PRAYING FOR OTHERS
Today's reading:  Luke 7-8

"So they earnestly begged Jesus to come with them and help the man, If anyone deserves your help, it is he, they said..."  Luke 7:4 NLT

I have a very dear friend who has bestowed upon me the privilege of lifting an unspoken prayer need of hers to the Lord.

I take that very seriously.

She's asked a monumental task of me...in hopes of having an additional voice being heard by our Father in Heaven.

She lives a life very much deserving of God hearing and answering her prayers.  I've told Him that.

She knows, regardless of how the prayers are answered, that He is great and mighty and loving.  I've told Him that, too.

She believes in my ability to speak to God on her behalf, knowing all about me--the faultiest Christian I know, and still she hands me this precious gift.  I've told Him that, too.

Are you praying for someone else?  It's an awesome privilege, and it's an opportunity to spend more time at the foot of God's throne!

TELL THEM
Today's reading:  Jeremiah 47-52

"This is what the Lord says, Tell the whole world, and keep nothing back!  Raise a signal flag so everyone will know..."  Jeremiah 50:2 NLT

We're commanded, not given the option or suggestion, but commanded, to go out and tell the world the Good News.

We hold in our hearts, hands and heads the only Hope of the world.

And yet we keep quiet.

We don't want to be viewed as intolerant.

We don't want to make a relationship or conversation awkward with religious talk.

We wouldn't want to make anyone feel convicted.

We don't want to push our beliefs off on someone else.

We don't want to seem 'holier than thou'.

So we watch as horrifying things are being done, as sins are being committed and as families, churches and countries fall apart at the seams because God is not in their midst.

And we're just as guilty because we're not speaking out, sounding an alarm or telling what's right and what's wrong--not based on our own opinions, but upon what the Lord says in His Word.

So, will you remain silent or will you begin speaking out?  Will you do what you, as God's child, have been asked to do?  Will you speak out?  Will you warn those He places in your path about the terrors of hell, death and the grave?

Or will you keep quiet?

DRESSED
Today's reading:  Proverbs 1

"Listen, my child, to what your father teaches you.  Don't neglect your mother's teaching.  What you learn from them will crown you with grace and clothe you with honor."  Proverbs 1:8-9 NLT

At 43 years of age, I'm proud to admit my parents still 'dress' me .

Oh no, they don't lay out my clothes, coordinate my accessories or do my hair, but they continue to influence everything I 'put on'.

Probably always will.

What they've taught me will always have a determining influence on my actions, words and responses.

I have watched, by their example, as they have become clothiers for the four of us girls--and now 4 married-into-the-family sons and 4 grand (super grand, in my opinion) kids.

Their fashion style?  Simple.  Grace-filled.  Loving.  Merciful.  Service-oriented.  Peaceful.  Honorable.  Kind.  Hospitable.  Compassionate.  Committed.  Helpful.  Practical.  Friendly.  Hard-working.  Godly.

In Sunday best or mow-the-yard blue jeans, my family dresses well, thanks to my parents!

ONLY YOU
Today's reading:  Psalm 63-65

"O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you.  My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water."  Psalm 63:1 NLT

Searching for God in a world where there is no...

...true love.

...peace.

..security.

...joy.

...value.

...rest.

...promises kept.

...contentment.

...hope.

What are you spending your time searching for?  Where are expending energy?  What's getting all your time?

Will it be worth it?  Is it satisfying you?  

EXCEPT
Today's reading:  1 Kings 1-4

"Solomon loved the Lord and followed all the instructions of his father, David, except..."  1 Kings 3:3 NLT

It's got me thinking about the 'exceptions' in my life.

I'm a good Christian mother, except for...

I'm a good Christian wife, except for...

I'm a godly woman, except for...

We've all got our exceptions--but that is no excuse!

FOR YOURSELF
Today's reading:  Galatians 1-3

"...You are being fooled by those who twist and change the truth concerning Christ."  Galatians 1:7 NLT

We cannot depend upon what our pastors tell us.

We cannot rely upon what we're told by the media.

We cannot believe, wholeheartedly, the information our politicians provide us.

We cannot trust our schools to provide us with solid truths.

We have to, HAVE TO, find out for ourselves just what God's Word says.

When it doubt, look it up in the Scriptures.

When there's a question, find the answer in the Bible.

When you have an inkling that what you're being told isn't quite up to God's standards, find out just what He says about it.

Find out for yourself.

AWESTRUCK
Today's reading:  Luke 5-6

"When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, Oh, Lord, please leave me--I'm too much of a sinner to be around you.  For he was awestruck by the size of their catch, as were others with him."  Luke 5:8-9 NLT

Awestruck.

It hits different people in different ways.

Might be an amazing view.

Could be the face of a loved one.

A miracle of nature.

An opportunity of a lifetime.

For these men, it was a large catch of fish...and the presence of the Lord.

I'm no fisher-person, so a large, wiggly mass of water creatures would not strike me as amazing in any way, but that's OK.

You see, He allows glimpses of Himself to each and every one of us in creative ways.  Ways that will touch individual hearts.  Instances that speak personally and privately.

I've been awestruck this week by His provision...and His humor...and His love...and His simplicity...and His ways.

What has knocked my socks off this week would have probably gone under your radar, and that's quite alright--you see, it was for me, not for you!

HE HAS SPOKEN
Today's reading:  Jeremiah 42-46

"...I will bring great disaster upon all these people, but I will protect you where ever you go, I, the Lord, have spoken!"  Jeremiah 45:5 NLT

Jeremiah was one godly man against an army of unbelievers.  He was a sole prophet in an ungodly nation.  He was speaking truth to a community of lie-believers.  He delivered God's Word to a king and a country who didn't care who God was.

But God made him a promise...

I will protect you.

It wasn't Jeremiah's preacher's words.

It wasn't the words of his favorite, most knowledgeable Sunday School teacher.

It wasn't reassuring words spoken to him by his loving parents.

God spoke the words.  God made the promise.  God's reputation was on the line for upholding what was said.

So Jeremiah continued on.  Jeremiah believed.  Jeremiah trusted.  Jeremiah did what God asked him to do.  Jeremiah stood on the promises of his God and Deliverer.

So can you!

BUT NOW
Today's reading:  Job 41-42

"I had heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes."  Job 42:5 NLT

We find in Job chapter one that Job is a godly man.  One who walks with integrity and fear of the Lord.

We find in this verse Job stating, in his own words, he only thought he knew God before his calamities and trials!

It's only after a storm that we know the refuge He offers.

It's only after an illness we realize His healing powers.

It's only after a dark valley we realize the light in His ways.

It's only after our faith is tested we realize His faithfulness.

It's only after everyone else has left us, hurt us or forsaken us we realize His love.

Job's relationship with God only got better after trying times...only you can determine that yours will too.      

FOREVER
Today's reading:  Psalm 60-62

"Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!"  Psalm 61:4 NLT

David knew how it was out in the 'world', and he begged for God to let him live out his remaining days in the house of God.

Inside the church, where temptations are fewer.

Where, for the most part, the people are nicer.

Where it's usually easier for us to follow His commands and live in a way that pleases Him.

Where we are a little more protected from satan's wily ways.

Where--wait, it's where others already know about Him.  It's not where He's asked us to 'Go, therefore, and make disciples...'  It's not where He asked us to 'preach and teach the Gospel'.

Hiding out in the church might be great for our hearts and minds, but it will absolutely ruin any future hopes for the unsaved and those needing to know our Savior!

GIANTS
Today's reading:  2 Samuel 20-24

I'm reading about David.  And about giants.  And about the fact that I'm not the only one who faces daily battles with the same old problems.

David soundly defeated Goliath when the odds were sorely against him.  David used the power of the Lord to step out onto a battlefield and launch a small stone.  David set aside the armor of a king for the armor of God.  David killed his giant.

And later in his life, he had to do it again according to 2 Samuel 21.

Again.

That's reassuring to a gal like me who has the same ugly issues rear their heads again and again--after I think God and I have defeated them.  I've struggled with the fact that they come back for more.  I've struggled with the fact that I feel I've failed if they do.

And then I see 'a man after God's own heart' struggling with the same things!  The same re-occurring problems.

God will help me defeat giants today.  God will help me defeat giants tomorrow.  God will help me defeat giants next week, next month and next year--if they show up for battle!

 

HIS TIMING
Today's reading:  Exodus 29-32

"When Moses failed to come back down the mountain right away the people went to Aaron.  Look, they said, make us some gods who can lead us..."  Exodus 32:1 NLT

Just how much time should one allot to a man of God receiving the Ten Commandments?  How long should it take?  How many hours, days, weeks?

Hard to say, isn't it?

The Israelites had determined that the length of time Moses was with God on the mountain, was too long.  They wanted Aaron to step in and make them something to worship.

Shame on them, you say?

Shame on us, for doing the exact same thing!

We place God on a timetable of our own making.  We give Him a specified time in order to do His work and when that deadline passes without a miracle, we're on to other gods--ourselves, our plans, our ways.

We pray expecting an answer to immediately follow our 'Amen'.  When it doesn't happen as we believe it should, our faith wobbles, weakens and walks off the straight and narrow path.

Oh, I know we've not built golden calves for our worshipping pleasure--but we have our own idols, don't we?    

IF I MUST
Today's reading:  2 Corinthians 11-13

"If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am."  2 Corinthians 11:30 NLT

Lord,

I'm not sure I can pray this genuinely.

I can't say I enjoy allowing people to see my faults, my weaknesses and my times of utter failure.

And there are plenty of them!

But to boast about them?  To point to them as something to be proud of, things to be excited about,  to view them as memory-making opportunities?

I will admit those are the times I'm leaned more heavily on You, trusted more completely on You and have depended upon You more wholeheartedly than ever...and You have never, ever, ever, let me down.

So, it's not about me at all, is it?

Amen.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Today's reading:  Luke 3-4

"...At this time a message from God came to John son of Zechariah, who was living out in the wilderness."  Luke 3:2 NLT

John did what he was told to do.  He did it where he was told to do it.  He did it how he was told to do it.

The message he was given.  The sphere of influence he was called to work in.  The way he was hard-wired by his Creator to present it.

To the hearts of his area.  The hearts of his day.  The hearts placed in his path by God Almighty.

Think one person can't make a difference?

Ask one of John's converts!  One of the folks he led to Christ.  One of the hearts redeemed for the Savior.

Now let's personalize it--what about what you're called to do?

No one else has, or will, be given your purpose.  No one else is you and capable of touching the hearts He has created you to touch.

You're not going to make 'the difference', only God can do that...but you can make a difference with Him working within you.

COMFORT
Today's reading:  Jeremiah 37-41

"Ebed-melech called down to Jeremiah, Put these rags under your armpits to protect you from the ropes.  Then when Jeremiah was ready, they pulled him out.  So Jeremiah was returned to the courtyard of the guard-the palace prison-where he remained."  Jeremiah 38:12-13 NLT

A man named Ebed-melech?

Dirty rags and discarded clothing?

Armpits?  Seriously?

In the Hebrews, it's referred to as the joint-places.  The spot where ligaments and tendons are carefully and skillfully joined together.  The womb-knitted areas referred to in the psalms.

God certainly works in mysterious ways, doesn't He?

Jeremiah had been left to die in a prison pit, yet God moved in the heart of Ebed-melech to help him.  Not to free him, but to get him out of the pit and back into the prison yard.  Ebed-melech even thought of Jeremiah's comfort as he gathered up old rags to relieve the pain of the ropes needing to be used to get him out.

Isn't that just like God?

He delights in comforting us in the little ways as He walks beside us during the tough times!

He cares about our comfort, but He cares much much more about our witness to those around us!  He uses kind words, cards in the mail, songs or verses to give bits of respite.  So many things He's intending us to learn as we endure certain things, but He does not leave us comfortless.  He wants us knowing He is there.

That's my prayer for you today...that you'll notice when God chooses to give 'relief to your armpits'!

WANT TO?
Today's reading:  Job 39-40

"Then the Lord said to Job, Do you still want to argue with the Almighty?  You are God's critic, but do you have the answers?"  Job 40:1-2 NLT

Do I really want to argue with God when...

...things don't seem fair?

...life is something I do not understand, at all?

...my plans aren't going as I'd hoped?

...the happenings around me leave me scared, mad, doubting or sad?

...good people get bad news or great people die too soon?

...bad people seem to live high on the hog, no worries, no fears, no problems?

...I did just what I believe He said do?

Do I want to argue with Him about these things?  A sensible person would and should say, 'no'.  And yet, I do.  I question Him.  I call Him on the carpet.  I ask for explanations?  I want to see just what He'll do to get this straightened out.  I whisper ultimatums.  I shout, 'Unfair', as I shake my fists.

At the Holy God.  The Creator.  My Redeemer.

I cannot believe I do it, but I do.

And then I wait for Him to answer in a still small voice, laugh, ignore my tantrum or unfold bigger and better things as I sit pouting.  And continue to love me, His questioning, wanting explanations child.

MY PURPOSE
Today's reading:  Psalm 57-59

"I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me."  Psalm 57:2 NLT

The dictionary tells me my 'purpose' is the reason why I am who I was created to be, why I do what I am supposed to do and why I am used in the way I was intended to be used.

I needed that reassurance.  I needed that reminder.  I needed to have my eyes (my heart and head, too) refocused on that truth--that I have a purpose in God's plan for me.

You see, on my own I screw up.  Royally.

On my own, I go in the wrong direction.

Left to myself, I see only what I want to see, and only see what's in front of me when I do.

I needed to know that despite me, God has a grand purpose for me...and that's a huge relief to this God-needing, messy pile of DNA!

 WHAT I WANT FOR HIM
Today's reading:  2 Kings 15-19

There's an account given in 2 Kings 19 about a man named Barzillai.  He is an old man.  He is a godly man.  He is a good man.  He is a man to whom King David wants to bestow blessings--having him come into the city of Jerusalem and live, taken care of.

But Barzillai, knowing what an honor it would be, declines.

He says he's too old.  He says he's unable to enjoy all the fine things the king could bestow on him...food, wine, music.

He asks for this rich blessing to be given to his son instead.  To his boy, Kimham.

I understand what Barzillai did and why.

You see, I have a boy.  And I want blessings to pour into his life.  And I'd be willing to step aside in order for it to happen.  I'd give up so he could have.

But, praise be to God--none of God's blessings do I have to pass on in order for there to be enough to go around!  I needn't take a small portion of the Lord in order for there to be some for him.  I don't have to limit the prayer I pray or the promises I claim in order for there to be enough to go around when he needs them.

God is enough, more than enough, pressed down, overflowing, packed in and spilling out enough!  

NOTHING SEPARATES US NOW
Today's reading:  Exodus 25-28

"...This curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place."  Exodus 26:33 NLT

A curtain.  A separation.  A partition.  A division.

Between what's the holiest of all holy places and our life.

A barrier that keeps what is impossible for us from what is sadly natural for us.

You've heard of separation of church and state, well, this was a separation of God and man.

But that curtain, so meticulously stitched together and embroidered according to God's instructions, was torn in two when Christ died on the cross for us!

No more separation!

No more division!

No more keeping us from Him--or keeping Him from us!

He has been loosed from the confines of the church and into the everyday-ness of our lives.
 

HIS PLANS
Today's reading:  2 Corinthians 9-10

"...Our goal is to stay within the boundaries of God's plan for us..."  2 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

I'm assuming this verse is for no one other than myself.

I live in one of two camps, hanging back as to make sure, doubly sure sometimes, that I'm doing what God's asking me to do...or running ahead of Him, watching to see if He's following--and running smack dab into a 'tree' in my path.

Oh, that I could say my life was one exemplifying Paul's words about staying inside the boundaries set for him by God.

I'm either too afraid, or too sure of myself.

I'm either reluctant, or wanting to be an over-achiever.

I'm either holding back, or giving too much of myself.

I want to stay within the boundaries God has for me.  I want to do every single thing He asks--no more, no less.

BECAUSE
Today's reading:  Luke 1-2

"And now, since you didn't believe what I said, you won't..."  Luke 1:20 NLT

Zechariah missed out on the opportunity to tell everyone that he was going to be a daddy.

When Elisabeth's belly began to swell with promise, he couldn't share the good news.

When John moved and kicked all he could do was look into Elisabeth's eyes and smile.

They couldn't discuss a name.

They couldn't talk about how her emotions were getting the best of her, how the hormones were overruling her body.

All because Zechariah didn't believe.

What might I be missing because I'm not believing in the promises of my God?

What blessings am I foregoing in order to 'think' things through?

Who am I not going to share His news with because of the things I haven't worked out in my mind--regardless of what He says?

And what about you?  What will you miss out on because you aren't believing?  

THEY'RE WATCHING
Today's reading:  Jeremiah 32-36

"...The people of the world will see the good I do for my people and will tremble with awe!"  Jeremiah 33:9 NLT

We know the unsaved are watching us.

Some of them are waiting for us to fall flat on our faces.  Some of them are intrigued with this life we're claiming--and are scoping it out as we live it.  Some of them are doubtful we'll stick with it.  Some of them are wanting it for themselves, but won't make the commitment.

For whatever reason, they're watching us.

And, if we're truly His, they'll see Him working mightily in our lives.

They'll see us hold on when we seemingly have nothing to hold on to.  They'll watch as peace transforms our faces as the storm rages on.  They'll witness His love pour out of our mouths.  They'll stare in wonder of this God we serve as they identify His power in us.

That's only if we're His.  We'll never amaze them with anything we do.  It's God showing up in our lives that will knock their socks off.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN?
Today's reading:  Job 37-38

"He causes things to happen on earth, either as a punishment or as a sign of his unfailing love."  Job 37:13 NLT

I think we understand the punishment part.  The correction.  The discipline.  The unsettled heart.

It's His unfailing love we sometimes mistake...

...because it's not always comfortable.

...because it's not always pretty.

 ...because it's not always what we had planned.

...because it doesn't always make sense.

God loves us enough to allow things into to our lives that will improve us--and improve His standing among us.  He lets things happen that draw us closer to Him.  He permits things to occur in our lives that, once over usually, point to His awesome grace, love and mercy.  He appoints things in our lives that will stretch our faith, grow our dependence and spread His story.

What will happen in your life today?  How will you view it?  What will you learn from it?  

EVEN THOUGH
Today's reading:  Psalm 54-56

"My life is well and whole, secure in the middle of danger.  Even while thousands are lined up against me."  Psalm  55:18 MSG

"He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle raged against me, though many still oppose me."  Psalm 55:18 NLT

The battle continues to rage.  The fiery darts continue to fly.  The accusations continue to be whispered into my ear.  The struggle continues.  The fight continues to keep me worn down and exhausted.

And yet...

God continues to keep me close.  Keep me safe.  Keep my heart in peace.  He keeps each and every battle under His thumb, in His control.

I'M SORRY
Today's reading:  2 Samuel 10-14

"Then David confessed to Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord."  2 Samuel 12:13 NLT

David could have sent a letter expressing his regret to Urriah's family.

David could have told Nathan he was sorry.

David could have apologized to the soldiers involved, the servants affected, the friends and family who were touched by David's choice.

But he knew to Who he truly owed a confession--God.

Against God David sinned.  Sure, others were involved, but David had broken God's laws, placed an obstacle in his relationship with the Lord and had snubbed his nose at all God had given him and the importance placed in him being a godly leader.

Our sins are no different.  They are against the Lord.  Apologize to Him.

THEN...AND ONLY THEN
Today's reading:  Exodus 21-24

"...then I will be an enemy to your enemies, and I will oppose those who oppose you."  Exodus 23:22 NLT

Want God on your side?

Want Him fighting battles for you?

Want the Lord of lords to be your Protector?

Then you have to know what preceded today's verse...

It's obedience.

In order for Him to protect, guard and keep us--we have to obey His Word.

Every bit.  Every verse.  Every word.

Sounds too hard to do?

Well, it won't be any harder than fighting and defeating our enemies on our own, will it?

CANNOT EXPLAIN
Today's reading:  2 Corinthians 6-8

"Our hearts ache, but we always have joy.  We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others.  We own nothing, and yet we have everything."  2 Corinthians 6:10 NLT

It's the definition of the godly life.

One cannot explain it.

One has to experience it.

It makes no sense to the world.

It is mysterious.

It is intriguing.

It is the life Christ had planned for us to live.

You understand it, don't you?

HE NEEDN'T EXPLAIN
Today's reading:  Mark 15-16

"and Pilate asked him, Aren't you going to say something?"  Mark 15:4 NLT

Jesus didn't reply to Pilate's question.

Jesus doesn't have to reply.

Jesus couldn't reply in a way that would make sense to any human being.

He didn't, He still doesn't, He won't.

When I ask Him 'Why?', I don't always get an answer.

When I ask Him 'When?', I don't always hear a response.

When I ask Him 'How come?', I don't always receive a reply.

He doesn't have to explain Himself to me...to Pilate...to you.

REDEEMED
Today's reading:  Jeremiah 27-31

"For the Lord has redeemed Israel from those too strong for them."  Jeremiah 31:11 NLT

I have been bought back from those having more money that I could ever scrape up to offer.

I have been taken back from those who have tied me with cords too strong for me to break.

I have been brought up from pits my enemies knew were too deep for me to crawl out of.

I have been released from the condemnations of those knowing the sins of my past and knowing which buttons they can push to keep me down.

I have had the lies of satan silenced.

I have been sheltered from fiery darts those against me knew I was incapable of running from.

I have been redeemed by God from hell, an eternity without Him and hopelessness!

Redeemed--how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am. 

    Redeemed, redeemed,
    Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
    Redeemed, redeemed,
    His child, and forever, I am.

                              -Fanny Crosby

HIS POWER
Today's reading:  Job 35-36

"Look, God is all powerful..."  Job 36:22 NLT

He is.

There's no disputing it.

What I need reminded of is that His power is not at my beckon call...it's based on the fact that He is as all-knowing as He is powerful.

He will use His powers when He will be glorified.

He will exhibit His strengths when He will receive all the applause.

He will flex His muscles when everything He has set in place points directly to Him.

He will move mightily when nothing but a miracle from His hand will do the job.

He will perform and astound when His people, and those watching, will be most influenced.

God is all powerful, and all praise to Him, He uses those power when it's best!