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 Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 5:28 am
Devotional Reading for:
4/5/2008
Associated Scripture Readings:
Hebrews 12:3-11
Psalm 66:8-20
A Father’s Discipline
For the Lord disciplines the one He loves. Hebrews 12:6
A swim coach put his team through a tough, rigorous training routine. The coach’s daughter went through the same routine. But after the others finished their workout, the coach insisted that she continue to swim laps. The girl felt persecuted. Why should she have to endure longer hours than the rest? She already was faster than most of the team. But the coach knew his daughter’s possibilities. As her father, he loved her too much to let her fail to reach her potential.
Our loving heavenly Father adopted us as His children in Baptism, and now He conforms us to Christ’s image (Romans 8:29). Often He puts us through tough times to strengthen us. Yet we whine about our circumstances, preferring to remain spiritually immature and weak.
God’s love for us was shown when He gave His Son, Jesus. God’s love was demonstrated when Jesus willingly died on the cross, taking the punishment for the sins we committed. Risen, He leads us in the way of the cross (Mark 8:34).
Our Father loves His children too much to allow us to remain undisciplined weaklings. God doesn’t promise us ease, but He does promise to provide the strength to endure (Romans 5:1–5).
Father, thank You for caring for me enough to discipline me. Help me to face all conditions in Your strength. Amen.
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Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 12:18 pm
Missions: An Eye-Opening Experience
I arrived in Fortalesa, Brazil with Compassion International on a media trip. I was there to learn about Compassion’s work and the incredible difference they’re making in the lives of children. One of our stops was to the city dump. Fortalesa’s dump is unlike anything you’ll see in North America. It doesn’t simply fill a city block; it stretches for miles. And there are no restrictions on what can and can’t be tossed in the dump. Toxic waste, syringes, sharp pieces of metal — anything someone wants to get rid of — is in the dump.
The smell is atrocious. Vultures hover around the trash hunting for scraps of food. Waste mixed with rotten edibles tempt one to cover her nose when walking among the filth. But working feverishly in the garbage are a few thousand people desperately trying to find anything salvageable they can sell to recyclers who come around at the end of each day. Plastic bottles, glass, tin, anything that can be recycled is sold. In a good month, someone can make anywhere from $5 to $10.
I’ll never forget 14-year-old Alena. I met her among the filth. As she paused momentarily from gathering trash, I asked her (through an interpreter) how long she had worked at the dump. “I work from dawn till it gets dark,” she said. “And around 10 p.m. when trucks come in with new garbage, we often race out here again and work for a couple of hours before getting to sleep. Then we start over again at dawn.”
“What do you do for fun?” I asked.
“I don’t have fun,” she said. Her eyes were dark. There wasn’t even a hint of happiness on her face, and I realized Alena couldn’t comprehend the luxury of jumping rope or drinking lemonade under a shade tree or playing a game of hop-scotch. She was living in total misery and couldn’t even imagine anything different.
Unless someone tells her, Alena will never know that she can have joy in the midst of her garbage- filled world. How will she know that Jesus yearns to work and walk beside her among the trash, and that He offers peace and forgiveness for sin?
Our team was only allowed 10 minutes at this particular site because of the danger involved. Yes, I can pray for Alena and trust God to send someone else along her path to share His good news. But who will that someone be?
Could it be . . . you?
Know It!
God is calling you to share His love with others. Sometimes He’ll take you out of your comfort zone to accomplish that, and other times He’ll allow you to remain home.
Read It!
Romans 1:16; Romans 15:16-20; 1 Corinthians 9:16.
Pray It!
Lord, I want to want to be willing to go anywhere and do anything You ask. Right now, though, I confess I’m uneasy thinking about sharing You with people I don’t know and whose language I don’t understand. Jesus, I know You’re a patient God, and You’ll work with me to accomplish Your will in and through my life.
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Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 4:29 pm
Devotional Reading for:
4/6/2008
Associated Scripture Readings:
Matthew 18:1-6
Psalm 131
Total Dependence
Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:4
As I cradled my infant granddaughter in my arms, I marveled at her helplessness. If she had to depend on herself for survival, she would surely die. She could contribute nothing toward meeting her own needs. Helpless herself, she cried for help. Because her parents delight in giving her what she needs, she won’t die.
Though we may enjoy caring for a dependent newborn, as adults we take pride in making it on our own. But when it comes to entering heaven, God insists that we come in total dependence. In fact, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).
Jesus was talking about faith. He wants us to acknowledge our dependence on Him. We are as helpless as a baby when it comes to spiritual survival. If we had to depend on ourselves, we would die in our sin.
Jesus met all the conditions for our eternal life when He gave His life on the cross on our behalf. Christ comes to us and offers His life, leading us to cry to Him for help. He shows us that we can depend on Him for every temporal and eternal need. He delights in giving us all that we need.
Lord, thank You for meeting all the conditions for us to live with You forever. Amen.
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Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 3:35 pm
Devotional Reading for:
4/7/2008
Associated Scripture Readings:
Romans 3:19-31
Psalm 19
Mirror, Mirror
For by works of the law no human being will be justified in His sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20
After cooking spaghetti sauce for soon-to-arrive guests, I rushed to the store to pick up a few forgotten groceries. Before checking out, I visited with a former classmate whom I hadn’t seen in years. It was a good time to run into her, I thought. I was having a rare good hair day; I was even wearing makeup. Arriving home and feeling in control, I passed the mirror in the entry and glanced at my image. My bright yellow shirt was adorned with a splotch of spaghetti sauce.
Mirrors have a tendency to bring us to reality. A mirror cannot change our image, but it can show us that our image needs a change. God’s Law has the same function. It is the mirror that shows us that we are stained by sin. But the Law can’t clean us. It is only by God’s grace that we become clean.
Jesus paid our cleaning bill with His blood when He died on our behalf. In Baptism, God removes our stains and gives us Christ’s purity. Having been washed by Christ in Baptism, we are without spot or wrinkle or any other imperfection (Ephesians 5:25b–27). Because of what God has done for us in Christ, we can look into God’s mirror and see the grace of God.
Lord, You have redeemed us; let our lives reflect Your grace. Amen.
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Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 4:39 pm
Giving It Away Through Missions
You can probably imagine how heart-broken our small group of six was as we made our way through the dump, dodging buzzards, covering our noses to help diminish the atrocious stench and seeing the children with extended tummies due to not having enough to eat.
One person suggested we feed the several hundred in our area. Wow! That must have cost a fortune, you’re probably thinking. And at first glance, it would have seemed impossible. After all, how much of a difference could six people make with a group so large?
We purchased bread and butter and gave it to the folks at the ministry site. Guess what! They were able to feed close to 900 people from that purchase. The cost? An amazing $12!
God does unbelievable things when we place our few resources in His hands. He’s able to take the little we have and multiply it for His glory. We tend to think our small portion won’t be of any significance, but what if the small boy in the crowd of 5,000 had thought that? He unashamedly gave Jesus all he had — even though his all was only some small fish and a few pieces of bread. You know the end of the story, don’t you? Jesus fed more than 5,000 people because of that little boy’s obedience.
Rachel played varsity volleyball for her high school team. She wore her tennis shoes to the dump. But as soon as she witnessed first-hand the sights, smells, sounds and dire poverty in front of her, she had to react. Approaching a barefooted elderly woman digging through the trash, Rachel caught her attention and pointed to her own feet. Without hesitation, the athlete untied her shoes and placed them in the hands of the old woman. Rachel didn’t care that the woman smelled of garbage. She held tightly as the woman hugged her and flashed her toothless grin.
Because of the needles, waste and dangerous materials that stretched across the ground of the dump, we couldn’t allow Rachel to make the long walk barefooted. Without hesitation, one of her adult sponsors hoisted her around his shoulders and carried her down the hill. Because Rachel had given so freely, Jeff didn’t think twice about giving to Rachel.
A little boy gave his food. Rachel gave her shoes. Jeff gave his shoulders. What can you give?
Know It!
A short-term missions trip provides incredible opportunities to give your life away. But guess what — you don’t have to go on a missions trip to be the hands and feet of Jesus! You can give your life away right where you are. You can make a difference in someone’s life without even leaving your hometown. The question is
. . . will you?
Read It!
John 12:26; Romans 12.
Pray It!
Dear Lord, You freely gave Your life for me. Help me to give my life away those around me. Show me specific ways to be Your hands and feet to my neighbors, family, classmates and people I don’t even know.
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Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 4:16 am
Devotional Reading for:
4/8/2008
Associated Scripture Readings:
John 7:37-39
Psalm 46
The Source
Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, “Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38
Last summer, we visited the headwaters of the Missouri River in Montana. It was only a trickle. However, the stream quickly widens and deepens as it travels through rugged terrain. It passes through North and South Dakota, alongside Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas, through Missouri, and into the Mississippi River. As the Missouri River finds its way around and through all obstacles, it generates power, nourishes life, and cuts a beautiful landscape.
The river paints a beautiful picture of what God can do in the life of a believer. When God leads us to faith in Jesus, He makes us a channel for Christ’s life. That channel begins like the stream in Montana. Through the Word and Sacraments, Christ’s life continues to flow into ours. We grow spiritually and our lives change. We may take a winding, steep course before we become as deep and strong as God intends.
Eventually, the love of Christ that flows in us affects those around us. We may never realize how God is shaping others through our lives. We need not be concerned with the results, but only that our hearts remain faithful in Christ Jesus, the water of life.
Lord, let Your life flow through us, that we might remain faithful in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 3:14 pm
Out of Date?
“Justin, this is Pastor Steve. How’s it goin’?”
“Fine,” Steve answered as he balanced the phone on his left shoulder and slapped a piece of bologna between two slices of bread saturated with peanut butter.
“Just calling to let you know we’ve missed you at youth group.”
“Yeweibsy,” Justin muttered between bites.
“Justin, I know you’re taking a foreign language at school, but I’m not familiar with this one,” Pastor Steve said with a chuckle.
“Sorry ’bout that,” Justin said. “I just got home from school, and I’m starving. It’s peanut butter and bologna time!”
“Ugh!”
“Serious, Man. It’s great!”
“I’ll take your word for it. Can I pick you up for youth group this week?”
“Ah, I don’t know,” Justin said.
“Okay. Level with me, Justin. What’s going on?”
“I don’t know. I just don’t get into the stuff we’ve been talking about.”
“You mean the series we started last month on people from the Bible?”
“Yeah. It’s all so irrelevant.”
“Really?” Pastor Steve prodded.
“Well, sure. It happened like a zillion years ago. What’s any of that got to do with me?”
“Okay, well let’s say this week we tackle something that is relevant. Think any of these topics will hit home? Terrorism, unmarried and pregnant, murder, rape, peer pressure, New Age.”
“Now you’re talking, Pastor Steve! See, that’s the real world. Those are the things we face every day — not stuff like chariots and marching around walls and talking donkeys.”
“Hey, Justin. That list of topics I just rattled off came right from the Bible! It’s all the stuff we’re scheduled to take a look at during the next few weeks.”
“You’re kidding!”
“No, I’m serious.”
“The Bible talks about all that stuff?”
“Sure does, Justin. Don’t ever be deceived that the Bible isn’t relevant. It’s the most relevant guidebook you’ll ever read. Studying it is the beginning of wisdom.”
“Well, I can definitely use some wisdom right now! I’m in a jam because of a lie I told Coach Baker.”
“I’ve got just the book for you, Justin!”
“All right. I’ll see you in a couple of days.”
Know It!
God’s Holy Word — the Bible — is the most precious possession you can own. Its words are priceless. Its wisdom is abundant. It contains the answers for any problem you’ll ever encounter. Make time every single day to devour more of its contents.
Read It!
Proverbs 21-26; Proverbs 4:1-13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Pray It!
Jesus, I confess I often tune out a sermon because I assume it won’t relate to me. But I’m beginning to realize that Your Holy Word is filled with ordinary people — just like me — who failed, repented and received victory. Help me understand the Bible as I commit to reading it on a more consistent basis.
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Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 4:01 am
Devotional Reading for:
4/9/2008
Associated Scripture Readings:
Romans 8:12-17
Psalm 27:7-14
Costly Adoption
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. 1 John 3:1
We met a new family member at the reunion this year. She didn’t resemble any of us, yet she delighted all of us. During a work assignment in China, my cousin took his family to tour an orphanage. They noticed that no one was attending to one particular newborn’s needs. The family was told that because she was so tiny, she was destined to die. They begged the staff to allow them to take the 3-pound baby home to care for her. Finally, the staff agreed.
After months of love, nurture, and sleepless nights, Angel was restored to health. The family grew to love Angel and wanted her to be part of their family. The adoption process was painstaking. It took two years of frustration, financial drain, and perseverance. But now, Angel belongs to them.
What the family did for Angel is what God has done for us. While we were yet in our helpless sinful condition, Christ came to our rescue. Our adoption cost Jesus’ life. We contributed nothing. We simply were given a marvelous gift of love. We can do nothing to repay Jesus; we can only thank Him for what He already has done. In Christ, we live lives that bring honor to God.
Jesus, thank You for making such a costly sacrifice to make us children of God. Amen.
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Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 12:58 pm
How Does Christ's Return Affect Me?
by Susie Shellenberger
Christ told His followers to wait and watch for His return. We know God keeps His promises, but why is He taking such a long time with this one?
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
There’s a reason for His timing: God longs to have everyone with Him throughout eternity, so He’s patiently extending His Son’s return so more people can place their faith in Him.
Meanwhile Back at the Ranch
Jesus’ coming back to Planet Earth someday is absolute truth. As Christians, we know beyond all doubt this WILL happen! So it makes sense that if we’re truly committed to Him, it will affect how we live each day.
Maybe you’ve heard someone say, “Live today as though it were your last day on earth.” Why not transfer that thinking to Christ’s promise to return? If you knew beyond all doubt that Christ would return before midnight tomorrow, what would you do differently today?
The real issue isn’t when. The issue is: He’s coming back!
So let that fact determine your lifestyle.
Unpacking That Reality
To truly live today as if Christ’s return is imminent should encourage you to:
Draw intimately to Him. When Christ returns, you don’t want to seem like a casual acquaintance; you want to know Him deeply. You’ll want to welcome Him with open arms and feel intricately entwined with Him as your Savior. So deepen your relationship with Him now through reading your Bible and praying consistently.
Make things right. If there’s a problem between you and another person, determine to make peace. Follow the Bible’s advice: “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” (Ephesians 4:26).
Be vocal about your faith. Think of your loved ones who don’t have a personal relationship with Christ. Your desire is that they’ll spend eternity with God! So talk openly about the difference He’s made in your own life and how they, too, can live forever with Him.
Focus on what matters. Spend your time and energy on things that make a difference so when He returns He’ll be proud of what He sees you doing. Get involved in a ministry. Consider serving at your local soup kitchen. Tutor someone. Start a Bible study and accountability group.
Today Could Be the Day
Yes, Christ could return before your next meal. The issue again, though, isn’t WHEN He’s coming back, but that He IS returning! Because you know that’s as true and sure as the blood flowing through your veins, let it make a difference in how you live today.
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Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:10 am
Devotional Reading for:
4/10/2008
Associated Scripture Readings:
Job 1:13-22
Psalm 116
Immaculately Dressed
Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. . . . Blessed be the name of the LORD. Job 1:21
From an observation room, I watched my newborn granddaughter fight for life. The doctor’s hands trembled as he forced air into her tiny lungs. I couldn’t bear to watch, so I closed my eyes and begged God for her life. Days later, I held Lauren in my arms. All I could say was, “God is good.”
It’s easy to praise God when we are happy, but I wonder if I would have praised God if Lauren had not survived. When he was stripped of his possessions and family, Job clung faithfully to God’s revelation of His goodness.
I make no claims to be as steadfast as Job. But I do know that regardless of what life offers, God is good.
We came into this world naked. We will leave it stripped of all worldly adornments. Naked, we shall return to dust; yet we need not leave this world without clothing. When we are baptized into Christ, we put on Christ (Galatians 3:27). Jesus washes us of sin’s filth and wraps us in His life. Death cannot rob us of this glorious garment. Though we will leave this world as paupers, we will be received as God’s children, blanketed in Christ. So whatever life offers, we have reason to proclaim, “Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Jesus, thank You for covering our sin with Your perfection. Amen.
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Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 3:32 pm
Hall of Fame for the “Lasts”
Ever thought being last would have a place in history? Betcha didn’t know . . .
• The twentieth president of the United States, James Garfield, was the last president born in a log cabin. The year was 1831, and the place was Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
• Many people assume the Baby Ruth candy bar was named after the great ball player Babe Ruth. It was actually named after a little girl lovingly nicknamed Baby Ruth. Her last name? Cleveland. (Her dad was President Grover Cleveland. She was his oldest daughter and was born in 1891.
• There are 773,692 words in the King James Bible. The very last word is “Amen.” The last sentence preceding it? “The grace of our lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” (Revelation 22:21).
• Ever wonder what Tarzan’s last name was? John Clayton, Jr., Lord Greystoke, was the childhood name of Tarzan.
• Amelia Earhart’s last contact with the Coast Guard was on July 3, 1937.
• The last words of Julius Caesar were, “Et tu, Brute?”
• The last United States president to weigh more than 300 pounds was President William Taft who tipped the scales at 332 pounds.
• The last episode of “The Brady Bunch” was titled “The Hair-Brained Scheme” was televised on March 8, 1974.
• Maybe you’ve assumed Dorothy — of The Wizard of Oz — didn’t have a last name. She did. Dorothy Gale.
• The last of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics — known as the former U.S.S.R. — happened in 1992 when it broke up into 15 independent countries.
• The last letters added to the English alphabet? J and V.
• The last face carved on Mount Rushmore was Theodore Roosevelt’s.
• The last time Tug of War was an official game in the Olympics: 1920. Great Britain won the gold. Holland won the silver, and Belgium took home the bronze.
• Alice of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland didn’t have a last name. But the book was written in honor of Lewis Carroll’s friend Alice Liddell.
• Telosphobia: The fear of being last.
As you can see, sometimes our last words, last names, last moments can become historic. Have you ever thought of what your last words, last attitude, last characteristic to be remembered by will be?
Know It!
God wants to help you develop a good reputation and a holy lifestyle. His desire is that you be remembered by His reflection. Wouldn’t it be great if the last mental picture your friends and family have of you is one that glorifies Jesus Christ?
Read It!
Proverbs 5:21; Proverbs 22:1-2; 1 Timothy 3:7; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 2:17.
Pray It!
Jesus, I don’t really think about my time on earth running out, but I know it will someday. Help me to invest myself into being all You want me to be each day of my life. Teach me how to pour all I have into people, tasks and my relationship with You.
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Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 2:06 pm
What Jesus Wants You To Ask Him
Jesus asked the two blind men a specific question, “What do you want me to do for you?” And they responded in a specific manner. “We want our sight.” When Jesus asks you a question, He desires for you to respond in a specific manner as well.
But Jesus doesn’t want to be the only One asking questions. There are also some things He wants you to asking Him!
#1: He wants you to ask Him for His help in revolving your life around Him. (The Scriptures at the bottom of the page will back up these questions.) He doesn’t simply want to reside in your heart. He wants total residence in your entire life. He wants to guide and direct each one of your steps.
#2: He wants you to ask for a hunger and thirst for the things of God. It’s not enough to simply know Him; He wants to develop a hunger within you to know Him better. He also wants you to grow in your desire to be with His people.
#3: He wants you to ask Him to help you keep up with the basics in developing a growing relationship with Him. Without continuing in a consistent prayer life and in daily Bible reading, your relationship with Christ will slowly fade.
#4: He wants you to ask Him to deepen your trust in His Word. He wants you to know — beyond doubt — that He never breaks His promises.
Know It!
You can wholeheartedly trust the Creator of the universe. He’s never broken His Word, and He never will. One of His greatest desires is to strengthen your faith and help you draw ever closer to Him.
Read It!
Psalm 42:1; Psalm 51:12; Philippians 2:13; Proverbs 3:6; Isaiah 43:2; Luke 1:27; John 3:16; Hebrews 13:5.
Pray It!
Dear Jesus, I’ve never thought that You wanted me to be asking specific questions. Help me to ask the right questions and to wait for Your answers. Now that I know what You want me to ask, help me to ask on a consistent basis.
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Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 3:15 pm
What’s In a Name?
Have you ever wondered what your name meant? Here are some common names and the meaning behind them. Check the list and see how many friends you have with these names and how many come close to the description.
Alana (bright, mysterious)
Alexander (intelligent, leader)
Allen (funny, friendly)
Amy (educated, calm)
Ben (strong, lovable)
Bradley (sensitive, fun loving)
Carla (independent, outgoing)
Christian (well mannered, honest)
Christy (friendly cute)
David (handsome, intelligent)
Douglas (handsome, strong)
Drew (attractive, independent, trim)
Jody (delightful, friendly)
Joel (popular, nice, sensitive)
John (intelligent, dependable, well groomed)
Patrick (popular, happy)
Roxanne (feminine, enthusiastic)
Stacy (active, cute)
While the above descriptions may or may not be accurate of you or your friends, it’s fun to see how close we come to defining the meaning. What if you were given a name at birth and expected to live up to its meaning? And if you failed, you were stripped of your name. Your identity would be taken from you. People would refer to you as “Hey, tall kid!” or “You — short stuff!” or “Yo, Curly.” Our names are special, and to imagine having them taken away from us is unsettling.
Have you ever thought of what it means to carry the name of Christ? When you dedicate your life to Him, you take on His name. Are you living up to its meaning? Are you reflecting the nature of Jesus Christ to a watching world?
When we call ourselves a Christian, it’s important that we live up to its meaning. While the above definitions with common names were simply created by man, God gives us a genuine description of His Son’s name in His very character. The word Christian means one who follows Jesus Christ; one who adapts his lifestyle to Christ’s; one who lives as Christ lived. And under that umbrella we find honesty, integrity, purity, kindness, holiness, godly lifestyle.
There’s no way we can live out the above definition in our own power. It would take a supernatural power within us to enable us to live that way. Guess what! That supernatural power is available through the Holy Spirit. In His power, you can live out the true definition of Christian.
How does one live in His power? Through total surrender. By completely submitting yourself to the authority of Jesus Christ, you release control of your desires, your will and your life to His charge.
Know It!
God doesn’t simply “wish you luck” at living a godly life. He wants to empower you and enable you to live a life of holiness.
Read It!
1 Corinthians 4:20; Hebrews 1:11; Hebrews 10:12-17.
Pray It!
Dear Jesus, I’ve asked You to forgive my sins, but I don’t think I’ve ever totally given you complete control of myself. I’d like to do that right now. I realize I can’t live out the definition of Your name in my own strength. So I submit to Your authority. Will You fill me with the power of Your Holy Spirit? Sanctify me holy and enable me to glorify Your name with my lifestyle.
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Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 1:43 pm
The Truth About Names
Ever wonder if some of your favorite celebrities and athletes were actually born with the names they have? Some really weren’t. For instance, Kareem Abdul- Jabbar was born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor, Jr. Andre the Giant’s real name is Andre Roussinoff. Hulk Hogan’s real name is Terry Bodello. And Jason Alexander who played George Costanza on TV’s “Seinfeld” was born Jay Scott Greenspan.
If you enjoy watching reruns of “I Love Lucy,” you might enjoy knowing Lucille Ball’s real name was Dianne Belmont. Nicholas Cage was born Nicholas Coppola, Cher was born Cherilyn Sarkisian, Tom Cruise was born Thomas Cruise Mapother IV, Jodie Foster was born Alicia Christian Foster, Whoopie Goldberg was born Caryn Johnson and political talk host Larry King was born Larry Zeigler.
You’ve probably heard of Harry Houdini. But you probably haven’t heard of his original name, Ehrich Weiss. And you’ve no doubt heard of Elton John but probably haven’t heard of what he started out with: Reginald Kenneth Dwight.
Wolfman Jack probably gets more attention than his original Robert Smith. Madonna is much easier to remember than Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone, and Marilyn Monroe is easier to recall than Norma Jean Mortenson Baker.
Rudolph Valentino shortened his name from Rudolpho Alphonzo Raffaelo Pierre Filibut Guglielmo di Valentina D’Antonguolla. (What were his parents thinking?!?) And Pauline Esther “Popo” Friedman Phillips shortened her name to Abigail Van Buren (“Dear Abby”).
Have you ever wanted to change your name? Maybe you’ve wished you had a different name or have created a nickname for yourself. On the other hand, perhaps you’re trying to live down a nickname someone else has given you.
Guess what! No matter what your name is, and no matter how it’s been changed or how you’d like to change it, it’s important to God. He knows your name, and He calls you by name. When He wants your attention, He doesn’t say, “You! The one who failed the history quiz!” He calls you by your name.
We all love to hear our name when it’s used in a positive way. And God loves to speak your name enveloped in love, dignity and pride. It’s amazing, isn’t it . . . to know that the Creator of the universe knows and speaks your name!
Know It!
God never makes fun of your name. He never laughs at it, never mocks it and never spreads untrue things about it. He wants to protect your name and add His very character to it. He desires to bring dignity and an all-encompassing love to your name.
Read It!
Isaiah 40:26; Isaiah 43:1; Isaiah 45:3-4.
Pray It!
Jesus, I love the fact that You know my name, You speak my name and You like my name. Thank You. Help me to respond immediately when I hear You call me by name.
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Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 2:33 pm
Heaven-Bound 101
“Hey, Chelsea! You goin’ to Explosion tonight?” Luke asked as he tossed his backpack behind his broad shoulders.
“Sure want to. But I’ve got tons of chemistry homework. I’m hoping I can finish it in the library before I head home.”
“Exactly where I’m headed,” Luke said as he waved to some of his friends across the hall. “Pretty good crowd last night, huh?”
“I couldn’t believe it! The church was packed.”
“Pastor Steve was right when he said God wanted us to saturate this youth revival with prayer. We’ve prayed, we’ve fasted, we’ve invited kids till we’re blue in the
face — “
“And God’s blessing our efforts,” Chelsea finished.
“I really liked what Pastor Steve talked about last night. You know — heaven and stuff.”
“Yeah, me too, Luke. He made it sound like we could know for sure if we’ll end up there.”
“I’ve been a Christian for almost three years, but I always have these nagging doubts as to whether I’ll really make it to heaven.”
Chelsea smiled. “I know exactly what you mean.”
“You, too?”
“Yep. My grandparents are Christians. My parents are Christians. And I became a Christian in the fourth grade. I’ll never forget asking Jesus to forgive my sins and make me a new creature in Him. But still — “
“You doubt where you’ll spend eternity,” Luke finished.
“Exactly.”
“Sometimes I wish I were Pastor Steve. He seems so confident — spiritually.”
Chelsea agreed. “I wanna be that confident, Luke.”
“Yeah, me too. That’s why I’m going back tonight. I want to make sure I get it, you know?”
“Yeah, I know exactly what you’re talking about. So help me with this chemistry homework. I wanna go, too!”
Know It!
When it comes to where you’ll spend eternity, you don’t have to hope. Neither do you have to guess. Or beg. Or wonder. You can know for sure if you’ll spend eternity in heaven with Jesus. And since we don’t know how much time we have on earth, it’s comforting to know we can be absolutely sure we’re ready to meet Christ!
Read It!
John 1:12; John 3:16; Romans 10:9; Revelation 3:20.
Pray It!
Dear Jesus, I want to know beyond doubt that I’m ready to meet You and that I’ll get to live with You forever in heaven. Help me to find the proof I need from Your Word, through Your voice and in Your Holy Spirit.
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