SERVERS
Today's reading: John 1-2

"Jesus told the servants, Fill the jars with water. When the jars had been filled to the brim, he said, Dip some out and take it to the master of ceremonies. So they followed his instructions." John 2:7 NLT

Imagine yourself in the shoes of the wait-staff that evening. Dressed to the nines in their black pants and white shirts with crisp towels draped over an arm. They'd been working their tail-ends off as the wedding party celebrated. And now an out-of-towner asks them to take a goblet of 'water' to the boss when a stronger drink is what he'd asked for? They imagined heads were going to roll.

We do the same thing, don't we? We pray for a miracle. We seek His help. We ask for Him to intervene. And when He answers in a way that isn't what we recommended, we hesitate briefly before 'dipping out of the jar'. We shuffle our feet. We scratch our heads. We hem-haw around wondering how in the world is He going to make something out of this.

Think about it, friends--He has the hard part. What is asked of us is simple, believe and serve.

Matter of fact, we get the opportunity to serve today. In our churches. In our worship services. In our pews. Take what He provides and serve it up with love for the Father and gladness for the privilege He's provided.

STRONG AS EVER
Today's reading: 1 Thessalonians 1-3

"Now Timothy has just returned, bringing the good news that your faith and love are as strong as ever." 1 Thessalonians 3:6 NLT

A better report could not be given. A diagnosis of growth. A study confirming life, abundant life. A fact-finding mission to declare the new converts as continuing.

Could the same be said of us? From last year to this, are the events and reactions in your life declaring more and more godliness? Has love sprouted, grown, blossomed and flowered?

IN EVERYTHING
Today's reading: Ezekiel 37-42

"Then my people will know that I am the Lord their God--responsible for sending them away to exile and responsible for bringing them home. I will leave none of my eople behind." Ezekiel 39:28 NLT

Do I see God in each and every happening? The good and the bad? The planned and the unplanned? The discipline and the reward?

Do I acknowledge Him in every moment? Each breath? Each beat of my heart?

Do I surrender to His will, timing and knowledge when my own plans take an unexpected turn? Do I seek to see Him in the new route my life has been sent out on?

Do I praise Him as wholeheartedly on the rainy days as I do when the sun warms my face? In little and in much? In joy and in sorrow? When I understand and when I don't?

WALKERS
Today's reading: Proverbs 13

"Whoever walks with the wise will become wise, whoever walks with fools will suffer harm." Proverbs 13:20 NLT

My friend, Karen, and I have a standing appointment to walk three mornings a week. While many others are still snoozing, we're cardiovascularly challenging ourselves--and talking (when we can breathe) up a storm.

I've seen this verse play out in our walks. Karen is wise. I've gleaned a lot of knowledge from her on our early morning dates. She's a Mom of two boys who are older than my son, so I'm taking notes as to what might work when Isaiah reaches the age her boys are. I've gotten a few recipes from her on our walks. I've even been given a few pointers for my flower garden as we huff and puff our way up and down the road. I've also burned a few extra calories trying to keep up with her very long strides.

Now that I think of it, is she gaining any wisdom from me? Is this a one-sided relationship? Does she grow as a person from time spent with me?

Is anyone I sidle up beside growing wiser, in the things of life or the things of God? My child? My co-workers? My checker at the grocery?

WAYWARD DAUGHTER, LOVING FATHER
Today's reading: Psalm 87-89

"But if his sons forsake my law and fail to walk in my ways; if they do not obey my decrees and fail to keep my commands, then I will punish their sin with the rod, and their disobedience with beating. But I will never stop loving him, nor let my promise to him fail. No, I will not break my covenant; I will not take back a single word I said." Psalm 89:30-34 NLT

For a hard-headed, used-to-getting-my-own-way, stubborn and strong-willed princess, this morning's Scripture reading is a reassurance of how greatly, deeply and genuinely I am loved by my Father, the King.

His love for me does not change based on my obedience or lack thereof.

His promises for me never waver or change due to my ways or fulfillments.

His discipline is based solely on His love for me, His desire that I become a spitting image of Him and His belief that through Him I am capable of all He has planned for me!

Who He is is not determined by me. Who I find Him to be, however, is.

THE STRAW
Today's reading: 2 Kings 16-20

"This disaster came upon the people of Israel because they worshiped other gods. They sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them safely out of Egypt and had rescued them from the power of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt." 2 Kings 17:7 NLT

Wondering which of our country's sinful choices will be the 'straw that breaks the camel's back'?

When will God wash His hands of us?

What sinful act will separate us so far from Him that we'll be abandoned and hopeless?

Think it couldn't happen? Think again.

Other gods? Sins against the Lord? Refusal to worship our Redeemer?

The straws are stacking up.

MY PEOPLE
Today's reading:Leviticus 19-21

"Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people." Leviticus 19:16 NLT

I have a fierce pride in the church family God has surrounded me with. I am determined to build up and encourage, to edify and promote the brothers and sisters in Christ placed in my life. If there is anything unkind or unlovely spoken about my church or any of its members, it won't be me saying it!

No one outside our church house needs to know my comments on 'her' choice of dress for this morning's service.

No one not in worship service this morning needs to hear my running commentary on 'his' attempts to praise the Lord.

No one, inside or out, needs to know my attention was slightly distracted because of the crying baby.

No one, not a single unsaved friend or family member needs to hear anything less than my praise for our pastor's sermon.

No one, especially the small one sitting at our dinner table, needs to hear about any problems I may have with a fellow believer.

You see, once I begin taking pride in my church--God will take pride in me and His blessings will pour out into my life and into the ministries of my church.

My people, the ones I worshipped and served with yesterday, are a fine bunch of folks...and that's all you're going to hear from me about it!

LOOKING FOR JESUS
Today's reading: Luke 23-24

"But very early on Sunday morning the women came to the tomb, taking with them the spices they had prepared. The found that the stone covering the entrance had been rolled aside. So they went, but they couldn't find the body of the Lord Jesus." Luke 24:1-3 NLT

Jesus was not found in the tomb. Jesus had told them He wouldn't be there.

But we look anyway, don't we?

We look for Him in places where He tells us He won't be. Like in sinful situations we have created for ourselves. Relationships that are not godly and pure. Projects that are not God-focused. Programs that have watered down His Word.

We won't find Him unless we've prayed for His blessing, approached His throne for guidance, searched our hearts for sins that separate us from Him and looked for where it is He is working and join up with Him.

Where are you looking for Jesus today?

WATCHMEN
Today's reading: Ezekiel 31-36

"When the watchman sees the enemy coming, he blows the alarm to warn the people." Ezekiel 33:3 NLT

Needing a fellow watchman to help you with the pitfalls of life? Someone who will bluntly and lovingly tell you when you're teetering too closely to sin? A dear, Christian friend who can truthfully tell you when you've crossed the line on a temptation? An accountability partner who will not buy into the list of excuses you can provide?

We have been surrounded by Christian brothers and sisters in order that we might not struggle through the journey of life alone--or unarmed!

Are you opening yourself and your heart up to another strong Christian who can edify, encourage, teach and reproach you?

Do you have a watchman on the towers of your heart?

REALLY LIVING
Today's reading: Proverbs 11-12

"The way of the godly leads to life; their path does not lead to death." Proverbs 12:26 NLT

My thoughts have been on my two grandmothers this week. They've both passed on, but on a few occasions over the past few several days I've wished I could have shared a few things with them or sought their advice on some things going on.

I've thought about their words of wisdom, their huge hearts and their soft hands. I've paused long enough to remember the look in their eyes when they were really listening to me--no matter what it was I rambled on about.


Both of my Grandmas were fine Christian women who have left our families a legacy to uphold and a life to honor. In all reality, according to today's verse, they are not dead, they're living life to the fullest degree!

They no longer need dialysis machines, hearing aides or assistance in walking. Their eyesight is 20/20. Their hearts have been healed and they are in the presence of their Savior.

I could grieve as I think about my grandmothers--or I could celebrate knowing they're living it up and one day I'll see them again!

IT'S ME AGAIN
Today's reading: Psalm 84-86

"Be merciful, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly." Psalm 86:3 NLT

Be patient as I whine and complain in Your presence.

Be mindful of my human-ness as I need to be told over and over again.

Be gracious in Your answers just because You can.

Be evident in my day as I seek to see You.

Be loving, despite my unlovely qualities!

THE UN-DOING OF US ALL
Today's reading: 2 Kings 11-15

"All his life Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight because Jehoida the priest instructed him. Yet even so, he did not destroy the pagan shrines, and the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there." 2 Kings 12:2-3 NLT

The little boy king. The determined servant. The re-builder of the Temple. The one remembered for many good things. The one who was still plagued with ungodliness.

Could be us, couldn't it? We try. We serve. We dedicate ourselves. We minister. We participate in each and every outreach our church is involved in. But those pagan shrines we're leaving in our lives will be the un-doing of us all!

No, it' not the stuff God's forgiven us of. The things in the past, the sins we've committed and have asked His forgiveness for, the mistakes we've made. It's the stuff we're keeping in our closets, at our fingertips, within easy reach when we fall back to our old, sinful ways.

Is it worry? Worry has built a fine shrine in many of our lives. Sturdy. Spacious. Welcoming.

Is it doubt? Doubt rests solidly on a foundation of questionable facts. Intimidating in its size. Persuasive in its manner.

Is it self? One's abilities, or lack of them, is a shrine of epic proportion--bigger than the Taj Mahal! The halls of 'I can do it myself' are littered with paraphenalia of our successes and failures.

We must, individually, be very careful of the ungodly things we're allowing to blemish our records of godliness.

GOD SAYS
Today's reading: Leviticus 16-18

"Do not practice homosexuality; it is a detestable sin." Leviticus 18:22 NLT

It doesn't matter what the governing official of a prosperous country says.

It doesn't matter what politicians and bills say is okay.

It doesn't matter what lobby group has the biggest backing.

It doesn't matter what the social norm is in the city that pumps out our nation's entertainment.

God said it. God never backed down on what He said. Never changed His mind, wavered on His words or came around to a new way of thinking.

God said it, that settles it.

HAPPY, HAPPY BIBLE SCHOOL
Today's reading: Luke 21-22

Tomorrow evening begins our church's annual Vacation Bible School. Like many other churches, painstaking prayer and diligence have been offered to choose the right curriculum, schedules and decor. Craft leaders have been chosen. Music ministers have been selected. Snack ladies have been put in charge of feeding the masses.

Me? I get to do my favorite job in Bible School...I get to present the Bible lesson! I have to tell you after all these years of having this privilege, I never tire of seeing a child's eyes light up when they first hear of Jesus, of one of His many miracles or that He loves them so much that He sent His One and Only Son to die on the cross. I truly believe I am more excited than the kids!

That being said, I know it's going to be a tough week. Work will intensify in challenges and problems. Laundry will pile up while I'm at church. Meals, well they might consist of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in the car as we head to church. Regardless, when the commencement exercises close and I'm taking the posters off the wall in the lesson room, here's what I want said of me...

"For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has." Luke 21:3 NLT

I'll put every effort into expressing God's love, regardless of my educational background. I'll put my heart into entreating the kids to have a friendship with God, despite as I friend of His, I constantly fail Him. I'll wear dirty clothes if I must, but I will be telling those little hearts about my Jesus! Every night for one week-- that's not too much to give.

I cannot wait to have the opportunity and I cannot imagine the blessings God has in store for me.

CANCELED

Today's reading: Colossians 1-2



I honestly cannot tell you where I stand on the issue of the young Florida mother acquitted on the charges related to the death of her 2 year-old. I wasn't sitting in the courtroom listening to the evidence presented. I did not have in my two hands the affidavits listing charges, timelines and confessions. I can not tell you I looked into the eyes of the woman charged with the crime.



I can tell you my heart breaks given the fact that this girl's trial is not over, her freedom is not returned to her, her hell has not ended. She has a lot of things to sort out once the jail cell is open and the final paper for release is signed. She will enter a world of criticism, hatred, death threats and constant scrutiny.



The judge and jury found her not guilty, but the world seems to have come to another judgement. Her life-long sentence is just beginning.



"...Then God made you alive with Christ. He forgave all our sins. He canceled the record that contained the charges against us. He took it and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ's cross." Colossians 2:14 NLT



I'm no different than her. A jury has been presented the evidence of all I've done and I've been found guilty by my peers, my neighbors, my family and myself of many charges. Satan likes to re-play each and every infraction I've committed. Daily reminders dog me as to where I've fallen short and refused to get up.



But, Christ.



Oh, those words bring me hope. But, Christ chose to represent me, stand up for me, take my sentence for me--and wipe my record clean. Though others are undoubtedly aware of all I've done in the past, He has chosen to forgive and forget and walk with me through the crowds of nay-sayers that follow my every step.



He's done the same for the little gal in Florida...I pray she accepts all He's done for her!

SLOW LEARNERS
Today's reading: Ezekiel 25-30

Repeated throughout today's reading is the phrase, 'Then they will know that I am Lord'.

What all does it take to realize His sovereignty?

For some, as stated in Ezekiel, it took war, bloodshed and enemy armies.

For others it takes life-changing diagnosis or news.

For some it's new life, creation or a second chance.

Success. Failure. Health. Sickness. Friendship. Solitude. A near-miss. Blessing. Catastrophe. Fear. Peace.

God takes different routes to teach us what it is He needs us to know.

We're all slow learners in need of a patient Teacher.

CPR
Today's reading: Proverbs 10

Like many of you, I've enrolled, taken and passed a few CPR classes in my time. I've taken notes and practiced slapping the dummy's face and asking if they're awake, finding just the right spot on the 'dummy's' chest to do compressions and I've counted and breathed. I've eaten the cookies and punch that's always present at such a class. I've even got, somewhere amidst my paperwork, the stunning certificate the instructor provides.

I've never had to use CPR on anyone. Know what? That's fine with me.

On the other hand, I have had opportunity on many occasion to breathe life in to others in another way...

"The words of the godly lead to life, evil people cover up their harmful intentions." Proverbs 10:10 NLT

I've had the privilege to encourage and bolster faith by what I've said. I've had the blessing of being able to share with a hurting, broken person the peace and healing I've found in God's Word. I've been chosen, by God alone, to speak to people on the edge of hopelessness and draw them back into the presence of a Living Savior.

And, I've been on the receiving end of those words of life.

Every day we're given the opportunity to speak life into someone's heart. Are you certified? Have you read any of the 'manual'? Prepared? Staying up on your 'certifications'?

Go ahead, open your Bible, spend a few minutes brushing up on what might be life-giving assistance to someone today!

NO OPTION BUT YOU
Today's reading: Psalm 81-83

"Utterly disgrace them until they submit to your name, O Lord." Psalm 83:16 NLT

Can I really pray that, Lord?

I can ask that You embarrass the tar out of my loved ones that do not walk with You? I can petition You for humiliation in regards to the ungodly plans they have for their lives? My prayers can lead to their attitudes and beliefs be taken down a notch or two? That their reputations be dishonored? Shame?

Not to cause them pain. Not to make me look better, or at least good. But to bring them face to face with the fact that there is no option but You.

I'm going to pray it, really I am. Lord, no matter what it takes, get their attention--get their hearts!

NOTHING OUTSIDE HIS REALM
Today's reading: 2 Kings 6-10

"Then the ax head rose to the surface and floated." 2 Kings 6:6 NLT

I'm easily confused.

Gravity mystifies me. Computer programs discombobulate me. Algebra addles my thoughts. Governmental decisions leave me befuddled--and sometimes angry. Floating ax heads? Well, I have to tell you, I've never spent much time trying to figure that one out.

It's not possible. It's highly unlikely. It's nothing I will probably have to worry about. But it's in the Bible, so it's something I need to pay attention to!

God's my provider this verse tells me. Nothing I need is outside His realm of provision, desire or ability.

Floating ax heads. Lost car keys. Enough money for a bill to be paid. Family members who are outside the circle of salvation.

I'll be keeping the thought of an ax head in my mind for those moments when I begin to doubt what my God can do!

US AND THEM
Today's reading: Leviticus 13-15

"In this way, you will keep the people of Israel separate from things that will defile them..." Leviticus 15:31 NLT

Three chapters of rituals, rites and rules. Instance upon instance of instruction. Specifics. Details. Particulars.

The purpose? That His children, the ones called by His name, would stand out in the crowd. That their actions would be different. That their dependence would focus on God, not anything else.

Never, in all those verses, did He state we would be exempt from the catastrophes, problems or issues. Our lives will vary little from the lives of the unsaved in so many areas, but not in the area of hope, peace, love and joy!

LITTLE GUYS
Today's reading: Luke 19-20

Luke 19 gives us the account of one of the little guys in the Bible. No, not little in importance, but in stature. We've all heard about him. We've all read about him. We've all sang about him. Zaccheus.

What struck me this morning about this fellow is how very much he and I have in common.

First, we're both on the shorter end of the measuring stick.

Secondly, we work in the public.

Thirdly, Jesus walked into both our lives.

Fourthly, we've both invited Christ into our hearts and into our homes.

Fifthly, importance isn't measured by the 'big things' we do--it's all about heart!

Zaccheus and I have the opportunity each and every day to allow what God speaks to our hearts to have an impact on those around us. You see, Zaccheus didn't just serve tea to our Savior--he allowed the Savior to completely transform him and in turn his homelife was infected by God's love, his workplace was infected and his clientele was infected!

Little guys (and gals) serving a great big God wholeheartedly can have a huge impact on their world!

BOX OF CARDS
Today's reading: Philippians 3-4

I'm a card sender. As a matter of fact, I have an organizational tote filled with cards--all sorts of cards! I've got a section of sympathy cards, a folder filled with birthday cards, wedding, get well, thank you and blank cards. Regardless of the occasion, I have the card I need at my fingertips.

There is a section of cards in my assortment that rarely, if ever, gets used. It's the illusive 'all-occasion' cards. The happy 'whatever' cards. The 'congratulations on your thing' cards. The 'wishing you whatever' cards. I've never found much personalization in those cards, much sentiment, much sincerity.

But today? Today I've found the perfect words for those moments when a card is probably needed, but a card for the specific event/occasion/life moment/season isn't manufactured...

"Whatever happens, dear brothers and sisters, may the Lord give you joy..." Philippians 3:1 NLT

Words that encourage the reader to look for God in the stormy, cloudy days.

A challenge to believe in Christ through the dark night of their circumstances.

Something in print that reminds them that ease, happiness and the expected aren't necessarily God's appointed plan for us--but what He gives is going to bring Him glory!

Biblical perogative on what's most important and Who gives all we need.

Aaah, the perfect card!

JUST ME
Today's reading: Ezekiel 19-24

"Then I said to them, Each of you, get rid of your idols. Do not defile yourselves with the Egyptian gods, for I am the Lord your God." Ezekiel 20:7 NLT

A popular quote regarding revival states, Revival needs to start in the three square feet on which you're standing.

That's what the verse says to me. It reminds me to take my eyes off anyone other than myself and my Savior.

I've got to go, I've a few things I need to tend to before I can go any farther!

GROWTH SPURT
Today's reading: Proverbs 8-9

Isaiah is gone to church camp this week. I'm missing him terribly, but know he's having the time of his life. I'm looking forward to picking him up Friday and hearing all the tales of camp-fun, what pranks they pulled and what moments in the chapel most touched his heart. I just can't wait.

But? But there's also a part of me that doesn't want to go get him. Why? Because I know when I pick him up I'll be amazed at the amount of dirty laundry he's accumulated, the dirt that he's caked on and, the worst part, how much he's grown in the week he's been gone.

He's been going through growth spurts on an almost monthly basis. No, I'm not complaining about the need for new clothes and shoes, the large amounts of groceries he can eat or the fact that with growth spurts often come emotional outbursts--what I don't care for is the fact that he, on a daily basis, steps farther and farther and away from the little one I believe he should still be.

But wouldn't I be worried if he didn't grow? A ten year-old in a 2 year-old's body would be cause for alarm. Growth spurts are signs of good health.

Spiritually, too.

"Teach the wise, and they will become wiser. Teach the righteous; and they will learn more." Proverbs 9:9 NLT

Are you growing spiritually? Are you deeper into God's Word than you were last year, last month, last week? Are you standing taller on God's promises than you did when you first fell in love with Jesus? Are your Christian roots running deeper than ever? Reaching more for Christ?

Are you more righteous, which only comes from time with God, as the days go by? Are you flourishing in His grace? Is He amazed each time you step back into His presence at 'how much you've grown'?

RE-ROUTED
Today's reading: Psalm 78-80

The highway running through my small town is currently overloaded with traffic. Jams and slowed traffic all day long. The reason? Construction work on the interstate that runs parallel to our main thoroughfare has detoured traffic to a usually slower paced road--supposedly to create shorter delays. Folks are catching a glimpse of a village they'd have sped past at 65 mph without the change in their plans.

God does the same things sometimes, doesn't He?

Ever had your plans re-routed? Your goals upended? Your hopes and dreams detoured?

And in most every instance, hasn't what He's provided gone over and above what you'd imagined?

"Turn us again to yourself, O God Almighty. Make your face to shine upon us. Only then will we be saved." Psalm 80:3; 80:19 NLT

Ask Him to re-route you into His will, His presence and His plan for your future. I really think you'll enjoy the journey!

ONE THING
Today's reading: 2 Kings 1-5

"So she did what she was told. Her sons brought her many jars, and she filled one after another. Soon every container was full to the brim!" 2 Kings 4:5-6 NLT

Not, 'she did what she could'.

Not, 'she did what she thought was right'.

Not, 'she did what others were doing'.

Not, 'she did what she considered the right thing to do'.

This woman's blessing came ONLY after she did what she was told to do.

Same is true for the blessings He has in store for me. When I take my eyes off of others, their instructions, their orders, their ministries, I can get down to the brass tacks and accomplish what He's asking me to do.

Then?

Then I can reap the rewards of obedience--and, oh does our Father know how to give rewards!

DISTINGUISH
Today's reading: Leviticus 10-12

Every so often I confer with Merriam-Webster about a word of which I believe I understand, but want to check myself. In doing so this morning, I was solicited by our Lord to reconsider how I go about my life, the choices I choose, the decisions I make.

The word for today is 'distinguish'.

"You are to distinguish between what is holy and what is ordinary..." Leviticus 10:10 NLT

Distinguish means to perceive a difference in, to mentally separate; to mark as separate or different; to discern; to characterize.

In re-acquainting myself with the definition of distinguish, I have also re-aligned my thinking with what is holy...holy will not, cannot, could not and shall not ever be ordinary. I have to correct my thinking in regards to all things godly, or holy. I have to re-think what it is that I allow into my heart and mind that is ordinary--because ordinary is not holy.

All because God calls me to be holy.

Not ordinary. No, holy.

MY LITTLE BIT
Today's reading: Luke 17-18

"One day the apostles said to the Lord, We need more faith; tell us how to get it. Even if you had faith the size of this mustard seed, the Lord answered, you could say to this mulberry tree, May God uproot you and throw you into the sea, and it would be done." Luke 17:5-6 NLT

My translation doesn't say it.

I've not heard my pastor speak on it.

I've not gotten a booming voice from heaven, a talking donkey or a burning shrub.

But I believe God's telling us to use what we have (no matter how small) to get what we want (no matter how big).

They had enough faith to know going to the Lord would help them...

How much do you have?

My little bit of faith keeps me in the Word, digging around for nuggets of truth and shovelsful of encouragement. And I'm rewarded!

My little bit of faith keeps me at His feet in worship and praise. And I see His blessings shower down upon me!

My little bit of faith keeps me looking forward to the moments when I see my faith grow in spurts and I'm able to share with another. And He continues to give me more opportunities!

What's your little bit of faith doing for you?

COMMON THREADS

Today's reading: Philippians 1-2



"It is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a very special place in my heart. We have shared together the blessings of God..." Philippians 1:7 NLT



Despite the fact there are several of you whom I have never met, we share common threads, common denominators, common themes in our lives...



...we've all gazed in awe at His production of a sunrise or a sunset.



...we've all marveled at the face of a child, the fingers of a newborn, the pictures from an ultrasound.



...we've all stared at the night sky, attempted to count the stars, shook our heads at the scope of it.



...we've all experienced a peace that passed all understanding.



...we've all bubble with joy at one point of our lives or another.



...we've all, oh I hope we've all, opened the gift of grace at an altar of salvation.



We're all alike, to some extent...or at least I hope we are!

MY PART
Today's reading: Ezekiel 13-18

"O people of Israel, these prophets of yours are like jackals digging around in the ruins. They have done nothing to strengthen the breaks in the walls around the nation. They have not helped it to stand firm in battle on the day of the Lord." Ezekiel 13:4-5 NLT

I could easily point my finger at the preachers of our country who are doing little more than filling a spot and collecting a paycheck. I could simply write off 'strengthening the wall' as someone else's job. I could quickly dismiss the fact that I, a busy-about-the-church, gal am covered up with my ministry.

Or I could accept God's message to my heart that I need to be about His work.

I need to write to my politicians. About civil unions. About divorce. About God being removed from our free speech.

I need to let my neighbors know God loves them. By smiling. By waving. By taking over a plate of melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

I need to tighten the reins on my family's television viewing. The things we laugh at. The movies allowed. The themes our favorite shows hit on.

Oh, I'll point my finger at others--once I'm done completing the tasks He has for me to do!