FRET NOT JULY 1
Bible Reading: Psalm 37:1-9 Key Verse: Psalm 37:1- “<<A Psalm of David.>> Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.” Key Words: Fret not thyself
Fretting or worrying reminds me of the story about a mother who constantly fretted over her son. The story goes like this: “Little Chad was a shy, quiet young fella. One day he came home and told his mother he’d like to make a valentine for everyone in his class. Her heart sank. She thought, ‘I wish he wouldn’t do that!’ because she had watched the children when they walked home from school. Her Chad was always behind them. They laughed and hung on to each other and talked to each other. But Chad was never included. Nevertheless, she decided she would go along with her son. So she purchased the paper and glue and crayons. For three whole weeks, night after night, Chad painstakingly made thirty-five valentines. “Valentine’s Day dawned and Chad was beside himself with excitement! He carefully stacked them up, put them in a bag, and bolted out the door. His mom decided to bake him his favorite cookies and serve them up warm and nice with a cool glass of milk when he came home from school. She just knew he’d be disappointed; maybe they would ease the pain a little. It hurt her to think that he wouldn’t get many valentines – maybe none at all. “That afternoon she had the cookies and milk out on the table. When she heard the children outside, she looked out the window. Sure enough, here they came, laughing and having the best time. And, as always, there was Chad in the rear. He walked a little faster than usual. She fully expected him to burst into tears as soon as he got inside. His arms were empty, she noticed, and when the door opened, she choked back the tears. “’Mommy has some warm cookies and milk for you.’ “But he hardly heard her words. He just marched right on by, his face aglow, and all he could say was: ‘Not a one...not a one.’ Her heart sank. And then he added, ‘I didn’t forget a one, a single one!’” Just a simple reminder to fret not thyself. What to do: ✞ Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
LOOSE LIPS JULY 2
Bible Reading: Leviticus 19:1-16 Key Verse: Leviticus 19:16 -“Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.” Key Words: as a talebearer among the people
The Navy, during World War II, had a saying, “Loose lips sink ships.” But even
more important than that were those lives lost and people hurt because of someone’s loose lips. The average person cannot carry on an intelligent conversation. Most conversation consists of gossip, talebearing, and murmuring. What a shame! What a sin! John Wesley wrote the following six guidelines for his talk and conversation. We would do well to apply them to our lives. 1. 2. 3. 4.
I will not intentionally listen to, or inquire after, any ill concerning others. If I do hear ill concerning others, I will not be in a hurry to believe it. I will get all of my facts before I render a decision. I will not write or speak a syllable of any ill to any other person other than the one whom it concerns. 5. Neither will I mention it to another person as to what I’ve done. 6. I will not let gossip, talebearing, and murmuring be named among my sins.
A woman who earned her living for more than forty years by going about her neighborhood cleaning houses for others was asked how it was she was so well-liked by everyone for whom she worked. She replied, “I make it a practice never to repeat what I hear to anyone.” Amen! “Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people.”
“I make it a practice never to repeat what I hear to anyone.”
What to do: ✞ Remember, loose lips not only sink ships, they also sink ministries.
WHERE ARE YOUR EYES? JULY 3
Bible Reading: Matthew 13:1-17 Key Verse: Matthew 13:16 -“But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.” Key Words: Blessed are your eyes
Following a great victory, King Cyrus of Persia took as prisoners a noble
prince, his wife, and their children. When they were brought into the leader’s tent to stand before him, Cyrus said to the prince, “What will you give me if I set you free?”
He replied, “I will give you half of all that I possess.” “And what will you give me if I release your children?” continued Cyrus. “Your Majesty, I will give you all that I possess.” The king questioned him further, “But what will you give me if I set your wife at
liberty?” Looking at the one he loved so dearly, the prince replied without hesitation, “If you will restore my wife to freedom, I will give you my life.” Cyrus was so moved by his devotion that he released the entire family without asking recompense. That evening the prince said to his wife, “Did you not think Cyrus a very handsome man?” “I did not notice him,” she answered.
“Why, my dear, where were your eyes?” exclaimed her husband.
She replied, “I had eyes only for the one who said he would lay down his life for
me.”
Christian friend, the Lord Jesus has laid down His life for you and for me. It is
not what He might do, but what He has already done. He has redeemed us with His precious blood and delivered us from the condemnation of an eternal hell. O how this should call forth our unbroken gaze! May we never be enthralled by the baubles of this world! Instead, may we say, “I have eyes only for the One who laid down His life for me.” What to do: ✞ Have your eyes only for the Lord.
EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW JULY 4
Bible Reading: Romans 14:1-12 Key Verse: Romans 14:11 -“For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” Key Words: every knee shall bow
Paul was pointing out to these Roman Christians that everyone must give an account to God. Even those who were judging others would one day bow and be judged. For me, just to think of standing before Jesus is a humbling thing. It reminds me of an illustration I read taken from The King’s Business. A number of prominent literary men were assembled in a room in London. The He who bows before conversation veered to a discussion of some of the great men of the past. One man asked, Jesus as his Savior “Gentlemen, what would we do if suddenly Milton entered the room?” “Ah,” replied another, need not worry “we would give him a standing ovation.” “And,” said another, “If Shakespeare entered?” “We about bowing before would rise and crown him master of the literary world.” And another said, “If Jesus entered, him as his Judge at what would we do?” “I think,” said Charles Lamb amid an intense silence, “we would fall on the Great White our faces!” Certainly you must agree with me that to Throne. stand before Jesus will be a humbling experience, for certainly He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Friend, have you ever humbled yourself before Jesus and asked Him to be your Savior? Would you do so today? He who bows before Jesus as his Savior need not worry about bowing before him as his Judge at the Great White Throne. What to do: ✞ Bow now or bow later – but you will bow.
STRENGTH TO TAKE IT JULY 5
Bible Reading: II Corinthians 12:1-9 Key Verse: II Corinthians 12:9 -“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Key Words: My strength is made perfect in weakness
It is generally admitted that from one-half to three-fourths of all patients who
visit a doctor have emotional, rather than physical, needs. Dr. Richard Cabot, once a noted Christian physician in the Boston area, frequently asked a group of medical students, “Gentlemen, would you like to know the cause of almost every illness?” After a short dramatic pause, he answered his own question, “It’s the wear and tear of the soul upon the body.” Voltaire recognized this decades ago when he wrote, “Doctors pour drugs of which they know little to cure diseases of which they know less, into human beings of whom they know nothing.” If we could understand the person, we could better understand his ailments. Centuries ago, Plato wrote, “The great error of our day in the treatment of the human body is that physicians separate the soul from the body.” Yet many diseases are real, and the pain is not imagination. Even so, attitude is the key. As Theodore Farris said, “Health is precious, let nobody ever deny that, more precious than fine gold. But life is more than health and there are people who have not had good health who have had good lives, creative and wonderful beyond our imagination.” When he was president of Princeton University, Woodrow Wilson suffered constantly. He prayed for healing, “not just for selfish reasons, but because I want to be the best university president possible.” As the suffering continued, he changed his prayer, “Father, if the pain is not going to be taken away, then please give me the strength to take it.” When God denied Paul’s request for healing, he promised, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (II Corinthians 12:9). What to do: ✞ Ask God to give you the attitude of Paul.
WHAT IS YOUR FACE SAYING? JULY 6
Bible Reading: Nehemiah 2:1-10 Key Verse: Nehemiah 2:2 -“Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,” Key Words: Why is thy countenance sad
What is your face saying? Oh, I know it sounds like a strange question; but it
is a scriptural, Godly question. We read in Proverbs 15:13 that “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” The word countenance means “our facial expression;” so, in essence, our face is a revealer of what our heart is. In our text in Nehemiah, King Artaxerxes knew that Nehemiah’s heart was sorrowful because it was written on his face. It is kind of frightening for me to think that you know my heart by my countenance. Oh, I know that we can “fake it” for awhile – but only for awhile; then the true heart will slowly take control, and it will eventually show on our face. God knew Cain’s heart by his countenance (Genesis 4). Aaron knew Moses’ heart by his It is true – your countenance (Exodus 4). Artaxerxes knew Nehemiah’s heart by his countenance (Nehemiah face does reveal 2). Jerusalem knew the lame man’s heart by his countenance (Acts 3). My wife and I were at the your heart. Birmingham airport leaving on one of our numerous trips, and we heard the sound of excitement as children were running saying, “Grandma and Grandpa are here!” Their faces revealed the joy in their heart. As we turned and looked in the opposite direction, we saw a young soldier kissing Mom and Dad goodbye as the tears ran down their cheeks. Their faces, as well, revealed the sadness in their hearts. It is true – your face does reveal your heart. So what is your face telling us right now about your heart? What to do: ✞ Remember to brighten the corner where you are.
THE FIERY TONGUE JULY 7
Bible Reading: James 3:1-7 Key Verse: James 3:6 -“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” Key Words: The tongue is a fire
A news dispatch from British Columbia tells of a disastrous fire in an Indian
village that destroyed twenty-one buildings and left fifty homeless. The odd thing is that the fire was started by the rays of the sun reflected against the wooden side of a house by a fragment of a broken mirror. Doubtless, no one even noticed the mirror or was aware when the first little curl of smoke gave initial warning of the coming conflagration. The Bible compares the tongue to fire, reminding us that a careless word tossed here or there can ignite the whole “course of nature.” In James 3:6 we read, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue...it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature.” We would not knowingly focus a mirror onto some highly combustible material, nor would we carelessly throw lighted matches into a dry wheat field. But how often have we, in a moment of weakness, made some remark which helped us none and which brought searing burns of pain to others? One of the biggest lies ever told is found in the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” What to do: ✞ Only speak to others as you would have them speak to or about you.
The older I grow the more I listen to people who don't talk much. ~Germain G. Glien
Most conversations are simply monologues delivered in the presence of a witness. ~Margaret Millar
THE FIERY TONGUE PART TWO
JULY 8
Bible Reading: James 3:8-18 Key Verse: James 3:10 -“Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” Key Words: Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing
Xanthus, the philosopher, once told his servant that the next day he was going to have some friends for dinner and that he should get the best thing he could find in the market. The philosopher and his guests sat down the next day at the table. They had nothing but tongue – four or five courses of tongue – tongue cooked in this way, and tongue cooked in that way. The philosopher finally lost his patience and said to his servant, “Didn’t I tell you to get the best thing in the market?” The servant said, “I did get the best thing in the market. Isn’t the tongue the organ of sociability, the organ of eloquence, the organ of kindness, the organ of worship?” Then Xanthus, the philosopher, said, “Tomorrow I want you to get the worst thing in the market.” And on the morrow the philosopher sat at the table, and there was nothing but tongue—four or five courses of tongue—tongue in this shape and tongue in that shape. The philosopher lost his patience again and said, “Didn’t I tell you to get the worst thing in the market?” The servant replied, “I did; for isn’t the tongue the organ of blasphemy, the organ of defamation, the organ of lying?” James 3:10, “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” What to do: ✞ Use your tongue for God’s glory. If not, it will become the devil’s advocate.
THE BUTTERFLY AND THE CATERPILLAR JULY 9
Bible Reading: I John 3:1-14 Key Verse: I John 3:2 -“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” Key Words: it doth net yet appear what we shall be
I read once of a dashing knight who longed to rescue his princess, who was imprisoned by a cruel enemy in the palace tower. He devised a plan and recruited
two small friends to send her a message. First there was Claude Caterpillar, who was a hard-working fellow but crusty and sour. He started inching his way up the wall toward the distant window, but it was hard work. He grumbled that the sun was hot, causing him to sweat. Then the sun withdrew behind a cloud, it started to rain, and he complained about the raindrops. Finally he heaved himself onto the window ledge, looked at the fair maiden, and said, “Hey, you, come over here. Are you the lady in distress?” She nodded. Claude gave her the once-over and said, “You’re kidding. You mean I climbed all the way up here for the likes of you? Well, the knight says to get ready; he’s coming for you at 5 P.M. sharp. Think you can remember that, or should I repeat it?” And off he went. Next, the knight sent Barney Butterfly. Barney, too, battled the rain and the contrary winds. He had almost made it to the window when a bird came by and nearly ate him alive. But finally he fluttered in, landing softly on the lady’s finger. “Lovely and favored maiden,” he said, “the white knight loves you dearly, and tonight he is coming to rescue you. He asks only that you be ready at 5 P.M.” The princess smiled and replied, “Thank you very much, Mr. Butterfly. You are very sweet, and I will be ready tonight when he comes. Claude Caterpillar already brought me the message, but tell me, why was he so disagreeable? He brought me the same news, but after he left, I felt worse than before he came.” The butterfly replied, “Oh, you mean Claude? Well, don’t mind Claude. That’s just the way he is. I used to be that way, too, until I was transformed.” What to do: ✞ Be patient with people. Remember, God isn’t through with them yet.
LISTENING AND HEARING
JULY 10
Bible Reading: Romans 10:1-17 Key Verse: Romans 10:17 -“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Key Words: faith cometh by hearing
We are told in Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” The word hearing means “to regard, to pay attention to,” which reminds me of the following story I read.
“An Indian was walking in downtown New York City alongside a friend who was a resident of the city. Right in the center of Manhattan, the Indian seized his friend’s arm and whispered, ‘Wait! I hear a cricket.’ His friend said, ‘Come on! Cricket? Man, this is downtown New York.’ He persisted, ‘No, seriously, I really do.’ ‘It’s impossible!’ was the response. ‘You can’t hear a cricket! Taxis going by, horns honkin’, people screamin’ at each other, brakes screeching, both sides of the street filled with people, cash registers clanging away, subways roaring beneath us – you can’t possible hear a cricket!’ “The Indian insisted. ‘Wait a minute!’ He led his friend along, slowly. They stopped, and the Indian walked down to the end of the block, went across the street, looked around, cocked his head to one side but couldn’t find it. He went across another street, and there, in a large cement planter where a tree was growing, he dug down into the mulch and found the cricket. ‘See!’ he yelled, as he held the insect high above his head. “His friend walked across the street, marveling, ‘How in the world could it be that you heard a cricket in the middle of downtown, busy Manhattan?’ “The Indian said, ‘Well, my ears are different from yours. It simply depends on what you’re listening to. Here let me show you.’ And he reached in his pocket and pulled out a handful of change – a couple of quarters, three or four nickels, and dimes and pennies. Then he said, ‘Now watch.’ He held the coins waist high and dropped them to the sidewalk. Every head within a block turned around and looked in the direction of the Indian.” The moral of the story is people hear what they want to hear. What to do: ✞ Listen to the things of God, and you’ll not have as much time to listen to the world.
“The first duty of love is to listen.” -Paul Tillich
SAY SO JULY 11
Bible Reading: Psalm 107:1-9 Key Verse: Psalms 107:2 -“Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;” Key Words: Let the redeemed of the LORD say so
There are two ways the tongue can be used incorrectly. The first of these ways is known to all of us. It is by speaking. When our tongue is used as a tool of gossip, slander, cursing, or even idle talk, we misuse our tongue. We are told in Psalm 39:1a, “I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue.” The second way we use our tongue incorrectly is through silence, not speaking up when we should. Ezekiel warns us against the silence of the tongue in Ezekiel 3:18, “When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” If you saw your neighbor’s house on fire and you failed to warn your neighbor, you would be branded as a fool for the rest of your life. Then what of those who we know are bound for an eternal fire? Should we not warn them as well, and if we fail to do so, what does that say about us? I recently read the following story. “Two businessmen lived side by side in a suburb. One was a professing Christian, the other was an unbeliever. They both lived in the city and rode the same train to work each morning. Several years were spent each morning in neighborly conversation. One day the unbeliever became seriously ill. His doctor told him, ‘John, you are very sick. Would you like for me to call your pastor or someone who could help you spiritually?’ John shook his head and said, ‘No. There is nothing they can offer. My neighbor is a good Christian and for years we have ridden the same train together each morning and he has never mentioned salvation to me. If it is not worth living for then it’s probably not of any value in death either.’” Maybe we need to consider the word of the psalmist, David, “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so.” What to do: ✞ Tell others how God saved you.
MISTAKEN ABOUT ONESELF JULY 12
Bible Reading: Romans 12 Key Verse: Romans 12:2 -“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2 Key Words: the renewing of your mind
A young lady went to her minister one day and confessed, “Pastor, I have to
admit I’ve become vain in my thinking. Why, just this morning I looked in the mirror and admired my beauty.” The elderly minister paused and then said with a smile, “Be at peace, my dear. To be mistaken is not to sin!”
Sometimes we as Christians are a lot like that young woman. We see ourselves through “rose-colored glasses” and fail to hold a proper view of our strengths and weaknesses. As a result, we attempt what we are not cut out to do, or we try to exercise gifts we do not possess. An inflated estimate of our capabilities hinders the Holy Spirit’s work in us and opens the door to embarrassment and failure. We must remember that He gives us our talents and empowers us so that what we accomplish brings glory to God, not to ourselves. In Romans 12, Paul tells us how to gain a So let us not envy right perspective. He says that we should guard the achievements of against having an inflated opinion of ourselves, but instead should see our lives in the context of others . the “mercies of God.” Because we are forgiven sinners through faith in Christ, we can be confident to do whatever He chooses. Confident that He accepts us and wants to use us, we are then free to exercise the talents that are most natural to us. So let us not envy the achievements of others. Let us not try to be like someone else. We can avoid being mistaken about our gifts by thinking soberly about ourselves as God gives us the measure of faith. What to do: ✞ Think of others more than you think of yourself.
THE DEPRESSED SOUL JULY 13
Bible Reading: Psalm 77 Key Verse: Psalms 77:2 -“In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.” Key Words: my soul refused to be comforted
Strangely enough, even David battled with depression...yes, King David, the apple of God’s eye. Would it surprise you to know that some of the greatest pastors of our day, and days gone by, battled with depression? One pastor said it well when he said, “Candidly, of all the groups I minister to, few are more depressed and exhausted than a group of pastors. They are overworked, usually Would it surprise underpaid, and almost without exception underappreciated, though most of them are doing you to know that a remarkable piece of work. Mild depressions can come on us unexpectedly and erode our some of the willingness. Often we can’t explain such depression at the time. greatest pastors of “Though writing more than a hundred years ago, Charles Spurgeon described in a chapter of our day, and days his book, Lectures to My Students, exactly some of the reasons we suffer from burnout in ministry gone by, battled today. He even admitted to depression in his own life, often before a great success, sometimes with depression? after a great success, and usually because of something he couldn’t explain. He called this chapter “The Minister’s Fainting Fits.” Listen to his candid remarks. “’Fits of depression come over most of us. Usually cheerful as we may be, we must at intervals be cast down. The strong are not always vigorous, the wise not always ready, the brave not always courageous, and the joyous not always happy. There may be here and there men of iron...but surely the rust frets even these.’” What to do: ✞ Pray for those in places of spiritual leadership. They are always under attack.
THE BACKSLIDER “IN HEART” JULY 14
Bible Reading: Proverbs 14:1-14 Key Verse: Proverbs 14:14 -“The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.” Key Words: The backslider in heart
When you and I think of backsliders, our minds usually conjure up thoughts about someone who at one time was faithful serving in their local church but are now cold toward the things of God. Those individuals are certainly backsliders but it is not the primary idea or thought behind being a backslider. God gives us an example of backsliding in Hosea 4:16 ... “for Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer.” When a heifer would not obey its owner and go where the owner wanted it to go, they would put a rope around its neck and pull. The heifer would then begin to pull back and back up and fight against its owner. So a backslider is someone who doesn’t want to be led and receive guidance and direction. This reminds me of the story of the little fellow who was made to sit down and as the teacher was walking away, the young boy said, “Teacher, I just want you to know that I’m sitting down on the outside but I’m standing up on the inside!” While the boy was doing what he was told, he was still a backslider “in heart.” It would do us each good to examine our hearts. What to do: ✞ Examine your heart.
INNER BEAUTY
JULY 15
Bible Reading: Proverbs 31 Key Verse: Proverbs 31:30 -“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” Key Words: beauty is vain
Outer beauty attracts men, but inner beauty can keep them. I read about two fairly well-to-do women who spent an afternoon at the local
mall searching for “the perfect outfit.” The following day was to be a special event and the two women wanted to look especially attractive. The two had their nails polished to a fine brilliance, hair done by a well-known stylist, selected a sweet-
smelling perfume, and tried on outfits. While in the dressing room of a fashionable department store, the two women made certain their every need was catered to by the store assistants. “This outfit is much too small!” yelled the first woman as she threw her garment at the store assistant. “Go get me another one now!” she ordered. The second woman chimed in, “You fool! You brought me the blue dress! I told you I look horrid in blue!” For the next hour, the two women tried on many glittery outfits as they verbally abused and insulted the assistants whose job it was to assist “special” customers. By the time the women finally selected appropriate outfits, the assistants felt drained and were glad to see the two women go. “Have you ever seen such ugly women?” asked one assistant to the other. “What do you mean?” asked the other, looking puzzled, “Those women were very attractive.” “Attractive on the outside, yes, but on the inside, they were ugly as sin!” answered the assistant as she gathered up the dresses which were strewn all over the dressing room floor. If only the women in this story would spend as much attention on their inner being, as on their outer appearance. Often, we spend too much time and money on things that God does not even care about. What He is concerned with, though, is if we neglect to beautify our inner being with the truth and light of His Word and how we treat others. These are things which cannot be bought in a store. What do you see when you look in the mirror? What to do: ✞ Spend time daily on making the inner man more beautiful than the outer man.
THE HEART JULY 16
Bible Reading: Proverbs 4 Key Verse: Proverbs 4:23 -“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Key Words: Keep thy heart
In Proverbs 4:23 we are told to “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” The word heart is used often throughout the Word of God. In Jeremiah 17:9, we are told that the heart is deceitful. In John 14, we are told to “Let not your heart be troubled.”
In Deuteronomy 6:5, we see that we are to love the Lord with all of our heart. In Romans 10:9-10, we see the heart is vital to salvation, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
So what is the heart? Solomon tells us what the heart is when he says, “for out
of it are the issues of life.” The heart is that which produces our actions. You can actually know the heart of a person by their actions. Now that is a scary thought that people can know my heart by what I do. Solomon goes on in Proverbs 4:24-27 to give us three ways to identify our heart. First of all, you can know a person’s heart by what they say. Verse 24, “Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.” If my words are froward (crooked, dishonest) or perverse (misleading), then my heart is dishonest and misleading. If I gossip, lie, murmur, complain, backbite, it is because my heart is filled with gossip, lies, murmuring, complaints, and backbiting. On the other hand, if my words are pure and clean, that reveals a pure and clean heart. So as you listen to people talk, you can know their heart. Matthew 12:34 says, “...for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Secondly, you can know a person’s heart by what they look at or watch. Verse 25, “Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.” A heart that is out of control looks at things that he or she should not. There is no reason to explain here, this is pretty clear. Thirdly, you can know a person’s heart by where they go. Verses 26-27, “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” Do I go to the house of God or the ballfield? Do I go soul-winning or to fulfill my hobby? Do I go to movies which I should not be seeing? Oh well, you get the idea. So based on these three things: my words–what I say, my eyes–what I see, and my feet–where I go, I can tell what the spiritual condition of my heart is. What to do: ✞ Don’t give your heart to the world or the worldly.
THE ECHO OF THE SOUL JULY 17
Bible Reading: Galatians 6:1-10 Key Verse: Galatians 6:7 -“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Key Words: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap
I realize this is a familiar portion of Scripture, but I trust it’s not so familiar that it has ceased to impact our lives for we do reap what we sow. A young boy lived with his grandfather on the top of a mountain in the Swiss Alps. Often, just to hear the sound of his own voice echoing back to him, he would go outside, cup his hands around his mouth and shout, “HELLO!” Up from the canyons the reply reverberated, “HELLO...HELLO...hello...hello....” Then he would call out, “I LOVE YOU...I LOVE YOU...I love you...love you...love you....” One day the boy seriously misbehaved and his grandfather disciplined him severely. Reacting violently, the child shook his fist and screamed, “I HATE YOU!” To his surprise, the rocks and boulders across the mountainside responded in kind: “I HATE YOU...I HATE YOU...I hate you...hate you...hate you....” And so it is in a family. We could call it one of the immutable laws of physical nature. More particularly, human nature. We get in return exactly what we give. It all comes back. Incredible echoes mirror our actions to an emphatic degree, sometimes in greater measure than we give. The results are often embarrassing...or tragic. Tennyson said: “Our echoes roll from soul to soul and grow forever and forever.” What to do: ✞ Sow what you want to reap because you will anyway.
ECHOES CAN ACTUALLY MEASURE HOW FAR YOU ARE STANDING FROM THE ECHOPRODUCING SURFACE, SINCE SOUND WAVES TRAVEL AT ABOUT ONE MILE EVERY FIVE SECONDS!
A CHEERFUL HEART JULY 18
Bible Reading: II Corinthians 9 Key Verse: II Corinthians 9:7 -“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” Key Words: Every man according as he purposeth in his heart
A pastor in a rural community wanted to see if a farmer in his church was
willing to support the Lord’s work. As they were walking along one day, the pastor decided to ask him some direct questions. “If you had two farms,” he said, “would you be willing to give one to the Lord?” The farmer didn’t hesitate. “Why, Pastor, you know if I had two farms, I’d be glad to give one to the Lord.” The pastor asked another question. “If you had $10,000, would you give $5,000 to the Lord?” Again there was no hesitation. “Why, of course I would, Pastor. If I had $10,000, half of it would go right to the Lord.” The pastor had one more question. “If you had two hogs,” he said, “would you give one to the Lord?” This time there was a lengthy pause. Finally, the farmer replied, “Aw, Pastor, you know I’ve got two hogs!” It was easy for the farmer to talk of giving so generously as long as it was something out of his reach. But when it came down to what he really did have, he wasn’t willing to part with it. He hadn’t learned to be a cheerful giver. You see, God expects us to give out of the abundance of what He has blessed us with. According to I Corinthians 16:2, each of us is to give according as God has prospered us. But how can we give cheerfully? The key to this is found in II Corinthians 8:1-5, where Paul commended the churches of Macedonia for their willingness to give. Verse 5 tells us that, before they gave financially, they “first gave their own selves to the Lord.” If you want to be a cheerful giver, first give yourself to the Lord, and your giving will be from a heart of love. What to do: ✞ Give cheerfully; but if you can’t give cheerfully, give anyway.
THE HASTY TONGUE JULY 19
Bible Reading: Proverbs 29:1-20 Key Verse: Proverbs 29:20 -“Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.” Key Words: Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.
There is a little poem I like written by Luellen Norris. The poem goes as follows. If your lips would keep from slips Five things observe with care: To whom you speak, of whom you speak, And how, and when, and where.
I do believe that the tongue is the only tool that grows sharper with use. None was better at insults than Winston Churchill, who had no love affair with
Lady Astor. Actually, the feeling was mutual. On one occasion she found the great statesman rather obviously inebriated in a hotel elevator. With cutting disgust she snipped, “Sir Winston, you are drunk!” to which he replied, “M’lady, you are ugly. Tomorrow I will be sober.” That may be a classic example of how not to handle an insult. It surely is an example of hasty words. What to do: ✞ Follow the admonition of James 1:19b, “...let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
The appearance of the tongue is often an indication of body health. -Columbia Encyclopedia
LUST OF THE EYES JULY 20
Bible Reading: Judges 14 Key Verse: Judges 14:2 -“And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife.” Key Words: I have seen a woman
Samson was a he-man with a she-weakness. In spite of the fact he was raised
in a Godly home, set apart from his birth to be a Nazarite, and elevated to the enviable position of Judge of Israel, he never conquered his tendency toward lust. On the contrary, it conquered him. Several Scriptures point to the lustful bent of Samson. The first recorded words from his mouth were, “I have seen a woman...” Judges 14:2. He was attracted to women strictly on the basis of outward appearance. In Judges 14:3 Samson said (paraphrased), “Get her for me, for she looks good to me.” Samson judged Israel for twenty years, then went back to his old habit of chasing women (Judges 16:4). He became so preoccupied with his lustful desires, he didn’t even know that the Lord had departed from him (Judges 16:20). The results of Samson’s illicit affairs are familiar to all of us. The strong man of Dan was taken captive and became a slave in the enemy’s camp. His eyes were gouged out of his head, and he was appointed to be the grinder in a Philistine prison. Lust had brought Samson, the swarthy pride of Israel who once held the highest office of the land, to where he was now – the bald-headed clown of the Philistines. His eyes would never wander again. His life, once filled with promise and dignity, was now filled with hopelessness. Chalk up another victim to lust. Need I remind you that even giving lust a foothold – no, a toenail – in your life will bring you low? We would all do well to remember Joseph (Genesis 39). He was dedicated to God, a well-disciplined man who knew that he could not play with lust without being whipped. When it came time for a hasty retreat, he decided it would be better to leave his jacket behind rather than his testimony. But not Samson, he played with fire and was burnt. And need I remind you that lust is one flame you dare not fan? You will get burned if you do. What to do: ✞ Be careful what you focus on.
A CALM SOUL JULY 21
Bible Reading: Psalm 46 Key Verse: Psalms 46:10 -“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Key Words: Be still and know that I am God
In our hurry-scurry life when we run hither, thither, and yon and never seem to have any time for hearing...I mean really hearing God...we often find ourselves frail and weak, not only physically but spiritually. Our key verse reminds us of the importance of being still, having a time of calmness for our soul when we listen to God. Before refrigerators were invented, icehouses were used to preserve foods. These icehouses had thick walls, no windows, and a tightly-fitted door. Large blocks of ice were obtained during the winter and covered with sawdust to prevent melting. This would allow the ice to last well into summer. One day a man lost his valuable watch while working in the icehouse. He and his fellow workers diligently searched for the valued timepiece without success. A small boy heard of the problem and slipped into the icehouse. He soon emerged from the cold with the man’s watch. The men were amazed and asked the boy how he found it. He said, “I closed the door, laid down in the sawdust, and kept very still. Soon I heard the watch ticking.” From the cool darkness of this dated icehouse comes the timeless reminder of Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” What to do: ✞ Heed the counsel of God’s Word, “Be still and know that I am God.”
DEATH WISH
JULY 22
Bible Reading: Proverbs 8 Key Verse: Proverbs 8:36 -“But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.” Key Words: wrongeth his own soul
On a lonely three-mile stretch of Florida beach, 100 pilot whales hurled themselves onto dry ground in an apparent mass suicide. It was another example of self-destructive behavior that continues to baffle marine biologists. These huge creatures had beached themselves in a kind of follow-the-leader fashion. People
came from miles around to try to turn them back. At one point a human fence was formed between the whales and the shoreline. But even when those sea mammals were pushed, pulled, and forced back into deeper water, many of them repeated their death surge and threw themselves onto dry ground again. Several theories have been advanced to explain this seeming bent toward self-destruction. One is that the whale’s Do you suppose directional sonar, which steer it clear of danger, may have gotten fouled up. Biologists found parasites in the inner ears of some of the huge we humans look creatures that may have disoriented them. like that to the Do you suppose we humans look like that to the angels? As God’s ministers for our good, they angels? might wonder what strange urge causes us to self-destruct en masse. It’s clear to them that the Creator has provided a sea of wisdom for us to live in. Yet there’s something about man that mimics these whales. Like an unreasoning animal, he seems obsessed with a desire to break out of that element he was created for. Instead of remaining in the expanse of a loving, conscious submission to God, he throws himself onto the dry ground of disobedience. We may think we’d never do that. But believe what God says: “All who hate wisdom love death.” What to do: ✞ Ask God to give you a love for Godly wisdom.
THE HEALING WORD
JULY 23
Bible Reading: Psalm 107:1-22 Key Verse: Psalms 107:20 -“He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” Key Words: He sent his word, and healed them
Have you ever considered that God’s Word has healing power? The psalmist
declares that it was God’s Word that healed Israel. God’s Word is a powerful word, a sharp word, but it’s also a healing word. Dr. Stanley Blanton, a well-known psychiatrist, told about a new patient who entered his office. Seeing a Bible on his desk, the patient asked, “Do you, a psychiatrist, read the Bible?”
Dr. Blanton replied, “I not only read it, I study it. It’s the greatest textbook on human behavior ever put together. If people would just absorb its message, a lot of us psychiatrists could close our offices and go fishing.” “You are talking about the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule?” the patient asked. “Certainly, but more, too. Dozens of other insights have profound psychiatric value. Take your own case. For the past hour you have been telling me how you have tried this, tried that, but all to no avail. Isn’t it quite obvious that you are worrying yourself into a state of acute anxiety?” asked Dr. Blanton. “That is why I am here,” the patient acknowledged. Said Dr. Blanton, “For more than three thousand years, the Bible has been a help in time of trouble to any person wise enough to use it.” What to do: ✞ Apply the salve of God’s Word to what’s ailing you.
WHEN THE INSIDE’S OUTSIDE JULY 24 Bible Reading: Mark 7:14-23 Key Verse: Mark 7:23 -“All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Key Words: All these evil things come from within
From the Choice Gleanings Calendar comes this story: On one occasion Hudson Taylor wanted to teach a spiritual lesson, so he filled a glass with water and placed it on the table before him. While he was speaking, he pounded his fist hard enough to make water splash onto the table. He then explained, “You will come up against much trouble. But when you do, remember, only what’s in you will spill out.” That’s worth thinking about, isn’t it? If we are mistreated or misunderstood, how do we respond? With loving words, patience and kindness, or are we inclined to retaliate in anger? In Ephesians 4:17-32, we see the contrast between the old man and the new man – what a person is before he is saved and filled with God’s Spirit, and what he is afterward. When we are under the control of the Holy Spirit, we will show it by the way we react to the shocking, jolting trials and temptations of life. How we respond to trying, embarrassing situations that are suddenly thrust upon us is a good test of how much we have grown in grace. What we do on the spur of the
moment, when we don’t have time to think or weigh the consequences, reveals whether or not our lives are filled with the love of Christ. A non-Christian in a tense situation may suppress his innermost feelings in order to serve his own ends. But when a person who is filled with the Savior’s love is jostled, he will be patient and kind without even thinking about it. Like that glass of water, he shows what’s on the inside by what spills over on the outside. So what’s spilling out of you? Love, joy, peace, etc. – or envy, gossip, and criticism? You know what’s on the inside by what’s going out. What to do: ✞ Make sure that which comes out is from God.
PRAYER & HEALING JULY 25 Bible Reading: James 5:13-20 Key Verse: James 5:15 -“And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”
Key Words: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick
Do you believe in praying for the sick? I surely do. So did John Wesley. Here are three entries from John Wesley’s journal, taken from incidents years
apart, that show that Wesley believed that God could heal in response to prayer. The three incidents involved healing for himself, a friend – and a horse. In 1741, May 10. Sunday, pain in back and head, with fever; had to lie down most of day; only easy in one position. At night tried to preach; pain, and seized with cough, etc. There came to mind strongly, “These signs shall follow them that believe.” Prayed; called on Jesus aloud to increase my faith and to confirm the Word of His grace. While I was speaking my pain vanished away, the fever left me, my bodily strength returned, and for many weeks I felt neither sickness nor pain. Unto Thee, O Lord, do I give thanks! 1745, Jan. 14. On way to Bristol. Was earnest desired to turn aside and call at the house of a poor man, William Shalwood. I found him and his wife sick in one bed, and with small hopes of the recovery of either. Yet (after prayer) I believed they would not die, but live and declare the loving kindness of the Lord. The next time I called he was sitting below the stairs, and his wife was able to be abroad.
1781, Sept. 5. On Wednesday noon I preached at Taunton. I believe it my duty to relate here what some will esteem a most notable instance of enthusiasm (fanaticism). Be it so or not, I aver the plain fact. In an hour after we left Taunton, one of the chaise horses was on a sudden so lame that he could hardly set his foot to the ground. It being impossible to procure any human help, I knew no remedy but prayer. Immediately the lameness was gone, and he went just as he did before.
Oh, the power of prayer! What to do: ✞ Pray for the sick.
INNER PEACE
JULY 26
Bible Reading: Romans 5 Key Verse: Romans 5:1 -“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” Key Words: we have peace with God
The word peace in the Scripture means “a solace, a calm spirit, tranquil.” My
personal definition of peace is “an inner calmness that says all is in God’s control.” If we are to have inner peace, three things must be in place in our lives. First of all, we must be at peace with God. This peace only comes through salvation. We are told in Romans 5:1, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Secondly, there is the peace of God. This peace only comes through having a right relationship with God, and through a proper thought life. We read in Philippians 4:6-8, “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Then lastly, but by no means least, there is the peace from God. This comes as a result of our relationships with others. In I Corinthians 1:3-4 we read, “Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank
my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;... .” God’s peace allows us to have an inner calmness even though the storms of life are raging all around us. Sailors and sea merchants will tell you if you are ever caught in a hurricane, find the eye of the storm for it is there you will find a calmness that allows you to ride out the storm. Jesus is our eye of calmness. He is our peace and tranquility in this old world of conflict and strife. Today, if you long for inner peace you must first be at peace with God by being born again. You must have the peace of God that comes through a right relationship with God. Then you must be at peace with others; this is peace from God. I trust today you are in a place of perfect peace even though the storms of life are raging all around you. What to do: ✞ Be at peace with God.
THE TOUCH OF THE MASTER’S HAND JULY 27 Bible Reading: Luke 5:1-16 Key Verse: Luke 5:13 -“And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.” Key Words: and he put forth his hand and touched him
One of the most famous musicians of the 19th century was a self-taught
Norwegian violinist named Ole Bull (1810 – 1880). He was a composer and artist of amazing skill who toured Europe and America with enormous success. During his lifetime, he was the world’s most renowned violinist. But he wasn’t known by everyone. One day while traveling in the forests of Europe, he became lost and in the dark of night stumbled upon a log hut, the home of a hermit. The old man took him in, fed and warmed him, and after supper they sat in front of a blazing fireplace, and the old hermit picked some crude tunes on his screechy, battered violin. “Do you think I could play on that?” asked Ole Bull. “I don’t think so,” replied the hermit. “It took me years to learn.” Ole Bull replied, “Let me try.” Taking the old marred violin, he drew the bow across the strings and suddenly the hermit’s hut was filled with music so beautiful the hermit sobbed like a child.
We are battered instruments; life’s strings have been snapping; life’s bow has been bent. Yet if we will only let Him take us and touch us, from this old battered, broken, shattered, marred instrument, He will bring forth music fit for the angels. Today, the answer for what is ailing you is only as far away as the touch of the Master’s Hand. What to do: ✞ Let God change your life with His touch.
LISTEN, GOD IS SPEAKING!
JULY 28
Bible Reading: Hebrews 1 Key Verse: Hebrews 1:2 -“Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;” Hebrews 1:2 Key Words: spoken unto us by his Son
The well-known theologian, Charles Hodge, wrote about his early years at Princeton: “It was my privilege to be the pupil-assistant of Professor Joseph Henry, the illustrious scientist. When, for the first time, electric signals were sent from point to point, the earth itself being used for the return current, Professor Henry put me at one end of the circuit, while he stood directing the experiments at the other. I can well remember the wonderful care with which he arranged them. Very often, when the testing moment came, he would raise his hand in adoring reverence and call upon me to uncover my head and worship in silence. He would say, ‘Because God is here. I am about to ask Him a question.’” Professor Henry was a God-fearing man and recognized the Almighty’s presence in creation. He therefore entered into his experiments depending upon the Lord for the right solutions. He believed that the voice of God could be heard in the universe, for the Bible says, “Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge” (Psalm 19:2). Yes, we can hear Him speak, as it were through the light and laws of nature. But the Almighty has also spoken through the prophets of old; through His written Word, the Bible; and through the Living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ. In nature we can learn about God’s greatness, power, and intelligence. But His Word and His Son reveal most clearly His love, mercy, grace, will, and plan of redemption.
Remember, GOD IS SPEAKING! He tells us all we need to know. It’s up to us to listen! What to do: ✞ Listen to God.
NOISY LIDS JULY 29 Bible Reading: Psalm 19 Key Verse: Psalms 19:12 -“Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.” Key Words: cleanse thou me from secret faults
Godly living involves the secret attitudes of the heart that give birth to actions. Right conduct is important, to be sure, for without it our testimony will be ineffective. But the believer knows that sin has polluted his entire being, and that it’s possible to do the right thing for the wrong reason. A kind and generous deed, for example, can actually be tinged with strong elements of selfishness. A little boy told a salesclerk he was shopping for a birthday gift for his mother and asked to see some cookie jars. At a counter displaying a large selection of them, the Godly living youngster carefully lifted and replaced each lid. His face fell as he came to the last one. “Aren’t involves the secret there any covers that don’t make any noise?” he asked. attitudes of the Beneath the humor of this delightful story is a disturbingly accurate commentary on human heart that give nature. Although there’s the danger of becoming too introspective, we must examine our motives birth to actions. under the searchlight of God’s penetrating Word. It’s a healthy exercise that will give our lives a quality which the Bible calls “sincerity.” David’s prayer in Psalm 19:12 can help us: “Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.” Let’s seek to glorify God in everything we do. Our conduct will then be governed by fixed motives instead of mixed motives. Our actions will flow from a determination to please Him. With Paul we’ll be able to say, “For our rejoicing is this,
the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity...we have had our conversation in the world...” (II Corinthians 1:12). Two things we must learn to do If we’d keep our record true: We must act from motives purely, We must trust in God securely. (Van Dyke alt) What to do: ✞ Check the motives of your heart.
GOSSIP
JULY 30
Bible Reading: Mark 16 Key Verse: Mark 16:15 -“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Key Words: preach the gospel
Are you aware that the word gossip is not found in the Word of God? But its meaning has a spiritual significance, or maybe I should say a lack of spiritual significance. The word gossip comes from the old English god-sibb. The word god is a false god and the word sibb means akin to, so then a gossiper would be someone who is akin to a false god. Now, isn’t that interesting?!! Are you aware After three years of research, Indiana University Sociologist Donna Eder identified an that the word important dynamic involved in gossip. Eder discovered that the initial negative statement was gossip is not found not the starting point for gossip. The critical turning point was found in the response to the in the Word of initial statement. “She’s a snob” is not the starting point of gossip. It is when someone else agrees God? that “She’s a snob” that the gossip first begins. Eder found that the key is whether or not a negative statement is seconded. If a second is provided, then gossip ensues. If the second is not provided, then the conversation changes directions. No one ever challenged an evaluation that had been seconded. Now no matter how cutting the opening remark, an immediate quibble from a listener could send the talk into a less critical direction.
The moral of all this is “gossip isn’t any fun if you aren’t willing to agree.” Moral number two: we have the power either to incite or defuse gossip. But primarily I need to know that when I gossip, I’m akin to a false god and helping to promote the work of Satan. So let’s not gossip, but rather let us spread the gospel. Amen! What to do: ✞ Don’t spread gossip; spread the gospel.
INTEGRITY
JULY 31
Bible Reading: Proverbs 20:1-14 Key Verse: Proverbs 20:7 -“The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” Key Words: The just man walketh in his integrity
We are told in Proverbs 20:7 that, “The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” If our children are to be blessed then we must be parents of integrity. The word integrity comes from the root word integer which means whole. Let me explain. We as parents can’t pick and choose an area where we will be honest. We must be honest and truthful in all areas of life, even if it hurts. We must have character, not just in some areas, but in every area of life. Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. used to say, “Character is what you do in the dark when no one else is looking.” Let me explain further. How many times has your child answered the phone, and it was for you, but you didn’t want to talk so you told your child, “Tell them I’m not here.” Not honest – that’s a lack of integrity, and it is teaching your children to have no integrity. Have you ever covered for your children not doing their homework or written an excuse for an absence which was not totally truthful? That’s lacking integrity. Partial honesty or partial integrity is no honesty or integrity at all. A man in Long Beach, California, went into a chicken franchise to buy lunch for himself and the lady with him. He took his order of chicken and drove to a nearby park for a picnic. When he opened the box of chicken, he was surprised to find money instead of chicken. The manager kept the earnings in a chicken box as a safety precaution in case of a robbery, but he inadvertently handed the man the wrong box. The man quickly returned his picnic basket full of cash to the store manager. The manager, needless to say, was elated, so elated that he proclaimed this man to be “the most honest guy in town.” The store manager wanted to call the local newspaper and have the story, along with the man’s picture, published for
everyone to see. The man protested such an idea. The manager pressed him for a reason for his protesting. Finally, the man proclaimed, “You see, I am married and the woman I am with is not my wife.” Now I ask you, do you think the man was honest? You see, partial honesty is no honesty at all. Integrity is a holiness that directs every area of our lives. “The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” What to do: ✞ Walk in integrity or you will never be whole.
I deeply appreciate the help of Laurie Blankenship Trisha Bookout Kathy Endicott Cathy Fortenberry Sandy Lancaster Cathy Lang Pam Lee Marie Moore Mary Parsons John and Tascha Piatt Reba Pontbriand Mary Schleifer And my lovely wife, Linda
Without God using these people to help this devotional would not have been possible.
Dr. Mike Rouse