ENOUGH
Today's reading: Ezekiel 43-48

"...O people of Israel, enough of your disgusting sins!" Ezekiel 44:6 NLT

At first glance, because it is addressing someone other than myself, I think I can disregard this passage.

But I know down deep in my heart He speaks to me through these words penned thousands of years ago.

I know which sins He is referring to.

Not the ones I've graded. Not the ones I consider to be more offensive or foul-smelling than any of the others.

It's all of them.

Every single one them that I allow to go unchecked and unrepented.

I know what God thought of Israel's sins because of this passage.

And I know what He thinks of mine.

LAUGHING AT GUILT
Today's reading: Proverbs 14-15

"Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation." Proverbs 14:9 NLT

That stirring in your heart that something is wrong. That nagging in your mind that things aren't right. That feeling in the pit of your stomach that issues are present.

What do I do with them?

I wouldn't say I laugh out loud at them, make fun of them as the Scripture says, but when I don't take it seriously isn't that exactly what I'm doing?

Am I acknowledging the guilt in my life? The stuff that is evident? The stuff I'd just as soon ignore? The stuff I could have continued sweeping under the rug--if He hadn't brought to my attention?

Am I thinking it's not evident? Thinking it's not touching everyone around me? Thinking it's not infecting my worship? Thinking it's not a wrench in the gears of unity and worship?

Am I realizing the distance it puts between myself and God? Which is the purpose of guilt--to make me realize something is separating He and I. To bring to the forefront sins that I'm allowing in my life that He cannot, in His holiness, be around. It's the pain of an injury flaring up to let you know it's there and needs attention.

Am I wanting the wedge between us, the Lord and I? Am I willing to come to terms with what's going on in my heart, good and bad, set things straight and re-establish an intimate relationship with Him?

Am I laughing at the guilt He allows in to my life for a reason? 

SATISFIED
Today's reading: Psalm 90-92

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

I've fallen in love with this verse!

Satisfy-to fill up, to make plenty, to leave lacking nothing--absolutely nothing!

In the morning-my favorite time of the day, the start, the beginning--the new beginning most days!

With your unfailing love-no one else's!

So-there is always a reward when He is involved!

We may sing-we're given the opportunity and the reason to do it--do we?

To the end of our lives-it might be today, it might be tomorrow, it might be years from now--but just this morning, He has satisfied us and deserves our praise from here on out!

I've marked this verse in my Bible. I'm writing it up on a few index cards. I'm going to post it at my desk.

WE
Today's reading: 2 Kings 21-25

"...We have not been doing what this scroll says we must do." 2 Kings 22:13 NLT

'You tell 'em, God! Get on those unsaved heathen! Oh boy, am I glad I'm not one of them!'

Then I re-read the passage.

King Josiah was talking to the church folk. The pew-sitters. The temple attenders. The religious ones.

Me.

You, too...if you are a Bible-believing, saved-by-the-blood, active-part-of-your-local-church kind of Christian.

We're not doing what He asks of us in His Word.

The commands.

The rules.

The suggestions that lead to an abundant life and draws others to Him.

The instructions given to promote growth, unity and an explosion of His great love for the world.

We're not doing what this Book tells us.



 

COMPLETE REST
Today's reading: Leviticus 22-24

"...celebrate a complete day of rest..." Leviticus 23:24 NLT

In reading about the requirements God set aside for the holy days the Israelites would celebrate...

I'm thinking over yesterday.

My day of rest.

My Sabbath.

Did I, for one day of my week, lay it all down and rest in Him? Did I put aside tasks and jobs in order to worship Him? Was my mind focused on Him and not on my to-do list? Did He hear my heart and not my wish list?

A complete day of rest.

He knew how good that would sound to our busy-bodies.

AGAINST GOD
Today's reading: 1 Thessalonians 4-5

"Anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human rules but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to us." 1 Thessalonians 4:8 NLT

Thinking about your unsaved loved ones and friends...

...they are not disappointing you.

...they are not letting themselves down by heading towards hell.

...they are not flying in the face of the church.

...they are not simply following the world.

They are rejecting God.

Sad, isn't it?

THEY DIDN'T KNOW HIM
Today's reading: Luke 23-24

"You seem to be in a deep discussion about something, he said. What are you so concerned about?" Luke 24:17 NLT

The travelers were talking when a stranger joined their midst.

The followers of Christ were worried, and I believe it was evident in their words and their tone of voice.

The journey takers were using their words to show they were wringing their hands and nursing aching hearts.

And Jesus was in the midst of them. Right there in the midst of them!

They didn't recognize Him. They didn't realize Who was with them. They didn't find comfort in His presence. They didn't accept that He, despite the circumstances and the talk, was victorious.

We, at times, are Emmaus-walkers, too--aren't we?    

BREATH OF LIFE
Today's reading: Ezekiel 37-42

"So I spoke as he commanded me, and the wind entered the bodies, and they began to breathe. They all came to life and stood up on their feet--a great army of them." Ezekiel 37:10 NLT

Are you disgusted by the degradation of all things holy?

Sick to death of immorality being advertised?

Had it up to 'here' with sin being ignored or worst yet, empowered?

Have you had it with the Christian community lying low, keeping quiet, not taking a stand?

What will it take for things to change? For the upright to rise up? For God's people to be heard from, listened to and taken seriously?

It will take the breath of God being invited into our lives. It will require change on our parts. It will include repentance of those who believe close-enough-living is righteous living.

I'm asking God to breathe life into me. I'm inviting the Holy Spirit in--not just for a visit, but for a permanent home within me. I'm asking God to begin in me the uprising.   

BEING CHASED
Today's reading: Proverbs 13

"Disaster entraps sinners, but God-loyal people get a good life." Proverbs 13:21 MSG

"Evil pursues sinners. But to the righteous, good shall be repaid." Proverbs 13:21 NKJV

"Trouble chases sinners, while blessings chase the righteous." Proverbs 13:21 NLT

I'd never thought about being chased by blessings.

Pursued by evil? Yes.

Tracked by the devil? No doubt about it.

Chased down by the enemy? Certainly.

Sought out in order to be devoured? Of course, that's biblical.

But chased by blessings?

Why would I ever run from them? Why would I busy myself with other pursuits when blessings are mine to claim?

Oh, me, why do I do a lot of the things I do?

    

AND HE STILL LOVES ME
Today's reading: Psalm 87-89

"But I will never stop loving him, not let my promise to him fail." Psalm 89:33 NLT

This passage of Scripture is in regards to David and his heirs. It's intent is to re-state God's commitment to this royal line. It's a reminder to David and his descendants and to us that when we walk with God, nothing can separate us from His love.

Nothing.

Nothing at all.

Not even when I give it my all and fall miserably short.

Or when my best attempts are laughable.

Or when I try and try and cannot on my own.

He will never stop loving me. He will never be displeased if I'm trying with all I have. He will not allow any one of His promises to me be based on my ability to uphold them--but on His.

He still loves me. 

TRUE WORSHIP
Today's reading: 2 Kings 16-20

"And though they worshiped the Lord, they continued to follow the religious customs of the nations from which they came. And this is still going on..." 2 Kings 17:33-34 NLT

And today we're still dealing with the same thing.

We know how to sit reverently in the pews, standing and rising when required.

We know the old hymns, first, second, third and fourth verse.

We still carry the King James Version and won't be swayed by any of those other ungodly translations.

We still wear a dress or a tie to the Lord's house.

But what about Monday through Saturday.

Though we're not frequenting the bars or indulging in sinful addictions, we have our issues. We have residue from the world coming in with us on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings...

We carry an attitude and our kids are inheriting it.

We hold the grudge and slip in later than most so we don't have to mingle.

We are unmoving cogs in a body of believers desperately wanting to flow freely for Him.

We are refusing to budge, smile, participate in anything other than what we have christened as suitable for us or that goes with what's always been done.

We have altered worship of the Lord to suit ourselves instead of honoring Him--and not just when we are sitting in the pews. 

It says in my Bible that God left the presence of those who stopped worshiping Him.  Is it worth it?

HOLY
Today's reading: Leviticus 19-21

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

Identified as His.

Created for purposes known only to Him.

Unique, even among His other children.

Holy, but not holier than any other.

Set apart and ready for His service.

Markedly different.

Intriguing to the extent that others seek you out because of how much of Him is in you.

Living loudly without lowering any standards.

MORE THAN THE GOSPEL
Today's reading: 1 Thessalonians 1-3

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

 Are you doing more than just hitting them over the head with your Bible?

Are you loving them?

Are you giving them some of your time and more than just a piece of your mind?

Are they leaving your presence knowing you gave them more than the Good News? 

NEVER IN NEED
Today's reading: Luke 21-22

"Then Jesus asked them, When I sent you out to preach the Good News and you did not have money, a traveler's bag or extra clothing, did you lack anything?" Luke 22:35 NLT

I think over the years of me being a Christian...

I look back over the pages of my testimony...

I consider all He and I have walked through...

And I can honestly say, I've never lacked anything.

Anything.

THEIRS AND MINE
Today's reading: Ezekiel 31-36

"Then if those who hear the alarm refuse to take action--well, it is their own fault if they die." Ezekiel 33:5 NLT

As Christians, we are called to share the Good News.

We're asked, in red print, to tell the world about the Gospel of Jesus.

We're given a command.

Whether or not they listen and respond, is their responsibility and theirs alone.  Their reactions or inactions do not diminish or negate our call to speak.

Are you sharing? Are you telling the Good News? Are those around you being given the opportunity to respond?

FIVE CENTS
Today's reading: Proverbs 11-12

"Wise people don't make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their folly." Proverbs 12:23 NLT

I cannot read this verse without picturing Lucy, Charlie Brown's friend, and the booth she sets up in order to answer the questions of the world.

She has her sign. She sits waiting for the world to come to her door. She believes she knows what every person might need.

Those aren't the kind of people we usually seek out for help, are they?

I have a select group of godly folks to whom I can go for help with life's questions--and none of them have signs posted!

 

IT'S ME AGAIN
Today's reading: Psalm 84-86

"Be merciful, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly." Psalm 86:3 NLT

There is the Bible stated fact that my Good Shepherd knows my name.

Then there is the simple truth that He should--He hears from me too often not to recognize my voice!

When I cry out in pain.

When I mumble in conviction.

When I scream at Him for things not going as I'd hoped, or as I'd prescribed to Him.

When I whisper a heart's desire.

When I state to Him the problem and ask His advice.

When I mention the name of a loved one.

When I call out for help.

I'm calling on Him constantly and He has always heard.

That's being merciful--and patient--and loving--and kind--and gracious. 

GUARDING OUR TEMPLES
Today's reading: 2 Kings 11-15

"And all the people of the land went over to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They demolished the altars and smashed the idols to pieces, and they killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars. Jehoida the priest stationed guards at the Temple of the Lord." 2 Kings 11:18 NLT

We are living in a day and age where guards at the church are not an uncommon scene.

They are there to protect our children and ourselves.

In some churches they are clearly visible, wearing the t-shirts with SECURITY screen-printed across them. In other churches the security team is a more under the radar force, seen but maybe not recognized as such.

What about the temples we live in? The ones we are to honor God with?

Do you have a security team in place to protect it?

Are you going to great lengths to make sure your temple remains holy, uncompromising, steady and growing?   

SCAPEGOATS
Today's reading: Leviticus 16-18

"The goat chosen to be the scapegoat will be presented to the Lord alive. When it is sent away into the wilderness, it will make atonement for the people." Leviticus 16:10 NLT

We all choose scapegoats. If not for sin atonement, at least for the purpose of an excuse for our sins, for our weaknesses, for our lackluster Christian walks.

We choose to make others into our scapegoats because of their attitudes, their decisions that affect us and their personalities that lead us into sorry reactions.

We choose society to make into our scapegoat because of its influence, its lowered standards and its impact on our lives.

We choose to make those in the church our scapegoats. Poor preaching is a scapegoat for a lot of folks. Sad musical choices by the music director is another. And my personal favorite, insufficient Sunday School teachers who try but on their best days only receive a, 'Well, God love her.'

If we are not where we want to be in our walks with the Lord, there is no scapegoat. There is someone to blame, however, and where you and I need to place the blame is much more personal than any barnyard animal!

Meeehhh! Meeehhh!

NEW WARDROBE
Today's reading: Colossians 3-4

"...you have clothed yourselves with a brand new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more and more about Christ, who created this new nature within you." Colossians 3:10 NLT

A new wardrobe created for you by our Savior.

A new closetful of character traits that will only enhance your best features and will override your worst propensities.

A new you hanging in your closet, ready and waiting for you to slip into.

The perfect size. The perfect palette of colors. Perfectly suited for the mission He has written into your purpose.

Have you put on this new garment?

WORTH ARGUING
Today's reading: Luke 9-10

"Then there was an argument among them as to which of them would be the greatest." Luke 9:46 NLT

All right, Christian friends, I'm addressing you this morning.

It's time we put aside our petty differences and began to realize what is really important...Who can serve the most people for the Lord.

It's not about the flash and fanfare we strum up.

It's not about how we do it.

It's not about the numbers we bring in when we do it.

It's not about whether or not we do it to the standards of another one before us.

It's all about doing it for Him--and doing it before our opportunities pass us up! 

LITTLE CHRISTS
Today's reading: Ezekiel 25-30

"...Then Israel will know that I alone am the Sovereign God." Ezekiel 29:16 NLT

Israel doesn't know God is God?

The chosen ones?

The brought out of slavery ones?

The walk across the Red Sea on dry land ones?

The Abraham's seed ones?

They did know? They really didn't know?

But wait...

As one of His, a little Christ, forgiven, believing, baptized and striving one of His, I tend to forget, too.

That all will be well when I'm in His will.

That His ways will always be fulfilled.

That He holds the future.

That greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.

And I need reminded.

THE PICTURE
Today's reading: Proverbs 10

"Don't talk too much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow!" Proverbs 10:19 NLT

I wonder if the guys at work will notice it.

The new picture hanging on my wall amidst the typed up verses and copy/pasted quotes that cover the walls around my desk.

Among the words I use to keep my eyes focused, my heart centered and my life directed to the One path.

It's not big.

It's not in color.

It's not for anyone but me.

Me.

The one who likes to talk. The one who believes more of my opinions should be shared with the world. The one who always has a witty comeback or the last word. The one who thinks a running commentary is always apropos. The one who needs to turn off the flow more often during the day!

Here's my sign...

HARSH PRAYERS
Today's reading: Psalm 81-83

"...Make them failures in everything they do, until they learn that you alone are called the Lord, that you alone are the Most High, supreme over all the earth." Psalm 83:17-18 NLT

Ever been directed by the Holy Spirit to pray such a harsh prayer? Ever lost sleep over a loved one walking down a destructive path? Ever given up a time waster in order that you might lift up their name to God more often?

Ever asked God to send failure their way in order that they might see Him more clearly and need Him more wholly?

Until they know that He is Lord.

Until their hearts are given over 100 percent to Him.

Until all their plans, ideas and thoughts are laid at His feet.

Thing is, those harsh prayers will sometimes hurt us as well. It may stretch our relationship with them and with Him. It will cause our faith walks to increase in intensity and angle. It will bring to our own minds His place in our lives. It will push us to love more deeply and trust more securely. It may make us question all we're banking on. It might direct conviction upon our own hearts. It may embarrass us.

Are we willing to pray such a harsh prayer in order that a loved one meet Him?

HOW CAN THERE BE PEACE?
Today's reading: 2 Kings 6-10

"King Joram demanded, Do you come in peace, Jehu? Jehu replied, How can there be peace as the idolatry of your mother, Jezebel, are all around us?" 2 Kings 9:22 NLT

How can I have peace if I'm choosing to leave some sins hidden in my heart?

How can I expect peace if I'm holding a grudge?

How can I experience peace if I hold to my thoughts, opinions and ways--and not God's?

How can I know peace if I don't know Him intimately, personally, continually?

I will only have peace when things between God and myself are settled. When my sins are laid before Him. When I've forgiven as graciously as I've been forgiven. When my thoughts are His thoughts. When what matters to me is of eternal consequence not of my own comfort or convenience.

Know anyone expecting peace without having submitted all they have and are to the Lord?

IN THIS WAY
Today's reading: Leviticus 13-15

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

Folks outside the church, and some inside, feel the Bible and Christianity is too full of rules and laws.

But when one reads a verse like today's, the simple truth of it, the far-reaching consequences of it, the life-altering impact of it, you realize we cannot have too many rules to follow.

We need help in becoming godly.

We need assistance in growing closer to the Lord.

We need all the aid we can get to keep ourselves from running the show and allowing Him to do it.

He has given these instructions to keep us from things that defile us--know anyone else, from the pinnacle of our high courts to the smallest home town officials that love us that much?

SET FREE
Today's reading: Colossians 1-2

"You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the evil powers of this world..." Colossians 2:20 NLT

Let's get this out in the open first and foremost...To have died with Christ means you have admitted to Him your need for a Savior, you have believed in Him-His virgin birth, His death on the cross and His powerful resurrection, and you have confessed those beliefs to Him and to others.

If you have done those things...

If you have truly repented of the sins in your life and have turned away from them...

If you believe His power and love are so overwhelming that they overcome your shortcomings...

Then, and only then, you will be free.

Free from the pull of satan. Free from the drag-you-down influence of the world. Free from the death you deserve based upon your sins. Free from the old you.

Free!  

HEAVENLY
Today's reading: Luke 17-18

"...For the Kingdom of God is among you." Luke 17:21 NLT

Ever thought about being a walking billboard for heaven?

A representative. An ambassador. A true citizen visiting, for a short while, in a foreign country, touting the greatness of your homeland.

We tend to forget that while heaven is our goal, He has placed us here to bring a fleshly-Him to our surroundings.

So, how are you doing?

Are you heavenly?

THE GIFTS HE GIVES
Today's reading: Ezekiel 19-24

"I gave them over to worthless customs and laws that would not lead to life. I let them pollute themselves with the very gifts I had given them, and I allowed them to give their firstborn children as offerings to their gods--so I might devastate them and show them that I alone am the Lord." Ezekiel 20:25-26 NLT

I shudder to think of someone being able to sacrifice a child, a true gift from God, to idols.

It's beyond belief that someone could or would do that. It's just not done. Well, it's just not done blatantly and intentionally.

And then I think of the other gifts God has given us. Abilities. Material blessings. People in our lives.

We allow our lives to become polluted with them, instead of using them to serve more wholeheartedly.

I'll open the door of my own life this morning and share what He's spotlighted in me.

I really believe God has given me the gift of planning/organization and possibly even leadership abilities. Not to toot my own horn, but I do well organizing events and people in ways that flow smoothly and utilize talents. I've been told before that I make 'putting things together' look easy. I take that as a compliment and I also see that as a gift God has bestowed upon me. I enjoy doing it and I believe may have a bit of a talent for it.

That being said.

I've crashed and burned on numerous occasions when my propensity to organize and use those God-given talents has been thwarted by my need to see things done my way--and my way only.

My way or the highway.

My way or no other way.

My way because no one else's way could ever in a million years work as well as my way!

In those instances, as of having my eyes opened this morning by the Lord, I see that He allowed my gifts to pollute my heart and mind into thinking it was anything to do with me.

I know from the rear view mirror that in those times I saw my need for Him intensified because I really and truly thought I was doing His will. I still think I was doing His will, it's just I wasn't doing it with His attitude and love.

Polluted.

Hmm, seems to be a theme of His this week!   

I WILL FIND HIM
Today's reading: Proverbs 8-9

"I love all who love me. Those who search for me will surely find me." Proverbs 8:17 NLT

What a blessed assurance to know that when I seek God, I will find Him.

Each morning when I ask Him to meet me at my prayer chair, He will be there.

Every day when I ask Him to walk beside me, He will be there.

Each time I ask Him to show me Himself in the eyes of another, He will be there.

Every single moment I spend praying in His Son's name, He will be there.

He promises to be there when I call.

When I seek Him, I will find Him!

ONLY HOPE
Today's reading: Psalm 78-80

"We will not hide these truths from our children but will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord. We will tell of his power and the mighty miracles he did. For he issued his decree to Jacob; be gave his law to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach it to their children, so the next generation might know them--even the children not yet born--that they in turn might teach their children. So each generation can set its hope anew on God, remembering his glorious miracles and obeying his commands." Psalm 78:4-7 NLT

From what I read in this passage, and I've read it over 4 times this morning, if I'm not telling the glorious deeds of my Father--I'm hiding it from someone.

Hiding it.

Keeping someone from knowing about Him, His power, His love, His mercy.

Their only hope. My only hope. Our world's only hope.

The government cannot give my future ancestors hope. The high courts of this great land offer no hope--no hope what so ever.

It's not a matter of me knowing where in the Scripture to send them to read about the accounts of God, His miracles, His moments in history...it's about me being willing to tell them what He's done in my life.

How He has saved my soul.

How He has provided me strength to live a life for Him.

How He places joy amidst conflict and peace amidst pain.

How His promise of an eternal life keeps me grounded in Him.

If I don't tell what I know about my Savior, I will be keeping it to myself--and from someone who needs God as much as I did/do/will.