Every parent will recognize the morning I had. Even if you’re not a parent, you will relate to the feelings I experienced as I was planning for a regular school day. 

I was trying to get the children ready for school and out of the house, and it wasn’t working. I cleaned up the kitchen and was ready to leave, only to find that nobody had fed the bird and one child was still in the bathroom. While I was pouring out birdseed into the cage, I dropped the dish and had to sweep up the mess, delaying our departure by precious minutes.

Finally we were on our way. A block from home, one of my sons realized he’d forgotten to pack his pajamas for that evening’s sleepover. We turned back to get them.

A few minutes later we started off again, only to find that the road we usually take to school was closed. There had been a head-on car crash minutes before. The emergency vehicles had just arrived.

Had our morning gone smoothly, without all the delays . . . well, I don’t know what would have happened, but it’s possible we’d have been in that accident.

The incident, or rather the lack of incident, reminded me of two things. First, our lives are so fragile. They can be snuffed out so suddenly, just like a candle being extinguished in an instant. Second, our God is so wise and mighty and constant. He created each of us, and his direction for our lives is so much better than what we imagine, so much better than we can imagine! The one who planned our salvation and brought that plan into being will not leave us to drown in the drama and details of our everyday lives!

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

I’d expected my morning that day to look and feel like any school morning. I expected my day to be the same as any other day. The victims of 9/11 no doubt expected that morning to be the same as any other workday morning, but it definitely was not! The victims of Katrina expected the same challenges every other Category 3 hurricane brought, except Katrina turned out to be a Category 4 storm, bordering on a Category 5. The list of unexpected disasters grows longer with every passing year.

No one plans for earth-shattering events to land with both feet in their lives. On the morning I describe above, nothing terrible happened to me or to my family. But the experience made me think.

It reminded me that there were people just like me who were delayed on their way to work in the World Trade Center on 9/11. Some residents of New Orleans were out of town when the hurricane hit. Who knows how many disastrous circumstances each of us has avoided in life, even though much of the time we don’t even realize it.

But mine isn’t an “I’m glad it was him and not me” story. Rather, it’s a recognition of God’s protection for me and my dear children, and an acknowledgment that our Lord sometimes does allow earth-shattering events in our lives; he can even use those events to call us home to himself at any time.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Truthfully, we can’t count on the predictability of things, not here on earth. At some point, even the sun will stop rising and setting. Nothing stays the same—except our Savior.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

This truth remains. This is our stability. And it is the hope we bring to those around us. Jesus, our Savior, our Friend—he’s the same. He’s the one we can count on—no matter what changes in the circumstances around us. This is our hope. And it’s the message we share, an urgently important message, a message for everyone.

Whom will you tell today?

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

You are welcome to copy this devotion for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include this copyright line and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Used with permission grant #083010. © 2006 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this devotion is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

As Paul encouraged the believers in Rome to exercise and express their various gifts in the church, he also urged generosity. The apostle, inspired by the Holy Spirit, envisioned vibrant church families in which each person would freely contribute the gifts God had given him or her—whether money, property, talents, gifts, or abilities. No matter what needed to be done, a willing servant of God would show up to do it, and do it wholeheartedly.

Yet Paul was no Pollyanna. He knew that God’s people, sinners all, often act selfishly. Some of us doubt our abilities. Some of us choose to serve sparingly. Some of us deny our talents and offer nothing. As we look inside ourselves, as we consider our own past behavior, we see ourselves reflected in these descriptions. We see our own weaknesses and reluctance, our uncertainties and limitations.

Our natural tendency is to pull back, deciding that our contribution, or the lack of it, will make little difference. But consider this: When the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles at Pentecost, they shared immediately with anyone who would listen, using the gifts God supplied (Acts 2:1–12). And there were many listeners on that festive day!

Many came to saving faith. And from that point on, enabled and empowered by the Spirit, many gave themselves unreservedly to the work of Jesus Christ, teaching and preaching his message of forgiveness and salvation in Jerusalem and beyond.

The result?  The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:47

God’s mode of operation has not changed! It is still by the working of the Holy Spirit that we are able to serve generously, sharing with others our many gifts, talents, and abilities. Energized by Spirit-flamed faith, we strive to use our gifts and also to nurture in others the gifts God has given them, so that his family continues to grow even more vibrant, more dynamic.

 As you talk with Jesus today, ask him to show you the gifts you have yet to discover. Also ask him to flood your heart with joy as you speak, act, and give for the good of your brothers and sisters in the faith and, especially, for those who do not yet know the Savior.

Lord, I need you so much! You have given yourself into death for me and you continue to serve me in so many ways. Show me . . .

Editor’s note: This devotion is drawn from CTA’s newest devotion book, Thank You for Serving the Savior. It’s still in production, but watch for it on our website!

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright line below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Devotion used with permission grant #082310 © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

If you teach a children’s Sunday school or CCD class, if you lead a midweek Bible club or AWANA group, think about ways you might connect your students with faith-filled older adults. Find or make an opportunity to share faith stories.

If you host an adult Bible study in your home or facilitate such a study at church, consider ways you might use the free resources CTA provides (e.g., devotion, PowerPoint, responsive prayer) to help participants pray and think about the legacy they are building–not just in their own families, but in every place they contribute something of themselves in service.

Encourage all those you lead to remember and honor those whose lives have touched theirs. And encourage them, too, to look for ways Jesus might use them to make a difference in someone else’s life. As Scripture reminds us, “One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4 KJV).

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright line below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Article used with permission grant #081810 © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

Which would you rather be? Someone’s servant or someone’s friend? The answer is obvious. Or is it? A servant does what he’s asked out of a sense of duty or even under duress. But if a close friend asked a favor, you wouldn’t hesitate to help, would you?

Faithful servants and friends have many things in common. They are similarly dependable. Both share a sense of loyalty. So what makes the title friend so much more desirable than the title servant? Jesus himself answers this question: I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you (John 15:15).

A servant simply does what he is told to do. He arrives on time, performs his duties, and goes home again. He does not know or understand the master’s plans or purpose. What a blessing, then, to know that Jesus has called us his friends! Jesus has taken us into his confidence. He has let us in on our heavenly Father’s plan of salvation, a plan set in motion on our behalf and for the sake of thousands and millions of people down through history.

Our Father’s heart aches with the hope of adopting human beings into his own family through Jesus’ cross and resurrection. Now members of that family ourselves, we eagerly serve in whatever ways we can in order to help more and more people know Christ’s friendship.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for choosing me as your friend! Let your friendship encourage my heart and ever help me demonstrate your true friendship as I serve others. Amen.

Editor’s note: Looking for resources to help you encourage volunteers? CTA has many cost-effective options!

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright line below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Devotion used with permission grant #081610 © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

Bumper to bumper on the interstate—a common, everyday practice in patience, and even more so when you’re trying to catch a flight. Finally in the security line, I gave up on being in the first group to board the airline that doesn’t reserve seats. Grumbling at the traffic, the driver, and the airline, I boarded in the last group. No chance for my favorite row. I found myself far back and in the middle seat besides!

 Doors closed. Jet crawled out on an apron nearly as congested as the interstate. Such gross delay and inconvenience shouldn’t happen to somebody working for God! Then the young man behind me began to gasp. Someone had opened a bag of peanuts; he was highly allergic, and he had mistakenly packed his Benadryl in the bag he checked. He asked for help. I was the only one with Benadryl in my briefcase. God had put my own allergies and the day’s disappointments to good use.

Reliable volunteers plan ahead. They think through the details, consider contingencies, and allow plenty of time for their team to work out details. But sometimes things happen and our best-laid plans go awry. We’re delayed or even derailed.

Knowing that, it’s also good to know that God always keeps his promise to work through every circumstance for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). The writer of Proverbs puts it this way: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

Watch your steps, dear friend! You know where you want to go, but sometimes you’ll have a hard time getting to your destination. When you do, wait for God to act. Watch for what he is doing. Is he providing opportunity for ministry outside your usual role? Is he giving you a chance to reflect the image he created in you—his image? Is there something he wants you to learn, something that you’ll need to know but never imagined?

Prayer: Dear Father, work in me to make me what you want me to be, even if it’s well beyond my imagination. Give me a servant’s heart, one willing to follow you wherever you want to take me. Amen. 

Editor’s note: Written by Ed Grube, today’s devotion comes from Proverbs for Teachers, one of the many devotion books CTA offers as an ecouragement to those who teach or serve God’s people in other ways.  How will you express your appreciation to all your volunteers as the new year begins?

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright line below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Devotion used with permission grant #080910 © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

Displays of strength are easy to come by in our world. The halfback’s speed and agility rush him into the post-game spotlight. The CEO’s power is hard to miss as he flies into a meeting on a private jet.

For many, power is something you flaunt. Something others see. The broader the display, the wider the impact, the more powerful you can claim to be.

Yet the Christian man claims a different kind of strength.

An old oak tree stands there, majestic in the park. Its branches extend outward over the lawn, causing you to stop and look upward in awe. Yet, even more awe-inspiring is what lies beneath your feet. The roots.

This tree survives on hidden strength. Buried in the ground, fibrous roots extend outward in all directions. These roots gather water and minerals from the soil to support the life we see. In fact, some trees have roots that extend two to three times farther than the branches of the tree. When we stand and gaze upon the branches, we fail to comprehend the tree’s true strength.

When Jeremiah speaks about the man of God, he turns our eyes toward a tree. The branches, the foliage, the fruit, the trunk, these are not what Jeremiah first asks us to see. Instead, he directs our eyes to that which is unseen. To roots that are the tree’s survival strength.

Jesus also placed the strength of our salvation deep within the ground. He spoke of his own death as a seed that was planted, a grain of wheat that falls to the ground, and by dying produces many seeds (John 12:24).The cross on which your Savior died is a tree of life. It is rooted in God’s love for you. His love reaches back before creation and extends outward until the end of time.

Let the world system around us celebrate its little displays of strength. Those who are strong in the Lord will meditate on God’s Word. His promises are a rich root system, a mystery hidden, delivering to us limitless grace and strength.

Meditating on God’s Word, we grow strong in faith and live in divine favor.

Jesus, you died upon a tree that I might live and flourish. Give me grace to trust in you for my survival strength. Amen.

This devotion is a sneak-peak at one of the products CTA is preparing for Men’s Ministry next spring. It’s taken from a devotion book we’ve titled, Strong in the Lord. It’s written by David R. Schmitt and is drawing rave reviews from the CTA staff who have read it. Watch for it in January!

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright lines below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Devotion used with permission grant #071910 © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

By some estimates, seven of every ten doctor visits are fatigue-related. That’s a lot of weariness! Sometimes fatigue is a symptom of disease. But fatigue has other sources, too. Long-term stress. Grief. Ongoing frustration. Clinical depression. The list of causes goes on and on.

Always, though, fear and worry make weariness worse. Anyone who has lain awake at night stewing about an aging parent, a straying spouse, or a child with autism knows how quickly fear and worry can dig a pit—and how deep and dark that pit can be.

Into our darkness the Lord shouts his promise to refresh us. Far more helpful than a splash of cold water on tired eyes, far more effective than two pots of stiff coffee, God’s promise touches our hearts, planting seeds of hope. “I will refresh the weary,” he says.

A tall lemonade on a hot day. That first dive into the pool after the cover comes off in spring. A care package from home during finals week at college. These things refresh us.

How much more refreshing, though, to see a friendly face, to hear a loved one’s voice, to receive a hug from someone who cares deeply about us. The presence of those we love during life’s lonely, troubled times—now that’s refreshing!

And how much more so when the one who comes to refresh our souls is the Savior, who loved us to death—his own death on the cross!

At times we find ourselves as innocent bystanders in the troubles that engulf us. At other times, we have caused the train wreck of our circumstances. (Or, at least, contributed to it.) But always, Jesus comes to forgive and heal, to refresh and satisfy our hearts with his love for us. In the light of his promise, worries melt and fears shrink.

Are you “fainting” today from weariness? Are you struggling with an unresolved illness? Are you carrying a burden of guilt or fear or worry? Whatever the cause of your fatigue, pause and invite your Savior to refresh your soul.

Lord, you refresh me by your presence and in your promises. Teach me to rely more and more on you, especially . . .

This devotion is a sneak-peak at one of the products CTA is preparing for Women’s Ministry next spring. It’s taken from a devotion book we’ve titled, God’s Promises to a Woman’s Heart, and it will come with a free, downloadable retreat kit–among other attractive gift items. Watch for it!

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright line below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Devotion used with permission grant #071210 © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

 Wouldn’t it be fun to celebrate with fireworks in church? What celebrations could we mark with fireworks? Here’s my list:

• Every Easter hymn. He is risen indeed!
• Every announcement of the Gospel–God’s glorious, free grace!
• Every baptism–a new member in the family!

 But I wouldn’t stop with Sunday. As we live out our lives of faith, we could celebrate every time someone:

• notices and stops to help someone who’s hurting
• puts aside their own comfort in order to serve
• wisely says “no” to an invitation to a volunteer task because that particular task would be poor stewardship of their time
• notices and thanks a humble servant
• reminds someone else of the purpose behind all that we do

In a firework show, the best is saved for last: the concluding climax fills the sky with deafening noise and blazing light. Similarly, we will save our best fireworks, our biggest celebrations for those events that stir heaven itself: a life transformed, a sinner who repents, a wandering soul found by our seeking God (Luke 15:7).

Praise him–today and forever!

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include this copyright line and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Used with permission grant #062810 © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

Servanthood is a key theme in the lyrical words of Isaiah 41—53. God uses this term to describe the people of Israel, the coming Messiah, and others.

Interestingly, “servant” and “chosen” are often together in these chapters. (See, for example, 41:8; 43:10; and 44:1.) Isn’t it an odd combination? When I picture a chosen person, I see an adopted child, a best friend, or an elected ruler. But not a servant. The word chosen points to high regard and honor. The word servant describes someone quiet and humble, working hard. 

But God’s chosen are his servants. His people Israel were his servants, a people called to bear witness to him and to provide the human ancestry of his Son. Jesus is The Chosen One, the One by whom the world was made and by whom it will be judged, yet who “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). We, too, are chosen by God and are called to serve.

So what are your servant tasks today? Do they include changing a diaper and making dinner? Or preparing a report and making a sales call? Maybe it’s supporting people on the team you lead or wrestling through a decision that will impact hundreds. Is it patiently listening to a spouse or a friend, holding back your own needs for a time? Or perhaps it’s cleaning things up and running the errands. Maybe you’ll cross paths with a stranger in need today.

Did you notice what else God says about his servant, his chosen one, in the words above? God upholds the servant. And more: God delights in that servant. While the servant serves, God supports and rejoices, he encourages and enjoys. Who knew servants had it so good!

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include this copyright line and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Used with permission grant #062110 © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

Behind all this, in part, is the thought that relaxation means doing nothing, and doing nothing implies laziness. But relaxation is a gift from God, not an accusation! Relaxation doesn’t just imply putting your feet up on the coffee table. (Or is it now called a latte-espresso-mocha table?) There are well over 5,478,972 ways you can relax!

Though miles and centuries separate us from the tranquility David experienced as he tended his sheep, the words of Psalm 23 still apply:

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. Psalm 23:1–3

I’ve always gotten a kick out of the thought that Jesus “makes” me lie down. If a sheep or person refuses to rest, nobody can make them. I realize that’s not the meaning of these words, but it gives us a picture of our lives at times, doesn’t it?

At times, we refuse to relax, even in the arms of our Shepherd-Savior. “You can’t make us!” we fuss. We forget that our Lord has met our needs. No matter what worries swirl around us, we can trust him. He wants us to feel secure and relaxed in his presence.

Jesus unpacked the truth of this psalm to settle the hearts of his disciples as he prepared them for his arrest and crucifixion. Breathe in our Lord’s words as you relax:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Relax . . . and feel free to put your feet up on your latte-espresso-mocha table!

 Prayer starter: Prince of Peace, you are what I need, now and always. Teach me to relax peacefully . . .

This devotion is drawn from Man of God: Soaring to New Heights, CTA’s new devotion book for this Father’s Day season. It’s written by Tim Wesemann and is available in both NIV and KJV editions.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include this copyright line and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Used with permission grant #060710 © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.