catch the dawning,

And I see the wild wood flowers and daffodils

Then the sweet breeze brings to me, the strains of a melody

As my God sings me a love song.

All the stirring words seem to set my heart in motion

As they echo through the valleys far and near.

And the song can lift me like a magic potion.

It's so hard to feel alone when you're up here.

'Cross the meadow land it calls as the evening starts to fall

As my God sings me a love song.

I can soar above the mountains in the spring time.

I can sail beyond the ocean's mighty swell.

I can wander in and out of dreams and sweet rhymes.

And escape from my own prisons where I dwell.

I can reach the highest star and yet not have gone too far

When my God sings me a love song.

As I lie awake and listen to the night birds

Knowing that I haven't heard it in awhile;

Wondering if some time or place we'd be together,

Or can it be the love song's out of style.

Then the sweet breeze brings to me that familiar melody

As my God sings me a love song.

Call unto me and I will answer you and show you great and might things which you do not know (Jeremiah 33:3)

Going one-on-one with God is not something that should be taken lightly. In an hour of confrontation, the most important thing to remember is that God is to be trusted.

Jacob went one-on-one with God when he wrestled all night and cried, “I won’t let go until you bless me.” Moses went one-on-one with God when he pleaded on behalf of the people he was leading. Abraham went one-on-one with God in negotiating the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Going one-on-one with God is not like a situation of a soldier in a foxhole who prays, “God, if you spare my life, I promise I’ll go to church every Sunday.” God will not bargain no matter how much you weigh the favor in your own odds.

When going one-on-one with God, as examples show in the scriptures, there are a few things to remember:

1. Come to God in simplicity and child-like innocence, asking for God’s mercy. The bible states that, sooner or later, every knee shall bend.
2. Stand on what you know of God from the promises of scripture. You can ask for a new stereo, but God is probably more interested in giving you a new outlook on life and self.
3. Remember that going one-on-one with God is a “Gethsemane” experience. Jesus was on his knees and pleading with God. How can we approach God with requests other than the way Jesus taught? Arrogance will get us no-where.
4. God is willing and ready to listen to every heart that comes forward with needs and pleading. Remember that your CD player and new sports car are not needs. God will meet your real needs and God can be approached one-on-one.

God of mercy, hear my pleadings. If I am asking for the wrong things, please interpret them into what is right!

He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. (John 1:27)

Teachers have always found it interesting to see how different students react to the same grade. For some, a “C” is a valued treasure and accomplishment while for others it is like a slap in the face. The difference comes down to what is a personal standard of comparison. For most, it’s their past performance, whether good or bad. Others look to the overall performance of those around them. But the best students consider their performance in light of the highest possible achievement marks and are discouraged when they fall short of that.

Those who came to John the Baptist felt that he was claiming too much authority, but John made it clear that he knew exactly how much authority he had because he compared it to the true standard-—the authority of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. His self—esteem was based not on what he was doing, but on the One who was far greater than he was.

If we base our view of life on self and what we can accomplish, we will have varying rates of success, but ultimately, we will fail. There is only One with perfect power and authority. God deserves all our worship, and everything we do ought to be for the purpose of pointing others in that same direction.

Holy God, help us all to recognize who You are and may we serve to point others in the “right” direction!

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master's house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you."

Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"

"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master's house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said. The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."

Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house."

Moral: Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are, and look for the good in them.

Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink; nor for your body, what ye shall wear. (Matthew 6: 25)

A high school senior went to his father in January of the year he was to graduate. “Dad,” he said. “for graduation, I think I deserve a new car.”

His father thought a minute and replied, “Son, I’ll get you that new car, but first you must do three things—bring your grades up, read the Bible more and get a haircut.”

In May, just before graduation, the son went to his father and asked, “How am I doing? Am I going to get a new car for graduation?”

“Son, you’ve brought your grade average up from a ‘C’ to an ‘A.’ That’s great,” answered his father. “I’ve also noticed that you’ve been studying the Scriptures every day before school. That’s wonderful. But you still haven’t gotten a haircut.”

“But, Dad,” the son argued, “while studying the Bible, I’ve noticed that Moses is always depicted as having long hair. Even Jesus had long hair.”

At that, the father replied, “Son, you must remember this. Jesus and Moses walked everywhere they went, and so will you if you don’t get a haircut.”

Holy Creator, there are times that we use our own logic to try Your patience with us. Lead us in truth and with love!

He went in to his father and said, “My father.” “Yes, my son,” he answered. “Who is it?”

Sir Walter Scott penned the famous words, “O, what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive.”

Blessing was a part of ancient Jewish life. Jacob was well aware of the procedure and the fact that the blessing of a dying father was meant to be given to his first-born male heir. Yet Jacob allowed his mother, Rebekah, to lead him down the path of deceit. The two plotted to have Jacob receive the blessing meant for his brother Esau and in the process they deceived the patriarch, Isaac. Lies led to hatred between brothers as Esau’s anger fanned into flames and he threatened to kill Jacob, who had already conned his brother out of his birthright.

We could also discuss at great length Jacob’s subsequent years working for his mother’s brother, Laban, and the deceit and infamous tricks Jacob used against his future father-in-law. The fact remains that Scripture bears out the fact that Jacob found favor with God and was blessed by God because he was the heir to the promise God had given his grandfather, Abraham.

And yet, we know that lies and deceit are instruments of Satan. Lies have been a mainstay in Satan’s arsenal since Adam and Eve. But Jesus taught us, “You shall know the truth and truth shall make you free.” Jesus IS truth. As long as our allegiance is to Christ, we are holding on to the Giver of all truth.

God of truth, may our hearts be willing to speak Truth at all times and in all circumstances, that the world may know we are Yours!

Neither do I pray for these alone, but for all who shall believe me through my words, that they may be one as You and I are One. (John 17: 20,21)

The young people at Shively Christian Church, led at the time by Youth Pastor Dave Stone, were fiercely competitive with their neighbors, Shively Baptist Church, in all things, especially softball. They were also serious about their Christianity, faithfully attending summer Bible camp led by the Youth Pastor.

One week, the Bible lesson was about Jesus washing his disciple’s feet, from John 13. To make the servanthood lesson stick, Pastor Stone divided the kids into groups and told them to go out and find a practical way to be servants.

“I want you to be Jesus in the city for the next two hours,” he said. “If Jesus were here, what would he do? Figure out how to help people.”

One group had done two hours of yard work for an elderly man. Another group bought ice cream treats and delivered them to several widows in the church. A third group visited a church member in the hospital and gave him a card. Another group went to a nursing home and sang Christmas carols—yes, carols in the middle of August. One elderly resident remarked that it was the warmest Christmas she could ever remember.

But when the fifth group stood up and reported what they had done, everyone groaned. This group had made its way to none other than their arch rival, Shively Baptist, where they had asked the pastor if he knew someone who needed help. The pastor sent them to the home of an elderly lady who needed yard work done. There, for two hours, they mowed grass, raked the yard and trimmed the hedges.

When they were getting ready to leave, the woman called the group together and thanked them for their hard work. “I don’t know how I could get along without you,” she told them. “You kids at Shively Baptist are always coming to my rescue.”

“Shively Baptist!” interrupted Pastor Stone. “I sure hope you set her straight and told her you were from Shively Christian Church!”

“No, we didn’t,” the kids responded. “We didn’t think it mattered.”

God of One-ness, may we join together with out fellow believers and forget the boundaries of denominations, sexuality, color or any other thing that might be seen as a difference!

If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to the mountain “move” and the mountain will move. (Matthew 17: 20)

The fields were parched and brown from lack of rain, and the crops lay wilting from thirst. People were anxious and irritable as they searched the sky for any sign of relief. Days turned into arid weeks. No rain came.

The ministers of the local churches called for an hour of prayer on the town square the following Saturday. They requested that everyone bring an object of faith for inspiration.

At high noon on the appointed Saturday the townspeople turned out en masse, filling the square with anxious faces and hopeful hearts. The ministers were touched to see the variety of objects clutched in prayerful hands—holy books, crosses, rosaries.

When the hour ended, as if on magical command, a soft rain began to fall. Cheers swept the crowd as they held their treasured objects high in gratitude and praise. From the middle of the crowd one faith symbol seemed to overshadow all others. A small nine-year old girl had brought an umbrella.

Blessed Creator, may we bring to You our expectation of the answers to our prayers rather than the curiosity of whether there will be an answer or not!

For God so loved the world that God sent the only Son, Jesus Christ, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Charles Colson writes the following:

As one who has served time in prison and has since spent most of his life working in them, I’ll never forget the most unusual prison I’ve ever visited.

Called Humaita Prison, it is in Sao Jose dos Campos in Brazil. Formerly a government prison, it is now operated by Prison Fellowship Brazil as an alternative prison, without armed guards or high-tech security. Instead, it is run on the Christian principles of love of God and respect for humanity.

Humaita has only two full-time staff; the rest of the work is done by the 730 inmates serving time for everything from murder and assault to robbery and drug-related crimes. Every man is assigned another inmate to whom he is accountable. In addition, each prisoner is assigned a volunteer mentor from the outside who works with him during his term and after his release. Prisoners take classes on character development and are encouraged to participate in educational and religious programs.

When I visited this prison, I found the inmates smiling—particularly the murderer who held the keys, opened the gates and let me in. Wherever I walked, I saw men at peace. I saw clean living areas. I saw people working industriously. The walls were decorated with motivational sayings and scriptures references.

Humaita has an astonishing record. Its recidivism rate is 4 percent, compared to 75 percent in the rest of Brazil. How is that possible?

I saw the answer when my inmate guide escorted me to the notorious cell once used for solitary confinement. Today, he told me, it always houses the same inmate. As we reached the end of the long concrete corridor, and he put the key in the lock, he paused and asked, “Are you sure you want to go in?”

“Of course,” I replied impatiently. “I’ve been in isolation cells all over the world.” Slowly he swung open the massive door, and I saw the prisoner in that cell: a crucifix, beautifully carved—Jesus, hanging on the cross.

“He’s doing time for the rest of us,” my guide said softly.

God of mercy, how can anyone ever repay the debt that Your Son paid for all of us. My we stand in awe of such a tremendous sacrifice!