Reunion Day Is Coming THE REUNION BE READY PERSONAL REFLECTION

Carried By The Wind The Reach Of The Spirit

"The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit." John 3:8 (KJV) Here in the Washington, D.C. area, we have been under a high-air-quality alert due to wildfires burning in Canada. What amazes me is not just that there is a fire, but how far the smoke has traveled. When I look outside my window, I see a haze hanging over the skyline, and I can smell the smoke in the air. Though I am thousands of miles away from where the fire began, I am experiencing its effects. As I stood looking outside, I thought of Jesus' words: "The wind bloweth where it listeth." No one can see the wind itself, yet everyone can witness where it has been. It carries things farther than we could ever imagine, and in much the same way, the Spirit of God moves beyond the places we can see and beyond the people we can reach. When the fire of the Holy Ghost begins to burn in our hearts, our homes, and our churches, we often have no idea how far its influence will travel. A prayer whispered in a prayer room may strengthen someone you have never met. A worship service filled with God's presence may inspire a missionary across the globe. A testimony shared in your neighborhood may echo into generations yet unborn. The disciples experienced this very thing in Acts 2. What began with about 120 believers gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem seemed small and hidden. Yet when the Spirit was poured out, the sound was heard throughout the city, and people from many nations were affected. That one moment of obedience became the beginning of a revival that spread across the world. The Spirit's reach is far greater than our vision. We may think our acts of obedience are insignificant, but once surrendered to God, the wind of His Spirit carries them wherever He desires. That is why Scripture reminds us: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." Zechariah 4:6 Revival is not produced by human strength, talent, or strategy. It is produced by the moving of the Spirit. Our responsibility is not to control the wind, but to respond to it. So, let the fire burn today and pray with expectation, worship without reservation, and witness with boldness. Let's pray to be sensitive to the moving of the Holy Ghost because we may never fully know whose life is changed because we simply obeyed God. The wind is still blowing, and its reach is farther than you can imagine.

Reunion Day Is Coming THE REUNION BE READY PERSONAL REFLECTION

"Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:13, NKJV) Many things in life excite us — a birth, a first date, reconnecting with an old friend, a wedding, or going on a special vacation. We dream about it, talk about it, and plan for it. The anticipation leading up to that event only adds to our enjoyment. Our family never took fancy vacations. Most of our trips were to visit family. But each year all the aunts, uncles, and cousins would gather for a reunion. Details are fuzzy about those childhood times, but I still remember the feel of a hot summer day, the sounds of laughter, fun with the cousins, and the aroma of good home-cooked food. We all looked forward to this summertime ritual with anticipation. We were surrounded by people who loved us. The Bible tells of a coming event that should cause each of us to live in a state of longing and expectancy. We call it the rapture, when "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye . . . we shall be changed" (I Corinthians 15:52). Each day we should wake with the question, "Will this be the day You are coming for me, Lord?" Or does the frenzied pace of our lifestyle crowd out thoughts that the Lord could appear at any time? A co-worker once shrugged and commented, "I've heard it all my life and it hasn't happened yet." He didn't realize that his words echoed those of II Peter 3:3-4. "Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.'" (NKJV) A friend once stated that he did not want the Lord to come anytime soon. "I've got a lot of things I want to see happen before then." He wanted to see his daughters grow up, marry, and give him some grandchildren. His words revealed that the temporal outweighed the eternal in his life. He was not looking for or desiring "that blessed hope" anytime soon. Throughout the New Testament the Lord admonishes the believers to watch and be ready. He desires us to live in a state of excited anticipation. Does it really matter if we don't? The answer is yes, it matters. The parable of the ten virgins, found in Matthew 25, illustrates the necessity of constant readiness. Those who anticipated the arrival of the bridegroom had enough oil for their lamps and immediately rose to meet him. The foolish five rushed out at the last minute to find oil. Why were they so distracted and unprepared? If we lose the element of expectancy in our walk with God, it is easy to let the important things slip. We become engrossed with day-to-day living and become attached to this present world. "Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless." (II Peter 3:14, NKJV) Have you ever heard someone scoff at the belief of a rapture? How did that make you feel? Is the rapture something you eagerly anticipate? Or fear? What preparations have you made in preparation of the Lord's return? Devotion by Mary Loudermilk

Just One Came Back INTERRUPTED LIVES A BIT OF SELF REFLECTION A LIFE OF GRATITUDE

Then Jesus answered, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" (Luke 17:17-18, ESV) Luke 17 tells the story of ten lepers and the encounter that changed their lives. To understand their plight, we need to understand the cruel effects of the disease. Leprosy was an infectious skin disease (or possibly a group of skin diseases). It was painful, disfiguring, and isolating. Those affected became outcasts of society because of their contagion. As Jesus traveled toward Jerusalem, He entered a certain village. The ten lepers stood at a distance from the crowd, but they raised their voices to call out to Jesus as He passed nearby. "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" The Lord did indeed show them mercy that day. The ten men received their healing from the terrible disease that had sidetracked their lives. "When he saw them he said to them, 'Go and show yourselves to the priests.' And as they went they were cleansed." (Luke 17:14, ESV) Their healing happened as the men began their journey to present themselves to the priests as was required by Old Testament Law. But one man turned back. He felt compelled to return to Jesus and thank Him for this amazing miracle. Luke tells us that he "turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks" (verses 15-16). No one observing this could doubt the depth of his gratitude. That is when Jesus questioned, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" (The man who returned was a Samaritan, not a Jew.) Nine men did not turn back. The Lord had given them a wonderful gift, a healing that would take away the stigma of their disease. Now they could return to their families and once more enjoy the fellowship of others. But they left without any words of thanks to the One who made it possible. Before we become critical of the nine who did not return to thank the Lord, perhaps we should ask ourselves a simple question. Have we disappointed the Lord by forgetting to thank Him for His many blessings? Is it possible that in the busyness of daily life we have become as thoughtless as the nine lepers? Do we take God's blessings for granted or feel entitled to them? It is so easy for us to focus on what we do not have rather than showing our appreciation for the abundance we do enjoy. The words of II Timothy 3:1-5 serve as a caution and a reminder. Showing ingratitude is more than just a little oversight. It is sin. "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy . . . having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." (verses 1, 2, 5) How do we live a life of gratitude? We can begin by recognizing and valuing the blessings God sends our way. Each evening before bedtime, write down at least three things from your day that are causes for gratitude. What happened that made your day brighter? What prayers did God answer for you today? What words of encouragement or compliments did you receive today? Once you have written your list, if you have not already thanked the Lord for today's blessings, do so then. Do not end your day without showing your gratitude. "The more you recognize and express gratitude for the things you have, the more things you will have to express gratitude for." – Zig Ziglar "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (I Thessalonians 5:18, ESV) Devotion by Mary Loudermilk

The Green Bean Issue IT'S AN OLD PROBLEM BEING HONEST WITH OURSELVES QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION

"Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!" (Psalm 143:10, ESV). I was babysitting a friend's child when the usually charming toddler's attitude suddenly changed. The bright smiling face assumed a lockjaw position. The head whipped to one side with her teeth clenched tight. Coaxing did not work. Reasoning was futile. It became a battle of wills. That hated green bean was not going into her mouth! She was boss in this situation. We have all encountered a strong-willed child — and perhaps had been one. They have a mind of their own that is nearly impossible to change. Whether it's the green bean they don't want or the candy they do want, their will is opposed to ours. It's one of the challenges of parenting. "They just won't listen to a thing I say!" "I tried to help them, but they just ignored me." "When I try to give advice, they won't pay attention." Do any of these laments sound familiar? No, this is not your next-door neighbor complaining about her teenagers. This is God describing His own stubborn children. Our Heavenly Father knows firsthand what it is to have a strong-willed child. "But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear." (Zachariah 7:11, ESV) Throughout the pages of the Bible, men waged a battle of wills with God. The Old Testament describes Israel as proud, stubborn, disobedient, and rebellious. Because of their self-will, they experienced a tumultuous history. Their stubbornness brought affliction instead of the blessings God would have freely given had they followed His commandments. A Sunday school student once questioned, "What if God wants me to do something with my life that I won't enjoy doing?" Twelve-year-olds aren't the only ones who wonder whether God will give them the good stuff — candy, not green beans. Adults also struggle with questions about His will. How do we think we are wiser than the God of the universe and can plot a better course for our lives? Sitting in church, I sometimes find myself analyzing the words I am singing. Do I really mean what I say? I sing, "Have Thine own way, Lord" but am I living in total submission? I sing, "Jesus be the Lord of all the kingdoms of my heart," but there is that one little part I still want to control. It's the "green bean issue" adult style. Many people seem unable or unwilling to allow God to reign in their lives. Ephesians 6:6 speaks of "doing the will of God from the heart." Total surrender is a heart issue. If our heart is divided, one part mine and another part God's, then He really does not control any of it. Sometimes we disobey. At other times we just barge ahead without consulting God first. We surrender our will on Sunday as the Spirit moves us. Then on Monday we take it back as we go about our lives. Fortunately, our God is a loving parent Who does not abandon His strong-willed children. "But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them." (Nehemiah 9:17, ESV) 1. Have I prayed for clear direction? 2. Are any of my plans not in alignment with Scripture? 3. Have I sought godly counsel? 4. Am I willing to wait until God's answer is clear? 5. Am I willing to trust God regardless of His answer? Devotion by Mary Loudermilk

A Strong Shelter IDENTIFYING THE ESSENTIALS BUILDING FOR TRUE SUCCESS THE MOST SECURE FOUNDATION PERSONAL REFLECTION

"Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." (Psalm 127:1, NKJV) When I began a search to purchase my first home, it was a new but exciting venture for me. I had several items that I desired on a mental check list. As I walked through each possibility, I checked the basic layout, the room sizes, and if the kitchen was up to date. There were other features I thought would be nice but those were not necessarily a deal breaker. Looking back on those earlier house-hunting days, I realize that the things on my wish list had been important to me, but they were not the most essential. A pretty house does not necessarily mean it is a well-built house. What I really needed to know was the integrity of the foundation, the safety of the wiring, the condition of the roof, and the age of the heating system. Because I lacked knowledge in those areas, I hired a professional to thoroughly inspect the house I eventually chose to buy. A strong foundation is essential in building a house that will stand firm through the years, even when storms rage outside. This is true whether we mean a physical house on a plot of ground or a spiritual house that will shelter and protect our family. We need to be certain that our spiritual house will not shift or collapse when heavy storms come at us. "He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock." "But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great." (Luke 6:48-49, NKJV) Not everyone builds their life on the most secure foundation. Some choose to build on careers, social standings, educational pursuits, or materialistic goals. They may project the image that they are successful and "have it all together" but they are building on sand. When we build our lives on what this world offers, we are relying upon our own strength. With time, these things can shift and change. Careers may end, success fades, and finances falter. A flawed foundation weakens almost imperceptibly over time. Eventually, however, the problem will reveal itself. The fractures grow larger and compromise the stability of the structure. The wise person will choose to build his life on an unshakable foundation that survives whatever storms come their way. That safe foundation is the solid rock of Jesus Christ. "For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 3:11, NKJV) Is the Lord the center of my life or have I set other priorities? What are the dangers of building our lives on the wrong foundation? How can I help my family build their lives around the right priorities? Devotion by Mary Loudermilk