CONFESSION
Today's reading:  Malachi

"The priests lips should guard knowledge, and people should go to them for instruction, for the priests are the messengers of the Lord Almighty.  But not you!..."  Malachi 2:7-8 NLT

Yes, Lord, I know just the conversation You are referring to.

This verse reminds me that I am one of Your priests.

I should have held my tongue.

I should have refused to comment.

I should have prayed before opening my big mouth.

But I made my remarks.  I offered my commentary.  I vented.  I voiced my opinion.  I spoke too soon--and said way too much.

You are right.  As usual, You are right.

Let's spend some time, just You and I, discussing it.  I'm going to be asking Your forgiveness--please don't tell me I've used up my chances!

STANDING BEFORE HIM
Today's reading:  Ecclesiastes 11-12

"God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad."  Ecclesiastes 12:14 NLT

Does that scare the liver out of you?

Oh, I've always known I will one day stand before God and give an account, well let's be honest--I'll stand before Him and listen to His report on my life, because there would be several pages of things I'd choose to omit from the conversation.

But this isn't as much for me about what I've done or not done, it's about my attitude.

My attitude is that 'secret thing'.  That area I think I'm withholding from God, my Christian brothers and sisters and the world.  The part of me I hold back, cover up or mask.  The part of myself I 'deny' as I go about doing, or not doing, what I know I should or shouldn't. 

I'd like to think I hide it as well as I believe I do.  I'd like to think it's not a constant exercise in self-control.  I'd like to think it's a temptation of mine that's well under control.  I'd like to think it's not written all over my face in the form of a grimace, a smirk or a raised eyebrow of contempt.

I'd like to think all that--or I did until I read today's passage of Scripture and realized my attitude, too, needs to be covered by the blood of Christ. 



 

SOLID BACKING
Today's reading:  Psalm 137-139

We're approaching a fiscal cliff.  Personally I don't know what a 'fiscal cliff' is, but I've watched enough Westerns with Dale to know if you approach one too quickly, you can fall off it--and that's not good.  It can ruin a perfectly good stagecoach!

Our stock market is low and our unemployment is high.  My investment in the stock market is merely  a drop in the bucket, but I'm smart enough to know the job I have is dependent upon those whose buckets are full to overflowing with stock market liquidities.

Taxes upon taxes.  Taxes on cleaning supplies.  Taxes on gasoline.  Taxes on utilities--think not, look at your next phone bill, they're sometimes called tariff's.   

A budget in the red, which isn't good, by several trillion dollars...and if it takes someone coming on television to explain to me what a 'trillion' is, then it's a number too high for me to fathom!

And our government tells us to trust them?

I hesitate putting my trust in someone as untrusting and imperfect as another human being elected to office by something as hard to understand as an electoral college, or an organization comprised of such.

That being said, I'm awfully glad I've come upon this verse this morning...

"I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.  I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness, because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.  When I pray you will answer me; you encourage me by giving me the strength I need."  Psalm 138:2-3 NLT

Our economy is not affecting God.  Our current recession, depression or digression, does not cause His honor to be sullied.  The FDIC is not backing Him up on His promises--no one needs to!

So, fellow voter, in Whom are you placing your trust?

CHARRED STONES
Today's reading:  Nehemiah 1-4

"Sanballat was very angry when he learned they were rebuilding the wall ...he flew into a rage and mocked the Jews...What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they are doing?..Look at those charred stones they are pulling out of the rubbish and using again!"  Nehemiah 4:1-2 NLT

Have a few 'Sanballats' in your life?

They busy themselves reminding you of who you once were.  They offer a play-by-play of how silly your faith is to them.  They whisper words of doubt into your ear.

They say, No way.

They cry out, No how.

They shout, Not possible!

They laugh at the pieces of hope you pull out of your crushed dreams, attempting to rebuild.

They are scoffing at God.

That's a very dangerous thing to do.  It's also going to end embarrassingly for them.

Keep doing what it is God's asked you to do.  He's got your back!

I CAN DO THIS
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 20-22

"...Do not be afraid as you go out to fight today! Do not lose heat or panic. For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you as you go against your enemies, and he will give you victory!" Deuteronomy 20:3-4 NLT

I didn't think I even wanted to attempt today.

Getting out of bed was hard to do.

Satan began whispering his lies by the time I'd made it to the first routine of the day.

No one else is up yet, and still I'm already annoyed, flustered and disgusted.

Then I read that He will go with me. Me? Me!

I'm not doing this by myself. I'm not walking the path of today all alone. I'm not fighting my own battles.

I can do this...because God is going with me!

I CAN DO THIS
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 20-22

"...Do not be afraid as you go out to fight today!  Do not lose heat or panic.  For the Lord your God is going with you!  He will fight for you as you go against your enemies, and he will give you victory!"  Deuteronomy 20:3-4 NLT

I didn't think I even wanted to attempt today.

Getting out of bed was hard to do.

Satan began whispering his lies by the time I'd made it to the first routine of the day.

No one else is up yet, and still I'm already annoyed, flustered and disgusted.

Then I read that He will go with me.  Me?  Me!

I'm not doing this by myself.  I'm not walking the path of today all alone.  I'm not fighting my own battles.

I can do this...because God is going with me!

SONSHINE
Today's reading:  1 John 1-3

"...God is light and there is no darkness in him at all."  1 John 1:5 NLT

No cloudiness.

No overcast skies.

No shadowy images.

No bleakness.

Nothing dim or blackened.

He is light.  If we're not blinded by His glorious radiance, we're not looking at Him in His fullness!

A NEW LANGUAGE
Today's reading:  Acts 17-18

"Then they took him to the Council of Philosophers.  Come and tell us more about this new religion , they said.  You are saying some rather startling things, and we want to know what it's all about."  Acts 17:19-20 NLT 

Are people intrigued by what you're saying?

Are you speaking joy into otherwise gloomy conversations?

Are you bringing hope into debates over hopeless matters?

Are you speaking truth in a world filled with relativisms and preferences?

Are you talking any differently than the lost and dying world you're called to win over?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Today's reading:  Ecclesiastes 9-10

I've looked in some books I have.  I've Google-d and I've Bing-ed.  I don't know where to look for the correct name for which credit is due, but I'll post how I'm feeling today....

God is so good.
God is so good.
God is so good.
He's so good to me!

My prayer is that you're feeling blessed to overflowing as well today, Happy Thanksgiving!

THE ROOT OF IT ALL
Today's reading:  Psalm 134-136

I could fill page after page, or screen after screen, of all the things I'm thankful for.

I could list my family, naming them by name and listing the exact things they each bring to my life.

I could list my health and type on and on about how well my systems are working--and those who aren't quite up to par, I just need look around to see someone worse off than I.

I could list my house, my conveniences, my friends, my church.

I could list my country, even in its worst days I wouldn't live anywhere else.

Or  I could just give you a verse that sums it all up.  One verse that is the root of all I am thankful for.  One snippet of Scripture that is going to be my theme this holiday season...

"I know the greatness of the Lord..."  Psalm 135:5 NLT

REMNANTS UNITE
Today's reading:  Ezra 6-10

"Now we are being punished because of our wickedness and our great guilt.  But we have actually been punished far less than we deserve, for you, our God, have allowed some of us to survive as a remnant."  Ezra 9:13 NLT

remnant-1a:  a usually small part, member, or trace remaining, b: a small surviving group —often used in plural 2:  an unsold or unused end of piece goods

 

I will tell you, after the last election, I feel like a remnant.  An unusually small part.  A very minute percentage.  A member of a small, seemingly uncounted group.

 

And I could moan and groan about it--or celebrate the fact God has allowed me, and the others I worship with to remain!

 

It means He's not done.  It leads me to believe He has a part for us to play in a role He's not yet allowed us to read the script for.  It means I'm not alone as a Christian, and neither are you.

 

So, fellow remnant, I believe it's time we unite.  It's a perfect time to re-gather and pray.  Pray harder than we did before.

 

God has left a remnant of us, for a reason! 

PROMISED LAND
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 16-19

"You will soon arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, and you will conquer it and settle there.  Then you may begin to think, We ought to have a king like the other nations around us."  Deuteronomy 17:14 NLT

"When you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, be very careful not to imitate the detestable customs of the nations living there."  Deuteronomy 18:9 NLT

"When you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you as a special possession, never steal someone's land by moving the boundary markers your ancestors set p to mark their property."  Deuteronomy 19:14 NLT

All right, Lord.  I see what it is You're trying to tell me.

I'm going to get it.  It's going to be mine.  Your promises can be depended on. What You have said will come to be, will come to be--in Your time.

I also see where I might as well be preparing to spend a little energy and effort in keeping what You've given to me! 

I've got to stop looking around once I 'get there'.  I've got to buckle down and watch my P's and Q's, not letting the world and it's ways infect my thoughts and actions.  I've got to learn contentedness, because what another gets won't look like mine, be the same size as mine or be used in the same way mine will be used--but it's all still from You!

 I've never thought about the Promised Land like this.  Great lesson for a Monday morning!

FAMILY PRIDE
Today's reading:  2 Peter

I am a member of a family bursting at the seams with family pride.  Any son, daughter, grandson or granddaughter of Harry or Ernie know just what I mean.

We know, by example and by being told, what's expected of us by way of manner, act or lifestyle in our family.

Do we always do what we've been told?  No, but we feel it in the pit of our stomachs when we don't.  We know around a corner or when we least expect it we'll be found out...despite the fact that both Grandpas have passed on.

I do my best to honor our family name by living a good and godly life.

Same's true in regards to the Christian family I am apart of.

I want to live honorably and bring glory to my Father!  I do not want to demean or belittle the name of Christ. 

"So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen.  Doing this, you will never stumble or fall away."  2 Peter 1:10 NLT

Christians are in themselves no wiser than are other men. What they have they have by grace. They must be 'all things to all men.' But it is not kindness to tell patients that need strong medicine that nothing serious is wrong with them. Christians are bound to tell men the truth about themselves; that is the only way of bringing them to recognize the mercy, the compassion, of Christ. For if men are told the truth about themselves, and if they are warned against the false remedies that establish men in their wickedness, then, by the power of the Spirit of God, they will flee to the Christ through whom alone they must be saved.                                                  -Cornelius Van Til

REVIEWING
Today's reading:  Acts 15-16

"After some time Paul said to Barnabas, Let's return to each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are getting along."  Acts 15:36 NLT

Boy, oh boy, is my mind ever working overtime...

If Preacher Eddie were to grade my life on what he preached on last year, what grade would I make?  His message on forgiveness?  His message on reaching out?  His message on living like victorious believers?

If God were to evaluate my behavior today based on what He opened up to me last week or last month in His Word, how might I fair?  A few of His topics have been obedience, self-control and faith.

Hmmm, I have alot to think about this morning.

INSIDE AND OUT
Today's reading:  Zechariah 1-7

"For I, myself, will be a wall of fire around Jerusalem, says the Lord.  And I will be the glory inside the city."  Zechariah 2:5 NLT

Inside and out,that's what God intends for His people.

To have an appearance of godliness for the world to see and to have a heart of softness and pliability God can use.

To wear a smile that begins deep within the soul.

To serve with a desire that burns within.

To give from an overflowing spirit of thankfulness.

To love with a God-filled heart.

Are you living the Christian life inside and out?  Only you know the answer.  Only you know if your 'fruit' is matching what you claim!

REFRAINING
Today's reading:  Ecclesiastes 7-8

"Notice the way God does things, then fall into line.  Don't fight the ways of God, for who can straighten what he has made crooked?"  Ecclesiastes 7:13 NLT

I should be a size 2.

I should have biceps, quads, gluts and calves that could win top body-building competitions.

I should be as strong as an ox.

I should have zero body fat.

'Should' being the operative word.

I do spend alot of time pushing, tugging, pulling, attempting and struggling--but not with exercise equipment, it's usually with the Lord and His plans!

I've burned a ton of calories trying to get God to come around to my way of thinking...to use the schedule I've set up for Him to follow...to get Him to understand how totally correct my ideas are.

I have come to see His way as best, His timing as perfect and His plans to be much more suited to the success of me and His glory than my own.  And yet, I resort to my way of doing things. 

I truly believe in my head that I cannot change His mind on things, if only I could stop some of my reactions to what He chooses to send my way.  If only I could change the direction of my thinking to what would He do versus how I believe it should be done. 

I've got alot of work to do--am I the only one? 
  

TIME OUT
Today's reading:  Psalm 131-133

"But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother.  Yes, like a small child is my soul within me."  Psalm 131:2 NLT

It's been a while, considering Isaiah is now as big as I am, but many a time did he crawl up on my lap and snuggle in to quiet himself.  Sometimes it was a noisy place that sent him scurrying to my side.  Sometimes it was a scraped knee or a boo-boo.   Sometimes, my favorite, it was just to kiss and hug his mommy because, 'I wuv you'.

He knew where to find peace.  He knew where he would be welcomed.  He knew where he could find rest and encouragement.

I understand what David is saying in today's verse.  I have had to place myself in 'time out' at Jesus' feet...for peace, for rest, for a time of discipline and for encouragement and just to tell Him how very much He means to me.

It's reassuring.  It's calming.  It's rejuvenating.  It's taking effort here lately to make the time!
 

CHURCH MEMBERS
Today's reading:  Ezra 1-5

"The construction of the Lord's temple began in midspring, during the second year after they had arrived in Jerusalem.  The work force was made up of everyone who had returned from exile..."  Ezra 3:8 NLT

I believe this verse sums up everything it means to be a church member.

The purpose of a church is to build up Christ's name in our hearts, in our homes and in our communities, worship God corporately and draw more into the fold.

Who does this verse tell us is eligible and expected to roll up their sleeves and put a little sweat equity into the process?  Everyone who had returned from exile.

Isn't that all of us in the church?

Been saved from a life of sin?  You are a returned exile.

Been drawn back after a while away from God?  You are a returned exile.

Been given the gift of salvation and the promise of a heavenly home?  You are a returned exile.

There's work to be done--are you doing your part?

There's the nursery.  There's meal duties.  Cleaning.  Working with the kids.  Ushering.  Greeting.  Seats to fill in Sunday School class.  Lock-ins to chaperone. 

If you're a part of a church, are you doing your part?

THROWING STONES
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 13-15

"Stone the guilty ones to death because they have tried to draw you away from the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of slavery."  Deuteronomy 13:10 NLT

I'm warming up my throwing arm.

I've got some rock throwing to do.

No one else is  responsible for 'doing away' with my enemy.  No one else.

JUST DO IT
Today's reading:  1 Peter 4-5

You know what you're supposed to do.

You're as sure of it as of anything.

You're heart tells you.  Circumstances tell you.  Every 'fleece' you've asked for has shown up.

But what will they say?

It's never been done before.  Or done that way.  Or done then.  Or done by you.  Especially by you. 

This following God wholeheartedly is new to you...very new.

This obeying God is something you've just begun wanting to do, and now you believe, with all that's in you, He's asked you to do this.

But what will they say?

The folks you've snickered at.  The folks you've snickered with.  The group you once called 'holy rollers', and who have now welcomed you with loving arms.  The group you were once a part of, the group now calling you a 'religious nut'.

Paul tells us what to do...

"Of course, your former friends are very surprised when you no longer join them in the wicked things they do, and they say evil things about you.  But just remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead."  1 Peter 4:4 NLT  

EYES, NOT HEARTS
Today's reading:  Acts 13-14

"When the listening crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in their dialect, These men must be gods in human bodies!"  Acts 14:11 NLT

Nothing has changed.

People are still looking at the things of God with their eyes, and not their hearts.

Folks are determining how godly one is depending upon the outward appearance, the presentation, the packaging.

It's not just folks outside the church either.

How biased are you towards someone who doesn' t look like you do?  Someone bigger?  Someone smaller?  Someone who can run a marathon?  Someone who can barely walk?

The media wants us to believe a certain size person wearing a certain brand of clothes is a human god.

Is that what God thinks?

Who knows what He looks like--and aren't we made in His image?

NOT ALONE
Today's reading:  Haggai

It's quiet here this morning.

I'm the only one up.  My guys will rise and shine in about 45 minutes, then things will start hopping.

As I look out the window, it's still dark.

When I stop typing, I realize the only sound I hear is the tick-tock of the clock in the kitchen.

No dogs barking outside.  No cars driving by.  No tractors in the fields.  No roosters crowing.  No radio playing.  No one asking for my help, where their jeans are or what's for breakfast.

It feels as if I'm all alone. 

Well, it did until I read this verse:

"...I am with you, says the Lord!"  Haggai 1:13 NLT

He is here--hallelujah!

He is here--amen!

It's not too early for Him.  It's not His day off.  It's not an inconvenient time.  It's not someone else's day to balance gravity and spin the planets.

He is with me.  I am not alone!

  

MY JOB
Today's reading:  Ecclesiastes 5-6

"...To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life--that is indeed a gift from God."  Ecclesiastes 5:19 NLT

I can truly say of all the jobs I have, all the hats I wear, all the roles I play--I love each and every one of them!

I love being wife and mom.  I like cooking for my guys, waking them up in the mornings and spending time with them.

I love being daughter, sister, auntie and friend. 

I love the ministries I am allowed to be involved with in our church.  Learning from the other gals in Sunday School and wiping noses on Wednesday nights are some of the highlights of my week.

I love working at the lumberyard.  I've been there 20 years now and feel very much at home and have my own little family there--even the days I feel like one of the wicked stepsisters.

I love where I am in life.  I completely understand what Solomon meant by stating that a sense of peace and place is a gift from God.

I can think of no other life I would prefer to live.  No other place I'd rather be.  No other gift I would choose to receive from my Maker!

COUNTING ON GOD
Today's reading:  Psalm 128-130

I keep my prayer journal and pen with me at all time. 

You'll find me scribbling down a request as I stand in the check-out lane at Wal-Mart, during church service or while sitting at my desk at work.  If someone comes to mind, I write them down.  If I hear a verse that speaks to my heart, I write it down.  If someone asks me to pray for them, I write it down.

Your name might be in there. 

I've seen some things, written down in my little striped book, come to pass.  I have page after page of requests that haven't happened-yet.

But I'm not trusting in my little spiral-bound notebook.  I'm not believing in the fact that I've written them down correctly.  I'm not even depending upon the power of my prayers in regards to any given matter.

I'm counting on God.

"I am counting on the Lord, yes, I am counting on him.  I have put my hope in his word."  Psalm 130:5 NLT

What are you counting on?

HOW MANY CHANCES
Today's reading:  2 Chronicles 33-36

"The Lord, the God of their ancestors, repeatedly sent his prophets to warn them, for he had compassion on his people and his Temple.  But the people mocked these messengers of God and despised their words.  They scoffed at the prophets until the Lord's anger could no longer be restrained and there was no remedy."  2 Chronicles 36:15-16 NLT

Honestly, American the Beautiful, how many more chances do we have?

How often will He forgive our sins, our willful transgressions, our haughtiness?

How many prophets will He send to the USA?  How many will we listen to?  How many will we mock, shun or despise?

For a country founded on Christian beliefs and doctrines, we're falling very, very short of His plans!

PERSONALLY
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 10-12

They sang one of my favorite songs in worship service yesterday.  I sang back-up since I knew each and every word. 

The lyrics for the song came from God through a man named Tommy Walker...

I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands

I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I call

Do you see yourself in the song?  Are you energized from its message?  Revived?  Revitalized?  Rejuvenated?  Restored?

I was.  I am.  I just have to hum the melody and I'm back in a worshipful mood, reminded of who I am in Him. 

And this morning?  Another reminder:

"He is your God, the one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done mighty miracles what you yourselves have seen."  Deuteronomy 10:21 NLT

PRESERVED
Today's reading:  1 Peter 1-3

"For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children.  It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay."  1 Peter 1:4 NLT

Preserved.  Kept.  Secured.  Safe.  Promised.

Blessed assurance.

READY TO GO
Today's reading:  Acts 11-12

"...And the chains fell off his wrists, Then the angel told him, Get dressed and put on your sandals.  And he did.  Now put on your coat and follow me, the angel ordered."  Acts 12:7-8 NLT

Did you notice, and no it's not new--maybe you've seen it before, that God expected Peter to get up and get about God's business immediately after his miracle.  Immediately.

Not to sit around and ponder it.

Not to rest from it.

Not to write a book.

Not to book speaking engagements.

To put his shoes and his coat on and be ready to get back into the workforce.

Hmmm, that's something to think about!

WHAT TO SAY
Today's reading:  Zephaniah

"Stand in silence in the presence of the Sovereign Lord..."  Zephaniah 1:7 NLT

I'm a talker by nature.  I'll be rattling on and on about just about anything to anyone who will listen.  I've never met a stranger.

But there are days.  Like today.

Days that I sit in God's presence, here in my prayer chair, and have nothing to say, no comment, no response to Him.

The tears fall.  The bottom lip quivers.  The heart races.  The mind swirls with all He's done--then quiets with His peace.

What does one say to their Maker?  To the One who gives them breath?  To the Creator of the universe?

BUDDY SYSTEM
Today's reading:  Ecclesiastes 3-4

"Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.  But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble."  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NLT

Are you bound to another Christian for accountability and prayer purposes?

You won't make it on your own!

Sure, the Christian walk is all about a personal relationship with Christ, but let's be honest--if he tells us we need to link arms with and work alongside a brother or sister in Christ, who are we to question it?

Does another know your prayer requests?  Is there another believer who knows your innermost struggles and keeps them before the feet of our Lord? 

Are you traveling in tandem or going it alone?  Who are you allowing to ride shotgun on this whirlwind trip towards heaven?  Who are you taking with you?  Who is watching your back?  Whose testimony is being written alongside your own?

We're not in this alone--unless, by our own choosing!