I was reminded recently, as I thought about the war in Iraq, that there are multitudes of people here on the home front who are engaged in battle from within against the enemy of their souls. As Christians it is our duty and privilege to pray for those who have gone to war to defend our country’s safety, and then there are folks we meet every day who are involved in conflicts not seen by anyone from the external. It is our privilege to pray for them as well.

There is the single mom, discouraged as she struggles with finances; a middle-aged adult feeling a sense of helplessness in dealing with a parent who is battling Alzheimer’s or some other debilitating disease; a man without a job; homes where kids are in rebellion and bondage to drugs; or the challenges of raising a child with special needs, to name a few.

Inundated by the evening news reports we can become consumed by everything that is happening outside our country on foreign soil. Therefore, we should pause, take stock of our families, our neighbors, our local church and ask God “what are the needs that lie within these boundaries?”

Pray for sensitivity to the Spirit’s prompting to notice the countenance of people you come in contact with. Listen with spiritual hearing to the voices of those around you and you will hear their pain. Detect the facial expressions that reveal there is something deep within that needs the Lord’s touch. Pray for God to let your hands be His hands by sharing the love and compassion of Jesus in order to show how much you really care and how much Christ loves them.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

Heavenly Father, I pray that I will be disciplined in Your Word that I may hear and respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit when I am directed to meet the needs of others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Questions: When, in my own life, have I battled against an enemy within and needed to feel a comforting touch or hear an encouraging voice? Ask the Lord to show you who you can respond to today with His love and care. What benefits do we reap as a result of obedience?

About Phylenia G. French

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Four Grizzly Bears, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

“What you are in private is what you really are.” The  preacher’s message demanded a challenging inventory of the life of faith within each of us.

My position as a wife and mother affords me excellent proving ground for that statement and causes me to be keenly aware of whether or not I am living a holy life. It has been indelibly etched on my mind and in my spirit.

I am discovering, as I walk with Jesus Christ that living a holy life is a daily requirement; at home, in personal relationships, in the marketplace or on the internet.

Very recently I found myself in a true-life experience that challenged me to examine my heart attitude. I was in a discussion with someone, presenting my thoughts about a situation.  Yet this only led to my becoming impatient, upset and mad about the whole thing.

The Holy Spirit’s prompting gently reminded me of this Scripture passage in the book of James 1:20, “for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness (holiness) of God. (NKJV)

The revival speaker’s message reverberated in my mind.

I realized that I needed to get on my face, repent and declare to God that I was putting myself in agreement with what His word said about my attitude, my sin. So I prayed asking God to help me be more sensitive the next time I entered in to a discussion and that I would be yielded to the Holy Spirit’s control in me rather than desiring to have my own way.

That one incident may seem small to some but when Jesus chose me out of the world, He began a process in me; one that has required ongoing teaching and correction. It is not an easy thing for us to give up our rights yet if we are going to live for Christ, if Heaven is our destination, there will be the requirement of Holiness.

I have discovered as Paul did, when I want to do good, evil is always present. Yet as the desire to live for Christ increases through reading of the Scriptures, we will see the Lord as Isaiah did; high and lifted up and we will cry, “Holy, Holy, Holy!” is the Lord of hosts. We also will see ourselves as unclean in His presence and be drawn to confession and cleanliness as a result.

It doesn’t matter what form our sin takes, whether it can be seen externally or whether it is something we harbor in our hearts in a private place; we will find as we read the Bible that living a daily life of holiness is required.

Heavenly Father, I ask in this moment for Your grace and strength in my life to live out the truth of Your word; to respond with the heart of Jesus in every area of my life. In His Name I pray. Amen.

Questions: How do you interpret the term living a Holy life? How does your private life compare to the one others see?

About the Author Phylenia G. French

I developed a habit many years ago of rising early in the morning and I really appreciate the tranquility this affords me.

Each new season presents a canvas painted with nature’s diverse personality. It’s like receiving a morning greeting from my Heavenly Father.

In late spring and early summer, as I step outside with coffee cup in hand and look heavenward, I am surrounded by a feathered chorus that reminds me of my Creator. I am in awe of Him as I pause to reflect on the wonders of all that He has created. More marvelous still, is to realize that His voice keeps everything in our universe in harmony. The Psalmist, David wrote: “The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.” (Psalm 29:3-4)

On a dark winter morning, as I went in to my place of solitude to begin my reading and devotional time, I lifted the shade and looked out across the field behind my house. The breathtaking artistry displayed in that moment of time, has been indelibly etched in my spirit. The snow that covered the rolling fields had been kissed in the daylight by the warm rays of the sun and the frigid, nighttime temperatures had created a glaze. The full moon cast it’s light, creating a brilliant reflection across the landscape. And a single, leafless tree, like a sentinel, stood in the midst. I was in the very presence of God and rendered speechless by His awesome creation.

Immediately, the Holy Spirit began to teach me. As I recalled passages from the prophet Isaiah, I believe the Lord was affirming me in the faith, giving me courage to persevere:

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1)

These moments alone with the Lord are a priceless treasure. As I processed what my eyes beheld, I was reminded that we, like that brightly shining full moon, have no light of our own. We can only reflect the light of the Son of God. And when we walk in total obedience allowing nothing to dim that Light of the Savior, we can shine His Light upon the pathway of life so that others need not be left in total darkness.

Father God, Draw me to prayer and Bible reading where I am assured that the glorious Light of the Gospel will illumine the atmosphere all around me. May the Light of Jesus draw others who will also see their need for a Savior. Thank you for the promise that You are the light of the world and that whoever follows You will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. (John 8:12) Amen.

Questions: Can you think of a time that you experienced God’s majesty in nature, and what it taught you or reminded you about Him?

About this Author: Phylenia G. French

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Surrender is the Heart of Worship, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Please read: 2 Samuel 6:14-23

Sometimes during a study of Scripture, I come across a hidden nugget, tucked away in the midst of a treasure chest full of wisdom.  While reading of David’s joyful exuberance as the ark was brought to the tabernacle safely, I learned that his wife Michal displayed a critical spirit toward her husband. She made fun of him for the way he worshiped the Lord. The scripture reveals the price Michal paid for this critical attitude toward her husband.

In answer to her criticism, David pointed out to Michal that he didn’t receive his kingship from her father or anyone else, but it was the LORD who appointed him.  David, in essence was saying, “I can’t worry about what people think of my expression of worship and my outward show of joy over the Lord in my life. I’ve got to praise Him and give Him my all. Because He was the One who chose me.”

Notice that in verse 22 David actually used the word “undignified”. Undignified! Now there’s the nugget that got my attention. Oh, that we would be willing to be undignified before people. Imagine what it would look like if our love for the Savior far surpassed the opinion of others.

I was reminded of another example in the New Testament of a sinner woman who bowed before Jesus. She, too, didn’t worry about what the people were thinking. She was overcome with the need to express her deepest heartfelt feelings and she was oblivious to anyone else that might have been present. She was caught up in her worship of the One who redeemed her and saved her from a life of destruction. This One who gave her hope was worthy of the time she spent praising Him. What did it matter who else was around?

What about us? For a moment, let us press “rewind” in our memory and recount your most recent attendance in the house of the Lord. What did you witness? What were you thinking as you sat among the congregation that morning? Did the pastor’s message stir you? Was Jesus calling you to a place of service or nudging you to follow up on a commitment previously made?

Friend, Jesus just wants us to spend time with Him; daily and often. He wants our undivided loyalty and worship. After all, we were on His mind as He made His way to Mount Calvary.   Oh, we don’t need an extravagant bottle of perfume to pour out; We can just meet with Him and let our tears, like the costly fragrance, flow and declare our loyalty, love and praise for Him. Then, let us go out and tell others about this man called Jesus.

Father, forgive me for allowing other’s opinions to influence my worship of You. Grant me boldness to worship You in Spirit and Truth and to focus on You alone. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Questions: What would your worship look like if it was “undignified”? How do you worship God?

About the Author Phylenia G. French