The cable college package has been subscribed to, and other football fans seem to be as excited as we are that fall is just around the corner. Another season of “new beginnings” awaits, and that’s the inspiration for this month’s devotion which we hope will encourage you in the days ahead:

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Football season is here again, and I’m more than ready! After years of watching our sons play Pop Warner, high school, and even college football, I’ve come to appreciate the game. Sure, there’s a lot of hitting, diving, and “cutting” going on all over the field, but once a play is over, an unusual scene often takes place. These gridiron gladiators actually help each other get off the grass, even stretching out their hands to assist opposing players!

That concept is exactly what the Lord passes on to us in this portion of Ecclesiastes. Two are certainly better than one, especially when we are working together in harmony. I’ve always loved the saying, “together we make one great person.” Marriage can include this kind of dual benefit because a husband and wife usually compensate for one another’s weaknesses.

Think about some of the ways you and your spouse help each other in your personal and even your professional lives. Praise the Lord for how you complement one another, and ask for His insight to discover how you can collaborate more and more in the days ahead. Don’t let anything come between the team the two of you are developing. Most of all, if one of you does fall, pick the other up and keep moving forward-together!

*From New Beginnings: Devotions to Develop the Greatest Romance by Dr. Rebecca Wilke, available in our Resources section-or on Amazon.com in book and Kindle formats.

Thought of the Month

Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.

Philippians 1:27

Looking back, the white bread, imitation mayo, and thin-sliced deli meat held little nutritional value-but what Grandma Bonnie whipped up each time we stopped by for a visit was priceless. Her arthritic hands slapped together sandwiches better than anyone, and, while we ate, we also laughed as she told stories of the old days or the latest antics with her fun-loving sisters.

Oh how I miss those lazy Saturdays sitting at Grandma’s kitchenette! She and Grandpa were always ready to drop everything in order to listen to what we’d been doing. They probably had no idea how their simple acts of kindness, prayers, and insights about their faith laid the foundation for a family that would follow the Lord generations after they’d gone home to Heaven. I caught a glimpse of this legacy when our nephew Zach, who’s thinking about going to seminary, emailed a devotion he’d written. Here’s a snippet for you to enjoy:

Being a leader has its cliché meaning, and the skills required can often seem stereotypical. However, this is not necessarily true. Every person God puts in a leadership position has different strengths. This is because every leadership position is different. God knows the hardships a leader will face-and every time a problem arrives, that leader will either have the skill to solve the difficulty or will be provided the skill whether that is through another person or a change in the leader. God equips men and women with the ability to address what life throws at them. This is supported by 1 Corinthians 10:13 which states the following:

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

I have always been a huge worrier. I worry about everything-every little detail. However, every time that thing I worry about comes up, God provides me the strength and ability to get through it and deal with it. I know what you’re thinking, “How does this apply to me as a leader?” That’s a great question! The following statement is important to understand: You don’t do anything. God uses you to do His will. He allows you to live, lead, and love. He gives you the ability to address whatever life throws at you.

I couldn’t help but smile as I read the words penned by this seventeen-year-old, and I can imagine the grin on Grandma Bonnie’s face if she read them, too. Zach never got to know his great-grandmother, but her legacy lives on through his life nonetheless. Chats about faith told over bologna sandwiches had more impact than any of us ever realized at the time, and the legacy of an individual who faithfully serves the Lord will continue to influence generations yet to come!

Thought of the Month

Our children will also serve him.Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done.

Psalm 22:30-31

Gershwin got it right when he wrote the lyrics for his famous spiritual: “Summertime, and the livin’ is easy.” There really is something remarkable about this season, even for those of us that still have work to accomplish. Somehow life seems brighter thanks to longer days and the brilliant rays of our sun. Warmer waters beckon us to wade in and relax for awhile. People take time to picnic and even plan a family vacation if possible.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this special season of warmth and light didn’t have to end? Well, I’ve got great news for you-one day it won’t! Take a look at these words the prophet Isaiah penned centuries ago:

No longer will you need the sun to shine by day, nor the moon to give its light by night, for the Lord your God will be your everlasting light,
and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set; your moon will not go down. For the Lord will be your everlasting light.
Your days of mourning will come to an end.

Isaiah 60:19-20

In this chapter describing the Millennial Kingdom, the Lord gives us a glimpse of His glorious character. In this world, we need the sun He created for illumination and heat; this won’t be the case in the future. God will provide everything, and He will be our everlasting light!

And the “livin’“-it will indeed be easy because of the amazing future God has planned for us. Here’s another glimpse of that joyful season from verse 18 of Isaiah 60:

Violence will disappear from your land; the desolation and destruction of war will end. Salvation will surround you like city walls,
and praise will be on the lips of all who enter there.

Friends, we have a fabulous future to look forward to thanks to God’s gift of salvation. So, enjoy every moment under His sun this summer-and keep living for that everlasting season of sunshine that is yet to come!

“One of these mornings
You’re going to rise up singing
Then you’ll spread your wings
And you’ll take to the sky”

George Gershwin, Summertime

Thought of the Month

For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing
from those who do what is right.

Psalm 84:11v

Years ago, my husband and I had a long list of names we’d compiled just before our first son was born. We wanted a strong name-something with meaning. Like so many parents before us, we hoped to provide our child with a title that not only fit him but also one he’d grow to live up to over time. A few years later, we went through a similar struggle searching for the ideal name to bestow on the next little boy who would join our family.

Many of you can relate to this search for the “perfect” name. Others may be years away from these concerns, but we can assure you that a similar pilgrimage will be part of your parenting journey, too.

Yes, a good name is hard to find-but what’s even more challenging is striving to make sure our lives leave a lasting legacy-especially because of the name “Christian” that we bear when we believe in Jesus. Because of Christ, each waking moment affords us the opportunity of affirming our faith and bringing glory to the One who has chosen us to be part of His forever family.

The Bible is full of verses that remind us of the relevance of a good name. Here is one of our favorites:

A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Proverbs 22:1

We only need to look back in history to realize there have been plenty of people who experienced great fame and fortune but couldn’t purchase a good name for themselves. And, sadly, many of us know individuals who claimed to be Christians-but their actions sullied rather than sanctified that name.

These thoughts should also cause us to reflect on how we are choosing to conduct ourselves each day. Is Christ’s name glorified as we walk through our world? Is our Father pleased by what we say and do, day-in and day-out? How can we improve the legacy we are leaving so that, when we’re gone, our impact for God won’t be?

You see, long before you were born, the Lord was well-aware of what you’d be called. Carry His name well, fellow Christian-and let’s make sure Jesus isn’t hard for others to find.

Thought of the Month

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

I John 3:1-2

The weather outside my window today looks nothing like spring, but that doesn’t deter an industrious bird from tucking twigs into a niche under the eaves. She flutters back and forth-tugging and twisting her building materials. As I curiously watch her efforts at nest construction, I am reminded of a poignant verse from the Proverbs:

“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”

Proverbs 14:1

Funny thing is, I’ve never observed a bird taking apart a nest. Unlike our feathered friends, humans seem to have a capacity to damage what they’ve worked for and even destroy what they always dreamed about. The words of wisdom above provide an important warning, particularly because women have the power to build up their homes and avoid any foolishness that might undermine their efforts!

So, what does this “building” business look like? Here are a few suggestions:

For single women: The patterns you’re establishing now are laying the foundation for your future. If you want a godly family one day, then get in the Word on a regular basis. Pray about your dream for a future-family, and specifically ask God to guide you in decisions about romance, dating, and marriage. Develop “home improvement” habits that will last a lifetime.

For wives: Your marriage is an example to the world around you about what it means to be in a covenant relationship with God. Therefore, build up your spouse with your words and prayers. Be generous in your kindness. Go the extra mile, even when your husband might not be willing or able to do so. Keep developing the firm foundation of faith you’ve begun by staying in the Word each day.

For mothers and grandmothers: Whatever stage of motherhood you’re in, you will forevermore be known as “Mom.” Wear that title honorably! Make sure each child knows how much he/she is loved-by you and by God. Pray for your kids daily, and let them know you are doing just that. Build them up, even when you must discipline. And remember, being a mom is a life-long journey-your kids need you whether they are five or fifty-five!

As I wrap up these thoughts, the bird patiently continues her project. It has started to drizzle, and a strong wind is rustling at my window-but the nest she has worked so hard to construct is safe and secure. May the same be true for your home and mine.

Thought of the Month

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31:30-31