REFERRALS
Today's reading: John 1-2

"John pointed him out to the people. He shouted to the crowds, This is the one I was talking about when I said, Someone is coming who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before I did." John 1:15 NLT

What are you doing to refer folks you know and love to Christ? Are you pointing Him out in the 'everyday kinds of miracles'? Are you referencing Him in regards to your actions and attitudes? Are you forwarding any compliments you might receive to the One who really deserves them?

Do they see a glimpse of godliness in your reactions? Tell them from whom it came.

Do they hear hope in your voice? Speak up and let them know it's nothing to do with you, all to do with Him.

Do they feel comforted in your presence because of your demeanor? Let them know it's Him shining through.

Point Him out throughout the day. Shout His name to the crowds of people you're around. Refer to Him more often--He loves to receive the praise!

WOULD HE BE ENOUGH?
Today’s reading: Ezekiel 43-48
Would you continue to go to your job knowing there’d be no paycheck at the end of the week? Probably not. There’s something about Friday’s envelope that drives you to tolerate cranky bosses and grumpy customers, am I right?
Would your kids still take out the trash knowing there’d be no allowance or extra video game minutes to reward them? I think we all know the answer. Oh sure, I’d like to think the 9 year-old residing in our home pulls his weight because of love and admiration for his parents, but truth be told I think the value of the all-mighty dollar influences him a little more.
Would you keep on keeping on in regards to your Christian walk if you knew at the end of the day the only thing you’d have is Christ?
Would He be enough?
“As to property, the priests will not have any, for I am their inheritance.” Ezekiel 44:28 NLT
If no more blessings came your way, would you continue to serve? If you found out the meek inherited nothing, the poor stayed poor and the peacemakers got punched in the gut each and every time?
If no other prayers were answered, would He still receive your praise? If He did nothing, absolutely nothing for you? If the temptations were stronger than you could bear and the weight of the world heavier than your shoulders could muster?
If heaven were not promised, would you still follow? Would you still sign up to serve in His army? Would you still sing the songs and believe the words?
Would God, and God alone, be enough?

INSURANCE
Today's reading: Proverbs 14-15

"Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a place of refuge for their children." Proverbs 14:26 NLT

Before we go any farther, I will make this disclaimer: The proverbs are not promises from God, they are probabilities of life.

That being said, the verse this morning reminds me that my walk with God, my commitment to and attendance of a God-preaching church and my personal attempt at being in the Word of God and on my knees on a regular basis are good insurance policies that one day could direct my child to the same life.

There will come a time when my relationship with Christ will determine what my little one decided to do with Jesus. There will be a point in his life that he will come to a realization that a personal walk, not his mother's, is what He needs.

That being said, am I 'paying the premiums'? Is he seeing me serving God with gladness? Does he see me thrilled to worship--personally and corporately? Am I modeling habits of prayer and Bible study in a manner than make them attractive to him? Will he want to seek out the God I love and serve?


I was presented with a convicting verse this morning--and you know me, I had to pass it along!

NO PLANS OF RETIRING
Today's reading: Psalm 90-92

"But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted into the Lord's own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will produce fruit, they will remain vital and green." Psalm 92:12-15 NLT

This week my son and I are attending a Vacation Bible School being held at the church where I grew up. It's neat seeing the familiar faces, the changes made in the church and the altar where I knelt and asked Jesus into my heart.

I'm thrilled to be sitting in on the adult class they're offering each evening. Even more thrilled that Miss Wilma is teaching it.

Miss Wilma was a teacher of mine when I was small. I don't think she'd mind me saying she was what I considered very old then, and now some thirty years later? Well, she's that much older.

She's a 'poster child' for the verse I uncovered in the Word this morning. She's at a ripe old age still producing fruit, still touching lives, still desiring that people come to know her Lord and Savior. She's vital and green, still growing, still serving and still wanting to please her Father.

Miss Wilma was transplanted into the house of the Lord years ago, and I'm pleased to announce, she's thriving in His environment!

THIS SCROLL
Today’s reading: 2 Kings 21-25

“…We have not been doing what this scroll says we must do.” 2 Kings 22:13

The king has ordered the Temple to be repaired, rejuvenated, restored. A complete remodel, of sorts. In the demolition, digging and hauling off of debris, a scroll is found. No, the scroll, is found.

The scroll they’ve supposedly been following, obeying and honoring, was perhaps wedged between Bible school props or beneath piles of books donated to the church library.

The scroll they’re supposed to be following to the ’T’. The scroll they’d memorized as children at their parents and grandparent’s knees. The scroll they had all committed to hiding in their hearts. The scroll many of their children now knew nothing of.

But it got pushed aside.

It became a little cumbersome to lug around everywhere, every service.

The words didn’t quite match the moods and lifestyles of the new congregation.

The new ’priest’ wasn’t comfortable speaking on the old matters.

And now the king has a decision to make. Would he have them put it in the archives?

Take it to the bank’s safety deposit box for safe keeping? Would he have enough nerve to ask the pastor to put it back into his message?

What do you do with ‘this scroll’? Is yours nestled snuggly in the backseat of the car for use on Sunday? Does it hold a place of importance on your bookshelf--right next to the cookbooks you’ve collected and your copy of ‘Computers For Dummies’? Is it in the finest of form, just like new, rarely used?

‘This scroll’ is not being utilized by the people God intended it for. We’re missing a blessing each and every day by not cracking it open and drinking deeply of its abundance.

‘This scroll’, what are you doing with it--better yet, where is yours?

HIS NAME
Today’s reading: Leviticus 22-24
“Do not treat my holy name as common and ordinary…” Leviticus 22:32 NLT
When you speak of God, is it with awe and reverence?
When you seek God, is it with anticipation of His power?
When you refer to God, is it with profound regard for His grace and mercy?
When you cry out to God, is it with expectancy and faith?
Or, do you just mutter His name?
Are you calling on Him because every one else does?
Are you referring to Him in a tense that’s outside of a personal relationship?
This is no common and ordinary name we speak--adjust your reference to Him accordingly!

MORE AND MORE
Today's reading: 1 Thessalonians 4-5

"Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You are doing this already, and we encourage you to do so more and more." 1 Thessalonians 4:1

'Living for Jesus, a life that is true. Striving to please Him in all that we do...'

Got it down pat, have you? Your Sunday schedule is set in stone--worship, out to lunch and a nap. On Wednesday nights you make 3 out of 4 prayer meetings during the month. You've had your picture taken for the church directory and over the past year have taken 9 casseroles/desserts/salads for potlucks and funeral dinners.

You must be worn out--and so pleased for your participation.

What about the 'more and more' part mentioned in today's Bible reading? Are you doing it?

What might 'more and more' living look like? Well, all I can share is what God's pricked my heart with...

Write Sunday's check for a little more than usual--regardless of the bills you know you have coming due.

Send a couple more cards than you usually eek out through the week--you know the response you get when you do!

Spend a little more time in prayer, off the computer and with the television off--and without having an emergency.

Forget the list of committees and boards you're on--ask the pastor where he might need your help.

'More and more' has convicted me this morning, and now I'm passing it on to you!

100
Today's reading: Proverbs 13

I want to live to be 100 years old.

There's just something that's always intrigued me about someone who could share the stories and life events after living 100 years--the things they've seen come and go, the miracles they've witnessed and the lives they've rubbed up against. Just think about all the ways you would have seen God move in a century of living for Him!

Imagine all you could do/see/accomplish in 100 years. The legacy you could leave, the mark you could make, the birthday cakes you'd be entitled to eat!

But...

In order to live another 60 years, I've got a few changes I'll need to be making...

1. My eating habits. I cannot continue to power myself up on the poor nutrition I've allowed myself to settle for. More fruits and alot more veggies are just what the doctor ordered. My addiction to Pizza Mike and his timely delivery service will have to be monitored very closely. Better choices on my plate and in my kitchen, and in turn, my guys will receive health benefits--better food for them!

2. My aversion to sweat. I've got to get off the couch and move more. Yes, I'll say it--exercise. I've got one heart, one pair of lungs and one set of bones that I need to keep strong and healthy if I'm going to make it to the big 1-0-0!

3. My mouth. Yes, you read it correctly, my mouth. And although dentists would disagree, it goes alot farther than oral hygiene, daily flossing and steering clear of sweets:

"Those who control their tongue will have a long life; a quick retort can ruin everything." Proverbs 13:3 NLT

I need to maintain alot more integrity where my mouth/tongue are concerned. It would behoove me to keep a few more things to myself and to use my words alot less critically than I do. My snappy come-backs and snarly remarks slice minutes, hours, days, months and sometimes years off my life--time I don't want to lose.

I want to live to be 100.

I CAN DO IT
Today's reading: Psalms 87-89

"I will steady him and I will make him strong. His enemies will not get the best of him, nor will the wicked overpower him." Psalm 89:21-22 NLT

Lord, I really needed that this morning.

I needed to be re-assured that You're on my side, You're fighting my battles and You are completely aware of my weaknesses--each and every one of them!

I'm feeling a little beaten and defeated this morning, so the thoughts of facing another day without Your protection and Your power, scare me to death.

My inabilities have assured me of the fact that in You rests any hope I might have of 'making it' in this tough world.

Thanks for placing those words in the Bible!

SAD NEWS
Today’s reading: 2 Kings 16-20

I’ve figured it out. I’ve been thinking a lot about it lately, and I’ve finally come to an understanding of the problem--and quite possibly a solution.

What’s caused the downfall of our culture, the dysfunctionality of our families and the darkness of evil to fall over our land, our churches and our homes? I’m glad you asked…

“The people whom you have resettled in the towns of Israel do not know how to worship the God of the land…” 2 Kings 17:26 NLT

Oh, I’m sure you disagree on some level to what I’ve quoted. You’ll want to argue that each and everyone of us knows ’how’ to worship, you’ll point to an innate predisposition to lift our hands to our Creator or that God-shaped hole that is in us all. You’ll even bring up Scripture that states our purpose in life is to worship the Sovereign Lord.

So I’ll state my case as mildly as I can: If we know how, if it’s in us to do it, if worship is what we’ve been made for--could it just be that we’re choosing not to? Or would you rather see in print that we’re not valuing the privilege of worship to the degree that we deem it necessary to pass on to our children?

Personally, I do believe it’s a matter of not knowing how. Not knowing how to put aside all others and worship the One. Not knowing how to push aside self-admiration to admit our powerlessness and His majesty. Not knowing how to throw aside burdens, sins and appearance issues to be able to worship in Spirit and in Truth.

I’ll stand on my final answer, we’re a culture that just doesn’t know how to worship--and what’s even sadder…we don’t care to learn.

OUTBURSTS OF PRAISE
Today's reading: Leviticus 19-21

"When you enter the land and plant fruit trees, leave the fruit unharvested for the first three years and consider it forbidden. In the fourth year the entire crop will be devoted to the Lord as an outburst of praise." Leviticus 19:23-24 NLT

I have to tell you, the very thought of this practice humbles and excites me.

Imagine digging the holes, planting the seeds or seedlings, watering on a daily basis. Picture yourself watching and waiting for the first spring that the trees are covered with blossoms. And the first ripe fruits hanging on the branches?

And picture yourself waiting through three harvests of the fruit of your labor. Can you see yourself sitting among the fruit trees as the over-ripe fruit drops off the branches and hits the ground?

And the fourth year? Bushels of fruit picked, carried to the church house and left there for the priests to use or to be consumed by fire as an offering?

All that waiting?

Maybe you don't see your waiting and commitment as anything other than what it is. But friend, your determination to see Him through is an outburst of praise on your part! Working hard and pushing the outcomes into His hands is a form of praise--some of the highest praise He can recieve.

So wait it out. Don't throw in the towel. Keep hoeing out the weeds. Continue carrying the watering cans. Watch as the fruit of your efforts fall wastefully on the ground at times. And when the huge harvest comes in--carry the baskets of praise to our Creator.

THANKS, TO YOU
Today's reading: 1 Thessalonians 1-3

I've gotten your e-mails. I've received the notes you've snail-mailed. I've been privileged to be told face to face by you. I've each time forwarded your thanks and appreciation to the CEO of this devotion-writing venture, God Himself.

I appreciate your willingness to allow me to minister in the way you have. I thank you for opening the e-mails each morning and allowing God to speak to your hearts personally through my attempts to write. I am grateful, ever so grateful, that some of you have even passed the devotions on to others.

But this morning? This morning I want to say thanks for your ministering to me. Paul said it best, so I'll type in his quote...

"So we have been greatly comforted, dear brothers and sisters, in all our own crushing troubles and suffering, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives us new life, knowing you remain strong in the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 3:7-8 NLT

You have inspired me by your commitment to God. Your determination not to be crushed by our enemy. Your faith. I've meet you at the Prayer Breakfasts. I've seen you in the grocery store. I've worshipped beside some of you in the pew. I've been allowed to pray with you, for you and over you through tough times. I've watched you come into church with burdens and leave with an easy yoke.

I'm bolstered in my walk, by yours. I'm encouraged by your dependence upon God. I've been ministered to by the hope you're holding on to. I've read your testimonies. I've watched you grow spiritually and shrink physically. I've seen the solemness of your countenance changed to a warm, Christian glow!

So, this morning, I want to say, Thanks--from the bottom of my heart!

WHAT WOULD HE FIND?
Today's reading: Luke 21-22

"Watch out! Don't let me find you living in careless ease and drunkenness, and filled with the worries of this life.." Luke 21:34 NLT

If Christ were to come back today, what would He find you doing? No, let's go another route--what would He find you thinking? Would He find you amazed by all His blessings, His gift of grace or busy about His business, or filled with dread and worry about tomorrow?

Does what you don't know about consume your thoughts? Is your day spent fretting over what might be, what has been or what didn't come to pass?

Is your alotted twenty-fours hours filled with anticipation and excitement or doubts and fear?

If He were to come back today, what would He find you thinking?

I'M A WATCHMAN
Today's reading: Ezekiel 31-36

Sad to announce, but my favorite week of the year has just ended. There's no better time, in my eyes, than Vacation Bible School. Is it hectic? Absolutely! Is it harried? You bet! Is it a rush to get home from work and head out the door again every night? Yep! Is it chock-ful of rewards? Yes, yes, yes!

"But if the watchman sees the enemy coming and doesn't sound the alarm to warn the people, he is responsible for their deaths. They will die in their sins, but I hold the watchman accountable. Now, son of man, I am making you a watchman for the people..." Ezekiel 33:6-7 NLT

As a watchman, there's no way in the world I could possibly hold back what I know about Jesus's saving power from these little ones!

As a watchman, I couldn't possibly not tell them how to receive eternal life!

As a watchman, there's no way I could sleep at night knowing I didn't introduce them to the One they'll need as they grow into men and women!

As a watchman, I'm accountable to God for making sure the children who passed through the doors of our church, some for the first and last time, hear the Good News!

As a watchman, well let's be honest here, as a watchman--I'm signed up for a terribly wonderful job!

But I'm not the only one. Nope, anyone who has Christ as Savior of their lives, is a watchman, too.

Our shifts are 24/7. Our pay is most times underscale. Our expenses are sometime monumentous, unless compared to Christ's. Our value is unfathomable. And our benefits? The benefits for a job well done, priceless!

GOD BLESS AMERICA
Today's reading: Proverbs 11-12

I'm wishing this morning I had the know-how to have background music available as you read through this morning's devotion. Why? Well, because I'm humming it in my head as think about what it is God's said to me through his Word...

"Upright citizens bless a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart." Proverbs 11:11 NLT

What are you doing for your country?

Voting each and every time the polling places are open?

Writing your congress-person or senator when there's an important bill on their desks?

Have you served in the military? Are you raising a future soldier? Praying for our troops?

Are you obeying the speed limit?

The music's stopped, hasn't it? That's not what you had in mind when I asked about your patriotism? But, in all reality, doesn't our acknowledgement and honoring of nation's laws (each and every one of them), bring blessings to our country?

Our country is in desperate need of more Christians to act Christlike! It's time our churches, yes, our churches, promote godliness and honor in our congregant's lives outside the sanctuary of our church buildings.

Want to see our country rise up from the ashes, gleam in glory, become one nation under God once again--then live out the godly life you've been called to live!

NOWHERE
Today's reading: Psalm 84-86

"Nowhere among the pagan gods is there a god like you, O Lord. There are no other miracles like yours. All the nations--and you made each one--will come and bow before you, Lord, they will praise your great and holy name. For you are great and perform miracles. You alone are God." Psalm 86:8-10

Buddha's lacking.

Small deities and tiny statues are insufficient.

The Koran holds several hundred pages, but no answers, and certainly no hope.

The mountaintop monks are still seeking.

Nowhere is there a god like ours! The miracles He does are second to none. He is God--of all and for all.

DISREPAIR
Today’s reading: 2 Kings 11-15
“One day King Joash said to the priests, Collect all the money brought as a sacred offering to the Lord’s Temple, whether it is a regular assessment, a payment of vows or a voluntary gift. Let the priests take some of that money to pay for whatever repairs are needed at the Temple.” 2 Kings 12:4-5 NLT
Disrepair within the church. In Joash’s time, it was crumbling foundations, squeaky hinges and crumbling plaster. But today? Today, the remodeling of the church needs to go a lot deeper than sheetrock, new shingles and the flashing neon church sign!
Do you realize what we’re allowing inside our church doors? Complacency. Disregard for all things holy. Laziness. Commitment-less service. Do you have a clue as to how quickly, and thoroughly, these things can cause the Lord’s house to crumble?
What to do? Well, in this instance, throwing money at the problem won’t fix it…but don’t stop tithing and giving your monetary offerings.
It’s not just a matter of giving up a little more cash, writing a few more checks or having an endowment written up for the church for after you’ve passed--we’ve got to give a little more up than that.
It’s time we gave up anything that draws our heart away from worship.
It’s time we made the decision to accept the Great Commission and use our church house as a headquarters for the outreach.
It’s time we got off our pews and took the church outside the sanctuary and into our neighborhoods and workplaces.
It’s time we stop tearing down the Lord’s House with our haphazard attendance and less than half-hearted praise.
The church is in need of a re-model--your pew, your family, your life may be where the repairs may need to begin!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE ALTAR
Today's reading: Leviticus 16-18

Chapter 16 of Leviticus has been given a sub-title in my Bible. A heading, or description, of sorts. It's been printed boldly on the page. The words? They clearly state, Instructions For The Altar.

God specifically wanted the Israelites to know how, why, when and whom could approach the altar of the Tabernacle. He wanted, under no uncertain terms, to make sure they were full aware of the importance, the privilege, the immense honor coming to the altar deserved. Specifics were provided regarding sacrifices, human involvement and the charges that would be dealt for mis-use.

And today? What would the instructions be for us in using the altars within our churches?

Might it be simply be put--Use it more?

Bring more burdens to His feet?

Kneel in reverence more often?

Bow in adoration a lot more frequently?

Offer more of the praise He's due?

Dump even the petty issues at His throne?

Seek His will more fervently?

Pray in unity with other believers?

I'm not sure how frequently the altar is used at your church, but I'll venture a guess--it needs to be used more! As our pastor mentioned yesterday, the altar isn't only for sinners!

ALL THAT MATTERS
Today's reading: Colossians 3-4

"In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave or free, Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us." Colossians 3:11 NLT

Too many of us including myself, are living lives that are not placing Christ in the position of importance He deserves. We fill Him and His work into slots of time that are open and are a comfortable fit amidst the other ten thousand things we've got scheduled to do.

Doesn't matter who we are, it says in today's Scripture, Christ is all that matters!

Does your schedule for the week point to Christ? Are you busied with things of eternal consequence? Do you make a mark for Christ in what you're doing?

Christ is all that matters!

Are you reasons for attending church this morning centered around Him? Are you going to worship the Creator or are you going to be seen by the masses? Are you desiring to be in His presence or to make your presence known in the community of believers? Are you going to commune in spirit and truth with other Christians or are you intending to make a good impression with how you're dressed or which pew you sit in?

Christ is all that matters!

Is He all that matters in your life? Does it get proved out at the end of the day?

TREE CLIMBING
Today's reading: Luke 19-20

"He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowds. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree beside the road so he could watch from there." Luke 19:3 NLT

I never realized how very much I had in common with Zaccheus, the wee little man.

First, we're cut out of the same cloth--the short bolt, that is. Neither of us stood heads above anyone. Not either of us had the problem of bumping our heads on a lot of things. And when it came to Jesus, we both come up really, really short.

Secondly, we're both tree climbers. Zaccheus and I both heave ourselves up and down 'sycamore projects' in order to catch of glimpse of Christ. We are so intrigued that we'll go to extreme lengths and physical exhaustion trying to get into His presence. Extremes really, because it's so much simpler to be with Him than any of us want to admit.

Thirdly, there are times when just watching is all Zacchues and I want to do. There are services when sitting on the pew is all I plan to do. There are instances when God speaks and I politely say, 'Today, Lord, I just want to watch.' I don't want to dirty my hands, break a sweat or to be quite honest, be bothered by it all.

But then Jesus comes along. He knows my stature, physically and spiritually, and is full aware that I'll never measure up--but He has fallen in love with me!

Then Christ climbs the tree and helps me down when I'm frayed and worn, when my desire to serve has turned to a determination to compete.

And? And there are the times when He sees me sitting in the tree, on the sidelines, on the back pew, and bids me come to Him--and I cannot resist.

I GET THE POINT
Today's reading: Ezekiel 25-30

I'm pretty sure what to write on this morning. Yes, pretty sure. I didn't receive a shining revelation complete with a choir of angels or a trumpet blast. I had no audible voice thundering in my ear. There was no hand pointing to a verse. Any of those things might have scared me silly--God chooses to work on my terms, very, very simply, to catch my attention: He placed in the Scripture reading ten, if I counted correctly, times.

The words He's spoken to my heart...

"...Then you will know that I am the Lord." Ezekiel 25:9, 25:11,25:17,26:6,28:24,28:26,29:9,29:16,30:19,30:26 NLT

Makes me wonder just what it will take for some of us to realize that He is Lord.

Will it be positive? A newborn baby? A miraculous healing? A life changed completely? An addiction broken? A prodigal child coming down the front sidewalk?

Will it be negative? A car wreck? A diagnosis? A church split? A miscarriage? An awful series of events? A broken vow? The bringing to light of something from your closet?

What will it take for you to realize that He is God? That He is worthy of your praise, admiration and devotion? That it's all about Him, and you're who He wants to work through?

Then, the Scripture says, then you will know that He is Lord...why wait? Acknowledge Him now. Honor Him today. Lift up your hands and praise His majesty and splendor this very moment!

WATCHING WHAT I SAY
Today's reading: Proverbs 10

Ever been in a situation where your feelings were hurt, all you'd done was critiqued and the small you wanting to do your best and accomplish big things for the Lord was bruised--by someone else's words?

That's where I am. And to tell you the truth, it's not where I want to be!

Bitter words. Unnecessary words. Critical words. Sharply spoken words.

What will I do with them? Will I allow them to fester in my heart and mind, infecting my attitude? Will I chew on them a while, store them away and when a most inopportune time arises, spew them back out--on the wrong person?

Or will I pray about it? Let go of it? Refuse to retaliate or react in an ugly fashion? Will I allow the ugliness those words caused make me monitor even more closely what comes out of my own mouth?

"The words of the godly are like sterling silver..." Proverbs 10:20 NLT

I, with the cutting remarks still playing in my mind, desperately want to speak in a godly way. I want my words to be precious trinkets of sterling silver--not rusted iron.

CAN I SAY THAT?
Today's reading: Psalm 81-83

"O God, don't sit idly by, silent and inactive!" Psalm 83:1 NLT

Lord, can I say that?

I mean, afterall, you are the God of the universe, the Creator of time and space, the Alpha and Omega--can I even suggest that you get up and get moving on the issues weighing heavy on my heart?

Can I remind you that something needs done about my unbelieving family members? I don't see any headway being made!

Can I mention, once again, that my neighbors' lives are in desperate need of you stepping in and doing a little overhaul?

Can I again call attention to the needs in our church, physical and spiritual? That revival I've been asking you about bringing? Those saints who are struggling with disease and pain?

Can I actually ask that you move mightily and miraculously?

O Lord, don't sit idly by!

NOT ALONE
Today's reading: 2 Kings 6-10

"Don't be afraid! Elisha told him. For there are more on our side than on theirs!" 2 Kings 6:16 NLT

You feel as if you're alone--you're not. Prayer of brothers and sisters in Christ are going up for you all the time. Church family are asking that His hand guide you.

You feel is if you're the only one taking a stand--you're not. Across the nation action is being taken to take back our country from satan and his forces. People, not only you, have taken it long enough.

You feel as if your efforts are the only efforts being made--they're not. We're a body. Bodies function when each and every part do their specific job. If you're the ear, don't worry about whether or not the eye is doing their part--worry about ear issues!

You feel as if your strength is all you can depend upon--it's not. Power and strength are available to you through Christ.

As a Christian, a Child of the Living God, as an Heir to Heaven and a Blood-Bought Redeemed One, there are more on our side than on theirs! How you feel is not as important as what you know...God is on your side!

CATCH-Y THINGS
Today's reading: Leviticus 13-15

A quick perusal of this section of Leviticus reveals God's instructions on skin diseases, rashes and dealing with mildew. Not what I was really hoping to be confronted with first thing this morning, but He felt I needed to be there, so I'll assume He had something for me to uncover and mine out.

What I've dug out is the simple fact that He wants, needs, us to be extremely careful around catch-y things. He does not want us infected by contagious things. He wants us healthy, wholesome and ready to do His will.

Catch-y things? Sin, is one. Stinky attitudes is another. Critical speech. Lowered standards. Lackadaisical and uncaring disregard towards others--all are contagious things. All are 'diseases' that separate us from a communion with our Father.

"In this way, you will keep the people of Israel separate from things that will defile them..." Leviticus 14:31 NLT

WORD ABOUT TOWN
Today's reading: Colossians 1-2

"We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we have heard that you trust in Christ Jesus and that you love all of God's people." Colossians 1:3-4

Paul had heard about the Colossian church's faith, and he was impressed. He'd heard the rumors of their trust in Christ and had heard the stories of how they had put feet on their faith.

What would he have heard about you? What comments might I hear if I were to bring your name up in conversation with another?

Is the rumor floating around town that you are a Bible believing, prayer trusting, focused on a living Savior kind of person?

Is 'loving' one of the top ten character traits people might list when referring to you?

What are people saying about you?

THE FITTING ROOM
Today's reading: Luke 17-18

"It would be better to be thrown in the sea with a large millstone tied around the neck than to face the punishment in store for harming one of these little ones." Luke 17:2 NLT

Been fitted for your millstone?

No, I'm completely serious. Have you been in the fitting room to see which millstone will be tied around your neck?

You'd never hurt a child? Oh, I doubt you'd do it intentionally.

You'd never raise a hand to a child in anger? No, probably not.

You'd never allow a child in your care to come to harm? I'll agree, to the best of your abilities you probably wouldn't.

But what about your words? What about your commitment to the Lord? Your critiques of another? Your dedication and fascination to the outward person and carelessness to the inner person? What about your dedication to the local church, church attendance and godly living in your home? Are you harming the little ones in your life by how you're failing to live?

Lots to think about this morning? The ideas weigh heavy on your heart? Well, are they as heavy as a millstone would be?

AMAZING MERCY
Today's reading: Ezekiel 19-24

Would you agree with me that the song 'Amazing Grace' is probably the most sung hymn? That's it the theme of the church? That it's associated more times than we can imagine with God's people--even by those who are not?

Grace is certainly something to be celebrated, in song and in life, but ever thought about mercy?

"You will know that I am the Lord, O people of Israel, when I have honored my name by treating you mercifully in spite of your wickedness, says the Sovereign Lord." Ezekiel 20:44

Amazing mercy. Now that's something to think about...

Mercy is what's kept any one of us from being nothing but a burn mark on the concrete of life. Mercy is what's allowed us life. Mercy is what's offered us hope--despite ourselves! Mercy is what showcases God's most wonderful attributes among the lowliest of species--us.

Mercy is what He extends when we've pushed Him to his limit, turned our backs on Him one too many times and chosen to ignore His commands--those written in His Word and those He speaks to our hearts.

Mercy is what He's dealt us. Mercy is far from what we deserve. Mercy is. well, mercy is amazing--wouldn't you agree?

THE TABLE TOP TEST
Today's reading: Proverbs 8-9

"My gifts are better than the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver!" Proverbs 8:19

A gentleman I heard interviewed on the radio yesterday spoke of the time in his family when anything purchased had to pass the 'table top test'. Any electronic, any digital device, any object at all, would be set upon the table and knocked off. If it survived the fall unscathed, it would be purchased, if not--well, not.

You see, they had at the time a 3 year-old, a 2 year-old, a newly adopted 18 month-old--and a new puppy. Everything had to be indestructible. Everything had to stand the table top test!

A wise Christian will use the table top test, too.

Will your faith stand being dropped from lofty heights to the gutter in one bad choice, one insincere act or due to a string of words unlovingly placed together? Will what you believe in remain intact and sustainable when you feel as though God's scooted you off the side of a cliff? Will your peace be evident as you flail wildly in the air on your way to a testing point in your life?

Your faith will be tested, mark it down. You have the opportunity today to decide how it will 'test out'. Your commitments to Bible reading and prayer time are determining the outcome of your testing and the depth of your trust in the Lord.

You're in one of three places right now: 1. Sitting peacefully on the table, minding your own business. 2. Flattened on the floor, possibly shaken, possibly broken, probably having had the wind knocked out of you. 3. Mid-air.

What will you score? Pass or fail? Strong or weak?