WHAT IS A TESTIMONY?

Today's reading: Job 33-34

"He will declare to his friends, I sinned, but it was not worth it." Job 33:27 NLT

Just this week a friends asked me what I thought a testimony was, how one might define it, what it might include.

I stumbled through my thoughts on it, praying the words were what she needed to hear, hoping it was Spirit led.

I have continued to think about it. Pondering it. Revisiting what I said in my mind.

Then I find this verse.

A verse that very simply and very succinctly sums up just what a testimony is...

I sinned, but it was not worth it.

I sinned--went against God's will, chose my own way, believed I knew better, rebelled, turned my back on faith, refused to admit I was wrong, thought I was good enough.

But it was not worth it--my choice led to hurts, my ways were dead ends, my ideas were all wet, my consequences hurt more, cost more, led me farther away than I had ever imagined they would., built a wall higher than I planned to build between God and I.

Isn't that what you would call a testimony?

 CALL OUT TO ME

Today's reading: Psalm 48-50

"Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory." Psalm 50:15 NLT

"And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." Psalm 50:15 KJV

Trust is a hard word to wrap one's head around.

It's one of those words that is going to vary in how it is applied to each believer's life and situation.

Trust comes in varying degrees of need, different levels of effort and continual refocusing of the task.

But 'calling upon' the Lord? That sounds a little more precise. A little more definitive. A little more specific in its requirements.

Strong's concordance defines 'call upon me' as the following:

To call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim.

We can all do that!

We can speak God's name. We can cry out God's name. We can recite Bible verses He has given us to remind us of His attributes and abilities. We can read His Word for comfort, for direction, for peace. We can cry out to Him in pain, in doubt, in fear and in worship. We can proclaim how wonderful His name truly is--when He answers and while we wait for Him to answer.

So, what are you doing during your times of trouble?

Me? I'm going to call out to God!

THE DETAILS OF WAITING

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 1-4

These first four chapters of Second Samuel give detailed accounts of the process by which David was finally put in the role of king.

It was a long drawn out wait for David.

Years passed between the time Samuel anointed a very young shepherd boy fresh out of the field.

A lot of time was spent David playing the harp for King Saul, soothing the spirits that plagued him.

Many battles were fought to prove David's prowess on the battlefield.

Occasions came and went in which David discovered his true friends and his deceiving enemies.

It was all worth the wait.

It was all in God's ordained time.

It was all necessary for David to step in as king, at the proper time, with the proper experiences under his belt and with the proper backing of godly, faithful friends.

Whatever it is you are waiting on is well within God's ordained time, too.

You cannot doubt that He is at work in situations you cannot see.

You cannot doubt that He has not heard.

He is working on the details while you wait. It will all be worth it!

LET'S GET OUT OF HERE

Today's reading: Exodus 13-16

"Their chariot wheels began to come off, making their chariots impossible to drive. Let's get out of here, the Egyptians shouted. The Lord is fighting for Israel against us!" Exodus 14:25 NLT

This verse makes me giggle!

Maybe you thought I was spiritually mature, stoic and pious...you were wrong.

Things tickle my funny bone, even in the Bible.

Imagine these burly, dressed in warrior garb soldiers, falling out of their chariots as the wheels fell off!

Imagine the looks on their faces as they turn from fierce battle scowls to eyebrow-raised doubt!

Imagine their horses running off ahead of them, high-tailing it from the turmoil that was about to ensue!

Then pause for a moment and notice what they say...

Let's get out of here, the Lord is fighting for the Israelites!

The realization.

The amazement.

The fear.

It makes me laugh to know that even the enemy realizes when God's at work.

That empowers my prayers!

That builds up my confidence in the Lord!

That allows my hope to rise to higher heights!

Does your enemy know God has heard you and is working all things out for your good and for His glory! 

NOT MY WILL

Today's reading: Mark 13-14

"Abba, Father, he said, everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine." Mark 14:36 NLT

I don't know what you're going through.

I can't imagine the pain you are enduring.

I won't begin to think I can understand your heartache.

But in the pitches of your storm, in the darkest of your night, in the bad dream you are living out--know this, God's will is what is best.

We won't always understand it.

We will think we cannot endure it.

We won't even like it.

But as Jesus examples before us, pushing our will/plan/dream/idea aside so that God's can play out and accomplish all it will--will be the best for us and for those His will can touch.

We can trust our Heavenly Father to walk with us through anything He asks us to experience.

MOST IMPORTANT

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 15-16

"I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me--that Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said." 1 Corinthians 15:3 NLT

For parents of newborns--start teaching them what's most important, that Christ died for the sins of all.

For parents of toddlers--raise your littles up in the knowledge of Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross.

For parents of young children--teach your kids about God and His wonderful gift of Jesus.

For parents of 'tween's--give your children a head start on life with the knowledge of God's plan for their life.

For the parents of teens--let your grace be deep and your love be deeper, like Jesus does for you.

For parents of adults, in the church or wandering away--know you've taught them what's most important, remember that where you were imperfect, Christ's perfection fills in the gaps, and He can love them more than you ever could.

 

 NOW

Today's reading: Jeremiah 17-21

"O Lord, you persuaded me, and I allowed myself to be persuaded. You are stronger than I am, and you overpowered me. Now I am mocked by everyone in the city." Jeremiah 20:7 NLT

If God ever 'persuaded' you to follow Him, you probably understand how Jeremiah felt as he wrote these words.

This persuasion of the Lord urged you to leave behind how you once lived.

This urging of God pressed you to give up what you once desired for all He offered.

This pressing of Christ led you to the point you confessed your sins, asked His forgiveness and told the world you were now His.

But then--tough times came along.

Stormy seas battered your little boat.

Mountains loomed on your path.

Dark days rested over you and all your attempts to serve Him.

Hear this, God has not changed! His power has not petered out. His love and mercy are just as strong, just as mighty, just as amazing as the day you gave in to His 'persuading power'.

Stick it out, friend.

Remain close to the Lord.

Don't give up, give in or give out.

God has a reason for the path you are currently on--either to strengthen your testimony, to meet another along the way who needs a helping hand or to showcase the might in His rescue.

Press on, weary pilgrim.

 WELL, HAVE I?

Today's reading: Job 31-32

"Have I put my trust in money or felt secure because of my gold? Does my happiness depend on my wealth and all that I own?" Job 31:24-25 NLT

While it shouldn't surprise me to have God 'pop' into my time with Him, it still does.

When and where I don't expect Him to be.

In regards to things I thought I 'had a handle on'.

And, like this morning, in passages I wouldn't expect to find Him.

Minding my own business as I read through the account of Job's life, He speaks. Not about the travails of Job, or Job's stellar testimony, or about Job's crummy friends.

He focuses my eyes and heart on this portion of Scripture, then He whispers--'Well, have you?'

Have I trusted what I have over Who gave it to me?

Am I happy only when things go my way, or do I have the joy of being the Lord's?

God blindsided me with these questions this morning.

Oh, not because I felt I am sinless and perfect, but in how/when/where He chose to bring up an area where He saw needed improvement.

Actually? 

Well, I'm not even surprised He showed up.

I'm not surprised at the questions.

I'm not surprised He found a need to address these issues.

What surprises me is that He loves me enough to 'talk' to me about it!

 OUR FORTRESS

Today's reading: Psalm 45-47

"The Lord Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress." Psalm 46:7 NLT

Ever stopped to consider that the same God who rescued the Israelites from the Egyptians watches over you?

The same God that brought Daniel out of the lions' den, without a tooth mark, cares for you?

The exact same God who brought three Hebrews boys out of a furnace, not even smelling like smoke, knows the path before you?

The exact same Mighty Warrior who has protected Israel across the years, spanning page after page of the Bible, who continues to intercept missiles today over the land He placed His name upon--also guards and protects you?

If you haven't, maybe you should think about it for a while. Ponder the love it takes for such devotion. Consider the level of strength and fortitude the Lord God has and uses for our benefit. 

He is here among us and He is our fortress!

 WHY ASK ME
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 26-31

"But Samuel replied, Why ask me if the Lord has left you and has become your enemy?" 1 Samuel 28:16 NLT

Saul wanted a mediator between he and the Lord.

While he had been chosen as king over Israel, Saul's spirit had changed. He no longer sought God first. He no longer leaned on God for strength. He no longer considered himself to be a servant of God, but one to be served.

In his final days Saul has a medium call up the spirit of Samuel. Saul hopes that this meeting would work as an intercession between he and God.

The truth is?

It wasn't a problem between God and Saul and Samuel.

It was a problem with Saul's heart.

Saul had chosen to allow walls to be built between he and God, choice by choice.

Do we think it easier to drag the pastor or deacon in to our faith walks when there is a problem, than to talk to the Lord--and then carry through with what He reveals needs changing in us?

Do we want to place blame on our Christian lives not flourishing--when we're the ones filling our bellies on the worship of our idols?

Do we want to drag a good friend or spouse into the fight--so that we will have someone to hold responsible when we forget we're the responsible party?

Talk directly to the Lord. Go to Him in prayer. Communicate and commune with the One who desires your devotion.

 LAND OF GOSHEN

Today's reading: Exodus 9-12

"The only spot in all Egypt without hail that day was the land of Goshen, where the people of Israel lived." Exodus 9:26 NLT

We're visiting the section of the Bible where God sent plagues to convince Pharoah to release the Hebrews from slavery.

This single verse caught my eye.

Imagine the stark contrast between Egyptian inhabited land and 'across the tracks' where the Hebrews lived.

Imagine the devastation in Egypt from the plagues--the stench, the carnage, the beaten, the bruised, the lifelessness.

Then pan your imagination to the land of Goshen. The place marked as the shepherd's hills when Joseph brought his father, Jacob, his brothers and all their families to the land of Egypt.

This very place was sheltered by God's hand during the plagues.

The grass remained green in Goshen. The trees retained their leaves in Goshen. The water never turned to blood in this neighborhood. The frogs never invaded the homes of God's people. The locusts never destroyed the crops of God's people. The flies never annoyed God's people. The boils never affected God's people.  

I don't know about you, but I've stood in Goshen before.

When chaos was swirling around me, I had God's peace in my heart.

When the world was seemingly upside-down and topsy-turvy, I had a strong anchor keeping my soul in a place of safety and security.

When I should have been frantic, I had a calm.

When I should have been broken, I retained God's strength.

When I could have been broken, God held me together.

If you've ever stood in the 'land of Goshen' you knew the hand of God was upon you--no doubt about it.

In the 'land of Goshen' you could breathe. You could think. You could make right decisions. You could trust what you didn't know, see or like, to your loving Father.

I pray that no matter what's going on around you today, you are in the 'land of Goshen' and you enjoy the view.

 WHERE IS JESUS IN YOUR PARADE?

Today's reading: Mark 11-12

"He was in the center of the procession, and the crowds all around him were shouting, Praise God! Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord!" Mark 11:9 NLT

Our little town hosts three parades each year.

The first, in early summer. The second, to celebrate football season for our local high school. The third, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving to light up the town with Christmas lights.

Each of the parades has a Grand Marshall selected to 'star' in the parade.

This special guest gets to ride in a convertible festooned with signage stating who he/she is.

When I read this morning's portion of Scripture, I was deeply convicted about how too often I am the center of my self-orchestrated parades, not Jesus.

I want the attention.

I want the accolades.

I want the focus to be on me--my accomplishments, my emotions, my needs, my wants.

I am aware of my tendency to push Jesus out of the way so the spotlight can be on me.

Shame on me.

What's it going to take to change my ways? Well, prayer. And a heart change that only God can do. And being intentional--making sure to step aside for God's glory to be revealed instead of my own.

What about you? Who is at the center of your parade?

 THE GIFT OF LOVE

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 13-14

"Let love be your highest goal, but also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives, especially the gift of prophecy." 1 Corinthians 14:1 NLT

Paul writes about spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12. He writes about love in 1 Corinthians 13. He restates and prioritizes both in 1 Corinthians 14.

Spiritual abilities are good.

Love is better.

What good does it do the unsaved world if we don't express love to them. A love that is an imperfect reproduction of the love Christ showed for them on the cross.

Desire to preach. Yearn to teach. Give as you are called to do. Counsel through God's Word. Heal, if healing is your gift.

But above and beyond these, love.

Love in your words.

Love in your actions.

Love in your attitude.

Love when in church.

Love when in the world.

Love on the pretty days.

Love harder on the rough days.

Love those who are lovely.

Love those who are unlovable.

Let love be your highest goal.

 WAIT WITH ANTICIPATION

Today's reading: Jeremiah 12-16

"Can any of the foreign gods send us rain? Does it fall from the sky by itself? No, it comes from you, the Lord our God! Only you can do such things. So we will wait for you to help us." Jeremiah 14:22 NLT

I don't know how long you've been waiting for an answer to your prayer.

I can't imagine, if you are anything like me, how many times you have attempted to help the Lord out in fulfilling your need.

I don't know the number of times you have knelt, cried out, whispered or moaned in prayer for that one single request.

Keep waiting.

Only God can answer in the way that will change hearts and lives.

Only God can answer in the way that will glorify Him.

Only God can answer in the way that will leave you testifying of His greatness.

So wait.

However long it takes, wait.

No matter how many times our lying enemy tells you God can't, won't, isn't going to do it for you--wait.

Keep praying and keep waiting.

It will be worth it.

 JOB'S SONG

Today's reading: Job 29-30

"My harp plays sad music, and my flute accompanies those who weep." Job 30:31 NLT

Job states that he is broken, discouraged, depressed and downright sad.

All he had been appointed to endure has left him weary from weeping.

At this point in his account, Job doesn't know it's merely a season he was passing through. We know the end of the story--how God chooses to restore all Job had lost, re-invest in Job's life and rejuvenate Job's faith.

Might I just say--it's the same for you.

What you are living through right now is a season.

The tough days will pass.

The storm will roll on.

The heartbreak will mend.

Eventually.

In time.

And maybe, just maybe, like Job, your faith walk through this season will strengthen and encourage another.

For them, for those who will follow you, for the testimony you are having written--keep leaning on God.

Keep trusting in His ways.

Keep believing in His promises.

Keep walking toward His truths.

As with Job, it might not be about you at all.

 WHY, INDEED

Today's reading: Psalm 42-44

"Why am I so discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again--my Savior and my God!" Psalm 42:5 NLT

Lord, 

Why is it I am so discouraged and so sad?

Why is it my 'little light' is so dim no one around me can see it?

Why is it my praise is merely a whisper?

Here's why--I have taken my eyes off of You.

I have placed within the brackets of my mind's viewfinder the problem I face--and not You.

I have focused on the situation, not on my Savior.

You are my only hope.

Lovingly place your hands on either side of my face and turn me, heart and mind, back to You.

Redirect what I'm looking at.

Realign my eyes with Your faithfulness and goodness.

Why am I so discouraged and sad when I have You?

 DAVID ASKED THE LORD

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 21-25

"David asked the Lord..." 1 Samuel 23:2 NLT

A simple phrase.

Four words.

Throughout the course of his life, David sought the Lord's wisdom, guidance and instruction.

He asked the Lord when to fight and when to hide.

He asked the Lord where to hole up and where to make a charge.

He asked the Lord when to do what he wanted to do and if he should do it at all.

He asked the Lord for blessing and he asked the Lord for forgiveness.

David, the man after God's own heart, kept an ongoing conversation with the Lord in regards to living the life the Lord had given him. He paused long enough to wait for an answer--expecting to hear each and every time he asked. He believed God heard his prayer and honored his asking.

Wouldn't it profit us to do the same?

NOT EVEN BEGUN
Today's reading: Exodus 5-8

"Since I gave Pharoah your message, he has been even more brutal to your people. You have not even begun to rescue them!" Exodus 5:23 NLT

Ever felt like Moses?

The Moses who began his ministry in a basket in the Nile River?

The Moses who was raised in luxury at the enemy's expense?

The Moses who did something bad, tried to hide and was found by God on the backside of the desert? 

The Moses who told God, THE GOD WHO MADE HIM, that he couldn't possibly do what God was asking him to do?

Or--and I'm afraid this is the 'Moses' I can relate to--the Moses that had the audacity to stand up to God and say, 'You've not even begun to answer my prayers!'

I don't see anything happening, Lord!

I can't see you stepping in yet!

Where are the answers You have promised me?

Sadly, that particular Moses is the one I most closely resemble. The Moses I can identify with. The Moses I could most easily be.

But God had been at work in the background of the Israelite dilemna--and He's in my problems, too.

God was orchestrating events for the perfect time and place in Egypt--and right here where I sit in my prayer chair.

There was an appointed time, place and way in which God would work to change Pharoah's heart--and an appointment with each and every request I have laid at His feet.

We might think God hasn't even begun to work, but friend, we don't see everything He is up to!

 STRAIGHT TO JESUS

Today's reading: Mark 9-10

"One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, Teacher, I have brought my son for you to heal him. He can't speak because he is possessed by an evil spirit that won't let him talk. And whenever this evil spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground and makes him foam at the mouth and grind his teeth and become rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn't do it." Mark 9:17-18 NLT

We carry our problems to the pastor.

We deliver our dilemnas to our friends.

We deposit our issues onto the laps of our prayer chain organizer.

We Google our goings-on.

We Facebook our roadblocks.

We bring up our messes to our coffee shop pals.

But do we, His very own children, take our burdens directly to the Lord?

Do we insist on getting some one-on-one time with our Father?

Do we pursue Him in our quiet devotions before the day begins?

Do we pick up His Word in order that we might hear His words?

Are we taking our problems to God?

Are we believing we have as close a contact with Him as a 'man of the cloth'?

Are we as confident in our ability to pray as the senior saints in our church?

Are we as assured of Him hearing us pray as we are of Him hearing someone else?

We can go straight to the Lord with our problems--every time, any day, how ever it is we deliver it to Him.

 YOUR GIFT

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 11-12

"A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church." 1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT

What's your gift?

What special ability, talent, way of doing things, are you bringing to your church body?

What all have you tried in order to find your gift--your God-given gift?

How is your assembly of believers benefited from having you a part of it?

What all have you signed up for, volunteered to do, offered to lend a helping hand with in an effort to help your body?

You have something to do that no one else can do.

You have effort to give that no one else can give.

You have a mission field that no one else has.

You have opportunity that God has given no one else.

Please, for the sake of your church, the Church, yourself and God--use your gift.

 CIRCUMCISED

Today's reading: Jeremiah 7-11

"A time is coming, says the Lord, when I will punish all those who are circumcised in body but not in spirit--" Jeremiah 9:25 NLT

Circumcision is a cutting away.

Physically, for men in Jeremiah's time, it was a ceremonial procedure done to 'mark' men as followers of the Most High God.

Spiritually?

Spiritually it means there has been a 'cutting away' of sin in one's life. A decision to follow God's leading in all areas of one's life. A 'marking of the heart', of sorts.

As I am considering this morning the difference between physical circumcision and spiritual circumcision, I have to ask myself--Am I marked?

Am I marked as God's by how I live?

Am I marked as God's by how I speak?

Am I marked as God's by how quickly I obey what He asks of me?

Am I marked as God's by how I love those around me--the lovely and the unlovable?

Am I marked by God as I sing, allowing the words of worship to come from a heart of worship?

Am I marked by God as I choose to keep my nose in His Word so that I might grow to be more like Jesus?

Am I 'circumcised' in body and in spirit?

 MINING FOR WISDOM

Today's reading: Job 27-28

"People know how to tear apart flinty rocks and overturn the roots of mountains. They cut tunnels in the rocks and uncover precious stones. They dam up the trickling streams and bring light to hidden treasures. But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding?...And this is what he says to all humanity: The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding." Job 28:9-12, 28 NLT

I'm thinking this morning about the extent we all go to for convenience, for wealth, for comfort, for status, for love.

The lengths we'll go to find an easier route, true love, a better way.

The stack of bills we will rack up attempting to impress people we don't even really care for, to live in homes that are not 'homey' or wearing clothes that are not comfortable or functional.

The depths to which we will dig to find out something--anything--nothing.

The means by which we will try to gather as many material possessions as we can possibly gather--knowing when we die, nothing goes with us.

Do we seek out a fear and understanding of God with such intensity?

Do we strive to live for Him with the same level of determination we will hunt for a bargain?

Do we attempt to tell others about His saving grace with the same excitement we might have at a hockey game we have paid to get to attend?

We do a lot of hard things on a day to day basis, but are any of them of eternal value? Do any of them draw us closer to the Lord?

 HOPE

Today's reading: Psalm 39-41

"And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you." Psalm 39:7 NLT

I don't know when David wrote this psalm. 

Was he out under the stars as shadows grew bigger and scarier?

Was he on the battlefield and his arms and legs growing weary from the battle?

Was he in the palace determining what was best for the people God has placed him as king over?

Was he burying a child?

Was he processing what brave Nathan told him through the story of the poor man's lamb?

David had many opportunities to place his hope in places other than God--powerful places, rich places, secure places--and on a few occasions did just that.

But when it came down to it...

When an account of his life was presented...

When all was said and done...

David placed his hope, all of it, in the Lord--and the Lord rewarded it by calling him a man after His own heart.

Don't you want that for yourself?

 ANOINTED AND WAITING
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 16-20

"So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the olive oil he had brought and poured it on David's heads. And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah." 1 Samuel 16:13 NLT

The religious leader of Israel traveled about 20 miles to find a shepherd and his sons.

Upon inspection of all the boys Jesse had, God led Samuel to ask if there wasn't one more.

The youngest of the boys was brought from the field and God led Samuel to anoint him as the next king of Israel.

David had the oil poured on him signifying that he had been set apart by God for a monumental task.

But David didn't pick up his kingly robe and scepter that day.

No, he had to wait approximately 20 years to assume the role God was asking him to fill.

In the meantime?

In the waiting, David worked.

He served God by shepherding for his father.

He served God and King Saul as a musician.

He served the people of Israel as a mighty man of war.

He served us by putting pen to paper and scribing many of the psalms we love.

He served as friend to Jonathan.

He served.

While he waited for his appointed position, he served.

For twenty years he waited for his calling to be fulfilled--but he didn't just sit around.

Good example for us!

Waiting on the Lord is an active verb.

It's not the sitting around a room until your name or number is called--it's being up and preparing yourself for WHEN your time comes to serve in the maximum potential God has purposed you for.

Don't know what your 'calling' is? Serve.

Don't know where it is God wants you to minister for Him? Serve.

Don't know what your talent or gift might be? Serve in all areas, see what works, and what doesn't.

Don't just sit around--serve!

There's a whole lot needing done in this world by godly people...do something!

 AMAZING
Today's reading: Exodus 1-4

"Amazing! Moses said to himself. Why isn't that bush burning up? I must go over to see this." Exodus 3:3 NLT

All these years later, God still chooses to amaze us with how He chooses to catch our attention!

In things that aren't as they 'should be'.

In regards to happenings that never 'should have' happened.

In relation to meetings that were never planned, organized or orchestrated by the parties involved.

He catches our attention in things that we would never want to see happen as well...if we look hard enough for Him.

Each of these instances, where/when/how God chooses to show up, are seeds for our testimonies.

What seeds have you been given thus far? What seeds might He hand you today?

Watch for God to amaze you in some special way today.

 WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Today's reading: Mark 7-8

"Then Jesus asked, Who do you say I am?.." Mark 8:29 NLT

You probably attended church services and heard a pastor speak of Jesus yesterday.

Maybe you were raised in a home where Jesus was spoken of.

Quite possibly you have made the Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and church camp circuit as a child and heard many stories told about Jesus--some even on flannel graph.

It could be your car radio is tuned to your local Christian radio station and the DJ has a constant rotation of 'Jesus songs' playing in your ear.

But who do you say Jesus is? Who is He to you? What role does He play in your life?

Before you answer...pause.

I'm pretty sure that on the tip of your tongue is the answer you've been given by the pastor, your parents or the Sunday School teacher.

But what's your answer?

 BEING CAREFUL
Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 9-10

"If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin." 1 Corinthians 10:12 NLT

Have you ever considered we are all just one sin away from turning our back completely on the Lord?

One sin.

One decision.

One poor choice.

One unwise step.

Think of the 'great sinners'  you know--go ahead, you have some in mind...the ones who used to be great in the Lord...the ones who used to follow His ways...the ones who were on fire for Him...

One sin re-directed their paths.

One bad choice led to the next bad choice and to the next bad choice.

One step in the wrong way led them to where they are today.

Be careful if you think you are standing strong...maybe you are at the moment, but the next choice could be your downfall.

 BUDDING BRANCHES

Today's reading: Jeremiah 1-6

"Then the Lord said to me, Look, Jeremiah! What do you see? And I replied, I see a branch from an almond tree. And the Lord said, That's right, and it means I am watching, and I will surely carry out my threats of punishment." Jeremiah 1:11-12 NLT

Things are budding here on our little farm. 

Lilacs are bursting with color. Redbuds are pinking up. Almond bushes are bloomed. Wiegelia provide bursts of pink all over the yard. The daffodils have bloomed and are now drooping.

Spring is springing!

When Jeremiah saw the almond branch, I have a tendency to believe it was bloomed out as a marker for the next agricultural season Israel would enter.

A simple reminder to Jeremiah that God saw. That God was watching. That God remembered all He had promised--the blessings and the curses.

Are you seeing spring through those same kind of eyes?

Seeing that even after a long, cold winter, God remembered us?

Are you enjoying all spring has to offer as it is handed to you from our great, glorious and creative Creator?

 REVERENT FEAR

Today's reading: Job 25-26

"God is powerful and dreadful. He enforces peace in the heavens." Job 25:2 NLT

'God is the one to fear, because God is in control and rules the heavens.' Job 25:2 Contemporary English Version

'Authority and awe are with him. He made peace in his high places.' Job 25:2 Aramaic Bible in Complete English

'God is sovereign, God is fearsome—everything in the cosmos fits and works in his plan.' Job 25:2 The Message Bible

While it's true Job's friends were there for him, said many things to him, they did not always have the right things to say nor did they factually represent God in their choice of words.

Bildad, the Shuhite, got close.

Bildad had a reverent fear of God.

He knew God to be powerful and dreadful. Majestic and to be respected. Sovereign and justice invoking. Controlled by none yet in control of all.

God, he said, enforces peace in heaven. He restrains the universe from imploding. He orders what might be chaos in the heavenlies into a cycle of years, months, weeks, days, hours and seasons.

God is to be acknowledged for His might, but also for His care of us.

All He orders in the wonders of creation are to remind us of His rank and our dependence upon Him.

Have you stopped to consider how powerful and dreadful God truly is?

 BLUE SKIES

Today's reading: Psalm 36-38

"Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds." Psalm 36:5 NLT

There is nothing as beautiful as spring skies.

A shade of blue that is unmatched by any Crayola crayon dotted with varying sizes and shapes of cotton white clouds--wispy, fluffy, pillowy.

The kid in me wants to throw a blanket on the ground and spend some time lying there contemplating.

Like I used to when 'the small things caught my eye'.

When I 'had the time'.

When it didn't take as much to 'amaze' me.

This particular psalm was written by David.

I don't think he penned these words when he was the powerful king.

I don't believe he wrote these words when he was the strong warrior.

I think he wrote them when he was a shepherd boy.

A shepherd boy out in the field with his flocks.

Out away from distractions, discussions and discouragements.

Why do I think that? Well, it's because this single verse took me to that exact place.

When I sat in this verse, when I let it's words soak into my heart, when I chose to slow down and listen--I, too, was focused on the unfailing love and faithfulness of the Lord.

Not on my list of prayer needs.

Not on the status of the world around me.

Not on the many ways I have let the Lord down in my faith walk.

But that His love and faithfulness are vast enough that they reach from the clouds to me!

Notice the clouds today--and recall the immensity of this verse.

 NOT ENOUGH

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 11-15

"But when you were afraid of Nahash, the king of Ammon, you came to me and said that you wanted a king to reign over you, even though the Lord your God was already your king." 1 Samuel 12:12 NLT

Why isn't God enough for us?

How come having our Creator and Redeemer living in us, walking beside us, going before us and behind us, leaves us desiring a single thing more?

We want answers to prayer.

We want wet fleece--or dry fleece, like Gideon.

We want doors opened.

We want calm seas, cloudless days and rainshowers--but not storms.

We want diagnoses to be non-cancerous.

We want assurances plastered like billboards.

We want joy that bubbles out and over.

We want love that shows up in the form of roses and chocolates and peanut butter and jammy kisses.

We're never satisfied with having God.

As if He is not enough.

'...you wanted...even though the Lord your God was already your king.'

I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING

Today's reading: Genesis 48-50

"But Joseph was upset when he saw that his father had laid his right hand on Ephraim's head. So he lifted it to place it on Manasseh's head instead. No, Father, he said, this one over here is older. Put your right hand on his head. But his father refused. I know what I'm doing, my son, he said..." Genesis 48:17-19 NLT

I'm a Bible marker.

I have underlined portions in my daily study Bible. I have areas that are highlighted. I have notes written in the margins. I also have dates. Lots of dates.

For this very section of the Word, I've got two dates written down--and today's date is about to be logged alongside them.

Dates that I needed this reminder--Girl, I know what I am doing.

Times when I required God's words--No, take your hands off this, I've got it.

Moments when I had to have a fresh word of God--My dear child, it may not look at all like what you'd imagined in that wild-eyed imagination of yours, but you can trust Me.

Joseph attempted to help his daddy do what Joseph believed to be right, proper, appropriate and planned.

(I've been there and done that, Joseph!)

This third date alongside these scriptures will remind me, AGAIN, that everything is in God's perfectly planned control--God wants my complete trust and wholehearted obedience, He does not need my help.

 YOU FEED THEM

Today's reading: Mark 5-6

"But Jesus said, You feed them..." Mark 5:37 NLT

In the middle of nowhere, surrounded by a vast crowd, hearts full of the teachings of the Lord, but bellies growling with hunger, we find our friends the disciples.

They go to Jesus with a problem: it's getting late and the people are getting hungry.

Jesus presents them with a solution: You feed them.

I believe, based upon my own personal responses to Jesus's same commands to me, they were at first taken aback at his recommendation.

Us? How? With what?

Then they started looking around. They found the little fellas's lunch and brought it to Jesus for him to use however he might see fit.

Isn't that what we do?

We take what we have to Jesus...skills, as small as they might be; time, as busy as we might be; a few dollars; a few mustard seed grains of faith; a gift given to us by God that we in turn use to bless another; an opportunity only the Creator of time and space could have ever allowed us; words of hope, comfort, direction that were previously not in our vocabulary.

I'm challenged to watch for opportunities to 'feed them' during the day ahead. To see how and when and where Jesus will push me forward with what I have so I will see I have enough--and plenty to share.

 BRINGING HOLINESS

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 7-8

"For the Christian wife brings holiness to her marriage, and the Christian husband brings holiness to his marriage. Otherwise, your children would not have a godly influence, but now they are set apart for him." 1 Corinthians 7:14 NLT

Paul is reminding me that I bring something to the table of EVERY relationship I am privileged to be a part of.

As a wife.

As a mom.

As a daughter and sister.

As a church member and Sunday School teacher.

As a friend.

As a neighbor.

As an employee.

As a customer.

As a patient.

As a citizen.

As a world wide web contributor.

As a cheerleader to the one I see in the mirror each day.

Paul's words remind me of this quote by Zig Ziglar, 'Relationships are not meant to make us happy, but holy.' Some interactions will allow you to spread godliness easily, others will tax you and leave you stretched in attempting to portray the Lord.

Ask God to direct you in each role you play in the life of another.

 THE WAITING GAME

Today's reading: Isaiah 62-66

"For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him!" Isaiah 64:4 NLT

God works for those who wait for Him.

What an encouragement that is.

What a hope that is.

What a great promise that is.

What a reward that is.

It's not new news.

It's not based upon all we do to 'help' Him.

It's not about how long we're having to wait.

Are you waiting to see God answer a prayer in a way only He can? He's working on it!

 GROANING ALOUD

Today's reading: Job 23-24

"Then Job spoke again: My complaint today is still a bitter one, and I try hard not to groan aloud." Job 23:1-2 NLT

Job, in the middle of his hurt, pain and questions, determined that in all he said, he would honor God(Job 19:25).

Admirable.

But he also went so far as to state in this morning's verse, that he would even try not to groan aloud.

Could it be he was trying hard not to make others feel as bad as he felt? That he would attempt to not bring down the feel in the rooms he might walk into? That he would give his best in making sure his raincloud, his discomfort, his brokenhearted-ness didn't infect others?

It's not that Job kept his prayer requests to himself, people knew about them.

It's not that Job pretended to be thrilled with all that God had going on in his life.

It's not that Job didn't appreciate the consolations given him by godly friends.

It's just that Job decided his mumblings, grumblings, utterances and sighs were as much testimonies to his faith in God as anything at all he could ever say.

What about you?

Are your facial expressions telling the world about Who you believe in?

Are the tones you are setting with your body language telling the world in Whom you believe?

Are your gasps, snorts, sniffs and exhale in desperation of the situation or in expectation of God's hand moving?

Are you groaning aloud?

LOVED ONES

Today's reading: Psalm 33-35

"He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do." Psalm 33:15 NLT

I don't know who you have on your prayer list entitled, 'Needs To Know Jesus', but God knows their heart.

He is full aware of what it will take to get their attention.

He knows just how long to let them run away.

He knows the hurts and bitterness needing removed to make room for a Savior.

Trust your list to the One who knows their hearts.

 A ROCK NAMED EBENEZER
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 6-10

"Samuel then took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer--'the stone of help'--for he said, Up to this point the Lord has helped us!" 1 Samuel 7:12 NLT

Call me silly.

Consider me to be a simple minded gal.

Tell your friends about my antics.

Decide in your mind that I've totally lost it, but here is what I'm doing today...

I'm finding a nice rock in my landscaping.

I'm naming that rock, Ebenezer.

I'm placing that rock on my coffee table--a place I pass hundreds of times in each day. I will pick it up to dust it. There will be visitors ask about why I have a rock in my front room.

I want Ebenezer the rock to remind me that up to this point, to the very point at which the little stone catches my eye, the Lord has helped me. The Lord has been faithful. The Lord has followed through on all He has asked of me and all He has required of me. The Lord has never left me to my own devices.

And I'm believing Ebenezer will also remind me to trust God for what I'm wanting/needing to see happen.

Want to grab your own Ebenezer?

 RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU

Today's reading: Genesis 44-47

"I am Joseph! he said to his brothers. Is my father still alive? But his brothers were speechless! They were stunned to realize that Joseph was standing there in front of them." Genesis 45:3 NLT

The very same Joseph they hated, plotted against, beat up, threw in a pit AND sold to a caravan of gypsies, stood in front of them.

Speechless.

Stunned.

Did you notice those words?

They never expected to see Joseph outside of their nightmares every evening as they laid their heads down to try to sleep.

They just knew what they had done caused his demise.

But now? Now the object of their hatred, bullying, poor choices and despise stood in front of them!

What about you?

Are you holding a child that you had no right to have?

Are you working at a job you don't deserve?

Are you in a relationship with people you had spurned and broken?

Are you serving a God who you had turned your back on?

God has an amazing way of taking what we've ruined, stained, messed up and killed--and blessing us with it.

Joseph, these many years later, ended up being a God-sent blessing to his brothers and their families. He was placed in a position that would allow him to let them live. More than live, to prosper.

I'm not sure what you believe you have taken out of God's hands, crumpled up and thrown in the trash--seek His forgiveness, listen for His instructions, trust His ability to take our messages and make masterpieces and watch for what might soon be standing in front of you!

CALLED THE ONES
Today's reading: Mark 3-4

"Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him." Mark 3:13 NLT

Gotten an invitation in the mail lately?

To a birthday party? A baby shower? A wedding?

There is something nice in knowing you've been invited, isn't there?

You've been thought of. Your presence is requested. You are considered an important part of the life of who ever is being celebrated.

Jesus invited his select twelve to go with Him up on the mountain. By name. Specifically. Personally. 

They were the ones He had chosen to walk most closely with Him. The ones He knew would have His back. The fellas in which He saw the most potential. The very ones He felt comfortable in leaving His ministry with when He returned to heaven.

Friend, as believers, we have been invited up on this mountain, too!

Jesus has spoken to our hearts.

Jesus has drawn us to Him.

Jesus has caught a glimpse of what all He can do through us.

Jesus has invited us to talk intimately and personally and privately and corporately with Him in prayer.

We are the called ones, too.

All these years later He still calls us to be with Him, serve Him, walk closely enough to Him to be loved on and to show His love to others.

 THERE WAS A TIME
Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 5-6

"Don't you know that those who do wrong will have no share in the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, who are idol worshipers, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, abusers and swindlers--none of these will have a share in the Kingdom of God. There was a time when some of you were just like that, but now your sins have been washed away, and you have been set apart for God. You have been made right with God because of what the Lord Jesus Christ and the Spirit of our God has done for you." 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NLT

Did you find yourself in the list of the sinners listed?

Did what you once did remind you of just how far from God, how dirty and unholy you were?

Did how far you've come flash through your mind?

Did the lengths to which God sought you out bring tears to your eyes?

Did the very thought of having a share in the Kingdom of God make you giddy?

Oh, the things God has done for His children!

 GENTILES, TOO

Today's reading: Isaiah 56-61

"And my blessings are for Gentiles, too, when they commit themselves to the Lord. Do not let them think that I consider them second-class citizens." Isaiah 56:3 NLT

Just when I feel as if I'm opening up the Bible to once again 'read over the shoulder' of a Jewish friend...

Or when I step into the pages of an historical account of 'someone else's family'...

Or as I scan over pages that relate to a completely different time and space than the one I live in...

Just when I am struggling to know if His Word if for me, my issues, my needs, my good...

He pens these words.

He chooses to place in my line of vision this verse.

He leaves me, without a doubt, entirely loved by Him.

Because I'm the Gentile He refers to.

I'm the 'outsider' He has grafted in to His family.

I'm the adopted daughter of this Mighty King.

I'm the one to whom this love letter of Scripture is written!

 NOTHING TO DO 

Today's reading: Job 21-22

"But their prosperity is not of their own doing, so I will have nothing to do with that kind of thinking." Job 21:16 NLT

Job was attempting to sort out, to process if you will, all the horrible things going on in his life.

He had done some soul searching, he was 'counseled' by his friends, and now--well, now he was in the stage of his grief where he started to compare his testimony to that of others.

That's a very human thing to do, but it's also a very dangerous thing to do.

Job noticed the bad turn he was taking and corrected his attitude--so I will have nothing to do with that kind of thinking.

What brilliant words!

What life-changing words!

What path-redirecting words!

How often do we need to speak those words to our own minds and hearts?

Self, I will have nothing to do with that kind of thinking!

How many times in a single day do we need to look in the mirror and repeat Job's statement?

Hey you! Yes, you! Don't have anything to do with that kind of thinking!

How many times in the course of an hour's time should we make that same statement to our enemy?

Satan, I will have nothing to do with the kind of thinking you are suggesting to me!

Write out Job's words and put them in prominent places around your house--just as a reminder that you will have nothing to do with 'that' kind of thinking.

 SPRINGING THE TRAP

Today's reading: Psalm 30-32

"Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me, for I find protection in You alone." Psalm 31:4 NLT

I might be telling my age in this confession...

Upon reading this verse, my mind immediately conjures up a wooden Acme Corporation box propped up on a stick with a long rope tied to the stick. The long rope is held in the scrawny hands of Wile E Coyote who is hiding behind a rock in the desert. Under the edge of said box is a juicy carrot.

Isn't that exactly how our enemy attempts to trap us?

Something that catches our eye. Something that arouses our senses. Something that is not always sinful, but distracting, and perched right on the edge of a very slipper slope.

David, in this psalm, asks that God pull him from those exact situations. I pray it over us, too.

Maybe it's a matter of God opening up our eyes to see entire situations.

Maybe it takes the Lord highlighting the better option.

Maybe it will require we pausing long enough to listen for His instruction before the next step.

Maybe, just maybe, He will go as far as completely changing our wants--or what appeals to us.

Maybe He will speak tenderly to our hearts as to what traps we have been falling for--and why.

I'm going to guess that for the better part of us our traps will not be luring us in with a big, juicy carrot...but we all have traps set for us.

Be on the look out! Be prayerful!

THE SAFETY OF THE ARK OF GOD

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 1-5

"Eli was waiting beside the road to hear the news of the battle, for his heart trembled for the safety of the Ark of God..." 1 Samuel 4:13 NLT

One of my favorite quotes comes from Charles Spurgeon in regards to the Word of the Lord...

“The Word of God is like a lion. You don’t have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself.”

As I read about Eli this morning, and ponder the fact that too often we remain silent about the Lord in opportunities presented to us because we don't want to 'mess up'. We don't want it to be taken the wrong way. We don't want to let it fall into the wrong hands.

We, more specifically, I, am afraid I will make God look bad.

That I will quote the wrong verse.

That I won't have a rebuttal for every debate.

Friends, the Word of God, just like the Ark of the Lord, does not NEED us to defend it.

It does not NEED us to glorify it.

It does not NEED us to become scholars of it in order to share it at the grocery store, in our homes, on the playgrounds.

Let the 'lion' loose and see what it can do for itself!

 STANDING AROUND

Today's reading: Genesis 40-43

"When Jacob heard that there was grain available in Egypt, he said to his sons, Why are you standing around looking at one another? I have heard there is grain in Egypt. Go down and buy some for us before we all starve to death." Genesis 42:1-2 NLT

In this account Jacob was sending his sons out to find food to save the entire family. They were in the midst of a famine. A lack of provisions. Desperation.

Today, well, today we find ourselves in some what of the same dilemna: We have plenty, but the world is hungry.

They are needing a Savior.

They are thirsty for Living Water.

They hunger for the Bread of Life.

They desire a Friend.

They wander lacking a Shepherd.

They are comfortless seeking a Comforter.

We have what the world needs--Jesus.

Why are we standing around doing nothing? Not sharing Him? Keeping the Answer to ourselves?

 RIGHT RESPONSE

Today's reading: Mark 1-2

"And they left their nets at once and followed him." Mark 1:18 NLT

"He called them, too, and immediately they left their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men and went with him." Mark 1:20 NLT

"Simon's mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus about her right away." Mark 1:30 NLT

I'm convicted this morning about my personal response to Jesus.

About the times He asks me to do something.

In regards to the moments He whispers in my ear, Put that down.

Concerning the folks He may have placed in my path for a conversation about Him.

The disciples did it the right way...at once, immediately, right away.

I cannot admit that those adverbs describe my decision making process.

What might be more applicable? After much thinking, once it was pondered a great long time, when it was the only choice left.

Sound familiar?

Let's, you and I, determine that starting today we use the words that described the obedience of the disciples--at once, immediately and right away.

I can't believe it's going to make an impact (it did for them) on us and on those around us!

 BELIEVING

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 3-4

"...Through us God caused you to believe..." 1 Corinthians 3:5 NLT

We all have that someone we've been praying to the Lord.

Someone who is 'this' close.

Someone who is struggling and just won't give up.

Someone who has heard the Truth and the Truth is nestling itself deep into their hearts.

But they don't believe yet.

Not yet.

We'd like to rush the process.

We'd like to push them into a decision.

We'd like to drag them kicking and screaming into the Kingdom.

But God is the one who causes people to believe in Him.

Our words might help.

Our deeds might be noticed and taken into consideration.

Our lives might be road signs directing them to Him.

Our quoted verses and invitations to church might draw them a little closer.

But ONLY He brings about belief in the heart.

It's God who draws. It's God who reveals. It's God who saves!

We? We get to participate closely enough to watch what He does!

 WHO HE IS

Today's reading: Isaiah 51-55

"For I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea, causing its waves to roar. My name is the Lord Almighty. And I have put my words in your mouth and hidden you safely within my hand. I set all the stars in space and established the earth. I am the one who says to Israel, You are mine!" Isaiah 51:15-16 NLT

Ever just needed the reminder of who God is?

Had those moments when He placed His loving hand under your chin and raised it up to look squarely in His eyes so that He could remind you of all He has done, all He have given and how deeply He loves?

Experienced a time in your life when the words of this verse needed repeating--loudly and clearly to your own heart, and to your enemy?

Absolutely nothing has changed from the day He had Isaiah pen these words until this very moment in time. Nothing.

God is still ________. You fill in the blanks.

 WHEN NO ONE IS LEFT

Today's reading: Job 19-20

"My relatives stay far away, and my friends have turned against me. My neighbors and my close friends are all gone. The members of my household have forgotten me. The servant girls consider me a stranger. I am like a foreigner to them." Job 19:13-15 NLT

Job felt battered and bruised--and alone.

Sure people were around him, he did after all have three 'friends' sitting beside him in the ash pile where a majority of his mourning occurred--but he still felt alone.

He felt distanced from people, and honestly, people distanced themselves from him.

Like they do today--if you don't know what to say, you stay away. If you're afraid of saying the wrong thing, you stay away. If you can't say anything, you tend to stay away. If you can't say anything without crying alongside them, you tend to stay away.

It's nothing new under the sun.

Maybe, just maybe, you're experiencing it right now. You're going through a season when you feel alone. You are enduring some things that no one else can relate to. You are walking through a fire of your own soul.

Know what Job knew--your Redeemer lives!

"But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the earth at last." Job 19:25 NLT

Job, and maybe you, felt as if almost all he knew had flown out the window--but what he continued to know, in the depths of his heart, was that God was with him. God had never left him.

Your Redeemer lives, friend.

 MOVING IN WITH THE LORD

Today's reading: Psalm 27-29

"The one thing I ask of the Lord--the one thing I seek the most--is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord's perfections and meditating in his Temple." Psalm 27:4 NLT

I'm moving in with the Lord!

No, not in a heavenly sense, but in a heart, mind and soul sense.

I'm asking to be in His presence from the moment I wake in the morning, in each and every situation I find myself in and right up until I lay my head down for sleep at night.

I want to be that close to Him.

I want to be where He is. 

I want to 'be in the room' when He does His work.

I want to rise and shine with Him, sit at the table with Him, work right alongside Him throughout the list of the day's chores.

I want to rest with Him, minister with Him, hear Him, watch Him, follow Him and mimic His every move.

I want to be thinking what He's thinking. I want to be doing what He's doing.

Sure, I'll be residing in this world...

I'll still be inhabiting our little farmhouse on the prairie...

I'll be interacting with the people He sent His son to die for...

But deep down I know I'll be living with Him every moment of the day!

Want to join me? Don't worry--there's plenty of room at His place!

GIVING GOD YOUR SHOE

Today's reading: Ruth

"In those days it was the custom in Israel for anyone transferring a right of purchase to remove his sandal and hand it to the other party. This publicly validated the transaction." Ruth 4:7 NLT

Have you 'given your shoe' to the Lord?

Handed it over to Him privately and publicly?

Maybe you have asked Him to be your Lord and Savior--great!

Maybe you've been through the New Believer classes and got the award Bible for perfect attendance--wonderful!

Maybe you've even gotten wet in front of your new church family in baptism--super!

Maybe you've accepted a new role and validated your commitment to your house of worship--kudos!

But have you 'given the Lord your shoe'?

Have you mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually recognized this purchase by Him of your sins, your life, your future and your hopes?

Have you acknowledged that as of the moment of your salvation that nothing of yours is yours?

Your plans, are no longer yours.

Your body, is no longer yours.

Your desires, are no longer yours.

Your future, is no longer yours.

'Hand over your sandal' to God. He can be trusted with all you've sold to Him. And in return you will be wildly blessed!

 AGAINST GOD

Today's reading: Genesis 36-39

"No one here has more authority than I do! He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I ever do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God." Genesis 39:9 NLT

We're in the palace with Joseph and Potiphar's wife this morning.

No one else is around.

Mrs. Potiphar sidles up beside Joseph and makes her move. She offers her wares. She presents Joseph with a proposition that she believes he cannot and would not resist.

But he does resist.

And it's not because of her.

It's not because of Potiphar, his boss.

It's not even for himself.

He resists because it would be a great sin against God.

If we were to remember that each and every sin we are tempted to commit is fully and intimately against God, and God alone, would it keep us from sinning?

Our enemy has errantly convinced us that there are sins that ONLY effect ourselves, sins that ONLY effect the two people involved, sins that ONLY effects a small group of people.

But sin, every sin, is against the Lord.

Shouldn't that make us stop and think?

STARTING THE WEEK
Today's reading: Matthew 26-28

"...And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20 NLT

After giving the Great Commission to his disciples (and to us), there were so many things Jesus could have said to His followers.

-Reminders of all He had taught them.

-More instruction as to the 'hows and whys' of the ministry ahead of them.

-Points to ponder in their new walks.

But He told them He would be with them. Always.

Reassurance. Hope. Peace. Security.

Last words that empower, strengthen and guide.

 

 FAR WISER & FAR STRONGER

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 1-2

"This 'foolish' plan of God is far wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is far stronger than the greatest of human strength." 1 Corinthians 1:25 NLT

Maybe you can't debate with those who don't believe in your Jesus.

Quite possibly you haven't come to understand each and every passage in our Holy Scriptures.

There is a good chance you have not thoroughly understood, or liked, all God has done in you, for you and through you.

If so, you and I are riding along in the same boat!

Might I also add, based on what we've already agreed upon...

No matter what I can't converse in words in regards to God's greatness, or understood about God's ways, or have liked about His timing, or what remains hard for me to figure out in the pages of His Word...

His ways are what we can and will and need to rely upon!

His strengths, His choices, His ways far exceed our greatest imaginations!

Our God is far wiser.

Our God is far stronger.

 CARRYING YOUR IDOLS

Today's reading: Isaiah 45-50

"Gather together and come, you fugitives from surrounding nations. What fools they are who carry around their wooden idols and pray to gods that cannot save!" Isaiah 45:20 NLT

It's almost comical to think of carrying around my wooden idols and little gods.

Pockets full of trinkets. Large bags toting carved figurines. Baskets of baubles that bring me luck, insure my safety or keep me from harm. Little totems that calm me, relax me, whisper peace into my senses. Items I have purchased, borrowed, picked up along the way and some fashioned by my own hands.

(I guess because of the eras in which I was raised, I conjure up glimpses of mood rings and incense sticks, a keychain with a lucky rabbit's foot attached, primitively stitched voodoo dolls, or more currently--a vial of oil.)

I see myself falling down at the Lord's feet and all these 'things' spilling out of my pockets, hands, bags and baskets. I can mentally hear the clatter of my ornaments and graven images. I instantly feel a weight lift off my shoulders.

I see the Lord smiling as He looks lovingly into my eyes, grabs both my hands in His, and with one gentle swipe of His foot sweeps all those other things away without even glancing at them.

His eyes and smile say, Finally, dear child, you have come to the Source of help.

 DESIRES

Today's reading: Job 17-18

"...My heart's desires are broken." Job 17:11 NLT

When I think of Job I think of a stalwart saint.

An unbending believer.

A staunch Christ follower.

He did everything right. He never once cursed God for all the calamities that fell upon him. He never turned his back on the One from whom all he had ever came.

But to read this verse where Job says his heart's desires are broken--well, it makes me feel as if I might have more in common with Job than I ever thought!

You see, I've had my heart broken a time or two and I've had my desires changed, re-arranged, re-prioritized. So I have an idea of the turmoil Job was experiencing in his head, his soul and his heart.

But Job continued on in his faith walk.

He did not disavow his belief in God.

He carried on with his heart set on the Lord, the Lord's goodness and the Lord's provision for him.

So while his heart's desires were broken, maybe it's that they were shattered in order to make a beautiful mosaic.

He was given pieces of past wants and desires that God re-positioned into an exquisite masterpiece.

He was provided opportunity to trust the Lord on a deeper level, at a higher risk point and with more of his heart than ever.

Job discovered as his heart's desires were broken that God was good. Always good.

 WATCHING CLOSELY

Today's reading: Psalm 24-26

"My eyes are always looking to the Lord for help, for he alone can rescue me from the traps of my enemies." Psalm 25:15 NLT

Ever taken a craftsman's, artisan's or vocational class? One in which you needed to keep your eyes on the instructor all the while attempting to do your own project?

Ever sat beside a grandmother while she taught you to knit or crochet? Your eyes were glued to her deft fingers while attempting not to get your own 'knit and purled' into the scarf you were attempting?

Maybe you've stood at the kitchen counter with a friend who was skilled in dough making, up to your own elbows in flour, watching her every move?

Have you been to an acrylics class in which you attempted to follow the instructor's every move with your brush? Your attention is torn between your own canvas and the one the artist seemingly flourishes upon?

What about in your walk with the Lord?

Are your eyes glued upon His leadings?

Is your heart set on following the instructions given in His Word?

Are you determining to be sensitive to any and all nudges given to you by the Holy Spirit?

Are you asking in prayer before taking a single step forward?

 SETTING UP LITTLE GODS

Today's reading: Judges 17-21

"So Micah ordained the Levite as his personal priest, and he lived in Micah's house. I know the Lord will bless me now, Micah said, because I have a Levite serving as my priest." Judges 17:12-13 NLT

Micah lived in a time, denoted by several passages in the book of Judges, when people did what they believed to be right in their own eyes.

Micah's belief was that if he had his own priest, paid by out of his own funds, housed in his own home, eating from his own table--then the Lord would bless him.

Maybe you're laughing at this idea?

Your own personal minister, pastor, preacher, evangelist, living with you? Walking alongside you in all that you do? Never having to leave the house for a blessing, a sermon or a quick spiritual question?

Maybe you're doing it as well, but not by having your own preacher-in-your-pocket.

Maybe you've established a few idols with which you believe the Lord will bless you because of?

The idol of church attendance.

The god of faithful volunteer.

The statue of all the checks you've written to the church.

The monument you have built with all the different Bible translations you've acquired.

The calendar you have marked with all the occasions you've delivered a meal to a needy brother or sister.

Surely the Lord will bless me now, we all say with these small gods, little idols, mini shrines.

Isn't that 'doing what is right in our own eyes'? If anything other than God holds the place of importance, worship, focus or hope in our eyes, it's an idol.

Check your 'house' for idols and personal priests lodging within the walls of your heart--I'm going to be doing the same thing!

 REMINDING GOD

Today's reading: Genesis 32-35

"Then Jacob prayed, O God of my grandfather Abraham and my father, Isaac--Oh Lord, you told me to return to my land and to my relatives, and you promised to treat me kindly." Genesis 32:9 NLT

Jacob gives us a prime example of how to pray in this portion of God's Word.

He doesn't sit quietly pondering what to say.

We don't find him at a loss for words.

He isn't writing and re-writing what it is he wants to/ought to/can say to the Lord.

He simply repeats back to God what God's already said to him...

You told me...

You promised...

We cannot go wrong praying back to God what God's spoken.

We can find His promises throughout Scripture.

We can find 'thus saith the Lord' on just about every page of our Bible.

We can search out what's written in red to lead us in prayer.

When we pray back to God what He has already spoken, we're not going to mess up!

 WILL REMAIN FOREVER

Today's reading: Matthew 23-25

"Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever." Matthew 24:35 NLT

Our women's Sunday School class is currently studying the book of Revelation.

It's a deep dive into God's Word. It's written in ways our 21st century minds aren't used to. It's full of imagery and similes that leave us scratching our heads from verse to verse.

It's also full of things we fathom--and scare us to death.

It's foretelling a time when to not be His will be catastrophic.

The world as we know it will be completely up-ended and if we are left here, things will not go well for us.

But God's Word?

The truth of the Scriptures?

The Gospel?

The redemption Story?

None of that will ever change!

Even in the last days of the Tribulation, when the world is going up in smoke and evil seems to rule--the answer, the way out, the truth and the life will still be found in Jesus--as the Word says!

Heaven and earth will disappear, but God's words will remain forever!

 ACCEPTING

Today's reading: Romans 15-16

"So accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified." Romans 15:7 NLT

Just a friendly reminder this Lord's Day...

They might not look like you, accept them.

They might not act like you, accept them.

They might not have it all together like you want everyone to think you do, accept them.

They might still smell of the pigpen of sin, accept them.

They might have very, very rough edges, accept them.

They might not worship like you prefer, accept them.

They might not grow in Christ's likeness as quickly as you thought they should, accept them.

Christ accepted you the way He found you, didn't He?

 DOES NOT LIKE TO SHARE

Today's reading: Isaiah 40-44

"I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else. I will not share my praise with carved idols." Isaiah 42:8 NLT

This verse reminds me that I, too often, give God only joint custody of my heart.

I fail to give Him all of my affection, attention, talent or faith.

I place myself and other just as faulty idols in places where He deserve complete rein, full access and total control.

And He lets me. He's a gentleman like that.

But He also allows me to quickly find out that my idols fail, they are limited and they are lacking at best.

He wants all of me, warts and all--because He does not like to share!

 THEY SAY

Today's reading: Job 15-16

"O God, you have ground me down and devastated my family. You have reduced me to skin and bones--as proof, they say, of my sins." Job 16:7-8 NLT

Are you too concerned, bruised or defeated by what 'they say'?

Does your mind replay, over and over, words spoken to you, about you, over you by 'them'?

Are you feelings, attitudes, emotions and actions based solely upon 'public opinion'?

Are your ears finely tuned to 'community sentiment' expressed by those who are not your Lord and Savior?

We have to choose to listen to the Voice of Truth.

We must make an effort to hear God above all other noises.

We are asked to let the Holy Spirit, not other faulty humans with fickle opinions, lead us in all things.

I'm praying this morning that God's opinion, direction and promises speak directly to our hearts and minds today!

 ONE MAN BAND

Today's reading: Psalm 21-23

"We praise you, Lord, for all your glorious power. With music and singing we celebrate your mighty acts." Psalm 21:13 NLT

You may very well giggle as I allow you to peak inside my thoughts this morning in regards to this verse.

When I think of all the Lord has done, for me, for the world, in the seen and in the unseen, here is what I picture... 

A one man band.

You know the kind: cymbals strapped to his knees, a harmonica in a rest right before his mouth, strings running down his shirt sleeves that attach to a drum on his back so that with every move of his arms the drum beats, an accordion or banjo in his hands.

Laugh if you will, but this fella is a picture of what I believe our lives should be in response to God's glorious power.

Every step we take should praise Him.

Every move we make should offer Him applause.

Every turn of our selves should clamor honor to His name.

Every single act we do should celebrate the fact that He knows us and moves heaven and earth to show us that love!

Yep, a one man band of praise--that's what we are each called to be.

 REALIZATION

Today's reading: Judges 12-16

"Delilah realized he had finally told her the truth, so she sent for the Philistine leaders. Come back one more time, she said, for he has told me everything." Judges 16:18 NLT

It's not that Delilah was so acquainted with the truth that she recognized it when Samson finally shared his secret....quite the opposite!

For a gal in the position she was in...

Having been raised in the community she had been raised in...

Being in the employ of the people from whom she would draw a paycheck...

Using her tenacious nagging as she did...

Chances are truth was not in her, but she knew when Samson spoke it.

Our unbelieving friends do, too.

Our unsaved loved ones do, too.

When we speak the truth of God's Word, regardless of how they respond to it, they know it to be the Truth.

It flies in the face of all they are leaning on.

It goes against all they had been errantly building up.

It stands in stark contrast to the life they were attempting to live.

So let's keep sharing the Truth...

 STOLEN GODS

Today's reading: Genesis 28-31

"At the time they left, Laban was some distance away, shearing his sheep. Rachel stole her father's household gods and took them with her." Genesis 31:19 NLT

Too often I am guilty of 'stealing gods'.

I serve the Lord, but I also tend to 'hedge my bets' by adding a few idols to the mix--just in case.

I lean on the Lord, while working my fingers to the bone.

I trust in God's Word, but do all I can to see done what I want to see done.

I believe God loves me, but I attempt to tick off all the boxes in the column titled, Good Christian.

I know God has in store what's best for me, but I go ahead of Him, at a much quicker pace, on a different timeline that He uses.

I am aware God sent Jesus for the world, but have a tendency to guard what I have from the ones He places in my path that might need it, too--as if there isn't enough of Him to go around.

Rachel stole her father's household gods for insurance purposes. In case this God of her husband and father-in-law didn't work out as she had hoped.

This morning I'm attempting to empty my pockets of the idols I had stashed away for the same reasons. 

 MOST

Today's reading: Matthew 20-22

"Most of the crowd spread their coats on the road ahead of Jesus, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road." Matthew 21:8 NLT

Most of the crowd, it says--not all.

What about the ones who did not celebrate Jesus coming into Jerusalem?

They were not the majority.

They were not acknowledged.

They were not blessed by His appearance.

They were not seeing what the others saw.

They did not know what to do with Jesus, what to think about Jesus, how to respond to Jesus.

Maybe they were not as impressed by the Messiah as the majority of the onlookers.

I'm asking myself this question--which part of the crowd am I?

Do I celebrate every time I see Him do a work?

Do I praise Him each time I notice Him stepping into my situation?

Will I celebrate Him--no matter how He appears?

I have Jesus in my midst every moment of every day, as surely as those on the streets of Jerusalem had--how am I responding to His presence?

 DECENT AND TRUE

Today's reading: Romans 13-14

"We should be decent and true in everything we do, so that everyone can approve of our behavior. Don't participate in wild parties and getting drunk, or in adultery and immoral living, or in fighting and jealousy." Romans 13:13 NLT

Decent and true in every we do...one might think that's too high a calling to take on, but let's break it down, choice by choice...

-Our Bible before our Facebook time?

-Prayer instead of the morning news?

-Obeying the speed limit, no matter what?

-Paying the taxes we have due?

-Exiting ourselves from conversations in which gossip is the topic?

-Setting aside Sunday as the Lord's Day?

-Forgiving the other person? No string attached. No 'fishing in that pond' any longer. Whether they know it or not.

-Remembering it's not all about you?

-Letting go of bitterness?

-Pausing to listen--really listen?

-Doing, one thing at a time, what we know we have said we would do?

All at once, being decent and true might be a little overwhelming, but when we decide to do it choice by choice, moment by moment, day by day...well, I believe that makes it more doable for us all!

 SHARING 

Today's reading: Isaiah 34-39

"Say to those who are afraid, Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies." Isaiah 35:4 NLT

Christ follower, what are you doing to spread God's love, peace and salvation?

Not what Bible verses are you quoting. 

Not what religious tracts are you handing out.

Not how many invitations to church you are passing along.

It's a scary world out there.

Folks are fearful.

Many lose sleep afraid of the shadows of life.

Are you telling people about the peace that comes from knowing God? The kind of shalom that allows for sleep-filled nights, watchfulness for the rainbow after the storm, for good to come from bad?

Say to those who are afraid, Know God and lose your fears.

 ALL ABOUT ME

Today's reading: Job 13-14

"Tell me, what have I done wrong? Show me my rebellion and my sin." Job 13:23 NLT

God chose Job.

Only for his godliness? Maybe. Maybe not.

There is the possibility that God chose Job because Job would ask the hard questions.

Or because Job would most closely represent the people (us) who would follow up on his story generations later.

In this single verse, I see more of Job in myself than in any other verse in his story, as he asks--Is it all about me?

-What have I done wrong, Lord?

-Where have I failed, God?

-How did I not understand what it was You had for me to do, Heavenly Father?

Job didn't seek to blame.

Job didn't, in this statement, seek to be seen as the victim.

Job wanted to make sure his account was clear with the Lord.

When things go wrong in our lives, do we first go to God to seek His understanding of the situation? Do we pause in His presence to see where we might have misunderstood His assignment? Are we humble enough to acknowledge our part in a problem--and desire to be corrected?

Some things are not our fault. Some things are. Only God can help us sort out the difference and make the corrections as He deems needed.

 WHERE DO I GO?

Today's reading: Psalm 18-20

"But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry reached his ears." Psalm 18:6 NLT

I've gotta tell you, in times of trouble, God's not always my go-to-guy.

Maybe you're gasping at that admission.

Maybe you'd have thought someone who writes about the Bible every morning has it all together.

Maybe you thought, thinking you knew me, I would never do that.

Well, I do--or, I don't...however one might write that.

I have an innate tendency to exhaust all my own resources, ideas and abilities before turning to the Lord.

I will often times in desperation turn to Google and see what the world wide web has to say about my situation and the handling of it before I seek God's will and way in regards to the matter.

I will moan and groan among praying friends about the problem I have, expecting their tidbits of wise advice, not asking them to pray.

Why do I do that?

I know the power of prayer.

I know the immensity of the One to whom I pray.

I know, without a doubt, that everything is held in God's hands.

It's very, very little about what I, the internet or good friends can do for me.

I desire that my first response becomes a cry to God--knowing He hears me from His sanctuary! I want to become the kind of pray-er that uses God as my first resort, not my last.

What about you?

 CONSTANT REMINDER

Today's reading: Judges 7-11

"They forgot the Lord their God, who had rescued them from all their enemies surrounding them." Judges 8:34 NLT

I needed the reminder this morning that the recommendations, commands, charges and commissions God makes of us are for our benefit. He gives us a number of ways in which, by obedience, we are called to remember all He has done for us...

He asks to assemble together--so we don't forget.

He asks that we share our stories of salvation--so we don't forget.

He asks that we live prayerful lives--so we don't forget.

He asks that we love one another--so we don't forget.

He asks that we keep His Word before us--so we don't forget.

He asks that we observe times of communion--so we don't forget.

He asks that we forgive one another--so we don't forget.

He asks that we give to the poor, the needy, the orphans and the widows--so we don't forget.

All these things so that we will keep in front of us what He has done for us. 

Are you faithfully utilizing these reminders?

 BECAUSE OF ME

Today's reading: Genesis 24-27

"I will cause your descendants to become as numerous as the stars, and I will give them all these lands. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed. I will do this because Abraham listened to me and obeyed all my requirements, commands, regulations and laws." Genesis 26:4-5 NLT

All because of one man's obedience, dedication and commitment to the Lord a nation was born. A nation that continues. A nation that thrives. A nation that through the course of history has had God's hand upon it. A nation that holds the spot as apple in God's eye.

All because of one man.

It makes me think, this morning as the sun begins to rise on a new day--what can God do with my obedience, my commitment to Him, my desire to honor Him with my life?

Who will be blessed because of my relationship with the Lord?

How many generations will be touched because I chose the side of the Lord and did not waver?

Where will God take the efforts of my service to Him?

What will become of the faith I have today in all that I've given to the Lord?

These words regarding Abraham make me want to hitch up my skirt-tails and continue on! Not for myself, but for those who will follow in my footsteps and for the blessing God will pour out on them because of my faithfulness to Him.

 HOLDING YOU BACK
Today's reading: Matthew 17-19

"Jesus told him, If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me. But when the young man heard this, he went sadly away because he had many possessions." Matthew 19:21-22 NLT

We would discuss the faults and shortcomings of the rich, young man mentioned in today's portion of the Bible.

We could debate over all that held him back from being the Lord's wholeheartedly.

We could chastise him, in memory.

We might list fault after fault of this young man and his poor choice.

Or...

Or we could see ourselves in his actions and choices.

We could quickly assess our own desire to have what the world offers instead of following Jesus.

We might find ourselves looking into a mirror of self-centeredness instead of into the face of our loving Savior.

We would surely notice that his faults are not entirely his own, but ones we have all--every one of us--been guilty of committing.

What do we put in front of Jesus?

What do we choose over Him?

How do we show, in word or deed, that second place is where we place the One who died on the cross for us?

The young man walked away from his conversation with Jesus sad, because he chose the world...what about us?

What are we leaning into...

What are we depending upon...

Where are we looking for love in all the wrong places...

Who is eventually going to let us down...

 IS THIS TOO MUCH TO ASK?

Today's reading: Romans 11-12

"...When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?" Romans 12:1 NLT

If you were to start out your day listing all the things the Lord has done for you...

-saved your soul from hell

-answered your prayers

-opened doors

-kept you from harm

-given you the blessings you have

-provided you with another day

...when you think of all the things He has done for you, could He ever ask you to do too much for Him?

 HOW STUPID CAN YOU BE?

Today's reading: Isaiah 29-33

"How stupid can you be? He is the Potter, and he is certainly greater than you. You are only the jars he makes! Should the thing that was created say to the one who made it, He didn't make us? Does a jar ever say, The potter who made me is stupid?" Isaiah 29:16 NLT

How stupid can we be to question anything God has done, will do--or doubt what's coming?

We think we know.

We think we have bigger, better plans.

We think our wisdom reaches into any and every situation in which we find ourselves in.

But we are merely the jars He has made.

The workmanship of His hands.

The created, not the Creator.

The One who made us can be trusted with us, with our futures, with the messes we made of our pasts and with today--our purposes, our mission opportunities and our provision.

 OH, I KNOW

Today's reading: Job 11-12

"...Who doesn't know these things you've been saying?" Job 12:3 NLT

Among believers there is a tendency to be able to dole out the wisdom, advice and instruction that's found in the Word--but not personally apply it.

We know it, we just don't always apply it.

We have the words stored in our memory and sometimes in our hearts, but we don't always use it accordingly.

We have the knowledge, we just don't have the wisdom to use what we know.

Or we choose not to.

Or we determine in our hearts that we don't need it.

Or that it's good advice for someone else, but would never work in our set of circumstances.

Who doesn't know is not the problem...

Who doesn't apply what we know is the real issue at hand!

 OUR STORIES

Today's reading: Psalm 15-17

"My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you." Psalm 17:5 NLT

Maybe our enemy has you thinking your testimony is not a 'great one' if it doesn't include drugs, gutters, far countries or chains of addictions being broken.

Maybe our enemy has silenced you in sharing how much God loves you because you don't have a great lead in like, 'God found me in...' or 'God saved me from...' or  even, 'I had turned my back on God because...'

Hear this. I guess more appropriately would be, Read this:

IF GOD HAS SAVED YOU FROM YOUR SINS, YOU HAVE A STORY WORTH SHARING WITH OTHERS!

Sin is sin. Sure, some stink more than others. Some reach out wider and touch the lives of more people. Some sins seemingly have greater consequences and deeper stains than other sins might.

But in God's eyes, all sins are equal, all people are sinners and all those who come to Him have a testimony!

Share yours. If your story involves a dark alley and a gutter, share it. If your story involves staying true to God for many, many years, never wavering, always serving, share it. If your story has just started this morning, share it. 

When your know Jesus as your Savior and the Forgiver of all your sins, you have a story!

 THE GREATEST GENERATION

Today's reading: Judges 1-6

"After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel." Judges 2:10 NLT

Tom Brokaw has written a book about those born, raised and involved in the World War II era. He has lovingly and fittingly named it, The Greatest Generation.

The very title leads us to expect great things of these folks we read about in the pages of his book.

But it also leads us to either fall short of their examples--or excel to standards that far surpass the marks they made in history.

The same is true of our Christian walks.

Are you of the 'greatest generation'?

Are you carrying on what's been handed to you in the form of a godly upbringing?

Are you a trailblazer, a first generation believer in the Most High God?

Are you reclaiming what your parents disregarded in terms of God and the facets of Christian life?

Or are you choosing laziness in regards to rearing your children in the fear and the admonition of the Lord, and becoming the 'lesser generation'?

Are you dismissing the laws of God for the laws of comfort, self-centeredness and the world?

Are you failing to recall all you have been introduced to through the pages of the Bible--and the testimonies of those who lived before you.

Which generation will you be? Greatest or Lesser? 

Will the Lord be important to you--and quite possibly to those after you because of that choice?

It's a lot to think about but it's important. It's going to determine how we're remembered and what state we leave for our following generation.

 NOW I KNOW

Today's reading: Genesis 20-23

"Lay down the knife, the angel said. Do not hurt the boy in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld even your beloved son from me." Genesis 22:12 NLT

The decision to trek off to the land of Moriah.

The saddling of the donkey.

The strapping of the pile of firewood on Isaac's shoulder.

The building of the sacrificial altar.

The tying up of Isaac.

The pulling the knife out of the sheath.

Didn't God see the small steps of obedience Abraham was showing? 

But God chose to wait until the last moment.

The exact point at which He knew there was no turning back for His servant.

The moment in time in which Abraham settled in his heart of hearts that he was all in--or all out.

That's when God knew.

Truly knew.

What's it going to take for Him to know how deep our obedience goes? What final step in follow-through will be required for God to know, without a doubt, that we are all in for Him? What mountain will we have to climb, what altar will we have to build, what special possession will we have to tie up and place before Him--for Him to know we're serious about being His?