WERE
Today's reading: Galatians 4-6

"And that's the way it was before Christ came. We were slaves to the spiritual powers of this world. But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law." Galatians 4:3-4 NLT

Lord,

Firstly, thank you.

My request this morning was that You speak to me through Your Word, to no one else--but to me. I know, it was a very selfish request. It was self-centered. It was self-serving.

But You chose to answer--and I thank You.

You have shown me, in big, bold letters, the word 'were'.

'...We were slaves to sin...'

The sins I'm always praying to You about. The sins that are always separating my heart from Yours. The sins--wait, a minute...

Since I've been Yours, those sins have no chains holding me any longer.

That's what You're saying, isn't it?

That I'm no longer a slave to sin?

That as believers, my Christians brothers and sisters and myself, were slaves to sin?

That what once lured me away from Your path, no longer has a pull on me?

That what once distracted me with glitter and shine, no longer gets my attention?

That what once led me away from Your side, no longer offers more than You do?

That what once convinced me, no longer holds merit?

You have spoken to me this morning! You have shown me that I've been living in the past, holding onto chains that no longer hold me.

I once was a slave, but I am no longer.

Thank You, Jesus.

Thank You, Lord!  

HE KNOWS
Today's reading: Luke 7-8

"When the Pharisee who was the host saw what was happening and who the woman was, he said to himself, This proves that Jesus is no prophet. If God had really sent him, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She's a sinner!" Luke 7:39 NLT

I don't know what people think of God because He chooses to allow me into His presence.

I'm not sure what they're whispering behind His back because of our friendship.

I can only imagine they might think less of Him because of my track record, my attitude, my sins.

But praise God, He doesn't let what they're thinking stop Him!

He accepts me!

He forgives me!

He approves me!

He loves me!

SILENCE
Today's reading: Jeremiah 47-52

"...Has counsel perished from the prudent?.." Jeremiah 49:7 ESV

The godly, moral, ethical and good folks have stopped speaking up.

-For fear of hurting anyone's feelings.

-Because they don't want to make anyone feel bad.

-They don't want to segregate--another or themselves by taking an unpopular stand.

-They don't want to cause a stir.

-They figure they won't be listened to anyway.

-They might be considered old-fashioned.

-They don't want to be the only one.

And because they have silenced themselves our country falters. Our rights are being taken away by the wrong crowd. Our children are being led away. Our churches are less on fire against sin and more comforting of it.

There is plenty of counsel needed.

Plenty.

 

ROYALTY
Today's reading: Proverbs 1

"Listen, my child, to what your father teaches you. Don't neglect your mother's teaching. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and clothe you with honor." Proverbs 1:8-9 NLT

I'm becoming more and more like my parents.

The older I get, the more evidence of that there is.

I don't mind, I consider myself to have been raised by two of the greatest people on earth.

What they've taught me, now that I'm seeing it at this age, has set me apart--manners, respect, love, godliness, having a servant's heart.

I don't know if I'm crowned, but I feel very, very privileged.

I will admit, this appreciation has only come after having become a parent myself.

You see, they made it look easy. Or they had perfect children--that's a laugh!

I want to set the young prince living under our roof up for the same success, the same level of character, the same values.

And I'll daily remind myself that he won't appreciate it until much later. He won't feel it was at all worth it until he's a parent himself. He won't think it's important until someone notices, in him, his Savior!

HUNGERING & THIRSTING
Today's reading: Psalm 63-65

"O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water." Psalm 63:1 NLT

David was hungering and thirsting for God. He was desperate for Him. He needed His touch, His presence, His assurance.

I know how that feels.

I've never been to a desert--a parched and weary land, but I've been...

Where there there seems to be no solid foundation to build upon.

Where there is no hope for tomorrow shining ahead.

Where there is no one I can trust, no one I can depend upon.

Where there are no things that will last.

Where there are no unchanging truths I can lean on.

Where there is no Savior, but Jesus Christ.

I have hungered and thirsted, and found Him to be my Sustenance. 

EXCEPTIONS
Today's reading: 1 Kings 1-4

"Solomon loved the Lord and followed all the instructions of his father, David, except that..." 1 Kings 3:3 NLT

Maybe you are in a rut.

Maybe prayers remain unanswered.

Maybe joy remains out of arm's reach.

Maybe peace eludes you.

Maybe the exceptions you're making in your life are keeping you from the best God has to offer.

You know, the little things.

The areas where you fudge. The times you think it won't matter. The issues you waver on. The small sins you're allowing in to your life and heart.

Maybe you love the Lord and follow His instructions, except that...

HIS DAY
Today's reading: Exodus 33-36

"Each week, for for six days only. The seventh day is a day of total rest, a holy day that belongs to the Lord. Anyone who works on that day will die." Exodus 35:2 NLT

Oh, Malinda, those are Old Testament laws. They don't apply to us anymore.

Goodness, Sister Malinda, that was written thousands of years ago when times were different, the world was a lot slower. Maybe it worked out God's way then, but now?

I hear you.

I get the points you're attempting to make.

But let me ask you this, if we were to begin giving His day solely and entirely to Him, how would our lives change?

Less stress throughout the week?

Fewer mechanical breakdowns?

Happier families?

Healthier lives?

Better communities?

Fuller churches?

Longer, better lives?

Just a thought, mind you. If we trust Him, we'll want to do as He instructs.  He knows better than we do!

SO-CALLED CHRISTIANS
Today's reading: Galatians 1-3

"...so-called Christians..." Galatians 2:4 NLT

Maybe it's in more places than this, but it's the first time I've come across it.

So-called Christians or false believers, in other translations.

Paul was having trouble in the church, issues had come up, preferences had been challenged and feelings had been hurt. The Gospel had been stretched, the black and white had been blurred and God's name was being sullied.

In the church.

We all know folks who will never again darken the door of a church due to the actions, inactions, words or lack of words from a believer.

Maybe you're in that boat.

Maybe you're the perpetrator.

Maybe you're clueless as to such happenings in the church.

But to be called a so-called Christian.

That would hurt.

ONE HUNDRED PERCENT
Today's reading: Luke 5-6

"And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus." Luke 5:11 NLT

They left everything? Everything they had known? A future in fishing? Their family's business?

For Jesus?

They severed all ties?

Broke all bonds?

Sold their boat and their fishing poles?

One hundred percent?

And we cannot give Him Sundays and Wednesdays and a few minutes each day?

Or at least Sundays?

Or at least Sunday mornings?

Or at least the Sunday mornings falling closest to Christmas and Easter?

Or at least the Sunday mornings that aren't busy days, pretty days or days after late Saturday nights?

Hmmm, one hundred percent seems like a lot--until you think of all He has given up for us!

WHY?
Today's reading: Jeremiah 42-46

"And now the Lord God Almighty, the God of Israel, asks you, Why are you destroying yourselves?.." Jeremiah 44:7 NLT

My thoughts immediately went to those in the gutter due to addictions. To those living frivolously sinful lives. To those outside of the family of God.

But that's not who He is talking to. He is talking to His own.

And so my thoughts were re-directed.

Why are we failing to thrive when His Word is readily available to us?

Why are we choosing to live in the gray areas when the black and white areas He has stated clearly are where life is?

Why are we selecting bits and piece of Truth when it's all for us, and it benefits us greatly?

Why are we holding on to bitterness when love is all He asks us to grab hold of?

Why are we choosing discord over unity--no matter the reason, no matter the stand, no matter the differing opinions?

Why are we faltering in our faith when He tells us He will do it all for us, all we must do is believe?

So why are we destroying ourselves--and our witness for Him? 

EVERYTHING
Today's reading: Job 41-42

"...Everything under heaven is mine." Job 41:11 NLT

Everything.

Nothing exempt.

Absolutely all we see and the things we don't see.

Doesn't that reassure you?

All that we need, and all that we could ever want, is God's--and He is a good Father who gives good gifts to His children.

He does not have to seek approval from anyone. No request forms for Him to fill out. There are no committees or boards having to approve what He chooses to give His children, or when He chooses to give it.

Everything is His! 

A BANNER
Today's reading: Psalm 60-62

"You have rejected us, O God, and broken our defenses. You have been angry with us, now restore us to your favor. You have shaken our land and split it open. Seal the cracks before it completely collapses. You have been very hard on us, making us drink wine that sent us reeling. But you have raised a banner for those who honor you--a rallying point in the face of attack." Psalm 60:1-4 NLT

You see it when a flood comes, a tornado hits or a terrorist attack happens.

You hear of it when there is a sudden death, a grave prognosis or a life-changing occurrence.

It's when people come back to the Lord. When the church opens its doors and receives the hurting, the misplaced or the scared. When God's people are able to minister in televised ways.

It's His banner.

It's the flag He waves.

It's the place of healing.

It's a place of peace.

It's a place of provision.

Why do some wait until the bottom falls out of their lives to realize it?

SEEKING A BLESSING
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 20-24

"David asked them, What can I do for you to make amends? Tell me so that the Lord will bless his people again." 2 Samuel 21:3 NLT

David was asking the Gibeonites what he needed to do in order to make amends for the atrocious acts Saul had performed against them.

Even though it wasn't David's problem.

Even though it was in the past.

Even though it couldn't possibly be easily mended.

But David wanted a blessing for his country.

He wanted it badly.

He wanted it badly enough he was willing to do something about it.

What about us? How far are we willing to go to attain a blessing for ourselves, for our families, for our churches, for our country?

Will we take us causes that aren't personally involving us? Will we take stands that will make us stand out like the peculiar people we're called to be--even among the churched? Will we allow our pride to be pushed aside in order to be blessed, or to be a blessing?  

SCENTED
Today's reading: Exodus 29-32

"Then the Lord said to Moses, Collect choice spices--12-1/2 pounds of pure myrrh, 6-1/2 pounds each of cinnamon and of sweet cane, 12-1/2 pounds of cassia and one gallon of olive oil. Blend these ingredients into a holy anointing oil." Exodus 30:22-25 NLT

My thoughts turn to this passage of Scripture as I dab on my perfume this morning.

You see, as a born-again child of God, I have been anointed--and now I bear the scent of God.

I'll be the first to admit, some days the smell of Him on  me is cloyingly strong to those around me. Other days, my own scent overcomes the fragrance of the anointing oil He has placed on my heart.

The smell of me follows me everywhere I go.

It lingers long after I've done something in His name, or for my own glory.

It stays in the nostrils of those I touch, or choose not to interact with.

It preceeds me by way of my reputation among others.

I smell.

Oh, that I smell like Him!

HUMBLING
Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 11-13

"Yes, I am afraid that when I come, God will humble me again because of you..." 2 Corinthians 12:21 NLT

Paul was afraid of being disappointed by the gifted Christians he had watched start out on their path towards godliness.

He was scared to find out they had given up, thrown in the towel, settled for less than God's best.

Paul knew he had done what God had asked of him, but deep down, he wanted to see the progress we want to see today in the lives of those we're ministering to.

It was humbling.

It is humbling.

It's something we all want to be a part of, to see succeed, to see grow-sprout-produce a harvest.

And when we don't, it disappoints.

REPENTANCE
Today's reading: Luke 3-4

"Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had turned from their sins and turned to God to be forgiven." Luke 3:3 NLT

'...to show that they had turned from their sins and turned to God...'

Is that what's missing most in the church today?

Real change? Proof? Evidence?

If the world isn't seeing a difference, the world isn't seeing Christ.



    

MUDDY TIMES
Today's reading: Jeremiah 37-41

"So the officials took Jeremiah from his cell and lowered him by ropes into an empty cistern in the prison yard. It belonged to Malkijah, a member of the royal family. There was no water in the cistern, but there was a thick layer of mud at the bottom, so Jeremiah sank down into it." Jeremiah 38:6 NLT

I'm not talking about the times when we feel the flood waters rushing over our heads.

I'm not referring to the times when the furnace burns hot and we're sweating amidst the flames.

I'm not even going to mention the times we're sitting grumbling to a worm under the shade of a plant.

I'm thinking this morning about the muddy times.

The times when our Christian journey is bogged down. When our feet are suctioned deeper and deeper into the mud and every step is a battle. When, like the song says, I shall not be moved--but it's not based on the depths of our faith but because of all that's bogging us down.

I know you've been there.

Maybe you're there now.

Good news, Christian friend--Jeremiah was lifted out of his muddy time and you will be too!

Wait for the ropes of grace to fall down from the beam of light you see above you. Believe with all that's in you that He's going to rescue you and you'll again run the race set before you. Trust in His abilities during the muddy times!

QUESTIONS
Today's reading: Job 39-40

"Then the Lord said to Job, Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but do you have the answers?" Job 40:1 NLT

I'll admit, I have on numerous occasions asked God, Why?

Why would He allow a teenage to take his own life?

Why would He allow a car wreck to claim the lives of a whole family?

Why cancer?

Why would He let a couple go through several miscarriages when they would be such wonderful parents?

Why would He not heal a senior saint from her dementia?

Then He presents me with a few questions, like He did Job...

Why would you be allowed such an opportunity as was placed in your hands yesterday?

Why would any one of your prayers be heard?

Why would I be allowed to see Him  move in a church service where lives are changed and hearts are cleansed?

Why would I be allowed so many blessings in my life?

Why would anyone, let alone a Perfect One, save me?

And I stand before Him, having nothing to say.

CONFIDENT
Today's reading: Psalm 57-59

"My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises!" Psalm 57:7 NLT

Confident, according to Noah Webster's crew, means having a feeling or a belief that you can do something well or succeed at something , being certain that something will happen or that something is true.

Knowing that definition and having had this verse jump off the pages of my Bible this morning, I'm convicted about where I place my confidence and what I am confident in...

I'm not confident in my self. I know, better than anyone, my track record. I am fully aware of my weaknesses. I'm an expert in where I fall short.

I'm not confident in the world. It's hurt me too many times. It has wounded me and left me alone.

I'm not confident in others. No, it's not a matter of trust issues--it's a matter of fact, other people are just as imperfect as I am!

I'm not confident in money. Let me re-state that, since I've never had huge amounts of money, I am not confident in the small amounts He has gifted me with.

I'm not confident in my strength or in my health. I know that one shooting pain, one failing breath or one test result could be all it takes to take me out of the game.

I have no option but to be confident in my God. He is all I have that is trustworthy. He is all I have that is dependable. He is all I know to be unchanging. He is all I know to be completely loving--and can discipline me in that love.

I am confident in you, O God!

IF THE LORD SEES FIT
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 15-19

"...If the Lord sees fit, David said, he will..." 2 Samuel 15:26 NLT

What a tough statement to make.

What a hard prayer to pray.

What a mouthful, earful and heartful of advise one can give.

Because God doesn't always.

He doesn't always heal.

He doesn't always rescue.

He doesn't always relieve.

He doesn't always save.

Well, at least not in the way we think He should or know He could of have seen Him do before.

And that's hard.

It's not that He's fickle. It's not that He is wishy-washy. It's not that He is unreliable. That's not it at all.

It's just that He is God and He knows what it best, He knows what is contained in His God-sized plan, He knows what situations will bring Him the most glory, He knows what will grow us the most.

If God sees fit, that's real faith.  

HERE AND NOW
Today's reading: Exodus 25-28

"Make the Tabernacle from ten sheets of fine linen. These sheets are to be decorated with blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with figures of cherubim skillfully embroidered into them. Each sheet must be forty-two feet  long and six feet wide. All ten sheets must be exactly the same size..." Exodus 26:1-2 NLT

Ever been glad you were not born in a certain time period?

Like when there was no electricity?

When there was no indoor plumbing?

When there was no pizza delivery?

When the women all had to wear corsets?

When we had to depend upon our green thumbs for sustenance?

I'm thinking this morning, I'm glad I was not born during the Tabernacle days. I'm especially glad I was not on the sheets of fine linen committee.

You see my sewing skills and handiwork abilities are limited. Okay, almost imaginary at this point in my life.

My attempts at embroidery would not be suitable for the latrines in the Tabernacle, let alone the Tabernacle its self.

I would, I think, have wanted to be a part of this great building project. I would have wanted to serve in some way. I'd have had my hand up when they asked for volunteers.

I'm so, so glad I was born in the time of grace--God's grace.

He knows where my abilities are sorely lacking, where my talents ebb low and my skill levels are slim to none--and He allows grace to 'fill in' where I need it.

Grace, grace wonderful grace!

OUR REPUTATION
Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 9-10

"...I don't want it to turn out that I was wrong in my boasting about you. I would be humiliated--and so would you..." 2 Corinthians 9:3-4 NLT

Dear Christian Brother and Sister,

What's being said by Paul about the Corinthian church, is what I could say about you.

And vice versa.

If we're out in the world proclaiming to be a Christian--we better be acting like one.

In all the places we allow ourselves to go. In all the circumstances we find ourselves in. In every action and reaction we make.

If not, we're ruining each others' reputations.

I want to boast in my Christian family.

I want to be honored and proud to be a part of it.

I want the world to want what we have in the family of God.

Not perfection--because that's not attainable this side of heaven.

But a real, honest, striving attempt to honor God.

We can do it. We have His promise to help us. We have the power of His cross behind us. We have His love in us.

We'll do it together,

Sister Malinda

PRAISE THE LORD
Today's reading: Luke 1-2

"Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited his people and redeemed them." Luke 1:68 NLT

Because He has been here with us.

Because He has experienced more pain and ridicule than we ever would.

Because He has been hurt by others.

Because He loved us that much.

Because He sent His Son to die for us.

Because He is...praise Him!

A LESSON TO LEARN
Today's reading: Jeremiah 32-36

"Then the Lord gave this message to Jeremiah, The Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says, Go and say to the people in Judah and Jerusalem, Come and learn about how to obey me." Jeremiah 35:12 NLT

How embarrassing.

To be called out for doing wrong...and to have a proper example set before you from 'outside'.

That's tough, but that's what God chose to do to His people.

The Recabites were living a life of complete and utter surrender to their human king. They followed every command he gave them. They passed their desire to obey on to their children. They did just as he told them, every time and for a long time.

The Israelites, well we know how obedience and commitment went for them, don't we?

But to have God say, Come and learn about how to obey me by watching someone who wasn't even His?

Embarrassing.

Shameful.

Who would want to be taught a lesson like that?

THUNDER
Today's reading: Job 37-38

"God's voice is glorious in the thunder. We cannot comprehend the greatness of his power." Job 37:5 NLT

Think of all the ways thunder has been explained to children...

-It's God bowling.

-God's apple cart has turned over and the apples are spilling all over the floor of heaven.

-God dropped a sack of potatoes.

-God is moving furniture around in heaven.

What I'm trying to think of this morning is how thunder might be explained to adults...

-It's God saying, I'm in control.

-It's God telling us, I created this storm, I know what havoc it can produce, I know it scares you, but I'm here in it.

-It's God reminding us that nature, all of nature, is well in His control.

I cannot wait until the next thunderstorm to hear His glorious voice!

THE BATTLE INSIDE
Today's reading: Psalm 54-56

"He rescues me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me." Psalm 55:18 NLT

The battle isn't always waged by outside sources, is it?

It's not always an external enemy.

Sometimes the battle is inside us.

Within our hearts.

Inside our minds.

Like when it's what we know that's right versus what we see going on.

Or what we know to be true versus what's being done.

Or what we know to be godly versus how we feel.

Or worse yet, what we know to be from God versus what we know to be good and enticing and according to our own plans.

The battle rages inside our minds.

And even in there, He keeps us safe.

When we allow Him to.

LETTING IT GO
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 10-14

"And though Absalom never spoke to Amnon about it, he hated Amnon deeply because of what he had done to his sister. Two years later..." 2 Samuel 13:22-23 NLT

There is a reason last year's number one song was Disney's 'Let It Go'.

For many years, even as back as Bible time, people have been hanging onto hurts, nursing grudges and refusing to let things go.

I'm not saying some of the things we're hanging onto don't hurt, or haven't hurt someone we love. Maybe in some cases we are justified in our feelings.

And in some of them, we're not.

Thinking about Absalom, did he enjoy any of those two years? Did he simmer that long? Was it what woke him in the morning and kept him from enjoying a peaceful sleep?

Did it impact relationships with others?

We have to determine what is worth hanging on to--and what isn't.

We have to sweep aside feelings that keep us from serving God wholeheartedly.

We have to let some things go.

HONOR AND RESPECT
Today's reading: Exodus 21-24

"Do not blaspheme God or curse anyone who rules over you." Exodus 22:28 NLT

Pardon me as I gracefully climb onto and position myself solidly on my soapbox this morning.

Using God's name in vain is probably one of the things I hate hearing more than anything vile someone could spew from their mouths.

The four-letter words are vile and using them shows a lack of respect for one's self and the listener, but using God's name as an expletive? That pushes my buttons and ruffles my feathers.

It also does it when another word is used in place of His name...as in 'gosh'.

What is that? Christian curse words? A cleaned up version of what the world's saying? A church-ified way of sounding worldly but not really using His name? Help in getting a great point across?

I don't think so!

It tells us plainly in His Word that His name is to be revered, to be honored, to be called on for miracles and help, to be respected, to be, well,...it's not to be used to show disgust, anger or excitement.

...hallowed be Thy name.

ADVERTISING FOR YOU
Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 6-8

"We try to live in such a way that no one will be hindered from finding the Lord by the way we act, and so no one can find fault with our ministry." 2 Corinthians 6:3 NLT

Here's the issue...

I cannot, on my worst, most un-thinking of days, ruin God's reputation. He is almighty. He is all-powerful. He is loving.

He is unchanging and not affected by my attitude, actions, responses or sins.

He just isn't. He doesn't need representation or backing.

But I can, and my prayer is that I do not, ruin your reputation, my Christian brothers and sisters.

I can make things look bad for you.  I can lower your dependability rating. I can make another person doubt your sincerity or love.

I am a walking billboard for Christianity, not for Christ.

I 'wear' the t-shirt advertising all of us as His children, not advertising Him.

I'm the front page ad for others who will try to reach a lost and dying world.

I'm the solicitor for my church.

I'm the representative for my body of believers.

And that being stated, you represent me, too.

We need to take that privilege more to heart.

HIS CRIME
Today's reading: Mark 15-16

"They shouted back, Crucify him! Why? Pilate demanded. What crime has he committed?" Mark 15:13-14 NLT

The only thing Christ could have been guilty of...

The only thing in the world that might have made him deserve the sentence He received...

His only crime...

Loving us too much.

THE EASY PART
Today's reading: Jeremiah 27-31

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you, says the Lord. I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and bring you home again to your own land." Jeremiah 29:11-14 NLT

He has great plans for me.

For a planner-toting gal, like myself, that's blessed assurance.

Sure, I know His plans might not line up with mine, be what I'd hope they would be or I might not enjoy the process at all--but He has great plans for me.

And if I stop reading at verse 11, I think that's fine and dandy, I just need to sit back and let the blessings fall.

Wrong!

It tells me clearly that I need to pray and seek Him.

That's easy enough.

Well, allow me to re-state that, the idea of it is easy enough.

That means seek Him before I set off on my own.  That means ask Him what He wants me to do instead of thinking He'll just follow me along. That means listen to what He speaks to my heart. That means follow what is written in His Word. That means when I've wandered off course, stop and look for Him before going a step farther. That means admit to Him when I've defiantly chartered my own course and accept His discipline...and grace.

That's easy-peasy.

He has the hard part--following through on His promises.