MORE THAN ME
Today's reading: Psalm 78-80

"Yet though He did all this for them, they continued to test his patience. They rebelled against the Most High and refused to follow his decrees. They turned back and were as faithless as their parents had been..." Psalm 78:56-57 NLT

I'm not sure what kind of childhood you were given, but mine was filled with wonder, love, peace and innocence. I had the greatest family, the perfect place to grow up and was given an opportunity to be filled with the message of Christ from the time I was born. I realize not everyone has been blessed in the way I have.

As great as my growing up years were, I want even better for my son. No, not more things, but a greater sense of being loved, amazement and the ability to be a kid for as long as he possibly can.

Parents are like that, aren't they? We always want better for our kids than we had. This verse really puts that into perspective for me--I don't want Isaiah to have my level of faith, I want to see him excel in his Christian walk, grow strong in his commitment to the Lord and never give in to satan's tricks and tactics.

I want him to have a deeper love for Christ than I have. I want to see him reach out and grab hold of more blessings than I've chosen to partake of. I desire that he be filled to overflowing, at all times and in all ways, with volumes of peace and joy--the stuff I've allowed to slip through my fingers as I reach for the world's offerings. I want to witness my child experience miracles because of his faith in the Lord, not in himself or in his abilities, not like his mother has chosen to opt out of.

I want more for my child than what I've had--in so many ways!

BORROWED JARS
Today’s reading: 2 Kings 1-5

“What can I do to help you? Elisha asked. Tell me, what do you have in the house? Nothing at all except a flask of olive oil, she replied. And Elisha said, Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbors.” 2 Kings 4:2-3 NLT

You know what happened, don’t you? Every jar she’d borrowed God filled with oil. Every borrowed jar was sold and the money was used to release her from the bondage of debt.

What about you?

Are you ‘borrowing jars’ in preparation for God’s answers to your prayers? Are you speaking in language that tells others you believe He’s going to answer? Are you picking out that church pew for your entire family to sit on one day? Are you seeing things through the eyes of a believer, not a doubter?

Go ahead and ’borrow jars’, He’s still in the business of filling them up!

JUST WHEN YOU NEED IT

Today's reading: Leviticus 10-12

Think the Lord's not on your side? Think again!

Just when you need it, He supplies something that boosts your morale, pats you on the back and lets you know that your small steps in the right direction are noticed.

Like this morning...

I didn't really want to pick up the Bible this morning. Goodness, I thought it sounded bad in my head, but it looks even worse in type. But, that being said, I'll explain why--I didn't want to see another commandment I'm falling short of keeping, another nudging to do something for someone else when I'm exhausted or a point to ponder all day regarding an area of my life that's in serious need of a re-haul.

I believe He knew. I'm pretty sure He was still allowing me time to chew on yesterday's sermon. I'm positive there are the issues from last week, and the week before, that He's waiting for me to take care of. Matter of fact, I'm sure He knew, because just take a look at what He's shown me...

"You are to consider detestable all swarming insects that walk along the ground." Leviticus 11:20 NLT

Finally, a verse I've got down pat!

I don't like bugs. I don't have to re-train myself to detest them. I don't have to pray that God gives me a dislike for them. I don't have to ask the gals in my Sunday School to help me pray for this--I've got this commandment settled into my very being!

It's just like God to send a little encouragement my way when it's most needed. He does the same for you--have you noticed?

HUGE STRIDES

Today's reading: Phillipians 3-4

"I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be." Phillipians 3:12 NLT

Lord, what will I be like when you finish the process? Will I look different? Feel differently? Speak differently? Will I be able to do more?

Will my old friends know me? Will anyone, including myself, notice the difference? How will my life change when your work is complete?

I can see the huge strides that have been made already--and I appreciate them, but we've still got a lot of work to do, don't we?

Would You? Are You?
Today's reading: Luke 15-16

"So Jesus used this illustration, If you had one hundred sheep, and one of them strayed away and was lost in the wilderness, wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine others to go and search for the lost one until you found it?" Luke 15:3-4 NLT

Would you make it as a shepherd? Counting your flock each day? Watching the sheep every moment they're awake? Constantly being aware of lurking enemies? Trudging through briars, mud and thunderstorms to find the one who didn't return to the barn?

Well, would you? Okay, how about this: Are you?

Are you sending out notes to those that are still lost in sin's wilderness? Does God hear their names lifted up to Him, by you, each day? Ever lost sleep over the 100th little lamb?

Simply put, our flocks are lacking. We have room for many, many more. God did not create any one of us to be lost to the world's wiles and temptations.

Would you be a good shepherd? Are you being a good shepherd?

IT'S PERSONAL

Today's reading: Ezekiel 13-18

"Even if Noah, Daniel and Job were there, their righteousness would save no one but themselves, declares the Sovereign Lord." Ezekiel 14:14 NLT

How many of us are depending upon someone else's faith, commitment or relationship with the Lord to declare us godly? How often do we place the burden of the 'work' required to keep us in God's presence and within God's will onto another's shoulders?

It's not the pastor's job!

It's not the church you visit. I'll not even use the word 'attend', because some of us aren't--we drop in when it's convenient!

It's not dependent upon the parents chosen for you! Genes do not grant us salvation.

It has nothing to do with the government or its choices!

There's no correlation between where we live, the good ole USA, and receiving a 'Get Out Of Hell Free' pass!

It's personal. Your walk with the Lord, your relationship with the Creator, your righteousness--courtesy God, is what will save you!

EXISTENCE

Today's reading: Proverbs 7

"Follow my advice, my son, always treasure my commands. Obey them and live! Guard my teachings as your most precious possession." Proverbs 7:1-2 NLT

Obey and live, He instructs.

Are you doing that?

Or, are you just existing? Inhaling and exhaling? Getting up, going about a routine and going back to bed? Going through the motions like a robot wired for a specific job?

Living far exceeds what most of us are doing. Living involves growth. Living involves action. Living, really living, allows us to throw our arms around this thing called today, and give it a bear hug--knowing it's the only one we get! Living puts asides fears and inhibitions. Living enriches, doesn't drain. Living, His way of living, infects.

So? So, what are you doing--living or existing?

Maybe it boils down to looking over what it is you're guarding as your most precious possessions!

HUMAN OPPOSITION
Today's reading: Psalm 75-77

"You stand up to judge those who do evil, O God, and to rescue the oppressed of the earth. Human opposition only enhances your glory..." Psalm 76:9-10 NLT

Ever had one of those days when God's glory was manifested in every moment of your waking hours? From the sunrise you witness upon rising from bed, to the stars you stare at in awe as you click off the backporch light.

It's true, God is glorified in the strangest of ways, the most unexpected places, at the most interesting of occasions...

In the smile we're able to muster when that trying customer steps up to the counter.

In the way the prodigal just happens to be at church on a more and more regular basis.

In the way the neighbor happens to notice you're a Christian and lets you know of an upcoming surgery they're scheduled to have.

In the patience exhibited in a very hurried checkout lane.

In the doctor being amazed at the results, the outcome, the healing.

Human opposition, which is when people attempt to get in the way of God, only makes Him shine more brightly and His mercy glow with intensity.

I'm pretty sure you'll have an opportunity to witness it today!

NO NEED TO FEAR
Today's reading: 1 Kings 19-22

"Elijah was afraid and ran for his life..." 1 Kings 19:3

What was Elijah afraid of? After witnessing God display mighty power at the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal? After seeing the cloud the size of a man's hand? After walking through the puddles produced by the mighty rainstorm he had just prayed for?

Elijah was afraid of a wrinkly, bitter, hate-filled and power-hungry woman. Jezebel.

I can see her in my mind. Small, but potent. Dainty, but loud. Dressed to the nines, but lacking in inner beauty. Controlling. Crabby. High maintenance.

You laugh as you think about Elijah, this prophet of God, being afraid of her--but aren't you doing the same thing?

Satan has whispered threats in your ear, now you're running for your life.

The doctor has given you a diagnosis you don't want, now you head for the hills.

The life you planned is not the life you're living. You're scared. You're defeated. You are afraid.

You're afraid of the pink slip just handed you. The bank statement that's lacking. The task that looms. The fear that keeps growing in your mind.

Just what are you afraid of? Scared God's not big enough--allow me to settle those fears! Thinking God's forgotten all about you, or even worse, knows all about you and has written you off as undeserving--not my God! Determined that you can't make it--He's not given up on you!

God has done, is in the process of doing and will continue to do some huge things in your life. Don't run. Don't tremble in fear. Don't cower or give up. You have no need to fear!

I COULD HAVE BEEN A PRIEST
Today's reading: Leviticus 7-9

I could have been a priest.

Except for the fact that I'm not Jewish.

And, I'm not male.

And, I don't like dressing in layers.

And, I don't do well doing anything ritualistically.

And, I doubt I could cut up an oxen, sheep or goat--I buy boneless, skinless chicken breast.

I think I could have been a priest because of this one verse...

"But anything left over until the third day must be completely burned up." Leviticus 7:17

Burnt offerings, I could handle! My oven has produced many a smoking, smoldering, charred product. And left-overs? Anything not used in two days at our house is pitched! If the cooking's not good the first time around, it's futile to think it will improve by sitting in the fridge!

You do know the reason for God stating left-overs must be done away with, don't you? It's two-fold, really. First, He was wanting to insure that His people have a relationship with Him that was fresh. Day-to-day. Wonderfully new. He wants the same for us! Don't try to hobble through your week based upon what the preacher said in the pulpit, get into the Word each day for fresh meat!

Secondly? Our God is one of the present and the future, not the past! Every time you come before Him with an offering of worship, it's like the first time! He chooses not to remember past prayers, promises or please--He hangs on our every word. He desires to be involved with your day, your present needs and your dreams for the future! Left-overs are things of the past, He is not.

I've settled in the knowledge that I'll never be elected as priest, but I am refreshed in knowing I still have part in coming before God with my offerings, sacrifices and pledges of faith--fresh and new ones, at that.

PART OF YOUR TESTIMONY
Today's reading: Phillipians 1-2

"And I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including all the soldiers in the palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ." Phillipians 1:13-14

Oh, I know you could give me an earful about your life. The ups, the downs, the good, the bad, the most precious--and the ugly. We could spend an afternoon chatting about what's happened to you up to this point. I could hold back chuckles, I could attempt to keep my jaw from hitting the floor, I might be able to stop the tears from flowing (very doubtful). I could sit beside you as you reminisce, as you fume, as you struggle with spilling your guts.

I could sit while you detail happenings that have made you into who you are today. I might struggle to understand how you'd made it this far. I might possibly pat you on the arm and console you over misdeeds done to you as a child. I could shake my head over your particularly sad childhood, dysfunctional family or horrible tragedy. I could pass tissue after tissue as you bare your soul.

And in the end? In the end, I'm going to ask...

How has God used your life as a spotlight on His grace? You see, it's not about what's happened to you, how you overcame or who you are on this side of the tragedies, traumas or testings--it's all, ALL, about Him!

STANDING TALL
Today's reading: Luke 13-14

"One Sabbath day as Jesus was teaching in a synagogue, he saw a woman who had been crippled by an evil spirit. She had been bent double for eighteen years and was unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over to him and said, Woman, you are healed of your sickness! Then he touched her, and instantly she could stand straight. How she praised and thanked God!" Luke 13:10-13 NLT

As I re-read the story of this gal, a story I've read a thousand times, heard preached about a couple of hundred times and have written on a few times, I'm feeling God press a new question into my heart. A little something to ponder...

Am I standing straight and tall?

Am I holding my head up high in regards to what He's done in my life? Oh no, you're right, I don't deserve an ounce of the mercy He's shown, but am I walking tall in the privilege of being chosen to have received it?

Am I standing up strongly, or do I still allow the weight of burdens and past choices to double me over? He's taken all I've given Him. He's provided enough grace to more than cover any and all of my sins, am I allowing Him to carry the weight?

Does my posture, my face, my countenance, my life honor Him? Does how I carry myself, on mountaintops and in valleys, reveal to others how much He's done in my life?

Am I standing straight and tall? Are you?

EVERYONE
Today's reading: Ezekiel 7-12

"...For what God has said applies to everyone--it will not be changed!..." Ezekiel 7:13

Are you honestly expecting to receive a 'break' because of who you are, the circumstances life has showered upon you or due to the degree of disfunctionality in your family tree?

Are you thinking for even a brief moment that His charge to 'go tell' doesn't apply to you?

Are you doubting the 'One Way' finality of His plan of salvation?

Are you hoping He will fudge a little when your turn comes before His throne? That He will let some things slide? That He'll 'understand' your weaknesses and ignore your choices?

He is our way to heaven. His Word is our guide. He will not ignore sin. Regardless of who you think you are, those things will not change!

PLANS
Today's reading: Proverbs 5-6

"For these commands and this teaching are a lamp to light the way ahead of you..." Proverbs 6:23 NLT

Needing to know what to do today--read His Word!

Want guidance for a huge decision looming in front of you--pick up your Bible!

Wondering what your future holds--linger in the Scripture!

Desiring a brighter path to walk on--become illuminated through time in the Book!

Anything you need to know. It's found in the pages of His Word!

THE MOUNTAINS
Today's reading: Psalm 72-74

"Bless his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen!" Psalm 72:19

We're going up into the mountains today. Vacationing in the Smokies has provided us with days of things to see and do, but today, today we're heading up to the top.

I'm expecting to see God there!

It may be in the clouds hanging onto the mountains. It may be in the blooming rhododendrons. It may be in the sight of a black bear with its cubs. It may be in the sun streaming through the clouded sky.

Where ever it may be, I believe He'll be there.

He'll be where you are today, too. At work. At home. At the grocery. In the face of your child. In the face of your boss. In the face of the elderly and stooped woman ahead of you in the check out.

I'm looking for God today--are you?

EXCEPT
Today’s reading: 1 Kings 14-18
“For David had done what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight and had obeyed the Lord’s commands throughout his life, except in the affair concerning Uriah the Hittite.” 1 Kings 15:5
Of all the Bible ‘greats’, I think we’ll agree David will be in the top, oh at least, ten. He sang, he served and he sought after the Lord.
I’m reassured of the fact that what David attained, I can reach for because God chose in His infinite wisdom, to also include the fact that David sinned.
You see, like David, I have issues in my Christian walk that leave my record much less than stellar. I have an unending list of areas where I’ve slipped, fallen and failed.
That’s why Jesus came--to cover my exceptions!

HOW’S IT MAKE YOU FEEL?
Today’s reading: Leviticus 4-6
“When any of the people become aware of their guilt in any of these ways, they must confess their sin…” Leviticus 5:5-6
How’s it make you feel to be convicted of a sin in your life? To find out something you’ve been doing, or something you’ve been failing to do, comes to be a matter of distance between you and the Lord?
Sickened? Disgusted? Embarrassed? Maybe indifferent? Uncaring?
What do you do with the information? Do you kneel in confession? Do you ask for strength to change? Do you own up to the sins darkening your heart?
How we feel about sin in our lives is very important. What we do with those sins is even more important.

MISSION POSSIBLE
Today’s reading: Ephesians 4-6

“Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:10

I’ll be up front here, I never knew it was my job to find out what made the Lord happy. I guess I’ve always thought He would lead me to it, urge to begin it and enable me to accomplish it. I expected He would assign people to litter my path--pastors, deacons, godly mentors, to point me in the right direction. I'm pretty sure our 'guidebook', has all the instructions.

But for me to look for it? For me to search out the assignment? For me to know, without a doubt, my charge? For me to seek a task, or two or three, that will tickle my Father pink?

He trusts me that much? He believes in me that fully? He knows I can do it?

Oh, yes…same’s true for you!

LILIES

Today's reading: Mark 11-12

"Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith!" Mark 12:27-28

The lilies are blooming here on our little farmette. The blazing orange of the day lilies are a stark contrast against the white barn. The Asiatic lilies, with their 'freckles' carefully placed, are surrounding the well--deep red, creamy white, salmon and sherbet-y orange. Their robes of color are spectacular. Each petal carefully painted the perfect shade. Each stamen and pistil capped with the yellowest of pollen. The stems are sturdy and of vibrant green.

And what did I do to have such amazing plants? It was a rather complicated matter of digging a shallow hole and throwing the bulbous roots in the ground. Oh yes, then I gave them a drink. After that? Well, to tell you the truth, after that they were on their own.

I couldn't have grown a flower as lovely. No research, attention, cultivation, fertilizer, pruning or talking to the plants brought about this show of color. It's from the Lord--and how much more so I realize that this morning.

And to think, He loves me even more? I cannot grasp the immensity of His favor on me, after seeing such detail in the lilies. He has brought them to life, colored them with shades of joy and displayed them to the world as His masterpiece...and still, He loves me more!

Amazing, wouldn't you agree?

GO AND TELL

Today's reading: Ezekiel 1-6


"I am not sending you to some foreign people whose language you cannot understand. No, I am not sending you to people with strange and difficult speech. If I did, they would listen! I am sending you to the people of Israel, but they won't listen to you any more than they listen to me! For the whole lot of them are hard-hearted and stubborn. But look, I have made you as hard and stubborn as they are. I have made you as hard as a rock! So don't be afraid of them or fear their angry looks, even though they are such rebels." Ezekiel 3:5-9

Who immediately came to you mind when you read about the hard-hearted and stubborn people God was sending Ezekiel out to witness to? Did a co-worker's face pop into your head? Did that dreaded customer show up on the screen of your heart? Was it a neighbor? A family member?

Someone who has a way of intimidating, consistently criticizing, embarrassing or un-nerving you? Someone whose very presence wipes all Christian thoughts and feelings from your heart? Someone who you believe Billy Graham himself couldn't affect for the Lord?

Will you come in contact with them today? No, I'm not attempting to ruin your day with the thought of them, I'm wanting to encourage you with God's Word.

God has made you stronger and more stubborn than the other guy! Now some of you are not surprised in the least to find that the stubborn streak you've noticed in yourself has been noticed by the Lord. Thrilled to find out He could use that characteristic, but not surprised that it's been noticed.

But some of you aren't really sure--of mice and men, you tend to be the 'squeakier' of the species. Your temperment is shall we say--demure, shy, quiet, laid back, unimposing? You don't rock the boat, you aren't noticed among the crowd, rarely if ever will you be seen up front--and certainly not heard. News flash: You are not exempt from proclaiming His truths to the world!

He has written in His Word encouragement for His children. He is wanting you to know that 'what' He has called us to do (testify to his greatness and His saving power), He has enabled us to do--even among the most hard-hearted and stubborn people we know.

He knows the opposition you'll face on a daily basis, some from outside and some from within, but He has equipped you for the task! So, go and tell!!

LIFE'S RACE

Today's reading: Proverbs 4

I'm not a runner. Thing is, if you ever see me running, you can assume I have seen a snake and am high-tailing it out of the vicinity.

I will tell you that I thought about taking up running for exercise--for about 5 seconds. I'd love the health that comes with a regimen of training for 5K runs and marathons. I'd truly enjoy having the legs that runners have. I'd even like to add, runner, to the list of hats I wear...but not enough to train or discipline myself for the task. I'm sure I'd like to experience the thrill of victory as I cross the finish line. But, as I said, I'm not a runner.

I won't start running because of several fears I have as well. I'm afraid I won't finish another thing I start. I'm afraid I won't make it to the end of the race. I'm afraid I'll fall and get hurt. I'm afraid I'll pass from this life to the next because I'm in such poor physical condition. So I don't run and I don't sign up for the races.

Life's race on the other hand? Yep, I'm signed up. Got my 't-shirt'. Have been given a number. Am currently on the track. Am running with the best of them!

Somedays it's a simple power walk. Other times I struggle to stay ahead of my enemy and in God's shadow. I retire some evenings with blisters, hurting knees and scrapes where I've fallen. Sweat. Weariness. A promise.

A promise? You bet...

"If you live a life guided by wisdom, you won't limp or stumble as you run." Proverbs 4:12

PLEASE, OH PLEASE
Today's reading: Psalm 69-71

"O God, don't stay away..." Psalm 71:12 NLT

You've prayed it, too? You've been overwhelmed, exhausted, inundated, surrounded, alone and hurting, and he same words have flowed from your mouth--am I right?

It's an assurance to me that God is never far, even when I cannot see His hands at work or feel the Holy Spirit soothing my heart. But there are the days when I've cried out, and gotten no response. There are the valleys I've walked through, and felt no one's hand upon my shoulder. There are the storms during which I've battled my umbrella, fallen in puddles and cringed at the booming thunder, and not heard His voice speak peace to the winds.

And I've spoken the same words. I've yelled them. I've pleaded. I've sobbed. I've petitioned the God of the universe that He please, oh please, not stay away!

A REAL-LIFE SOAP OPERA
Today's reading: 1 Kings 10-13

A change in schedule allowed me to be home earlier than usual last week, just in time to catch a few minutes of a soap opera I watched years and years ago.

In the fifteen-plus years since I'd watched it, nothing had changed. The main characters remained the same, the plot was unchanged and the get-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat ending was just a segue into tomorrow's episode. Little value was placed on marriage, the importance and far-reaching price of fidelity and faithfulness.

I'm so glad I don't watch them anymore. I don't need any additional help in wandering from my faith or having seeds of evil planted in this little brain. You see, I live my own real-life soap opera. It's true. On a daily basis, I allow my vows to God to be bent and forgotten. I have to spend time each day repenting of things that have drawn me away from my first love.

Sorry thing is, I'm in good company.

"He had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines. And sure enough, they led his heart away from the Lord." 1 Kings 11:3

Solomon was distracted. Not by his wealth or his wisdom, but by the ladies. He allowed the gals to draw his heart away from God--and the kingdom suffered because of it.

It happens to me, too. When my schedule becomes my lover? When my abilities surpass my expectations and I believe to trust in what I can do? When things I've turned over to God seem to be going no where and I think I can 'move' them along? When what I want is not in His plan for me? When my old nature rears its ugly head and my new nature is distracted?

I'm glad I caught a glimpse of the soaps, reminded me of just how glad I am not to have that distraction in my day. Now to work on the other thousand or so things that get in the way of my relationship with God!

CATTLE DRIVE
Today's reading: Leviticus 1-3

You may or may not be aware that my husband, son and I live on a small farm-ette. Our recent move from town to the country has stirred up inside my better half a desire to accumulate, feed, rear or raise anything in the farm animal genre. We have dogs, cats (and kittens if anyone needs one) rabbits, chickens, guineas and have had a turn at goat-herding. Barns have been built, feeders purchased and morning schedules drastically altered. We're even having to procure a 'sitter' to watch the animals while we're gone on vacation.

I have to tell you although they, my husband and son, do all the care and upkeep of the livestock, I still complain, bitterly at times, about the price of feeding our little zoo.

After today's Bible reading though, I'll complain no more!

"If your sacrifice for a whole burnt offering is from the herd bring a bull with no physical defects to the entrance of the Tabernacle so it will be accepted by the Lord. Lay your hand on its head so the Lord will accept it as your substitute, thus making atonement for you." Leviticus 1:3-4

Do you have any idea the size of 'herd' we'd have to raise to cover my sins? Know just how many head of cattle it would require? Quickly calculating a 'normal' day in the life of Malinda, well, let's suffice it to say it would require a cattle drive each Sunday!

And animals with no physical defects? Well, knowing our animal husbandry skills, let's just say we better plan to raise twice what we think we might need.

No, no more complaining from this hayseed. I can sit back and watch the animals in our small menagerie with a peace of mind, knowing Christ paid the price for my sins! These three farmers can rest assured because the one Sacrifice God provided covered us all.

But I will state this clearly, the idea tossed out at last night's dinner table regarding the purchase of a pot-belly pig, still gets a 'no' vote from me!

YOUR BIG THING
Today's reading: Ephesians 1-3

What big thing are you going to have to do today? Will you be controlling your tongue as you deal with another? Are you attempting to walk the healthy path? Preparing a tough Sunday School lesson? Scheduled to work with the kids at church? Going to the in-laws for lunch? Having to work and therefore missing out on worship service all together? Sitting smack dab in the middle of a dispute of neighbors?

What big thing is planned for you?

Before you take your first step towards beginning your big thing, praise God.

Yes, I said praise God. Go ahead, before you get your hands dirty, a sweat worked up or caught up in the middle of it, praise Him for the outcome. Anticipate His help and glorify Him for it. Acknowledge His part in the plans and purpose of your life, in each and every part of it, and tell Him just how wonderful you think He is!

"Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more that we would ever dare to ask or hope." Ephesians 3:20

Oh sure, you can wait to do it...but why? What ever your big thing is, however you handle it, despite the outcome--He's still God, He is unchanging, He is still worthy of our praise!

LIVING
Today's reading: Luke 9-10

"One day an expert of religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life? Jesus replied, What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it? The man answered, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength and all your mind. And love your neighbor as yourself. Right! Jesus told him, Do this and you will live." Luke 10:25-28

Loving God with all that's in you? Hard to do? Close to impossible? Keeping your heart, your soul, your strength and mind on Him at all times--does it sound like a tall order?

It's not.

Trouble comes when we try to do it like someone else is doing it. We fret over how we're living for Christ when we place our walks up against another's--and that's not what He's called us to do.

You'll never worship Him like someone else does. You're not made to. Your Christian walk will not look like anyone else's. It can't. The purpose-filled life He has in store for you, is just that--for you.

I honestly think it's time we all began loving Him with all that's in us. And then? Well, then we'll really start living!

LIVING
Today's reading: Luke 9-10

"One day an expert of religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life? Jesus replied, What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it? The man answered, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength and all your mind. And love your neighbor as yourself. Right! Jesus told him, Do this and you will live." Luke 10:25-28

Loving God with all that's in you? Hard to do? Close to impossible? Keeping your heart, your soul, your strength and mind on Him at all times--does it sound like a tall order?

It's not.

Trouble comes when we try to do it like someone else is doing it. We fret over how we're living for Christ when we place our walks up against another's--and that's not what He's called us to do.

You'll never worship Him like someone else does. You're not made to. Your Christian walk will not look like anyone else's. It can't. The purpose-filled life He has in store for you, is just that--for you.

I honestly think it's time we all began loving Him with all that's in us. And then? Well, then we'll really start living!

FOREVER
Today's reading: Lamentations

"For the Lord does not abandon anyone forever." Lamentations 3:31

How do those words make you feel?

Are you encouraged to know that this tough time you're going through, this time when God seems so very far away, will not last forever? Is your spirit lifted, your peace bolstered, are you given new strength? Does it give you a renewed determination to see the rainbow at the end of your storm?

Are you filled with peace to know that your prodigal has not been written off by the Savior? However far they choose to wander, despite the number of pig pens they choose to frequent, regardless of their current disregard for how they were raised--He will confront them and they will know again how very much God loves them. Will that knowledge stir you to continue praying?

Are you convicted to know that although He's allowing you to wander away from His commands and purposes for your life, one day He will bring you back around to His plans, His ways, His path? You don't really think He's allowing you to live in sin, wallow in ungodliness and live unrighteously without consequences--do you?

How do God's Words make you feel when you are faced with the truth of them?

TREASURES FROM HIM
Today's reading: Proverbs 2-3

"My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions." Proverbs 2:1

On a daily basis I speak to people who ask my to pray for them to know what God wants them to do. They tell me they want God's direction, His guidance and His answer regarding some big things, and some not so big things, in their lives.

Thing is? Well, the thing is, most of what we're asking God for instruction on, He's already provided answers for. Deep down in a Christian's heart lies a guiding force. Within in the pages of His Word, which is where He instructs us to be, are His directions.

But, what do we do with what He's telling us? Do we treasure His leadings? Do we hold ever so dear His nudges? Do we honor what He speaks to our heart with immediate and grateful actions?

Is what God tells us treasured at all? Or do we know the value of it?

I have things around the house I treasure: my old china with the yellow roses on it, a few rings, favorite books and photos. These things I have special places for. I put on display or I put back to keep them from being worn, bumped or used. I pull them out on special occasions. I drag them out to reminisce. I have them wrapped so gingerly that it takes effort on my part to exhume them from their vaults.

I also have things lying around, tucked into corners and hidden in cabinets that I place little value in: the old t-shirt I mow in, my kitchen broom, the dish towel I use only for sopping up spilled coffee. The mowing clothes lay in a semi-wrinkled mass in the bottom dresser drawer. The kitchen broom stands sentinel in the corner by the trashcan. The dish towel? The dish towel usually lays underneath the sink, unless it's dripping with coffee, when which it'll be found in the hamper on the back porch.

So, what do I do with His instruction? When I feel the nudge to do something I believe He's leading me to do--am I excited? Do I immediately act upon it with enthusiasm and zeal? Does thrill, that the Savior has spoken to my heart, fill my being?

Or do I shrug it off? Do I ignore it? Do I postpone what my heart's telling me to do until a more convenient time? Do I treasure instruction from the Lord at all?

SO VERY PROUD
Today's reading: Psalm 66-68

"May God be merciful and bless us. May his face shine with favor upon us." Psalm 67:1

My son has made some pretty amazing decisions lately. He's chosen well and the fact that he's done so has made me beam with pride about being his Mom. As I watched him make these wise choices, I was tickled, honored and delighted at what he'd done!

Then? Well, then it made me wonder how proud I'd been making my Heavenly Father lately. I thought back over some of my most recent choices, pending decisions and forks in the road of life and surveyed whether I'd found His favor in what I'd done.

Did He beam?

Did His chest puff out with pride?

Was He proud of my reactions?

Did it make Him thrilled to be my Dad?

Having a nine year-old insures I'll have days when the pride of his choices won't always make me giddy with delight. We'll have days when I'd sooner hide in the corner than wear a shirt boasting the words, 'I'm his Mom!'. My little guy is far from perfect, he gets it from his mother. Same's true with my Father...

But at the end of the day, week, month, year or life--will He have had more chances to be proud of me than opportunities of shame?

GREAT BIG POOL
Today's reading: 1 Kings 5-9

"Then Huram cast a large round tank, 15 feet across from rim to rim, it was called the Sea. It was 7-1/2 feet deep and about 45 feet in circumference." 1 Kings 7:23

A great big pool.

Appropriate, don't you think? Yesterday was the day set aside for memorializing those who have passed and the big day for pool owners across our nation. Floaties and rafts were inflated. Lawn chairs were pulled out of the garages and set beside decks. Swimsuits were found in the bottom of dresser drawers and beach towels are now strung across railings to dry in the summer sun.

You do know the meaning of the Sea, don't you? It was the basin of water used by the priests to cleanse themselves in before ministering in the Temple. The Sea is where they carried out ritualistic cleansing ceremonies to make themselves pure enough to enter the holier parts.

But, this huge pool, wasn't near big enough! To tell you the truth, as I think of my sins alone, an ocean wouldn't have done it, either. Something bigger, something purer, something with the capability to wash away sins was needed--so God sent Christ!

Through Him our sins can be forgiven. By His blood the darkest of hearts can be washed white as snow. Because of His sacrifice, washing our hands in a certain manner is not necessary to serve Him.

As you celebrate by the pool this summer, think of what He's done!