Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelations 2:10)

When I was in church camp, one of the favorite bible stories for Bible drama night was the story of the beheading of John the Baptist. Perhaps it was the loyalty and commitment to God that the story demonstrated, but far more likely, it was the opportunity to do a story with a gruesome ending.

John’s life did have a gruesome, sad ending. After years of faithfulness and righteousness, acknowledged even by Herod, his murderer, John was actually beheaded at the whim of a child based on the urging of an evil mother—a woman who wanted to keep John from continually harassing Herod by pointing out his sins. She thought that she could silence him forever. But it didn’t work. True, Herodias was able to have John killed, but Herod obviously still heard his voice. It haunted him day in and day out, and when the king heard of Jesus and His teachings, he feared that John had returned from the dead.

John’s teachings and presence are still very much felt in today’s world. The calling on humanity to “prepare…the way for the Messiah” is still an important message that we, as regenerated Christians, are called on to share with our brothers and sisters. It is highly unlikely that any of us will suffer being beheaded for our message as John was, but one thing is for certain. The message we share with others will live on long after we have gone home, just as John’s message is alive and vibrant today.

So how is your world stacking up? Are you committed to sharing that message of good news, or have the concerns and cares of the world clouded your vision? Are the earthly, temporal things of life keeping you from being totally committed to a message of hope that will live long after you are gone?

God of righteousness, give us the strength and commitment that John had in bringing Your message to those we love!

Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbor’s house, lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee. (Proverbs 25:17)

A man and his wife once met a young couple about their own age during a get-acquainted meeting after church. The next Sunday when they spotted the newcomers again, they invited them to their home for coffee after the Sunday evening service. The newcomers happily accepted their invitation.

Both the conversation and the coffee and treats were warm and cozy, but the evening began to grow long. Still, the young couple-perhaps overly eager to make friends-talked on and on about their move to the city, the learning curve they were experiencing in their new jobs, the difficulty they had settling their children into new schools, their long search for a church home, the trials of finding a dentist, doctor, shoe repairman, and dry cleaning establishment.

No matter how many times the host and hostess yawned or failed to reply, the couple had more to say. Finally, even the visiting couple began to yawn. Still, they made no motion toward leaving.

At long last, the host stood to his feet and with a wide stretch of his arms, he looked at his wife and said, “Well, darlin’, let’s go to bed so these nice folks can go home.”

Your chances of being invited for a return visit are better when you don’t wear out your welcome.

God of Love, make me sensitive to others so that I might not become over-bearing. Let us build our friendships and love on respect for each other and each other’s time.

John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’”(John 1:23)

A recent television series revolved around a man whose identity had been electronically erased by his enemies. He spent the entire show trying to reestablish who he was, with very little success.

John the Baptist’s identity was questioned critically by many of those who heard him preach and saw the influence that he had over others. However, the questions of those who questioned him did not intimidate John. He had a very clear sense of who he was and who he was not. Most importantly, he knew the purpose for which he had been placed on earth—to proclaim the message of repentance in preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. Nothing could distract him from that purpose.

As Christians, we also may face times when people question us about who we are and what right we have to speak on certain issues, especially if those issues are controversial ones. In those times, it is important for us to draw on our sense of who we are and who we are not. We need to prayerfully examine and accept what God has called us to do and avoid that which God has called someone else to do. We have God’s authority to speak the Word and make God’s will and love known to a troubled world. Without that acceptance of our calling, we have no identity in God.

Just who are you and what is God calling you to do?

God of guidance, show us the way You would have us walk and guide us on the path that You place before us!

Jesus said, “Whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in my name, truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.

For several weeks, Mrs. Sherman’s first-grade class had waited for the field trip to the observatory. Notices had been sent home with instructions about the bus, lunch, and times of departure and return. For us students, waiting for the field trip was like waiting for Christmas.

Finally, the day arrived. We grabbed our lunches and coats and lined up for the bus. In the back of the room, one boy began to cry because he had forgotten to bring his lunch and that meant that he would have to stay behind with another teacher. In a few minutes, the other children had contributed extra sandwiches, fruit, desserts and drinks until the boy had a feast for his lunch. With new tears, this time tears of gratitude, he grabbed his coat, lined up, and climbed on board the bus with the rest of his class.

We had given him a “cup of cold water.” Acts of service are not always dramatic or earth-shattering. Simple caring is all that is needed. Discipleship means being alert for opportunities to care, to demonstrate God’s loving-kindness, and to teach others to do the same.

Loving God, show us ways to care, to provide for the needs of others, and to demonstrate Your love in real ways!

For God chose us before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in God’s sight. In love the Creator predestined us to be adopted sons and daughters through Jesus Christ, in accordance with God’s pleasure and will. (Ephesians 1:4,5)

Dear (Insert your name here):

Did you know that you were in my mind even before the creation of the world? Did you know that I knew you would be born on (Insert your birthday here), and that you would desperately need a Savior?

Think for a moment, my child, that My Son put on flesh and came to your world, not just for a global mass of humanity in a general way, but especially for you—personally.

Because He did what I asked of him, I now can be your parent—I can call you my own. If you will allow Me, I will give you blessing, I will teach you and I will share with you My wisdom. Experience My power and gifts through My Holy Spirit. Ask Me, just ask Me, and I will use you to lead and nurture in fellowship your fellow humans.

I’m preparing a very special place for you where you can enjoy life fully as it is meant to be. You see, I want to meet with you—face to face. I want you to see Me, face to face!

My joy is to be your joy. My hope is to be your hope. With my wisdom and love flowing through you, put your hand in Mine and enjoy life beyond compare.

Love, God

Holy God, I know that nothing can compare with what You have prepared for me. I pray that even now I can glimpse bits and pieces of it while You hold my hand.

The just person walks in integrity; their children are blessed after them. (Proverbs 20:7)

A man was asked to give a commencement address several years ago and as he sat on the platform after the speech watching the graduates receive their college diplomas, the entire audience began applauding for a student who had earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average. During the applause, the faculty member seated next to him leaned over and said, “She may be Miss Genius, but her attitude stinks.” The speaker later said, Without even thinking, my hands stopped clapping for her in mid-air. I couldn’t help but think, How sad!”

No matter how beautiful, intelligent, talented or athletic a child may be...there’s no substitute for a child, or any human being, having a loving attitude toward others. The foremost architect of that attitude is not going to be teachers or pastors, but rather parents.

We must be careful in the attitudes we feed our children or those who look to us as role models. They become the diet of the minds for those watching us. Don’t feed others junk ideas, sour opinions, rotten theology, poison feelings or wilted enthusiasm. Instead, feed them with the best and most positive ideas, expressions of feelings and opinions that you have to offer.

Blessed Creator, fill our hearts and minds with positive things so that we may share with those who watch us and learn.

A merry heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)

Standup comedian and author, David Brenner, was signing books in a San Francisco bookstore when a young man handed him a newly purchased copy to be autographed and said softly, “I want to thank you for saving my life.” Brenner flippantly replied, “That’s OK.” The young man stood his ground and said, “No, I really mean it.”

Brenner stopped signing and looked at him. The young man continued, “My father died. He was my best friend. I loved him and I couldn’t stop crying for weeks. I decided to take my own life. The night I was going to do it, I happened to have the TV on and you were hosting the Tonight Show. Next thing I knew, I was watching you and laughing. Then I started laughing hysterically. I realized that if I could laugh, then I could live. So I want to thank you for saving my life.” Humbled and grateful, Brenner shook the young man’s hand and said, “No-thank you!”

Laughter does more than help us escape our problems. It sometimes gives us the courage to face them. As humorous author Barbara Johnson has said: “Laughter is like changing a baby’s diaper. It doesn’t permanently solve the problem, but it makes things more acceptable for awhile.”

Creator of Joy, may we laugh at the world around us and at ourselves that we might find joy in the everyday things of our lives!