THE REAL ME
Today's reading:  2 Samuel 5-9

"...You know what I am really like, Sovereign Lord."  2 Samuel 7:20 NLT

I can put on airs.

I can get made-up.

I can put on a smile.

I can polish my manners and hold my head up high as I watch my p's and q's.

I can get gussied up, as Grandma used to say--but God still knows the real me.

That's scary.  There's nothing at all I can hide from Him.

That's humbling.  The One who holds the galaxies in place, knows me.

That's comforting.  He knows me, inside and out, and still sent His Son to die on a cross.

He knows me, yet He loves me!

WE'VE GOTTA TELL THEM
Today's reading: Exodus 16-20

"Word soon reached Jethro, the priest of Midian and Moses' father-in law, about all the wonderful things God had done for Moses and his people, the Israelites. He had heard about how the Lord had brought them safely out of Egypt." Exodus 18:1 NLT

How did Jethro hear?

No telephone. No internet. No Pony Express. No television. No newspaper. No telegraph. No church prayer chain.

How did he hear about what God had been doing?

He heard because someone couldn't keep quiet!

Someone saw how God spared His people from the plagues. Someone saw how the Red Sea parted and the Israelites walked right through. Someone might have seen a covey of quail swarming past their caravan of camels and nose-dive straight into the two-million plus camp. Someone possibly saw a spring of water burst forth out of a rock after a man, who looked a lot like Charleston Heston, prayed to Jehovah and struck the rock with his staff. Someone saw something happen in that desert wilderness.

And they couldn't keep it to themselves!

Now how about you? What did you witness yesterday as you worshipped with your brothers and sisters in Christ that you cannot keep a lid on today? How have you seen God answer that you cannot keep quiet about? How did the Spirit of the Living God move among your church pews? How did hearts, lost and dying, come to meet the Healer? How did your spirit bear witness with another as you prayed?

And you're keeping it under wraps? How in the world can you do it? Why in the world would you do it?

Good news travels fast--if you're willing to let the cat out of the bag!

A SHOT IN THE ARM
Today's reading:  2 Corinthians 4-5

"We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken.  We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit.  We are hunted down, but God never abandons us.  We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going."  2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NLT

If ever there was a verse we Christians need to be reminded of on Sunday mornings, it's this one.

You see, for me, and I think for a lot of you, Sunday is the time we re-group and re-charge for the week ahead.  It's when we draw strength from the body of Christ.  It's when we choose to gather with fellow warriors who are fighting the good fight.

This verse can be our cheer... 

It can prepare us for the week's battles.

It can bolster our faith.

It can remind of us the purpose of the fight.

It can boost our resolve.

It can garner our commitment,

It can remind us that it's not about our lack of power, but all about His undying love for us!

WAKE UP
Today's reading:  Mark 13-14

"Don't let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning."  Mark 13:36 NLT

Our son's grade school principal, Mrs. Miller, is an amazing woman.  She is constantly on the go.  Consistently doing what she can.  When asked about her pace of life, I've heard her say, 'I can rest when I get to heaven, there's too much to get done while we're here.'

I didn't realize it when she told me, but it's biblical.

Our time here is limited.  Our opportunities are limited to this blue and green orb.  Our commission is for this time and this time only.

So, wake up.  Rise and shine.  Wipe the sleep out of your eyes and get to doing what He's asked us to do!  Don't let Him catch you sleeping.  

FULL MOON
Today's reading:  Jeremiah 22-26

"...The Lord as spoken!"  Jeremiah 25:31 NLT

A simple statement.  A profound remark.  An exhaustive observation.

Like last night's full moon.  Huge.  Perfectly placed.  Lit with the lumens of heaven.

The period for the end of a day.  The end of an orbital twenty-four hour spin.  The pronouncement of His reign and the promise of His endurance. 

So many of the things I struggle with in life, He has already has the final say about.

The gray areas I like to wallow in and wrestle with, if I were to check my heart and peruse the Word, He has already spoken to me about.

If I choose to listen.

If I choose to see.

If I allow myself to see the 'period' at the end of His statements! 

THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE
Today's reading:  Job 33-34

"God rescued me from the grave, and now my life is filled with light."  Job 33:28 NLT

Yesterday the Lord spoke to me about being redeemed.  Today He whispers to my heart, 'Purpose, dear girl.'

I have been created, formed, birthed, saved from the pits of hell, set aside, regenerated, mentored and guided by the Holy Spirit to shine a life-giving light in a dark world.

Hiding what I know about God under a bushel basket is not, I repeat, is not an option.

Allowing satan to huff and puff and reduce my flame to nothing but a smoldering wick, is not an option.

I'm to shine brightly.  I'm to shine radiantly.  I'm to shine with excitement, enthusiasm, anticipation and a feeling of accomplishment and doing just what I'm called to do.  I'm to shine with confidence, not in myself, but in the God who has set me to this task--really just a minute favor I'm allowed to do for my Savior!

I'm to shine where I'm not expected to shine.  I'm to absolutely glow in the places where light is least expected to be.  I'm to shimmer in the light  of Christ on the darkest of days, through the roughest of storms and under the worst of conditions.

What about you?  Are you filled with light?  Are you properly responding to the fact that He has saved you from the grave? 

AS FOR ME
Today's reading:  Psalm 48-50

"But as or me, God will redeem my life..."  Psalm 49:15 NLT

Are you fully aware of what the word 'redeem' means?  We sing about being 'redeemed' in many of our hymns.  We read the word 'redeemed' in several Bible verses.  We have grown up knowing that Jesus Christ is our Redeemer.

But do we truly know what it means and, in turn, how much it should mean to us?

Redeem, according to Noah Webster and his colleagues:  1 a: to buy back : repurchase b: to get or win back, 2 : to free from what distresses or harms: as a: to free from captivity by payment of ransom b: to extricate from or help to overcome something.

Does the definition personalize it for you? 

We have been bought back from our sins.

We will be free from what distresses or harms.

We will be extricated, if we haven't already.

As for me, I don't deserve it.  As for me, I could think of several others more worthy.  As for me, I wouldn't have wasted time or energy on myself, knowing my track record.

And yet He did!  My life has been and will be redeemed.  To God be the glory!

SPEAK WHEN LED
Today's reading:  2 Samuel 1-4

"Then Joab said, God only knows what would have happened if you hadn't spoken..."  2 Samuel 2:27 NLT

Boy, oh boy, did this verse ever catch my eye.

Let me introduce myself:  I am a talker.  I am the wife of a man who is not a talker.  I am a gal whose mouth is constantly engaged.  I am a woman who, if awake, is talking.  I am a Christian who struggles with a 'thorn in my flesh' shaped a lot like the desire to be heard.  I am one who believes my opinion should be voiced, and usually is.  And, I am aware of my disability and battles it daily and hourly.

Then to read today's verse.

And to think about the lives I might change if I do speak when God leads me to.

And to experience the joy of obedience to my Father when I mention His name to another.

And to know if I'm talking about Him, I'm fulfilling my Great Commission.

And to fathom the possibility of being one crying out in the darkness about the Light of the World.

May all of my words be filled with Him, His grace, His love, His wisdom...and may yours be, too.

HIS GLORY, NOT MY EASE
Today's reading:  Exodus 13-16

"...I have planned this so I will receive great glory at the expense of Pharoah and his armies..."  Exodus 14:4 NLT

Talk about between a rock and a hard place.

Two million of God's children.  Still healing from the shackles of slavery.  Legs still growing  accustom to walking in the desert and not in the brick-mixing troughs.

And they find themselves with their backs against the Red Sea, facing down 600 of Pharoah's iron chariots.

Maybe you're in the same pickle.

Is it cancer or disease that's got your back up against a wall?

Could it be broken dreams that have you cornered?

Does a goal continue to remain out of arm's reach?

Are you situated between a casket and a crowd of well-meaning friends and family?

Are you staring down the face of an uncertain future?

Does it cross your mind that this, too, is for His glory?

He is not surprised by your diagnosis.  He has not been caught off guard by recent events.  He has not grown weary of carrying you through this seemingly everlasting storm.

To God be the glory--in everything!

Believe God's love and power more than you believe your own feelings and experiences. Your rock is Christ, and it is not the rock that ebbs and flows but the sea.                -Samuel Rutherford

HIS GRACE AND PEACE
Today's reading:  2 Corinthians 1-3

"May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you his grace and peace."  2 Corinthians 1:2 NLT

His grace and peace.

Not the world's.

There is a huge difference, you know.

The world's peace is dependent upon outside circumstances, things going according to our plans and the absence of storms.  God's peace, however, is completely and utterly wrapped up in the knowledge of Him as personal Savior.  The world's peace looks good on the outside.  God's peace is never fully understood, explained or fathomed.

The world's grace is divvied out based on who you are.  Grace is like tolerance, doled out to those deemed worthy, those who can return the favor, those who, according to the powers that be, deserve it.  The world's grace has strings attached and is limited to those giving it out.  God's grace is limitless.  God's grace is available to all.  God's grace is beyond our comprehension and way beyond anything we could ever deserve.

So I ask, whose grace and peace do you seek?  Whose grace and peace do you carry in your heart?  Whose grace and peace will get you farther in this life, and into eternity?

WHAT AM I DOING?
Today's reading:  Mark 11-12

"When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the merchants and their customers.  He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the stalls of those selling doves and he stopped everyone from bringing in merchandise.  He taught them, The Scriptures declare, My Temple will be called a place of prayer for all nations, but you have turned it into a den of thieves."  Mark 11:15-17 NLT

As I prepare, physically, mentally and spiritually for the Lord's Day, I think it's very important that I stop to account for what I am doing to the Lord's Temple.

What attitude will I bring inside its walls?

What encouragement will I disperse?

Whose presence will I consider to be most important tomorrow--mine or His?

Jesus had a problem with the 'sellers' and the 'buyers' at the Temple.  Both were changing His House into something to benefit their greater good, not glorify God.  Both sides sought to profit, not to praise.  The 'sellers' offered a bargain, the 'buyers' snatched them up--neither wanting to put much effort or expense into getting what they wanted.

It's something I really need to think about before setting foot in my house of worship, maybe you do, too.
 

THE SEASON YOU ARE IN
Today's reading:  Jeremiah 17-21

"But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.  They are like trees planted along a riverbank with roots that reach deep into the water.  Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought.  Their leaves stay green and they go right on producing delicious fruit."  Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT

The leaves on the trees are just beginning to open.

The redbud buds are bulging with their pink-purple hues.

The tulips at the back door are all bloomed out.

The lilacs on on the verge of blooming, their signaling spring fragrance soon to come.

The peonies have made their triumphal entry through winter's cold ground.

The asparagus is poking its head through the dirt, soon to be on the plate.

Spring is springing.  The long winter is ending.  Another season is upon us.

And you? 

Are you producing what He has purposed you to produce during this season you're in? 

Does He have you in a season of re-birth, renewal, re-dedication?

Does He have you in an autumnal state, shedding what's no longer needed to make way for the new and the vibrant?

Does He have you walking through warm summer months when growth is expected, anticipated, undeniable?

Does He have you in a state of winter preparation?  Storing up for a season of growth?  Still and learning more about Him?  Root bound in preparation for warming in His hands?

Check your 'leaves' today.  Produce all the fruit you can for the season you're in.  Do what you can for the Lord, He has done so much for you!  

SOMEONE LISTENING
Today's reading:  Job 31-32

"If only I had someone who would listen to me and try to see my side!.."  Job 31:35 NLT

You listen, don't you, Lord.

But You don't bend the rules, lower your standards or accept my excuses,do You?

You don't willingly accept below standard behavior from Your princess.

You listen to all I have to say.  Your ear is bent to my whining and moaning.  You pay attention to my every word, but seeing 'my side of the story' is not as important to You as me displaying godly character in my every action, thought and attitude.

I have Someone on my side, when I am on the right side.

I have a Best Friend who hears me out, but still tells it as it is--through my heart and through Your Word.

Thanks, Lord!  

WHERE AM I TAKING HIM
Today's reading:  Psalm 45-47

"The Lord Almighty is here among us, the God of Israel is our fortress."  Psalm 46:7 NLT

Where will I take the Lord today?

What sights shall I show Him today?

Will He feel welcome where I walk? 

Will He feel comfortable in all the conversations I launch in to?

Will He and I have the same plans and purposes for the next 24 hours?

STAY IN THE FIGHT
Today's reading:  1 Samuel 26-31

"When the Israelites on the other side of the Jezreel Valley and beyond the Jordan saw that their army had been routed and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned their towns and fled.  So the Philistines moved in and occupied their towns."  1 Samuel 31:7 NLT

Maybe you feel like tucking your tail and running.

Maybe you're looking over the situation and it looks hopeless.

Maybe your dreams have shattered and the last bit of hope you held in your hand has died.

Maybe it's time I told you--You are still His.

That makes you victorious.

That makes you successful.

That makes you valuable.

That makes you a winner, if not here, then most assuredly, in heaven!

So keep fighting.  Keep believing.  Keep trusting. 

KEEP TALKING
Today's reading:  Exodus 9-12

"Now the Lord had told Moses, Pharoah will not listen to you.  But this will give me the opportunity to do even more mighty miracles in the land of Egypt."  Exodus 11:9 NLT

You and I both have friends and family members who continue to tune us out when we talk about our Lord.

They won't change their sinful ways.

They won't come to church when invited.

They won't listen to anything about their need for salvation.

I'm encouraged to know in the life of Moses, it happened the same way.  And in Pharaoh's case, it just led to God looking grander and grander in each instance.

I'm assured to know it will happen the same way with those I'm witnessing to, as well.

I've got to keep on.

I must continue.

I cannot quit--for their sakes, or mine.

I'll keep talking about my Lord and He will handle His end of things!  

SERVE WITH GLADNESS
Today's reading:  1 Corinthians 15-16

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."  1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT

Sunday morning has arrived and if your house is like ours, we are comparing agendas for this Lord's Day.

Does Dale open the church this morning?

Which of us, if not both, are serving with the kids today?

Will Isaiah have Youth Group this morning or this evening?

Any meetings scheduled for us after services end?

There are just some Sundays when we're called to serve away from the pew and out from under the preaching of God's Word...but it's still important to function where you're needed!

'Nothing we ever do for the Lord is ever useless.'  That should encourage you this morning, where ever it may be that you're serving your church and your Lord.

JUST A REMINDER
Today's reading:  Mark 9-10

"Jesus looked at them intently and said, Humanly speaking, it is impossible.  But not with God.  Everything is possible with God."  Mark 10: 27 NLT

It's like a post-it note.

Or a string tied around one's finger.

Or a complimentary reminder call.
  
God knows our minds constantly place on the scales of possibility what He's asking us to believe and what our minds believe can be done.

So He sends, in His Word, this reminder.

Because He loves us so.

Because He knows it's an area where we struggle.

Because He knows once our hearts and minds are released from the bondage of doubt, we can be about all He's wanting us to do!   

WE JUST DON'T KNOW
Today's reading:  Jeremiah 12-16

"Give glory to the Lord your God before it is too late..."  Jeremiah 13:16 NLT

How would you live today differently if you knew it was your last?

Would you speak more courageously?  With more heartfelt conviction?

Do you know it's not?

We just don't know how many more days we have left to praise the Lord.

We don't know how many more opportunities we will be given to share about Him.

We just don't know, so give Him glory today.   

EASIER THAN YOU THINK
Today's reading:  Job 29-30

"When they were discouraged, I smiled at them.  My look of approval was precious to them."  Job 29:24 NLT

I know, the 'witnessing' thing is a little scary.  Well, maybe even a lot scary.

The right words.  The right timing.  The right attitude.  The right verse.  The right answers.

Let's get to the center of it--the rich caramely goodness, the fluffy white center, the raspberry jellied middle..

It's not as hard as we're making it.

It may all begin with a smile.

A smile instead of a frown.  A look of approval instead a look down the nose.  An encouraging nod instead of a shaking of the head.

People need to know they're loved--by you first, then by a God who sent His Only Begotten just for their sins!

I believe Zig Ziglar put it best, 'They'll not care how much you know until they know how much you care.'

So today, witness with a smile.  See where it takes you!  

VICTORY IN JESUS
Today's reading:  Psalm 42-44

"You are my King and my God.  You command victories for your people."  Psalm 44:4 NLT

Lord,

I'm sorry.

Very sorry.

You see, I've been choosing ease or comfort over the victories You have provided for me, your child.

In instances where I see a door opened to serve You wholeheartedly, love another as I would You or minister in a way only You could have ordained, I'm taking the easier route.  A shortcut.  I'm completely ignoring the right path You place before me and blazing my own trail.  Or worse yet, I'm following along the rabbit path that skirts the issue entirely!

Victorious living is what You have purposed for my life.  Victory over small things and big things.  Godliness.  Holiness.  Right living.  Joy.  Peace.

And still I choose Plan B, debilitating, frustrating and humiliating Plan B, more often than not.

It's not what you intended.  Not what you intended at all.

MAKING AN EFFORT
Today's reading:  1 Samuel 21-25

"Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God." 1 Samuel 23:16 NLT

Jonathan was not just available.

Jonathan had not just made himself accessible.

Jonathan made an effort to encourage.  He had made an 'out of his way' effort to encourage. 

Do we do the same?

Do we walk across the church to give a hug?  Do we exert ourselves by jotting a note, picking up the phone or sending an e-mail?

Or are we waiting?

Waiting for a needy heart to step into our area of influence?  Preparing for a pep session with whomever comes within arm's reach?  Praying for God to send you the right words for the right person at your right hand?

How about making an effort to encourage someone in their faith?

Today. 

SAD WORDS
Today's reading:  Exodus 5-8

Pharoah was not a friend to God's people.

He was uncaring, unthoughtful, mean and scared.

Saying 'no' to Moses is what he will always be most known for, but 'no' are not the saddest words he said.

"...I don't know the Lord..."  Exodus 5:2 NLT

Pharaoh didn't know the Lord to whom He should bow.

That's sad news.

That's not uncommon.  You see, people you rub shoulders with today are in the same boat.

Hard to imagine, isn't it?

In this country built on faith in God, there are still some who are ignorant to Him and His ways.

So it's up to us.  We've got to fill them in.  We've got to tell them.  Better yet, we've got to show them!

PRAYING FOR TODAY
Today's reading:  1 Corinthians 13-14

I'd like to invite you to my church.

Oh, it might be a drive for some of you.  Our music might be a little too upbeat for others.  Our preacher could be a little louder than what you're used to.  The Holy Spirit's presence might just surprise the lot of you.

But consider yourself invited.

Invited into a group of misfits, imperfect folks and men and women who once were lost, but now are found--and very excited about it!  People who can laugh.  Families who are dysfunctional.  Christians who are blessed and spilling over into the lives of those around them.

Come to my church today, God will be there!

How do I know God will be in our midst today?  Because I'm asking Him.  And I am sure I am not the only one doing so.

If you want the same things for your church, pray about it using a verse from today's Scripture text as a prayer starter...

"As they listen, their secret thoughts will be laid bare, and they will fall down on their knees and worship God, declaring, God really is here among you."  1 Corinthians 14:25 NLT  

We

POTS AND KETTLES
Today's reading:  Mark 7-8

"One day some Pharisees and teachers of religious law arrived from Jerusalem to confront Jesus."  Mark 7:1 NLT

You gasp.  You are shocked.  You choke on the boldness of the Pharisees.

Just who in the world did they think they were to question Jesus?

Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black?

Don't we do the same thing? 

We use our prayer time to essentially interrogate our Savior about His plans, His timing, His ways and His abilities.

We call it prayer but it is really time spent in suggestive counseling to the Creator of the universe.

We would never ask Him, 'Who do you think you are?', yet our motives and attitudes are no less questionable that those of the religious leaders of His time.  

I'm going to do some soul-searching before I go into my prayer closet today.

FILLED WITH DREAD
Today's reading:  Jeremiah 7-11

My heart sunk.  I was sick to my stomach.  My hand flew to my mouth in disbelief.  I couldn't believe what I was reading...

"Pray no more for these people, Jeremiah.  Do not weep or pray for them, and don't beg me to help them, for I will not listen to you."  Jeremiah 7:16 NLT

Imagine getting to the point that God asks the one person praying for you in this life to stop.

Imagine God being through with us.  Willing to wash His hands of us.

For the people of Judah, in this instance, it was due to their idolatry.  Could the same be said of us?

I am filled with dread to think of what I might be placing before God--and what might be 'the straw that breaks the camel's back' in regards to His patience with me.

Our mind is where our pleasure is, our heart is where our treasure is, our love is where our life is, but all these, our pleasure, treasure, and life, are reposed in Jesus Christ.      Thomas Adams
 

LIFE'S NOT FAIR
Today's reading:  Job 27-28

"Evil people may have all the money in the world, and they may store away mounds of clothing.  But the righteous will wear that clothing, and the innocent will divide all that money."  Job 27:16-17 NLT

The saying around here is:  Life's not fair, it'll all be settled in heaven.

It's repeated often for the young man in our home, and for his mother.

What we see going on in the world, in our town, in our neighborhood and in our families don't always make sense when we look at it through our eyes.  Riches aren't evenly dispersed.  Great opportunities don't get spread out on an equal basis.  Good times do not fall equivalently on all parties.

Grown-ups, as well as kids, mumble and grumble about life's unequal opportunities.

We grumble, that is, until we re-position our thoughts on eternity.

In the end, in the very end, all things are leveled out at Jesus' feet and the spoils of a life well-lived are divvied out at His throne.  Riches and honors will be awarded in heavenly realms.

Will you be receiving yours then?  Then don't worry about now!

COUNTDOWN
Today's reading:  Psalm 39-41

"Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.  Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away."  Psalm 39:4 NLT

It's only 265 days until Christmas.

It will be here before we know it.

We'll be scratching our heads and saying to each other, as we stand in the crowded checkout lanes, where has the time gone? 

Same is true for life.

Go ahead and do what He's called you to do today.  Forgive today.  Witness today.  Call up that old friend today.  Send that card today.  Confess those sins today.  Step out on faith today.

Allow today's verse to remind you that our days are numbered--and we don't know what that number is!  

FIGHTING GIANTS
Today's reading:  1 Samuel 16-20
  
"Goliath stood and shouted across to the Israelites, Do you need a whole army to settle this?  Choose someone to fight for you, and I will represent the Philistines."  1 Samuel 17:8 NLT

Honor, privilege and opportunity may very well come your way today.

Today may be the day you're chosen to be a 'David' and defend your faith against a giant.

This may be the day when you surprise yourself with grit, determination and willpower from God.

Today may be the day your enemy determines you to be a worthy foe, not just a wishy-washy, hot-and-cold, name-it-but-never-claim-it kind of Christian.

Today may be your day on the battlefield.

Today just might be the day God has chosen for you to take a stand, speak up or to show satan just how strong God is within you.

Today may be the day!    

HAS HE GOT YOUR ATTENTION?
Today's reading:  Exodus 1-4

"When the Lord saw that he had caught Moses' attention, God called to him from the bush, Moses!  Moses!"  Exodus 3:4 NLT

A fiery shrub that never burned up.  It caught Moses' eye and kept him focused long enough to hear God calling His name for an important mission.

What will He place in your path today to catch your attention?

Will it be someone needing to hear about Him?

Will it be a traffic jam that causes you to pause and look around?

Will it be a test result?

Will it be a change in plans?

Will it be a song?

Will it be a verse?

God wants your attention and will place some pretty interesting things in our way to get it.  Look for them.  Expect them.  Keep your eyes peeled--and your heart ready to hear Him speak your name.