EVALUATE YOUR WORDS
Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 4-5

"We don't go around preaching about ourselves; we preach Christ Jesus, the Lord. All we say about ourselves is that we are your servants because of what Jesus has done for us." 2 Corinthians 4:5 NLT

I'm challenged this morning, by this verse, to evaluate my words.

The 10,000-20,000 expressions I make during my waking hours.

Am I talking more about myself, or the Lord?

Am I a continual loop of advertisements for my abilities, emotions and opinion, or do I promote my Savior?

With all He has done for me, how in the world can I ever speak of anything other than Him?

Does my appreciation, thankfulness and gratitude for His saving grace permeate my speech?

Am I intentional in making it less about me and more about Him?

Today I am going to evaluate all the words I speak in an effort to let others know I am merely a servant who wholeheartedly adores their King!

 

EASILY DISTRACTED

Today's reading: Mark 13-14

"As Jesus was leaving the Temple that day, one of his disciples said, Teacher, look at these tremendous buildings! Look at the massive stones in the walls!" Mark 13:1 NLT

Imagine with me for a moment that you are tele-ported to a time and place that allows you to be an actual disciple of Jesus. 

One that lives with him. Learns from him. Walks with him. Experiences his miracles first hand.

One that witnessed the baskets of leftover bread and fish. Saw the crippled man jump up and walk. Heard the authority, power and love of his voice.

One that sang hymns with him. Heard the Scriptures read about him--with him sitting beside you in the pew.

One that heard what he said, not from reading what the Bible has written in red, but from his own lips!

That being said, now notice that you very easily could have been the disciple that, with Jesus right beside you, takes your eyes off of Him to admire the architecture around you.

Rocks? With Jesus right beside you? Your Savior, Friend, Redeemer and Good Shepherd being in your presence?

It happens, doesn't it?

Something shiny distracts our attention.

Circumstances derail our focus.

People get our time and affection.

All the while, Jesus is with us--and we are preoccupied with other things.

Oh friends, I'm convicted by my short attention span this morning as I read this verse. I'm embarrassed to count how many times, already this morning, I've looked past Jesus to worldly things.

Let's remember who is with us. Who walks beside us. Who leads, guides and directs us--not from a heavenly vantage point, but from the headquarters of our hearts!

 

I HAVE FOUND OUR PURPOSE
Today's reading: Jeremiah 22-26

"This is what the Lord says: Be fair minded and just. Do what is right! Help those who have been robbed, rescue them from their oppressors. Quit your evil deeds! Do not mistreat foreigners, orphans and widows." Jeremiah 22:3 NLT

Summed up in one single verse is our purpose as the Church!

Be fair minded.

Be just.

Help those robbed--robbed of dignity, robbed of eternity, robbed of a place of belonging.

Rescue--the prisoners of sin, the captives of the enemy, those bound in chains of doubt.

Quit our evil deeds.

Do not mistreat foreigners, orphans or widows--those lacking someone to stand up and stand in for them.

That's a mighty tall order for us to carry out.

But isn't it essential?

Isn't it the only proper response for people who have had that done for them? 

CHANGED MINDS
Today's reading: Job 33-34

"He causes them to change their minds, he keeps them from pride." Job 33:17 NLT

I don't have to look as far back and the book of Job to know the truth this verse holds.

I've have watched as God has changed my heart and mind in regards to people, views, opinions and old habits.

I've seen Him work miracles in this stubborn heart of mine.

I've experienced complete turn-a-rounds in regards to people I had 'written off'.

I've had my desires changed, my habits shattered and my boldness for Him amplified.

Think God can't do it--try Him!

Ask Him to do a work in your heart and mind.

Don't worry about 'them'.

Seek God out in regards to all He desires to do in you--and you'll be surprised about how your view of 'them' changes!

TRUE THANKS

Today's reading: Psalm 48-50

"I don't need the bulls you sacrifice; I don't need the blood of goats. What I want instead is your true thanks to God; I want you to fulfill your vows to the Most High." Psalm 50:13-14 NLT

Saturday is my Sunday-prep day.

I will review the lesson for Sunday School. I will lay out clothes for church. I will take steps towards our Sunday lunch. I will have my Sunday-bag packed and ready for service. I will check, and double-check my alarm clock.

I want to be ready.

And to a degree, I believe God appreciates that.

He sees my effort.

He knows my desire to arrive on time, at peace and in the right frame of mind.

He sees my heart in regards to the opportunities He presents me with to minister for Him.

But am I thankful as I do it?

Has preparation become so routine that I fail to appreciate the ''why"?

Am I so intent on getting my ducks in a row, so that I look good and godly, that I forget it's not at all about me?

He doesn't need my preparatory efforts, my organized appearances or my timely arrival--He desires that my soul, the inner most being of me, be worshiping Him before Sunday ever arrives.

For me, I'm needing to remember that not only is Sunday the Lord's Day--but Saturday is, too. As well as Friday, Thursday, Wednesday, Tuesday and Monday!

 

THAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIP

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 1-4

"After this, David asked the Lord, Should I move back to Judah? And the Lord replied, Yes. Then David asked, What town should I go to? And the Lord replied, Hebron." 2 Samuel 2:1 NLT

David, referred to as a man after God's own heart, intrigues me.

His obedience.

His courage.

His all-in demeanor.

His accepting of personal blame.

His worship.

And...

The relationship he had with God.

An association that sought to honor God in all (he was entirely human, so we'll say--almost all) that he did.

Just this morning I read that he simply asked questions of the Lord.

Not in a doubting manner, but in a way that showed he truly sought to do what God wanted him to do.

I want that!

I want to seek God's opinion.

I want to ask God's permission.

I want to know God's will.

I want to know which way God wants me to turn.

I want to avoid what God desires that I avoid.

I want the kind of relationship that leans more to the side of asking His guidance than to always having to seek forgiveness.

JUST STAND

Today's reading: Exodus 13-16

"But Moses told the people, Don't be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the Lord rescue you. The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. You won't have to lift a finger in your defense!" Exodus 14:13-14 NLT

Some of us need to get up.

From the fetal positions we're curled up into.

From the beds where we have chosen to stay buried under the blankets.

From the corners of shame others have pushed us into.

From the positions of pride we have camped out at.

We need to stand.

Not only to follow His commands, but to have a better viewpoint of the victory coming our way!

And to be quite clear about the command--we 'just' have to stand.

Simply stand.

We can stand shaking in our boots.

We can stand with doubts and questions swirling around us like tornadoes.

We can stand while others remain in their sitting positions.

We can stand with tears in our eyes.

We can stand not knowing what will be asked of us next.

But we have to stand.

Using all that's in us.

Mustering energy we didn't think we had.

With the help of others.

Let's stand so that WHEN the prison bars are opened...

..the shackles are removed from our hearts...

...the answers to our prayers are laid before us...

...the enemy lays beneath our feet...

God will find us standing before Him in praise, adoration and thanks!

STILL LOVE HIM

Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 1-3

"I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt your entire church more than he hurt me. He was punished enough when most of you were united in your judgement against him. Now it is time to forgive him and comfort him. Otherwise he may become so discouraged that he won't be able to recover. Now show him that you still love him." 2 Corinthians 2:5-8 NLT

When God pointed out my need for a Savior...

On the days He convicts my heart of sins I commit, or omit, against Him...

When He places on my heart the need for forgiveness because of wrongs I have done...

He doesn't leave me in that state.

Condemned. Convicted, Guilty.

He allows me to come to Him as I am.

Dirty. Sin-filled. Wrong.

He forgives me.

He cleanses my heart.

He washes the black-icky-sticky-yucky sins of my heart white as snow!

And He loves me.

He loves on me.

He loves me despite me.

Shouldn't we do that to the ones who have sinned against us? 

THE PROBLEM IS

Today's reading: Mark 11-12

"Jesus replied, Your problem is that you don't know the Scriptures, and you don't know the power of God." Mark 12:24 NLT

Lord,

Jesus was right when He diagnosed my problem.

All those years ago, He spoke the truth that I needed to hear this morning.

My problem isn't with a fallen world, sin-sick people or even with my enemy himself.

My issue is that I don't know Your Word well enough to know Your power!

I worry, when Scripture tells me not to--and why.

I doubt, when my Bible clearly states Your Word is infallible and inerrant.

I attempt to do it all on my own, when the Bible tells me it's a matter of coming alongside You and doing what only You ask.

Forgive me for not believing what You say.

Forgive me for not standing on what Your Word promises.

Forgive me for not sharing with the world the cure that's held in Scripture.

Forgive me for not immersing myself in the pages of my Bible for help, hope, direction and incentive.

Move within me to change that starting today!

EVEN THEIR CHILDREN

Today's reading: Jeremiah 17-21

"Even their children go to worship at their sacred altars and Asherah poles, beneath every green tree and on every high hill." Jeremiah 17:2 NLT

What gods have we passed on to our children?

The idols we lean very heavily upon...

The traditions we uphold and revere...

The unwritten rules we follow and judge others upon...

The rituals we believe make us more godly...

Are we, are they, leaning on anything other than the Lord?

Those who follow us learn by example.

 

EASTER MORNING
Today's reading: Luke 24

"But very early on Sunday morning the women came to the tomb, taking with them the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone covering the entrance had been rolled aside/" Luke 24:2 NLT

The Luke 24 women came to the cemetery that morning to worship a fallen king.

They prepared to honor the shell of a man they had loved, and had been loved by.

They scheduled into their day a time to pay respects to one who had touched their lives, and the lives of so many others.

They walked to the garden tomb to pray, to weep, to mourn.

Jesus had other plans!

Jesus intended to step into their lives in a way He had not formerly done.

He wanted them to know the depths of His love for them.

The heights He would go for them.

The depths He would travel for them.

The widths He would cross for them.

The power He would demonstrate to them.

He was not their fallen king, He was their Risen Lord!

 

PEN OF A SKILLFUL POET

Today's reading: Psalm 45-47

"My heart overflows with a beautiful thought! I will recite a lovely poem to the king, for my tongue is like the pen of a skillful poet." Psalm 45:1 NLT

Hmmm...

Is my tongue like the pen of a skillful poet?

Is that what God hears when I open my mouth?

Does He hear beautiful words? Does He hear kind words? Do my words sound like music to His ears?

Or are my words like graffiti sprayed on a dark alley wall?

Or a child's scribbles off the coloring page and onto the dining room table?

Or the scratchy illegible writings from a pen that's not been used in a while?

The choir director that wrote the words of this psalm have certainly got me to thinking about what my words might sound like to the Lord! 

GOD'S WILL AND GOD'S WAY

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 26-31

"Surely the Lord will strike Saul down someday, or he will die in battle or of old age." 1 Samuel 26:10 NLT

David's life had been on 'pause' since the day in his childhood when Samuel arrived in his village with a vial of anointing oil destined for the head of the next king of Israel.

This young man had continued, even after his ordination in to the Lord's service, to watch sheep.

Then he killed a giant.

Then he played a harp for his predecessor.

Then he led countless armies into battle.

Then he spent years running for his life from the very man he would assume the throne from.

And in this portion of his life?

As he and his fellow soldier stood over the sleeping bodies of Saul and his personal body guard...

As he and his family lived in the land of the Philistines...

As he watched Saul lead Israel lower and lower into idolatry on a daily basis...

As he attempted to govern his mighty men in the ways of the Lord...and His will and His way...

David waited for God to act.

He didn't take matters into his own hands.

He didn't attempt to 'help the Lord out'.

He continued to wait patiently for the day and time God had set aside as the moment for David to assume the throne and the role of king.

Quite the example for this rush in, take over, get things done-and get things done quickly, kind of gal!

THIS NIGHT

Today's reading: Exodus 9-12

"This night had been reserved by the Lord to bring his people out from the land of Egypt, so this same night now belongs to him. It must be celebrated every year, from generation to generation to remember the Lord's deliverance." Exodus 12:42 NLT

I've read, all my life, about the Passover.

The specific details about the lamb and its blood smeared on the doorposts.

About the instructions for the Israelites to have their traveling shoes on and their belongings packed.

And I've remembered the verses that talk about the wailing that could be heard across the land of Egypt as death was experienced.

But I've never, in all these years, noticed today's verse.

'This night had been reserved by the Lord...'

While God's people endured 430 years of slavery, God knew the day and time He had set for their deliverance!

God knows when my prayers will be answered, too.

Every. Single. One. Of. Them.

The day. The time. The orchestration of events that will lead up to its happening. The who. The what.

I need not worry.

I can trust that He has a time reserved.

A time that will shine with His glory.

A day that will be marked in my memory forever.

A moment that I will talk about for generations to come!

A night reserved by the Lord!

RISKING OUR LIVES

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 15-16

"And why should we ourselves be continually risking our lives, facing death hour by hour?" 1 Corinthians 15:30 NLT

Barna studies say that twelve Christians are killed for their faith every single day.

Twelve believers.

Every day.

In 2025!

That's hard to believe in our very comfortable, free to worship as we please US of A. 

So why might God have chosen to write these words knowing they would be read by a gal in southern Illinois who faces no religious persecution? By a good Sunday School gal? By someone who is probably 11th or 12th generation, if not more, Christian? A believer who works around other believers on a daily basis?

Because risking our lives means different things to different people.

Would you risk your close-knit family relationships in order that you know for sure where a loved one is going to spend eternity? 

Would you risk the life of your friendships, because it might get awkward, in order to make sure a dear friend knows the Lord?

Would you risk your standing at your workplace in order that you evangelize on your 'mission field'?

Would you risk stirring up trouble at your church by standing up against a tradition that isn't Bible-based?

Would you risk being known as a 'Christian' in your community by your actions and your refusals?

While we may never be killed for believing in Christ, our comfort levels might be pulled out from under us for sharing Him with others.

Are you willing to risk losing an easy life in order to live a life of evangelism?

PETER, JAMES AND JOHN

Today's reading: Mark 9-10

"Six days later Jesus took Peter, James and John to the top of a mountain. No one else was there. As the men watched, Jesus' appearance changed and his clothing became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly process could ever make it." Mark 9:2-3 NLT

I'm wondering this morning--why were Peter, James and John the only ones to go with Jesus that day?

It says, 'Jesus took them'--does that mean, Jesus chose OR did Jesus ask all of them, and only these three accept His offer?

Were they Jesus's closest followers prior to this moment on the mountain--or did seeing Jesus in this different light seal their endearing friendships?

These 3 must have had a mighty hard time attempting to explain all they experienced with the other followers. You see, some moments of our faith walks are meant to be experienced, not merely described.

Here is what I'm asking myself after reading this portion of Scripture and allowing it to soak in...

1. Do I hear Him asking me to steal away with Him for some time just the two of us? Do I hear Him speaking to me at all? Are there too many other noises vying for my attention?

2. Am I laying aside all other things for time with Jesus? We are all busy, but too busy for time with our Lord?

3. How might my relationship with Him be changed if I did? What would I experience? How would I see Him differently? What will my testimony be after?

 

ALL WILL BE WELL WITH YOU
Today's reading: Jeremiah 12-16

"The Lord replied, All will be well with you, Jeremiah. Your enemies will ask you to plead on their behalf in times of trouble and distress." Jeremiah 15:11 NLT

Jeremiah had the tough job of proclaiming God's judgement on the nation of Israel because they had chosen other gods.

Jeremiah had begged them. He had pleaded with them. He had reminded them of God's faithfulness. He had spent many hours on his knees on behalf of his country and countrymen.

To no avail.

They wouldn't listen.

They wouldn't unclench their fists from the idols they had fashioned.

Jeremiah tried. Oh, how he tried.

God's reward to Jeremiah?

For his determination...

For his boldness...

For his obedience...

For his bravery...

For his faithfulness...

God was Jeremiah's reward.

God's favor would be his pension plan.

God's hand of protection would remain upon him--no matter what anyone else did.

Christian friend, I pray the same be said of us!

Oh, that God will find us faithful in all He asks of us...

That He will see us as obedient servants...

That He will have plenty to reward us for in our efforts to share His gospel message...

That He will see us standing, no matter what all those around us are bowing to...

 

HAVE YOU NOTICED MY SERVANT JOB?

Today's reading: Job 29-30

For years I have wondered about the pre-book-of-Job Job.

Who he was before he was afflicted with his testimony?

What he had done in order for God to truly notice him and ask Satan to consider him for his experiment?

How he had impacted the world before signing off on his life story being published for thousands of years to come?

I think I found out!

I believe I have read what pushed him to the top, made him stand out, caused the houselights to fall on him...

"I helped those who had lost hope, and they blessed me. And I caused the widow's hearts to sing for joy." Job 29:13 NLT

Job shared from his heart. A heart filled with God's love. A heart that couldn't keep the love of God to himself. A heart filled with hope.

That's what made Job notable, outstanding, significant, remarkable in God's eyes.

He shared the hope he had with those he met.

Shouldn't we be doing the same? Don't we have that shared hope? Doesn't the world need to know about Him?

GENERATIONAL

Today's reading:  Psalm 42-44

"O God, we have heard it with our own ears--our ancestors have told us of all you did in other days, in days long ago." Psalm 44:1 NLT

I don't know where you fall in your family tree of faith...

Maybe you are several generations baptized--your parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and great-great grandparents all walked and talked with the Lord.

Maybe you are the offspring of someone new to the Lord and His ways.

Quite possibly you are a first generation believer, one who is blazing a brand new trail.

Where ever you find yourself in this ancestral breakdown, you have either...

1. Heard the Lord praised and applauded for all your years. Your faith walk has been strengthened and solidified by their testimonies. And you get to continue the family tradition!

OR...

2. New things begin with you! A new way of doing things starts with you. A new way of talking. A new path to walk. A brand-spanking new set of traditions to commence! 

How exciting to be either one or the other...to be entrusted with 'family treasures' OR to begin the collection of 'family treasures'!

A REAL FRIEND
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 21-24

"Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God." 1 Samuel 23:16 NLT

Now, that's a true friend!

Jonathan didn't urge David to dig deep and use his own strength.

He didn't push David into some self-help program.

He didn't persuade David to give in and serve King Saul.

He didn't slip him a few dollars to run even farther away from the 'mad king'.

No, Jonathan did what every true friend should do--he pointed David to God!

I can imagine the conversation teetered on the edge of being sermon-like.

David knew.

David had heard.

David lived it out.

But Jonathan chose to remind him of all he knew, had heard and had experienced.

Are you doing that for your friends? Do your nearest and dearest know that any and all advice you will provide will sound a whole lot like Scripture? Will all you encourage them to do lead them closer to the Lord?

If not, they need a new friend--or you need a change of heart. 

AND GOD CONTINUED

Today's reading: Exodus 5-8

"And God continued, I am the Lord." Exodus 6:2 NLT

As Moses stood before Him wringing his hands in dismay...

As the Israelites scurried about attempting to find the straw needed to meet their quota of bricks...

As the Hebrew people remained in captivity, slavery and bondage...

God continued--in His way, in His time, in His truth--

And said, simply...

I am the Lord.

Nothing Moses could bring before Him was too big for Him to handle.

Nothing the Israelites could tell Him was news to Him. 

Nothing an enemy king could do would tie His hands.

God continued, I am the Lord.

I don't know about you, but there are so many areas of my life that need those words spoken over them.

In my heartache--God continued, I am the Lord!

In my doubts and questioning--God continued, I am the Lord!

In my fears--God continued, I am the Lord!

In all the impending, over-the-top ministry opportunities He is asking me to team up with Him on--God continued, I am the Lord!

Nothing, and no one, can stop God. He continues. He remains. He is, was and will be.

REAL HELP

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 13-14

"Since you are so eager to have spiritual gifts, ask God for those that will be of real help to the whole church." 1 Corinthians 14:12 NLT

I'd love to be able to sing in a way that amazes and draws people to God.

I'd like to have the gift of speech that enthralls, convicts and encourages large auditoriums of people.

I'd be thrilled to teach in a way that enlightens and inspires the Word of God.

I'd like to have a heart that gives with no strings attached, prays with power and loves no matter what.

Those gifts would surely be of help to the Church!

But in order to have, seek and receive those gifts, I need to put me aside.

I can't desire the applause more than the moving of the Spirit.

I can't seek the spotlight more than the Light of the World.

I can't teach in an effort to impress others with my knowledge.

I can't give for recognition, pray for personal gain or love only those who love me.

So I must ask God to make me aware of the gifts He has given me that will reach others for Him.

I have to request that He put my personal needs and wants on the back burner.

I need to humble myself before the One who has higher, grander, bigger, more encompassing plans than I do.

That's how I will be used to help the Church!

CONFRONTING JESUS

Today's reading: Mark 7-8

"One day some Pharisees and teachers of religious law arrived from Jerusalem to confront Jesus." Mark 7:1 NLT

My usual routine is to read through the suggested daily Bible portion, then return to the verses that 'jumped off the page' at me. Consider them a little more thoroughly. Write about what God speaks to my heart.

This morning, however, I couldn't get past the first verse.

The audacity of the Pharisees and religious teachers!

Who in the world do they think they are?

To confront Jesus? To approach Him with questions about His motives? To appear to need an explanation from Him as to what He was doing?

Why does the mere thought of their boldness raise my blood pressure and square my shoulders?

Is it because I feel Jesus needs help defending Himself? No.

Is it because I feel these men of the church are ignorant of what's correct in regards to religion? No, if anyone, they knew--or at least should have.

Is it because I saw myself in their boldness?

In their impudence?

In their brazenness? 

While I have no right whatsoever to question God's ways, God's timing or God's will--I find myself approaching Him with a confrontational attitude at times.

Like I need an answer.

As if I deserved a response.

Feeling as if He owed me an explanation.

Assuming He has forgotten who I was.

Reminding Him of my desire that He serve me--with a few of His own verses in hand!

See why I had to stop at verse one this morning?

The 'little Pharisee' in me caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror of Scripture and needed to make some changes before continuing on! I needed an attitude adjustment. I needed to be reminded of rank and file--who I am and who God is.

(I pray you don't have a clue as to what I'm talking about. That you cannot understand the audacity of myself and the Pharisees. That you 'would never' stoop so low.

But if you do understand...

If you can relate...

If you, too, see yourself in the passage--pause and pray. Pause and repent. Pause and re-adjust your position before the Lord! Pause and let Him pour into you His spirit!)

SCARECROWS

Today's reading: Jeremiah 7-11

"There stands their god like a helpless scarecrow in a garden! It cannot speak, and it needs to be carried because it cannot walk. Do not be afraid of such gods, for they can neither harm you nor do you any good." Jeremiah 10:5 NLT

How many 'scarecrows' do I have set up in the garden of my life?

'Scarecrows' that I am leaning heavily upon?

That I use to validate my identity? 

The 'scarecrow' of money that makes me feel secure.

The 'scarecrow' of church membership that makes me look good on Sunday.

The 'scarecrow' of goodness that gives me a mask to hide behind.

The 'scarecrow' of plans I have in place to insure my way at all costs.

While one might think using the term 'scarecrow' makes it a little less ungodly, it doesn't.

These 'scarecrows' are carried around with me...

They speak to my insecurities and lack of faith...

They get propped up in my life where my trust is lacking...

They are seemingly harmless, until they take over and I find them holding the reins to my life...

They take the place only ever intended for God to hold in my heart, mind and life...

I'm asking God to help me knock down 'scarecrows' today. Every. Single. One.

 HE DETERMINES

Today's reading: Job 27-28

"He made the winds blow and determined how much rain should fall." Job 28:25 NLT

This week alone there have been, according to the local weather channel, over 700 weather watches/warnings issued!

Thunderstorms.

Flash floods.

Tornadoes.

Lighning.

Hail.

We have had over 8 inches of rain in just the last 3 days.

So when I read the words of Job this morning, I am assured--we'll only get what God ordains!

He orders the winds--where and how hard they will blow.

He sets a limit on the rain that will fall--and where it will fall.

Even in the storm, we can see that God's power is at work. Always. Completely. Without question!

TRY

Today's reading: Psalm 39-41

"O Lord my God, you have done many miracles for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them." Psalm 40:5 NLT

Has the Lord been good to us? Absolutely, He has!

In innumerable ways? Yes, oh yes!

But shouldn't we, despite the enormity of the task, attempt to list our reasons to thank Him?

Shouldn't we try?

Wouldn't it be worth some effort?

Might it take a long time to list all the things He has done? Yes, but wouldn't the effort required to even attempt such a task be worth every ounce of time and energy?

If you are thankful for all He has done for you, tell Him!

For as many things as you can think of.

As often as you can.

Try to let Him know you have appreciated being the recipient of His blessings! 

PREPARED LIKE DAVID

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 16-20

This morning as I read through the beginning of David's life as God's appointed one, I am encouraged!

You see, David was placed by God into various positions to learn, to grow and to experience what it would eventually be like as God's king over the Israelites.

His being the youngest of several brothers taught him about the importance of unity, gave him tenacity and undoubtedly grew in him true grit.

His occupation as shepherd provided him time to hone his skills at quiet time with the Lord, listening for the Lord's guidance and of course, battle tactics in regards to the lions and bears that attempted to snatch from his flock.

His friendship with Jonathan provided David with an insider's look at happenings around the palace--the good, the bad and the ugly.

His musical talents, at possibly mom's insistence that he learn to play the harp, provided David with solace, Saul with entertainment and us the psalms! 

As I think over all I have been exposed to in life, all I am in the process of enduring and all I have learned, I can't help but believe God is at work in making me into who He wants me to be.

Fully equipped.

Entirely able.

Some experience gathered.

A testimony written.

God is with His people--in the big things and in all the little things leading up to the big things!

 STANDING AT A DISTANCE

Today's reading: Exodus 1-4

"The baby's sister then stood at a distance, watching to see what would happen to him." Exodus 2:4 NLT

I can see Miriam peeking over the tall river grasses.

I can imagine her weaving strands of the bulrushes as she watched the little baby-filled ark bob in the Nile waters.

I can picture her keeping a close eye on the little vessel as it approached the bathing princess.

Was she appointed to keep an eye out for the little fella? Or did she sneak off down to the river to watch what her mom and dad's God would do in this situation?

It's made me think about all the people standing on the riverbank today.

Waiting to see what God will do...

Watching to see how we will react...

Wondering if this 'faith' of ours will sink or float...

Spectators to our walk with the Lord.

An audience of not-yet-believers.

On-lookers on the verge of committing their lives to the Christ we serve.

They're watching as we pray through tough seasons.

They're surveying our response to the diagnosis we just received.

They're gawking as we pray prodigals out of far places.

They're staring as we turn our habits, addictions and sinful tendencies over to the Lord--again and again and again.

We can't usually see them watching us, but they're there.

They are very, very interested in what our God will do!

MOST HELPFUL GIFTS

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 11-12

"And in any event, you should desire the most helpful gifts..." 1 Corinthians 12:31 NLT

Paul has just devoted a chapter of his letter to the church at Corinth to the topic of spiritual gifts.

Gifts that show the Holy Spirit at work in the world we walk, talk, live and work in.

Gifts that point to the goodness of God.

Gifts that draw men to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

The thing is, Paul ends this chapter in stating we should desire the most helpful gifts.

The ones that will work best in the circle of influence we are in.

The gifts that speak to the crowd you will witness to.

The gifts that will most greatly impact your family, neighborhood and community.

Do we do that? Do we desire the most helpful gifts?

Or do we want the ones that bring the most applause?

The most stage time?

The most notoriety?

What an impact we would have on our lost and dying world if every morning we asked God...

Lord, give me the gifts that will be most helpful to the people You will place in my path.

UNTIL JESUS
Today's reading: Mark 5-6

Mark 5 gives the account of a man who was possessed by demons.

It says of this man,

"Whenever he was put into chains and shackles--as he often was--he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to control him." Mark 5:4 NLT

No one could help him.

No one could subdue him.

No one could give him rest from his demons.

No one, that is, until Jesus!

We all have 'things', or legions of things, that leave us seemingly out of control.

Addictions that rule us.

Habits that lead us.

Personality traits that guide us.

Sins that keep us from opening up and sharing our lives with others--for fear they will find out.

We think we won't find help.

We think we can't change.

We don't see how things will ever be different.

The answer to our problem: Jesus.

Jesus saves.

Jesus delivers.

Jesus calms.

Jesus settles.

Jesus redeems.

Jesus heals.

Jesus, when you seek Him, will be found to be enough, more than enough!