SATISFIED
Today's reading:  Psalm 90-92

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives."  Psalm 90:14 NLT

Satisfied in the morning?  Beginning the day with all we feel we need or want?  Not lacking anything?  Hmmm, how would that change the rest of our day?

God's love can do that for us.  It can fill every vacancy in our hearts.  It can change our attitudes about what we have, or have not.  It can 'top us off' and allow us to pour into the lives of others.  It can heal aches left from brokenness and unfulfilled promises.

My prayer is that I will find what I need each morning in Him, leaving the rest of the day for me to proclaim just how wonderful His love is!   

SORRY
Today's reading:  2 Kings 21-25

"You were sorry and humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I said against this city and its people, that this land would be cursed and become desolate.  You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance.  So I have indeed heard you, says the Lord."  2 Kings 22:19 NLT

You and I have both been told, 'I'm sorry.'

In some instances, the speaker of the words were sincere, you could hear it in their voice and see it in their eyes.  Their actions followed up their regret.

In some instances, the speaker had been caught in an indiscretion and was more embarrassed than sorry. 

In some instances, the speaker was prompted to say the words due to the protocol associated with manners. 

In some instances, the speaker muttered the words with no intention what so ever of meaning them.

The same words each and every time.

But are they?

How is it we tell God, 'I'm sorry.'?  What feelings or emotions prompt us to bow before Him in repentance and regret?  What proof does He see?  How's our attitude?

 

HIS NAME
Today's reading:  Leviticus 22-24

"Do not treat my holy name as common or ordinary..."  Leviticus 22:32 NLT

Maybe I don't shout God's name when I stub my toe or hit my finger with a hammer.

May I don't surround His name with a bevy of other expletives that would make a sailor blush with shame.

Maybe I don't agree with watching movies and television shows that use His name flippantly or in a humorous manner.

But I may still be guilty.

Do I mention His name as often as I do one of my favorite celebrities?

Am I letting people know I am related to Him, if by no other claim than by His Son's blood?

Do I drop His name into every conversation I am in?

Do people even know I know God based on my words?

As His, I lay claim to His holy name.  As one saved to the uttermost by His sacrifice, I can offer hope to those who don't yet know Him.  As a saved, gonna-be-given-the-keys-to-a-mansion daughter of the Lord God Almighty, I can talk about my Father in such a way to make those who are unaware of His power want to know more about Him.

Or do I treat His name as common or ordinary?

ALWAYS MEANS ALWAYS
Today's reading:  1 Thessalonians 4-5

"Always be joyful."  1 Thessalonians 5:16 NLT

Simply put.

Short but sweet.

Very little wiggle room.

Easily understood.

God told Paul to write, 'Always be joyful', and always is what He meant!

Be joyful when you're called to serve in the nursery.

Be joyful when you're asked to serve on kitchen duty.

Be joyful when you're called upon to work behind the scenes.

Be joyful when you don't feel like it.

Be joyful when you don't want to.

Always means always, no fine print to read!

THEY WERE DESPERATE
Today's reading:  Luke 23-24

"Then they became desperate..."  Luke 23:5 NLT

Who became desperate?  The council that brought Jesus before Pilate.

I can see them wringing their hands.  I can see their bribes bulging in their pockets.  I can imagine thoughts of their political downfalls filling their heads.

They were at the point they had no hope...and yet that Hope was staring them in the eye. 

They were moved to despair...and yet they condemned their only Way out.

They were suffering extreme need and anxiety...and still they placed on the cross the One who could rid them of all anxious thoughts in exchange for rest and peace.

The desperate people are still out there.

They're still pushing Jesus aside, blaming Him for their messes and placing Him in a safe, out of the way place--far from their hearts.

They, or at least a few of them, will be sitting beside you in church tomorrow.

They might be at the same dinner table you sit at for Sunday's lunch.

They could possibly be in your own home.

They, be honest here, could be you, now couldn't they?

INSIDE OUR CELLS
Today's reading:  Ezekiel 37-42

"So now the Sovereign Lord says, I will end the captivity of my people..."  Ezekiel 39:25 NLT

We are free.

Through the power and might of Christ's blood, we are free.

So what are so many of us doing inside our jail cells with the door swinging wide open?  Freedom within a few steps?  A new life on the other side of bars broken loose by Calvary?

Are we more comfortable tied down than free?

Do we have fears that keep us attached to captive chambers?

Are we scared of what independence from our sins will allow us to do?

The doors have been opened, friend.  The Key sits beside God our Father in heavenly realms. 

Step outside your cell and live! 

MY LITTLE LIGHT
Today's reading:  Proverbs 13

"The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the sinner's light is snuffed out."  Proverbs 13:9 NLT

I want to be different.

In a dark, cold world, I want to stand out as warm and glowing.

I want that 'something' others see and can't quite put their finger on.  And when they ask, I'm gonna tell them about Jesus.

I want to handle trials in a way that astounds.

I want to walk through valleys with a joyous spirit.

I want to add brightness to the lives of each and every person I meet..

I want to live in expectation that my prayers will be answered, in His time and in His spectacular way

I want to be a beacon for those needing to find Christ.

I want to shine as I read God's Word and allow it's words to change my life.

What must I do to achieve these high and lofty goals?  I've got push myself aside and allow more of Christ into my heart and soul.

I want enough of Him in me that 'He shines through the holes in this cracked pot', as Patsy Clairmont puts it. 

NEVER
Today's reading:  Psalm 87-89

"But I will never stop loving him, nor let my promises fail to him.  No, I will not break my covenant; I will not take back a single word I said."  Psalm 89:33-34 NLT

Dependability is a foreign concept.

Cars don't last like they're promised.  Warranties void themselves within the lines of fine print.  Vows are spoken but not taken to heart.  Appliance servicemen can give you a day, but will not be committed to a specific time. Phone calls aren't always returned.

To think God will remain true to us is a thought that's hard to fathom based on the world around us.

We tend to think He will love us if...

Or, He will keep His word until...

 He will walk beside us unless a better offer comes along...

Or, He didn't really intend it to mean 'never'...

Knowing God is always with me, unchanging, always approachable, powerfully mighty makes me walk with my head a little higher.  It keeps me from having to watch my back as I trudge forward.

Everything He has spoken remains.  Every promise He has said has, is or will come true. 

TRAILBLAZERS
Today's reading:  2 Kings 16-20

"...They walked down the same evil paths that Israel had established."  2 Kings 17:19 NLT

Where are we leading those following us?

Are we walking down old, worn paths that have been traveled for many generations?  Paths that are comfortable, easy and clearly visible?  Are they the right paths?

Do they lead to godliness? 

It might be time to blaze a new trail.  For your family, for your church, for your community. 

Just because it's 'always been done that way', does not mean it's right.  Just because it's a tradition, does not mean it's right.  Just because it's never been done any other way does not mean there isn't a better way, a way that reaches more souls and strengthens more hearts.  Just because everyone else is walking on it doesn't mean it's the right path.

Closely inspect the path you're on.

The right path, the path God wants us on, won't always be a leisurely stroll down a rose-scented walkway that meanders through the most lovely of scenic views.  It'll be the path that's straight and narrow.  It will be the path that leads through a few valleys of learning and trusting.  It will be a path that few are traveling.  It will be a path just narrow enough sometimes for just you and the Lord.  It will be a path that of eternal value.  It will be a path that's clearly marked--if we're looking to Him for direction.

We're all following a path--are we following the right one?      

SET APART
Today's reading:  Leviticus 19-21

"...I, the Lord am your God, who has set you apart from all other people."  Leviticus 20:24 NLT

Quite a reminder as I get up and ready for the first day of a new week.  The day following a great day in the Lord's house.  A day when most people trudge into work like little grumbling robots.

I have been chosen to be different.

I have been chosen to speak differently.

Work differently.

Accept challenges in a different manner.

React differently.

Make decisions that might not be popular.

I have been chosen to stand out in the crowd.

To, sometimes, stick out like an old-fashioned kind of gal.

To be seen as different in a world with over seven billion people.

To dress differently.

To raise my children in a different way than their friends' parents raise them.

God has not saved me from a fiery hell to allow me to be swallowed up by the crowd , dress like they do or act in manners less than befitting His child.

Oh, same's true for you, too.


 

GO TELL IT
Today's reading:  1 Thessalonians 1-3

"For we speak as messengers who have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News.  Our purpose is to please God, not people.  He is the one who examines the motives of our hearts."  1 Thessalonians 2:4 NLT

Are we speaking out?  Telling it on the mountain?  Shouting it everywhere we go?

Well, are we?

We're doing the deeds, but are we speaking the Truth?

We're serving in our churches, but are we telling our neighbors?

We're giving so that the orphans will not go hungry, but are we feeding our own children with God's Word?

We're entertaining the youth that step foot inside our churches, but are we filling their hearts with Scripture?

We're attending the services, but are we taking what we hear out into the highways and byways?

We've been approved as messengers--are we presenting the message, or just doing busy-work?   

OPPORTUNITY
Today's reading:  Luke 21-22

"This will be your opportunity to tell them about me."  Luke 21:22 NLT

I am completely wrapped up in the thought of 'opportunity'.

An opportunity is a juncture of circumstances or a good chance for advancement or progress...either definition falls entirely in the hands of a creative God!

The circumstances you find yourself in today--orchestrated by the Lord.

The places you find yourself in today--set up by your Father.

And the people He places you in contact with?  Ordained by the Creator.

Imagine, an opportunity of His making.  An opportunity of a lifetime.  An option presented that will have eternal impact.

Do you grasp why the idea of 'opportunities' has filled my head and heart?  

I'M AFRAID
Today's reading:  Ezekiel 31-36

"When I have ruined the land because of their disgusting sins, then they will know that I am the Lord."  Ezekiel 33:29 NLT

I'm afraid of what's happening to this great country of ours.

I know we are not God's chosen race or God's chosen place--but we're His adopted children residing on the acreage He's giving us as a mission field, that makes us important to Him.

And we're failing Him.

We're not living as we should.

We're not proclaiming the Good News in as many ways as we can.

We're not standing up when there's a stand to take.

We're not speaking up again issues that need a Christian input.

From sea to shining sea disgusting sins are running rampant.

The purple mountain majesties are being littered with repulsions our forefathers would have blushed at.

What can we do?  We can change the spot we're in.  The three square feet of America we've been assigned to be in at any given time.

I'm no tree hugger, but I do believe it's time we begin to repair or land--and it starts with the heart!

The meaning of the word "Christian" has been reduced to practically nothing. Surely, there is no word that has been so devalued unless it is the word "God" itself.        Francis Schaeffer

THIS ISN'T LIFE
Today's reading:  Proverbs 11-12

"The way of the godly leads to life; their path does not lead to death."  Proverbs 12:28 NLT

We have a skewed idea of what life and living is.

We think it's here and now...but it's really what's to come for those washed in the Blood of the Lamb.

We are blessed while here, we will be recipients of abundant and overwhelming love as we are welcomed into our eternal home.

This isn't all there is.

This isn't all we're working for.

This life isn't the life we're intended to live!

NO GOOD THING
Today's reading:  Psalm 84-86

"For the Lord God is our light and protector.  He gives us grace and glory.  No good thing will the Lord withhold from those who do what is right."  Psalm 84:11 NLT

Those Bible readers who like to sort out the things God 'owes' them usually will settle on this verse.

Good stuff.

Everyone is drawn and wants good things to happen to them.

The thing is, those good things usually come with hard work, commitment and a determination that surpasses laziness and an attitude of 'I'm here, bless me'.

The good things of God are most often found in places where our faith is tested, our self-control is put to strenuous rigors and comfort is set aside for holiness.

The good things of God are usually brighter and better looking after a long, prayer-filled night or after the shadows of a dark valley lift and the new day exposes the view from a new perspective.

The good things of God are sometimes sweat-drenched, effort-exerted and exposed only after we have put ourselves and our ease aside.

Haven't you seen it in your own life?

TEAR THEM DOWN
Today's reading:  2 Kings 11-15

The common theme in today's reading? 

Half-hearted worship.

Some of the kings of Israel were known for following God.  Some were known for doing right in God's sight, but it's also recorded that they did not destroy the idols, temples and altars of the foreign gods in their lands--as they had been instructed.

Sound familiar?

Let's use other terms, terms that might bring it in to today's day and time.

They were tolerant.

They allowed for dabbling, as long as church attendance didn't drop.

They wanted a back-up, in case the God thing didn't work.

They didn't want to stir up too much stuff.

They wanted what kept them comfortable, what they were accustomed to, what their parents had always done.

Am I allowing ungodly things to remain in my home, my head, my heart? Am I allowing myself the option to sin, because isn't that what worshipping anything other than God is?  Am I not cleaning out the closets and corners of my heart in order for God to have full access?

The kings who chose not to clear out the idols eventually turned to them.  Why?  Because they were there.  When one gets rid of all but God, God is all you have--all you need.

The way of holiness that leads to happiness is a narrow way; there is but just room enough for a holy God and a holy soul to walk together.                          -Thomas Brooks

PURSUIT
Today's reading:  Leviticus 16-18

My comments are not related to my prescribed Scripture reading today, but about what I saw yesterday on my way to church...

Tooling through the country yesterday morning on the way to worship with the greatest church family ever placed together under one roof, I noticed a small disturbance off to my left.

I slowed the vehicle to almost a stop as I watched my devotion for this morning unfold.

Out of a small thicket of brush came a rather large hawk--and tailing very closely behind was a sparrow-ish type bird.

The immediate thought was comical, as the sparrow was probably one-tenth the size of the hawk.  What could he possibly do to the hawk?

My second thought was one of questioning.  What did the hawk have that the sparrow wanted?  Was the sparrow chasing off the hawk?  What was the sparrow defending?  How far would that little guy follow that big bully?

The sparrow stayed right on the hawk's tail.  The hawk dove, he soared, he twisted mid-air and he swooped so near the ground I thought he was landing--and still the little bird pursued with all he had. 

I watched the skirmish until I couldn't see them any longer, but was left with the desire to look up this verse...

"But you, Timothy, belong to God, so run from all these evil things, and follow what is right and good.  Pursue a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.  Fight the good fight for what we believe.  Hold tightly to the eternal life that God has given you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses."  1 Timothy 6:11-12 NLT

God's given us so much.  We have become heirs to great wealth and power.  All that is His is ours.  That being said, it requires some effort on our part to partake of His glorious gifts.

Do we pursue God with the fervency and energy that I watched in that little sparrow?  Is it worth going up against something big to obtain it?  How far will we go in order to make sure our stand is understood and our blessings are not robbed of us?

Is what we have of enough value to us that we stretch our wings, stand up to the bullies and soar to higher heights than we're used to?

A little sparrow and a hawk convicted me yesterday of the lengths I'm going to (or not going to) to receive all God's got for me.

What about you?  Do you have the determination of a little sparrow--or do the bullies take what's yours?

FOCUSED ATTENTION
Today's reading:  Colossians 3-4

"Let heaven fill your thoughts.  Do not think only about things down here on earth."  Colossians 3:2 NLT

Would the unforgiveness be worth hanging on to, if heaven filled our thoughts?

Would the pain be as unbearable, if heaven filled our thoughts?

Would the news seem so depressing, if heaven filled our thoughts?

Would the task He has given us seem as insurmountable, if heaven filled our thoughts?

Would the effort seem more effortless, if heaven filled our thoughts?

Would the mission to spread the Gospel be more important to us, if heaven filled our thoughts?

Would the commitment be more worthwhile, if heaven filled our thoughts?

Would today, regardless of all you've planned or hope for, be used differently, if heaven filled our thoughts?

What's filling your thoughts?  Is it heaven?

TODAY IS THE DAY
Today's reading:  Luke 19-20

"When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zaccheus and called him by name.  Zaccheus! he said, Quick, come down!  For I must be a guest in your house today."  Luke 19:5 NLT

I've sang about Zaccheus since I was a toddler.

I've done the motions to the song, colored the pages and held in my hand the leaves of a sycamore tree.

What I haven't known about the account of Zaccheus until this morning is the relevance of Jesus saying, today.

Was that day in history all Zaccheus had?

As a child I never thought about the simple fact that if Zaccheus had died the day after Jesus walked through his town, and Zaccheus had not accepted Christ as his Savior--Zaccheus would be in hell.

Today may be all some of us have.

A quick viewing of the obituaries tells us that death is no respecter of persons, accidents happen and life ends too quickly.

What's God asking you to do today?  Where's He asking you to minister?  To whom is He asking you to speak?

If you knew today was all you had, or all someone else had, would you put off telling them about Jesus until tomorrow?

We don't know.  So why do we postpone spreading the Gospel of our Lord?

 

PROMISES KEPT
Today's reading:  Ezekiel 25-30

Five chapters of prophecy and promise.

Five chapters about what happens when one, or a country, turns from God, and how He fights to take them back.

Five chapters of anticipation.

Five chapters of hope.

Israel chose to walk away from God.  And He let them.  But He knew they'd be back.  And He promised to receive them wholeheartedly.

I have the same tendencies of Israel.  I want to try it on my own.  I want to walk a different path.  I want to take a detour.  I want to do my own thing.

And He lets me.

And sometimes it hurts.  Sometimes it takes me farther than I intended to go.  Sometimes I receive scars that mark my choices.  Sometimes there are hedges that He has placed in my path.

And when I tire of my own way, He takes me back.

Each and every time.

Because He loves me that deeply!

DISTURBED
Today's reading:  Proverbs 10

"The godly will never be disturbed, but the wicked will be removed from their land."  Proverbs 10:30 NLT

I thought I knew the definition of 'disturb'.  That is, I thought I did, until I looked it up in the dictionary.

To disturb means to interfere or to destroy the tranquility and composure.

So as Christians, are we to believe nothing that comes our way in life is an interference or has any effect on our peace?

I believe that's correct, if God filters everything, every circumstance, between His fingers before it ever reaches us.

I believe that's correct, if God is our peace.

I believe that's correct, if we believe all things in this life have been orchestrated by our Creator.

Nothing surprises God. 

Nothing, nothing in all this world, can upset His plans.

"The godly will never be disturbed..." is that a truth I am living out on a daily basis?

LISTENING TO GOD
Today's reading:  Psalm 81-83

"But oh, that my people would listen to me!  Oh, that Israel would follow me, walking in my paths!  How quickly I would then subdue their enemies!  How soon my hands would be upon their foes!"  Psalm 81:13-14 NLT

Ever thought about the victories you're wanting to see in your life being directly related to how well you're listening to God?

Is the tuning of your ears to His voice what He's waiting on?

Is your attention what He wants before He cuts the cords satan has wrapped around you?

Is it time you listened to God?

For His instruction?

For His go-ahead?

For His opinion on the matters that are weighing so heavily on your heart?

Is it any wonder the old hymn, Victory In Jesus, begins with the words, 'I heard an old, old story...'?  



  

THE LORD'S ARMY
Today's reading:  2 Kings 6-10

"Don't be afraid, Elisha told him, For there are more on our side than on theirs!"  2 Kings 6:16 NLT

Your enemy looms.

He lurks.

He seemingly surrounds you from all sides.

He, and the problems he brings with him, appear to be enormous.

Here's what may be of some help...he's got the smaller army!

God is everywhere.

God is in control of everything.

God hears you desperate cry and sees the tear slip down your cheek.

God's power is immeasurable.

God's love for you cannot be calculated.

God is before you.  He has placed His Son on your side and His people at your back.

Don't be afraid.  You're on the winning team! 

UNCLEAN, UNCLEAN
Today's reading:  Leviticus 13-15

"Those who suffer from any contagious skin disease must tear their clothing and allow their hair to hang loose.  Then as they go from place to place, they must cover their mouth and call out, Unclean! Unclean!"  Leviticus 13:45 NLT

I'm wondering if I should be doing the same.

I'll put it plainly...there are days when I arise and shine, well, I don't really shine, I stink.

I, on occasion, get up with a stinky attitude.

An unclean attitude.  A contagious, foul, sin-filled, unclean attitude.

Maybe I should go around in my grungiest clothes hollering, Unclean!  Unclean!

It might keep others from coming near me and hearing the complaints I have against humanity.

It might keep folks at a distance whom I might sway by gossip.

It might keep me from infecting Christian brothers and sisters with the disease.

It might keep me from dirtying the name of Christ by my haughty actions and my rolled eyes.

It might keep me from pushing others away.

It might keep me from forming a club of fellow bad-attitudes.

Yes, their just might be occasions when I need to do just what the Scripture reading tells me today...

'Unclean!  Unclean!  Stay away--I've got a stinky, rotten, contagious attitude problem that none of you want to catch!'

   

BECAUSE OF HEAVEN

BECAUSE OF HEAVEN
Today's reading:  Colossians 1-2

"You do this because you are looking forward to the joys of heaven--as you have ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News."  Colossians 1:5 NLT

The anticipation of heaven.  The promised peace of heaven.  The intrigue of heaven.  The painlessness of heaven.  The Ruler of heaven.

It's why we worship together.

It's why we continue on.

It's why we overlook shortcoming in others and confess our own to our God.

It's why we press on.

Continue to believe.

Trust His Word.

Heaven is our goal, our reward, our prize--and it prompts us to do bigger and better things than we dare imagine we would/could do!

USING WHAT YOU HAVE

USING WHAT YOU HAVE
Today's reading:  Luke 17- 18

"One day the apostles said to the Lord, We need more faith, tell us how to get it.  Even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed, the Lord answered, you could say to this mulberry tree, May God uproot you and throw you into the sea, and it would obey you!"  Luke 17:5-6 NLT

I truly believed the apostles cringed as they presented Jesus with their request for more faith.

They were scared, as we are, that it would be like asking for patience--and everyone knows the only thing that grows patience is tough circumstances!

Did they expect Him to tell them to use what they had?

Did they think He would tell them that they already have enough to do everything He'd asked them to do?

Did they have any idea that it took a lot less than they imagined it would?

The same's true for us.

We have it.  We have enough of it.  We need to use what we have to do what He's asking us to do.

HIS DAY

HIS DAY
Today's reading:  Ezekiel 19-24

"...And they also violated my Sabbath days..."  Ezekiel 20:13 NLT

God was providing Ezekiel with a list of the sins Israel had committed, the commands they'd refused to acknowledge and the times they'd strayed from Him.

To top the list was God's mention of the Israelites mistreatment of His day.

What does He think of us in regards to the day set aside each week to worship?

Is He tickled with all we jam-pack our Sundays with?

Do you think He accepts the excuses we provide for not attending worship services?

Just what do you think God thinks of our treatment of the day He has set aside for us to rest and focus on Him?   

WHAT'S FREEDOM?

WHAT'S FREEDOM?
Today's reading:  Proverbs 8-9

What's freedom?

I believe I've found a definition that touches my heart on this Independence Day...

"Those who love me inherit wealth, for I fill their treasuries."  Proverbs 8:21 NLT

Freedom is being indebted to a Savior, but honored to serve Him in any and every way.

Freedom is having His limitless power, abilities and resources at our disposal, but using those gifts to further His kingdom.

Freedom is having no boundaries set on how much we are loved, how graciously we are saved and how generously we are forgiven.

Freedom is having a treasury filled with God.  No one can take Him from us, none but Him has given us this gift and it's an eternal peace about all He has planned for us.

Are you enjoying freedom today?

JUST A REMINDER

JUST A REMINDER
Today's reading:  Psalm 78-80

"They forgot about his power and how he rescued them from their enemies."  Psalm 78:35 NLT

This is just a reminder...

A reminder of your history with God.

A reminder of just how much power and love it took to save your sorry soul.

A reminder of all that's recorded in the Good Book.

A reminder that all His promises are intended for you, too.

A reminder that He's got it.  It, being whatever it is satan is trying to tell you God's not interested in helping you with.

Maybe you've forgotten.  Maybe you've been a little distracted lately and have lost focus.  Maybe it's been a while since you've allowed yourself to hope.  Maybe you're hurting and the pain fogs your thinking.  Maybe the relationships you're in keep you from soaring with the eagles.  Maybe what you've been called to do is hard and unappreciated.  Maybe you've slipped up again, and again, and again--and it's only 8:00 in the morning.  Maybe the challenge you're facing looms like a mountain.  Maybe you're the only one, seemingly, doing what's right in your home, in your church, in your community.   

Maybe you've just forgotten.  Consider this a reminder!

ONE MIRACLE AFTER ANOTHER

ONE MIRACLE AFTER ANOTHER
Today's reading:  2 Kings 1-5

A widow.

A destitute mother.

A desperate woman.

Lurking creditors and exhausted resources.

Thus sets the scene for the miracle of the jars of oil.

It's amazing to know God chose to fill each and every jar the woman and her sons could find to borrow.

It's amazing to know God chose to allow the oil to be sold for just enough to pay off her debts and live a comfortable life.

It's amazing to know God stepped in when she knew rock bottom was three or four stories above where she was at.

What amazes me the most?  What knocks my socks off?  What chips away at this hard-head?

The fact that when Elisha told her to gather the jars, go in the house, fill the jars and expect a miracle she did.  The Bible records her reaction to God's instruction...

"So she did as she was told.."  2 Kings 4:5 NLT

An example for me.  A model for me to follow.  A response for me to duplicate.

No questions.  No re-calculating what God was asking.  No doubts.

She did as she was told.

That's a miracle!   

GETTING NEAR HIM

GETTING NEAR HIM
Today's reading: Leviticus 10-12

"...I will show myself holy among those who are near me..." Leviticus 10:3 NLT

What is it that keeps me from seeing God's holiness?

Distance.

What is it that restricts hope and joy in my life, words and actions?

Distance.

What is it that allows truths to be pushed aside for lies?

Distance.

What is it that distracts me from my charge to tell?

Distance.

What is it that's going to keep me from experiencing God to His fullest?

Distance.

Note to self: God doesn't move--so who is to blame?