IT'S TIME
Today's reading:  Ecclesiastes 3-4

"There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven...A time to plant and a time to harvest."  Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 NLT

It's begun.

The seed corn that was planted in our field back in May has grown.

The individual plants have progressed from tiny two-leaf sprouts, to tall, willowy green flags waving at heights of seven or eight feet through the summer, to what we see this morning--dried, brown worn out stalks loaded with two or three big ears of corn each.

The combines are all around us.  Our field will be on their list of things to do in the next few weeks. 
What they planted will be harvested.  The hoppers of the combines will fill by the row with golden 'fruit' from the soil.

Harvest is here.

Makes me wonder about growth in my own life.

Am I producing fruit?   Has it been 'a good year'?  Has God seen an increase in my life? 

AM I STANDING OUT?
Today's reading:  Psalm 125-127

"We were filled with laughter and we sang for joy.  And the other nations said, 'What amazing things the Lord has done for them.'  Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!  What joy!"  Psalm 126:2-3 NLT

Will the Christ living inside you be evident today?

In your morning routine?  In your workplace?  In traffic?  In the shopping lines?  In your afternoon activities?  In your church attendance this evening?

Are folks noticing that there's something different about you?

In what you say?  In the remarks and comments you make?  In the lack of criticism heard in your voice?  In the grace that marks your reactions?

Will those around you glorify God because of how you choose to live today?

In the praises that you sing?  In the choices you make not to let unwholesome talk come out of your mouth?  In the applause you give your Creator?  In the trust you place in His abilities?

Will the people around you say, before the day ends--What amazing things the Lord has done for them!

All who are strangers to the true God, however excellent they may be, deserve punishment if only because they contaminate the pure gifts of God.        -Augustine of Hippo

FELLOW LEVITES
Today's reading:  2 Chronicles 29-32

"My dear Levites, do not neglect your duties any longer!  The Lord has chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister to him, and to lead the people in worship and make offerings to him."  2 Chronicles 29:11 NLT

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we are Levites.

Oh, yes, I know, most of us have a genetic heritage lacking in Jewish DNA.  I realize the majority of us are as Gentile as they come.

But as the Levites were chosen, so are we.  At the moment of our salvation.  At the confession of our sins and the public announcement of our faith in God.  We became the Levites.

And the duties they were shirking back in Bible times, are the same duties we're shirking today.

1.  They had allowed defiled things into the Temple.  Probably small, innocent-looking things at first, but things of evil, none the less.  Things that distracted their attention from God.  Things that dirtied their hands.  Things that swallowed up their time--time needing to be spent in worship and drawing others into worship.  Things that associated them more closely to the world than to God.

2.  They had become unfaithful.  In today's terms?  They'd started missing church services for worldly reasons.  I'll just leave it at that.

3.  They had abandoned God.  They'd left him in the church and went on their way.  Monday through Saturday they played in the mud of the world--cleaning up to see their Savior on Sunday morning.

4.  They had shut the doors of the Temple and turned off the lights.  They had narrowed down worship time to a minimum.  They determined that the things going on in the Temple/church to be less important that other things on their calendars.

Hmmm.
 

TODAY OF ALL DAYS
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 7-9

"The Lord did not choose you and lavish his love on you because you were larger or greater than other nations, for you were the smallest of nations.  It was simply because the Lord loves you..."  Deuteronomy 7:7-8 NLT

I love Mondays.

I love the feeling of a fresh start.  A new week.  A brand new opportunity to attack and conquer those goals I set--and was soundly defeated by, last week.  Mondays offer new hope and a renewed excitement about going out into the world.

That being said, this Monday morning is having a rough start.

I'm not liking what I'm seeing in the mirror.  I'm not happy about how little I got done over the weekend.  I'm not thrilled to see the sinkful of dishes glaring at me.  I'm not excited, in the least, that the jeans I chose for this morning fit a little more snugly that I'd like.  I'm off-kilter as my usually scheduled morning routine has had a few glitches in it--and it's only 5:30 a.m.

Today, of all days, I'm so glad God chose to remind me of why He sent His Son to die on the cross for me.  Why my sins were of such interest to Him.  Why He decided on a plan that would rescue me from death and conquer what I couldn't on my own.

I needed it this morning.

I claim it as a special note from my Father to my heart--one I'm going to keep with me all day!

CHECKING MY LIST...TWICE
Today's reading:  James 4-5

"And even when you do ask, you don't get it because your whole motive is wrong--you want what will give you pleasure."  James 4:3 NLT

I've got quite a prayer request list laid out before the Lord right now.  This verse has gotten me to thinking about it though.

Am I asking for what would increase His kingdom--or what would make life easier for me?

Am I asking with eternal motive--or in accordance with the plans I have laid out?

Am I asking for comfort--or that my testimony be evident of His glory?

Am I asking all wrong? 

HIS WORDS, NOT MINE
Today's reading:  Acts 9-10

"The voice spoke again, If God says something is acceptable, don't say it isn't."  Acts 10:15 NLT

I've not been presented with a sheet-ful of animals.

It's not been inside a vision that I've gotten the thought for this morning.

It's upon reading and re-reading this verse...

If God says something is...don't say it isn't.

If He calls it a sin, don't re-name it just to make it sound less sin-like. 

If He calls it a sin, don't try to use other verses to lighten the blackness of it.

If He calls it a sin, don't pretend you've not read it or understand it or don't feel the impact of it's impropriety in your soul.

If He calls it a sin, don't, in the name of tolerance and being politically correct, allow it in your life, in your home or in your church.

PITCHING MY IDOLS
Today's reading:  Habakkuk

"What have you gained by worshiping all your man made idols?.."  Habakkuk 2:18 NLT

No, I don't have a special shelf where I keep my little statues and shaped gods.

No, I don't on a daily basis bow down, chant or bring offerings to a little altar I've set up in my house.

No, I've not started a new church, filed for a tax-exempt certificate or started weekly services to honor my graven images.

But it doesn't mean I don't have them.

I'm ashamed to say that my man made idols look a lot like yours.

They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and images.

Like a checkbook.  I'll admit things go smoother in my heart and mind when the checkbook is as plump as a Thanksgiving turkey.

Or a clock.  I'll raise my hand in admitting that when things go as I've planned and in the manner I've laid out, my emotions are a little more even keel.  When I want.  What I want to happen.  And let's be honest, I want to look good doing it!

Or the idols shaped like me.  You see I'm my biggest fan.  Oh, don't laugh--you're yours, too.  It comes very naturally that I look out for myself.  I want the attention.  I want the honor.  I want to be the superhero in each and every drama that plays out near me.

There, I've opened my closet door and allowed you to see what I'm stashing away.  I've spared nothing. 

Now I need your help.

Pray that I'll keep my idols in the trash where I've thrown them this morning.  Ask God to keep me from dumpster diving in order to feel comforted or 'in control'.

I've pitched my man made idols.  It's going to be a new kind of day for me!

INTRIGUED
Today's reading:  Ecclesiastes 1-2

"For the greater my wisdom, the greater my grief.  To increase knowledge only increases sorrow."  Ecclesiastes 1:18 NLT

Solomon, I know what you're saying.

The more I find out about my glorious, wonderful Savior, the more humbled I become.

When I think of all He's done for me, I am disgusted to realize He had to stoop down so low on my behalf.

As I uncover more and more of God's treasure in His Word, I am embarrassed at how little I really and truly know.

To unpack His messages to me, leaves me breathless and on my knees in disgust over my sins.

He is intriguing, this Creator of mine. 

His ways confound and mystify me.  His miracles leave me scratching my head and clapping wildly.  His plan for my life provides me with hope.  His decision to involve me in this grand plan of His makes me feel honored--and even more unworthy! 

WHERE WOULD I BE?
Today's reading:  Psalm 122-123

"If the Lord had not been on our side--let Israel now say--if the Lord had not been on our side when people rose up against us, they would have swallowed us alive because of their burning anger against us.  The waters would have engulfed us; a torrent would have overwhelmed us."  Psalm 124:1-4 NLT

Helen Baylor has written a song entitled, If It Had Not Been For The Lord On My Side.

It's not new.

It's quite possibly not in your preferred genre of music.

I haven't heard it sang in ages.

But the words go right alongside what David wrote in Psalm 124--a song they think he wrote after defeating the Philistines.  For the second time.  No, not the showdown with Goliath.  As if the first time wasn't enough.

We sometimes have to stand up to our enemies after we think they've left town.  That's OK, you see, God's on our side!

If It Had, Not, Been For The Lord, On My Side
Where Would I Be?, Where Would I Be?
If It Had Not Been For The Lord On My Side
Where Would I Be? Where Would I Be?

He Kept My Enemies Away
He Let The Sun Shine Though A Cloudy Day
Oh, He Wrapped Me In The Cradle Of His Arms
When He Knew I' Been Battered And Torn,
So...

He Never Left Me All Alone
He Gave Me Peace And Joy I've Never Known
He Answered When I Knelt To Him In Prayer
And In Victory The Lord Brought Me This Way,
So...

WHAT'S TROUBLE DOING FOR YOU?
Today's reading:  2 Chronicles 25-28

"And when trouble came to King Ahaz, he became even more unfaithful to the Lord."  2 Chronicles 28:22 NLT

What's trouble doing for you?

These tough times you're walking in--are they strengthening your relationship with God?  Or has He been placed on a back burner until things calm down, straighten out or get back to normal?

This trying situation you're in, regardless of whether it was by your own choice or by default,-- is it taking you to new heights in your walk with God?  Or are you just too busy for Him, for church, for service?

This disease, diagnosis or doubt--is it allowing you to get a fresher, clearer, more intimate glimpse of your Creator?  Are you seeing Him with new eyes?  Are you finding Him to be all you need?  Are you discovering that it's worth each and every step because it's drawing you closer to Him?

This trial--is it changing the language you use?  Your conversations?  Are people hearing you continue to praise God or are they worn down as you list off complaint after complaint? 

What are your troubles doing for you?  What are your troubles doing for your witness? 

 

OBEYING GOD
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 4-6

"But I lavish my love on those who love me and obey my commands, even for a thousand generations."  Deuteronomy 5:10 NLT

I can't help but stop on the word 'lavish' this morning.  I'll admit, it's not a word that I use often but it intrigues me.  It sends my mind and thoughts whirling in a thousand different directions.

One can be lavished with attention.  As on special days--one's birthday, for example.

One can be lavished with praise.  Perhaps you did this yesterday to someone in your church who sang a solo and blessed even heaven with their ministrations.

One could be lavished with gifts.  Maybe your husband does that on your anniversary.  Jewelry, flowers, candy, cards, dinner out, laundry washed, dried and folded, etc.

But to be lavished with love?

No one we know, even the most loving people we could name, are incapable of doing it the way God does.

Love piled high.  Love filling the deepest oceans.  Love scaling the reaching the highest summit.  Love going to the moon and back.  Love pouring out and spilling over.  Love greater than our sins.  Love going beyond our time on earth.  Love offering what means the most to Him.

All for loving Him and obeying His commands.

NOT ENOUGH
Today's reading:  James 1-3

"So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith.  Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is not faith at all--it is only dead and useless."  James 2:17 NLT

Our faith in God should be evident in how we live, how we serve and how we are viewed by the world.

It shouldn't be hidden like a gem in a vault, it should be used often.

It shouldn't be reserved for special occasions or big events, it should be evident in our everyday lives.

It shouldn't be talked about, but displayed in our lack of fear, our lack of doubt, our lack of dependence upon ourselves.

It's not enough just to have faith--it's got to be alive and active in our hearts and lives!

YOU GOTTA KNOW IT
Today's reading:  Acts 7-8

"Then the high priest asked Stephen, Are these accusation true?  This was Stephen's reply..."  Acts 7:1-2 NLT

We find Stephen being grilled by the religious elite of the day about his dealings with the new Way.

What was Stephen to do?  What would he say?  How would he defend himself and his beliefs?

He told them what he knew.

He told them what he'd experienced.

He told them what he'd been taught and had come to believe for himself.

For forty-eight verses he told them.

What can we learn from this?  We can see that we all we to share is what we know about God's power and love.

Our first hand account.

Our personal experiences.

About the gifts of grace we've opened.

About the love we know.

That's all we can share--and that's all the world needs to know!

HE IS GOD
Today's reading:  Nahum

"The Lord is a jealous God, filled with vengeance and wrath.  He takes revenge on all who oppose him and furiously destroys his enemies!  The Lord is slow to get angry, but his power is great, and he never lets the guilty go unpunished.  He displays his power in the whirlwind and the storm."  Nahum 1:2-3 NLT

Just what I needed this morning.

I needed to be reminded that my God is jealous.  That I need to check and double check what/who it is that I'm putting ahead of Him...especially if it's myself!

I needed to be reminded that He is for me.  That my enemies are His enemies.  That He is against them and He will conquer them for me!

I needed to be reminded that He is patient and loving, but that He is also just.  He is merciful to me but He disciplines out of love.  He extends grace but He'll also walk me to the woodshed when I needed it.

I needed to be reminded of His power.  That He is in control of everything.  His ways are perfect and His timing is impeccable. 

Could it be that you needed reminding, too?

WHEN
Today's reading:  Proverbs 31

"When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions."  Proverbs 31:30 NLT

Many of you know I have personal issues with the Proverbs 31 gal.

I believe it's a matter of jealousy and conviction that causes me to chafe at her list of accomplishments.

I'm not her, you see.

Oh, there are days when I look more like her than not--but in all reality, I cannot walk in her footsteps.

Of all the fine characteristics of this woman, the one that most glares in my face is found in today's verse.

The woman knew when to be quiet.  She didn't talk non-stop.  I believe she knew how to 'turn off the flow of words' constantly streaming through her thoughts before they gushed out her mouth.  I don't think she rattled on and on about insignificant things just so everyone could hear her voice. 

I admire that quality.

I lack that characteristic.

I am not bothered so much by her ability to spin wool, trade with the merchants and that her winter clothes are pressed and ready by the first frost.  The woman has control of her mouth.

Admirable.

Godly.

I'm jealous, but there's hope for me as long as I'm giving my life to Christ--the changer of things! 

PSALM 121
Today's reading:  Psalm 120-121

"I look up to the mountains--does my help come from there?  My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth.  He will not let you stumble and fall, the one who watches you will not sleep.  Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps.  The Lord himself watches over you!  The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.  The sun will not hurt you by day nor the moon at night.  The Lord keeps you from all evil and protects your life.  The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, now and forever."  Psalm 121 NLT

A psalm for the anxious, one Bible commentary calls it.

A psalm of degrees, to be recited (from the heart) three times a year by the men of the time as they approached and made their way up the elevation to the Temple.  The closer to the Lord's house they got, the louder the recitation.

A psalm of help, the kind of help that goes above and beyond giving assistance to our own efforts and attempts.

A psalm of reminding.

A psalm of assurance and hope.

A psalm of truth.

Maybe, just maybe, a psalm you needed today!

WHO WE LET IN
Today's reading:  2 Chronicles 21-24

"...After the death of his father, members of Ahab's family became his advisers, and they led him to ruin."  2 Chronicles 22:4 NLT

I'll be honest here, this verse has me thinking long and hard about my nearest and dearest and how Isaiah would be advised after I'm gone.

I'm thinking about the people I'm letting in our lives.  Into our home.  Into the private moments of our day.

I'm thinking about the friends we've developed that are on television.

They've become a part of our family--and I don't think just ours.

There are some ungodly people portrayed on our 27 inch captivator have become a part of us, our conversations and our lifestyle.  We talk about them as if they were real.  We discuss the latest happenings in their fictitious lives around the dinner table.  We adjust our schedules around when they'll 'arrive in our living room'.

These folks are the ones I'm worrying about when it comes to Isaiah.

These are the folks I'm determined to wean out of our lives due to the impact and influence they have on us.

These folks will carry on without us, probably not even miss us one bit.

These folks I'm no longer inviting into our home!

NO PROBLEM FOR MY GOD
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 1-3

"At that time I said to Joshua, You have seen all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings(King Og and King Sihon).  He will do the same to all the kingdoms on the west side of the Jordan.  Do not be afraid of the nations there, for the Lord your God will fight for you."  Deuteronomy 3:21-22 NLT

You find yourself smack dab in the middle of another battlefield, don't you?

You're scared.  Worried.  Worn out.  Bruised. 

Why?

This is no problem for my God!

He has not exhausted His powers.  His resources remain untouched.  His mighty arm has not even flexed--and look at all He's already done for you.

That's what Moses was telling Joshua as they stood on the boundary separating them from the Promised Land.  He said, in loose terms, Don't worry my boy, our God's got this!

Quite possibly that's what you need to hear, too.

When I consider my crosses, tribulations, and temptations, I shame myself almost to death thinking of what they are in comparison to the sufferings of my blessed Saviour, Jesus Christ.  -Martin Luther

I STILL BELIEVE
Today's reading:  Hebrews 11-13

"All these faithful ones died without receiving what God had promised them, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed the promises of God."  Hebrews 11:13 NLT

I'm still gonna believe, even if I never hold it in my hand.

I'm still gonna believe, even if the relief never comes this side of heaven.

I'm still gonna believe, even if they never walk through the church house doors during my time on this earth.

I'm still gonna believe, even if the piece I see never fit together.

I'm still gonna believe, even if the distance between my hopes and my dreams widen.

I'm still gonna believe, even if I'm the only one.

I'm still gonna believe, even if the checkbook says 'no', the accumulation of my strengths and abilities say 'no' and the evil one whispering in my ear says 'no'.

You have to understand, I choose to see it all from a distance.  And to tell you the truth, the distant view spurs me on to believe that it will all be worth it!
   

HE'LL STAND
Today's reading:  Acts 5-6

"...If they are teaching and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown.  But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop them..."  Acts 5:38-39 NLT

God never goes out of fashion.

He never expires or retires.

God was before time began and He will be after time as we know it ends.

The things of God are the same.

When we determine to assess every moment and every action in terms of eternal consequence and act in a godly manner, we will leave a legacy and a history that changes people for generations to come.

If we do it on our own, we'll burn brightly for a while--then fizzle and burn out.

God has appointed this whole life to be all as a race or a battle; the state of rest, wherein we shall be so out of danger as to have no need of watching and fighting, is for another world.  -Jonathan Edwards

HIS PEOPLE, HIS SHEEP
Today's reading:  Micah

"Oh Lord, come and rule your people; lead your flock in green pastures.  Help them to live in peace and prosperity.  Let them enjoy the fertile pastures of Bashan and Gilead as they did long ago."  Micah 7:14 NLT

I pray this for our country.

Now some of you will debate me as to who a prayer like this was originally intended for, but I still pray it for my homeland.

I know I'm not a direct, blood-tied, passed down through family relation to the chosen ones who left Egypt all those years ago--but I still have His promise.

You see, as a Christian, as one who believes in the birth, death and resurrecting power of Jesus Christ, I've been adopted into that family of chosen ones!

I can ask my Heavenly Father to bless this land.  Yes, this land some thousands of miles away from the Jordan River and the crumbled walls of Jericho.

I can expect the hand of my Mighty God to reach all the way from the Holy Lands around the globe and touch another country which has fallen away from His ways and will.

I can believe that where ever one of His blood-bought, redeemed and saved children reside, He considers that a land He can rule.

I'm praying that our country finds their Great Shepherd, and finds Him soon. 

GOD OUR CREATOR
Today's reading:  Proverbs 29-30

"...Who holds the wind in his fists?  Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak?  Who has created the whole wide world?.."  Proverbs 30:4 NLT

The lesson last night with the little ones was about God our Creator, with Genesis 1:1 being our memory verse.

I needed the reminder of just how wonderful creation and a Creator are...I needed to see it through 'kid eyes'.

I needed to think about how He created all this out of nothing.

I needed to take a break from the busyness of life to sit in awe of all He's done.

I needed to slow down and notice the intricacies of His creation, His gift to us.

I needed to hear how 'cool' and 'amazing' and 'neat' and 'wow-ing' the creation moments were.

I needed to re-think the idea that in the beginning God was all there was and as wonderful as He is, He chose to paint us into this picture with a grand flourish of His hand.

I needed the knee-high reminder of how great our Creator is!

 

FOCUSED
Today's reading:  Psalm 119

"My eyes strain to see your deliverance, to see the truth of your promise fulfilled."  Psalm 119:123 NLT

I have a prayer request list a mile long.  It's full of names, it lists issues I'm heartbroken about, it has on it events and needs requiring God's attention.

But I'm not looking at my list.  If I did, I could easily be overwhelmed.  I might become discouraged.  I might think about it too much and determine it useless--and throw in the towel.

I have to focus on God.  Not my needs.  Not my wants.  Not my plans and how I believe God should move in and around them, but on God.

It's easy to provide Him a 'grocery list' of things to do, it's hard to trust Him with working them out in His time and in His way. 

So I choose to look to Him.  I choose to squint my eyes in expectation of miracles and answers.  I have decided to watch for Him to move in each and every one of my requests, based on His unfailing love and faithfulness to me.  I have determined that I'm looking to His answers and grace instead of at the problems on my list.

I'm focusing my attention on God!

A genuine Christian should be a walking mystery because he is surely a walking miracle. Through the leading and the power of the Holy Spirit, the Christian is involved in a daily life and habit that cannot be explained.                                                           -A. W. Tozer

MISSING OUT
Today's reading:  2 Chronicles 16-20

"...Because you have put your trust in the king of Aram instead of in the Lord your God, you missed your chance to destroy the army of the king of Aram..."  2 Chronicles 16:7 NLT

If you had to fill-in-the-blanks with some of the choices you've made lately, how would it look?

Because you have put your trust in ________ instead of in God, you missed your chance to ________.

What have you missed out on because you're not trusting God?

What blessings are passing you by?

What opportunities are you not jumping into with both feet, because of whatever you might have filled in the first blank?

Don't miss out!  Don't allow anything God has in store for you pass you by because of your lack of faith.

LEAVING THE ENEMY BEHIND
Today's reading:  Numbers 33-36

"...The people of Israel left defiantly, in full view of all the Egyptians."  Numbers 33:3 NLT

The Chosen Ones left in broad daylight, toting all their belongings (and some of their enemies') and headed out towards freedom.

I can see the Israelites, after 400 years of slavery, leaving with 'Promised Land or Bust' on their pack mules.

I can hear the ones in the two million plus group talking about what life was going to be like in the new land.  I can just hear the ladies discussing new milk and honey recipes they're anxious to try.

I can imagine that not a one of them looked back longingly--they'd had enough, they wanted no more, they'd left nothing but blood, sweat and tears in that land.

So, what about us?

We're called on a daily basis to throw off our shackles and step into freedom.

Some of us do it.  Some of us don't.

It's not easy.

It's not always pretty.

It's not something someone else can do for us.

Satan's watching you right now, leave him behind.  Step out of line and onto a new path.  Do what he's shamed you into not doing.  Do it in broad daylight.  Do it on a Monday, don't wait until the next Sunday rolls around.  Take the first step towards the abundant godly life God has promised you.  Determine you're going to do it, no matter the pain or the fears.

Leave your enemy in your dust!

SECURITY
Today's reading:  Hebrews 10-12

"Once for all time he took blood into that Most Holy Place, but not the blood of goats and calves.  He took his own blood, and with it he secured our salvation forever."  Hebrews 9:12 NLT

There is power in the blood.

Nothing but the blood.

The blood that Jesus shed for me.

Secure salvation.  A forever future.  A priestly Priest. 

 

HOW AM I PREACHING?
Today's reading:  Acts 3-4

"...And they preached God's message with boldness."  Acts 4:31 NLT

I cannot hide behind the excuse of tolerance when it comes to sharing the Good News with the lost world.

I cannot sit on the pretense of comfort when there are people stepping off into eternity every day.

I cannot keep quiet and expect the world to change its course towards damnation.

I cannot refuse to speak the Truth even when lies are louder, more alluring and more times spoken.

How am I preaching, Lord?

Am I doing what I'm placed here to do?  Am I allowing the grace You poured into me to flow into the lives of those You place in my path?  Am I boldly proclaiming Your power and might?

How am I preaching, Lord?

SORRY ENOUGH
Today's reading: Jonah

"When the king of Ninevah heard what Jonah was saying, he stepped down from his throne and took off his royal robes. He dressed himself in sackcloth and sat on a heap of ashes." Jonah 3:6 NLT

The kids at our church spent all of last summer learning about Jonah. Every Wednesday night we would gather to find out a little more about his account with the big fish, with trying to run from God and with the emotions tied up in doing what God asks--no matter what.

My favorite lesson had to do with the king of Ninevah and his reaction to finding out what the Gospel had to say about how he had been living.

He was repentant. He was sorry. He was disgusted with himself.

So much so that he put on his most 'itchy-scratchy clothes' in order to keep his mind focused on doing what was right. An act that would remind him with every move and every breath of the changes he wanted to make in his life.

Imagine wearing clothes made out of burlap? Imagine how uncomfortable?

We don't like being uncomfortable, do we? In what we wear. In how we're treated. In doing what we're called to do. In facing our sins. In the conviction we feel as the pastor presents 'thus saith the Lord'.

Maybe it's time we made an effort to make God a bigger priority than our comfort. Maybe it's time we put on our 'itchy-scratchies' just to remind us of the direction we need our hearts to be going.

SHUT DOWN
Today's reading:  Proverbs 28

"When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.  But with wise and knowledgeable leaders, there is stability."  Proverbs 28:2 NLT

I'll not boast by saying I could 'fix' our country's problems.  I do well to balance our bank statement on a monthly basis, get the three of us where we need to be on time and keep this little farm of ours within its tight budget.

I cannot offer any quick fixes to a problem that's as old as some of our oldest citizens.  One does not, nor does a country, get into a heap of debt overnight--it requires one poor choice after another.

I will not, nor should you, place blame solely on any one party, one politician or one president--this snowball's been rolling down the hill far too long for that!

I will agree with God's Word about the moral foundation of a country being its glory or its downfall.

Pray for our nation.  We're in need of a fiscal miracle, but much more than that we need a moral revival to sweep across our land--from the greatest in office to the lowly, blue collar vote-caster in a little town out in the middle of no where. 

LIVING TO TELL
Today's reading:  Psalm 117-118

"I will not die, but I will live to tell what the Lord has done."  Psalm 118:17 NLT

Lord,

I have friends who are going through some tough times.  Their faith is being stretched farther than I've ever seen.  Their circumstances are unlovely to say the least.  Their strength is put to a test each and every moment of the day.

The walls are closing in.  The bills are mounting up.  The diagnoses get worse with every appointment.  The drama their family's are putting them through would draw a crowd if played on the big screen.

And yet, they are still trusting in You.

They are believing that as hard as it is, You are greater.

They know You are holding all their answers, all their relief, all their healings in Your hand--and whether You give them this side of glory or on the other side, they are still Yours to give.

I'm encouraged by their walk.  I am challenged by their faith in You.  I'm honored to be an audience to their relationship with their Father.  I am convicted to see how very much they are believing You will receive glory and praise for the outcome of their every trial.

I'm asking that you honor their faith in an amazing way today.

Amen.  

BE CAREFUL
Today's reading:  2 Chronicles 11-15

"But when Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the law of the Lord, and all Israel followed him in sin."  2 Chronicles 12:1 NLT

The man had subdued armies he shouldn't have been able to conquer.  He built fortress cities that were supposedly impenetrable.  He gathered men and rallied supporters.

Then he paused to look over all he had done.

And made a very costly mistake:  he decided he could turn his back on God.

I'm sure it was slowly at first, possibly missing a Sunday of worship here and there.  Maybe fudging a little on the number of sacrifices he had the priests offer on his behalf.  Quite possibly, he allowed one teeny, tiny idol into his house--it was the latest rage, after all, and every one else was doing it.

Inch by inch he turned from God.

And God allowed Him to do it.

God also allowed the consequences to follow him. Consequences that cost Rehoboam dearly. 

I'm not sure where you are with your walk with God, that's information I do not need to know...but I'll ask you to make sure you're still walking with Him.  Especially if you're having an easy time of it.  All things going your way.  The sun shining brightly on your life.  Don't turn your back on Him.  Don't allow 'little sins' to come between you and the One who has loved you since before anyone else knew you.