VERDICT
Today's reading: Obadiah

"The day is near when I, the Lord, will judge the godless nations! As you have done to Israel, so it will be done to you..." Obadiah verse 15

We have not been handed a 'Get Out Of Jail Free' card simply for having His name in our pledge.

We are not guaranteed a verdict of 'not guilty' plea for having mention of God on our government buildings.

We will not be excused due to our currency, coins, national anthem or heritage.

We will be judge, by God, based on our lives, our choices, our decisions, our votes and our treatment of Israel.

So, will we be judged a godly nation or not?

EARLY BIRDS
Today's reading: Proverbs 26-27

I just love seeing a verse from the Bible come to life! I truly enjoy watching as God's living, breathing, applicable to the year of our Lord 2011 Word come to fruition. I count it as a victory against those who proclaim the Bible as irrelevant, when Scripture takes on life.

Like this verse:

"If you shout a pleasant greeting to your neighbor too early in the morning, it will be counted as a curse." Proverbs 27:14 NLT

I've seen this verse in real-life in regards to my early morning cheerfulness and my neighbor's, well, not so lovely morning.

I shout a friendly hello as I leave for work. They grumble.

I state, with a chipper voice, the beauty of the day. They moan.

I comment on what a good night's sleep I've had. They hem-haw around the fact that they've just been in bed an hour or so(I knew that from the music playing all night), have a hang-over and are running late to get their kids to school.

I proclaim the goodness of the earth. They huddle a little further into their bathrobes and cast me an evil eye.

I'm beginning to think my kind, pleasant and first-thing-of-the-day words are a little less than appreciated.

PRAYING
Today's reading: Psalm 114-116

I'm no extraordinary prayer. I haven't the inclination to pray for long periods of time. I do not use King James English while I talk to God...He doesn't use it when He speaks to me--we just have that kind of agreement.

I'm used to praying among twenty or so pre-schoolers, which lends my prayers towards short, sweet, to the point, usually about someone's pet and with one eye open!

When I talk to the Lord during my quiet time, I allow what comes to my mind to direct the prayer. If a worry rears its ugly head, the Lord and I discuss it. If a gift from Him comes to mind, I thank Him. A need, a request, a moment pushing me towards praying for another, that's what He and I talk over.

My prayers are not magical. I do not pray believing what I say or how often I say it does any good. I do not pray to fulfill a religious duty. I do not pray to impress those listening to me. I pray because I love Him and I know He loves me! I pray because I know He listens!

"I love the Lord because he hears and answers my prayers. Because he bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath! Psalm 116:1-2 NLT

Why do you pray? You do pray, don't you?

MY SPOT
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 6-10

Each morning you'll find me in the same spot. A comfortable rocker surrounded with my favorite Bibles, a Bible concordance, a Bible dictionary, my Bible reading chart, a college ruled notebook and a handful of pens. My laptop rests beside me until I know what it is God needs me to type up and send out over the World Wide Web.

There's nothing special about my chair. It sits in my front room now, but has spent time in my mother's front room at our old house, in Isaiah's nursery and then in the front room of our old house. It's not fancy. The arms of a well-worn wood. It's cushions are lumpy, some might call it having character. It's been upholstered in plaid, in Peter Rabbit, in soft browns and now in a darker brown swirl, thanks to my sister.

It's my spot. It's where I have to sometimes take a time-out. It's where I sit and think. It's where I spend time in the Word. It's where I argue with God, yes, I argue with God. It's where I speak to Him about what's heaviest on my heart. It's where tears flow, my nose drips and praises go up!

It's not special, but for this spot, I ask the same thing Solomon asked as he devoted the Temple in Jerusalem to God...

"O my God, be attentive to all the prayers made to you in this place." 2 Chronicles 6:10 NLT

You've got your 'spot'. Allow me to re-phrase that, make sure you have your 'spot'. A place where you and God meet on at least, at least a daily basis. A place where you and He discuss your day, your hurts, your sins and your hopes. It needn't be fancy. It needn't be anything but a special place where you choose to meet up with your Creator, your Savior, your Friend.

MY SPOT
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 6-10

Each morning you'll find me in the same spot. A comfortable rocker surrounded with my favorite Bibles, a Bible concordance, a Bible dictionary, my Bible reading chart, a college ruled notebook and a handful of pens. My laptop rests beside me until I know what it is God needs me to type up and send out over the World Wide Web.

There's nothing special about my chair. It sits in my front room now, but has spent time in my mother's front room at our old house, in Isaiah's nursery and then in the front room of our old house. It's not fancy. The arms of a well-worn wood. It's cushions are lumpy, some might call it having character. It's been upholstered in plaid, in Peter Rabbit, in soft browns and now in a darker brown swirl, thanks to my sister.

It's my spot. It's where I have to sometimes take a time-out. It's where I sit and think. It's where I spend time in the Word. It's where I argue with God, yes, I argue with God. It's where I speak to Him about what's heaviest on my heart. It's where tears flow, my nose drips and praises go up!

It's not special, but for this spot, I ask the same thing Solomon asked as he devoted the Temple in Jerusalem to God...

"O my God, be attentive to all the prayers made to you in this place." 2 Chronicles 6:10 NLT

You've got your 'spot'. Allow me to re-phrase that, make sure you have your 'spot'. A place where you and God meet on at least, at least a daily basis. A place where you and He discuss your day, your hurts, your sins and your hopes. It needn't be fancy. It needn't be anything but a special place where you choose to meet up with your Creator, your Savior, your Friend.

SUCCESSORS
Today's reading: Numbers 25-28

"Then Moses said to the Lord, O Lord, God of the spirits of all living things, please appoint a new leader for the community. Give them someone who will lead them into battle, so the people will not be like sheep without a shepherd." Numbers 27:15 NLT

Standing on top of the mountains of Abarim, viewing the Promised Land, being told he wouldn't enter...there it is Moses makes his finest choice, his most remarkable legacy, his defining moment.

He pleaded with God to appoint a godly successor.

He did not beg for more time. He did not ask for monuments to be installed to honor his service. He did not present a power-point version of his way of doing things to be passed on. He only asked that God place in the spot he currently held a man of God's choosing, a man who would lead God's people according to God's plans.

Moses realized that even after he departed earth, it would not be about him.

Do we realize that? Are we aware that we make an impact, we direct, we represent--but when we're gone, it's still all about God?

In our families? In our churches? Inside our spheres of influence?

Are we living, and dying, the premise of it being all about God?

ALIVE
Today's reading: Acts 1-2

"During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time and proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive..." Acts 1:3 NLT

Actually alive. Not partially alive. Not rumored to be alive. Not alive by means of a machine. Walking, talking, healing, saving, delivering, redeeming, grace-filling, mercy-expending alive!

You know that don't you?

Hasn't God shown you this week, this morning that His Son--the One He send to die for your sins--is alive?

Will you be participating, not just spectating but participating, in a service today that worships and praises this living King? Will you bow your head in reverence with your church family praying to the living, breathing, wanting to do some amazing things in your life, Jesus?

He's alive!

SHARING
Today's reading: Philemon

"...And I am praying that you will really put your generosity to work, for in so doing you will come to an understanding of all the good things we can do for Christ." Philemon 6

What are you doing today? Are you choosing to use your resources to bless another? Giving of yourself--despite all the directions you're already pulled in?

God has given us so much. Our returning of the favor is His blessing, and ours, too!

THIRSTY
Today's reading: Amos 5-9

"Beautiful girls and fine young men will grow faint and weary, thirsting for the Lord's word." Amos 8:13 NLT

I'm amazed at the maturity rate of kids these days. How they dress, what they know and the manner in which they speak are surpassing their years. Middle schoolers know more about life at ages 12-14 than I did at 25!

They are competitors. They are champions. They are self-sufficient, in a lot of cases. They are savvy. They are independent. They are wary. They are creeping into adulthood earlier and earlier.

But as the verse states, so many of them are starving to death for things that matter. Things of value. Thing of eternal consequence.

And still we're feeding them 'junk food'. We're providing them with things that fill their minds and hours, but leave them famished and dehydrated.

God's Word offers the nutritional content they're requiring to enter into maturity, but too often it's presented as a 'side dish' instead of the main course. Church attendance is the serving of vegetables moved around the plate, but never eaten.

What can you and I do to prevent starvation in the future generations?

ICE WATER
Today's reading: Proverbs 25

"It is God's privilege to conceal things, the kings privilege to discover them." Proverbs 25:2 NLT

A friend has challenged me to read the book, A Nickel's Worth of Skim Milk by Robert J. Hastings. It's an account of local author's childhood during the Great Depression. Very fascinating--and humbling.

I'm convicted by the writer's family's frugality. I'm amazed by their tenacity. I'm awed by their ability to use up, make do or do without. But what really caught my eye? What really made me stop and re-read a paragraph? Was what happened during a hail storm in 1930.

Now the book is not listed on the religious reader's list. No Scripture references, well none as far as I've gotten into it. But go ahead and read this to see if it's not a challenge to your Christian walk:

"...After a quick survey of the damage, Grandmother Gordon, who had prayed aloud during the storm, quietly gathered hailstones from the backporch and made herself a cup of ice water..."

Our verse talks about discovering things that have been concealed. Things that have been hidden from sight and require attention to detail in order to recognize. Things that in quick glances are probably not noticed.

Like blessings. Like God's hand. Like hailstones.

Are you praying through your storm? Are you choosing to see God's daily graces? Are you 'gathering up broken limbs from the storm and building a bonfire' or awaiting the storm's end because you know there will be a rainbow? Are you making lemonade out of lemons?

Are you making a glass of ice water with your hailstones?

SHAFTS OF LIGHT
Today's reading: Psalm 111-113

"When darkness overtakes the godly, light will come bursting in..." Psalm 112:4 NLT

Can you wrap your head, heart and arms around the immensity of this promise? This verse does not state a probability. This section of the Psalms does not appeal to your senses with a higher than usual percentage of possibility. These words state, loudly and clearly, what we as His children can expect during the darkest times of our lives.

And for you die-hard King James fans:

"Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness..." Psalm 112:4 KJV

Will it be the blinding spotlight of His miraculous arrival upon the scene? Will it be a pinhole of light in complete darkness? Will it be shafts of light streaming through the clouds prior to the eye of the hurricane? Might it be a candle of hope? Will it be a nightlight keeping you company as you keep vigil? A glimmer of hope in the results of a test of the working of medicine? Might it be a porchlight left on for your late arrival home? Could it possibly be the glow of joy on the broken, hurting face of a dear saint? Will it be, and there's the possibility, the Son as the light in heaven?

Light is coming. It's promised. Look for it!

NO EXPENSES SPARED
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 1-5

"The main room of the Temple was paneled with cypress wood, overlaid with gold and decorated with carvings of palm trees and chains. The walls of the Temple were decorated with beautifl jewels and with pure gold from the land of Parvain. All the walls, beams, doors and threshholds throughout the Temple were overlaid with gold and figures of cherubims were carved in the walls." 2 Chronicles 3:5-7 NLT

No expense spared in the building of the Temple for God to reside in.

Amazing to think about. Sensationally amazing since our household is putting pencil to paper and making (budgeting) plans to re-do our bathroom. We're going to be spending money on a renovation that's needed. We'll be putting some time into making over a pretty important part of the house. But you won't see any gold. No special wood. No jewels or carvings.

I'm choosing mid-range items that will last a long time. I'm not going overboard on what's in style, but focusing mainly on what's functional and low maintenance. Lots of thinking, erasing and giving in when it comes to plans like ours. Our budget is tight so when the funds must go out, they are allocated with a tight fist! Sometimes I give up on the project after a long while of listening to the adding machine hum in my ear. I throw in the towel. I worry and fret over unexpected expenses that might rear their ugly heads.

Sad thing is, I spend a little too much time counting the costs when it comes to serving God, too. I put my head to thinking and re-thinking just how much time He's asking me to give. I open and close my wallet reviewing what it is He's asking me to give. I ponder, think, stew on and meditate on the possible outcomes...instead of just doing what it is He's asked of me.

I should be sparing no expense when it comes to God's work.

I should do based on His bankroll, not mine. I should work using His strength, not mine. I should serve using His work ethics, not mine. I should access His love, not mine.

SATAN'S ATTEMPTS
Today's reading: Numbers 21-24

"The Israelites now sent ambassadors to King Sihon of the Amorites with this message: Let us travel through your land. We will stay on the king's road until we have crossed your territory. We will not trample your fields or touch your vineyards or drink your well water. But King Sihon refused to let them cross his land..." Numbers 21:21-23 NLT

Can you see it? What's estimated at approximately a million and a half people lined up at the city limits and this little 'Barney Fife' of a king, with his hands on his hips and his single bullet in his shirt pocket, shaking his head and telling them 'no', they cannot come through town.

You're laughing at the picture, aren't you?

What's even funnier is that the town is not his. The land is not his. The boundary markers, the mountains, the sand in the wildnerness parts of his land--none of it is his. And yet, he keeps the Israelites from passing through.

Reminds you a lot of satan and his tactics, doesn't it?

Already this morning he has told you you can't, you really shouldn't, it's not possible or has out and out laughed at what you believe God is asking you to do for Him.

And you're listening to him, aren't you?

You've bought into his charade of being the one in charge. You're believing that behind the rented cop uniform, he holds the authority. You're afraid of challenging him.

He, satan, has no power! What God's giving you is not satan's to manage, dole out or allow you to partake of. He does not hold keys to your future, your Promised Land or your mansion in heaven.

Don't pay him any mind! Besides, the rental is about up on his suit!!!

NOT GUILTY
Today's reading: John 19-21

"...You crucify him, Pilate said. I find him not guilty..." John 19:6 NLT

Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem, son of Mary, resident of Nazareth and traveling evangelist, died on the cross for my sins.

When He stood before Pilate, however, my sins must not have yet been piled upon His head, revealed in His eyes or listed and hung on a sign about His neck.

Had they been, even Pilate could not have overlooked the guilt.

The sins I've committed. The reactions I've not thought through. The words I've killed, maimed and wounded with. The thoughts I've not kept in check. The rumors I've refused to stop. The closeness I've chosen not to have with my Father. The discrepancies in what I know to be right and how I live.

Had they been written out for Pilate to see, he'd have had not the choice but to declare this man from Galilee guilty of the sins He carried for me to the cross.

APPROPRIATE
Today's reading: Titus

"Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that is appropriate for someone serving the Lord..." Titus 2:3 NLT

I am teetering precariously on the edge of being the in the older woman category in our church. There are several women older than me who attend on a regular basis. And there are large number attending that are younger than I. I'm in the middle.

I struggle with that at times. To be quite honest, to find out numerically that I'm not as young as I feel is quite a jolt to one's ego. To know I'm in a spot, agewise, that is between the two main groups, is a bit daunting--and lonely.

But this verse? This verse reminds me of whichever age class I feel most like living in, I have requirements.

Appropriate, according to Webster, means especially suitable or compatible; fitting. It means meeting the requirements of a purpose or situation. Befitting. Proper. Becoming.

I, being in the age group I'm in, see inappropriateness and unbecoming character pop up in both groups of women (and women). How do I recognize it? I see it in myself. I have personal experience with it, sad to say.

As I age, gracefully or not, I'm called to be more, carry more and try harder to live up o Christ's expectations of one of His gals. I am called to live regally, not perfectly, but regally. I am branded with a mark of decency and mercy that should keep me from wanting to react and respond, participate in and be a part of things that are below my calling--and His purpose for my life.

Some things get easier with age...some things do not!

MERCY FOR ME
Today's reading: Amos 1-4

Five times in the first chapter of Amos, it is written about God's judgement on sinful cities. Allow me to quote the first time it appears...

"This is what the Lord says, The people of Damascus have sinned again and again, and I will not forget it. I will not let them go unpunished any longer!.." Amos 1:3 NLT

The same sentence is stated regarding the cities of Gaza, Tyre, Edom and Ammon. In each case, discipline was doled out: fire.

What stops me dead in my tracks this morning, is the simple fact that I am just as guilty of repeated sinning as any Bible town--and God has given me mercy.

God loved me (and you) enough to send Jesus to take the punishment for sins committed and omitted.

Who am I to receive an ounce, let alone a lifetime, full of His grace?

CLOSET CLEANING
Today's reading: Proverbs 23-24

This weekend has been set aside, at least in the Edgell household, as 'Closet Restoration Weekend'. My plans, the guys are a little less on board than I, are to completely strip out and re-organize our bedroom closets. I intend to sort through, purge and discover things our closets have been hiding from us.

Only in upending a closet does one truly realize the extent of one's pack-ratty ways.

I will venture a guess that a long lost favorite toy, pair of shoes or shirt will be unearthed in the make-over. I will undoubtedly discover where that black sweater has gone to, that autumnish skirt has went and that other boot has slipped of to.

I'll also find a few things needing pitched. My husband does not need to keep his jeans from high school. I will not wear my favorite parachute pants again--if I could fit in them. And our son will be parting ways with a couple hundred pounds of Happy Meal toys, unnecessary Lego pieces and miscellaneous tokens of boyhood that accumulate in the bottom of closets, cabinets and drawers.

I expect to be blessed. Not by the outstanding help from my assistants, we've traveled this road before, but by the abundance God has allowed me to gather, store up and have the blessing of passing on to another. You see, I know all I have comes from Him!

"A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables." Proverbs 24:3-4 NLT

Go ahead, make plans to join us this week in this challenge. Be ready to see just what all God has allowed you to fill your rooms and hearts with! And if you don't want to clean your own closet, come on over--I doubt my helpers will mind being relieved of their duties!

PASSING ON THE POLLS
Today's reading: Psalm 108-110

The political campaigns are beginning. Candidates are heading out on buses. Signs, t-shirts and bumper stickers are being printed enmasse. News commentators have already begun giving their opinions by way of the amount of coverage each party will receive. And the polls are being taken.

I avoid polls.

I'm never quite sure 'who' it is they question. Seldom if ever does a study indicate they have even asked folks I know, people I go to church with or Christian brothers and sisters. If they polled real people, I believe the numbers and the answers would be quite different. I'll venture a guess that whoever is hosting the poll tweeks the numbers in their favor--or in the favor of their biggest sponsor...Gasp!

Take a recent poll that was taken about me. Majority says I'm plain. Large number indicate I'm boring. Other results lean towards strict, old-fashioned and hard-headed. I cannot disagree with the concensus. I am not fancy, even when I try I can't quite reach that mark. I do tend to be boring--but I've also seen some of the lifestyles I'm compared to, so I'll gladly accept that label. I, and I'm sure they asked my son, am strict. I argue with the old-fashioned title, but hey, the Bible is old--and I'm claiming it as my rulebook. But hard-headed? Not me!

Call me what you will, I'm tending to lean towards God's opinion as more important.

"Then let them curse me if they like, but you will bless me!" Psalm 109:28 NLT

POSSESSIONS
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 25-29

"...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

The soil here at 1324 Garrett's Prairie Road is good. Our garden, when rain participates, flourishes and my flowers bloom. The acreage that we have farmed by my cousins produce bumper crops, this year it will be corn--last year it was soybeans. The grass is a lovely shade of green. It's good land.

But the fifteen acres we live on is not what I'm most concerned about leaving Isaiah. It's not the property that the county taxes on a yearly basis that I'm excited to will and bequeath him. It's nothing to do with the surveyor's report on a set of boundaries and a deed.


I want to leave him heaven and all it offers.

I desire that my son's most prized possession will be a mansion designed for him. A magnificent home settled among a few trees on a golden street. I want a stream of life to meander across his spot in heaven. I want his permanent dwelling place to be near people like Moses, Daniel and his namesake, Isaiah the prophet.

Good land requires alot of hard work. Our little piece of Illinois did not just fall into our laps, nor does it get mowed, weeded or farmed without some elbow grease. Maintenance, upkeep and piles of fertilizer are required to keep good land good.

I've determined to work as hard at placing God, heaven and the riches of a godly life at the fingertips of our son--as I do in keeping our property neat, tidy and productive!

RE-GIFTING
Today's reading: Numbers 17-20

The thought of re-gifting is apprehensible in some circles, downright rude in others and seemingly expected (and thrilling) in some. I tend to be in the latter of categories...I love being thought of in new and used ways, being provided the opportunity to get the good out of an already used item and knowing the giver wanted to give me a gift!

I truly enjoy my sisters' hand-me-downs of used purses. I like trading cookbooks and kitchen gadgets with friends. And books--I love them! One cannot read a book too many times that it cannot be re-gifted, excepting the one I tried to read while eating a cream horn and trying to drink a cup of cocoa--ick!

"Be sure to set aside the best portions of the gifts given to you as your gifts to the Lord." Numbers 18:29 NLT

I need to make an adjustment in my thought process to carry out what this verse urges me to do. I've always attempted to see gifts, brand-new or not, as blessings from God--but to use part of them for my offering to Him? I truly had never thought of doing that.

I can pass on one purse when I receive one. I can hand-down a book or two when I'm gifted with one. I can give when given to--isn't that what He's telling us?

Most importantly I can acknowledge God's hand in all that I have, all that I'm given and all that I have to give. In the words of one of my new favorite author's, Ann Voskamp, 'I am blessed. I can bless.'

What about you?

THE REAL REASON
Today's reading: John 16-18

Memorial services are being held across our nation. Flags are being flown at half-staff in remembrance. Speeches are being prepared, given and critiqued. Prayers are being prayed, whether in the public spectrum or not. Families are continuing to grieve. We will compare stories as to where we were when we heard the news.

September 11, 2001, will be remembered for years to come.

What happened is fact. Who did it is certain. Why it was done is still a mystery being discussed, being debated and being fought over. Well, it was until this morning...

"The world's sin is unbelief in me." John 16:9 NLT

Folks choosing to discount and fight again God chose to open fire upon a nation founded on God's sovereignty and might. A religion of unsettledness took a stand against a people whose majority rest on the premise of One Father, one heaven to be gained and one hell to spurn.

Sin brought this memorial day about. Sin affects so many, doesn't it?

LAST OF HE HARVEST
Today's reading: 2 Timothy 3-4

Our garden is on its last leg. The cucumbers have been tilled under. The zinnia, who put on the most beautiful of shows, have been picked over, seed heads saved and remaining plants plowed under. The beets are long gone, pickled and canned for winter dinners. The tomato plants are still green and growing, but producing smaller and fewer tomatoes. Fruit production is what tells us the gardening season is over. What's grown has been eaten, frozen or canned. What's left if not producing is cut down, raked up and re-introduced back into the dirt for next year.

Same is true of the Christian.

"They act as if they are religious, but they reject the power that could make them godly..." 2 Timothy 3:5 NLT

Knowing the correct church words, having a designated pew, possessing a twelve-year collection of church bulletins and being on 4 out of 5 church committes do not make you godly...the fruit you're producing does. Having assorted Bible covers, various translations and several Bible marking pens do nothing more than make you a collector of Bible paraphenalia...applying the truth of the Word brings about a bumper crop of godly character.

Are you and I allowing God's power to work in our lives to produce a harvest of righteousness? Are we walking closely enough to Him that His ways, His demeanor, His thoughts rub off on us? Are we assuming that what we participate in, or don't, is what makes us like Christ?

At this time of the year, and throughout, God's looking at the harvest.

REAL CHANGE
Today's reading: Joel

"That is why the Lord said, Turn to me now, while there is still time! Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, mourning and weeping. Don't tear your clothing in your grief, instead, tear your hearts." Joel 2:12-13 NLT

Ever had your heart torn out of your chest? Ever experienced emotion so deeply that you truly believed life had stopped?

Maybe it was in regards to the loss of a loved one. A broken heart. A dream that was dashed to pieces. A Hallmark movie or as of late, an animal shelter commercial.

There are things on a daily basis that pull at our heart strings. Are any of those things our relationship with God?

When was the last time you grieved over sin in your life? Can you recall when you last bowed in humble, tearful admiration of God's sacrifice, Jesus? Do you remember your last turning towards Christ, the decision you made to be completely sold out to Him, His ways and His purpose for your life?

Spend a few minutes at His feet today. Allow His Spirit to tear your heart in response and reaction to Him.

WISE SPENDING
Today's reading: Proverbs 22

"A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty." Proverbs 22:16 NLT

I know you're not stealing change from the beggar on the corner's cup. I'm pretty sure you are not the one who each year heists the Salvation Army's red bucket. I'll almost wager that you aren't pushing those who are down-and-out out of line at the soup kitchen just so you won't have to mess up your clean counters or sparkly stovetop.

But are you, and I'm asking only because God asked me, spending more time, thought and effort on people who are 'rich' than those who are needy?

We all do it. We strive to impress those folks we really don't care about--or who care to notice us. We give and give and give to make a good impression on people whose opinion counts for little. We stand taller and speak more eloquently, and kindly, to the uppity-ups than the people in our own social class--or below.

I'm worn out and flat broke from the attempt. I'm no politician, but I'm spinning my wheels and kicking up dust in an effort to sway some folks 'to play on my team', folks I really don't know if I could play well with in the first place. Dressing to impress the unimpressable.

Oh sure, I'm to love everyone, pray for and be Christlike to them all--but playing favorites in order to look good or have proper standing in the community? I think that's why God chose to put this proverb smack dab in the middle of my day!

NO TRADES FOR ME
Today's reading: Psalm 105-107

"The people made a calf at Mount Sinai, they bowed before an image made of gold. They traded their glorious God for a statue of a grass-eating ox! They forgot God, their savior, who had done such great things in Egypt--such wonderful things in that land, such awesome deeds at the Red Sea." Psalm 106:19-22 NLT

Think you wouldn't? Think again, brother and sister!

Haven't you pushed God aside to bow low at the feet of pride? Refusing to do what's asked because of the low level you'd be called to stoop to, the neediness you might be called to exhibit, the service you'd have to give when in all reality service is what you deserved?

Aren't you the one who has placed doubt ahead of God's provision, goodness and promises? Your grass-eating statue held top priority in your head and heart for a good, long while. Your decision to doubt clearly stated your belief in doubt and disbelief in your Creator.

Wasn't it you who chose to believe and worship, by your words, acts and thoughts, the idol of fear instead of God? Did your idol of fear cause you to miss out on a blessing? Did your dedication to fear affect others?

Still think you wouldn't trade? Yes, it hit me squarely in the heart, too.

CANNOT AND NEED NOT
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 21-24

"...I cannot take what is yours and give it to the Lord..." 1 Chronicles 21:24 NLT

I have to tell you, it's easier for me to offer critiques and criticisms regarding your Christian walk and offerings of worship than it is to bring mine in line with God's desire.

It's more natural for me to suggest, prod and push you into serving with your whole heart than it is for me to follow my own advice.

It's simpler for me to see the error of your ways than to see my own.

And although when David spoke, he was referring to a plot of land he was wanting to acquire for a place of worship...he was also talking about the heart matter involved with giving to his Creator what he was led to give.

I cannot and need not monitor your growth and attempts at bowing before the Lord, you see, I should be too busy tending to my own affairs of the heart.

DEPENDING UPON...
Today's reading: Numbers 13-16

"If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land which floweth with milk and honey." Numbers 14:8 KJV

What blessings are you missing out on because what you do, what you say and how you live does not cause God delight?

Humbling, isn't it? Thought-provoking, huh? Scary?

His blessings for us are completely dependent upon our please Him to the best of our abilities. Perfection is not expected, for He knows us too well. But a heart of servitude, a mind of obedience and hands busy at what He has called us to do.

Isn't it in service we find most of His promises fulfilled? Isn't in trusting we learn to trust even more deeply?

LIVING THE RED
Today's reading: John 13-15

"Jesus replied, You don't understand now why I am doing it, someday you will." John 13:7 NLT

If we were to live according to the 'red' words of our Bibles, worries would be pushed aside, fear would be assuaded, doubts would never go past our thoughts and settle in our stomachs and hearts and we would live fully, vividly and passionately.

If we believed the words in red.

How can I say that? Well, today I'm not understanding a few things--and that's just what Jesus spoke to in our meeting this morning. My vision is clouded in a few areas with a foggy haze. My fears for tomorrow are casting an ominous shadow on today.

But I have His words. I have His promise. I have His message, spoken thousands of years ago, touching my heart this morning.

I just thought I'd share!

CHOSEN
Today's reading: 2 Timothy 1-2

"How thankful I am to Christ Jesus our Lord for considering me trustworthy, and appointing me to serve him..." 2 Timothy 1:12 NLT

I've been chosen by the Creator of the universe to write for Him each morning.

I've been selected by the Savior of the world to mother a young man into adulthood and into Christ's kingdom.

I've been picked out of the lot, by the Perfect Lamb, to live the life and fulfill the purposes only He has for me.

I've been created by the Master of all to be worthy of His Son's blood on the cross in payment for my sins.

I've been allotted the privilege, by the Three-In-One, of being a member of a Bible, based, sin barring, praise Him in the storm kind of church.

How thankful I am!

ALL
Today's reading: Hosea 8-14

"I am the Lord your God who rescued you from your slavery in Egypt. You have no God but me, for there is no other savior." Hosea 13:4 NLT

All we need, He provides.

All we could possibly ever look for, is found in Him.

All our hopes rest in Him.

Our Rescuer. Our Deliverer. Our Provider. Our God. Our Savior. Our All in All.

FLASHLIGHTS
Today's reading: Proverbs 20-21

"The Lord's searchlight penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive." Proverbs 20:27 NLT

We've got a variety of flashlights here on the farm.

We have the free, from a prescription salesman, penlight that's used to look down a scratchy throat.

We have the run-of-the-mill flashlight we keep on the shelf to be used in case of power outages or bad weather.

We have the basket full of dollar-store flashlights that are lacking batteries.

We have the hunting flashlights that the elder of the house has off limits to his small child--and wife.

We also have, and I do wish I had sound effects for this one, the big-boy of our lighted arsenal, the 'barn flashlight'!

The barn flashlight is a heavy-duty, impact resistant, requiring what seems to be at least 12 D batteries (or better yet a car battery) and puts out a beam of light that would blind a blind man three counties over. It serves a very useful purpose here on the farm...if I am ever called to go outside and check the animals after dark, I want (have) to see everything clearly. I do not want to walk into a hole dug in the yard by our neighbor's dog. I do not want to be frightened by the barn cat brushing past my legs in the pitch black night. I do not want to stumble over the 3 bikes, 2 shovels and one homemade tee-pee the smaller of our family has undoubtedly left in the yard. I need a good light, so I turn to the 'barn flashlight'.

Oh sure, there are other times when the little penlight is sufficient, the dollar flashlight works just fine and we happen to have a handful of batteries to put in the basket-ed torches.

Same's true with God's searchlight. There are days He uses a little light to cast away any shadows of doubt I'm facing. There are times when my path is unsure and His light brightens my way. And there are days, oh are there days, when He hauls out his 'barn flashlight' to do a little lighting up of the darkest parts of my heart.