Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”¹

Today’s Daily Encounter is by Michael Josephson of Character Counts (390.3).

Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else. Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance. It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed. Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally disappear. So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to-do lists will expire. The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away. It won’t matter where you came from or what side of the tracks you lived on at the end. It won’t matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant. Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.

So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?

What will matter is not what you bought but what you built, not what you got but what you gave. What will matter is not your success but your significance. What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught. What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage, or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example. What will matter is not your competence but your character.

What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone. What will matter is not your memories but the memories that live in those who loved you. What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what. Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice. Choose to live a life that matters.

This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.²

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please help me to live in light of eternal values so that my life will not be wasted but invested in the lives of others for all eternity so that my life will matter. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV).
2. © 2004 Josephson Institute of Ethics; reprinted with permission. Michael Josephson, one of the nation’s leading ethicists, is the founder of the Josephson Institute of Ethics and the premier youth character education program, CHARACTER COUNTS! For further information visit www.charactercounts.org

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“Be kind and compassionate [tenderhearted] to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”¹

Michael Josephson of Character Counts shared how he “once read of a man on a subway with two young children who were being loud and unruly. The man seemed to ignore their behavior, so a fed-up passenger confronted him: ‘Sir, don’t you see how your children are disturbing everyone? How can you be so thoughtless?’

“The man sobbed, ‘I’m so sorry. Their mom just died and I’ve been thinking of how we’ll live without her.’ In an instant the critic’s self-righteousness turned to self-condemnation.

“Why is it that so many of us have to be hit over the head before we turn on our caring and empathy buttons?

“The next time you have the choice between being right and being kind, choose kindness.”²

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please give me an understanding and compassionate heart so that I will always be kind when what is needed is understanding and kindness so that I will be ‘more and more like Jesus in every way.’ Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV).
2. Michael Josephson, Character Counts, “Being Right or Being Kind.” (533.5) www.charactercounts.org

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“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”¹

Today’s Daily Encounter was written by Commander Eric J. Berryman.

The USS Astoria (C-34) was the first U.S. cruiser to engage the Japanese during the Battle of Savo Island, a night action fought 8-9 August 1942. Although she scored two hits on the Imperial flagship Chokai, the Astoria was badly damaged and sank shortly after noon, 9 August.

About 0200 hours a young midwesterner, Signalman 3rd Class Elgin Staples, was swept overboard by the blast when the Astoria’s number one eight-inch gun turret exploded. Wounded in both legs by shrapnel and in semi-shock, he was kept afloat by a narrow life belt that he managed to activate with a simple trigger mechanism.

At around 0600 hours, Staples was rescued by a passing destroyer and returned to the Astoria, whose captain was attempting to save the cruiser by beaching her. The effort failed, and Staples, still wearing the same life belt, found himself back in the water. He was picked up again, this time by the USS President Jackson (AP-37), he was one of 500 survivors of the battle who were evacuated to Noumea.

On board the transport, Staples, for the first time, closely examined the life belt that had served him so well. It had been manufactured by Firestone Tire and Rubber Company of Akron, Ohio, and bore a registration number.

Given home leave Staples told his story and asked his mother, who worked for Firestone, about the purpose of the number on the belt. She replied that the company insisted on personal responsibility for the war effort, and that the number was unique and assigned to only one inspector. Staples remembered everything about the lifebelt, and quoted the number. It was his mother’s personal code and affixed to every item she was responsible for approving.²

When we always do what is right, the person we help the most in many ways is our own self and that of our loved ones.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please help me always to do what is right no matter what so that my life will not be lived in vain, and so that when I get to the end of life’s journey, I will hear your welcome words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.’ Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV).
2. Commander Eric J. Berryman, U.S. Naval Reserve, Proceedings, U.S. Naval Institute, vol. 15/6/1036 (June 1989), P. 48; via www.SermonCentral.com. Cited on PreachingNow, March 28, 2006. http://www.preaching.com/

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“We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.”¹

“A young boy complained to his father that most of the church hymns were boring to him—too far behind the times, tiresome tunes and meaningless words. His father put an end to the discussion by saying, ‘If you think you can write better hymns, then why don’t you?’ The boy went to his room and wrote his first hymn. The year was 1690. The teenager was Isaac Watts. ‘When I Survey the Wondrous Cross’ and ‘Joy to the World’ are among almost 350 hymns written by him. Feeling Bored? Let the world remember you for 300+ years!”²

I recall reading about a lady who said to Evangelist Dwight L. Moody, “I don’t like the way you preach,” to which Mr. Moody replied, “I don’t either. How do you do it?” I recalled Moody’s response when the president of a denominational college (seminary) in Australia was questioning the value of our outreach work and asked, “And how do you handle your follow-up?” So I asked him how he handled his. He replied, “I don’t. I teach.” A businessman once asked me the same question so I said to him, “If you give us the needed financial support we’ll develop the best follow-up program.” He walked out without saying a word.

Constructive criticism is fine—providing we are prepared to do something about what we are being critical about—rather than just being negative and becoming a part of the problem.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please deliver me from having a negative critical attitude always looking for the faults and weaknesses in what others do. However, when I see a need for improvement in any area, please help me so that any criticism I give will be constructive—and help me to be willing to do what I can to help fix what needs to be fixed. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. 2 Corinthians 8:20-21 (NIV).
2. Richard Jones, Parish Bulletin, Good Shepherds Wailuku, Diocese of Hawaii. © The Anglican Digest. Cited in Encounter magazine (Australia) Vol. 38, No. 1, 2007.

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“For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again.”¹

Chances are you’ve read about all of the following failures who ended up making a great impact in their chosen field of endeavor.

For example, as a young man Abraham Lincoln went to war as a captain and returned as a private. Winston Churchill failed sixth grade. Thomas Edison’s teachers said he was “too stupid to learn anything.” Albert Einstein didn’t speak until he was 4-years-old and didn’t read until he was 7. Louis Pasteur was only a mediocre pupil in undergraduate studies and ranked 15th out of 22 students in chemistry.

Henry Ford failed and went broke five times before he succeeded. F. W. Woolworth was not allowed to wait on customers when he worked in a dry goods store. When Bell telephone was struggling to get started, its owners offered all their rights to Western Union for $100,000. The offer was disdainfully rejected with the pronouncement, “What use could this company make of an electrical toy.”

An expert said of Vince Lombardi: “He possesses minimal football knowledge and lacks motivation.” Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. Babe Ruth is famous for his past home-run record, but for decades he also held the record for strikeouts.

Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor because “he lacked imagination and had no good ideas.” Charles Schultz of “Peanuts” fame had every cartoon he submitted rejected by his high school yearbook staff—and Walt Disney wouldn’t hire him. After his first audition, Sidney Poitier was told by the casting director, “Why don’t you stop wasting people’s time and go out and become a dishwasher or something?” When Lucille Ball began studying to be actress in 1927, she was told by the head instructor of the John Murray Anderson Drama School, “Try any other profession.”²

And so the stories go on. For a more detailed and intriguing list visit: http://tinyurl.com/2mf23v

What we learn from these people is that none of these people gained instant success. They suffered rejection, setbacks and failures—but they had a passion for what they wanted to do and stuck with it until they made it. And for those of us who believe God has a purpose for our life we need to do the same, and in the words of Winston Churchill: “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never, Never, Never, Never give up.”

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please help me to discover my God-given life purpose and with your help pursue it with great enthusiasm and never, never, never, never give up. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Proverbs 24:16 (NKJV).
2. Source: Self-Efficacy Site (website URL no longer working).

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“So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect [mature] in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.”¹

Joseph Stowell, former president of the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, said, “I love going to Chicago’s Wrigley Field for a baseball game—sitting in the stands, downing a great hot dog, and cheering the Cubs on to victory!

“Unfortunately, Christianity has become a lot like professional sports. As a friend of mine has observed, there are nine guys on the baseball field doing all the work and thousands in the stands just watching. And as you probably know, that’s not God’s game plan for His people. He wants us to climb out of the stands, get out on the field, and join the team.

“If you are wondering what good you can do on the field, wonder no more. What about your financial resources? Jesus can take your ’silver and gold’ and use it to accomplish great things for His glory.

“But more than just getting out your checkbook, you have gifts you can contribute. God has given each of us gifts that can help advance His kingdom. Whether it’s teaching, encouraging, serving, showing hospitality, or extending mercy, the productive use of each gift can yield great dividends. Let’s follow the example of Paul who tirelessly served on God’s field for the joy of being used by Him.”²

I still remember well one of my grade school teachers who constantly emphasized the importance of being an active participant in life—not just a watcher. Great teaching. As Joe Stowell said, “Believe me, it’s far more rewarding to be on the field than to sit in the stands.”

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you that you use ordinary people to accomplish your work on earth. I am available. Please use me to be a part of your plans and what you are doing in the world today. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Colossians 1:28-29 (NLT).
2. Cited on KneEmail.
kneemail-subscribe@welovegod.org

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God’s instructions to Joshua: “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”¹

“A hundred years ago, Ralph Waldo Emerson noted three qualities he deemed marks of true success: the ability to discern and appreciate beauty, the ability to see the best in others, and a commitment to leaving the world a better place.”²

Emerson didn’t say that success is in becoming a powerful politician, a wealthy business man or woman, a popular movie star, sportsman/woman, an outstanding speaker—or even the pastor or leader of a mega church. Nor did he say it had anything to do with physical beauty or material possessions. This is not to say that there is anything wrong, in and of themselves, with any or all of the above, but if this is our definition or measure of success, it has fallen far short of success in the eyes of God.

God’s measure of success is, first of all, in studying and meditating on his Word, the Bible, so we know what it teaches, and second, in obeying all of God’s laws and living in harmony with his will. As God promised Joshua and the people of ancient Israel, if they did this they would become prosperous and successful. Keep in mind, too, being a prosperous person has little if anything to do with material prosperity, but rather it has to do with knowing and obeying God’s Word and living in harmony with his will. Also, having the qualities Emerson described above would also make one very prosperous.

And as another has said, “Judge your success not only by what you’ve become, but by what others have become because of you.”

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please open the eyes of my understanding so that I will fully grasp the meaning and impact of all your laws and principles for successful and prosperous living and the good sense to obey and live in harmony with all of these. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Joshua 1:7-8 (NIV).
2. R. Robert Cueni, Sermons on the Gospel
Readings, Series I, Cycle C, CSS Publishing
Company.

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“It is required that those who have been given a trust [gift] must prove faithful.”¹

It has been said that there are three kinds of people: Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who don’t know that anything is happening!

Australian swimmer, Shane Gould, who won three gold medals in the 1972 Olympics, has been considered one of the greatest swimmers of all time. She didn’t sit back and watch things happen. She made them happen.

Early in her career, when she was only 14 years of age, a news reporter asked her how she thought she would do in one of her early swim meets in the U.S. She replied, “I have a feeling there will be a world record today.”

There was!

Shane set a world record in the one-hundred-meter freestyle event and a second in the two-hundred. When asked how she thought she would do in the more punishing four-hundred-meter event she said, “I get stronger every race, and besides … my parents said they’d take me to Disneyland if I win, and we’re leaving tomorrow!”

She went to Disneyland with three world records! By the time she was 16 she had five world records. It is true, she also had talent but she won not only because of this, but because of her preparation, hard work, and her positive self- expectancy.

Only a very few are gifted sufficiently to be able to win gold medals. However, every one of us is gifted in some area and most of us are gifted in several areas. And while we are not all called of God to be famous, we are all called to be faithful in serving him and our fellow man with the gifts that we have been given.

We, too, can be among those who make things happen if we are well trained in our area of gifting and are adequately prepared for the task we want and feel called to do. We also need to have faith in our cause, take advantage of opportunities when they arise, believe that with God’s help we can achieve what we set out to do, and are prepared to work hard to make it happen.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you for the gifts you have given to me. Help me always to use and invest these wisely for you and your Kingdom and in so doing be investing in eternity. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. The Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 4:2, NIV).

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“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”¹

According to an article in the Sermon Fodder List, Edward Kimball, a layman, gathered the nerve to share his Christian faith to Dwight L. Moody, a shoe salesman, who accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. Dwight Moody became one of the greatest evangelists of his day. The world renowned Moody Bible Institute in Chicago was founded by D. L. Moody.

“But, do you know ‘the rest of the story?’ Dwight Moody went to England and worked a profound change in the ministry of F.B. Meyer. F.B. Meyer, with his new evangelistic fervor, influenced J. Wilbur Chapman. Chapman helped in the ministry of converted baseball player Billy Sunday, who had a profound impact upon Mordecai Ham. And Mordecai Ham, holding a revival in North Carolina, led Billy Graham to Christ. And the man who started it all was a layman, Edward Kimball, who took seriously Christ’s commission to be a witness in his world.”

“Keep on sowing your seed,” says the Word of God, “for you never know which will grow—perhaps it all will.”²

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please help me to so live that my life always will be a shining light that will attract and draw others to you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Jesus (Matthew 5:16).
2. King Solomon (Ecclesiastes 11:6, TLB).

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“For many are called, but few are chosen.”¹

“There are many reasons why God wouldn’t want to use many of us, but don’t worry. We’re in good company! As another has shared:

“Moses stuttered.
David’s armor didn’t fit.
John Mark was rejected by Paul.
Hosea’s wife was a prostitute.
Amos’ only training was in the school of
fig-tree pruning.
Jacob was a liar.
David had an affair.
Solomon was too rich.
Abraham was too old.
David was too young.
Timothy had ulcers.
Peter was afraid of death.
Lazarus was dead.
John was self-righteous.
Jesus was too poor.
Naomi was a widow.
Paul was a murderer. So was Moses.
Jonah ran from God.
Miriam was a gossip.
Gideon and Thomas both doubted.
Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal.
Elijah was burned out.
John the Baptist was a loudmouth.
Martha was a worrywart.
Samson had long hair.
Noah got drunk.
Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse?
So did Peter, Paul—well, lots of folks did.”

“Satan says, ‘You’re not worthy.’ Jesus says, ‘So what? I AM.’ Satan looks back and sees our mistakes. God looks back and sees the cross. He doesn’t calculate what you did last year. Sure. There are lots of reasons why God shouldn’t have called us. But if we are magically in love with Him, if we hunger for Him more than our next breath, He’ll use us in spite of who we are, where we’ve been, or what we look like.”²

Perhaps today’s Scripture could be interpreted as follows: “For many are called, but few prove themselves to be chosen.” In fact, God calls every one of us to follow and serve him. If he waited until we were fully mature, whole and complete, he wouldn’t get anything done. He will use us exactly as we are as long as we are available and willing to be used. In so doing we will then prove ourselves to be chosen ones.

Suggested prayer: “Heavenly Father God, I’m available—warts and all—please use me to be a part of what you are doing in the world today. Help me to keep growing so I can, with your help, become more usable. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Jesus (Matthew 22:14).
2. Author Unknown.

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