HIS LOVE AND CARE
Today's reading: Psalm 117-118

"The Lord is for me, so I will not be afraid..." Psalm 118:6 NLT

Strong words.

Encouraging words.

Take-to-the-bank kind of words.

Words that should make us cringe if we're not living for Him.

Because should He be for me if I'm living in sin?

Entangled in a grudge that holds my heart captive?

Nursing unhealthy habits?

Ignoring His commands?

Allowing anything or anyone to keep me from being fully His?

Blotting out His voice with a busy, too busy, life?

Because if I'm His, He will be for me--but I'll also be for Him. Wholeheartedly. Without a doubt. So blessed I want to be a blessing. So blanketed by mercy that I want to be merciful. So grace-filled that I desire to extend grace. Living a life that shouts the truth of this verse.  

POLITICALLY INCORRECT
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 11-15

"From all over Israel, those who sincerely wanted to worship the Lord, the God of Israel, followed the Levites to Jerusalem." 2 Chronicles 11:16 NLT

In the midst of the Biblical civil war...

When it was politically incorrect...

Despite the promise of safe travels...

The true believers went to worship.

The ones who sincerely wanted to worship the Lord.

Not the ones who attended church to increase their Rolodex of business contacts.

Or the ones who sat in the pew each Sunday to continue a family tradition.

Or the ones who wanted good copy for their obituary when they passed.

Or the ones who thought it might bring them better social standing if they showed up each Sunday.

These were the ones who sincerely wanted to worship the Lord.  

Oh, that I might have been one of them that packed up and traveled to Jerusalem. That my heart would have overruled my head. That the desire to worship my Lord was so intense that I determined nothing would stand in my way.

I want to be one of the ones who sincerely wanted to worship the Lord.   

CHOOSING AN ARMY
Today's reading: Numbers 29-32

"Then the Lord said to Moses, Take vengeance on the Midianites for leading the Israelites into idolatry. After that, you will die and join your ancestors. So Moses said to the people, Choose some men to fight the Lord's war of vengeance against Midian." Numbers 31:1-3 NLT

Moses instituted a draft for the purpose of reclaiming Israel's hearts.

Midian had led them astray, offering idols and small gods, promising an easier life and greater rewards.

Their hearts had strayed and God wanted them back.

So an army was formed.

Here is what I'm asking myself this morning...

Would I have been chosen as a 'fighter'?

Would I have remained pure and devoted to the Lord, or might I have been one of the straying ones?

Would my determination to remain in God's presence afforded me a position in that army, or would I have been one of the fallen away that needed brought back in?

Sure, this account occurred thousands of years ago, in a different kind of world, a completely different era--but would I have been chosen to fight?

Am I being chosen to fight alongside other believers today to reclaim hearts, lives and families?

Is my faith bolstering the faith of others?

REALLY LIVING
Today's reading: Hebrews 5-7

"Our great desire is that you will keep right on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent..." Hebrews 6:11-12 NLT

Loving people is hard.

Sure, pink wrinkly babies are easy to love and cookie-baking grandmothers are easy to love, but the rest of the human race--well, it's tough some days.

But God reminds me in the Scripture this morning that loving others, really loving others not just saying I do, will keep me from becoming set in my ways and comfortable in my level of godliness.

People will stretch me. People will cause me to be sanded off in certain areas. People will leave me with wounds. People will bring me to tears. People will drive me deep into the Word of God. People will bring about reason for me to rest on the fact that I've been given the fruit of the Spirit.

I guess it's the closest thing He could do to showing me what it's like to be Him. 

WHEN THE SPIRIT MOVES
Today's reading: Acts 1-2

"They stood there amazed and perplexed. What can this mean? they asked each other. But others in the crowd were mocking, They're drunk, that's all! they said." Acts 2:12-13 NLT

The mighty Day of Pentecost. The great stirring of the Holy Spirit. The moment in time the Comforter came to Earth.

And how was it viewed by the crowd?

Some were amazed. Some were skeptical to say the least.

Which camp would you have been in? Better yet--

Tomorrow when the Holy Spirit moves in your church service...

...I do hope you're praying to that end...

...I do hope you're praying with your church family to that end...

...I do hope you're praying with your church family in line with God's will to that end...

How will you respond?

How will you react to the Holy Spirit if it doesn't look like what you believe it should or doesn't fall into the normal schedule of your church's order of events for any given Sunday morning or you are the one most effected by it?

How will you respond?

GOD CARES
Today's reading: Obadiah

"...As you have done to Israel, so it will be done to you..." Obadiah verse 15 NLT

I've always admired God's jealousy for Israel.

His love and protection for her.

His determination that she should prosper.

His valiant efforts to keep her idol-free.

His discipline when she strayed.

His plan for her.

It all points to the fact that He loves me just as much. I am His and He watches over me.

I do not have to fear my enemies, for my God cares for me.

REFLECTIONS
Today's reading: Proverbs 26-27

"As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the person." Proverbs 27:19 NLT

I remember when I was a young teenager in the 80's, the rage was the multi-function make-up mirrors.

They had mirrors that could be switched to magnification mode to highlight every pore and every crease. They had mirrors that could be switched to fluorescent-lighting mode so you'd know how your make-up would look at the office. They had mirrors that advertised daylight-mode so you'd be prepared for time in the sun. They even had mirrors that featured evening mode so you'd know how your carefully applied cosmetics might look when you were out on the town with your favorite fellow.

The mirrors were something. With the flip of a switch or a knob, you could easily change how you looked, or at the least how you viewed your reflection.

Solomon didn't have these fanciful mirrors, but knew from God's-bestowed wisdom that the heart was the only true reflection of a person.

Our hearts tell all about us. Our hearts keep nothing secret. Our hearts reveal our deepest, most innermost feelings and thoughts. Our hearts lead us to respond or react in the ways in which we do.

As I finish applying my make-up I'm going to be thinking about my own reflection--and more importantly about my heart.

Won't you?

GOD MOURNS
Today's reading: Psalm 114-116

"The Lord's loved ones are precious to him, it grieves him when they die." Psalm 116:15 NLT

I've had a question mark beside this verse for several years.

I don't get it.

God wants us with Him, right? As His, we're to be in glory after our last breath here, am I correct? An eternity with our Lord, if I read my Bible correctly?

So this verse stumped me--until this morning.

No, I'm not saying this is some profound revelation or epiphany--but I'm seeing it with new eyes.

I believe God grieves when His loved ones, us, die little by little when we give Him up for idols. When we choose bitterness over forgiveness. When we want our way and our way only.

He hates to see us wither away when we could be thriving. It hurts His heart to see us becoming stagnant and stale instead of fruitful and vibrant. He doesn't want to see us scraping by.

I believe God is grieved when we aren't living the full life He intends for us to live. He loves us that much.

AWE OF HIM
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 6-10


"When Solomon finished praying, fire flashed down from heaven and burned up the burnt offerings and sacrifices, and the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple. ² The priests could not enter the Temple of the Lord because the glorious presence of the Lord filled it. ³ When all the people of Israel saw the fire coming down and the glorious presence of the Lord filling the Temple, they fell face down on the ground and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying, “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!” 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 NLT


That day it was fire flashing down from heaven and the, from what I understand, the visible presence of God that awed the people and brought them to their knees in worship.


Today it may not be fire. It may not be a Shekinah glory billowing about us. It may not be something other than what we feel and know.


But He is still awe inspiring, this Holy God of ours.


He is all around us. He is in us. He is about us. He is above us. He is before us. He is behind us. He is ahead of us. He is with us.  

BEFORE LONG
Today's reading: Numbers 25-28

"Before long Israel was joining in the worship of Baal of Peor, causing the Lord's anger to blaze against his people." Numbers 25:3 NLT

It wasn't all of a sudden.

It didn't happen overnight.

It wasn't a surprise attack.

It was like leaving the gate to the pasture open--what was intended to stay in found it's way out and what was meant to be kept out crept in.

Verses like this one give us reason to pause and reflect upon what's happening in our own lives. What's creeping in? What's being tolerated? What's being ignored? What's happening to our hearts? Are the gates left open? 

ALL THINGS
Today's reading: Hebrews 1-4

"You gave him authority over all things. Now when it says 'all things', it means nothing is left out..." Hebrews 2:8 NLT

I'm sure in your life, as in mine, there are some things that are seemingly spinning out of control.

Some loose ends that needs tied up before they unravel any more than they already have.

Some unfinished business.

Some unanswered requests.

Some miracles needing to be performed.

He has the authority to do 'all things'. Nothing is outside His realm, His reach, His concern.

He has not gifted us with that authority. We are not in charge of 'all things'. We are, however, responsible for the things He has asked us to do.

So, dear friends, I'm asking myself--and now I'm asking you, are we waiting on Him to do His work or is He waiting on us to do our part?

HAVING HIS ROBE
Today's reading: John 19-21

"When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided his clothes among the four of them. They also took his robe, but it was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. So they said, Let's not tear it but throw dice to see who gets it. This fulfilled the Scripture that says, They divided my clothes among themselves and threw dice for my robe. So that is what they did." John 19:23-25 NLT

I don't know who won the dice throwing contest. I don't know the soldier's name. I don't know his rank. I don't know his thoughts towards this condemned man.

I don't know what he did with the robe. Where he stored it. If he wore it or not when he was out of uniform. I don't know if it was a showpiece he kept on display.

There is a lot I don't know about this passage of Scripture.

But I do know this...Jesus knew the young man who would take a piece of Him home with him.

He knew his heart. He knew how the day's events, the prophecies fulfilled and the resurrection to come would touch this soldier's life.

He knew owning, touching, being near this robe could have the same powerful effect on him that it had on the woman with the issue of blood who touched only a small corner of its hem.

You see, one cannot come in contact with Jesus and leave unchanged.

You have a piece of Him with you today--what will you do?     

A PLUMB LINE
Today's reading: Amos 5-9

"And the Lord said to me, Amos, what do you see? I answered, A plumb line. And the Lord replied, I will test my people with this plumb line. I will no longer ignore all their sins." Amos 7:8 NLT

A plumb line is a device used to ensure the straightness of a wall, according to my Bible notes. A plumb line, due to the nature of gravity, will always hang straight and true. It helps detect a slight leaning that might eventually lead to collapse.

When we look at our lives...

If we compare ourselves to the plumb line of government, we might be standing straight and tall.

If we compare ourselves to the lifestyles depicted on the media, we might be standing straight and tall.

If we compare ourselves to some in the church, we might be standing straight and tall.

But when we compare ourselves to Jesus, the plumb line God sent for us to measure our lives against, how do we line up?  

THE GIFT OF JEWELRY
Today's reading: Proverbs 25

"Valid criticism is as treasured by the one who heeds it as jewelry made from finest gold." Proverbs 25:12 NLT

Even having a complete grasp of the truth that I'm not perfect, doesn't prepare my palate for the bitter taste of criticism.

Knowing it's coming from a good and godly friend doesn't always help settle my heart to the fact that what I'd feared is true--that my best isn't good enough.

Realizing true constructive criticism is supposed to make me better, hone my efforts and shine up my attempts, is hard to do when you're embarrassed.

But when I consider godly critiques as gifts of jewelry meant to accessorize my God-given talents, I can accept them and appreciate them.

I can receive them with grace. I can use them to make me more like my Lord.

  

PREPARE YOUR EYES
Today's reading: Psalm 111-113

"When darkness overtakes the godly, light will come bursting in..." Psalm 112:4 NLT

Prepare your eyes for the light.

I know, I know, right now you are in a dark time.

A valley that is shadowed.

A season when the sun is not shining.

Your heart is in a room where the doors are closed and the blinds are drawn tight.

A scary, stormy time.

It's been a very long, dark night.

God's Word tells us, tells me, tells you, that is you are following His commands, are His, have accepted His gift of salvation, the Light will come bursting in!

The glimmer of Hope will break the dawn open wide.

The ray of His love will pierce the long night.

The glory of His plans will burst through the shadows.

The blinds covering your eyes will be thrown wide open.

The clouds will break apart and the Son will come streaming through.

It's been a very long, dark night...but the Light will come bursting in!

FREE CONSULTATION
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 1-5

"...in front of the Tabernacle of the Lord. So Solomon and the people gathered in front of it to consult the Lord." 2 Chronicles 1:5 NLT

How fewer hurt feelings would we suffer through if God were consulted before the first emotion sprouted in our hearts?

How many fewer propositions would be signed into law if God were consulted as to their validity or morality?

Would there be less controversy within the church, which is viewed outside the church, which influences anyone wanting to come to the church to receive what the church is supposed to be offering?

Would there be fewer regrets if God were consulted first instead of being saved for the clean-up?

In my own life, I have to say it would make a huge difference. If I were to simply stop, present the issue/decision/choice/feeling to God and pause for His leading before charging ahead.

Yours, too?
 

GOD'S REWARDS
Today's reading: Numbers 21-24

"King Balak flew into a rage against Balaam. He angrily clapped his hands and shouted, I called you to curse my enemies! Instead, you have blessed them three times. Now get out of here! Go back home! I had planned to reward you richly, but the Lord has kept you from your reward." Numbers 24:10-11 NLT

King Balak had asked Balaam to bless their efforts to attack the Israelites, God's chosen people.

Balaam just couldn't do it.

King Balak got mad.

I can see his face turn red. I can see the blood vessels bulge on the sides of his neck. I can hear, in my mind, his voice getting louder and higher with emotion as he ordered Balaam out of his presence.

But Balaam couldn't go against God.

Even with the promise of the richest rewards.

The world is going to offer you some bright and shiny baubles at some point today, if you'll just go against God and His Word. It will tease you with some sparkling trinkets. It will attempt to pay you richly for turning aside.

Let me be frank...

This world has nothing to offer.

Nothing of value.

Nothing of worth.

Nothing of eternal consequence.

Nothing, simply nothing.

BEING USEFUL
Today's reading: Philemon

"Onesimus hasn't been of much use to you in the past, but now he is useful to both of us." Philemon verse 11 NLT

Today in your church service you may see or meet an Onesimus.

Someone the church deems unfit for the Kingdom.

Someone whose lifestyle reeks of the world and its influences.

Someone who doesn't know the etiquette or protocol of God's house.

Someone whose reputation precedes them in your community.

Onesimus was just that sort of fellow.

Was.

And if you pause long enough to look into the eyes of that 'new to your church' person, you'll see potential in their eyes, too.

God can do amazing things in a person's life--you are testimony to that, aren't you? 

HOLY SPIRIT
Today's reading: John 16-18

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

I'll tell you, I have days when I wear myself out attempting to be the Holy Spirit for another.

Another who I believe should know.

Another who I think should realize the error of their ways.

Another who I want to see living a godlier life.

Another whose fruit is not evident in their Christian walk.

Another who I have presented the Gospel to, yet they've chosen to not accept it yet.

And then I read this verse. I see in its words that the role of convincing and convicting is not my job at all, but His.

It is not up to me to do anything but live out and speak out.

That should free up a majority of my time.

OH HOW HE LOVES US
Today's reading: Amos 1-4

"Listen to this message that the Lord has spoken against you, O people of Israel and Judah-the entire family I rescued from Egypt: From among the families on earth, I chose you alone. That is why I must punish you for all your sins." Amos 3:1-2 NLT

As His.

As the ones rescued.

As the ones who were chosen.

As the most loved of all children in the world.

As the redeemed, He must distribute justice as well as love.

He didn't save us to allow us to become spoiled children.

He didn't rescue us so that we might do anything against His will.

He didn't set us apart as His to have ought against our brothers and sisters in Christ.

So He must punish us when we sin.

And He had to send a Savior to take that punishment.

Oh how He loves us.

THEIR LITTLE LIGHTS
Today's reading: Proverbs 23-24

"Do not fret because of evildoers, don't envy the wicked. For the evil have no future, their light will be snuffed out." Proverbs 24:19 NLT

Lord,

So You're saying not to worry about the rampant behavior of the wicked in this world?

To not think for an instant that they will rule?

That their reigns are short lived?

That You are still in control?

Ok, Lord, but with all that's going on--Well, ok, Lord.

BUT DEAL WELL WITH ME
Today's reading: Psalm 108-110

"But deal well with me, O Sovereign Lord, for the sake of your reputation." Psalm 109:21 NLT

Our psalmist David is spilling his heart out to God in this chapter. He is tired of his enemies hounding him, he is sick up to here with lies and slanderous people. He provides God with some ideas on how to deal with these unsavory folk.

And then he throws this verse in the mix.

I do the same thing sometimes.

I pray conviction over the lives of those living outside of His ways. Make them uncomfortable, make them sick of sin. I ask God to place obstacles and hedges in the paths of those wandering from Him. I solicit God on behalf of my hurt feelings and ignored ideas.

But I always ask Him to 'deal well with me'.

Sure, I ask Him to lead and guide me.

I pray that He never leaves my side.

I ask Him to give me the clean heart and right spirit, to point out my sins--but I ask Him to do it to me in a nice way.

Make it easy on me, Lord. Deal well with me.

I'm not sure that's what God or David intended when they chose to put this verse in the Bible, but it's where my thoughts are leading.

If I ask God to send down lightning in the lives of others--I've got to ask Him to do it to me, too. If I ask God to make people sick with conviction--I've got to ask Him to do it to me, too. If I ask God to block paths and close doors for those walking off His path--I've got to ask Him to do it to me, too. If I ask God to punish liars and slanderers--I've got to ask Him to do the same thing with my sins.

GATEKEEPERS
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 25-29

"These divisions of the gatekeepers were named for their family leaders, and like the other Levites, they served at the house of the Lord. They were assigned by families for guard duty at the various gates, without regard to age or training, for it was all decided by means of sacred lots." 1 Chronicles 26:12-13 NLT

There are three of us in this house.

Three believing Christians.

Three separate little-Christs.

Three gatekeepers.

We are each responsible for what comes in and goes out of our home.

Regardless of the age or training, as we all have our different 'gates' to guard.

Are we working together? Yes. Are we working towards the same goal? Yes. Are we all three needed to do the job in a godly way? Yes.

My guard duty has already begun even though the other two are still asleep. I always take the early morning gate duty. I prepare myself for the task at hand, prepare my heart, prepare my mind.

May God help all of us serving as gatekeepers.

ENOUGH
Today's reading: Numbers 17-20

"And the Lord said to Aaron, You priests will receive no inheritance of land or share of property among the people of Israel. I am your inheritance and your share." Numbers 18:20 NLT

Was He enough?

Is He enough?

REMIND YOUR PEOPLE
Today's reading: Titus

"Remind your people to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good." Titus 3:1 NLT

Wow, what a week to have this reminder thrown in the face of Bible-believing Christians.

We watched as the news broadcasters stood in a county clerk's office.

We watched as her past was drug up, aired on national television and ridiculed.

We watched as they scanned the crowds outside, for on one side of the sidewalk, against on the other.

We watched as she was led off to jail.

We listened as her husband stated she would not bow down.

We watched alongside the world.

Why did He say to submit? Why tell us to be obedient? Didn't He know what would be asked of us?

Of course He did, He is God.

SOMEDAY
Today's reading: John 13-15

"Jesus replied, You don't understand now why I am doing it, someday you will." John 13:7 NLT

Still waiting for that 'someday'?

You still don't get it.

You still haven't figured it out.

You still haven't been enlightened as to God's plan in allowing all this to come to pass.

You still don't see how in the world He can get glory out of this.

It may be when we get to heaven before we begin to understand--but then, will it even matter?

VEKIRU
Today's reading: Joel

"That is why the Lord says, Turn to me now, while there is time! Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping and mourning. Don't tear your clothing in your grief, instead, tear your hearts." Joel 2:12-13 NLT

I've had my nose in the Hebrew Lexicon this morning. I needed to know. I wanted to dig deeper. I was on a mission to find out.

Just what was meant by 'tearing your heart'?

I had read before where tearing one's clothing was a sign of repentance and sorrow over sin. Several times in the Bible I've read account of that practice.

I understand the weeping, the fasting and the mourning.

But to 'tear our hearts'? I have a mental picture that I believe lines up with the Scripture, but I wanted to be sure.

Vekiru, the Hebrew word used in this verse, means to cut, tear or split apart.

That's a visual I can use to understand this verse. To 'split apart' the very center of me, expose it to God, open it up to such a degree as to be able to see deep inside, nothing hidden, nothing left to see.

That's a deep thought. That's a decision that takes guts, determination and action on our part. It doesn't just happen. It isn't easy. There is no telling what will be found when one allows it to happen.

I don't think once one tears their heart in this way, it will ever, in a million years ever, be the same again.

That's what I want.


   

COMMON DENOMINATOR
Today's reading: Proverbs 22

"The rich and poor have this in common: The Lord made them both." Proverbs 22:2 NLT

Really there are no differences in humans.

We were all created in the same 'factory'.

The believers and unbelievers are the same--except for grace.

The men and women are the same--except for DNA.

The tall and the short--except for a few inches.

The loud and quiet are the same--except for volume.

The lovely and the unlovely are the same--except for the amount of time one prefers to spend in each  their presence.

I've got to remember as I go out into the world today, I'm no different than any other--and they are no different from me.

We are all in need of a Savior, that is our common denominator!

HALF ENOUGH
Today's reading: Psalm 105-107

"Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise him half enough?" Psalm 106:2 NLT

Let's be honest this morning.

There is a difference, a God-sized difference, in being able to praise Him half enough and praising Him half-heartedly.

You can't tell it by the outside of a person.

You cannot determine it by tears, a smile, raised hands or their posture.

Not being able to praise God half enough will look differently on everyone.

When we're doing it, really doing it, it doesn't seem like half enough. When we are judging how others are doing it, it's half-heartedly.

PREPARATIONS
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 20-24

"David said, My son Solomon is still young and inexperienced, and the Temple of the Lord must be a magnificent structure, famous and glorious throughout the world. So I will begin making preparations for it now. So David collected vast amounts of building materials before his death." 1 Chronicles 22:5 NLT

David knew the Temple was not his to build.

David knew the huge task would fall on his son's shoulders.

David knew more, due to life experiences, than his son did--so he began making preparations.

I want to do that for my boy.

He has a wonderfully, exciting life to live for Christ--but I want to make sure he has the materials necessary to live it fully.

It's going to take lots of prayer, but it's going to take more than prayer, too. It will take living out loud before him, directing him to God's Word when questions arise, showing him by example how to listen more and talk less. It will take exposing him to what is right. It will require allowing him to make some poor decisions, then be there to help him as he repents and turns back to God. It will take effort for me to take my hands off when necessary. 

Like David, I have a lot of materials to gather for my son, too.