MY ISSUE
Today's reading: Mark 5-6

"And there was a woman in the crowd who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years." Mark 5:25 NLT

King James refers to the woman's medical condition as an 'issue of blood'.

Issues we can relate to, can't we?

Life altering, energy draining, separating and expensive issues.

Issues we allow rein over our lives for long lengths of time.

Issues plaguing us and everyone we come in contact with.

Issues we write off as what we deserve, what we're purposed to carry, what we've been allotted in life.

Christ takes care of issues...just fight the crowd and get into His presence!

WHAT WILL YOU SAY?
Today's reading: Jeremiah 1-6

"The Lord gave me a message. He said, I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world." Jeremiah 1:4-5 NLT

If we are created for God's glory...

If we were created by Him for His use...

If we, every single one of us, have been given the job of testifying of His greatness...

Well, if that's all true--why aren't more things being said that bring glory and honor to Him?

We will speak our mind about current administration.

We will voice our opinion about the price of gasoline.

We will let our thoughts be heard about our new favorite restauraunt, favorite recipe or favorite television show.

We will shout to the tops of the mountains if someone has done us wrongly.

But speak for Him? Talk about Him? Mention His name? Praise His majesty and splendor? Bring Him up in conversation?

Are we doing what He's appointed us to do?

HE THOUGHT OF ME
Today's reading: Job 25-26

"God is so glorious that even the moon and stars scarcely shine compared to him. How much less are mere people, who are but worms in his sight." Job 25:5-6

And to think He, in all His glory and splendor, thought of us.

He loves us so much that He offered His Perfect Son.

He orchestrated a plan of salvation, not for the beautiful things

He created, but for probably the most imperfect of His masterpieces.

He could have placed all His love, affection and grace into nature--but He chose us!

He chose us!

MAKING THE DIFFERENCE
Today's reading: Psalm 36-38

"Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths." Psalm 36:5-6 NLT

I am separated by many miles from some of my loved ones who I keep continually in my prayers.

I am separated by morals, comfort zones and hot topic issues from unsaved friends I'm wanting to reach for Christ. I am separated by my own inabilities and fears from the great things I'm wanting to achieve for God.

I am separated by mistake after mistake, failing after failing and sin after sin from who I want to be in Christ.

But God is a gap spanner. He bridges the chasms. He supercedes the miles, the distances, the inadequacies. No space is too large for Him to reign over. No problem too big. No sin too unforgiveable. No heart out of His reach!

It's the truths they write songs about.

DOING WHAT I'M TOLD
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 11-15

"When Samuel finally found him, Saul greeted him cheerfully. May the Lord bless you, he said. I have carried out the Lord's command! Then what is the bleating of sheep and lowing of cattle I hear? Samuel demanded." 1 Samuel 15:13-14 NLT

Saul was given strict instructions to defeat the enemy, wipe them out and destroy all, Samuel was specific in stating all, their possessions.

I can see Saul smiling victoriously as Samuel shook his head and began to speak over the barnyard sounds coming from the returning army.

Samuel was in essence saying what my Grandma used to always say, A job half-done is a job undone.

We do the same thing...

We refuse to live ungodly lifestyles, yet we spend lots of money soliciting the movies portraying those same sins and lots of time being entertained by them on the television.

We give, but do we ever give till it hurts or until our cushion of comfort or security is depleted?

We serve, but only in the areas where it's easiest for us, most noticed by others and when it's convenient?

In the Christian walk, a job half-done is a job undone, too.

HE KNOWS
Today's reading: Genesis 48-50

"...I know what I am doing, my son..." Genesis 48:19 NLT

These are words Joseph spoke to Jacob at the blessing of his two sons. Joseph thought he was doing things wrong. Joseph was sure he knew how they should be done. Joseph was certain his help, his attention and his advice was needed at the moment.

We're alot like Joseph, aren't we?

We provide God more instruction than prayer. We go it alone instead of leaning on Him. We attempt to impress and astound instead of forwarding the glory and praise to our Savior.

He knows what He is doing. In everything. At all times. In regards to everyone.

We don't.

WORKING RETAIL
Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 9-10

"...Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ." 1 Corinthians 9:22 NLT

Working retail has given me alot of helpful hints when it comes to Christianity.

Each and every day I am called on to put my best face forward, regardless of what turmoil I may have left at home, how I feel or my snap judgements on the person I'm waiting on...all useful tools in bringing someone to Christ.

Every day I clock in I know what needs done, how I must go about it and that what I'm doing requires my full attention...once again, very helpful in walking the 'walk' and talking the 'talk'.

Every week I am rewarded for my diligence, self-control and determination by a paycheck...heaven will be my paycheck, but God also chooses to bless the socks off me at the most unusual times of obedience!

Walking with Christ and winning the unsaved over to Him will require a little effort on our part--but is it really effort in comparison to all He's already done?

MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS
Today's reading: Mark 3-4

"Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came with him." Mark 3:13 NLT

Mountains are hard to climb.

You can fall into a valley. You can tuck yourself into a ball and roll into a valley. You can with small jump land yourself in a valley.

But mountains? Mountains require some fortitude, some discipine and some determination.

That's why He calls us to them!

He is asking each and every one of us to step up to the mountain He is on. He is attempting to get us all to try harder and better things. He wants for us to use the bodies He has created for His worship. He shows us, by His Son's example and His Spirit's leading, ways to improve on the life we're living. He personally invites each of us to rise above circumastances, the cards dealt to us by life and our own fears.

He asks us each and every day to take a step closer to Him--are we going higher or staying right where we're at?

BECAUSE OF ME
Today's reading: Isaiah 62-66

"We are all infected and impure with sin. When we proudly display our righteous deeds, we find they are but filthy rags." Isaiah 64:6 NLT

How do you view sin?

How we define, tolerate and classify sins directly relate to how we view the works of the Cross.

Sin is not just a mistake.

Sins are not just slip-ups.

Sin is not just a blemish on a normally perfect record.

Sin is black. Sin is smelly. Sin is contagious. Sin is a blockage-between our hearts and God's. Sin is entangling. Sin is what made Christ go to the cross so our relationship with a Holy God could be possible.

Sin is serious business, business we have been sugar-coating, ignoring in hopes to be tolerant and loving to all. Sin has eternal consequence, heaven or hell. Sin has an odor that permeates our lives, the lives of our families and the health of our churches.

Sin must be dealt with through Christ's blood.

HE KNOWS
Today's reading: Psalm 23-24

"I go east, but he is not there. I go west, but I cannot find him. I do not see him in the north, for he is hidden. I turn to the south, but I cannot find him. But he knows where I am going..." Job 23:8-9 NLT

A few things over the past month or so have left me looking for God.

Wondering where He was in the mess.

Scratching my head as to how He would receive glory.

Pondering the promise about all things working together for good, when all I could see was not.

But this verse reminds me, and hopefully you, that whether we see Him or not--He still is.

God is evident in everything that has breath or life. God is everywhere He has created. God is fully aware of every circumstance and problem.

I guess I need to quit worrying about where I don't see Him and relish the fact that He knows, at all times, just where it is I am. That reassures my heart!

TWO SQUARE FEET
Today's reading: Psalm 33-35

Nine members of my church family are in the Holy Lands this week.

They don't know it, but I'm living vicariously through them during this experience. I'm trying my hardest not to be jealous, keeping them in my prayers and expecting their experience to have a profound influence on our church--me included.

Yesterday I received word that my brothers and sisters had visited the site where Elijah had his showdown with the prophets of Baal. I had goosebumps! To actually be in a place where God's power was so miraculously and wonderfully experienced? To stand on ground that God's finger had touched? To witness the surroundings Elijah might have seen while he worked, prayed, waited and was rewarded?

Not to take anything away from their trip--but I'm standing this very morning in a spot where the same thing has been done!

You see, if God owns it all, has created it all and keeps order of it all, then every spot on Earth and above is Holy Land.

Which made me think...

The two square feet I'm using as I type up this devotion, has allowed me to witness God's power, too. Prayers sent up from this prayer chair have been answered. Requests made during my quiet time have been heard.

God was in that place where Elijah stood all those years ago, and He is here today.

"I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their face." Psalm 34:4-5 NLT

LAST-DITCH EFFORTS
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 6-10

"But the servant said, I've just thought of something! There is a man of God who lives here in this town...All right, Saul agreed, Let's try it!" 1 Samuel 9:6-10 NLT

Almost-king Saul had exhausted himself and his options when his servant 'remembered' God. They had run their legs off in search of their quest. They'd spent all their allotments except for one small silver piece. They didn't know what else to do but go back home empty-handed.

Then they remembered God.

I just wonder how many people sat beside you in church Sunday who were there for the same reason? Their jobs had played out. Their accounts had bottomed out. Their hearts were almost worn out. Their marriages were on the outs.

They came looking for God in a last-ditch effort.

Was it they'd forgotten about Him? Or had He and His ways not fit into their plans until now?

I'm asking the same of myself this morning in regards to several circumstances I find myself in. Might you ask yourself?

WHEREEVER
Today's reading: Genesis 44-47

"I am God, the voice said, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will see to it that you become a great nation there." Genesis 46:3 NLT

God sometimes asks us to go places and do things that scare the liver out of us.

He's always done it that way--think about Noah, Moses, Gideon, Saul and Jacob, in this instance.

Not only has He always done it that way, it's always worked out to where He receives glory, His power is revealed and His strength is found to be sufficient.

Afraid He won't be where He's asked you to go? Exactly where could you go where God is not?

Scared that the circumstance He is asking you to step into is not within His realm of control? Really? What hasn't been formed by His hands or rests safely within His hands?

God went with His people to the land of Egypt. God spent time on a floating ark. God walked ahead of Moses and his entourage across the Red Sea. God gave victory to Gideon's little army. God allowed Saul's fire to become Paul's zeal.

God will be with you, too.

RECEIPTS
Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 7-8

"God purchased you at a high price. Don't be enslaved by the world." 1 Corinthians 7:23 NLT

Very seldom would you find a criminal being interviewed upon release from prison eager to return to his cell.

I don't think you would see an hostage having just been handed over or ransom eager to go back and visit his 'keepers'.

I won't pay for something I've already paid for...

And yet we allow what Christ did for us on the cross to be for naught.

SHOE-TIERS
Today's reading: Mark 1-2

"This messenger is John the Baptist...He announced, Someone is coming soon who is far greater than I am--so much greater that I am not even worthy to be his slave." Mark 1:4-7 NLT

John knew he was much less important than the One he was proclaiming would come. Some translations even state that John's words were, he was unworthy to even tie the sandal straps of this One he believed in.

That's me.

I'm unworthy to wash the feet of my Savior.

I'm unworthy to change a diaper in my church's nursery.

I'm unworthy to crack open this 2000 year old book of life.

I'm unworthy to receive a special message from the Lord each morning.

I'm unworthy to have people take the time out of their schedules to read about what I'm thinking.

I'm unworthy to be a shoe-tier...but I also cannot contain what all He's done for me!

TRUTH

TRUTH
Today's reading: Isaiah 56-61

You'll hear alot of things today...

-That the world is burning up because some of us still use hairspray in aerosol cans.

-That the car manufacturers will save you alot of money in gas if you'll only purchase their newest model.

-That one simple pill will take off the weight, without exercise or changing your diet one little bit.

-That the government is looking out for us.

-That bigger is always better and more is what we're intended to have.

Well, you can believe what you will or I can give you a nugget of truth you can 'take to the bank'!

"Listen! The Lord is not too weak to save you, and he is not becoming deaf. He can hear you when you call. But there is a problem--your sins have cut you off from God..." Isaiah 59:1-2 NLT

I'm not sure what satan will try to sell you today, but I can promise you this...it will be a lie. You see the truth is not in him.

God is on your side. God hears. God answers. God will allow you to put things between you and Him that cause separation. He allows you the choice.

What will you do with that truth?

Resistance

RESISTANCE
Today's reading: Job 21-22

Ever played with magnets?

Ever tried to match up the opposing ends of them? Ever pushed and pushed to get them to bypass that force field that keeps them apart?

Are you doing the same thing with God and all He wants you to do for Him?

"Stop quarreling with God! If you agree with Him, you will have peace at last, and things will go well for you. Listen to his instructions, and store them in your heart." Job 22: 21-22 NLT

If you're worn out from the resistance, stop pushing.

If you're tired of running, stop where you are.

If you're frazzled and discouraged by all that you're doing wrong, stop.

Try it His way. Do what He asks you to do. Go where He's asking you to go. Give what He's asked you to give.

We are made in His image and for His glory, if we are not doing what He has created us to do, we're setting ourselves up for a lifetime of resistance and attempting to get opposing poles of a magnet to match up!

PEARL
Today's reading: Psalm 30-32

"The Lord says, I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like the senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control." Psalm 32:8-9 NLT

Pearl is the newest addition to our farm family.

Pearl is white. Pearl is tall. Pearl is, well, Pearl is hard-headed. Pearl is a horse.

Pearl requires a bit in her mouth to get her to do what it is you want her to do...unless, of course, it's what she's wanting to do anyway.

Funny, she's my horse. We're alot alike. No, not in regards to the tall part of her description.

Life would be easier for Pearl if she trusted me to take her where she could eat greener grass, walk without stumbling and explore areas around our house that are interesting and a little more exciting than her pasture.

She balks and I have to remind her I'm in charge by carefully adjusting the metal bit in her mouth. It's uncomfortable. It's hard. It's not natural.

God does the same thing sometimes...to me!

I chafe under the direction He leads me in. I squirm under the consequences my choice of actions have landed me in. I gag, spit and sputter as I taste the stew I tend to bake myself into!

If Pearl and I were to only learn. Oh, if we'd only learn.

PRAYING FOR THEM
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 1-5

"As she was praying to the Lord, Eli watched her. Seeing her lips moving but hearing no sound, he thought she had been drinking." 1 Samuel 1:12 NLT

You see, that's the thing about casting judgement when you don't know all there is to know.

Eli, the priest of the land, fell into the same trap we become entangled in--assuming.

He watched Hannah praying. He tuned his ear to hear her prayer. He thought he knew just what was going on...but he didn't.

Could it have been she was more in touch with God than he?

Might it have been Eli carried that one false assumption around with him his entire life? Did it cause an ache in his heart each year Hannah brought Samuel a new coat? Did he regret saying what he did to the mother of the little boy he grew to love and appreciate?

What can we learn from Eli's poor choice?

Notice them praying, and instead of just watching and making appraisals of the situation--pray alongside them!

Once Eli knew what was going on and joined in, he became part of the blessing.

Could you stand a few more blessings in your life? Then find someone praying--and pray with them.

GOD'S BUSINESSToday's reading: Genesis 40-43

"And they replied, We both had dreams last night, but there is no one here to tell us what they mean. Interpreting dreams is God's business, Joseph replied. Tell me what you saw." Genesis 40:8 NLT

Joseph knew enough about God and God's business to promote, advertise and invest in it...do we?

Oh sure, we try, and fail, to do God's job, but His business? Do we know about it? The depths of it? The heighths of it? The lengths of it?

Can we promote God to others based on what He's done for us? To us? In us? With us?

Joseph knew first hand God's business, and couldn't help but share it--even in prison.

Can't we do the same?

HOW TERRIBLE
Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 5-6

"How terrible that you should boast about your spirituality, and yet you let this sort of thing go on. Don't you realize that if even one person is allowed to go on sinning, soon all will be affected?" 1 Corinthians 5:6 NLT

I'm disgusted with the very thought of a new television series ABC is unveiling on Sunday nights. So disgusted in fact that I'll not even mention it's name as not to give it any more publicity than it asks for.

That disgust can fuel me or quiet me. I can boycott, write letters, sign petitions and contact sponsors...or I can just refuse to watch it. Quietly switch channels. Allow Neilson to count my households' television out of the ratings.

Sin is alot like that. The little things I can just ignore, right? Deal with the big stuff, the visible things, the 'top ten' of God's no-no's.

But as Paul mentioned in 1 Corinthians, how terrible it is for us even to ignore the seeds of sin scattered throughout our life. How dare we compare any sin, ours or others, as to which might be worse, bigger or more sin-ly.

Deal with with them all. Confess them all. Refuse to be chained, tied, bound or mastered by them all.

And as far as the new television program that brings my blood to a boil--shouldn't we all be at church on Sunday evenings anyway???

Betrayed

BETRAYED
Today's reading: Matthew 26-28

Our women's Sunday School class is on week two of a new study about the Cross. Thus far, the questions and discussions have caused me to pause and really think about the immensity and awe surrounding the Cross and all Christ did for me on it. I guess that's why this verse really jumped out at me...

"When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the twelve disciples. While they were eating, he said, The truth is, one of you will betray me. Greatly distressed, one by one they began to ask him, I'm not the one, am I, Lord?" Matthew 22:20-22 NLT

If I were at the table, I'd be asking the same thing.

How do I know? Because I'm asking it of myself right now.

I do betray Christ. I'm as guilty of it as Judas, at times.

Betrayal comes in several forms: denial, ignorance of His leadings, overlooking opportunities He has placed before me, blatantly going against His wishes, sin.

I'm taking it in, bit by bit and verse by verse, that I am personally accountable for Christ's death on the cross.

PEDICURES
Today's reading: Isaiah 51-55

Summer is just around the corner. Walking barefoot in the grass. Sliding into sandals. Picking out a cute color of nail polish to liven up those tootsies. In just a matter of a few months the sock covered, boot wearing, do anything to keep from being frostbit feet will emerge!

My number one 'great feet' tip? Tell someone about God!

It's true. It's biblical...

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!" Isaiah 52:7 NLT

Look for opportunities to share what you know...God's alive, God forgives, God offers hope, help and healing.

It's just that simple.

LESSON FROM JOB
Today's reading: Job 19-20

"But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!" Job 19:25-27 NLT

Job's testimony lies not in the suffering, the pain or the redemption of wealth and family, but in this statement he makes about his Hope.

Ever noticed where it's placed in his 'story'? It's nineteen chapters into his life and twenty-three chapters away from Job's happy ending.

Job claimed that he was overwhelmed. None of us would doubt it after reading his book. But Job was not overwhelmed by what bad was happening--he was overwhelmed by the fact that one day he would be privileged to see God.

Is that what kept Job going through what he had to endure?

Did that give him the strength needed to continue on?

Is his faith what influenced God to bless him, at the end of his life, with more than he'd ever had at the beginning?

Job's eyes were focused on his eternity in God's presence. Job's mind was set on seeing God for himself. Job's life was one of faith because he did not allow the here and now to detour his future with God.

What about you?

JOY AND THANKSGIVING
Today's reading: Psalm 27-29

"The Lord is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." Psalm 28:7 NLT

David was probably surrounded by his enemies at the point in his life this psalm came to his heart.

Blood-thirsty soldiers. Wicked, backstabbing acquaintances. Men wanting to do him bodily harm. Political parties schooled in the art of character assassination (don't think that just happens during election time in the good, old USA). Folks he had to watch carefully because they claimed to be his friends.

Are those the folks you're rubbing elbows with today?

You can trust God, too.

With all you heart.

Your whole heart, leaving no room for fear, none for doubt and certainly no place for worry.

And when you trust Him wih all you have, He will place in your heart joy. Deep-seated, firmly rooted, nothing can remove it no matter what's going on around you, joy. Enough joy to sing with thanks about your Redeemer!

DIRTY HANDS
Today's reading: Ruth

"One day Ruth said to Naomi, Let me go out into the fields to gather leftover grain behind anyone who will let me do it." Ruth 2:2 NLT

Willingness. Eagerness.

But wait--this gal is in the lineage of Christ!

Going out to do a sweaty, hard job? Coming home from a tough day, dirty and grungy? Common laborer?

Yes.

And that's just what He's wanting from us!

Do we offer our time, our energy and our humility to His service? Are we willing to get our hands dirty so He receives glory?

What will we offer to do in order to be listed in the compilation of hard workers?

BECAUSE OF ME
Today's reading: Genesis 36-39

"From the day Joseph was put in charge, the Lord began to bless Potiphar for Joseph's sake." Genesis 39:5 NLT

We're vessels.

Well, allow me to elaborate--if we're seeking God wholeheartedly, wanting to please Him in each and every thing we do and strive to impact others for Him, then (and only then) we are vessels for His use!

Who around you is blessed by the smile you choose to wear?

Who will you come in contact with today that catches a glimpse of godliness in your reaction to a trivial matter?

Who might overhear a conversation you're involved in and be encouraged by the character you showed when you thought no one would notice?

Who will you work beside?

Who will wait on you?

Who will sit at your table?

How God's blessings might funnel through you are as varied as people are. Why He chooses to bless in certain ways leave most of us scratching our heads in wonder. When a blessing will 'pop up' tickles our funny bone and gives us cause for a little chuckle.

He has chosen to make His children vessels.

So to you, my dear pitchers, bowls, glasses, funnels, vases and pots--do your job well today!

BEST GIFTS
Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 1-2

"May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you his grace and peace." 1 Corinthians 1:3 NLT

Of all God can give us, what better gifts might there be than grace and peace.

The grace and peace that only come with salvation, wrapped lavishly in Christ's blood.

The grace and peace that were products of the Cross.

The grace and peace that enables us to persevere through tough times, long waits and answers to prayers that leave us scratching our heads.

The grace and peace only God can give!

Have you unwrapped these gifts from our Father?

FOREVER

Today's reading: Matthew 23-25



"Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever." Matthew 24:35 NLT



There's an empty seat around the holiday table. It was once reserved for someone you never thought you'd be without.



Homes, and all they hold, can be splintered and blown away.



We strain to count the things that are permanent.



But if you hold in your hand a Bible, you have a steadfast, never-changing, always applicable, without error guide from your Creator.

JUST THE RIGHT TIME
Today's reading: Isaiah 45-50

"This is what the Lord says, At just the right time, I will respond to you. On the day of salvation, I will help you..." Isaiah 49:8 NLT

Keep waiting for His answers.

Keep listening for His voice to tell you what you need to do.

Keep expecting to hear from God.

Keep your ears tuned into His word.

At just the right time--not a minute too soon an never a minute too late!

MY DEFENDER
Today's reading: Job 17-18

"You must defend my innocence, O God, since no one else will stand up for me." Job 17:3 NLT

My Safeguard. My Shield.

Do I deserve Your care, Your love, Your support or Your grace? No.

All I had to offer was laid before You and I came up sorely lacking. And yet, You chose to accept me, forgive me and cleanse me.

The innocence I can claim comes completely from You.

No one else would have spared the time of day, let alone their Only Son.

No other Sacrifice could have covered the sins I had committed and the ones I was sure to commit.

No other name, but the name of Jesus!