1-Minute Daily Devotion

What is the Gospel?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600

"To give His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins..." - Luke 1:77

If you're not a Christian but you've been around Christians, you've probably heard the term "gospel," but what does it mean?

It means God loves you. He has a purpose for your life. He wants you to have a meaningful life. That's the great part! Everybody likes that.

But we have a problem personally experiencing God's love. We're separated from God because of our sin. Sin is missing the mark of God's best for our life. It's living life our way versus God's way. But the solution is Jesus. He died for our sins. He rose from the dead, proving He is God. He is the way to God.

This calls for a decision to believe Jesus is who He says He is, and to trust Christ alone for salvation and abundant life.

That's it. Do you believe it? The gospel is the good news of salvation, following the bad news of our sin problem. I hope you'll believe it and receive it.

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The Perfect Wish

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600

"So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil." - 1 Kings 3:9

As kids we used to play a game asking that question, "If you could make one wish, what would it be?"

I would stay quiet while others said things like, lots of money, a big house, or a motorcycle. Then I'd say, "I'd wish for unlimited wishes!" I felt so smart, but looking back it simply revealed incredible selfishness.

Years ago God said to Israel's young King Solomon, "Ask whatever you wish Me to give you." What an offer! Solomon chose "wisdom to lead and discernment between good and evil." God was pleased, knowing he could have asked for wealth or long life. So God granted his wish and a wealthy, long life.

Asking God for wisdom is a wise request indeed, for so often with wisdom comes great success and the respect of others. The world is drawn to people who are wise. Remember, God and His Word are the best sources of wisdom.

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Patience

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600

"He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly." - Proverbs 14:29

It has been said that life is a test of patience. Where do you struggle with being patient?

I struggle with lines--whether it's traffic, or waiting at a restaurant. Why, I'd rather drive five miles out of the way than sit still in traffic. I get impatient with people when I'm facing a deadline and get interrupted, or when someone says they'll do something and it doesn't get done.

Where do you struggle with patience? Do you ever pray, "Lord, give me some patience, now!" Let me suggest a few practical ways to learn patience:

1. Take a breath and pray for self-control.

2. When people anger you, if possible, retreat for a moment. Take time to back off and get control of your emotions.

3. Confront fairly, and seek to listen, understand, and where needed, forgive.

4. Remember, the greatest motive for patience is remembering God's patience with us.

Patience is a precious commodity, for it's a powerful way to win the respect of others and turn a potential enemy into a friend.

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Childlike Faith

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600

"...Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." - Matthew 19:14

Parents pushed and shoved their children, hoping the famous man would touch them. His assistants, thinking they were protecting Him from unwanted demands, tried to shoo the kids away, but this important man was indignant with His assistants. He said, "Let the children come to Me." He took them in His arms and hugged them, and the kids loved Him. The man's name was Jesus. He showed His well-intentioned disciples how important children are to God.

Question: Dad...Mom... do you make time for your kids like Jesus did? The man who lived an incredibly busy life but was not too busy for children?

Very often, a child's importance is shown when we give a listening ear or a hug, when time is what they want and need. When it comes to your kids, ask the Lord to help you be like Jesus. No job is more important than that; even if you're the Son of God

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Bringing Good Out of a Bad Situation, Part 2

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600

...we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure..." - 1 Corinthians 4:12

In March 1999, a twenty-three-year-old man named Steve Sawyer died of AIDS. Most of you wouldn't know the name, but he shared his story with over 100,000 college students.

He was a hemophiliac, and in the 1980's he contracted the HIV virus through a blood transfusion. For years he was bitter. What could be more unfair? But he accepted Christ as his Savior and Lord in college, and when AIDS took over he realized he had only a short time to live. Steve wanted to tell as many as possible that, through Christ, he had found peace and ultimate victory. He said, "This is what God has given me to do; my calling was to have AIDS, and share the Gospel through AIDS."

Amazing! If you were suffering like him, could you say that? It's the power of the Gospel to bring good out of bad situations. After all, AIDS killed Steve, but Christ overcame death; and now, so has Steve Sawyer.

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Bringing Good Out of a Bad Situation, Part 1

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600

"...the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us." - Romans 8:18

In your mind, picture a fifty-two-year-old executive, writer, artist, and speaker who has a national radio broadcast. What would you think if I told you that same person has been a quadriplegic since she was seventeen? Some of you know her name--Joni Erikson Tada. Her life has been an inspiration to many because she believes God can bring good out of the worst situation. She believes that suffering has purpose through faith in God, for God can use suffering to mold our character to make us a better person.

Are you going through a difficult time? Does your hardship and suffering seem meaningless?

Remember, God can take the worst life brings and turn it into something good if you'll put your trust in Him. He's in the business of turning chaos into a masterpiece when we turn our life over to Him.

Are you willing to believe God can bring good out of even your situation? I assure you He can.

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God the Father

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600

"Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me." - John 6:57

Jesus often used the term “Father” when referring to God. Usually, He used the term Abba (Daddy, Father), but sometimes He used a different Greek term (Pater) that has four meanings: nourisher, protector, upholder, and provider. When Jesus did this, he described to us the ideal father:

1. Nourisher - that’s one who builds up the family. It’s one who is fair, loving and encouraging to each family member.
2. Protector - every home wants a father who is strong and loving. The strength is motivated by love in the face of evil.
3. Upholder - the upholder of Godly character and values. The upholder models this as he teaches.
4. Provider – one that meets the material, educational and physical needs of his family. It’s one who is dependable, responsible and trustworthy.

That’s really what Jesus is teaching us by using the term that He uses for Father. He is a nourisher. He is a protector. He is an upholder. And he is a good provider.

I don’t know if you have an earthly father like this. Those of us who do are truly blessed. But even if you don’t, God is eager to have you as one of His adopted children when you accept His Son in faith. He is the perfect Dad.

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