A KIND AND GENTLE TEACHER
Today's reading:  Matthew 11-13

"Come to me all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am  humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:28-30 NLT

It's a verse I've heard since childhood. I've heard it preached. I've seen it on paintings, posters, Bible toes and such.

I've never, until this morning, noticed the part about Him being our humble and gentle teacher.

I like that.

You see, the school of hard knocks is a rough teacher.

Life is a mean teacher.

Experience is a very trying teacher.

But to know God will teach us, will instruct us, will show us how to live this life He has planned for us--that's assuring, that's encouraging, that's peace-filled!

IT'S ABOUT HIM
Today's reading: Isaiah 23-28

"Then at last the Lord Almighty will himself be Israel's crowning glory. He will be the pride and joy of the remnant of his people." Isaiah 28:5 NLT

The remnant is worried about the decline in their numbers. The remnant is concerned that they are becoming a minority. The remnant is feeling unheard, unseen and uneasy.

Could it be our excitement has settled on less worthy things?

Could our crowning glories be...

preachers and programs?
offerings and outreaches?
missionaries and ministries?
buildings and baptisms?
stands taken and stories told of the local church?

When our crowning glory, our pride and joy, our reason to rejoice and our main focus should be the Lord Almighty?

When He is lifted up, all people will be drawn unto Him--it's His promise(John 12:32).

A HOLY MEDIATOR
Today's reading:  Job 9-10

"God is not a mortal like me, so I cannot argue with him or take him to trial. If only there were a mediator who could bring us together, but there is none." Job 9:32-33 NLT

I cannot imagine living a minute of Job's life. The pain he endured, the sorrow he suffered through, the loss he experienced--too much for me to fathom.

I can think about him losing his wealth. I can ponder him losing his family. I can imagine how he felt losing his health. I can pity him for the poor advice given him by his friends.

But the worst part? He, at times like in today's passage of Scripture, seemed to have lost hope.

And maybe rightly so.

At this point in time, could he have even known about the Holy Spirit? It was hundreds, possibly thousands of years before Pentecost, when God sent His Holy Spirit to dwell among His people, to comfort, to guide, to mediate.  

'If only there were a mediator who could bring us together', he pleads.

Oh, Job, how ever did you make it through your trials without the hand of the Holy Spirit? What kept you from throwing in the towel? How did you bear your burdens?  

NEARING EXTINCTION
Today's reading:  Psalm 12-14

"Help, O Lord, for the godly are fast disappearing! The faithful have vanished from the earth!" Psalm 12:1 NLT

Four thousand years ago David felt as though the godly were nearing extinction.

He made the statement that saintly men and women were a dying breed.

He had a feeling that holiness was becoming a rarity.

What would he think now? In 2015? Today?

Are there some making a holy difference? Are there still those to be noticed by some seeking Light? Are there remaining some who could be examples of godliness and faithfulness?

Are you one of the few still standing strong? Living for God? Attempting to love the unlovables? Following His commands?

A EULOGY FOR ME
Today's reading:  Joshua 21-24

"Then Joshua called together the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh. He told them, You have done as Moses, the servant of the Lord, commanded you, and you have obeyed every order given you. You have not deserted the other tribes, even though the campaign has lasted for such a long time. You have been careful to obey the commands of the Lord your God up to the present day. And now the Lord your God has given the other tribes rest, as he promised them. So go home now..."  Joshua 22:1-4 NLT

I'm not sure who of you will be around when the time comes to plan my funeral, but let my wishes be known here and now...

I want this passage of Scripture read for my eulogy.

Let me re-phrase that...

I want to live a life that would allow this eulogy to be read at my funeral and everyone hearing it said about me agree--especially the Lord.

I want to end life having done what God has commanded me to do. 

I want it to be said of me I was obedient to my Lord.

I want proof that I have not deserted anyone, especially my Christian brothers and sisters, on the journey of life.

I want to be one of the ones who has 'stuck it out'.

I want it known, by how I live/lived my life, that I am careful to follow God's commands.

I want people to know that in my lifetime I have seen His promises fulfilled.  I want others to hear me talk about them. I want to encourage others to wait it out for the promises in their lives to come true.

I want, at the end of my life, for it to be said--You've done all this...now go home, good soldier of the faith.

       

NOT EVEN TEN?
Today's reading:  Genesis 16-19

In reading Genesis 18 this morning, I'm aghast.

This is the section of Scripture where Abraham pleads with the Lord in regards to Sodom and Gomorrah.

'You wouldn't destroy it if there were 50 godly people found, would you Lord?

Okay, how about 45?

40?

30?

20?

Ten, Lord, what if there were 10 godly people living there?'

God agrees.

But out of a town, according to a Google search, which may have had as many as 200,000 people inhabiting it, ten godly people could not be found.

Makes me think of my small town.

Makes me think of the small surrounding burgs.

Makes me think of my neighborhood.

Makes me think of my household.

Where are the godly people today?

GREAT ROCKS

Today’s reading:  Romans 9-10

“…They stumbled  over the great rock in their path.”  Romans 9:32 NLT

In this passage Paul is referring to Israel’s lack of faith in this ‘new’ type of faith.  They couldn’t grasp just believing when they had been raised to follow so many rules, laws and instructions.

It was a huge rock in their path to godliness.  An obstacle that stands like a looming mountain in their relationship with the Most High God. 

Do you have a rock that remains in your way?

Someone?  Someone outside, or inside the church?

Your past?

Fears?

Your pride?

Your failed attempts?

Your desire to do more or be more instead of believe more?

Today would be a great day to remove the rock in your path, wouldn’t it? 

WHERE YOU LIVE
Today's reading:  Matthew 8-10

"When Jesus arrived in Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him.  Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and racked with pain.  Jesus said, I'll come and heal him.  Then the officer said, Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home.  Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed!"  Matthew 8:5-9 NLT

The officer knew Jesus could heal.  The officer made the effort to find Jesus.  The officer believed all it took was Jesus' words, not necessarily His touch or His presence.

He was faith filled.  So faith filled that he insisted Jesus not come to His home, but speak the words. 

Today though, would it be faith that led us to keep Jesus from coming into our homes--or something else?

Would we rather He wouldn't come over because of what He might find?

Or it would make us nervous?

Or convicted?

Embarrassed?

Would we not get to watch our favorite shows? 

I know why the Roman officer didn't feel Jesus needed to come over to his house--I'm not so sure my reasons would be the same.

SOUND DEFEAT
Today's reading:  Isaiah 18-22

"...for the Lord Almighty has laid out his plans against them."  Isaiah 19:17 NLT

Your enemy has been defeated.  If you are a child of the Most High God.  If you have presented your life to Him for forgiveness and believe He sent His One and Only Son into the world to save you.

Yes, I get that he is still waging war against you mentally, physically and spiritually--but his time's come and gone. 

It happened on the Cross.

Yes, I know he's still yelling accusatory things at you, day in and day out--but his words no longer hold any value.

His accusations stopped at the Cross.

Yes, I am aware that daily your enemy uncovers things from your past.  Things you regret.  Things you are embarrassed of.  Things that you have separated yourself from years ago--but what he uncovers only points to God's grace and mercy extended to your life.

It happened at the Cross.

Yes, I get that even now your enemy has moved into your path more obstacles than you can possibly climb, you're tired, you're weary, you're worn out--there is nothing placed before you that has not been demolished, completely destroyed, removed.

It happened at the Cross and only grew in immense power on Easter Sunday!

Your enemy has been defeated.  God knows.  Your enemy knows.  You know, don't you?

THE NIGHT DRAGS ON
Today's reading:  Job 7-8

"When I go to bed, I think, When will it be morning?  But the night drags on, and I toss till dawn."  Job 7:4 NLT

When the night drags on...

Or the pain remains.

Or the bills keep piling up.

Or the storm clouds  continue to billow.

Or the opportunity goes to yet another.

Or the list of needs grows.

Or the temptation makes you stumble again.

Or the prodigal remains distant.

We have to remember God reigns.  Simply put, God reigns.  He reigns in the daytime when the sun shines--and He reigns at night when we cannot see the sun, the stars are clouded, the wolves howl, the fears grow bigger and the night seems to drag on.

Our God reigns. 

We are in His kingdom.  We are His children.  We feast at His table.  We walk in His strength.  We live with a hope of an eternal life provided by His Son, our Savior.  We claim His victories!

WHY?
Today's reading:  Psalm 9-11

"O Lord, why do you stand so far away?  Why do you hide when I need you the most?"  Psalm 10:1 NLT

Lord,

I was just wondering the very same thing.  I'm ever so glad David penned those words so many thousand years ago and You felt they were needed in your Word.

I get where he was coming from.

Oh, it's not at all that You are not wonderful.  Amazing.  Overwhelming in your power and love.  It's not that You haven't saved the day for me on numerous occasions and saved my soul once and for all time.

It's just, well...it's just there are days when I'd like to hear You a little more clearly, feel You a little more closely and see Your hand at work in a speedier time.

I have friends who are drifting away from You--and You don't seem to hear my prayers on their behalf.

I have friends suffering from diseases that I know You are perfectly capable of healing--and yet I don't see You working towards their miracles.

I have a broken heart in regards to a few things going on, things I know You know about--and Your soothing balm has not been applied to my spirit.

I have questions I'm needing your advice on--and You remain silent.  No direction.  No verse to tell me what to do, when to do it and that's okayed by You to do it at all.

And yet, I know You are still good.  You are holy.  You are my only hope.  You are my strength.  My Portion.  My Strongtower.  My Comforter.  My Guide.

So, I'll wait.  I'll wait for Your timing.  I'll wait for Your move.  I'll wait for You to speak to my heart.

And in the waiting, I'll still see Your goodness and love for me.

Yes, I'll be waiting for you--desperately waiting.     

SETTLING FOR LAISH
Today's reading:  Joshua 16-20

"But the tribe of Dan had trouble taking possession of their land, so they fought against the town of Laish."  Joshua 19:47 NLT

My Bible commentary says the tribe of Dan had a hard time capturing their allotted land, so they settled for conquering the town of Laish, an easier victory.

It was their land.  It was given to them by God.  They were, after all, the children of God--and no one could push them around.  They had experienced first hand the power of God in moving out enemies and giving victory.

And yet, they settled for less.

Maybe the area they settled for was not as fertile.  Not as big.  Not as abundant.  Not as beautiful.  Not as close to a good water source.  Not as big an area.

Maybe they considered themselves to be too small a tribe to defeat their enemies.  Their enemies too big.  The land too good for them.  The task too large.

Maybe they tried and failed at first.  Maybe it took more effort than they expected to give.  Maybe it required more commitment they really wanted to give it.  Maybe they believed the pessimistic folks among them.

Maybe they're a lot like us.

What is yours, that you're not claiming?

STAGES
Today's reading:  Genesis 12-15

"Then they continued traveling by stages toward Bethel..."  Genesis 13:3 NLT

The Scripture references the beginnings of Abram, Sarai and Lot's journey.

They would travel a while, then set up camp.  They would break camp and travel some more.  They slowly and progressively made their way to the place God needed them in.

They went in stages.

I get that.

I can look backwards and see my walk with God as having gone in stages.

Some very slow ones.

Some that came and went much too quickly and with a considerable amount of emotion involved with it.

I can also foresee that my Christian walk will be one that continues in stages.

From His glory to His glory.

From lesson to lesson.

From temptation avoided to temptation avoided.

From blessing to blessing.

From newborn believer to saint of God.

Stages.

LIFE AND PEACE
Today's reading:  Romans 7-8

"...But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace."  Romans 8:6 NLT

So, what's controlling your mind?

Are you at peace?

Are you living--or existing?

Depending upon your answer, you'll know who is controling your mind.

AS I PRAY
Today's reading:  Matthew 5-7

"Pray like this, Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored."  Matthew 6:9 NLT

Knowing this is how Jesus himself taught us how to pray, this prayer starter should...

-stop us in our tracks, cause our hearts to pause, desire that everything be right between us and Him.

-jerk us into the right frame of mind, give us reason to check our motives, push us to inventory our attitudes.

-mold our requests and bring us to our knees as we think over who He is and who we are not.

-guide our prayers and what we do after 'Amen'.

I've know this part of the Lord's Prayer for many years, but have just today had it brought to mind in the way it has this morning.

Thank you, Lord.

ONE OF THEM
Today's reading:  Isaiah 12-17

"But the Lord will have mercy on the descendants of Jacob.  Israel will be his special people once again.  He will bring them back to settle once again in their own land.  And people from many different nations will come and join them here and become a part of the people of Israel."  Isaiah 14:1 NLT

I am one of 'them'.

The one joining up with God's children.

The one who has read of the many accounts of God's provision for them, and am convinced.

The one who has been astounded by His love and care for His chosen people.

The one who needs His forgiveness and mercy as much as His errant ones.

I am one of 'them', having seen, through the pages of the Bible, His mighty love--and is drawn to it.

GO TO GOD
Today's reading:  Job 5-6

"My advice to you is this:  Go to God..."  Job 5:8 NLT

Eliphaz, one of Job's dearest friends, is not well known for his good advice.

As a matter of fact, Job's friends should have kept their mouths shut.

But, as is the case today, many of us cannot.

He did advise Job to go to God.  A very smart piece of instruction.  A very wise bit of counsel.  A bit of wisdom Job needed, and we need today.  Probably where he needed to cease his flow of words.

Go to God, not Facebook.

Go to God, not the gaggle of gals you usually share with.

Go to God, vent to Him and not in the car on the way home from church.

Go to God, not to your mother.

Go to God.  Simply put.  Go to God. 

HIS HANDIWORK
Today's reading:  Psalm 6-8

"When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers--the moon and the stars you have set in place--what are mortals that you should think of us, mere humans that you should care for us?"  Psalm 8:3-4 NLT

I have the quilt Grandma Browning stitched for me as a wedding gift.  I can run my fingers over each and every stitch knowing a part of her is in it.

I have the sock monkey Grandma Lawrence made for my baby boy.  One like she made all the other grandkids.  One she put her heart, her time and her love into.

I have the wooden table Grandpa Lawrence made for our first house.  The one he sanded, smoothed and stained.  A gift given by a man of few words but a heart as big as the ocean.

I have, in the jewelry box, a buckeye Grandpa Browning carried in his pocket for years.  I don't know if it brought him the good luck it was supposed to bring, but I do believe his buttons would burst at the godly paths his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren have chosen to walk.

And, by His grace and love for me, I have the night sky to display my Father's handiwork.  The moon to light up the night sky.  The stars placed in their individual places.  The vastness of the black velvet night formed by His Word. 

I am loved.  I am cared for.  I am valued.  I am bestowed with gifts, memories, souvenirs and blessings beyond my wildest dreams!   

CAREFULLY
Today's reading:  Joshua 11-15

"...And Joshua did as he was told, carefully obeying all of the Lord's instructions..."  Joshua 11:15 NLT

Some mornings certain words jump off the pages of my Bible and land squarely on my heart. 

This morning it happened.

I was/am focused not on the who--or the what--or the when--but the how.

Joshua obeyed carefully.

Of all the adverbs God could have chosen in regards to how Joshua did what he was told to do, God used 'carefully'.

Not comfortably.

Not religiously.

Not spontaneously.

Not zealously.

Not externally.

God chose to use 'carefully'.  He chose to use a word that would portray active participation, a sense of value, a choice made cautiously and wisely, deliberately.

I want to obey God carefully.  I want to obey Him carefully in the big things He asks of me and in the little things He asks--the times He allows me to build muscles in preparation for the harder things.

Carefully.    

SEASONS
Today's reading:  Genesis 8-11

"As long as the earth remains, there will be springtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, day and night."  Genesis 8:22  NLT

I don't know what all you're going through.

How hard the task.

How broken your heart.

How messed up the situation.

How big the mountain.

I'll just guess it would be pretty easy to just throw in the towel, surrender to your enemy, to just give up.

But it's only a season you're going through.  A time of change.  A part of your testimony being written, painstaking word by painstaking word.

God promises that the sun will always come up.  That spring will always follow winter.  That a harvest will come after a time of planting.

So wait it out.  Expect to see Him come through.  Press on to the next season of your life--the one God has promised. 

DEAD TO SIN
Today's reading:  Matthew 5-6

"...Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?"  Matthew 6:2 NLT

As a proclaiming Christian, we claim our sins have been forgiven by the powerful work of the Cross.  We no longer are bound by the chains of addictions, regrets or poor choices.  Sin no longer has a hold on us.  Sin no longer separates us from God.

It's no longer comfortable.

Or fun.

It just doesn't fit well anymore.

It holds no appeal.

It pricks your heart.

It brings shame.

It hurts to see another still tied up in it.

PROVE IT
Today's reading:  Matthew 3-4

"Prove by the way you live that you have really turned away from your sins and turned to God."  Matthew 3:8 NLT

So, you claim to be a Christian?

You say God's sacrifice of His one and only Son was not wasted on you.

You proclaim you have received salvation and redemption at the foot of the cross of Christ.

You believe, without a shadow of a doubt, that once you've taken your last breath here, your next breath will be of heavenly air.

You know Jesus is the one way and you've chosen it.

So are you proving it by how you live?

Are your actions, reactions, attitudes and love proving it?

Think about it...Is what you're claiming being proved by how you love everyone He places in your midst?  Everyone?

 Do not give fair names to foul sins. Call them what you will, they will smell no sweeter.-C. H. Spurgeon

WHAT DOES GOD SAY?
Today's reading:  Isaih 7-11

"Yes, the kings of Aram and Israel are coming against you.  They are saying...But this is what the Sovereign Lord says:.."  Isaiah 7:5-7 NLT

The world is telling you there are many ways to God.

Jesus says He is the only way.

The enemy says one tiny sin won't hurt.

God says sin separates us from Himself.

The people around us tell us to live for ourselves.

Jesus said He came to serve--and asked us to do the same.

Those against us, ans sometimes those for us, tell us we're all alone in this battle.

 God says He will never leave or forsake us.

So, who will you choose to listen to today?

JOB'S EYES
Today's reading:  Job 3-4

"I have no peace, no quietness.  I have no rest; instead, only trouble comes."  Job 3:26 NLT

I believe we would all agree, on the worst of our own days, we wouldn't trade our lives for Job's.

He had a rough season to walk through.  He was handed things that singularly would have been unimaginable, but all at once--we all shudder to think.

We know how the account of Job ends.  We gain strength from his faith.  We are encouraged by his determination to praise God and not turn away from him.

But in this verse.  For this small span of time.  In the beginning of his book, we see what happened as his eyes wandered off God.

We've all been there.

We've all been distracted from hope, peace and joy by the outward circumstances.

We've all had well intentioned people side-swipe us with mis-spoken words.

We've all allowed our eyes to be distracted from the Cross.

We've all placed blame on the humans walking around us instead of on our enemy. 

As in Job's case, we have to make the decision to look back to Christ.  We have to choose where our eyes will seek what our hearts need.  We have to push aside distractions and focus intently on God, His promises and His will.

Where are you looking this morning? 

SAYING IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT
Today's reading:  Psalm 3-5

(My humblest of apologies.  I quoted the verse yesterday about Gideon, referencing it to Joshua 7:2, when it should have been Judges 7:2.  Please forgive me of my error.)

"I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies, who surround me on every side."  Psalm 3:6 NLT

David was literally, at several points in his life, surrounded by enemies.  Soldiers out to get him.  Kings wanting to take him down.  His own people attempting to stab him in the back.

And yet, he could say he was not afraid.

We know it wasn't his strategies that gave him confidence.  Or his might.  Or his warriors.  Or his cunning.

It was his God.

And it is our God that allows us to shout the exact same verse from the top of our lungs...

--or in a trembling whisper.
--or through halted speech.
--or with a quivering chin.
--or with a tear escaping from the corner of our eye.
--or with a clenched fist.
--or with friends holding us up.
--or with the rain drenching us as the storm continues.
--or with our bodies and hearts lying prostrate on the ground.
--or with triumph.
--or with faith.
--or with blessed assurance.

We can say it, but when we say it--say it like we mean it!

SOLITARY SOLDIER
Today's reading:  Joshua 6-10

"The Lord said to Gideon, You have too many warriors with you.  If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength."  Joshua 7:2 NLT

Gideon rallied support to fight.  An army of men signed up, put on their fatigues and kissed their families goodbye.

But God cut the numbers.

Then He cut them again.

Maybe you feel like Gideon--or even more, like a solitary soldier in a big war.

Quite possibly in your personal battle, you're the only one in armor?  No one even knows what you're fighting against?  You feel like a 90-pound weakling showing up for a playground war against the class bully?

Maybe your prayer warriors aren't as gun-ho as you are in this?  Their words have led you to believe it's impossibly, improbable or impractical to pray as you've been praying?  Maybe satan has led you to believe there's no one else praying with you?  No one else would pray for you?  This isn't such a 'big deal'?

Do not be afraid.

You very well may feel like the only one on the battlefield, but if you are God's and He has determined this battle is yours to fight--then He is with you!

Stand strong soldier, God is on your side!
  

SETTLING
Today's reading:  Genesis 4-7

"So Cain left the Lord's presence and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden."  Genesis 4:16 NLT

Already, only five days into this new year, there are a lot of us who have begun to settle.

We've settled for what satan offered, instead of what God promises.

We've settled for the easy, instead of pressing on to the better.

We've settled for satisfying ourselves, instead of serving another.

We've settled for allowing someone or something to separate us from the presence of the Lord, instead of clinging desperately to Him.

We've settled for a time of worship that focuses on ourselves, instead of the One True God.

We've settled for holding onto the hurt in our heart, instead of letting it go and accepting the peace He offers us.

I don't know what you're settling for, but I'll ask you the same thing God has whispered in my ear and into my heart this morning--Is it worth it?

To be 'just east of Eden', to be out of His presence, to be in a place He never intended us to be--Is it worth it?

OH, THAT GOD WILL BE GLORIFIED
Today's reading:  Romans 3-4

"Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise.  In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God."  Romans 4:20 NLT

There are issues within me needing His touch.

There are circumstances around me needing His grace to fall mightily.

There are things constantly taking root in my mind that need His careful and attentive ability to weed and prune.

I believe He will do it all.

When?

That's what I am uncertain of.  Yesterday wouldn't have been too soon for me, but I'm having to wait.

And in the waiting, in the meantime, in the span of time between this current state I'm in and His glorious reveal--may glory be brought to Him!

I will keep believing.  I will keep trusting.  I will keep trying.  I will keep depending upon grace.  I will keep resting in Him and on the bounty of His mercy.  I will keep seeking Him--His love, His guidance and His strength.

Oh, that God will be glorified by how I walk this Christian path...tough times and all.

THERE IS HOPE FOR ME
Today's reading:  Matthew 1-2

"Salmon was the father of Boaz (his mother was Rahab)..."  Matthew 1:5 NLT

Ten generations into Jesus' family tree we spot her.

The woman who used to ...

The woman known for ...

The woman from ...

The woman ...

It certainly gives me hope, seeing her name in print right there among Jesus' kin!

You see, I once was--and on occasion still am...

The gal who used to ...

The one who couldn't be trusted to ...

The woman who had the audacity to say ...

The one who called-herself-a-Christian but never ...

The one who was attempting to hold on to ...

God chose to use this passage of Scripture to place that glimmer of hope once again in my sight. 

THIS YEAR
Today's reading:  Isaiah 1-6

"Stop putting your trust in mere humans.  They are as frail as breath.  How can they be of help to anyone?"  Isaiah 2:22 NLT

Spouses cannot read your mind.
Friends get distracted with many other things.
Doctors mis-diagnose.
Waitresses bring you the wrong sandwich.
Children embarrass the tar out of you.
Families squabble.
Neighbors don't have the common decency to put their trash in a safe place.
Heroes fall from their pedestals.
Cashiers charge you the wrong amount.
Judges don't see everything clearly.
Employers hand out pink slips.
Preachers don't shake your hand every Sunday.

As I enter this new year, I needed this reminder...God is the only one I can put all my hope and trust in.

Need I become a recluse and stay away from all people--tall and short?  Not at all, but I need to be very, very careful in whom I place my trust.

This year, I choose God!

GOING INTO THE NEW YEAR
Today's reading:  Job 1-2

"...The Lord gave me everything I had, and the Lord has taken it away.  Praise the name of the Lord!"  Job 1:21 NLT

Job had lost his family and his fortunes.

He didn't know it yet, but he was about to lose his health and realize the shallowness of his friends.

And yet he said what he said.

And I believe he meant every word.

I believe it based on the fact that I have read the entire book of Job--and he lives out what He proclaims in this verse.

I want that for my life for this year.  I want that depth of faith.  I want that type of relationship with my Creator.  I want that kind of trust in my God.

If God gives--Praise the name of the Lord!

If God takes away--Praise the name of the Lord!