Let Your Light Shine by Ann Broughton

 “You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you” (Psalm 118:28 NIV).

Soon it will be Thanksgiving Day, a time of giving thanks with family and loved ones. But it doesn’t have to last for one day.  There is much to be thankful for each day of your life. Every day of life can be a blessing. It depends on your mindset. The choice is yours. Every day you are alive and breathing is a day that you can be a blessing to someone else. We are to be His light in this world every day.

Jesus said that He was the light. He said, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness” (John 12:46 NIV). So we too are also to be light to people who need to have hope. People should be able to notice our light as we go through our day. Jesus said that we are to shine for Him. “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NIV).

 I know that many churches have special meals for the homeless for Thanksgiving, which is very nice. God wants us to help others all the time, not just Thanksgiving and Christmas. If we see a need we are to do something about it. That is another way that we can be a light to others. Giving to ease the suffering of others is so very important to do as Christians.

This week praise God for all He is doing for you, and look for ways to be His light by being a blessing to someone else. May these verses inspire you during this week.

“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in your light of your presence, O Lord” (Psalm 89:15 NIV).

“For God, who said, “Let your light shine out of darkness.” Made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6 NIV).

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as the children of light (for the fruit of the light consists of goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases God” (Ephesians 5:8-10 NIV). It is time to let your light shine and give hope to those who need it desperately.

Dear Lord,

We thank you for all the blessings we have in our lives. Help us to be the light to others and help others all the time. Let those who see our good works know that we have your light in us. What glorious light that is!!

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Give to Others by Ann Broughton

“Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a remembrance before God” (Acts 10:4 NIV).

Have you ever heard of Make A Difference Day? On a special day, this year October 26, all over the nation groups of people gather in their community to make a difference. Some of them make a community garden, mentor, improve low income housing, clean up a park, and many other wonderful things. This is sponsored by USA Weekend Magazine and Points of Light. It is a good cause. 

  I believe as Christians every day should be Make a Difference Day. We are to be the ones to make a difference in other people’s lives by helping them in some way.  Jesus walked this earth as a servant of God, and did not ask anything for himself. He owned no home when he traveled from town to town healing the sick, preaching, and casting out demons.  His ministry was all about serving others and not about gaining wealth for himself.  He even told his apostles when he sent them out to preach the Kingdom of God, “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic” (Luke  9:3 NIV).  They were to stay in a house in a city and preach and heal.

 Jesus was constantly preaching about not gathering riches for yourself. He told the young ruler to go and sell all of his possessions and give the money to the poor and then he would have treasure in heaven. The young ruler couldn’t do that. Then Jesus said that it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 19:21-23).

Interesting isn’t it? It is the opposite of what we are taught today. I am afraid that too many people want more and more things. But you see all those things aren’t ever going to be enough. There will always be something else that looks better. You will never be satisfied if you set out to acquire things to make you happy. And you will never be able to take it with you when you die.

Jesus knew that the most important thing in life is to love the Father and to show that love by giving to others. This can be through financial help and also by doing something nice for someone. But we are all called to help others who are less fortunate than we are.

I read a book called Crazy Love, Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Fancis Chan. It is a challenging book. In it there is a chapter all about people who have done amazing things for God. One person used all her money that she earned from her books to help charities. She drives a 1980 Volkswagon bug and says it helps her focus on prayer and better identify with people who are in need. Rich Mullins, a songwriter and performer gave all the money from his concerts and albums to his church. He accepted a small salary and gave the rest away. You see these are examples of what being a true Christian is. Are you doing what you can to make a difference in someone’s life? I hope you will now.

Dear Lord,

Help us look to Jesus’ ministry as a guide to do what may not be so comfortable for us, but something that will make a difference in someone else’s life forever. Help us to reach out and give aid to others and not want so much for ourselves.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Love One Another by Ann Broughton

“Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it; “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39 NIV).

This is a commandment that Jesus proclaimed after the Pharisees, who were against him, had asked Him what the greatest commandment was in the Law. They thought they had Him cornered but instead of yelling at them, He just calmly stated the above verse. Did you know that the word love is mentioned 319 times in the Old Testament and 232 times in the New Testament?  Did you know that the word disappointment never occurs in the Bible?  Jesus’ whole ministry was based on love. He never told anyone that they were a disappointment to Him.  He loved Judas as much as He loved Lazarus. He loved the woman who was caught in adultery who the Pharisees threw on the ground in front of him in disgust. With stones in their hands, these men dared Jesus to say the word to stone her, but instead he bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. He said to these Pharisees, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7 NIV).  One by one they left and Jesus was alone with this woman. Then he said, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? “No, one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin” (John  8:10-11 NIV). 

You see Jesus showed love and compassion to someone who was in a desperate situation. All of these stories about Jesus in the Bible are to be an example of how we are to treat others. We are to show compassion and love to everyone. It is very easy to judge others sometimes when we truly don’t know what has gone on in their lives. You see none of us get through life without being hurt in some way or another. All of us have secret parts of our lives that we do not let anyone in to see. Sometimes these things that happened can cause people to be bitter and angry. How do you react to people who are like this? I truly believe that people who are mean or nasty carry around some pretty heavy burdens. These are the ones who truly need your prayers, and they need to be shown compassion. How do you show compassion every day?

I truly try to look people in the eyes at my work. I can usually tell if something is wrong and I try to show compassion to them. People’s eyes can portray pain, agony, sadness, and anger. Are you noticing this? It only takes a few minutes, to stop and say, “Is everything alright? Can I help you?” 

I urge you this week to be aware of those around you and who is suffering. Offer to pray for them or just give them a hug and an encouraging word. I am a big hugger, so I give my coworkers hugs when I see they are distressed. A hug is always comforting. Look around you and offer hope and love to those who need it.

Dear Lord,

Help me to reach out to others in love and show your compassion in all I do. Help me not to judge those who demonstrate anger and bitterness. There is always a reason for such behavior. Thank you for your mercy and grace.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

What Is Your Spiritual GIft? by Ann Broughton

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men” (1 Cor. 12:4-6 NIV). 

How are you using the gifts God gave you? We all have gifts that we need to use to help others in some way. I know many people will say that they have no special gift that can be used by God, but they would be wrong. The Bible is specific, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Cor. 12:7 NIV). This pretty much says that we are to use our gifts to help others.

 I believe I have several gifts: bringing joy to others, singing, teaching, and writing. I will have to admit that I was seriously considering not writing devotions anymore. I didn’t believe that my impact on others was that great and that my words of wisdom weren’t really reaching anyone. But after praying, I was convicted. I felt that I have this talent and maybe someone was being blessed that I didn’t know about. Maybe this talent that God gave me was helping someone come closer to God. So I decided to start writing again.

Now I truly believe that you have been given a special gift also. I will ask that question again, “What are you doing with the gift God gave you?”  There are so many people out there who need a smile, an encouraging word, a hug, a phone call, or a shoulder to cry on. You may be the one who needs to bring a meal to someone. You may be the one who visits a widow. There are so many people who have needs. As Christians, we are called to meet those needs and sometimes go out of our comfort zone to do it. Pray about this and do something for someone this week. Use your God given gift. You will be blessed and be a blessing to someone else.

Dear Lord,

Show me what my gift is and help me to use it for your purpose. Help me to reach out to others with your love and compassion.

In Jesus name,

Amen

You Are a New Creation By Ann Broughton

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV).

    When we become Christians we are a new creation. “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us” (2 Cor. 5:20 NIV). I am reminded of our ambassadors who represent the United States in other countries. They represent everything that the United States believes in. So are we to be Christ’s ambassadors on earth in our every day life. We are to portray to others the principals that Jesus taught. Are you doing this or do you slip now and then and show your old nature to others?

    My little grandson who is 6 has a problem with anger. He has been known to get really angry with his brothers in particular. Well, one day his brother asked him why he could be so good at school and so crazy at home. He said, “It is just in my nature.”  Now we can laugh at that coming from a 6 year old, but don’t we sometimes let our old nature creep out at times?  I believe we all have a war waging in us regarding our old self and our new self in Christ. But since we have the Holy Spirit, we can count on it to help us not give in to temptation in regards to old habits that could bind us up in despair.

    I went to a Beth Moore Simulcast on Saturday, and she spoke about how we like to haul around our old self like a dead body. She drug around a floppy mannequin to show us what it is like. We don’t want to give up some of those old ways because we were more comfortable with the old life, even when it was depressing and horrible.  We need to throw if off of us, and say, “No longer!!!”.  We are to say: “No longer am I going to be in bondage to my bad habits like: anger, eating disorders, lying, cheating, adultery, worrying, complaining, alcohol, drugs etc.”  The list could go on to include many other vices that entice us in the world. You see you are in charge of your life. It is up to you to decide who you will follow, Christ or the world.

   When we accept Christ as our Savior we are a new creation. “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 5:22-24 NIV).

    It can be a struggle not to give in to our old ways, but with God’s help you can choose what is right so that your witness will be a benefit to others who need someone to show them how to walk in a manner that is pleasing to God.

Dear Lord,

Every day we have choices to make in regards to being someone who is a blessing to others, instead of a stumbling block. Help us not to give in to our old ways, but portray to others a Christ-like spirit in all we do.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

   

  

Have a Positive Attitude

By Ann Broughton

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable---think about these things” (Philippians 4:8 NIV).

    At the end of each day what thoughts come to your mind the most?

Can you honestly say that your thoughts are right, pure, and admirable? I believe it is human nature to look back on a day, especially while working, and think of all the negatives that happened instead of all the good things. It is fine to consider options on how to fix problems, but not to sit around and complain about them, which is no use to anyone. Solving problems is so much different than a gripe session about something totally out of your control. What can you do to make this situation better? Will talking to others about it in a problem solving manner be better than telling others that it is an impossible situation? I believe we need to approach problems with others’ help in a way that is admirable. That means asking for help and genuinely being appreciative of those who give their honest opinions.

    Especially as Christians, it is so important to be positive in your conversations with others. I read an article about how to be happy.

One of the suggestions was that at the end of your day tell someone three good things that happened to you. I have pondered this and have put it into practice. It has made me more positive, and I actually try harder to make something good happen. I try to help others more and really try to be more cheerful.  You see if you start out the day with a mindset that “I will have to tell someone three good things that happen to me today” then you are setting yourself up for a better attitude. I believe as Christians, it is so important for us to be a good witness to others and demonstrate a more positive outlook when faced with a day full of challenges. God can help us look for the good in every day. Just ask Him for His help with this and it will happen.

Dear Lord,

Help me to be more positive and let my conversations be uplifting and helpful to others. Let me be conscious of the good things that happen to me all day and remember them later.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Why Lord? By Ann Broughton

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV).

    “Why Lord?”  Have you ever asked that question? Sometimes our lives can be filled with trouble and sorrow, and it is easy to lose hope and wonder where God is in the midst of our despair. Jesus spoke these words to his disciples before he was to be crucified. He knew his disciples were going to grieve and he gave them a lecture on having hope. (John 16: 19-33) He knew that they would undergo much tribulation as His followers in the days ahead and wanted them to know that He would never forsake them. The verse that really gives me hope is: “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice and no one will take away your joy” (John 26:22 NIV)

Because we have Christ in us, we have His joy inside of us even when we face our trials. He is with us through the storms of our lives.

     There are many people in the Bible that could have asked the question “Why Lord?”  Daniel was thrown in the lion’s den. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into a fiery furnace. Joseph was thrown into prison on false charges. David had to hide in a cave so that he wouldn’t be killed by Saul. Esther risked death in order to save the Jews from being killed. This is just to name a few who had tremendous problems. But the great thing that binds all these people together is the fact that they trusted in God, and He came to their aid.

     You have a Savior who loves you very much and nothing can separate you from that love. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?.....No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:35,37). You may not have the answer to “Why Lord?” given to you, but please know that God is with you through it and there are people watching you to see if your faith is real. This is when you can impact others and show them that having faith in God can give you the peace to face anything. This is a time you can witness to others that you love the Lord and trust Him.

Dear Lord,

Help us to always love you and trust you even when our lives are filled with trouble and fear. We know that nothing can separate us from your love, and you are with us in the midst of our trials. Help us to be a good witness for you in the midst of our tribulation.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Jesus is the Bread of Life by Ann Broughton

“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35 NIV).

   Have you ever run out of gas? I was mowing today and the mower ran out of gas, which was frustrating since I had to go to the gas station to get gas for it. Our mowers and cars etc. need gas for fuel or they just will not go. We as humans need fuel in our bodies in order to keep functioning. If you stop eating, you will not live. We need this to live and most of us are pretty faithful with filling our body with this kind of fuel. 

    Just like our vehicles and our bodies need fuel, so does our spiritual life. Actually, it is even more important to keep fueling our spiritual life.  “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11 NIV).  Jesus said that those are blessed who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled. (Matthew: 5:6) It is so easy to get so busy that praying, reading the Bible, going to church, and helping others gets put on the back burner. But if you continue this pattern you will find yourself someday feeling empty inside and yearning for a closer relationship with Christ. That is when you will be aching for the true bread of life.

    Jesus is our bread of life. We must feed on His love in order to sustain us during the storms in our lives. Some people say they can’t read the Bible because they don’t understand it. Pray before you read and ask God to enlighten you. The Holy Spirit inside of you will help you understand the scriptures better. Jesus said, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, who the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said” (John 14:26 NIV). We all need to worship every week and talk to our Christian friends. Fellowship is so important because we all need encouragement. Jesus wants us to have a close relationship with Him, but we must take time to do it in order to be the kind of Christian he wants us to be.

Dear Lord,

I know that I need to take time to feed on your love for me. Help me to take time every day to study your word, pray, and reach out to others with your love.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Crave the Lord by Ann Broughton

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God” (Psalm 42:1 NIV).

    Have you ever been extremely thirsty? I know I have felt this way when I am in the hot sun for awhile. Without water a person cannot live for long. I read that dehydration when you are overheated can happen within an hour. The reference above is related to how we are to thirst for the Lord’s influence in our lives, just as we are driven to drink water when we are thirsty. The need for Him and His presence in our lives should be what we pursue more than anything.

    I have just read a book that is so wonderful for those of us who have issues with craving certain foods (sugar for me). It is called Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst. She stated that we are to crave the Lord more than we crave anything and that if anything else takes first place instead of God, then it is not good. I happen to be a stress eater so whenever I get stressed I head for chocolate, cookies, etc. The book made me so aware that I need to be seeking the Lord’s help when I am stressed and not rely on food to self-medicate. Maybe you have this problem too, so I hope you will be inspired to not view food as something to help you with emotional issues. One verse that is helping me is, “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and finish his work” (John 4:34 NIV). Doing the will of the Lord has always been my purpose, and knowing that food has become a stumbling block has convicted me to really put God first in my life in everything.

    Is it hard for you to walk away from certain foods? If you said yes then you are being ruled by food on some level. We are truly supposed to eat to live and make healthy choices so that we can be healthy to do His will in our lives.

We are the temple of God and we each have a mission from God. It is so important to keep our temple healthy so we can finish the work God has prepared for us.

Dear Lord,

Help us as we strive to put you first in our lives. Help us to long for your presence more than anything, and turn to you when we are in emotional crisis instead of something that will only gratify us for a little while.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen  

Perfect Peace by Ann Broughton

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal” (Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV).

    Trusting in the Lord and having peace can be very difficult if you are facing something that is uncertain. But this is when the Lord can truly show you that His love is there for you in the midst of your crisis. But the key words here are “whose mind is steadfast”. Steadfast means that you absolutely know that God loves you and no matter what happens, you will always trust Him. We cannot see the future, but God does know it. He wants you to be in peace and know that His love will never fail you.

    I love the story of the woman who Jesus healed. She had been very ill for twelve years and had tried many different things to get well. None of these things helped her. She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed”. (Matthew 9:21 NIV). There was a big crowd and Jesus was jostled, but as soon as she touched his cloak, she was healed. Jesus knew because He said power had gone from him. He asked who it was. The woman came to Him trembling and told Him it was her and that she was healed. He said, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace”. (Luke 8:47 NIV).

    The woman believed with a steadfast heart that she would be healed by just touching his cloak. She had faith and put it into action. It was that faith that healed her. Do you think she trusted in the Lord from then on to satisfy her needs and give her peace? She knew what it was like to step out in faith and believe and not doubt.

    Maybe you are in a position right now that you need to trust in the Lord with all your heart. He is there for you. Pray and believe that He loves you and wants to supply you with the peace that only He can give. 

Dear Lord,

Sometimes it is very hard to trust you, when the future is uncertain, but I know you love me and that you will never leave me. Help me to have the same faith as the woman who was healed. Give me peace.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Treasures in Heaven by Ann Broughton

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” (Matthew 6:19-20 NIV).

    After watching the disastrous aftermath of the tornado that hit Oklahoma City, I have been really thinking about what I consider my treasures here on earth. Those people lost everything they owned in an instant. How would you deal with that? I guess it just really made me relook at what is truly important to me, and realize that things are not that important. I have watched TV and saw the interviews of those who lost their house and all their possessions. Many of them said that they were just so happy that they, and those they loved, survived. When it comes down to the nitty gritty stuff of life, possessions should not be at the time of your list. You will not be able to take any of it with you when you die.

   What is more important is what impact you made on another person’s life. Have you helped someone in some way?  I believe that your treasure in heaven is what you do in the name of Jesus for others. My husband made such a wonderful point in his sermon today. He said that when we work and get a paycheck, we should be thinking of how we can share it with others. That should be our foremost thought. Interesting point of view isn’t it? But you see everything we have is a blessing from God, and we definitely should be using some of it to benefit those who are in need. This is how we store up treasures in heaven.

    So think about where your treasure is, and I sincerely hope that possessions aren’t at the top of your list. Every day is given to you as a blessing, and it is up to you to use it to bless others in some way.

Dear Lord,

Help us to thank you daily for your many blessings you have given us. Help us to use what we have to benefit others in some way. We know that your mission on earth was to help others, so help us do the same.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

In Remembrance by Ann Broughton

“This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19 NIV).

    Today is Memorial Day and a time to remember those who died while serving in the armed forces. We are humbled by their sacrifice for us. When we went to visit Washington D.C. we witnessed the changing of the guards at the tomb of the unknown soldier. It was one of the most moving experiences of my life. The precision of what they did was amazing. All of the tombstones marking those who fell during war was sobering. I came away from there feeling such an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for those who gave their lives so unselfishly for me.

   In this same manner, I approach communion. I feel sadness and gratitude that my Savior would give of his life for me. Every time I take it, I bow my head in prayer in remembrance of His love for me. That is exactly what He meant when He said the above words in this verse. We are to take communion to remember His body, broken and wounded beyond description. He took upon Himself all of our sins so that we might be forgiven and receive eternal life. He died for you and me. It is a solemn occasion and a time for sober reflection and prayer.

   Next time you take communion, remember that it is a very sacred memorial set in place by Jesus. Always remember that God loved you so much He gave His only begotten son so that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Dear Lord,

 We are humbled by the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for our country. We also are humbled by the fact that you gave your only Son to die for our sins so that we can have eternal life. May we never forget His sacrifice and how much you love us.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

God Will Uphold You by Ann Broughton

“So do not fear, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

    Are you going through a tough time and need God to strengthen you? God can use challenges in your life to make you a better person and mold you into His likeness. Those experiences may seem to you tremendously difficult but you are to learn a lesson from it. Whenever you find yourself in a situation that is difficult, it is important to pray to God and ask Him what lesson you can learn through it. Trust God with your problem and He will help you. You see our characters are built on how we handle difficult challenges. It is important to use these times to trust God, pray, and portray peace in the midst of chaos. That is not easy, but God can give you that peace if you take time to remain still each day and concentrate on His love. He can give you wisdom to handle your challenge.

    I am reminded of Daniel in the lions den. He faced a big challenge with no fear because he knew that God would be with him. You see the king had made a decree that nobody could pray to any God except the king. Daniel disobeyed and prayed to God and was thrown into a den of lions to be killed. The next morning the king came to the den and asked if Daniel’s God had saved him. Daniel replied that God had sent an angel to close the lions’ mouths. No wound was found on him because he trusted God. (Daniel 6:10-23)

    You see you too can remain calm in your “lion’s den”, whatever that may be, because God is with you. But you must trust Him to do His work in the situation. Pray for guidance and believe that your deliverance is coming soon. The Bible is full of stories of men who were tested in some way and because they trusted God were rescued. 

Dear Lord,
Help me in my challenge and remember that you promised you would never leave me or forsake me. I know that you will give me the wisdom I need to deal with it. Thank you for all the examples in the Bible of faithful men who didn’t doubt your ability to rescue them.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Sowing the Seeds of Faith by Ann Broughton

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galations 6:9 NIV).

    It is the time of year that the farmers are out in the fields sowing seeds in their fields. It mystifies me how those little seeds in the ground sprout and form plants. But you see it takes more than just planting them to make them grow. The plants must have water and fertilizer. The soil must be just right also and the farmer sometimes has to put nutrients in the soil so it is perfect for growing the plants.

    You see that is exactly like what we do when we witness to others about God’s love for them and that He loved them so much He gave His only son as a sacrifice for our sins so that we might have eternal life. When we witness to someone we are planting a seed in their hearts about God. Maybe someone else will come along and instruct them further on how they should live for Christ. Paul illustrated this in 1 Corinthians 3:6-8 NIV . “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.” 

    You see an important part of being a Christian is witnessing to others and at least planting a seed of faith in people’s hearts. If you can continue to teach a person about Christ then that is wonderful, but it may be that someone else is suppose to do that and you may never know if that person has become a Christian. But the above verse states that both the planter and the one that waters will be blessed.

God has made a very important promise about the word of God. “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it”

(Isaiah 55:10-11 NIV).  If you show others what the Bible says about Christ, your words will not return void, but will be planted in the person’s heart. Always remember: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galations 6:9 NIV).

Dear Lord,

Help us as we tell others about your wonderful love for them and let us not get discouraged if we don’t see immediate results. Let us not grow weary, but believe that your word does not return void.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Help Others by Ann Broughton

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me’ (Matthew 25:40 NIV).

    Whatever we do for others, as in feeding them or providing for their needs, we are doing for the Lord. Jesus spoke the above verse as part of his parables of what the kingdom of Heaven is like. He said that when He comes again, He will separate the sheep from the goats. To those who helped others He will say, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world” (Matthew 25:34 NIV). This is for those who clothed the poor, fed the hungry, cared for the sick, gave a drink to the thirsty, and visited the prisoners. (Matthew 25: 35-36). 

    You see being a Christian is so much more than just going to church or giving your tithe. It is helping others in need and being a servant.

There is so much need all around us, and as Christians we must help those people. To say no to someone who has a need is unacceptable. James puts it perfectly, “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead” (James 2:16-17 NIV).

    Jesus will judge those who do not help others also. Here is what He said, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me. Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life” (Matthew 25:45-46 NIV). This is why it is so important that you help others when you see a need.

Dear Lord,

Open my eyes to the needs of people around me, and help me to meet them. I know that I must be a servant to others and help them in whatever need they have. It is not enough for me to pray, read the Bible, and go to church. I must also help others who are in need.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength by Ann Broughton

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” (Psalm 90:14 NIV).

    Have you ever wished to be glad all your days? It is a nice wish. You can choose joy! What do you think about the most every day? You can control what you think, which can control how you feel. This week I would like you to examine your thoughts every day and determine what you think about the most. We should not spend most of our time worrying, complaining, or being negative. Each moment we have on this earth is a blessing, and we should make sure that we see it as that. Our life span is determined by God, and we must make the most of it for Him. David spoke of this so perfectly, “Show me, O Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life” (Psalm 39:4 NIV). If our lives are fleeting, then we must be determined to find more joy in our living, and through our love of the Lord, this can happen. Jesus himself spoke of this joy, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11 NIV). Since you have Christ in you, you have His joy also. It is up to you to tap into it.

    This week examine your thoughts and try to be more joyful as you go throughout your day. Think on this verse, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).  Let your thoughts be more uplifting and joyous and you will find yourself being happier. People will be drawn to you because they will notice that you have the joy of the Lord in your life and display it. Trust me, your outlook on life will be so much better if you concentrate on your blessings rather than your problems.

Dear Lord,

Help me as I try to concentrate on all the good things that are happening in my life right now. Let me lift up to you the problems and leave them at your feet, knowing in your wisdom, you will help me deal with them. Let the joy of the Lord be my strength.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

    

God Still Performs Miracles by Ann Broughton

“The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy” (Psalm 111:7 NIV).

   Have you been a witness to a miracle lately? There are 37 miracles recorded in scripture that Jesus performed. The apostles also performed miracles after Pentecost. Miracles are still happening today. I have witnessed several in my life and will tell you about them so you can have hope that miracles are still happening.

    We have a dear friend who was in a very scary accident several years ago. His vehicle was totaled and it was a miracle that he wasn’t killed on impact. He was very critically injured and suffered from a severe head injury. He told me that when he was at the hospital laying on the gurney, he saw God and God told him that he was going to be alright. He said he never knew or remembered any of the long recovery in the hospital. He said he couldn’t remember pain either. God had been with him. Now he shows no signs of having any brain damage whatsoever, which is a tremendous miracle, as he was very severely injured. He believes he was saved for a reason and uses every opportunity to serve his Lord and help others.

   When we lived in Wooster, Ohio, I had a scary experience with my eye. I had a blood vessel burst in the back of my eye. The eye doctor told me he was very concerned about this because it meant that something very serious was wrong. He told me to come back in a couple of weeks because he wanted to check it again. On my way home, I decided that I would pray about a healing for my eye fervently.  Needless to say, I prayed constantly that God would heal my eye because I didn’t want to lose my sight. When I went back, the eye doctor was amazed. He said that he had never seen that kind of bleeding heal all by itself. There wasn’t a sign that any problem was there at all. I rejoiced on the way home that God had heard my prayer and healed me.

    Now, some of you may be sitting there and saying, “But God did not answer my prayer for healing.” I cannot explain why some people are healed and others are not. But I do know that if you are a Christian no matter if you are healed or not, you are in God’s hands. Even Paul had “thorn” that God would not take away, but Paul said that God told him,

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9 NIV).  You can be a witness to others by trusting God when you are seeking a miracle. You can be a light to others who need to know that God is giving you the strength to handle whatever comes your way.

   If you are seeking a miracle, pray and have faith and leave it in God’s hands. If a miracle has happened to you, then witness to others about what a great God we have.

Dear Lord,

My life is in your hands. Help me to believe you can do anything. Help me trust you with my life, knowing you will be with me through any crisis that happens to me. Give me faith to believe that all things are possible through you.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

A Miraculous Change by Ann Broughton

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Cor. 5:17 NIV).

    Jesus arose from the dead! The angel declared, “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here.” (Mark 16:6 NIV). Jesus had told his disciples about eternal life. “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life” (John 3:14 NIV). It is this fact that brings hope to all Christians regarding eternal life. “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed---in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed”(1 Cor. 15:51-52 NIV).

     When I think about this miraculous change, I am reminded about how the butterfly emerges from its chrysalis. I just watched a show on television about the metamorphosis of a butterfly and was amazed. The person describing the process said that after the caterpillar spins the cocoon, its body changes into a goo like substance. Somehow this goo comes together and forms the butterfly. Isn’t that so amazing? How can anybody say there is no God after witnessing such a miraculous thing? From goo, out comes a beautiful butterfly with perfect markings on each side of its wings. A new creation!!!!

    Just like this butterfly, those who are Christians will be changed. “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21 NIV). What a wonderful thing awaits us in Heaven!!!  We will be changed.

    Hold on to that hope and tell others about Jesus’ love for them. He bore our sins on that cross and died a cruel death so that we can be forgiven and have eternal life. We must tell others this good news, just like Jesus’ disciples did after Pentecost.

Dear Lord,

Thank you so much for sending your son to be the sacrifice for our sins. Help us to share with others about your love for them so that they will have eternal life someday.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Deny Yourself by Ann Broughton

 “And then He said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23 NIV).

    Jesus had just predicted his death and persecution before he spoke the above words to the apostles. Jesus knew what he faced, but the apostles did not have a clue to the extent of the abuse Jesus would take in order for them to have eternal life.

    Later these apostles would run away from their Master. Jesus would be all alone to face those who wanted Him dead. Pilate had him flogged. The soldiers mocked him, spit on him, and again and again struck Him on his head. They twisted a crown of thorns and set it on his head. (Mark 15:16-19) He was then forced to carry the cross to Golgotha where He was crucified. (John 19:17).

    Later when Jesus rose from the dead, He would come to His apostles and reassure them. After Pentecost, these men who ran away would be filled with the Holy Spirit and would boldly preach to others about Jesus’ love and eternal life. They would carry their own crosses daily, and eventually many of them would die a martyr’s death. 
   Like these apostles we, too, must deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. We, too, have the Holy Spirit in us to help us. God has given each of us a mission and equipped us with special abilities to be used for Him.

    Take up your cross daily and remember that Christ is in you enabling you to carry it. He will also give you the strength to carry out the mission He has for you on this earth.

Dear Lord,
Help us as we deny ourselves and take up our crosses every day. Give us your strength to do your will in our lives. We know that nothing is impossible with you. Thank you for helping us to be brave and not run away from the tasks that you have set before us.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

God is With You During Change by Ann Broughton

“If you love me, you will do what I command. And I will ask the Father and he will send you another Counselor to be with you ---- the Spirit of truth” (John 14:15-16 NIV).

    Change can be very scary, but in life it is inevitable. From the time we are born, we are constantly changing. But, most people have difficulty dealing with it in life. We want everything to go along the same as always. When change does occur, we have tendency to fight it.

    I have to admit, that as I get older, change is tougher. The grocery store that I shop at has decided to change all of their stock around. They moved everything to different aisles. Now when I go to a grocery store, which I consider no fun at all, I want to get in there and out as fast as possible. Needless to say, I wasn’t too happy to see what they were doing. I am thinking it is just not me who felt this way, because I heard many people grumbling about it, and many of them were wandering around the store with a glazed look in their eyes like a deer in headlights. Luckily, they had stationed their help out in the middle aisle to direct people. That was a smart move. I don’t know why stores do this. At least they should have warned us a week in advance that it was happening.

  Before Jesus was crucified, He gave his disciples a pep talk because He knew the change that was coming for them would be earth shaking. He knew it would be difficult for them to watch Him suffer and die. He also knew that they would need extra help to accomplish what God expected them to do after His leaving. So Jesus tried to comfort them and told them that He would send the Holy Spirit to them to teach them. (John 14:26) He wanted them to know that He wasn’t leaving them without assistance.

    You see we too have the Holy Spirit within us to help us through any change that comes our way in life. He will give us peace when we feel peace is impossible to find. God knew that we would need the Holy Spirit to aid us in times of stress. That is why He provided the Counselor to all those who believe in Him.  “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:23 NIV). You see you have Christ in you, and He will help you handle the changes in your life.

Dear Lord,

We know that change is difficult, but it happens all the time. Help us to rely on the Holy Spirit to gain strength to handle it and accept it knowing you will be with us.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Have Hope in God by Ann Broughton

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 43:5 NIV).

   Do you need hope right now? Is your soul downcast? Hope in God.

The Bible is filled with men and women who displayed hope in difficult times. That is why it is so important to read the Old and New Testaments. It is filled with hope. I am going to give you a few examples.

   First, Abraham was told by God that a great nation was to come from him. Abraham and his wife had hope that God would give them a child. They had to wait 25 years before their son, Isaac, would be born.

   Joseph had to wait in prison for several years before he was freed. He had hope that God would be with him and He was. “But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison..” (Genesis 39:20-22 NIV). When he was freed Pharaoh put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt. Joseph’s hope in God helped him through a very bad trial, and in the end Joseph was blessed.

    Mary and Martha had hope that Jesus could raise Lazarus from the dead. They believed in Him and knew He could do anything. Martha said, “But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask”

(John 11:21 NIV). Jesus proceeded to raise Lazarus from the dead to prove that He indeed is the resurrection and the life. Do you have this hope?

    You see we are to believe that nothing is impossible with God and have hope that He will be there for us in every circumstance of our lives. He will always be there for you if you call upon Him to help you.

I think it would be wise to memorize this verse and have hope in the future. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NIV). 

Dear Lord,

Give us hope that you will be with us, even in the dark times. We know that you are in control and we must surrender everything over to you and have faith that you know what is best for us. Thank you for the peace only you can give.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen