On the Go - October 30, 2008

The character of a person is revealed by who it is he brags on.

Live it
There is no account in Scripture I love more than that of the three Hebrews who faced death in the fiery furnace, but refused to bow down to the king. Some think it was integrity that gave Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego the courage to die for their faith. But when you listen closely to what they said to the king, you see that it was anything but that. "We know our God can save us from the fire, but you should know, O King, that even if he doesn't, we still will not bow down to you." You see, it wasn't their faith in God that saved them, but their decision to be obedient to his word regardless of the consequences. They bragged on him, not their faith.

I still remember as a child in the second grade, standing on the second floor window of school with my friends. Below, the varsity high school football team was leaving the dressing room to begin practice on the football field. "There he is. Hey Gene," I shouted as my brother turned to acknowledge me waving to him. With eight years separating us, I held my brother in high esteem and always bragged on him. I have found now as an adult that I don't brag on Jesus like I should. He is not only my big Brother, but my eternal blood Brother. I am so proud of Him, let me tell you.

Pray it
You are great and mighty and need no one, but You love me and pursue me like You do. There is no God like You. I am so in awe of You and forever will sing Your praise and tell of Your everlasting kindness.

Resources
Fair-weather friends: another word for disloyal. (2000)
Someone with a grateful heart will brag on the Giver. (2001)
The importance of Scripture is proven by the time spent reading it. (2002)
Who's the shepherd of the pasture where you're grazing? (2003)
If you claim to follow Jesus, are you close enough to confirm it's Him you're following? (2005)
A message in a bottle may not get the attention that a crack over the head with the bottle will. (2006)
It's sad that those who listen to God often suffer for those who will not (2007)
On what are failures constructed? (2008)

How to Pray for...
My husband or wife.
Teach both of us to trust your Word without compromise.

My children.
Remind my children of Scripture as they contemplate action today.

Their school.
Teach our children character as much as knowledge.

Their teachers.
Give my children teachers with godly character.

My children's friends.
Protect my kids from taking advice from ungodly friends.

My friends.
Teach me how to be a good friend to another person today.

My work.
Give my business a firm foundation on which to grow spiritually.

My city.
Guard our leaders from making laws that lead people to sin.

Governmental leaders.
Give our city godly leaders upon who you have influence.

My country.
Refresh our memory of the spiritual foundation upon which our country was founded.

My President.
Teach him to regard life as You do.

My church.
Humble us if we've taken our eyes off you and put them on men and programs.

My pastor.
Make our pastor a man of prayer that leads a people of prayer.

My church leadership.
Restore the joy of those church leaders who are serving without passion.

Sister churches.
Use all the Spirit-filled churches in this area to make a real impact on the lost.

Persecuted churches.
Provide the needs of persecuted brothers and keep moles away from the flock.

Missionaries.
Give them creative means to teach the Gospel that inspires a thirst for the Living Water

The sick..
Comfort those suffering from illness.

The lost.
Give me boldness to speak the gospel without compromise.

Those in despair.
Heal the hurt in the heart of those who have lost a loved one.

Those in the hospital.
Use doctors and nurses today to do your work.

Those grieving.
Comfort those grieving and build in them a spirit of trust to replace the doubts.

Widows.
Give us a heart for those in need and feet to move when your Spirit moves.

Orphans.
Place orphans in the care of godly men and women who know you.

Myself.
Magnify the work of my hands to bring glory to your Name.

Prayertower Devotionals are the original creation of James R. Green:
Just Thinkin'... (2000-2003)
Read the Bible Thru in 365 Days (2004)
Pray Thru the Word in 365 Days (2005)
One-minute Devotionals (2006 to present).

Scripture provided by God's Word Translation (c)1995 - God's Word to the Nations. All Rights Reserved.