The Gift

Scripture Focus:

1 Chronicles 22:17-19
“Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God. Begin to build the
sanctuary of the Lord God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant . . . into
the temple” (1 Chronicles 22:19).
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King David was a man after God's own heart. In fact, he spent a lifetime trying to
know God better. Though he endured frightening circumstances, faced daunting
challenges, and owned up to the darkest of sins, David's truest mark of valor was
his relentless quest to know God intimately.

When preparing for the construction of the temple, David commanded the Israelite
leaders to first devote themselves to seeking God. The Hebrew word translated
“first” means to give, or figuratively, to make a present of. David was inferring:
“More important than the work of your hands is the preparation of your hearts! Seek
God with great enthusiasm and then begin to build. Your hearts are a gift far more
precious to Him than the hundred thousand talents of gold and the million talents of
silver we have amassed for the temple.”

David’s instructions are crucial to our priorities. Too often we focus on the work
ahead and tackle our plans with hearts unacquainted with the spiritual hunger of the
shepherd boy who became a king.

INSIGHT: God can entrust enormous tasks to those who understand His value
system. He appreciates our work, but He treasures our hearts.

Skywriting
Scripture Focus:

Psalm 19:1-6
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge”
(Psalm 19:1-2).
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Living in a community surrounded by glacier-carved lakes, this Scripture passage is
vivid to me. My favorite spot to view the sunset on summer evenings is a sloping
hillside leading down to the shores of Lac la Belle. I shimmy down to a rather
secluded ledge near the lapping waves. Occasionally some mallard ducks swim
past in formation claiming a front row seat.

Some sunsets are magnificent. It’s as if an invisible artist boldly paints great swaths
of burnished golds and brilliant hues across a nearly cloudless canvas. The colors
intensify as the sun lowers. Even the ducks are motionless in such grandeur. Other
sunsets feature stark white billowing clouds that filter the sun's rays, sending
dazzling shafts of light racing over the water, causing the surface water to shimmer
like jewels. Sunrise, sunset -- a silent majestic speech.

God’s glory is written across the heavens for all to see. Every day the divine
skywriting announces God's presence, power, and stunning creativity.

INSIGHT: Knowing God exists is as simple as looking up. The psalmist sings that
the skies proclaim His handiwork in a universal language.

The Enemy Is Me
Scripture Focus:

Romans 8:5-8
“The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and
peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law” (Romans
8:6-7).
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“Lord, deliver me from myself.” So pleaded 17th Century physician and writer Thomas
Brown. He obviously understood that often our biggest hindrance to knowing God is our
stubborn rebellion against His ways. Perhaps we need look no further than our mirrors to
discover the culprit stalling our spiritual growth.

The writer of Romans explains that we must set our minds on the Spirit's desires, not on
our own flawed dispositions. Spirit promptings such as contacting a hurting friend, entering
our prayer closets, or reading our Bibles should take precedence over other desires of the
moment. After hearing some disturbing news, I recently received an encouraging e-mail
from a friend. “God brought you to mind and you are in my prayers.” I'm thankful she had
her mind set on the Spirit's desires that day!
The goal of God-seekers is to not allow their lower natures to shape their decisions or to
mold their conduct. The Spirit's ways are much higher and satisfying than earthbound
perspectives.

INSIGHT: Submitting to God is not demeaning. It means to fit in with another's plans, and
God's plans for us bring peace and life.

Walking in the Midst

Scripture Focus:

Psalm 138
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your
hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me” (Psalm
138:7).
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“After viewing the lab results, I'm inclined to suspect Vikki does have a malignancy
within the thyroid gland,” the surgeon paused, peering kindly over his glasses as we
absorbed his words. “The good news is that this type of cancer is 95 percent
curable with the removal of the gland.”

That was great news, but the horror of hearing the “c” word that morning once again
attached to one of our children gripped me. Our eldest son David bravely endured
six weeks of radiation treatment two years ago in his battle against Hodgkin's
Lymphoma. Our youngest son Dan survived a high-risk bone marrow transplant at
age eight. Now Vikki . . . my heart was breaking.

Where do you go with such devastating news? My husband also was facing lung
and possible heart surgery following several hospitalizations after a major heart
attack. Trouble was biting my heels! But by faith, I determined to see a Hand
stretching out to my precious family once again in power, love, honor, and the
authority of heaven.

INSIGHT: We are God's people and the psalmist rests in the glorious truth that He
will never abandon us, no matter how threatening the troubles.
The First Figs
Scripture Focus:

Jeremiah 24:3-7
“I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people,
and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart” (Jeremiah 24:7).
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“What do you see, Jeremiah?” asked the Lord. “Two baskets before the Temple,” he
answered. “One filled with choice, sweet figs and the other with figs not worth
eating!”

Israel’s warm climate permits more than one annual fig crop. The figs harvested in
June are the finest. The bad fruit of Jeremiah's vision was probably the winter figs
that fall prematurely from the trees during the spring winds. The good figs
symbolized the first wave of Israelite captives in Babylon. Included among them
were Daniel and his friends, known for their attractiveness, strength, and keen
intellects. God's eyes beheld His people, knowing one day they would return to their
beloved Israel.

Greater than their national destiny was God's promise to give them a heart to know
Him. America's religious heritage is rich, like Israel's. I recall prayers beginning our
public school day. Many of my teachers also led Sunday School classes. I miss
these spiritual roots, yet my spirit longs more for that second promise -- God's touch
on individual hearts.

INSIGHT: It's often in times of lingering captivity, the struggling, painful places, that
God produces the prized sweet fruit He most appreciates in our lives.

“June! June!”
Scripture Focus:

1 Samuel 3:8-10
“The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, `Samuel! Samuel!'
Then Samuel said, `Speak, for your servant is listening'“ (1 Samuel 3:10).
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“Mommy! There's an Indian girl who's baptizing us and giving us communion!” the
youngster blurted. June wasn't an Indian; she was a seven-year-old Episcopalian.
When the children from her predominantly Catholic neighborhood asked her what
“religion” she was, the last syllable was all they caught. It sure sounded like Indian
to their untrained ears! June's congregation was always in flux due to irate mothers,
but she served faithfully nonetheless.

God’s hand was on June’s life. Like Samuel, the Lord had revealed Himself to her
as a child, and now she felt drawn toward full-time ministry. She was seeking to
hear the familiar voice call once again, “June! June!”

Hearing the Master’s summons so early in life is awesome, but both June and
Samuel also experienced pain with their response. June still felt rejection's sting as
children were forbidden to play with her. Samuel still shivered before Eli while
delivering God's severe word concerning his defiant sons. Yet both kept tender
hearts into adulthood.

INSIGHT: Let's not dismiss children's cute antics while “playing church.” A budding
prophet may be in our midst!

On Our Own
Scripture Focus:

1 Samuel 2:12-36
“Eli's sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the Lord. . . . This sin of the
young men was very great in the Lord's sight, for they were treating the Lord’s
offering with contempt” (1 Samuel 2:12, 17).
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Abraham Lincoln once said, “You have to do your own growing no matter how tall
your grandfather was.” Being born into the priestly lineage of Levi, with its inherent
religious stature, did not release Eli's sons from seeking and knowing God for
themselves.

How it must have grieved Eli to watch young Samuel, clad in his linen ephod,
faithfully ministering in the Lord's presence, while his own sons were so corrupt.
With each report of their immoral, blasphemous behavior, his heart must have
winced.

“I chose your father’s house to be priests... Why do you honor your sons more than
me?” Eli could still feel the sting of God's rebuke.

One day news came that both his sons had died at the hands of the Philistines, but
Eli's fatal fall occurred when he was told that the ark of the covenant had been
captured. When his daughter-in-law, laboring in childbirth, was told of the deaths
and the loss of the ark, she named her son Ichabod (no glory), stating, “The glory
has departed from Israel.”

INSIGHT: Whether or not our children were “born in the pew,” our fervent prayer
should be for them to genuinely encounter God for themselves.

More Than a Fancy

Scripture Focus:

Mark 14:3-8
“While he was in Bethany . . . a woman came with an alabaster jar of very
expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume
on his head” (Mark 14:3).
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“He didn't love God, he just fancied Him.” Let's consider this anonymous quote
today. The woman at Bethany more than fancied Jesus. There was no mention of
her being wealthy and yet she poured the equivalent of a year's wages from her
alabaster jar on Messiah's head!

“She has done a beautiful thing.” Jesus countered the disciples' outrage at such
extravagance. “Wherever the gospel is preached she will be remembered for this as
a memorial to her.”

“Lord, what is my alabaster jar?” I ask. What is my precious nard that I may pour it
out as an offering like this woman?”

Luxury cars, hot fudge sundaes, vacation cruises, attractive people -- these are
things to fancy. But the God of the Universe deserves more than this depth of
devotion. He deserves our love.

R. J. Campell, 19th Century author, wrote, “I owe Him my soul! He fills my whole spiritual
horizon.” This brother's heart more than fancied God. He loves Him like the woman at
Bethany.
INSIGHT: God never views lavish displays of genuine love as a waste, whether they are
being extended to Him or to one another.

Safe and Warm

Scripture Focus:

Deuteronomy 33:27-29
“There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides on the heavens to help you . .
.The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms”
(Deuteronomy 33:26-27).
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Shenyang, China is home to almost seven million people. It boasts the nation's
largest airplane factory as well as producing electrical and mining equipment. But,
as my Mennonite friend Maribel says, “It's really about the people.”

For several years she has spent six weeks there teaching university students
conversational and written English skills. Though committed to her academic goals,
her heart's desire is to express the love of Christ in and outside the classroom.

The ceremony to award certificates is quite difficult because of the personal bonds
that have been formed. This year the usually reserved Chinese students began to
hug their teachers on receiving their certificates. One young lady wrote Maribel the
next day, “When you embraced me it felt so warm and safe. I wish time would stop.”

Warm, safe, and timeless -- a perfect description of God's presence. Whether in the
midst of congregational praise or in solitude, enjoying the nearness of God fills our
hearts and minds with such security.

INSIGHT: Extend Christ's love to someone today and pray that the warmth of your
love is only a prelude to the Father's.

Be Strong!
Scripture Focus:

Joshua 1:6-9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not
be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua
1:9).
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“Under the sparkling vault of heaven there is a God who hears and sees you.” Little
did the young Sojourner Truth know how much she would need to hold on to this
promise spoken by her mother Elizabeth. By age eleven she was separated from
her parents and sold to another slave owner who beat her.

Sojourner needed to know that God heard her moans and saw her laboring like a
man in the fields because of her six foot hardy frame. She needed this confidence
when she fled one night with her newborn, after her third owner broke his promise
of freedom. Sojourner was forced to leave her other children behind.

Though returned to her master, her greatest grief was knowing that her beloved
father suffered only a few miles away. Word came that he was lame, blind, and
homeless. But Sojourner trusted the God who heard and saw under the sparkling
vault of heaven. She remained strong and courageous.

INSIGHT: The pain and uncertainty of her life introduced Sojourner Truth to the God
who hears, sees, and strengthens us. Be strong as you trust Him today.

Court His Presence

Scripture Focus:

1 Chronicles 16:8-12
“Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to
the Lord and his strength; seek his face always” (1 Chronicles 16:10-11).
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Ronald Knox translates “seeking God” as courting His presence. What a wonderful
spiritual picture!

Courting involves a definite commitment to setting aside times to get to know each
another. Establishing the new relationship must take high priority. Private moments
cement the relationship and move it beyond a timid, superficial level. Nothing
should cause our hearts to flutter more than the thought of seeing and listening to
our beloved.
Observing our son David’s engagement months prior to his summer wedding, I
loved to see the sparkle in his eyes whenever Jennifer was near. Their happiness
and frequent laughter was a celebration of love. It was a joyful time of increasing
excitement and anticipation of sharing life together.

Commitment, excitement, growing intimacy, delight -- all are also components of

courting God's presence. Only in this unique relationship, the Lord wants the
newness and joy of our first love to be everlasting.

INSIGHT: Courtship is wonderful. In what ways will you seek to delight the
Bridegroom of the church today?

Welcome!
Scripture Focus:

John 6:35-40
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take
my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart”
(Matthew 11:28-29).
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When an Eastern traveler was judged to have come in peace, he would be greeted
by his host, “You have walked over my eyes.” That meant he had passed the trust
test and was welcome. Servants would wash the weary traveler's dusty feet, bring
food and drink, and settle him on quilts and namdas made of soft lamb's wool.

Are you a weary traveler? Are the fearsome pressures of modern life taxing your
strength and stability? Are you physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained?
Pulled in every direction with endless expectations, is fear lurking in the dark places
of your mind? Someone has been watching you.

Jesus’ arms are open, “Come! You have walked over My eyes and I've seen the
burdens you carry. I've seen your sadness. You are so tired. Come, stay close to
Me. Be refreshed. I will lighten your load and give you rest!”

Jesus’ eyes also walk over those troubled places of our souls, kept even from those
closest to us. Still He says, “Come. You're welcome here!”

INSIGHT: Jesus' arms are open to you today. He invites you to come to Him. The
next move is yours. Don't hesitate to respond to Him.

Power to Forgive
Scripture Focus:

John 8:1-11
"`Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?' `No one, sir,' she said.
`Then neither do I condemn you,' Jesus declared. `Go now and leave your life of
sin.'" (John 8:10-11).
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The self-appointed sin-spotters brought a woman to Jesus whom they had caught
in the act of adultery. These respected religious men forced the woman to stand
before Jesus and the group that had gathered to hear His teaching. Catch their tone
as they laid a trap for Jesus. According to the Law of Moses, they claimed, the
woman should be stoned. Then they added, "Now what do You say?"

Jesus did not answer directly, but bent down to write on the ground with His finger.
After they persisted with their questions, Jesus said, "If any one of you is without
sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." One by one the accusers slunk
away. In one of the tenderest scenes in the Bible, Jesus assured her that He did not
condemn her. "Go now," He said, adding, "and leave your life of sin."

Jesus read her heart, and knowing that someday He would bear the condemnation
both she and her accusers deserved, He offered her forgiveness. The accusers
went away with their guilt; she went away cleansed and forgiven.

INSIGHT: Jesus did not come to earth to condemn you, but to offer you forgiveness
and cleansing.

The Light of the World

Scripture Focus:

John 8:12-30
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, `I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life'" (John
8:12).
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A thrilling part of the ceremonies of the Feast of Tabernacles came when the priests
lit the giant lamps in the temple court. The people gathered to sing praises to God,
remembering how He had provided the pillar of fire at night when their ancestors
lived in the wilderness (Numbers 9:15-23).

This time the people enjoyed the symbol without recognizing that the reality was in
their presence. They loved the shadow, but Jesus was the substance. "I am the
light of the world," He announced.

Our world is full of darkness and spiritual delusion. Evil holds whole nations in its
clutches. But Jesus promises that whoever follows Him will be bathed in pure
beams from God. Jesus, as the light of the world, brings salvation and a totally new
atmosphere in which believers can walk. In Jesus' light, His followers are able to
discern what is evil and will be guided to the truth. They live in the light, for no
matter how evil their surroundings, it can never blot out the light, for the light of life
lives within them.

INSIGHT: Though you were born in darkness, you can step into the light and live
there as you trust Jesus and follow Him daily.

I See Him
Scripture Focus:

2 Timothy 1:8-12
“Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced
that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day” (2 Timothy 1:12).
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“If you don't have confidence in the one leading, you stop following him.” The
pastor's words struck deep. Reflecting on God's lifelong faithfulness, I would be a
fool to stop walking His path for me.

Paul shared with Timothy the cost of serving Christ. He had faced incredible
suffering, but Paul was never ashamed to testify of his Lord. Why? Because he
knew Him! The Greek translation for “to know” literally means to see. Paul was
saying, “I see with absolute clarity the One I am following. I wholly trust Jesus Christ
with the sacred deposit of all that I am and possess.”

The brave apostle confidently walked God's often painful path for him until the day
his blood was spilt out on Roman soil as a drink offering. He saw the One awaiting
him with open arms. He humbly noted the prize being held up in one of his Master's
nail scarred hands. Paul boldly faced his earthly executioner because of his
assurance, “If I'm not here with you on earth, I am with Him!”

INSIGHT: Do your spirit's eyes see Christ clearly? Knowing about Him is not
necessarily synonymous with knowing Him.

The Main Event

Scripture Focus:

Luke 10:38-42
“She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made” (Luke
10:39-40).
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Soon after the birth of their only child, Martha Blackburn's young husband was
struck with a rare kidney disorder. They had just begun life together in the
pastorate. Over the next 20 years, Martha took on many added responsibilities both
at home and in their church whenever illness restricted his activities. At times, her
distractions kept her from being still before the Lord.

“Don’t be so busy with the preparations that you miss the main event. Too often I
lived up to my namesake!” Martha warned the women gathered for a winter retreat.
We had been studying the familiar story of Jesus' visit with two sisters. Martha had
angrily scurried about the kitchen preparing Jesus' meal while Mary sat listening to
Him. Rather than rebuking Mary for her inactivity, Jesus told Martha her sister had
made the better choice!

Seated before a rugged stone fireplace, flames crackled, warming our cheeks. A
stillness settled as our stressful, complicated lives faded. We all felt the longing for
the hallowed place at Jesus' feet.
INSIGHT: If your heart can't sing in the kitchen, stop the preparations! It's time to sit
a spell with the One you serve.

Idol Makers
Scripture Focus:

Exodus 20:1-6
“You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in
the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters
below” (Exodus 20:3-4).
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Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire observed, “If God made us in His image, we

have certainly returned the compliment.” Once we leave the pages of Scripture and
start forming our concept of God from other sources, we become idol makers. We
create images tarnished by human imaginings.

Knowing God is a revelatory experience through the power of the Holy Spirit. The
journey begins in the Word. Faithful study of Scripture with a prayer for discernment
on our lips guides us to seeing God accurately. It's the surest protection against
turning to idols.

People fancy God to be whatever they desire. One famous architect stated, “I
believe in God. I call him Nature.” The bigot's god hates skin shades. The god of
promiscuity winks at perversions and marital betrayals. The materialist's god lusts
for empty things. New Age gods tempt with trendy universal spiritualism. We must
lay down any image formed apart from the truth. Our view of God must remain
uncluttered by faulty conceptions.

INSIGHT: What folly for creatures to busy themselves trying to form their Creator!
This arrogance tragically clouds our vision of Him.

The Lifelong God

Scripture Focus:

Isaiah 46:1-4
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have
made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” (Isaiah 46:4).
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“Listen up! From the instant your seed was planted in your mother's womb, I drew
near. With your first gasp, I lifted you into My arms, and I have never let go. When
life's trials tormented your soul, I bore the burden of your weight, sustaining you.”

“What about later? When I am old and feeble,” a man wonders. “Will You then pass
me by?”

“I am the One who remains! We walk together uninterrupted. As death approaches,

My daring rescue will release you from life's last painful grasp into My presence
forever.”

So are God’s amazing promises. From cradle to grave the Voice thunders, “I am
He! Know Me!” Are we gratefully listening, or do we try to hobble on the world's
foolish crutches, rebelling at being carried by anyone, including God?

Many years ago, I frantically shouted to the heavens, “Are You real?” The reply was
instant, “I am He!” I finally threw away my crutches, my own failed coping
strategies, and I found He had always been there -- waiting.

INSIGHT: If you are searching today, won't you receive this God of lifelong love and
care? He has been waiting since you first nestled in the womb.

Keep It Simple
Scripture Focus:

Mark 10:13-16
“Let the little children come to me . . . for the kingdom of God belongs to such as
these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom. . .like a little
child will never enter it” (Mark 10:14-15).
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Henri Nouwen taught Christian spirituality at Harvard Divinity School, but it wasn't
until he spent a year at L'Arche in France, caring for the mentally handicapped, that
he grasped the simplicity of knowing God. He discovered the mentally retarded
hear with their hearts, not with their intellects.
Nouwen was enthralled with the residents' prayers as he listened to their directness
and clear love for Jesus. He knew his former students could have learned much
more about a personal relationship with God from these residents than they had in
his prestigious Ivy League classroom.

God wants us to receive the things of the Spirit with childlike trust, not as we so
often sift every concept through our intellect. We need to listen with our hearts and
welcome the love and companionship of knowing Christ.

A religious scholar was once asked, “What is the most vital theological truth you
would hope to pass on to others?” Without hesitation he began, “Jesus loves me.
This I know. For the Bible tells me so.”

INSIGHT: God doesn't expect us to stop using our minds to seek Him. But He does
ask us to submit our minds to His loving sovereignty.

Penetrating Light
Scripture Focus:

John 3:18-21
“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead
of light because their deeds were evil . . . But whoever lives by the truth comes into
the light” (John 3:19,21).
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The Light of Christ is penetrating, illuminating everything cowering in the shadows.

The Greek word describes strong, steadily pouring rays manifesting all they touch.
God seekers need to overcome their fear of this Light and learn to welcome it.

Jesus said that evil people love darkness because it hides their amoral ways. They
maintain the illusion that all is well so long as they avoid God's rays. Jesus said
they actually detest His Light! This word implies persecution. So, it's a hate not
satisfied with just ignoring the Light; it also longs to hurt those who have chosen to
live in its piercing radiance.

Everything that the Light exposes, we are better off without. Old habits and attitudes
lingering from our darkness days keep us from clearly understanding His ways.
More tragically, they prevent the very people God wants to reach from seeing His
Son's power at work in us. They assume the positive things we do come from our
own goodness. This possibility alone should make us cry, “More Light, my Lord!
More Light on my soul!”

INSIGHT: When Jesus takes up residence in our hearts, we can finally make
friends with the Light that streams from His presence.

Fenced In
Scripture Focus:

Psalm 55:22-23
“I call to God, and the Lord saves me. . . . Cast your cares on the Lord and he will
sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. . . . But as for me, I trust in you.
(Psalm 55:16, 22-23).
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The Hebrew root for “sustain” means to keep in, and it infers being contained for
nourishment. When we cast our cares on the Lord, He protectively fences us in and
then provides us with all we need to meet every challenge. In ancient times, a
walled garden symbolized security. What a great image for God's sustaining,
nourishing love!

My husband Paul and I experienced being lovingly fenced in by God. Our daughter
Vikki was undergoing surgery for suspected thyroid cancer. An ultrasound scan had
revealed nodules on one of the gland's lobes, and tissue samples showed
suspicious cells. Had it spread to the second thyroid lobe?

As we waited, I read from a treasured collection of devotional classics. The

Scriptures filled me with hope and confidence! Two hours passed and suddenly
Paul and I became keenly aware of God's presence. We immediately began to pray
and worship.

Soon the surgeon beamed, “There was no cancer! I removed the lobe affected by
the nodules, but all tests came back benign.”

INSIGHT: What an amazing exchange occurs when we cast our cares on the Lord!
We are bordered and upheld by His sustaining grace.
Learning to Lean
Scripture Focus:

Psalm 3:5-8
“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear
the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side. . . .From the Lord comes
deliverance” (Psalm 3:5-6, 8).
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The Hebrew word “sustain” is multifaceted. In today’s verse it literally means to be

propped up! It infers leaning on or taking hold of someone, just as King David kept
a firm grasp on God as he fearlessly faced countless enemies. He declared tens of
thousands were against him on every side, and yet he could stand courageously.
Stand? Maybe not. Leaning was his probable pose. Leaning on God.

We may never be surrounded by enemies like David was, but some of us may feel
under siege of troublesome circumstances. Health problems, financial strains,
exhausting schedules, multiple responsibilities, relational rifts -- they all take their
toll. But when we are about to falter, God's strong arms prop us back up. As we lean
on Him, strength returns and we go on.

Scripture teaches that God's strength is perfected. Whether facing Goliath's threats
as a young shepherd boy or evading Saul's wrath in dank caves, David knew the
true posture of power was learning to lean.

INSIGHT: If you are blessed, your own prideful props will fail and you will know
God's steadying hand on the small of your back -- sustaining.

Hilarious Giving
Scripture Focus:

2 Corinthians 9:6-9
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or
under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”(2 Corinthians 9:7).
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Our attitude toward giving is an excellent indication of knowing God. The amount
we give is irrelevant. What feelings are triggered as the collection plate approaches
our row? How quickly are our wallets opened? How easily do our pens gain access
to our checkbooks?

The word translated “cheerful” doesn’t quite capture the Greek hilaros in describing
the kind of giver God loves. It actually forms the root for hilarious! Hmm. Just how
hilarious are we as the ushers turn to face the congregation? I visited a church that
accurately interpreted biblical giving. Impromptu applause accompanied their
offering time!

How sad for God to observe us being coaxed into parting with our resources. Who
can dispute He really doesn’t need our treasures? He made the earth! It's for our
ultimate blessing He privileges us to give.

Hilarious generosity reflects an accurate grasp of the divine riches that have been
showered on us. God's overwhelming grace and love can't be contained. Let's
appreciate every opportunity to bless Him back.

INSIGHT: Stinginess is an absurd response to God, who withheld nothing from us --

not even His only Son.

Thoughts on First Love

Scripture Focus:

Revelation 2:1-5
“You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not
grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love”
(Revelation 2:3-4).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was an enormous honor to join my mother in caring for my father the week before
his death. What hardships he endured! He was no longer able to stand unassisted
and required being lifted to and from his bed. A new concept of bravery formed as I
watched him daily humble himself to receive our help.

One night my mother soaked and washed his aching feet. As she knelt before him, I
witnessed a transformation. Dad was no longer a dying octogenarian. His tender
gaze was that of the teenage newspaper boy who first won her heart six decades
earlier. “Thanks, Babe,” he whispered as she dried his feet.
Surviving the Great Depression, continually threatened with separation during
World War II, living their first ten years in a basement flat, raising four children,
illnesses, surgeries, grandchildren with serious health crises, and now Dad's heart
failure - my parents persevered through many trials together. Life weariness could
have understandably dulled their passion. But that's not what I observed that night
in their living room. I saw first love.

INSIGHT: Keeping the dew of our love fresh toward the Lord requires our utmost
attention. It must come before all else.

Flawed Impressions
Scripture Focus:

Matthew 25:24-28
“Then the man who had received the one talent came. `Master,' he said, `I knew
that you are a hard man. . . . So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the
ground’” (Matthew 25:24-25).
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The servant in our Scripture passage had a tragically flawed impression of his
master. He perceived him as a hard man, someone to be greatly feared. Before
going on a long journey, the master had entrusted this servant with a talent. It was a
coin of the highest denomination, worth the equivalent of about $1,000. Isn't this an
act of a generous, affirming master?

He had given each man money “according to his ability” to multiply the investment.
So, he was not a man who overburdened his servants. He was holding realistic
expectations. The master's gracious response to the other servants who had wisely
invested their talents also opposes the image of a harsh man.

How had this third servant so misjudged his master's true nature? Had he no
previous interest in cultivating a closer relationship? Had he avoided his master's
presence? His false assumptions revealed he didn't know his master at all. A shovel
of contempt was the bitter response to the master's trust as the servant carelessly
buried his valuable coin.

INSIGHT: Are we harboring false impressions of God? Have we wisely invested the
gifts and talents He has released to us?
Dazzled by God
Scripture Focus:

1 Peter 1:3-9
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him
now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1
Peter 1:8).
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According to poet Vachel Lindsay, General William Booth, founder of the Salvation
Army, died blind and yet his eyes were still dazzled by the ways of God. General
Booth's faith loosed him from earth's limitations to gleefully experience the
presence of his Savior. Peter describes this kind of joy as “inexpressible.” No words
capture its depth.

We only see through a glass dimly -- catching glimpses of Christ through His Word
and Spirit -- yet we choose to adore Him. This is a miracle of grace! Our steadfast
love for the unseen Lord of Glory is the proof of His reality that so haunts an
unbelieving world longing to ignore Him.

Seeing Him so incompletely, we still choose to believe He exists. The Spirit

witnesses to our hearts that God is alive and well, and we cry, “Amen!” Some have
believed to the point of suffering, loss, and death. This brilliant transmillenial march
of saints, willing to risk all for the sake of knowing and serving Christ, is a holy
testimony to faith-filled eyes seeing their God.

INSIGHT: The salvation of our souls is much more than a future promise. It's being
made free now to see and believe.

Spirit-Leveled Ground
Scripture Focus:

Psalm 143:6-10
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love. . . . Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground” (Psalm
143:8,10).
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Contemporary life is marked by anxiety and uncertainty. Lifetime employment for a

job well done is no longer a given. Good investments today evaporate tomorrow.
Household incomes shrivel through sudden death or disabling disease. Political
turmoil boils, spewing constant threats to peace.

King David trusted God’s Spirit to lead him through the snares and hardships of life.
No matter how treacherous the way appeared, he knew there was level ground
ahead. He understood there was a path for his life in keeping with God's purposes.
Was it carefree? No. But it was walkable because God was in the lead. Though
surrounded by dangers and heartbreak, David's harp was never silenced.

Our paths may wind unexpectedly, causing us to echo David's cry, “Oh Lord! Let the
morning bring me word of Your love!” That's our hope. Always expecting God's
presence and power to break through, bringing sense, order, joy, and contentment.
When skies darken, we lift our souls and whisper, “Come, Jesus. . . come with love
in the morning.”

INSIGHT: Spirit-leveled ground provides room for both quiet joy and laughter in the
midst of pain and trials.

Not Even Death

Scripture Focus:

Romans 8:35-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life . . . neither the present nor the future,
nor any powers . . . will be able to separate us from the love of God” (Romans 8:38-
39).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Returning from an enjoyable week of auto racing in Virginia, Doug settled in for the
long drive home to Wisconsin. His friend Bob was resting in the passenger seat.
Suddenly Bob turned toward Doug, slumping forward with a gasp. CPR and
emergency team efforts proved futile in reviving Bob from an apparent heart attack.

Some of us have advance warning that death is imminent, and there's time to
prepare spiritually and relationally. Chronic illness can prod others into accepting
the distinct possibility of a shortened life. In Bob's case, death came abruptly,
leaving family and friends breathless with grief. But, no matter how our life ends,
God's radical love for us is uninterrupted by the event. His grip on our soul is sure.

One of Jesus’ missions was to destroy the fear of death. When we receive Him as
Savior, eternity is planted in our hearts. The Holy Spirit assures us that we are now
children of God, pulsating with Christ's resurrection power. Death's sting is stilled.
Mortality's terror is routed by inseparable love.

INSIGHT: When we know God we can face life and death with quiet dignity and
bold confidence.

Don't Give up!

Scripture Focus:

2 Chronicles 16:7-10
“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose
hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chronicles 16:9).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

As a young monarch, King Asa's heart was fully committed to God. He had
removed Judah's idols, repaired the altar of the Lord, and returned the gold and
silver to the temple. Why did he now reject prophetic words, even imprisoning the
prophet?

Under military threat from Israel, Asa now sought Ben-Hadad of Aram, rashly using
the temple's precious metals to form an alliance. Did he forget God's earlier
promise, “I am with you when you are with me. Be strong and don't give up!” (see
15:2) Why did Asa now trust Ben-Hadad rather than God?

In physical distress, the aged Asa ignored the power of prayer, relying solely on the
skills of physicians. His foot disease was severe, and there is no mention of relief
through earthly remedies. Why did Asa not seek the Healer who once filled his
heart?

The picture of God’s eyes scanning the earth to strengthen those who seek Him is
profoundly inspiring. Are you troubled? In pain? Where is your heart turned? Don't
give up. Never stop seeking God.
INSIGHT: Passion for God is not meant to fade or flicker with the passing of years.
His eyes continually seek spiritual fire.

Knowing Christ
Scripture Focus:

Philippians 3:10-14
“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of
sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The apostle Paul had been a believer for over 25 years when he spoke these
words, “I want to know Christ. . . .” He talked about a deeper knowing, a divine
understanding of absolute clarity. Paul had acquired a consuming soul thirst for the
Lord. He longed to see Jesus' face.

As a new believer, I remember reading this passage and impulsively responding,

“Oh yes, Jesus! I want to know You, too!” It was a naive prayer of excitement,
anticipation of spiritual adventures -- but not a soul thirst. Much “stuff” had to be
removed from my life. Many goals had to be realigned from a Scriptural
perspective. As the hindrances fell, the desire to know Christ held my heart captive.

Paul had lots of time while under house arrest in Rome to consider his life as a
Christ follower. He saw Jesus clearer each day. All else became rubbish in
comparison. It's the Spirit's concern that we all come to this conclusion. If your
hopes and dreams don't include Jesus -- lay them down. If you're not drawing
nearer to Him -- find out why.

INSIGHT: Knowing God requires earnest seeking, enduring, learning, and rejoicing.
Dare to take one step closer to Him today.