You can also listen to the devotion for each day by calling (205) 795-7755

Monday, 1/30/12

In a typical American family, this morning the women in the household will ponder then carefully choose what to wear. The men in the home will just check the closet, pull whatever strikes their fancy, and get dressed.

It may not be quite like that, but that’s pretty close. But, here’s a question to think about: Does Jesus really care what we wear? Yes, He does, but not the clothing we worry about each day. Here’s what the Bible says about that: “… for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:27)

We get our heavenly clothes through Christ, a robe that only heaven can see and only heaven can give.

Tuesday, 1/31/12

Do you know the story of Gene Tunney?  He was good boxer with knockout power in both hands. But in a match, he broke both his hands. His trainer believed Gene’s dream of becoming a heavy weight champion was over.

But Gene thought differently.  So he taught himself another style of boxing…bob and weave with short, accurate, telling punches.

How well did he succeed? He beat the famous Jack Dempsey, not once but twice, to become world champion.  God’s plan B at work: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)

Wednesday, 2/01/12

February is here and the calendar says it’s the month of National Stop Bullying Day on the 9th…Valentine’s Day on the 14th (always)…President’s Day on the 20th…and on the 29th, we get to add a day for leap year.

Home Life magazine quotes blogger Kristen Welch who says she would spend her “extra” day in bed, eating delicious food served on a silver platter.  Author Jason Hayes said he’d use leap day to do things he dreads doing, such as visiting his dentist.

But the best choice came from Marie Armenia of Spring Hill, Tennessee. She said she’d use the extra day to thank God for the extra things she has, and ask Him to “help her go the extra mile and share with others…every day of the year…leap year or not.”

How about you? How will you use your “extra” day this month?

Thursday, 2/02/12

The email was entitled Stay Young My Friend and it lists many ways to do that. Among them are these suggestions:

“Enjoy simple things. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath, and if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with him or her. Surround yourself with you love…family, pets, keepsakes, whatever. Your home is your refuge. Take a trip to the mall…not a guilt trip. Be kinder to everyone and remember this from Dr. Billy Graham: ‘Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil. It has no point.’ ”

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 2/03/12-2/05/12

If you happen to have a copy of the Charles Swindoll book, Bedside Blessings, you’ll find this very appropriate essay for this first Sunday weekend in February.

Charles Swindoll writes:

“God has not designed us to live like hermits in a cave. He has designed us to live in friendship and fellowship and community with others. That’s why the church, the body of Christ, is so very important; for it is there we are drawn together in love and mutual encouragement. We’re meant to be a part of one another’s lives. Otherwise, we pull back, focusing on ourselves…thinking how hard we have it or how unfair others are.”

Fellowship with others this weekend when you attend a worship service and be sure to invite someone to attend with you.

contributed by Wendell Harris