STAY TRUE
Today's reading:  Isaiah 23-28

"In that day the people will proclaim, This is our God!  We trusted in him, and he saved us.  This it the Lord, in whom we trusted.  Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!"  Isaiah 25:9 NLT

"Also at that time, people will say, Look at what's happened!  This is our God!  We waited for him and he showed up and saved us!  This God, the one we waited for!  Let's celebrate, sing the joys of his salvation..."  Isaiah 25:9 MSG

These folks would tell you--Keep believing!

This tribe of Judah would beseech you to remain to true!

This clan of God's children would ask you to trust in Him for one more day--then one more, then one more!

This group of travelers would be the first to tell you the 40-year walk wasn't easy, but it was worth it!

This congregation of believers would be willing to show you the scars on their bodies and on their hearts with smiles on their faces!

This ragamuffin band of immigrants would tell you fitting in with the locals isn't as important as being His!

They know how hard it is to keep trusting, but the flip side is--they also know the rewards.  The rested in the peace.  They ate of the bounty.  They received all He had promised.  

Keep waiting on Him to act.  Keep believing He's going to work things out.  Keep crying out to Him, He's hearing you!

JOB KNEW
Today's reading:  Job 9-10

"For God is so wise and so mighty..."  Job 9:4 NLT

Job knew.

He debated, he cried out, he wailed and he sat cross-legged beside the fire and had a pity party--but he knew.

He hurt, he was broken, he was scratching his head and his sores--but he knew.

He had lost everything, he was surrounded with well-meaning friends who thought they knew the right things to say, he carefully reviewed, several times a day I'd suspect, what it was he'd done wrong--but he still knew.

Verse after verse, chapter after chapter, page after page, disaster after disaster--but Job knew. 

He knew God is wise and God is mighty. 

Job knew, down in his heart, that God's plan was intended for a lot more than Job's comfort and well-being.

Job knew, do you?

Do you know without a doubt that God is still good?  That God is still in control?  That God, without question, still has your best interests at heart?  Do you know that He still loves you more than anything?

You've got to know.  You've got to tell your head, until it starts believing, what your heart knows.  

NOT ALONE
Today's reading:  Psalm 12-14

"...for God is with those who obey him."  Psalm 14:5 NLT

I'm hoping to grab the attention of you 'loners' out there.

The ones who have taken a stand for Christ.

The ones who have taken said stand and now feel very alone, very ostracized, very unpopular but very, very sure you have done what God asked of you.

You are not alone!

It may feel as if you are the only one doing what is right.  It may feel as if others think you an uppity-up because you had to rain on their party and speak, 'thus saith the Lord.'  It may feel as if you have been pushed to the outside of the congregation because your views aren't tolerant, inviting or new.  You may have been called a fuddy-duddy, a holier-than-thou or a party-pooper.  You may very well have been the one God chose to rain conviction down on the hearts of those who sit beside you on the pew.

Stand strong, you are not alone!

God is beside you, and if at the end of life He remains the only one on your side--so be it.  He'll usher you in to His kingdom with a smile on His face, a smile only surpassed in size by the one on yours. 

NOT A SINGLE ONE
Today's reading:  Joshua 21-24

"Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true."  Joshua 21:45 NLT

Out of over two million people.

Over a span of many years and several generations.

From one country all the way to another.

Through good times and bad.

Through slavery and freedom.

Through drought and through plenty.

Surrounded by enemies and settled safely in peace.

When they obeyed and when they didn't.

A whole lot of promises.

That's quite a feat.  It goes against all odds that EVERY single promise was fulfilled, but they were.  It's a miracle that He could, it's a miracle that He would, it's a miracle that He did.

That being said, don't you think He's capable of keeping His promises to you?  Through the saving power of Jesus' blood, you are as much His as the children of Israel!  He keeps His promises to His kids.

"Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel.  All came to pass."  Joshua 21:45 NKJV

HE SEES
Today's reading:  Genesis 16-19

"Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees;.."  Genesis 16:13 NKJV

Hormonal, distressed, chased from her home Hagar, finds herself talking to an angel about the predicament she's in.

The angel tells her God is well aware of the circumstances.  He says He heard her.  She realized He also saw.

But what she called him kind of surprised me.

She called Abram's God, The-God-Who-Sees.

Not the God-Who-Sees-I-Was-Wronged-And-They-Deserve-Punishment.

Not the God-Who-Sees-I-Was-Right.

Not the God-Who-Sees-Just-Now-And-Can-Only-Fix-The-Current-Events.

Hagar realized what we need to realize, He sees.

He sees it all.  What we know to be fact, how we know we've been hurt, who we know has broken our hearts and trust...and He sees what we don't see.  He sees what will come of this trial.  He sees what will change in the next year, day, hour, breath.  He sees how today will weave into a bright and godly tomorrow.

We don't see.  He does.  He is the God-Who-Sees.

We would do well to grasp that truth--and leave it at that!

NEVER
Today's reading:  Romans 9-10

"As the Scriptures tell us, Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced."  Romans 10:11 NLT

"Scripture reassures us, No one who trusts God like this--heart and soul--will ever regret it."  Romans 10:11 MSG

Not ever.  At no time.  Not to any degree.


 



 

THE REAL PROBLEM
Today's reading:  Matthew 8-10

"Jesus climbed into a boat and went back across the lake to his own town.  Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat.  Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, Be encouraged, my child!  Your sins are forgiven."  Matthew 9:1-2 NLT

Jesus saw the mat.  He saw the pain in the man's eyes--pain from being left out, pain from being left behind and pain from having prayed and prayed and no answers.

Jesus knew the need.  He saw a man needing a touch.  He saw a crowd excited to see what this Jesus-man could and would do.  He saw an opportunity to amaze and astound.

Jesus chose to save the man from his sins.

He later chose to heal him, giving him legs to stand and a heart filled with praise--but first, foremost He chose to draw him into a loving personal relationship that would get him through this life and in to the next.

Jesus knew there would always be pain.  Jesus knew walking wasn't as important as walking with Him in spirit.  Jesus knew that a healing touch here would eventually expire and life would place this man before the throne of judgement, a place where sins would have to have been forgiven.

Jesus knew that a relationship was more important than comfort, salvation more important than health, what we need more important that what we want.

He knew the real problem and took care of it--He will do the same for you!  

WHY IS HE OUR LAST RESORT?
Today's reading:  Isaiah 18-22

"...But you never ask for help from the One who did all this..."  Isaiah 22:11 NLT

Isaiah writes,

Destruction is on the doorstep of Jerusalem.  Leaders have stepped down from their pedestals.  Enemy archers surround the city.  Frantic scared people cry out in fear.

The people of Jerusalem gather all their weapons.  They batten down the hatches, sealing up every entrance.  They hoard provisions and ready themselves for a long battle.  They build up walls.

But they never do what they're supposed to do.

Turn to God. Turn back to God actually.

They had once been His, then things got in the way.  Distractions came along.  Temptations lured them away from their Lord.  Their views were routed elsewhere.  Their walks detoured.  Their hearts attempted to allow too many things in its small space.

They were getting what they had brought on themselves.

Their only, I mean only, hope was God.

And they refused to turn to Him.

Why do we do that?  Oh--I mean why did they do that? 

WRONG ANSWER
Today's reading:  Job 7-8

"But if you pray to God and seek the favor of the Almighty, if you are pure and live with complete integrity, he will rise up and restore your happy home.  And though you started with little, you will end with much."  Job 8:5-7 NLT

Many people believe these words to be a promise from God.

They go on the assumption that all writings within the Scripture are promises God intends for us to claim.  Hopes He wishes us to cling to.  Words for which we are to live by.

Allow me to go on record stating...they're wrong.

These are not words spoken by Christ or whispered into the ear of a prophet by God.  These are not directives from the Almighty on how to live a wonderful life filled with blessings.  These are words a mis-spoken, trying-to-help-friend said to Job. 

Bildad the Shuhite, in his attempt to offer words of consolation and sympathy to his friend, has gone on to mislead alot of folks!  He spoke on assumption and misunderstanding.  He took bits and pieces of what he thought he knew and offered them on a plate as a meal for a starving man.

We have to be careful when we take snippets of God's Word and use them as we might.  We need to know by whom and to whom these verses are speaking, in regards to what they were said, how they were used at their time and what reponse they were intending to bring about.  We should look into the background of any verse we want to quote or offer up as hope for a dying world.

It all boils down to this:  We've got to study the Bible.

FEELING CONVICTED
Today's reading:  Psalm 9-11

Before I type up the verse that's jumped off the page to me, I'll type up what I tend to think it says and how I tend to live it out in my daily walk.

I will be filled with joy because...the paycheck met the bills and we had a few dollars left over.
I will be filled with joy because...the day went smoothly, everyone saw my way as best and followed suit.
I will be filled with joy because...my test results were just fine and the pain is almost gone.
I will be filled with joy because...the sun in shining and it's over 50 degrees.
I will be filled with joy because...I was right and they (won't mention any names) were wrong.
I will be filled with joy because...God chose to go along with the plans I'd provided Him.
I will be filled with joy because...my husband loves me, my 13 year-old tolerates me and my jeans fit this morning.

Whew!  That was exhaustive.  That was personal.  That was convicting.  That was how I usually view Psalm 9:2, now let's see what it really says...

"I will be filled with joy because of you.  I will sing praises to your name, O Most High."  Psalm 9:2 NLT

My joy should have nothing at all to do with outside circumstances on a lack of inner turmoil.  I should have a constant and continual level of joy in my heart, in my life and on my face--not because things are going well for me, but because I have God in my heart--and He never changes.

I will be filled with joy because...of You, God! 

MY ALLOTMENT
Today's reading:  Joshua 16-20

"...This was the inheritance of the families of the tribe of Simeon.  Their inheritance came from part of what had been given to Judah because Judah's territory was too large for them.  So the tribe of Simeon received an inheritance within the territory of Judah."  Joshua 19:8-9 NLT

I'll be the first to admit, I usually skim over the allotments of land in the book of Joshua.  I'm usually so thrilled that the Israelites FINALLY made it to the Promised Land, that where they settled within it matters little to me.  I'm guessing they felt the same.

It's probably my skimming over that has caused me never to notice today's Scripture.  

Every tribe received land based on the size of their family.  Makes sense.

But to read that the tribe of Simeon received land that had originally belonged to Judah, surprised me.  The statement, 'Judah's territory was too large for them', really threw me for a loop!  Another translation says, 'Judah received more than it needed'.  And another, 'Judah couldn't fill up the cities or tend to all the land'.

It hit me.

We're all in the same boat as the tribe of Judah.

God has given us more, way more, than we could ever use/maintain/appreciate/fill in our lifetimes.

More blessings.  More opportunities.  More chances to experience His love.  More moments to be in His presence.  More, abundantly more, than we could ever keep to ourselves.

So we spill over into other people's lives.  Our blessings touch the heartss of those we come in contact with.  Our abundance allows us to experience Christ, and allows others to be touched by it.

And to think, I'd overlooked that overwhelming, life-changing truth all these years!

Thanks, Lord, for opening my eyes this morning.

STAGES
Today's reading:  Genesis 12-15

"Then Abram traveled south by stages towards the Negev."  Genesis 12:9 NLT

"Then they continued traveling by stages toward Bethel..."  Genesis 13:3 NLT

God was uprooting Abram and Sarai.  God was moving them from a place of plenty to a place of His blessing.  God was moving them by stages, by small sections of their journey, on a day-by-day route that lead them to something greater than they could have ever dreamed.

God could've done His mighty work in their lives where they lived in the Ur of Chaldeans.  He is God.  He could have, you know.

But there were things Abram and Sarai had to learn.  Moments they had to experience.  Steps they had to take.  Miracles they had to see happen in a foreign land.  Trust issues they had to part ways with as they drew closer to God.

Sound familiar?

There's a good chance God is moving you, too. 

Away from something comfortable?  Away from what's easy?  Away from the plans you had so painstakingly provided with Him as good for your life?  Away from the routine you'd settled into?  Away from the serene and pain-free life you'd prefer to live?  Away from all you thought He had asked you to minister in and through?

Trust, dear friends, that He's moving you to a better place.

He could choose to do it all at once, but He believes doing it in stages will enable you and Him to grow closer!  Day-by-day you'll find that He is sufficient, He is merciful and He is able to provide you with what you need for that day's journey.

It's gonna be worth it--every step, will be worth it!

THAT'S ME
Today's reading:  Romans 7-8

"I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it.  Instead, I do the very thing I hate."  Romans 7:15 NLT

For the past 13 years I've used the same Bible reading plan.  A plan which, every year at this time, places me face-to-face with the verse I believe God had Paul pen for me.

If the pictorial Bibles had been published back in Christ's day, He would have insisted my picture be placed beside this verse.

Most Bible commentaries could very easily refer to me when explaining the meaning behind this verse.

Thankfully, Sunday School lessons choose to leave my name out of the literature when publishing!

I know about this verse.

I have grand plans each and every day to do what is right--and stay as far away from what is wrong as possible.

And at the end of the day, I'm back on my knees asking God's forgiveness for the very things I had wanted to steer clear of.

I know about this verse.

Sadly, I know about this verse.   

MORE THAN OUR WORDS
Today's reading:  Matthew 5-7

"Not all people who sound religious are really godly.  They may refer to me as 'Lord', but they still won't enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  The decisive issue is whether they obey my Father in heaven."  Matthew 7:21 NLT

Not wait right there...

I know, like me, visions of Sister So-and-So or Brother Saintly-In-Words has just popped into your mind.

You were really thinking, if only for a moment, about printing off this verse and having it just laying in their pew tomorrow morning when they arrive for services.

There's a good possibility that in one quick thought, you decided this is just the section of Scripture you've needed in your arsenal--ready to spout off in the next battle of theological wits.  It'll make you look good and boy, oh, boy will it ever put them in their place.

Maybe those thoughts didn't just run through your mind.  Maybe it was just mine.

Either way, it's a lot to think about, don't you agree?

It becomes personal.  Not a personal vendetta against another--but a personal evaluation of your own self.

Am I obeying God?  Not do I know the lingo, carry the right translation or sign up for all the committees--but do I obey the Lord?

CAN I HEAR AN AMEN?
Today's reading:  Isaiah 12-17

"The Lord Almighty has sworn this oath:  It will all happen as I have planned.  It will come about according to my purposes...My people will no longer be their slaves.  I have a plan for the whole earth, for my mighty power reaches throughout the world.  The Lord Almighty has spoken--who can change his plans?  When his hand moves, who can stop him?"  Isaiah 14:24-27 NLT

God's plans.

Over and above anything we can imagine.  Far exceeding our wildest dreams or well thought out ideas.  Amazing.  Spectacular.  Life-changing.

As we face the day, we can rest assured, that the plans He talks about in today's passage--in regards to the Israelites being held captive by the Assyrians, are the same plans He has for us.

His plans, though we cannot understand or see clearly, do not in any way involve us being held captive by anything other than His love.

I'm praying this morning that you, child of God, will believe in His plans for your life--and expect the chains of your captors to fall!

BANDAGED
Today's reading:  Job 5-6

"For though he wounds, he also bandages.  He strikes, but his hand also heals."  Job 5:18 NLT

Ever been chastised by the Lord?

Maybe an errant thought that lead to a sinful action.  Maybe a snide comment, unnecessary and unkind.  Maybe it's something you failed to do.  Maybe it's an attitude that a godly person should not be harboring.

Whatever it was, you felt the sting of God's wrath.

A sick feeling in the pit of your stomach.  A punch to the gut.  An embarrassing moment where you had to seek forgiveness--not just His, but of someone else's.

He disciplines.

He has to.

But He also draws us into His arms and hugs us till the snuffling stops, the lesson is learned and the pain ceases to fill our thoughts.  He wipes our tears.  He comforts us and sets us back on a right path of action.  He assures us that we're not the only ones He is called to do it to.

He is our Heavenly Father and we are His wayward children.

INSIDE ME
Today's reading:  Psalm 6-8

"...For you look deep within the mind and heart, O righteous God."  Psalm 7:9 NLT

I don't understand myself some days.

I do some of the most ignorant things for a child of the Most High God.

I doubt when I have no reason to.  I cower when I am told plainly that I needn't.  I hold tightly to things that I'm clearly instructed to let go of.  I waver back and forth when I am told to stand solidly.  I step into sin, sin that God has specifically warned me against.

To think about the fact that God knows the deeper than deep parts of me.  He is aware of what makes me tick.  He knows what drives me, even when I am unaware.

He sees what I really want to do.  He sees the part of me that is hidden away from my closest friends, my family and the world.  He sees, because He has made me, the real me.

He knows my junk.

And He still loves me.

He still sees that I am worth His efforts, His grace and His Son.

He, knowing what He knows about me, still insists that I come near to Him.

GOING INTO BATTLE
Today's reading:  Joshua 11-15

Joshua 11 is about victory.

God was with the Israelites.

God directed their every move.

God soundly defeated each and every one of their enemies...when the Israelites did what God asked them to do.

Obey.

God had instructions for them to follow leading up to each battle.  God told them how to go about waging war on each army, seldom if ever the same way twice.  God gave them specific rules to follow in regards to the plunder.

If they did what He said, they won.

If they didn't, they remained hounded and harrassed by their enemies.

Don't you feel like an Israelite?

The issues you're struggling with, are they returning over and over again?  Do you think you've got them whipped only to see them crop up when you least expect it?  Are they tying you down, keeping you from going as far as you believe God wants you to go, hindering His glory being visible in you?

And then there are the things you have put aside.  The things God has walked you through dealing with.  The temptations and habits that no longer plague you.  The issues that are firmly and solidly in your past.

I'll guess for some of us obedience has paid off.  For the rest of us, we're wishing we'd had listened a little more closely to the strategies of war God spoke to our hearts!

HONORING OUR GREATNESS
Today's reading:  Genesis 8-11

"Let's build a great city with a tower that reaches to the skies--a monument to our greatness!.."  Genesis 11:4 NLT

The builders in Babel are no different than we are. 

They thought they were something.

One or two accomplishments.  A time or two of getting things right.  A day where they didn't slip up.  Twenty-four hours without sweets or eating only a serving size of potato chips, not the whole bag.

Whatever it is they had done, they thought they deserved to be honored.

We tend to think the same thing, but we're usually content with a small statue or plaque, a round of applause or our names mentioned in the church bulletin, not a skyscraper.

Like the Babel-builders, it's when we start placing one brick atop another, building a foundation for our pedestal of greatness, or writing up our acceptance speech, that things begin to topple.

We're quickly reminded that even gravity is one of His creations.  The stone we choose to build with is of His design.  The mud we mix to mortar our bricks is what He covered the earth with as He created it.  The hands we hold our fountain pens with are only there by His making.

Apart from Him, we're nothing.

In comparison to Him, we're nothing.

Keeping that in mind might just keep us from wasting our time honoring ourselves!

CONFIDENTLY
Today's reading:  Romans 5-6

"Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory."  Romans 5:2 NLT

Confidently and joyfully.

Not in fear.

Not in arrogance.

Not in shame.

Not in pride.

Confident in His blood, joyful in the hope He promises.

How's your attitude from where you're standing today?

KNOWING WHAT IN NEED
Today's reading:  Matthew 3-4

"But Jesus told him, No!  The Scriptures say,.."  Matthew 4:4 NLT

Jesus was in the wilderness being tempted by satan.

Satan had a pocketful of tricks.  He had studied the Word and twisted it to suit his needs.  He wanted to cause Jesus to slip up and stumble.

But Jesus knew what his Father had written, what He meant and held those instructions in His heart.

Shouldn't we do the same?

Not just for when we are in the wilderness.  But for at home.  For the workplace.  For inside the walls of the church.

We need to know what Scripture says.  We need to focus our thoughts, our hearts and our minds on studying the Bible.

How else will we succeed?

LOOKING FOR A SIGN?
Today's reading:  Isaiah 7-11

"Not long after this, the Lord sent this message to King Ahaz.  Ask me for a sign, Ahaz, to prove that I will crush your enemies as I have promised.  Ask for anything you like, and make it as difficult as you wish.  But the king refused.  No, he said, I wouldn't test the Lord like that.  Then Isaiah said, Listen well, you royal family of David!  You aren't satisfied to exhaust my patience.  You exhaust the patience of God as well!  All right then, the Lord himself will choose the sign.  Look!  The virgin will conceive a child!  She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel--God is with us."  Isaiah 7:10-14 NLT

I've read it before.  But never really read it.

I could tell you where it is located in the Bible.  But I'd never really found it.

I knew the promise.  But I didn't know the Promise was meant to remind me of God's protection.

Did you know?

Are you aware?

We have a Baby born in a manger to remind us that God will crush our enemies!

And yet?

And yet, we still wring our hands in fear.  We still speak in negative terms.  We still mutter prayers of disbelief.  We still worry.  We thing this prophecy, and it's coming to pass, was meant only for a king in a foreign land.

This Baby has come.  This Baby has lived.  This Baby has healed.  This Baby has died on the cross for us.  This Baby has risen again!

What more proof do you need?  What other sign could you possibly be looking for? 

THEN GET UP AND LIVE
Today's reading:  Job 3-4

'Woe is me.'

We've all said it.

We've all muttered about circumstances, whined about happenings and complained about what has unfolded in our lives.

We all do it.

Job has done it for twenty-six verses in chapter three.

Twenty-six statements he makes about wishing he'd never been born, why-why-why and woe is me.

Was God mad at him for doing it?  No.  God listens.  God wants us to spill our guts.  God knows what we're thinking--nothing shocks Him.

God also knew that after Job had a turn at crying it out, he would get back up and serve Him.

That's where so many people miss out on life.  They want to spend the rest of their lives bemoaning what's gone wrong, how they've been treated unfairly and using the past as an excuse.

Get up and live, I believe Job would tell us.  Acknowledge what heartbreak you've experienced, but dust yourself off and get back into living. 

Job did it. 

We can all agree that his life was one filled with horrible losses, but he went on to serve the Lord. 

Don't believe me?  Read Job 42:10-17.     

BECAUSE OF HIM
Today's reading:  Psalm 3-5

"Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house; with deepest awe I will worship at your Temple."  Psalm 5:7 NLT

This psalm is accredited to David. 

David, a man, a Jewish man, a Jewish king.

One wouldn't think he'd have any trouble at all going to God's house.  He'd be welcomed with a hundred hand-shakes.  He'd be encouraged to sit on the front row.  He'd have probably been asked to pray.

But there's a difference between being there--and feeling like you belong.

It's a heart issue.

David knew what was in his heart, and like us, what was in his heart was enough to keep him out of the Temple, and even farther from God's presence.

God's love allows us to snuggle up on God's lap and cry our eyes out seeking help.

God's love allows us to lay prostrate at His feet with our hearts spilled out on the ground seeking forgiveness.

God's love allows us to present to Him what He's asked us to do seeking approval.

God's love allows us to step into His presence, either through reading His Word, worshipping with His people or watching a sunrise, just seeking Him.

We have no right to be near God.  And yet His love draws us near.

FAME
Today's reading:  Joshua 6-10

"So the Lord was with Joshua, and his name became famous throughout the land."  Joshua 6:27 NLT

Leader of two million.  Quite a title.

Create a game plan that lasted seven days--and instilled the use of horns and hollers.  Quite an organizer.

Conquer the most battle ready city of the time.  Quite impressive.

I know what the verse says, but I don't think Joshua was the one they were whispering about throughout the land.

Joshua obeyed.  God did.

Joshua listened.  God provided the power.

Joshua stirred up the enthusiasm in the Israelites.  God provided the hope.

It wasn't as much about Joshua as it was about God.

This pride-filled writer needed a gentle reminder of that this morning.  Well, quite a few mornings, that is. 

How easily we can mistake, misread or misunderstand something that's said as a compliment we can take pride in, when all the time, God deserves all the praise!

WE NEEDN'T ASK WHY
Today's reading:  Genesis 4-7

"Why are you so angry, the Lord asked him.  Why do you look so dejected?  You will be accepted if you respond in the right way.  But if you refuse to respond correctly, then watch out!  Sin is waiting to attack and destroy you, and you must subdue it."  Genesis 4:6-7 NLT

I don't know about you, so I'll speak on behalf of myself this morning.

Things don't always go my way.  It's not always a rose-lined path I walk.  Everyone does not respond to me in the manner in which I hope they would.  My plans are not regarded as 'gospel', nor my ideas jumped on like a slice of pie at Grandma's house.

And another simple fact?  Sometimes it's no one elses' fault but my own!

That's a hard one to swallow.  Blame is easier to place than conviction is to swallow--and deal with.

Sin, most days, cause me the majority of my problems.

How I feel is directly related to what I allow to take root in my heart.  How I respond ties in tightly to how close to fair I think things are going for me.  What I say correlates to what I'm allowing to fester in my soul.

Sin's the problem, people. 

Oh, I don't know what the percentage might be, but let's all agree, for one day, that the majority of our problems are our problems--and our problems are linked to our sins!

WHAT HE SAYS IS TRUE
Today's reading:  Romans 3-4

"...God is true.  As the Scriptures say, He will be proved right in what he says, and he will win his case in court."  Romans 3:4 NLT

What He says is true.

You can believe it now, or wait to see the facts come in and prove it for you.

Men should only marry women, and women only marry men.  You'll see, if you're not seeing it already, that that is the right way--the only way, the God-ordained way.  

Marriages should last a lifetime.  You'll see it, if you haven't already.  It's the best way for families to remain strong and produce generations who know God.

Sin must leave our lives.  If you've not experienced it, you will.  It festers.  It grows.  It overtakes.  It causes death.

His Word is our guide.  If you haven't found that to be true, you will.  Or you will wander.  You will wonder.  You will be misled by society.  You will do things that do not sit well in your heart--or stomach.

You're going to find out that He's right...no matter the topic!

WHAT ARE MY REASONS?
Today's reading:  Matthew 1-2

"Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod.  About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, Where is the newborn king of the Jews?  We have seen his star as it arose, and we have come to worship him."  Matthew 2:1-2 NLT

The three wise men came seeking Jesus in order to worship Him.

They did not come to see what they could get from Him.  They did not travel in order to receive blessings and gifts which a King could bestow upon them.  They did not want to do anything other than worship Him.

Makes me think about my own reasons for attending church, praying in His name and singing along with the choir.

What am I doing it for, if not solely for worshipping His name?

 

ME, ME, ME, LORD!
Today's reading:  Isaiah 1-6

"...And I said, Lord, I'll go!  Send me."  Isaiah 6:8 NLT

Have you said it?

Most of us can quickly tout the qualifications of another Christian, provide a Xeroxed copy of our filled-to-the-brim agendas and list at least 100 excuses as to why we're not who God needs for any given job.

But it's a new year.

A new 365 days worth of opportunities to come alongside God on any and all things He's involved in.

Scary?  Yes.

What God wants from us?  Yes!  Yes!  Yes!

So be the first one to raise your hand.  Look like the kindergartner.  Give it all the enthusiasm you have when He asks.  Say with your most committed voice, 'Me, me, me, Lord--send me!'

JOB
Today's reading:  Job 1-2

Job's known worldwide. 

He's known for his troubles.

He's known for his patience.

He's known for his wealth.

But today I'm noticing that to God, he was only known for his devoted service.

"...Have you noticed my servant Job?.."  Job 1:8 NLT

How we're known in our social circles is important to the spreading of Christianity.  Relationships must begin before evangelism can start. 

That's fundamental.

Our relationship with Christ is the cornerstone to the testimony we're having written for us and we're allowing.

Before you walk out the doors of your home today to spread the Good News, ask yourself, and be completely honest, does God recognize you as His?  

A NEW YEAR
Today's reading:  Psalm 1-2

"For the Lord watches over the path of the godly,.."  Psalm 1:6 NLT

None of us know what the new year holds in store for us.  We anticipate great things.  We have some wonderful plans made.  We expect health, happiness and blessings.

But we do not know how those things will look, feel or impact our lives.

That unknown could very easily keep us locked up inside our homes, hidden under our covers--if it weren't for our faith in God.

God knows.

He can be counted on to hold our hands, walk beside us, carry our burdened hearts or stop and let us cry it out, whatever this year brings.

That's hope for a new year, wouldn't you agree?