NO OFFENSE TAKEN
Today's reading: Proverbs 28

"Trusting oneself is foolish, but those who walk in wisdom are safe." Proverbs 28:26 NLT

I'm well aware of my less than stellar track record.

I've seen what I can do.

I've experienced, firsthand, my inadequacies, weaknesses and lack.

I've taken an exhaustive inventory of all I can do, all I have and all I have to offer.

I could bristle up, allow my blood pressure to rise and become offended at the insinuation of this proverb--or admit it, His words are right!

CARDS FOR GOD
Today's reading: Psam 117-118

Ever thought about sending God a card?

You see, I'm a card sender. I keep DaySpring in business when the local Christian bookstores have sales. I believe there's no easier way to make someone's day than to have something handwritten and without a due date in their mailbox. And besides, I love getting them, too.

But back to God. What kind of card would you send Him? A birthday card at Christmas? A thinking of you kind of card at Easter? A red heart kind of card on Valentine's Day? How about a thank you card. Oh yes, you say, but what about this kind of thank you...

"The suffering you sent was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your principles." Psalm 119:71 NLT

Never seen a card like that in any of the card shops. What exactly would they look like? What might they say?

Thanks, Lord, for jerking a knot in my tail!

Thanks for not answering when I thought you should!

For ignoring my suggestions, I am truly glad!

Just wanted to say 'thanks' for all the times You slapped my hands when I reached for less than what you had planned for me to have!

So glad you blocked my path!

Thanks for keeping some doors closed to me!

I'm so glad You chose not to give me what I just knew I needed!

What would your card say? Would you willingly sign a card telling Him thanks for the hard times? The discipline? The spankings? The groundings?

Forget looking for the perfect card, just tell Him!

TOPS OF MOUNTAINS
Today’s reading: 2 Chronicles 11-15

We made it.

A seven-mile winding drive. A cliff-top parking lot. A strong breeze. A paved, but very steep, path. A half-mile trek.

Clingman’s Dome was a sight to behold, or would have been had it not been for the heavy cloud cover resting over the top of the mountain.

The highest point we’d ever been on. The greatest altitude we’d ever experienced. The hardest hike we’d ever panted through.

And then?

Well, then it hit us--we had to hike back. Sure, down is easier than up, but it’s still tough when you’re lacking mountain-goat characteristics!

Life’s like that, too. We’re not intended for mountain-top residency. The ’top of the heap’ is not where we can do the most ministering. Above the clouds is not necessarily closer to God.

Higher doesn’t always make like easier.

Mountains are where we must be most on guard. The highest of heights are where we must be careful, very, very careful!

"But when Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the law of the Lord, and all Israel followed him in this sin." 2 Chronicles 12:1 NLT

I’m not sure how you’re doing right now. Struggling? I’ll keep praying. Holding our own? Sorry to hear it, I’ll keep praying. Celebrating on a mountaintop? Yeah for you and God--but I’ll keep you in my prayers.

I’ll be praying that you remain committed to Him, dependent upon Him, trusting in Him! And I'll be praying for those you're leading up or down the mountain!

COMPROMISE
Today's reading: Proverbs 25

"If the godly compromise with the wicked, it is like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring." Proverbs 25:26 NLT

Remember the slogan, 'Give A Hoot, Don't Pollute'? It was probably from the mid to late seventies. I can still see in my mind the owl that solicited our help in keeping pollution off the sides of the roads and out of our waterways.

That motto has bounced around in my head all morning in regards to today's Scripture reading.

What am I doing to prevent pollution or muddying of my heart and mind as I walk around in this dark, sin-filled world?

It's up to me, you know. I'm the one in charge of dealing correctly and quickly with any 'trash' that litters my thoughts. It's so very important for me to prevent major pile-ups of junk in my life.

I cannot laugh along with an unseemly or unlovely jokes.

I cannot be party to unkind conversations.

I cannot read material that plants, or better yet litters, my mind with ungodly things.

I cannot watch programs that leave bits of trash swirling around in my head.

It's a tough job keeping the world free from litter and pollution, just ask the 'owl'. It's an even tougher job keeping our minds free of worldly trash, just ask any successful Christian!

PONDERING
Today's reading: Psalm 111-113

"How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them." Psalm 111:2 NLT

Ever been awed by God's handiwork? A sunrise? A shoreline? A flower? A baby?

Had your jaw hit the floor upon seeing His answer to a prayer? Health restored? Test results changed? A church revived?

Have you held more in your hands than you could have asked for, dreamed of or thought was possible? A beautiful family? A comfortable home? Friends?

And now, today, you're in need. Something's lacking. Things aren't going as planned, as hoped, as prayed for. Stuff is happening that knock you for a loop. People disappoint. Hopes dashed. Unanswered prayers .

If you're one who has delighted in the Lord, at any time, for any reason, no matter how long ago or how recently, think about what He's done.

Go ahead think about something He's done in your life. Think hard. Focus your thoughts on that amazing deed. Ponder.

And when satan wants to distract you, continue pondering!

SOLOMON'S LIST
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 1-5

Next month I'll celebrate my 18th anniversary at the lumberyard. Boy, oh boy, have I seen a lot in these 18 years! You've no idea how many people I've met, how many sales I've rung up and how many projects I've seen stuff gathered up for.

Why, if you were to stack up the lists I've had pushed across the counter to me over that period of time, you'd have quite a pile!

The lists are what I'm thinking about this morning. Some of those lists are written neatly and legibly on notebook paper. Some of the lists were scratched down on napkins from the nearby restaurant. Some lists have been presented to me on short scraps of wood. I even have a carpenter who writes his list on the underside of his tape measure, then erases it as he names off the items he needs.

The lists have been varied, the quantities unique to the projects, the presentation individualized with each patron. But in reality, when they come in our store, they're pretty much needing the same stuff--lumber, nails, screws, hardware or paint.

The Bible reading this morning was a list of supplies and merchandise I don't believe I've ever, in my entire working career, ever been presented:

cypress wood
precious jewels
linen
blue, purple and scarlet yarn
cedar logs
bronze
silver
iron
gold-by the tons
gold nails

One can usually tell by a list what project is being worked on. In this case, Solomon's list wasn't for the simple birdhouse, a child's dollhouse or even a spectacular home--it was for the Temple of God!

Nothing plain, ordinary or less-than-fancy about it. It was a feat of engineering design. It was an extravagant resting place for the people to experience the Lord. It was a stable, unmoving part of the city of David. It was quite the wonder of its time.

The altar of the Lord is the same thing today!

Have you visited the altar at your church lately? Have you stepped into the presence of the Living God? Have you cleared out the cobwebs, stored items of your past and sins from your heart to make a home for Christ? Have you determined to be the holy, living temple of God?

THE SECRET
Today’s reading: Numbers 21-22

“Then the people of Israel traveled to the plains of Moab and camped east of the Jordan River, across from Jericho. Balak son of Zippor, the Moabite king, knew what the Israelites had done to the Amorites. And when they saw how many Israelites there were, he and his people were terrified.” Numbers 22:1-3 NLT

I’m going to let you in on a little secret.

One that will quite possibly change your world, the worlds of those on whom you have influence and quite possibly the lives of those yet to come.

One that the enemy knows and is more than willing for it to be kept under wraps, ignored or written off as historical data and not 21st century power.

The secret is…

Satan is afraid one day the children of God will come to the realization of who they are and they’ll take back all the enemy has stolen from them!

Satan is scared to death that every born-again Christian will act on their beliefs.

Satan shivers at the very idea of the army of the Lord will begin marching and won’t stop until the world is reached and lives are touched.

Satan dreads the day the Church begins to live out their commission.

Satan is well aware of this little secret and would just as soon it stayed sealed away, boxed up and hidden away from those for whom it is promised.

Let me ask you--Is his secret safe with you?

MY EULOGY
Today's reading: Philemon

"I myself have gained much joy and comfort from your love..." Philemon 7

That's what I want said at my funeral.

I want to live in such a way that when I'm gone, people can stand to speak those words in my honor.

Thing is, I've got to live out my eulogy. I cannot wait until the casket is polished, the flowers surround and the mourners file in to influence people for God--I've got to be doing it now.

I want to love with Christ's love. I want to celebrate in His peace. I want to rest upon the knowing of His salvation. I want to wear myself out carrying out His charge to 'go tell'. I want to be salt and light. I want to sow seeds of faith and trust God for the harvest.

Yes, I'd better get to it. I've got a eulogy to live out!

REMEMBER
Today's reading: John 16-18

"Yes, I'm telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember I warned you..." John 16:4 NLT

He told you in His Word it probably wouldn't be a rose garden. Worth it, yes. Truly enjoyable at all times, no.

He told you in His Word the road you'd travel would not be easy. Straight and narrow, yes. Easy, no.

He told you in His Word that every day would not be sunny. That He was in control of every day, yes. Sunny all the time, no

He told you that if you lived for Him you wouldn't be the life of the party in the worlds' eyes. His, yes. Pleasing to the world, no.

He told you health, wealth and happiness might not come your way. Love, comfort and peace, yes. Heaven, yes. Eternity, yes. The life of leisure, no.

He warned us. He told us. He wrote to us. He spoke to our hearts. He has allowed you to watch testimonies being built from the ground up in the lives of saints and new believers.

Don't you remember?

NOTHING NEW
Today's reading: Amos 1-4

"This is what the Lord says; The people of Judah have sinned again and again, and I will not forget it. I will not let them go unpunished any longer! They have rejected the laws of the Lord, refusing to obey him. They have been led astray by the same lies that deceived their ancestors." Amos 2:4 NLT

Nothing new under the sun, God said all those years ago?

We all thought it would have been easier back then, didn't we?

We assumed the straight and narrow was, well, straighter and narrow-er?

The enemy a little less deceitful?

The consequences of sin a little, shall I say it, less harsh?

Being that the book of Amos was written approximately 755 B.C., it's hard to fathom the temptations to sin being as tempting as they are now.

Sins are sins. The enemy still prowls looking for someone to devour.

Maybe his tactics have been fine tuned to match the culture.

Maybe satan's attempts to channel doubts and fear our way have upgraded from rabbit ears to the latest satellite technology.

Maybe he's as savvy on the 'World Wide Web' as he was on parchment scrolls.

No, nothing's changed.

Salvation is as needed as it was needed back then.

A closer walk, an intimate walk, is as necessary as it was necessary back in the day.

A dedication to God is as vital today as it was in Amos' time.

It still boils down to this: We will follow who we want to follow.

So, today, September 10, 2010, who are you choosing?

BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD
Today's reading: Proverbs 23-24

"Don't envy sinners, but always contine to fear the Lord. For surely you have a future ahead of you, your hope will not be disappointed." Proverbs 23:17-18 NLT

We've all done it. We've grumbled about it, mumbled unkind things in reference to it and stood back scratching our heads in wonder. Good things happen to the worst of people, and well, we don't understand it.

We've all sat in a waiting room. Waiting, impatiently at times, for news on a believing loved one. A biopsy result, a test finding or a surgeon's report. We've judged the answer we received against the one of the family on the other side of the room--and well, to the best of our estimation, we got the bad end of the deal.

We've been sidelined at work, in our families or in life in general. Our dreams broken. Our goals yet to be met. And we're called to applaud the promotion of the guy down the hallway. To work under the unbeliever in the office.

We've received what to us looks like a great role in the play of life, only to find our we're the understudy to a less than desirable, foul-mouthed, never-darken-the-door-of-a-church star.

We've all been handed a 2nd place ribbon at some time or another.

We've all been announced as runner-up.

We've all thought about throwing in the towel on this Christianity-thing. Afterall, what's it doing for us? Where's it gotten us? Is anyone, anyone at all, noticing how you've put heart and soul into living in godliness? All our best efforts are getting us no where.

Don't. Don't throw in the towel. Don't give up on walking the straight path. Don't envy the lives of those living without Christ, no matter what they seem to have going for them.

Our bright future is not necessarily going to occur here. All 'they' have now, may in fact, be all they'll ever get.

Your hope, your commitment, your determination and your work for Christ will not disappoint!

SPEAK OUT
Today’s reading: Psalm 108-110

“I will thank you, Lord, in front of all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.” Psalm 108:3-4 NLT

I already hear the murmuring…

Oh, Malinda, I couldn’t speak out loud before a crowd.

Malinda, I can’t sing.

Good grief, Malinda! In front of people?

The choir? All the way at the front of the church?

Testify? You mean with all eyes and attention on me?

Give a praise report in Sunday School, me?

Re-read the verse. Go ahead, re-read it.

Does it say anything, anything at all, about ‘what’ you can do?

Do the verses even bring into question your abilities, talents or even gifts?

Is there any mention, of any sort, of how well you do it, how pretty it sounds or how easy it is to do it?

No. No, it only refers to the ’why’ of the matter!

Why should we do it? Because His love is higher than our wildest expectations.

Why should we do it? Because His faithfulness exceeds our needs.

Why should we do it? Because God deserves every ounce of praise we can give Him--and more, much more!

No more excuses, friend. Praise, whether in song or by just opening your mouth, is expected, deserved and what will bring a smile to the Lord’s face faster than anything.

BEING CAREFUL
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 25-29

"So now, with God as our witness, I give you this charge for all of Israel, the Lord's assembly: Be careful to obey all the commands of the Lord your God, so that you may possess this good land and leave it to your children as a permanent inheritance." 1 Chronicles 28:8 NLT

Are you being careful?

No, I'm not referring to limiting your time in the sun, lathering yourself with sunblock and refraining from sunbathing.

No, I'm not talking about cutting back on saturated fats or high cholestrol foods.

I'm not even referring to the scheduled exams and tests recommended to screen for pre-cancerous growths.

I'm asking if you're being careful to live a godly life so those who come after you will inherit godliness?

So? Are you?

You're not depending upons preachers and Sunday School teachers, are you? A couple of hours a week (that's if you get up and out the door on Sunday morning, right?--Ouch, I know.)? Really do you think that's passing on an inheritance?

You're certainly not depending upon the government to protect our freedom of worship, are you? Although Scripture tells us that all officials are there because of God's intervention, I find few politicians who are on the Lord's side.

You're not resting on your laurels when it comes to making sure your children need the Lord, are you? Thinking Grandpa's deacon-ship is a ticket to get in the Pearly Gates? Trusting your big, dusty, family Bible as a certainty? Depending upon your name printed up in a church's membership roll will be genetically transferred to the next generation?

Be careful to obey God's Word so that your children will know the peace, joy and love of serving God.

Be very careful!

SITTING AT THE BIG TABLE
Today's reading: Numbers 17-20

"Whatever us specially set apart for the Lord also belongs to you." Numbers 18:14 NLT

I don't know 'what' it was that ushered you from your childhood into the grown-up world, but for me it was being allowed to sit at the big table.

At both of my grandparents' homes the kids had special accomodations for the big meals. At Grandma Browning's house the little ones sat on the front porch either on the glider or at low tables Grandpa set up just for us. At Grandma Lawrence's house we sat on the staircase with our plates perched precariously on our little laps.

I'll almost wager money on the fact that each of my cousins will remember as vividly as I do the special day you were invited to the big table. The awe. The excitement. The jealous looks from the smaller cousins. The conversations. The platters of food. Getting to sit by Grandma or Grandpa.

You used every single manner you could muster. You used the butter knife with finesse. You passed the dishes like a pro. You gingerly used the salt and pepper shaker because it was there, not because anything needed it. You drank from the real glasses. It was certainly a special occasion to be deemed worthy of the big table.

And today? Those years are long passed, but this morning I read that I've been considered worthy by my Lord. He has included me. He has endowed me with special rights. He has chosen me to receive more than I deserve or could expect. He has cleaned me up and dressed me for dinner. He has seated me at the 'big table' with Him.

Me? Me. Me!

IS IT ENOUGH
Today's reading: John 13-15

"When he came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, Lord why are you going to wash my feet? Jesus replied, You don't understand now why I am doing it, someday you will." Jon 13:6-7 NLT

Have you, or are you, in the same spot Simon Peter was in? Wondering? Questioning? Scratching your head? Doubting?

Have you, or are you, receiving the same answer Christ gave Peter?

Have you, or are you, deciding that God's final answer is all you need for right now? That His reasons are enough? That what He as planned will be worth the turmoil you're currently enduring?

Have you, or are you, trusting in Him?

FITS OF EXCITEMENT
Today's reading: Joel

"...There are no joyful celebrations in the house of our God." Joel 1:16 NLT

A sinner saved receives honorable mention in between announcements and special singing.

A past forgiven and a future insured is applauded then given the handshake of fellowship.

A backslider welcomed amidst the whispered condemnations.

Chains of bondage loosed at our altars and we fret over parking spots at the crowded restaraunt because service times have exceeded what's normal.

A child of God birthed into the church family and left to fend for themselves when it comes to discipleship and training.

What's wrong with our churches? We can whoop and holler during 'church night' at the ballfield. We can certainly call attention to matters of importance when it comes to elected officials and wronged
family members. We can belt out all four verses of Amazing Grace, regardless of whether or not it still amazes us at all. So, what's wrong with our churches?

Maybe it's not happening like that at your church. Congratulations!

Maybe there's nothing happening at all. No excitement. No enthusiasm. No growth. No moving of the Holy Spirit. Nothing. Barely a pulse. I'm so very sorry to hear it.

Want to change that? Want to see some zeal in your pews? Want souls saved? Families restored? Lives experiencing life?

It starts with you. When you get excited about God, what He's doing, what He can do, what you're believing Him for, what changes He's brought about in your life, when what He says to you during your prayer time and your time in the Word thrills you to no end--others will become excited.

It starts with you. A joyful celebration starts with you!

PEER PRESSURE
Today's reading: Proverbs 22

"Keep away from angry, short tempered people or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul." Proverbs 22:24-25 NLT

Allow me to state up front, that this tidbit of Scripture is not a 'Get Out Of Life Free' card. You will still have to deal with, wait on and endure people whose very nature annoys the tar out of you. You are still called to be a witness to them. You are still required to 'give them a cup of cold water' in His name. You are, no matter what they are, expected to be godly and loving at all time.

That being said, be very careful who you choose to hang around with. You learned it as early as Kindergarten, but it's worth repeating...

You surround yourself with critical people, criticisms will flow from your mouth.

You buddy up with negative folks, negativity will begin to ooze from your pores.

You decide to BFF foul-mouthed gals, four-letter words will soon be in your vocabulary.

No matter your age, social class, upbringing or reputation, if you play in the mud, you'll get muddy!

My challenge for you? Impact, do not be impacted by. Influence, do not be influenced. Change others, do not be changed by others. Evaluate your friendships. Inventory what you're allowing into your life. Make a mark for Christ in how you live, what you say and the faith you exhibit!

NEVER GIVE UP
Today's reading: Psalm 105-107

"Search for the Lord and for is strength, and keep on searching." Psalm 105:4 NLT

Snow skiing. Tried it. Quit.

Cake decorating. Tried it. Quit.

Crocheting. Tried it. Quit.

Ice skating. Tried it. Quit.

Tole painting. Tried it. Quit.

Stamping. Tried it. Quit.

Keeping a clean house. Tried it. Quit.

Giving up sweets. Tried it. Quit.

Dieting and exercise. Tried it. Quit.

Yes, dear friends, I am a 'quitter'. The things I've tried and quit are numerous, don't think this list in all inclusive, by any means. Some have cost too much money. Some have required more time than I care to give. Some have been less than intriguing once I got into them. Some didn't fit my personality. Some didn't work. Some took too long to 'catch on' to. Some, like the sweets, didn't get my whole hearted effort.

Applaud my efforts if you wish, but in my opinion, you should save it for the folks who have stuck with any noble cause and persevered.

Is there anything I've ever stuck with? Sure there are a few things: eating, talking and seeking God.

The first, eating, I'm good at. Blame it on a voracious appetite, a family filled with the most wonderful cooks or a desire to live life one cheesecake at a time.

The second, is a hobby. A natural bent, some have said. The famous quote is, I speak, therefore I am. Well, in my case, it goes like this: I am, therefore I speak!

The third, seeking God, is something I must do. You will not see me giving up on this. You won't see me throw in the towel. You will never, I'll shout it from the tops of my lungs, I'll never stop seeking God and His strength.

Why? Well, don't think it comes easily. Don't assume I'm a natural at it. It's a matter of life or death and let's be honest, I prefer to live.

He's all I have. He's all I want. His strength is what I rely on.

What about you? You've not given up on Him, have you?