Do The Next Thing
1. Encouragement To Do The Next Thing
I woke up early one morning, read in my Bible, typed my devotions, and sat on the couch to look at facebook. (Sometimes I am surprised by how much time I can spend looking at things on the internet, while my housework sits waiting for me to get started.) This time I read a post that was shared by Linette Tripp, my Pastor's wife, "Do The Next Thing", written by Elisabeth Elliott. It was a great read about how she had so many new things to learn and do after her husband was killed on the mission field. After his death, she went back to the jungle station with their 10 month old baby and continued the work her husband had started. After reading the article I got up and made up my bed, put another log on the fire, and put a load of clothes in the washing machine. Her writing encouraged me to "Do The Next Thing". I feel like the Lord is leading me to continue with this thought and search the scriptures to find some of His servants who did the next thing.
2. On Old Poem, "Doe The Next Thynge"
To begin our new devotionals on, "Do The Next Thing", I want to share a portion of Elisabeth Elliott's writing.
"Have you had the experience of feeling as if you’ve got far too many burdens to bear, far too many people to take care of, far too many things on your list to do? You just can’t possibly do it, and you get in a panic and you just want to sit down and collapse in a pile and feel sorry for yourself.
Well, I’ve felt that way a good many times in my life, and I go back over and over again to an old Saxon legend, which I’m told is carved in an old English parson somewhere by the sea. I don’t know where this is. But this is a poem which was written about that legend. The legend is “Do the next thing.” And it’s spelled in what I suppose is Saxon spelling. “D-O-E” for “do,” “the,” and then next, “N-E-X-T.” “Thing”-“T-H-Y-N-G-E.”
The poem says, “Do it immediately, do it with prayer, do it reliantly, casting all care. Do it with reverence, tracing His hand who placed it before thee with earnest command. Stayed on omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing, leave all resultings, do the next thing.” That is a wonderfully saving truth. Just do the next thing."
3. Joseph of Arimathea Did The Next Thing
I was drawn by her enthusiasm and I want to share another portion of the writing of Elisabeth Elliott, "Do The Next Thing". She gives the example of Joseph of Arimathaea, found in Mark 15:42-46.
"42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,
43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.
46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre."
"Can’t you imagine the disciples and Mary and Martha and the other bewildered women, sitting in absolute dejection and perplexity when their Lord and Master and King had just died? They couldn’t think of one single thing to do. Here came this godly man, who looked forward to the kingdom of God, who bravely went in and asked for the body of Jesus. He could think of one thing to do. He did the next thing. That must have been a tremendous cheer and encouragement to those discouraged people.” (Elisabeth Elliott)
4. Read The Next Chapter
Do you want to be a success? The word "success" is found only one time in the Bible. God chose Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after the death of Moses. I'm sure it would have been a hard job to follow in the steps of the great leader, Moses. The Lord told Joshua how to prosper and have success.
"7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." (Joshua 1:7-8)
God told Joshua to meditate on His Word, and follow it. We are told throughout the Bible to meditate on God's Word. Today I want to encourage you to learn more from the Word of God. If you haven't read through the Bible, you can start today. When you begin with Genesis 1:1 and continue, verse after verse, chapter after chapter, you can learn a lot about God through the creation, the flood, and the great patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. When you begin it may seem like it would take too long to finish, but we can apply our thought, "Do The Next Thing" and change it to, "Read The Next Chapter". Find a quiet place and read the first chapter of Genesis. Then, read the next chapter. It won't take very long to read four chapters. And if you continue to read 4 chapters each day, you will be through the book of Genesis in less than two weeks. Keep up with your 4 chapters a day and you will read through the Bible in less than a year. It is amazing that we have the Word of our living God within the reach of our hands. Do you want to know what God is saying? Read The Next Chapter!
5. Go The Next Mile
When Jesus spoke His "Sermon on the Mount" He taught the people how to live day by day in a Christian way. One of the concepts He taught them was about going the extra mile. "And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain." (Matthew 5:41) The people of that day often walked from place to place. It could have been a good time of fellowship and conversation to walk with someone for their first mile of their journey. It might have been a safety measure to walk together. It also would have been a tremendous help to someone if you carried part of their load for a mile of their way. I have also heard that the Roman soldiers could require a person to carry their load for one mile. As Jesus taught the people, He told them to go the next mile. Take those extra steps to make someone's life easier. Make the extra effort to help those along the way. Michael is semi-retired and teaches school every other day. One Friday morning, that was his scheduled day off, he got up and went to work to sub for another teacher. As he left I could tell that he might have rather not worked that day, but as he went out the door he said, "They need me." He wanted to "go the next mile" to help the ones who needed him. We can practice this by showing kindness to others. Another way is by giving a little more, and I don't mean just money. Giving a little more time and effort to someone can make a big difference in his or her life. Go the next mile.
6. Ruth Stepped Into Her Next Role
During a time of famine Elimelech took his wife, Naomi, and their two sons to the land of Moab, where the sons married Moabite women. After Elimelech and his sons died, Naomi heard that there was bread in Judah, and decided to go back home to Bethlehem. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye, but Ruth decided she would go back with Naomi. "And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me." (Ruth 1:16-17) Ruth had great love for her mother-in-law, and Naomi affectionately called her, "my daughter". After choosing to go back with Naomi, Ruth did the next thing, and went to work in the fields to get them some food. "And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter. And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech." (Ruth 2:2-3) After the end of barley harvest, she did the next thing and gleaned in the fields of wheat. Naomi told Ruth that Boaz was a kinsman redeemer and the next thing in Ruth's life became the next "best" thing and Boaz married Ruth. They had a son and named him Obed. Obed's son was Jesse, and he was the father of David, who became king over Israel. Ruth did the next thing out of love as she stepped into her next role, and came to be in the lineage of Christ. Let us care for our children in love. As the years move onward and our roles in life change, let us continue to do the next thing, in love. Remember those who took care of you in love, and when the time comes, return that love to them.
7. A Virtuous Woman Does The Next Thing
Proverbs 31 gives us a look into the life of a virtuous woman during the Old Testament time period. If you ever start feeling like you have too much to do around the house, be thankful for your modern conveniences. How many of the things on this list would be the next thing we need to do? I have added a few notes between the verses.
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
-- I went to Old Salem and watched them brush the wool, and it seemed like a lot of time and work to get it ready to use. The flax also had to be woven into cloth.14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
-- I enjoy raising my garden in the summer, but it would be really hard for me to grow enough for us to eat all year. I am also glad that I can go to the grocery store and buy the things I need or want.15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
-- With electricity we can get up early in the morning, but what if we had to build a fire in the stove to get warm and cook breakfast for our household?16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
-- As I already mentioned, I like my garden, but using a tiller is hard enough. I don't think I could have plowed with a donkey or ox.17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
-- I used to work and had a lot of strength, but age is taking its toll.18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
-- Have you ever tried to work by candlelight? When our power goes out, candles seem very dim.21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
-- My Mom used to make our clothes. I can sew a little, but after hand quilting several baby quilts, I know that it takes a long time to stitch something by hand.26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
-- I have often prayed for wisdom, and I also try to be kind.27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
-- Idleness... I guess many of the things I do during the day would fall into that category by the standards back then.28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
-- Any woman who kept us with all these duties, without the modern conveniences we have, deserved to be praised!29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
8. Hold Fast For The Next Season
I went to my sister's house last week and saw some purple crocuses blooming. She showed me the bed where she had planted them, but the squirrels had dug them up and buried them all around in her yard. There were little purple blooms scattered all about. My daffodils are blooming and I also saw two robins in the yard. These are little signs that spring is around the corner. The winter has been cold and wet, and I am looking forward to some sunshine. I want to get away from winter, like King Solomon.
"11 For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;
12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;
13 The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away." (Song of Solomon 2:12-13)
You may be going through a bad season. Maybe you were one of the many who struggled through flu season. We can also go through winter financial seasons when times are tough. I hope you can be encouraged today to hold fast for the next season. God has promised that just as we have winter -- summer will always follow. "While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." (Genesis 8:22) Three times in the letters to the seven churches John encouraged them to hold fast. Times may be hard, but the Lord is coming soon. Hold fast for the next season.
"But that which ye have already hold fast till I come." (Revelation 2:25)
"Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee." (Revelation 3:3)
"Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." (Revelation 3:11)
9. Sow The Next Seed
I am ready for warm spring days, or should I say, "Dry, warm, spring days"? Our summer was so hot and dry last year I didn't get much of a harvest from my garden, but I am so ready to try again once the ground dries enough that we can till it. Our thought today is, "Sow The Next Seed". I planted six rows of corn last year, and only about 15 little plants came up. After giving it a little more time, I planted again, being careful not to disturb the ones that did come up. About a dozen more came up. I waited a little while and then I bought more seed and planted corn again. After that, I just planted pumpkins in the empty spaces in the rows. This came to my mind when I thought about the parable Jesus told of the sower who went out to sow seed and some fell in places where the seed did not take hold and grow to be fruitful.
"4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:
5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:
8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold." (Matthew 13:4-8)
In verse 8 you notice that, even in the good ground, it "brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold." How can we increase our yield? By sowing more seed. I didn't know why the corn I planted was not coming up, but I kept planting more, because I wanted more corn. Jesus explained the parable as sowing the Word of God. "But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." (Matthew 13:23) It seems to me that we are seeing less and less people being saved today. So, what can we do? Sow more seed. "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." (II Corinthians 9:6) Don't get discouraged that you can't see the fruits of your labor. Just keep sowing the next seed.
10. Pray The Next Prayer
When I go to bed at night I like to pray for people I know until I fall asleep. When I have trouble falling asleep, I go through all of my family, and my church family, and then some. Sometimes I wake up during the night with a certain person on my mind. I often feel like God has put that person on my mind because he or she needs to be lifted up in prayer, so I pray. When I pass a fire truck or an ambulance I try to remember to pray. Even though I don't know who is involved, or the situation, my God knows all and sees all, and He is able to hear and answer our prayers. When we see someone in need and it is beyond our power to help, God is all powerful and He knows just what to do. Today is a simple reminder to pray the next prayer. Our country is in great need of prayer. God's Word tell us, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14) Don't give up. Don't lose faith. Pray the next prayer. When Daniel was taken away to Babylon he still prayed. Even when he knew he would be cast into a den of lions, he prayed the next prayer. "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime." (Daniel 6:10) And God heard and answered his prayer!
11. Be The Next Witness
Many years ago there was an elderly woman who had lost most of her hearing. Someone asked her why she kept going to church if she could not hear the preaching and the singing. She answered that it was true that she could no longer hear the preaching and the singing from where she was sitting, but she wanted people to know that she was still faithful to the Lord. She wanted her life to be a witness to her neighbors when they saw her leave the house when it was time for church. This woman was faithful to the Lord, and now that she has gone on to heaven, I wonder if someone stepped in her place to be the next witness to her neighbors. There is a verse in Ezekiel 22:30 that was a sad state for Israel in that day. "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none." Are we standing in the gap left by those who are no longer with us? I want to encourage you today to be the next witness. And a most important part is that we must teach the Word of God to our children, so that they can be the next witness after us.
"5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates." (Deuteronomy 6:5-9)
We can be the next witness in the words that we say, and in the choices we make in life. We can be the next witness through the power of God in our lives. Before Jesus was received up into heaven He said, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8) For over 2,000 years men and women have taken their place to stand in the gap and be the next witness. Let's not fall short in our generation!
12. Voice The Next Prayer And Praise
God can hear us when we pray out loud, and He can hear our thoughts in our heart when we don't have the words to say. I often pray silently, but as I think on these devotions today, I feel that God deserves to hear us pray out loud. One of my favorite verses since childhood is Psalm 5:3, "My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up." I try to pray each morning, but my voice is often silent. I believe that I need to voice the next prayer.
Sometimes we also need to voice the next praise. If God has done something for us, and giving us His Son to save us was the greatest gift ever, then we need to voice our praise. When Mike Shoe opened up Sunday School he said that his grandma told him the birds are the only beings that obey God all the time. They praise God with their songs. He said, "Have you ever seen a sad bird?" The Psalms are filled with songs of praise to our God. Let's voice our prayer and praise to our merciful God, for He alone is worthy!
"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise." (Psalm 98:4)
"1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." (Psalm 100)
"I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being." (Psalm 104:33)
13. Do The Next Thing With Someone Special
I enjoyed being a Mom and doing things with my children, but being a mother to five children was very time consuming because there was always work to be done. It was a never-ending job washing dishes, washing floors, washing clothes, and washing hands and faces. Now that our children are grown, with families of their own, I love spending time with our grandchildren, and my time with them is very special. With our different families, in the past month we have walked with them to see their goats and chickens, cheered them on at basketball games, read books to them, and let them help plant some seeds in little cups. Yesterday, I spent several hours at the zoo with nine of the grandchildren. During the last few years, all of the older grandchildren have helped me bake special treats, helped me in the garden, and canned their own jar of dill pickles. I try to have something special to do with them when they visit. Jedidiah and Elsa spent the night with us one Sunday night and after breakfast Monday morning Elsa crawled up beside me and said, "What we gonna do today, MeMaw?" I told her there were books, and games she could play, and dolls in the baby room. She looked up at me and said, "No. I mean what are we gonna do? Me and you. We?" It blessed my heart that she wanted to do something special with me. So we made Get Well cards for Jedidiah's Sunday School teacher. We did some science experiments with baking soda and vinegar. We sprayed water on their plants that are coming up in the cups. And we made homemade doughnuts. Those were all little things, but it was a special day because we did them together. My encouragement today is to do the next thing with someone special. Even when it's a little thing, doing it with someone you love makes it special. After what seemed like weeks of rain it was bright and sunny one day. My Mom called me that evening and she said, "The sun came out today and it is supposed to be sunny again tomorrow, so we need to go somewhere." So I said, "Okay, let's go somewhere." We went shopping together, which I think is one of my Mom's favorite things to do, and we had a good day. In the parables of the lost coin and the lost sheep, they called their friends to celebrate with them. It is great to have family and friends and we need to cherish our time together. "And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost." (Luke 15:6) "And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost." (Luke 15:9)
14. Take The Next Step With The Lord
Yesterday I mentioned that Elsa asked me what we were going to do... me and you... we. It was such a joy to me that she wanted to do something with me. As we walked down the driveway to put the get well card in the mailbox I thought about how much better it is to walk with someone, instead of walking alone. Those thoughts made me wonder, "What if I got up each morning and asked the Lord, What are we going to do today? What if I asked the Lord to walk with me each day?" That is the inspiration behind our devotional today, "Take The Next Step With The Lord." To walk with the Lord we must be in communion with the Lord. The Lord asks in the book of Amos, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3) We also have the example of Adam and Eve. "And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden." (Genesis 3:8) Because Adam and Eve had sinned against God they were afraid and hid when God came to walk with them in the garden. Another thing about taking the next step with someone is that you must be going in the same direction. When we walk with the Lord, He will lead us in paths of righteousness. "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." (Psalm 23:3) One more thing we need to do to walk with someone is to walk the same pace. When I worked in town, three or four of us would take a break and walk about a mile in the afternoons. We were able to walk together and talk together because we walked at the same pace. Many times in our Christian walk we want to run ahead of what God has planned for us. Then, there are other times that we are content to just sit still and not go forward at all. Walking with the Lord is learning to go with Him without running ahead or falling behind. We have two examples of men in the early part of the Old Testament who walked with God. "And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him." (Genesis 5:24) "...Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God." (Genesis 6:9) Both of these men walked with God and were saved from the judgment. Let's take the next step with the Lord.
15. Take The Next Step For Your Health
When God made Adam and Eve He gave them two legs and two feet so they could walk. It was healthy for them and people back then probably didn't travel very far. I wonder how long people walked everywhere before someone decided to try to ride on a donkey, or a camel, or horse. It may have been funny to watch those first attempts and maybe a little dangerous. Now we have all types of transportation and many people walk for exercise, rather than necessity. I know several people who wear fitbits and one thing they said about them is that it will keep a track of their steps. I am curious as to how much it is helping them meet their goals. I would like to walk, but our road is really busy. And I am not the type to get in my car and drive somewhere so that I can walk. I think that is one reason I enjoy working in my garden so much. It gives me exercise and provides some fresh vegetables. But, until then, I am trying to ride my exercise bike, in the house where it is warm and dry. I keep hoping the "easy" exercise will help my breathing and help me get ready for some real exercise when I can get out doors. This was more like a little blog today, than a real devotional, but maybe it will encourage someone to take the next step for your health. Walk to your mailbox. Do some stretches between commercials. Walk around in your house. Start out slow, and then keep going. I have read that walking does wonders for your health. Paul told Timothy "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." (I Timothy 4:8)
16. Take The Next Step In Faith
We are talking again today about walking with the Lord. Sometimes during storms and trials in our lives we can't see the path clearly. During those troubled times it may seem hard to walk with the Lord. When we can't see the way, we have to take the next step in faith. I have heard some say that faith is taking a flying leap in the dark, and I don't believe that at all. I believe that faith is taking the next step with the Lord, believing that He is always with you. Our example is found in Matthew 14. The disciples were right where Jesus told them to be and the storm still came. Peter had enough faith to step out of the boat to go to Jesus. It was when he looked at the storm around him that he began to sink. Hebrews 11:1 tells us, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." When you can't see the way, look to Jesus and step out in faith, trusting that He is always there.
"22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God."
17. The Next Step
As I typed these devotionals on the next step I was reminded of an old song that I knew from years ago. I like the old gospel songs and hymns. There is so much depth to their words. This song was titled, "The Next Step" and was written by Jack Campbell, in 1966. (I could not find an original copy of his words, but here are the words as we remember them.) I hope that you have been encouraged to take that next step. When times are hard, and things are not going the way you thought they would, keep on walking with the Savior, and take the next step.
"The Next Step"
1.
Why worry about tomorrow.
Why worry when your steps are getting slow.
If your life has been lived for Jesus,
You don't have much farther to go.
Chorus
For the next hand you shake could be the hand of the Savior.
The next step you take could be on streets of purest gold.
Your next meal could be the marriage supper,
And the next touch you feel He could be blessing your soul.
2.
Be strong now and keep on going;
Don't be angry when things turn out wrong;
Don't lose hope, for it's almost over;
All the signs are pointing towards home.
Are you ready for that next step with the Lord?
"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready." (Revelation 19:7)
"1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Revelation 21:1-4)
18. Pick Up The Next Toy, Dirty Sock, Piece Of Junk Mail...
We started these devotionals talking about being overwhelmed by the things in our lives that need to be done. We have spanned our horizon and gone in several different directions, but today I want to go back to that initial idea. As a young mother, I was often overwhelmed with all the work that needed to be done, and our house was cluttered with things that just didn't have a designated place to be. It was easy to get discouraged because I simply could not keep up with the cooking and cleaning and taking care of five children. So today, if you find yourself if that situation, with toys scattered about, and dirty clothes piled high, or maybe clean clothes that you just don't have time to put away, I want to tell you, "I've been there." It is easy to look at it all and tell yourself that there is no use even trying. I want to share some things that helped me get through those days, those weeks, months and even years. First of all, I kept praying for a larger home so that we would have room for our growing family, and it seemed to be taking so long for my prayers to be answered. So, one day, I decided to be content where I was, and work with what I had been given, until it was God's will for us to move. Learning to be content changed my outlook from despair to peace of mind. Getting started in the mornings was hard for me, but once I got busy, I was a good worker. I made the children help toss all their toys into an empty clothes basket and take them to their room. I picked up dirty socks and other stray pieces of clothing that ended up on the floor. Dishes were the hardest, because it seemed as though I could barely get through one meal, and get it cleaned up, when it was time to start the next meal. I saw an article where the writer suggested taking a picture of the messy room. Work for 15 minutes, picking up, putting away, one thing, then the next thing, and take another picture after the time is up. She said that 15 minutes of steady work could make a big difference and encourage you to keep on going. I never actually took the pictures, but I could see progress in just those few minutes. Another thought that might be helpful actually came from my grandmother. After she got older she would ask me to sweep or mop for her. I was always glad to help her, and she would say, "Just give it a lick and a promise." She didn't want me to spend much time on her old floors, just get some of the dirt and dust up. When the work is too much to get done at one time, don't give up and leave it all. Do what you can, a few minutes now, and a promise to do a few more minutes later. I am one that likes for things to be clean, and I actually like to clean. But, with my asthma I have learned that I have to take things slow. When I work in the garden I have to be careful not to get too hot or too tired, or I won't be able to walk up the hill to the house. I do a little here and a little there, and again I have learned to be content with things a little messy. Life is really easier since I let go of wanting everything to look perfect when someone comes over. Our house is "lived in" and I try not to let it get really dirty, but things are often out of place. One more thing to think about is to keep your priorities in the right place. Children grow up, and one day you won't have their toys and little socks to pick up. Cherish them while you can. Love them and teach them the love of God. Spend time with your parents. When I lost my job we missed the money I was bringing home, but I enjoyed spending time with my Mom, and my children, and grandchildren. I tried, but never found another job, and I wouldn't trade these extra precious years I have had with my loved ones. God is still providing our needs, just as He has always been faithful to do. And we are thankful and content with all He has done in our lives.
19. Do The Next Required Thing
I believe that our enemy is doing things on all sides to get our focus off what is most important. As Christians, we are not only being attacked for our Christian beliefs, but we are being bombarded with other, sometimes trivial, actions that take our eyes off our Lord and Savior. Micah 6:8 tells us some requirements from the Lord and today I want to encourage you to do the next required thing. These are not options, like choosing the color you want to paint your room, but these are requirements from the Lord. "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" First, God tells us "to do justly". We have a warning in Isaiah 5:20 that can apply to so much that we hear in the world today. "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" There is so much wrong in the world and we can't make it right, but we can make sure we are doing what's right. When we stand before God we won't have to answer for anyone else. We are accountable only for what we do, and we better make sure we are doing the right thing. The next required thing is "to love mercy". How can people be so evil and not have mercy on the lives of others? With the access we have through the television and internet we see cruel acts that I never thought possible. Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." (Matthew 5:7) God is merciful to those who turn to Him. "For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee." (Psalm 86:5) But we also have a warning in James 2:13, "For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment." The next requirement in Micah 6:8 is "to walk humbly with thy God". "A proud look" is the first thing mentioned in the list of things God hates in Proverbs 6:17. We need to humble ourselves to God and pray just as His Word tells us to do in II Chronicles 7:14. "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." God is our only hope in this sin-cursed world. Don't let the sin of this world get you so discouraged that you lose focus on how you are supposed to live. Once again, "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
20. Take The Next Step In The Assurance That God Is Already There
When I was reading in I Kings 17 about Elijah going to the widow woman during the three years of famine, I wondered how the woman felt with Elijah's request. Elijah went to Zarephath and asked the widow woman for a drink of water. As she was going to get it, he called to her and asked for a piece of bread also. " And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son." (I Kings 17:12-13) Preacher Jack Tripp used this story in a sermon lately, and I want to share some of those thoughts with you. He was illustrating how "God Is Already There". First, God told Elijah to go to the brook Cherith. "And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there." (I Kings 17:4) God had already commanded the ravens to feed Elijah. "And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook." God told Elijah the next steps to take, and He was already there, with the ravens to feed him. After a while the brook dried up. God told Elijah, "Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee." Again we see that God said, "I have commanded..." God had already told the woman to feed Elijah. We see Elijah's faith to trust in God and we also see the faith of the widow woman as she puts her trust in the Lord and gives all she has. Sometimes our next steps may lead us to a place of famine or trouble, but don't be afraid, God is already there!
"14 For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.
15 And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.
16 And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah." (I Kings 17:14-16)
21. The Next Sabbath
Today is a voice of praise and thanksgiving to God for "The Next Sabbath". Paul and Barnabas preached to the Jews in the synagogue and the Jews did not believe in the gospel message they heard. But, after the Jews were gone, the Gentiles asked Paul and Barnabas to preach to them "the next sabbath." After the gospel was first preached to the Jews and they rejected God's Word, the Lord gave the Word to the Gentiles. If God had not given the gift of salvation to the Gentiles, there would be no hope for me. I am thankful for that next sabbath when the Gentiles heard and believed and received everlasting life. There may be someone you know that would go with you to church if you asked them to go with you next Sunday. Maybe you can keep asking for a few weeks and encourage them to go with you Easter Sunday. We can also pray and ask God to be with us next Sunday, as we meet and worship together, expecting great things from our Lord and Savior.
"42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region." (Acts 13:42-49)
22. What's Next?
We began this devotional topic with four little words, "Do The Next Thing". And as I sit and type our last entry in this series I end with two simple words, "What's Next?" There are many times in our lives when we wonder what's next? Sometimes when we go through several trials, one after another, we wonder in discouragement, "What's next?" There are other exciting times when we have celebrations and open brightly colored presents, for Christmas, birthdays, or baby showers, and we are so happy in our thoughts, thinking, "What's next?" When we are going through times of learning, as in school, or a new job, we build our knowledge on the things we learn, one on top of another, and we may say with a feeling of sweet accomplishment... "What's next?" Another example that comes to mind is enjoying a great meal and looking forward to a delicious dessert. For me, at this time, I am wondering what the Lord has planned for our new devotional theme. I pray with the completion of each series that God will lead me to scriptures and ideas that will encourage the readers and help plant the seed for those who need salvation. So, today I ask your prayers, that God will speak to my heart in His "still small voice" and guide me and show me, "What's next?"
After Elijah had his great victory on Mount Carmel, he ran for his life to escape from the wicked Queen Jezebel. He was tired and discouraged as he rested under the juniper tree in the wilderness, when the Lord spoke to him in a still small voice and said, "What doest thou here, Elijah?" Then God showed him what was next in his life, as He gave Elijah a list of things to do for the Lord. If you are searching for "what's next" in your life, look to God in heaven and listen for His still small voice.
11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:
12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?" (I Kings 19:11-13)
