The Daily Grace - Sunrise

There was a magnificent sunrise this morning, but I was too busy to enjoy it. I turned away and became preoccupied with other things. I thought about that sunrise a few moments ago, and I realize I lost an opportunity for worship this morning. In the midst of the busyness and stresses of our days, there are patches of beauty all around us, glimpses of God's goodness that we catch here and there along the way. These are the places in the walls of the universe where heaven is breaking through - if only we will take the time to stop and to reflect upon God's love for us.

What if Moses had taken only a fleeting glance at the bush that was burning but "was not consumed"? (Ex. 3:2). What if he had ignored it and hurried on to other things? (He had those sheep to take care of, you know, and important work to do). He would have missed an epic, life-changing encounter with the living God (vv. 4-12).

Sometimes in life we must hurry. But overall, life should be less hurrying and more noticing. Life is the present. Life is being aware; it is seeing God's love breaking through. It is turning aside to the miracle of something like a sunrise. Something transitory, yet symbolic of the eternity that awaits us.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, help me to go about the tasks and duties of this day with the remembrance that I am Your servant therein. Make me honest, painstaking, and cheerful. And, grant that all I do and say may bring good to others and glory to Your Holy Name.

May I have the courage never to be afraid of anyone. May I have the generosity to bear ill-feeling toward no-one. Lead me to live in such a way as to treat others in the same way as I would like to be treated.

Inspire me never to be violent in thought, word or action, and lead me to conquer evil with goodness. Let me go forth in Your peace, keeping Your Spirit always in my mind. And bless me, I pray, that I might always follow Your will and live in the radiance of Your blessing.

Amen

The Daily Grace - Big Spring

In Michigan's Upper Peninsula is a remarkable natural wonder - a pool about 40 feet deep and 300 feet across that Native Americans called "Kitch-iti-kipi", or "the big cold water". Today it is known as The Big Spring. It is fed by underground springs that push more than 10,000 gallons of water a minute through the rocks below and up to the surface. Additionally, the water keeps a constant temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning that even in the brutally cold winters of the Upper Peninsula the pool never freezes. Tourists can enjoy viewing the waters of Big Spring during any season of the year.

When Jesus encountered a woman at Jacob's well, He talked to her about another source of water that would always satisfy. But He did not speak of a fountain, spring, river, or lake. He said, "Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:14)

Far greater than any natural spring is the refreshment we have been offered in Christ Himself. We can be satisfied, for Jesus alone, the Water of Life, can quench our thirst. Praise God, for Jesus is the source that never runs dry. The only real thrist-quencher is Jesus - the living water.

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, it seems that I drink far too often from the waters of the world that cannot satisfy. Forgive me, and teach me to find in Christ the water that can quench the thirst of my heart. Draw me ever closer to You.

You have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent Your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after You and find You. Bring the nations into Your fold, pour out Your Spirit upon all flesh, and hasten the coming of Your kingdom.

Now the God of patience and consolation grant to me and to all who pray in the name of Christ, to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus. That we may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. This I pray, in Your Name.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - John 4:14

 Jesus said, “Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst—not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life.” The water that God is giving to us is like a flowing fountain that gives eternal life. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving us eternal life.

Come drink that water. It is like a river that never runs dry. It is a living water that makes us quench for the rest of our lives. You will never be thirsty again, says the Lord.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, Eternal and Creator of all things, who with your unknowable goodness called me to this life; I have no life, no light, no joy or wisdom, no strength except in You, O God. I entreat You, teach me to pray aright. Purify me from all taint of flesh and spirit.

Bless this day which You give to me, Your unworthy servant. By the power of Your blessing, enable me, throughout this day, to speak and act to Your glory with a pure spirit, with humility, patience, love, gentleness, peace, courage and wisdom. Let me be always aware of Your presence. 

By the power of Your love, grant me to hold fast to that which is good. Preserve me from every word or deed that corrupts the soul; from every impulse unpleasing in Your sight and hurtful to my fellow man, my brothers and sisters. This in Christ’s name, I pray.

Amen

The Daily Grace - Strength In Weaknesses

No one wants to be weak, so we find ways to appear strong. Some of us use the force of our emotions to manipulate people. Others use the force of personality to control people, and some use intellect to intimidate. Although these create an illusion of strength, they are signs of weakness. 

When we are truly strong, we have the courage to admit our limitations and to acknowledge our dependence on God. As a result, true strength often looks a lot like weakness. When the apostle Paul prayed that an affliction would be taken from him, God answered, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 12:9). Paul responded with these troubling words, "When I am weak, then I am strong" (v. 10).

Toward the end of Jesus' earthly ministry, some of His disciples were striving for positions of prominence. Jesus used their argument as an opportunity to teach them that in His Kingdom things are different: greatness comes when we willingly assume positions of weakness (Matt. 20:26). This is a hard truth. I prefer the illusion of strength to the reality of weakness. But God wants us to realize that true strength comes when we stop trying to control people and start serving them instead. God's greatest power can be displayed in our biggest weakness.

Today's Godly Reminder - Matthew 22:37

What does loving God really mean? According to the Bible, loving God means totally surrendering ourselves to Him—“with all [our] heart and with all [our] soul and with all [our] mind.” The Greek word for the verb love in this Scripture is agapao, which means “to totally give ourselves over to something.” Now, if I asked you, “Do you love God”? most of you would automatically say, “Yes, of course I do!” But if you are really honest with yourself, how often do you seek to put His will and His desires above your own? How often are you consumed with what He wants for your life and not what you want out of life?

In order for God’s Life to come forth from our hearts, however, we must continually choose to “put off” our sin and self, and give ourselves over to Him; i.e., become a clean and open vessel. Then, we’ll not only personally experience His Love, but also be that vessel carrying His Love to others. When we don’t choose to do this, Matthew 24:12 tells us, His “Love will grow cold in our lives.” This, of course, will then affect our place, our position, and our status in the coming kingdom. The Bible, therefore, can really be summed up in three little words: Learn to love. 

Source: khouse.org

The Daily Grace - Imagine That!

My friends and I were anticipating a contemplative time looking at a collection of artwork about the prodigal son who returned home to a forgiving father (Luke 15). When we arrived at the information table, we noticed the brochures, books, and a sign pointing to the artwork. Also on the table was a dinner plate with bread, a napkin, and a glass. Each of us privately pondered what the significance of the plate could be. We wondered it it represented communion fellowship between the prodigal son and his father when he returned home. But as we examined it more closely, we realized simultaneously: Someone had left a dirty plate on the display table. And it wasn't bread, but leftover cookie bars! Our imaginations had been wrong.

We had a good laugh, but then it made me think about how sometimes we imagine more than what's really there while reading the Bible. Rather than assuming that our speculation is correct, however, we need to be sure our interpretation fits with the whole of Scripture. Peter said that "no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation" (2 Pet. 1:20). As we depend on the Spirit's instruction, a careful study of the context, and the wisdom of respected Bible teachers, we'll avoid seeing things in the Word that aren't really there. A text out of context is often a dangerous pretext.

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, in You we live and move and have our being. I humbly pray You so to guide and govern me by Your Holy Spirit. Let all the cares and occupations of my life I may not forget You, but may remember that I am ever walking in Your sight.

Help us to be still and know You are God. Guide me always to do Your holy will, knowing that Your strength will carry me through. Your words lead us to the calmness and greatness of Your Presence.

Now, oh Heavenly Father, I ask to be called as a witness to Your love by the love I extend to others; a precursor of Your justice by my unfailing commitment to what is right and good; a lamp set on a hill, reflecting the light of Christ in my forgiveness, mercy and compassion; and a harvester of souls through my humble and dedicated servanthood. In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Matthew 20:26

Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done. He came to serve, not be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for the many who are held hostage.

If you want to be great, you must be the servant of all the others. So that, for you to experience how to serve the people. Once you became on top, you are not just leading, but also serving the people as well. But always remember, work for the glory of God. In your leadership, let your subordinates see Christ in You. Have that Christ-like attitude every time you work. Then, blessings will pour out once you let Him take control of you.

The Daily Grace - Under New Orders

Herman Wouk's thrilling World War 2 novel "The Caine Mutiny" contains an excellent illustration of what happens when someone becomes a follower of God. In the novel, a young man from an influential family has enlisted in the Navy. On the day of his induction, his mother drops him off in her fancy car and then kisses him goodbye. He shakes hands with the guard as he enters the building, and the door closes behind him.

His mother, suddenly worried that he might not have enough money, rushes up to the door. But the guard politely stops her. When she demands entrance, he refuses to let her in. She can see her son standing inside the door, so she reaches for the doorknob. "He's my son!" she cries. The guard gently removes her hand from the knob and says softly, "I know, Ma'am, but he belongs to Uncle Sam now. He's a sailor".

When we believe in Jesus Christ and became His followers, we are under new authority. We are subject to new commands. Now we belong to Him. What was once important to us loses its significance. We evaluate things differently. Our new desire is to love and serve the Lord with all our heart (Deut. 6:5-6). Have you joined His ranks? Followers of Christ get their marching orders from Him.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, who has mercy upon all, take away from me my sins. Mercifully kindle in me the fire of your Holy Spirit. Take away from me the heart of stone, and give me a heart of flesh, a heart to love and adore You, a heart to delight in You, to follow and to enjoy You.

Fill my heart and my whole being with the wonder of Your presence. Grant me the grace to have freedom of the spirit. Cleanse my heart and soul so I may live joyously in Your love.

Now fulfill in my contrite heart the promise of redeeming grace; forgiving all my sins, and cleansing me from an evil conscience; through the perfect sacrifice of Christ Jesus our Lord. And turn my heart to your will at every moment, I pray. This I pray, in Your Name.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - 2 Timothy 2:15

Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved and tested by trial. A workman who has no reason to be ashamed. The one who is accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won’t be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple. Do your best to win God’s approval as a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed and who teaches only the true message. Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

The Daily Grace - Being Real

An antique dealer thought the wrinkled old baseball card she found might be worth $10. After posting it on eBay, she began to wonder if it might be more valuable than she had thought. She removed the posting and consulted a professional evaluator who confirmed that the photo on the 1869 card showed the Cincinnati Red Stockings, the first professional baseball team n the US. The card sold for more than $75,000. Mike Osegueda's article in The Fresno Bee said that even though the card was creased and discolored, the most important thing was its authenticity - it was real.

Paul and his companions suffered greatly while spreading the gospel. In 2 Corinthians 6, he listed their outward trials, their inward traits, and their spiritual resources (vv. 4-7). Try to imagine the circumstances in which all these things interacted - beatings, patience, prison, kindness, distresses, love. Although broken physically, depleted emotionally, and tested spiritually, the authenticity of their faith in Christ clearly shone through. "As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things" (v. 10).

In our walk with Christ, there's no substitute for spiritual authenticity - being. There is no substitute for being real! Be like Him, so real and authentic. Stamp His own image deep on your heart today.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, I thank You for this day. I thank You that I can see or hear Your Word this morning. Let me give thanks all day for what I have, especially Your eternal love.

Forgive me this day when I go astray, by my thoughts or actions. My only aim is to please You, to know and do Your will. Guide my every step.

Your are my leader and my coach, Lord. I am on Your team. Help me to keep this in mind for just today, in Christ’s name I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - 2 Corinthians 6:4

But in everything and in every way, show that we truly are God’s servants. In everything we do, show that we are true ministers of God. Always be patient, though you have a lot of trouble, suffering, and hard times. Patiently, endure all troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. Commend yourselves in every way as true servants of God: through great endurance, in tribulation and suffering, in hardships and privations, in sore straits and calamities.

The Daily Grace - Running in the Right Direction

One of the most difficult experiences in my years as a pastor was telling a member of our church that her husband, her son, and her father-in-law had all drowned in a boating accident. I knew the news would shatter her life. In the days following their tragic loss, I was amazed as she and her family responded with unusual faith. Sure, there was deep brokenness, haunting doubt, and confusion. But when nothing else made sense, they still had Jesus. Rather than deserting Him in the midst of their desperately difficult days, they ran to Him as the only source of hope and confidence.

This reminds me of the reaction of the disciples to Jesus. After some of them "went back and walked with Him no more" because He was hard to understand (John 6:66), Jesus turned to His inner circle, and asked, "Do you also want to go away?" (v. 67). Peter got it right when he responded, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (v. 68).

Whatever you face today, be encouraged by the words of Peter and by the example of a family who went through the fire with their faith intact. As long as you're running in the right direction - to Jesus - you'll find the grace and strength you will need. When all is lost, remember that you haven't lost Jesus. Run to Him.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, You are a helper, a savior and a shield. You resurrect the dead. You are powerful to save us in forgiveness of our sins.

Grant that Your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart. Let those barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear and hatreds cease. And, our divisions being healed, so that we may live together in justice and peace.

May the God of peace, who declared victory over death by the resurrection of His only Son, Jesus Christ, make me perfect in every thought and act through His grace, that my life might be pleasing in His sight and that I might share the perfect peace that is only possible through Him, to whom be glory for ever and ever.

Amen

Today Godly Reminder - Ezekiel 34:11

The Lord is indeed a good shepherd. Just as a shepherd looks for lost sheep, we, His flock, have been lost since that dark and miserable day when we were scattered throughout the nations. But, He will rescue us and bring us back from the foreign nations where we now live. He will be our shepherd and will let us graze on mountains and in the valleys and fertile fields.

We will also be safe as He will feed us on grassy meadows and green hills. He promised to take care of us and keep us safe, to look for those that are lost and bring back the ones that wander off in His presence. And also, to bandage those that are hurt and protect the ones that are weak. The Lord God is an amazing God, indeed!

The Daily Grace - Parked For Now

Parking my car has been a lifelong problem for me. It really wasn't a high priority with my driving instructor, so I never learned to back up into a parking space until many years later. He also skipped the parallel parking lesson, and I still avoid that unless there's enough space for two or three cars. 

I've also struggled to understand a statement I heard when I was a young Christian: "God can't steer a parked car". I took that as a challenge to shift my life into motion, and along the way God would guide me in the right direction. It's an interesting thought, but it's not always the way God works. Occasionally, God does want us to "stay parked" for a while.

At times, when Moses was in the wilderness, God kept the Israelites in one place. He led them by a cloud, and when it stayed still for many days, "the children of Israel. . . did not journey" (Num. 9:19). Waiting isn't always easy, but sometimes God wants us to stay right where He has put us. The psalmist reminds us, "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart" (27:14). You may feel that you're stuck and just spinning your wheels in your service for God. But keep your heart open to God's leading. Then you'll be ready to shift gears when you hear God say, "Let's go this way". God orders our stops as well as our steps.

Today We Pray

Dear God, use me today as may suit You. This is my prayer, to submit myself totally to Your Holy Spirit, showing the face of Christ to the world in my love and my proclamation of Your majesty. If the world hates me for it, let me remember that this hatred is for You.

If I be like Christ, should I resent a crown of thorns? Put Your words in my mouth, O Holy Spirit, whatever the cost, and teach me to bear any burden with the joy of eternal salvation. For every stripe on my back, put an angel in my heart to heal me. 

God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, and Spirit of God amidst us, direct our way unto You. Make us to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward You; to the end we may establish our hearts unblameable in holiness before You, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Romans 5:5

Such hope in God’s promises never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.  Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! There's a hope that will never disappoint us.  And this hope will not lead to disappointment. All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love.

Do not lose hope. There is always hope, as long as you are in Jesus Christ. The hope of all hearts is Jesus. His love never fails.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, give ear to my prayer. Attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble, I will call upon You: for You will answer me.

Among the gods, there is none like You, O Lord. No works like those You have done. All nations whom You have made will come and worship before You, O Lord; and will glorify Your name.

O good shepherd, seek me out, and bring me home to Your fold again. Deal favourably with me according to Your good pleasure, until I may dwell in Your house all the days of my life. And, praise You forever and ever with them that are there.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Luke 19:10

There are still lost people in the world. But let us not lose hope. God sent Jesus to save them. There's still hope because Jesus is there.

Introduce your friends to Jesus. Take courage. Share them the hope in this world, which is Jesus. Ask the Lord to bless your heart to reach out to them.

The Daily Grace - The Eleventh Hour

World War 1 has been ranked by many as one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. Millions lost their lives in the first global modern war. On November 11, 1918, a ceasefire was observed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. During that historic moment, millions around the world observed moments of silence while they reflected upon the war's terrible cost - the loss of life and suffering. It was hoped that "the Great War", as it was called, would truly be "the war that would end all wars".

Despite the many deadly military conflicts that have followed, the hope for lasting peace has not faded. And the Bible offers a hopeful and realistic promise that someday, wars will finally end. When Christ returns, Isaiah's prophecy will come true: "Nations shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore" (Isa. 2:4). Then the eleventh hour will pass and the first hour of lasting peace in a new heaven and new earth will begin.

Until that day comes, those who follow Christ are to be people who represent the Prince of Peace in the way we conduct our lives and in the way we make a difference in our world. Only Christ can true peace be realized. The blood of Jesus whispers peace within. Trust Him that He will end all of these because He is on the throne.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, thanks be to thee. Thank You for all the benefits thou hast won for me. And thank You for all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me.

O most merciful Redeemer, Friend, and Brother, may I know thee more clearly. Let me love thee more dearly. And, follow thee more nearly for ever and ever.

Walk with me, dear Lord, so that I may not be alone as I face this day, but always in Your presence. Your joy is a lighthouse in a world often dark with sin, and I pray that I may reflect the light of Your truth, to inspire others as I have been inspired. In the name of Christ, bless me this day, and all whom I may meet.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Psalm 40:1

Wait expectantly for the Lord. He will look and He will listen to our cries. He is a listening and an answering God. When we cry, we feel that we are unaware of His presence but He is there. Do not fret. Every tears are counted. He will always turn to us and always be there for us.

The Daily Grace - Tell It All

A clerk who helped me purchase a small digital voice recorder told me that he kept one just like it in his car when he worked in California. "When I began driving home after work, I switched it on", he said, "and I talked about everything that happened that day on the job, good and bad. When I pulled into my driveway, I hit the erase button". Then he smiled. After telling everything to his voice recorder, he apparently no need to go over the day's problems with his wife or family.

It reminded me of how often I needlessly rehearse my disappointments and problems to others instead of telling them to God. The psalmist wrote: "Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us" (Ps. 62:8). Twice he spoke of waiting silently for God, his rock and salvation (vv. 1-2, 5-7). While there is great comfort in sharing our difficulties with a friend, we miss the greatest help if we fail to bring them to the Lord. No matter where we are, Jesus is only a prayer away.

Joseph Scriven said it so well: What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, o what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!

Today We Pray

Dear God, I come to You in the morning, full of hope that the day to come might be filled with joy and energy. Grant that I may do my work with a light and happy heart. And if there are tasks that I do not look forward to, or even dread, let me undertake them with courage and resolve. 

Where I face frustration today, let me handle it with acceptance and faith that the outcome is in Your hands. Lead me away from anger or judgment of other people. Let me tend to my own garden instead of looking over the fence.

And let everything I attempt be filled with the knowledge and guidance of Your Holy Spirit. I pray that the Spirit will be with me at every moment, and that I will always be aware of Him, and live every moment of this day in Your presence. In Christ’s name, I pray.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Isaiah 2:4

God will settle things fairly between nations. He will settle their arguments. He’ll make things right between many peoples. They’ll turn their swords into shovels, their spears into hoes. No more will nation fight nation. They won’t play war anymore. They will pound their swords and their spears into rakes and shovels. 

 The Lord will mediate between nations and will settle international disputes. They will never make war or attack one another. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore.

The Daily Grace - Short-Timers

I served in the Armed Forces many years ago and have always been thankful that I was able to give those years to my country. I must say, however, that my most memorable time in the service was the brief interval when I was a "short-timer". Short-timers are soldiers who have but a few weeks before discharge. They spend their last days "mustering out" - visiting the commissary and the quartermaster's office to clear accounts and return equipment. What I remember most about that period was my jaunty pace and the happy, carefree spirit with which I carried out my tasks. I had duties but few worries, for I knew I was going home.

Now that I'm an "old-timer", once again I'm a short-timer. It won't be long before I'm discharged from my duty here. Again, my pace is jaunty and my spirit is light for I know that very soon, I'll be going home. That's the outlook that Jesus and His apostles called "hope" (Acts 24:15; Rom 5:2,5).

Hope, in the biblical sense, means certainty and assurance. It is the firm, unshakable, indomitable belief that we will be raised from the dead (as Jesus was) and will be welcomed into our eternal home. That's enough to put joy in our heart and a spring in our step this day! The risen Christ will come from heaven to take His own to heaven.

Today We Pray

Dear Lord, let Your forgiveness find me. Hold me in Your strong arms and give me Your new life. Live in me and with me this day, that I may by Your power find forgiveness and be made ever anew, reborn from above, living fully in Your Spirit every minute.

Let me not forget all of those around the world who are frightened at this moment. Help those who are victims of terrorism and war. Hold us all in Your loving arms and let us be comforted by the strength and peace You make available to us through the birth of Your son, Jesus; and thank You for all the many gifts You offer us, during our life on earth and for all eternity.

The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. The Lord lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace, this day and evermore.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Hebrews 11:6

Faith is not like a magic formula. It does not work like that. Putting your faith means completely trusting and putting your whole confidence in something without doubt. It is a strong belief. When you put your faith in the Lord, it pleases Him. Do the things that is pleasing in God's eyes, and one of this is having faith in Him.

The Daily Grace - Defining Failure

During the Great Depression, many people in the US lived in shanty-towns made up of plywood, tarps, and blankets. These decrepit dwellings, known as "Hoovervilles", housed those who had been evicted from their homes. Many blamed President Herbert Hoover for the economic woes. Ironically, Hoover's apparent ineffectiveness as a leader was in sharp contrast to his previous record. Earlier, Hoover's expertise in geological engineering led to successful mining projects in Australia and China. He also effectively spearheaded humanitarian efforts. But when the stock market crashed in October 1929, President Hoover was in circumstances beyond his control. He would be forever tied with the economic depression of the 1930s.

One major fiasco, however, does not mean one's whole life is a failure. What if we remembered Abraham only as a deceiver (Gen. 12:10-20), Moses as obedient to God (Num. 20:1-13), or David as a murderer? (2 Sam. 11). Despite their sins, these men are remembered for their persevering faith: "who through faith. . . out of weakness were made strong" (Heb. 11:33-34). Our life is not a failure if we've repented of our sins. God can still use us to serve Him. Success often rises out of the ashes of failure.

Today We Pray

Dear God, Lover of Your people, help me this day to live entirely to Your glory. Let me be deaf to unmerited criticism and the praise of men. Nothing can hurt my new-born inner self, it cannot be smitten or die; nothing can mar the dominion of Your Spirit within me; it is enough to have Your approval and that of my conscience.

Let me not put my trust in the words of men, for their minds are weak and their tongues are tainted by the world. Let me not put my trust in the thoughts of my mind, for I am filled with sin and self-deceit. But, let me test everything having to do with faith against our only true teacher, Jesus Christ, and the true Word of God that He inspired the apostles to write in the Bible.

By Your Holy Spirit You have made me one with Your saints in heaven and on earth. Grant that in my earthly pilgrimage I may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know myself to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. I ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Hebrews 13:17

Obey your leaders and do what they say. Recognize their authority over you. They are keeping watch over your souls and continually guarding your spiritual welfare as those who will give an account of their stewardship of you.  They are watching over you, and they must answer to God. Let them do this with joy and not with grief and groans, for this would be of no benefit to you.

Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. So don’t make them sad as they do their work. Make them happy. Otherwise, they won’t be able to help you at all.

The Daily Grace - In The Car Wash

I'll never forget my first experience using an automatic car wash. Approaching it with the dread of going to the dentist, I pushed the money into the slot, nervously checked and rechecked my windows, eased the car up to the line, and waited. Powers beyond my control began moving my car forward as if on a conveyor belt. There I was, cocooned inside, when a thunderous rush of water, soap, and brushes hit my car from all directions. 

What if I get stuck in here or water crashes in? I thought irrationally. Suddenly the waters ceased. After a blowdry, my car was propelled into the outside world again, clean and polished. In the midst of all this, I remembered stormy times in my life when it seemed I was on a conveyor belt, a victim of forces beyond my control.

"Car-wash experiences", I now call them. I remembered that whenever I passed through deep waters, my Redeemer had been with me, sheltering me against the rising tide (Isa. 43:2). When I came out on the other side, which I always did, I was able to say with joy and confidence, "He is a faithful God!" Are you in the middle of a car-wash experience? Trust God to bring you through to other side. You'll then be a shining testimony of His keeping power. A tunnel of testing can produce a shining testimony.

Today We Pray

Dear God, You make me glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of Your Son my Lord. Give me the peace to worship You with my whole heart and mind, forgetting the cares of the world, and dwelling with You for a short moment with my entire being. And give me this day such blessing through my worship of You, that the week to come may be spent in living knowledge of Your peace.

I pray that You will fill me so full of Your might and love that I will not sin against myself or anybody else, this day, or ever. Guide me in my denial of worldly pleasure during this season of repentance, that I may always be reminded of the sin that Christ died to overcome. And accept, I pray, the offering I give You with my body in memory of Christ’s suffering.

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip me with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in me what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.

Amen

Today's Godly Reminder - Psalm 62:8

Let our safety and honor rest on God. The strong rock and refuge are in God only. Trust God, my friends, and always tell him each one of your concerns. God is our place of safety.

So, trust him absolutely, people. Trust in him at all times. Lay your lives on the line for Him. God is a safe place to be.

The Daily Grace - Why Cause Grief?

Pastors make an easy target for criticism. Every week they are on display, carefully explaining God's Word, challenging us toward Christlike living. But sometimes we look to find things to criticize. It's easy to overlook all the good things a pastor does and focus  our personal opinions.

Like all of us, our pastors are not perfect. So, I'm not saying that we should follow them blindly and never confront error through the proper channels. But some words from the writer of Hebrews may help us find the right way of thinking about our leaders who are presenting God's truth and modeling servant leadership. The writer says, "Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account" (13:17).

Think about that. Before God, our pastor is responsible for guiding us spiritually. We should want that burden to be joyous, not grievous. The passage indicates that causing grief for the pastor "would be of no benefit" (v. 17). We honor God and make things better for our church when we give honor to those He has appointed as our leaders. Pastors who preach God's Word need a good word from God's people.

Today We Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, there is only one voice that is perfect truth, and that is Yours: the voice of Your Spirit and the voice of Your Word. Help me, I pray, to hear your voice clearly. I am filled with the sound of my own voice, with the sense of my importance and the correctness of my thought; and on top of that, I am besieged by dozens and hundreds and thousands of words and voices telling me all kinds of things.

Thank You for the person You led to our church as pastor. May we provide encouragement and support. May You protect our pastor from error in both word and actions.

Now may the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the eternal high priest himself, the Son of God Jesus Christ, build up myself, and all Christians, in faith and truth, and in all gentleness and in all freedom from anger and forbearance and steadfastness and patient endurance and purity. This I ask in the name of my only Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen