December 31 Do You Have a Dream?

I am focusing all my energies on this one thing.
(Philippians 3:13, NLT)

Before you can set out on your life’s journey, you need a road map. That’s called your dream. For Moses, it was leading God’s children to the promised land. For Florence Nightingale, it was bringing healing and hope to dying soldiers in Crimea. For Thomas Edison, it was illuminating the world. Anyone who’s ever made a difference started with a dream, and eventually it became their life’s obsession. Mine is to put God’s Word into the hands of every person I can, during my lifetime!

You say, “How can I know my dream is of God?” Because it will always bless and benefit others. If your dream is to live in a castle and accumulate a fortune for yourself—don’t count on God to go into business with you. And, furthermore, your dream is only worth what you’re willing to pay for it. Inspiration without perspiration is only a daydream.

Forty percent of the people you meet have great ideas, but all they do is talk about them. Another forty percent work hard, and they’d be willing to give their all to a great dream, but they don’t have one. The remaining twenty percept have a dream and the faith to make it come true. If you are part of that remarkable twenty percent, there are no guarantees that you’ll succeed—but you’ve got a good chance—better than eighty percent of your friends.

 

That’s the word for you today.^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 365). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

December 30 What’s It All About Anyway?

A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.
(Luke 12:15, NIV)

In the 1920s, some of the world’s most successful men met in the Edgewater Hotel in Chicago. Present were the presidents of America’s largest steel company, utility company, and gas company; also the presidents of the New York Stock Exchange and the Bank of International Settlements. Together these were the faces of power and success. The ones we all want to be like!

But twenty-five years later the story was so different. The president of the largest independent steel company, Charles Schwab, lived his last years on borrowed money and died bankrupt. The president of the largest gas company, Howard Hopson, went totally insane, and the president of the New York Stock Exchange, Richard Whitney, was released from Alcatraz to go home and die. Finally, the president of the Bank of International Settlements, Leon Fraser, committed suicide.

Every one of these men knew how to make a living—but not one of them knew how to live! Jesus told us, life is not built on things; it’s built on relationships, and the first relationship you need is with God.

 

Do you have one today?^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 364). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

December 29 The $6 Haircut

Continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught.
(Colossians 2:6–7, NIV)

Just because something sells books and tapes and draws a crowd doesn’t mean God is in it.

It may just be good marketing, but you couldn’t support it from the Word to save your life. Once I had to recall an entire series of “prophetic” teaching tapes because the Soviet Union had unraveled and the Berlin Wall had come down. I remember thinking, “There go some of my finest insights!” All of us have a tendency to think that our revelation is not only important, but that it is the final one that will usher in the coming of the Lord. Denominational graveyards are full of wonderful people who believed that.

A small-town barber was doing well until a big company moved in across the street. They blitzed the area with signs reading, “EVERYTHING FOR $6. Six-dollar Haircuts! Six-dollar Perms! Everything for $6!” The barber lost all his customers. In despair, he hired an advertising expert. “I’m finished,” he declared. “I can’t compete with them!” The expert picked up the phone and called the town’s only billboard company and told them to put a big sign on the top of the barber’s shop. “And what do you want us to put on the sign?” they asked. He replied, “In big, bold letters put the words, ‘WE FIX $6 HAIRCUTS!’ ”

 

Child of God, make sure that when the “new waves” come in and go back out that you are still rooted and grounded in the truth.^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 363). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

December 28 Divine Intensity

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart.
(Luke 10:27)

When Israel was threatened by Assyria, their king went to Elijah for help. Elijah told him to pick up the remaining arrows and begin striking them on the floor. But he only did it three times and stopped. Elijah was angry with him and said, “… you should have struck the floor five or six times, for then you would have beaten Syria until they were entirely destroyed; now you will be victorious only three times” (2 Kings 13:19,TLB). It’s a sad story of partial victory, of what might have been if only Joash had put more into it. It’s not just the opportunity—it’s the spirit that meets the opportunity that determines the outcome.

God will give you chances to win, but it’s your commitment that determines the size of your victory and, ultimately, the effectiveness of your life. Stop blaming others. God has put arrows into your hand—use them! The enemy is no problem to God. Have you any idea how often God has defeated him? No, the problem lies in you. You’ve got to activate your faith, focus your vision, release your compassion, and do something! If the fire in your heart has become a smoldering ash, get into God’s presence quickly and stay there until He rekindles in you a divine intensity and a new love for Him.

 

That’s the word for you today.^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 362). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

December 27 Hard Work

Keep your spiritual fervor.
(Romans 12:11, NIV)

He worked by day and toiled by night,
He gave up play and warm sunlight.

Dry books he read, new things to learn,
And forged ahead success to earn.

He plotted on with faith and pluck,
And when he won, they called it luck.

Mary I. Smith said, “The only place you will find success before work is in the dictionary.” Listen: “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me” (Acts 20:24, NIV). The clock meant nothing to Paul, because he was on a mission. He was not affected by the weather, the circumstances, or the opinions of others; all that mattered to him was fulfilling his destiny. Child of God, are you looking for an example or looking for an excuse? The Bible is not a book of shortcuts. It’s a workbook! Listen: “Work while it is day.” “Ever abounding in the work of the Lord.” “The people had a mind to work.” “Keep your spiritual fervor.”

After a concert, a fan rushed up to the famed violinist, Fritz Kreisler, and said, “I’d give my whole life to play as beautifully as you do.” Kreisler replied, “I did!” That’s the price of success, and it costs each of us exactly the same.

 

“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men” (Ephesians 6:7, NIV).^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 361). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

December 26 The Man in the Glass

I have finished my course.
(2 Timothy 4:7)

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,

Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.

For it isn’t your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass,

The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.

He’s the fellow to please; never mind all the rest,
For he’s with you clear to the end,

And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the man in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass,

But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.

 

Now there’s something to think about!^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 360). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

December 25 The Virgin Birth

Behold, a virgin shall be with child … and they shall call his name Emmanuel …
(Matthew 1:23)

The first group ever to question the virgin birth of Jesus was religious leaders. How interesting! The Pharisees said, “We were not born of fornication” (John 8:41). That was meant to be cruel. After all. He couldn’t point to Joseph and say, “He’s my father,” for His father filled the universe. Jesus had to be God in order to save us, and He had to be man in order to die for us!

You were the child of an earthly father, hence you have your father’s DNA—you were born in sin. But not Jesus! He was the earthly son of a heavenly Father. He broke the cycle of sin before He was born. In the Bible, the sacrificial lamb had to be without blemish (a birth defect), or without spot (something picked up along the way). Since Jesus had neither inherited sin nor practiced sin—He alone qualifies as “… the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

I believe in the virgin birth because: a) The angel of the Lord announced it (Matthew 1:20); b) Mary’s husband-to-be accepted it (Matthew 1:24); c) Elizabeth, her cousin, got it by divine revelation (Luke 1:4); and d) the story was written by a respected medical doctor who’d known the character of all concerned. He wrote, “… know the certainty of those things” (Luke 1:4). God first laid His gift in a manger—then He hung it on a tree.

 

God first laid His gift in a manger—then He hung it on a tree. Today receive that gift by faith, and this will truly be the greatest Christmas you’ve ever had.^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 359). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

December 24 Getting Back Up!

Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise.
(Micah 7:8)

The most natural thing to do when you fall is to get up again. Someday, maybe even the next time you try, you’ll walk without stumbling. But until then, refuse to stay down. You’ve got to get up on the inside before you can get up on the outside. When the pressure is on and the enemy says, “You’re not going to make it,” tell him, “I’ve got you right where I want you. I may be down, but I’m not out. My wounds will heal, my tears will dry, and I’ll be back tomorrow, stronger than ever.”

America’s 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt, said, “It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best knows in the end the high achievement of triumph, and who at worst, if he fails while daring greatly, knows his place shall never be with those timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

 

Child of God, rise up and say, “Though I fall, I shall arise!”^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 358). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

December 23 Waiting

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
(James 1:4)

Are you trying to get out of something that God is trying to bring you through? Have you been asking God why the waiting period is so long? If so, here are three reasons:

Waiting brings results! “It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord” (Lamentations 3:25–26). Waiting time is learning time, and as long as you’re learning, you’re not losing. God will spend time training you for the battle, because He’s a good general. “Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight” (Psalms 144:1).

Waiting will reveal those around you. Motives are not easily discerned. Trust God, but test people! That’s scriptural. “The LORD your God led you … 40 years, to humble you and to test you, in order to know what was in your heart” (Deuteronomy 8:2, NIV). The wrong people can keep their mistakes and their motives covered for a long time, but waiting forces the truth to the surface.

Waiting gives God time to address your problem miraculously. He’s a miracle God; so don’t get ahead of Him and rob Him of an opportunity to prove His power in your life.

 

The word for you today is “Wait!”^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 357). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

December 22 Don’t Be a Phony!

And the Lord called unto Adam … “Where art thou?”
(Genesis 3:9)

The most important question you can ask yourself today is, “Where am I—really?” You could be in trouble if you don’t know the answer, or if you do, but you just don’t deal with it. When God asked Adam, “Where art thou?” he replied, “… I heard … I was afraid … I was naked … I hid …” (Genesis 3:10). It’s amazing the lengths we’ll go to in order to hide. We’ll bury ourselves in work, or get involved in an affair, or put up a brick wall around our hearts—anything but face the truth. God wasn’t trying to find Adam, for He already knew where Adam was—He just wanted Adam to find himself. Until you do that, you’re truly lost!

The problem is when you hide, you become a phony. Have you any idea how much emotional energy it requires to keep up a charade for others? Only two things are worse: being a phony with yourself, and being a phony with God. Furthermore, you’ll find it difficult to “open up” to others, give them a hug, pay them a compliment, or look them in the eye, because you’ll be afraid they’ll look inside your heart and see the real you.

Is that where you are today? Afraid to look into your own heart? The good news is Adam was naked, but God clothed him; he was terrified, but God gave him peace.

 

If you’ll come to Him today. He’ll cleanse you, clothe you, and change you!
He’s just waiting for a chance to do it.^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 356). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

December 21 Bless Your Children

Joseph said unto his father, they are my sons … and he said, bring them … and I will bless them.
(Genesis 48:9)

My grandson Alexis at the “testing” stage. First he’ll give me a big grin, then he’ll try something he knows he’s not supposed to do. He’s pushing the limits today and practicing for the future when the issues will be much bigger. (Welcome to the terrible twos!) Seriously, a child who understands how far he can go is relieved of a great burden. When he knows your authority will stand, it gives him security. Also, if he learns today that “no” really means “no,” then he’ll be able to say it one day to his peer group—and to his impulses.

Parents in the Old Testament laid their hands on each generation because they believed that blessings were transferable. If nobody did that in your life, then start a new tradition. For with God’s blessing comes health, peace, long life, and prosperity (see Deuteronomy 28). That’s why the enemy has attacked you so often. He’s trying to break the link through which the blessings flow. Don’t let him!

The other day, I held Alex in my arms and prayed, “God, if you ever made a man, make me one now. May he grow up to think that Abraham Lincoln was a horse thief and George Washington was one of the Jessie James boys by comparison to his grandfather. Let my life, my example, and my prayers mold him into a man you can use, and, Lord, take me out of this world 24 hours before I ever say or do anything that would cause him to stumble. Amen.

 

Maybe that’s a prayer you’d like to pray too.^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 355). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

December 20 Trade-offs

And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him …
(Genesis 37:5)

To fulfill your dream you’re going to have to make some trade-offs. You’ll trade off popularity for excellence and short-term pleasure for long-term fulfillment. Accepting the security men offer in exchange for the significance that doing God’s will brings is a lousy deal!

Learn from Joseph! He discovered that it’s a mistake to share your dream with false brethren, for it only reminds them of the dream they never had or the one they’ve abandoned. When somebody tries to talk you out of your dream, they’re usually just trying to talk themselves back into their own comfort zone. To do it, they’ll give you any rational lie they ever gave themselves. Don’t buy it! Love them, help them if you can, but don’t be influenced by those who have “given up.”

Dreamers are survivors. It was Joseph’s dream that caused him to overcome temptation, betrayal, imprisonment, and a lot of things that cause us to quit. Remember, God’s purpose alone should be the stuff of which your dreams are made. To discover your dream—get to know yourself, your strengths, and your weaknesses. Look at your opportunities. Examine where God has put you, then seek His counsel.

 

If you do, He’ll give you a dream for your life.^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 354). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

December 19 Resentment List

You must make allowance for each others faults and forgive the person who offends you …
(Colossians 3:13, NLT)

There I was the other morning, alone in my kitchen making coffee—talking to myself. I was telling somebody off, and it wasn’t the first time either. Such rage and resentment—I wanted to kill them! Ashamed, I thought, “I’m not supposed to have these thoughts; I’m a man of God; I write a daily devotional, telling others how to live.” Immediately I prayed, “Father, I choose to forgive them, and I ask you to forgive me.” I can’t remember how many times I’ve prayed that particular prayer, but it’s been a lot—at least “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22).

Some of the people on my resentment list don’t stay there for long; after one or two good prayers, they’re gone. But some keep showing up regularly. (How about you?) Then I heard God whisper to me, “If it’s in your heart, you’ve got to deal with it” (Psalms 66:18). Now if anyone else had told me I was harboring resentment, I’d have argued them into a corner. But there I was, talking to somebody who wasn’t even listening because they’d moved on, and my thoughts weren’t fit to print. So I added another line to my prayer: “And, Father, whatever I ask for myself in blessing, I ask for them, too; and make it a double portion.” Suddenly I had a sense of peace, and I started feeling like I’d taken back some ground.

 

Do you need to deal with resentment today?^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 353). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

December 18 Discipline

Run in such a way as to get the prize.
(1 Corinthians 9:24, NIV)

John Wesley was ordained at 24, preached for the next 64 years, and died at 88. He preached 42,000 sermons and rode over 250,000 miles, mostly on horseback. He attributed his good health to rising at 4 a.m. and preaching at 5 a.m. every day for 60 years. Now that’s discipline!

Here’s what you can learn from his life. First, you have to start! That might seem obvious, but so many of us are still stuck in the starting blocks waiting for someone or something to get us going. Next, you’ve got to give it all you’ve got! Divers in the Olympics have more than one try before the judges, but the winners don’t save all their effort for the final dive. Instead, they concentrate on nailing every single one, thus increasing their chances for a gold medal. Don’t settle for mediocrity at any stage in your journey!

And don’t quit! In the 1992 Olympics, Derrick Redmond of Britain was competing in the 400-meter race when he suffered a torn hamstring and fell. As the other runners breezed past him, he began to struggle to his feet and his father, whose face was covered with tears, ran down from the stands to help him up. Slowly, agonizingly, they made their way around the rest of the track and crossed the finish line, as the stadium in Seoul burst into thunderous applause. Derrick didn’t win a medal, but he won something more important—he won the respect of the world!

 

Run to win!^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 352). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

December 17 Dealing with Prejudice

He must needs go through Samaria.
(John 4:4)

Jesus had to go through Samaria—and so must we! Listen to what the woman at the well told Him: “The Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans” (John 4:9). This may be touchy, but the God who sees our hearts won’t put up with racism—He’s color blind! One of the worst offenders was Peter, but God dealt with him in a vision and then sent him to preach the first sermon ever heard by Gentiles. Listen to what Peter told those Italians, “It is against the Jewish laws for me to come into a Gentile home like this. But God has shown me … that I should never think of anyone as inferior” (Acts 10:28, TLB). Paul said, “Jews and Gentiles are the same” (Romans 10:12).

I was raised in a divided Belfast and grew up among “my own kind.” We went to school together, played together, and believed we should avoid “the other kind”—for God wanted it that way! Christians in America are amazed when I tell them about it; but you should see their reaction when I ask why black children had to ride in the back of the bus? We’ve all got to go through Samaria, because we’re all going to live together in an “undivided city,” with a “a great multitude … from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne” (Revelation 7:9).

 

Today take a look into your heart.^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 351). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

December 16 Law of Progression

First the blade then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
(Mark 4:28)

If you’re having a problem with impatience, listen: “And he said, so is the Kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear … immediatly he putteth in the sickle because the harvest is come” (Mark 4:26–29).

Before you receive what God’s promised you, you’ll often go through certain stages—this is called “The Law of Progression.” First, there’s the “I don’t know” season. Your seed is in the ground, and you’re “in the dark.” How and when your harvest will come is entirely up to God. All you know is that it will! Next comes “the blade” season. It’s only a tiny blade blowing in the breeze, but it’s enough to encourage you and let you know the answer is on the way. Next comes “the ear”season. Now it’s starting to look like what you prayed for. So you begin to water it with prayer, fertilize it with the Word, and protect it from those who would try to uproot it. Finally you enter “the full corn” season. That’s when you hear the words,” … put in the sickle because the harvest is come.” Note, you’ve got to recognize it and reach for it!

 

Whatever season you’re in today, stand fast and keep trusting, for your harvest is on the way!^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 350). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

December 14 Grace

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.
(Romans 11:6)

Dr. Gerald Mann tells the story of how he got his doctorate in Greek. There were only six students in his class. The professor had never given anyone an “A.” On the first day, he held up a Greek textbook and to their amazement he announced, “I have already written your grades, and no matter how much you study or what you score—I have given every one of you an ‘A!’ ” Dr. Mann said, “Out of six students, five of us learned more Greek in that class than we ever thought possible. The other fellow just got by and never really applied himself.” Here’s the point: Grace is the power to excel or the license to just get by, but either way you’re accepted!

Why would God do things in such a way? Because He’s a Father! The love He gives us is unconditional, and only our unconditional love can satisfy Him. Amazing! Our God makes himself vulnerable to the rejection of His children. Maybe you are wondering, “How can I know if I truly love Him?” That’s easy: You’ll love your brother and sister (see 1 John 4:21); you’ll keep His commandments—all of them (see John 15:10); you’ll spend time with Him. David said, “My soul longs for thee” (Psalms 42:2).

 

Why don’t you take time today and just tell Him how much you love Him?^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 348). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

December 13 Take Responsibility

So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
(Romans 14:12, NIV)

If God’s will is ever accomplished in your life, it will be because you decided to pay the price! Stop blaming others for your circumstances and your decisions! All of us have had people in our lives we thought would be a blessing, but they became a burden. Reversals and roadblocks are all part of the journey. Change usually takes place only when the pain is so great that you can’t stand it another minute. Your present can only continue with your permission.

Paul said, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). You’ve got to fight; you’ve got to finish; you’ve got to keep the faith! Have you learned the lessons of your present circumstances? Look at your schedule. What does it say about priorities, your values, your future? Your future is a reward, not a guarantee!

Have you spent time seeking God? If not, how could you possibly make the right decisions? Have you done what He has already told you to? You’ll have no peace until you do. Are you willing to do what it takes in terms of patience and preparation? There are no overnight successes in the Bible.

 

If you are going to make a difference, you’ve got to be willing to wait and work at it![1]

 

[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 347). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

December 12 Travelin’ Light

Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.
(Luke 10:3–4, NIV)

Dr. James McConnell points out that what Jesus said to His disciples was, “Carry no purse”—no hoarding! “No bag”—no involvements! “Greet no man”—no wasting time!

No hoarding! God will bless the man or woman who’ll say, “Every penny you give me above my needs, I’ll use to tell the story to those who’ve never heard.” Imagine standing at the Judgment Seat of Christ with a pile of money invested, while multitudes starve and the world is unreached with the Gospel! What could you possibly say? (See 2 Corinthians 5:10.)

No excess baggage. “Let us strip off everything that slows us down … and let us run” (Hebrews 12:1, TLB). Whatever can get your attention can influence you; whatever can keep your attention can master you! Satan dreads the completion of your assignment. Fight to keep your focus!

Don’t waste time! Question any relationship that doesn’t contribute to your destiny! Paul said, “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed” (2 Thessalonians 3:14). The hour is too late, and the assignment is too urgent! When I lived in Maine, they closed down the schools for a three-week period, and everybody would go into the potato fields to gather the harvest. To wait is to be too late!

 

It’s the same in your life, too!^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (p. 346). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

December 11 Worry Coupons

So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things.
(Matthew 6:31–32, NIV)

The other day I was really stressed out over something when I heard a minister say, “Worry is a 20lack of trust in God.” Then I started worrying over the fact that I was worrying! Someone else said, “Just don’t worry about it.” Sounds simple enough, but I come from a line of descendants who speak faith but show fear. Maybe you’ve met them!

Then a friend came up with this novel idea: “Why don’t you try this ‘worry coupon?’ It entitles you to worry as much as you like, but only if: a) it will feed and clothe you; b) it will add to your life instead of taking from it; c) it will make tomorrow better; and d) you don’t mind acting like the pagans do.” Point taken.

Then he said, “If that doesn’t work, make a list of all the things that you’re worried about, put it in a box, and then put it up on a shelf somewhere. If God is either unable or unwilling to take care of you, you can always go get the box back and start worrying again—but at least give Him a chance to work on your behalf! While you’re waiting, pray, stand on the Word, and don’t give your worries a voice.”

 

Your words have the power of life and death, so speak life! ^[1]

 

^[1] Gass, B. (1998). A Fresh Word For Today : 365 Insights For Daily Living (pp. 345–346). Alachua, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers.