THIS ISN'T IT
Today's reading: 1 Peter 1-3

"For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay." 1 Peter 1:4 NLT

This, friend, is not it!

This world is not our reward.

Whatever happens here is not a part of our 'retirement package'!

Whatever diseases, distractions or discouragement you face here, will not last forever--and are only small steps toward an eternity with Him.

This, friend, is not all there is!

A GREAT START
Today's reading: Acts 11-12

I've listened to this week's Focus On The Family's recording of former athiest Lee Strobel. His story is an amazing one of Christ's love reaching, God's grace covering and our Creator's power drawing. My favorite part of his testimony had nothing to do with his conversion, but in Mr. Strobel's part in the conversion of a person he didn't even know...

He tells of his finally working up the courage to present God and the Gospel to one of his co-workers, a very hard-hearted man. He spent most of a lunch hour talking to this man at his desk about Christ and inviting him and his family to church the following Sunday, Easter Sunday. After his eloquent presentation the man rejected him with a sound, 'Get out of here!'

Months later Mr. Strobel received the letter that would send chills up his spine and encourage him to continue speaking when Christ lead him to do so. The letter was from a man unknown to Mr. Strobel. A man who was a part-time handyman working at the newspaper office Mr. Strobel was employed by. You see, this man was behind the office divider on his hands and knees working on some loose tile while Mr. Strobel presented his testimony and invitation to church.

The handyman accepted Christ's invitation and had his family at church on Easter Sunday where he, his wife and their teenage son accepted Christ as Savior. His letter thanked Mr. Strobel for being obedient!

Can you believe it? Does it amaze you how God chose to work? Is it hard to fathom that all it took to lead another into the flock of God's children was simple obedience?

"Well, I began telling them the Good News, but just as I was getting started, the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as he fell on us at the beginning." Acts 11:15 NLT

God doesn't need us, He allows us to be a part of the privilege. God's hands are not tied with our action, it's just that He wants us to be a part of what He's doing. God's probably not asking you to do something huge, but rather just take a simple step of faith and obedience.

Then? Well, then you can sit back and watch His completion, His restoration, His complete re-do of another's life--maybe your own!

DARKEST CORNERS
Today's reading: Zephaniah

"I will search with lanterns in Jerusalem's darkest corners to find and punish those who sit contented in their sins, indifferent to the Lord, thinking he will do nothing at all to them." Zephaniah 1:12 NLT

I've never been to Jerusalem, but I'm pretty sure they have some dark alleys and abandoned places where folks could hide. Even in Bible times, there would have been places where people would have congregated out of public view to carry out sins or to hide from punishment. I'm pretty sure old Jerusalem was enough like modern day West Frankfort to state there were people content in their sins. Comfortable, one might say. Folks who have assumed they have 'gotten away' with it all.

I don't know about Jerusalem's darkest corners--but I know about my own. I can't tell you I'm capable of reading minds or that I'd dare to judge another's relationship with God--but I am well aware of how content with sin I can become. I'm here to testify that there have been times I've held to the lie of having slipped a sin under God's nose undetected. I know all about it...

The places in my heart where I have held grudges. Hurts that I'd sooner hold on to than give to Him. Old arguments that I keep stoked up in my head and heart.

The corners of my heart that I think are unseen by God. The anger, bitterness and hatred.

The issues I stuff behind my mask of service. Issues that are festering and raw--needing His attention.

I have tried to perfume the stench caused by me trying to sit on top of my sins like nothing's going on.

I have personally felt the acid building in my stomach as I refuse to confess my sins before God..

I've walked into church harboring evil thoughts and carried on as if nothing were amiss.

And I think He doesn't notice? There are no dark corners...in Jerusalem or in my heart!

IT'S TIME
Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 3-4

"There is a season for everything...A time to keep and a time to throw away." Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 6 NLT

My purple-striped leg warmers from junior high.

My Menudo tee shirt from grade school years.

My Jordache jeans from high school that I hate to l admit I'll never be able to get into again.

The rabbit's foot purchased at the skating rink in 6th grade.

Yes, it's time for me to pitch a few things...and it's time I keep a few things a little closer to my heart!

My relationship with God.

My efforts to reach the lost.

My determination to train up my child in daily Scripture reading and prayer time.

My commitment to seeing my church grow--in spirit, then in number.

Yes, there's a time for everything. It's up to me to listen closely enough that I hear Him lead me in doing what needs done!

WINNING THE LOTTERY
Today's reading: Psalm 125-127

It's like being presented with a huge check for winning the lottery--and you didn't even purchase a ticket!

It's like being presented with the loveliest, most wonderful birthday present--and your birthday is still months away!

It's like receiving a bank statement for an account, a rather substantial account, in your name--and you'd had no clue it existed!

It's like receiving an A+ on the top of a test paper--and you didn't remember taking the test!

It's like, well, it's like, finding out on Christmas morning after all the gifts had been unwrapped, all but the shreds of wrapping paper remain and clean-up is beginning, that there's a large, elaborately decorated gift left to open--and it's got your name on it!

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him." Psalm 127:3 NLT

Is it like that all the time? I'll have to say, 'no'. I needed the reminder. I take for granted what God has blessed me with in the form of a little boy. I errantly think since I was the one enduring the unmedicated labor and delivery that he is somewhat a product of my hard work and genetic offering. He's not. He's 100%, to the nth degree, without a doubt a gift from God. The gift part I understand. The reward part? I've done nothing that deserves such a blessing as him...but I'll take it!

WRONG RESPONSES
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 29-32

"About that time, Hezekiah became deathly ill. He prayed to the Lord, who healed him and gave him a miraculous sign. But Hezekiah did not respond appropriately to the kindness showed to him, and he became proud." 2 Chronicles 32:25 NLT

Well, I've jumped head-long into another tough situation. I had the very best of intentions when I sought God's direction in more areas of my life--those I need to be more involved in and those I need to drop like hot potatoes. I asked expecting. And now? Now God's answering in hugely evident ways.

Like today's verse.

I struggle with pride.

Always have.

But then again, you probably guessed that by the verse He spotlighted in my Scripture reading today.

I have a long record of inappropriate responses. I've walked away from several ministry opportunities that have left me with a sore arm--from patting myself on the back.

So? Pride is the next life lesson I'll be working on. I'm going to start by adjusting my attitude to one of Christ-likeness instead of the one I've been sporting. I'm going to change my outlook to one that seeks to place God first and to glorify Him--to give Him back the microphone if you will.

As Christian friends, I ask that you hold me accountable to this huge challenge ahead. You see, old habits are very, very, very hard to break!

THE NEW ME
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 7-9

"The Lord did not chosse you and lavish his love on you because you were larger or greater than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! It was simply because the Lord loves you..." Deuteronomy 7:7 NLT

Hello, my name is Malinda Edgell.

No, not the Malinda you used to know and love.

Not the same gal whose e-mails you have seen littering your Inbox, or the one who provides you with enough information about herself that you cannot honestly believe someone is that, well, you fill in the blank.

I am not the same person.

Look the same? Yes.

I have been exposed, infected, influenced and changed by an experience this weekend that leaves me a new person!

I can't tell you really what happened--I'm still processing all of that. I can't really tell you the program that brought about the changes--how in the world would I explain it all. I can't really pinpoint a specific occurence, prayer, session or experience that pushed me off the cliff of myself and into His arms of love--but I fell, and I fell hard! But in a 72-hour experience I lived out the words of this verse and that has left me saying 'goodbye' to my old ways, my old self, my old plans for me.

I am loved, lavished in love, by the Creator of the universe (and His people). One cannot stick one's big toe into the immensity of that knowledge and not come back drenched from head to foot in its warmth.

So in turn? In turn, you will be 'seeing' the new me. You, and this is my earnest prayer, will begin to notice that my priorities have changed. That my intent is more saturated in godliness. That my influence is, shall we say--turned up a notch.

Yes, my name is Malinda--the new, and greatly improved, Malinda--courtesy, God.

KEEPING HOUSE
Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 1-2

Solomon, the richest ruler in the world, must have been a home-maker.

Oh, 'they' say he's a he-man, someone showered with affection by the hundreds of his wives, waited upon hand and foot by his many servants, a scholar extraordinaire. But who else could complete understand and give honor to the words...

"Everything is meaningless..." Ecclesiastes 1:2 NLT

"...It has all been done before..." Ecclesiastes 1:9 NLT

"...And in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now." Ecclesiastes 1:11 NLT

Yes, as a wife, mother, housekeeper, cook, taxi driver, laundress, farmer and work-outside-the-home executive, those are the same--very same words I've said repeatedly. Several times today in fact!

But he's right--everything is meaningless, unless done to glorify God!

It has all been done before--and He'll allow me the strength and might to do it all again, if I decide to lean on Him again!

And if I do it the right way, with His love glowing in every deed, future generations might not remember what I did--but they'll have come in contact with Who I did it for!

LIFTING MY EYES
Today's reading: Psalm 122-124

"I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven." Psalm 123:1 NLT

Lifting one's eyes may seem like such a small task to some of you, but to me? To me, it's quite a difficult task.

No, it's not the muscles involved.

No, it's not the lack of desire.

No, not that I don't know my strength comes from Him.

It's the shame that keeps my eyes looking downward some days. The shame of what I've done. The disgust over what I've chosen not to accomplish. The stench of my actions and deeds surrounding me like bad perfume.

And some days, it's my lack of worthiness. Who am I to be looking in to the Creator's face? Stepping into His presence? Wanting to have His attention and power directed towards me, my life, my loved ones and my tasks?

Today? Today the glory of Who He is keeps my eyes from looking straight at Him. Like shielding my eyes from the sun, I cannot look directly at Him. He is too holy. He is too loving. He is too righteous.

And then, in a loving moment, He stops the world, reaches down and places His hand under my chin and directs my attention towards Him...and I am blessed, truly blessed, all over again!

GETTING TO KNOW GOD
Today’s reading: 2 Chronicles 25-28
“And Solomon, my son, get to know the God of your ancestors. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and with a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and understands and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. So take this seriously. The Lord has chosen you to build a Temple as his sanctuary. Be strong and do the work.” 2 Chronicles 28:9-10 NLT
King David’s parting words to his son. King David’s life lessons presented in a short lecture. King David’s heartfelt desire for his son--the prince.
David did not assume a love for God was inherited by his son. He did not conclude because young Solomon had watched David worship that he knew, deep down, the reason and the exhilaration of worshipping himself.
David did not assume the ‘family’ would continue in godliness. He never took it for granted that personal relationships with Yahweh would be carried on with the family name.
David knew, and thus instructed, a relationship with God was not instinctive. He knew the drawing, the luring, the pull of the flesh.
So he made the effort to mention it to his son. He took the time to present the facts and push for the outcome he so desperately prayed for. He didn’t mind stepping on toes and pushing the envelope in an effort to instill godliness in his son.
And us? We need to heed the same advice:
…get to know God!
…worship Him with all you’ve got!
…serve him with all you can!
…understand He knows all about you!
…look for Him and expect to find Him!
…leave Him and you’ll lose!
…take a relationship with God seriously!
…you’ve been chosen to build yourself as a temple for Him to dwell in!
…be strong!
…do the work!

NEVER TO FORGET
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 4-6

"But watch out! Be very careful never to forget what you have seen the Lord do for you. Do not let these things escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren." Deuteronomy 4:9 NLT

Isaiah's tired of hearing about it. Dale nods his head and rolls his eyes when I start recalling the event. The gals in my Sunday School class, as gracious as they are, listen as I submit the details again and again from my soapbox.

I just can't keep it in.

Thing is, I don't want to forget. I don't want to have to repeat the lesson in order to see the glory of God revealed or His grace manifested. You see, it was a hard road leading up to it--a road I'd just as soon remember, but one I'd prefer not to 'jog' down again.

So? So, I'll keep telling. I'll keep testifying. I'll continue to point to Him as the Author and Finisher of my story.

My son's hearing it. My grandkids are going to hear it. My closest friends will hear it. You've heard it.

And still? And still it bears repeating: God is so good!

And in case you haven't heard...He enabled me to jog my very first 5K run this past weekend. To Him goes ALL the glory and honor and praise. No one but me knows how deliberately I am choosing to place all the victory into His hands, because on my own I'd have been unable to do it. The pride I feel in regards to myself and my accomplishment must be forwarded to Him.

Oh, don't be surprised if I tell you again next week or next month--you see it's that big of a deal to me! And, well, I'm just doing what the Good Book says!

IF I NEED...
Today's reading: James 1-3

"If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask Him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking." James 1:5 NLT

I've always become a little tickled upon reading this verse from James.

Oh, I know, there's nothing comical about it. No, there are no belly laughs or loud guffaws. I just giggle a bit thinking about the phrase...

"If you need wisdom..."

If I do, that's a big laugh in its self!

Do I ever need God's wisdom. I need it in regards to living the Christian life, speaking, or not speaking more often, what to eat, what to do, who to minister to.

Maybe you need a little wisdom in the situation you're currently in. Well, ask. Go ahead, ask!

GAZING AT THE SKY
Today's reading: Acts 7-8

"When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing." Acts 8:39 NLT

Imagine the scene. A new convert dripping wet from baptism. Still learning the Christian lingo. Not even sure which pew is his at the local synagogue. Ink still wet on the church roll. Weary workers in the church watching him like vultures watch a carcass, ready for replacements.

And he's all alone.

His mentor, his fellow sojourner on the 'Roman's Road', his pastor, his possibly only Christian friend--gone.

And did you catch what he did? He went on his way rejoicing!

Would you have done it? How would you have reacted? Where would you be today if that was how your Christian journey began?

Would you still be gazing at the sky? Would you be scratching your head? Would you still be in the 'beginner's class' at church? Still feeding on milk?

Okay, let's get a little more personal--what have you done since seeing and hearing your pastor speak from the Word last Sunday?

Have you grown? Have you gone your way rejoicing? Have you opened the Bible for yourself? Have you continued walking towards godliness?

Sorry, just asking what He asked me this morning!

LITTLE REMINDERS
Today's reading: Nahum

Ever just needed a little reminder to get you up and going? A small tidbit of fact that can encourage? A little piece of information that pushes you in the right direction?

Not a theology lesson. Not a hellfire and brimstone sermon. Not a dissertation on religion. Not a twelve-part lecture series.

Just a little reminder...

"The Lord is good. When trouble comes, he is a strong refuge. And he knows everyone who trusts him." Nahum 1:7 NLT

Aaah, how's that for starting your day? Getting your mind on the right track? Giving a small boost to your faith?

Oh, don't thank me--it was straight from Him!

HER AGAIN?
Today's reading: Proverbs 31

Some of you may dread tax day in April. Folks required to work retail dread Black Friday. Customer service employees nation-wide dread working their counter the day after Christmas.

Me? I dread the day each year when I'm expected to read about her--the Proverbs 31 woman.

Ugggh.

Today I've decided to focus less on the Super Woman of the Bible and more on the mother wanting to provide her son with the most detailed list possible for a future mate...King Lemuel's mother.

I'm no Bible scholar, but I'm just guessing she wasn't anyone different than you or I. She wanted the best for her child. She wanted to give advice that would make her son's life easier, happier and less stressed. She wanted to make sure her son repeated no mistakes she, or her friends, had made.

Down deep, I'm pretty sure of this, she wanted more for her son than she was herself. Someone better, smarter, more productive, more business savvy, more generous, more frugal, more supportive, more--well, just more, than what she was!

Hence, the Proverbs 31 gal.

To King Lemuel's mother, I can relate. I set much higher aspirations for my son's future mate than a replica of me. I desire that he marry and spend the rest of his life with someone more lovely, inside and out, than his father picked.

Nope, I'll never be the Proverbs 31 woman, but I can pray my daughter-in-law will be!

HIMSELF
Today's reading: Psalm 120-121

"The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade." Psalm 121:5 NLT

No doubt about it! Nope, no questioning it any longer.

You are loved immensely by God--why else would He choose to watch over you personally?

I'm not sure about your stance on angels, but reading this verse tells me that God himself protects, guards, guides and remains near your side--He does not send His understudies to do such an important job!

Will it change what you do with the twenty-four hours called today? Where will you take the Lord? Where will you follow Him? What will you accomplish with Him as your bodyguard, back-up and employer?

He is not too busy to watch over you. He is not away tending to another's needs. He is not letting you 'handle this one on your own'.

He's right beside you--He loves you that much!

MY FUNERAL VISITATION
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 21-24

"Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. No one was sorry when he died. He was buried in the City of David, but not in the royal cemetary." 2 Chronicles 21:20 NLT

Reading Jehoram's biography, one finds he was not a nice man. But honestly, to have it written about you, in the Bible no less, that 'No one was sorry when he died.'

Good grief. What a thought.

I'm sure someone was grieving his death. Wouldn't you think?

Oh sure, the servants he bossed around probably celebrated his passing, literally celebrated. His enemies I'm sure were relieved to receive the news of his death. His mother? His father? Brothers or sisters? Grandparents? Did no one survive that would have mourned his passing from life?

I'll be the first to admit, when I read this passage my mind immediately went to the unlovely folks in my life: the customers who I cringe upon seeing, the family members that rub me the wrong way, the neighbors that are constantly pushing the limits on my neighborly manners.

Will there be tissues passed around at my funeral visitation--or confetti? Will anyone mention what a good person I was--or will the catch phrase of the day be 'Good riddance to bad rubbish'?

This single verse has certainly made me think about the limited time offer I have on this life. What am I doing to make the most of what He's providing? Who can I reach before my number of days are used up?

And you? What's it do to your heart and mind?

NOT WHAT YOU THOUGHT
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 1-3

"Then you confessed, We have sinned against the Lord! We will go into the land and fight for it, as the Lord our God has told us. So your men strapped on their weapons, thinking it would be easy to conquer the hill country." Deuteronomy 1:41 NLT

There's a common misconception in the Christian community. An errant thought that drives many folks away, bursts the bubble of those who are filled with zeal. It's nothing new, as you can see, it goes back as far as Deuteronomy...

It's the false thinking that anything God calls you to do will be easy.

Oh, you've believed it for yourself. You took the class He was directing you to take and immediately began thinking the lessons would just flow from your mouth, regardless of how much study time you put into it. You started attending the church where the Spirit was so greatly moving, and assumed upon sitting in the pew that His Spirit would continue to visit regardless of what you did to prepare your heart for worship. You stepped out to witness to another, knowing what to say, have the experience of your testimony--and still broke out in a sweat and thought you were going to throw up before they answered the door.

The Israelites didn't just have to strap on their fighting clothes and with a snap of their fingers the enemy was subdued. It took hard work, blood, sweat and tears to take possession of the Promised Land.

It'll take some effort, some concerted effort, on your part as well to receive all God has intended for you to get!

RUNNING COMMENTARY
Today’s reading: Hebrews 11-13

I’ve always claimed Hebrews 11-13 as some of my favorite scripture in the entire Book. Here lately, well, it’s become even closer to my heart, more dear to my spirit, more applicable to life.

Few of you know a little secret I’ve been keeping for the past twelve weeks. I, and my chunky legs, have taken up jogging and have registered to run in my first 5K run this coming weekend.

I’m taking personally the encouragement I find in chapter eleven:

"All of these people we have mentioned received God’s approval because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can’t receive the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race." Hebrews 11:39 NLT

You see, I’m not sure I’ll finish my first 5K. I’ve done trial runs. I’ve jogged the required 3.1 miles. I’ve worked hard and I’ve sweated buckets. If I finish, I’ll celebrate. If something else
occurs, I’ll trust it to Him. My faith is in God, not in my legs, my sneakers or my abilities.

I’ve wrapped myself in the comfort of the words starting chapter twelve:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us." Hebrews 12:1 NLT

My life has been adorned with men and women strong in the faith. I’ve been physically and mentally, emotionally and spiritually touched by godly parents, grandparents and loved ones. I’ve watched as life doled out hardships, disease and heartache, but my God-fearing ’witnesses’ have shown me how to continue, persevere and cross the finish line. I've seen them deal with things tougher and more life-altering than a sweaty jog. I've caught glimpses of them trusting God for more than the energy to go a few more steps. I've had endurance of faith modeled to me in extraordinary ways--how can I not continue with them cheering me on!

I’ve screamed and yelled the words of Hebrews 12:11, my life verse. You see the track is long. The pavement is hard. The monotony is dreary. The sweat is unlovely. The muscle aches are uncomfortable. I’ve re-claimed my life verse as a running mantra:

"No discipline is pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on however, you will reap a harvest of righteousness and peace if you are trained by it." Hebrews 12:11 NKJV

I’m not sure if you’ll ever lace up running shoes. I don’t know if I’ll see you around the track. I’ve no clue where this current ’fitness project’ will take me. I do know this: Faith is important. Faith in God is vital.

That, dear friends, is my running commentary!

NO STOPPING HIM
Today's reading: Acts 5-6

"So my advice is, leave these men alone. If they are teaching and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God." Acts 5:38-39 NLT

Wouldn't dare fight against the Lord, would you?

But we do at times, don't we?

We argue our case: excuses, reasons, the lists of pros and cons.

We whine: why now, why me, why this, why not that.

We criticize: we don't like how it's being done, don't care for how 'they' are doing it, don't know why it can't just stay the same.

Back to my question...wouldn't fight against God, would you?

LITTLE, OL ME!
Today’s reading: Micah

“But as for me, I am filled with power and the Spirit of the Lord…” Micah 3:8 NLT

Thanks for the reminder, Lord.

You knew I was struggling, didn’t You?

You’d seen my broken countenance and downcast demeanor.

You’re well aware of the mountains I’m currently scaling and the obstacles I’m trying to move
on my own.

You’re privy to the inner battles I’ve been fighting and every one of the times when I’ve been knocked on my backside by the enemy.

You knew all about the doubts that have taken root in my mind, the faithlessness I’m struggling with and the peace I’m grasping to gain a hold of.

So? So, you sent this verse.

Thanks.

I needed to be reminded that I have your power within me! I needed the nudge in the direction of godliness. I needed the ’pep talk’ this verse gives me. I needed to know I’ve got what it takes by your Spirit to do every single thing you’ve set me apart to do.

Lord, you certainly know what You’re doing, don’t You?

By the way, mind if I share this with a few friends?

EVERY WORD
Today's reading: Proverbs 29-30

"Every word of God proves true. He defends all who come to him for protection." Proverbs 30:5 NLT

Reassuring, isn't it? To know all we read in the Good Book will come to pass. To rest on the promises of His presence, security and strength. Assured He'll never leave us. Thinking about your mansion. Leaving every burden at His feet. Angels. Rewards. Crowns. Heaven.

Scary, isn't it? To realize all He tells us in His Word will come to pass. To face the music when it comes to Him being at our side, no matter where we've taken ourselves. Dragging God into the dirty gutters of our choices. Settling for less than abundant. Judgement. God's wrath. Consequences of sin. Hell.

Where does the verse take your thoughts? Hearing the comforting strains of 'Blessed Assurance' or are you being convicted by the words of 'Just As I Am'?

Every word. Every word! Every word?

VISION TEST
Today's reading: Psalm 119

It's time. Yes, it's time. Time for your vision to be screened, tested, scrutinized, monitored, checked--whatever you call it, it's time!

You've been spending a lot of your time looking around in confusion. You've tripped up more than a few times looking back instead of forward. You're eyes are red and bloodshot. They're tired and droopy.

You're wasting too much of life looking at things that shouldn't even cause blips on the radar screen of your life: what your neighbor's doing, where satan might be next, who is not living what they're preaching, scrapbooks of your life before Christ, behind doors that you've had to pry open with your bare hands and all the energy you could muster. You're looking to be disappointed, hurt, broken and left empty. You're seeing more bad than good.

It's time for me to fill you in on a little secret...your vision has been sorely affected.

The treatment?

Glasses aren't required in most cases. No eyedrops. No pirate patches. It's all a matter of looking at different things!

"My eyes are straining to see your promises come true..." Psalm 119:82 NLT

Look into His Word. Look for answers to prayer. Look up. Look to Him for help. Look for the doors He opens. Look for blessings in the craziest of places. Look for Jesus in the hardest of people. Look to be lifted up when you step into His presence. Look for opportunities to lean on Him. See things through the excitement and enthusiasm of God's grand plan. See the good in every situation. Look for the creativity of our Creator.

I'm not sure what's better than 20/20 vision, but you're on your way there if you take the psalmist's advice!

MISSING OUR CHANCE
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 16-20

"At that time Hanani the seer came to King Asa and told him, Because you have put your trust in the king of Aram instead of in the Lord your God, you have missed your chance to destroy the army of the king of Aram." 2 Chronicles 16:7 NLT

Ever read the book, 'The Prayer of Jabez'? Remember the chapter which talks about the gentleman getting to heaven, being shown around and arriving at the doors of a large warehouse? A warehouse filled to the top with box upon box of blessings the gentleman had never asked for?

That's what I thought of this morning as I read about King Asa. He missed an opportunity to see God at work, to watch all heaven break loose, to be caught up in the midst of a miracle--but he chose to place his trust, his hope, his thoughts perhaps, on someone other than God.

That scares me to death!

What part of God's plans, miracles or wonders am I willing to miss out on? What blessings am I able to afford to pass up?

Will I choose to rest my head upon my checkbook or a fistful of cold, hard cash?

Will I place everything on the promises of another fallible human?

Will I determine to be joy-filled and peace-filled just because I have a certain someone in my life?

I do not want to miss my chance to hold a blessing, to conquer my enemy, to grow in the favor of the Lord--just by placing my trust and heart somewhere other than in God.

What about you?

WHAT'S IN YOUR POCKET?
Today's reading: Numbers 29-32

"So they chose one thousand men from each tribe of Israel, a total of twelve thousand men armed for battle. Then Moses sent them out, a thousand men from each tribe, and Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest led them into battle. They carried along the holy objects of the sanctuary and the trumpets for sounding the charge." Numbers 31:5-6 NLT

Moses, because of God's annointing on his life, knew these brave soldiers needed more than 'soldier gear' to make it through this battle. He placed little value in swords and shields, strength and might. He wanted to make sure the boys he sent out to war came back alive and well--ready to continue on to the Promised Land.

So what did he do? What simple act did God whisper in Moses' ear that brought the guys home? He sent with each of them a prayer warrior, some holy objects and some trumpets.

Fast forward a few thousand years to, well, to today.

Are you prepared to enter the battlefield? The war's still going on. Skurmishes, brawls and fights still occur between God's people and the followers of the enemy. The Promised Land has not yet been attained for us.

Do you have your stuff?

Do you have in your head the Word of God from yesterday's sermon? Have you in your mind a portion of Scripture from your time in the Word this morning? Do you hold in your heart that moment when at an altar of prayer all your sins were forgiven and you were set free? Got the power of prayer in your satchel--has He heard from you often enough to recognize your voice? Have you your trumpet--tuned and polished, ready to share your testimony, prepared to encourage other believers, to summon power from the throne of God?

What's in your pocket?

Oh no, don't think He doesn't arm us for battle. He provides all we need--will we empty our pockets of the world's stuff in order to carry all He's needing us to have?

NO ASSUMPTIONS
Today's reading: Hebrews 5-7

"...We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation." Hebrews 6:9 NLT

I'll tell you up front, I make no assumptions as to the spiritual condition of those receiving my morning writings. I do not assume I'm 'speaking' only to a group of Bible reading, prayer believing, church attending Christians. I also do not take it upon myself to suppose I'm 'preaching' to unsaved, uncaring, unredeemed souls.

We're all somewhere in between, on any given day, at any given hour.

So this verse? This one sentence nestled inside one of favorite books of the Bible? This cheer? This bit of encouragement? This nuggest of truth?

It can hit home regardless of who, or Whose, you are!

If you're on the Lord's side, blood bought, sins forgiven--you are truly blessed! Chosen! Selected!

If you're thinking the world has more to offer than Christ? That this 'Christian' thing is too hard to understand, too strict, too legalistic, too much? You'll never receive more in this world than it has to offer. Sad, isn't it? All you may have now, will be all you get. The very best of things only come with a relationship with Jesus Christ.

There, I've said it. Take what bits you need for where ever it is you are. And as far as criticisms or compliments--well, they're not my words, they're His.

CAN'T STOP TALKING
Today's reading: Acts 3-4

"We cannot stop telling about the wonderful things we have seen and heard." Acts 4:20 NLT

It's not hard finding a place to start talking about God's greatness. From where I sit, I can see the dew on the fields, the trees beginning to drop their spent leaves and a young boy playing, hair still mussed from sleep, with his toys on the front room floor.

I'm warm and comfortable in a home He has provided. I'm sending e-mails to a passle of folks He has allowed me to minister to. I'm getting ready to go out for a run on two strong legs He has given me for a lifetime's use.

I'm a member of a wonderful family--blood-relation and Christ-relation. I have in my cell phone number after number of Christian brothers and sisters who I could call up at any time and share a testimony or a need. I'm making preparation to worship corporately tomorrow in a Bible-teaching church God has placed in my life.

I'm a born again daughter of a King. My sins have been forgiven, washed white as snow and a mansion awaits. I've been handed gifts, talents, abilities from a Master Designer who desires me to be a part of His great work.

I am marveled by nature, but even more marveled by its Creator. I'm mystified by the stars, and enthralled by the One who hung them in place. I value my salvation, hold it very near and dear, but worship my Savior!

I guess I'm in the same boat as Peter and John--I cannot stop talking about God's grace, mercy and love!

JUDGE, JURY & EXECUTIONER
Today's reading: Jonah

"This change of plans upset Jonah, and he became very angry. So he complained to the Lord about it: Didn't I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you were a gracious and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. I knew how easily you could cancel your plans for destroying these people. Just kill me now, Lord! I'd rather be dead than alive because nothing I predicted is going to happen." Jonah 4:1-3 NLT

Conviction? This early in the morning, Lord? Honestly. Reading these verses were nothing short of having a mirror installed in my Bible. Why not, all those years ago, put my name in there instead of Jonah's?

An attitude check has been made--and I came up short, very short, of the mark you set for me.

I, like Jonah, have decided some folks have fallen off the radar screen of your grace.

I have written several off as undeserving.

There are those I consider unworthy, unlovely, unlikable and uncouth.

And this morning? Those folks aren't the ones sitting under conviction--it's me. Here I am, in your presence, smelling like a three day-old tunafish sandwich. I'm pouting in the desert I've made for myself under a shade tree you've provided.

Who do I think I am? Nothing short of your love has saved me. No one, myself included, truly deserves it.

Thanks, Lord. Thanks for reminding me of who I really am!