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Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Published July 26, 2019

Walking Through Open Doors

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

In my work as a university professor I often write letters of reference for students who are applying for their first job out of college or for graduate school. Along with this service comes the role of counsellor to graduates as they hear from one organization or school, but not another.

Sometimes this feedback is about timing. In one case a student received a resounding “yes” from one graduate school, was offered a scholarship, and was invited to visit the campus to meet professors and check out the program. But a second school gave a “wait and see” response, did not offer a scholarship, and did not invite the student to visit.

Sometimes God makes his way clear, and when he does, we need to guard against demanding other answers or being given more options.

Jeremiah reminds us that God has plans for us, even prosperous ones. It’s too bad we second guess his clear signs as to which way to go. So often it is as simple as turning away from closed doors and walking through others flung wide open.

God, help me pay attention to clear signs you provide regarding my future. Help me see your ‘no’ as ‘no’ and your ‘yes’ as ‘yes’ that I may enter the doors you open for me. Amen.

Thought: Consider a decision you have to make. Are some options ‘green’ while others are ‘yellow’ or ‘red’? Follow the green option and keep trusting God.

By Dr. Bill Strom
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The Easy Yoke

Published May 19, 2019

The Easy Yoke

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28

Jesus words to his disciples confused me as a child, and honestly they still do now. When I was young I thought a godly life meant avoiding things that others in town enjoyed freely. I was on the outside looking in as my youthful peers spoke of their first cigarette, drink, and engagements with girls. Their lives seemed carefree, and mine a burden.

I remember commenting once to my father as a teenager that I wish I had come to faith from a life of drug addiction because then my testimony would be powerfully compelling. He smiled and said, “But just think of all the heartache you’ve avoided by the path you have taken.”

Dallas Willard speaks similarly in a chapter titled “The Secret of the Easy Yoke.” He writes, “To depart from righteousness is to choose a life of crushing burdens, failures, and disappointments, a life caught in the toils of endless problems that are never resolved. Here is the source of that unending soap opera, that sometimes horror show known as normal human life. The ‘cost of discipleship,’ though it may take all we have, is small when compared to the lot of those who don’t accept Christ’s invitation to be a part of his company in The Way of life.” (In The Spirit of the Disciplines).

Do you seek reprieve from a “soap opera” life? Have you been fed the lie that following God will mean just one more burden? What’s keeping you from leaning on God and following his ways? Doing so may bring rest for your soul like you have never known.

God, I desperately seek the restful yoke of following you. Help me choose your way so that I may know your pleasure and peace rather than the horror show I know today.

Thought: Name one thing you know you want to do but will only lead to heartache. Name an alternative action that you know will bring peace.

By Dr. Bill Strom
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Run or Help?

Published April 9, 2019

Run or Help?

“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
1 Peter 3:9

In 1569, Dirk Willems had a difficult decision to make. Willems was arrested by authorities who thought him a heretic and who jailed him in a high stone tower. Over time he stowed away pieces of cloth until he could make a rope and let himself down the outside wall, only to encounter a moat. Since it was winter, it was thinly iced, and his light frame permitted him to cross. Not so for the armed guard who chased him. The ice gave way, enveloping the weighty man, who cried out to Willems to save him.

He faced a decision. Turn back and help his enemy, or run for his life? He did not ignore the man’s plea but risked his life to rescue the guard, the same man who then led him back to the prison. Not long after, Willems died a martyr’s death.

Have you been in a similar situation? Perhaps you have been persecuted for your faith or lifestyle, attacked by family or friends or co-workers. Perhaps you live where civil authorities have imprisoned you or your loved ones.

As difficult as it is, can you withhold repaying evil for evil? Will you extend grace and forgiveness toward people who wound, offend, or assault you?

Later in his letter, Peter says, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12-13).

Dear God, your love extends even to your enemies. Help me grasp that, like Jesus, I am to turn my cheek instead of fighting back. Help me hold my tongue and speak truth in love when taunted or ridiculed. Help me participate with Jesus in his suffering so that one day I may know your glory. Amen.

By Dr. Bill Strom

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We Are Not Consumed

Published March 5, 2019

We Are Not Consumed

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:22-23, 25-26

Before the verses you see above, the writer says he is quite sure God is punishing him for something! He says God has turned against him, waits like a lion to pounce, has bent his bow ready to shoot, and has cracked his teeth with gravel! (Books like Lamentations convince me God knows how to relate with real people with real problems!)

I have felt the same at times, and when I do, it’s easy to blame God for my ills. Perhaps God is using hardship to shape me, but maybe I just want an easy scapegoat for problems I created myself.

The bigger point here is the writer’s resolve: “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

When you pray, do you rant and shake your fist at God? Or do you sit quietly, assured of his faithful renewal even amidst turmoil?

God, I admit that it’s so easy to think that You cause my grief. If I have displeased You, show me where, and help me choose otherwise. In the meantime, God, help me to rest in Your faithfulness and compassion which is new every morning. Amen.

Ask God to renew your hope and to be your strength amidst your challenges. Share with someone else how God is faithful despite your challenges.

By Bill Strom
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Helmet of Salvation

Published March 2, 2019

Helmet of Salvation

“Take the helmet of salvation…” Ephesians 6:17a

I remember as a child trying to figure out why the ‘armor of God’ fit particular parts of the body. Some made sense, like the ‘breastplate of righteousness’ protecting our heart—a metaphor for our soul—as well as the ‘shield of faith’ to ‘extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one’—the image of a shield protecting our whole being against Satan’s schemes. But why a helmet for salvation?

I came to understanding when an acquaintance of mine began doubting his salvation. Before his season of uncertainty he was living fully in God’s ways, serving joyfully in his church, and knowing purpose and peace.

But then he began believing that God judged him, not loved him, and that God withheld forgiveness for his sins. Even when I pointed out scriptures of God’s unfailing love, forgiveness, and empowering, he felt he was doomed. “I just don’t feel God’s peace or joy,” he would say.

John explains that “everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God” as my friend certainly did. John goes on to show the protection of salvation’s ‘helmet’: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Knowing in our head that we have salvation and feeling we do are not the same. In time this fella came around and once again believed—and felt—God’s saving love for him. Praise God.

Do you believe Jesus is God’s gift to the world for salvation? You can know your salvation is secure by doing so.

God, I believe Jesus is the Christ, the spiritual Savior of the world and me personally. Thank you for the knowledge that in believing in him I may know my salvation. Amen.

Thought: If you have never prayed for God to forgive you of your sin, but want to make it personal, simply pray the prayer above and expand on it as you feel led. God wants to know your genuine repentance and he wants to enter your life and help make you new.

By Dr. Bill Strom

Used by Permission www.thelife.com/dailydevotions

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Praying on Behalf of Others

Published January 23, 2019

Praying on Behalf of Others

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.” 1 Timothy 2: 1

Today I learned from an acquaintance about a fella who holds resentment and hatred toward his mother. Evidently this man—in his 50s—was born out of wedlock (unlike his siblings), and was treated differently by his mother all his life.

My acquaintance encouraged me to pray for this guy who has felt second-rate, disowned, and marginalized. I know personally that he has suffered from drug and alcohol addiction.

So I prayed for him. Interceded for him. Not a long prayer, just one that asked God to help this brother forgive his mom for so much pain, and that they might be able to talk about it, and work through it.

Isn’t it amazing that God lets us join in the conversation of healing and hope for other people? And better yet is that God promises his Spirit to help in the dialogue. Paul says in Romans 8,

“We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

While I may not be consistently faithful in interceding for others, I know God loves to hear me pleading for them. Have you interceded for others?

God, help me be more aware of people who need your strength and grace to manage the challenges of life, and to pray for them specifically regarding their problems. Thank you for your Spirit who articulates more clearly what my heart can’t form. Amen.

Pray for someone you know today.

by Bill Strom
Used by Permission www.thelife.com/dailydevotions

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Articles on How to Pray

How to be sure God Listens to your Prayers

How to have a “Quiet Time”

What Should Be Included in Prayer?

Prayer is Talking to God

Praying with Confidence

Foundational Core Truths about Prayer by Sylvia Gunter

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Joy in the Midst

Published December 15, 2018

Joy in the Midst

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, thought here are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Habakkuk 3:17-18

Mary experienced joy despite her world turned bring flipped upside down. In Luke’s gospel, we learn that Mary lived at home, single, and engaged, when angel Gabriel appeared to announce that God had plans for her. She would conceive and bear a boy and name Him Jesus. Such good news, but also terrifying for Mary!Could Mary have known the challenges her glorious role would require?

Virgin and pregnant! How could this be? Worried if Joseph would believe her “Gabriel story.” The pain of childbirth, in a barn, on a trip. Raising Jesus knowing he was special. Losing Jesus at the Passover Feast; finding Him in the temple doing is Father’s business. The uncertainty of watching Jesus’ public ministry, a prophet not welcomed in His hometown.Standing at the cross at His crucifixion; Jesus entrusting her to John.Gathering with the apostles after the resurrection in the upper room.

What was God up to?

Mary’s initial response to Gabriel’s announcement was disbelief, and then a quiet resolve: “I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done unto me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Later, she visited Elizabeth and learned afresh of Jesus’ unique status in the universe. She responded, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant” (Luke1:46-47).

How might we find joy amidst this busy season or when pressures abound? Might we learn from Mary who submitted herself to God, aware that He had her best interests at heart?

Dearest Lord, no matter what pressures I face, be it the busyness of the season or just life in general, help me greet it with joy knowing that you have a plan and a purpose for it and will see me through whatever is to come. Amen.

By Dr. Bill Strom
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Willing to Love, Able to Save

Published March 28, 2018

Willing to Love, Able to Save

“Such a high priest [Jesus] truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.” Hebrews 7:24-26

Recently I heard the tragic case of a grandmother who discovered that the two-year-old granddaughter she was caring for had wandered out the back door and fallen into the family pool. The aged woman, despite her inability to swim, jumped in to save the little one. Several hours later family members found their lifeless bodies at the bottom of the pool.

We shake our heads and wonder what that grandma was thinking. But maybe she wasn’t thinking. Quite likely she acted out of loving panic with no thought for herself. In one way it makes for an image of sacrificial love, yet it falls short.

The incident reminds us that when people need saving, they need not only one who is willing to save, but who is also able to save.

Jesus’ fits these criteria. As he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, he said “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Jesus submitted his will to God. He was willing to die for us.

But Jesus was also able to save. The writer of Hebrews explains:

“…because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.” (Hebrews 7:24-26)

In his perfection Jesus became the perfect lover, both willing and able to redeem us from our sins. Have you accepted God’s love through Christ? Are you leaning on Him who is willing and able to save you?

God, thank you for loving me enough to send Christ to save me. Jesus, thank you for your obedience to God the Father. I accept your forgiveness and payment for my sin. Amen.

Thought: Read a love story in the Bible. The Book of John is one of the gospels that tells of Jesus’ life and ministry on earth. Chapters 17-21 describe his last days of his arrest, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection – a truly great love story.

By Dr. Bill Strom
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How Do We Pay Attention to God

Published February 22, 2018

How Do We Pay Attention to God

“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn; look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, who gave you birth.”
Isaiah 50:1-2a

In this passage, the Prophet Isaiah seeks to comfort the people of Israel. So, he begins with a plea: If you want to pursue a good and holy life, then listen to me. Pay attention to the One from whom you were created, and to the wise patriarchs from whom your identity was shaped.

Isaiah’s words are poetic and beautiful, but what does it mean to listen to God? How might we listen to Him today?

Recently I chatted with experts in listening attentively and empathetically to callers who suffer from depression, loneliness, or various life hang-ups. I asked, “What does it mean to listen to God? More than that, how do we listen to God?” The responses came quickly:

1. Get still, and undistracted.
2. Pray and commune with God’s Spirit.
3. Read the Word and consider its meaning for you.
4. Seek counsel from godly people you trust.
5. Spend time in the grandeur of creation.

As follow-up, I asked another question. “What gets in the way of listening to God these ways?” One person smiled and said, “Just ignore the list above!” Upon further reflection, others offered that hindrances included busyness, computer screen time, worry, and not planning to listen.

Perhaps it is time to pause, get quiet, and listen for God’s still small voice in silence of prayer, His Word, observing His creation, or in an intentional conversation with a respected and godly friend. But, if we do that, will we listen?

Dear God, thank you for your presence. May I take steps today to slow down, become aware of your prompting, meditate on your Word, and listen well to a wise person, so I may hear your voice of comfort and conscience. Amen.

By Dr. Bill Strom
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I Wonder About Mary

Published December 17, 2017

I Wonder About Mary

“…the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.’” Luke 1:30-31 (Read the whole chapter)

Have you ever known a woman who is pregnant and whose baby is due around Christmas? Along with general anxiety regarding the delivery and health of her child, I wonder about other feelings and thoughts she may have. Will she rue that his or her birthday falls so close to Christmas? Will birthday celebrations get lost or muted amidst the hubbub of late December? Will the child feel cheated for not receiving gifts during another month of the year?

These matters only matter because of the holiday. What about the first Christmas? Have you ever wondered how Mary felt? Her anticipation must have been unique.

Mary learned of her pregnancy from the angel Gabriel. I wonder what Mary thought Jesus’ birth would bring. Did she expect hosts of angels trumpeting the news? Mary likely prepared her home for the delivery, expecting to have Jesus there. Did she anticipate a painful, awkward donkey ride to her in-laws’ town of origin? Could she ever have anticipated delivery in a barn? I wonder if she pondered how her God-child would look, act, live. Would he be like most kids? Could she ever predict he would be cherished and spurned, followed and chased, worshiped and demonized? Even with the Spirit of the Lord upon her, could she know that Jesus’ birth, while humble and simple, would be celebrated by millions upon millions for millennia? Could she have known that he would die a brutal death for her and our salvation?

We see these truths through history, and look forward to celebrating them. Yet like Mary we may not be able to predict all Christmas might bring, for we do not celebrate rituals, but the Christ-child, and when He is center to the party, angels may appear.

Dear God, thank you for the model of Mary who not knowing all that was to come still entered into your plan to save the world. May my anticipation for Christmas this year be enlarged by her example. Amen.

Thought: Ask people near you what they anticipate from God this Christmas. Ask them what they think was going through Mary’s head as delivery day approached.

What are your expectations for Christmas this year?

By Dr. Bill Strom
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Finding the Good in Conflict

Published November 19, 2017

Finding the Good in Conflict

“Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark…They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.” Acts 15:36-37,39

Conflict. Conflict among believers? Conflict among Christian leaders! When we read the powerful stories of the Holy Spirit’s movements in Acts, this episode between Paul and Barnabas stands out as a blemish.

By now they had ministered in many cities throughout the Roman Empire, silenced a false prophet, explained Jesus’ place in Jewish history, performed miracles, and been mistaken as Zeus and Hermes (Greek gods). And they had weathered rejection, abusive language, even stoning. But in Pamphylia, their third partner, John Mark, suddenly left them to go home to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13).

That became a sore point. Acts 15:38 states Paul didn’t think having John Mark rejoin them was a wise decision. Perhaps Paul didn’t wish to trust a deserter with so much on the line. Paul had churches to visit, sermons to preach, Jews and Gentiles to enlighten about the Good News of Jesus. He valued gospel proclamation. Barnabas, it seems, wanted to give John Mark a second chance, to mend a fence, to build up a young believer who probably felt horrible about ditching them.

We can learn a few lessons here:

We may be called to unity of purpose (Romans 5:5-6), but our means might differ. Both Paul’s big picture approach and Barnabas’ relational one grew the church.

Conflict may be difficult, but good can come of it. In this case, Paul and Silas went one direction, and Barnabas and Mark another — all to visit new churches in order to build them up.

Conflict is a part of life, and good-meaning people rub each other the wrong way routinely. The question is how we will deal with it — either destructively or constructively?

Dear God, please help me see that conflict with people may be your way of growing me and people around me. May I not wish it away, or run from it, but may I find your good in it. Amen.

By Bill Strom
Used by Permission www.thelife.com/dailydevotions

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Welcoming Gently

Published October 28, 2017

Welcoming Gently

“When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.” Luke 19:5-6

Have you ever considered that Zacchaeus gladly welcomed Jesus to his home? Given his occupation — a tax collector whom many despised — you might think he would have hid among the leaves of that sycamore tree. But he didn’t; he came down, escorted Jesus to his home, and threw a little party, and an unplanned one at that.

I wonder who else joined them. Probably not those who watched this happen; they were muttering, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” I can picture them with arms crossed and faces scowling.

But something tells me Zacchaeus would have welcomed his enemies to his home that day. Consider his new heart when he says, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” His generous heart flowed in love for the poor, and his pocketbook with justice for mistreated clients.

What explains his change of heart? One clue is the reason he climbed the tree — “he wanted to see who Jesus was.” And who did he see? He saw someone worthy of calling “Lord.” Perhaps Jesus’ reputation preceded him. Maybe Zacchaeus knew that with Jesus, wine overflowed, blind saw, lame walked, and dead people revived. Jesus was a rock star and the rich taxman had to catch a look. And now, with Jesus present in the flesh, Zacchaeus humbled himself, acknowledged his wrong-doing, and sought to make things right.

Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus to show us a life worth imitating. May I bow in awe of His glory and from that place open my heart to people. Show me whom I may invite to my home to celebrate the presence of Jesus. Amen.

By Dr. Bill Strom
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Not Against Flesh and Blood

Published July 30, 2017

Not Against Flesh and Blood

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12

When I was growing up the words of Paul in Ephesians 6:12 were generally valued for the second half of the sentence. That is, our struggles were considered to be against the Devil or demons who might trip us up as we tried to live for Jesus.

More recently I have come to appreciate the first half of the teaching. That is, we are not in a physical war of sword fights, cuts, and bruises, but one of power struggle against rulers and authorities who plan life without God. In more practical terms it means we ought to struggle against people in positions of power who lord it over those beneath them, taking advantage by treating them unfairly or squelching their freedoms to grow in faith.

Put in different terms again, to say our fight is against rulers and authorities means there are times when we should stand up for what is right, to defend the widow and orphan and immigrant, and not allow powerful leaders to run rough shod over anyone.

Do you see the misuse of power around you at work? Do you see it in your neighborhood? What might you do to give voice to those under the thumb of meanies? How might you help ‘the least of these’ so you can love as Jesus called us to?

God, help me understand that You want me to be a change agent for what’s right and good at work and around my neighborhood. May I be a voice for the people who feel powerless to help themselves. Amen.

Action Point: Step in to situations where you can make wrong situations right. Or, if you are the one lording it over others, stop and ask how you might seek peace and justice with the other.

By: Dr. Bill Strom

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Lesson from the Belly of a Fish

Published May 4, 2017

Lesson from the Belly of a Fish

“Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. [And Jonah said] In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.” Jonah 1:17 & 2:1

Thank God for seaweed around your head.

Poor Jonah. God’s word had come to him saying he should go to Nineveh and “preach against them” because their wickedness had become offensive to God. It seems Jonah feared the people of Nineveh, because he headed instead to Tarshish.

Sometimes God disciplines us when we offend him, and so it was with Jonah. First hit by storm, then thrown overboard, and finally gobbled by a fish. The monster swam into dark waters, and Jonah felt threatened, banished, and cut-off. “The deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down” (Jonah 2:5-6).

For three days…

Only then did Jonah come to his senses. “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple” (Jonah 2:7). Jonah’s prayer is worth imitating because he recognized his wrongdoing, humbled himself, and rededicated himself to God’s ways.

Eventually much good came from Jonah’s obedience. The Ninevites repented, left evil habits, and enjoyed peace with God. And his story was told for generations as an example of what happens when you go against God’s plans, but then repent.

Jonah’s story even has an “Easter” twist. When Jesus foretold of his death and resurrection, he said, “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12: 40).

Sometimes I feel buried, alone, and hopeless from God’s discipline. However, in those dark places God is still working His plan — His redeeming, reconciling, renewing plan. And, just as Jesus rose from the earth to bring salvation, God can raise me up — like he did Jonah — to be an instrument of his redeeming peace among people.

Father God, thank you for your gracious discipline of me. Help me see your purpose in hardship as I seek to become more like your son, Jesus, and an instrument of reconciliation on earth. Amen.

By Dr. Bill Strom

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How Much Do Parents Give Up?

Published March 24, 2017

How Much Do Parents Give Up?

“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother … When Jesus saw [her] there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” John 19:25-27

The scriptures share little about Mary’s relationship with Jesus, but in the book of John we learn that in Jesus’ darkest hour Mary stood faithfully beside him. Mary may have anticipated Jesus’ horrible death, for the righteous man Simeon had told her, “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:34-35).

According to Simeon, Mary had fair warning. A mother’s heart carries burdened love for her children; how much more for Mary as she knew that Jesus would grow up to stir up the religious leaders of the day? Yet she remained faithful, even to Jesus’ difficult end.

Have you ever considered the price of parenthood? How much do parents “give up” in hours, convenience, energy, income, heartache, and opportunity? If we stacked it all up against the “returns” of our children, the comparison might be laughable.

But consider Jesus’ loving gesture, at the cross. In his most desperate state, he looks at Mary and entrusts her care to John, his beloved disciple. He returns Mary’s “giving up” with caring devotion.

Sometimes we miss the connection between investing in people and their subtle responses of appreciation. Are you “giving up” your life with the hope to be repaid, or are you willing to let that go?

Dear God, thank you for family, friends, and colleagues you have placed around me. Help me pour into them things that matter, and may I hold, with open hands, my expectations for payback. May I know your grace in showing loyalty and love. Amen.

By Dr. Bill Strom

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“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

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“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
1 Peter 3:9