A SIMPLE LIFE
Today's reading:  Proverbs 14-15

"It is better to have little with fear of the Lord than to have great treasure with turmoil."  Proverbs 15:16 NLT

Want to see this verse played out in real life?  Want to see how it aptly fits into our 2014 world?  Want to understand how fully right Solomon was about this snippet of knowledge handed to him by God?

Watch a current reality TV show.

The drama.  The vanity.  The lack of respect--for one's self and for others.  The sadness found in the hearts of those who do not know, or at least do not live like they know, God.  The things they attempt to fill their lives with.  The disposability of values.  The emptiness left in their great big homes.

I'll take the little I have alongside a great big helping of God's love any day over the problems that come from not knowing Him!

SATISFIED
Today's reading:  Psalm 90-92

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives."  Psalm 90:14 NLT

Merriam Webster defines 'satisfy' as such...to cause to be happy or pleased; to provide, do or have what is required.

I LOVE IT!

To know without a doubt that even before my feet hit the floor each morning--His love is enough!

To have the assurance that prior to the first dart being thrown in the battle for my mind every morning--His love will be all I need!

To wake up with a promise--His love will always be with me!

Acknowledging before the day begins, before I have the time to even ask, before the world and it's attractions attempt to steal my attention--His love will not fail!

And will continue to do so every day of my life...Jesus loves me, this I know!  

DON'T BELIEVE HIS LIES
Today's reading:  2 Kings 21-25

"Gedaliah vowed to them that the Babylonian officials meant them no harm.  Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and all will go well for you, he promised."  2 Kings 25:24 NLT

Make yourself happy--no matter what it costs.  You are worth it.

It won't hurt this one time.  It won't affect anyone but me.

Hold that grudge.  You were wronged, there's no doubt about it.  You're a proud person--don't back down!  

You're right, deep down you know you are.  You'll never change.  Things will never get any better for you.  You deserve everything you're getting, and more.

Everyone else is doing it.  They're living great lives.  God really won't punish you.  

Old fashioned.  Down right, old fashioned.  What God meant in the Bible was for people living thousands of years ago, not today.  Right?  Right.   

Sin is too harsh a word.  Let's call it human error.  Mistakes.  No one is perfect, after all.  

God is the God of love.

The Israelites couldn't believe Gedaliah's lies, and we cannot believe satan's.    

HIS NAME
Today's reading:  Leviticus 22-24

"Do not treat my holy name as common or ordinary..."  Leviticus 22:32 NLT

Blame it on how I was raised, if you must, but there's the part of me that still cringes whenever I hear someone say, Oh my God--or it's attempt-to-be-cleaned-up substitute, Oh my Gosh.

I heard it this week from the mouths of some of our visiting VBS-ers and I've been hearing it more and more from church folks.

Is it profanity?  Is it as bad as some of the phrases that put God's name before other four-letter words?  Is it even noticed or considered unbecoming or sacrilegious?

How can we choose to flippantly throw God's name around when we value and honor His name as one we can call upon for every need we may have?  Isn't that making His name ordinary?  Common?  Just another part of our everyday conversation?

Should we talk about God?  Yes, on all accounts, yes.  Should we we praise Him by mentioning what He has done for us?  Yes, absolutely, yes!  Should we call out to Him when we need what only He can provide?  Yes, and yes.  Should we place a little, no a lot, more value on how holy His name is and when we choose to use it?  A hundred times, yes!

My God is not common or ordinary, and I will begin again to do my best to not allow His name to become so in my life--and in what I say!  

OH, HE IS MERCIFUL
Today's reading:  1 Thessalonians 4-5

"For God decided to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us."  1 Thessalonians 5:9 NLT

Isn't He?  Wonderful.
Wonderful, oh isn't He?

It's been years since that simple song was sung by our choir during a Christmas cantata--but the words came flooding back to my memory as I read today's verse.

He didn't give us what we deserved.

He didn't punish us as the law demanded for failure to live as He instructed.

He didn't turn His back on us because of all we'd done.

He has continued to love us.  Continued to bless us.  Continued to walk beside us.  Continued to direct us.  Continued to desire that we be in His presence.

Even the worst among us...that includes me, and I am so thankful!

JUST A REMINDER
Today's reading:  Luke 23-24

"The Lord has really risen!.."  Luke 24:34 NLT

There's nothing like a week of Vacation Bible School to revive your walk with the Lord.

It's contagious seeing the eyes of a child light up as they hear of the life of Jesus for the first time.

It's a boost to the weary soul to see kids excited about the miracles of Jesus.

You see, we sometimes get ho-hum about the greatness of our King.

The disciples in today's reading, still shell-shocked from the happenings of Easter week, finally get it.  They get to walk and talk with Jesus.  They understand what they saw--and Who now stands before them.  They had heard the accounts of Jesus coming back to life, but now they felt it in their very beings.

That's what Bible School did for me.

It's all the stuff I knew.  It wasn't that I was learning anything new.  It's just that I was reminded, by the eyes of the kids, just how very important and exciting it all is.

Thank you God, for Vacation Bible School!

DOING WHAT I AM TOLD
Today's reading:  Ezekiel 37-42

Maybe you've read the account of Ezekiel and the valley of dry bones.  It's been spoken of from the pulpit.   It's been written up in devotions.  It's been speculated over in a thousand commentaries.  It's been debated at many a gathering of religious elite.

But this morning, it's going to be digested from the arms of my prayer chair.

I know, by reading, what Ezekiel saw.  I know what little potential he saw in what he saw.  I also know what God told him to say to the piles of bones--and how, if Ezekiel was anything like me, he didn't know what good it would do.

But that's just like God.

It's not what He tells us to do, or who/what He tells us to speak to or what we could fathom might happen...it's our obedience and His blessed reward.

"So I spoke these words, just as he told me..."  Ezekiel 37:7 NLT

"So I spoke as he commanded me..."  Ezekiel 37:10 NLT

I needed this reminder.  You see, I'm coming off of a week of all weeks, a time that could be likened to spiritual marathon, a several day stretch of giving all I've been asked to do--and not seeing anything come of it...

Yet.

I cannot do what needs done.  I am not capable of performing the miracles needing to be performed.  I cannot save the world.

I can speak.

So I spoke.

And now I wait to see what He will do with it.

A WORK IN PROGRESS
Today's reading:  Proverbs 13

"Those who control their tongue will have a long life, a quick retort can ruin everything."  Proverbs 13:9 NLT

There are certain things that have always and probably will always catch my eye...

Red flowers--of any kind.

Large horses--of any color.

The smiles of old women--the wrinkles and the stories behind them.

And verses about the tongue.

I can read right over a lot of verses, but the ones that deal with the issue of the mouth always stop me in my tracks!

You see, I have a big problem with my mouth.

It's the bane of my existence.  It's the thorn in my flesh.  It's the issue I seek the hem of His garment over.  It's the one sin that keeps me constantly knelt before His throne in repentance of.

So when I see a verse that deals with the tongue, I stop and take notice--hoping to find the 'key' that will release me from its prison.  
 

WILL YOU SING?
Today's reading:  Psalm 87-89

"I will sing of the tender mercies of the Lord forever!  Young and old will hear of your faithfulness."  Psalm 89:1 NLT

Tender mercies.  Gentle.  Delicate.  Personal.  Extensions of grace.  Abundance of love.

That's how the New Living Translation expands on the original manuscript of the psalm.  Other translations put it like this...

great love
unfailing love
steadfast love
lovingkindness
faithful love
gracious love
faithful deeds
evidence of your mercy
covenant loyalty
 
Either way you put it, there are reasons to sing of His love for us.

How ever it is you want to look at it.

There's no reason, no reason what so ever, that we shouldn't be singing His praises!

IN THE CHURCH
Today's reading:  2 Kings 16-20

Ever read 2 Kings 16?

In short, it gives a sad account of one King Ahaz, his poor choices and the demise it brings to God's people.

Within the verses of one short chapter I've found where he allowed history to repeat its self in the form of idol worship.

He has committed child sacrifice, using his own children.  He gave them up.  He no longer valued their importance.  He took lightly his role as a parent.

He has coveted the gods, idols and altars of other kings.  He saw what 'was working' in other places and wanted what they were experiencing.

He has duplicated and imitated practices of pagan people within the walls of God's holy place.  He made allowances.  He crossed lines.  He intended it for the good.

He has desecrated what God has commanded to remain holy.  I believe it happened slowly.  I think he changed one small thing at a time...a slow infestation.

It happened in the church.  Inside the walls of the sanctuary.  Little changes.  Small allowances.  Snippets of idolatry and whispers of pagan ways.

Was 2 Kings 16 placed in our Holy Bible with the intention of warning us?  Reminding us of what can happen?  Telling us what to watch out for?

BEING HOLY
Today's reading:  Leviticus 19-21

"You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy.  I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own."  Leviticus 20:26 NLT

I looked in the online dictionary for the definition of 'holy'.  What I have found is exciting!

holy-connected to a god, religious or morally good.

Connected to a god...more importantly, being connected to our God.

Nothing being between us.  Integral.  Flowing from one to another.  No break in the lines of communication.  No interruptions.

 

WHAT ARE WE REALLY GIVING?
Today's reading:  1 Thessalonians 1-3

"We loved you so much that we gave you not only God's Good News but our own lives, too."  1 Thessalonians 2:8 NLT

Just what I needed, Lord.

As we gear up for Vacation Bible School to begin tomorrow evening, I needed the reminder of what I'm really doing when I volunteer to help out.

I'm telling them about You.

I'm showing them love, if only for a few hours a evening, one week of the year.

I'm giving a bit, in time, in a crazy week, in a mountain of laundry come Friday, of my own life.

And in the end, if even one child (or adult) walks away from Bible School knowing more about You--or better yet, knowing You as their personal Savior, it will all be worth it!

Yes, I want to show that kind of love this week!

UNITY
Today's reading:  Luke 21-22

"But here at this table, sitting among us as friend, is the man who will betray me."  Luke 22:21 NLT

Imagine being Judas.

Imagine the lump in the pit of your stomach as you sat and ate with the One you had sold out.

Imagine the emotions boiling inside him while pleasant conversation was going on around him.

Then, imagine being Jesus.

Knowing.  Hurting by the choice made by a friend.  Understanding what must happen for his Father's plans to be complete.

And I can't offer a cup of cool water in His name?  I can't put aside petty offenses for the cause of Christ?  I can't forgive and completely forget in order for my church to grow, His work to be unified, our Savior be lifted up?  I can't put aside hateful hurtful comments?  I can't celebrate another from behind the scenes?

Shame on Judas.  Shame on me.

WHAT AM I DOING?
Today's reading:  Proverbs 11-12

"Upright citizens bless a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart."  Proverbs 11:11 NLT

President Kennedy is given credit for saying, 'Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.'  A great quote.  A reminder of our role in making the USA great and strong and respected.  A placing of responsibility on the shoulders of the responsible.

To know what our former president said along with what I found in the proverbs this morning really make me think...

Am I a blessing to my home, my church, my city, my state, my country?

Is how I act and what I say bringing honor to the place I live, serve, am privileged to be a part of?

Am I a 'blesser' or one who tears down?

Is God being glorified in the spot I'm in?

LISTENING
Today's reading:  Psalm 84-86

"I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his people, his faithful ones..."  Psalm 85:8 NLT

There are, at all times of the day, thousands of voices in my head.  No, not the mentally unstable voices, but the voices of doubt, fear, anxiety and trying-to-walk-the-Christian-path-and satan-doesn't-like-it kind of voices, vying for my attention.  For the focus of my listening skills.

I hear what others have said and fixate on how they said it and what they meant by it.  Really meant by it.

I hear what satan wants me to believe are truths, and yet I know he knows nothing of truth.

I hear what accumulates into a lengthy list of why I can't, why I shouldn't and why I won't.

I hear a barrage of information provided about what I've done wrong in the past, what I am currently failing at and what I probably have no good reason to attempt.

I hear excuses provided.

I hear complaints against others.

But when I listen closely, carefully and quietly, I hear my Savior.

He speaks peace.  He speaks words of hope.  He speaks only truth.  He speaks words of encouragement.  He speaks lovingly to my heart about what might be coming between He and I, what needs corrected and how He will walk with me through making those corrections.

When I choose to listen I hear God.    

THE HAS SENT HELP
Today's reading:  2 Kings 11-15

"Then Joash prayed for the Lord's help, and the Lord heard his prayer.  The Lord could see how terribly the king of Aram was oppressing Israel.  So the Lord raised up a deliverer..."  2 Kings 13:4-5 NLT

Whatever it is you're knee deep in.

No matter the problems you're facing.

Despite the heartache you're experiencing.

Regardless of what all is going wrong in your life.

God has raised up a Deliverer.

Not just for times past.  Not just for the saints who have their acts together.  Not just for the pastor, deacons or the ones who can spend hours of their time each day in the Word.

He has raised up a Deliverer for you and your troubles.

His name is Jesus, and He will change your life!

STANDING OUT
Today's reading:  Leviticus 16-18

"Then the Lord said to Moses, Say this to your people, the Israelites, I, the Lord, am your God.  So do not act like the people in Egypt, where you used to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you.  You must not imitate their way of life."  Leviticus 18:1-3 NLT

Where ever you go today, will they know you are a Christian?

If you're not in a group of Christian people, will you stand out?

Will anyone you come in contact with know, without being told, you're a Christian?

One of God's?

Or have you blended in?  Become one of them?  Taken on a likeness that is worldly, not godly?

REPRESENTATIVES
Today's reading:  Colossians 3-4

"And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father!"  Colossians 3:17 NLT

Several times a day the lumberyard sales counter becomes a soapbox for political matters.  Whether it's in regards to taxes paid on merchandise or the most recent vote in the House against what the popular opinion may be--sometimes it gets ugly.

There are several stances taken at these political rallies, probably all of them sincere and heartfelt.  What it all boils down to, Republican or Democrat, is that seldom if ever, do our elected politicians represent the people voting them into office well.

God knows all about that.

It breaks His heart, too.

He could write a book on placing folks in a spot of importance and them not representing Him well--or at all.

Let's not think about the elected officials for today.  Instead, let's focus on the office we're to be holding as children of the Most High God.  Redeemed, saved and chosen people.  Purpose-filled and heaven-bound representatives of our Lord.

How are we doing?  

ZACCHEUS
Today's reading:  Luke 19-20

"Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town.  There was a man there named Zaccheus..."  Luke 19:1-2 NLT

I don't guess I knew.  Maybe I'd never noticed.  Quite possibly I had overlooked the information...

Zaccheus lived in the same town Joshua fought?  Zaccheus was from the same region where the walls came tumbling down?  Zaccheus lived and breathed the same air the Israelites took in as they circled the city and waited for the trumpet to sound?

So he had heard about this Messiah.

Maybe that's why he tucked the hem of his robe in his belt and unstrapped his sandals and climbed up the sycamore tree.

To see this man who had been given the power of a wall-tumbling God.

To really know for himself, what He was really like.

To attempt to catch a glimpse of Him.  To maybe get close enough to--well, close enough to know Him.

Zaccheus had heard.

Thing is, Jesus had heard about Zaccheus, too...and came looking for Him in that tumbled down city!

WHAT WILL IT TAKE?
Today's reading:  Ezekiel 25-30

I've perused the chapters.  I've read through the verses.  I've looked over the text.  I've asked God to show me what it is this morning I need to see on the pages, lodge in my mind and have in my heart.

Here's what He has shown me--

"...then they will know that I am the Lord."

It's scattered throughout the 25th through 30th chapters.  It's the conclusion of almost every paragraph of Scripture.  It's everywhere in today's reading, so I'll guess that's what He's wanting me to see.

The countries that were enemies to Israel were prophesied to face innumerable consequences for their actions and attitudes against God's people.

They were to be attacked, destroyed, defeated, broken, stamped out, smashed down.  They were to face public ridicule, embarrassment.  They were to have their hard work stolen out from beneath them, their harvests commandeered, their ships sunk.  They were to be plundered, wiped out, besieged.

All in order for them to know, without a doubt, that God is God.

So I ask myself, what's it going to take for me to realize it?

He will get our attention.  He will make sure we know.  He will provide opportunities in which we can know, unequivocally that He is the Lord.

Will I catch on early and with an easy lesson?  Or not?  

NEVER DISTURBED
Today's reading:  Proverbs 10

"The godly will never be disturbed, but the wicked will be removed from the land."  Proverbs 10:30 NLT

Never disturbed?  I know some good Christian people who have had some terribly disturbing things happen to them.  Disastrous things.  Horrific things.  Things that they'd have never, in a million years, prayed for or asked God to send their way.

Never disturbed?

Let me look around at a few other translations...

KJV--never removed
NIV--never uprooted
NASB--never shaken

That makes a difference.

I've watched those same godly people not allow themselves to be removed from God's presence.  I've watched as their faith remains firmly grounded.  I've watched as their faith in God and in His plans for their lives remain unwavering during tumultuous times.

May I be one of those!

REALLY PRAYING
Today's reading:  Psalm 81-83

"Let them be ashamed and terrified forever.  Make them failures in everything they do, until they learn that you alone are called the Lord, that you alone are the Most High, supreme over all the earth."  Psalm 83:17 NLT

What a prayer.

Would we be able to pray that prayer over the life of an unsaved loved one?

Lord, send them nothing but heartache and heartbreak until they come to You.

Lord, make them miserable until they're in Your will.

Lord, give them a tough time until they realize You are who they need.

Lord, let their lives be a total mess until they ask You to step in and clean it up.

That's tough love.  That's being completely sold out on the fact that Jesus is the answer.  That's asking for trouble, sometimes for yourself as well as the one you're wanting to see come to Christ.

But do we love them enough to pray this prayer any way?  

BREAKING THE CYCLE
Today's reading:  2 Kings 6-10

"...Jehu replied, How can there be peace as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother, Jezebel, are all around us?"  2 Kings 9:22 NLT

New religions are cropping up daily in our world's search for peace and hope.

Daring and unhealthy escapes are being tried as a relief from the darkness surrounding us.

Tolerance is a seemingly acceptable form of love, a desperate plea for acceptance.

What's wrong with the world won't be fixed by a new god, a new way to relax, a calendar full of good things to do or a smile overlooking sin.

Peace will only come when sin is turned from, repented of and set aside as the unholy, stinking, smelly mess that it is.

Regardless of the generational pull it may have on us.  In spite of the fact that it's all some of us have ever known.  No matter what the world may tell you otherwise.

Sin is ruining our hope for peace.

It's time we break it's cycle!  

SEPARATE
Today's reading:  Leviticus 13-15

"In this way you will keep the people of Israel separate from things that will defile them, so they will not die as a result of defiling my Tabernacle that is right there among them."  Leviticus 15:31 NLT

I cannot say I enjoy reading about the skin diseases, mildew-y houses and personal hygiene public service announcements given to the Israelites.

I could think of a thousand other things God might speak to my heart about this morning.  Faith, love, spiritual gifts, even sin.  But I read through.  I continued on.  I knew He would speak.

And He did--when I got to the last two verses of my Bible reading...about being separate.

Separated from things that will defile me and, in turn, defile the church where I worship.

Things I could 'catch' and spread among the pews of my place of worship.  Ideas, outside of God's, I might take up and pass on like germs.  Assumptions and expectations that are worldly and not godly. Attitudes that spread like wild-fire and break down the healthiest among us.

A possible epidemic averted.

He tells me to keep myself clean, holy, usable.  Unaffected by the sins that run rampant.  Ready for His service and use.

WHAT HAVE THEY HEARD
Today's reading:  Colossians 1-2

"We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for we have heard that you trust in Christ Jesus and that you love all of God's people."  Colossians 1:3-4 NLT

When folks talk about what 'they've heard', it usually has a negative connotation.  They've heard a rumor or they've heard quite a story or they've had someone bending their ear about partial truths.

You see, bad news travels a lot faster than good news ever will.

So for Paul to have heard that the church of Colosse was trusting and loving--well, he was thrilled!

Makes me think...

What is being said about me?  What are others saying?  Are they noticing love or faith in my life?  Enough to talk about it?

What have they heard about you?

WHAT YOU'RE DOING
Today's reading:  Luke 17-18

"When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, he doesn't just sit down and eat.  He must first prepare his master's meal and serve him supper before eating his own.  And the servant is not even thanked, because he is merely doing what he is supposed to do.  In the same way, when you obey me you should say, We are not worthy of praise.  We are servants who have simply done our duty."  Luke 17:7-10 NLT

I don't know what it is you're preparing to do today or in the Lord's house tomorrow, but I think this message might be as much for you as it was for me.

It's not a matter of being thanked.

Or noticed.

Or applauded.

Or patted on the back.

It's about merely doing what we're told to do.

It's about pleasing Him.

GOD'S WRATH
Today's reading:  Ezekiel 19-24

"Destruction!  Destruction!  I will surely destroy the kingdom.  And it will not be restored until the one appears who has the right to judge it.  Then I will hand it over to him."  Ezekiel 21:27 NLT

It would be nice if God were only about love like some churches, pastors and church-goers believe.

That would be a butterfly and rainbow filled daydream, wouldn't it?

But there is so much more to God than love.  As a matter of fact, in order for Him to love as deeply as He loves, He also must be as just as He is and as righteous as He is and as unchanging as He is.

You see, He asks for respect.  He commands that we obey Him.  He demands honor--because He is honorable.

He holds the judgement on our eternal life in His hands.  He has also provided us a Bible-ful of ways in which He expects us to live in the manner He expects.  He has also provided grace and mercy for where we fall short--fall short in trying to fulfill His commands, that is!

FEAR OF THE LORD
Today's reading:  Proverbs 8-9

"Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding."  Proverbs 9:10 NLT

It's not the shaking in our boots fear.  It's not the constantly worrying about whether or not He will zap us with a bolt of lightning.  It's not the strict teacher always looking over our shoulder kind of fear.

It's the fear of anything, anything at all, getting in the way of a relationship with the Savior of our souls.

It's the being scared to death that He could be disappointed by anything we do, say or think.

It's the utmost of dependence upon Him for our very next breath, our next heart beat and our next moment.

It's the ultimate in respect.  In awe of Him.  In admiration and respect of Who He is--and how privileged we are to be invited in to His presence.

Do you 'fear' Him like that?  Are you wise by having that reverence for Him?

MERELY MORTAL
Today's reading:  Psalm 78-80

"Their hearts were not loyal to him.  They did not keep his covenant.  Yet he was merciful and forgave their sins and didn't destroy them all.  Many a time he held back his anger and did not unleash his fury!  For he remembered that they were merely mortal, gone in a moment like a breath of wind, never to return."  Psalm 78:37-39 NLT

The scope of God's grace has been on my mind.

I've been thinking about His ability to forgive and His grand gesture called grace.

I cannot fathom how wide His love for us is, until I look at all He's forgiven me for and promised to me as a prize for staying on His path.

I can only see glimpses of the magnitude of His mercy.  How He can write off wrongs as forgiven, never to be remembered.  How He can choose not to recall what's ink-written on the pages of my history.  How He decided I was worthy of it all.

Merely mortal, yet He has lavished upon me the gift of Himself.

The holier a man becomes, the more he mourns over the unholiness which remains in him.  -C. H. Spurgeon

ON MY KNEES
Today's reading:  2 Kings 1-5

"She fell at his feet, overwhelmed with gratitude..."  2 Kings 4:37 NLT

I try to listen for God's voice in the pages of Scripture.  I attempt to look for the verses that 'jump' off the pages at me.  I search for things I need, and come to find out they're what a lot of you need, too.  I find points I am convicted on.  I see areas where I need much improvement.

Today?

Today, I see myself in the woman of Shunem and her emotions.

You see, this morning I am lying at God's feet, overwhelmed with my gratitude to Him.

Has He answered all my prayers?  No, I still have a lengthy list.

Has He cured me from all my failings, ailings and imperfections?  Nope.

Has He brought perfection to my life?  No trials?  No temptations?  No troubles?  Nuh-huh!

I'm at His feet, a sobbing, snotty-nosed mess, because He loves me so very much!

I certainly appreciate all He's done for me.  I do.  But to know He loves me?  Me?  Me!

That's why I am overwhelmed with gratitude!