WHAT A WONDERFUL GOD
Today`s reading: Romans 11-12

``Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are his riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible for us to understand his decisions and his methods!`` Romans 11:33 NLT

I will admit, I don`t like some of the things God has allowed and is allowing.

You gasp that I would be so bold to say that, but I think you agree. You have your own list of things you want to see God do or change.

The fact that I don`t like His plans does not, DOES NOT, make me want to turn away from Him. In fact, it draws me closer. So much closer.

You see, I want to be beside Him, in His lap, at His feet, in Him, when He reveals His glory in each and every circumstance.

He is above me in His thinking. His ways surpass my abilities. His power exceeds my wildest expectations. His plans go beyond what I can see, plan for or dream of.

He is a wonderful Savior and Friend!

MY TESTIMONY
Today`s reading: Matthew 11-13

``When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went off teaching and preaching in the towns around  the country. John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, Are you really the Messiah we`ve been waiting for, or should we keep looking for someone else? Jesus told them, Go back to John and tell him about what you have seen and heard--the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.``Matthew 11:-5 NLT

Jesus could have taken John`s question to heart and dropped what He was doing, straight away going to the prison where John was being held. He could have determined to discuss the matter face-to-face with the seeker. He could have brought the crowds with Him and broken down the prison doors with just a spoken word.

But He chose to allow his followers to share their testimony of what they had seen/heard/felt/lived through.

Personal testimonies.

Eye witness accounts.

I think this morning about who He might be placing in my path today. Who might be needing to hear my story of salvation and growth in Christ. Who might be willing to listen to me and not a pastor in a pulpit. Who might give me time in the aisle at Walmart but wouldn`t come to church.

God gave me a testimony for a reason, for two reasons actually, okay maybe three...

One, that He be glorified.

Two, that I use it to reach those who are lost.

Three, as another opportunity for me to obey Him when I share it.

THE ROCK
Today`s reading: Isaiah 23-28

``Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal rock.`` Isaiah 26:4 NLT

My parents have a picture of a magnificent lighthouse hanging over their mantle. It is a canvas made from a photo from their recent trip to Maine.

The lighthouse is stately. It is well kept. It stands out against the sea.

The lighthouse is nice, but the lighthouse is a fragile thing. Built well?Yes, it has stood sentinel for many years, but fragile none the less.

A hurricane or a tsunami could easily reduce the crafted beacon into a pile of broken, splintered timbers.

What I find most impressive about their picture, especially after reading today`s verse is the rock on which it stands.

Nothing will move the rock foundation it is built upon.

The waves do not move it.

The storms do not shift it.

The days and nights, weeks and months, the changing seasons can do nothing to change its location or its steadfastness.

That is our God.

Our circumstances do nothing to His character. Our emergencies do not shake the foundations of His holiness. Our poor choices and moments of doubts do not cause Him to shiver or shake.

He is our Rock. Our Eternal Rock on which we can build our lives.

MARVELOUS & MIRACULOUS
Today`s reading: Job 9-10

``His works are too marvelous to understand. He performs miracles without number.`` Job 9:10 NLT

Marvelous-extremely good or enjoyable

Miracle-an unusual or wonderful event believed to be caused by the power of God.

I will admit to you since we`re so close...I like getting my way. I like seeing my plan come together. I like things to be done in the order I lay out in my mind. I like to know what`s coming.

So when I read what Job said in verse ten, I have to stop and take an inventory of my heart and mind.

God`s works are too marvelous and His miracles are innumerable.

When I look through human eyes, I will admit, I would like to see a few more of His marvelous works and a lot more of His miracles.

That is why I looked up the definition of both words.

The definitions surprised me.

I tend to think, the self-centered person I am, that His marvelous works need to be enjoyed by me and look over the part about them being extremely good, from His hand, according to His plan--not my own.

I also think miracles are the things that go by my own definition of how and what I think should occur. Things that are fair. Things that are pleasant. Things that are what I have prayed for. I never allowed the word unusual into the definition I wrote for the miracles I have been hoping for.

I needed the definitions this morning. I needed to reset my thinking in regards to all He does for me. I needed to have my focus changed.

His works are marvelous, especially the ones I don`t understand. He performs miracles without number, without me noticing, without my approval,without my having asked Him to do it.

FLAWLESS
Today`s reading: Psalm 12-14

``And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times over.`` Psalm 12:6 NIV

Absolutely nothing I know of is flawless.

Without blemish. Without a seam. Without scar. Without imperfection. Without room for improvement or correction. Without defect.

Nothing in nature. Nothing in the greatest saint I know. Certainly nothing in myself.

And yet I grasp with both hands, my whole heart and the very core of my being this truth about God`s words.

Flawless.

Needing nothing to complete it, verify it or amend it. Needing no support. Solidly perfect. Unchanging. A trustworthy base.

I have nothing of value except for the belief that I am trusting in, attempting to live by and proclaiming with enthusiasm these perfect words of His. These life changing words of His. These soul saving words of His. These timeless words of His. These cannot keep from sharing words of His.

And my imperfect attempts do nothing to their flawlessness. Praise God!

WHAT RIGHT?
Today`s reading: Joshua 21-24

``We have built this altar because we fear that in the future your descendants will say to ours, What right do you have to worship the Lord, the God of Israel?`` Joshua 22:24 NLT

The tribes of Reuben, Gad and half of the tribe of Manasseh had been hard at work helping the remaining tribes settle into their new land. They had made a promise to Moses, and the others clans to do all they could to secure the Promised Land for them before returning across the Jordan River to the land they had claimed, with God`s blessing.

The battles, skirmishes and fights were now over and they two and one-half tribes were preparing to cross over to their home, but they needed to make sure of one thing...

They needed to know that there would be no doubt, ever, of their belonging to the community of God--no matter where they lived.

So they built a replica altar as a memorial.

A reminder to themselves, their posterity and to others that they knew and worshiped the One True God.

They wanted this memorial to keep any barriers broken down that might prevent united worship.

We need those kinds of memorials in our churches and lives today.

For my sake, and for yours.

We need to make sure to notice memorials built for the purpose of marking spiritual growth--so we don`t separate ourselves from new believers or seasoned saints.

We need to acknowledge memorials built for the purpose of reminding us of grace--all we have received and all we are called to give.

We need to see memorials like this and realize how varied our personal worship may be, but how deserving and encompassing our Savior is of our attempts.

Differences will always exist, therefore our focus on God cannot change.

Look for memorials...in your life and in theirs.

ORDER THE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Today`s reading: Genesis 16-19

``But God replied, Sarah, your wife, will bear you a son. You will name him Isaac and I will confirm my everlasting covenant with him and his descendants.`` Genesis 17:19 NLT

Abraham argued it couldn`t be done. And, oh, did he have plenty of examples of why...

They had tried the Hagar/Ishmael thing.

He was 100 years old.

Sarah was 90.

And yet when it came down to it, it all hinged on the simple fact--God said it would happen.

We know it did happen.

We know from reading further on in the book that a new baby arrived. We know he was named Isaac. We know he came despite all the odds against it.

Instead of doubting, Abraham should have just begun  ordering the monogramed blankets and onesies.

Instead of attempting to figure it all out, Abraham should have begun buying up diapers.

Instead of trying to help God out, Abraham should have trusted.

So, where does that leave us?

What has He told us that we`re not believing?

What promises has He laid out before us that we`re not quite able to stake our trust on?

What glimmer of hope has He put in our hearts that we cannot quite grab hold of?

If He said it, we can believe it...it`s as simple as that!

PEACE, PEACE, WONDERFUL PEACE
Today`s reading: Romans 9-10

``As the Scriptures tell us, Anyone who believes in him will not be disappointed.`` Romans 10:11 NLT

Imagine, not being disappointed.

Not being let down.

Not watching as a promise is broken or a vow left by the wayside.

Imagine not wondering `if`.

No need to fear. Or worry. Or be anxious. Or apprehensive. No unease. No doubt.

Imagine nothing but peace, peace, wonderful peace.

You can have it--but only through Him.

UP AND AT `EM
Today`s reading: Matthew 8-10

``When Jesus arrived at Peter`s house, Peter`s mother-in-law was in bed with a high fever. But when Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her. Then she got up and prepared a meal for them.`` Matthew 8:14-15 NLT

A miracle in the house!

An ordinary woman, living on an ordinary street, a mom of boys (turned fishers-of men)--and a miracle occurs!

And what did she do after being touched by God incarnate?

She cooked supper.

Really, she cooked supper.

The pots and pans were no different. The plates, bowls and cups held no greater appeal. The flatware hadn`t turned to a gleaming brass. The menu hadn`t changed.

Everything was the same, except for her.

She served God, worshipped Him for all He had done, lived for Him by doing her day-in-day-out activities with a different heart.

No matter what we are called to do, we have to remember we have been touched by Him.

Shouldn`t that change how we go about everything?

Everything?

WHEN
Today`s reading: Isaiah 18-22

``...When the people cry out to the Lord for help against those who oppress them, he will send them a savior who will rescue them.`` Isaiah 19:20 NLT

Here is just what I needed this morning...

The Scripture doesn`t say, ` If the people need a savior, I will think about sending them one.`

It states clearly, hundreds of years before Christ was born in Bethelehem, before any good Jew would think there might possibly be another way to the Father`s side, before really hard times befell them...a Savior was coming because He would be needed.

It`s always a matter of `when` we finally decide we need Him.

It`s going to happen, we`re going to need Him.

And He will be all we need.

IT`S JUST NOT FAIR
Today`s reading: Job 7-8

``Have I sinned? What have I done to you, O watcher of all humanity? Why have you made me your target? Am I a burden to you?`` Job 7:20 NLT

It`s just not fair.

Why me?

Well, what about them?

We`ve all said it in our minds, despite the fact that most of us are many birthdays away from the childish, hands-on-our-hips years.

But we`ve thought it. Oh, have we thought it.

When things don`t go our way. When happenings occur that we don`t deserve. When others receive what we want or think we are owed.

We go to God in our whiney voices.

And many of our friends agree we are deserving of our complaints.

And yet, when we lay these `problems` at His feet, they seem a little less than worthy of His time.

When we focus on Him, what`s been done to us pales, what is unfair shrinks in importance, what all is going wrong in our lives matter less.

Maybe that`s just where we need to be.

PERIOD
Today`s reading: Psalm 9-11

``I trust in the Lord for protection. So why do you say to me, Fly to the mountains for safety?`` Psalm 11:1 NLT

This is one of David`s psalms. One written by him. One written from the experiences of his heart.

David knew fear. He knew what it was like to be running for his life. He knew the emotions involved with hiding out from the enemy and wondering if this day were his last.

And still he says, in a complete sentence, one ending with a period...

I trust in the Lord for protection.

Maybe you are worried about a test result, a biopsy, a call back from the doctor.

Maybe your dollars are stretched farther than possible and another bill arrived in the mailbox.

Maybe all you`ve believed to be true has been up-ended and faith broken into little pieces.

Trust in the Lord for protection.

Allow Him to protect your mind, your heart, your home, your life.

Say it out loud, I trust in the Lord for protection.

Say it loudly, I trust in the Lord for protection.

Shout it as loud as you can, I trust in the Lord for protection.

Say it to yourself as many times a day as you need to, I trust in the Lord for protection.

I trust in the Lord for protection...period.

I`ve found the verse.
I`ve been looking for it for as long as I`ve know I was going to Israel.
It`s just the one I was hoping it would be.
It holds all I wanted it to hold, in a compact size...

Proverbs 3:23

It doesn`t really matter the translation, just look:

``Then you will walk safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble.`` KJV
``They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble.`` NLT
``Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.`` NIV
``You`ll travel safely, you`ll neither tire nor trip.`` MSG

The passage refers to wisdom and discernment or discretion. That`s fine with me. I am planning on taking them with me to Israel. I want to make the best choices. I want to think through things before I act, or speak(that is not easy for me to do). I want to be filled less with what I think I know than I am with what He chooses to reveal to me.

I`m ready for my trip. I have had this verse embroidered on my travel vest--as a promise from Him and as reminder to me.

Twenty-seven days from today!

BLESSINGS TOO BIG
Today`s reading: Joshua 16-20

``...This is the inheritance of the families of Simeon. Their inheritance came from part of what had been given to Judah because Judah`s territory was too large for them...`` Joshua 19:8-9 NLT

Why was the territory Judah had been given too large for them? You can find the answer in the last few verses of Joshua 15--They couldn`t/wouldn`t drive out the Jebusites. The ones God told them to get rid of. The ones whose land it had been before God staked a claim on it. The ones keeping them from settling in where God ha brought them.

Maybe it`s childish of me, but I don`t want someone else to get my blessing.

I don`t want the record to show what God had intended for me to be passed to someone else who did what He asked me to do.

I`ll stomp my feet, clench my fists and shout in my most childlike voice--That`s mine, God gave it to me!

Sure, I`ll share in blessings. And I do want others blessed. But I want what`s mine and I want to be found putting forth the effort He requires to stake my claims on them and maintaining every one of them.

It`s got me thinking about what I may have missed out on...

REWARD
Today's reading: Genesis 12-15

"Afterward the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great." Genesis 15:1 NLT

What is a 'reward'? According to Merriam Webster...

1.  1: something that is given in return for good or evil done or received or that is offered or given for some service or attainment reward for his capture>

2: a stimulus administered to an organism following a correct or desired response that increases the probability of occurrence of the response

I believe there is no better choice of a word when it comes to the benefit we receive from serving God with our hearts and lives.

 

The gift given for service rendered to His Kingdom.

 

The goal set for us to make it through this life.

 

The prize that keeps us going towards the finish line.

 

The bounty exceeding our hopes and dreams.

 

The award given for a job well done, not necessarily a job done perfectly.

 

For a faithful, God honoring Christian, our reward is great. Greater than we can imagine. Greater than we can hope.

 

THE POINT
Today's reading: Romans 7-8

"So this is the point: The law no longer holds you in its power, because you died to its power when you died with Christ on the cross..." Romans 7:7 NLT

A quick Google search tells me that there were 613 Old Testament laws devout Jews were asked to keep on a daily basis.

That's a lot of rules.

That's a lot of time spent thinking about a lot of rules to keep.

Those rules were meant to keep Old Testament people safe, set apart from the world and holy.

I'm so glad Jesus came.

I couldn't keep those rules. Not all 613 of them. Not a good portion of them, if I am to be honest.

He came and provided a way beyond the rules.

He came and offered grace.

Grace covers me.

And you.
 

NARROW PLACES
Today's reading: Matthew 5-7

"You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. But the gateway for life is small and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it." Matthew 7:13-14 NLT

We have two vehicles here on the farm.

One is my run-around car. The blue dart. The better in gas mileage. The errand-running, school-pick-up, drive back and forth to work transportation.

I can whip it in any parking space. I can squeeze it in tight places. I can turn around on a dime when I drive the blue car. I can park up close to the doors at any store.

And we have the farm truck.

It's big.

It's wide.

It's hard for me to park.

If I drive it to Wal-Mart, you'll find me with the other over-sized vehicles on the back lot. It won't fit in every parking space. It requires a forty-acre field for me to turn it around. It doesn't 'whip' into places. It doesn't allow me to park up front, run in really quickly and back out in a hurry.

When I read today's verses, I can relate to what Jesus is saying.

I can't take an over-sized life into heaven. There are things I need to leave behind to follow Him. There is baggage I must cull in order to keep up with His pace and go where He needs me to go.

It's not the easy life and when I remind myself of that, I can make the right choices, I can push aside selfish desires, I can release harmful feelings that have no place on the highway to holiness.

I can choose to live life in the narrow lane that leads to heaven or be stuck where only the big, gray farm trucks will fit.

HE HAS MADE AN OATH
Today's reading: Isaiah 12-17

"I have a plan for the whole earth, for my mighty power reaches throughout the world." Isaiah 14:26 NLT

To take this verse as it is gives hope.

To look back a verse or two to see that it begins with..."The Lord Almighty has sworn this oath...", makes it power-packed, energized, super-charged and something we can take to the bank.

God has a plan.

God has always had a plan.

God's plan will continue.

Despite man. Despite rulers. Despite policy changes. Despite social norms. Despite media. Despite churches that don't preach His plan.

God has a plan. It begins with Him and ends with Him and has Jesus in between and throughout.

He's allowing us in. He's inviting us in. He's wanting us in.

So, is it His plan or your own?

DESPITE THE PAIN
Today's reading: Job 5-6

"At least I can take comfort in this: Despite the pain, I have not denied the words of the Holy One." Job 6:10 NLT

I think of Job as he makes this statement.

His heart couldn't be any more broken.

His mind couldn't be any more devoid of understanding.

His home couldn't be any more empty.

His body, quite possibly, couldn't hurt any more than it does.

And yet, he tells his friends, and us, that despite the pain he has not left God's side. He has not allowed God's words to leave his heart and mind. He has not turned his back on God.

Oh, that we could say the same things.

That despite the sting of another's words, we remain godly.

Despite the everyday aches and the to the marrow pain, we remain godly.

Despite what's been done to us, we remain godly.

Despite what we understand, we remain godly.

Despite how things work out, we remain godly.

Despite who hurts us again, we remain godly.

Despite how uncomfortable it is, we remain godly.

Despite the story written with the days of our lives, we remain godly.

That's a lofty goal. One only, only, done walking with our Lord.

THE NIGHT SKY
Today's reading: Psalm 6-8

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

I've seen God.

As early as I've gotten up, I've seen Him.

From my worn, comfortable prayer chair, I've seen Him.

As I look out the front door onto our prairie and the night sky that is sparkling with stars--stars He has set in place, shined to a brilliance, named and ordered to be in the section of the universe that I can see from my spot, I've seen Him.

I see Him in the sliver of moon that's still shining in the clear sky. It's a curving smile. I see Him.

Moon and stars set on the backdrop of a black sky. Like jewels in a showcase. Treasures displayed. Creations to be admired. Craftsmanship.

And He thought enough of me to allow it.

Me. Me! Me?

Who am I that He would think to do all that, and so much more, for me?

IS HE ENOUGH?
Today's reading: Joshua 11-15

"These are the allotments Moses had made while he was on the plains of Moab, across the Jordan River, east of Jericho. But Moses gave no land to the tribe of Levi, for the Lord, the God of Israel, had promised to be their inheritance." Joshua 13:32-33 NLT

If I were one of the tribe of Levi, would I have been content to stand around while other tribes received their allotment of land? While 'deeds' were passed out, would I have smiled and congratulated my neighbors? Would I have been happy about my friends receiving acreage in this new, unbelievable land, while I received--the Lord? Would I have been pleased to see others settle into their homes, on their own pieces of land, as I walked back and forth in the Tabernacle grounds each day? 

Would God have been enough for me?

Am I content to have Him when I still don't have answers to the prayers I continue to pray?

Am I satisfied to have Him when I don't understand, or like, what it is He is doing?

Am I pleased to have Him when those I see around me receive material blessings that make me jealous?

Am I gratified to have 'just' Him when what I've asked for is the pain to leave, the long night to end or the thorn to be removed?

Is God enough for me?

Is God enough for you?

MONUMENTS
Today's reading: Genesis 8-11

"Let's build a great city with a tower that reaches to the skies--a monument to our greatness!.." Genesis 11:4 NLT

How arrogant , you say.

How self-centered, you say.

How self-aggrandizing, you say.

How un-Christlike, you say.

How like us, I say. And you know you agree.

Maybe we're not using bricks and asphalt to build up monuments that glorify us, but aren't we spending a good portion of our day making ourselves look good?

Bringing attention to our works, our deeds, our attempts, and others' failures?

Maybe it's in how we're wanting our children to behave/live/respond.

Maybe it's in how we want our house to look to everyone who might visit, not necessarily to everyone living in it.

Maybe it's in how we place ourselves as the main topic of conversation.

Maybe it's how easily we see the faults in others, and so seldom in ourselves.

We are monument-makers, all of us.

But today, after reading how it ended for the monument-makers in Genesis 11, how about we turn our attentions and talents into building a monument to God out of our lives.

Make it all about Him.

I am doing this blogpost as a test for my upcoming trip. Only 36 days away! Keep me in prayer as I prepare spiritually for this life-changing opportunity.

EXPECTATION
Today's reading: Romans 5-6

"And this expectation will not disappoint us..." Romans 5:5 NLT

Ever been disappointed by someone or something?

Ever had someone or something not live up to your expectations?

Ever invested time, money and effort into someone or something that didn't work out as you had hoped it would?

We all have.

People let us down or show us a side of themselves we had not known about. Items arrive not as shiny and sparkly as they had been advertised on TV. Efforts, even the best of them, prove insufficient.

Here is what Paul is saying in our verse today: Salvation will not let us down!

The church may. Christian people might. Circumstances may lead us to believe we're alone in big, ugly world. Answers may not come when we need them or show up in the way in which we had asked.

But salvation, the saving us from our sins, the setting us up as children of God, the guarantee of a heavenly home WILL NOT DISAPPOINT!

THREE PART MESSAGE
Today's reading: Matthew 3-4

"In those days John the Baptist began preaching in the Judean wilderness. His message was, Turn from your sin and turn to God, because the King of Heaven is near." Matthew 3:1-2 NLT

It's the same message the church is preaching today--well, almost the same message.

It's a three part message:

1. Turn from your sin
2. Turn to God
3. Believe this world is not all there is

Too many churches. No, I'll correct myself, too many Christians. No, I'll correct myself again, too many people who call themselves Christians, are preaching one, maybe two of the parts of John's message, but rarely all three parts.

A lot of people are being told what they're doing is wrong. Sinfully wrong. Keep you from heaven wrong. Keep you from hanging with the church-crowd wrong. But are they also hearing the parts about turning to God, to His church, to the people who should be loving them and that there is more offered in being His than just here and now?

A lot of people are being told they need to turn to God. Completely to Him. Push aside everything and anyone else. But are they also hearing that their old ways of life need pushed away, done away with, turned from? And are they being nurtured by the church and the folks of the church in the growth required to fully appreciate heaven?

A lot of people are being told this world will end soon. Preachers standing on street corners yelling. Folks condemning this world with posterboards and billboards. End-of-world proclaimers. But are they being told there is a way to make it out of this world alive? A way to greet the end of life with life?

It's still a three part message. No part can be left out. No step avoided or not proclaimed.

1. Turn from your sin
2. Turn to God
3. Look forward to Heaven

CHAINS
Today's reading: Isaiah 7-11

"For God will break the chains that bind his people, and the whip that scourges them, just as he did when he destroyed the army of Midian with Gideon's little band." Isaiah 9:4 NLT

Chains don't just bind. They don't just confine. They don't only keep us from doing what we want to do.

You see, I'm thinking about the old log chain my husband keeps in the barn. In a specific place in the barn. In a place where we always know where it is. In a place that's easy to get to--because we need it pretty often.

Not to bind something up. Not to keep something confined. Not to keep something from doing what it wants to do and it shouldn't.

It's used, several times a year especially in the spring, to pull our lawn mower out of the ditch.

When we think we can inch just a little closer to the wetter part of the yard. When we think one more pass will make it look nicer. When we (mostly I) think going at it at a much higher speed will allow me to zip right through the softer ground that grabs the tires and won't let go.

That's when we get the chain. And the four-wheeler. To pull us out of somewhere we shouldn't be and ended up at easier than we thought we would.

When today's verse told me that God breaks the chains used by my enemy, that's what I immediately thought about. God breaks the chains used by satan to draw me away. He breaks the chains of my heart that allow me to wander from Him. He breaks the chains of temptation that cause my heart to go astray.

Of all the sermons I've heard about the chains broken by God, I've never heard it presented in that way. Sure, I've heard them talk about the binding properties of chains. The restrictive properties. The disabling properties. But the chains satan uses to lure me away?

Satan is tugging at my mind already this morning. He's attempting to distract me. He wants to change my focus...but God breaks those chains. God makes it impossible for satan to have a pull on me.

My chains are gone, I've been set free. My God my Savior has ransomed me!

FAITH IN THE STORMS
Today's reading: Job 3-4

"In the past you have encouraged many a troubled soul to trust in God; you have supported those who were weak.  Your words have strengthened the fallen, you steadied those who wavered. But now when trouble strikes, you faint and are broken." Job 4:3-5 NLT

I'll be the first to admit it's easiest to be a God-worshiper when the sun is shining, the birds are singing and the path is lined with roses.

But it's not always like that.

Truthfully, it's seldom like that.

Some days are stormy. Some nights are long. Some problems don't go away. Some things don't make sense, any sense at all. Some hurts are too deep. Some questions are too big. Some people are too good at camouflaging their resemblance to Jesus.

But we have to have faith in these stormy times.

We have to make sure, even when we don't feel like it or don't understand it all, that those to whom we have been witnessing see us press on towards what we've been attempting to show them.

I keep on because I proclaim to be a Christian at work.

I keep on because I have a young man in my house who I'm attempting to raise to know and trust and serve my living Savior.

I keep on because for many years I've taught children in our church and at the point in their lives when God may call them back to what they knew, I want them to see me there--still loving God, still serving in the church, still proclaiming that the Bible is my favorite book in the world!

I've got to keep on because of all the times I've encouraged another to do just that.

You've got to keep on, too, fellow pilgrim.

I HAVE JOY
Today's reading: Psalm 3-5

"You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and wine." Psalm 4:7 NLT

I love it when God chooses to remind me of all that I have.

Not all that I hold, but all that I have.

Not the things I can gather in a pile, but all I cherish in my heart.

Not the things that can be displayed, but what keeps the smile in my heart.

Not the things that bring me happiness, but the things that fill me with joy!

FREED TO GO
Today's reading: Romans 3-4

"Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins." Romans 3:24 NLT

Imagine being held and charged with crimes you were guilty of, very guilty of.

Imagine the attorney arguing your case before the judge and jury.

Imagine the Judge sitting there, listening to the whole story, reviewing all the evidence, looking deeply into just what happened.

Your charges are stated. Your guilt laid out plainly for all to see.

And yet the Judge declares you not guilty.

You are freed to go.

Would you stand and argue with Him? Would you re-state your case, making sure He understood all the issues, the crimes, the sins? Would you refuse to leave the courtroom? Would you ask that the handcuffs not be removed?

As I think of this scenario, I'm given pause to think about all I'm doing with the salvation He has granted me. Am I going forward freed? Am I considering myself released from guilt? Am I living the life of one who has been granted pardon, forgiveness and royal adoption?

Are you? 

IN HIS PRESENCE
Today's reading: Matthew 1-2

"...Once again the star appeared to them, guiding them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house where the child and his mother, Mary, were, and they fell down before him and worshiped him." Matthew 2:9-11 NLT

It says the wise men were filled with joy when they saw the star.

That's nice.

Joy is a great feeling. It gives you the warm fuzzies and makes you feel better all over.

What I like reading is that the star brought them joy, but the Baby brought them to their knees. It was only when they saw the Christ Child that they worshipped. Truly worshipped.

I want this year, for me, to be filled with more worship.

More on my knees, overflowing from my heart, spilling out of my soul, worship.

More time in His presence.

More of what's important--to Him and to the deepest part of me.

 

MY REAL ILLNESS
Today's reading: Isaiah 1-6

"Why do you continue to invite punishment? Must you rebel forever? Your head is injured, and your heart is sick." Isaiah 1:5 NLT

Isaiah is found passing along a message from God to the children of Israel. The country God birthed. The people God protected. The nation God set aside as holy. The ones God selected as His own.

Speaking through Isaiah, He told them their heads were injured and their hearts sick. It was from these injuries and illness sin was seeping into their lives--and piling guilt onto their shoulders.

If I think about it, their diagnosis is my diagnosis.

Wrong thinking from an injured head.

Distorted feelings from a heart that isn't aligned with its Creator.

Lack of knowledge.

Wrong desires.

Accepting things that are not good for me, or for my faith walk.

Partial to no obedience.

Pushing aside realization in regards to sin in my life.

Half-hearted worship.

Head and heart issues, yes, that's my problem--and your problem--and the problem of the world.

The Good News is, we have a Great Physician!