BEING CAREFUL
Today's reading:  2 Chronicles 11-15

"But when Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the law of the Lord, and all Israel followed him in this sin."  2 Chronicles 12:1 NLT

I've looked in the Lexicon to see what is meant by 'abandoned'.

Sure, I know what it means...but a little more insight has proven quite helpful.

Some of the synonyms used for 'abandoned' are rejected, forsook, left, cut loose from and deserted.

I knew all those.  Makes sense to me.  I understand.  He got comfortable and left the Lord.  I've seen people do it.  They get to the point they don't think they need the Lord.

But the last word used to explain what Rehoboam did really caught my attention...Neglected.

Hmmm.  The other definitions sound so sinister and deliberate.  They are all verbs that show force and intent.  They are aggressive and specific.  They sound sinful.

But neglected?

Neglect is something this uneducated, attempting-to-be-godly gal from a small town can see herself allowing in her own walk with the Lord.  It seemingly slips in.  It just happens.  It begins as a small concession and turns into days, weeks or months of not seeking the Lord.  It's not something I'd ever set out to do, but occurs when I don't stay on top of my choices and attitude.  Not so much an act of commission, but of omission.

That's scary!

TRANSJORDAN
Today's reading:  Numbers 29-32

"Now the tribes of Reuben and Gad owned vast numbers of livestock.  So when they saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were ideally suited for their flocks and herds, they came to Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the other leaders of the people.  They said, Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo and Beon--the Lord has conquered this whole area for the people of Israel.  It is ideally suited for all our flocks and herds.  If we have found favor with you, please let us have this land as our property instead of giving us land across the Jordan River."  Numbers 32:1-5 NLT

This section of Scripture has always stumped me.

Why would any member of Israel's two-million ever want less than the Promised Land?

Why would Moses allow it?

What were God's thoughts on it?

How much nerve did it take the two and a half tribes to work up the courage to ask?   

How good could this side of the Jordan really be?  

I'm going to do some research into what happened to those tribes.  I'm interested to know if life went well for them.  I'd like to know if their blessings stopped when they settled, literally settled, for less than what God had promised them.  I would like to see what legacy they left to the generations that followed.

Why do these verses always get to my heart?

Probably because I settle for less than God's best on too many occasions.  I'm afraid if I were assigned a tribe of Israelites--it just might be the ones who didn't cross over.  

SURELY YOU DO
Today's reading:  Hebrews 5-7

"...Surely we don't need to start all over again with the importance of turning away from evil deeds and placing our faith in God."  Hebrews 6:1 NLT

Whoever it is that wrote the book of Hebrews was talking to a church that wasn't growing.  He (or she, I guess) goes on to reprimand them for still 'being on the milk' when there is a steak dinner available to them.

He says, surely I don't need to start over again with the basics.

But if the folks he was writing to act, behave and fail to push themselves into spiritual growth like we do today...then, surely he does.

Repentance needs preached and re-preached.

Faith needs taught and encouraged.

Not relying on one's own goodness as a way to heaven needs shouted from the rooftops.

And that's just to the church crowd.

We're slipping.  We're failing to thrive.  We're lacking a desire to grow more and more in the spiritual disciplines He wants us to commit to our lives.

So, yes, dear writer of Hebrews--surely you do.
 

WHAT WILL YOU ALLOW?
Today's reading:  Acts 1-2

I'm working on a new Bible study, an overview of the entire Bible actually.  In it, the book of Acts is referred to as sometimes being called, the Acts of the Apostles.  A record of what all they did in furthering the Gospel.

These were some great men--and women.  They endured.  The persevered.  They died to make sure the message of Christ went to the whole world.

But shouldn't it really be called the Acts of the Holy Spirit?

Isn't He the one who enabled them to do what they did?

Isn't He the one that gave them the words, gave them the strength, gave them the zeal with which to preach, teach and evangelize?

And then I think, it was the actions of the apostles that allowed the Holy Spirit to work in their lives.  It was the early missionaries who said 'yes'.  It was their obedience that took God's Word into the whole world.

So, I wonder what acts I will allow the Holy Spirit to do via me today?  

WHAT DID YOU DO?
Today's reading:  Obadiah

"The day is near when I, the Lord, will judge the godless nations!  As you have done to Israel, so it will be done to you.  All your evil deeds will fall back on your own heads."  Obadiah 15

It, I believe, goes beyond watching news report from the Middle East.

It is much more than being politically correct as to the area known as Jordan, Israel and surrounding countries.

It is not as much as what we did with Israel, as much as it is what we do with God.

Do we believe in Him?

Do we value His Word?

Are we sure, most assuredly, sure that He is a promise keeper as well as One who follows through on judgement where necessary?

So, it's important the stand you take on Israel--but what's more important is the stand you take with God!

I'M PRAYING
Today's reading:  Proverbs 26-27

"A person who strays away from home is like a bird that strays from its nest."  Proverbs 27:8 NLT

I'm praying for this Sunday's services.

It struck my heart this morning that in my church, and in yours if it's a Bible preaching church, people will be 'coming home'.

You know the ones...

The prodigals.

The wanderers.

The I-can-do-it-on-my-owners.

The seekers.

The ones once hurt by 'hypocrites'.

The hit-and-missers.

Coming home.

To the place they know they should be.  To the place where their foundations were built.  To the place they've been looking for all their lives. To the spot where burdens can be laid down and easy yokes taken up.  To the family of saved-by-grace brothers and sisters who have walked in their shoes--and love them even if they haven't.

Like the comfort of a bird's nest to a bird.

Coming home to Jesus.

Shouldn't we all be praying for Sunday?

  

MY SHIELD
Today's reading:  Psalm 114-116

"All you who fear the Lord, trust the Lord!  He is your helper, he is your shield."  Psalm 115:11 NLT

God is my shield.

Shields are used in battles, skirmishes and fights as a form of protection.

Shields are pieces of armor intended for close contact defensive actions.

Shields are meant to protect the head, heart and chest--the most vital parts of one's body.

Shields are to be held tightly and closely by the person needing protection.  It cannot be held by someone else successfully.

Shields are something we think no longer necessary, as being outdated, as medieval.

Sad to say, but maybe that's our problem--we think of the Lord in much the same way.

He is our Helper and our Shield.
 

PRAYING FOR ME
Today's reading:  2 Chronicles 6-10

"And when foreigners hear of you and your mighty miracles, and they come from distant lands to worship your great name and to pray toward this Temple, then hear from heaven where you live, and grant what they ask of you.  Then all the people of the earth will come to know and fear you, as your own people Israel do..."   2 Chronicles 6:32-33 NLT

Ever heard your name spoken in someone's prayer?

I've heard Mom pray for me.  I've heard my Grandma Lawrence speak my name in prayer.  I've had friends surround me at the altar and speak my name to our Heavenly Father.  I've sat in sobbing tears as little guys pray for me in their toddler voices to their Awesome God.  I've had folks pray for me before I spoke to their assembly.

There's nothing like it!  To know God's hearing your name spoken by someone other than yourself.  It's a very encouraging and empowering and humbling feeling.

But to hear a king pray for me?  Me, a commoner?  To know that from a podium, on a very, very special occasion, in front of a very large crowd of people, the king of a faraway land mentions me?

King David mentioned me in his prayer to dedicate the Temple in approximately 959 B.C.

B.C., friends.  Before the calendar changed.  Before Jesus.  Before the crucifixion and the torn veil of the Temple.  Before the thought of allowing someone other than a full-blooded Jewish man into the presence of God was even thought of.  Before Peter had his dream.  Before my parents met.  Before I was even born.

Me, the foreigner(King David and I weren't from the same neighborhood).  Me, the one from the distant land--(know how far Jerusalem is from my little town?).  Me, the one who has heard of His great works and was drawn to Him one Easter Sunday morning.  Me, a gal from Southern Illinois, who has proof on a daily basis that He hears my prayers when I pray.  Me, the Gentile who has had His blessings poured into her life like a thundering downpour in the summer.

King David was praying for the likes of me.  No, he didn't mention my name specifically--but I know, without a doubt, I'm one of the 'outsiders' he was praying for.  I'm the one he was asking God to hear and answer.  I'm the one!  I'm the one!

You were, too!

WILL I STAND
Today's reading:  Numbers 25-28

"One day the Lord said to Moses, Climb to the top of the mountains east of the river, and look out over the land I have given the people of Israel.  After you have seen it, you will die as Aaron your brother did, for you both rebelled against my instructions in the wilderness of Zin.  When the people rebelled you failed to demonstrate my holiness to them at the waters (These are the waters of Meribah at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin).  Numbers 27:12-14 NLT

As I stand amid peers, co-workers, family and friends today, will I demonstrate God's holiness?

Will my actions reflect one who serves the Most High?

Will my speech give proper reference to the Savior of my soul?

Will my reactions be befitting a princess of the King?

Will what I go along with, or stand up against, be right for a saved, born-again, Bible believing, promised-heaven Christian?

Will I miss out by choosing less than His best?

It's making me think this morning.  It's making me plan ahead in prayer.  It's causing me to pause and seek forgiveness for the mess I've formerly made of things.  It's making me want to be more specific in my words and more attentive to their impact.

What does the Scripture do for you?

DRIFTING
Today's reading:  Hebrews 1-4

"So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it."  Hebrews 2:1 NLT

Imagine yourself on an inflatable raft at the lake.  The sun is shining.  The waves are every so slightly lapping at the beach.  You position yourself on the raft and before you know it, you've fallen asleep.  Lulled by the rising and falling water.

And when you awake?  You find yourself in the middle of the lake.  Far from shore.

You didn't realize it.  You didn't notice it.  You didn't have any idea you were drifting.

The same thing can happen with the truths we as Christians should know.

We have to constantly and consistently remind ourselves of these few truths...

--God loves us.

--Jesus is the only way to heaven.

--Sin is sin.

--Hell is as real as heaven.

We watch as Bible believing churches drift away from the truths of the Bible.  We hear them skirt around issues from the pulpit.  We listen as they become accepting of all things under the sun.  We read their brochures and flyers promoting 'goodness' as a substitute for godliness.

Open your Bible to the truths filling its pages.  Walk closely with the Lord.  Refuse to drift away from the truth!
 

KEEPING IT TO OURSELVES
Today's reading:  John 19-21

"Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, I have seen the Lord!  Then she gave them his message."  John 20:18 NLT

Are you telling folks about your time with the Lord?

Are you sharing with them the message He gives you?

The encouraging words?  The truths given to you in love?  The correction?  The hope?

Are you letting folks know about your time with Him?

Well, I guess before I ask those questions--Are you even spending time with Him?

THIRSTY NEIGHBORS
Today's reading:  Amos 5-9

"People will stagger everywhere from sea to sea, searching for the word of the Lord, running here and going there, but they will not find it.  Beautiful girls and fine young men will grow weary and faint, thirsting for the Lord's word."  Amos 8:12-13 NLT

Amos was a prophet who was not being listened to.  His words, from the Lord, were not being heeded.  His predictions and fore-tellings were being laughed at.

So he gave these words of warning.  He told them the time would come when folks thirsted for a word from God--and there wouldn't be one available.

It makes me think of all the 'thirsting' people I come across in a day's time.

The people in Hollywood, living large but empty lives.

The people seeking peace and joy from bottles, pills or imperfect people.

The people raised on the Word of the Lord, but off in another country attempting to 'find themselves'.

The people in places where there are no churches.

The people next door.

The people I love.

The people I see are thirsty.  They are desperately in need of God's truth being spoken into their lives and hearts.

Will He speak it through me today?    

A COOL DRINK
Today's reading:  Proverbs 25

"Good news from far away is like cold water to the thirsty."  Proverbs 25:25 NLT

Ever been thirsty?  Really thirsty?

After a day of weeding in the garden?

An extra lap on the track?

A day of a hundred errands and no time to stop for a drink?

After a dose or two of sinus medication?

In those instances, nothing but a tall, cool glass of water will fulfill your needs and desire.

The same is true for the Good News we bring to the dark world.

They're dying of thirst.  They're starving for the truth.  They're in a life-or-death struggle.

And what glean from the Word of God, from our time in God's presence, from what we hear and absorb in our church services, from what we learn from having a loving, living, reviving and saving Savior live within us--is just what they need.

Quench someone's thirst today.  Share God's love in a way only you can.

RECOUNTING HIS MERCIES
Today's reading:  Psalm 111-113

"How amazing are the deeds of the Lord!  All who delight in him should ponder them."  Psalm 111:2 NLT

I stand in awe of all He's done for me.  So I'll begin 'pondering' a brief re-cap of the past twenty-four hours...

-Provision.
-Health.
-Saving grace.
-Friendship.
-Traveling mercies, for example...
-A fifteen-hour trip with two teenagers.
-A safe trip across four states.
-A fun trip traversing a mighty river four times in a fifteen-hour period.
-A homeless man at an intersection who reminded me of my blessings.
-A relaxing trip, even though our return was during hours of the late night when no one, absolutely no one should be awake let alone driving.
-A fog that didn't settle in until the last 30 miles of the trip.
-A herd of deer not on our path until the last gravel-road-slow 5 miles of our journey.
-A young Christian couple standing beside us in line for over 2 hours.
-A no-longer-young blog writer able to get up, read her Bible and write after only 3-1/2 hours of sleep.
-A bit of news stating a friend's surgery went well.

I could go on about His amazing deeds!  They fascinate me.  They humble me.  They cause me to pause and think about how wonderful He is and how very much He must love me.

I could sit and think about them all day, or I could hop up from this computer and experience another twenty-four hours of being amazed!
.

MY TEMPLE
Today's reading:  2 Chronicles 1-5

"This will be a magnificent Temple because our God is an awesome God, greater than any other."  2 Chronicles 2:5 NLT

If you know much Bible at all, this verse may very quickly bring to mind another set of verses...

"Don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?  You do not belong to yourself for God bought you with a high price.  So you must honor God with your body."  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT

Solomon wanted to build a grand tabernacle in order to rightly convey his feeling for the mighty God he served.

Should we do the same with out bodies?  The 'temples of the Holy Spirit'?

Oh, before you delete me, I'm not even talking about what we eat or what exercises we do, or do not do.

I'm talking about all the other trash around your temple.

Worry.  Fear.  Doubt.  Sin.  Bitterness.  Unforgiveness.

What's trashing your temple?  What's bringing down the value of your 'real estate'?  What about you, the real you, is making God, your Creator and Sustainer, look bad?

IMPATIENCE
Today's reading:  Numbers 21-24

"...But the people grew impatient along the way..."  Numbers 21:4 NLT

It's not just a problem the Hebrew children dealt with.

It's not just a predicament the young in Christ find themselves in.

It's not just a trap satan sets for the so-so in their faith.

It affects all of us!

We believe His promises to do  mighty works within our willing hearts...

We see small progress...

We get distracted from the change He is making bits at a time...

And other things start to grab our attention.

Before we know it, impatience has taken root and is taking over our thoughts, minds and hearts.

And trouble soon follows.  Discontent rears its ugly head.  Doubts begin to pile up.  Failure looms.  Our past is set before our minds.

What can you do today to make sure impatience gets no stronghold in your life?    

FRUIT
Today's reading:  John 16-18

"And when he comes, he will convince the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgement."  John 16:8 NLT

Who is 'he'?

The Holy Spirit.  Jesus is telling his disciples that He will come when Christ leaves them.  He assures them of His power, His abilities, His presence.

Jesus is no longer on this earth, but He is here.

So why isn't the world convinced of its sin, God's righteousness and the coming judgement?  Why aren't all churches packed to overflowing every Sunday?  Why does evil still seem to reign?

Could it be because there are many Christ-followers who are not allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through their lives?

Could it be we His 'fruit-bearers' are not producing the fruit?

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control are the fruit listed in Galatians 5 as results of the Holy Spirit at work in a life...how's your life measuring up?

Am I promoting the Holy Spirit to a world needing to be convinced?

WHAT WILL IT TAKE?
Today's reading:  Amos 1-4

"...But still you wouldn't turn to me, says the Lord."  Amos 4:10 NLT

Just what will it take for us to truly, without doubt or reservation, turn to God and completely away from sin?

Even the most godly among us struggle with day to day temptations or testings of our faith.

The newest on this walk come up against obstacles that cause discouragement and defeat.

But what will it truly take in your own life to grasp the reality?  To 'sell you' on it?  To cause you to have a faith in God so unshakable and so un-moving that there is no doubt in your mind--no matter the circumstances?  To turn your back on sin and it's lures?

Does it scare you to think about what it will take for Him to wholeheartedly get your attention?

PLANNING A PARTY
Today's reading:  Proverbs 23-24

"My child, how I will rejoice if you become wise."  Proverbs 23:15 NLT

There would be nothing more rewarding in life than to see your child exhibit wisdom and godliness in their adulthood.

It would cause one to celebrate.

To crow.

To delight in their choices and God's intervention.

If they're rich, great.

If they're well liked, fine.

If they're godly and wise, however, that dear friends is worthy of a party!

BUT YOU BLESS
Today's reading:  Psalm 108-110

"Then let them curse me if they like, but you will bless me!.."  Psalm 109:28 NLT

"While they curse, may You bless!.."  Psalm 109:28 NIV

I don't know what you're up to your armpits in right now, but I'll take a guess and say it's not being accepted by all around you.

How do I know?

Been there.  Did that.

Maybe what God's leading you to do causes more of a stir than a following.  Maybe there are more jumping off the bandwagon than on.  Maybe the sign-up sheet tells the tale of disinterest or disregard.  Maybe the excitement you have for the mission/project/ministry is enough to keep you going, but isn't attracting a host of the volunteers needed to get it up and going.  Maybe no one else sees the need.  Maybe no one else has the time.  Maybe no one else 'gets it'.

It's frustrating.

I know.

But if God is with you...

If what you believe you are doing lines up with His will and His Word...

If He will receive all the glory...

If it will have eternal consequence...

If when you stand before Him He says, 'Well done, You did just what I asked you to do!'..

If one life is changed...

If at the end of the day God is the only one cheering you on...

Then it's worth it.  Every minute. Every tear.  Every effort.  Every struggle.  Every doubt.

Because when He blesses, it's enough!

GATEKEEPERS
Today's reading:  1 Chronicles 25-29

Gatekeepers.

Sure, I've read about them, but the idea behind them has never jumped off the page at me like it has this morning.

Keeping watch over the gates...

...of our homes?

...of our churches?

...of our homes?

A good part of 1 Chronicles 26 gives information about the gatekeepers assigned to the Temple.  It says they were selected.  It says they were regardless of  age or training.  It says the ones chosen were capable.

What are you guarding?

What is viewed on your television set?  What attitude you're allowing yourself to bring into your worship services?  What thoughts you are taking captive for Christ?

The 'gates' you have been selected to guard are important--and God finds you capable of doing it.

SACRED DUTIES
Today's reading:  Numbers 17-20

"You yourselves must perform the sacred duties within the sanctuary and at the altar..."  Numbers 18:5 NLT

Sure, we can easily exclude ourselves from this verse by saying, the pastor is one with the sacred duty to perform...

Nursery duty isn't sacred, one might argue.

A quarterly turn teaching Sunday School isn't sacred, one might debate.

A Sunday of passing out worship bulletins isn't sacred, one might conclude.

A turn of cleaning up after a fellowship meal isn't sacred, one might contest.

But shouldn't they be?  Shouldn't anything, and everything, done within the walls of God's house be considered sacred and be done with all the excitement and holiness one can?

Including those duties at the altar.

The time spent on your own knees asking for repentance, asking for guidance, asking for revival to come about in your heart?

The time spent praying with another Christian brother or sister?

If what we're doing for God through service in our own churches is not considered sacred and worth doing, should we be doing it?

AS FOR ME
Today's reading:  Titus

"But as for you, promote the kind of living that reflects right teaching."  Titus 2:1 NLT

Paul counseled his young apprentice Titus on what was needed and what was not needed in the church.

He pointed out, in Chapter 1, the requirements for elders (deacons) and he gave watch signs for people claiming to know God but not really knowing Him.

In Chapter 2, Paul tells Titus to make it personal.

Take your eyes off them.

Live the life you know you are called to live.

Personally follow Christ.

Accept His rule.

God chose to place this section of Scripture in the book we now hold in our hands thousands of years later because He knew we'd struggle with the same issues.

He knew it would be easier to look around than down deep.

He knew blame is easier to place than conviction is to deal with.

He knew tearing others down is easier than re-working personal habits and attitudes.

'But as for you...', what is that speaking to you heart?

HE IS THE WAY
Today's reading:  John 13-15

"...You you know where I am going and how to get there.
No, we don't know, Lord, Thomas said.  We haven't any idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?
Jesus told them, I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one can come to the Father except through me."  John 14:4-6 NLT

Maybe like me, you've always heard the last part of this segment of Scripture, but had never really investigated the first part.

Jesus is telling his disciples that he will be leaving.

Jesus is explaining to his disciples that they will be together again.

Jesus is making sure, doubly sure, his disciples know how to get to where they are going to meet up again.

But Thomas, like us, wants to make it too hard.

He wants an address.  He wants to know a location.  He wants to know step-by-step directions.  He wants to not miss out on his future with Jesus.

All he needs to know, all we need to know, is Jesus.  He is the way.

He is the only way.

JOEL
Today's reading:  Joel

In short, the book of Joel tells of tells of the fear, destruction and enslavement Jerusalem can expect to endure due to their leaving the Lord and following after other gods.

It mentions plagues of locusts--cutting locusts, swarming locusts and hopping locusts.

It talks of famine--no grapes, no grain, no figs.

It talks of hunger for all--the people and the animals.

It talks of fear.

And death.

The worst part, however?

"...There are no joyful celebrations in the house of the Lord."  Joel 1:16 NLT

That's heartbreaking.

It's a call to arms, children of God, to make sure all idols and sins are pushed far out of our lives.  We have to stay true to God!  

SAMSON'S LEASH
Today's reading:  Proverbs 22

We have a new puppy on the farm!  Samson, while small now, will in time be waist high and strong as an ox. We are working on manners with him while he is at a manageable size, because it's best for all involved.

He will come when called--most times.

He will sit before being allowed the privilege of being petted.

He will lay down--when the right treat is visible and promised.

He's a smart dog.  He's a quick learner.

Our problem comes when it's time to walk on a leash.

He doesn't like it.  He doesn't understand the purpose behind it.  He doesn't want to be bothered with it.  He fights it--unless he has a mouthful of it and is 'walking himself'.

I remember when reading the Bible was a lot like Samson being on a leash.  I didn't get it.  It was a habit I had not mastered.  I didn't understand half of what I read.  I'd skim.  I'd skip over sections of Scripture.  I'd balk.  I'd see most of what I read as useless.

But I persevered.  I stuck to it.  I made an appointment with God each day to be in His presence and in His Word, and it's paid off!

What a trip God's Word takes me on each and every day.  I have gone farther in understanding God than I had ever imagined I would.  I have been taken places that I could have never gone to on my own.  I have been invited into holy places that I had no right, or hope, of ever going.  I've never 'walked' the pages of the Holy Bible alone, I've always had the Holy Spirit as my companion.  I've been led away from situations that would have harmed me or my relationship with Christ.  I've been kept close to Someone who loves me.

Like a small, fluffy white puppy on a leash.  

As I go out to walk him, I'll remember just that.

EVEN SO
Today's reading:  Psalm 105-107

"Both we and our ancestors have sinned.  We have done wrong!  We have acted wickedly!  Our ancestors in Egypt were not impressed by the Lord's miracles.  They soon forgot his many acts of kindness to them.  Instead they rebelled against him at the Red Sea.  Even so, he saved them..."  Psalm 106:6-8 NLT

Sinned--disappointed God in any way, form or fashion?

Done wrong--went against His wishes and best for me?

Acted wickedly--in action or attitude?  Seen or unseen by another?

Not impressed with God's miracles--because they didn't look like what I'd prayed for, weren't spectacular enough?

Forgot all He's done--yesterday, today, five minutes ago?

Rebelled against Him--dug my feet in the ground, crossed my arms and yelled, 'No!', refused to budge?

Guilty.  As guilty as any of the Hebrew children standing on the banks of the Red Sea. Blameworthy of all listed and more.

Even so, it says with hope!  Even so, ringing with mercy!  Even so, resounding with love!  Even so, wrapped in abundant grace!

Even so, my Savior saved me!

In the total expanse of human life there is not a square inch of which the Christ, who alone is sovereign, does not declare, 'That is mine!'    -Abraham Kuyper

LET'S SETTLE IT NOW
Today's reading:  1 Chronicles 20-24

"...I cannot take what is yours and give it to the Lord..."  1 Chronicles 21:24 NLT

In this passage of Scripture David is talking to Araunah about the threshing floor David is wanting to purchase.  He's wanting this particular piece of land to build an altar to God.  He's been asked by God to procure this property in order to make a sacrifice that will stop the plague that is affecting the people.

Araunah wants to give it to David.  David insists that he must buy it, he must give something for it, he must not take it for nothing.

Araunah wanted to help David, and the Lord, but David knew that if it didn't touch him personally (lighten his own wallet, in this instance) it wouldn't be a sacrifice.

It's time we realize that while we serve the One True God, we're all going to go about it a little differently.

I won't worship, serve and praise like you do.  And you won't do it like I do.

Is either of us wrong?  Not if our heart is set on God receiving the glory.

Let's be very careful, or better yet stop doing it at all, in assessing an other's worship.

Do what He's asked you to do--and help another do what He's asked them to do.  And to God be all the glory and honor and praise!  

SCOUTS
Today's reading:  Numbers 13-16

"The Lord now said to Moses, Send men to explore the land of Canaan, the land I am giving to Israel.  Send one leader from each of the twelve ancestral tribes.  So Moses did as the Lord commanded him.  He sent out twelve men, all tribal leaders of Israel, from their camp in the wilderness of Paran."  Numbers 13:1-2 NLT

Maybe you are a new scout.  A first generation Christian.  A first-in-your-family believer.  A trailblazer for family to follow you.

That's exciting!  That's an awesome privilege!  That's a great responsibility!  Congratulations!

You will experience first hand what it was like for the Israelite scouts as they stepped foot on their new land--what the grapes looked like (Numbers 13:23), how big the enemy is (Numbers 13:26) and how grand the land was (Numbers 13:27)...and how amazing your God is!

Your family will follow.  Your family will want what you've found.  You're family will scratch their heads wondering what's come over you.  Your family may ridicule you or leave you in tears.

But through it all, you will come to know God in a new and wonderful way!

And...your family and loved ones may just follow your path.