YEAR END
Today's reading: Jude

"May you receive more and more of God's mercy, peace and love." Jude verse 3 NLT

As the year comes to a close, it's reassuring to know we have not exhausted God's supplies!

As many times as we've called on His forgiveness, He is still able to grant us mercy for the new year.

As often as we've sought out His peace amidst the storms, dark nights and trying times, His calm is available.

As repeatedly as we've needed His love to wrap us, to comfort us, to show us He will take us back again, it still is in abundance.

The New Year holds great things in store for God's children...especially the promise and possibility of receiving more and more of Him!

NO NEED
Today's reading: Revelation 18-22

"And there will be no night there--no need for lamps or sun--for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever." Revelation 22:7 NLT

Winter nights are long and dark. Pain-filled nights, the same. Nights filled with worry and fear are quite possibly worse than either.

Warm, comfy blankets help. Medications and movement sometimes alleviate. Kind words, verses of encouragement and fellowship pacify.


But what helps the most? Morning.

The sun shining. The shadows gone. The brightness of day.

Heaven promises no dark nights. No shadows. No pain.

But now?

For now, we have what we need in His shining glory, in His presence, in His faithfulness.

THE POWER OF LOVE
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 7-8

"Many waters cannot quench love; neither can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with everything he owned, his offer would be utterly despised." Song of Solomon 8:7 NLT

It's time to take stock of all your assets. The year is ending and now is a great time to reflect on what all you've accomplished, what all you've gained and what all you still hope to attain. It's time to take inventory of all your blessings.

Let's start with God's blessing of love in your life.

There are those you love.

There are those who love you.

There is God who is love.

Love is an amazing thing! Anyone with a portion of it in their life is considered wealthy beyond measure.

Go ahead, put pencil to paper and list your assets--be encouraged by the power of love!

TAKE A DEEP BREATH
Today's reading: Psalm 149-150

"Let everything that lives sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!" Psalm 150:6 NLT

Where you're sitting, yes, right there where you are, take in a deep breath. Slowly exhale. Now do it again.

Can you feel your lungs fill? Your chest rise? As you push the breath out, do you feel emptied?

You are now qualified.

Qualified?

Yes, qualified. Qualified to be praising our Lord! Breathing is a sign of life. Life is a prerequisite of praise--for and to the One who gives all life.

Nothing exempts you but death. But in all reality, death will only bring about eternal life and eternal praise, now doesn't it?

HOLY-DAYS
Today's reading: Esther 6-10

There are several new holidays expected to be celebrated in the year 2012. National Sweet Potato Day, Worldwide Pizza Day, National Left-Handers Day and National Red nail Polish Day, to name a few.

Anything, well practically anything, can be chosen to be commemorated on a given day, with feasting, gifts and gatherings.

This upcoming year, I'm determining in my heart and mind to begin celebrating special days hand-crafted by God...

"These days would be remembered and kept from generation to generation and celebrated by every family throughout the provinces and cities of the empire. These days would never cease to be celebrated among the Jews, nor would the memory of what happened ever die out among their descendants." Esther 9:28 NLT

I'm going to use my planner to denote special prayers answered, God-given blessings given and celebratory happenings in His kingdom and in my heart! I'm going to put them down in red, transfer them to next year's planner and celebrate all He's done.

I'm expecting a planner 'full of red' in 2012! I believe I'm going to see some amazing things with His fingerprints all over them. I am well aware that He gives me so much to celebrate--I'm beginning to set aside the holy-days just for Him!

AFTER
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 32-34

"He is the Rock; his work is perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!" Deuteronomy 32:4 NLT

Once the shepherd went back to their flocks and the wise men's camels faded into the horizon, how did Mary feel?

A brand new baby. A busy town. Taxes left to pay. A new husband. A daunting trip back to Nazareth after having just given birth. Dirty diapers. Hormonal highs and lows.

Did she have to remind herself of the truths of this verse? Did she have to verbally speak praise to God while she shook her head in wonderment of how He would answer? Did she repeat the words to her newborn as she rocked Him, comforted Him, swaddled Him?

What she and Joseph did after the 'nativity scene' dispersed set the stage for Jesus' future as the King of Kings and the Worker of miracles.

What we do once the nativity scene is stored back in the attic sets the stage for His work to be completed through us as well!

Merry day after Christmas--He's still as wonderful today as He was yesterday!

NOT A PENDANT
Today's reading: Acts 27-28

"...I am bound with this chain because I believe that the hope of Israel--the Messiah--has already come." Acts 28:20 NLT

The chain Paul referred to was not a gold filigreed type wrapped up by your local jeweler. He was bound by prisoners' chain for having believed, and lived out the belief, of one little Baby born in Bethelehem.

Paul was willing to die. Willing to bear persecution. Willing to be shipwrecked, beaten, ostracized and convicted to proclaim the promises fulfilled in this Little One's birth, the miracles performed in His life and the power available through His death.

His faith was not just a pendant he wore around his neck as adornment or fashion--it went much deeper, higher, longer and farther than that.

What about yours? What does your life say about this Messiah who has already come?

PREPARATIONS
Today's reading: 3 John

I remember when I was expecting Isaiah. I recall preparing a room. Preparing our home. Preparing our lifestyle. Preparing our budget. Preparing our car. Preparing our families. Preparing our hearts.

The excitement. The anticipation. The awe. The wonder. The joy. The dreams. The hopes. The anxiety.

There's another Baby coming that I need to prepare for.

My schedule needs adjusted. My attitude needs adjusted. My mind needs adjusted. My emotions need to be adjusted. Any grudges I have need set aside. Any bitterness I'm harboring needs to be placed out of my reach.

A wonderful Baby is about to arrive, am I as prepared? I've known of His coming. I've been made well aware of my need for Him.

Will I be prepared, heart and mind, when this Child arrives?

HERE AND NOW
Today's reading: Revelation 12-17

"...But do not be dismayed, for here is your opportunity to have endurance and faith." Revelation 13:10 NLT

Believe it or not, Christmas time might well be one of the most stress-filled, blood pressure-raising, harder-to-be-Christian times of the year!

More people to tolerate. More pet peeves to overlook. More unloveliness to ignore. More folks ignoring the real reason for the season and more saints acknowledging the Christ Child in more determined ways than you.

'Tis the season!

To try harder. To glow more brightly with Christ's love. To tend to hurting lambs and stand-offish prodigals. To smile. To laugh. To relax and enjoy every moment.

Here and now is our opportunity to show God's love--in honor of the Baby's birth!

WHERE I AM
Today's reading: Esther 1-5

"His family had been exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar, along with King Jehoichan of Judah and many others." Esther 2:6 NLT

Our Scripture refers to Mordecai, Queen Esther's wise, old uncle. A man who chose to be used by God where ever he was, in what ever way God needed him.

He could have been whining and complaining about his circumstances--I'm sure several of his Jewish friends were.

He could have sat around with his arms crossed and his smile turned upside-down--one might say he had reason.

He could have turned his back completely on God for allowing such devastating occurences to come to his life--imagine, being exiled from your homeland.

He could have, but he didn't.

Mordecai believed God would rectify the situation. Mordecai believed in the promises repeated to him for years and years. Mordecai continued to trust the Lord, and his trust allowed him to be used in a special way to help Esther and the Jewish people.

What about us? A lot of us are in tough spots right now. Things have happened that seem unfair. Life have thrown us a few curve balls which we were not prepared for. People have let us down. God's will has prevailed, as it always will, and it wasn't what we'd hoped for.

Will we continue to trust? Will our hearts focus on what's wrong, or on what's promised? Will be step up and volunteer for God to use us in the spot we're in?

What will we do where we are?

CONFIRMATION
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 29-31

"He wants to confirm you today as his people and to confirm that he is your God..." Deuteronomy 29:13 NLT

Confirmations--I receive them in my 'inbox' all the time. Confirmations of items I've purchased, reservations I've made or e-mails that solidify dates I've penciled into my planner. Reminders of what I've signed up to do, what I've volunteered to make or what a company has promised to send me.

God sends me confirmations on a daily basis, too. The sun shines. The frost sparkles. The trees complete another cycle and rest up for the next. He chooses to prompt friends to drop me a line in the mailbox or on my phone. He speaks to me through His Word, confirming promises made and His presence at all times.

But does He receive confirmation of my acceptance of His important role in my life? Do I make an effort to verify that He is Lord of my heart, my thoughts and my attitudes? Does He ever see any evidence of my being sold-out completely to Him?

I'm not doing so well in maintaining my half of our relationship, but He's allowing me another day to try!

HE'S THAT SOMETHING
Today's reading: Acts 25-26

"It was something about their religion and about someone called Jesus who died, but whom Paul insists is alive." Acts 25:19 NLT

When you see the trees decorated and the lights lit? When you hear the carols sung and the good tidings spoken? When the packages pile up around the tree and the nativities are carefully arranged? While the baking is being done and the children's programs are in full swing?

When what's going on around you stirs something much deeper in your heart than Santa Claus and the list you could give him?

When the receiving warms your heart and the giving thrills your soul, but something exceeds it all?

Are you fully aware, totally convinced and wholeheartedly certain Jesus is that something?

KIDS OF FAITH
Today's reading: 2 John

"How happy I was to meet some of your children and find them living in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father." 2 John 4 NLT

I've had the exciting, wearying and very rewarding opportunity to work with the kids in our church on their Christmas program which will be presented tomorrow night. We've practiced songs, said and re-said lines and worked together on how best to behave when the spotlight's on and it's not our turn to speak or sing.

The kids in our church are being raised by parents of faith--and that shows in the kids. Now, being a parent myself, I know godly rearing is not always evident in how one behaves. But the influence and the beliefs are there to be tapped into when the behavior warrants doubt.

The kids, play directors and I have decided that we're going to do our best, work our hardest and trust God to use our little Christmas play to reach someone who doesn't yet know the Christmas Baby. We remind the kids and ourselves of that very important task at every practice...

And I'm reminding myself of that on a daily basis. You see, the Lord has commanded me to do what we're doing on the stage where ever I am! Not just in December! Not just when the spotlight is on me!

I'm one of His, that gives me an important role to play!

A TISSUE, PLEASE
Today's reading: Revelation 7-11

"For the Lamb who stands in front of the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to the springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe away all their tears." Revelation 7:17 NLT

When your heart is heavy, do you need this precious reminder? When your spirits have sunk? When you feel alone? Rejected? Walked on?

It's not just for the grieving. It's for the disappointed. The broken. The hurting. The helpless.

It's for the families that will be separated this season, due to nothing more or less than hurt feelings, misunderstandings or pride.

It's for the living, breathing, fully functioning individuals that folks might be surprised to know are empty and alone.

It's for the church members who need to have their memory jogged in regards to this not being all their is.

It's for me. It's for you.

PRODUCING FRUIT
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 3-4

"You are like a lovely orchard bearing precious fruit, with the rarest of perfumes: nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, myrrh and aloes, perfume from every incense tree, and every other lovely spice." Song of Solomon 4:13-14 NLT

Thanks to the intimate words shared between Solomon and his bride, my heart has been lifted this morning. Encouraged. Spurred on. Delivered out of complacency. Reminded of His plan for me.

You see, I'd always thought of myself as producing 'garden variety' fruit for the Lord. The occasional potato of service. A tomato of supplication here and there. And zucchini-prolific intentions to live for Him each day. What I did, I thought was run of the mill in the Lord's eyes. I figured, and I love it when He chooses to open a window of enlightenment, that the fruit produced in my heart's garden was common, plain and down right run-of-the-mill.

But spices?

He notices when I dig deeper, work harder, pray more fervently and rise up with godliness--and thus produce amazing fruit only He and I can produce!

He takes into account each and every opportunity I am faced with to stand for Him. He knows the fruit, specialty fruit, produced when I do actually close my mouth to what I want to say allow him to speak through me--or my silence.

He catches a whiff of the exotic fragrances produced when I walk through my life in gratitude and thankfulness.

And I realize: potatoes, tomatoes and zucchini sustain, but spices? Spices add variety and intensity!

How exciting to know I'm so special to Him!

NEW DISCOVERIES
Today's reading: Psalm 143-145

Yesterday's Associated Press article caught my eye. It stated that in 2010 there were 208 new species of animals discovered around the world. New wildly colored lizards, new earless monkies and some pretty amazing little frogs. Animals never seen or photographed by man.

Does it surprise you, like it did me, that in our age of knowledge something new in God's creation can still be discovered?

Handiwork of His that has escaped man's eye, civilization and encyclopedias. Something old in a new style, color or category.

"Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! His greatness is beyond discovery!" Psalm 145:3 NLT

It gives me hope. Sure it does, hope that the things He has planned for me are beyond my wildest dreams, incomprehendable and yet to be discovered. I am excited to be reminded that He still, even after sending Jesus, wants to amaze us with His creativity and love!

MY PART
Today's reading: Nehemiah 10-13

"...So we promise together not to neglect the Temple of our God." Nehemiah 10:39 NLT

Mind helping me with a resolution I'm wanting to succeed at? It's one that I'm so determined to 'get right' that I'm willing to start these few weeks before New Year's Day. It's one that influences my family, some very dear friends, folks I do not know yet and myself.

I want to live out the vow Nehemiah and his congregation made to preserve, promote and participate in God's house.

It goes beyond attending, which shouldn't be neglected. It surpasses slipping a check in the plate, although it's the least we can do. It extends to my attitude, my preparation for worship and my prayers for my church--the mission, its ministries, my church family and the ones God will direct to come through our doors.

I need help.

Oh, it's not that I don't want to fulfill this task with excellence, it's just that sometimes, well, sometimes I get in the way.

I need to do all I can to build my church. I need to help in every way I see to promote its growth and increase its size. I need to stoop to pick up candy wrappers and wipe little noses. I need to be prepared, before Sunday, to worship wholeheartedly--for God's sake, for my sake and for the sake of the service. I need to be grown-up enough to realize not everyone will do things my way. I need to expect my feelings to be hurt and be willing to let the bruises be healed by God. I need to not neglect my church.

And that's where I need your help. It's a mighty big job, one I cannot do well on my own. Won't you help me? I'll do the same for you, if you need me to.

WHAT DO I EXPECT?
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 26-28

"Because you have not served the Lord your God with joy and enthusiasm for the abundant benefits you have received, you will serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you. You will be left hungry, thirsty, naked and lacking in everything. They will oppress you harshly until you are destroyed." Deuteronomy 28:47-48 NLT

Half-hearted service. Mediocre attempts at ministry. Get it done just so it's done workmanship. Do it because no one else will, or even worse: because no one else will do it the way you want it done.

What are you 'getting' for your service for the Lord?

What do you expect?

How will you serve differently now that you've read the words given to us today?

OUR HOPE
Today's reading: Acts 23-24

"I have hope in God..." Acts 24:15 NLT

As Paul stood before the Jewish leaders who would decide his fate, he made this simple statement of faith.

He did not depend upon them for justice, right decision making or help. He couldn't, they were merely men.

What about you?

As you stand in front of a jury of your peers? In the middle of a trial of faith? Amidst crashing waves and boating-sinking winds--are you making the same statement of faith?

Though all may crumble around you, are you depending upon God for all you need and want?

ALREADY WON
Today's reading: 1 John 4-5

You needn't worry. There's no use concerning yourself about it. Wondering is not necessary. You see, it's all taken care of, the deal is sealed, the technicalities worked out and the outcome revealed...you as a child of God, are victorious!

"But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won your fight with those false prophets, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world." 1 John 4:4 NLT

That truth, once you firmly and wholeheartedly believe it, should free up a lot of your time. That one verse, if you grasp it with both hands, can settle things for you that remain unsettled--tie up any loose ends, one might say. That statement, given only to the saved and redeemed by Christ's blood, is what makes us different from the rest of the world. Those words, memorized and repeated, can and will be a might cheer of victory.

So, what will you do with the truth? How shall it change you, your day, your life, your witness? And my final question: What will you do with all the free time it provides you?

MY FIRST LOVE
Today's reading: Revelation 1-6

"Look how far you have fallen from your first love! Turn back to me again and work as you did at first..." Revelation 2:5 NLT

Some of you write about how convinced you are I pen certain devotions just for you. You tell of it hitting you where you need it. You speak of being convicted. You mention me doing everything to point to you, except typing in your name.

I wish this morning I felt I was writing for you--for anyone really. I wish so much I were.

The Christmas season, the hustle and bustle of lives lived in the world but not for the world and this verse have really stopped me in my tracks this morning. My heart's pounding. My stomach has that sick knotted feel to it.

I don't do, pray, seek, honor, live for, worship, speak of, bow before, testify or spend time with God like I once did.

Oh, it's not that I don't do all those things anymore, it's just I've allowed the excitement and awe to turn what I do for Him each day into a ritual, a routine, a task or a line to mark off my to-do list.

I'm noticing, by the grace and mercy of God, that I have fallen away from my first love. So, excuse me while He and I spend a little time talking that sad fact over.

HOW DO YOU?
Today's reading: Psalm 140-142

"Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they reprove me, it is soothing medicine. Don't let me refuse it..." Psalm 141:5 NLT

How do you take your Christian brother or sister-given constructive criticism?

No, I'm not talking about Sister So-And-So's running commentary on your most recent hairstyle or your choice of pants over a skirt, but the real walking-the-walk and talking-the-talk critiques?

Do you bristle? Do you throw in the towel? Do you cross your arms and storm off in a huff? Do you avoid that section of pews from that Sunday on? Do you whimper? Do you begin a long list of their own faults and failures?

Or, like David, do you consider it a gift from God that He cares enough for you to send a fellow sojourner to help you along the path? Do you accept it as from God and ponder how you might work on the area in question?

We're surrounded, in any church, with family members whose advice we esteem and whose advice we sweep under the rug. Take time today to ask God to send the helpful hints your way. Ask Him to surround you with brothers and sisters in Christ who care enough about you to bruise your ego and take you down a few notches--in love. Ask Him to never ever leave you to your own devices!

And ask Him to allow you grace to take it all with a spoonful of sugar!

FULL VIEW
Today's reading: Nehemiah 5-9

"So on October 2 the wall was finally finished--just fifty-two days after we had began. When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized that this work had been done with the help of the Lord." Nehemiah 6:15-16 NLT

I've always like Nehemiah. I believe he was a man of character, conviction and common sense. He was a great leader, an encourager and a godly man. He chose to work , serve and write for the Lord.

I believe, despite his position, he was a down to earth kind of guy. Must have been, or he'd have not put such plain words into his book....and especially these two verses.

He knew how quickly God had completed the task of rebuilding the wall, so he mentioned it. He knew the neighbors had been watching, tormenting and mocking them while they worked, so he mentioned it. He knew that this mighty work of God was a 'hot topic' around their dinner tables, so he mentioned it.

How does it relate to us? Glad you asked...

I believe you and I are enduring some things that once God is done will leave our enemies and neighbors with their jaws on the ground! We'll go through tough times, but our stories will be the talk o the town. We will experience peace and joy, amazing joy, during hard times that will leave our mockers shaking their heads in disbelief.

I don't believe our stories are being 'written' just for our sakes. Firstly, God's penning them in order to receive the glory an honor. Secondly, He's allowing what you go through to affect, or infect, the lives of those you might not be able to reach any other way.

Join God in what He's doing in your life. Allow Him to use you to grab the attention of unsaved friends and loved ones. Expect some big things to be accomplished by God!

WHAT IF IT WERE
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 23-25

"No Ammonites or Moabites, or any of their descendants for ten generations, may be included in the assembly of the Lord." Deuteronomy 23:3 NLT

I've pondered this verse in my heart this morning.

I know God made this declaration based on the treatment of His people by the country of Ammon and Moab as they traveled in the forty-year trek. I know He is just in what He does, says and proclaims.

But, what if I was in generation eight, nine or ten of those families?

What if I'd grown up beside a godly Jewish family, played with their kids, watched how they lived, saw all their blessings--wanted to know their God? I would have probably been unaware of exactly what 'my' family had done to warrant exile from the church. I would have been so far removed (generationally) from the circumstances that no blame should be placed upon my shoulders. I would have lived desiring the fellowship of a synagogue family. To be invited to one of their potlucks. To be able to view on of their Christmas programs. A singing.

Would I, in keeping with God had spoken, be preparing my family for generation eleven? Might I do what I could at home to promote relationships with Yahweh? Might I study what I could of the scrolls? Would I stand as closely to the church house as I could without legally 'going in'? Would I grill my neighbors as to what their sermon was about as soon as they got home from church?

What if it were us? How much would we want it?

You think it's silly that I mention a time when we might not be allowed into God's house for worship and services? Silly, huh?

HARD TO FIND
Today's reading: Acts 21-22

"We went ashore, found the local believers and stayed a week..." Acts 21:4 NLT

How was it Paul and his fellow travelers found the 'church'?

No neon signs. No grand temples or synagogues for God in this area. No togas or robes embellished with crosses or Jesus fish. No television pastors inviting them to attend their pre-recorded services. No yellow pages. No World Wide Web.

Did they stick out? Was it obvious?

How do people know about our relationships with Christ?

Is it how they see us react in volatile situations? Is it how they see us cling to slivers of hope? Is it our responses during storms, trials, heartbreaking seasons?

Could they recognize your helping hand? Your over-sized compassion? Your genuine smile?

The lost world, individuals in the lost world, and hurting Christians are looking for us--will we be found?

A SMALL SACRIFICE
Today's reading: 1 John 1-3

"He is the sacrifice for our sins..." 1 John 2:2 NLT

I think about it at Easter.

Good Friday happenings remind me of His sacrifice for me. The blood spilled to purchase my release from sin's bondage. The forgiveness offered to rescue me from hell. The ultimate plan carried out to the most minute detail, resulting in an empty grave and a adopted child.

But to think of it at Christmas?

To think of a tiny baby lying in a manger as my Sacrifice? To imagine this newborn holding in his clenched fists the keys to my eternity? To think the One who came, hurt, died and rose again for me, spending His first few days in a barn?

My Small Sacrifice is on my heart and mind this morning. What He did for me, beginning on that quiet Christmas Day, including an Easter Sunday resurrection and today's touch--is nothing short of a miracle!

SO, ACT
Today's reading: Malachi

You've heard the old saying, 'Actions speak louder than words', haven't you? Spoken them? To your children, a repentative friend or in regards to an unlovable and in need of forgiveness family member? Have you offered the words as advice?

Have you heard God speak them to you?

"You have wearied he Lord with your words..." Malachi 2:17 NLT

God, the Creator of the universe, has bent His ear to your confession. He has allowed His Son to die on the cross for your forgiveness. He has chosen to wipe your slate clean. And you? You choose to step back onto the same path of ungodliness, into the same pit of temptation, to sidle up to the same ungodly friends who have let you down before.

He is a forgiving God--but let's be honest here, how much is too much?

Are you willing to risk having to ask Him one more time in regards to the same 'issue'? Are you sure He believes your tears? Knowing He sees your heart, do you think He is wearied with your words?

So, act! Do what's right. Choose, one decision at a time, to make Him proud. Allow what you do today to prove to Him that His offer, His offering and His outrageous grace are not wasted on you!

WINDY CONDITIONS
Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 11-12

"God's ways are as hard to discern as the pathways of the wind, and as mysterious as a tiny baby being formed in a mother's womb." Ecclesiastes 11:7 NLT

Ever tried to figure out just what the wind might do? Where it might blow? What it might destroy or what it might comfort with a light breeze? Ever attempted to predict whose house might be destroyed in a tornado or whose home might be saved when the wind changes direction and a wildfire turns another route?

It would be kind of like trying to figure out God.

God places a lot of 'whys' in our lives. He gives us cause to think on many things. He places in our paths many opportunities to wonder what He's up to and how in the world He's going to work it all out!

Why the marriage goes through a storm and comes out stronger on the other end? Why a couple waits and waits for the baby? Why one is healed medically and goes on living and another is healed spiritually and begins eternal life? Why circumstances allow a prodigal to wander for years and then return?

Are you trying to figure God out? Are you studying His past actions to see if you can see a pattern? Have you allotted a lot of your time in guessing what His next move might be? Are you finding yourself scratching your head when your well-laid plans and suppositions are upended?

It's just like trying to discern the pathways of the wind.

Allow Him to be God. Allow His choices to overwhelm you. Allow His plans to lead you and those you love to a life of peace and joy in His presence. Allow His hand to guide you, support you and comfort you when the winds of change blow.

WINDY CONDITIONS
Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 11-12

"God's ways are as hard to discern as the pathways of the wind, and as mysterious as a tiny baby being formed in a mother's womb." Ecclesiastes 11:7 NLT

Ever tried to figure out just what the wind might do? Where it might blow? What it might destroy or what it might comfort with a light breeze? Ever attempted to predict whose house might be destroyed in a tornado or whose home might be saved when the wind changes direction and a wildfire turns another route?

It would be kind of like trying to figure out God.

God places a lot of 'whys' in our lives. He gives us cause to think on many things. He places in our paths many opportunities to wonder what He's up to and how in the world He's going to work it all out!

Why the marriage goes through a storm and comes out stronger on the other end? Why a couple waits and waits for the baby? Why one is healed medically and goes on living and another is healed spiritually and begins eternal life? Why circumstances allow a prodigal to wander for years and then return?

Are you trying to figure God out? Are you studying His past actions to see if you can see a pattern? Have you allotted a lot of your time in guessing what His next move might be? Are you finding yourself scratching your head when your well-laid plans and suppositions are upended?

It's just like trying to discern the pathways of the wind.

Allow Him to be God. Allow His choices to overwhelm you. Allow His plans to lead you and those you love to a life of peace and joy in His presence. Allow His hand to guide you, support you and comfort you when the winds of change blow.