TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Deuteronomy 6:1-25
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TODAY IN THE WORD
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Every parent, every person is an example to others. Tommy Bolt, a professional golfer known for his graceful swing and terrible temper, once tried to liven up a clinic he was giving by telling his teenage son: “Show these nice folks what I’ve taught you.” The boy obediently hurled a nine-iron up into the blue sky!

Certainly that was not what Mr. Bolt had in mind! But the son was following the father’s example.

In contrast, when Robert Ingersoll, the infamous skeptic, was in his heyday, two college students went to hear him lecture. Later they discussed his tirade against the faith.

“Well,” said one, “I guess he knocked the props out from under Christianity, didn’t he?”

“No,” the other replied. “He didn’t. Ingersoll did not explain my mother’s life; and until he can explain my mother’s life, I will stand by my mother’s God.” What a compliment! What a challenge! For us to live in such a way that our children or our friends would be convinced of the reality of God.

This was the charge given to the Israelites by Moses as they made preparations to enter the Promised Land. They were to know God’s commands (vv. 1, 6, 17, 20). More importantly, however, they were to obey (observe or keep) God’s commands (vv. 1-3, 17-18, 24-25). Then they had the responsibility to impress or teach these commands to their children (vv. 7-9, 20-25).

It wasn’t enough for these parents just to know the truth or even to talk about the truth. Central to the continuation of the faith was the need to live the truth.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
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Undoubtedly others watch how we live, especially those in our household. A Christian once asked a Jewish rabbi friend: “When are you Jews going to become Christians?” The rabbi replied, “When all you Christians become Christians.”

Our children, our relatives, our friends, our neighbors, our co-workers—all these are watching and waiting to see if our faith is genuine. An old poem puts it this way: “You are writing a Gospel, a chapter a day, by the things that you do and the words that you say. Men read what you write, whether faithful or true: just what is the Gospel according to you?”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 9:1-13
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In the classic Victor Hugo novel Les Misérables, the protagonist Jean Valjean steals a loaf of bread to feed his sister’s starving children. After serving a nineteen-year prison term, he is unable to find work. Fortunately, he meets a kindly old bishop who agrees to feed and house him for a night.

In his desperate condition, Valjean yields to temptation and steals some of the bishop’s silver plates. When he is caught by the police and brought back, the bishop tells the authorities: “Why, I gave them to him. And Jean, you forgot to take the candlesticks.”

Valjean is astonished by the bishop’s kindness and is never quite able to get over it. This one kind act becomes instrumental in Valjean’s salvation.

In this cynical, suspicious age, such kindness is rare. People are so afraid of being taken advantage of that they ignore those in need. In today’s reading, David seeks out the surviving relatives of Saul with the sole purpose of being kind to them. These men and women did nothing to deserve such treatment. In fact, Saul was the antithesis of kindness, treating David with unrelenting cruelty. But David had a covenant with Saul’s son, Jonathan.

David uses the Hebrew word hesed, that denotes a willingness (even a zealous desire) to do favors to another. As in the case of David and Mephibo-sheth, it pursues those with needs and delights in helping. Hesed always springs into action. It does something to help, showing itself in tangible ways. Such kindness is one of the most talked-about attributes of God. To be one who cares for others is to be like God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
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Undoubtedly others watch how we live, especially those in our household. A Christian once asked a Jewish rabbi friend: “When are you Jews going to become Christians?” The hspace=5>

Some time ago, a college group on a weekend trip to a resort city was given this challenge: “For the next four hours go find people with needs and help them.” The group was uneasy about such a vague job description. But, breaking up into teams, the students launched out to “be kind.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ruth 1:15-22
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One of the most delightful and endearing stories in the last decade is Driving Miss Daisy.

It’s the story of a friendship that develops over a twenty-to thirty-year period between a man and a woman. What makes the story so touching is that this is a totally improbable relationship! Hoke Colburn is a chauffeur; Daisy Werthan is a woman who does not want a chauffeur. He is black; she is white. He is poor; she is wealthy. He is a Christian; she is Jewish. He is illiterate; she is educated and well-read. He is warm and friendly; she is cold and crotchety. He is “the hired help”; she is “the boss.”

And yet by the end of the story, Miss Daisy says, “Hoke, you’re my best friend.”

We may be tempted to dismiss such an unlikely friendship as mere fantasy; yet the Scriptures show us that such relationships are possible. Consider the Old Testament book of Ruth. Despite cultural, religious and generational differences, despite economic hardship, tragedy, and the age-old “in-law” factor, these two women--Ruth and Naomi--developed a close relationship marked by genuine concern.

A number of factors contribute to their closeness. First, they spent a lot of time together (1:4). Good relationships always take time to develop. Second, their relationship was marked by a vital spirituality (1:6, 8-9, 13, 16-17, 20-21; 2:20). It is even possible that Naomi led Ruth to faith in Yahweh!

Third, the women treated each other unselfishly (1:7-14; 2:18) and with genuine kindness (1:8, 19-21; 2:11; 3:1).

Fourth, and finally, they were fiercely committed to each other (1:14, 16-18). So magnificent was Ruth’s statement of her commitment to Naomi that it has been repeated in marriage ceremonies even to this day.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
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Undoubtedly others watch how we live, especially those in our household. A Christian once asked a Jewish rabbi friend: “When are you Jews going to become Christians?” The hspace=5>hspace=5>

Look around you (perhaps even within you). Never have so many had so many things. And yet as rich as we may be materially, we are relationally bankrupt. Many families are falling apart. Why? Because our values are all wrong: we value pleasure, power, pursuits and possessions over people. We put our own wants and desires before the needs of others.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 15:1-5
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Some time ago USA Today ran a cover story about horrific house guests. The article documented instances of visitors who lost rental cars, picked peaches from the back yard of an unsuspecting neighbor, wrote bad checks, and demanded that their hosts give up their own bedrooms!

One couple even had the nerve to invite a third couple over, at which time they asked their hosts to play the role of a maid and butler and serve them drinks! The visiting foursome then proceeded to go out to dinner, leaving the hosts to baby-sit their children!

Most of us wouldn’t tolerate such behavior. Even if we’re willing to “turn the other cheek” and “cover over such a multitude of sins,” we probably would be offended by such rude guests. Imagine how God must feel about our selfish behavior. We desire to have Him in our life, yet our attitudes are corrupt.

In today’s passage David describes the kind of character that pleases God. Communion with God, David argues, requires a commitment to change. And that change must be demonstrated in several ways.

First, we must exhibit a changing character. The word “blameless” (v. 2) conveys the idea of integrity. It means complete, sound, whole or unimpaired. A person who fits this description is consistent. He or she lives an undivided life. There are no skeletons in the closet. What you see is really what you get.

Second, we must display changing conduct. A “righteous” life (v. 2b) means a life of doing right, of not mistreating others (v. 3b), of calling evil what it is (v. 4), of keeping one’s word (v. 4), and of not being greedy (v. 5). Third, we must demonstrate changing conversation. Those who enjoy communion with God tell the truth (v. 2) and refrain from the temptation to speak ill of others (v. 3b).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
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Undoubtedly others watch how we live, especially those in our household. A Christian once asked a Jewish rabbi friend: “When are you Jews going to become Christians?” The hspace=5>hspace=5>

Old Testament saints spoke with hope of the wondrous opportunity to visit God’s house. New Testament saints know that God no longer dwells in man-made temples or structures. He dwells in the hearts and lives of redeemed men and women.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 90:1-17
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Bumper stickers reveal a lot about the people who stick them on their vehicles. A quick glance and you can learn volumes: a person’s hobby (“I’D RATHER BE SAILING!”); world view (“THE EARTH DOES NOT BELONG TO US; WE BELONG TO THE EARTH”); political leanings (“DON’T BLAME ME—I VOTED FOR BUSH!”); even the intelligence level of their children (“MY KID IS AN HONOR STUDENT AT A. E. PHILLIPS ELEMENTARY”)!

Some bumper stickers are funny; others are crude. A few are true; most are not. Take, for instance, the recent sticker of a popular athletic shoe manufacturer: “LIFE IS SHORT—PLAY HARD.”

That slogan merits our consideration. We need to evaluate it in light of the Scriptures. Life is short—that much is true. But given that fact, is the correct response for us merely to play hard? Not according to Moses. In Psalm 90, the great leader of Israel advocates a different response to the brevity of life. He calls for wisdom.

In the only psalm Moses ever authored, he describes living wisely. First, he explains that wise people understand their mortal condition (vv. 3-11). They have come to grips with their own mortality and are keenly aware of both their sinfulness and God’s displeasure over sin.

Second, Moses asserts that wise people know their Creator (vv. 1-2, 13-17). In contrast to finite, imperfect humanity, God is infinite, eternal and holy. Furthermore He is a compassionate Creator who does good things for His frail creatures.

Third, Moses notes that wise people keep an eye on the calendar (v. 12). They recognize that they are allotted only a certain number of days in this lifetime. Consequently they want to spend carefully such a precious commodity. Too often we act as though we are immortal, taking for granted our loved ones, our family. Instead, we should value each moment and each person.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
hspace=5>How do you treat the other members of your family? Today, take a moment to consider hspace=5>hspace=5>

Undoubtedly others watch how we live, especially those in our household. A Christian once asked a Jewish rabbi friend: “When are you Jews going to become Christians?” The hspace=5>

Reflect on the truths found in Psalm 90. It is only when we are convinced of the brevity of life that our minds and hearts are turned toward eternal things. Because life on this earth is short, we should value each minute with those we love.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 6:4-11
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TODAY IN THE WORD
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Charlie Brown and his little sister Sally are waiting at the bus stop when Sally suddenly inquires: “Who are all those people driving by in those cars?”

Charlie Brown responds, “Those are people going to work.”

“Work?” Sally asks with a puzzled look on her face.

Charlie Brown explains: “They used to wait for the school bus the way we’re doing. Now they have to go to work every day for the rest of their lives.”

“Good grief!” Sally gasps. “Whose idea was that?”

It seems that each new generation—first the Baby Boomers, then the Baby Busters, and now the so-called Generation X—thinks more and more like Sally. The idea of hard work is foreign, even repulsive. Laziness abounds. We want something (preferably a really nice something!) for nothing. This attitude even has a way of creeping into our family life, where each member fails to contribute his or her part.

Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, disputes this notion in Proverbs 6. Speaking to lazy people from every generation, he holds up the ant as a model of hard work. Ants work steadily and constantly, and their labors pay off (vv. 6-8). He calls the lazy person a “sluggard.” This word conveys the idea of being shiftless or irresponsible. Sluggards contrast with the righteous or upright (15:19; 21:25-26). By not planning ahead, by not being willing to work, the sluggard eventually finds himself in an unenviable position (6:9-11).

Solomon is not saying that we should be busy for the sake of being busy, but that we should work with the future in view. We are to anticipate future needs and work diligently in the present to prepare for those situations.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
hspace=5>How do you treat the other members of your family? Today, take a moment to consider hspace=5>hspace=5>hspace=5>

Who is doing most of the work in your family? Does the burden of responsibility tend to fall on one person? Is one person having to care for more than his or her share of the tasks?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 6:4-11
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TODAY IN THE WORD
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Charlie Brown and his little sister Sally are waiting at the bus stop when Sally suddenly inquires: “Who are all those people driving by in those cars?”

Charlie Brown responds, “Those are people going to work.”

“Work?” Sally asks with a puzzled look on her face.

Charlie Brown explains: “They used to wait for the school bus the way we’re doing. Now they have to go to work every day for the rest of their lives.”

“Good grief!” Sally gasps. “Whose idea was that?”

It seems that each new generation—first the Baby Boomers, then the Baby Busters, and now the so-called Generation X—thinks more and more like Sally. The idea of hard work is foreign, even repulsive. Laziness abounds. We want something (preferably a really nice something!) for nothing. This attitude even has a way of creeping into our family life, where each member fails to contribute his or her part.

Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, disputes this notion in Proverbs 6. Speaking to lazy people from every generation, he holds up the ant as a model of hard work. Ants work steadily and constantly, and their labors pay off (vv. 6-8). He calls the lazy person a “sluggard.” This word conveys the idea of being shiftless or irresponsible. Sluggards contrast with the righteous or upright (15:19; 21:25-26). By not planning ahead, by not being willing to work, the sluggard eventually finds himself in an unenviable position (6:9-11).

Solomon is not saying that we should be busy for the sake of being busy, but that we should work with the future in view. We are to anticipate future needs and work diligently in the present to prepare for those situations.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
hspace=5>How do you treat the other members of your family? Today, take a moment to consider hspace=5>hspace=5>hspace=5>

Who is doing most of the work in your family? Does the burden of responsibility tend to fall on one person? Is one person having to care for more than his or her share of the tasks?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 18:2, 12-15
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TODAY IN THE WORD
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A tennis professional was beginning his first lesson with a brand-new student. After watching the novice take several awkward swings at the ball, the coach began offering suggestions for improving his stroke. But each time the pro made a suggestion, the student—an older man—immediately began offering his own critiques as well as numerous excuses and justifications for his play.

After several such interruptions, the teacher finally stopped offering pointers and began nodding his head in agreement with everything the man said. When the hour was over, a woman who had been watching this strange lesson approached the tennis pro. “Why in the world didn’t you straighten out that arrogant man?” she asked.

The pro smiled knowingly and replied, “I learned a long time ago that it’s a waste of time to try to sell answers to someone who wants only to buy echoes.”

The world is full of people like that—know-it-alls who cannot bring themselves to listen and learn from those who are wiser.

We cannot afford to live like that, and we cannot afford to bring up our children to live like that. The Book of Proverbs challenges us to spend our lives humbly, learning all that we can from those who have something worthwhile to teach us.

In addition to the assigned reading for today, consider these wise words:•

“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance” (Prov. 1:5).•

“The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice” (12:15).•

“A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke” (13:1).•

“He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded” (13:13).•

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise” (19:20).•

“Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words” (23:9).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read:
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TODAY IN THE WORD
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Most people are familiar with Leonardo da Vinci’s painting, The Last Supper. Few, however, know the story behind the masterpiece.

As da Vinci was working on the painting in Milan, he had a bitter argument with another artist. Da Vinci was so filled with anger that he decided to portray Judas using his adversary’s face. The prospect of revenge delighted the great artist.

Later, as he tried to paint the face of Christ, however, da Vinci was overcome by frustration. He could not capture Christ’s glory. Success eluded him until he realized what was wrong. His hatred for the other painter was keeping him from completing the face of Jesus. Until da Vinci made peace with his rival, he was not able to complete his great work.

This story illustrates the truth of today’s text: our need to forgive others. Like The Last Supper, Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving debtor is familiar. But it is worth reviewing during this month-long look at “real family values.” According to Jesus, forgiveness is to be a way of life. We are not to keep track of others’ wrongs (vv. 21-22). Instead, we are to be quick to cancel the ethical and moral debts that others owe us.

That is what sins are—debts. If someone wrongs you, that person owes you something. If he has slandered you, he must undo that hurt. Yet sometimes unkind actions may be so severe that the debts can never be repaid. Apologies do not suffice. The damage has been done. Let’s face it: some of the most hurtful and painful injuries are inflicted within our families.

This explains, Jesus tells us, why we must forgive. We must cancel the debts others owe us. That is how God responds when we ask Him for forgiveness—not grudgingly, but with compassion. He does this even when our debts are astronomical (vv. 23-27)!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 19:1-9
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TODAY IN THE WORD
hspace=5>In his book Death of a Marriage, best-selling novelist Pat Conroy writes of the agony of divorce. Speaking from personal experience he confesses:

“Each divorce is the death of a small civilization. Two people declare war on each other, and their screams and tears infect their entire world with the bacilli of their pain. The greatest fury comes from the wound where love once issued forth.

“I find it hard to believe how many people now get divorced, how many submit to such extraordinary pain. For there are no clean divorces. Divorces should be conducted in surgical wards.”

Despite riveting testimonies like this one, couples continue to part. Even among believers, the statistics are startling. In such times, we are wise to reflect on the words of Christ in Matthew 19.

Rival religious leaders had approached Jesus and asked His opinion on one of the most controversial issues of their day: “When is it lawful to divorce?” One camp asserted that men might divorce their wives for almost any reason; the other faction allowed for divorce only if the wife was immoral.

Jesus sidestepped the petty debate over technicalities. He went back to God’s original design and purpose for marriage: to join a male and a female together in an inseparable bond (vv. 4-6). Specifically, two separate individuals would leave their families of origin and come together to form an entirely new entity. “They are no longer two but one” (v. 6). This explains why husbands and wives were never meant to separate, and also explains the tremendous pain felt when divorce occurs.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
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’’A popular Christian speaker once quipped: “My wife and I have never even thought of divorce—homicide maybe, but not divorce.” Behind this wisecrack is a profound truth, one we should cling to and instill in our children: Marriage is for keeps!

Our children and our neighbors need to see us face difficulties and struggles with an unshakable commitment to stick together. They need to see us keep our promise to remain married “until death.” If you are suffering the pain of a failed marriage, you need to know that God loves and accepts you. Like any sin, divorce is forgivable. However, since divorce often causes wounds that last for a lifetime, you also need to cling to God and trust Him for the grace you need to keep going.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 6:46-49
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TODAY IN THE WORD
hspace=5>History records that the incomparable military conqueror Alexander the Great once came to a walled city and demanded that its inhabitants surrender immediately. The king appeared on the ramparts above Alexander and scoffed, “We are protected within these walls. Furthermore, we have your small company of soldiers vastly outnumbered. Why should we surrender to you?”

As the story goes, Alexander ordered his men to march straight toward a nearby cliff. In shocked disbelief, the king watched as one by one, Alexander’s battle-hardened warriors stepped off the mountainous ledge and hurtled hundreds of feet to their deaths.

After ten soldiers had died, Alexander ordered his men to cease. He then shouted to the king: “That is why you should surrender.” The king did so immediately.

We might not give such unflinching obedience to an earthly king, but our Heavenly King deserves this kind of devotion. In Luke 6, Jesus makes it clear that obedience is not optional for believers. To call Jesus “Lord” means that we must obey Him (v. 46). If we have no intention of doing the Master’s will, we should not claim to be His followers. Obedience involves first hearing the commands of Christ and then putting them into practice (v. 47).

When we live in such a compliant manner, we find security. Our lives are like a “well-built” home (v. 48). On the other hand, when we arbitrarily pick and choose which commands of Christ we will submit to, our lives become shaky and susceptible to destruction (v. 49). Obedience to Christ begins where we live. He must be Lord of the everyday, the mundane, the familiar. And that’s where it is often the toughest!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY


Obedience is one of those either/or values. Either we do what Christ tells us, or we refuse. There is no third category. A person cannot be “mostly” obedient.

Listen to the promise given to Joshua, another great military leader: “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 17:11-19
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At the local post office a young man was approached by an elderly gentleman. “Sir,” the older man explained, “my hand is not too steady today. Would you be so kind as to address a postcard for me?”

“Why, I’d be delighted to help!” the younger man replied.

The older man made a second request. “Would it be a great inconvenience to ask you to write a short note on the card?”

“Not at all,” the young man insisted. So the older man dictated several short sentences.

When the young man finished writing, he inquired, “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

The older man took the card, studied it, frowned, and said rather curtly, “Yes, can you add one more note at the end?”

“Sure. What shall I say?”

“Say: ‘P.S. Please excuse this messy handwriting!’”

We chuckle at such ingratitude. And yet how easy it is to fall into the habit of complaining. This is especially evident in our families. Even if we don’t grumble at one another, we often forget to express appreciation.

Today’s familiar story of Jesus encountering a group of lepers is a good reminder of our need to develop an ongoing attitude of gratitude. Ten men appeal to Jesus for help (vv. 11-13). All ten are healed (v. 14). But only one, a despised Samaritan (vv. 15-16), returns to thank Jesus.

Perhaps his status as a racial outcast enabled him to grasp the meaning of mercy and grace (vv. 17-18). Perhaps in all of his uncleanness, he recognized a profound truth: “Jesus doesn’t owe me anything. As much as I hate this leprosy, I cannot honestly say I deserve healing. But I have nothing to lose. Who knows, maybe He will look on me with compassion.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY

Have you thanked God today? Consider the blessings He has showered upon you and the wonderful relationships He has given to you. Each member of your family is a gift. Take a moment to do this exercise with your family. Take turns completing the statement “Right now I am thankful for __________.” Continue until you run out of thank-yous.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 21:1-4
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In 1944, the war-torn villages of Europe were filled with orphans. One morning an American soldier noticed a young boy staring through the window of a pastry shop. The boy hadn’t eaten in days. Each time the baker put a new batch of rolls on his counter, the boy licked his lips and groaned.

The soldier knew what he should do. He entered the bakery and returned moments later with a sack full of warm pastries. He handed the bag to the hungry child. As he turned to walk away, he felt a tug on his jacket. “Mister,” the little boy inquired, “are you God?”

In a stingy world that advocates getting as its goal, giving sets us apart. In the words of Chuck Swindoll, “We are never more like God than when we give.”

Consider the brief incident in Luke 21:1-4. With His disciples, Jesus observed the goings-on in a part of the Temple called the Court of the Women. The treasury was located here, and people were bringing gifts and offerings. Rich people were seen making sizable donations (v. 1). But it was the contribution of a poor widow that caught Jesus’ attention. She offered two very small copper coins—a mere pittance (v. 2). Yet Jesus singled out this anonymous woman for a quick lesson on generosity.

What made her gift so special, so pleasing to the Lord? First, it was done quietly. No great fanfare, just a simple act. Second, it was done willingly. At Passover season, voluntary offerings were customary. Most likely this was a free-will offering, not a tithe. Third, it was done sacrificially. The rich gave “out of their wealth” (the word used here is the same word used to describe the leftover fish and bread on those occasions when Jesus fed the multitudes). Jesus realized that the widow’s two coins were “all she had to live on” (v. 4).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY

God wants us to develop the quality of generosity. How much we give is not so important as that we give and that we do so with the right attitude. Perhaps the acronym G-I-V-E can help you make generosity a cherished family value in your home:

Go to God in prayer. Confess any greedy or materialistic attitudes. Thank Him for His blessings.

Invent new and creative ways to give. For example, have your family save its change each month and sponsor a hungry child from a developing nation.

Volunteer your time and resources to serve God and others. Open your home. Make your mini-van available.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 17:1-5
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Some years ago, a Peanuts cartoon featured Charlie Brown unsuccessfully attempting to get his dog Snoopy to fetch a stick.

Despite Charlie Brown’s efforts, Snoopy remains in his favorite place—on top of his doghouse. Finally, Charlie Brown gives up in disgust and walks away. Snoopy says: “I want people to say more about me after I’m gone than ‘He was a nice guy. He chased sticks.’”

What do we value? What matters most in our lives? How much of our life is devoted to trivial pursuits—activities that, although not wrong or sinful, really amount to nothing more than “stick-chasing”? While the Peanuts strip makes us smile, it also raises serious questions about the purpose of our lives.

Because life is brief and because we will one day give an account to God for how we spent our time on earth, we need to examine our priorities. In John 17, Jesus helps us do that. The first five verses of “The High Priestly Prayer” give insight for avoiding a mere “stick-chasing” existence. Christ offers a higher and holier priority: service.

How will our lives look if we become serious about servanthood? First, we will have a different purpose (vv. 1, 4). Our chief concern will be to bring glory to God. Since we were created for God’s glory (Isaiah 43:7), we will make it our goal to live for His glory. We will consciously think, speak and act in ways that bring Him positive recognition.

Second, we will have a different passion (John 17:2-3). Like Christ, we will be devoted to helping others find eternal life. There’s nothing trivial about helping others come into a right relationship with their Creator.

Third, we will have a different practice (v. 4). In our behavior and actions, we will be chiefly concerned about doing the will of God. “Stick-chasers” do not care about God’s work. Servants of God, on the other hand, do not have the time to do anything but the work the Father has set before them.
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We have a choice. We can spend our time “chasing sticks”; or we can, like Christ, pursue a higher, nobler calling. We can make it our magnificent obsession to serve the Father who is in heaven.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 11:19-26
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Long ago there lived a young Briton who wanted to be a writer. He felt he had talent, but everything in life seemed to be working against him.

One of eight children in a poor family, the boy never even made it to the fifth grade. When his father wound up in jail, the boy went to work pasting labels on bottles in a London sweatshop. When he was older, the young man moved into a rat-infested attic and there continued his late-night writing sessions. He mailed out dozens of manuscripts. He received many rejection letters—some quite harsh. “This isn’t worth publishing,” one editor scoffed.

Then one day an editor sent the young man a letter that said, “I see talent in your work.” Furthermore, the man promised to look at any future manuscripts the boy might produce. The would-be author was so excited he ran through the streets of London with tears running down his face! That simple note fueled the young man’s will to continue writing. And today we have the great novels of Charles Dickens.

If you have ever been discouraged, you understand the power of an encouraging word. People who come alongside you and exhort you to keep going are true godsends. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus (Acts 4:36), was such a man. In fact, this man was so supportive and helpful and comforting that he earned the nickname “Barnabas,” which means “Son of Encouragement.”

Barnabas was the Spirit-filled individual God used to strengthen the new church at Antioch (Acts 11:22-24). He was the faith-filled man God used to encourage a young leader named Saul (vv. 25-26). He was the person God used to help John Mark get back on track after a ministry failure (15:36-39).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
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William Barclay wrote: “One of the highest of human duties is the duty of encouragement. It is easy to laugh at men’s ideals; it is easy to pour cold water on their enthusiasm; it is easy to discourage others. The world is full of discouragers. We have a Christian duty to encourage one another. Many a time a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man who speaks such a word.”