TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Acts 16:13-15, 29-34
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In her book Open Heart—Open Home, Karen Burton Mains writes: “I am firmly convinced that if Christians would open their homes and practice hospitality as defined in Scripture, we could significantly alter the fabric of society. We could play a major role in its spiritual, moral and emotional redemption.

“For the Christian, hospitality is not an option. It is an injunction. . . . In Webster’s dictionary, the definition for hospitable is wedged between the word ‘hospice,’ a shelter, and the word ‘hospital’ a place of healing. Ultimately, this is what we offer when we open our home in the true spirit of hospitality. We offer shelter; we offer healing.”

This book is right. Hospitality should be the hallmark of every family that has been truly touched by Christ. Once you have tasted the Savior’s love, acceptance and blessing, it is only natural for you to want to extend those gifts to others.

Midway through the book of Acts, a chapter details the conversion of two individuals. Paul and his entourage are led by the Spirit of God into Europe (16:9), where they meet Lydia, an upwardly mobile businesswoman. She believes in Christ (v. 14) and immediately insists that her new missionary friends come home with her to be her guests (v. 15). No specifics of that stay are included in the text; however, we get the idea that Lydia made every effort to make her guests feel at home. Perhaps Lydia’s home even became a kind of hostel—a place for weary workers to find spiritual and emotional nourishment.

Later, Paul and Silas find themselves in a Philippian jail. Following a midnight praise service and a God-ordained earthquake, the men lead the jailer and his family to Christ. What does the new convert do? He tends to their wounds (v. 33), brings them into his home, and feeds them (v. 34).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY

In a world ravaged by discouragement and disaster, people need shelter, places of refuge where they can find peace and hope. In a world where so many families are divided and dysfunctional, people need godly examples. They need to experience a family where God is present. Christian hospitality meets these needs. It is a glimmer of heaven in an otherwise dark world.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Romans 12:1-8
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Heavyweight boxing champion Muhammed Ali was never known for his modesty. Once, while waiting to take-off on a cross-country flight, the boxer was asked by a flight attendant to fasten his seat belt.

“Superman don’t need no seat belt!” Ali objected.

The airline employee quickly retorted, “Yeah, and Superman don’t need no airplane either!”

Ali promptly buckled up.

While some people have an exaggerated opinion of themselves, many more are trapped by low self-esteem. Only a few seem to see themselves as God sees them.

In Romans 12, Paul corrects any wrong ideas we may have about ourselves. We learn, first of all, that God desires our service and worship (v. 1). This truth ought to eliminate any ideas about “I don’t matter” or “I’m not important.” By giving ourselves to God, we please and honor Him!

Second, we learn that the world will try to cloud our thinking with wrong and unhealthful ideas—including inaccurate ideas about our identity (v. 2). However, faith (which comes from God) and sober judgment (literally, “sound thinking”) will help renew our minds and give us an accurate understanding of who we really are (v. 3). This truth should remind us to monitor our own thoughts for misguided worldly influences.

Third, each of us plays an important role in the healthy functioning of the Body of Christ (vv. 4-8). If we fail to do our part, the whole Body will suffer. This truth demonstrates our unique worth and highlights the contribution that only we can make.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY

Millions of people suffer from low self-esteem—men, women and children. The good news is that God knows that we all have worth. If we go to either extreme—pride or pity—we become useless in His hands. We must see ourselves as God sees us.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
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Russian novelist Vladimir Nabokov was an avid collector of butterflies and moths. In the 1940s he and his family came to America and stayed with James Laughlin in Alta, Utah. Early one evening, Nabokov grabbed his net and wandered out into the Utah wilderness to see if he could add to his collection. He returned after dark and offhandedly reported that during his excursion he had heard some terrible moaning and groaning down near a place called Bear Gulch.

“Did you stop to investigate?” Laughlin asked his foreign guest.

“No,” the novelist responded. “I was too busy trying to get the butterfly.”

The next morning the body of an elderly prospector was found. In “honor” of the Russian visitor and his failure to show compassion, the area was renamed “Dead Man’s Gulch.”

Like most people in our culture, Nabokov was too caught up in his own little world to stop to get involved. “I can’t be bothered by the problems of others; I have important things to do!” But of course Christians know that being people of mercy and compassion is the most important thing we can do. A look at 2 Corinthians 1 reminds families of the importance of this value.

Writing to a church that was struggling to stay true to the faith, Paul stated three broad principles about the need for mercy or compassion. First, troubles and suffering are an unpleasant fact of life. Second, it is during these hard times that God, the source of all compassion, comforts us. Third, God’s comfort is designed to flow to us and then through us to others who are hurting (vv. 3-6).

In short, if we are going to be like our heavenly Father (and that is our calling—see Ephesians 5:1), we must become people of compassion. How does that happen? When we encounter painful times in life, we must turn to our merciful God for help. Not only is there comfort nowhere else, but also apart from the healing that God alone can bring, we will never be fit to help others.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Galatians 5:19-26
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In his book Killing Giants, Pulling Thorns, Chuck Swindoll writes: “Those late take-offs, those grocery lines, those busy restaurants, those trains! What fertilizer for the thorns of impatience! . . . Your waitress will not likely be impressed that you can prove the authorship of the Pentateuch. Nor will the gal at the check-out stand stare in awe as you inform her of the distinct characteristics of biblical infallibility which you embrace (although she may stare).

“One quality, however—a single, rare virtue scarce as diamonds and twice as precious—will immediately attract them to you and soften their spirits. That quality? The ability to accept delay graciously. Calmly. Quietly. Understandingly. With a smile. If the robe of purity is far above rubies, the garment of patience is even beyond that… But, alas, the garment seldom clothes us!”

Writing to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul cites the characteristics of a person who is being controlled and empowered by the Spirit of God. Such a person is not given to “fits of rage” (v. 20). Rather, he is marked by “patience” (v. 22).

The word Paul employs conveys the idea of being patient with other people. And nowhere is that more difficult than within our own families. A parent slights you. A sister takes advantage of you. A brother ignores your feelings. A neighbor treats you unkindly. In each instance the natural (and sinful) reaction is to want to get even. But the Spirit leads us in a different way (v. 25), the way of patience. When we are filled by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), we do not become easily annoyed or irritated. On the contrary, we are marked by serenity.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY

Someone once noted that patience is something you admire greatly in the driver behind you, but not in the one ahead of you! Nevertheless, it is possible to become a person of patience. When we are yielded to the Holy Spirit, we will possess an unearthly calm even in instances of great provocation. And others will be drawn to us, or rather, to Christ in us.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 5:22-33
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As the pair skates to the middle of the ice, the audience waits in breathless silence. The music begins, and the man and woman glide effortlessly across the ice. With dazzling twirls, leaps and spins, the two skate in perfect harmony. As the short performance ends, the crowd rises as one, cheering and applauding the new Olympic champions.

Watching couples figure skating, we see a level of cooperation that few of us ever realize in our marriages. Most couples are less like the Olympic champions—who work in unison to create a beautiful harmony—and more like a couple of uncoordinated youngsters flailing wildly in unrelated movements. Can anything transform our marriages into beautiful ballets, in which husbands and wives find the happiness they’re seeking?

Yes! According to the Apostle Paul, marriage can be joyous and beautiful—if the partners follow their God-given roles. Writing in Ephesians 5, Paul cites the responsibility of men to lead and wives to submit to their husbands’ leadership. Though discussions about “headship” and “submission” are often volatile, they needn’t be. The Bible affirms both the equality of the sexes (Genesis 1:26-28; Galatians 3:28) and their diversity (Genesis 1:27; 1 Corinthians 11:3, 7-9). Yet in marriage, as in the pairs competition, someone must lead.

In God’s plan, men are given the responsibility of headship (Ephesians 5:23). Lest you leap to the wrong conclusion, headship cannot imply superiority or inferiority. First Corinthians 11:3 says God the Father is “the head of Christ.” Headship is not about commanding, but about service. It is about loving as Christ did (Eph. 5:25)—boldly, sacrificially, unconditionally and permanently.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY

Someone once noted that patience is something you admire greatly in the driver hspace=5>

If you are married, consider your behavior the last month. How does your marriage measure up to the ideal of Ephesians 5? Husband, are you loving your wife as Christ has loved the church? Notice that the passage says nothing about your wife’s being “lovable.” It simply tells you to love her. What could you do today to be more of an Ephesians 5 husband?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 2:1-11
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January 13, 1982. In the middle of a blinding snowstorm, Air Florida’s Flight 90 from Washington D.C. to Tampa crashed into the Potomac River shortly after take-off. In the harrowing moments that followed, an unforgettable drama played itself out in the dark, icy waters. Twice, a middle-aged man had a chance to save himself. Twice, he chose instead to save someone else—passing the rescue rope and ring to fellow survivors who were flailing for their lives amidst the wreckage.

Before the rescue helicopter could return, the man had disappeared beneath the frigid, murky waters. Said one of the rescuers, “In a mass casualty you’ll find people like him …but I’ve never seen one with that commitment.” The helicopter pilot summed it up best, “He could have gone on the first trip, but he put everyone ahead of himself...everyone.”

According to Philippians 2, that mentality of “putting others first” is supposed to mark the life of every Christian. Not just in life and death moments, but in our everyday routines, we are to look out for the interests of others (v. 4). To give up our rights and agendas and to become radically other-centered is, in the words of the Apostle Paul, to be like Christ Jesus (v. 5-6). Such a lifestyle requires that we make ourselves nothing, that we live as servants (v. 7). It means that our attitudes are marked by humility and our actions by obedience (v. . When we live selflessly and sacrificially, we not only honor God but we end up being honored by Him (vv. 9-11).

Could such unselfishness explain Paul’s great joy—even during the terrible trials of life? Could such genuine interest in the welfare of others (2:20) be the reason that Paul’s life and ministry were so filled with fruit (1:11)?
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
How would your schedule and activities be different today if you truly considered others as better than yourself? What are some concrete, practical ways you could look out for the interests of your family members? Determine today that you will—by God’s grace and in His strength—seek to live with a “putting others first” outlook.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 4:4-9
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A stranger visited a Maryland church. When the invitation was given at the end of the service, the man practically ran down the aisle to give his life to Christ. With great joy the man agreed to be baptized on the spot.

As the stranger was lifted up from the water, he began clapping his hands, smiling and shouting, “Hot dog! Hot dog! Hot dog!”

The church roared with laughter. Here was a man with no knowledge of “correct” church lingo. He hadn’t said the appropriate words—“Amen,” “Hallelujah,” or “Praise the Lord!” He expressed his joy in the only language he knew.

Imagine the impact if our families lived with such God-given cheerfulness! But how? What is the secret? How can we recapture the joy of salvation (Psalm 51:12)?

Consider Paul’s missive to the church at Philippi. Written during a period of imprisonment and emotional stress, the letter nevertheless exudes a contagious spirit of genuine joy. There are a number of explanations for Paul’s deep sense of gladness. You might call them the “seven habits of a highly joyful Christian.”

First, Paul practiced the habit of servanthood (Phil. 1:1; 2:4-7). That is, he was focused on ministry. Is it possible that many Christians today are joyless because they are self-centered?

Second, Paul was filled with a thankful spirit (1:3; 4:6, 11-13). He had learned the secret of contentment and never took God’s blessings for granted. Third, Paul emphasized the habit of right living (1:10-11, 27; 2:15). He understood that a holy life results in blessing and peace.

Fourth, Paul practiced the habit of pursuing Christ (3:8-11). His attitude reflected the ancient promise: “You will fill me with joy in your presence” (Psalm 16:11). Fifth, Paul maintained an eternal perspective (Phil. 3:19-21; 4:3, 5). Because he saw beyond this world to a greater reality, he was able to take “light and momentary troubles” (2 Corinthians 4:17) in stride.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Calvin Miller says, “Joy is the certainty that all is well, however we feel . . . it is a confidence that operates irrespective of our emotions.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Timothy 6:6-11
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Coming down the stairs one morning, a British gentleman by the name of Lord Congelton overheard his cook conversing with one of the other servants. “I would be perfectly content,” the woman declared, “if I just had five pounds!”

After pondering the matter, Lord Congelton decided to help his long-time employee. He pulled her aside later in the day and gave her a five-pound note--a fairly substantial sum, worth about $25 at the time. The surprised cook thanked her employer profusely, whereupon Lord Congelton departed.

But once outside the door, Congelton paused to see what, if anything, the woman would say. Surely, he reasoned, she would express her thankfulness to God.

A second or two passed and Congelton heard the woman cry out, “Oh, why didn’t I say ten pounds?!”

Like Lord Congelton’s cook, many Christians find it difficult to be content. Typically we focus, not on what we do have, but on all that we lack. It doesn’t help matters when we are bombarded daily by advertisers whose sole purpose is to make us dissatisfied with our current possessions and hungry for their newest products and latest models. Even our children are targeted on Saturday mornings with commercials designed to make them want the latest toy.

In his first epistle to Timothy, the Apostle Paul warns us about the dangers of discontent. He reminds us that possessions and riches are temporal (v. 7). No matter how much we accumulate, we will leave it behind when we die. He reminds us that the desire for more leads to “ruin and destruction” (vv. 9-10).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you find it difficult to be content, it may be that you are filling your mind with too many materialistic temptations. Many Christians have found relief (as well as a renewed joy) by shutting off the TV (or tuning out commercials); avoiding unnecessary shopping; and refusing to peruse mail order catalogs.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 1:1-4
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Biographers note that Thomas Edison created more than 900 light bulbs that did not work before he finally found one that did work. Think of it: the time and mental effort required to devise a new design, the gathering or production of necessary materials, the arduous task of assembling all the pieces and parts, and finally, those final nervous moments of attempting to make an electrical connection that might cause this bulb to glow.

Edison went through this process more than 900 times! Failure became a way of life. Surely people must have thought he was foolish. Yet Edison persevered. Each bulb that failed to work was for the dogged inventor merely “one more way not to make a light bulb.” At long last, he hit on the secret; and now, of course, the world owes him a tremendous debt. Can you imagine what life would be like today if Edison had given up after 50, 100 or even 500 attempts?

In a culture that prizes ease and convenience, persistence is a rapidly vanishing virtue. Why hang in there in marriage when hard times come? Why strive for excellence in your family? Why commit to struggle and endurance when all around you people opt for the path of least resistance?

In the opening verse of the New Testament book that bears his name, James, the half brother of our Lord, gives us some answers. He says, first of all, that trials are inevitable (v. 2). They are part of living as fallen creatures in a fallen world. These trials test our faith and, if we respond to them correctly, help us develop the rare quality of perseverance (v. 3).

What exactly is perseverance? The Greek word conveys the idea of staying power. It comes from a verb that means “to remain under.” Perhaps a good word picture is that of the Olympic weight-lifter struggling and straining to keep a heavy barbell over his head. People with this kind of spiritual stamina don’t quit. Clinging to faith in the midst of difficulties, they patiently endure. The end result of this kind of steadfastness is maturity (v. 4).
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>hspace=5>

What is your usual reaction to trials? Do you sulk? stew? cry? worry? explode in anger? mutter against God? When life doesn’t go as you wish, are you tempted to run? change plans? withdraw? escape? bail out?

[Soldier4Christ]

TODAY IN THE WORD
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In an Oklahoma City toy store, a couple overheard a conversation between a mother and her small daughter about dolls. Slowly the child moved up the aisle, pointing to the dolls one at a time and inquiring, “What does that one do?”

Depending on the model, the mother would answer, “That one talks” or “That one wets” or “That one cries.” Unimpressed with the selection, the child finally called her mom’s attention to an inexpensive, plain-looking doll on the bottom shelf. “And what about that one. Does it do anything?” the little girl inquired.

The mother studied the doll, thought for a moment and replied, “Yes, that one listens.”

Eagerly the child reached for the doll.

This story echoes a truth emphasized by Paul Tournier in his book To Understand Each Other, that is, “the immense need humans have to be really listened to, to be taken seriously, to be understood.” Tournier laments the lost art of listening in our world, calling our conversations “for the most part, dialogues of the deaf.”

Perhaps it is for these reasons—our human hunger to be heard as well our penchant for ignoring the words of others—that James challenges us to “be quick to listen, slow to speak.” Perhaps he realized our human tendency to reverse that biblical formula: We are slow to listen and quick to speak!

The reason is not hard to see. Listening is hard work. To not only hear the words of others but then to hear the feelings underneath requires tremendous discipline. I cannot understand you until I first put my agenda on hold, suspend my mental musings, and concentrate all my faculties on your expression.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Evaluate your own listening habits. Is it difficult for you to stop what you are doing to focus on others when they engage you in conversation? Do you find it hard to turn off your brain and concentrate fully on what is being said to you or asked of you? How would your family rate you in the areas of being quick to listen and being slow to speak?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Read:
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In South America a curious species of spider lives underwater. This creature forms an air bubble around itself, then sinks to the bottom of a pond or river. It can remain there for hours, living below, yet breathing air from above.

When the spider returns to the surface, it is perfectly dry. Not a single molecule of moisture penetrates the capsule. In short, the spider lives in the water and yet is separate from it. It is sustained and maintained by its total dependence on the world above.

What a wonderful illustration from nature of how believers and Christian families are called to live in a dark, hostile and impure world! And what a striking echo of the message taught in 1 Peter 2!

Writing to Jewish believers who were struggling to stay pure, to be faithful in the face of persecution, Peter addresses the age-old issue of being in the world, but not of it. The secret, he says, lies in understanding several truths. First, we must know our identity as the people of God (v. 9-10). This means more than a loose affiliation: it means that He owns us!

Second, we must remember how we came to be God’s children. Because of God’s great mercy we have been chosen—saved and sanctified (v. 10). Third, we must remember that this world is not our home (v. 11). In fact, it is a war zone, a place of hostility for all who name the name of Christ. Fourth, we must keep in mind the truth that God is coming to “visit” us (v. 12)—to create a new earth to go along with His new heavens. If this is true, we must live like the spider. We must be immersed in the world—living good lives and being Christlike witnesses (v. 12)—but not touched or tainted by it. While in the world, we are drawing life and strength from the world above.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Our culture emphasizes a lot of ideas that run contrary to the truths of Scripture. Materialism (get more and more stuff), cynicism (everything’s a joke), hedonism (if it feels good, do it), narcissism (look out for number one), pragmatism (what’s right is what works), and relativism (anything goes) are some of the values of this world.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 John 4:7-11
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The scruffy cat was nothing to look at. Yet people from across the nation called the Humane Society for the chance to adopt the mangy animal. The cat had been seen on newspapers and in the evening news. The dramatic rescue of her tiny kittens had transformed the ordinary cat into a hero.

Trapped in a burning house, the cat was able to escape with just one of her kittens at a time. Too little to exit the building on their own, the newborns were trapped in the flames. But this cat was a true mother, and time and time again she entered the burning building. As flames licked at her body and smoke choked her lungs, she returned, claimed one more kitten and deposited it safely outside.

Bystanders marveled at the heroic, unselfish love this cat had for its kittens. Later that day, TV news cameras shows the cat, its fur burnt and missing, calm and dignified with her young ones clustered around to nurse.

What a wonderful example of the unselfish, courageous, sacrificial love that needs to permeate our families.

Writing to believers (perhaps those in the seven churches mentioned in Revelation 2 and 3), the Apostle John emphasizes the necessity of love. Since God’s very nature is love (v. , it follows logically that His children (v. 7) should be loving. In fact, a failure to love signals that we do not truly belong to God (3:14; 4:20-21). But the love that John advocates is not the sugary, sappy sentimentalism of the world. Rather, it is a bold and aggressive kind of caring that calls for great sacrifice (vv. 9-10). The best example of this kind of selfless compassion is God’s sending His one and only Son so that we might live.

As the atoning sacrifice for our sins, Jesus was willing to give His blood so that we might live. Jesus did die. Such was the depth of His love for us. And to such love we are called. “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers” (3:16).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Earlier in this epistle John reminded us that it is not enough to merely talk about loving; we must put our concern into action (3:18). What does it mean to love others as Christ has loved us? It means, at the very least, that we love selflessly, unconditionally, sacrificially and faithfully.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 5:6-14
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Some years ago Christianity Today published an article on the celebratory aspect of worship. The author states: “When I was a child, I was given to occasional restlessness during church services. I was admonished to ‘sit still, you’re in church.’ Somehow I got the wrong message. My folks never intended it—but I was getting the impression that God was a grouch; I wasn’t convinced I could even enjoy Him. I’ve changed my mind, or, better yet, the Bible is changing my mind.”

If you are a parent, you have no doubt had to quiet a child during a church service. Today’s devotional focuses on worship. How can we teach our children that worship is not a boring, mundane activity, but a time of joy and celebration? In Revelation, we are given, via the visions of John, a glimpse of heaven. What do we find there? Not stuffiness or half-heartedness. Not obligatory prayers or monotoned singing of hymns. Instead, the scene is one of unabashed adulation and praise.

Christ, the Lamb of God, is honored and worshipped not only by the four creatures and twenty-four elders (v. , but by every creature in existence (v. 13). Clearly the scene is difficult for John to describe. He tries to report the number of angels who surround the throne of God, singing a glorious anthem; but it is beyond his ability even to estimate the number (vv. 11-12).

This is a praise service to end all praise services. And that’s just it: it doesn’t end. Revelation 7 contains more of the same—multitudes of redeemed peoples standing, and creatures falling down before the throne. The mood is one of joy and exuberance. And the real party hasn’t even begun yet!

Revelation 19 describes the sounds emanating from this eternal celebration as a “roar.” Why the increase in noise? A wedding ceremony is about to begin (19:7). Heaven is buzzing; the feeling is electric—to an infinite degree!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Because we have an innate need to worship, if we do not worship God, we will attempt (in our rebelliousness) to worship something else. That is the way of the world. Our culture worships everything but God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Chronicles 24:4-5; 25:6-8
I will cast lots for you in the presence of the Lord our God. - Joshua 18:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Eager to share the gospel, German missionary Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg arrived in south India in 1706. There he learned the Tamil language and studied the cultural beliefs and practices of the people. Once, when asked a question about whether Tamil Christians should give up their culture, he responded: “No, converted Tamils should not become Europeans! Conversion does not mean a change of outward appearance; rather it requires a change of mind and results in a transformed life.” He translated the Bible, founded schools, wrote hymns and sermons, translated Tamil literature into German, and encouraged indigenous church leadership. In Tranquebar, he built the New Jerusalem Church, which is Asia's oldest Protestant church and is still in service today.

Seeking to understand different cultural practices can be helpful for all Christians. In our passage, we encounter a practice quite different from our decision-making today. So, what about the practice of drawing or casting lots in the Bible? Why did they do it? What did it mean? In today's short readings, specific ministry duties for priests and Levites were assigned by drawing lots. Today's verse gives another example—the casting of lots in Joshua's day to determine tribal land divisions in Palestine.

This practice strikes our American minds as something like gambling or rolling dice. But this wasn't how the Israelites thought of it. Notice the emphasis on fairness. Delegating responsibilities in this way was “impartial” (24:5); young and old alike participated on an equal footing (25:. Another key is that they cast lots in God's presence (Josh. 18:6); this method of decision-making showed submission to the authority and sovereignty of God. Furthermore, the Urim and Thummim, sacred lots carried by the high priest, were ordained by God for use in national decisions (Ex. 28:30). Though casting lots may grate on our Western sensibilities, clearly they were a legitimate cultural way to discern God's will. “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” (Prov. 16:33).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Drawing lots isn't really part of our culture, but inserting a bit of randomness in homage to God's sovereignty might be beneficial for us control-oriented Westerners. For example, some families place a basket of prayer cards on the table. Written on each card is a recent prayer request from a missionary or friend. Before each meal, they draw one or two cards from the basket, which are then prayed over. Perhaps you can adopt or adapt such a practice to enrich your own life!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Chronicles 28:1-10
Serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. - 1 Chronicles 28:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
A book on training children in spiritual discipline reminds us: “The goal of the disciplines is to place us in a position where the Holy Spirit can do God's transforming work in us. Pursue them as a means to bring about significant change in your inner and outer lives and to model them for your children. Build them into your life and into your children's lives until you have covered all twelve disciplines—and then start over. We never master the spiritual disciplines; they are holy habits to last a lifetime.”

David's charge to Solomon reflected a desire that his son pursue true godliness all of his life. We've picked up again the thread of kingship and transition. The writer of Chronicles skipped many historical events in order to fulfill his purpose of validating the heritage and identity of his original readers. The returned exiles needed very much to hear who they were, why they were there, who God was, and what He had done. Chapter 28 may be the same occasion as the one briefly introduced in chapter 23. In any case, a public ceremony took place, essentially a pre-coronation of Solomon with all the national leaders present. Again, David recounted the history of his desire to build a temple, emphasizing it as a “place of rest” (v. 2; cf. 17:9). He described explicitly how his military activities had disqualified him for the task (v. 3; compare 22:9), acknowledged God's blessing (v. 4), and affirmed Solomon's chosenness (vv. 5-7).

All this was leading up to the main plan, the building of the temple, the practical core of David's charge to Solomon and his heartfelt passion (vv. 8-10). The king-to-be should pursue obedience, worship, and service, which would be the means to inheriting God's promises and building the temple. As David had found through personal experience, God would know the truth of Solomon's heart (cf. Ps. 139:23-24).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
A wealth of ideas for giving your children a spiritual legacy beyond price may be found in Habits of a Child's Heart: Raising Your Kids with the Spiritual Disciplines, by Valerie E. Hess and Marti Watson Garlett (NavPress), which you can find at local or online Christian bookstores. It's full of well-organized, age-specific suggestions that can, as the introduction notes, “show you how to cultivate the life-affirming possibilities of the spiritual disciplines—or ”˜holy habits,' as they're sometimes known—in your children.”