LOOK WHAT I'VE FOUND
Today's reading:  Hebrews 5-7

I've finally found it!  I've looked and I've looked.  I've needed it for a while--and just when He deemed it necessary, He opened up the Word and set my nose to it.

It's a verse I can share with my unsaved loved ones and friends.  It's a basic statement regarding why I'm praying for them--even when they don't feel it's necessary or wanted. 

It gives it to them in a nutshell...

"...We are confident you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation."  Hebrews 6:9 NLT

   

HOPE
Today's reading:  Acts 1-2

"And anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved."  Acts 2:21 NLT

Anyone.

Anyone at all.

That's hope, folks.

That's a promise.

That's a guarantee.

That's assurance.
  
That's all we have--and all we need!

GOD'S KIDS
Today's reading:  Obadiah

"...As you have done to Israel, so it will be done to you..."  Obadiah verse 15
 
Not to say I'm on the same level with God, but I believe I understand His love and fierce devotion to His children.

You see, twelve years ago today I was handed the gift of one special baby boy--and have my priorities, devotions and desire to live right before God ever changed!

No one, gets between Isaiah and I...I've learned that from God.

Nothing can change my love for him...as exampled by God.

There's nothing I wouldn't do for our kiddo...John 3:16 shows us the same thing.

The best is what I want for him and the best is what I'll attempt to provide...isn't that like God with us?

The only way I can be a good mom is to watch very closely how my Heavenly Father parents me.







  

POLITICAL RALLY
Today's reading:  Proverbs 26-27

"Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds.  For riches don't last forever and the crown might not be secure for the next generation."  Proverbs 27:23-24 NLT

As I pull up my political soapbox, string the red, white and blue banners and test the microphone--Testing, 1-2-3.  Testing.  Remember the verse is God's, not mine.  I'm just repeating what He's already said!  

Do you have your ducks in a row?  Are you saving?  Do you carefully watch where your money goes, attempting to get the most bang for your buck? 

You're not depending on our fine government to provide for your present and your future--are you?

They have nothing of value to offer you.  Monetarily or otherwise.

They've 'maxed out their credit cards'.  They've spent next year's grocery money.  They've created a monster and fed an addiction for years and now they are having a hard time keeping the 'drugs of choice' before their addicts.

Register to vote.  Spend some time studying our candidate for the highest office in the land.  Pray that God's hand be mightily evident in the upcoming election.

And above all else, depend on God, not on our 'royal families'.

MY GOD
Today's reading:  Psalm 114-116

"He has saved me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling."  Psalm 116:8 NLT

God and I go back a long time. 

I cannot point to any one time in my forty-one years when He was not beside me, ahead of me, behind me or wooing me to get back in step with Him.

He has seen me through some less than desirable days, some longer than the dark lasts nights.

He has poured on to me countless blessings from His coffers.

He has directed me with His Word, with His control of the universe and with irritating reins.
  
He is my God and I will serve Him all the days of my life. 

If the blessings from His hand and the love from His heart were to stop today--I'd still owe Him my lifelong allegiance for all He's done! 

SPREADING THE WORD
Today's reading:  2 Chronicles 6-10

"And when foreigners hear of you and your mighty miracles, and they come from distant lands to worship your great name and pray towards this Temple, then hear from heaven where you live, and grant what they ask of you.  Then all the people of the earth will come to know and fear you, just as your own people Israel do. . ."  2 Chronicles 6:32-33 NLT

This is just a portion of Solomon's prayer to dedicate the Temple he built for God. 

He, in his prayer, asked God's constant guidance for Israel, His forgiveness of Israel and His presence to be forever among them.

And, in these verses, he asked that God's greatness be talked about around the world, sought out and found to be just what everyone needs!

That's where we come into the picture.

We're the ones, His priesthood, to be talking about Him!

In our homes.

In our workplaces.

In our markets.

In our conversations across the fence with neighbors.

In our World Wide Web communications.

Are you doing your part?  Are you telling this great big planet of people how great your God is?

TAKING SOME EFFORT
Today's reading:  Numbers 25-28

"One day the Lord said to Moses, Climb to the top of the mountains east of the river, and look out over the land I have given the people of Israel."  Numbers 27:12 NLT

Moses' patience had been tested.  His arms and heart wearied.  His mission questioned.  He had obeyed.  He had led.  He had carried tablets of stone.   

And now?

Now God asks him to put forth a little more effort and climb a mountain?

He's asking us to do the same.

When we think we've done all we can do, all we're supposed to do--He asks us to make an effort to see His will and purpose for our lives.

He asks us to believe Him one more day.  To put our noses in the Word another time.  He draws us into His presence again--and requires a little effort on our part to receive all He's got for us.

It's worth it, isn't it?

REALLY LIVE
Today's reading:  Amos 5-9

"Now this is what the Lord says to the family of Israel, Come back to me and live!"  Amos 5:4 NLT

I love it when the Lord speaks and an exclamation point follows what He says.

It shows excitement.

It shows importance in what's being said.

It shows enthusiasm.

It shows emotion.

We, being the grafted in family of His chosen people, have the choice of living or really living!

Which do you choose today?

I'm choosing really living...no, really living!!! 

l

SELF-CONTROL
Today's reading:  Proverbs 25

"A person without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken down walls."  Proverbs 25:28 NLT

I've given up on producing or promoting self-control in my own life.

Don't gasp.  Don't choke.  Don't immediately call your church's prayer chain and add my name because I've given up on one of the fruit of the Spirit.

I've nothing against self-control. The people I know who have it are admirable and enviable.

It's just, well, it's just one who has self-control has sole control of one's self.  That's what scares me.

I've seen my track record.  I'm a failing and flailing individual.

I'm afraid of my self!  I'm opting for God-control instead!  

EVERYTHING
Today's reading:  Psalm 111-113

Do you know how Noah Webster and his team chose to define the word 'everything'?

1a: all that exists b: all that relates to the subject

2: all that is important 

3: all sorts of other things —used to indicate related but unspecified events, facts, or conditions

 

Now read the verse that jumped off the page at me this morning...

"Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty.  His righteousness never fails."  Psalm 111:3 NLT

That, dear friends, gives me a reason to grasp more tightly to His promises, His truths and His robe!

Everything is a big word--for kids and grown-ups alike.  It's all inclusive.  It's not highlighted with fine print or exemptions.  It covers every topic you can bring up, worry over or think about.

Do you wholly trust a God who has control of everything?  A Creator who orchestrates the days, nights, seasons, tides and years for His praise?

Is everything you believe wrapped up in His righteousness?  Everything?  Every single thing?

WHETHER OR NOT
Today's reading:  2 Chronicles 1-5

"Then the priests left the Holy Place.  All the priests who were present had purified themselves, whether or not they were on duty that day."  2 Chronicles 5:11 NLT

Whether or not.

They purified themselves.  They cleaned up their acts.  They lived blamelessly.  They followed the instruction set forth by God for priests to follow.  They showed up on time.  They participated regardless of the fact that it wasn't their turn to be in the spotlight.

And it might not have even been their day to work.

A lesson to be learned.

Be ready at all times.  Be prayed up.  Be studied up.  Have sins forgiven.  Make sure there is an open line of communication between you and the Lord.  Don't waste time keeping track of when it's your turn or not--be ready! 

You never know when you'll be called upon to step in, speak out or seek God's face.

Purify yourself, priest of the Most High God.   

SPEAK CLEARLY
Today's reading:  Numbers 21-24

"Then the Lord caused the donkey to speak..."  Numbers 22:28 NLT

Balaam's donkey.

An often overlooked miracle in the Bible.

A seldom used Bible lesson.

A captivating account of God directing the path of one of His.

I need a talking donkey in my life!

A friend mentioned it yesterday in Sunday School class and I will quote it here:  I don't function well in the gray areas.

I wouldn't mind the liver being scared out of my if one of our farm animals were to divulge to me God's will.

I wouldn't mind taking over the feeding chores in exchange for direction and guidance.

I wouldn't mind donning the rubber boots and sloshing through the muck in the barnyard if I knew one of the creatures might point me in the right way for God's will to be done by me, through me and for me.

But I realize I have a better chance of knowing by listening for the Lord.  Reading and re-reading His Word.  Watching intently for where He's at work--and joining Him there.

Maybe I'll get my talking donkey.  Or maybe a billboard.  Or maybe a message in a bottle.  Or maybe I'll hear His strong sure voice when I need it the most!

NEW PEOPLE
Today's reading:  Philemon

How do you respond to new people? 

Are you courteous?  Do you introduce yourself?  Friendly?  Do you look forward to finding common ground with them and developing a new friendship?

Okay, how do you react to people who have been made new in Christ?

Their pasts have not changed.  What they said/did to you in the past has not been undone.  They look the same...except for their hearts.

"He is no longer just a slave, he is a beloved brother, especially to me.  Now he will mean much more to you, both as a slave and as a brother in the Lord."  Philemon verse 16 NLT

Paul is writing to his friend Philemon in regards to Philemon's runaway slave, Onesimus.

Onesimus escaped Philemon's home and ended up in jail with a certain missionary named Paul.  What a turn of events!

While in prison, Onesimus became a Christian.  Like Paul.  Like Philemon.

What an opportunity for God's grace to abound, wouldn't you say?

Might you have the same opportunity today?

NOT MY JOB
Today's reading:  John 16-18

"And when he comes, he will convince the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgement."  John 16:8 NLT

I've been attempting to do the Holy Spirit's job.

I've given my best effort to saving the world.  I've done an outstanding favor to a lot of folks by pointing out their sins.  I've dressed in my finest righteousness garb and strutted in front of them.  And still I've not convinced them. 

Come to find out--it's not my job.

God tells me to live out His love for others to see.  God tells me to praise His name.   God asks me to present the Gospel to those I'm able to.

The rest?  The rest is up to God, the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ.

I think I'll stick to my job and allow them plenty of room to do theirs!

FORGOTTEN
Today's reading:  Amos 1-4

"My people have forgotten what it means to do right, says the Lord..."  Amos 3:10 NLT

What would it be like, if just for a day, all those claiming to be Christian would live holy lives?

We would obey the rules of the road.  We would give a full days work.  We would love our neighbors as ourselves.  We would use our mouths for edification and encouragement--only.  We would click the remote based on godly convictions.  We would engage in sharing our testimonies, as we've been asked to do. 

Just for a day.

I'm not talking about those who do not claim Jesus as their Lord, just the ones who do.

Would your day be different?    

Would our world be different?

Is it we've forgotten what we're supposed to do?

MAKING THE MOST OF MY HOURS
Today's reading:  Proverbs 23-24

"One day I walked by the field of an old lazybones, and then passed the vineyard of a lout; They were overgrown with weeds, thick with thistles, all the fences broken down. I took a long look and pondered what I saw; the fields preached me a sermon and I listened: “A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next?  Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, with poverty as your permanent houseguest!”"  Proverbs 24:30-34 MSG

I'm going to guess no one ever sets out to become lazy and slothful.  Few determine to while away their hours in front of the computer, television or just sitting in their easy chair.  I doubt there is a very high percentage of women who aspire to letting their houses go to pot and receiving invitations to go on Oprah for a 'Messies' segment.

But it happens.  Something needing to be done is pushed aside for a few minutes of down time--and VOILA--laziness has crept in and wrapped you in its tentacles.

Today's reading has reminded me to be very, very conscience of my minutes and hours.  Especially in regards to my spiritual exercise.

If I don't choose to set aside time for Bible reading, it never quite fits in anywhere in my day.  If I don't schedule prayer time--and listening to God time, my day ends and that is one spiritual discipline that I cannot check off as having done.

I don't want to be a lazy anything, particularly a lazy Christian--it would be ungrateful of me! 

AUTHOR
Today's reading:  Psalm 108-110

When Isaiah was first born, we purchased the children's book, I Love You As Much by Melissa Krauss Melmed.

I read it to him each evening, crying over almost every page.

My favorite page stated, I love you as much as the forest has trees.

Another favorite, Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney.  I love you to the moon and back, is my favorite line.

Great authors, I thought.  Creative.  Captivating.  Original.

Plagiaristic.

David's told us the same things about our Father's love for us...

"For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens.  Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds."  Psalm 108:4 NLT

Makes you tear up, doesn't it?

  

MANY JOBS
Today's reading:  1 Chronicles 25-29

If you'll read verses 25-34 of 1 Chronicles chapter 27, you'll discover a list of King David's palace employees.

You'll find the royal treasurer, the farm manager, the man in charge of schooling David's sons and you'll find the royal camel keeper--Obil.

You laugh, but his job was just as important as anyone elses' mentioned.

Ever had a caravan of camels run through your house?  Tear up your garden?  Chew on your clean laundry hanging out on the line?  Followed after a few on your morning jog?  Ever seen an out of control herd of camels?

It's ugly.  It's loud.  It's chaotic.  It's messy!

Our heads and hearts become much the same when we begin assigning importance, value and scale to what God has asked us to do for Him.

As the Body of Christ, we all maintain varying positions in its functioning.  Those functions may even vary from season to season in our lives.

Is your ear more or less important than your eye?  Are your tastebuds of greater value to you than the nerves on the ends of your fingers?  What makes you happier your legs or your arms?

I have to tell you, just like the camel keeper listed on David's workforce, I'm tickled, downright tickled, to be even given an invite to work within this Body!    

HIS AND OURS
Today's reading:  Numbers 17-20

"Whatever is specially set apart for the Lord also belongs to you."  Numbers 18:14 NLT

Victory is God's, so it's also ours.

Power and might are God's, so they're also ours.

Wisdom is His and ours.

Don't believe it?  I'm sure your life bears testimony to that fact.

Believe it wholeheartedly?  I'm sure satan shudders when you get out of bed in the morning!

HERE AMONG THE SHADOWS
Today's reading:  Titus

"...We should live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct and devotion to God, while we look forward to that wonderful event when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed."  Titus 2:12-13 NLT

If you're not sticking out like a sore thumb in your workplace, home and community, dear child of God, you're wasting your time.

He's got you here, this time and this place, for a reason.

He's not intending for you to stake a claim and take up residency, but to plant a flag and claim for Him all you set your feet upon and set your hands to do.

This is not our home.  We're in a holding pattern between having been in His presence and going back into His presence.

Make the most of your time here among the shadows, because when we get to where He is intending us to go--there'll be nothing but Sonshine! 

WHEN AND IF
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

Maybe you don't understand why He's allowed certain things to happen in your life.

Quite possibly you do not see how in the world He could have let specific events occur in the life of one of His children.

You've questioned His motives, abilities and love.

But here He tells Simon Peter what He is also telling us.

We may never understand His reasons on this side of heaven--and once we've stepped before His throne, I doubt we'll even think to ask Him then.

DADDY'S VOICE
Today's reading:  Joel

"The Lord's voice will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem, and the earth and heavens will begin to shake.  But to his people of Israel, the Lord will be a welcoming refuge and a strong fortress."  Joel 3:16 NLT

There's something about a Daddy's voice that turns kids' heads and gets their attention.

Our son, for example, can listen to me yammer on and on during the day, scarcely acknowledging my attempts at conversation, instruction or discipline.  I truly believe there are days when he hears nothing more than Charlie Brown's teacher droning on and on with her, 'Wa wa wa wa wa.'

But when his Daddy speaks?  Which is not very often.  Which is not very loudly.  Which is never in raised, quivering or shrieking tones...Isaiah listens.

God's voice will be either one people ignore, for only a time, or one that draws, comforts and protects.  Those against Him will one day become fearful when He shouts.  Those of us who have been bought by His Son's blood will be welcomed home by it. 

It all depends upon Whose you are, doesn't it?

   

SEEING OTHERS DIFFERENTLY
Today's reading:  Proverbs 22

"The rich and the poor have this in common:  The Lord made them both."  Proverbs 22:2 NLT

I realize I'm not supposed to add or subtract anything from the Word of God, but here's what I believe I've mined from today's verse...

The big and the small have this in common:  The Lord made them both.

The kind and the hateful have this in common:  The Lord made them both.

The perfect and the scarred have this in common:  The Lord made them both.

The saved and the sinner have this in common:  The Lord made them both.

When I choose to look through the lenses of Christ's love toward others, taking off the ones of the world, then I'll see I'm no better or more blessed than another.

When I look with love at another's situation, I can clearly see myself in it.

When I look with love into someone's eyes, look deeply, not just a passing glance, I'll see someone needing to know my Lord.

When I look past the outward and into the depths of my neighbor's heart, I'll see we are brothers and sisters in Christ--formed in His image, made for His glory, given His gift of salvation!  

SAFE HARBORS
Today's reading:  Psalm 105-107

"He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves.  What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor!"  Psalm 107:29-30 NLT

You have postcards from the harbors of rest your friends are currently vacationing in.

You vaguely recall still as glass waters.

You remember what it's like not to bail water out of your sinking ship hour after hour.

You vow never to take a sunny day for granted again.

You're tired.  You're worn out.  You're to the end of your rope.  You're ready to give up.

Don't.

Not yet.

Your harbor of safety is in sight--His sight, maybe not yours.


No words can express how much the world owes to sorrow. Most of the Psalms were born in the wilderness. Most of the Epistles were written in prison. The greatest thoughts of the greatest thinkers have all passed through the first. The greatest poets have "learned in suffering what they taught in song." In bonds, Bunyan lived the allegory that he afterwards wrote, and we may thank Bedford Jail for the Pilgrim's Progress. Take comfort, afflicted Christian! When God is about to make pre-eminent use of a person, He puts them in the fire.                                            George McDonald 

HE DOES THE FIGHTING
Today's reading:  1 Chronicles 20-24

"...Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's."  1 Chronicles 20:15 NLT

I'm not sure what you'll be facing today--good times or bad, an easy road or a hard one, a mountaintop or a valley, a calm day on a peaceful sea or a turbulent ride on a sinking ship.

Whatever you may find your next twenty-fours hours to be filled with, I do hope this verse gives you strength, sets your focus on God and allows you the courage to get through it all gracefully.

God's doing your fighting.  And He never loses! 

PROVE IT TO ME
Today's reading:  Numbers 13-16

"Please, Lord, prove that your power is as great as you have claimed it to be."  Numbers 14:17 NLT

If it's not too much to ask...

If You wouldn't mind...

If it's not too much trouble...

Please show up in a big way today, Lord.

In the lives of my friends needing your touch.

In the hearts of my loved ones who have turned from you.

In the twenty-four hours You have just set before me--I'm going to need You!

RELIGIOUS PEOPLE
Today's reading:  2 Timothy 3-4

"They will act as if they are religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.  You must stay away from people like that."  2 Timothy 3:5 NLT

We all know religious people.  People whose lives revolve around and are focused on one thing and one thing only.

Maybe it's sports.

Shopping.

Their family.

Their hobbies.

Their knowledge of the Scripture.

Whoa, you say!

I hate to break it to you, but in your pew, maybe in your very own spot on your pew, may be a person who is more wrapped up in the religion of Christianity than in the Christ of Christianity.

If what you know about Christ is not changing your life, then you have more head knowledge than you do heart knowledge.

You cannot know Christ, deeply and in intimately, without being a different person.

It's the difference between having religion and having a relationship.

SHEPHERDS WORTH THEIR SALT
Today's reading:  John 10-12

"I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."  John 10:11 NLT

This verse has taken on a whole new meaning since we've become 'farmers'.

Our farmette is home to a menagerie of birds and beasts...all of them requiring attention, feed and cleaning up after.

Twenty-four hours a day.  Seven days a week.  Rain or shine.  Pleasant or inclement weather.  Like it or not.  

We have animals that love us dearly and animals who tolerate us because we carry them food each and every morning.  We have critters who are docile and sweet then we have a few you cannot turn your back on unless you want pecked at or want an opportunity to chase them around the country block in an attempt to put them back in their pens.

God knows, to the nth degree, about it.

He's wanted for what He can do.  He's tolerated for the hand-outs He's able to provide.  He's called on when He's needed.  He's 'on-call' at all times.  His desires sometimes pen us in and coop us up, all in an attempt to keep us safe, healthy and in His will.  He's always chasing after one or more who have flown the coop.  He's busy, oh so busy, cleaning up our messes.

And He does it with a smile--I cannot say the same!

He is the good shepherd.  We are, on our best days, the adequate farmers.