UNDER PENALTY OF DEATH
Today's reading:  Leviticus 10-12

"But you are not to leave the entrance of the Tabernacle, under penalty of death, for the anointing oil of the Lord is upon you..."  Leviticus 10:7 NLT

Moses had some trouble with his church folks.

They couldn't/wouldn't/didn't follow the Lord's commands.

They didn't do what God has specifically, I mean specifically, told them to do.

So God struck them dead.

And then He gave who remained, the 'holy', a command--Don't leave the church!

He had something He wanted them to do.  He expected them to muster up and follow through.

Same's true for us.

If we want to live and do well, thrive, we have to keep our hearts on the church.  We need the fellowship, the accountability, the practice in obedience.  We need the community of believers to help us grow in Christ and defeat satan's ploys.

We need to be in church.  

JOY, ONLY JOY
Today's reading:  Philippians 3-4

"Whatever happens, dear brothers and sisters, may the Lord give you joy..."  Philippians 3:1 NLT

Paul knew what the new Christians, and we, would need.

It was joy.

It wasn't understanding.  In the middle of a tough time, understanding is not what's needed.  We cannot grasp fully God's plans as they unfold, let alone at the beginning or middle of such.

It wasn't patience.  Patience is a tough nut to crack.  It requires tough times building muscles.  Patience means learning a lesson--and sometimes taking numerous quizzes along the way.

It wasn't fellowship.  Fellowship is great, but we don't 'need' people, like we need the joy of the Lord.  And, to tell the truth, it's people who sometimes cause us to lose our joy--or need extra large doses of it.

It wasn't comfort.  Comfort keeps us immobile.  Comfort allows us to settle in--and settle for.  The tough times of life, the ones in which we learn the most about God and ourselves, are seldom if ever comfortable.

Paul knew they/we would need joy.  The inner bubbling that comes from knowing we were chosen, runts of the litter we were, to be His.  The inside, deep inside, excitement about what God is about in us, for us, around us and through us.

We need joy.  I pray you have it today!

GOING TO HELL
Today's reading:  Luke 15-16

"Then the rich man said, Please, Father Abraham, send him to my father's home.  For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them about this place of torment so they won't have to come here when they die."  Luke 16:27-28 NLT

Never thought about people in hell not wanting me to join them.

Maybe that's part of their punishment.

The mental stress.  The heartbreak.  The realization that all they'd heard on the pew and read in the Word, they'd not heeded--and they have loved ones that they're afraid will do the same.

Maybe some one's crying out your name from the pits of hell.  Scared to death, or an eternity of dying, that you'll choose as poorly as they had.

Do you need to know Jesus as your personal Savior?  Do you have sins needing to be forgiven by the blood of Jesus?  Do you need to settle, once and for all time, where you'll spend eternity?  Do you need to set things straight?  Make things right?  Turn from the path you've chosen and get back on the path He has set out for you?

Admit to your sins.  Believe Christ died for them.  Confess that He has saved you  through His power and might.

HE SAID
Today's reading:  Ezekiel 13-18

"...I, the Lord, have spoken!  I will do what I have said."  Ezekiel 17:24 NLT

I know some of you haven't had the privilege, and challenge, of growing up with people who stick to their word.

Promises have been broken.  Vows not kept.  Let down by the people who should love you the most.

I'll put it in all caps so you'll understand....

GOD WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!

If He says He'll do it--it will be done.

If He says He'll give you the strength--prepare to use it.

If He says His grace is sufficient--it will be.

If He says He doesn't keep track of the sins we've confessed to Him--then He won't.  (And, on a side note, it would behoove us not to keep track ourselves--or to buy into Satan's attempt to keep track!)

You can trust God with all you've got, all you want, those you love and all you've lost.

Not because I say, but because He has said!

IMMORALITY
Today's reading:  Proverbs 7

"So she seduced him with her pretty speech.  With her flattery she enticed him."  Proverbs 7:21 NLT

The immoral woman.

Ms. Immorality we could call her.

The one walking the streets looking for new recruits.

Her words tickle the ear.  Her advice makes one feel pretty good about one's self.  Her topics aren't controversial, but everyday.

She smoothly slides in to each and every conversation.  She twists words.  She manipulates thoughts and slowly and steadily brings us around to her way of thinking.  She's everywhere.

She's looking for you.

She will distract.  She will comfort you after disappointment.  She will attempt to offer an easy way out of a tough spot.  She's sly.

She will lie.  She will allow the most wicked of ideas to seem acceptable, to seem appropriate, to seem God-sent.  She's deceptive.

She will provide you with options.  She will divert your attention away from the best of things in order to become a servant to merely good things.  She's seemingly harmless.

She's looking for you.  Are you looking out for her?

NEAR US
Today's reading:  Psalm 75-77

"We thank you, O God!  We give thanks because you are near..."  Psalm 75:1 NLT

Near...

...maybe not changing anything.

...not alleviating our pain.

...not re-routing the circumstances back to our plan.

...not necessarily making it easier.

...not giving us a glimpse of why it will all be worth it.

Just because He is near.

Have you thanked Him for that?

THEY'LL TALK
Today's reading:  1 Kings 19-22

"When Ahab got home, he told Jezebel what Elijah had done and that he had slaughtered the prophets of Baal."  1 Kings 19:1 NLT

Ahab didn't believe in God.

Jezebel certainly didn't believe in God.

But they both sure talked about God around the dinner table that night.

You see, God's miracles aren't just seen by His people.  The audience He chooses to gather for His performances usually includes saved and unsaved.

So they'll talk.

So they'll have a common ground to discuss.

So there will be a doorway opened for an introduction to Him.

So they'll know they're missing out on something big.

We have no market on seeing God's miracles.  The ones we're hoping to draw into His Kingdom see them, too.  They think about what they see/hear.  They talk about it among themselves.  They're interested.

Go out today expecting God to do something amazingly big through your life--so everyone will see Him, and talk about how great He is!

OUTSIDE THE DOORS
Today's reading:  Leviticus 7-9

"So Moses followed the Lord's instructions, and all the people assembled at the Tabernacle entrance."  Leviticus 8:4 NLT

Imagine the crowd standing outside the doors of the Tabernacle that morning.

The sounds of the choicest animals brought in from the fields.  The smell of the incense burning.  The noisy chatter of the congregants who had carefully, and prayerfully, gathered for this special time.

Sacrifices readied.

Hearts prepared.

Anticipation high.

God's commands followed to a T.

All waiting to step inside the doors of the church and into God's glorious presence.

Is that how we are on Sunday mornings?  Wednesday nights?  When we run by the church to deliver supplies or pick up something we'd left?  When it's our turn to clean the church's toilets?  When we meet with someone who has a heavy burden?

Or to drop off our loved ones for a mission trip that will take them away from us for a week?

JOY
Today's reading:  Philippians 3-4

"Whatever happens, dear brothers and sisters, may the Lord give you joy..."  Philippians 3:1 NLT

Paul is stating, in this verse, his heart's desire for his new brothers and sisters in Christ.

He knew what they needed.

He also knew what they wanted.

Very, very seldom do the two, needs and wants, overlap.

He knew they would need joy.

Not happiness, which is fleeting and dependent upon outward circumstances.

Not comfort, because muscles, physical and spiritual, are not stretched in sitting.

Not ease, which leads to laziness and there's too, too much needing to be done.

Not health or wealth, because we all tend to forget about God when we have those things.

Paul knew what they needed, because God had placed that knowledge in his heart.

It's what we need, too!

WORDS IN RED  
Today's reading:  Luke 13-14

"No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will also perish."  Luke 13:5 NLT

What Christ's words say to me this morning?

No--He's stating that despite everything else the people of His time (and those of us today) had heard, He is the ONLY way to eternal life.

Again--States to me that He is repeating, not for His benefit, but for theirs (and ours) what He had already stated.  It tells me He believes it's important--and I/we should, too.

Unless--No other way around it.

Repent--Show sorrow and stop doing that which is wrong.  Not just show sorrow, but stop.  That's a reminder for them and us.

Also--No one is exempt.  No one is grandfathered in.  No one is good enough or can do enough.

Perish--Be separated from Him forever.  Not by His choice, but our own.

FILLING A TEMPLE
Today's reading:  Ezekiel 7-12

"...The Temple was filled with cloud of glory, and the Temple courtyard glowed brightly with the glory of the Lord."  Ezekiel 10:4 NLT

We're all wanting our churches to be filled with God's glory this Sunday morning.

To have His Spirit fill the place.  To be on each pew.  To walk the aisles.  To move hearts.  To change lives.  To save souls from hell.

We're the music minister does his job well.  Picking out just the right songs.  Attempting to 'set the mood'.

We're praying that the preacher preaches his heart out.  That he uses just the right text.  That his words are enriching, enlightening and encouraging.

We're hoping that the pews are full.  People packed in to hear the Word.  That God draws hearts needing touched in to our midst.

But what are we doing about ourselves?

There will be no Spirit there unless we bring It.  Our hearts and minds have to invite Him to attend the service.  We have to bring Him with us...and in turn, leave a few things behind.

Your temple can be filled with God's glory this Sunday, if you choose for it to happen!  

HE CAN RUN
Today's reading:  Proverbs 5-6

"My son, obey your father's commands and don't neglect your mother's teaching.  Keep their words always in your heart.  Tie them around your neck.  Wherever you walk, their counsel can lead you.  When you sleep, they will protect you.  When you wake up in the morning, they will advise you."  Proverbs 6:20-22 NLT

Our son will be 14 in just a few months.

He's a great kid.

He's healthy.

He's smart.

He's kind.

He's a hard worker.

He's entering a stage in life when he needs us (mom and dad) less and less.

So this verse brings me consolation--he cannot run from what he's been taught.  His dad's advice, his mother's speeches, his Heavenly Father's lessons will never be far from him.

He can run, but he cannot hide.  God, his father and myself will always be with him!

A NIGHT AT CAMP
Today's reading:  Psalm 72-74

I hadn't really wanted to go.  I had plenty at home to keep me busy.  A list of things to-do that was a mile long.  I'd worked all day.  Supper dishes weren't done.  There was, and always is, laundry to be taken care of.  Weeds that needed attacked in the garden.

But I went.

To a Junior-High church camp for the evening.

And I watched from the sidelines.

I was supposed to be a chauffeur for the evening--there was really not supposed to be anything in it for me.

But there it was splashed upon the wall by the projector.  The verse I needed.  The verse that is still with me this morning.  The verse, I believe, God had the camp pastor speak on because I was going to be there.  The verse that caused me to think about the wall of cool-whip containers, cleaned-out mayonnaise jars and odds and ends bowls my grandmother kept along the wall of the stairs going down into her basement.

Huh?

She had a silly collection of hodge-podge dishes with lids.  Saved for just the right time and just the right need.  Expectant bowls for a smattering of leftovers.  Mis-matched.  Recycled.  Re-purposed.  Saved.  Jars with lids that were perfect for grand kids to collect fireflies in.  Containers that would hold just about anything needing to be held.

I used to laugh about her collection.  Now I wish I had it--because I need it.  

"...We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next.  In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged.  Quite the contrary--we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!"  Romans 5:3-5 MSG

I don't have enough 'containers' to hold everything God has poured into my life.

And it took a night at Junior-High church camp to realize it.

DESPITE IT ALL
Today's reading:  1 Kings 14-18

"Although the pagan shrines were not completely removed, Asa remained faithful to the Lord throughout his life."  1 Kings 15:14 NLT

A man named Asa.

Living in a country full of sin.

Having been given a familial lineage that spoke of idol worshippers and pagan parenting.

And yet it says in God's Word that he chose to remain faithful to the Lord.

So, can't we?

Despite the immorality surrounding us?

Regardless of what Hollywood sets as normal or entertaining?

No matter the social norms or what's requested in the name of tolerance?

In spite of how we've been raised, how our parents did it or what we're just learning?

Can't we choose to do the same?

Despite all that's around us, running through our veins or what is easier, can't we choose to live for God?

MY SINS, YOUR SINS, OUR SINS
Today's reading:  Leviticus 4-6

"If any one of Israel's citizens do something forbidden by the Lord, they will be guilty even if they sinned unintentionally.  When they become aware of their sin, they must bring as their offering a female goat with no physical defects..."  Leviticus 4:27-28 NLT

One might focus on the fact that God declares us guilty even when we don't know we've sinned.  Maybe you consider that unfair or unjust of Him.  

Or, we might center our thoughts and minds on the amazing grace that allows us to come to Him as soon as we learn about our transgression.

God is like that.

He gives us opportunity after opportunity to taste His mercy, experience His love and be forgiven by His grace.

He leaves it in our hands.  He puts that 'spot' in our souls that remains unsettled until we make amends
with our Creator, Savior and Lord.

What will you do with what He speaks to your heart today?
    

GROW UP
Today's reading:  Ephesians 4-6

"Then we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different or because someone has cleverly lied to us and made the lie sound like the truth."  Ephesians 4:14 NLT

It probably wouldn't sell as a book title.

Or a title to a song.

Or a sermon title.

Or a Sunday School curriculum.

But it's time, past time, that we as Christians were given the truth in a capsule-sized nugget--grow up!

We believe what satan tells us--and we know we shouldn't.

We buy into his lies--and we know it's not healthy.

We sit back when he provides us with a list of excuses or past accusations--and we know he has no clout.

We allow him to determine our obedience--when we know his will for us is not for the best.

So, dear friends, and I say this with all love...grow up!

FURIOUS
Today's reading:  Luke 11-12

"As Jesus finished speaking, the Pharisees and teachers of religious law were furious..."  Luke 11:53 NLT

I don't know about you, but this segment of Scripture is probably one of the few where I could say I was the most like Jesus.

You see, I tell others what the Bible says--and it makes them mad.

I quote Scripture--and they become uncomfortable or at times belligerent.

I explain to them, in His own words, what God says about such and such--and they call me intolerant and incapable of understanding.

I attempt, very poorly most days, to live a godly life--and I'm considered old-fashioned and out of the 'loop'.

Jesus wasn't applauded for what He did and said.

I shouldn't be expecting any less, but I should keep on trying to be His vessel.

GOD IS GREAT!
Today's reading:  Psalm 69-71

"But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness.  May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, God is great!"  Psalm 70:4 NLT

Imagine...

Our pastors not being able to preach for the congregation singing loudly, God is great!

Our favorite teams walking off the fields/courts because all the cheers were for the Lord, and not for them!

Our most talented musicians playing second-fiddle because the concert go-ers were too busy praising the Lord!

Our homes and families thriving and loving amidst a constant song of thanksgiving for His salvation!

Or we could remain quiet.

LET THEM SEE HIM
Today's reading:  1 Kings 10-13

"The Lord your God is great indeed!.."  1 Kings 10:9 NLT

The Queen of Sheba spent time in Solomon's palace.

She surveyed his wealth.

She stood in awe of his organizational skills.

She remarked at fortunate his employees were to have such a wise master.

But what really impressed her was Solomon's God!

Could the same be said of you?  Me?  Us?

Are people complimentary of how we manage our God-given gifts, but enthralled to know more about the One who gave them to us?

Do they hang on your every word, when it's about the greatness of our God and all that He's done for us?

Do they hear us constantly praising His name?

SACRIFICES
Today's reading:  Leviticus 1-3

After reading about the sacrifices required in Old Testament times, I've been left with a few thoughts...

Living on a farm, I understand the concept of giving your choice animal.

But I wonder if I would.

That would leave me with the second-rate animals to look at, feed and have others grade our animal husbandry skills by?  To be left with culls?  To attempt to have top-notch sacrifices for next year using inferior stock?

I can accept the concept of giving the first fruits of the harvest.

But I wonder if I would.

You see, gardening/farming, is a risky gamble, to say the least.

One never knows if one zucchini plant will more than suffice for the summer, or if at the end of a rough garden year, you wish you had planted a dozen.

So to give the first harvest?  To trust there will be plenty?  To put personal needs aside?  To give so that I would have less to have to can, freeze or try to pass off to neighbors?

I think I'm getting it--it's more about the attitude than it is anything I could give.

Maybe that's why it's called a sacrifice?

 

HIS PLAN
Today's reading:  Ephesians 1-3

"And this is his plan:  At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ--everything in heaven and on earth."  Ephesians 1:10 NLT

Topic 1:
At the right time...
Not our time, but His.  Not now, but at the right time.  Not before it's needed.  Not, never, late.

Topic 2:
Everything...
All our seemingly impossible prayer requests.  Our heaviest burdens.  Our weaknesses.  Our life long prayers.

Topic 3:
Under his authority...
Under His control.  Well within His means of dealing with it.

It's all going to be taken care of.  Maybe by the end of your prayer.  Maybe by the end of your day.  Maybe after you've gotten to heaven and this request of yours is forgotten as you look into His face.

At the right time, friends...at the right time!

YOU FEED THEM
Today's reading:  Luke 9-10

"But Jesus said, You feed them."  Luke 9:13 NLT

The disciples were surrounded by a hungry crowd.

They were in the middle of nowhere, and between a rock and a hard place.

They went to Jesus.  They knew He could fix things.

And He tells them to do it themselves.

What?  Why?  How could He do that?

He said it because He had already given them everything they needed to do miracles in His name...

"One day Jesus called together his twelve apostles and gave them power and authority..."  Luke 9:1 NLT

He said, You fix it, boys--you have Me in you.

He tells us the same thing.

What do you see needing done?  Who do you see that's hurting?  What problem do you see that needs fixing?

He is in you, ready to do what needs doing!

ALWAYS THE SAME
Today's reading:  Lamentations

"But Lord, you remain the same forever!.."  Lamentations 5:19 NLT

Chapter after chapter.  Verse after verse.

Sorrow.  Sadness.  Horrible happenings.  Famine.  Disease.  Death.

Grief.  Pain.  Anguish.

Lamentations is a funeral song, of sorts.  It gives countless examples of the trials and tribulations experienced by the Israelites when they chose to quit obeying God.

But one of the last few verses, place everything into perspective.

"But Lord, you remain the same forever!.."

He allows us walk away.  He watches as we cover up our ears to His instructions.  He lets us choose other paths.  And He cringes as He sees what happens to us while on them.

And yet He stays the same.

The problem is most definitely not Him!

WISDOM
Today's reading:  Proverbs 2-3

 "Wisdom will keep you from evil people, from those whose speech is corrupt."  Proverbs 2:12 NLT

Our lesson with the kids last night dealt with the differences between being smart and being wise.

We determined that reading your Bible makes you smart, but applying the Bible to your life makes you wise.

And now the word 'wisdom' pops up in my Bible reading?  Coincidence?  I don't think so.

It's a life lesson for this writer, that's for sure!

Applying God's Word to my life, the commands, the promises, the warnings, the life application lessons, will give me the wisdom I need to filter what I hear my enemy whispering in my ear.

I'll know he tells me lies, because that's all he can do.

I'll know his ways are not the best for me, because God's are the only ones that are.

I'll know I am redeemed and a prized possession, not a piece of junk.

I'll listen and watch for God's leading, because He promises to direct my path--not leave me alone on a dark, unlit road.

Wisdom will affect my hearing...and hearing will affect my life...and my life will affect the ones God places in my path to reach for Him.  

DUCT TAPE
Today's reading:  Psalm 66-68

"If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, my Lord would not have listened."  Psalm 66:18 NLT

I don't know about you, but I desperately need God to hear and answer my prayers.

I have family members for whom I petition the Lord on a daily basis.  I have friends who depend upon me speaking to my Creator in regards to their needs.  I have personal needs for which I fall at God's feet, the only one who can help me.

I cannot afford to have my prayers stifled by sin.  I cannot allow the sins in my heart to cover my mouth like duct tape over a kidnapped victim's mouth.  I have to be heard.  I have to cry out.  I need to pray and know, without a doubt that God hears me.

So I cannot allow sin to settle itself in my heart.

I cannot let grudges be held by the shackles of my heart.

I cannot allow anger to rule my emotions and spill out onto the lives of those I'm around--because it does, you know.

I cannot keep record of wrongs done to me, even the worst ones.

I cannot allow my responses, reactions and repentance of sins to be based upon the actions, words and life of another.

I cannot let fear take root in my heart and paralyze my hands and feet.

I cannot doubt His abilities or my need for Him.

Layer by layer this morning I am peeling off the strips of duct tape that keep my prayers muffled and useless.  Bit by bit I am releasing my heart and prayers to Him.  Piece by piece I am reviewing what's in my heart and realize He has a work to do in me...freedom, the freedom to be heard by my God, will only come through Him.

STONES
Today's reading:  1 Kings 5-9

"The stones used in the construction of the Temple were prefinished at the quarry, so the entire structure was built without the sound of hammer, ax, or any other iron tool at the building site."  1 Kings 6:7 NLT

Solomon's Temple was a magnificent structure.  Carefully made plans were carried out as given to David by God.

Including the rocks.

Rocks hammered and chipped off site, pieces of earth removed from their comfortable, natural places.

Stones whose edges were rounded off and smoothed far from the pews.

Hunks of granite, or the stone of the day, polished and perfected by interaction with the world outside the church.

Fundamental pieces prepared before they were ever put in place for Sunday's use.

Like us.

EVEN SO
Today's reading:  Exodus 37-40

"And so at last the Tabernacle was finished.  The Israelites had done just as the Lord had commanded Moses."  Exodus 39:32 NLT

I'm no Bible scholar.

That being said, I do have an opinion.  An opinion based on personal experience and gut instinct.  You see, what I'm about to share, I know first-hand...

We find in the New Testament where the Jews, the devout, Messiah-looking-for-Jews, had a hard time accepting Jesus and His new ways.  They couldn't understand why sacrifices were no longer needed.  They didn't think it appropriate to quote and preach the Scrolls from a hillside, a boat or a seaside.  They couldn't very well abide by anyone 'messing' with their laws.

I believe it all stems from today's verse from Exodus.

You see, the Jews, formerly known as the Israelites, had done EVERYTHING they had been asked to do.  They followed the very specific instructions set before them by God.  They put metal where metal was supposed to be.  Bells and pomegranates on hems.  Specific colors.  Precisely placed gemstone.  Gold overlaying gold.  Everything, right down to the priestly underwear.

That being said, I can understand where hundreds of years later when asked to completely change their ways, they balked.

I balk.  I question.  I scratch my head.  I doubt.  I worry.  I stand my ground.

I mutter, But I did everything You asked of me, Lord.

I spout, What?  After I'd worked so hard?

I cry out, Huh?  This is not looking like what I had planned out in my head!

When one does exactly what God's asking of them, it's hard to see where He takes it from there if where He takes it throws them a curve ball.

I know.  I've been there.  I've seen plans go up in smoke.  I've seen my best attempts undone.  I've watched as a ministry I poured my heart and soul into went south, or worst yet, went unnoticed or unappreciated or went by the wayside when a new idea came along.

And yet, when I stand before God and He looks over my life--what He has done with what I did matters very little.  You see, what He does is always good, is always right, is always proper and honorable.  What I do, well what I am called to do is obey...and trust Him to sort out the future.

ALL HE HAS IS MINE
Today's reading:  Galatians 4-6

"Now you are no longer slaves but God's own child.  And since you are his child, everything he has belongs to you."  Galatians 4:7 NLT

God tells us because we are His, we can move mountains.

God tells us because we are His, we have power over our enemies.

God tells us because we are His, we are equipped with everything we need to do everything He asks.

God tells us because we are His, all heaven is ours.

God tells us because we are His, we needn't worry about anything.

All He has is ours.  All that's within His plan for our lives is ours.  Ability is ours.  Peace is ours.  Joy is ours.

"God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you’re also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance."  Galatians 4:7 MSG