Which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Luke 14: 28

• Jesus often spoke about the cost of discipleship. How often do I add up those costs? How would I sum them up?   
• When does my service feel more like a “cost” than a “benefit”? When am I most aware of the “benefits”? What might my Lord want to teach me about that?

Lord Jesus, as I share your Word and especially your love in any way, you build your kingdom.  What a privilege! Work in me a firm  . . .

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 #072610 © 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.

We’ve received over 1000 nominations already, and more nominations keep pouring in every day.

First prize?  An all-expense-paid retreat for two at the 3-day seminar of the pastor’s choice at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove near Asheville, North Carolina. The trip is valued at up to $1,500.

We’re accepting E-mail nominations for a few more days, so don’t delay! Check out the Servant Heart Award website, put a team of leaders together, and nominate your pastor today!

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.

(Wish you could get in on the fun–and the helpful newsletter resources CTA publishes twice each month? Go to CTA’s website, scroll down to find the E-mail subscription link in the left-hand column, and sign up. It’s free! )

A new minister had agreed to lead a graveside burial service for a poverty-stricken man who had no family or friends. On his way to the unfamiliar cemetery, he made several wrong turns and arrived an hour late. The hearse was nowhere in sight, the backhoe stood next to the open hole, and the workmen were sitting under a tree eating lunch.

Diligent and feeling guilty for his tardiness, the parson launched into an impassioned and lengthy service over the vault which had already been lowered into the grave.

As he returned to his car, one of the workmen said to the other, “I’ve been putting in septic tanks for twenty years and I ain’t never seen anything like that.”

 +++

A Sunday School teacher said to her first graders, “We have been learning how powerful the kings and queens were in biblical times. But there is a higher power. Who can tell me what it is?”

Little Sarah raised her hand and blurted out, “I know! I know! Aces!”

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 #071410 © 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.

(Wish you could get in on the fun–and the helpful newsletter resources CTA publishes twice each month? Go to CTA’s website, scroll down to find the E-mail subscription link in the left-hand column, and sign up. It’s free! )

Good News:    The women’s guild voted to send you a get-well card.

Bad News:       The resolution passed by a vote of 31-30.

Good News:    The elder board accepted your job description the way you wrote it.

Bad News:       They were so inspired by it, they also formed a search committee to find somebody capable of filling the position.

 Good News:    Your women’s softball team finally won a game.

Bad News:       They beat your men’s softball team.

Good News:    After months of wrangling, he trustees finally voted to add more church parking.

Bad News:       They are going to blacktop the lawn in front of your parsonage.

Good News:    The youth in your church have decided to come to your house for a visit.

Bad News:       They’re coming in the middle of the night, armed with toilet paper and shaving cream to decorate.

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.

Used with permission grant #070710 © 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.

Sonora Dodd is credited with being the first person to suggest “Father’s Day.” Mrs. Dodd greatly admired her own father, William Jackson Smart. Smart’s wife died as their sixth child was born. A Civil War veteran, Smart went on to raise his children alone on a farm in eastern Washington state. Growing up in this setting, Sonora Dodd saw day by day her father’s self-sacrifice and the love he gave his children.

When?

 Dodd first proposed “Father’s Day” in 1909. Simultaneously, other towns were beginning to celebrate “Father’s Day” on different dates. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge expressed support for a nationally recognized observance. Forty-two years later, Lyndon Johnson issued a presidential proclamation declaring that Father’s Day would be celebrated on the third Sunday in June, 1966. Finally, in 1972, a proclamation from President Nixon made Father’s Day an annual event nationwide.

What?

Since Father’s Day falls on a Sunday each year, many churches emphasize the role of family and parents in God’s design for his people. Many pastors use the occasion to preach about the specific roles that dads play in their children’s physical and spiritual lives. Elements in the worship service encourage fathers to take a leadership role in teaching, mentoring, disciplining, and building up their children’s faith (Ephesians 6:4).

Father’s Day gives all God’s people an opportunity to express respect and love to their fathers and to other men who have played an important role in our lives. Younger children can create cards or make gifts for their dads. Children of all ages can share their admiration and thanks to the men who have brought God’s special blessing into their lives.

So go ahead! Share a meal together. Celebrate. Play together. Reminisce. Above all, thank God for the gift of dads and other male models that reflect, though imperfectly, his own perfect Fatherhood.

And check out CTA’s Father’s day gifts. You may enjoy giving them as thank-yous to the special men in your life!

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 #060910 © 2004, 2007 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.

Read 1 Corinthians 3:1–11.

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ (v. 11).

______________________________________________ 

Lord our God, nations rise and fall, people are born and die, and time flits by as a swiftly passing shadow. Constant change rocks our ability to cope, and sometimes the storms of trouble and temptation even threaten to sweep us to destruction. We need a foundation on which to stand, a foundation that cannot be moved.

You are that foundation, that Rock, O changeless Christ! People often try to build their lives on other things, but you are the only foundation that will never crumble.

We want to build quality lives on you, Lord. So many waves and winds threaten to move us away from you. We see errors and infighting even in the church, and we struggle to hang on. Be the head of your church on earth as well as the foundation of our own personal lives.

Help us live for you and keep us safe, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

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 #053110. © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026-1205. www.CTAinc.com.

In some churches, things slow down in summer. But even if your schedule is hectic all year long,  even if your plans don’t include a vacation, you can still enjoy some refreshment and rejuvenation this summer. Here’s how!

First, sit back and lift your eyes from the day-to-day to get the big picture. Remind yourself why you do what you do and think about the larger puposes of the ministries you’re involved in. When we forget the “why,” we easily lose our fuel for all the “whats.” 

Then, celebrate and say thanks. Think back on the “wins,” big and small, from the past year. Did you finish a class? Tackle a project? Try something new? Lend someone a hand? Make a new friend? Celebrate and thank God. Thank others, too–those who helped you and those who served with you. Celebrate and remember together.

Finally, look ahead. How does your schedule look for the fall? Do you have the resources you need to do all you want to do? Have you left wiggle room for the inevitable surprises? Trying to do everything prevents us from doing anything well. 

In it all, focus on what you already know: The best refreshment comes from Jesus Christ, the One who promises us abundant life (John 10:10). In fact, unless we are connected to him, as a branch is connected to a vine or a tree, we can bear no fruit at all (John 15:5). Worship him regularly this summer, dig into his Word, talk about him with others, and you’ll find yourself refreshed and re-energized for whatever lies ahead.