MY GOOD SHEPHERD
Today's reading:  John 10-12

"I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  A hired hand will run when he sees  wolf coming.  He will leave the sheep because they aren't his and he isn't their shepherd.  And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock.  The hired hand runs away because he is merely hired and has no real concern for the sheep."  John 10:11-13 NLT

Baaaa.

I am one of His little sheep.

Baaaa.

I am protected by One who loves me more dearly than even a mother's love--and that, dear friends, is fierce!

Baaaa.

Nothing and no one can harm me, for I am under His watchful eye.

Baaaa.

My Shepherd will do whatever it takes to keep me safely in fold, and yet allows me a free will to make my own choices.

Baaaa.

This life as a sheep is an amazing one, wouldn't you agree?

ALTARS
Today's reading:  Hosea 8-14

"Israel has built many altars to take away sins, but these very altars became places for sinning!"  Hosea 8:11 NLT

Could the same be said of our churches?

Has toleration allowed sin a foothold in our congregation?

Has moderation taken place of 'thus saith the Word of God'?

Has condemnation taken the place of the conviction of the Holy Spirit?

Has entertainment taken priority over discipleship?

Have numbers been given more value than souls saved for the Kingdom?

The very places God ordained as gathering places of the saints and welcome stations for those wanting to leave the lifestyles of the world, are falling prey to worldliness and sin.

You or I cannot fix the problem in our world and in our churches--but we can talk to God about the sins running rampant in our own lives.

HIS PLANS
Today's reading:  Proverbs 20-21

"Human plans, no matter hot wise or well advised, cannot stand against The Lord."  Proverbs 21:30 NLT

There are days when God chooses not to look over what's written in my planner.

There are events He allows that do not fit well into the plans I have made for specific time slots.

There are moments when I am pretty sure He has seen how jam-packed my day is, and chooses to throw me a curve ball to juggle alongside all the others I am trying to keep in the air.

And in every instance, with every detour, in hindsight I see His plans are always better than mine!

You will, too.  Maybe not today.  Maybe not next week or next month.  But one day you will see that His plans are better than the best of yours.

OUR HOPE
Today's reading:  Psalm 102-104

"Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a nation yet to be created will praise The Lord."  Psalm 102:18NLT

There's hope yet for the USA.

This psalm points to the fact that even it's writer knew his community and his generation would not be all there was.

And here we are, in the year of our Lord 2013, needing to be reminded of our purpose and His majesty.

A country where the indiscretions of a young, musically talented girl are discussed more than the goodness of our Lord.  Where politicians are held in higher esteem than preachers of the Word.  Where godliness and dependence on our Creator are considered dependency issues to be laughed at.  Where God's laws are shirked.

Are we the nation the psalmist was hoping to remind?

REMIND ME
Today's reading:  2 Chronicles 15-19

"O Lord, there is no one like you..." 2 Chronicles 17:20 NLT

If I would only make that my mantra.

If only I could choose to remember that with each and every circumstance, trial or struggle that comes my way.

If only I would willingly choose to make that my heart's cry, my soul's cheer, my mind's motto.

Because those words will sustain me.  Those words will spur me on to a faith that will move mountains.  Those words are praise--and praise is what God has created me to do!

A MOSES MOMENT
Today's reading:  Numbers 9-12

"Moses answered, Wait here until I have received instructions for you from The Lord." Numbers 9:8 NLT

Lord,

Would you allow me a 'Moses moment' before I answer anyone?

Would you nudge me to wait for your words to fill my heart, mind and mouth before I give opinion, state a truth or give even a godly suggestion?

Might it be possible for you to clamp Your holy hand over my mouth before I critique?

Could you even go so far as putting a tickly old frog in my throat that would remind me to pause, pray and then proceed?

Nothing I have to say will help anyone unless it's Your words I am speaking.

Remind me of that today, please.

WHAT IS HOLDING YOU BACK?

WHAT IS HOLDING YOU BACK?
Today's reading:  2Timothy 1-2

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline."  2 Timothy 1:7 NLT

If I am reading this verse correctly, there are enough of us Christians around that the whole work should know about God's love by now...am I right?

If we are all telling.

If we are all sharing.

If we are all taking advantage of the circumstances God is placing us in on a day to day basis.

But are we speaking out about the Good News?

Are we instead caving to the excuses that satan fills our heads with.  Excuses like, pushing our beliefs on someone else, that we don't know enough to share, that someone else will do it...and do it better than we ever could.

We have what it takes to be telling the world about Jesus.  The question is, are we doing it?

GLORY TO HIM

GLORY TO HIM
Today's reading:  John 7-9

"It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins, Jesus answered.  He was born blind so the glory of God could be seen in him."  John 9:3 NLT

What 'disability' might you suffer from that will bring God glory?  What suffering must you endure to see His powers manifested in your healing?  What 'thorns of the flesh' must you endure to one day gain freedom at His hands?

Will it be with it?

Is it?

TAKING ME BACK

TAKING ME BACK
Today's reading:  Hoses 1-7

"Then The Lord said to me, Go and get your wife again.  Bring her back to you and love her, even though she loves adultery.  For The Lord still loves Israel even though the people have turned to other gods, offering them choice gifts."   Hosea 3:1 NLT

Doesn't it bring tears to your eyes to know we are loved that much?

That He willingly takes us back after we choose to 'step out on' Him?

To think He knows our weaknesses and tendencies to sin and wander away from His care--and still loves us unconditionally?

PRAYERS NEEDED

PRAYERS NEEDED
Today's reading:  Proverbs 19

"People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry with God."  Proverbs 19:3 NLT

You and I both know folks like mentioned in today's verse.

They are bitter with life, lonely at death and intend to make everyone they meet as grumpy and unhappy as they are.

What do we do with folks like that?

We love them.

We give them an extra ounce of grace.

We show them mercy above and beyond anything we might feel like giving them.

And then we repeat the process.

Why?

Because we are instructed to.  Because Christ has given us an example of doing so.  Because we may be their only Gospel messenger.

And?

And because it could very easily be us, had it not been for God's touch in our lives.

HE IS GOOD
Today's reading:  Psalm 99-101

"For The Lord is good.  His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation."  Psalm 100:5 NLT

I am amazed by God's love.  It intrigues me.  It overwhelms me.  It fascinates me.  It draws me with a captivating magnetism into a closer walk with Him.

It comforts me to know it has no end.  It gives me peace.  It gives me joy.  It gives me a blessed assurance.

And above all, it allows me to lay my head down at night knowing this impacting love will continue to reach, touch and influence my son--the next generation.

There is not a lot I will leave my boy, but if I leave him with that knowledge, then I have done an outstanding job as a parent.

What are you going to leave the next generation?

STRENGTH

STRENGTH
Today's reading:  1 Chronicles 10-14

"And David became more and more powerful, because The Lord Almighty was with him."  1 Chronicles 11:9 NLT

I won't pretend to know all you are going through right now.  The struggles you are facing.  The burdens weighing heavily on your shoulders and your heart.

I have not walked in your shoes.  I do not have the experiences, good or bad, that you have under your belt.

And yet I know this...the closer you walk with God, the more of life you can handle.

The more you depend on Christ to come up under you, the more power will be at your disposal.

The more often you fall to your knees in prayer, the more times your enemy will be defeated.

It makes no sense in a world where dependency upon someone else is frowned upon...but then again, God told us this world wouldn't make a whole lot of sense, now didn't He?

Walk closer to The Lord.  Depend on Him for more than you've ever believed you would or could.  Know, without a doubt, that time spent seeking Him is time that will be rewarded--every minute of it!

Forward

FORWARD
Today's reading:  Numbers 5-8

"Tell Aaron that when he sets ups the seven lamps in the lamp stands, he is to place them so that their lights shine forward."  Numbers 8:2 NLT

Might that 'forward thinking' apply to our little lights as well?

Might it be that we should be spending more energy spurring Christian brothers and sisters on to greatness, rather than repeatedly bringing up their past mistakes?

Might it be we should apply the same graces to our own stories?  Past screw ups and failures?

'This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine!'

GUARD IT
Today's reading:  1 Timothy 4-6

"Timothy, guard what God has entrusted you with..."  1 Timothy 6:20 NLT

What God has entrusted me with is priceless.

He has allowed me the privilege of being a vessel for His Holy Spirit.

He has given me a Good News that will save the world.

He shines from within me in a dark world.

Do I guard it?  Do I value it?  Do I hold it in high esteem?

Do you?

MAKING HIM KING
Today's reading:  John 5-6

"When the people saw this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!  Jesus saw that they were ready to take him by force and make him king, so he went higher into the hills alone."  John 6:14-15 NLT

There's a lesson to be learned from these folks...

It's one thing to want to make Christ king, it's an entirely different matter making Him King.

They wanted a king who would put into place some great programs, feed the homeless and subsidize all they didn't want to do for themselves.  They wanted someone who would make them feel better about themselves.  Someone who could provide for them.  Someone who could make life easier.  Sound familiar?

That's the reason He left their presence.

Had they wanted a King to rule their hearts, One to serve with their very lives, a Redeemer deserving their worship, He would have stuck around.  Had they wanted a King they would continue to follow even when He told them to become less, to get to the back of the line, to put others ahead of themselves He could have continued to minister.  Had they wanted a King who the people could have to trust in even when He was gone from earth, He would have hung around a little longer.

What do I want Him for, I've had to ask myself this morning.

     

PREPARED
Today's reading:  Daniel 7-12

"The moment you began praying, a command was given..."  Daniel 9:23 NLT

This Momma needed just those words this morning.  You see, today is the day I set Isaiah off to sail into the big sea of Junior High.

This morning is not the first morning I've prayed about it.  My prayers started the day he was born.  My prayers, I will admit,  have been more concentrated and deliberate over this summer.  Okay, even more desperate.

But I know, without a doubt, that today will be taken care of.

God will walk beside Isaiah down the halls of this school--as He did the last school, and the one before that.

God has ordained friends and teachers to cross Isaiah's path that will encourage him, build him up and throw him curve balls that will require him to spend time talking to God--aren't people like that.

God is going to touch Isaiah's mind and give him the ability to grasp the new things he'll learn in classes like Science, Literature and Pre-Algebra.

I needn't worry about Junior High.  God started working on my prayer request about 12 years ago--and when I began praying, He began setting things in order so that He would be glorified!  

HOWEVER YOU CAN
Today's reading:  Proverbs 17-18

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the godly run to him and are safe."  Proverbs 18:10 NLT

Might I take liberties with this verse?

Too many think they must be strong to be a Christian.  They think they must be able to accomplish big things, give up everything that tempts them and live perfectly.

Nothing could be farther from the truth!

If you cannot run to the Lord, jog.

If you cannot jog to the Lord, walk.

If you cannot walk, crawl.

If you cannot crawl, drag yourself.

If you cannot drag yourself, call up some friends to help you get there.

It's not how you come to Him, it's that you come!

HE'S NOT FORGOTTEN
Today's reading:  Psalm 96-98

"He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful..."  Psalm 98:3 NLT

I forget a lot of things.

I make lists.  I place reminders in highly visible areas.  I use my planner religiously.

And still I forget.  Appointments surprise me.  Meetings are forgotten.  I get home from the grocery without that one thing I went to get.

And, it bugs me.  It annoys me.  It makes me mad.  It's a nuisance and can ruin a perfectly good day.

Praise God, who never forgets!

He does not forget His promises to me--even when I allow circumstances to let them slip from my mind.

He remembers me.  I'm always on His mind.  He is always beside me.  His mercy and grace are always flowing into my life.

I needed that reminder today.  I may forget a lot of things today, but may I never forget that God, my great, big, wonderful God, keeps His promises.  

THE MINISTRY OF WORSHIP
Today's reading:  1 Chronicles 5-9

"David assigned the following men to lead the music at the house of the Lord after he put the Ark there.  They ministered with music there at the Tabernacle until Solomon built the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem.  Then they carried on their work there, following all the regulations handed down to them."  1 Chronicles 6:31-32 NLT

Our family attended a worship service this past week that was very, very different from the one we are used to attending.  We did not experience fear.  There was nothing ungodly about anything that was done.  The people were over and above friendly.  It was just different.

I guess I had put my own set of rules on how I thought worship should look, sound and progress.  So when I noticed the 'regulations' mentioned in today's Scripture, I was thrilled to do a little searching to find out what God has originally instructed worship to be.

In my cross-referencing and flipping from verse to verse, I find only two stipulations God placed on worship...

First, it's all about Him.  He will not share a spotlight with anyone or anything else.  He is a jealous God.  He is a deserving God.  Worship is about us realizing that and responding to that huge truth.

Secondly, it's about joy.  God asked that all the singers and musicians worship with joyful songs.  Songs that excite.  Songs that uplift.  Songs that stir the hearts of those in the congregation.  Songs that flow from the hearts and mouths of people who are fully aware of the greatness of God.

That being the case, the service we attended and our regular services were not at all different.  I felt joy.  I saw God glorified.

Maybe I needed to know that my way of doing things is not the only way God allows.  The beat of the worship in my heart may ring out a different tune in someone else's heart.  The stirring of God inside another just might manifest its self in a completely different manner--and yet praise God.    

LOAD CARRIERS
Today's reading:  Numbers 1-4

"The duties of the Gershonites will be in the areas of general service and carrying loads."  Numbers 4:24 NLT

I'll admit, I was a little let down this morning to find I would be reading in Numbers.  Sigh, not what my heart was needing--or, so I thought.

God's spoken to me this morning.

To me.

The one who thought she knew better.

God has allowed the words, 'load carriers' to jump off the pages at me during my time with Him.

God assigned tasks to different clans within the Levite tribe.  To one clan He assigned the task of carrying the most sacred objects.  To another He determined them to carry the curtains of the Tabernacle.  And to another He gave the ministry of carrying the tent frames and poles.

Did you notice I said ministry?  In regards to the 'work horses of the church'?

I believe God has reminded me this morning that whatever it is He has called me to do, it is important.  Carrying the load He has asked me to carry is valuable to the growth of His kingdom.  Bearing the burden of another who is hurting, re-arranging my priorities and hours to get done what He's asking me to do or doing the lowliest of jobs without a frown or a complaint.

It's important to Him, so it's going to be important to me!    

PILLARS
Today's reading:  1 Timothy 1-3

"I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, so that if I can't come for a while, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God.  This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and support of the truth."  1 Timothy 3:14-15 NLT

Okay, pillars, you're up and preparing yourselves for a day in the Lord's house.  You're brushing your teeth, combing your hair and laying out your best clothes to wear.  You've checked the calendar to see where it is you'll be serving today.  The crock-pot is going.  The kids are up and searching for their Bibles.

Now, are you ready spiritually?

If we, the Christians in the Church of the living God, are supposed to be the pillars and supports of the truth, there are a few more things we must do.

1.  Set aside any thoughts that could keep you from worshipping or ministering.  Ill will, hurt feelings, old wounds or bits of gossip.

2.  Determine it's all about Him. 

3.  Pray asking the Holy Spirit to meet with your congregation of believers.

4.  Spend time in His Word, know what it says, gain refreshment from its pages.

Pillars are the first things you see as you come up to a building--what is the world seeing in you? 

THE NEXT VERSE
Today's reading:  John 3-4

John 3:16 is probably the most famous verse among Christians.  Small children are taught to memorize it.  Posters, wall hangings and Christian art feature it.  It's popular enough you'll find it penciled onto the eyelids of some famous football players.

Everyone knows it.  It's a great verse.  But do you know the verse that follows it?

"God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it."  John 3:17 NLT

For those of the world who think Christianity is binding, full of rules and regulations and nothing but 'cannots', this verse clears up that myth.

God wants us saved, not condemned.

God wants us feeling His love, not feeling full of blame.

God wants us to live a life declared innocent, not one of guilt.

We place condemnation upon ourselves and each other.  Do not think for a minute it's God's doing.

John 3:16 is a wonderful verse to know--but true freedom comes when we know the next verse! 

NO MATTER WHAT
Today's reading:  Daniel 1-6

"Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego replied, O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you.  If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us.  He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.  But even if he doesn't, Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up."  Daniel 3:16-18 NLT

Are you with God no matter what comes your way today?

Will you believe, in the darkest hour, while the storm rages or as you watch all of your plans fall apart, that God is with you?

These Hebrew boys had the opportunity to live out their convictions before the king, they walked right up to the furnace believing God was with them--even as the temperature began to rise.

You'll have the chance, too.

When the doctor tells you something you never expected to hear.  When the bill arrives in the mail.  When that friend hurts your feelings.  When what you wanted to happen never occurred.

You'll most certainly step up to the furnace today, will you believe He is with you?   

IS GOD SMILING?
Today's reading:  Proverbs 16

"When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a gentle rain."  Proverbs 16:15 NLT

It doesn't happen as often as it once did, but on occasion our son will glance over at Dale or I just to receive some affirmation in regards to what he is doing.

He will raise his eyebrow in such a way that we know he's asking, How am I doing?  We'll give a smile or a nod or raise our eyebrows back hoping he'll catch on to the fact that there's some improvement needing to be made.

Times like when he was learning to walk.  Reaching out to touch something that had been placed off limits.  Learning to ride his bike.  Walking too close to the road.  Performing in a program at church.  Mowing the yard the first few times, with a nervous Mom watching from the porch.  Practicing his magic tricks for the one hundredth time.

It used to happen a lot more often.  At age 12, he tends to think he knows more and needs us less.  And to a degree he is right, that's just the nature of growing up.

Makes me wonder why I don't seek God's smile in regards to more of the things I involve myself in. 

Just a quick glance His way.  A simple prayer.  A slowing down of what I'd like to rush headlong into just to get His take on the issue.

There's a good possibility I don't want His response on some occasions.  There are the times I want to do it my own way.  There are days when I want it to occur in my time frame, and not have to wait.  There are also the times when I'm doing something grand 'for the Lord' in an effort to ignore something else He's asked me to do.

Just a glance in His direction will let my heart know if I'm on the right path--or not.

God's smile and the refreshing it brings is something I need more of, even at this age!





      

MIGHTIER THAN THESE
Today's reading:  Psalm 93-95

"But mightier than the violent raging of the seas, mightier than the breakers on the shore--the Lord above is mightier than these!"  Psalm 93:4 NLT

Waves rise up and over the boat we're in.  Heights that reach farther than the highest sails.  Violent.  Tormenting.  Crushing weights looming over us.  Pressing all around us.  Threatening to wash us overboard, destroy all we hold dearly to, sweep us away from our safety and comfort.

And yet, our God is mightier than these.

Enemies taunt and goad.  Evil people rain chaos and bitterness into our lives.  Individuals who know our hurts and gouge at the sources of our pain.  Betrayal.  Deceit.  Out and out lies.  Humans who leave trails of hurt feelings and distrust.

And yet, our God is mightier than these.

God is bigger than any problem we have.

And when we forget that simple truth, walls cave in, fears begin to suck the very breath from our lungs and our boats start to take in water in large amounts.

Remember, nothing can come your way that is bigger than our Lord.  Nothing!

  

 WHAT WILL YOU PASS ON?
Today's reading:  1 Chronicles 1-4

Genealogies.

Probably not my favorite of reads in the Good Book, but I am coming to appreciate them more and more as the years pile on.

They make one think.  About the past, most certainly the present and of the future.

We are who we are because of what's been done in the past.  Whether you chalk it up to your parents, circumstances or, by the grace of Almighty God, our salvation.

We are here now.  We are touched by the times.  In the social realm we are either standing out or one of the masses.  Same is true in our Christian walks.

We are affecting the future.  We are raising the next generation.  We have, many of us, moved up a slot or two in our family's generational pool--we may be where our parents were in our childhood.  We may be the oldest generation in our families.

What I think of the most when I read the genealogies is this:  Will the generations I do not live to see know Christ because of what I'm doing today?

Is my faith strong enough to make it through today and infect the lives of those who will follow me?

Will I pass on more than the gene for dirt-brown hair and an unfinished nose?  Will my descendants know my Lord?

My past includes saving grace.  Today will touch tomorrow.  The future is not that far away.     

MAYBE I AM
Today's reading:  Leviticus 25-27

"You must keep my Sabbath days of rest and show reverence for my sanctuary.  I am the Lord."  Leviticus 26:2 NLT

Call me old-fashioned.

Point me to Scripture that proves I am quite like the Pharisees, rule makers.

Argue the point with me at any time.

But I believe the sanctuaries of our churches are being treated with less and less respect than they deserve.

The place where God's people gather to worship.  Oh yes, I know God is everywhere.  And, I do believe God can be worshipped anywhere, anywhere at all.

The part of our facilities that house the altar where lives are changed.  Is an altar required?  No.  Can lives be changed elsewhere?  Yes.

The heart of our church.  The beating, energizing, filling-with-life part of our congregation.

Instilling a sense of holiness and awe in regards to our sanctuaries is as simple as reminding your kids and any kids with in your sphere of influence that this place in the church is special.  It's not a place  to run in.  It's not a place to prop our feet up on the pews.  It's not a place where behavior should be rowdy or loud.

And for ourselves?  Are we entering into these sanctuaries to worship?  Is God, and who He is first and foremost in our minds?  Are we gazing around or focusing on the Holy Spirit and the work He needs to do in us?

Just a thought.  Call me what you will, old-fashioned or too particular.  Or agree with me on Scripture and make changes where you worship.

A LITTLE BIT OF HONOR
Today's reading:  2 Thessalonians

"...And we pray that God, by his power, will fulfill all your good intentions and faithful deeds.  Then everyone will give honor to the name of the Lord Jesus because of you, and you will be honored along with him..."  2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 NLT

A little bit of honor goes a long way.

The problem is, it can go one of two directions...

You see, honor has a tendency to spur us on.  To encourage us.  To give us the extra little boost that keeps us going.  It's a pat on the back and an uplifting round of applause.

Or we can allow honor to go to our heads.  It can puff us up.  It can give us a pedestal to climb up on--and eventually tumble off of.  It can cause us to be prideful.  It can give us airs.

But to do what God wants?  To be honored as one of His, to be given accolades alongside Him--that, my friend will keep you humble. 

Standing with the Lord reminds us of just how little we are, how unimportant we are, how few things we can do on our own. 

And it also brings us to the realization that He allows us to be with Him.  He has chosen us.  He has selected us to receive a gift only His Son could give.

So how will you allow honor to affect your life today?  What will the applause do for you?  What will you do with all the compliments?

NAZARETH?
Today's reading:  John 1-2

"Nazareth? exclaimed Nathanael, Can anything good come from Nazareth?"  John 1:46 NLT

What would Nathanael say today?  About the young boy from Nazareth?  The one born in a barn?  The son of Joseph, the carpenter?  Mary's boy?

Nathanael, like so many of us, make assumptions...and are so often proved wrong that we should quit doing it entirely.

Right now you have someone in mind who you believe will never be reached for the Lord. 

As you're reading a loved one has popped into your mind that you don't think will ever turn back to Christ.

Before today is over you will have practically written off someone as 'reachable'.

Just remember Nathanael.

Review how wrong he was.

Think about the fact that he's spent his entire life, here and in heaven, wishing he hadn't said what he did!

Satan promises the best, but pays with the worst; he promises honour, and pays with disgrace; he promises pleasure, and pays with pain; he promises profit, and pays with loss; he promises life, and pays with death. But God pays as he promises; all his payments are made in pure gold.
                                        -Thomas Brooks

HE'S ENOUGH
Today's reading:  Ezekiel 43-48

"As to property, the priests will not have any, for I alone am their inheritance."  Ezekiel 44:28 NLT

If you receive nothing of earthly value for your hard work and faithful service, would you continue on?

If a mansion were not promised and the streets were paved with only 10K gold, instead of pure gold, would you still work toward that reward?

If the only blessing in life was the gift of His death and your salvation, would you call yourself a blessed person?

We talk and we talk about how 'it's not the things we can hold in our hands' that matter.  We flippantly say 'our reward will be in heaven'.  We casually mention our 'eternal paycheck' as being our sole reason for serving. 

But do we mean it?

If God were all we might gain from living a godly life, one where worldly things are exchanged for things that will matter in eternity, where pain molds more than comfort, where striving is rewarded with more opportunities to strive, would He be enough?


The Scriptures teach us the best way of living, the noblest way of suffering, and the most comfortable way of dying.                                                      -John Flavel



 

LITTLE BITS OF YOU
Today's reading:  Proverbs 14-15

"Everyone enjoys a fitting reply, it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!"  Proverbs 15:23 NLT

You heard the conversation, Lord.

You were well aware of the pickle I was in in regards to the discussion topic, the emotions and the impact my response would have on a heart that was already breaking.

I knew what was right, and I knew that she was not doing it.

So, I prayed.  I asked You to speak through me.  I begged You to give me the words to say.  I requested that You provide me with the truths she needed to have brought to her attention--in a loving way.

And do you know what?  I saw bits of You in the conversation!

I said what You've told me in the Scripture, not just my opinion.  I pointed her to passages of Your Word that might bring her comfort--and would speak to her heart in regards to the direction You would have her take.  I did not whitewash the truth to make it more palatable or pretty, but allowed the truth to speak for its self.

For a gal whose life has been one 42-year battle with the mouth, You have no idea how desperately I was needing to see the little bits of You that showed through last night.

Thanks, Lord.