THAT'S WHY
Today's reading:  1 John 4-5

"This is how God showed His love among us:  He sent His one and only Son into the world, so that through Him we might live."  1 John 4:9 NIV

He didn't send us a lifetime of good days.

He didn't send us an unlimited checking account.

He didn't send us sunshine and no rain.

He didn't send us health, wealth and happiness.

He didn't send us a statue we could hide away in our pockets for emergency situations.

He sent His one and only Son.  He knew Jesus was what it would take to give us eternal life.  He knew He was the only suitable sacrifice.  He knew His perfection was of more value than our sins.

He knew what we needed, so He sent Jesus.

What have you done with His gift to you?  

IT'S PERSONAL
Today's reading:  Acts 19-20

"A team of Jews who were traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus.  The incantation they used was this:  I command you by Jesus, who Paul preaches, to come out!"  Acts 19:13 NLT

I can see these men with crowds of demented, hurting people surrounding them.  Their fame precedes them.  Word had spread that they would do wonderful things.

Until the time came to do those wonderful things.

I can imagine they had studied Paul.  They poured over accounts of what he had said.  They could tell you each spot on the map where he had preached.  They may have even bought their robes from the same tailor he used--just to look like him.

The problem came when Jesus' name was mentioned.

It didn't do anything for this crowd of Jews, or the crowd of Jews needing miracles.

These men, though studied and attentive to Paul, didn't know Jesus.

It takes a personal relationship with God's Only Son.  It requires first-hand knowledge of Jesus.  It demanded intimate details of a life changed and a heart sold-out to the Savior of the world.

And they didn't have it.

And they couldn't imitate it.

And they wouldn't be able to make a difference in their world without it.

And you and I cannot either.

SHARE YOUR HEART
Today's reading:  Malachi

"Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said..."  Malachi 3:16 NLT

Maybe you're carrying a burden.

Maybe you have so many things on your heart and mind that your life is weighted down.

Maybe you're hurting, broken, sad, bitter, angry, feeling wronged, worried, doubtful--what ever you're feeling, maybe it's time to share it with another.

Another trusted Christian.  Another godly friend.  Another believing brother or sister.

Talk to them, then both of you talk to the Lord--He will hear.  

COUNTING BLESSINGS
Today's reading:  Ecclesiastes 11-12

"Give generously, for your gifts will return to you later."  Ecclesiastes 11:1 NLT

As you sit before a piled-high plate, at a food-laden table, surrounded by loved ones from far and near you'll ponder this verse and agree wholeheartedly with Solomon.

It's not a promise.

It's a prediction.

You've seen it come true.  Give and get back ten-fold.  Give till it hurts and receive armloads--or at least a heartful.  Give of your time and your twenty four hours produce more than you could have imagined.

Thanksgiving is a day set aside to realize how generously God has gifted you when you have chosen to give.

 

TALK TO HIM
Today's reading:  Psalm 137-139

"Beside the rivers of Babylon, we sat and wept as we thought of Jerusalem.  We put away our lyres, hanging them on the branches of the willow trees.  For there our captors demanded a song of us.  Our tormentors requested a joyful hymn:  Sing us one of those songs of Jerusalem!  But how can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?"  Psalm 137:1-4 NLT

It touches my heart that God would have me reading these verses as such a precious holiday nears.

I know friends and family members who are having a hard time with the season.  I know their hearts ache, their circumstances have robbed their happiness and they just don't feel like 'singing'.

--Because a chair will be empty at the Thanksgiving table.

--Because they're in a different place than last year, or in some instances, in the same sad place as all the years before.

--Because they feel there is nothing to celebrate.

--Because it's been a rough  year.

--Because they've made some horrible choices.

--Because their health is failing, their finances are non-existent, their spiritual walk is flat-lining or their families are falling apart.

--Because life, as this stage and in this season, is hard...really hard.

My advice to them, based on today's Scripture--tell Him all about it.  That's what this psalmist is doing. writing a song about how low he feels, how far from home he is, how hard it is to muster up some joy.

And I believe God heard every word of his!

And He will yours, too.  Just talk it over with Him.  Keep the lines of communication open between you and your only Hope.  Don't hold anything back from the One who knows just how you feel.

He will not be surprised and I think you'll feel better about it once you've shared your heart.

ONE STONE AT A TIME
Today's reading:  Nehemiah 1-4

A quick read through the first six chapters of Nehemiah gives us an exciting account of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall.

Quickly we are led through Nehemiah's request of the king, his travels back to the holy city and his gathering of workers.

We read of nothing but progress during chapter three where God's people work alongside each other, with a determined goal in mind.

What we don't realize in this quick, probably less than 15 minute read is that the whole project took fifty-two days.

To some of us, that sounds like a quick task, especially in a time lacking automation or power tools.

To the rest of us, it sounds like a very long time, considering our fondness to all things micro-wave able, drive-thru-able and instantaneous.

What I see is this...

We've got to continue on with what it is God's leading us to do.  No matter the length of time.  No matter the opposition.  No matter the strain it may put on our backs--and our hearts.  No matter our plans and agendas.

The Jews did this monumental task one stone at a time.

It's a lesson I needed to be reminded of as I continue doing what I believe He's asked me to do, praying for those I believe He lays on my heart and fighting the fight I am called to fight.    

One stone at a time.  One prayer at a time.  One battle at a time.  One day at a time.  One whispered thanks at a time.

DONKEYS AND OXEN
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 20-22

"Do not plow with an ox and a donkey harnessed together."  Deuteronomy 22:10 NLT

My Dad used to raise donkeys, so I am acquainted with their size, demeanor and abilities.  They are quirky little beasts of burden.

I have stood beside a team of oxen (at an 1820's re-enactment settlement).  I don't know much about them other than they towered over my head.  Their faces were eye-level with mine.  They looked strong and capable. They were a bit intimidating.

I can understand, upon my experience, why God would tell us not to work the two together.  It just wouldn't go well.  It wouldn't look good.  It wouldn't utilize either animal's potential.  It would probably cause more harm than good.

I can see the ox doing all the work and the donkey being dragged along beside him.  I can see the donkey sweating his long ears off attempting to keep up with the ox, even when the ox is in low gear.  I can see how sloppily the harnesses would fit.  I can imagine the crooked rows the plow would make as the two unequally yoked beasts dragged it across the field.

You're probably not going out to harness up your team to begin your day's work.  The idea of working with anything less than a computer, a gas-powered vehicle or some type of automation is laughable.  You may believe this tidbit of information is a little outdated--well, it would be if not for one more bit of experience I have under my belt (quite possibly under yours, too) that may bring it all into focus for you...

I have attempted to 'hitch' my ideas alongside God's plans, tweaking where I believed it was required, adjusting where what He asked was too hard or too uncomfortable, attempting to take over where I thought He was moving too slowly or not at all, I've tried to do God's work and left mine undone--and it never worked!

It was an awkward team we made, to say the least.  Nothing went well.  Not a lot (of good) got done.  No one, including myself, was pleased with the work.  In the end, I was worn out, deflated and ashamed of my work.  God was not entertained by my attempts to do His job or my lack of attempting to do more than He asked of me.

It's most certainly a lesson to be learned from.  One He's been telling for years and years in His Good Book.

WISH THEM A MERRY CHRISTMAS
Today's reading:  1 John 1-3

"So don't be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you."  1 John 3:13 NLT

As we enter the holiday season, we need to prepare ourselves for the grinches that we may come in contact with in the stores and shops.

We have to realize that the season we're celebrating is foreign to alot of the folks we will bump into in the checkout lanes.

They don't know the Baby.

They don't know the true Gift.

They don't know the value of the Savior sent from heaven.

Wish them a Merry Christmas, anyway.

Smile at the cashier.

TELL THEM
Today's reading:  Acts 17-18

"So Paul, standing before the Council, addressed them as follows:  Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious, for as I was walking along I saw your many altars.  And one of them had this inscription on it--To An Unknown God.  You have been worshiping him without knowing who he is, and now I wish to tell you about him."  Acts 17:22-23 NLT

You'll come in contact today with people needing to know who the One True God is, as much as those statue worshipers of Paul's time.

It's the folks you'll meet who know something is missing--and they don't quite know Who that something is.

It's the folks you'll meet who are worn out from trying everything else--not knowing Who can do it all for them.

It's the folks you'll meet who have been burned time and time again by humanity--they need to know the love of the Savior.

It's the folks you'll meet who have had a sour taste in their mouths about religion--and need to know about the relationship He desires to have with them.

They may not have a statue in their yard, but they need to know the One True God.

Tell them!

HE HAS NOT
Today's reading:  Zechariah 8-14

"For this is what the Lord Almighty says, I did not change my mind when your ancestors angered me and I promised to punish them, says the Lord Almighty.  Neither will I change my decision to bless Jerusalem and the people of Judah.  So don't be afraid."  Zechariah 8:14-15 NLT

Maybe the person standing beside you in your wedding photos changed their mind and the vows they took.

Maybe your boss changed his mind about your employment.

Maybe a friend changed their mind about your friendship.

Maybe a child changed their mind about God and how they had been raised.

Maybe a parent changed their mind about loving your for the rest of your days.  

Maybe, just maybe you've been hurt by someone who has changed their mind.  Maybe you're a little afraid to trust anyone ever again.

God's not going to change His mind about you!

Never.  Not in a million years.  No way!

He has not!

MAKE IT EASIER ON MYSELF
Today's reading:  Ecclesiastes 9-10

"Since a dull ax requires great strength, sharpen the blade.  That's the value of wisdom, it helps you succeed."  Ecclesiastes 10:10 NLT

Allow me to help you put aside any excuses you've been using to accommodate your lack of time in the Bible...

You have too many important decisions to be made with some time in it.

Your twenty-four hours yield fewer productive minutes when you've not read the Bible.

Your attitude smells a little off the longer you stay out of its pages.

The level of chaos in your day is in direct proportion to your time spent in the Word.

The quick answers and remarks you make throughout the day tell others whether you've spent time in the Holy Bible.

Stress levels coincide with lack of time spent reading His instructions for your life.

There are too, too many people depending upon you for you to stay out of the Word.

Does that pretty much cover any of the reasons you would have given me about not having time to read the Bible?  

We need what He offers to share with us in the Bible--don't try life without it!

I KNOW, I KNOW, I KNOW
Today's reading:  Psalm 134-136

"I know the greatness of the Lord--that our Lord is greater than any other god."  Psalm 135:5 NLT

I have looked back over my journal.  Saved writings from my prayer chair.  Collected thoughts and accumulated ramblings.  Pen and ink remembrances of my time in His presence.

I used the same verse last year at this time.  The very same verse.  On November 20, 2013, this verse touched me and I wrote about it.

I knew the greatness of the Lord a year ago...or I thought I did.

Today, I know the greatness of the Lord to another level.  In a deeper way.  On a broader plane.  To greater heights.  In a way I could have never imagined possible 365 days ago.

I've seen Him love me more...

Forgive me more...

Walk closer beside me...

Be even more trustworthy...

Bless me more...

Answer more requests...

Be more worthy of my praise...

Become greater and greater!

Today I know the greatness of the Lord--but I do not believe I know it to the extent He wishes me to know--and that excites me!

      

FOR MY BOY
Today's reading:  Ezra 6-10

King Darius backs the rebuilding of the Temple. He's not Jewish.  He's not of the Levitical tribe.  He, because of his heritage, will probably never be inside the Temple.  But he issues a decree stating it needs to be built back--and in verses 6-12 of chapter 6, he gives some pretty straight forward instructions about doing it...

Do not disturb the construction.
Let it be rebuilt.
Do not hinder the progress.
Help.
Pay the full construction costs.
Give...whatever is needed.
Provide.
If these orders are violated, you will have a beam removed from your home, you will be tied to it and flogged.

So what was his reason?

It's not political.

It's not to gain power in the eyes of neighboring countries.

It's not to get an agenda passed.

It stems from a father's heart...

"Then they will be able to offer acceptable sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for me and my sons."  Ezra 6:10 NLT

He knew as a parent God needed to be in his life.  He realized the impact God would have in the lives of his boys.  He quite possibly knew his boys were a gift from this Creator.  He reasoned that if his boys were to become men of any worth, they would need this God's backing and guidance.  He saw the effects of prayer.  He understood, from watching the Jews, that their God was needed in his palace--and possibly in his heart.

I get that.    

FESTIVAL OF THE HARVEST
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 16-19

The combines have rolled in, wiped the fields clean and rolled on to conquer their next grain-laden piece of acreage.  Harvest is nearing completion in our neck of the woods.

And I find it so fitting that He has me reading in His Book about the Festival of the Harvest.

A one day celebration held in June to celebrate the end of the grain harvest.  A day set aside for thanks and a priestly sacrifice of two loaves of bread made from newly harvested grain.

And for the congregants on that day?  One simple instruction...

"...Bring him a freewill offering in proportion to the blessings you have received from him."  Deuteronomy 16:10 NLT

Not just a list you accumulate through the month of things you're thankful for.

Not just a day on the calendar when you stuff your face and your belly in a thankful manner.

Not just a very, very short season of the year when you think about all you have and thank Him.

'Bring an offering in proportion to the blessings you have received', that is a mighty tall order!

How could one ever thank Him in a correct proportion to what He's done?  What offering would suffice?  How would we ever begin to measure our thanks in comparison to His graciousness?  Who could ever truly gift Him with an offering that measures up to His sacrifice of Jesus?  What would hold enough value to really express our gratitude?

I've thought and I've thought about it.  I've come up with only one thing that could and would possibly be what He needs to see how thankful we are...

We must give Him our hearts.



 

EFFORT
Today's reading:  2 Peter

"So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life..."  2 Peter 1:5 NLT

God's promises for our taking.

But there will be some effort required on our part.

Some effort.  Some days more effort than others.

Some energy put into making ourselves believe when we don't want to...continuing on when it hurts...forgiving when everything in us tells us to hold a grudge...standing alone...knowing, without a doubt, that you're not alone.

It takes some effort on our part to take Him up on His promises.

But, friend, it'll be so worth it!

NO DISTINCTION
Today's reading:  Acts 15-16

"He made no distinction between us and them, for he also cleansed their hearts through faith."  Acts 15:9 NLT

One can read the Bible, especially the front half, and feel kind of, well--left out.

As non-Jewish people, we realize we're not a part of His chosen people.  We're from the 'wrong side of the tracks'.  We've got the wrong kind of blood running through our veins.

That is until you get to the new Testament.

Jesus died for us!

The un-Jews.

The ones originally scorned and considered unclean.

The ones lacking the Abrahamic DNA.

The ones who wouldn't have been allowed into the Temple!

He makes no distinction between us and them--'For God so loved the world...'!

DRAWING THEM TO US
Today's reading:  Zechariah 7-8

"This is what the Lord Almighty says: In those days ten people from nations and languages around the world will clutch at the hem of one Jew's robe.  And they will say, Please let us walk with you, for we have heard that God is with you."  Zechariah 8:23 NLT

To have folks clamoring around you because of your godliness.

To have people wanting to be near you because of your ability to be heard by God.

To have men and women, boys and girls, desire to be in your presence because you are in His.

To have friends and family member see Him in your smile, in your words, in your reactions.

To have desperate hearts seeing hope in how you live and worship.

To have darkness drawn to the Light living with in you.

Imagine being the kind of Christian that causes people to want to be around you.  Be the kind of Christ imitator that allows that to happen!

SORROW
Today's reading:  Ecclesiastes 7-8

"Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us."  Ecclesiastes 7:3 NLT

I think we all agree that Solomon, with God's leading, is right about this statement.

But would you ever pray it over your life, or the life of a loved one...

Lord, help me lose someone near and dear, so I may console and comfort another with empathy.

Lord, take away all I have, so I may share personally with another in their time of loss.

Lord, make me cry, so I will be able to do more than just pass a tissue to another.

Lord, mess up my life, so I can encourage and enlighten another when discouragement comes their way.

Lord, break me, so that where I heal will be stronger and more dependent upon You.

Lord, place me in the heat of it all, so that the dross may be skimmed from my life.

Is being refined into His image and His likeness worth the prayer?

UNITY
Today's reading:  Psalm 131-133

"How wonderful it is, how pleasant, when brothers live together in harmony!"  Psalm 133:1 NLT

Strong's Concordance places the emphasis on the word 'live', or dwell in the King James Version, as being a choice 'to abide or to remain'.

A choice.

That's quite an idea when one reads the title of this psalm:  A song for the descent to Jerusalem.  A chant, a cheer, a song reserved to prepare the hearts, minds and attitudes of those walking up the steps, or degrees, to the Temple.  A time of soul-searching to see if there is anything that would keep them from worshiping wholeheartedly.  A reminder as they trudged up the steps, that any one of the pilgrims to the great city of Jerusalem was desiring to live in harmony with Yahweh.

Could Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday be considered 'songs of degrees' for our Sunday worship?   Could they be given to us to look over any heart issues we might have that go against God's desire?  Could the days leading up to Sunday give us time to focus on the degrees to which we are holding grudges, choosing to remember wrongs or harboring sins?  Could our weekdays be given as steps in letting go of inconsistencies in our Christian walks?

We have the choice to live, to abide, in harmony with our Christian brothers and sisters.  We can take steps to put aside anything that would sap the strength required to do His work--inside the church and out.

   

RESPONDING
Today's reading:  Ezra 1-5

"Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jehozadak responded by beginning the task of rebuilding the Temple of God in Jerusalem..."  Ezra 5:1 NLT

Responding.

A response.

Being responsive.

Isn't that what God wants of us?

CLING
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 13-15

"Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone.  Obey his commands, listen to his voice and cling to him."  Deuteronomy 13:4 NLT

According to Merriam-Webster, the verb 'cling' means...

a.  to hold onto something or someone very tightly
b.  to stay very close to someone for emotional support, protection, etc.
c.  to stick someone or something

Do those definitions describe your relationship with God?

Do you cling to Him?

Can He not go a step without you right beside Him?

Are you constantly in His shadow?

Are you dependent upon Him for everything, including your next breath?

Are you hard to shake?

Or is it a 'Sunday-only' kind of friendship?  An 'only-when-I-need-you' kind of relationship?  A '9-1-1' style commitment?  

We are instructed to serve, obey, listen to and cling.  Daily.  Hourly.  On a moment by moment basis.

I'm preferring to stick to Him like a cockle-burr.  Or maybe a stick-tite.  Or maybe sweater fuzz.  Or a piece of chewed chewing gum.  Or maybe--well, you get the picture!    

ATTITUDE
Today's reading:  1 Peter 4-5

"So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too.  For if you are willing to suffer for Christ, you have decided to stop sinning."  1 Peter 4:1 NLT

Attitude.

It's a common discussion topic between our 14 year-old and myself...and the Lord and I.

You see, even as a Christian--one who has accepted God's gift of salvation and knows my eternity will be with Him--my attitude, at times, stinks.

But to take on His attitude?  The one He had when He died on the cross for me?  The attitude of Christ?

Impossible?  Or is it?

It's a matter of putting me aside.  It's about weighing things against how I feel and how He wants me to behave.  It's about love from me because He loves me so very much.  It's about sucking it up and going on in a way that's pleasing to Him--mind and heart, included.

I can do it.  I will try to do it.

You can, too.

HE IS
Today's reading:  Acts 13-14

"...For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe..."  Acts 13:41 NLT

For those of you frustrated with the waiting game.

For those of you not seeing any fruits from your prayers.

For those of you watching as your trust in God seems to make life more chaotic.

For those of you still waiting after many prayers, many tears and many years.

This verse is for you.

Something is going on in the heavenly realms.  Something is happening on an eternal plain.  Something is being done by God.  Something that's apparently not for right now.  Something that will amaze and astound you.  Something that's going to be good.

Wait for it--He is doing something!

A SPARK
Today's reading:  Haggai

"So the Lord sparked the enthusiasm..."  Haggai 1:14 NLT

Remember the song, Pass It On?

It only takes a spark to get a fire going
Then soon all those around can warm up to its glowing
That's how it is with God's love--once you've experienced it
You spread His love to everyone, you want to pass it on

The song was popular in the church during the 70's and 80's, especially among youth groups and until recently was a commonly sung campfire song in the Boy Scouts.  It was written by Kurt Kaiser, the same gentleman who wrote, Oh How He Loves You And Me, in the late 1960's.

Today's verse caught my attention and brought the song to my mind.

If we truly know how much God loves us--how can we not pass it on to another?

In Haggai, the enthusiasm was sparked for rebuilding the Temple which had been demolished.  God placed a spark in the hearts of the leaders of the time and the remnant of believers.

Has His desire that the Church be re-built changed?  Are there still those who He desires to see in His house on Sundays, Wednesdays, at any opportunity?  Are there still lives God hopes to change through the fellowship and love of His church?  Does God still believe the hope of all humanity lies in the Bethlehem Baby our churches speak of and believe in?

Has He placed a spark in you?  Has He given you an outreach idea?  A ministry idea?  A new way of getting out His message of salvation?

Pass it on, friend.

DUCT TAPE
Today's reading:  Ecclesiastes 5-6

"The more words you speak the less they mean.  So why overdo it?"  Ecclesiastes 6:11 NLT

There are several verses in the Bible I can completely relate to.  Verses given directly from the hand of God to me.  Segments of Scripture that should have my picture placed right beside them for reference.  Words from the Lord that have leave no shadow of theological doubt as to what they say to my heart.

Like today's.

I am a talker.

I can talk to anyone.  I can talk about anything.  I can talk in most any situation about most any topic.  I can talk to a stump.  I can talk to myself.  I talk to the dog as we make our morning an evening rounds of the property.  I talk to all the lumberyard customers.  I talk to cashiers at Wal-Mart, at the grocery store, at the convenience store.  I talk to teachers, much to the dismay of my 14 year-old.  I talk to wait-staff.  I talk to the grumpy guy at the gas station, I'm determined to see him smile once in my lifetime.

So, I would be most foolish to think this verse is not for me.  It leads me to believe there is something very, very important I must do...

I have to find a roll of duct tape!

It's the only way I can keep quiet.  It's my only hope.  It's the only solution to my problem.  I know it's drastic--but so is my problem.

So if you see me sporting a strip, or two, of the gray-stuff across my mouth, don't think I'm being kidnapped--just value the moment of silence you've been afforded!
  

MY TESTIMONY
Today's reading:  Psalm 128-130

"From my earliest youth, my enemies have persecuted me--let Israel now say--from my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but they have never been able to finish me off."  Psalm 129:1-2 NLT

No matter when you came to know the Lord, age 7 or age 97, you have seen Him be faithful to you.

Regardless of the length of your walk with Him, only hours or spanning decades, you have watched as He wins each and every battle you give to Him.

We all have pasts that haunt us.  Regrets.  Mis-spoken words.  Unspoken words.  Choices.

We all have temptations that plague us.  Addictions.  Old habits.  Character flaws that continually pop up despite all the pray we put in to it leaving.

We all have battles that we are in the middle of.  Arguments over control.  Fights over rights.  Skirmishes about doubts, fears or worries.

No matter what we are facing today, we can rest assured--our enemies will not be able to finish us off!

They have not been able to and they will not be able to!

RESTORATION
Today's reading:  2 Chronicles 33-36

"...They restored what earlier kings of Judah had allowed to fall into ruin."  2 Chronicles 34:11 NLT

Okay, so maybe you're not a trailblazer.

Maybe you're not a revolutionary.

Maybe you're not someone who is going to change the world with a thought, a sermon or a prayer.

How about being someone who restores?

The church, today's church, every church I will boldly proclaim, stands in need of restoration--or a getting back to what God had intended it to be.

Back to Him being the center.

Back to Him being glorified.

Back to His message being the main thing.

Back to the original command--Go out and make disciples.

Back to sin being sin.

Look around you to see what you need to begin steering back on track, re-routing or re-evaluating then begin the work...but make sure you do it in your own heart first.

WITH YOUR OWN EYES
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 10-12

"He is your God, the one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done mighty miracles that you yourselves have seen."  Deuteronomy 10:21 NLT

The miracle sitting beside you on the church pew.

The miracle you got up during the night to change and feed.

The miracle in the office beside yours.

The miracle of the Word you hold in your hands.

The miracle of yourself...saved, healed, changed, redeemed, freed, chosen.

Oh, is He ever worthy to be praised!
 

BUT YOU
Today's reading:  1 Peter 1-3

"But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people.  You are a kingdom of priests, God's holy nation, his very own possession.  This is so you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light."  1 Peter 1:9 NLT

You are not like the sinners who push your buttons.

You are not like the self-proclaiming Christians whose fruit is non-existent.

You are not like the old man you used to be!

Just look at who you are now--a chosen person, a part of a priestly clan, a citizen of a holy nation and His, GOD'S, very own possession!

OUR JOY
Today's reading:  Acts 11-12

"...they sent Barnabas to Antioch.  When he arrived and saw this proof of God's favor, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord."  Acts 11:23 NLT

Have you seen the proof of God's love for you?

Have you experienced saving grace from the hand of God?

Have you, in your heart and soul, the joy of the Lord?

Are you encouraging others?

You cannot truly encourage them, 'sell them on it' if you will, unless you've got it yourself.