FRATERNIZING WITH THE ENEMY
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 7-9

"When the Lord your God hands these nations over to you and you conquer them, you must completely destroy them. Make no treaties with them and show them no mercy." Deuteronomy 7:2 NLT

Victory is coming, the Lord says.

If there's ever been a morning I needed reminded of that, this is the morning!

I can push away any doubt I might have in regards to God holding up His end of the bargain.

I can hope.

I can anticipate.

I can believe.

And when the victory comes?

There will be no more fraternizing with the enemy. No meddling in his midst. No taking the lure of his temptations. No walking the fence. No attempting to manage light and dark, good and bad, right and wrong. No deliberations as to whether or not I want to go back to the prison he has held me in. No debating with myself over gray areas. No attempting to put my enemy on a leash and make it a pet.

I've got to wash my hands of my enemy.

And with victory coming, it might as well start today!

JEALOUSLY
Today's reading: James 4-5

"What do you think the Scriptures mean when they say that the Holy Spirit, whom God has placed within us, jealously longs for us to be faithful?" James 4:5 NLT

It's early, but I can already see in my day where the Holy Spirit might be jealous for me...

Am I spending more time readying my appearance for the world than I am in His Word?

Am I more concerned with my plans than His?

Am I comforted more by the figures in my checkbook than the One who dwells within me?

Am I more excited about a day of rest than I am about the opportunity to gather and worship His great name?

Am I taking more time attempting to impress others than evangelize them?

Are my prayers more self-centered than outreaching?

Oh, already I can see where I have caused the Holy Spirit to doubt my faithfulness to Him. Many areas needing re-arranged!

CHANGE IN PLANS
Today's reading: Acts 9-10

"As he was nearing Damascus on this mission, a brilliant light from heaven suddenly beamed down upon him!" Acts 9:3 NLT

Any of you who know me know I have a plan for the day ahead.

For the week ahead.

Oh, I'll admit it, for the month ahead!

I keep it all in my planner, written in ink, secured at my side a majority of my waking hours. I'm constantly referring to it and if you ever ask me to do something for you and you do not see me write it down in that glorious little book, question me as to whether or not I'm really going to do it!

Saul had plans one day, too.

He was on a mission.

He had people to see and things to do.

But God changed his plans and his future with one quick blast of light.

Might be the same for us today, too.

One small change in our plans may correct our course, re-prioritize our lives or change what's written in our 'life books' completely.

Are you ready to see what God will do with your day?

RAISE UP AN ANTHEM
Today's reading: Habakkuk

"This prayer was sung by the prophet Habakkuk: I have heard all about you, Lord, and am filled with awe by the amazing things you have done. In this time of our deep need, begin again to help us, as you did in years gone by. Show us your power to save us. And in your anger, remember your mercy." Habakkuk 3:1-2 NLT

If I were a poll-taker, a statistic-collector, a procurer of specifics, I believe I could amass enough information to make this statement: Our country is weary. Worn out. Tired. Beaten. Disgusted. Saddened. Feeling on the verge of hopeless.

So it's time we raise up an anthem.

One like Habakkuk sang.

And whether it is set to the tune of 'Amazing Grace' or 'The Star Spangled Banner' or even 'Dixie', we need it. No matter the beat. No matter if it is accompanied by an orchestra, a guitar or it's sung a capella, we need it badly.

We need help for our nation.

We need the direction for our leaders.

We need to see the power of God's mighty hand again--and again.

We need the mercy it talks about--oh, do we need mercy!

We need to rise up in praise for God, our only hope!

THEN...
Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 1-2

"...Then I realized that this pleasure is from the hand of God." Ecclesiastes 2:24 NLT

We question God when bad things happen.

We shake our fists at our Creator when tough times arrive.

We waver in faith when our plans lay crumbled at our feet.

We doubt His love for us when dreams burst like bubbles right before our eyes.

We struggle beneath what's uncomfortable or un-timed or unknown.

But how often do we stop and think about all the pleasures, good things, in life we have been blessed with?

There are big blessings like family, home and salvation. There are everyday gifts like health, comfort and provision. There are the often overlooked treasures like taking a breath, seeing a bird in flight or tasting chocolate.

I want to realize more fully, and more acutely, the pleasures that come from the hand of God.

PEACE BE WITH YOU
Today's reading: Psalm 122-124

"For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, 'Peace be with you.(shalom)' For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem." Psalm 122:8 NLT

Shalom, or peace be with you, is a very common Jewish blessing.

What it means exactly is a little deep, but here it is...

Shalom means completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord. Shalom comes from the root verb meaning to be complete, perfect and full.

I love how the psalmist, in his ascent into Jerusalem to worship, states right up front that he prays peace over his fellow travelers and Jerusalem itself--for their sake, not for his own.

For the sake of family and friends, are we praying peace into their lives? However it may end up affecting us? However far it may take our dearest ones from us in order to do His will? However different it may look than the plan we have in our heads and hearts? However patient I may need to be as God's work is done in the lives of a loved one struggling against conviction?

For the sake of our house of worship, are we praying peace over its services? The servants? The outreaches? The building itself? The hearts of the volunteers? The attitudes of the workers? The reputation it has in the community? The time and effort I may need to put into doing what He's asked me to do? The putting aside of my opinions for the Lord's will to be done?

For their sake, not for my own--that's a tough prayer that I shouldn't be dishing out lightly, flippantly or without sincerity.

FELLOWSHIP WITH BELIEVERS
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 25-28

"He did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight, just as his father, Uzziah, had done. But unlike him, Jotham did not enter the Temple of the Lord. Nevertheless, the people continued in their corrupt ways." 2 Chronicles 27:2 NLT

For me, attending church, worshiping with other believers, gathering in the Lord's house, is not an option. It's a necessity.

I get fed. I get fueled. I get encouraged. I get strengthened. I get loved. I get instructed. I get uplifted. I find unity. I get comfort.

Before you begin to think I live in a make-believe world where the sun always shines and the trolley always comes by, I also get hurt. I get rubbed raw. Burned. Snubbed. Overlooked. Wronged. Things don't always go according to my convictions. My opinion is not always asked for, or taken into consideration.

It can't not happen in a body of imperfect folks.

It can't not happen in a group of folks who are already in need, desiring help, seeking healing, growing in grace.

Hurt lambs, hurt lambs, I've heard said.

Maybe you don't attend church. It might be you've not found the right one. It might be you thought you'd found the right one and then 'that' happened. It might be you've been bruised by a family of believers, or cut deeply and the wound still aches. It might be that you cannot tolerate another gathering of hypocrites, I've heard that said before. It might be you've decided you can worship alone--without the drama, without the heartache, without the issues of others.

I hear what you're saying.

But you need the body of believers.

And they need you.

It's Jesus' example. It's God's desire.

YOUR BATTLES
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 4-5

"Because he loved your ancestors, he chose to bless their descendants and personally brought you out of Egypt with a great display of power. He drove out nations far greater than you, so he could bring you in and give you their land as a special possession, as it is today." Deuteronomy 4:37-38 NLT

I don't know what battles you are facing today.

Some of you may face physical struggles that require muscle and strength. Diseases that are wreaking havoc on your bodies. Illnesses brought on by poor choices or by 'bad luck'. Sicknesses that result from the cure the doctor has prescribed.

Maybe it will be emotional battles that will draw on all your might to even get out of bed. Your demons are internal. Your battles never surface for others to see. Your battlefield is your mind.

For some of you, it might be spiritual tussles with what God desires you to do against what you believe is possible. Maybe it's that your heart desires to obey but your mind doesn't see how any of it is at all possible.

There will be battles today, none the less.

Whatever it is you are fighting against, know God is able.

Know He has already defeated bigger enemies than you are facing.

Know His record stands undefeated.

Know you are His, and He fights to the death, for His own!

TEMPTATION
Today's reading: James 1-2

"Temptation comes from the lure of our own evil desires." James 1:14 NLT

I'm mad this morning. Fit-to-be-tied mad. As mad as a wet hen, mad. Would punch the wall if that were the right thing to do--and if it wouldn't hurt my own hand, kind of mad.

I went to bed in this angry state.

I woke up this way.

You see, I've fallen into temptation. I've snatched up the bait. I've walked right into a trap. I caved where I should have/could have stood strong.

And while all this past 24 hours I have been blaming satan, this morning's verse simply tells me it's not about him--it's all about me.

The desire to do what I did has always been in me.

The want-to has been hidden in my heart.

The ability to turn my back on what I knew to be wrong is natural for me.

The lure worked on me--again.

And I caved.

And now I'm spending time at Jesus' feet asking forgiveness and asking Him to turn me from the desire to do it again. Because I don't want to. I don't like the feeling it leaves me with. I don't want the guilt that rides along with the instant pleasure I thought I had.

I don't know who you're blaming this morning for your Christian walk not going smoothly, but look in the mirror--it's where the root of our problems lie.

REGRET
Today's reading: Acts 7-8

"Saul was one of the officials witnesses at the killing of Stephen." Acts 8:1 NLT

I can imagine Saul was never able to get the sight of Stephen's death out of his mind.

Oh, maybe not before he met God on the road to Damascus, but most certainly after.

When he awoke, was it the first thought he had?

As he lay down at night, was it the last thought on his mind?

I think we all have those things we have been forgiven of, but can never escape--or forget.

Regrets.

If only we had...

If only we hadn't...

If only we would have known better at the time...

If only we had thought about the eternal consequence of our actions...

If only Christ had been in us, more than the world...

Okay, so we all have those 'things'. If they have been forgiven by Christ, we can move on. We can let the haunts of past regrets spur us on to better things--or they can keep us tied down.

What did Saul/Paul do?

What should we do?

DON'T PUSH IT
Today's reading: Nahum

"The Lord is slow to get angry,.." Nahum 1:3 NLT

It would be simple if we could believe just the first part of this verse...

That God has a long fuse.

That He is okay with us flittering around sin.

That He is abundantly patient.

That He is ever so kind.

But the next part of the verse, reminds us of why He is God.

"...his power is great, and he never lets the guilty go unpunished. He displays his power in the whirlwind and the storm." Nahum 1:3 NLT

He cannot allow our disobedience to go on.

He cannot turn His back and attempt to ignore our sins.

He has to dole out justice--which means for the victim and for the criminal.

NOT LIKE HER,  BUT LIKE ME
Today's reading: Proverbs 31

"Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is worth more than precious rubies." Proverbs 31:10 NLT

I'll admit, the Proverbs 31 gal rubbed me the wrong way.

She was just too 'altogether' for someone like me.

She was everything to everyone. She had mastered skills in many areas. She lived a life worthy of notation in the Bible, for goodness sake.

She, even these 2000 years later, is a hard act for us church ladies to follow.

Then I realized, I don't have to be her. Like her in some areas, sure, but not her to a T.

I should be virtuous(godly) and I should use every gift given to me by God--and when I am and when I do, I am priceless to my Creator and to those He has allowed me to bless!

I get to be me. The me God purposed me to be. The me that will touch the lives of folks He will place in my path. The me that cannot do all the P31 woman does, but the one who has a few skills in areas she never even knew existed in her day and time.

That's not something to be frustrated by, mad about or discouraged by--really, it's exciting!

THE LORD HIMSELF
Today's reading: Psalm 120-121

"The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day, nor the moon by night." Psalm 121:5-6 NLT

We see a PA when the doctor is covered up with other patients.

We speak to the secretary when the president of the company is busy with business duties.

We talk to our representative because our commander in chief is tied up campaigning for another to take his job.

There are a lot of times when we have to settle for a substitute.

Not with God.

There is never a time it's not Him watching over us!

It's never just His angels.

It's never just His church.

It's never just His people.

He watches over us Himself!

And Him with so many other things to do, so many other folks to see about, so many planets to keep spinning at one time--and still He Himself watches over us!

LEGACIES
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 21-24

"...Ahaziah was given a decent burial because the people said, He was the grandson of Jehoshaphat--a man who sought the Lord with all his heart..." 2 Chronicles 22:9 NLT

The people of the time knew all about Ahaziah and his ungodly deeds. They knew how he followed the example of wicked kings, turning away from God. They had suffered the consequences of a nation who had pushed aside the Lord for foreign idols and easier rules. Few of them really even mourned his passing.

They also knew Ahaziah's grand-daddy, Jehoshaphat. They knew him as a great man of God. A mighty leader. One who had lived a life for God and enjoyed the blessings of such a life.

So they gave Ahaziah a burial that honored his grandpa.

I get that.

You see, all over our little town, I'm known as either Ernie's granddaughter or Harry Jr.'s granddaughter.

My grandpas were huge men--not in size, but in the enormity of their hearts, their stands for God, their work ethics and their love of family. The touched the lives of people in grand ways. They are admired and remembered even these many years after they've both passed on.

So I have earned respect by association.

It's a neat honor.

It's a priceless legacy.

It's a proud heritage.

It's something I could easily take for granted and allow my ego to inflate with its airs.

It's a prize I hold near and dear to my heart.

That being said, when I stand before God, I won't be known by my grandfathers. I won't be known by my pastors. I won't be known by my titles, roles or jobs. I won't be known by my association with any church or denomination. I won't be known as a deacon's child. I won't be known for my Christian service record. I won't be known even for the stand I took, or didn't.

I will only, ONLY, be known as a child of the Most High God--or not. My entrance into God's arms will solely be determined by whether or not my name has been written in the Lamb's Book of Life. My admittance onto the golden street of heaven will only come if I have accepted God's precious gift of salvation.

And it's the same for you. No matter who you call Grandpa.

FINAL WORDS
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 1-3

"But even after all he did, you refused to trust the Lord your God." Deuteronomy 1:32 NLT

This month marks my 16th year of reading my Bible every day.

Before you sign off on my, do not think for a moment that statement was made to bring glory or honor to myself--because it is not! Only, ONLY God could have allowed this privilege to me. Only my Savior could have provided this additional blessing to His saving grace. Only my Sustainer could have given me the determination and the drive and the appetite for His Word in such a insatiable way.

I do believe what amazes me most about this precious early morning gift is that it is new every day! Nothing is 'old hat'. Nothing bores me. Nothing, not a single morning, has failed to stir something in me.

Like this morning. I've uncovered what possibly many of you already knew, but it struck at my heart in a way that intensifies my desire to live out life in a godly way...

The book of Deuteronomy is Moses' personal diary of sorts.

It recounts their travels.

It gives detail about many of their victories--and their losses.

It states the truths of the journey.

It, my commentaries tell me, was probably 'penned' in the 11th month of the 40th year of their journey through the wilderness. The 12th month of that journey was spent in mourning Moses. When the prescribed time of sorrow was over, the children of Israel cross the Jordan and entered the Promised Land.

Moses quite possibly knew his time was about to end. He did know he would not be entering Canaan with the two million.

So he wanted to leave them with a reminder. Words to live by. Encouragement. A challenge to achieve.

He knew what the children had seen. He tasted the same miracles they had tasted. He walked every step of every mile they walked. He knew their fickleness. He knew, I believe, a tiny bit of the only-from-God plan in store for them. He knew they would need reminded of how far they'd come and by Whose hand they had been led.

He knew they would need to trust Him even more in the Promised Land than any moment spent in the wilderness.

He knew their track record.

He knew the love and mercy of God.

He knew they needed the reminder that on their own, they would wander off course and for a much longer time than necessary.

What more could we ever hope to leave our loved ones?



 

NEVER
Today's reading: Hebrews 11-13

"...For God has said, I will never fail you. I will never forsake you." Hebrews 13:5 NLT

Paul was a great man of God and missionary.

Matthew was a follower of Christ and an author.

Peter was a mighty believer and a zealous writer.

But to me, there is something about hearing the words spoken by God to man that makes me take notice.

You see the words in Hebrews were repeating what God had spoken to Jacob--and to us!

"What's more, I will be with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. I will someday bring you safely back to this land. I will be with you constantly until I have finished giving you everything I have promised." Genesis 28:15 NLT

His words, not the words of men.

His promise, not the promise of another faulty human.

His reputation at stake, not the poor track record of Adam's seed.

He will never leave us...never!

A PRAYER FOR YOUR CHURCH
Today's reading: Acts 5-6

"Meanwhile, the apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon's Colonnade. No one else dared to join them, though everyone had high regard for them. And more and more people were brought to the Lord-crowds of both men and women." Acts 5:12-14 NLT

May God be present in your church.

May your church family be filled with His love--on Sundays but especially Monday through Saturday.

May His words be spoken and believed and lived out.

May your worship services be all about Him and nothing at all to do with the servants He has chosen.

May His name be lifted up.

Because when He is, and when they are, and when it is, more and more people will be drawn to Him.

Not to your church, but to God.

That is my prayer for your church and for mine.

GOOD NEWS
Today's reading: Micah

"True, many nations have gathered together against you, calling for your blood, eager to gloat over your destruction. But they do not know the Lord's thoughts or understand his plan. These nations don't know that he is gathering them together to be beaten and trampled like bundles of grain on the threshing floor." Micah 4:11-12 NLT

Some mornings you just need the reminder that God is on your side and your enemies have been, are being and will continue to be defeated.

Because there are days when it doesn't feel like it.

You see them around you.

You bear the bruises of their bullying.

You are weary from climbing over the obstacles they are placing in your path.

Your ears ring with their shouts of defamation.

You just don't feel like getting out of bed and fighting one more battle.

You're not seeing much progress. Much progress at all.

What we know to be true--regardless of how we feel or how we think things look, is that God is at work.

His plans will be carried out in our lives.

His children will be victorious.

Nothing will get in His way!

STAYING OUT OF TRAPS
Today's reading: Proverbs 29-30

"Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but the trust the Lord means safety." Proverbs 29:25 NLT

One can wear one's self out attempting to please people.

Their expectations change.

Their opinions waver.

Their morals are usually solely based upon what they are okaying in their own hearts.

Take our current political race.

How in the world might any candidate please all 387.6 million of us?

Our best bet, any candidate's best bet, is to extricate ourselves from the trap of attempting to please people and give our 100% to pleasing God.

My, oh my, wouldn't this election be a much easier pill to swallow if we were to be allowed the opportunity to choose between a few God-pleasing folks?

Wouldn't life be much easier, on all of us, if pleasing God were our first order of business every morning as we awoke?

TAKE TIME TO PONDER
Today's reading: Psalm 119

"I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your statutes." Psalm 119:59 NLT

Take time today to talk with God. With, not to--there is a difference!

To really ask Him for His opinion on your life and choices.

To weigh your opinions and beliefs upon the Word, not upon society or the popular trends.

To seek Him out as to whether or not you are walking the straight and narrow, or have quite possibly taken the slightest of detour.

Yes, even those of you who have been Christians your entire life.

It's vital.

One degree of change on our path can have us ending up a long way off from our original goal.

David, the one after God's own heart, had to have a heart-to-heart with himself and God about whether or not he was walking as closely as he should.

He found himself lacking, falling short, needing to make some changes. And change he did. He turned.

Catch the changes early, they are easier to correct!

MY OWN GOD
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 16-20

"He sought his father's God..." 2 Chronicles 17:4 NLT

"...But Jehoshaphat cried out to the Lord to save him,.." 2 Chronicles 18:31 NLT

One of my favorite accounts in the Bible (how often I say that) is about Jehoshaphat. I love seeing what God did through his life in the pages of the Word.

Today, as often happens, I saw something new. Something that gave me pause. Something I will chew on the rest of the day.

Jehoshaphat sought after his father's God.

Been there. Have done that.

You see, having been raised in a godly family, I 'did' the church thing. I knew the lingo. I could participate in just about any service the church leadership would throw at us. I spent a lot of my early years playing 'Simon Says' in the church house. I had even prayed the right prayers, testified and had been baptized as any good Christian girl should be.

But then, as with Jehoshaphat, I came to a point in my life when I cried out to God as my own Savior, Friend and Comforter. Leaned against a fish tank on the Neuro wing of a hospital in another state, He became my Lord.

Not my father's God.

Not the God of my pastors, deacons or Sunday School teachers.

My own.

And our walk has been growing more deeply ever since.

He had to become real to me. God had to move from the words I'd heard and the lessons I'd been taught to the heart that beat within me.

He is mine. He is my God.

WHERE DO WE GO NEXT?
Today's reading: Numbers 33-36

"They left the Sin Desert and camped at Dophkah." Numbers 33:12 NLT

The Bible's reference to the 'Sin Desert' has always caught my eye.

A perfect analogy.

An excellent way to describe that place in which we lose ourselves and forget God.

Today, however, I noticed this single verse and I wondered...

In life, where do we go after the Sin Desert?

What's next?

Where does one go from there?

So, I looked up the town/area of Dophkah--and was tickled by the Lord's revelation!

Dohpkah was a copper mining area. An industrious manufacturing city of its time. A place that prosperous, well-watered and thriving.

It's name means, 'to cling to or adhere'.

Oh friend, isn't that just what we do after having camped for a time in the desert of sin? We cling, ever so tightly to the One who rescues us!

This morning I don't know where you are, as we are all in one spot or the other,  sinning or clinging.

If you are camped in the Desert of Sin, seek God's face. Call out to Him. Accept all the forgiveness He is offering you. Turn from your sins.

If you are currently clinging to Him, stuck to Him like glue, attached to Him in such a way as He could not shake you--keep it up!!!

MOST IMPORTANT
Today's reading: Hebrews 8-10

"...Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin." Hebrews 9:22 NLT

It's easy to think about Christmas. The singing angels. The lowing cattle. The cozy barn. The humble shepherds. The sparkling gifts from the East. The tiny baby wrapped in his mother's arms.

It's also easy to think about Easter Sunday. The power of resurrection. The empty tomb. The dumbfounded crucifiers. The victory that spread across the Judean mountains...and to us.

But it's a little harder to think about the Blood. The Blood that was required. The Blood that had to be spilled. The Blood that stole the life from Jesus but gave us eternity.

But without the Blood, there would be no forgiveness available to us. Nothing to make us right with God. Nothing to cleanse us and make us able to come before Him.

 

WHAT THEY REALLY WANT
Today's reading: Acts 3-4

"When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money." Acts 3:3 NLT

The lame beggar knew money wouldn't 'fix' his problem, but it was the easiest thing to ask for. It was what others figured he needed to ask for. It was what he had been asking for for a long time.

What he really needed was the knowledge and love of Jesus.

Just like the folks we'll run in to today.

ARRANGED
Today's reading: Jonah

"Now the Lord had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah..." Jonah 1:17 NLT

Out of all the water mass covering the earth...

Of all the fishes that could have been schooling in that particular area...

For Jonah to be tossed over at just that moment of time...

For the storm to occur that day...

And you think there are moments of your life where God has hiccupped, blinked or turned His majestic back for a time?

There is no way!

Every single second of our life is arranged by God.

Every 'chance meeting'.

Every circumstance.

Arranged by God.

FOOLISH
Today's reading: Proverbs 28

"Trusting oneself is foolish, but those who walk in wisdom are safe." Proverbs 28:26 NLT

Here is what I've gathered from the track record of my own life...

If my appendix were to rupture and need removed, it would be foolish to hand me a scalpel and trust myself to perform surgery.

If I were falsely accused and needed an attorney to stand before a judge, it would be down-right foolish for me to think I could represent myself or even understand the lingo or protocol of a court room.

If left all alone on a deserted island it would be foolish, almost foolishly funny, for me to think I'd last a whole 24 hours depending upon my own survival skills.

If I were given a whole, three-layer, fudgily frosted, moist and even just halfway delicious chocolate cake that I was instructed not to eat, it would be foolish for me to trust myself alone in the house with it!

I cannot be trusted.

I am not capable of making wise choices on my own.

I do not have, and really do not want, the fruit of the Spirit labeled 'self-control', I want God to be in complete control of me...it's safer that way. It's a much wiser decision on His part. It's going to work out much better if He leads me than if I lead myself.

My own nature, will, desires and mind are not trustworthy. But when I allow God to take over, lead me, direct me and I follow His commands--I'll be safe!

REJOICING
Today's reading: Psalm 117-118

"This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 NLT

I would guess this is one of the, oh, top ten Bible verses quoted by Christians.

One that's used to incite enthusiasm. One that gives a sense of encouragement. One that is used over and over again to remind us of all we are blessed with.

One that is, and I apologize if you do not agree, flippantly tossed around to the extent that the real meaning has been overlooked, lost, ignored.

Do you know what 'rejoice' means?

Here are the definitions I've found: to spin around under the influence of any violent emotion, to go in a circle, to dance, to feel or show that you are very happy about something, to leap for joy.

I'll ask you, since God has asked me--do we rejoice?

Are we appreciative? Sure, we are.

Do we thank Him? Yes, we usually remember to do that.

Can God see that we are grateful for the things He has done for us, the day He has given us? Yes, I believe in most instances He can, but rejoice?

When was the last time you spun around, giddy, cannot keep still because of the joy of the Lord within you? When did you last dance about all God has given you? When was the last time you leaped out of bed ready for the blessings of the day?

Here is a summary: Quoting the verse is one thing. Living it out loud, is quite another!

TOUGH TIMES, ROUGH TIMES
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 11-14

"But when Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the law of the Lord, and all Israel followed him in this sin." 2 Chronicles 12:1 NLT

"And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him. " 2 Chronicles 12:1 KJV

When King Rehoboam had become settled in to the palace...

When Rehoboam had no more turmoil going on in and around his kingdom...

When Rehoboam had fallen in to the place where he could take care of himself, grow stronger, healthier and more comfortable...

When Rehoboam became top dog, the boss, the one in charge...

When Rehoboam had in his hands all he had ever dreamed about, hoped for and wished...

When Rehoboam was right where everyone knew he would/should be...

When everyone was watching him...

He turned away from the Lord.

And drew many along with him.

My take on this?

These rough times I'm going through. These tough things I'm being asked to endure. These uncomfortable issues I'm having to deal with. These recurring 'thorns in my flesh'. These daily challenges to my faith. These sins I continually drag to His cross.

If they were all resolved? If every issue was settled? If my life were perfect? If I were comfortable? If I didn't need God to get through every day? If I had no battles of the flesh to fight? If every day were sunny and cloudless? If I had all my ducks in a row? If my life were easy?

Would I turn from Him? Would He hear from me as often as He does? Would I need Him as desperately as I do right now?

Lord, thank you that I am not firmly established and strong...for my needs keep me at Your feet.

RIGHTEOUS ANGER
Today's reading: Numbers 29-32

"Then the Lord said to Moses, Take vengeance on the Midianites for leading the Israelites into idolatry..." Numbers 31:1-2 NLT

Vengeance-the act of doing something to hurt someone because that person did something that hurt you or someone else.

It's not often one sees in the Bible God telling us to exact vengeance upon another.

He usually tells us to leave it up to Him.

So, I'm seeing this affront to God, this idolatry issue, as one He takes very, very seriously.

He is a jealous God. He does not intend to, desire to or created us to be shared with another deity.

Vengeance takes effort. Vengeance takes strength. Vengeance takes determination. Vengeance requires a plan. Vengeance must be focused.

I'm thinking this morning, as I read, about what steals my attention away from the Lord. What idols I have set up on the knick-knack shelves of my heart. I'm convicted about what's taking my worship when only God deserves it all. I'm disgusted about what I've placed before Him. I am heartbroken over what I have allowed to creep into the very space I have given to God. I am scared about where this spiritual adultery may lead me.

I am taking vengeance beginning now!

MY HIGH PRIEST
Today's reading: Hebrews 5-7

"Now a high priest is a man chosen to represent other human beings in their dealing with God. He presents their gifts to God and offers their sacrifices for sin." Hebrews 5:1 NLT

I know a lot of godly men.

I am married to one. I have been raised by one. I am hopefully raising one. I am pastored by two. I am blessed to be surrounded by many godly men in my life, but...

But...none of them are in a position to represent me before God. None of them are perfect. None of them are blameless. None of them could offer a sacrifice that would cover my sins. None of them on their own accord could stand before God and testify on my behalf.

I am so glad Jesus was selected to represent me to God. Chosen, too humble to consider Himself worthy, but chosen as it says in the Word.

I have a High Priest who represents me to God as holy, blameless and forgiven, covered by the Blood, adopted, washed white as snow.

A Sabbath well spent brings a week of content, and strength for the toil of the morrow, but a Sabbath profaned, whate’er be gained, is a certain forerunner of sorrow.  - A. W. Pink

SAVE YOURSELF
Today's reading: Acts 1-2

"Then Peter continue preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, Save yourselves from this generation that has gone astray!" Acts 2:40 NLT

Society wants us all to come aboard their sinking ship.

To believe anything goes.

To make sure no one feels uncomfortable.

To okay all beliefs, lifestyles and desires.

To create a world where everyone can do as they please, no right and no wrong.

Christian, stand up and be different!

Allow the power of God, living within you, to rise up and glow in your life, in your choices, in your home and in your sphere of influence.

Save yourself, Peter pleaded.

Nothing has changed from then until now.