BROKEN SPIRIT
Today's reading:  Psalm 51-53

"The sacrifice you want is a broken spirit..."  Psalm 51:17 NLT

A broken heart...one You can heal.

A broken life...one You can breathe new life into.

A broken pile of dreams...one You can sort, sift and set to flight.

A broken mind...one You can re-wire for Your purposes.

A broken-ness...the kind You can be glorified in repairing.

WHO AM I?
Today's reading:  2 Samuel 5-9

"Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed, Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family , that you have brought me this far?"   2 Samuel 7:18 NLT

I can see David stealing away from the palace happenings and the bodyguards and the personal secretaries to sit in his small 'chapel'.

I can see him lay his crown on the pew and kneel at the altar.

I can imagine his stature melt into humility as he spoke with the Lord and thanked Him for all He had bestowed.

I can see David's shoulders shake as he is overwhelmed with emotion, awed by grace and stricken with the enormity of His Lord.

How do I know?

I'm 'wearing David's shoes' this morning!

I'm in awe of God.  All He is to me.  All He's done for me.  All He's accomplished through me.  All He's done despite me.

Who am I that I should receive any one of His mercies, and yet He has chosen to pour them out on me?

Who am I am that I would have any one blessing bestowed upon me, and yet my days are filled with them?

Who am I that God would send Jesus to die on the cross for me, and yet He did--O Sovereign Lord!  

THE RIGHT ONE
Today's reading:  Exodus 17-20

"At the Lord's command, the people of Israel left the Sin Desert and moved from place to place.  Eventually they came to Rephidim, but there was no water to be found there.  So once more they grumbled and complained to Moses.  Give us water to drink! they demanded."  Exodus 17:1-2 NLT

Who did they think Moses was?  These folks believed Moses could simply snap his fingers and a great spring of water appear?  That all of a sudden Moses could wave his hand and a 7-Eleven, with a sale on Big Gulps, appear in the desert?  That he carried 2 million bottles of water in his pack, just in case his entourage got thirsty?

We're a lot like the Israelites, we tend to expect more out of people than out of the Lord.

Cases in point...

We expect the doctor to fix us right up and provide us with diagnoses that are more to our liking.

We expect our husbands to complete us, insuring we are given privileges that make us into godly women.

We expect our children to behave, achieve and look in such a way that we're promoted to the ranks of 'Mother Of The Year'.

We expect our preachers to fill our heads with enough Bible to last us through the week.

We're depending more upon others than we do God.  We're asking more of imperfect humans than we would dream of talking to God about.  We're placing our dependence on people as weak as what we are.

Let's start expecting things of God.  Let's begin asking Him for the big things.  Let's start looking to Him and His Word for guidance and direction.

Let's ask Him for water, Living Water.

BECAUSE
Today's reading:  2 Corinthians 4-5

"But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, I believed in God, and so I speak."  2 Corinthians 4:13 NLT

I couldn't type these words if I didn't believe in the power of the Cross of Christ.

I wouldn't stand before audiences, the gals in the Women's Sunday School class or my family and proclaim His Good News if I didn't believe in Jesus' saving power.

I shouldn't sing any song of praise, in the choir, along with the congregation or in my car as I scoot along the highway, if I don't wholeheartedly, assuredly and  without a doubt believe Christ died for me.

But I do.

So I do.

And I will.

And so should you.

HOW WILL YOU BE REMEMBERED?
Today's reading:  Mark 13-14

"I assure you, where ever the Good News is preached through out the world, this woman's deed will be talked about in her memory."  Mark 14:9 NLT

She did nothing grand.

She didn't have unlimited resources.

She'd not planned, trained or prepared herself for this very moment.

She did what she could.  With what she had.  At the exact time and place it was required of her.

And now?  Now, we're still talking about her thousands of years later.  We're still moved by her actions and touched by her service.  She's still an example we are told to follow.

With what ever we have.  With where ever we are.  With all that we are.

Don't you want to be known for worshiping Jesus with your whole heart?

WATCHING YOUR LIMITS
Today's reading:  Jeremiah 22-26

"People from many nations will pass by the ruins of this city and say to one another, Why did the Lord destroy such a great city?  And the answer will be, Because they violated their covenant with the Lord their God by worshiping other gods."  Jeremiah 22:8-9 NLT

The finest cities can crumble.

The most organized organizations can topple.

The most intact of churches can split.

The greatest of people can fall off their pedestals.

Why?

Because of what's allowed to enter in.  The consolations made.  The excuses accepted.  The 'bends' they choose to make to accomodate everyone's feelings.

If God is not honored, then nothing will be.  He will not play second fiddle.  He will not be ignored.  He will not take a backseat or be put on hold.

What are you allowing inside your 'city limits'?

WATCHING YOUR LIMITS
Today's reading:  Jeremiah 22-26

"People from many nations will pass by the ruins of this city and say to one another, Why did the Lord destroy such a great city?  And the answer will be, Because they violated their covenant with the Lord their God by worshiping other gods."  Jeremiah 22:8-9 NLT

The finest cities can crumble.

The most organized organizations can topple.

The most intact of churches can split.

The greatest of people can fall off their pedestals.

Why?

Because of what's allowed to enter in.  The consolations made.  The excuses accepted.  The 'bends' they choose to make to accomodate everyone's feelings.

If God is not honored, then nothing will be.  He will not play second fiddle.  He will not be ignored.  He will not take a backseat or be put on hold.

What are you allowing inside your 'city limits'?

NO DIFFERENCES
Today's reading:  Job 33-34

"Look, you and I are the same before God.  I, too, was formed from clay."  Job 33:6 NLT

I'm short, maybe you're tall.

I like pizza, maybe you don't.

Strawberry cheesecake ice cream is my favorite.  Maybe you're a vanilla kind of person.

God, our belief in Him, our relationship with Him and our dependence upon Him levels the playing field.

Oh sure, maybe you have years on me.  Maybe you have more verses memorized than you do.  Maybe you think the denomination you're associated with holds more clout.  Maybe you are a tried and true King James Version fan.  Maybe you only wear dresses and never cut your hair.  Maybe your quiet time is marked by the hours and your prayer closet is wired for Wi-Fi.

Sorry.

Before God, we're all the same.

Now if you don't know Him personally and intimately, that's a different story.  But if you are a believer, like I am--we're the same.

LISTEN
Today's reading:  Psalm 48-50

"O my people, listen as I speak..."  Psalm 50:7 NLT

Though I'm the only one up at this time, our house is loud with noise.

I hear the hum of the refrigerator.  I hear the drip of the faucet.  I hear some soft snoring from the bedrooms.  I hear the squeak of my old rocking chair as I sit and type.

I also hear God.

I hear Him in my heartbeat.  I hear Him in the Word I've just read.  I hear Him in the fact that I've just spent a restful night sleeping instead of fretting or worrying over what might be or could be.

If  I'll choose to listen for Him, I'll hear Him loud and clear.  Above the noises.  Above the other sounds vying for my attention.

LISTEN
Today's reading:  Psalm 48-50

"O my people, listen as I speak..."  Psalm 50:7 NLT

Though I'm the only one up at this time, our house is loud with noise.

I hear the hum of the refrigerator.  I hear the drip of the faucet.  I hear some soft snoring from the bedrooms.  I hear the squeak of my old rocking chair as I sit and type.

I also hear God.

I hear Him in my heartbeat.  I hear Him in the Word I've just read.  I hear Him in the fact that I've just spent a restful night sleeping instead of fretting or worrying over what might be or could be.

If  I'll choose to listen for Him, I'll hear Him loud and clear.  Above the noises.  Above the other sounds vying for my attention.

LISTEN
Today's reading:  Psalm 48-50

"O my people, listen as I speak..."  Psalm 50:7 NLT

Though I'm the only one up at this time, our house is loud with noise.

I hear the hum of the refrigerator.  I hear the drip of the faucet.  I hear some soft snoring from the bedrooms.  I hear the squeak of my old rocking chair as I sit and type.

I also hear God.

I hear Him in my heartbeat.  I hear Him in the Word I've just read.  I hear Him in the fact that I've just spent a restful night sleeping instead of fretting or worrying over what might be or could be.

If  I'll choose to listen for Him, I'll hear Him loud and clear.  Above the noises.  Above the other sounds vying for my attention.

OUR ENEMY
Today's reading:  2 Samuel 1-4


Four chapters of turmoil and name upon name of David's enemies.


David, a man after God's own heart.


David, a man trying to do what God had called him to do.


David, a man of God.


David's life tells us all something very, very important...if we are His, we have an enemy.


It's not the people who we think are out to get us.


It's not the walking skin that hurts our feelings and steps on our toes.


It's not the fellow bundles of God-needing DNA that are workers of evil.


It's satan.  It's only satan.  It will always be satan.  It will never be anyone but satan.


Be aware of your enemy! 

NOT CONFUSED
Today's reading:  Exodus 13-16

"Then the Lord gave these instructions to Moses:  Tell the people to march toward Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea.  Camp there along the shore, opposite Baal-zephon.  Then Pharoah will think, Those Israelites are confused.  They are trapped between the wilderness and the sea!"  Exodus 14:1-3 NLT

Maybe the un-saved around you think you're in a spot where there is not hope.

Maybe your unbelieving family members have begged, pleaded and joked that you need to 'give up' on this Jesus thing because you're worse off than before.

Maybe satan is whispering in your ear to look around--God's left you in a pickle.

If you're in that position, watch out.  God's placed you in just a spot to see a miracle happen!

It took being pushed up against the Red Sea for God's power to be illuminated.

It took Lazarus dying for God to be glorified.

It took a little bit of flour and oil to fill a neighborhood's pots and pans.

It took three days in the grave to get the world's attention before God spoke, Arise, my Son!

Maybe you're just where He needs you for a big miracle to occur!

UP A LITTLE EARLIER
Today's reading:  Mark 12

"It was early on Sunday morning when Jesus rose from the dead, and the first person who saw him was Mary Magdalene, the woman from whom he had cast out seven demons."  Mark 12:9 NLT

I don't know how early Mary Magdalene got up and took her stroll to the garden tomb.

I'm not sure if she felt led to go see if the tomb was empty because of all He had said, or if her broken heart had kept her up all night.

Maybe she went to her Savior's grave plot in hope of hope.

Oh, what she found!

Once she saw the empty tomb and heard Him speak her name--do you think she began wishing she'd have gotten up a little earlier?

Mary Magdalene is not the first or the last to find that Jesus will always be found when we go searching for Him!

 

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?
Today's reading:  Mark 11-12

"As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the towns of Bethpage and Bethany, on the Mount of Olives.  Jesus sent two of his disciples on ahead, Go into that village over there, he told them, and as soon as you enter it, you will see a colt tied there that has never been ridden.  Untie it and bring it here.  If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, The Lord needs it and will return it soon."  Mark 11:1-3 NLT

I've read it a thousand times.

It's a popular Scripture to use this time of the year.

So many lessons to learn from these simple verses--obedience, willingness, seeing opportunity.

But what do I see this morning?

The disciples had to, based on Jesus' words, return that little colt to its owner after Jesus rode on it...

What did they tell the man?  How would they have explained the use of his beast of burden?  How could they ever, in words, relate to him the people praising, the palm branches falling and the coats being thrown?

Their evangelism began that day.  Trying to explain Jesus and His impact on the crowds.  Attempting to put into words the awe of God's Son.

They had to tell the man something--can you imagine having the opportunity to share what you'd just seen happen?

Are you sharing today?

LUMP OF CLAY
Today's reading:  Jeremiah 17-21

"But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so the potter squashed the jar into a lump of clay and started again."  Jeremiah 18:4 NLT

Today is one of those days when I feel like the squashed lump of clay.

God has found in me a defect.  An air-pocket of pride.  A flaw in the character of my very being.

Most couldn't see the problem.  Most wouldn't think it that important.  Most have the same issue.

But He sees it as a weak spot in the foundation of who He wants me to be.  Something that left unattended could ruin the integrity of the masterpiece He's attempting to make me into.

So I'll spend more time on the Potter's wheel.

I'll feel squashed and lumpy for a day or so, or a week or so, or a month or so--however long it takes for Him to make the corrections!

INHERITANCE
Today's reading:  Job 31-32

"...What is our inheritance from the Almighty on high?"  Job 31:2 NLT

Job was scrambling for a sure footing.

He was grasping for a toehold on a slippery downward slope.

He was viewing and reviewing his life for what ever it might be that was causing his distance from God.

His friends were attempting to help him.

And what did he come up with?

Nothing.

He found, after hours covered with ashes and days of pain, that life sometimes isn't fair...for the follower or for the unbeliever.

Inheritance was the only word he could use to sum up what he expected from the Almighty.  He lived right, he worshipped, he walked the straight and narrow, he had godly control of his thoughts--and what had he inherited from his efforts?

What a choice of words because inheritance only comes after a death.

Nothing here matters--it's what we receive after this life is over that counts.  The rewards, the eternal life, the blessing of His presence.

Job came to find out that life is tough, but God is good.

Have you found that to be true? 

NOT AFRAID
Today's reading:  Psalm 45-47

"God is our refuge and our strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.  So we will not fear, even in earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea."  Psalm 46:1-2 NLT

I've heard, on numerous occasions, the verse about God being our refuge and our strength. 

I've heard less often the second verse--about the decision not to fear because of the truth the first verse states.

It is our decision, you know.

Whether to be afraid or to trust.

Are fear and faith opposites?  Can you do both simultaneously? 

Make the choice right now not to fear whatever may come your way today.  It will make a difference in your day--and a difference in your faith!

 

TAKE YOUR POSITION
Today's reading:  1 Samuel 26-31

"But David said, No, my brothers!  Don't be selfish with what the Lord has given us.  He has kept us safe and helped us defeat the enemy.  Do you think anyone will listen to you when you talk like this?  We share and share alike--those who go to battle and those who guard the equipment."  1 Samuel 26:23-24 NLT

David had a few words to say to the soldiers who had been to battle in regards to their opinions of the soldiers who were too tired to go.  You see these men had been going full-force for three days prior to this particular battle.

David set them into their place in regards to their roles, their importance, their attitudes. 

If we're His we're equal.  No rank.  No position.  No level of importance.

Prayer warrior.  Preacher.  Nose-wiper.  Greeter.  Deacon.  Janitor.  Sunday School teacher.  Sunday School attender.  One-who-passes-out-crayons.  One-who-prays-with-a-new-believer-at-the altar.  Singer.  Musician.  Tither. 

We share and share alike in His Kingdom.  Don't be selfish with all He has given us!

WHAT YOU WILL TELL THEM
Today's reading:  Exodus 9-12

"Then the Lord said to Moses, Return to Pharoah and again make your demands.  I have made him and his officials stubborn so I can continue to display my power by performing miraculous signs among them.  You will be able to tell wonderful stories to your children and your grandchildren about the marvelous things I am doing among the Egyptians to prove that I am Lord."  Exodus 10:1-2 NLT

Go back to the palace, Moses.  Yes, the palace.  Yes, Pharoah's palace.

Pharoah still won't let your people go, but that's OK.  Really, it is.  No, I'm not joking about this.  Go on, but it won't do any good. 

I'll look good though, Moses.  I'll shine.  I will.  Even brighter than Pharoah.  Oh, the glory I'm going to receive.

And what stories of my greatness you will be able to tell those who follow after you!  Miraculous things.  Happenings no one will believe...but you'll have seen them for yourself and your eyes will tell it when you speak of them.  Occurrences that will move people for generations and years to come.



Go again, Moses.  It will be hard and it may seem like it's useless, but go again.


   

ONE THING
Today's reading:  1 Corinthians 15-16

If I could give you one thought for this Holy Week...

If I could plant in your heart one message...

If I could push aside the bunnies and the eggs and the plans for a big Easter feast for something of value, something of worth, something life-changing...

It would be this...

"He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures said."  1 Corinthians 15:4 NLT

Ponder the power required.  Think about the love shown.  Consider the mercy spilled out on us.  Regard His role, not your lists.  Imagine the future He has given us because of that Holy Week!

ONLY ONE THING
Today's reading:  Mark 9-10

"Jesus felt genuine love for this man as he looked at him. You lack only one thing, he told him..."  Mark 10:21 NLT

Only one thing?

It would be nice to stand before Jesus and ONLY lack one thing.

Especially when there are so many areas that come up short.

So many issue.

So many sins.

But and this is no shocker, Jesus is right.

We all miss one thing and that thing is Him.

Unless we know Him, we have nothing.

Unless we are His, we are nothing.

Unless we have our salvation settled with Him, we have no hope.

Do you have the One thing?

SO, I'LL JUST WAIT
Today's reading:  Jeremiah 12-16

"Can any of the foreign gods send us rain?  Does it fall from the sky by itself?  No, it comes from you, the Lord our God!  Only you can do such things.  So we will wait for you to help us."  Jeremiah 14:22 NLT

There have been some things happen this week that leave me questioning God.

Not that He isn't God.  Not that He isn't good.  Not that He isn't in control.

But how He could possibly bring glory to His name by what's been done?

How God can bring about glory from ashes?  How life can come after death?  How His children hurt while the ungodly remain untouched?  How can the unsaved be reached through these tragedies?

Only God can do such things.

So, I'll just wait to see what He does.  How He chooses to work things out.  What masterpiece will come from this crazy mixed up mess.

I'll just wait on Him.

DON'T TURN AWAY
Today's reading:  Job 29-30

Two verses jumped off the pages of my Bible this morning...

" I long for the days when God took care of me..." Job 29:1 NLT

and...

"I walk in gloom without sunlight..."  Job 30:28 NLT

Spoken by the same man.  Honest, gut-wrenching emotions.

Job was walking through a dark time. A very, very rough season of life.

No one could help him.  Not even well-intentioned friends.

He had to continue.  He had to keep putting one foot in front of the other.  He had to grab hold of whatever shreds of hope and joy he could find--and hang on for dear life!

You see, in a few chapters, Job gets back all he'd lost, and more.  Because he stayed true.  Because he continued to trust.  Because Job knew, on the bleakest of days, God was all he had--even when it seemed as if he had nothing.

We have to do that, too.

Bad days.  Rough weeks.  Trying years.  Never-would-have-asked-for-this kind of lives.

Keep seeking God.  Cling ever so tightly to Him.  Never, never, ever, let go of Him!

A REMINDER
Today's reading:  Psalm 42-44

"Why am I so discouraged?  Why so sad?  I will put my hope in God!  I will praise Him again--my Savior and my God!"  Psalm 42:5, Psalm 42:11, 43:5 NLT

(I am going on the assumption that if God wasn't to catch my attention with this one, He wouldn't have placed in my Bible reading three, count them, THREE, times!  I consider myself to pretty smart like that.)

Why am I so discouraged?  So sad?  What's my problem?  What in the great big world He's created has me so down-in-the-mouth?

What problem do I have that overwhelming my heart and mind?  What issues are turning my smile upside-down?  What tough time am I trudging through?

What happening has occurred that has taken my eyes of of Him and has allowed my doubt override my faith?

When has God ever let me down?

I've got to get my eyes back on Him.  I've got to re-wire my head.  I've got to revive my heart.  I've got to refresh my mind.  I've got to remind myself of Whose I am!

I'm gonna praise Him again!  I'm gonna lift His name up high!  I'm gonna place my focus squarely on Him, not on my circumstances!  I'm gonna keep an eye on my God--my Savior!

ASK HIM
Today's reading:  1 Samuel 21-25

"One day news came to David that the Philistines were at Keilah stealing grain from the threshing floors.  David asked the Lord, Should I go and attack them?.."  1 Samuel 23:1-2 NLT

David, the king.

David, the great warrior.

David, the defeater of Goliath--the Philistine.

David, the one whose heart was like God's.

And he had to ask?  He had to ask God if he needed to do what was right?  He had to ask God to take up a battle in which he had already been engaged?  He had to ask God to go to war, when God had made him a warrior?

Yes, he did.

And, yes, we do, too.

Not every battle is our to fight.  Not every debate are we to be involved in.  Not every stand are we to take.  Not every letter-writing campaign are we to use our pens.  Not every wrong are we placed on this earth to right.

We have to ask God when, where and how He wants us to proceed.  We need to seek God's advice in who we are to deal with, and to what extent.  We have to ask.  We have to ask each and every time.

You see, it's not about us.  It's about God receiving all the glory--and He knows the how's, when, where's, what's and why's of that.

We just have to ask Him.

INCONVENIENCED
Today's reading:  Exodus 5-8

"So Moses and Aaron left Pharoah, and Moses pleaded with the Lord about the frogs he had sent.  And the Lord did as Moses had promised.  The frogs in the houses, the courtyards and the fields all died."  Exodus 8:12-13 NLT

Pharoah couldn't stand the frogs.

The noise.

The slimy, hopping amphibians everywhere.

Frogs in his bed.  Frogs in his underwear drawer.  Frogs in his soup bowl.

So he begged Moses to pray for deliverance from them.

Little did he know...his calloused heart would take a greater risk with the plagues that followed than any boatload of frogs would bring him.

God inconveniences.

He does it to the lost whose attention He hopes to gain.  He does it to His children when our paths are veering off the highway of holiness.  He does it to bring about wandering eyes and searching hearts.  He does it to remind all of us of Who He really is.

MY WORDS
Today's reading:  1 Corinthians 13-14

"But in a church meeting I would much rather speak five understandable words that will help others than ten thousand words in an unknown language."  1 Corinthians 14:19 NLT

Lord, let me speak in a way that draws people to you.

I want them to know you--not how much I know.

I want them to hear how much you've done for me--not what He needs to do in their own lives.

I want them to desire to know you better--not settle for how well I know you.

I want them to understand what I say--not leave our conversation scratching their heads wondering what this Christian-thing is all about.

Let me speak in terms of you, Lord.  Let me speak in terms of you!

WHAT AM I CLINGING TO?
Today's reading:  Mark 7-8

"...This is but one of many traditions they have clung to..."  Mark 7:4 NLT

What?  The tradition of ritual hand-washing.
Who?  The Pharisees.
When?  While our Jesus walked the earth.
Why?  Because their daddies had done it, their grand-daddies had done it, their great-grand-daddies had done it, etc.
Where?  In Jerusalem, but close to our homes than that!

This is the second reference to Pharisees I've come across this week in my quiet time.

It's making me think.  And think hard.

What am I clinging to more than Christ?

What traditions, rituals, opinions or comfortable routines am I clinging to more tightly than my Savior?

They had Him among them and still chose tradition over Him.

I have Him with me--am I doing the same?

Lord, help me release from my tight little fist anything that keeps me from clinging wildly to the hem of Your garment!  

HIS PEOPLE
Today's reading:  Jeremiah 7-11

"My people...refuse to stand up for the truth...says the Lord."  Jeremiah 9:3 NLT

It's not God's enemies that are refusing to take a stand.

It's His children.

The ones who step back when we should be stepping up.

The ones who quiet down when we should raise our voices.

The ones who would sooner someone be comfortable and loved than saved from hell.

The ones who believe their task ends when they rise from their pew and go into the world.

If we, as God's children, are not taking a stand for the truth, why should we be surprised no one else is?  

WELL, CAN'T HE?
Today's reading:  Job 27-28

"He made the winds blow and determined how much rain should fall.  He made the laws of the rain and prepared a path for the lightning."  Job 28:25-26 NLT

Every gust is governed and purposed.

Every raindrop is ordained.

Every strike of lightning follows a direct course drawn out by God's finger.

Can't He care for you?

Won't His riches cover any expenses lacking in your account?

Won't His power subdue your greatest enemy?

Won't His grace blanket your worst sins?

Won't His strength carry you through another day?

He can do it.  Well, can't He?


 

PUT IT ON REPEAT
Today's reading:  Psalm 39-41

"But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness.  May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, The Lord is great!"  Psalm 40:16 NLT

Who are 'those who love your salvation'?

Are they the ones who stand at every testimony service--every one?

Are they the cheerleaders on your side?

Are they the folks who thank Him ahead of time for the prayers answered?

Are they the brothers and sisters in Christ who are dancing from foot to foot in anticipation of what He's about to do in the lives of the ones they're praying for?

Are they the saints still smiling despite diagnosis, heartache and unanswered prayers?

Are they the ones who cannot help but shout 'Amen!', 'Praise the Lord!' or 'Yessssss!'?

Are they the people you see in WalMart with the same smiles you saw them with in church?

Are they the ones who believe they're going to heaven--without a doubt, no questions asked, banking on it?

Are they you?

Okay, maybe not so grammatically correct--but are you one of the saved, set apart and shouting about it children of God?

If you're not, why not?  Is His grace not amazing?  Is His forgiveness not complete?  Are His mercies not new every morning?

The Lord is great!!

Put it on repeat!  

ANOINTED
Today's reading:  1 Samuel 16-20

"...And the Lord said, This is the one; anoint him."  1 Samuel 16:12 NLT

The littlest.  The youngest.  The least likely to be chosen.  The last in line.

And yet, God chose him.

God anointed him.

God set him apart from the others.  Placed on his life a calling.  Gave him a ministry.  Assigned him a job.  Put into his heart a purpose.

I've not felt the drops of oil on my head or heard the words of blessing spoken over me by a prophet, but I am coming to realize that I am just as chosen.

God spoke, This is the one, over my life.  He deemed me worthy to receive His Son's forgiveness.  He spoke life into my heart and His Spirit into my soul.  His Son chose my sins to go to the cross for.  He has graciously given me a purpose, a job, a ministry, a task and a life to live grandly for Him.

Anointed.

Blessed.

In awe of His grace!