Starting today, I will be changing the format & frequency of our daily devotionals. From now on through the rest of this year, we will only have a devotional 3 times a week: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Also, the format will change. Over the years, I have had people give me and send me things that they thought were funny & touching. Some of these things I know where they come from; others I don’t. I have file folders full of these things. I was going through them the other day and decided to share some of them with you. When I know where they came from, I will give credit where credit is due. If I don’t know the origin, I will note that. I may even add some of my own thoughts about them. Some are short, some are lengthy. Some are funny, some are not. Some are moving, some are inspirational. Most are spiritual, but some are secular and thought-provoking. But they all have given me pause over the years. My prayer is that they will to you as well. God bless! ______________________________________________________________________________

Leadership guru, John Maxwell, states that many people in our society have destination disease. We think that when we arrive at a certain point, we will be happy — when the children are grown; when the mortgage is paid; when I get that promotion; when I finish my degree; when I meet Mr./Ms. Right. We set goals believing when we finally reach them, happiness will follow.

We tend to be goal oriented and there is absolutely nothing wrong with goals. Everyone needs them. But we must learn to enjoy the journey as much as the arrival. Some of the happiest moments of our lives occur along the way, not when we finally arrive. I sometimes talk to people who are pushing to get somewhere and I admire their motivation, but I feel like I want to say, “Make sure you take time for the really important things along the way.”

Take time to tell your wife she looks pretty today. Take time to play ball with your little boy because tomorrow, he will be driving and asking to borrow the car. Take time for a family vacation. In the twinkling of an eye, your family will be grown and scattered to the winds. Those days will be precious memories. Take time to call someone who is hurting. Take time to hug someone because your touch may be the only touch they receive today. Take time to thank God for the glory and opportunity of today. Take time to read God’s Word. Take time to worship.

It’s wonderful to have a destination in mind — a vision that calls to us. It’s great to have goals, but today, look out the window. Take a deep breath. Smile. Enjoy the journey to God!

From the desk of pastor Ben

His Son is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact likeness of God’s being. He holds everything together through his powerful words.
                            (Hebrews 1:3) GW

When my daughter was very young, it seemed like she had her own language. She would rattle off these confusing, run-on sentences that my wife and I could not understand. We had no clue what she was trying to say. We could not figure out her “language,” but her older brother could. Anytime we wanted to know what she was trying to say, we would just call her brother and he would interpret for us. Somehow, he always knew what she was saying.
But one day, when she was a little over 2 years old, she came through loud and clear. I walked into the room to find her nibbling on a chocolate Easter bunny. As I took it away from her, I reminded her that her mom had told her not to eat any more candy until after supper. She spoke 5 words to me that I totally understood. With a sneer on her face, she said, “DON’T TOUCH MY CHOCOLATE BUNNY!”
Often, a few carefully chosen words can convey the clearest message. The Word of God is so powerful that even the shortest phrase can hold a world of meaning. When I’m lonely, I remember Jesus’ promise:“I am with you always”(Matthew 28:20).
If I’m worried, I imagine Him saying, “Let not your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1). When I’m facing a tough or confusing decision, I can pray, “Not my will, but yours” (Luke 22:42). When I’m becoming complacent about spiritual matters, I need His reminder — “Abide in me” (John 15:4).
I admire people who can memorize whole passages or chapters of Scripture; I wish I were better at it. But I’m grateful for these stripped-down messages that mean so much to me at just the right time. Hebrews says that Jesus holds everything together through His powerful words. On some days, just a few of His words are enough to hold me together.
Faith Step:     Think of brief Bible verses or phrases that are especially meaningful to you. Which one do you need to hear Jesus speaking to you today?

From the desk of pastor Ben

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.     (Philippians 1:12-13) NIV

There are many events in life that we’d prefer would never touch us. I’m sure Paul felt that way about being chained in prison. After all, Paul had work to do, places to visit, and churches to encourage. Yet even in these frustrating and painful circumstances, he watched for ways to serve Christ with joy in the midst of it.
Our chains may look different than Paul’s. We may be held back by injustice in the workplace so we can’t accomplish our vocation — or at least can’t fully enjoy the work. Or injury and illness may keep our body chained to a hospital or to our home, when we long to be serving elsewhere. Depression or anxiety can chain our hearts, holding us captive and separating us from others.
Paul knew what it was like to live in chains. Yet, he knew the purpose: He was in chains for Christ. Even with frustrating limitations, he saw ways that Jesus was using those very circumstances to give him new ways to serve, new ways to advance the gospel.
I will never enjoy the chains in my life. Where I have choices, I will fight to improve my circumstances. When problems intrude that are beyond my control, I will find ways Jesus is at work — even in the hardship. Ultimately, Jesus will free us from all pain. But while we live here in this troubled world, we can trust Him to use our situation — even the chains and shackles — to bring freedom to others.

Faith Step:     What painful situation is holding you back? Ask Jesus to free you from those chains and in the meantime, give you ways to advance the gospel because of them.

From the desk of pastor Ben

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
                        (Proverbs 3:5) NIV
I was getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. I tripped over the dog laying on the floor. I hurt my shoulder to the point of not being able to raise my arm. The doctor wanted me to get an x-ray to see if anything was broken. I felt fine; I just couldn’t raise my arm. The x-ray showed no sign of anything broken, but my doctor said something could be torn, so she suggested some physical therapy to gain range-of-motion strength. When I walked into the rehab room — filled with people on crutches and walkers — I was convinced: Lord, I don’t belong here! But the therapist ordered stretching exercises and I reluctantly got started.
I hurried through my exercises and left. I really didn’t belong there. I felt just fine! As I left, I ran into a lady who was also there for shoulder rehab but she mentioned her recent bout with breast cancer, so I promised to pray for her. The next time at rehab, I sat next to a guy who was recovering from knee replacement. I promised to pray fro him, too. Next time, I did my exercises beside a woman whose friend was in hospice. I promised to pray for her friend and for her. Next time, the attendant working with me on my exercises kept wiping her eyes. I asked whether her allergies were bothering her, but she said, “No, today is the one-year anniversary of my son’s death. I should be over it by now.” I assured her that when grieving the loss of a child, a year was really no time at all. I promised to pray for her.
Thank you, Jesus. Maybe I did belong here after all.

Faith Step:     Trust Jesus to place you right where you need to be.

From the desk of pastor Ben

God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.      (2 Corinthians 9:8) NIV

Usually, when we take our grandkids with us to someplace like Wal-mart, 2 things happen almost every time. First, they usually ask us to buy them something and second, we usually buy them something. That’s just what we, as grandparents do. But on this one particular day I had our 9 year old grandson with me and he didn’t ask for anything. We were getting ready to leave and I asked him, “Why don’t we go pick out something for you and I’ll buy it for you.” His response surprised me. “I don’t think you need to buy me something all the time, Pop, I don’t want to get spoiled.” What an impressive attitude for a little kid. My prayer is that he will keep that attitude for the rest of his life.
I believe Jesus feels the same way toward us. He enjoys sharing His blessings with us; from a new friendship to a new job or a new house. Our closet is full of clothes. Our fridge is full of food. Our car’s gas tank is full. Does that mean we are spoiled? Only if we refuse to acknowledge that Jesus is the One who gave me all I have.
As long as we don’t take His generosity for granted and as long as we are willing to share, we won’t become spoiled. We realize that Jesus is far more interested in what His Spirit is doing IN us than what He does FOR us. Knowing Him is the best gift.

Faith Step:     Think of 10 blessings Jesus has given you. Thank Him by sharing one of them today.

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.     (Mark 4:39) NIV

From the desk of pastor Ben

My wife loves storms. She loves to sit on the porch in the summer when a storm is happening and watch the wind blow & see the rain pelting down. She says it is comforting for her. I think she’s crazy! When I see a storm coming, I like to be inside where it’s safe. I don’t want to watch the wind blow and see the rain pelting down. To me, it’s scary!
That reminds me of the terror the disciples experienced as they struggled to stay afloat during a storm. All the while Jesus, in perfect peace, slept. Upon waking, He spoke but 3 words — “Quiet! Be still!” — to calm the waters, the very same waters He had created. Settling the seas was no challenge for Him. But like those men, how many times have we forgotten Jesus, in His limitless power, is right beside us?
So, as the storm outside rages, I look out my window. And as I watch the turbulence outside, I sense His peace. Though storms rage all around me, I am safe and warm and dry. Secure. I know Jesus could calm these storms if He chose to, just as He did long ago.
Jesus can calm the daily chaos that fills our lives as well. And He’s there to quiet our souls when tempests brew inside us. When troubles overwhelm, He stills our thoughts and calms our fears. We need simply remember we aren’t sailing alone.

Faith Step:     Next time a rain or snow storm approaches, grab a cup of coffee or tea and watch. Think of the storms of life Jesus has calmed for you and thank Him.

From the desk of pastor Ben

Let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.        (Romans 14:13-14) NIV

When I became a Christian, I stopped listening to certain music to avoid unhelpful temptations. I stopped wearing certain clothes to avoid attention I no longer wanted. I stopped going to certain places and hanging around certain kinds of people. My new behavior was partly a new believer’s zeal, partly wisdom, and partly genuine spiritual conviction. My early religious zeal also led me to judge others who didn’t behave as I did.
Thankfully, I have grown up from those early convictions and now, 50 years later, I am continually learning about intimacy with Christ and the conviction of the Holy Spirit, which Paul alludes to in today’s Scripture passage and elsewhere. As I’ve matured spiritually, I’ve become more relaxed about certain things and stricter about others. All this aligns nicely (and relies heavily) on our personal, ongoing, and growing relationship with Jesus.
Thee are some clear guidelines in Scripture about how I’m to live, but ultimately I’m called to respond to the Holy Spirit’s conviction as I’m transformed from the inside out. This process of sanctification is as unique as I am. Jesus knows my personal vulnerabilities, my level of spiritual understanding, and the forces working against me. Drawing close to Christ enables me to tune into what He’s doing in me, which also keeps me humble even as I grow.

Faith Step:     Are you letting others be your Holy Spirit or are you casting yourself in that role? Return to Jesus, who knows just what you need.

From The Desk Of Pastor Ben
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. . . . Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit,
to sustain me.     (Psalm 51:10, 12) NIV

I went to college in central Florida. I had never spent any significant time there before so I didn’t know how damp it would be. My first clue was when the bedding in our dorm room began to smell musty. We stripped the sheets and pulled up the mattress and I scarcely could believe my eyes.
Mildew spotted the mattress, and water — enough to soak up with a sponge — covered the wooden base on which it rested. Thankfully, we discovered this on a sunny day, so we pulled the mattress outside where we cleaned and dries it. We scrubbed the base and then the maintenance people gave us some chemicals for us to treat the wood to prevent mildew from growing. Then they gave us some special fabric designed to allow airflow between the mattress and the base.
Then we checked the cupboards for mildew and sure enough — there it was. So we scrubbed and treated the cupboards with the same chemicals to prevent mildew from growing. But that wasn’t enough. We also had to run a dehumidifier every day to keep the mildew in check. It was a lot of work!
I wonder, do we, as believers, work as intentionally or as hard to ensure our hearts are clean from sin? We might be tempted to deny what’s hidden in our hearts or we might be too embarrassed or proud to uncover it, but that won’t work well for us.
Rather than letting sin exist and grow to our detriment, let’s invite the Holy Spirit to inspect us. When He exposes sin, let’s ask Jesus to wash us clean. Then let’s take preventive measures to ensure we don’t fall into the same trap again.
The effort is worth it, for a clean heart is a joyful heart.

Faith Step:     Read Psalm 51:10 and make this your prayer every day.

From The Desk Of Pastor Ben
Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when
 my strength is spent.     (Psalm 71:9) ESV

Before my mom & dad passed away, they were living in a nursing home in my home town. One time when I was visiting them, I had the opportunity to go with them to the event room for a church service held by a local church. The room filled up quickly and since this service was voluntary and not mandatory, I am guessing that the majority of the people there were Christians or at the very least church-going people.
There were a lot of distractions, as you might imagine, and there was even someone playing show tunes on a piano down the hall somewhere. The local church was a Catholic Church so the service was a mass led by the priest. At first, I felt a little restless and distracted as the priest led the mass and “Moon River” was being played from down the hall.
But before long, my eyes filled with tears as I saw this room for what it was, despite all the distractions — a holy place where Jesus was meeting with His beloved children. All of these people in this room had lived long lives of service to Jesus and probably;y had endless stories of His faithfulness and a deep love for Him. Each person also knew that, within a relatively short period of time, years, months, weeks, maybe even days, they would meet Jesus face to face. But their expressions reflected no fear, only joy and faith.
Their example strengthened my heart. Witnessing a room full of people about to hear Jesus tell them, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” took my breath away. My petty problems faded into the background. I prayed He would help me prepare for the day when I would be near my eternal home, as these seniors were, and I also rejoiced that Jesus walks with us at any age.

Faith Step:     Spend some time with someone older than you and ask them about their experiences of following Jesus.

From The Desk Of Pastor Ben
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.     (Philippians 4:8) NIV

A while back, I enrolled in an online leadership class. It was based on a leadership book written by some Christian neuroscientists about developing habits for increasing trust, joy, and engagement in the people you lead. We met online every week, and every week we would walk away with “aha” moments and habits to employ in our lives.
One habit I learned is to return my thoughts to something joyful when I feel conflict brewing. Science shows this helps my brain stay in a relational mode rather than jumping to an enemy mode. In marriage, we all experience conflict — sometimes it’s a tiny thing and other times it’s a big blowup. The practice of pausing when I sense conflict and returning my thoughts to a joyful experience, such as remembering the fun times we had shared, helps me to stay relational.
If I’m having difficulty thinking of a positive mutual experience because I’m angry, then I can turn my mind toward my relationship with Jesus. I remind myself who He says I am and His unwavering love for me. When I remember to value the relationship with my wife — more than my desire to be right — then I know the conflict will have a healthier outcome. When I train my mind to stay relational, then I can experience joy even in the midst of conflict.
Paul encourages us in Philippians to think on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. This helps us stay in a constant relational mode, which ultimately results in life-giving relationships. Isn’t that what we all want?

Faith Step:     Meditate daily on Philippians 4:8. Joy will follow.