REFUSALS
Today's reading:  2 Kings 21-22

"He abandoned the Lord, the God of his ancestors, and he refused to follow the Lord's ways."  2 Kings 21:22 NLT

Refused?  Really?

Sounds so harsh.  So arrogant.  So blatant.

Did he stomp his feet and cross his arms across his chest?  Did he shake a finger in the Lord's face?

Let's soften it some, as so many of us do, and while we're at it, we'll put a personal spin on it--

We pretend not to hear and we busy ourselves with other godly tasks.

We opt for the easier route, the more comfortable path.

We ignore His leadings.

We assume it's meant for someone else to do.

We tell Him, the Creator and Sustainer of this great blue and green orb, 'no thanks', in our kindest voice.

We explain to the Lord, in very specific detail, how it should it be done and how His ideas should be re-arranged to match ours.

We (big gulp) refuse to follow the Lord's ways.

If we're not doing what He's asked, we're refusing--there's no softening the edges of it!

OLIVE OIL
Today's reading:  Leviticus 22-24

"The Lord said to Moses, Command the people of Israel to provide you with pure olive oil for the lampstands, so it can be kept burning continually."  Leviticus 24:1 NLT

Why olive oil?

No smoke.  No odor.

Nothing to hide us.  Nothing to mask the scent of worship for Him.

Like looking good on Sunday morning as we sit in our pew.

Like putting on Christian airs as we accept the bread and the cup.

Like dousing ourselves with the smells of godliness for our church attendance.

Like carrying with us the fragrance of a heart bent on serving Him but a head filled with things of the world.

Like knowing all the right words to say.

When to stand and when to sit.

All the verses--and choruses.

Olive oil.

Is it what you're burning for Him?

UNCOOL, BUT SMILING
Today's reading:  1 Thessalonians 4-5

"Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you.  You are doing this already, and we encourage you to do so more and more."  1 Thessalonians 4:1 NLT

Well, I've done it again.

I have fallen in 'motherhood' ranking to very near the bottom of the pile--according to my 11 year-old.

I've gone and taken a less than cool, in his eyes, stand regarding an issue.

And I'm standing firm  on it.

I believe, since I've spent time about it in prayer, that I'm doing what I should.

You see, that's why Paul was urged to pen the words in today's reading...for people just like me.
 
I could, to the best of my ability, try to please our son.  I could work my tail off trying to impress his friends.  I could bend and mold myself into someone who is 'cool' among the pre-teen scene.  I could loosen up on some of my convictions and fit more into the crowd of parents 'doing it right' (his words, not mine).

Or, I can please God.

I can make the decisions I believe are best for our family.  I can choose what's allowed or not allowed in our home.  I can be uncool at times.  I can be unfair.  I can be old fashioned.

I can be held accountable to God, and God alone, when I stand before Him and answer for how I did in this life.

Yes, I'd like to please our pre-teen, but more than that, I want to please God!

LOOKING AROUND
Today's reading:  Luke 23-24

"...but they couldn't find the body of the Lord Jesus.  They were puzzled, trying to think what could have happened to it."  Luke 24:3-4 NLT

He had told them all along.

He had made the statement the grave couldn't hold Him.  He had proclaimed He would rise.  He even told them He would be back in three days.

And still they looked around the cemetery.  They searched the tomb.  They placed their hands on the stone, wondering what happened.

We do the same thing.

We look around for answers.  We have expectations.  We anticipate.  But we never look where He has told He will be.

In our hearts. 

We fret and worry when we cannot see Him.  We do not pause to remember what He's told us.  Fear keeps us from seeing His hand in circumstances, in storms, in dry times in lonely moments.

We need to stop looking for Him where we think He'll be and begin seeing Him where He has told He is!    

SO YOU'LL KNOW
Today' reading:  Ezekiel 37-42

"...Then you will know that I am the Lord..."  Ezekiel 37:14 NLT

Ezekiel stood in the valley of dry bones when God spoke these words to him.

Ezekiel didn't understand what he was seeing, what he was hearing, what part God was wanting him to play in this portion of time.

Ezekiel had no idea what in the world God was able to do with his surroundings.

Maybe you're in the same spot.

Not sure what's going on around you, if God is in it or what good could possibly come from all of it.

Rest assured--at the end, in the middle or while you're walking through your valley, you will know He is Lord.

If you look for Him in each and every action.

If you will search for Him in every moment--paused or crazily spinning around you.

If you will listen for His voice to speak peace to your heart.

Then, only when He chooses to reveal Himself, will you know He is the Lord.   

LONG LIVES
Today's reading:  Proverbs 13

"Those who control their tongue will have long life..."  Proverbs 13:3 NLT

Those of you who know me, either personally or through this devotional ministry, know about my disability.

It's not easy to talk about.  Clearly visible.  It affects just about every aspect of my life--and the lives of those I love, and those I don't love quite as much as I should.

It's my mouth.

I use it too much.  I rein it in too seldom.  I allow things to spew from it which I shouldn't.  I too often hold it in a sneer, a critical pursedness or a judgemental Mona Lisa-type smile.

I am opinionated.  I am bossy.  I am quick to offer suggestion on a varied array of topics. 

There have been times during which I have seen the proverb listed above played out in my life.  It's been when I have, myself, been totally amazed at what garbage and hatefulness has come from my mouth--so much so that I could/should/would die of embarrassment!

Controlling my tongue, getting a handle on my disability, governing (with Christ's help) this orifice of obstinacy, will lead me to a longer, more God-filled life...for me and those around me.

 IT'S ME AGAIN
Today's reading:  Psalm 87-89

"O Lord, I cry out to you.  I will keep on pleading day by day."  Psalm 88:13 NLT

It's your own fault, Lord. 

You told me I could come to You with anything and everything.  So, I do.

When fears billow ahead of me like storm clouds, I cry out Your name.

When doubts infect my head, I call on You.

When worry invades my faith, I plead for Your touch.

When a friend needs a touch, it's Your name I whisper.

When I need a touch, it's to Your feet I fall.

Daily.  Hourly.  Minute-by-minute. 

I would wager a guess that You'll hear from me often today.

WORTHLESS
Today's reading:  2 Kings 16-20

"...They worshipped worthless idols and became worthless themselves."  2 Kings 17:15 NLT

The definition of 'worthless' goes beyong lacking worth.

It means useless.

It means despicable.

The capacity of the verse goes beyond the Israelites just prior to their exile to Assyria--it is meant for us, too.

Worthless things fill our heads, hearts and hours.  Worthless idols invade our Sabbaths, our quiet times and our personal commitment to the Creator.

Things lacking value.  Useless things.  Despicable things.

Things we allow in our homes.  Things we allow in our churches.  Things we allow to take root in our thoughts.  Things we say out loud.

I'm looking for value today in all I say, do and honor with my time and attention.  I'm intending to build up value in myself by Who I worshp--and by what I don't!    

WHAT'S DUE HIM
Today's reading:  Leviticus 19-21

"You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy.  I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own."  Leviticus 20:26 NLT

You just thought this was going to be another ordinary Monday.

You have it in your plans to clock in, give your employer eight hours of your day and head home to commence the remainder of your life and duties--and repeat the process tomorrow morning.

It's just another day, right?

Wrong!

You, dear brother and sister in Christ, have been selected, chosen and set apart to be a walking, talking, working, living representative of the Holy God.

That's huge!

That's overwhelming!

That's why this will not be an ordinary day!

BELLS
Today's reading:  1 Thessalonians 1-3

"And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere..."  1 Thessalonians 1:8 NLT

I'm wondering this morning, just how loud is my witness?

Who, and how far, am I reaching?

Is it a pleasant melody--or a screech to the ears of those Christ has asked me to reach?

Is it currently playing--or will it be a faint sound spoken of in my obituary and eulogy?

Yes, Lord, just how loud is it--and can You help me with the volume?

DON'T LET HIM CATCH YOU
Today's reading:  Luke 21-22

"Watch out!  Don't let me find you living in careless ease and drunkenness, and filled with the worries of this life."  Luke 21:34 NLT

If He tells us not to do something and we do it, is it a sin?

Is that what worry is?

A sin?

A blatant, black, against-God's-instructions sin?

Are you a worrier/sinner?

MY WORDS
Today's reading:  Proverbs 11-12

"Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing."  Proverbs 12:18 NLT

I have a smart mouth.

It's a sin I've dealt with since early childhood.

I've discussed it several times with the Lord...He usually is the One who brings it up.

I've been administered the 'dish soap' punishment.

I've had first opinions of me fall into the less than desirable category due to my smart aleck remarks.

My words have embarrassed me.  Shamed me.  Made me mad. 

Today I want to being healing with them.  I want what I say, which I'm going to guess will be considerably less that my usual, to help others.

Today I'm giving up witty for wise.  Smart for sensitive.  Several for selective.  Hurting for healing. 

Oh, I'm going to need His help!

 

CHECK YOUR HEARING
Today's reading:  Psalm 84-86

"Listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his people, his faithful ones..." Psalm 85:8 NLT

Are you hearing reasons to doubt?

Are critical, condemning words filling your head?

Does fear tinge everything entering your ears and heart?

Then, according to the Word of God, not me, it's from someone other than Him.

Doubt is not in His vocabulary!  Fear is something He is firmly against, not something He pushes onto His children!  Condemnation comes from the enemy, not the Savior!

Do a background check on what you're hearing today--and re-tune yourself to Him, if necessary!

NOT YET
Today's reading:  2 Kings 11-15

"But by the twenty-third year of Joash's reign, the priests still had not repaired the Temple."  2 Kings 12:6 NLT

Don't tell me you don't know about procrastination.

The baby book that's not done--for your grandchild's parent!

The spring clean that's not done--for 1998!

The phone call you've been meaning to make.

The card you have intended to send--for quite a while now.

I'm sure it was the same for the priests in Joash's time.  They had good intentions.  They knew what needed done.  They agreed it was time.

And then 23 years had passed and it hadn't been accomplished.

God's work, left undone.

Who missed out?  What family struggled through a hardship because of what was left incomplete at the church?  What soul slipped off into eternity without knowing the Savior?  What child chose a hard road instead of God's best?

It happens now, too.

Don't let it be said of you. 

GOD'S PROVISION
Today's reading:  Leviticus 16-18

Lord, as I read this morning about all the instructions You provided Moses and Aaron regarding the sacrifices, may I just say, Thank You!  Thank You several times over.

Thank You, because it would not have done for me to live during those times.  I like 2012, its conveniences, its comfort, its being on this side of the Cross!

Thank You, because as  I admire and appreciate my pastor (he's the greatest), I do not have to stand fidgeting in the crowd wondering if my sins will be atoned by the priest correctly doing his job.  There were so many particulars for him to follow!  Thank You for Christ--and the door You opened for me to talk to You personally!

Thank You, because I don't have to take a goat with me to church!  We have them, it's not that.  It's just that they are stupid animals and I am the least skilled in herding them.  I want them to go one way and they want to go another--You are used to that, aren't You?  It would be a fiasco if I had to get them to church on Sunday!  And a perfect one?  Not possible from this imperfect wanna-be farmer.  Thank You for providing a Perfect Lamb to cover my sins once and for all.

Thank You allowing me a glimpse into the Old Testament times, for its impact and prophecy fulfilling words--but thank You the most for not allowing me to personally live through it all!

FILLING OUR THOUGHTS
Today's reading:  Colossians 3-4

"Let heaven fill your thoughts..."  Colossians 3:2 NLT

Lord, is it possible?

To, really and truly, set aside thinking about here and now and think only of eternity?

The things that will last?

Things of eternal consequence?

You?

I am flustered by the chaos around me.  The things I must accomplish for the 'world as I know it' to run smoothly.  I flit about making sure all the things I think should get done do.  I have a planner page filled to the top with what I need to do just for the next hour of time.

But I believe You're talking about priorities, aren't You?

It's not that my family needs fed, the laundry needs doing and the personal worship time needs tending to:  it's my attitude about all of it, isn't it?

What attitude will I carry into heaven with me? 

   

COMING UP SHORT
Today's reading:  Luke 19-20

"Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town.  There was a man there named Zaccheus.  He was one of the most influential Jews in the Roman tax-collecting business, and he had become very rich.  He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short..."  Luke 19:1-2 NLT

We all come up short when it comes to Jesus.

It doesn't matter how tall we are. 

How strong we are.

How rich we are.

How influential we are.

When Jesus is around, we all come up short!

PROMISE KEEPER
Today's reading:  Ezekiel 25-30

"This is what the Sovereign Lord says, The people of Israel will again live in their own land, the land I gave my servant Jacob.  For I will gather them from the distant lands where I have scattered them.  I will reveal to the nations of the world my holiness among my people."  Ezkiel 27:25 NLT

In case you were doubting it this morning:  Our God keeps His promises!

He is gathering up His people.  He has promised to, stood firm on that promise and plans on carrying out the promise of a special land for His people.

He will do the same for you.

Every promises He has made to you through the Bible, He will keep.

It may take longer than you might expect.

It might look a little different from what you'd asked.

It may be when and how you least expect it.

But He will keep His promises.

After all these years, He's not about to change His character! 

TEETERING ON THE EDGE
Today's reading:  Proverbs 10

"The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin."  Proverbs 10:17 NLT

I have to be very careful.

You see, I tend to look at my belongings and aquisitions in a more important sense than I should.  I depend upon them far too greatly.  I place more value on them than they deserve.

God tells me He is enough.

He is all I need.

And yet He has enabled blessings to fall upon me like rain.

Enhancements, He calls them in Proverbs.

Like a vehicle to drive to work.

Like a closet with more than one outfit of clothes.

Like a choice on what to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Like a few leftover dollars at the end of the bill paying.

I will tell you, I have this sinful tendency of looking at all of it like I deserve it:  I work hard.  I serve wholeheartedly.  I am a good person.

Enhancements, that's what they all are!  As a child of the Most High King, anything above and beyond His grace and salvation are simply enhancements.

He has provided me a mile-high hot fudge sundae--with a cherry on top!

CHANGE OF ATTITUDE
Today's reading:  Psalm 81-83

It all starts again today.

I've put it off too long.

I knew better.

And now?   Now I'm already grumbling, complaining and playing the 'woe is me' card.

It's the healthier eating thing.  I'd fallen off the wagon for a time--No, to be completely honest, I jumped ship!

So this morning marks the beginning.  A new start.  Independence from excess fats and oils.  Saying no thanks to the sweets.  Declining seconds.

And before my first meal, I'm making lists in my head of what I'll never (insert woeful violin music here) be able to eat again, or at least in the quantities I've become accustomed to.  The butter on my toast.  The cheese laden pizza.  The repeated helpings of pasta.  I'm sad.

But the Lord has refreshed me...

 "...Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things." Psalm 81:10 NLT

I cannot wait to begin again with Him!  I am looking forward to this new adventure.  I'm anxiously awaiting opportunities He provides me to lean on Him and be wowed by His power with in me.

Today is a new day and I'm attaching a new attitude to myself--thanks be to God!

GOOD NEWS
Today's reading:  2 Kings 6-10

A famine brought on by an army siege.

Four lepers find a deserted camp.  An end to the battle.

Food and supplies laying around, the likes of which they'd not seen in a while.

Their words?

"...This is not right.  This is wonderful news, and we aren't sharing it with anyone!.."  2 Kings 7:9 NLT

And us?

We know the cure.

We hold the answer.

We know the solution.

But, do we share it?  Are we telling anyone the Good News? 

A WHEN KIND OF GOD
Today's reading:  Leviticus 13-15

"Then the Lord said to Moses, When you arrive in Canaan, the land I am giving you as an inheritance..."  Leviticus 14:33 NLT

Just what I needed this morning!

You see, I'm struggling with impatience.  I'm struggling with disgust in regards to my 'getting it'.  I'm struggling with the same temptations I've been struggling with for years.

And this morning?  God reminds me that He's not an 'if' kind of God--He's a 'when' kind of God!

So I need to re-adjust my thinking...

It's not 'if' I ever naturally choose godliness over my own selfish choices-it's when!

It's not 'if' I'll ever be able to ignore the temptations that hound me--it's when!

It's not 'if' I'm good enough for Him to keep working on--it's when I get to heaven that His perfectly completed masterpiece will be revealed in me!

So, it's not a matter of if I'll make it through this life as a godly woman, it's a matter of when I do everyone will see His fingerprints all over me!

JOY
Today's reading:  Colossians 1-2

"May you be filled with joy..."  Colossians 1:11 NLT

I'm as much in awe about what God instructed the writers of the Bible to pen as I am about what He did not lead them to write.

Case in point, this verse.

Paul was not told to write...

May you be filled with ease.

May you be filled with happiness.

May you be filled with the abundance this world offers.

Paul was told, by the All-knowing God, to speak to our hearts about what matters--joy.

Paul was inspired to write of what could only come from God's hand--joy.

Paul was led to direct our hearts to what would take us lovingly through this world into heaven--joy.

Do you have it?   

FAITH
Today's reading:  Luke 17-18

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

So, is He telling them (and in turn us) that it's not a matter of gaining more faith, but instead using what we already have?

Is He telling us to stretch and flex our muscles in exercises of faith?

Is He stating it's all in us, and up to us what we do with it?  

LOOKING FOR YOU
Today's reading:  Ezekiel 19-24

"I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land.  I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall as I wouldn't have to destroy the land, but I found none."  Ezekiel 22:30 NLT

Is God looking for you?  Someone strong in their faith?  Someone determined to stay the Christian course, regardless of the circumstances?  Someone whose mind is set on matters of eternal consequence and not the here and now?

Might He need you to stand where you live?

Where you work?

Where you shop today?

Where you worship--yes, He needs people standing in the gap in your church, too!

Think about it, if He needs you will you take on the job?

FULL TREASURIES
Today's reading:  Proverbs 8-9

"Those who love me inherit wealth, for I fill their treasuries."  Proverbs 8:21 NLT

Tomorrow is Friday.

Have I looked at a calendar?  No.

Have I been told by the news?  No.

Does my personal assistant remind me of such things?  No.

I've glanced at our checkbook.  It tells me everything I need to know--especially that payday is quite near, and quite needed!

I'm so glad my important things are not tied up in a bank or safety deposit box.  I needed worry about thieves stealing my most prized possessions.  My valuables are not affected by the stock market, the Dow Jones Industrials or NASDAQ. 

God is my portion.  God is my backer.  God is my provider.  God fills my life, to overflowing, with blessings beyond measure.

Having money in the bank--handy.

Having God--priceless!

PASSING IT DOWN
Today's reading:  Psalm 78-80

"We will not hide these truths from our children but will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord.  We will tell of his power and the mighty miracles he did."  Psalm 78:4 NLT

You've probably explained the birthday of our great nation to your kids.

You've shared holiday traditions with your little ones, quite possibly to the extent they have now shared it with their little ones.

You've told stories of your childhood--the good and the bad.

But have you shared with the next generation about the moments when God showed up grandly and boldly in your life?  Do they know, from what you've told them, that you have a daily walk with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords?  Are they knowledgeable of the fact that their parent has a personal relationship with the Creator?

Do you?  Have you?

INDEPENDENCE
Today's reading:  2 Kings 1-5

"After King Ahab's death, the nation of Moab declared its independence from Israel."  2 Kings 1:1 NLT

That, dear friend, is where the trouble began.

For the nation of Moab--and for us.

Independence is a tricky subject.  Determining you can 'go it alone' requires fortitude, strength and a solid plan.  Striking out, blazing trails and washing your hands of anyone else's help is a matter of pride and a matter of determination.

For Moab, it didn't work.  Chaos followed.  Sins began to run rampant.  Political disease slowly crept into the framework of the new country.

For the USA, it's the same.

When we separate ourself from Israel, from God, from God's will--things begin to rot.

For example:

Schools won't allow prayer or bibles or Christmas parties.

Christian-based countries are forced, being politically correct, to cow down to the rights and privileges of Christian-hating religions.

Life's value is diminished.

Laws are changed to reflect ungodliness.

We can claim independence, our country and ourselves, but are we willing to pay the price?

TAKING THE HIGH ROAD
Today's reading:  Leviticus 10-12

"You are to distinguish between what is holy and what is ordinary, what is ceremonially unclean and what is clean."  Levitics 10:10 NLT

As His, we are to stand out in the crowd.  Be the ones swimming upstream, against the current.  Rise up against mediocrity, common-ness and ordinary.

We are, as His blood-bought children, to seek out and take the high road--each day, every day.

At work.

At home.

At church.

At the marketplace.

At times, when it's just us, no one around, no one noticing what we're doing.

Look for the holy today among the ordinary.  Seek out ways to shine for Him in a dark world.   

 CHANGE OF HEART
Today's reading:  Phillipians 3-4

"I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done."  Phillipians 3:7 NLT

Think back to what you thought was important when you were seven.

Now think about what you placed utmost importance on when you were sixteen.

At twenty-one.

And today?  Do the things filling your heart and head in years past even make your 'top ten' important things anymore?  

I thank God for allowing me to see where I have matured in my walk with Him.  I give all glory to Him for having helped me re-prioritize my thoughts and things.  I continually seek Him help in the areas where the kid in me still pouts, throws fits and screams until I get my own way!