Category: devotions about God speaking through us

A ripple of hope

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Acts 6:7, “So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.”

Many of us operate under the assumption that in order to change the world we have to do great and mighty things. The truth of the matter is: a simple act of kindness in the name of Jesus; a loving gesture displaying Christianity; an understanding word to honor Him can start a rippling effect.

How we interact on a daily basis influences others. Have you ever had your day interrupted by someone’s rudeness? Maybe you were grabbing breakfast on your way to work and the person in the car in front of you bought your meal. Or you are dropping your children off at school and someone holds the door for you. Maybe you are running 10,000 errands in a small amount of time and someone offers to help you. The way it makes me feel in turn causes me to respond to others in similar fashion. And the rippling begins…

Words and actions cross our paths every second of every day. Did you ever stop and think how your words and actions are impacting others?

I once read a church billboard which said, “Always testify to the goodness of Jesus Christ and when necessary use your words.”

Sometimes I see someone acting out in a loving way to another person and I think, “I know that makes God smile!” Other times I see someone acting in an ungodly way and I think, “I bet God is wishing he or she would just sit down and hush.”

As Christians we have a higher calling – to spread the Good News of Salvation through Jesus Christ – with our words and our actions. When we do so, the ripples start and make such a difference in the lives of others. Try it! You never know how God may use it to benefit His Kingdom.

Lifting the burden of death

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Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Often we interpret this verse to mean “mourning” as in grieving the loss of a loved one. No doubt; when we lose someone we love, God comforts us; but mourning here also refers to the grief we feel for our sinful acts. It is a loss of fellowship with God – a separation of our relationship to Him. There are blessings in our conviction over the sin we committed. The blessing comes in the pardon of our wrong doing. Redemption comes because we seek God’s forgiveness; we mourn because we have wronged Him and by His blood we are made clean again.

Jesus was also referring to the sins of the world. Anytime we feel the depth and pain of sin, whether it be our own actions, someone else’s, or the malicious acts of a nation, the sorrow draws us closer to God. In our pain and grief, He extends His hand toward us.

2 Corinthians 7:10, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”

There have been times in my life when I asked God to forgive me for something that I did wrong. The attitude in my heart was almost nonchalant – I’d done something wrong, I’d asked for forgiveness, I’m done, right? What I was missing was the true meaning of this verse. God is very grieved when we lie, cheat, judge, steal, hurt others, have addictions, and any other mode of sin. He is hurt by it. When we casually make requests for forgiveness, it must grieve Him even more. The seriousness of sin is eternal damnation – it is no joking matter – and yet, at times we do not understand the seriousness of sin.

Jesus is saying to us, we are blessed when we understand our sin and we mourn over the separation that occurred between us and God when we sinned. This true repentance will bring to us the comfort of God’s forgiveness.

Today, search your heart; ask God to show you areas of wrongdoing to which you need to apply “Godly sorrow.” Sometimes we may need to ask God to give us a sense of sorrow over the sin we’ve committed and for which we are asking His forgiveness. We may need to feel the hurt we have put on others by our actions. We may need to understand how much we’ve hurt God by our sin. It is a privilege when we experience the true sadness for our sinful acts; the burden of death is lifted from us; we are redeem.

God’s regrets

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1 Samuel 15:10-11,”Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel: 11 ‘I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.’” Samuel was angry, and he cried out to the Lord all that night.”

Regret is painful. I do not know anyone who does not have regrets in some form or another. “If I had just taken a different path…if I had not spoken those words…if I had studied harder…if I had not gone that day.” Regret for humans is a belief that if we had not done something, the outcome would be different. Regret for God is not the same.

In this scripture it appears the all-knowing, supreme being of God made an error or a bad decision. We all know that God knows the beginning and the end. He holds our future in His hands. Nothing surprises God; but by our definition of regret, this scripture might make us wonder.

God’s decisions are made perfectly and righteously; however, it doesn’t say He enjoys seeing the trials and struggles we have because of those decisions. It was probably disheartening for God, to see the actions of Saul; even though He knew those actions before Saul ever made them.

Remember, when Jesus faced Pilot, He had no doubts as to what would happen. He knew the pain He would endure. He knew the anguish; but, He went through it anyway because of His deep love for us.

God, knowing how Saul would turn-out, chose him to be king anyway. 1 Samuel 15:29, “He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind.”

God, the Glory of Israel, does not change his mind – He isn’t like us in that regard. What is difficult for Him is seeing the result of the decisions that He made; because of His great love for us, it is hard to watch us mess up. It’s hard to view our choices.

There’s also more to glean from this scripture. When we are disobedient to God, as Saul was, we hurt Him. Many times we don’t think about that. We are caught in the middle of sin and are either trying to hide it from God (impossible) or repenting of it. Either way, we are so self-absorb in our doings, we fail to realize what we are doing to our Savior.

Today, take some time to thank Him for the love He has for you. Apologize for hurting Him with your sin. Rejoice in knowing the depth of love God has for you. Spread that love to those you encounter today.

There’s no denying Whose you are

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Acts 17:28, “…in Him we live and move and have our being.”

Some time ago my son David called me. He had run into an old friend of mine and the first words out of my friend’s mouth to David were, “Boy, there is no denying you! If you aren’t Mike Franklin’s boy, I’ll buy you dinner!”

David laughed on the phone later with me, “He actually bought me lunch anyway!”

I’m proud my son is similar to me, and I’m also proud he is the type of man I want people to relate to me. As we hung up the phone, I thought of God. God must be everything in our lives. As we go throughout the day, we need to ask Him what He thinks we should do. The decisions we face, the conflicts, our direction, the people we meet – any and everything – we need to bring before God. In actuality we should hear, “Boy, there is no denying you! If you aren’t God’s boy, I’ll buy you dinner!”

Several weeks ago I was traveling home from Serbia and I encountered a young man serving as a missionary. He hadn’t been home in two years and was feeling apprehensive about reconnecting with his family. As I listened to his story and heard not only the struggles but the miracles of his work, he told me his parents were not Christian; in fact, his entire family thought him to be a religious nut. He smiled sheepishly at me, “That is the last thing I am.”

“What?” I quizzed.

“I’m not religious. Religion predetermines what God wants me and you to do. No, God has written on my heart what He wants me to do.”

He attributed his salvation to his neighbor who was a mechanic. As a young teenager, his car broke down. He didn’t have any money so he asked his neighbor for help. The deal was, the neighbor friend would fix his car at no cost, if he would help him and listen about Jesus. “It was the best deal I ever made.”

What about you? How do people identify you? How do you want them to identify you?

“In Him we live and move and have our being.”

To truly be “His” we need to pay attention in all that we do. Listen to our inner conscience and what He tells us to do.

Throughout the day today, stop and connect with God. Ask Him if there is anything He specifically wants you to do. Strive, as I am striving, to hear the words, “There’s no denying Whose you are!”

Guess who?

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John 1:10 reads, “He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him.” Another translation of the verse says, “He came into the very world He created, but the world didn’t recognize Him.”

If Jesus Christ knocked on your front door this morning as you are getting ready for your day, would you recognize Him? Would a huge smile come across your face and your arms quickly wrap around His neck? What would your children do? Would they jump up and down with excitement that the Savior of the world was standing on your front porch?

How well do you really know our Savior?

When I was a kid, a popular game we played in my elementary school was called, “Guess who?” Someone would sneak up unsuspected behind another child and cover his or her eyes with hands saying, “Guess who?” Usually, the child would reach up and feel the hands that covered his or her eyes and make a guess based on the voice or the feel of the hands. I always tricked my friends by having someone else say, “Guess who?” I’d get a girl to say it so that the hands and the voice didn’t match and it was a fun way to confuse someone.

Infants know the sound of their Mama’s voice. I remember when Daniel was born. He was screaming at the top of his lungs until he heard Connie’s voice and settled down. If I’m in a dark room, and my daughter walks in and speaks, I don’t have to question who is there, I know who is there. Do you know the voice of Jesus?

John 1:11 reads, “He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him.” He was born into the Jewish faith. He grew-up the son of a carpenter; yet, His people did not know Him. When He returned to His home town to preach to them, He was rejected. Scripture says, “they took offense of Him.” (Mark 6:1-4).

If you are uncertain what your reaction would be to Jesus on your front porch, it’s time to learn who He is. Start in the Book of John. After you have read it several times, move to Acts. Realize what Jesus says about certain aspects of life. Learn how we are to respond to people. Understand how to honor God in all things. Remember, if Jesus didn’t say it, it isn’t so. There are many people in this world putting words into Jesus’ mouth that are not correct. Be a true voice for Him. When you are finished with Acts, start in Matthew and read through the New Testament. Get to know Jesus at the most intimate level so that when He does knock on your door, you’ll know without a doubt, who He is.

Too busy living it

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Psalm 35:9, “Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation.”

Take a moment today to stop and enjoy life. We are all moving on the fast track. Schedules are filled to the maximum with appointments and activities. We are so busy doing our list that we do not even realize if we actually like what we are doing.

When is the last time you stopped to notice which bird in your yard was chirping so beautiful. Do you even listen to them for any length of time? What about the stars at night, or the flowers blooming, or a butterfly passing by? When is the last time you really looked at your children? Noticed their eyes?

Time stops for no one and it is moving quickly.

Yesterday, I was running late for an appointment but as I was leaving the building, I noticed two children in a nearby park, playing.  It was their laughter that caused me to stop. I leaned up against my car and simply listened. The voices reminded me of my children many, many years ago. Oh, how I miss that sound! I can remember coming home and hearing the kids in the yard and how they would drop everything and come running toward me.

Don’t miss your life because you’re too busy living it. God created so many splendid things for us. Take the time today to really notice what is around you. Refresh yourself. Taste your food. Listen to the sounds surrounding you. Touch those you love. Rejoice in the God who gave it all to you. Fill your spirit with Him.

Today, delight in the God of your salvation.

Our faith or God’s faithfulness?

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Whether it is financial, relational, or physical, we are often in the middle of a battle. When we are there, our faith in God’s delivering power may be the very element. He is trying to teach us. We know God honors faith; and Jesus challenged us to maintain faith and a willingness to put our trust in Him regardless of the situations of our lives.

Hebrews 11:6 – “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

Matthew 17:20 – “He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’”

Yet, there are times in our lives when God is teaching us other lessons.  Sometimes the emphasis isn’t upon our activity, but God’s.  Often the focus isn’t our faithfulness but God’s showing His faithfulness. Sometimes, the focus is on someone else, and God uses our circumstance to teach lessons others need to learn.

In the end, we learn to rest in Him, whether by difficult times, joyful occasions, storms, droughts, sunny days, or prosperous events. The manner in which our lives have been designed and molded forms us in God’s purpose and plan for our personal lives.  In short, we become the people God intends us to be as we respond in faith regardless of the situation. We come to a point where we see His purpose for our lives fulfilled. And in each situation, God wants us to see His faithfulness.

One of my favorite Bible stories is a story of ordinary events, typical humanity responding to circumstances of life. As with our lives, the events of this story mold the lives of the persons involved. It is a story about people like you and me, facing life circumstances and finding God’s faithfulness in the midst of life.

A famine strikes the land of  Israel and a Hebrew family, Elimelech, Naomi and their two sons, move to Moab in hopes of finding better conditions. Moab, a nation on the east side of the Dead Sea, was just next door geographically but was light years away philosophically, religiously, and morally. While there, the sons marry two women from Moab, Orpah and Ruth. Tragically, Elimelech and both the boys die; Naomi and her two daughter-in-laws are left as widows in a land foreign to Naomi. She decided to return home to Israel. Orpah, one of the daughter in-laws, returned to her family in Moab; but, Ruth, the other dauther-in-law, committed to stay with Naomi.

Ruth 1:16 – “But Ruth replied, (to Naomi) “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.'”

Ruth and Naomi returned to Bethlehem together. They were accepted by Naomi’s family there. A prominent land owner named Boaz noticed Ruth and asked his workers to be kind to her and her mother-in-law. He left extra grain for Ruth to pick up, glean, in the fields. Boaz took Ruth as his wife, bought Naomi and Ruth out of debt, and provided the two ladies with loving care. The result was provision in their lives though they had both been widows.

Sometimes the focus isn’t on our ability to demonstrate faith, but God’s loving faithfulness to us in tragedy. The story of Ruth and Naomi demonstrates God’s interest in our lives. Simple women living in Godly ways are noticeable to God. All He requires is a willingness to serve Him as our God. Just as He cared for the details of their individual lives, He cares for all the details of our lives.

You may be in a situation through no fault of your own; it may simply be tragic circumstances. Be assured God will show His faithfulness to you. He will restore, renew, and care for you. Trust in His faithfulness.

Saying I do, again

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Last night I had the privilege of renewing the marriage vows of seven wonderful couples. Connie and I love this occasion and look forward to it at the conclusion of the marriage enrichment classes offered at the church I have the honor of serving. I’ve learned over the years, the renewal of vows is an important reminder for couples – a reminder of what marriage is about. Life struggles strain us in many ways and can cause us to lose sight of our priorities. By renewing marriage vows, the couple is saying to one another, “You are still the one who holds my heart.”

As I watched these beautiful couples repeating the covenant of marriage to one another, I thought of my covenant with God. As Christians there are times we need to renew our vow with God, not because He needs the reminder but because we do.

One of the ladies cried more at her renewal than she did at her actual wedding. We laughed about it; but, it is probably because she knows now what her words really mean. So too with Christianity. When we first became Christians, we really didn’t understand our walk with Christ as we do years later. The words of committment we made to Christ when we decided to follow Him have a much deeper meaning now because we’ve lived life. We know what it is like to live with Him and to live without Him.

Today, renew your vows with Christ. Rejoice in the splendor of loving Him. Remind yourself of the sacrifice He made to give you eternal life. Embrace our Lord and the covenant you share with Him. Say I do, again, to Jesus Christ.

What to do with 5 daughters

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Numbers 27 tells us of a father named Zelophehad who had 5 daughters, Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. By the law, land inheritance passed from father to sons, not father to daughters, and Zelophehad had died. These sisters come before Moses and petition his help. “Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not in the company of them that gathered themselves together against the Lord in the company of Korah; but died in his own sin, and had no sons. 4 Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father.” Numbers 27:3-4.

It is important to understand the courage it took for the 5 sisters to go before Moses. These were women in a culturally different environment. They are asking Moses to change the law, to make an exception, to go against the norm. They are asking the “etched- in-stone” impossible. Also, it is done with wisdom and humility. They didn’t create a ruckus; or secretly try to defy the law. It is done in a manner worthy of representatives of God. The land was important to them not only economically but because it was a part of their father and his name should be preserved. Their intent was to honor the memory of their father as well.

“And Moses brought their cause before the Lord. 6 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 7 The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father’s brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them.”

Maybe there are problems in your life right now that seemed, “etched-in-stone” impossible. You may believe it isn’t even worth asking. What is done – is done! It can’t change; it can’t be resolved; no one can help! I bet these 5 daughters entertained those same thoughts as well; but, they didn’t stay there. They sought a solution in God.

Moses could have dismissed them. Maybe there are people petitioning you for help. Maybe you are in the position of Moses. Does it seem too high a mountain to climb? Does their plight even matter to you? With great wisdom, Moses knew to bring their case before God. He could’ve judge them himself; he could’ve decided the potential uproar of changing the law to accommodate the daughters of Zelophehad were not worth it; the law and culture were on his side; but instead, Moses petitioned God. Maybe you need to ask God’s guidance instead of relying on your own.

God didn’t just rule for these 5 daughters, He instructed Moses to change the law and gave him specific scenarios as examples of how to distribute property. Because of their request, future generations benefited.

When faced with difficult challenges today, seek the Lord’s advice and wait for His answer. He cares about the details of our lives and how we interact and deal with eachother and the issues which present themselves to us.

Like the blink of an eye

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A complex anatomical device, the human eye is a remarkable, architectural wonder of our body. It gives us the ability to see by refracting light and producing a focused image that stimulates a neural response. It is probably one of the most protected parts of our body by eyebrows, eyelashes, eyelids, and blinking. Our reflexes involuntarily react to anything that threatens our eyes, from dust particles to flying objects.

In every day life, we use references to the eye or pupil to indicate characteristics of our lives:

“She is the apple of his eye” indicates the importance of one person to another. “The movie was a real ‘eye-opener’ for me” indicates that we learned something from an experience. “Keep your eye on the ball” indicates caution in focusing on detail. “He really has an eye for it” indicates a person’s ability to do something well.

The eye is also an indicator in wisdom or ignorance:

“I see what you mean” expresses understanding. “Hind-sight is 20/20” is an expression used after something happens in our lives; if we had just known a particular thing, we could’ve changed the outcome. “He turned a blind eye” expresses when someone ignored something. “Due to an oversight” is used when we forget something. “To oversee a project” is to be in charge of it.

Psalm 17:8, “Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings.”

We are like ‘eyes’ to God and He guards us with great care. He is as protective of His people as we are of our eyes. In Zechariah 2:8, “For this is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘After he has honored me and has sent me against the nations that have plundered you – for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye’ -“ In those words, I feel the protection of God. I feel the wall of fire around me; I feel the power of His reflexes; I know I am protected from evil.

We are given a divine guardianship. Think today on God’s protection of  you.  It is far more than you could ever imagine. Understand that wherever you go, He is with you. In a 16 hour day (the time you are awake) you will blink probably an estimated 15,000 times – that’s around once every five seconds. Consider as you move around throughout the day, God is covering you like a blink of the eye.

As a young boy my grandmother would tell me, “God will always rescue you, Michael, either here on earth or in the heavens. You do not ever need to be afraid.”