You Must Share.

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you….
--1 Peter 3:15

As followers of Jesus Christ, you and I have been called to share the gospel with others. But not everyone finds that an easy task!

If you feel unsure about how to express your faith, or you feel afraid of what people will say, how can you break through that barrier and obey God’s command to tell others about Jesus?
First of all, I believe you need to ask the Lord to help you. As you come to Him, admitting your fears, asking Him to give you the desire, courage, and opportunities to share your faith, He will enable you to do it.

There are many things in life that we feel unable to do. It doesn’t mean we can’t do it… it just means we need the Lord’s help!

And secondly, watch for opportunities to let people know that you are a Christian and let the conversations unfold naturally. Almost every week, someone will ask you what you did on the weekend. Tell them you went to church!

There are a thousand ways you can let people know that you believe in Jesus and that He has changed your life. Just make a start and you’ll grow in confidence!

AS YOU LET YOUR PRIVATE CHRISTIAN LIFE BECOME PUBLIC,YOU’LL FIND MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE YOUR FAITH.

Avoid a Dead Heart: Rest

This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you.—Deuteronomy 5:12

Chinese characters are probably the most beautiful and difficult written language to understand and learn. Each character written corresponds to a spoken syllable with a basic meaning. However, many words use two or more combined characters to create a meaning that is different from the original words used to create it. For example, the Chinese character for the word “busy” is written by combining the two words “heart” and “dead.” How appropriate. For when we are overly busy, we lay the foundation for a lifeless heart.

I think it would be a challenge today to find someone who is not busy. It is a part of our culture. It almost seems the busier you are, the more applauded and affirmed you get. But a lot can be learned from this ancient Chinese word. There is a reason God created a Sabbath day to be set aside for His people to rest. He commanded his people to work six days and on the seventh day to rest.

Work and projects and commitments in themselves are not bad. But when we let ourselves get overly busy – even with good things – we tend to neglect the important things. In some ways, we are showing that we don’t trust that God will provide for us. I believe what God is calling His people to is balance. When we get too busy, we are living a life on the verge of disaster…whether that comes to you, your spouse or your kids.

Make an effort in your life to rest and observe the Sabbath. Turn off your cell phone, the television, your computer and the video games. Take some time by yourself or your family to take a walk or spend some time at a park or the beach. Relax, refresh and renew your soul. Don’t create in yourself a “dead-heart,” create a heart that is filled with life. And one way to do that is to make sure you are not getting overly busy, but taking the time to rest.

GOING DEEPER:

• In what ways have you made yourself too busy? How do you see that that busyness is affecting your relationships?
• What can you do to have dedicated time each week to rest?

FURTHER READING: Genesis 2:2; Deuteronomy 5:12-15; Psalm 127

Building Lasting Friendships

1 Samuel 18:1-4 - 1 After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. 2 From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. 3 And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. 4 Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.

Genuine friends are rare treasures. However, the Lord created us for meaningful relationships; it’s difficult to flourish if we live in isolation. By design, we are made to share life with others, as well as to give and receive love.

Surface friendships don’t satisfy this need. But unfortunately, many people never experience anything deeper. This is why so many individuals are lonely--even if they’re always surrounded by others.

What some men and women don’t realize is that healthy relationships require diligent work. Once God brings the right people into our lives, we must devote time and effort for appropriate and fruitful intimacy to develop.

In the book of 1 Samuel, David and Jonathan exemplify this type of closeness, although they seemed like improbable companions: David was merely a shepherd, whereas Jonathan was a prince. But to them, status didn’t matter. In addition to humility, they demonstrated great respect for each other’s faith and courageous love of Israel. The two felt as committed as brothers and gave of themselves generously. For example, Jonathan gave David his robe—a prized possession of the king’s son—in order to show his loyalty and love (v. 4). The prince even risked his life and reputation in order to save his friend (1 Sam. 20:27-32).

Do you have a person like this--someone with whom to share your joys and sadnesses, strengths and weaknesses, fears and pain? Thankfully, Jesus is the best friend we can have. But He also desires that we have close relationships with others. What can you do today to build this type of friendship?

What's Your Brand?

By Os Hillman

"The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it" (1 Thess 5:24).

Coca-Cola is the number one "brand" in the world. Companies spend millions of dollars making their brands known in business. They want you to recognize their brand. When you think of their brand they hope you will have positive thoughts in hopes it will influence your next purchasing decision.

Every individual has a personal "brand" whether you want it or not. Cultures have a brand. Ethnic groups have a brand. Your brand is defined by your conduct. If you are always late, you'll soon develop a brand or reputation for being late. Others will even show up late because they know you will be late. If you are a person who exaggerates the truth, others will soon fail to take you serious.

However, the opposite can also be true. Your brand can be incredibly positive. By being a man or woman of your word, who is consistent in dealing fairly and honestly with others, your brand becomes known as someone who is faithful in all aspects of life.

One of God's most important characteristics is His faithfulness. Faithfulness means one is true to fulfilling their promises to others in the time which was committed. God is faithful to fulfill all His promises to His children.

Moses was also an example of faithfulness to his call. "Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying to what would be said in the future. But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house" (Heb 3:5-6).

What is your brand among your peers? Is it a positive brand or does it need improvement?
Allowing the Lord to make us more like Jesus is the only way our brand becomes trustworthy.

Ask the Lord today to make you a faithful brand in which others can trust.

Catching a Case of Happy

This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

For the despondent, every day brings trouble; But for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.—Proverbs 15:15 (NLT)

Recently a 20-year study* was published reporting that emotions can be passed along much like a case of the flu. Meaning: If you know someone who is happy—especially if it is a mutual friendship—you are more likely to be a happy person. In fact, not only you, but others you know will benefit because of this happy person in your life. A part of the study’s conclusion was simply that a person’s well-being is not only dependent on his or her own behaviors and emotions, but also as a direct result of one’s social network.

We often do not have control of what happens to us, but we do have control of our attitude and how we respond. As the proverb says, for those who approach everyday hopeless, they will surely find a day of trouble. The opposite holds true as well. For those who go about their day focused on the good with a heart of gratitude, they will surely find happiness in each day.

So how do you get a happy heart? First, it matters with whom you surround yourself. Are you in relationship with joyful followers of Christ? Or do you constantly surround yourself with naysayers? Make sure you have people in your life who have happy hearts and encourage the same in you.

However, if you really want some guidance in having a happy heart in the midst of adversity, follow Paul’s example when he was in prison. He left a formula for the way to a happy heart in Philippians 4:8. He encouraged the people of Philippi to fill their minds and hearts with what is true, right and noble and think on godly and good things. It does not matter what we are faced with, joy will find its way into your soul when you focus on godly things.

GOING DEEPER:
Think about your overall attitude in life. In what ways have you helped yourself towards a happy heart and in what ways have you kept yourself from experiencing a happy heart?
Perhaps you are involved in unhealthy relationships or unhealthy thoughts. What areas in your life might need to have some changes made?

FURTHER READING: Proverbs 14:30; Philippians 4:8

Don't Stop...Don't Quit

This devotional was written by Jim Burns

He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. 1 Corinthians 1:8-9

Today's story is for those who, like myself, at times get discouraged with their progress in their spiritual life. Don't stop.... Don't quit. God will help you through the power of his Holy Spirit.

Ignace Jan Paderewski, the famous composer-pianist, was scheduled to perform at a great concert hall in America. It was an evening to remember—black tuxedos and long evening dresses, a high society extravaganza. Present in the audience that evening was a mother with her fidgety nine-year-old son. Weary of waiting, he squirmed constantly in his seat. His mother was in hopes that her boy would be encouraged to practice the piano if he could just hear the immortal Paderewski at the keyboard. So—against the little boy's wishes—he had come.

As she turned to talk with friends, her son could stay seated no longer. He slipped away from her side, strangely drawn to the ebony concert grand Steinway and its leather tufted stool on the huge stage flooded with blinding lights. Without much notice from the sophisticated audience, the boy sat down at the stool, staring wide-eyed at the black and white keys. He placed his small, trembling fingers in the right location and began to play "chopsticks." The roar of the crowd was hushed as hundreds of frowning faces turned in his direction. Irritated and embarrassed, they began to shout: "Get that boy away from there!" "Who'd bring a kid that young in here?" "Where's his mother?" "Somebody stop him!"

Backstage, the master overheard the sounds out front and quickly put together in his mind what was happening. Hurriedly, he grabbed his coat and rushed toward the stage. Without one word of announcement he stooped over behind the boy, reached around both sides, and began to improvise a countermelody to harmonize with and enhance "chopsticks." As the two of them played together, Paderewski kept whispering in the boy's ear "Keep going. Don't quit, son. Keep playing. Don't stop... don't quit."

God is the maestro who improvises a countermelody, and enhances our efforts. Like Paderewski, he whispers in our ear. "Don't stop.... Don't give up." He recognizes and encourages us to continue, even when our efforts appear small—especially in the eyes of others (or how we think others see our efforts).

GOING DEEPER:
Have you ever felt like giving up? How does this story inspire you to keep on going?
According to Philippians 1:6 and 1 Corinthians 1:8-9, what part is God's job in your life?

FURTHER READING: Philippians 1:6; Psalm 138

He Will Show You the Way Out

"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

Thoughts for Today

Enabling is anything that stands in the way of or softens the natural consequences of a person's behavior.

God does not want us to enable others in their wrongdoing. Neither does he enable us when we choose to walk in disobedience to him. He loves us too much to enable us in our wrongdoing. He knows that we will not come to our senses and change our ways unless he allows us to suffer the natural consequences of what we do.

The great thing is that, just like the father of the prodigal son, our heavenly Father is loving us and watching for us. He wants us to come home and will run out to meet us, showering his love, mercy and forgiveness on us when we return.

Consider this…
Do you need to return? Perhaps you have recently fallen into something you know you shouldn't do … Your Father is waiting for you.

Perhaps you have been locked into a downward spiral and feel as though there is no way out. God always provides a way. He is just waiting for you to come to him with a repentant heart. His arms are open wide … no matter what you have done. Jesus has already paid the price for your sin. Receive his forgiveness. He loves you unconditionally and is waiting to help you.

Prayer - Father, I am so sorry for what I have been doing. Please forgive me and show me the way out. In Jesus' name …

The Integrity Test

By Os Hillman

"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place" (Ps 51:6).

Integrity is often defined by what we do in secret. Are our actions the same in public as what we do behind closed doors? Kenneth Lay was the chairman and CEO of Enron, a multi-billion dollar energy corporation that went bankrupt at the hands of its executives because of mismanagement and misrepresentation of its financial practices. Many people lost their retirement life savings as a result.

In 1996, Kenneth Lay made a comment in a book entitled, Business as Mission.

"In my own case I grew up the son of a Baptist minister. From this background, I was fully exposed to not only legal behavior but moral and ethical behavior and what that means from the standpoint of leading organizations and people. I was, and am, a strong believer that one of the most satisfying things in life is to create a highly moral and ethical environment in which every individual is allowed and encouraged to realize their God-given potential. There are few things more satisfying than to see individuals reach levels of performance that they would have thought was virtually impossible for themselves."

Something went very wrong from the time Kenneth Lay wrote those words and the time he was convicted June 6, 2006. Strangely, Lay never went to prison because he died suddenly of a heart attack a few months after being convicted.

No one is immune from starting well and ending badly. The scriptures are full of men and women who did great things for God but did not finish well toward the latter part of their lives. Success can often be the breeding ground for ethical failure. Oswald Chambers said, "Not every man can carry a full cup. Sudden elevation frequently leads to pride and a fall. The most exacting test of all to survive is prosperity."

Ask God today to protect you from pride that can lead to ethical failure.

Foot Washing

Devotional written by Rebecca Ingram Powell, Proverbs 31 Ministries Writers' Track

Consider the scene at the Last Supper, when Jesus removed his outer garment and, assuming the role of servant, began to wash the disciples' feet. Did you know only moments before, the disciples had been arguing among themselves as to "which of them was considered to be greatest" (Luke 22:24, NIV). They each wanted the seat beside the Master! The Messiah Himself, the only truly Great One, quietly rose from the table and began to teach them once again, not with a verbal rebuke, but with a living picture they would never forget.

Then he [Christ] poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with his apron. When he got to Simon Peter, Peter said, "Master, you wash my feet?" Jesus answered, "You don't understand now what I'm doing, but it will be clear enough to you later."
Peter persisted, "You're not going to wash my feet - ever!" Jesus said, "If I don't wash you, you can't be a part of what I'm doing." "Master!" said Peter. "Not only my feet, then. Wash my hands! Wash my head!" (John 13:5-9 The Message).

Have you ever washed someone's feet? There's nothing glamorous about it. Feet stink. Feet are dirty. In New Testament times, foot-washing was an act of hospitality. Guests in one's home were treated to this kindness by the servants of the house. I'm sure it was quite refreshing to be pampered in this way after traveling on those dusty roads - refreshing for the one who received the pampering, that is. It was grunge work for the servant who was duty-bound to perform the task. Peter was absolutely stunned that Christ was putting Himself in this position of servitude, and he wanted no part of it.

In this holy moment, Peter's initial reaction was to resist, shaking his head: No. Not me. Not you, Lord. Holiness had confronted humanness, and it presented a paradox to this man--this man so like the rest of us. Peter - Joe Everybody - was about to get his feet washed by the very One who made his feet, and he could scarcely take it in. I imagine it was just too bizarre.

In an effort to bring him back to his senses, Christ presents Peter with an ultimatum: Either I wash your feet or you're not mine. It's time for you to make a decision. Until you do, we can't go any further in our relationship.

Jesus came to serve. He came to offer a grace that was undeserved. Are you washed from head to toe? Forgiven completely? Praise God! Daily, however, we need to allow Him to wash the dust from our feet - the filth accumulated from simply walking around on planet Earth. It's our daily walk that will tell whether we are beside Him or in Him. Have you reached the point in your Christian life where you're longing for a closer walk with God? Perhaps you feel as though you're scooting closer and closer to Him, but you're still not where you long to be. It could be time for you to make a decision. Plunge in! He's calling you to a deeper walk with Him.

Try Again

This devotional is provided by Max Lucado

“We worked hard all night and caught nothing.”
Luke 5:5 NASB

Do you have any worn, wet, empty nets? Do you know the feeling of a sleepless, fishless night? Of course you do. For what have you been casting? Solvency? “My debt is an anvil around my neck…” Faith? “I want to believe, but…” Healing? “I’ve been sick so long…” A happy marriage? “No matter what I do…”

I’ve worked hard all night and caught nothing. You’ve felt what Peter felt. You’ve sat where Peter sat. And now Jesus is asking you to go fishing. He knows your nets are empty. He knows your heart is weary. He knows you’d like nothing more than to turn your back on the mess and call it a life. But he urges, “It’s not too late to try again.” See if Peter’s reply won’t help you formulate your own. “I will do as You say and let down the nets” (v.5).

fromNext Door Savior-=- by Max Lucado -=-

Why Hold on to a Grudge?

This devotional was written by Robin Dugall

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.—Ephesians 4:21-32

While none of us has ever seen a grudge, we have all seen the relational results that come from when people hold grudges. We’ve all seen the unresolved conflict, relational breakdown and family arguments that have resulted from grudges.

Recently, as I was doing some yard work, I was moving some heavy cinderblocks. While I was carrying them, I thought to myself, “If a grudge was something physical, it would look this. It would feel like this!“ Grudges are like carrying cinderblocks because they are heavy and weigh one down. Interestingly, we have pretty fascinating language about grudges. We talk about them the way that we talk about babies. For example, you can hold a grudge. You can carry a grudge. You can put it on your shoulders and bear a grudge. Many of us even talk about how you can nurse a grudge.

Think about it this way: When you nurse something, you feed it that which will keep it alive, that which will make it grow. You can do that with a grudge. You can feed a grudge with hostile thoughts, angry feelings, distorted perceptions, harmful intentions, and if you do, that grudge will grow. Besides all that, the real tragic thing about grudges is that people will walk around and carry them for weeks or months or even years. Although they weigh us down and are joyless, we still can’t wait to get up in the morning and carry our grudge all through the day.

Now for some truth-telling: You know as well as I that if you reflect for a minute, grudges don’t add to your life! Truthfully, they only take away life. They strip you of joy. They take away your potential of growing into a more loving, kind, gracious and merciful person. You won’t become the kind of person you want to be when you carry around grudges. God knows that, too! That’s why the Bible is very clear about the type of relational virus that a grudge is. It spreads throughout your entire life. It cuts off that which should be beating strongly in every Christ-follower: The love of people who are loved by Jesus. There won’t be one area of your life that won’t be affected by a grudge if it stays alive within you. That’s why God says, “Let it go.” It’s time to trade in your grudges and replace them with the life-giving love of Jesus. As you reflect on all the ways God showers you with His love, isn’t it time you lay down your grudges and make it your goal to pass along God’s love instead?

GOING DEEPER: Are you carrying any grudges? What are they doing to your life? What are they doing to your relationships? Are they adding to your growth as a follower of Jesus?

FURTHER READING: Ephesians 4:17-32

The Reprimand

This devotional was written by Leslie Snyder

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—Philippians 2:14-16a

“It’s in our nature to critique, isn’t it?” came the gentle and honest reproach from a good friend during a discussion of a recent wedding reception. The statement stopped me mid-sentence. The conversation seemed benign enough as we discussed how the serving line could have moved a little more smoothly if it were placed in a different location. Merely an observation, I thought; however, the gentle reprimand caught my attention.

In the quest for excellence, we have learned to identify the area of greatest weakness and improve it. This is true in the workplace, academics, the sporting arena, the fine arts, and even in the church. Excellence is our goal and many of us strive diligently to reach it. Ultimately, there is nothing wrong with striving for excellence, but in this quest, we often confuse critique with criticism. Webster makes this differentiation: To critique someone or something is to offer a critical analysis or overview. It looks at the whole picture, encompassing strengths, weaknesses, purpose and other effectiveness. Other words that can be used in its place are evaluation, assessment, review or appraisal. Criticism, on the other hand, is the act of making a judgment, or to find fault. Disapproval, condemnation, disparagement or censure are other words to further define criticism.

Paul, when writing to the church at Philippi, urges his readers to do everything without complaining or arguing. Was he seeking to keep the peace so that everyone will get along? No! His purpose is much higher. Check out his reasoning, “so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.”

It’s a bit touchy. Stop complaining so that we can become blameless and pure. Wow! That’s a great concept! We can choose to be critical – complaining and looking just like the crooked and depraved generation in which we live – or we can choose to stop arguing or complaining and shine like the stars in the universe and hold out the word of life. The choice seems simple, but it’s certainly not easy. It takes a lot of self-discipline and self-evaluation to keep critiquing from becoming complaining, but it can be done! Today, make it your goal to stay away from complaining!

GOING DEEPER: As you consider your words, which are you more apt to do: Offer helpful critique or negative criticism?

FURTHER READING: Proverbs 27:6