I THOUGHT

Today's reading: Psalm 72-74

"Then one day I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I thought about the destiny of the wicked." Psalm 73:17 NLT

I'll admit that upon reading this verse, my mind stopped about three-quarters of the way through it...

'Then one day I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I thought...'

That's where my focus ended.

That's where my attention took a swerve.

That's where I believe God spoke to me.

You see, when I go into His house--the one where I worship with other believers AND the one where I pause for the morning in my prayer chair--I seldom, if ever, just think.

I praise.

I confess.

I ask.

Then I ask some more.

Then I ask for even more than that.

I never just think.

Ponder.

Reflect.

Meditate.

Sadly, even in the presence of God, I don't stop.

I don't stop considering the circumstances around me.

Or the needs I want to see met.

Or the many, many ways I fall short of honoring Him.

I sure don't think about the wicked and their destinies and how I might be a part of their detour.

I want to begin simply being in His presence, thinking about Who it is I'm sitting before, considering deeply the privilege and the power of the throne where I'm bowed low. 

SUBTRACTION NOT SUBSTITUTION

Today's reading: 1 Kings 14-18

"He banished the shrine prostitutes from the land and removed all the idols his ancestors had made." 1 Kings 15:12 NLT

King Asa can be applauded for taking a stand against idolatry and attempting to draw the people of Israel back to God.

He tried.

He really tried.

He cleaned house, he straightened things up and he set about restoring godliness.

But the thing is...

What we're all guilty of...

What never works...

When it comes to the heart, it's never about subtraction, it's about substitution.

If we take something out of our heads, hearts, lives (subtraction), it will be filled in with something else.

Asa didn't institute God worship as a substitute for idol worship.

Everyone is made with a deep down desire to worship. A desire to worship some thing or some one.

While King Asa's attempts were noble and nationwide, they were short lived and soon the people turned back to what had previously held important places in their hearts--idols.

We all need to fill in God things in the places we're pulling out godless things. We need to begin godly habits where we remove ungodly habits.

It takes effort, but it's about substitution, not subtraction.

THE SIN OFFERING

Today's reading: Leviticus 4-6

"When any of the people become aware of their guilt in any of these ways, they must confess their sin and bring to the Lord as their penalty a female from the flock, either a sheep or a goat. This will be a sin offering to remove their sin, and the priest will make atonement for them." Leviticus 5:5-6 NLT

It's not a matter of 'if', but 'when'.

When we choose to go against God's law, God's leading or God's heart, we sin.

Confession is a heartfelt admission of the guilt we feel for dishonoring God with that sin.

But since the Cross...

Because of Jesus's ultimate sacrifice for us...

We, in our guilt and repentant state of heart, don't have to wrestle a goat or lamb to the Temple for a priest to offer in our stead.

We can talk to God.

We can seek His forgiveness and grace.

We can approach the throne of His holiness and power and make amends because of Jesus!

 

GET RID OF

Today's reading: Ephesians 4-6

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:31 NLT

'Get rid of'...

'Put away from'...

'Be removed'...

Just how does one 'do' that?

How does one get rid of emotion, feeling and deep-seated sentiment?

It's not as easy as a surgical procedure to remove the infected area.

Or a matter of having enough positive vibes to make it happen.

It doesn't even help to know all the verses, King James English or otherwise, that tell you to do it.

So how does it get done? How does one rid one's self of bitterness, rage, anger and the like?

Well, it will only happen when we determine to prioritize peace.

When we want a settled heart more than we want to hang on to whatever sinful feeling we are justifying filling our lives with.

When we don't just 'wish it away', but spend time in prayer each and every time the emotion rears its ugly head.

When we consider the Cross. 

Let Jesus's work on the cross- the example He set for us, the lengths He went to, the love He showed in that single act-be our example to follow.

This verse isn't asking us to conceal how we feel...

It's not even asking us to not feel...

It's asking us to confront it, replace it and trust Him with it.

It's not easy....but neither is carrying the baggage of those negative emotions around all day!

 

REAL LIFE

Today's reading: Luke 11-12

"Then he said, Beware! Don't be greedy for what you don't have. Real life is not measured by how much we own." Luke 12:15 NLT

Are you content?

If you attained nothing more in life than what you have now--would you be utterly and completely satisfied?

It would be easy to say that 'in this day and time' we all struggle with materialism, but by Jesus himself speaking these words to the crowds that followed Him, I ascertain that it was a problem then, too.

We all know real life isn't measured by the number of things you have, but do our actions align with those beliefs?

Are we more driven to getting more, having more, accumulating more than we are to spend time in prayer?

Are we more excited about a new deposit of Amazon packages on our front porch than we are about getting in the Word?

Are we more intent upon scheduling time to play with our 'toys' than we are attending worship?

Real life is not measured by how much we own. 

It's truly not.

PICKED UP
Today's reading: Ezekiel 1-6

"Then the Spirit lifted me up..." Ezekiel 3:12, 14 NLT

This morning, this is my prayer for you...

That the Spirit lift you up.

-Up and out of the shadows of fear.

-Up and out of the pit of depression.

-Up and out of the gutter of helplessness.

-Up and out of the grasp of the enemy's lies.

-Up and out of the state of complacency.

I pray that your soul be encouraged, revived, restored, reminded and renewed by the Spirit placing its 'hands' on you and picking you up.

It's what we all need.

 

A FATHER'S ADVICE

Today's reading: Proverbs 4

"My father told me, Take my words to heart. Follow my instructions and you will live." Proverbs 4:4 NLT

It's no coincidence that today, Father's Day, God has me in a chapter labeled, A Father's Wise Advice.

I won't go so far as to wrongly assume we have all had great, godly fathers. I won't even paint a picture that leads us to think we have all even had nice fathers. 

But we have all had fathers.

Fathers that we can learn something from. Fathers whose lives will teach us lessons. Fathers who we can mimic or fathers we can use as 'what not to do' role models.

Blessed are those of us with good, God-led dads, but also blessed are those of us who were given the gift of life by men who did not pour into our lives their influence and impact.

 

 THE RIGHT PASSION

Today's reading: Psalm 69-71

"Passion for your house burns within me, so those who insult you are also insulting me." Psalm 69:9 NLT

What are some of the things you get worked up about?

Politics? Rights? Sports? A hobby?

What an impact the Church would make if our passions were united, consolidated and merged for God, His kingdom and godliness!

What stirred us up would be living for Jesus...

What got our blood boiling was the offensiveness of sin--our own and that of others...

What moved us and motivated us was a desire to see people know our Lord...

What set us off was what bothers God...

We are an easily inconvenienced, riled and irritated people, but I'm not sure it's usually about the right things.

LISTENING?

Today's reading: 1 Kings 10-13

"He had warned Solomon specifically about worshiping other gods, but Solomon did not listen to the Lord's command." 1 Kings 11:10 NLT

In reading about Solomon I see myself.

Oh, not in the wisdom that the man had...

Or in the mounds of money he gathered...

Or in the grand palace he had built for himself...

Where I see Solomon in my life is the fact that disobedience comes awfully naturally to my heart and mind.

After all the instructions God had given him...

After all the promises God had made him...

After all the blessings God had bestowed upon him...

After having been made king over God's chosen people...

Solomon thought he knew better.

Solomon thought he knew better!

Solomon thought he knew better?

That, friend, is where I find myself with 'Solomon characteristics'.

I think...

Just this once...

One little bit...

This time, but not again...

Solomon, and I, both thought/think we are in control--when all the while God knows we aren't capable of controlling anything--at all!

THE HARD PART OF SACRIFICE

Today's reading: Leviticus 1-3

I'm reading this morning about the effort, time, expense and mess that was involved in Old Testament sacrifices.

There were details given that ensured what was offered would be found pleasing to the Lord.

It wasn't easy. It required following instructions. It took strength and might to wrangle an animal to the Temple. It provided no room to fudge on giving to the Lord what was needed.

There was, no doubt, blood, sweat and tears involved.

As I read through the passage, knowing full well I probably couldn't/wouldn't be able to follow all the directives, I am ever so glad One Sacrifice was provided for me!

Jesus offered himself up.

Jesus provided what was needed to cover my sins.

Jesus willingly laid down his life for me.

Jesus paid a debt owed by all of humanity in his one act of love.

WHILE

Today's reading: Ephesians 1-3

"But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's special favor that you have been saved!) Ephesians 2:4 NLT

No matter the situation God found you in when you were saved...

-the darkest, deepest gutter.

-the childlike excitement of a child at the end of a Vacation Bible School lesson.

-the hard sought and hard won battle between your will and His.

-the pig pen of a prodigal journey.

-the altar call ending a Sunday morning service or a hellfire and brimstone revival meeting.

Where ever it was, who ever you were, how ever He found you--He did His work WHILE you were in the state of need.

Not after you had cleaned up your act.

Not following a transformative season of self-improvement.

Not on the tail of a grand heart and soul remodel of your own doing.

While.

While you were dirty, smelly and covered in sin.

While your desires didn't line up with His, your ways didn't glorify Him and your heart didn't have the want-to.

While...

"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." Romans 5:8 NLT

 

WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?

Today's reading: Luke 9-10

"Then He asked them, Who do you say I am?.." Luke 9:20 NLT

 How would you answer the same question, friend?

Great Physician, after a good report at the doctor's?

Friend, while the world seems to keep you at arm's length?

Savior, as you are new to faith?

Father, as you have leaned heavy into His loving arms?

Who we say He is is important.

It's important to us. It's important to those who are watching us.

But is who we say He is backed up by how we live? What we say? How entirely we trust Him?

Is the One True God the only One who has our hearts?

Is the Good Shepherd depended upon completely with every care we have?

Is the Savior capable of saving us to the uttermost, or are there still some areas you don't believe He has rescued you from?

Is the God of Peace the God of your peace, or just everyone else's?

Who does your life say God is to you?

Do we live based upon who He says He is, or are we living by who we 'feel' He is at the moment?

Let's spend some time today looking into our answer to that question. The honest answer. The proved by our life answer.

WONDERFULLY GOOD
Today's reading: Lamentations

"The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him." Lamentations 3:25 NLT

How has it worked for you to rush ahead of God and try to 'help' Him with what He is up to?

He doesn't need our assistance...

He doesn't require our aid...

He doesn't ask for our hand in His plans--only our faith and obedience.

When we pause...

When we pray...

When we scour the Scriptures...

When we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit...

It's then that we see where He is at work and join Him in it, or where we step into peace that carries us through.

The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for Him and seek Him!

Where is it you need to prayerfully sit back and watch expectantly?

What areas of your life do you need 'to take your hands off' and put your faith entirely in Him?

CRY OUT

Today's reading: Proverbs 2-3

"Cry out for insight and understanding." Proverbs 2:3 NLT

God could have unscrewed the tops of our heads and filled them with all the wisdom we would ever need at the altar where we prayed the prayer of forgiveness and asked Him to be the Savior of our lives.

He could have.

But He didn't.

He desires that we seek after Him with urgency, intensity and desire.

He wants us to want to know the best way to live a life that glorifies Him.

So He asks that we cry out.

That we look for the answers.

That we scour the Scriptures.

That we spend time on our knees.

Not just sit and soak it in.

Not just arrive at church and expect the pastor to fill us in.

Not just believe singing a few praise and worship songs will insure a deposit into your wisdom account.

Make the effort.

Cry out for wisdom and understanding!

 

PRAYER & PRAISE

Today's reading: Psalm 66-68

"For I cried out to Him for help, praising Him as I spoke." Psalm 66:17 NLT

While my Bible states that the author of this particular psalm, and this particular verse, is unknown--we do know this: he was full aware to Whom he prayed and he provides us with a great template for our own prayers.

You see, this psalmist stresses the idea that God HAS what we need because He IS what we need. Prayer, and praise while we are praying, states that.

-Help me, great Deliverer.

-Fix the situation I've gotten myself in, my Redeemer.

-Hear me, One who is everywhere and in everything.

-Guide me, Good Shepherd.

-Save me, Savior.

-Be near me, Friend.

-Do a mighty work, Creator and Sustainer.

When you pray for your needs, restate to God just who you know Him to be. It's not at all that He needs the reminder--but maybe you do!

 WITHOUT THE SOUND

Today's reading: 1 Kings 5-9

"The stones used in the construction of the Temple were prefinished at the quarry, so the entire structure was built without the sound of hammer, ax, or any other iron tool in the building site." 1 Kings 6:7 NLT

Imagine a construction project the size of Solomon's Temple being built without anyone hearing it?

No clashing of pick against rock. No sound of ax against timber. No sound of hammer against nail.

And still every day, there was progress. One stone being set upon another upon another upon another.

Isn't that how God chooses to work in a whole lot of our heart's requests?

We don't see our prayers being answered...

We don't hear much to rejoice over in regards to our hearts being lightened of its burdens...

We don't always catch a glimpse of God at work...

But silently?

Behind the scenes?

Out of our eyesight?

In ways we know nothing about?

In realms far too other-worldly for us to comprehend?

Battling against spirits that intend evil and harm against us?

God is at work.

God is orchestrating, renovating, creating, redeeming and building hopes that give us a future and Him all the glory!

GOD OF DETAILS

Today's reading: Exodus 37-40

As I read through the verses that discuss the dimensions, weights, heights and quantities of the Ark, the Tabernacle furnishings and the clothing for the priests--I am amazed!

Lots of facts--yes.

Lots of information--yes.

Lots of bits of knowledge that I probably won't ever jot down in a card or use to build my faith--yes.

But as I read through each and every item listed and the specifications regarding them, I see that our God is the God of details!

From creation to Revelation, and every verse in between, He has specifically and intricately woven His attention to detail into the entirety of the Bible.

So why would we EVER doubt He isn't in the details of our lives?

Ever?

In the goings-on of our days. In the specifics of our decisions we are called to make. In the moment by moment activities of our faith walks.

The God of details is our God of our details! And why is that? So that He will have a place in every aspect of our lives!

"Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glorious presence of the Lord filled it. Moses was no longer able to enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the Tabernacle was filled with the awesome glory of the Lord." Exodus 37:34-35 NLT

CHILDREN OF THE PROMISE

Today's reading: Galatians 4-6

"And you, dear brothers and sisters, are children of the promise, just like Isaac." Galatians 4:28 NLT

Do you need a reminder this morning of just who you are? 

As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you are a child of the promise.

A child of the impossible.

A child of the King.

A child of the One True God.

A child of the Creator of the world.

A child of the Triune God.

A child with an inheritance not held in earthly boundaries.

A child with eternity in your future.

A child of the One who longs to give us exceedingly abundantly more than we might ever ask for.

A child unworthy, yet chosen.

A child who is a vessel of the love and spirit of God.

It's vitally important that we remember just who we are--so we can live just as we are called to live--in order that we might remind others of who they can be in Christ! 

WHO IS THIS?

Today's reading: Luke 7-8

"...And they were filled with awe and amazement. They said to one another, Who is this man, that even the winds and waves obey him?" Luke 8:25 NLT

The motley crew of disciples had already ridden some rough patches with Jesus...

Crowds wanting to crucify Him.

Priests looking down upon Him.

Towns completely disregarding His teachings.

But this boat trip? 

On this adventure they saw a facet of Jesus that had never before seen!

Healer--they had seen it.

Powerful speaker--they had heard His words.

Miracle worker--they had eaten some leftover bread and fish.

But the winds and the waves? Nature itself? Absolute control of the elements? Peace in the words He spoke?

Their words revealed the thoughts of their hearts--Who truly is this man?

And we? When we choose to look deeply into all He is doing around us, will ask the same question--Who is this man? 

 

THEN

Today's reading: Jeremiah 47-52

"Then the people of Israel and Judah will join together, says the Lord, weeping and seeking the Lord their God. They will ask the way to Jerusalem and will start back home again. They will bind themselves to the Lord with an eternal covenant that will never again be broken." Jeremiah 50:4 NLT

The Old Testament tells us of God's special mark on Israel--the people and the land.

It goes on to tell us about their decision to turn to gods other than the One True God.

They forfeited their relationship with God and chose instead captivity, deportment and exile.

But the words of their history doesn't stop there.

When they realize the error of their ways...

When they have been meted out the portion of their discipline...

When they turn back to the Lord...

They are restored to their relationship and their country.

That's not a story just for the Jews, it's our story, too.

When we realize the mess we've made...

When we are sick and tired of the problems we are bringing on ourselves...

When we turn to the Lord, our God and Savior...

He begins writing a new story for us that includes His forgiveness, grace, mercy and love!

 

 TURN MY BACK

Today's reading: Proverbs 1

"My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!" Proverbs 1:10 NLT

It's not as hard as I think...

Saying 'no'.

It starts with an idea--one that usually doesn't settle well within my spirit.

Or a thought that seemingly hides in the shadows of shame.

Or an urge that I know doesn't need fulfilled.

Or a temptation that hangs before me with as much allure as Eve's 'apple'.

I know when it's sin.

That's not the problem.

Telling myself to just say 'no' is where I have the hang-up.

It's not easy.

It's not fun.

It's not a natural bent of mine to deny myself.

But if I just say 'NO'.

Or 'Nope!'

Or 'Not this time.'

Or even 'No way, Hosea!'

If I would just turn my back on the temptation, the thought, the idea or the opportunity...I'll be doing the will of God.