COME
Today's reading:  Revelation 22

 "...Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!.." Revelation 22:20 NLT

Lord,

Come, Lord Jesus into my heart.  Push out all the things crowding You in there.  Remove the issues keeping me from being wholly Yours.  Clean out the closets and set things to order.

Come, Lord Jesus into my plans.  Keep my priorities firmly focused on You.  Use Your hedges to keep me from time-wasters.  Nudge me gently into the projects, ministries and lives You need me to do a work for You in.

Come, Lord Jesus into my home.  Make me a new Mom this year.  Give Dale a new, and improved wife.  Convict me to open our home, a gift from You, to more friends.  Give me strength to follow through on the convictions You place on my heart for my family. 

Come, Lord Jesus into my church.  Move me to arrive prepared for Your Spirit to fall.  Prepare me ahead of time for Your anointing.  Mold me into the kind of church member You want me to be.  Fill me with a new yearning for Your kingdom to enlarge.

Come, Lord Jesus with me into 2013.  Come with me, no--allow me to follow You into this New Year with anticipation and hope.  Point me in the direction of service.  Give me a renewed desire for things of You.

-Malinda   

TAKE HEART
Today's reading:  Acts 27-28

"So take courage!  For I believe God.  It will be just as he said."  Acts 27:25 NLT

I don't know about you, but I needed this encouraging reminder.

I needed the nudge for my prayer life.

I needed the boost in my beliefs.

I needed the shove for my convictions.

I needed the hand-up for my attempts at the Christian walk.

Because it's tough.  It's hard.  It's lonely sometimes, if you're looking for human company.  It's a daunting task.  It goes against every natural inclination in your being.

So to know Paul chose, thousands of years ago, to pen these words to boost my spirits, I will continue on.

Won't you?

OUR TRIP TO THE STABLE

I believe I let you in on a little secret about our Christmas Bible reading this year--that we were doing it in the barn.

Some of you have asked about, so I thought I'd share...

We bundled up head to toe.  The temperatures were dropping as the Blizzard of 2012 was encroaching on our little town.  We donned warm socks, coveralls, hats, gloves and scarves.  It took us a good 15 minutes to gather and get into all the winter clothes. 

And I thought:  if only every time I went about getting into the Word I would so prepare.

We trudged through the dark to the horse barn.  Careful footing.  Uneven ground.  I was wearing Dale's hunting boots and they were not my size.  We used flashlights.  We walked single file.  The ground was frozen and unforgiving to ankles.  The wind was beginning to howl and the cold touched all areas exposed.  

And I thought:  Mary and Joseph's journey was not one of comfort and convenience.  Their visit to the stable was under less than ideal circumstances.  Jesus' delivery lacked modern conveniences that I so easily take for granted. 

We found a spot in the barn where the hay was deep and clean.  We fumbled with our gloved-hands until we found Luke 2.  We each read a portion of the Nativity by the light of our 'candles'.  The three of us stood quietly for a few minutes and listened to the night sounds.

And I thought:  I don't believe I've ever been so deeply impacted by the account of Christmas as I was in that stable.  The goats were pushing up against us, hoping we'd brought them snacks.  The barn cat curled up on the hay beside us and watched as we stood in the dark barn.  The chickens we could hear in the background.  Was it a glimpse into that night?  Where those the sounds and sights the Christ Child first laid eyes on?  Did Mary and Joseph look into His eyes by lamplight for the first time and become transformed?

The Christmas story won't be the same for me anymore.      

READY
Today's reading:  Revelation 18-22

"Blessed are those who wash their robes so they can enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life."  Revelation 22:14 NLT

My robe is washed.

It has been since I was a little girl kneeling at a wooden altar at a little country church.

I'm ready.

I'm forgiven.

I'm anticipating all He has awaiting me.

I'm ready when He is--but busy about His work for me until He comes.

STANDING OUT
Today's reading:  Song of Solomon 7-8

"...Love flashes like fire, the brightest kind of flame..."  Song of Solomon 8:6 NLT

Love, Christian brothers and sisters, is our distinguishing mark in this dark world.

Love should cover our transactions in the marketplace.

Love should offer grace among our homes and relatives.

Love should exude warmth to strangers crossing our paths.

Love should bring light, a special and genuine light, to the hearts of others.

If our lives are not overflowing with love...then there is no difference between us and the unsaved world.

BLIZZARD UPDATE
Today's reading:  Psalm 149-150

"Let everything that lives sing praises to the Lord!  Praise the Lord!"  Psalm 150:6 NLT

Everyone is fine here.

The snow is piling up.

The wind howls and the drifts move like dunes of sand.

The animals are tucked snugly in their homes with extra straw and feed.

The wild birds will have some seed scattered out to them--once the winds die down and the snow stops.

We have milk and we have bread.  We have hot cocoa packets and we have the fixings for homemade pizza.  We will be just fine during this blizzard of 2012.

Everything still points to the fact that we owe praises to God!

Definition of a blizzard: 1: a long severe snowstorm , 2:an intensely strong cold wind filled with fine snow or 3: an overwhelming rush or deluge

If you're snowed in like we are, let's honor God in a blizzard of praise!  Cover Him up.  Overwhelm Him.  Praise Him with all we've got!

HE IS HERE
Today's reading:  Luke 2

He is here.  Hallelujah!

He is here.  Amen!

Our Christmas story reading here on Edgell Acres is going to be a little different this Christmas.  We're taking God's Word out to the barn and reading the Nativity account out there.  Among the hay, the goats, the chickens and the smells.

It's not the first time the Word has been to the barn.

It's not the first time Christ has gone somewhere beneath His kingly status.
 
One might call it sacrilegious.  One might call it crazy.

Call it what you may, it's all how it started!

Merry Christmas.

HE MAKES ME
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 32-34

"How blessed you are, O Israel!  Who else is like you, a people saved by the Lord?  He is your protecting shield and your triumphant sword!  Your enemies will bow low before you, an you will trample on their backs!"  Deuteronomy33:29 NLT

He makes me safe.

He makes me blessed.

He makes me victorious.

He makes me set apart.  Special.  Unlike anyone else.  A part of something wonderful, lovely and eternal.

He makes me all I am--and all I could ever hope to be.

This Christ Child makes me into the spectacular creation He has purposed me to be.

ROCKS IN MY PATH
Today's reading:  Jude

"And now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy."  Jude verse 24 NLT

He is able to keep me from stumbling.

The problem is, I don't ask Him to.

I don't seek His guidance.  I don't wait for His direction.  I don't make an effort to request His assistance.

The glory still goes to Him.  And the pity goes to me.

I'm choosing not to use a valuable resource available to me.  I'm living a life less that worthy of His child, all because I choose to ask for His help.

He is good, and I'm a very, very slow learner.

 

HE WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS
Today's reading:  Acts 25-26

"But the accusations made against him weren't at all what I expected.  It was something about their religion and about someone called Jesus who died, but whom Paul insists is alive."  Acts 25:18-19 NLT

God's ways aren't always what we think they should be.

They don't look like what we think they should.  The most unlikely of people.  The seemingly hardest of hearts.  The gruffest of men.  The snidest of women.  The littlest ones among us.  The youth at a church's lock-in.

They don't come when we think they should.  On Sundays.  When we say 'amen'.  When the pastor anoints and the prayer warriors unite.

They don't always sound like angelic choirs and swooshes of angel wings.  They sometimes sound like constructive criticism.  Convicting words.  Counsel we've not asked for.  Contemporary music.  Acapella hymns.  A preacher's words. 

They don't always feel like we think they should feel.  They hurt.  They chafe.  They open old wounds.  They busy us with someone else's worries.

Are you seeing Him at work in mysterious ways? 

 

HE REIGNS
Today's reading:  Revelation 12-17

"Then the beast was allowed to speak great blasphemies against God.  And he was given to do what he wanted for forty-two months."  Revelation 13:5 NLT

The darkness that has fallen over the past week is hard to understand.

When evil seems to have the upper-hand we scratch our heads.

When things happen that are as far from what we believe His plan is as could be, we wonder.

But may we never forget, if evil is rampant, it is ONLY because God is allowing it a season. 

God is in control, that never changes. 

HE IS WITH US
Today's reading:  Song of Solomon 5-6

"...Come back, come back, that we may see you again."  Song of Solomon 6:13 NLT

We ask, especially this time of the year, that the Christ Child come back and dwell in our midst.

To infuse our home with His presence.

To ignite our churches with His fire.

To spur our hearts and minds on to godly works.

To turn us from sin and draw us closer to Him.

What we are failing to remember is that He is always with us.

Emanuel, God is with us.  Unchanging. 

If you're not experiencing Him, not sensing His presence, not awed by His power and works--it's not His fault.

He is with us, are we with Him in spirit and in truth?

HE IS
Today's reading:  Psalm 146-148

"He is the one who made heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them.  He is the one who keeps his promises forever, who gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry."  Psalm 146:6-7 NLT

He's not just a Baby lying in the feed trough of a barn.

He's not just a small child mimicking the hammering and nailing of his Daddy.

He's not just a young man being ushered into manhood through the Jewish customs and celebrations.

He's not just a preacher. 

Not just a teacher. 

Not just a good man. 

Not just an urban tale. 

Not just a prophet. 

He is the One.

We know how God would act if he were in our place - he has been in our place.  -A. W. Tozer

 

WISH LISTS
Today's reading:  Esther 1-5

"...She asked for nothing except what he suggested, and she was admired by everyone who saw her."  Esther 2:15 NLT

The verse refers to Esther and the advice she sought from Hegai before her turn to go before King Xerxes.  She had one opportunity to stun him, so she took notes, studied and pushed aside her own preferences for what the king would like.

Oh, that I would do that.

That my 'wish list' this season, and all seasons, would ONLY include what my Father recommends for me, what will make me more like Him and what He would deem worthy His daughter.

As it is my requests of God solicit Him on behalf of my own comforts and conveniences.  I suggest to Him my time frame.  I tell Him what it is I am wanting to see in my life.  I seek ease instead of growth.

But to ask God for His 'wish list' for me?  It's scary.  It's anxiety-provoking.  It's, well, it's exciting when you think about it...asking the One who made me wonderfully complex to make me into everything He has planned.

Step back world, I'm going to be someone new! 

JUST ENOUGH
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 29-31

"There are secret things that belong to the Lord our God, but the revealed things belong to us and our descendants forever, so that we may obey these words of the law."  Deuteronomy 29:29 NLT

Don't understand everything there is to know about God?

Join the club!

There are the 'why' questions about His plans.  There are the 'when' questions about Himself.  There are the 'what in the world' questions we have about what it is He may be asking us to do.

But we know just enough.

Just enough about His love for us.

Just enough about His sending His Only Son as a sacrifice for our sins.

Just enough about His power.

Just enough about His grace.

Just enough about His mercy.

Just enough about His character to trust Him with the unknowns of His great plan!

I JUST CAN'T UNDERSTAND
Today's reading:  3 John

"May God's peace be with you..."  3 John 15 NLT

There are Sunday School teachers in Connecticut this morning who will have children missing from their classrooms.

There are pastors who are attempting to counsel parents dealing with a grief no one should have to face.

There are churches in the town of Newtown doing their best to stand firm in their belief in God during this very dark time.

There may be Christmas programs missing some angels, shepherds and stars this season.

There are parents struggling with sleeplessness this morning after another night of consoling little ones dealing with nightmares.

There are law enforcement officials wishing they could scrub their minds of all they have seen since Friday morning's 9-1-1 call.

God's peace to them.  To them all.   

WHAT DO YOU FOLLOW
Today's reading:  Acts 23-24

"But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a sect.  I worship the God of our ancestors..."  Acts 24:14 NLT

If you were on trial for your faith--would you admit what Paul did?

If you were called before a jury of your peers--could you defend your position as a Christian?

If you were accused of being a God-fearing person--might anyone stand up as your witness?

What do you follow?  Who do you claim as King? 

DO MY PART
Today's reading:  Revelation 7-11

I cannot end world hunger.

I cannot rescue each and every hurting heart.

I cannot provide hope to the hopeless.

I've not enough tissue to dry every eye.

I've no enough words to comfort and encourage.

But I can do my very best, in every way conceivable, as many times as are possible share with them the name of the One who can...Jesus.

"They will never again be hungry or thirsty, and they will be fully protected from the scorching noontime heat.  For the Lamb who stands in front of the throne will be their Shepherd.  He will lead them to the springs of life-giving water.  And God will wipe away all their tears."  Revelation 7:16-17 NLT

He is what I've decided to give this Christmas.   

MY LIPS
Today's reading:  Song of Solomon 3-4

"Your lips, my bride, are as sweet as honey..."  Song of Solomon 4:11 NLT

My favorite lipstick comes from Avon.

I adore the 3-step lip care system by Mary Kay.

I'm never without my Chapstick--I am a girl of the 70's, after all.  I have owned at least one of every possible flavor they've manufactured.

But my lips, well as much care as I take of them cosmetically, are a let down.

They deceive me.  They embarrass me.  They do not guard my mouth in the way I hope they would.  They are, at times, against me and my desire to speak only what is edifying, godly and kind!

I'd love for God to say about my lips the same things King Solomon spoke to his princess...but it'll take a lot more work on His part and on mine before that can happen.

NEW DEFINITION
Today's reading:  Psalm 143-145

If you've been with me any length of time, you know I am a bit of a 'word sleuth'.  I truly enjoy looking up definitions of unknown and common words and applying them to my life and mind in a new way.

Today's word is 'meditate'.  As in...

"I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles."  Psalm 145:5 NLT

The thesaurus I refer to lists several synonyms (similar meaning words) under the word 'meditate'.

Contemplate.  Consider.  Dwell upon.  Reflect.  Fixate.

But my favorite synonym for the word 'meditate'?  Absorb.

How would my day, my outreach, my ministry and my witness be different if I were to actually 'absorb' the glorious splendor of God and His miracles?

Not just to give them a passing thought.  Not just to think about them on Sunday when the pastor brings them to mind.  Not just to consider them when I'm needing one of my own...but to be so absorbed in His power, splendor and abilities that I don't hesitate to do what He's asking, that I don't doubt His plan, that I don't question His abilities--whatsoever!

Absorbing the character of God would upend my life in amazing ways, it would touch the lives of everyone I come in contact with and it would please my Father.

Meditate on that, won't you?

CHOOSING
Today's reading:  Nehemiah 10-13

"The rest of the people-the priests, the Levites, gatekeepers, singers, Temple servants and all who had separated themselves from the pagan people of the land in order to serve God, and who were old enough to understand-now all heartily bound themselves with an oath.  They vowed to accept the curse of God if they failed to obey the law of God as issued by his servant Moses.  They solemnly promised to carefully follow all the commands, laws and regulations of the Lord their God."  Nehemiah 10:28-28 NLT

A choice to separate ourselves from the darkness of the world.

A choice to accept God's discipline when we sin.

Have you made such choices?

I'll be honest, it's a scary oath to take.  It's a separation from things that are sometimes comfortable, inviting and familiar.  It's asking to be held accountable.

If I'm blending into the world, then I'm not shining for Jesus--it won't work both ways.

If I'm leading a life of ups-and downs--I've not anchored myself to Christ.

If it's easy, comes naturally or draws people because of how I'm going about all of it or how well I look as I live it--it's probably not genuine. 

If the world doesn't see me as a little different, unusual or standing out in the crowd--I've not made the right choices! 

DAYS OF THANKS
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 26-28

"...go and celebrate because of all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household."  Deuteronomy 26:11 NLT

You are enough like me to make me feel comfortable making this assumption...

It's been a little over two weeks since Thanksgiving.  The browns, oranges and yellows of our autumn celebration have made way for the greens and reds of Christmas.

The Thanksgiving dishes have been put away and the special settings with holly and berries take their place.

The cornucopia replaced by the tannebaum.

The pilgrims and Indians replaced by the Nativity.

And, the thoughts of thankfulness pushed aside like pumpkin pie for an unfurled wish list to hand the red-suited fellow.

You said you weren't going to allow thankfulness to be segregated to merely a month on the calendar.  You vowed your family and friends would know how thankful you were for them more than one season a year.  You promised God that He would hear 'thanks' from your lips more often.

But you, and I, have slipped back into our old ways.  We're asking more than we're thanking.  We're requesting more than we're appreciating.  Our indebtedness exchanged for feelings of how very much is owed us.

Deuteronomy reminds me of how very much I have to be thankful to our Heavenly Father for...what does it do for you?     

HOW CLOSELY ARE WE WALKING?
Today's reading:  2 John

"For if you wander beyond the teachings of Christ, you will not have fellowship with God.  But if you continue in the teachings of Christ, you will have fellowship with both the Father and the Son."  2 John 9 NLT

Are you reading more commentaries than Scripture?

Are you delving more deeply into books about the Good Book, than into the Good Book itself?

Are you quoting more from a favorite author than from the Author of all?

There are some great Christian books on the shelves--but His Word must remain the most important on our personal reading list!

Do not give fair names to foul sins. Call them what you will, they will smell no sweeter.
                                                                         -C. H Spurgeon

COULD I BE FOUND
Today's reading:  Acts 21-22

"We went ashore, found the local believers and stayed with them a week..."  Acts 21:4 NLT

Could I be found if someone were looking for a believer?

Would I be spotted at the lumberyard where I work?

In the line at my favorite grocery store?

As I waited at the Customer Service counter of the area's department store?

On my pew, in my church?

 

ON MY SIDE
Today's reading:  Revelation 1-6

"When I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead.  But he laid his right hand on me and said, Don't be afraid!  I am the First and the Last.  I am the living one who died.  Look, I am alive forever and ever!  And I hold the keys to death and the grave."  Revelation 1: 17 NLT

He is comforting me.  He is reminding me.  He is assuring me.  He is urging me to live and go on with His power at my disposal in regards to His works.

He is the One who lives.

He is the One who has redeemed me.

He is the One who loves me with an everlasting love.

Blessed assurance, this Jesus is mine!

FRAGRANCES
Today's reading:  Song of Solomon 1-2

"The king is lying on his couch, enchanted by the fragrance of my perfume."  Song of Solomon 1:12 NLT

Ever wished they made a Bible of the 'scratch and sniff' variety?

--We could experience the smell of the Tabernacle as the incense was burned.
--We could smell the acridity of the sacrifices being offered by fire.
--We could catch a whiff of the musky aroma King Solomon smelled on the Shulammite girl.
--We could smell the sea and smoke in the air as we stood on Mt. Carmel with Elijah.
--We could smell the fishy aroma as James, John & Zebedee unloaded the day's catch.
--We could sniff the frankincense and myrrh offered to the Christ Child by the Wisemen.
--We could inhale the fragrance of the contents of Mary's alabaster box.
--We could place ourselves, by scent, in the prison where Paul and Silas prayed and sang.
--We could deeply inhale the spicy aromas of the marketplaces of Jesus' time.

But what about the pleasing fragrance mentioned in 2 Corinthians?  The one His children are supposed to be emitting to a stinky world filled with sin?

"Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life."  2 Corinthians 2:15 MSG

Would the 'scratch and sniff' offered on that page of the Bible smell anything like you?  Would it resemble the scent you're known for?  Would it match the fragrance you're leaving where ever you go?  

Check your scent today...it's part of the testimony you're giving when you say nothing at all!

CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM
Today's reading:  Psalm 140-142

"Let the godly strike me!  It will be a kindness!  If they reprove me, it is soothing medicine.  Don't let me refuse it.  But I am in constant prayer against the wicked and their deeds."  Psalm 141:5 NLT

Gulp.

I'm imperfect and I know it.  A whole lot of you know it, too.

Believe me when I say I want to do what's right--in all ways, all the time, so I'll take David's words as my own...

Christian brothers and sisters, let me know when I'm sinning.

Do it, please, but do it in love.

Call me to order.  Set me straight.  Point out the errors in my walk and my talk.  Tell me when my attitude needs an adjustment.  Point to my prayer chair and put me in 'time out' on occasion.

Don't leave me, brothers and sisters in Christ, to my own ways.

Help me--and I'll help you!  

SPEAKING UP
Today's reading:  Nehemiah 5-9

"My reply was, You know you are lying.  There is no truth in any part of your story.  They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining they would break our resolve and stop the work.  So I prayed for strength to continue the work."  Nehemiah 6:8-9 NLT

Our enemy is a sneaky one.  He whispers lies as fluently as I speak Southern Illinois English. 

At one moment he tells us to give up, give in and throw in the towel on this Christian walk thing.  He reminds us of each and every mistake we've made.  He keeps an ongoing tally of our slip-ups.  He is ever so quick to delude our minds with doubts and fears.

In the next breath he applauds our sinful attempts.  He tries to gloss over what we know in our hearts to be wrong.  He attempts to pile decorative frosting on some rather bitter tasting choices we've made.  He urges us to place blame when responsibility is solely ours.

What should we do with a 'friend' like that?

Tell him the truth!  Speak up!  Call him out!  Pray!

Or just sit there continuing to believe his lies, buying into his schemes and falling for his tricks.  He's content with you doing just that--are you?   

READY TO FIGHT
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 23-25

My Dad has retired from working at our local power plant.

Knowing him, however, did not help or give us any perks a few years ago when a storm came through the area and we found ourselves with no power for a few days.

He did all he could on his end, making sure the turbines were working, the coal was unloaded and the power generating machines were up and going.

The problem is, there was a disruption, a blockage, a disconnection in the lines from the power plant where Dad worked and our house.

I think that's what the verse I've found today is talking about...

"When you go to war against your enemies, stay away from everything impure."  Deuteronomy 23:9 NLT 

God wants us to stand firm against satan.  He wants us to access every ounce of His strength and power when we fight against him.  He wants us to believe with all we have that we are more than conquerors when we side with Him...but He also wants us to make doubly sure there are no lines of communication down between Him and us.

No sins unrepented.  No attitudes left unchecked.  No unforgiveness towards a Christian brother or sister bogging us down.

So, this early Monday morning I ask you:  Are you prepared, heart and soul, to fight your enemy today?

WINNING TEAM
Today's reading:  1 John 4-5

I'm jumping up and down with joy!

I'm lifting my hands and pumping my fists in victory!

I'm thrilled.  I'm ecstatic.  I'm above and beyond excited!

Why?

Because I'm on the winning team--and you are too, if you are a child of the Living God...

"And the ones who win this battle against the world are the ones who believe that Jesus is the Son of God."  1 John 5:5 NLT 

MIRACLES
Today's reading:  Acts 19-20

"God gave Paul the power to do unusual miracles."  Acts 19:11 NLT

Paul's not the only one God endowed with this special ability--all of us, as God's children, have acquired the same power through Jesus Christ.

Think not?  Allow me to disprove you by way of the examples in my own life...

He's given me the power to hear Him speak through the Scriptures, then pass what I hear on to you.  The simple facts that He'd speak to me, that I'd slow down and choose to listen and that I, having stumbled my way through English and Literature classes in high school, would be a 'writer', is a miracle!

He's give me opportunity to speak to church groups about this ministry He's allowed me.  Granted I am a talker, but before crowds of saints, learned people and complete strangers.  That's a miracle!

He's chosen me to minister at times with my cooking.  I am not a chef, by any stretch of the imagination, but have taken a few meals to folks in need that have praised God for what they were given.  If God can use my cooking, it's a miracle!

He's helped me hold my tongue.  He's offered to help me on more occasions that I've taken Him up on His offer, but He's helped me none the less.  Controlling my tongue is an unusual miracle I have experienced personally.

God's given us the power to do some unusual miracles--are you noticing them?