From My Heart to Yours: A Mother's Words of Wisdom

By Shirley C. Luedeke

"This book is anointed. It is filled with revelation, love, simplicity, and truth."-Pastor Peter Doseck

Do you find it a challenge to apply Scripture to everyday life? Then this book is for you! This great-grandmother shares how it can be done, from childhood memories on the farm to mar

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Aug 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887384825

Shirley C. Luedeke

SHIRLEY C. LUEDEKE and her husband, Don, reside near New Bremen, Ohio, and have celebrated over sixty years of marriage. For twenty-seven years, she was a homemaker while raising their four children. She then successfully entered the business world in sales until retirement. The wisdom and insights she has gleaned over the years will encourage and bless you!

Book preview

Dedication

This devotional has been written as a legacy for our children, Gordon, Kim, Kevin, and Pam, their spouses, children, and grandchildren, as well as generations to come.

Their love, prayers, and support throughout this process were invaluable.

Also, to my husband, Don, who exercised the patience of Job while I wrote these devotionals and organized them into a book.

Preface

This devotional is based upon my lifetime of experiences as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as historical and other events of significance.

It is my prayer that these studies will help readers grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and see how easy and practical it is to apply Scripture to everyday life.

God Bless You!

—Shirley C. Luedeke

Acknowledgments

Pastor Peter Doseck was a great encourager from the very beginning, and his prayers were invaluable.

Thank you to Rick and Sharon Musser and to Stan and Pat Wietholter for their hours invested in proofreading and computer technology.

Lori Sales and Kelinda Crawford assisted me greatly as knowledgeable advisors, and Mandy Fast, graphic designer, was very helpful in selecting the cover.

Finally, a sincere thank you to family members who helped with computer technology—Kim, Kevin, Pam, Allison, Austin, and Cade.

January 1

PROMISES FOR THE NEW YEAR!

Oh, for the joy of a New Year, a new beginning! The future stretches fresh before us with the hope of new opportunities and great blessings. Even in the midst of challenges that may arise, God is already there! It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22, 23).

This is the time to forget past regrets, forsake grievances, and bury forgiven sin. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13, 14).

This is the time to stand on God’s promises for salvation: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house (Acts 16:31b); for provisions: But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19); for healing: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed (1 Peter 2:24); for peace: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27); for joy: These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (John 15:11).

These promises are just the tip of the iceberg! Dig into the Word this year and uncover the treasures God has for you!

January 2

FINDING FAVOR

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold (Proverbs 22:1). Can you imagine putting favor above silver or gold? But that’s what God says!

There are several incidents in the Old Testament where people were given great favor. In Exodus 12:36, The Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians. Almost instantly the Israelites had all the earthly possessions they needed to make the journey to the Promised Land—because of the Lord’s favor!

Because the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the Lord, and also with man (1 Samuel 2:26), he was honored above the sinning sons of the priest, Eli, and became a great prophet. Then there was Esther, who found favor with the king (Esther 2:17) and was able to save the Jews from destruction.

And above all, Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man (Luke 2:52).

Yes, having favor is a blessing. Why? A good explanation is that favor is unfair partiality. Shekhar Kallianpur expressed it this way, One day of God’s favor is better than thousand days of hard labor!

Certainly, everyone wants that kind of favor—both with God and man! How can you get it? Proverbs 3:1–3 includes these words, forget not my law; keep my commandments; let not mercy and truth forsake thee, and then the promise in verse 4, So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

January 3

BEAUTY

Glancing through a ladies’ magazine, these advertisements jumped off the page since everyone could apply to me to some degree.

Can’t get rid of the belly bulge? Just use their super remedy that’s sure to reduce that embarrassing middle tire!

Then, there was the remover for age spots and freckles. To tell the truth, I always thought freckles were kind of cute! But oh no, one can’t have anything that might be considered a blemish!

Are you suffering from a drooping jaw line, thinning hair, a sagging neck, a less-than-perfect figure? No problem! The flawed can be removed, firmed up, added to, or reduced at your will!

And, of course, there’s always the primary one—weight loss!

Now don’t get me wrong. Taking good care of one’s body should be of utmost concern because it is the temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 6:19), but ads can make us concentrate on our outside appearance while neglecting the inside. In 1 Peter 3:4 (TLB), God reminds wives to Be beautiful inside, in your hearts, with the lasting charm of a gentle and quiet spirit which is so precious to God. Remember, man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7b).

However, if I had to choose a part of my body that I would want to be the most beautiful, it would be my feet! How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things (Romans 10:15b)! How about you?

January 4

SAFETY IS OF THE LORD

The Wright-Patterson Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio, houses a fascinating history of airplanes, including those used in various wars. The sleek stealth bomber is especially intriguing to me.

Throughout the ages, men have continued to invent and improve their weapons of war, but according to Proverbs 21:31, safety comes only from the Lord: The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord. Does that mean the United States should scrap her defense agenda? Definitely not, but it does mean that without the Lord’s protection, our program could be ineffective.

Consider Israel in 2 Kings. Every time the Syrians set up camp to entrap the Israelites, they would bypass them. The Syrian king thought there was a traitor in his army, but then he was told that the prophet of God, Elisha, was telling the Israelites where their enemy was encamped. When the Syrians surrounded Dothan, where Elisha was staying, his servant arose in the morning and was alarmed, but Elisha said, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha (2 Kings 6:16, 17).

You see, The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them (Psalm 34:7). We’ll never know how many times the Lord has given our country and us personally protection because we have prayed! Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God (Psalm 20:7).

January 5

RAISING CHILDREN

What an awesome privilege—and responsibility! There’s not a more important job in all the world, for raising a child affects generations to come. Yet, in spite of the obligation, it’s the duty with the least training. We’re taught the ABCs, the arts, and trades but very little about raising children. Makes one wonder why babysitting is one of the lowest-paying jobs yet carries some of the greatest responsibility!

Having given the Israelites the Ten Commandments, God follows with these instructions in the next chapter: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up (Deuteronomy 6:7). It’s not just a Sunday duty; it’s a way of life!

Proverbs 22:6 tells us to Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. What a promise! Someday you may look back on the days of raising children and wish you had done some things differently, but remember, there are no perfect parents! However, if you obeyed the above commandment, then stand on this promise: The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me (Psalm 138:8a). You do your best—and God will do His!

One time, I took off my shoes and with great respect, stood on my Bible and confessed to God that regardless of how things looked, I was standing on His promise in Proverbs in every way possible! God never fails! All of our children do love and live for God!

Please, don’t despair. Take one day at a time. Obey Proverbs 22:6 and trust God for the results.

January 6

SAVED!

While very ill during my second pregnancy, I was reading John A. Stormer’s book, None Dare Call It Treason, a sobering account of the undermining of the US Government. At the same time, the leader of Communist Russia was allegedly predicting that he would bury the US—and the date he set was the same year my baby would be starting school. It was all overwhelming to me, resulting in depression and tears.

Entered in—Christian radio with a message different from any other I had heard, and it prepared my heart for the Gospel! Soon thereafter, I visited a church that clearly preached the good news—that Jesus had shed His blood and died on the cross to take the penalty for my sin and then rose again. All I had to do was to repent, accept Him as my Savior, and I could be born again and receive the GIFT of eternal life (Ephesians 2:8, 9). That meant that heaven would not have to be earned by my good works! What great news! After all, what if I had been just one deed short when I died?! When they invited those who wanted to accept Jesus to come forward, I was there!

It’s unbelievable how one heart-felt prayer can change a life! Walking out of that church, it was like scales had fallen from my eyes as well as my heart. The grass WAS greener, the sky WAS bluer. And you know what? The darkness and depression were GONE, never to return again. Now that doesn’t mean there are no trials or tribulations in Christians’ lives, but it does mean Jesus is there to strengthen and encourage us. And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matthew 28:20b).

If you’ve never repented of your sins and accepted Jesus as your Savior, won’t you do so today?

January 7

KEEPING IT SIMPLE

Sometimes those who study the Bible comment that it is too difficult to understand, yet Jesus kept his teachings simple, using illustrations that were commonplace in that day and age.

The sower (Matthew 13:3–9, 18–23);

The door (John 10:1–18);

The wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:24–30);

The mustard seed (Matthew 13:31, 32);

The pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45, 46);

The gathering net (Matthew 13:47–50);

The lost sheep (Luke 15:47);

The lost coin (Luke 15:8–10);

The prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32);

The unjust steward (Luke 16:1–9);

The persistent widow (Luke 18:1–8);

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9–14);

The rich fool (Luke 12:13–21);

The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37).

The disciples asked Jesus why He spoke in parables, and He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given… For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them (Matthew 13:11, 15).

Having difficulty understanding? Then open your heart and pray that you’ll have ears that hear and eyes that see. He’ll answer.

January 8

THE INFLUENCE OF ONE

Preparing for a flight to Colorado, I removed my shoes for inspection and thought, Imagine, all this just started allegedly because of the actions of one man! A passenger was discovered carrying explosives in his shoe on an airplane some years ago. In order to prevent future danger, the TSA determined that all shoes had to be removed and inspected before taking flight.

Consider Germany’s Adolph Hitler. His cruel control brought about unbelievable suffering and, eventually, the death of six million Jews!

On the other side, think of the influence of Billy Graham as he met with twelve United States presidents2 and also held crusades all over the world during which millions came to a saving knowledge of Jesus!

Since the founding of the Red Cross by Clara Barton in 1881, compassionate care has been extended to the American Armed Forces, as well as disaster relief throughout the world.

Polio is considered abolished in the United States as a result of the hard work and research by Salk.

Then the greatest of them all—JESUS! Never before had God walked on earth in the flesh, but Jesus said, He that hath seen me hath seen the Father (John 14:9b). Even his followers were described as turning the world upside down in Acts 17:6.

In fact, Jesus even said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father (John 14:12).

Yes, you, too, can be ONE who influences the world for good!

January 9

GOD’S EMOTIONS

Did you know that God has righteous emotions?

Anger. When the Israelites worshipped a golden calf, the Lord said, I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiffnecked people; Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them (Exodus 32:9b, 10a).

Jealousy. I the Lord thy God am a jealous God (Exodus 20:5b).

Grief. It repented the Lord that he had made man on earth, and it grieved him at his heart (Genesis 6:6).

Joy. He brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness (Psalm 105:43).

Rejection. He is despised and rejected of man; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not (Isaiah 53:3).

Love. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

No, our God is not like the heathens’! Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat (Psalm 115:4–7). Neither do they have feelings! But our God does, and He Hath been mindful of us (Psalm 115:12a).

January 10

THE TONGUE

Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (Proverbs 18:21). Wow, can you imagine power like that?!

James tells us in chapter 3:2 that if any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. You mean we can have a long life and be perfect just by the things we say?! If that’s all it takes, let’s go for it!

HOWEVER, here’s what appears to be the down side; James also tells us that For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind; But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:7, 8). That makes controlling the tongue seem hopeless!

In a short adaptation of the story A Pillow of Feathers by Shoshannah Brombacher, a man gossiped about a businessman in town. The businessman heard about it and reported it to the rabbi. When the rabbi confronted the gossiper, he felt convicted and wanted to know what he should do. The rabbi told him to bring a feather pillow. Cutting it open, the feathers flew all over, after which the rabbi told him to collect all the feathers; of course, that was impossible.

The same is true of a rumor. It can never be completely taken back. Oh, the power of words!

Now here’s the good news! The Holy Spirit can tame our tongues! As we submit to His authority and power, we can speak words of life, encouragement, comfort, and love. Remember, Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones (Proverbs 16:24).

January 11

HOUSEHOLD SALVATION

Did you know that God wants entire families to be saved? He was concerned about whole households way back in Genesis already when He told Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation (Genesis 7:1). Notice, God didn’t say that everyone in the house was righteous, but He saved them from destruction because of Noah.

That principle holds true today. After being saved, my greatest desire was to see my husband and someday our two-year-old son come to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Heartfelt prayers were offered for them as well as the three other children with whom we would be blessed. Never were any of them to say, Mom never told me how to be saved!

Being a new Christian, I noticed that it was quite common in Christian homes for all but one or two of the children to be saved and living for the Lord. Satan tried to tell me that if three of our children were saved, that would be a pretty good average! That’s when my faith became violent (Matthew 11:12), rebuking Satan in the powerful name of Jesus and quoting the promise in Acts 16:31: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. I stood on that promise without wavering because God said he is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9b).

Now you may be the one God will use to stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30) to save your family. Don’t give up! Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and trust His promises!

January 12

SEEKING COUNSEL

Where do you seek counseling when needed? From your friends? Books? The Word? The direction of your life can sometimes be directly affected by the counsel you receive.

Of course, the only absolutely reliable counsel would be that from the Lord—whether from His Word or by His spirit. The counsel of the Lord, that shall stand (Proverbs 19:21b). Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5, 6).

Sometimes the Lord may use Godly people to advise us, but even then, Proverbs reminds us not to rely on just one, but many: Where no counsel is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety (Proverbs 11:14).

The Psalmist warns us not to seek guidance from the ungodly. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful (Psalm 1:1). Notice the progression. First, the man is receiving counsel as he walks with the ungodly, then they apparently stand and talk, and last, they sit down together! My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path (Proverbs 1:10, 15).

Job had all kinds of counsel from his friends, but in the end, the Lord told Eliphaz, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends; for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath (Job 42:7b).

The bottom line: choose your counselors wisely!

January 13

CONSIDERING OTHERS

Even in the midst of great agony and suffering while on the cross, Jesus thought of others. Remember, He prayed, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34a). And to one of the criminals aside from Him, Jesus said, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43).

Then there was his faithful mother who bore Him as a virgin (Matthew 1:23); searched for Him as a child in Jerusalem (Luke 2:46); was nearby while he was preaching (Matthew 12:47); and now she observed His stricken body on the cross. What would happen to Mary after his death? When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home (John 19:25, 26, 27).

Now, did you ever wonder why Jesus chose a disciple instead of a sibling to take care of His mother? According to Matthew 13:55, 56, Jesus had four brethren and some sisters, but there’s no mention of their being at the cross. Also, they may not have believed in Him as the Son of God at this time because after teaching in the synagogue, Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not with honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house (Mark 6:4).

Interestingly, when his mother and brethren asked to speak to Jesus, he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother (Matthew 12:46, 50).

Yes, even in His agony, Jesus was comforted, leaving His mother in care of the disciple whom Jesus loved (John 20:2), a member of the one body in Christ (Romans 12:5)! Are you a member of that body?

January 14

WHY WORRY?

Worrying seems to be a problem for all human beings—even Christians! But if you’re honest, you’ll admit that the only results are sleepless nights that reduce your effectiveness and your resistance to illness—and to what avail? It doesn’t change a thing!

Three times David tells us in Psalm 37:1, 7, and 8 to fret not (don’t worry). Easier said than done, isn’t it?! However, there is a solution. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God (Philippians 4:6).

Notice, there are instructions on how to accomplish this. First, humbly pray! If God cares enough about you to number your hairs (Matthew 10:30), He cares about your problem—large or small!

Now with thanksgiving may seem more challenging, but you can still be thankful for the health and strength to work, even though the problem may be at your place of employment; or thankful you’re blessed with that child even though you’re going through troublesome times. Or just thank God that He cares!

Lastly, God wants you to tell Him what your request is. You may think, Well, He knows what the problem is anyway; why should I tell Him? Hey, it’s part of the package deal!

If you’ll do the above, here’s the reward: And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). And isn’t that just what you want through it all—peace? And only God can give that!

January 15

STEPPING OUT

When I wanted to share some spiritual things with our adult children but didn’t want to be a preachy mom, I started writing. Little did I know that it would eventually become this devotional book! The thought of completing an entire book would have been overwhelming! But once the first few pages were written, it started to flow, and Psalm 37:23 came alive to me: The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighted in his way.

You see, just as man cannot steer a stationary car, God cannot direct a non-moving Christian. We have to take that first step, and THEN He will direct the next one and the next one, etc.!

Have a big project in mind? A seemingly insurmountable goal? Maybe a profession requiring many years of studying? How about raising children—that takes a minimum of eighteen years! Well, get started, and keep your eye on the goal! Without a goal, how will you know when you’ve accomplished the task?

Paul had a goal and stated it this way: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13, 14).

So, what goal would you like to reach today? Tomorrow? Next year? Maybe even your lifetime? Do as the Lord instructed the prophet to do: Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables (Habakkuk 2:2b). Writing it down and speaking it confirms the commitment.

Just do it—today!

January 16

TOUGH TIMES

Tough times. We all go through them. It’s not a matter of IF but WHEN! It’s part of life. But what God is concerned about is how we react in the midst of those trials. Would you believe that He wants us to thank and trust Him? Yes, not whine or complain, but praise Him!

First Thessalonians 5:18 says that In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Notice, it doesn’t say FOR every thing, but IN every thing. There’s a big difference! You can’t always be thankful FOR the situation, but you can be thankful IN it!

Habakkuk puts it this way in Chapter 3:17, 18: Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. What a trusting heart!

Job lost his seven sons and three daughters when a wind collapsed the house in which they were eating. One enemy stole his oxen and asses and killed all but one of the servants who were tending them, and another enemy did the same with his camels. Fire from heaven burned up his sheep. Then Job was afflicted with boils, and even his wife turned against him, saying, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God, and die (Job 2:9). Through it all, Job responded, Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him (13:15a).

Even though it may be with tears in difficult times, remember to praise Him. With God’s help, you can make it through those tough times—victoriously!

January 17

COMMANDMENTS AND REWARDS

Sometimes people think God wants to take all the fun out of life with rules, regulations, commandments, etc. Not so! Jesus came that we might have life more abundantly (John 10:10b).

How would you like to have a long life, favor with God and man, God’s direction, health, and prosperity? Who wouldn’t?! Well, those are the rewards for following God’s commandments in Proverbs 3:1–10. In a nutshell, here are the commandments © and rewards ®:

Verses 1 and 2:

C—forget not my law, keep my commandments

R—long life and peace

Verses 3 and 4:

C—let not mercy and truth forsake thee

R—favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man

Verses 5 and 6:

C—trust in the Lord and lean not unto thine own understanding

R—he shall direct thy paths

Verses 7 and 8:

C—fear the Lord, and depart from evil

R—health to thy navel and marrow to thy bones

Verses 9 and 10:

C—honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase

R—so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine

It seems almost too good to be true, but we have a God whose Word can be trusted. Apply it to your life and live ABUNDANTLY!

January 18

CALLED TO SERVE HOW MANY?

When I was a wife and homemaker raising four children, reports of spreading the Gospel by missionaries serving in foreign countries seemed so much more worthwhile than my mundane homemaking! Sometimes I wondered why God had not called me into foreign mission work!

Then a wise Christian pointed out that my family was my mission field! Maybe it was just a few, but that number would be multiplied as they married and had children, and who knows how many more generations to come before Jesus returns!

But the greatest encouragement came from God Himself through His Word. There were two Old Testament men who were used greatly by God—Moses and Noah. Both fulfilled their missions with great success.

God instructed Moses in Exodus 3:10 to go to Pharaoh that thou mayest bring forth my people, the children of Israel out of Egypt. He was responsible for a whole nation—600,000 men, besides children (Exodus 12:37); however, Noah was instructed to build an ark so that eight souls were saved by water (1 Peter 3:20). Was God concerned about the number of souls involved? No, He was only concerned about the faithfulness of those He called!

Be encouraged! Do well wherever God has called you, and someday, you can say with Paul, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing (2 Timothy 4:7, 8).

January 19

FASTING

In Matthew 6, Jesus mentions three things we should do—alms (giving to the needy), pray, and fast. Those first two can come pretty easily, but that last one can be demanding! Your flesh cries out, Food, food, food—I want food! The real challenge is the fact that Jesus did not prefix any of these things with if you do them, but when! He expects all three to be part of our normal Christian life!

Jesus does not expect more from us than what He did. Remember, He fasted forty days and forty nights (Matthew 4:2). Afterwards, when the tempter came, Jesus had the power to