Are You One of the Myer Girls?

By Cheri Cowell –

“You’re one of the Myer girls, aren’t you?” the question was more of a statement than an actual question. My sister and I would say with a nod, “Yes, sir.” And then we’d smile inside, because being a Myer girl meant we were raised well, and the question meant we’d worn the name well. I’m not so sure we still teach this principle today, but it is a good one. There is more to carrying a name than just signing it as your last name. Much more. God knows this principle and it is one of His favorite teaching tools.

In this Scripture, John the Baptist was speaking to those who had come for a sort of heaven insurance—wanting to be baptized so they could insure their entrance into heaven, but having no intention of changing their lives. Like signing a name without any intention of carrying the full pride of that name in word and deed. God wants us to feel blessed to be chosen to carry the name Christian, but He wants that decision to change us to the core. If we are to claim we are Christians than it needs to show in how we treat others.

PRAYER: Thank You, Father, for the example in Jesus of what it means to carry the name Christian. Help me produce the kind of fruit in my life that will cause others to say, “Look at __________! They must be a Christian, because I see the way they treat others.”

“Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones” (Luke 3:8 NLT).

Today’s devotion is by Cheri Cowell, who writes and speaks on topics of Christian discipleship. In addition to her books and articles, you can learn about her speaking ministry and sign up to receive her daily devotional at www.CheriCowell.com

Taking Care of Fido

By Cheri Cowell –

I am one of those who believe all children should have a pet. My childhood home was filled with dogs, cats, rabbits and even a gerbil. My parents were very wise and made sure my sister and I learned how to care for each of them. We were expected, no matter how much we protested, to walk, groom, feed and housekeep our animals. We learned that having a pet was being responsible for all of their care no matter how inconvenient it was. In doing so we experienced the great joy of loving, and being loved by, our pets. It was a lesson that prepared us for other, more important things.

Just as I had to learn to fulfill my responsibilities to my pets no matter how I felt or what was happening in my life, God wants us to meet our obligations as followers of Christ no matter how we feel or what else is going on. Each of us is placed in a family, community, job and church with roles to play and duties to fulfill. It is no accident that we have these responsibilities. In accepting them, and in fact, actually embracing them, we will experience the joy that only comes to those who fulfill their God-given roles. God expects us to fulfill these roles with love for others even while we await His glorious return.

PRAYER: I thank You, Lord, for opportunities to serve others no matter how small or inconvenient those opportunities may seem. Help me see these duties as a chance to serve You by serving others in preparation for Your return.

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns” (Matthew 24:45-46 NIV).

Today’s devotion is by Cheri Cowell, who writes and speaks on topics of Christian discipleship. In addition to her books and articles, you can learn about her speaking ministry and sign up to receive her daily devotional at www.CheriCowell.com

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