MY REWARD
Today's reading:  Psalm 125-127

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him."  Psalm 127:3 NLT

I do not know what I could have possibly done to deserve our son, Isaiah.

He's a great kid.  He's smart.  He's funny.  He's helpful.  He's respectful.  He's all boy.

But for the life of me, I can't fathom him being a reward--I'm so undeserving!

I deserve a delinquent.

I deserve a overly-willful child.

I deserve a, well I'll put it out there...I deserve a mini-me(oh, that makes me shudder).

But God chose to place in our lives a great kid who has a personal relationship with Him.

How does one thank God for His going over and above?  The words 'thank you' seem so inadequate.   


If obedience is not rendered in the homes, we shall never have a whole city, country, principality, or kingdom well governed. For this order in the homes is the first rule; it is the source of all other rule and government.                                                                Martin Luther

  

IN THE AIR
Today's reading:  2 Chronicles 29-32

"Where did all this come from, Hezekiah asked the priests and Levites?  And Azariah the high priest, from the family of Zadok replied, Since the people began bringing their gifts to the Lord's Temple, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, for the Lord has blessed his people."  2 Chronicles 31:9-10 NLT

Thanksgiving is in the air.  Less than thirty days.  Cooler temperatures.  The time about to change.  The skies are bluer.  The leaves are falling.  The air smells more autumn-y.

And I read this verse.  My Bible reading plan always has me reading this portion of Scripture at this time of the year.

It reminds me.  It convicts me.  It nudges me in the right direction.  It convinces me that when God's people do what they're called to do, blessings overflow

Am I bringing all of my gifts to the Lord?  Are there some things, talents or thoughts I'm holding back?  Am I withholding something He needs me to share with another?

All I have is from His hands.  All I can do is through His power within me.  All I have to offer is myself.  All I can give is from the bounty He has given to me.

What about you?

KNOWING I AM LOVED
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 7-9

"The Lord did not choose you and lavish his love on you because you were larger or greater than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations.  It was simply because the Lord loves you..."  Deuteronomy 7:7-8 NLT

Merciful Father,

It's just what I needed to read this tough Monday morning.  Thank you.

Knowing You love me because You love me drops my jaw and blesses my socks off!

I've done nothing to deserve it.  Could do nothing to deserve it.  I've not excelled.  I've not out-shone.  I've not amazed You with my character or abilities.  I've not proven myself worthy. 

It was simply because You love me.

That's enough to get me up and going this morning.  That brightens the sky before the sun's even shining.  That releases my hands, head and heart to busy myself with serving out of thanksgiving rather that attempting to impress.  That encourages me to go out and do the same--because I'm not the only the You love.

Your humbly amazed servant,
Malinda

I CANNOT
Today's reading:  James 4-5

"When you bow down and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor."  James 4:10 NLT

I have spent my whole life telling myself, and those around me, that I'm perfectly capable of 'doing it' my self.

It started as a toddler with a willful attitude striving towards independence.

It followed me into the teen years spurred on by the advertisements and magazines of the times expressing the need for young women to be strong, be more, be self-sufficient.

It still lingers today.

I seldom accept help from others.  I never ask for assistance.

And because of that attitude, I've struggled with extra weight in this life and have knocked several dear friends out of the opportunity to be a blessing to me.  I've collected a pack of lies from the world and have alienated myself from those who I could and would befriend.  I've set a wrong example, by how I choose to live, for younger sisters in Christ.

But I'm attempting to ditch the attitude.  I'm seeing day after day that I am completely dependent upon God--and upon God's people! 

THEY WILL KNOW
Today's reading:  Acts 9-10

"He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul.  Why are you persecuting me?  Who are you, sir, Saul asked."  Acts 9:4 NLT

I find assurance in this verse.

Assurance that the ones I'm praying for, the ones who are currently playing keep-away with the Lord, the ones who claim they don't need what God offers, will one day recognize the Lord--just as Saul did.

Saul knew enough about who grabbed his attention to refer to Him as 'sir'.  I believe Saul woke each morning with a fear/dread/anticipation that the One who he was attempting to squash would not be--and that that One would eventually find him.  He had an inkling that Who he was up against was bigger than he was.  He was constantly looking over his shoulder, knowing he had taken on too big of a job.

For Saul it happened on the road to Damascus.  And don't you know, for Saul, it was somewhat of  relief?  The running stopped.  The over sized job was taken out of his hands.  The fear ceased.

And it will be for our unsaved friends and family, too.

HEADLINES
Today's reading:  Habakkuk

"The Lord replied, Look at the nations and be amazed!  Watch and be astounded at what I will do!  For I am doing something in your own day, something that you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it."  Habakkuk 1:5 NLT

Revival breaking out, and lasting for months at a time, in third world countries.

Muslim extremists coming to know our Lord and Savior as their own.

Godly men being elected to office.

Home churches meeting on a weekly basis in areas where the Bible is banned.

Grace extended to needy sinners on a daily basis.

It won't sell newspapers.  Anchormen and anchorwomen probably won't see a word of it on their teleprompters.  The YouTube videos are there, but don't get near the viewings of other happenings.

God, our God, is at work!  This world, no matter how derelict our societies may be becoming, is still His and is under His control.

PLEASURE
Today's reading:  Ecclesiastes 1-2

"...Then I realized that this pleasure is from the hand of God."  Ecclesiastes 2:24 NLT

Know what happens when you willing and deliberately choose to see everything as a gift from God? 

The small things look much more important and the big things, the things that usually cause me to stumble and grumble--don't matter as much as I thought they did!

But don't think it comes easily.  It takes effort.  It. takes commitment.  It takes going above and beyond what is natural or easy.  It requires a complete change of thinking and of focus.

But it's worth it.  Every minute, every effort, every attempt to praise God for all He's involved in, is worth it!

And that pleasure comes straight from the hand of God. 

JERUSALEM
Today's reading:  Psalm 122-124

Many of you know I have had the privilege of living vicariously through several members of my church who were able to take a trip to the Holy Lands.  Their stories, their excitement, their testimonies, their pictures, have spurred me on to falling in love with a place I've never been, a people I've been grafted into and a culture that's very new to me.

So, upon reading the Scriptures this morning, I was reminded of the special place the land and people of Israel hold to God's heart, too.

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.  May all who love this city prosper.  O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces.  For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, Peace be with you.  For the sake of the house of the Lord your God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem."  Psalm 122:5-9 NLT

Do you realize that our prosperity, personally and nationally, depends upon our lifting Israel up in prayer?

Have you examined your choice of Presidential candidate and his stand on protecting and backing Israel?  It's an important call.  Your vote is a valuable privilege.  Prayer in regards to selecting the right man for the job is absolutely necessary!
   

The Bible must be considered as the great source of all the truth by which men are to be guided in government as well as in all social transactions.                                    Noah Webster

OPEN HANDS
Today's reading:  2 Chronicles 25-28

I'm always on the lookout for exclamation points in reading God's Word.  They, in our language, denote a tone of excitement, thrill or importance.  They give life to what might otherwise be words simply laying on a page.  So when I found this nugget this morning, I was thrilled and elated--and had to share it with you--

"...The man of God replied, The Lord is able to give you much more than this!" 2 Chronicles 25:9 NLT

I consider myself a very, very blessed woman.  I have been given more than I could have ever dreamed of, more than I could have ever wished for, more--much more, than I ever will deserve.  So, upon reading that 'this' can be topped?  Well, I was intrigued!

But...

Receiving 'more' of what God has for me will require letting a few things slip from my fingers.  Things I have conjured in my head to go in a set way and be produced in a set time.  Things that focus alot less on me and whole lot more on Him.  Things that I deem wonderfully grand, but when measured against what He has in store will be dull and lifeless.

Sounds like an easy exchange, doesn't it?  Well, it's not.  Some of my 'things' I've clung so tightly to that I have their indentions in my heart and life. 

There are a few things, even knowing God's got something bigger and better in store, comfort me and have been held near and dear for a long time. 

There are a few things that I will have to re-adjust my thinking about them.  You see, I have this erroneous thought that some of my blessings I have worked hard for or earned--and truth be told, nothing could be farther from the truth!

There are a few things that I can't willingly give control of to God.  I've 'handled' them thus far in life and plan on continuing with them.

But the verse ends with an exclamation point.  That leads me to believe I am needing to re-think what's going on in my head and heart.

I can trust Him.  I know I can, but will I?

LIVING ON
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 4-6

"But all you who were faithful to the Lord your God are still alive today."  Deuteronomy 4:4 NLT

The most spectacular people I have ever met were my two grandmothers. 

Mary Edna and Mary Malinda were outstanding, hardworking and deeply loving women.

They had little to nothing in material possessions--no fancy homes, no bulky wallets and no elegant gowns or jewels.

Nothing about them would have clued you into their value and worth until they spoke or did something for you.

Then you heard Jesus and saw Jesus.

Both of my Grandmas have passed on.  They have run their races well and finished their courses.  They have been welcomed into the arms of their loving Savior.  They have both met up with the Author and Finisher of their faith stories.

They are in heaven--but they still live on.

In the smiles of our family members.  In the memories we hold most closely.  In the lives we're living because of their influence.  In the homes we have built according to their standards.  In the churches we serve in.  In the jobs we do.  In the love we share with others.  In the world we're impacting by their examples.

My grandmothers still live on because of their faithfulness to the Lord.  My intentions are to do the same!

PRE-PRODUCTION PERIOD
Today's reading:  James 1-3

"Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy."  James 1:2 NLT

Really, James?  Pushing it a little, aren't you?

I realize 'what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger', but to rejoice when tough times and hardships fall into our laps--really?

Focus on what we'll profit from them?

Take a positive outlook?

Anticipate the harvest we'll reap and the joys that will be produced?

Trust that God knows just what He's doing to make us more and more like His Son?

Oh, with that being said, you probably have something going there.

I do want to be more like Jesus.  I want to see His attributes shining more brightly in my day.  I, and those around me, need me to love more like He loves.

Okay, I'm changing my thinking on what troubles bring to my life.  I am looking forward to be filled with joy--and until it gets here, I'm just in my pre-production period! 

GOING PLACES
Today's reading:  Acts 7-8

"When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away.  The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing.  Meanwhile Philip found himself farther north at the city of Azotus!"  Acts 8:39-40 NLT

Want to find yourself in a place other than the one you're in--do what the Lord asks you to do!

That's what Philip did.  He simply spoke to a man in a chariot, like the Lord asked.

Sometimes where we are, sadly enough, is where we're going to stay until we do what the Lord's told us to do.

A little too personal?  Assumptive of me?  Feeling offended?  Convicted? 

Me, too!

TELL'EM
Today's reading:  Nahum

"I am your enemy! says the Lord Almighty..."  Nahum 2:13 NLT

Does your enemy know your Lord is against him?  Is he well aware of how awesome, powerful and amazing God is--and he isn't?  Does the one who stands against you, the one who throws problems your way, the one who likes to push your buttons know his days are numbered?

God is for you.  And He's against your enemies!

You know, don't you?

UGGGGH, HER!
Today's reading: Proverbs 31

Early morning hours are not the time to be forced into a face-to-face meeting with the Lord about this gal.

It's not just that He's selected today as the day once a year I read about her in His Word.

It's not just that I feel short changed in all that He's given her and all that I'm lacking.

It's not just that she leaves me convicted in regards to all she does--and I don't.

But this morning, what does the Lord decided to do?

He determines today to be the day that I am brought to account for my 'ultimate Proverbs 31 challenge'.

And I failed.

"She carefully watches over all that goes on in her household and does not have to bear the consequences of laziness." Proverbs 31:27 NLT

Slap! Pow! A right to the kisser! A kick in the gut!

Consequences are among my least favorite things. And as I look around at the house, the small bits of clutter and the corners of disarray, I come to an abrupt knowledge of yet another verse about P31 where I am failing.

The things I complain about, have to deal with at most unscheduled times are the consequences of my desire to watch a little more TV, find out a little more about folks on Facebook or fill my hours with great ideas from Pinterest.

Ugggh, it's her again!

MY ONLY HOPE
Today's reading:  Psalm 120-121

My normal 'devotion writing' routine is this:  pray, read the Scripture, jot down verses that seem to jump off the page at me, then write about what God tells me in those special verses.

This morning, however, an entire chapter ministers to my heart.  It soothes the sore places.  It comforts the hurting spots.  It renews my hope.  It revives my soul.  It assures me of my safe place in His hands.  It reminds me of His sovereignty.  It sets my thoughts on His strength and not on my weaknesses. 

I'll share the entire chapter, see if there's any part of it you're needing today...    

"I look up to the mountains--does my help come from there?  My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth!  He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep.  Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps.  The Lord himself watches over you!  The Lord stands beside you as a protective shade.  The sun will not hurt you by day or the moon at night.  The Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life.  The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever."  Psalm 121 NLT

BEING CAREFUL
Today's reading:  2 Chronicles 21-24

"Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight throughout the lifetime of Jehoida the priest."  2 Chronicles 24:2 NLT

Joash, the young king, was blessed to have a godly man to mentor, guide and befriend him.  This friend helped Joash choose wisely, rule wisely and live wisely.  Jehoida's influence helped Joash be known, for most of his life, as a wise and godly king.

Then, Jehoida died.

Joash  was immediately besieged by the enemy--in the form of ungodly leaders attempting to bend Joash's ear and character.

Joash fell to unfathomable lows.  Murder.  Deceit.  Sacrilege. 

To me the account of Joash is an attention grabber.  I have had the awesome privilege of being raised in a godly home by godly people who had godly parents.  I am blessed to worship in a church led by a man who preaches and lives God's Word.

And if all my godly influences were gone?  Would I stand strong?  Would I continue in the faith of my fathers?  Would my relationship with God be deep enough to support me when I was surrounded by godlessness?

I must be very careful in building a relationship with my Savior built on my own life and not borrow from the blessings given to me!

OCCUPY
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 1-3

"I am giving all this land to you!  Go in and occupy it..."  Deuteronomy 1:8 NLT

Let's dig a little more deeply this morning.

Moses is telling the Israelites what God has told him.  He's passing on information.  Filling them in.  Getting them on the same page.

And what is it he's telling them?

Well, to truly understand, we must grab the old dictionary.

The word for today:  occupy 

1: to engage the attention or energies of

2a: to take up (a place or extent in space) b: to take or fill (an extent in time)

3a: to take or hold possession or control of b: to fill or perform the functions of (an office or position)

4: to reside in as an owner or tenant

 

He gives the land, the Chosen People were required to engage their energies and attentions, to physically take hold, to fill up, to make it theirs and to live on it.

 

God did His part, they struggled in doing theirs.

 

We do the same thing. 

 

God has given us so much power, His power.  And we?  We hesitate.  We make excuses.  We question our abilities.  We doubt He's 'meaning' us.  We tremble.  We worry.

 

Are you doing what He's asked you to do with what He's given you?

 

I'm not ...but I'm going to start!

 

 

BETTER THINGS
Today's reading:  Hebrews11-13

"All of these people we have mentioned received God's approval because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.  For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can't receive the prize at the end of the race if we don't finish the race."  Hebrews11:39-40 NLT

We're among good company when we dream and scheme what we believe would be best for God to do in a situation.

Moses did it.  Gideon did it.  The marchers around Jericho reluctantly did it. 

They expected one thing and God did another.  They had written a conclusion to their faith stories--God, being Who he is, failed to read their transcript.

God's always, always got better things in store for us. 

We just have to remember, we may not receive them here!

SPEAKING UP
Today's reading:  Acts 5-6

"The council accepted his advice.  They called in the apostles and had them flogged.  Then they ordered them never again to speak the name of Jesus...And everyday in the Temple and in their homes, they continued to teach and preach this message:  The Messiah you are looking for is Jesus."  Acts 5:40-42 NLT

I am saved to the uttermost, I know that I am.

So why am I quiet about my Savior?

Why do I not shout His name from the rooftops?  Speak His name in every conversation?  Proclaim Him in all I say and do?

NAMES
Today's reading: Micah

My mind is wandering this morning.

Oh, yes, I've read about Micah and the judgement God was proclaiming on an unruly bunch of people, but that's not where my heart is.

I've, against my better judgement, gotten attached to three new kittens Sprout has delivered in our horse barn.

I shouldn't.

They're not staying.

I don't even like cats.

But these little guys are cuties.

And...I've gone and given them names.

The worst thing I could do, I know.

But it reminds me of the verse I've looked up this morning that warms my heart and assures me all will be just fine for me.

"And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness— secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name." Isaiah 45:3 NLT

Know what it takes to know someone's name? It takes interest--gotta ask or gotta find out. It takes concern. It takes effort. It takes a portion of your mind to remember.

You can't care deeply for someone you don't know.

I'm cared for, to the very extent He knows my name, by the Maker of the universe!

WOW!

OUR WORD
Today's reading:  Proverbs 29-30

I've had it up to 'here'...oh wait, you can't see...with the election promises. The lures they lay out for us to take a hold of long enough for them to drag us into the election booth and mark their name, are wearying.

We know, and yet we 'take the bait', that all they promise will not and can not be believed.

But, God?

"Every word of God proves true.  He defends all who come to him for protection."  Proverbs 30:5 NLT

Everything He promises can be taken to the bank!  All He has said has or will come to pass.  There's nothing He's said or done that is not credible and dependable.

That's in regards to the good and the bad.

Every blessing He promises, He backs up.

Every sin He names will have a consequence.

Every command He gives can be followed and a reward received.

Every warning He issues needs not be disregarded.

I don't know what you're doing with all the promises provided to you by our elected officials, what I'm worried about is whether or not you're believing God and His Word!  

COMPARISON ISSUES
Today's reading:  Psalm 119

"Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principles!  Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life to your commands."  Psalm 119:5-6 NLT

I'll be very honest here:  It's easier to compare myself, I tend to look better and score higher, when I grade myself against you and others in the world than when I compare myself to 'thus saith the Word of the Lord'.

It's easier to appease you.  Calling it close enough is a lie a lot of us Christians are buying into lock, stock and barrel.

It's sometimes easier to out-do you.

It's simpler to just be a little better than you, than to follow God's commands.

It's a little less black and white when I set myself up to please you than it is God.

You tend to overlook a lot.  Well, sometimes.  You are a little more apt to write off my mistakes as imperfections and human nature than God is.  He calls it sin.  No getting around it.

That being said, I'm in need of a huge change in my heart and life.  It's not you I need to be comparing myself to anymore.  Your grading scale is not the one I must live up to any longer.  Your preconceived notions, ideas and whims are just that--yours.  And boy, oh boy, do they ever ride a roller coaster of changes!

Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect God's commands, and not be entertainment for the fellow strugglers I walk with! 
 

MICHAIAH
Today's reading:  2 Chronicles 16-20

Aaah, Michaiah, the great prophet of old.

Great, you say?  You've never heard of him?

Very little is said of him and his dealing with King Ahab and King Jehosaphat. 

His prophetic advice was shunned by the kings who sought to know God's direction in a matter--for the life of me I don't understand it.

You see, Micaiah was a great man.  Oh, I don't know all the great things he did or said, but I know this about him:

"But Micaiah replied, As surely as the Lord lives, I will say only what my God tells me to say."  2 Chronicles 18:13 NLT

Take it from a gal who has a mouth problem, that's a huge statement!

Only a man of character and great faith could, or would, ever make such a commitment known to the public.  And then to attempt to live up to it?  Wow!

I mean, to say ONLY what God leads him to say?  Only?  Unbelievable.

No room for personal opinions.  No words of constructive criticism.  No advice.  No reactions that are not God given or God lead.

Admirable.  Honorable.  Meaningful.  Amazing.

I'll certainly be watching my mouth a little more closely today!    

LITTLE THINGS
Today's reading:  Numbers 33-36

"But if you fail to drive out the people who live in the land, those who remain will be like splinters in your eyes and thorns in your sides.  They will harass you in the land where you live."  Numbers 33:55 NLT

God told the Israelites that the new land was theirs.  He guided them along a path to its borders, teaching them many lessons along the way.

He filled their special land with milk and honey, good land and plenty of water. 

He did not eradicate the inhabitants from the new land, instead He instructed His chosen people to do it.

But they didn't.  Well, not completely.

They did what they thought was necessary and decided to 'work' around the rest.

They did exactly what God said not to do.

We do the same things, don't we?

We turn our lives over to God--well, most of our lives.

There are still parts we control ourselves, like to maintain possession of and generally rope off as 'off limits' to God.

And then those same areas haunt, guilt and turn against us at every turn!  Like splinters in or eyes or thorns in our sides.

Hmmm, I do believe He's warned His people about that very thing--don't you?

ONE TIME
Today's reading:  Hebrews 8-10

"Once for all time he took blood into that Most High Place..."  Hebrews 9:12 NLT

For me.

One time was all it took.

No bullocks, doves or choice lambs.

Not over and over again.

One time Christ laid Himself on an altar--and that one time cleared my sins and ushered me into His family and eventually into His heavenly home.

NO ONE ELSE
Today's reading: Acts 3-4

"The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them." Acts 4:11-12 NLT

Simplicity.

No confusion.

Lack of chaos.

One God and only one!

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
Today's reading:  Jonah

When you think of Jonah you probably think of a storm-tossed boat and a big fish.

You think of lying on a beach extricated from a fish's stomach.

You think of a man doing God's work, after a tuna-smelling detour.
 
Do you think of the prophet of old having an attitude problem after the 'fish lunch'?  Do you think of this godly man being upset about God's mercy and grace--of which he had just been served a huge helping?

"This change of plans (to save Ninevah from doom) upset Jonah and he became very angry."  Jonah 4:1 NLT

Angry enough he sat down under a self-made tent and pouted.

Attitude issues.

His rights were violated.

His thoughts and actions (final-go-to-Ninevah actions, not the run-straight-into-a-fish's-mouth actions) were not taken into consideration.

And how does a loving God react to his 'fit'?

"The Lord replied, Is it right for you to be angry about this?"  Jonah 4:3 NLT

Whew!  That one question probably knocked the wind out of puffed-up Jonah's sails.

It does to mine.

  

KEEPING SHORT ACCOUNTS
Today's reading:  Proverbs 28

"People who cover over their sins will not prosper.  But if they confess and forsake them, they will receive mercy."  Proverbs 28:13 NLT

I work in a business where monthly statements are mailed out at the beginning of the month for purchases made the previous month.

The customer signs a ticket for the merchandise needed, walks out the door and I send their bill to them as a 'Welcome To The New Month' prize.

I am amazed at how often it's stated by customers, 'Boy, I bought alot more than I thought--I didn't think about it adding up so quickly!'

We've all seen it happen.  A cartload, or a bagful of groceries adds up quickly.  A marvelous sale surprises us at checkout--at how much we racked up at even below regular prices change Even a yard sale's bargains can use up your loose change before you know it.

Sins add up quickly, too.

The old-timers used to say, 'Keep a short account with God.'  Meaning, make sure you're confessing along the way, so there's not a lot to do at the end of your life.

I need mercy too often, for my sins to be piling up and getting in the way of me receiving it...what about you?  

CORNERSTONE
Today's reading:  Psalm117-118

"The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone."  Psalm 118:22 NLT

I've been Googling 'cornerstones' this morning.  I've read up, reviewed and sorted some information I've gathered to share with you...

Cornerstones, pinnah or zawith in Hebrew and Greek, are mentioned time and time again throughout the Bible.  Their importance to the structure of a building and their importance symbolically have earned them honorable mention in the pages of God's Holy Word.

Cornerstones have two purposes:  a.) they can be the main stone upon which a building was begun or upon which it rested or b.) the topmost corner stone of a building that links the top rows of blocks  or bricks together for strength and permanency.

That being known, I can honestly say Jesus is my Cornerstone!

He is the building block of my faith.

He is the permanency in my life.

He is the hope upon which all my days are rested upon.

The peace He offers links my days and nights together.

His love binds together my abilities and my strengths into His purpose and to His glory.

Jesus is my cornerstone!

Is He yours?

WINNING TEAM
Today's reading:  2 Chronicles 11-15

"...We are following the instructions of the Lord our God, but you have abandoned him.  So you see, God is with us.  He is our leader, His priests blow their trumpets and lead us into battle against you.  O people of Israel, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your ancestors, for you will not succeed."  2 Chronicles 13:11-12 NLT

Imagine this verse plastered on every newspaper, television screen, banner and billboard across our great nation.  Use all the thought power you can muster to create a fully Christian candidate that might take it on as his rallying theme.

Picture, if you will, God's people (you and I) staking our claim and living our lives based on the power contained inside this verse.  The way we'd stick out in the crowd.  The light we'd shine in this dark world.  The salt we'd flavor the world with--and the infection of sin we'd cure!

Grasp the injustices that might be righted.  The lives that would be saved.  The re-routing of this country from the pits of hell to the presence of God.

We are on the winning team if we are serving God--body, soul and mind.  The old saying is, 'I've read the back of the Book--and we win!'...are you believing it?

Do the 'outsiders' know we're the victors and they're just suiting up to be defeated?

PREPARING FOR A FESTIVAL
Today's reading:  Numbers 29-32

Our reading today is what would put most of the best party-planners of our age into a complete tail-spin!

It would also eliminate a majority of godly, dedicated to the church Christians due to the extensive preparation required to worship the Lord on His special days.

The Festivals of Shelters required, for instance:

61 young bulls, 15 rams, 99 one year old male lambs with no defects, 8 male goats and 548 quarts of choice flour--choice being made at home, not picked up at the local WalMart!

All to celebrate eight days reminding the Israelites of their time of wilderness wandering.

I'm ever so thankful I'm on this side of the line dividing Old Testament from New Testament and One Perfect Lamb is what I need to be reminded, redeemed and revived!