STAYING AWAY
Today's reading: Job 1-2

"There was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless, a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil." Job 1:1 NLT

Job stayed away from evil.

That's what I want as my goal for the new year...to stay away from evil.

To see it around me, and excuse myself. To hear of it, and exit the conversation. To watch as it innocently begins to snowball and break it up.

To do my part in living a godly life.

To refuse to participate in, propagate or please the part of me that desires to turn away from my Savior, Friend and Redeemer.

LAUGHTER IN HEAVEN
Today's reading: Psalm 1-2

"But the one who rules in heaven laughs..." Psalm 2:4 NLT

I don't think I ever remember a time when I thought God was distant or aloof to the smallest of issues in my life. I don't recall ever once thinking He didn't care about me and didn't have my best interests at heart. I don't know if there has ever been a time in my life that I didn't know He was with me--right beside me, in me, directing my path.

That being said, I haven't always liked what He allowed, enjoyed the discipline due me or understood each and every circumstance He chose to weave in to my life.

Here is another thing I have always known...God laughs at me.

Is He sovereign? Absolutely yes!

Is He the Supreme Ruler? Yes, again.

Is He mighty, powerful and holy? Yes, yes and yes.

Is He just and right and magnificent? Oh, yes and so many more adjectives I cannot begin to type.

But I also know this King of mine laughs at me. His lamb. His daughter. His prodigal. His created one.

How could He not? Why would He not?

He laughs when I lay out plans for Him that would be best for me. He laughs when I attempt to do His job. He laughs when I try to worship Him with all I have and it comes out looking much like a two year-old's attempt at mimicking a Picasso. He laughs when I stand speechless before Him as He unwraps gift after gift for me to experience.

He loves me and I bring Him pleasure. Sure, I hurt Him at times, too, with my disobedience and faithlessness, but as His child, He thinks I'm great.  I make Him giggle. I make Him roar with laughter. I make the Creator of all that I see grab His sides and belly laugh.

That's how personal our relationship is.
  


 

TO YOU?
Today's reading: Joshua 1-5

"...In the future, your children will ask, What do these stones mean to you? Then you can tell them..." Joshua 4:6-7 NLT

I like the wording in this translation.

It says, What do these stones mean to you?

To you.

Not to your religion. Not to your denomination. Not to your church affiliation. Not to your circle of friends. Not to your Bible study friends. Not to your church friends who might be listening in on your answer or watching for your response.

What the memorial of stones mean to you?

When our kids ask, they're not asking for a deeply theological answer. They're not looking for what the preacher would say. They aren't wanting to hear what the world is already screaming in their ears. They aren't even looking for what they know they've heard some time or another in Sunday School...they want to know what it means to you.

So, what does your faith mean to you?

The monument built in your life to God, why is it there? How did it come to be? What brought you to the point in life where you realized your desperate need for Him? How did He come to be all you needed/wanted/desired/sought after/longed for?

What does He mean to you? Yes, you.

PATTERNED AFTER HIM
Today's reading: Genesis 1-3

"So God created people in his own image, God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:27 NLT

I used to sew. I'd make my own clothes, stitch up curtains, I've made a few quilts, I even made my own wedding dress.

I usually had to have a pattern. If I wanted a skirt, I'd use skirt pattern pieces. If I wanted a blouse, I'd lay out the pieces required for a blouse. I couldn't mix and match the pieces and have it turn out as I would hope.

As I read today's verse and think about the new year fast approaching, I'm hopeful.

You see, it tells me that I am patterned after God.

In my heart I desire to be more like Him this year than last. I'm even beginning a few challenges, goals and resolutions beginning today (Monday) rather than wait until the new year begins later this week.

I am tickled to think that I'm already made in His image. I'm not a leopard attempting to change its spots, rather a child of God whose spots(sins) have been washed away--and any new spots covered under His grace as I attempt to live as I ought.

I was made to reflect Him.

I was created to be godly.

I was knit together in my mother's womb so that the world would see Him in me.

That gives me hope! Lots of hope! Enough hope to consider the task at hand not too large or unattainable!

REASON TO WORSHIP
Today's reading: Hebrews 12

"Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be destroyed, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe." Hebrews 12:28 NLT

Sunday is here.

It's rainy. It's dark. It's dreary.

I'm tired. I'm down. I'm not feeling very social.

And worship service is approaching.

I needed this verse.

I needed the reminder that it is not at all about me.

How I feel. What I want to do. Whether or not I want to talk/visit with others.

It's about Him.

And how very much I owe Him praise.

Because of His love for me.

Because of the hope He holds for me.

Because of the promise heaven holds for me as His child.

I'm going to worship this morning, in spirit and in truth.

To really worship.

To worship the One who so rightly deserves my praise and admiration.

WHAT YOU BELIEVE
Today's reading: Acts 27-28

"But we want to hear what you believe,.." Acts 28:22 NLT

Who will this upcoming new year place in your path? With whom will you be allowed the privilege of sharing your testimony? Who will be desperate to hear about your God?

...about the Risen Savior?
...about true love?
...about joy?
...about peace?
...about hope?
...about the separation sin causes?
...about eternity?

They may act as if they don't, but down deep they are wanting to know what you believe--and more importantly, in Who you believe!

HE MET US
Today's reading: Luke 2

"And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn." Luke 2:6-7 NLT

We didn't have to clean up and approach His throne.

We didn't have to straighten ourselves up and prove ourselves worthy enough.

We didn't have to do enough or be enough.

He came to us where we were. He met us in a barn.

In a smelly, stinky barn where things were not pristine, perfect or polished.

I am so glad this Christmas morning He met me where I was!

GOD WITH US
Today's reading: Matthew 1

"...and he will be called Immanuel, meaning God with us." Matthew 1:23 NLT

As I sat thru a Christmas candlelight service last night I heard what the pastor stated as being the most powerful statement in the Bible.

GOD with us.

Oh,how desperately we needed Him.

How lost we would be without Him.

This morning, this Christmas eve morning, I am still thinking about it.

How we still, if not more, need Him.

We need Him near us, with us, in us.

AS WE GO
Today's reading: Psalm 149-150

"Let the faithful rejoice in his honor. Let them sing for joy as they lie in their beds. Let the praises of God be in their mouths..." Psalm 149:5-6 NLT

What is the world hearing us say this  Christmas season?

Do they hear our rants against long lines and high prices?

Are they hearing us mumbled about Christ being taken out of the season?

Are they even hearing us speak as we rush here and there?

Do we have His praises on our lips? Do they hear the awe in our voice as we speak of the Baby? Do the hear gratitude in our words as we refer to the Gift of God to us?

PLUNDER
Today's reading: Esther 6-10

"Meanwhile, the other Jews throughout the king's provinces had gathered together to defend their lives. They gained relief from all their enemies, killing seventy-five thousand of those who hated them. But they did not take any plunder." Esther 9:16 NLT

A saved life.

A redeemed heart.

A purified soul.

Too often as we accept God's forgiveness, grab hold of His favor, watch our enemies fall at our feet and rest in the peace that comes from security in our Savior, we tend to want souvenirs.

Trinkets that point back to where we have been.

How bad we were.

Where our gutter was located.

Who we used to be.

Notches on our weapons.

Scalps on our belts.

And we struggle to carry them, keep them, shine them up. We spend alot of time talking about them and showing them off.

The Jews in the account of Esther wanted no part of their enemies, they just wanted peace. They did what God had led them to do and rested in what He allowed them to succeed.

No trophies. No postcards. No t-shirts. No plunder from the defeated ones.

They were content with God.

A sure lesson to learn.

YOUR LIFE
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 32-34

"These instructions are not mere words--they are your life!.." Deuteronomy 32:47 NLT

As Moses prepared for his departure. As he gave final words to the mass he had been guiding for forty years. As he looked over into the Promised Land. He gave these words.

He wanted them to know how valuable God's words should be to them.

They were not merely suggestions.

They were not outdated.

They were not old-fashioned.

They were not to be ignored.

They were not to be taken lightly.

They were life.

What are God's words to you? Is His Book simply a Sunday accessory? A nice decoration for the coffee table? A place to keep Sunday bulletins? A 9-1-1 sort of item?

Is the Holy Bible life to you? Does it give you breath to breathe, a reason for your heart to beat, hope that this is not all there is?

CHRISTMAS WISH
Today's reading: Jude

I don't know who will walk through your front door this Christmas.

I'm not sure what you will find wrapped under your tree.

I don't know what all you will feast on to celebrate His birth.

I don't know what's even on your wish list.

Not knowing all of this, here's what I wish for you...

"May you receive more and more of God's mercy, peace and love." Jude verse 2 NLT

CHRISTMAS LIGHT
Today's reading: Acts 25-26

"But God protected me so that I am still alive today to tell these facts to everyone, from the least to the greatest. I teach nothing except what the prophets and Moses said would happen--that the Messiah would suffer and be the first to rise from the dead as a light to Jews and Gentiles alike." Acts 26:22-23 NLT

The lights sparkle on our Christmas tree.

The house down the road is bedazzled with lights. Lights that, if like the past several years, will be up until almost Easter.

The section of our little town decked out in lights for block after block has cars lined up each and every evening this season.

Lights are everywhere.

But are they distracting us from the one Light that came for us all?

A WAR GOING ON
Today's reading: Revelation 12-17

"Then the dragon became angry at the woman, and he declared war against the rest of her children--all who keep God's commandments and confess they belong to Jesus." Revelation 12:17 NLT

If you are God's...

If you determine in your heart and try with all your might to keep His commandments...

If you confess Jesus with your words and your actions...

You will be in the battle.

There will be a war waging against you, for you, around you.

Satan will not be happy, but God will be enough--more than enough!

A DIFFERENT BREED
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 5-6

"Who is this, they ask, arising like the dawn, as fair as the moon, as bright as the sun, as majestic as an army with banners?" Song of Solomon 6:10 NLT

The young man of these songs is talking about his girl. He's telling all who will listen what the others are saying about her--what they're noticing about her--how taken they are with her--how they are coming to love her as much as he is.

Is it being said about you, Christian friend?

Are you a different breed?

Standing out in the crowd?

Are they noticing your peace?

Your joy?

Your love?

Are you making a difference in someone else's life by how you live yours?

EVERY PROMISE FOREVER
Today's reading: Psalm 146-148

"...He is the one who keeps every promise forever." Psalm 146:6 NLT

Those words are a gift to me this season.

Wrapped in loved.

Tied with a flourish.

Tagged with my name.

Malinda,
I will keep every promise to you, forever.
Love, God.

As He did for Noah. And for Abraham. And for Daniel as he slept beside the lion. And for David as he hid from his enemies. And for Saul-turned-Paul as he spread the Good News. And for the woman who anointed His feet with what was in her alabaster box--the one who thought she was gifting Him.

As I think this morning about all He has promised me, I'm falling back on my favorite--He will never leave me or forsake me.

I'm never alone. I'm never left to fend for myself. I'm never standing solo in a great big world. I'm never shivering alone on a long dark night. I'm never rowing my own boat against the waves. I'm never sitting in a waiting room by myself. I'm never not being heard. I'm not going to spend eternity in a grave. I'm not living this Christian life for my own benefit.

Every promise forever. What a gift!

REAL BEAUTY
Today's reading: Esther 1-5

"When the time came for her to go in to the king, she was given her choice of whatever clothing or jewelry she wanted to enhance her beauty." Esther 2:13 NLT

I think of young Esther as she stands in the jewelry vault or in the larger-than-walk-in closet holding the gowns of the day. The choices are before her. More choices than she's ever imagined. More choices than she could have ever dreamed.

What would one choose to enhance one's beauty? What would one put on? What color would one choose? What might one select for an audience with the king? What would one wear that would leave a lasting impact?

Our King has made that selection easy.

It's righteousness. It's a robe of white provided to those whose sins have been washed in the blood of His Son, Jesus. It's the clothing of one that's redeemed. It's the garment of salvation provided to His children.

I don't know what you are wearing today. To work. To school. To run errands. To conquer a mountain of laundry. Here's what I know, I do hope it is righteousness.

It has a way of making everyone more beautiful, or more ruggedly handsome if that's what you need to hear!
 

ALL THE QUESTIONS
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 29-31

"There are secret things that belong to the Lord our God, but the revealed things belong to us and our descendants forever, so that we may obey these words of the law." Deuteronomy 29:29 NLT

We have so many questions...

Why, Lord?

When, Lord?

We focus on what we don't know. We allow our unanswered questions to overwhelm our thoughts and overtake our minds. We worry and fret over secret things.

And why?

Why? When we are given so, so much to believe?

We can believe He loves us.

We understand He is able.

We have seen Him perform miracles in our lives, even in the quietest of lives.

We have His Word and we have His word.

We know His track record.

There is plenty of revealed things for us to focus on--why not leave the secret things in the hands of the One who knows all about them? 

BODY & SOUL
Today's reading: 3 John

"Dear friend, I am praying that all is well with you and that your body is as healthy as I know your soul is." 3 John verse 2 NLT

Medically speaking, there are a whole lot of tests that can be run to check your physical health. Doctors recommend yearly screenings to stay ahead of lurking problems. Blood tests reveal what your fluids say is going on in your body. Xrays reveal what no one else can see.

But a soul test?

Life, I think, is the soul test.

The rough days reveal your healthy hope.

The stormy nights tell you where your peace is resting.

The hard-to-swallow circumstances test the depths of your trust in the Lord.

Your reaction to the surprises thrown your way expose whether or not you believe the Lord, truly, truly, believe the Lord.

There is no co-pay involved. No appointment necessary. No referral. No filing with insurance. No waiting in the germ-infested waiting room.

My prayer is that both your body and soul are well--exceedingly well!

HOW WELL IT WENT
Today's reading: Acts 23-24

The first ten verses of Acts 23 take us to the moment in time when Paul stood before the Pharisees and the Saducees. It was his opportunity to state his case for Christ.

It didn't go well.

The high council wanted him slapped for blasphemy. His words divided the audience. There was violence. There was shouting.

So, as we come to verse 11, I believe I can see Paul sitting in his cell pondering the day's events.

Being I've been there before, I think he really felt as if he had bombed. Failed. Wasted the opportunity God had provided for him. And yet we see in verse 11--

"That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have told the people about me in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome." Acts 23:11 NLT

I can imagine the list of excuses Paul may have provided God for needing to choose another guy. I can just hear Paul shaking his head and asking God where He was during the fiasco--didn't He see? I know Paul's self-esteem was at an all-time low.

And yet God chose Paul to keep at it.

To continue on.

To be steadfast.

To open his mouth and share--and God would do the rest.

I believe He's telling me the same thing today. No matter how many conversations I've walked away from thinking I've really blown it.

To God, it's more about the obedience than the performance.

A PLACE FOR YOU
Today's reading: Revelation 7-11

"...Then he said to me, These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white. That is why they are standing in front of the throne of God, serving him day and night in his Temple. And he who sits on the throne will live among them and shelter them. They will never again be hungry or thirsty, and they will be fully protected from the scorching noontime heat." Revelation 7:14-16 NLT

I don't know what you're going through right now.

Maybe it's a trying season you're walking through. A time of tribulation after tribulation. A gloomy, rainy, stormy kind of day--and an even worse kind of night. One that leaves long, scary shadows. One that howls. One that seems to last much longer that it should.

Here's the good news, hurting brother or sister--there is a place for those who endure.

It's the throne of God.

It's promised for those who have been washed in His blood.

It's promised that perseverance will promote a desire to praise Him--day and night, for all eternity.

It's a place where you'll not hurt again. Ever. No pain. No sorrow. No fears. No doubts. No hunger. No needs. No long, shadowy nights.

So, make it through today. Endure the next hour. Breathe through the next five minutes. Trust Him to sustain you, strengthen you and reward you.

This life lasts only a little while.

LOOKING FOR HIM
Today's reading: Song Of Solomon 3-4

"One night as I lay in bed, I yearned deeply for my lover, but he did not come. So I said to myself, I will get up now and roam the city, searching for him in all its streets and squares. But my search was in vain. The watchmen stopped me as they made their rounds, and I said to them, Have you seen him anywhere, this one I love so much?" Song of Solomon 3:1-3 NLT

What lengths have I gone to in order that I might find God?

I'm not asking myself if I've recently come up with a great new ministry idea, started a blossoming outreach program or sparked a budding Christian growth class...

But have I sought out God?

Where He is already at work, and come up alongside Him?

What He is busy at, and stepped in to do what He needs me to do?

Who He is already working on, and I repeat to them what He is already saying to their hearts?

I'm thinking this morning that God needs fewer 'trailblazers' in His church than we think He does.  He needs more and more of us to pitch in where He is already moving, changing, transforming and redeeming.

I'm going to go out looking for God today!

MEDITATIONS OF MY HEART
Today's reading: Psalm 143-145

"I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles." Psalm 145:5 NLT

I've glanced at the Lexicon this morning in regards to the word 'meditate'. Sure, I know what it means, but I wanted to know what was meant in its original intent. What I've found stirred my heart...

The Hebrew word for meditate is 'asihah'. A few of it's synonyms are meditate, talk over, think on, muse, ponder and sigh.

My favorite synonym was muse.

A muse, in artistic language, is an inspiration. A muse is what inspires a writer to write, a painter to paint and sculptor to sculpt. It's what stirs them. It's what makes them want to make art. It's sometimes what they fashion their artwork after.

When I think of all God has done or me, I am inspired. I am inspired to be more worthy, to be more thankful, to be more loving, to be more gracious. When I meditate on Who He is to me, I do pause and sigh. It overwhelms. It moves my heart. It makes me want to perform from the inside for Him to be glorified.

What does thinking about His greatness do for you?

NOT MY DAY
Today's reading: Nehemiah 10-13

"So I confronted the leaders of Judah, Why are you profaning the Sabbath in this evil way?" Nehemiah 13:17 NLT

I'll admit, some mornings it's easier to write what I believe He is speaking to my heart than others. On occasion the words flow quickly, on other occasions, there seems to be a block between what is in my head and heart and what I type. It's usually too personal on those days. It's about things God is chastising me for. It's about things He has found me to be doing and has brought to my attention. It's about sins in my own heart.

On those days, I cannot find anything witty to type. I cannot relay a cute 'from the farm' story. I cannot delve into historical fact or background.

Today is one of those days.

When this verse jumped off the page at me, I was taken aback. I didn't want to open up that can of worms. I didn't want to share my inadequacies and failures. I didn't want you to know about my sin.

You see, I'm guilty of making my Sabbath more about me than Him.

Oh, I'm in His house. I'm about His business. I'm in His Word. I'm serving. I'm respecting His sanctuary. I'm going through the motions of worship, but I am not making it all about Him--I am profaning the Sabbath.

I have, in my heart, been brought up before my Judge, facts have been presented, a verdict of guilty rendered in my case.

So what will I do? How will I change my course?

I don't know. He hasn't revealed all of that to me, yet. He's not talked specifics to my heart yet. He's not pointed out specific avenues of change I need to make. He's not spot-lighted any errors in my way. But I know they are there. In my heart. In the depths of my soul. In the marrow of my worship.

I do know that beginning today, yes it's only Tuesday, I'm preparing my heart and mind for His day--and I won't try to make it about me anymore. Maybe, just maybe, it won't look any different from your perspective--and maybe it will.

HIS
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 26-28

"The Lord has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure..." Deuteronomy 26:18 NLT

It's one thing for me to claim I'm God's. I can shout it from the rooftop. I can wear a t-shirt screen printed with the fact across the back. I can have it imprinted on the front of my Bible. I can gather in groups of others claiming the same thing.

But to have Him say I'm his? To have God make the statement? To have my Savior claim me as His own?

That's priceless! That's huge! It should be a life-changer.

There is no way in the world that knowing I'm His won't change the way I go about my day. There shouldn't be any doubt as to Whose I am with what I say, what I do or how I love others.

But is there?

He claims I'm His. I claim I'm His. But does the world see it?

The more godly a man is, and the more graces and blessings of God are upon him, the more need he hath to pray, because Satan is busiest against him, and because he is readiest to be puffed up with a conceited holiness.  -- Richard Greenham

REAL LOVE
Today's reading: 2 John

"Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning." 2 John verse 6 NLT

In my head, and heart, I'm going over what love is not.

It is not always easy.

It is not always pretty.

It is not just tolerating someone.

It is not walking around them in order to keep the peace.

It is not refusing to speak to them because of what they have done/said/acted out.

It is not putting on a smile that goes no deeper than the veneers on your teeth.

It is not just serving out of Christian duty, bare minimum service, I might add.

What is it then?

It's love. The kind of love you want showered on you. The kind that overlooks. The kind that shows concern-enough concern to love them into God's kingdom. The king that realizes they are just as imperfect as you are. The kind that hurts. The kind you know is genuine. The kind that lasts long after the meeting. The kind that changes hearts. The kind that others see as miraculous. The kind of love that points to Christ!

So, are you loving? That's what He is asking me this morning.

WHY NOT?
Today's reading: Acts 21-22

"But he said, Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! For I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem, but also to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus/" Acts 21:13 NLT

Paul's friends only thought they had caught a glimpse of all that Paul would endure if he continued on in his travels. They were afraid for him. They didn't want him to experience pain or even discomfort. They wanted to save him from all of that-and more.

And yet he was ready to accept all God had in store for him in order that God would be glorified.

Can I say that?

For myself? For my son? For my church?

I want to be the godly woman God has designed me to be, but I won't be without the journey He has ordered me to take. I want to know faith is the key. I want to have callouses on my knees from prayer. I want to see Him do miracles above and beyond my wildest dreams. I want to see His fingerprints in my life. I want Him to have a permanent impression of  my hands clinging to His.

I want my boy to walk even closer to God than I walk, but he won't have that personal relationship with God unless he experiences it himself--the good times, the faith-questioning times and the times when he will feel as if he is walking it alone. I want Him to know how good God is! I want Him to feel, no--know the power of his Creator.

I want my church to explode with God's power, love and might, but it won't without pain, division and the discomfort of multiplication. It may be ugly looking. It may hurt. It may look to the outside world like it's imploding.

You see, I want Him glorified, and I can truly say I want it more than anything else.   

HOLD TIGHTLY
Today's reading: Revelation 1-6

"...I will ask nothing more of you except that you hold tightly to what you have until I come." Revelation 2:24-25 NLT

A few facts up front:

-In my Bible, this passage of Scripture is written in red. Jesus' words. Not a commentary about what He said or what another understood Him to say. His words.

-It's written to the church of Thyratira. A church complimented for its love, faith, service and patient endurance.

-It's about the one complaint God had against this church. The critique. The constructive criticism.

-It's to let them know they were letting things in the church (idols) that did not belong.

So, I believe Jesus is telling them, and telling us, keep it simple. There is no need to add to His message or decorate His truth.

He's saying I've asked you to hold on to the hope of Me. Nothing else. No bells and whistles attached to it, just the assurance that My promises will come true. Don't watch others, make sure you're doing what I ask of you.

That being said--what are you wearing yourself out with? Is it holding on, or is it polishing, decorating and embellishing the hope He gave you at salvation? Is it trying to do it a new way? Is it attempting to spin plates in your church? Is it standing strong and stalwart on points of no interest to our Lord?

New teachings, worldly distractions and easier ways will distract us and cause us to wander from His one expectation for us.

    

WHAT WE NEED
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 1-2

"...How right that the young women love you!" Song of Solomon 1:4 NLT

I see a lot of hurting young women. Gals who are seeking. Girls who are considering themselves to be of less worth than they truly are. Young ladies who are settling for less than God's best for themselves--and those around them.

I know what they need.

It's not a handsome prince to come riding up on a white horse.

It's not a guy who can say all the right things.

It's not a fella with unlimited resources and a gifting heart.

It's not the man who can give her the attention and the admiration she's been longing for.

It's not someone who can make her feel pretty.

It's God.

Only God.

Nothing more than God--and certainly nothing less than God.

He can provide all she needs, all she wants, all she'll ever be able to hope for, and all she has no clue she will ever desire.

If a young woman (or any of us, for that matter) can find God, she (they) will live happily ever after.

TENSE
Today's reading: Psalm 140-142

"Surely the godly are praising your name, for they will live in your presence." Psalm 140:13 NLT

I'm a tense person.

No, not high strung, neck tendons bulging, eyes bugged out, kind of tense person...but one who, when reading the Bible, looks at the tense a verse is written in.

Like today's verse.

Shall we diagram a sentence? Oooh, I've not done that since Junior High school.

Surely-an adverb meaning in a confident way.

The godly-that's you and I. God followers. Born again Christians. Believers in the birth, death, resurrection and reign of Jesus Christ.

Are-present tense. Something you are currently involved in. What you are doing right now.

Praising-glorifying, exalting, extolling the virtues, singing the praises of.

Your name-the name of God, in this case. Jehovah. God Almighty. The King of Kings.

For-a preposition used to describe a place someone or something is going towards.

They-the godly, again.

Will-future tense. Something that is to happen. What is going to come to pass.

Live-really live, folks. Not just breathe and beat, but draw in the very presence of the Living God in all His glory.

In-a place.

Your-referring to God, again.

Presence-a noun meaning proximity, a place, near by or in the same location.

What I see is that we, believers, should be (present tense) praising Him because of where we will be (future tense) spending eternity.

Praise has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with circumstances, present or past, but everything to do with hope!

DEEP-SEATED RESPECT
Today's reading: Nehemiah 5-9

"...from early morning until noon and read aloud to everyone who could understand. All the people paid close attention to the Book of the Law...When they saw him open the book, they all rose to their feet." Nehemiah 8:3, 5 NLT

I take good care of my Bible. I don't leave it to linger in the car from Monday till Saturday. I don't use it as a coaster. I do write in it, but only things that touch my heart. I watch for curled pages and fix them. I have a special place for it on the shelf next to my prayer chair. It's going to be worn out, but not mis-used.

But reading what I have this morning has convicted me.

Do I value it to the extent to which I should?

Am I treating my time in its pages with the respect and honor due it?

Am I approaching Bible study with the attention and determination it deserves?

Am I quoting it with reverence, with power, with authority?

Am I praying over it each and every morning before I pass it on to you?

Am I thinking over each and every word as I jot down verses in a note or card?

Am I believing it? Truly believing it?

Am I in awe over the fact that God chooses to place these ancient, living, life-changing words into my hands and heart?

Am I allowing it to go deeper, much deeper, into me than just reading what it says?

Am I allowing myself to be improved by it every time I open its pages?

I've told kids, and any adults who would listen, for years that the Bible is my favorite book in the whole, wide world--is it just something I say, or do I prove it by how I use/read/stand on it?