MARCH 1 Bible Reading: Psalm 8 Key Verse: 4-What is man, that thou art mindful of him?

and the son of man, that thou

visitest him?

THE REAL STARS

Key Words: What is man, that thou art mindful of him? The following was emailed to me, albeit in a different format. Ive adjusted it to be applicable to this article. You dont have to actually answer the following questions; just ponder them. 1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world. 2. Name the last five Heisman Trophy winners. 3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant. 4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prizes. 5. Name the last half-dozen Academy Award winners for Best Actor and Actress. 6. Name the last decades worth of World Series winners. 7. Name last years Cy Young award winner for both the American and National Leagues. Well, how did you do? The point is that none of us remember the stars and headliners of yesterday. One day all the applause dies, achievements are forgotten, and accolades are buried with their winners. Now... 1. List a few teachers who helped you through school. 2. Name a friend who helped you through a difficult time. 3. Name five people who taught you something worthwhile. 4. Name three people who love you and pray for you daily. 5. Name five people you enjoy spending time with. Its these people who make a difference in our lives, not the ones with all the credentials. Its these people who are important to us, not the worlds heroes who fade away. Think about it!! Its these people we need to be seeking autographs from, not the worlds heroes with all their headlines who dont even know our names or care who we are! Think about it!!

What to do: Make sure that Jesus is the Chief Star of your life.

WAYS TO KNOW WHERE YOUR HEART IS

Bible Reading: Proverbs 4:14 27 Key Verse: 23-Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Key Words: Keep thy heart

MARCH 2

Knowing where a persons heart is, is not rocket science. A persons heart can be known in any number of ways. Let me share with you ten ways to identify who or what has your heart.

1. You can know where ones heart is by where they spend their money. Matthew 6:21, For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 2. You can know where ones heart is through their words. Matthew 12:34b, ...for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 3. You can know where ones heart is through where they spend their time. Ephesians 5:16, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 4. You can know where ones heart is through their promptness. John 20:1, The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early... (before others, prompt). 5. You can know where ones heart is by what they get excited about. There are many verses which could be used...Proverbs 24:17, Psalm 122:1. 6. You can know where ones heart is by what angers them. Cain became angry when God rejected his offering. The Gentiles became angry when they found out Nehemiahs intentions to restore the walls of Jerusalem. 7. You can know where ones heart is by who they follow. II Samuel 15:1-6, ...so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel (verse 6b). 8. You can know where ones heart is by how they dress. Matthew 11:8 talks about the dress of a homosexual. Proverbs 7:10 talks about the dress of a harlot. I Timothy 2:9 talks about modest dress for holy women. 9. You can know where ones heart is through their thought life. Proverbs 23:7a, For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. 10. You know where ones heart is through the music they listen to. Ephesians 5:19, Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Always remember, when God measures a man he puts the tape measure around the heart, not the head. Your heart is a great revealer of the real you.

What to do: Keep your heart with all diligence.

BE PROMPT
heaven:

Bible Reading: Ecclesiaste 3:1-8 Key Verse: 1-To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Key Words: To every thing there is a season One of our members sent me the following in regard to punctuality. I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. I could never think well of a mans intellectual or moral character if he was habitually unfaithful to his appointments. (Emnons) Method is the very hinge of business; and there is no method without punctuality. Appointments once made, become debts. If I have made an appointment with you, I owe you punctuality; I have no right to throw away your time, if I do my own. (Cecil) I have always been a quarter of an hour before my time, and it has made a man of me. (Lord Nelson) Want of punctuality is a want of virtue. (J. M. Mason) I give it as my deliberate and solemn conviction that the individual who is habitually tardy in meeting an appointment, will never be respected or successful in life. (W. Fisk) Every child should be taught (Proverbs 22:6) to pay all his debts, and to fulfill all his contracts, exactly in manner, completely in value, punctually at the time specified. Everything he has borrowed, he should be obliged to return.

MARCH 3

William Shakespeare said, Better to be three hours early than one minute late. Ones promptness does affect his testimony. An airline pilot flying over the southeastern U. S. called the local tower and said, We are passing over at 35,000 give us a time check. The tower said What airline are you? What difference does it make? I just want the time, replied the pilot. The tower responded, Oh, it makes a lot of difference. If you are TransWorld Airline or Pan Am, it is 1600. If you are United or Delta, it is 4 oclock. If you are Southern Airways, the little hand is on the 4 and the big hand is on the 12. If you are Skyway Airlines its Thursday. Let me ask, is your lack of promptness the brunt of everyone elses jokes? Well, Ive got to go Ive got an appointment and I cant be late.

What to do: Work on being prompt.

BAD SUCCESS

Bible Reading: Joshua 1:1-8 Key Verse: 8-This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt

MARCH 4

meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Key Words: then thou shalt have good success Look at those last two words of Joshua 1:8: good success. Now, most people feel as though any and all success is good, but this is not so. If there is a good success, there must also be a bad success. Which raises the question that begs for an answer: what is bad success? Bad success is when you have money, but you do not have Jesus as your Savior. Bad success is when you have designer clothes, but a life not designed for Gods glory. Bad success is when you have material possessions: cars, land, houses; but you do not have salvation. Jesus said in Matthew 16:26a, For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Success can be measured by answering three simple questions. First of all, where did I come from? Would you not agree that we came from God? Psalm 127:3; Psalm 139:13-18. Now, since we came from God that raises a second question: why am I here? The answer is found in Revelation 4:11b, ...for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. You find the same thought running through the Bible. I Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17. So since we came from God and are here for God, let me ask, How successful are you? But there is a third question I must ask, Where are you going? Where will you spend eternity? Without Christ as your Savior, hell is your eternal destination. Now, how successful is that?

What to do: Evaluate your success in light of Gods Word.

THE RESURRECTION
raise the dead?

Bible Reading: Acts 26:1-8 Key Verse: 8-Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should Key Words: that God should raise the dead?

MARCH 5

I often ask myself how it is even possible that men should doubt the resurrection from the dead. It is far more incredible that there should be no resurrection. The question of Paul to King Agrippa was, Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? If there is no resurrection, this life really has no meaning, it becomes hollow and empty. Then God Who created us is a God of sheer sorrow...is this life all there is? Just a few years of alternating between crying and laughing, mostly crying, and then death? Then we must say with the Apostle Paul, If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But the resurrection should not be incredible to us, for all things around us remind us of the resurrection. The buds on the trees, the flowers in the garden, the emerging of life after a long winter of inactivity, all point to the resurrection. In an ancient tomb in France, buried under the debris, archaeologists found flower seeds which had been there for 2,000 years! The explorers took the seeds and planted them and to no ones amazement, they grew. Egyptian garden peas which had been buried for 3,000 years were brought and planted, and you guessed it, within a few days they had germinated and broken groundburied 3,000 years and then resurrected to life! Why then should it be thought a thing incredible that God should raise the dead? If God can cause a lump of clay to become alive at the creation of man, then again, I ask why can man not believe in the resurrection? To me the most incredible thing would be for Jesus to live the life He lived and then remain dead. Hallelujah! Christ arose! Up from the grave He arose, With a mighty triumph oer His foes; He arose a Victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever with His saints to reign: He arose! He arose! Hallelujah, Christ arose! Amen and amen! And because He lives, I too can and will live for eternity. So can you by believing that Jesus is the Christ, your Savior.

What to do: Believe in the resurrection (Romans 10:9-10).

EXCUSES

Bible Reading: Luke 14:12-24 Key Verse: 18-And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said Key Words: and they all with one accord began to make excuse

MARCH 6

unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.

Some of the excuses people give for not going to church are ridiculous. Ive substituted the word church with the word shopping to show how senseless excuses can be. Im out of the habit of going shopping; Id better not go today. Ive not been shopping for so long the walls of the department store would fall in if I should go. I know a man who has gone shopping for years, and he is no better than I am. There are as many good people outside the shopping center as inside. Too many hypocrites go shopping. I stay away from shopping because of the kind of people who go there. I dont like to go shopping. They are constantly asking for money. I dont go shopping because my parents made me go as a child. I dont go shopping the last time I went not a single person spoke to me. I dont go shopping because the store manager has never called on me. I dont go shopping. Its just too crowded and the stores are always too hot or too cold. Ridiculous, isnt it? So are peoples excuses for not going to church. So remember, the next time you make an excuse for not going to church, you really will sound foolish.

What to do: Be an example, not an excuse.

DATING PRINCIPLES

Bible Reading: II Corinthians 6:14-18 Key Verse: 14-Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what Key Words: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers

MARCH 7

fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

There are five principles as parents that can help you to help your young person through the sometimes turbulent dating years. First of all, there is the purpose of dating. The purpose of dating can be summed up in this little saying, The reason you date is to find a mate. In Proverbs 18:22a we are told, Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing. So the purpose of dating is not simply to have fun but to find Gods mate for your life. Secondly, there should be purity in the dating process. The youth today are under pressure to be impure. For this reason, all dating should be out in the open and not behind closed doors. Always remember, petting never stops with petting. We are told in II Timothy 2:22 to Flee...youthful lusts no touching. Remember, guys are stimulated by sight (girls, dress modestly), girls are stimulated by touch no touching. Thirdly, there is such a push today to date. Now, I ask you, what is the purpose of dating? To find a mate. So I ask you, do you want your 13-year-old looking for a mate? The age they begin to date is the age they should be looking for a mate. Fourthly, the young man should be, for lack of a better word, the aggressor in the relationship. The girl should never be the one calling the guy and being aggressive. Remember, Proverbs 18:22, Whoso findeth a wife... . Teach the young man to be the leader in the relationship. Fifthly, the parents should go out with the couple: be together. No, you didnt read that wrong. Have dad talk with the young man. Be the teacher of how to correctly date or court. I realize this may sound old-fashioned to you, and it may well be. But need I remind you of The Birmingham News Sunday morning edition for March 22: Two Out of Every Five Women in State Who Have Babies Are Unwed. This is the case because of a lack of old-fashioned guidelines. Parents, I trust you will have the courage and spiritual discernment to guide your children right through those turbulent dating years.

What to do: Let your teens know in advance what your dating principles are and carry them out with love.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A WINNER & A LOSER

Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:1-9 Key Verse: 1-Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud Key Words: run with patience

MARCH 8

of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

A Winner says, Lets find out; a Loser says Nobody knows. When a Winner makes a mistake; he says, I was wrong; when a Loser makes a mistake; he says, It wasnt my fault. A Winner goes through a problem; a Loser goes around it and never gets past it. A Winner makes commitments; a Loser makes promises. A Winner says, Im good, but not as good as I ought to be; a Loser says, Im not as bad as a lot of other people. A Winner listens; a loser just waits until its his turn to talk. A Winner respects those who are superior to him and tries to learn from them; a loser resents those who are superior to him, and tries to find chinks in their armor. A Winner explains; a loser explains away. ~ Sources Unknown Suffering from terminal spinal cancer at the age of 47, former North Carolina State basketball coach Jim Valvano spoke with a reporter earlier this year. He looked back on his life and told a story about himself as a 23-year-old coach of a small college team. "Why is winning so important to you?" the players asked Valvano. "Because the final score defines you," he said, "You lose, ergo, you're a loser. You win, ergo, you're a winner." "No," the players insisted. "Participation is what matters. Trying your best, regardless of whether you win or lose -- that's what defines you." It took 24 more years of living. It took the coach bolting up from the mattress three or four times a night with his T-shirt soaked with sweat and his teeth rattling from the fever chill of chemotherapy and the terror of seeing himself die repeatedly in his dreams. It took all that for him to say it: "Those kids were right. It's effort, not result. It's trying. God, what a great human being I could have been if I'd had this awareness back then." ~ Gary Smith of Sports Illustrated

What to do: Are you doing your best for Jesus? I hope so.

WHY BE FAITHFUL?

Bible Reading: I Corinthians 4:1-8 Key Verse: 2-Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. Key Words: that a man be found faithful

MARCH 9

As a child of God it makes sense to me that we should be faithful to God. This word faithful means dependable, trustworthy. Are you faithful (dependable, trustworthy) in your Christian walk: in purity, witnessing, Bible study, prayer, and your own church attendance? Why be faithful? If your mate were unfaithful to you (not trustworthy, not dependable) what type of marital relationship would you have? Not very good, I would imagine. So it is with our relationship with God. Certainly an unfaithful Christian has a poor relationship with his Heavenly Father. If your mate offered you excuses or even reasons for their unfaithfulness to you, would that justify their unfaithfulness? I think not. Have you ever stopped to consider what an unfaithful life to God produces? Before David fell into adultery, he was unfaithful to God. Before Achan stole, he was unfaithful to God. Before Jonah was lost at sea, he was unfaithful to God. Before King Saul lost his kingdom, he was unfaithful to God. Before Eli lost his sons, he was unfaithful to God. On the other hand, faithfulness to God produces blessings (Proverbs 28:20), rewards (Revelation 2:10), and more authority (Luke 19:17). God has been faithful to us (John 3:16). The least we can do is be faithful to Him. The next time someone asks, Why should I be faithful to Gods Word? Why should I spend time in prayer? Why should I attend the church services? Why? Look in the mirror and look at your family, and youll have the answer why.

What to do: Anyone can be faithful. Right! So be faithful to God.

THE PEOPLE BUSINESS

him.

Bible Reading: Matthew 8:1-17 Key Verse: 1-When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Key Words: great multitudes followed him

MARCH 10

As you read Gods Word it becomes so crystal clear that Jesus was in the people business. You can see that as He talked with Nicodemus in John 3, and the Samaritan woman in John 4, and the lame man in John 5. People are Gods business; therefore, people should be our business as well. Until each of us realizes we are in the people business we will never, never be successful. In the 1950s, marketing whiz Stanley Arnold was working at Young & Rubicam, where he was asked to come up with a marketing campaign for Remington Rand. The company was among the most conservative in America. Its chairman at the time was retired General Douglas MacArthur. Intimidated at first by a company that was so much a part of America, Arnold also found in that phrase the first inspiration for a campaign. After thinking about it, he went to the New York offices of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Beane, and placed the ultimate odd-lot order. I want to purchase, he told the broker, one share of every single stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange. After a vice president tried to talk him out of it, the order was finally placed. It came to more than $42,000 for one share in each of the 1098 companies listed on the Big Board at the time. Arnold now took his diversified portfolio into a meeting of Remington Rands board of directors, where he argued passionately for a sweepstakes campaign with the top prize called A Share in America. The conservative old gentlemen shifted around in their seats and discussed the idea for a while. But Mr. Arnold, said one, we are not in the securities business. Said another, We are in the shaver business. I agree that you are not in the securities business, said Arnold, but I think you also ought to realize that you are not in the shaver business either. You are in the people business. The company bought the idea.

What to do: Remember, we are in the people business for God.

A MEMORABLE FLIGHT PLAN

Bible Reading: Genesis 1:1-31 Key Verse: 1-In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Key Words: In the beginning God

MARCH 11

At 9:30 P.M. (CST), December 24, 1968, millions of persons, glued to TV and radio, were electrified by a Bible reading from outer space. It was coming from Apollo 8, the first spacecraft to orbit the moon. Apollo 8 has a message for you, announced commander Frank Borman. Major Bill Anders began reading, In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth... Back on earth, NBCs David Brinkley said in a reverent comment, If my memory serves me correctly, hes reading from the first chapter of Genesis. Captain James A. Lovell, Jr., continued, And God called the light day... Col. Borman concluded, And God said, Let the waters under the heavens be gathered... Then he signed off, And from the crew of Apollo 8, we pause with good night, good luck, a merry Christmas, and God bless all of you all of you on the good earth. Those who heard the live telecast from this first moon-orbiting space probe will never forget how it captured the imagination of the whole world. Christianity Today compared the event to Samuel F. B. Morses first wireless message from Numbers 23:23, What hath God wrought! Contrary to popular belief, the astronauts did not read from Bibles, as they would have required fireproof plastic covering and been difficult to get to. So just before launch time, the three astronauts decided to type the Genesis selection right onto their flame-resistant flight plan. Over 100,000 letters poured into NASAs Houston headquarters, with praise for the Bible reading running 1,000 to 1. The New York Board of Rabbis said, Your reading from Genesis evoked a responsive chord in the hearts of all spiritually attuned people throughout this good earth... A few verses from Genesis were appropriately typed on the flight plan of Apollo 8. All of the Bible, typed indelibly into our lives, would make a good flight plan for us all, dont you think?

What to do: Make sure Gods Word is your flight plan for life.

BEFORE TWENTY-ONE

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:1-9 Key Verse: 3-Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Key Words: Blessed

MARCH 12

In his book, Happiness Through Creative Living, Preston Bradley recalls the results of a poll which had been taken among experienced Armed Forces personnel. The older group, though still youthful, replied to the question: What things do you wish you had known before you were twenty-one? The ten most common responses were: I. How I was going to make a living. II. That my health after thirty depended to some extent on what I put in my stomach before I was twenty-one. III. How to take care of money. IV. Habits are hard to change after twenty-one. V. The commercial asset of being neatly and sensibly dressed. VI. That worthwhile things require time, patience, and work. VII. That the world gave me about what I deserved. VIII.That a thorough education not only pays better wages than hard labor but it brings the best of everything else. IX. The value of absolute truthfulness in everything. X. That my parents werent old fogies after all. Now, let me give you my ten things that I have learned in life. 1. To put God first. 2. That its better to burn out with God than to chill out with the world. 3. That my decisions in my youth do determine, to a great extent, my destiny on the earth. 4. That we do reap what we sow. 5. That marriage in Gods will is of the utmost importance. 6. That freedom really isnt free. 7. That failure doesnt have to be final. 8. That a true friend is forever, and there is no friend like Jesus. 9. That real success only comes through hard work. 10. That grandchildren are really grand.

What to do: Write down ten things youve learned from life.

PESSIMIST
Let us also go, that we may die with him.

Bible Reading: John 11:1-17 Key Verse: 16-Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Key Words: Let us also go, that we may die with him

MARCH 13

If you were to look up the word pessimist, I believe out beside the word you would find a picture of old Thomas. We read in John 11:16, Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. We read in John 20:25b, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. Old Thomas, the pessimist! I once heard about a farmer who was continually optimistic, seldom discouraged or blue. He had a neighbor who was just the opposite. Grim and gloomy, he faced each new morning with a heavy sigh. The happy, optimistic farmer would see the sun coming up and shout over the roar of the tractor, Look at the beautiful sun and clear sky! And with a frown, the negative neighbor would reply, Yeahitll probably scorch the crops. When clouds would gather and much-needed rain would start to fall, our positive friend would smile across the fence, Aint this greatGod is giving our corn a drink today! Again, the same negative response, Uh huh, but if it doesnt stop fore long, itll flood and wash everything away. One day the optimist decided to put his pessimistic neighbor to the maximum test. He bought the smartest, most expensive bird dog he could find. He trained him to do things no other dog on earth could doimpossible feats that would surely astonish anyone. He invited the pessimist to go duck hunting with him. They sat in the boat, hidden in the duck blind. In came the ducks. Both men fired and several ducks fell into the water. Go get em! ordered the owner with a gleam in his eye. The dog leaped out of the boat, walked on the water, and picked up the birds one by one. Well, what do you think of that? Unsmiling, the pessimist answered, He cant swim, can he? The optimist sees a silver lining behind every cloud. But the pessimist sees a cloud behind every silver lining. Which are you? I am convinced a balance of both is needed to stay level-headed. Let your moderation be known to all men.

What to do: Let your attitude also be one of Godliness. Ask God to help you in this area.

AN EDUCATION IN DISCERNMENT

Bible Reading: I Kings 3:1-16 Key Verse: 9-Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, Key Words: that I may discern between good and bad

MARCH 14

that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

Discernment is the ability to detect and identify real truth and act upon it. This reminds me of an old Persian proverb. He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool; shun him. He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is a child; teach him. He who knows and knows not that he knows is asleep; wake him. He who knows and knows that he knows is wise; follow him. Discernment would rather stay home at night and read a good book than go out with the wrong crowd. Discernment would rather do right and realize that the reward lies ahead than do wrong and have immediate attention and popularity. Discernment would rather be called boring and drive safely than be accepted for misbehavior behind the wheel. Discernment thinks of what is honest, rather than what benefits me personally. A lack of discernment reveals one of two things: 1. either the one who lacks discernment is not saved, or 2. they are spiritually immature (read I Corinthians 2:14-16). A Christian without discernment is like a pilot attempting to land a loaded 747 in a dense fog without instruments or radio: lots of noise, power and good intentions...until...oh, well, you get the picture. Do you really want discernment but dont know where to find it? 1. Go to your knees. James 1:5 says, If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. 2. Go to the Word of God. Psalms 119:98-100 says, Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients because I keep thy precepts. 3. Go to the wise. Discernment is better caught than taught. Those who have it are highly contagious.

Now go on, get discernment and act upon it. Youll be better off for it.

What to do: Ask God to give you discernment.

MARCH 15 Bible Reading: James 1:1-17 Key Verse: 4-But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and
entire, wanting nothing.

MATURITY

Key Words: that ye may be perfect The word perfect means complete. It carries the idea of being spiritually mature. Have you ever considered the character traits of a mature person? Let me give you a few. Maturity is the ability to control anger and settle differences without violence or destruction. Maturity is patience. It is the willingness to pass up immediate pleasure in favor of the long-term gain. Maturity is perseverance, the ability to sweat out a project or a situation in spite of heavy opposition and discouraging setbacks. Maturity is the capacity to face unpleasantness and frustration, discomfort and defeat, without complaint or collapse. Maturity is humility. It is being big enough to say I was wrong. And, when right, the mature person need not experience the satisfaction of saying, I told you so. Maturity is the ability to make a decision and stand by it. The immature spend their lives exploring endless possibilities; then they do nothing. Maturity means dependability, keeping ones word, coming through in a crisis. The immature are masters of alibi. They are disorganized. Their lives are a maze of broken promises, former friends, unfinished business, and good intentions that somehow never materialize. Maturity is the ability to stick with a job until it is finished. Maturity is the ability to do a job, meeting all deadlines without being supervised. Maturity is the ability to carry money without spending it.

So, do you have maturity? I trust it is well and growing.

What to do: Desire to be spiritually mature, and ask God to help you achieve this as you study His Word.

MARCH 16 Bible Reading: Nehemiah 2:1-8 Key Verse: 1-And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of
Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.

FIZZIT MOMMY

Key Words: Artaxerxes the king In Nehemiah 2:2 we read, 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. Artaxerxes was the Persian king who reigned for forty years. He is the king that appointed Nehemiah as the governor of Jerusalem and authorized him to rebuild the walls and provide for the Jewish people. Did you know, though, that Artaxerxes was the son of Ahasuerus according to Herbert Lockyer in his book, All the Kings and Queens of the Bible? If this is the case, then Esther would have been Artaxerxes stepmother, which no doubt played a role in why the king allowed Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. We do serve a wonderful God! Surely Solomon was right when he said, The kings heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will (Proverbs 21:1). As I study, I again come to the realization that there is nothing God cannot do if I will just get out of the way and let Him do it. I read this article recently: Fizzit, Mommy. Its Broked. My friend Cici recently shared a little parable in real life. When her son was quite small, he had a small stuffed gorilla that he dragged around with him everywhere and I do mean EVERYWHERE he went. She could sometimes sneak it away for a quick laundering during nap time, but Heaven help her if her son awoke before his friend Rilla was out of the dryer! As such loveys will do, Rillas seams gradually began to weaken and his stuffing began to leak. As she tells it, Poor old Rilla was in desparate need of some corrective surgery, not to mention a stuffing transplant. One day John waddled up to me and held up his battered, beloved Rilla and said, Mommy, Rillas broked. I explained that I would be happy to fix Rilla up a little new stuffing, some seam reinforcement, and he would be all better again. John

held Rilla out toward me and said, Fizzit, Mommy! But when I reached down to take the little gorilla in my hands, I found that it had a two-year-old firmly attached to it. As all parents know, a tug-of-war with a two-year-old is frequently a losing proposition, and is frequently accompanied by loud cries and copious tears. Finally in exasperation, I said, I cant fix it until you let go of it! And just at that moment, the Spirit of God tapped me on the shoulder, as it were and I realized that God was waiting for me to let go of several things, too. This is one thing that I suspect will always be a struggle for many of us. Its so hard for us to get out of His way and let our Creator fizzit in His own good time, because were living in the present moment and he is living in eternity.

What to do: Get out of the way and let God fizzit.

MARCH 17 Bible Reading: Acts 6 Key Verse: 3-Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest
report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

LEADERSHIP

Key Words: Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. Leadership doesnt come overnight. It takes time, integrity, and intestinal fortitude to become a leader. J. Oswald Sanders in his book on leadership says, The reputation of a great leader grows with the years. Sanders also says, When a Christian leader full of high ideals lives a holy and joyful life in front of unbelievers, they often want to cultivate a similar experience. Myron Rush identifies tough issues facing every Christian leader in The New Leader. We are wise to ponder them slowly. You must be willing to stand alone. You must be willing to go against public opinion in order to promote what you believe. You must be willing to risk failure. You must become master of your emotions. You must strive to remain above reproach. You must be willing to make decisions others dont want to make.

You must be willing to say no at times, even when youd like to say yes. You must sometimes be willing to sacrifice personal interests for the good of the group. You must never be content with the average; you must always strive for the best. People must be more important to you than possessions. You will have to work harder to keep your life in balance than people do who are not leaders. Being a leader may not be easy, but it is so very spiritually rewarding to know that God is using you to have an impact in the lives of others.

What to do: Lead, follow, or get out of the way!

MARCH 18 Bible Reading: I Samuel 1:1-18 Key Verse: 14-And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy
wine from thee.

JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS

Key Words: How long wilt thou be drunken? Hannah, the mother of Samuel, had gone to the house of God to pour out her heart to God for a son, for Hannah had no children. She had vowed a vow that she would give the child to the Lord. Eli, who from all indications was an over-indulgent, lazy parent, was sitting at the gate and watching Hannah as she entered the temple. He saw her lips moving but she said nothing audibly. Eli jumped to the conclusion that Hannah was drunk. And we read in I Samuel 1:14 where he severely rebuked her which was fairly inconsistent he rebuked others but allowed his own sons to live ungodly and never rebuked them. Eli was quick to judge Hannah. He mistook a broken-hearted woman for a drunk. What a lesson this should be for us not to jump to hasty conclusions without knowing all the facts. There may be some facts that, if we knew them, would change our attitude from censure to sympathy, from enemy to friend, from criticism to compliment. We may be blind to the motive. Balaam beat his donkey because he

misunderstood the donkeys reason for balking; and when Balaam saw the angel blocking the way he must have been somewhat embarrassed by his actions. Sometime back I heard the sounds of despair coming from some birds in our back yard. I looked out to see that a baby bluejay had fallen out of the nest lodged up the fork of a tree. Deciding I would rescue the baby bluejay, I ran into the back yard, picked up the bluejay, only to be attacked by the babys mother. To say the least, she was not happy with me and she let me know it. While I had the best of intentions, the mother bluejay attacked because she misunderstood. Before we attack and criticize others, it would be wise that we get all the facts. We may be attacking someone trying to save us. Dont jump to conclusions.

What to do: Get all the facts before rendering your verdict.

MARCH 19 Bible Reading: Numbers 12 Key Verse: 1-And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian
woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.

KEEP IT IN PERSPECTIVE

Key Words: because of the Ethiopian woman Miriam and Aaron were all bent out of shape because Moses had married an Ethiopian woman. Their action is a classic example of taking things out of perspective and losing ones focus in life. A young teenager called her mom at home and informed her that she was running away to marry the love of her life. She went on to say, Mom, if you could meet him you would love him. Hes in a motorcycle gang and has the most beautiful tattoos. His hair goes all the way to his belt and his earrings make him stand out in a crowd. The mother begged her daughter not to act hastily, and beseeched her to come home so that Mom and Dad could reason with her. The daughter agreed and came home for the purpose of reasoning with her parents. Mom cried and pleaded. Dads jaws tight and teeth showing revealed his anger with his daughter. Finally the daughter said, If I agree to stay at home and not get married, will you promise not to stay angry with me over all the events of the day; and will you promise to forgive me of all the things that have happened today? Both

Mom and Dad consented. Then the daughter said, Well, Mom, Dad, I really am not running away to get married. There is no guy, much less a guy in a motorcycle gang with tattoos, long hair, and earrings. There is no guy in my life at all. Now Mom and Dad both breathed a sigh of relief, embraced their daughter and assured her of their love...which the daughter gladly received. Then she said, While there is no guy, no motorcycle gang, no long hair, no earrings...while these things are not true, it is true that today I got my report card and I have two Ds and one F. At this point neither Mom nor Dad got upset at her grades. They were still rejoicing in the fact that their daughter was not running away to marry a guy in a motorcycle gang. That day the parents got a lesson on keeping things in perspective.

What to do: I do not think Ds and Fs are acceptable, but they are also not the worst things that could happen. Remember, problems are nothing more than an opportunity for improvement.

MARCH 20 Bible Reading: II Timothy 2:1-15 Key Verse: 15-Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not
to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU READ

Key Words: Study In order to study one has to read. Now I know this is a reference to Gods Word; but lets face reality, we all read other things. We should be readers, but we should remember we are becoming what we read. So be careful with what you choose to read. Now be honest, do you like junk food, all of that sugar and calories? Now, its not called junk food because it is good for you. It has no nutritional value. Junk food grows fat cells. I can speak with some experience there. How about trash; do you like to go through the trash and find a left-over cup of old coffee and maybe some fast food thats been in the dumpster for a couple of days? How about road-kill, you know, dead creatures laying along the side of the road? Would you take some road-kill home, cook it and eat it? I am sure right about now most of you are thinking, Pastor has lost his mind. How ridiculous! And I agree, about the ridiculous part anyway. It is ridiculous and we all know about the woes of junk food, and we would never eat food from the trash

can, nor would we stop and pick up road-kill and take it home to cook it. Our bodies couldnt take all the junk, trash and road-kill. We would become physically ill. But have you ever considered the same is true about what we put in our minds and hearts, all the junk that enters into our mind through what we read and what we watch and who we allow to teach us? It is the reading aspect that I want to focus on for the remainder of this article, because what we read we will become. I made this statement to our staff recently. If we want our children to be Christian in their thought life, we need to put Christian material before them to read. Here are four questions you need to ask when choosing reading material. What type knowledge is the article or book imparting? Is it scriptural, sensual, humanistic? What is the material imparting? Does the material cause you to think on that which is true, honest, just, pure, and lovely...or does it cause you to think worldly, wicked, evil, sexual, selfishly? In what direction does the material you are reading take you? Is the material genuinely Christian or humanistic? Does the material you read motivate you to Christian action? Just as junk food, food from the trash, and road-kill are not good for us physically, neither is reading material which pollutes our minds. So go out, read not just a good book, but a good Christian book, and always put the Bible first on your list of books to read.

What to do: Read God Word first and foremost.

REFLECTIONS

Bible Reading: Galatians 2:16-21 Key Verse: 20-I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth
in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

MARCH 21

Key Words: Christ liveth in me Author Robert Fulghum sometimes, when attending lectures, would respond in an unusual way to the speakers final, routine words: Are there any questions? Yes, Fulghum sometimes says. Then he asks, What is the meaning of life? People generally laugh and gather their notes, prepared to leave as the speaker smiles and shrugs off the question. But one day, to his surprise, Fulghum got a

serious answer. It was from Dr. Alexander Papaderos, a Greek philosopher and the founder of an institute on the island of Crete. At the end of a lecture one day, Dr. Papaderos asked, Are there any questions? Yes, said Fulghum, what is the meaning of life? The other attendees whispered and chuckled and prepared to leave, but Dr. Papaderos held up his hand. I will answer your question, he said. He drew from his pocket a small round mirror, about the size of a quarter. As he was growing up during the war, his family was very poor, and he had few toys. One day he found the broken pieces of a mirror, left over from the wreck of a German motorcycle. He tried in vain to piece the bits together, but finally ended up discarding all but the largest piece. This one, he said, holding it higher. And by scratching it on a stone I made it round. I began to play with it as a toy and became fascinated by the fact that I could reflect light into dark places where the sun would never shinein deep holes and crevices and dark closets. It became a game for me to get light into the most inaccessible places I could find. I kept the little mirror, and as I went about my growing up, I would take it out in idle moments and continue the challenge of the game. As I became a man, I grew to understand that this was not just a childs game but a metaphor for what I might do in my life.... With what I have I can reflect light into the dark places of this worldinto the black places in the hearts of menand change some things in some people. Having said that, Dr. Papaderos took his small mirror and, holding it carefully, caught the rays of daylight streaming through the window and reflected them in Robert Fulghums face. The truth is all of us; yes, you and I are reflectors; the question is what are we reflecting? Can others see Christ living in you?

What to do: Reflect Jesus to others through your life.

WE THE PEOPLE

Bible Reading: Luke 18:9-14 Key Verse: 14-I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the Key Words: for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased

MARCH 22

other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Me, myself, and I have become the predominant pronouns of our day. I came across the following article which Ive read on a couple of occasions (and has been attributed to State Representative Mitchell Aye from Georgia); but for this hour and this day, I think it bears repeating. We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt-ridden, delusional, and other liberal bed-wetters. We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights. ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything. ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyonenot just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be. ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy. ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes. ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, were just not interested in public health care. ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, dont be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.

ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, dont be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still wont have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure. ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful. ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over-abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights. ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We dont care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from! ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our countrys history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all, with no fear of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!!!!

What to do: If we are filled with ourselves it leaves no room for God.

MARCH 23 Bible Reading: Nehemiah 1 Key Verse: 3-And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in
the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.

PROBLEM RESOLUTION

Key Words: affliction and reproach... broken down, ...burned with fire I would think the people of Jerusalem had problems; would you not agree? How about you? Have you ever been overwhelmed by a problem or problems? Problems are certainly not a recent phenomenon. Problems have existed ever since the Garden of Eden. Jonah faced the problem of going to Nineveh and he attempted to flee from the presence of the Lord.

Peter faced a problem which caused him to deny the Lord, not just once but three times. Abraham faced a problem which caused him to have his wife, Sarai, lie on his behalf. Hezekiah and Israel were faced with the problem of having to go to war against the Assyrians, an enemy from a human perspective that they certainly could not defeat. David faced a problem which brought him to his wits end. So what are we to do when we are faced with problems in our lives? There are three questions you must ask yourself and answer honestly to help you have victory over the problems you face. First of all, is your problem yours because youve taken it from someone else? Oftentimes we get involved with problems which are not really ours. Absalom did that when he killed Amnon (See II Samuel 13). Now, you would never take another persons personal belongings, would you? The same can be said for problems. If you remember, Americans went to Viet Nam to assist the French army. Well, after we arrived the French army promptly packed up and went home. Now, the French no longer had a problem, America had a problem. So it is in our relationship with others...love people but dont pick up their problems. Secondly, is your problem a result of giving in to temptation? That was Adams & Eves problem, it was also Abrahams problem, as it was with David and Bathsheba as well. Giving in to temptation causes problems. Thirdly, is your problem the result of Gods testing in your life? Often I am asked what the difference is between Satan tempting us and God testing us. Well, Satan always tempts us to go against the Word of God, while God tests us to see if we will obey the Word of God. Another way of putting it is Satan tempts us to do wrong (sin) while God tests us to do right. So is your problem brought on because you have failed to obey God, which produces chastening in your life? While we will never be problem-free, our prayer is that these simple questions can help you understand why you are going through your problem and which hopefully will help in the resolution of your problem.

What to do: Problems should always remind us how much we truly need God

YOU NEVER KNOW WHOS WATCHING

Bible Reading: Exodus 2:11-22 Key Verse: 14-And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest
thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.

MARCH 24

Key Words: intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? Former US President William McKinley was once planning to appoint an ambassador to a foreign country. There were two candidates whose qualifications were almost equal, and McKinley searched his mind for some yardstick by which he might measure the true greatness of the men in question. He later confided that the self-centeredness of the one and the magnanimous kindness of the other were the deciding factors in the scale of his judgment. Many years before, when he was still a representative in Congress, McKinley said he had boarded a street car at the rush hour and managed to get the last vacant seat. An old washer woman entered shortly afterward carrying a heavy basket. She walked the length of the car and stood in the aisle, hardly able to keep her balance as the vehicle swayed from side to side in its race down the tracks. No one offered her a seat. One of the men the president was later to consider was sitting opposite where she was standing. McKinley noticed that he shifted his newspaper in order to avoid seeing her. Mr. McKinley walked down the aisle, took her basket of washing and offered her his seat in the back of the car. The candidate never knew that this little act of selfishness had deprived him of perhaps the crowning honor of his lifetime. For the president later recalled this unkindness and decided to appoint the other man as his ambassador. The moral of the story: Be Christ-like in all your actions because someone is watching.

What to do: Be careful; someone is watching you today.

THEN SAY SO
especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Bible Reading: Galatians 6:1-10 Key Verse: 10-As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, Key Words: As we have therefore opportunity

MARCH 25

An old gentleman used to stop by at the antique shop in New Hampshire to sell furniture. One day after he left, the antique dealers wife said she wished she had told him how much she enjoyed his visits. The husband said, Next time, lets tell him so. The following summer a young woman came and introduced herself as the daughter of the older gentleman. Her father, she said, had died. Then the wife told her about the conversation she and her husband had after the fathers last visit. The young womans eyes filled with tears, Oh, how much good that would have done for my father! She cried, He was a man who needed to be reassured that he was liked. Since that day, the shopkeeper said later, whenever I think something particularly nice about a person, I tell them. I might never get a second chance. One thing scientists have discovered, according to Thomas Dreiner, is that often-praised children become more intelligent than those who are often criticized. G. K. Chesterton said, There are some great people who make others feel small. But there are other great people who make others feel greater. There is an old saying that goes, Dont wait `til I die to give me roses. Words of appreciation can be the greatest gift you can give. Why not give one today?

What to do: Give the roses today; tomorrow may be too late.

MARCH 26 Bible Reading: Proverbs 20:1-15 Key Verse: 6-Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man
who can find?

RESPONSIBILITY

Key Words: but a faithful man, who can find? Do you realize that the word responsibility is not found in the Bible? But you do find the word faithfully; and as you study the verses where faithfully is mentioned, it always comes with the idea of fulfilling our responsibility.

 II Chronicles 34:12a, And the men did the work faithfully... They were thorough with their responsibilities. Proverbs 29:14, The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established forever. III John 5, Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers. You get the idea that the Lord expects us to carry out our responsibilities faithfully. If Im sick, I still have the responsibility to see that my areas of responsibility are carried out faithfully. The same is true if I go on vacation. I am to see that nothing is lacking, that a beat is never missed in my area of responsibility. This should all be done in a timely, orderly fashion. This is being a responsible person. There is a little saying that I have that goes as follows. There once was a job that anybody could do but nobody did. Now, when everybody found out that nobody had done the job that anybody could do, everybody got upset at somebody. Now, the moral of the story is this: if somebody had just carried out their responsibility that anybody could have carried out, nobody would have gotten upset at anybody. Let me do the thing that I should do when it should be done, as it should be done, whether I like doing it or not.

What to do: Be responsible. Be thorough. Be prompt.

MARCH 27 Bible Reading: Isaiah 6 Key Verse: 8-Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who
will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

WHO WILL GO?

Key Words: Here am I; send me We are told in Isaiah 6:8, Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I, send me.

This verse brings several things to our attention. First of all, we must be willing to hear the voice of the Lord. Secondly, we must understand God is looking for volunteers (whom shall I send). Thirdly, we must be willing to go. The need for those willing to go is great as is the need for those who are willing to send (give financially and pray). The following is a great reason why we need to go and why we need to send. Alila stood on the beach holding her tiny infant son close to her heart. Tears welled up in her eyes as she began slowly walking toward the rivers edge. She stepped into the water, silently making her way out until she was waist deep, the water gently lapping at the sleeping babys feet. She stood there for a long time holding the child tightly as she stared out across the river. Then all of a sudden in one quick movement she threw the six month-old baby to his watery death. Native missionary M. V. Varghese often witnesses among the crowds who gather at the Ganges. It was he who came upon Alila that day kneeling in the sand crying uncontrollably and beating her breast. With compassion he knelt down next to her and asked her what was wrong. Through her sobs she told him, The problems in my home are too many and my sins are heavy on my heart, so I offered the best I have to the goddess Ganges, my first-born son. Bro. Vargheses heart ached for the desperate woman. As she wept he gently began to tell her about the love of Jesus and that through Him her sins could be forgiven. She looked strangely. I have never heard that before, she replied through her tears. Why couldnt you have come thirty minutes earlier? If you had, my child would not have had to die. Each year millions of people come to the holy Indian city of Hardwar to bathe in the River Ganges. These multitudes come believing this Hindu ritual will wash their sins away. For many people like Alila, missionaries are arriving too late, simply because there arent enough of these faithful brothers and sisters on the mission field. The need is great, so the question is: Are you willing to go? Are you willing to give and pray so that others can go?

What to do: Will you go?

PROBABLY THEY WOULD HAVE HAD BROWN EYES

forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 1:1-10 Key Verse: 5-Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest Key Words: I knew thee

MARCH 28

Elaine Rotondo is a homemaker and a freelance writer. She and her husband, Ronald, have three daughters; they live in Sebastopol, California. In January, 1990, her poignant story appeared in a Decision magazine. Our third little girl completed our family, a special blessing. As I held her in my arms, I marveled at how God works His purpose in our lives. But driving home from the supermarket one afternoon, I found myself thinking about two other children from my past. Those two I had never fussed over. In fact, I had tried to forget them entirely. Before now I had not even called them children. I had called them abortions. When I became a Christian, I understood that abortion was a sin, and I had asked God to forgive me. But I had never felt sorry over the loss of those little ones. Pulling my car to the shoulder of the road, I sat for sometime, my moist fingers wrapped tightly around the steering wheel. Now I let my thoughts venture into a place they had never gone. How old would they be now? I wondered. They probably would have had brown eyes, as their living sisters do. I fought off the sickening reality that was rising in my mind. The full impact of what I had done so many years before was finally upon me. They were alive, I said out loud. They were real children! Shame washed over me like a dense, heavy wave. But as the tide of pain rose, I also felt the Lords presence. This was too terrible for me to face alone; He would face it with me. God held me up in the moment of that horrible truth: I had taken life from my own children! In my heart I cried out to the tiny souls who never had felt their mothers arms. I had never mourned these children. Now I longed for them. But it was too late. The pain was almost unbearable. I wept for a long time, wishing the very mountains would cover me and hide my guilt. Then I remembered Jesus, But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5) This was why He had died, to pay the price for sin for me. Looking over the seat, I gazed intently at my three-month old daughter sleeping soundly in her car

seat. She was so fresh and alive! Thank you Jesus, I whispered. You are so good to me.

What to do: Pray daily for life. Write your Senator and Representatives about being pro-life. Teach your own children that God is the giver of life!

MARCH 29 Bible Reading: Proverbs 1:1-9 Key Verse: 5-A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of Key Words: A wise man will hear, and will increase learning Age 5: Ive learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing Silent Night. Age 7: Ive learned that our dog doesnt want to eat broccoli either. Age 9: Ive learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back. Age 12: Ive learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up again. Age 14: Ive learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up. Age 15: Ive learned that although its hard to admit it, Im secretly glad my parents are strict with me. Age 24: Ive learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice. Age 26: Ive learned that brushing my childs hair is one of lifes great pleasures.
understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

STILL LEARNING

Age 29: Ive learned that wherever I go, the worlds worst drivers have followed me there. Age 30: Ive learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it. Age 42: Ive learned that there are people who love you dearly but just dont know how to show it. Age 44: Ive learned that you can make someones day by simply sending them a little note. Age 46: Ive learned that the greater a persons sense of guilt, the greater his or her need to cast blame on others. Age 47: Ive learned that children and grandparents are natural allies. Age 48: Ive learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. Age 49: Ive learned that singing Amazing Grace can lift my spirits for hours. Age 50: Ive learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone. Age 51: Ive learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. Age 52: Ive learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills. Age 53: Ive learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die. Age 58: Ive learned that making a living is not the same as making a life. Age 61: Ive learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, work to improve your marriage. Age 62: Ive learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

Age 64: Ive learned that you shouldnt go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. Age 65: Ive learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. Age 66: Ive learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision. Age 72: Ive learned that everyone can use a prayer. Age 82: Ive learned that even when I have pains, I dont have to be one. Age 90: Ive learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch - holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. Age 92: Ive learned that I still have a lot to learn.

What to do: Ask God to reveal to you when you have become a know-it-all.

MARCH 30 Bible Reading: Genesis 23 Key Verse: 2-And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same is Hebron in the land of
Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.

THE HAPPIEST PEOPLE

Key Words: And Sarah died Someone sent me the following; and I thought, you know, we all need to hear this. So here it is. It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one

of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctors appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for awhile and that she was a victim of Alzheimers Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, And you still go every morning, even though she does not know who you are? He smiled as he patted my hand and said, She doesnt know me, but I still know who she is. I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, That is the kind of love I want in my life. What a picture of love!! The happiest people are not those who have the best of everything; the happiest people are those who make the best of everything they have. Someone once said, Life isnt about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the storm.

What to do: Enjoy your days together in marriage.

MARCH 31 Bible Reading: Job 29 Key Verse: 11-When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw
me, it gave witness to me:

A HELPFUL LIST

Key Words: when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me. Have you ever considered when the Lord looks at us, what He sees in us? Here is a list of possible things He may see.

The most destructive habit: worry. The greatest joy: giving. The greatest loss: not giving. The most satisfying work: witnessing. The ugliest personal trait: selfishness or self-centeredness. The most endangered species: dedicated leaders.

 Our greatest natural resource: our youth. The greatest shot in the arm: encouragement. The greatest problem to overcome: fear. The most effective sleeping pill: peace of mind. The most crippling failure: excuses. The most powerful force: love. The most dangerous person: a gossiper. The best computer: the brain. The worst thing to live without: hope. The deadliest weapon: the tongue. The two most powerful words: God can. The greatest asset: faith in God. The most worthless trait: self-pity. The most beautiful attire: a smile. The most prized possession: integrity. The most powerful channel of communication: prayer. The most contagious spirit: enthusiasm.
So when Christ looks at you and me, what does He see? Thought-provoking, isnt it?

What to do: Let others see Jesus in you.

I deeply appreciate the help of

Cathy Fortenberry Sandy Lancaster Glenda Myrick Mary Parsons John and Tascha Piatt Reba Pontbriand And my lovely wife, Linda

Without God using these people to help this devotional would not have been possible.

Dr. Mike Rouse