EVER SO WIDELY
Today's reading:  Acts 19-20

"So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect."  Acts 19:20 NLT

There's never a better time to spread the Good News than this season ushered in by Thanksgiving!

It's all about Him.

It's for Him.

It's all for His glory.

It's Christmas--Christ is in it!

Tell everyone.  Tell yourself.  Tell the cashier.  Tell the mailman.  Tell the telemarketer.

Spread the message widely! 

AM I GIVING ENOUGH?
Today's reading:  Malachi

"...Try bringing gifts like that to your governor, and see how pleased he is! says the Lord Almighty."  Malachi 1:8 NLT

What a thought this morning.

Who is there I try to impress more than God?

Who do I give preferential treatment to above Him?

Who else am I saving my best for than my Savior?

What am I going over and above for besides His service, seeking His will and doing what He asks of me?

Lots to think about this morning.

WHAT AM I THANKFUL FOR?
Today's reading:  Ecclesiastes 11-12

I'm most thankful for a full house this Thanksgiving.

The home my parents provided for my three sisters and I is bursting at the seams today.

There are the original six of us, Mom, Dad and four great gals.

And we've all added godly husbands to the mix.
 
And then there are the four grandkids.

And my mother-in-law, who has been lovingly adopted into this loud, crazy family--and seems to fit right in.

It's a house full.

It's a heart full.

It's a real reason to be thankful!

THANKFUL HEARTS
Today's reading:  Psalm 137-139

"...I will give thanks to your name, for your unfailing love and faithfulness, because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name."  Psalm 138:2 NLT

During this week of thankful thinking, I needed the reminder found in today's verse...

That as thankful as I am for all He has given me, my heart should overflow with thanksgiving for the things He provides that I cannot hold in my hands!

Love.

Grace.

Forgiveness.

Mercy.

Kindness.

Joy.

If I thank Him for no more than being who He is, my years, months, days, nights, hours and moments will be filled with thankfulness. 
 

COMING HOME
Today's reading:  Nehemiah 1-4

"Please remember what you told your servant Moses, If you sin, I will scatter you among the nations.  But if you return to me and obey my commands, even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored."  Nehemiah 1:8-9 NLT

Autumn and Thanksgiving have a way of reminding me of the enormity of God's love and forgiveness.  The harvested fields shout of His ability to bring life from death, a harvest from so little.

Regardless of what we've done.

No matter how far from Him we've traveled.

Despite who we were.

He welcomes us back each and every time.

He sets a place at His Thanksgiving table each every year.

He prepares our favorite food to go alongside the turkey.

He watches out the window for us to come down the driveway and onto the porch.

Maybe you've never wandered far--hooray and praise to our Great Keeper!

Maybe you're just thinking of coming home.  The thoughts have crossed your mind.  The place where you're at is so far from where you ever planned to be.  No one would recognize who you've become.

Let me just say, Come on home. 

There's room, plenty of room, at His table! 

SPOILS
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 20-22

"...You may enjoy the spoils of your enemies that the Lord your God has given you."  Deuteronomy 20:14 NLT

Whether it be the nations Israel had to conquer on their way to possessing the Promised Land or the battles you face against our enemy today, there are some perks God has placed into the game plan.

Satan intends evil for us, God intends good.

Satan intends defeat for us, God intends for us to taste the sweet flavor of victory.

Satan intends for us to crumple and cower, God fills us with His power and might, expecting us to stand and fight--giving our enemy a run for his money.

Satan intends to take everything away from us, God plans on giving us what the enemy took away--and more!

Your testimony in regards to a time God has walked you through a rough spot is a 'spoil' you have taken from your enemy.  One he cannot take back.  One he never intended for you to own.  Something that points towards God's love and mercy.

What you have learned about God as He walked with you through the valley of the shadows death is another 'spoil'.  Satan would prefer that you not talk about it.  Satan would prefer that you would remain silent with your praises.  But you learned so much about your Savior, didn't you?  He became so much more to you than ever before.    

Enjoy the spoils of your enemy today.  Share them with someone else. 

May God be glorified!

ONLY LIGHT
Today's reading:  1 John 1-3

"This is the message he has given us to announce to you:  God is light and there is no darkness in him at all."  1 John 1:5 NLT

There are no gray, shadowy areas with God.

There is never a doubt where He stands and where we should be coming alongside Him.

There cannot be.

There is light--and there is dark.

 

WHAT'S YOUR HABIT?
Today's reading:  Acts 17-18

"As was Paul's custom, he went to the synagogue service..."  Acts 17:2 NLT

Paul was in the habit of attending church.

Paul did not decided from one Sunday to the next if he might-or might not worship with fellow believers.

Paul chose to make supporting his local church, by funds and by his presence, a priority.

Paul was accredited this honor in God's Word.

What about you?  What's your habit?

WHERE ARE YOU?
Today's reading:  Zechariah 8-14

"When that day arrives, the Lord their God will rescue his people, just as a shepherd rescues his sheep.  They will sparkle in his hand like jewels in a crown.  How wonderful and beautiful they will be!.."  Zechariah 9:16-17 NLT

I get two things from today's verse...

Firstly, He's going to rescue us--if we're His.

Times are tough.  Circumstances are unlovely. 

When we have learned what He intends for us to learn and become who He intends us to be, then will He step in and rescue us.

Secondly, our value solely depends upon being His.

Jewels in a crown.  Wonderful, beautiful jewels.

Jewels ONLY come from rocks.  Rocks that are hand picked, tumbled and polished to perfection.  Stones that have had time and attention paid to them.

He has poured His life into ours.  He has given of His heart, His most prized possession--Jesus  Christ.  He filters what occurs in our lives through His love and intended purpose for our time on earth.

We can rest assured knowing we are His and He holds us near to His heart.

CHECK YOUR ROOF
Today's reading:  Ecclesiastes 9-10

"Laziness lets the roof leak, and soon the rafters begin to rot."  Ecclesiastes 10:18 NLT

On a daily basis I come in contact with people who can tell you the truths behind this verse.

They step up to the lumber counter, slide the list of materials they need across the desk and proceed to tell me their story.

Nine times out of ten, their tales begin with...

I've been putting this off...

I should've done this last year...

This would've been a smaller project if I'd not waited...

It just started out as a small _____ (leak, hole, soft spot, etc.)...

Solomon was right.  Procrastination and laziness lead to more work.  And it's not just in regards to our houses!

It's true in relationship to our spiritual health as well.

How long have you been putting off instituting a quiet time?  Getting into a routine of reading the Bible?  Starting that prayer journal?  Making devotion time a part of your every day?

It's harder to get started the longer you wait.  Habits, good or bad ones, are harder to break, or start, the older the get.  Changes are harder to make the more we pile atop the areas needing changed.

Today looks like it's going to be a great day to start something new, fix something you've been putting off or put aside that issue you've been wanting to dump at Jesus' feet.

It's today--or it's a day in the near future, probably one that won't be so convenient.
 

MY PSALM FOR TODAY
Today's reading:  Psalm 134-136

"I know the greatness of the Lord--that our Lord is greater than any other god."  Psalm 135:5 NLT

I do know.

I know the greatness of His love.

I have experienced, and am experiencing on a daily basis, the depth of His grace.

I smile today because I cannot hold His joy inside me.

I slept last night in the blanket of His peace, peace that passes all understanding.

I have a future because His saving power has bought me back from death and the grave.

I can pray knowing He hears--and answers.

I can hope because He has promised all things are possible in Him.

I can witness to those souls residing inside, and outside, my comfort zone due to the power of His Holy Spirit living within me.

I can sing, on key or off, to the tops of my lungs, lungs created by Him and for Him to worship Him.

Friend, I know the greatness of the Lord.

Don't you? 

IT'S TIME
Today's reading:  Ezra 6-10

"So King Darius sent this message:  To Tattenai, governor of the province west of the Euphrates River, to Shetharbozenai, and to your colleagues and other officials west of the Euphrates:  Stay away from here!  Do not disturb the construction of the Temp of God..."  Ezra 6:6-7 NLT

King Darius had received word from the prophet Ezra that it was time to rebuild God's Temple.

The surrounding countries/kingdoms were throwing a wrench in to the works.

So, he made a statement.

A mighty bold statement.

A statement that left no doubts, no questions, no wiggle-room.

I think it's time we do the same!

Let's send messages, loud and clear, to our enemy that we're choosing to follow God--and nothing's going to stop us.

Let's make good and sure that satan is aware that he will not and can not throw obstacles in to our paths that will detour us from living for Christ.

Let's be public with our decision to quit listening to his lies, buying in to his doubts and allowing him to take us on mental montages of our past--a past that's been forgiven and washed white as snow.

Say it out loud.  Speak it so satan will hear.  Put some emphasis in to your words.  Verbalize your convictions.

I think it's about time, don't you?

DO NOT
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 16-19

"When you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, be very careful not to imitate the detestable customs of the nations living there."  Deuteronomy 18:9 NLT

"When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations."  Deuteronomy 18:9 KJV

Their ways will look like loads of fun, He tells them.

Their practices will be very enticing, He warns.

Their programs, parties, holidays and entertainment will seem like a great way for you to mix and mingle with the neighbors, He says.

But do not be swayed, He states emphatically!

The same is true today.

We are different from the world and our activities should shout it loudly.  We are set apart from ungodliness and our choices should state it loud and clear.  We are not amused by sin, we are not a part of sinful behavior, we are not going to blaspheme the name of our precious Savior by dirty-ing our hands in their customs.

But are we standing out?

GUILTY AS CHARGED
Today's reading:  2 Peter

"As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life..."  2 Peter 1:3 NLT

There are those of us depending on Christ to provide all we need, enable us to do all He's asked us to and, with His help, be the godly people He has called us to be...without fulfilling the first part of this verse.

Knowing Jesus better.

It's not much to ask.

It's nothing to ask really in comparison to all His part of the relationship encompasses.

To know Jesus better?

To spend more time at His feet.  To dig deeper into His Word.  To seek out His will as a more natural reaction.  To talk to Him more--to listen for Him even more than that.

How do I know there are so many of us not doing our part?  I'm guilty as charged!

QUESTIONING HIS WAY
Today's reading:  Acts 15-16

"Why are you now questioning God's way..."  Acts 15:10 NLT

When we don't understand, we ask why.

When it's not fair, we ask why.

When it's not what we wanted--or asked for, we ask why.

But do we ever ask why when the good things occur, the blessings rain down or the answers are 'yes'?

Or do we take it for granted?

Paul was chiding the Jewish council as to why they were questioning God's ability to save the Gentiles...but had they ever asked why in the world He chose to forgive them?

Do we ever question why it is He is so good to us?

Do we ever scratch our heads wondering why He would send His only Son to save us from what we deserved?

Do we ever ask why His will is to bless us so grandly and care for us so fully?

Or...do we only ask why when things don't go our way?

YOUR NEW CLOTHES
Today's reading:  Zechariah 1-7

"...See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes."  Zechariah 3:4 NLT

New clothes.

Whether hand-me-down, clearance find or full retail off the rack, there's something fun about a new set of clothes.

They make you feel nicer.

Stand taller.

Walk with pride(the good kind) and self-esteem.

You take care of them, not wearing your Sunday best out to the barn or to mow the yard in.

And yet, as Christians, we are constantly changing out of our 'new duds', back into our old filthy rags.

Worry is old clothing.

Fear is old clothing.

Doubt is old clothing.

Old habits are old clothing.

You, child of God, have new clothes--wear them!

WE'LL NEVER KNOW
Today's reading:  Ecclesiastes 7-8

"This reminded me that no one can discover everything God has created in our world, no matter how hard they work at it.  Not even the wisest people know everything, even if they say they do."  Ecclesiastes 8:17 NLT

A quick glance across the newspaper or a speedy perusal of the MSN website proves what Solomon was saying in this verse.

Every day scientists are amazed to discover a new animal species, a new star, a new strain of germ-fighting antibiotics or a new element to add to the periodic table.

Just when they think they know all there is to know or have seen all there is to see--God amazes!

We'll never know all He's done.

His creativity surpasses anything we can imagine or dream.

His realm of sovereignty goes above and beyond the limits we tend to place on it.

Experiencing God is a daily blessing, one that amazes each and every day.

WEARING HIS UNIFORM
Today's reading:  Psalm 131-133

"Your priests will be agents of salvation; may your loyal servants sing for joy."  Psalm 132:9 NLT

"Let your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let your godly ones sing for joy."  Psalm 132:9 KJV

As His royal priesthood we are called to be about our Father's business.

We are not here for our pleasure, but for His.

We will not bring glory to ourselves, but to Him.

We are not proclaiming our good news, but His.

We cannot save, but He can.

We cannot change lives, but He can.

We cannot redeem, restore, revive or return the prodigals, but we are serving the One who can.

Agents of salvation.  Workers for the King of Kings.  Ambassadors of a heavenly realm.  Keepers of the Salt of the earth and Light of the world.

Do you have your uniform on? Are you clothed in righteousness, living in a right way, sharing the Way with all those He has put you in contact with?

Modern mankind can go anywhere, do everything and be completely curious about the universe. But only a rare person now and then is curious enough to want to know God.         -A. W. Tozer

ANOTHER REASON TO PRAISE HIM
Today's reading:  Ezra 1-5

"With praise and thanks they sang this song to the Lord:  He is so good!  His faithful love for Israel endures forever!  Then all the people gave a great shout, praising the Lord because the foundation of the Lord's Temple had been laid."  Ezra 3:11 NLT

Because a foundation for our beliefs has been established we can praise God!

Because the tomb is empty we can praise God!

Because even with a remnant of believers He chooses to change the world!

Our churches may not be as full as we'd like, our government may not be based on morality or godliness like we hope it would, our Christian men and women may not be standing up and changing the world as we are called to do...

...but God still deserves praise because a foundation for Christianity has been set in stone.

An empty stone tomb.  

DOING WHAT IT TAKES
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 13-15

"...Then the Lord your God will bless you in all your work."  Deuteronomy 14:29 NLT

Then...

Leads us believe something is required before God hands us a reward.

Something important.

Something do-able.

Something that very well might require our effort.

What's that requirement?

What is it we can do?

How is it He wants us to be a part of the blessings He is wanting to pour into our lives?

Obedience.

SETTING ASIDE OURSELVES
Today's reading:  1 Peter 4-5

"...For if you are willing to suffer for Christ, you have decided to stop sinning."  1 Peter 4:1 NLT

Few of us like discomfort.  Even fewer of us enjoy pain.  Ease and comfort are preferences that come easier to our nature.

But as Christians, we don't have the option of doing anything but denying ourselves, allowing what we want to come second to His will and to endure for eternal consequence.

Desire to sin is a mental, physical, emotional and spiritual battle we are called to fight everyday.

How's your fight going?

OKAY, LADIES
Today's reading:  Acts 13-14

"Then the Jewish leaders stirred up both the influential religious women and the leaders of the city, and they incited a mob against Paul and Barnabas and ran them out of town."  Acts 13:50 NLT

In a time when women were considered a less than important race of peoples.

During an era that placed women as chattel to be bought, sold and dismissed as deemed fit.

At a time when women were to be seen and not heard--especially within the walls of the church.

We see an city-wide opposition placed in the hands of the church ladies.

They knew the levels of our influence then and we must be aware of that influence today.

What we say moves the world.  Or moves people to do more or quit completely.  Can move someone closer to Christ or farther away.  Can allow the Holy Spirit to move in our services or squelch His power among us.

Our comments become fixed in the hearts and minds of those around us.  Positive or negative.

Our attitudes shape our homes, our children and our churches.  We know it, don't we?

So before another Sunday rolls around, why not spend some time talking to God about your influence--past, present and future.

What will you say?  Who will you speak to?  How much impact will you have in the moving of God in someone else's life?

We women are a powerful force to be reckoned with--let's harness that power under the leading of the Holy Spirit!    

A MESSAGE FROM THE LORD
Today's reading:  Haggai

"Then Haggai, the Lord's messenger, gave the people this message from the Lord, 'I am with you, says the Lord!'"  Haggai 1:13 NLT

Haggai didn't speak to the multitudes the day he relayed this message from the Lord.

He wasn't standing in front of a large audience.

He did not speak loudly before a throng of people.

He spoke to the remnant.

The small group he gave this message to was a small assembly of those who had been scattered and now were being drawn back 'home'.

They'd been held captive.

They'd been taken to far off lands.

They'd been separated from friends and families.

They'd seen atrocities.

They'd been persecuted, enslaved and looked down upon because of their heritage.

And now?

God was asking Haggai to let them know He had not, now would not be separated from them.

Are you to let someone know that today?  Are you to be a messenger from God to a broken, lonely heart within this 24 hour period?  Are you, with your words and beliefs, to lend someone a hand up from where they are to where God intends for them to be?

LOVE IT AS YOU LIVE IT
Today's reading:  Ecclesiastes 5-6

"...To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life--that is indeed a gift from God.  People who do this rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has given them reasons for joy."  Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 NLT

Are you loving life? 

Are you thrilled with the thought of a new day, a new twenty-four hours, a new planner page filled with opportunities from God to reach someone for Him?

Why not?

The world would like to remind you of all the things going against you.  It would like to defeat you with the surroundings you find yourself in.

This world is not our reward.  It's temporary.  It's fragile.  It's messed up.

But the one who chooses to see this trek as just a part of the journey towards heaven will enjoy the trip more than the one who doesn't.

Enjoy the journey.  Love life.  Live in such a way that going from this world into heaven is a natural step, a rising up, a reward!  Prove to the world your Hope by how you walk among the world.

BUT GOD IS GOOD
Today's reading:  Psalm 128-130

"From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me--let Israel now say--from my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but they have never been able to finish me off.  My back is covered with cuts, as if a farmer had plowed long furrows.  But the Lord is good, he has cut the cords used by the ungodly to bind me."  Psalm 129:1-4 NLT

Maybe you're feeling beaten and discouraged today.

Quite possibly satan has had quite the heyday whispering words of untruth into your ears.

It may very well seem like you'll never get a break from his conniving ways and stumbling blocks.

Maybe you've got no visible scars, but your heart is shredded and aching from just making it through today.

Remind yourself, audibly, that God is still good!

He has complete control of the situation and will continue to strengthen you until the point the world sees more of Him than of you. Victory has already been claimed by our Lord.

He will not allow satan to win.  You won't either, will you?

DOING WHAT WE ARE CALLED TO DO
Today's reading:  2 Chronicles 33-36

"He issued this order to the Levites, who had been set apart to serve the Lord and were teachers in Israel; Since the Ark is now in Solomon's Temple and you do not need to carry it back and forth on your shoulders, spend your time serving the Lord your God and his people Israel."  2 Chronicles 35:3 NLT

Our mission, if you choose to accept it, is to spread the Good News to everyone we meet.

Our job is not to save the world, but introduce them to the One who can.

Our task is not to tie them up and drag them into church, but let them know what they're missing by not attending.

Our duty is not to convict the unsaved of their sins, we are not their Holy Spirit, God is.

Our role is to do what He's asked us to do--He's personally freed us up from all the hard stuff.

He's done the work, we just need to invite those around us to come and see it for themselves!

STILL TODAY
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 10-12

"And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you?  He requires you to fear him, to live according to his will, to love and worship him with all your heart and soul, and to obey the Lord's commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good."  Deuteronomy 10:12-13 NLT

And now, Church, what does the Lord your God require of you?

And now, Christian brother and sister, what does the Lord your God require of you?

And now, saved citizens living in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, what does the Lord your God require of you?

And now, friends living and ministering under a red and yellow flag, what does the Lord your God require of you?

And now, those of you weary from commitment and service in the Kingdom, what does the Lord your God require of you?

And now, those of you who haven't found your 'place' in the Lord's work, what does the Lord your God require of you?

Nothing more--and nothing less!

For our own good.

LIVING EXAMPLES
Today's reading:  1 Peter 1-3

"...You are a kingdom of priests, God's holy nation, his very own possession.  This is so you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."  1 Peter 2:9 NLT

I needed the reminder of what God has placed me here to do.

I am to be an expression to others of the wonderful, merciful Savior living inside me.

I am His living example.

I am to love them like He does.

Forgive them as He would.

Extend grace to them as He has to me.

That's a tall order for this eraser-rubbed work of art--but He is so mighty in my life, He has forgiven me of so many things, I have been given the gift of grace and mercy on so many different occasions, how can I help but proclaim who He is to me!

PRIDE
Today's reading:  Zephaniah

"They will receive the wages of their pride..."   Zephaniah 2:10 NLT

Today is payday.  The day I receive a slip of paper telling the bank of my work's worth for the week.  The day I get what's due me.  The day I'm paid back for my dedication and commitment to my job.  The day my employers reimburse me for carrying out the tasks for which I was hired.  The day my hard work is rewarded.

But to think about being paid back for prideful thoughts and actions?

To be brought low by my own accusations and unlovely thoughts?  To be embarrassed instead of raised up?  To expose the real truth--that I'm no better or worse than any one else? 

It's scary.  It's daunting.  It's something think about.