WISE SPEECH

Today's reading: Proverbs 20-21

"Wise speech is rarer and more valuable that gold and rubies." Proverbs 20:15 NLT

Ever heard the phrase, 'Quality is better than quantity'?

Isn't that what Solomon is leading us to believe in this proverb he has collected?

One can say a lot...a whole lot. Spouting out opinions. Offering free advice. Critiques. Criticisms. Cutting remarks. Useless words.

But when one who is wise speaks, everyone listens. They pause. They lean in. They value the gems spoken aptly and appropriately.

I'm considering the words I say this morning as I prepare for the day ahead.

I talk too much...and say too little of importance.

I'm asking God to make my words filled with wisdom--and rarer than the precious stones Solomon knew so much about! 

ALL THESE THOUGHTS

Today's reading: Psalm 102-104

"May he be pleased by all these thoughts about him, for I rejoice in the Lord." Psalm 104:34 NLT

Google tells me on average people have between 6,000 and 70,000 thoughts per day and Healthline.com says most Americans process at least 6.5 thought transactions per minute.

That's a whole lot of thinking!

And thinking about thinking has got me to thinking--

Can I, like the psalmist, believe God is pleased with all my thoughts?

Is everything I've considered throughout the past 24 hours honoring to Him?

Do the things I've pondered point to how capable and trustworthy I believe He is?

Are all the things I analyze, contemplate and deliberate fueling my faith--or feeding my fears?

My goal for today, and maybe you would want to join me, is to think about what I think about. 

 

IN ADDITION TO EVERYTHING ELSE
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 15-19

"...Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And now, O God, in addition to everything else, you speak of giving me a lasting dynasty!" 1 Chronicles 17:16-17 NLT

I pray you have an 'in addition to everything else' moment like David experience in this portion of Scripture.

I ask that God completely 'undo' you in regards to all He's done for you.

I ask that He open your spiritual eyes as to the depths of the love He pours into your life!

In addition to giving you life--He gives you new life in Him.

In addition to forgiving your sins--He places those same sins as far as the east is from the west.

In addition to saving you from hell--He gives you life, life more abundant.

In addition to a heavenly home--He gives us small pieces of heaven on earth.

In addition to salvation--He gives sanctification.

In addition to mercy--He gives grace.

In addition to Him calling us His children--He gives us the opportunity to go out and make disciples for Him, adding to the family.

In addition to church fellowship--He gives us the privilege of speaking to, and hearing Him speak to us, in prayer.

He just doesn't stop!

 

WAIT HERE
Today's reading: Numbers 9-12

"Moses answered, Wait here until I have received instructions for you from the Lord." Numbers 9:8 NLT

If it hadn't been that I had just written in my journal about my feeling overwhelmed with all that's going on around me, I might have skimmed right over this verse.

Had it been in a season of my life that wasn't jam packed with things to do, people to tend to and opportunities coming out of the woodwork to be seven places at once, I might have breezed right through this instruction from the Lord.

But that is exactly where I am--and this verse is exactly what I need to get through it!

Wait here--pause for a moment. Inhale. Exhale. Survey the surroundings.

Until I have received--spent some time in prayer. Talked it through with the Lord.

From the Lord--the One who knows what's best, who needs the most of me, where I can minister for Him with the greatest impact. What exactly is His will and His way and His time for me.

Because, you see, I've scurried through. I've responded before seeking counsel. I've given 'yeses' to everything under the sun. I've wrongly assumed all I am asked to participate in is what I need to do. I'm writing checks out of my 24 hours a day account that might be poor investments, possible time wasters and worse yet, allow me to be too preoccupied to come alongside a work God is doing.

Lord, let me wait here while I receive instruction from you as to my next right step. My soul needs Your guidance and Your insight. I ask that You lead and direct me to honor You with all that I do. I desire the peace that comes from knowing, without a doubt, I am about my Father's business!

  

ENDURING ANYTHING

Today's reading: 2 Timothy 1-2

"I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen." 2 Timothy 2:10 NLT

Paul's 'anything', in this portion of Scripture, was prison.

His 'anything' had included beatings, leaving his home, ridicule and even shipwreck.

He wanted people to know the saving grace of Jesus more than he wanted anything else in the world.

Where do we stand in comparison?

Are we willing to have the hard conversations in order that someone come to know our Lord and Savior?

Are we ready to be ostracized for our love for God?

Are we inclined to push aside shyness for boldness in sharing the Good News?

Enduring 'anything' for the cause of Christ might mean we will be uncomfortable, stretched and placed in awkward situations...but wouldn't it be worth it for someone to know Jesus?

 HAVING THE COURAGE

Today's reading: John 7-8

"There was a lot of discussion about him among the crowds. Some said, He's a wonderful man, while others said, He's nothing but a fraud, deceiving the people. But no one had the courage to speak favorably about him in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders." John 7:12-13 NLT

We can agree that there is a whole lot of talk about Jesus, even today.

He is debated. He is mentioned. He is sung about. He is spoken of. He is referred to when thumbs are smashed or shins are cracked.

There's a lot of discussion about Jesus--are you in any of the conversations?

Are you praising His name?

Are you telling about His saving of your soul?

Are you sharing the Good News of His life, death and resurrection with those you meet?

Are you using His name in ways that honor and glorify Him?

Or are you lacking the courage to speak favorably about Him in the crowds you find yourself in?

Speak up for Jesus!

KNOW THE LORD

Today's reading: Hosea 1-7

"Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him! Then he will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring." Hosea 6:3 NLT

Just how well do we know the Lord?

Know about Him-check.

Know of Him-check.

Know people who know Him-check.

But know Him? Do we really, truly, wholeheartedly, know Him?

Are we fully aware of His will, His direction for our life, who He desires we share Him with?

Do we know what breaks His heart, what makes Him smile, what draws Him closer to us?

Let's press on to know Him better.

Let's make the effort to be in His Word, His letter to us, more.

Let's spend more time listening in prayer than merely presenting a list of wants and needs.

The reward of seeking Him out--He will respond to us!

Oh, that we might know the Lord!

 

ADVICE AND INSTRUCTION

Today's reading: Proverbs 19

"Get all the advice and instruction you can, and be wise the rest of your life." Proverbs 19:20 NLT

Do you know the difference between 'advice' and 'instruction'?

Advice is information given, facts, guidance and/or opinions. General knowledge offered in a hands-off manner.

Instructions, however, are steps to follow- usually provided by a professional, or at least one who has themselves accomplished said task. Instruction is usually more detailed, technical and precise.

Both are helpful.

Both can be sought.

Both can be offered from the well-meaning, godly people in your life.

But for me--I cherish the instruction given by those Christians in my life who are living it out, not just offering advice. 

Instruction that has had the edges worn off from use, from trial and error, given in the spirit of love and desire to see me accomplish.

Which do you prefer to be given--advice or instruction?

Which do you more freely offer?

MY DAILY TASK

Today's reading: Psalm 99-101

"My daily task will be to ferret out criminals and free the city of the Lord from their grip." Psalm 101:8 NLT

While David's words sound like an oath some muscle-y super hero might be called upon to take, it's not.

It's for us.

As believers.

As children of God.

As inhabitants in a land that is not our home but created by our Good Father.

To ferret out criminals, is to watch for underlying issues. To be very careful as to what we allow to grow and fester and influence.

It starts in our homes. In what we allow, or don't. In what we okay, or don't. In what we participate in, or don't.

We'll never be able to impact the world until we have discipline over the three square feet of earth we occupy in and of ourselves.

Are you completing your daily task? Are you watching for areas in your life where our enemy can creep in through cracked foundations or non-existent determination? Are you taking steps to ferret out the criminal influences in your life?

IT IS TIME

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 10-14

"It is time to bring back the Ark of our God, for we neglected it during the reign of Saul." 1 Chronicles 13:3 NLT

Let me set the stage for this powerful statement by David...

David had been anointed as king many years previous to this moment and had been waiting on God's perfect time for him to step in and take office.

David had spent a majority of that time running from King Saul, fighting battles for King Saul and honoring God's appointment of King Saul.

David had relocated himself and his family many times over the course of the 'wait'.

Now? Now King Saul was dead. The kingdom was being presented to David. The Lord's will and ways were being set into motion.

David's first order of business? To get God, the Ark of the Covenant, back into the city of Jerusalem.

You see, in all the years of turmoil between Saul and David, the Ark had been pushed aside, disregarded, ignored--neglected.

David knew he, the people of Israel, his monarchy, needed God back in His rightful place.

What about you?

Where has God been pushed aside, stored in a back closet or not acknowledged?

What's taken His place in your life? Your time? Your heart?

It is time He be placed back where He's always wanted to be. 

SHOW US, LORD

Today's reading: Numbers 5-8

"Then the Lord said to Moses, Instruct Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing: May the Lord bless you and protect you.  May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.  May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace." Numbers 6:22-26 NLT

I have heard this prayer repeated numerous times throughout my life.

But this morning?

This morning I notice a specific portion of the last sentence of the prayer...

'May the Lord show you his favor.'

God knew, oh how God knew, we are people who need to be shown!

We need to have glimpses of His favor and grace placed right in front of us.

We need to see how precious we are to Him.

But I also read it as this:

We need to be on the lookout for His grace and favor!

We need to be expecting it to show up in our day, to be evident in our lives, to be able to be seen as we go about our living for Him.

Do you watch for it?

MIRRORS NOT MICROSCOPES

Today's reading: 1 Timothy 4-6

"Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right, and God will save you and those who hear you." 1 Timothy 4:16 NLT

We live in a fault-finding society. One filled with finger-pointing and blame-placing. One in which we are always looking at the faults of others, but not seeing the inadequacies in ourselves.

That's not what Paul asks Timothy to do in this letter.

Paul recommends using a mirror to change the world, not a microscope.

He asks Timothy, and us, to look deeply at our own actions and deeds to see where we need to be changed.

He instructs Timothy to begin with the only one any of us can call into account--ourselves.

Here is the challenge I am accepting for myself today: I want to see my role in the circumstances, good and bad, that occur around me...what have I brought on myself, what have I fed, what have I played a part in--and how can I continue or make amends.

Staying true and doing what is right is up to us individually. And to do it the way God asks us to do it? It takes a mirror! 

I CAN'T AND THEY WON'T

Today's reading: John 5-6

"I can't, sir, the sick man said, for I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred up. While I am trying to get there, someone else always gets in ahead of me."  John 5:7 NLT

I don't know of any more debilitating words than 'I can't'.

They are disabling.

They are defeating.

They are demoralizing.

They are depressing.

Especially coming from this man's mouth--a man who was standing face to face, eye to eye, toe to toe, in the very presence of Jesus.

Maybe he couldn't walk--

Maybe his friends were too busy to help--

Maybe his friends had their own issues--

Maybe the folks around him were not considerate to his affirmities--

But to say it to Jesus? His Creator? The one who holds the power of the world in His hands?

How sad.

You don't do the same thing, do you?

When He asks something of you, do you begin listing excuses as to why you can't, reasons why you've never done it before, obstacles that stand in your way?

My, oh my, how our lives would change if we would stop saying, I can't, and instead say...

I CAN if You help me, Lord!

SOMEONE LIKE ME

Today's reading: Daniel 9-12

"How can someone like me, your servant, talk to you, my lord? My strength is gone, and I can hardly breathe. Then the one who looked like a man touched me again, and I felt my strength returning. Don't be afraid, he said, for you are deeply loved by God. Be at peace; take heart and be strong!" Daniel 10:17-19 NLT

How can someone like me talk to you, Lord?

I don't deserve to be in Your presence. I don't begin to think You owe me a thing.

I feel Daniel's exhaustion, desperation and depletion as he is approached by You--it takes my breath away!

The truth is it's at that exact moment, feeling those exact feelings, humbled to that exact position is where You do your best work in us!

I don't know why or how You can do anything with someone like me--but I'm here, bowed before You, asking that You do what You, and only You, can do!

LIFE-GIVING WATER

Today's reading: Proverbs 17-18

"A person's words can be life-giving water, words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook." Proverbs 18:4 NLT

I noticed a sign posted on a bulletin board for an upcoming CPR class offered in our small town. How to help in time of need. Instruction on how to save a life. Medical intervention.

Isn't that what Solomon is suggesting with our words?

Hope. Help. Instruction. A breath of life for someone gasping.

Let's all use our words wisely today.

Let's offer them in kindness.

Let's use them wisely.

Let's give life, not tear down another human being.

 

A NEW SONG

Today's reading: Psalm 96-98

"Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!" Psalm 96:1 NLT

"Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. He has won a mighty victory by his power and holiness." Psalm 98:1 NLT

Isn't it time we sang a new song to the Lord?

Not the song we've sung since childhood. Or the song that's firmly established in our memory. Or the song our church has taught us to sing. Or the song that's always on your heart.

But a new song.

New words.

New lyrics.

New emotions.

A new song.

A new prayer. A new level of thanks. A new confession. A new ask. A new proclamation of one of His attributes. A new way to speak of His greatness. A new conversation that focuses entirely on Him.

Determine to say something new in your conversation with Him or about Him today!
 

NAMING IT

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 1-4

"There was a man named Jabez who was more distinguished than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful." 1 Chronicles 4:9 NLT

Almost every I know who has been expecting a new baby, including myself, has poured over a list of names.

Has bought the book...

Used internet searches...

Dug into family ancestry...

Asked opinions...

Just to find the right name for the soon to be arriving child. 

Except Jabez's momma.

No doubt she had a tough labor and delivery, as indicated by the Scripture passage. Undoubtedly she struggled to bring Jabez into the world.

But to name him for the struggle, not for his potential?

To name him for a brief time in history, not for the possibility of his future?

To label him with a negative, when the prospective of his life was a blank canvas?

But before we tssk-tssk her into the annals of shameful history, let's take a look at ourselves:

Do we do the same with every inconvenience, interruption and detour from our own plans?

Do we call it a failure--when it's truly a lesson to learn from?

Do we name it defeat--when it's merely a postponement of success?

Do we tag it as a fiasco--when it's simply God re-designing our plans into His?

I'm convicted to look past present circumstances with hope. I'm determined to think past the here and now, the frustration and disappointment, to see God at work.

'Jabez' is off the table in regards to naming my problems! 

THE ROLE OF PROTECTORS

Today's reading: Numbers 1-4

"But the Levites will camp around the Tabernacle of the Covenant to offer the people of Israel protection from the Lord's fierce anger. The Levites are responsible to stand guard around the Tabernacle." Numbers 1:53 NLT

Chapter 1 of Numbers gives the account of God asking Moses to take a census of all the men old enough to protect and fight for Israel.

Eleven tribes were counted, reported and assigned as 'protection' in case of attack.

The Levite tribe, however, was assigned a different military role--that of protecting the Israelites from God's fierce anger.

The men of the Levite clan had the specific role of carrying for and carrying out the jobs required to keep the Tabernacle in service. 

These Levitical men were the intercessors for the rest of the Israelites.

As believers, we are 'Levite priests', too.

It's up to us to guard and protect our loved ones and neighbors through prayer. We are to set godly examples in all we do, inside our homes and outside. We are to make sure the church doors remain open and the ministries of the church provided with plenty of volunteers. We are to distribute wisdom in how we react and respond. We are to pour out patience that is seen as light in a dark world. We are to do all we do in love.

In doing so, in being 'Levites', we become an army fighting for their souls and their eternal futures.

THE FIXER IN ME

Today's reading: 1 Timothy 1-3

"For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people. He is the man Christ Jesus/" 1 Timothy 2:5 NLT

The fixer in me wants to settle arguments, smooth out disagreements and orchestrate the unkempt lives of those I love.

Isn't that funny?

Me? 

Imperfect, limited, weak, near-sighted me!

There is only One who can fix messes, right wrongs, mend relationships and turn mountains into mole-hills.

It's Jesus!

What a reminder to me this morning that whatever issue I am facing...

Whatever problem I want to get solved...

Whose ever heart I want to fix...

I can't.

But Jesus can!

 

JOHN 3:17

Today's reading: John 3-4

"God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it." John 3:17 NLT

While so many of us stop and ponder the enormity of truth in John 3:16, this morning I have been given pause in regards to the verse that follows it...

The verse that is as powerful...

The verse that straightens our feelings for facts...

The verse that points to our rescue, or salvation...

God did not send Jesus to mark us as sinners. He did not allow His One and Only Son to walk this earth to merely pass judgement. He did not send our Good Shepherd to merely wrangle a bunch of witless sheep.

God allowed Jesus to state the truth of our sinful state and provide a hope in His gift of salvation!

Were we all rightly judged as sin filled? Yes!

Are we all given the opportunity to have those sins forgiven and our souls cleansed? YES! Praise God, YES!

This morning I'm thanking God that He didn't just send Jesus into this world to condemn us, but to save us--fully, completely, entirely, wholeheartedly and eternally!

AS USUAL

Today's reading: Daniel 1-6

"But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God." Daniel 6:10 NLT

What's your 'as usual'? Your 'go to'? Your habit?

When the world presses in, or hammers down, or completely falls apart in your hands--what's your 'as usual' response'?

For Daniel, it was prayer.

Talking to God.

Listening for God.

Being away from all else and any one else, but God.

How I pray that single response would become my knee jerk reaction to the happenings of life!

When tough times come--I pray.

When stormy clouds boil above me--I pray.

When blessings pour down on me--I pray.

When I don't know what to do--I pray.

What a difference there would be in the worlds if we developed the 'as usual' discipline of prayer! 

EXAMINING OUR MOTIVES

Today's reading: Proverbs 16

"People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives." Proverbs 16:2 NLT

How long has it been since you've given God full access to you?

To your motives...

To the closet where you hide all your skeletons...

To the deepest depths of your heart...

To the cave of thoughts that determine your actions...

How long has it been since you've allowed God to look at the 'real you'?

Not the church attender...

Not the Sunday School teacher...

Not the committee member...

Not the faithful tither...

How long has it been since you have asked God to take a deeper look at your soul?

To xray your every desire...

To explore your past...

To be completely all up in your business...

To take the reins...

We may look good, fulfill all the tasks, and fool a whole lot of people--but God knows us better than we know ourselves! 

MIGHTIER THAN THESE

Today's reading: Psalm 93-95

"The mighty oceans have roared, O Lord. The mighty oceans roar like thunder; the mighty oceans roar as they pound the shore. But mightier than the violent raging of the seas, mightier than the breakers on the shore--the Lord above is mightier than these! " Psalm 93:3-4 NLT

I don't know about you, but some days, a whole lot of days actually, I need reminded that God is greater, bigger, stronger, kinder, more loving and more powerful than the tough things I am going through!

He is mightier than the doctor's diagnosis.

He is greater than the worry than keeps us up at night.

He is kinder than the betraying friend.

He is more faithful than even the morning daybreak.

He loves more than our nearest and dearest.

He is stronger than the pull of the world and all of sin's temptations.

We need to have on repeat in our head, and on our lips--The Lord above is mightier than these!

THE NAMES AFTER YOURS
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 1-4

As I read the first four chapters of 1 Chronicles, I am presented with a list of names. A genealogy. A family tree.

Name after name.

Descendant upon descendant.

I've read them before. I've skimmed over the list a time or two. I've entirely skipped these chapters on numerous occasions.

But this morning?

This morning, I paused...

And I listened for God to speak...

And I heard this spoken to my heart...

One day, living for Me, walking with Me, introducing others to Me--your name will have many names after it.

What an exciting thing to think about--being able to impact others, descendants, generations after me with my relationship with the Lord!

I cannot wait to start doing that when I am 'old'. I cannot sit and sulk over wasted opportunities in my past. I am given today and all it holds in regards to me walking through doors God will open for me to impact someone for Him.

I think it's important to consider the spiritual imprint we will leave on those who follow us! 

I WILL ORDER MY BLESSING

Today's reading: Leviticus 25-27

"But you might ask, What will we eat during the seventh year, since we are not allowed to plant or harvest crops that year? The answer is, I will order my blessing for you in the sixth year, so the land will produce a bumper crop, enough to support you for three years." Leviticus 25:20-21 NLT 

God's people have just been given an entire chapter filled with instructions on how to treat the new land He brought them into.

In these instructions were commands about the Sabbath years, or fallow years, they were to take and details about the Year of Jubilee.

And their response to these instructions...in this new land...where they have seen God bring them...for which God preserved them...about which God promised them?

They were worried about what they would eat in the years when the land was to rest.

God's reply?

God's reply to us when we question IF He is enough...

'I will order my blessing for you.'

He promises to supply when we obey.

He assures us He will provide when we follow His instructions.

He guarantees there will always be enough when we believe Him.

'I will order my blessing for you.'

We must simply obey.

ALL MADE POSSIBLE

Today's reading: 2 Thessalonians

"And so we keep on praying for you, that our God will make you worthy of the life to which he called you. And we pray that God, by his power, will fulfill all your good intentions and faithful deeds. Then everyone will give honor to the name of our Lord Jesus because of you, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the undeserved favor of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ." 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 NLT

Can you list the things that 'have all been made possible because of the undeserved favor of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ"?

Do you have enough paper and ink?

Are you soberly assessing His gracious hand on your life and how very little you have had to do with any of it?

Do you realize that you are His only by His grace and calling?

It's only when we have a firm grasp on this amazing grace that our lives can impact others for Christ. It's then, and only then, that we value it, accept it wholeheartedly and want to share it with others.

It's when we bow in awe of God's saving grace that we see it for what it truly is--undeserved favor!

 

SIX WATERPOTS

Today's reading: John 1-2

"Six stone waterpots were standing there; they were used for Jewish ceremonial purposes, and held twenty to thirty gallons each. Jesus told the servants, Fill the jars with water. When the jars had been filled to the brim, he said, Dip some out and take it to the master of ceremonies. So they followed his instructions." John 2:6-8 NLT

We are given here the account of Jesus's very first miracle...water into wine.

While I have always been amazed by His abilities to change the water, His acceptance of His mother's challenge to help out and His means of introduction into His ministry...what most catches me off guard is that He asked the servants to be a part of it all.

He asked the servants to fill the waterpots.

He asked them to participate in what He was about to do.

Jesus could have, easily, wiggled His godly nose and the waterpots filled themselves.

Jesus could have, without any regard to the law of nature, snapped His heavenly fingers and bottles of wine appeared upon the tables.

He could have done so many more miracles than turning water into wine!

But He chose to let others participate...to get into the miracle itself...to be eye witnesses to what He chose to do.

He still does that today!

He gives us opportunity to come alongside Him on His miracle working missions.

He lets us walk hand in hand with Him from one miraculous event to another.

He lets us get dirty in the process of Him performing miracles in the lives of others.

Are we saying 'Yes' to His invitation? 

PUTTING AWAY IDOLS

Today's reading: Ezekiel 43-48

"Now let them put away their idols and the sacred pillars erected to honor their kings, and I will live among them forever." Ezekiel 43:9 NLT

Lord,

What would you have me put away in order that You be my highest, greatest priority?

What idols am I bowing to, bending to, carrying closer to my heart than You?

In what ways am I worshiping things more than I worship You?

Am I honoring my self, my ways, my plans, more than I am You?

What habitation of the Spirit am I forfeiting with my idolatry?

Would you open my eyes, and heart, to all things idol-like in my life? Would you use the scalpel of Your Word to divide and remove what doesn't need to be in my life?

Place me under Your conviction.

Give me to the desire to be changed into the image of Your Son.

Clear out what's needed for you to live among me--in all I do.

Amen.
 

RELAXED

Today's reading: Proverbs 14-15

"A relaxed attitude lengthens life; jealousy rots it away." Proverbs 14:30 NLT

Sometimes in order to grasp the meaning of a proverb, one must look at its opposite.

While we know what relaxed means--at ease, carefree, unstressed, have you considered what decriptors there might be for not being relaxed, or the absence of relaxation...

Nervous.

Fidgety.

Agitated.

Worried.

Stressed.

Edgey.

Jumpy.

Tense.

Just reading over that list allows us to see how a relaxed attitude would lengthen one's life. 

So what about your life?

How are you living it?

I'm not asking what circumstances you find yourself in, or what others have done to you--I'm asking what attitude you are choosing to take through it all?

I'm not asking how many vacation getaways you take, how often you book a day at the spa or whether or not you spend some time in yoga--I'm asking which frame of mind you determine to camp out in.

One will give you a better life, the other will suck the life out of you.

SATISFY US
Today's reading: Proverbs 90-92

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives." Psalm 90:14 NLT

I don't know if you are a morning person, or not.

I am.

I like to be up before the sun arrives for duty, before the rooster crows to wake the dawn, before busyness crowds in on a day.

Mornings are when I do my quiet time with the Lord.

It's peaceful. It's seldom filled with interruptions. It's just God and I.

It sets the pace for the day ahead.

It determines the tone of my next 24 hours.

It gets my head and heart in the right place for what may lie ahead.

And at the end of the day? As I lay my head on my pillow and consider the day's accomplishments, deeds, decisions and detours--I am satisfied.

Oh, not always in myself! Not even in the day's events. Not even in everyone I bumped in to throughout the day!

I'm satisfied because I started the day off with the Lord. I chose to partake of His love and kindness. I made the decision to seek Him out. I spent some time just my Savior and I.

That, dear friends, is satisfying! 

MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DO

Today's reading: 2 Kings 21-25

"He followed the example of his father, worshiping the same idols that his father had worshiped." 2 Kings 21:21 NLT

For a parent,...

No, let me restate that...

For anyone who has influence over anyone, which includes all of us, this single verse should strike fear in our hearts, bring conviction to our souls and challenge us to live godlier lives.

We set an example for someone!

There is always another who is watching us, noticing our actions, taking note of our every deed, paying attention to all we say.

Here is the question the Holy Spirit spoke into my heart upon reading this verse...

What worship habit are you willing to pass on to _____?

'You do you' as you fill in the blank on that question. Consider your life, your tendencies, your patterns and routines as you think about your influence on those who hear some of what you say but watch every move.

Let me re-word the question...

What habit will I continue that I would be proud to see passed on to the next generation?

What response technique am I modeling for him/her to repeat in their own lives?

What recurring sin am I falling prey to every time the enemy presents it to me, and is it one I am willing to let another struggle with throughout their life?

What custom do I have that might be hard to break now, but by its absence will make life easier for those who follow me?

What example am I setting in what/who/how I worship?

Thinking through this verse and these questions should make us all stop and consider how our idol worship might impact those who follow after us.