NOT ONE STONE
Today's reading: Mark 13-14

"As Jesus was leaving the Temple that day, one of his disciples said, Teacher look at these tremendous buildings! Look at the massive stones in the walls! Jesus replied, These magnificent buildings will be so completely demolished that not one stone will be left on top of another." Mark 13:1-2 NLT

This is the picture I took standing on the southern end of the Temple area in Jerusalem.

This is the exact verse I thought of when I saw this pile of stones...not rocks, not rubble, but stones. Some eight feet tall and four or five feet across.

Jesus knew what was ahead when He saw the boys looking in amazement at the grand walls of the city. He knew what was to come of what they were so ardently admiring. He knew how inconsequential these massive stones were in regards to what was to come.

He does the same with the mountainous obstacles in our way today!

EVERY WORD
Today's reading: Jeremiah 22-26

"...Give them my entire message; include every word." Jeremiah 26:2 NLT

Some folks think the Bible is full of nothing but condemning accusations meant to do nothing more than belittle and convict.

Others think it contains page after page of rules and regulations meant to restrict and keep us soberly unsocial.

Still others tout it is nothing but love, mercy and grace.

Funny thing is, it is so much more than could ever rightly be described.

It does contain accusations meant to bring us to an awareness of our need for a Savior. It does give us rules for right living and tells us that discipline will come when those rules are disregarded. It also flows with hope, enough hope to get us through this life and into the next.

So we must give the world its entire message. We cannot leave anything out. We cannot change the words in regards to tolerance or political correctness. We cannot provide only what will entice or encourage. We cannot shout only accusations and use it as a finger-pointing tool.

We need the whole Bible to realize our gift of salvation and His redemption.

Give them God's entire message, include every word.

HE IS WATCHING
Today's reading: Job 33-34

"For God carefully watches the way people live; he sees everything they do." Job 34:2 NLT

People are making a lot of money living their lives before cameras to provide the media with reality TV.

I've come to realize my life is far too boring, too ordinary, too simple and too empty of excitement for me to ever make my living providing folks with entertainment.

If my life were to be made into a television series, the viewers would probably prefer to watch the commercials than what I'm up to!

That being said, we are all being watched, all the time.

God sees us.

He sees us no matter what we think we are hiding from Him.

He sees us when we sure hope He doesn't.

He sees us when we begrudgingly serve.

He sees us when we judge.

He sees us when our bodies, hearts or minds are not in the right place.

He sees us when we cower in fear.

He sees when we lift up another.

I believe He does find humor in parts of our life, sadness in others. We are to Him, a comedy and a tragedy.

REDEEMED, HOW I LOVE TO PROCLAIM IT
Today's reading: Psalm 48-50

"But as for me, God will redeem my life..." Psalm 49:15 NLT

Oh, how I needed His words to me this morning.

Satan had me convinced that I had messed up beyond correction this time...

But God has redeemed my mistakes!

Satan had me convinced that the chains of bondage and sin were too tight for me to become free of them...

But God has released me!

Satan had told me, time and time again, that what I had done was too much...

But God paid a price for my life!

Satan had whispered in my ear that no one was coming for me...

But God sent Jesus riding into my life on His white horse of salvation!

Satan had me fearing the penalty I would have to pay...

But Jesus paid it all!

Ransomed, rescued, released, loosed, delivered...loved!

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child and forever I am.

Refrain

Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.

Redeemed, redeemed, His child and forever I am.

Redeemed, and so happy in Jesus,

 No language my rapture can tell;
I know that the light of His presence
With me doth continually dwell.

Refrain

I think of my blessèd Redeemer,
I think of Him all the day long:
I sing, for I cannot be silent;
His love is the theme of my song.

Refrain

I know there’s a crown that is waiting,
In yonder bright mansion for me,
And soon, with the spirits made perfect,
At home with the Lord I shall be.

-Fanny Crosby

MY WORDS
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 1-4

"...God only know what would have happened if you hadn't spoken..." 2 Samuel 2:27 NLT

The first few chapters of 2 Samuel give us details of one of David's many battles.

Saul has just died and the northern and southern tribes of the land were set against each other in a big way. Tensions were high. Revenge looked sweet. Loyalties were up for grabs. Getting even was a common theme.

The verse that jumped off the page at me was spoken by Joab, one of David's fighting men, in regards to the death of Asahel. These words soothed. These words stopped a possible bloodshed. These words caused retreat.

They are a reminder of the power of our words.

Of my words.

Of your words.

How will we use them today? What will come of the words God leads us to say? Whose life might be changed today because we choose to speak for Him?

God only knows.

YOUR PROBLEM
Today's reading: Exodus 13-16

"So the people of Israel walked through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!" Exodus 14:22 NLT

Yesterday was my turn to teach the lesson to the littles of our church. They were wiggly. They were active. They were noisy. They were a room-ful of energy. They had playdoh-ed and were attempting to transition into sitting down for Bible time...and it was hard!

What I loved was that the lesson I had to present for the day was an attention grabber for most every child...the account of Jesus healing the blind man with mud made from His spit.

There's nothing like spit, dirt and mud that makes a kid listen to a grown-up! It is funny. It is attention getting. It is intriguing. It is a truth, because that's what they have learned the pages of the Bible contain. They all listened. They all sat rapt with attention. They all were able to answer the questions I had for them after the account was read. They all thought the picture was 'cool'!

It's made me think...Why do we, as grown-ups, ever choose to let go of the excitement for God's Word?

As I read in Exodus this morning, I pause at the narrative of the walls of the Red Sea standing at attention as the Israelites passed by. How high were the walls? How many kids, and grown-ups reached out to touch the walls of water? Did they see fish swimming? Did they kick up dust as they walked along the dried up sea bed?

Does that still intrigue you? Does it still excite you? Does it hold your attention today as it did when the flannelgraph pictures were placed before you years ago?

Does knowing what God has done give you encouragement? Does it stir your heart to believe Him for one more miracle? Does it enable you for the task at hand? Does it make you continue on just to see what it is He will do next?

I exhort you and beseech you in the compassion of Christ, faint not, weary not. There is a great necessity of heaven; you must have it. Think it not easy; for it is a steep ascent to eternal glory; many are lying dead by the way, that were slain with security.    - Samuel Rutherford

NEW STARTS
Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 1-3

"...The old way ends in death, in the new way, the Holy Spirit gives life." 2 Corinthians 3:6 NLT

Is Sunday your 'begin again' day?

Maybe it's Monday, new page on the planner, new start in life?

Maybe yours is January 1st?

Maybe yours each every Wednesday?

Maybe, like me, you have to start again every morning with your good intentions and hope-filled healthy habits.

No matter your 'day', it boils down to this: it is more than a page on the calendar, a cycle of the moon or a date you can write at the top of your journal page...it's all about God and His power!

Apart from God, His ways, following His will, listening to His voice, attempting to be like His Son, we are branches that have been cut off and left to shrivel up.

Any old way that leads us away from God will lead to death. Sometimes a quick death, other times a slow, painful, lifetime lasting death.

But with the Holy Spirit, there is life. Green, abundant, growing and never stopping life!

Today is your day...and mine...and theirs...which way will we go?

HE HAD HEARD
Today's reading: Mark 11-12

"They said what Jesus had told them to say, and they were permitted to take it." Mark 11:6 NLT

Setting the scene:

Jesus is on the Mount of Olives. He has sent two of his disciples across the valley to the edge of Jerusalem to procure a young donkey. From a stranger. At a time when the city was overrun with visitors for a special season.

Here's what I believe...

-The man had to have heard about Jesus.

-The man had to have heard good things about Jesus.

-The man had to have heard good things about Jesus and he wanted in on what he had heard.

-The man had to have heard good things about Jesus and he wanted in on it so badly that he was willing to hand over his prized possession.

-The man, I don't know how or when, had to have been blessed by his act of obedience.

-The man was led by God to act and react in a way that allowed for Jesus to ride into Jerusalem on a beast symbolizing kingship.

-The man is now recognized as a servant of God, by his simple act.

From what I have read, I can believe that if God leads me to speak to someone--stranger or not, there is a great probability that He has already begun working in their heart.

So, I needn't be afraid.

SHRUBS AND TREES
Today's reading: Jeremiah 17-21

"This is what the Lord says: Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in a barren wilderness, on the salty flats where no one lives. But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried about long months of drought. Their leaves stay green and they go right on producing delicious fruit." Jeremiah 17:5-8 NLT

Now is the time to cue up the Wild West music. The haunting whistle of wind across an old Vaquero's guitar. The music that leads us to believe a parched, worn and dusty cowboy will soon be seen in the sunset...

The camera scans from left to right across the barren desert prairie where we see a weathered skull of a long horn, dust devils that swirl across the canyons and short, scruffy shrubs. Shrubs that because of such shallow roots and minimal rain, will at the next gust of wind break from their moorings and tumble across the land scape.

That's what I think of when I read Jeremiah's words about our roots.

Am I a tumbleweed, no roots, no hope, no legacy?

Or am I that strong tree growing along the riverbank? One that external circumstances do not affect? One that lasts? One that benefits others?

I know which one I want to be...what about you?

MY GOD
Today's reading: Job 31-32

"He sees everything I do and every step I take." Job 31:4 NLT

I don't serve a god who is only in one place at any given time.

I don't worship one to whom I need to make a pilgrimage in order that he hear me.

I don't live my life for a god who needs angels to do his bidding or his work.

I don't bow to a statue that resides on a shelf in my home or could be toted along in my pocket.

My God is everywhere. He sees everything. He is all mighty and all powerful. He is more than I could ever contain or explain. He creates for the sake of His praise.

As I sit here looking out over the still dark prairie, wondering just what my day might hold, fearing a little, anxious over a lot--I know He sees what I am doing now and where I will walk today.

My God, not a god, sees everything I do and every step I take!

 

FOR RIGHT NOW
Today's reading: Psalm 45-47

"Be still, and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10 NKJV

"Be silent, and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10 NLT

There are folks who like to flit from one translation of the Bible to another, looking for what it is they want/need to hear. They desperately need a word from God. A word that is easy to understand. A word that is straight to the heart. A word that is specifically for them.

I did that this morning.

You see, I can neither sit still nor be quiet...but that's all I got from Him this morning.

This morning it is time I didn't. Time I didn't talk. Didn't attempt to do. Didn't move.

It is time I didn't do anything but listen for Him, relax in Him and rest in Him...and know.

FINDING STRENGTH
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 26-31

"David was now in serious trouble because his men were very bitter about losing their wives and children, and they began to talk about stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God." 1 Samuel 30:6 NLT

Lord,

I've stood in a situation similar to David's.

I've watched as, what seemed to be, those closest to me picked up stones and rolled them around in their hands.

I've, more than I care to admit, let folks down.

I've tried my best to follow Your lead, only to 'come home and find my village ransacked'.

I've attempted to lead, only to find I was wrong in my timing, in my stand and in my attempt.

But having stood where David stood, I have also found strength in You.

You conquered my fears. You moved the enemy to drop their stones. You allowed a spirit of grace and forgiveness to fall over the hearts of those I've hurt. You corrected me gently and lovingly. You welcomed me back with open arms.

When I was weak, hurt, alone, despised, overlooked, wrong, You allowed me to find strength in You.

Thank You, Lord.

Promises, though they be for a time seemingly delayed, cannot be finally frustrated.... the heart of God is not turned though His face be hid; and prayers are not flung back, though they be not instantly answered.  -Timothy Cruso

HIS BLOOD
Today's reading: Exodus 9-12

"The blood you have smeared on your doorposts will serve as a sign. When I see the blood, I will pass over you..." Exodus 12:13 NLT

As I read this morning, there is one thing God speaks to my heart...

Am I claiming His blood over my home?

I cannot give this charge to my neighbor, my dearest friend or my pastor.

I cannot depend upon great Sunday School teachers, Bible-believing grandparents or church membership.

I cannot think this to be an old-fashioned rite of passage or an out-dated religious practice.

The blood, Christ's blood, is all that will save me--all that will save anyone in my household--all that will save those I love.

Is it so evident, how precious it is to me, how much grace I have received from it, how desperately I claim it as my hope and salvation, in my life that I smear it everywhere I go?

On the doorposts of my home, the counter where I serve the public, the room where I lead a Sunday School class, the couch I sit on during Bible study, the stores I shop in, the lives I touch?

WITH LOVE
Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 15-16

"Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done with love." 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NLT

I can be on guard against satan and his attacks.

I can take a stand that no one can sway me on.

I can face the biggest giants.

I can utilize each and every muscle, physical and spiritual, God has given me.

But unless I do each of these with love, then I am not like Christ.

He loved while on guard.

He loved while taking His stand.

He loved while the giants roared.

He loved while flexing His muscles.

Love may be the hardest part of it all.

LISTENING TO IT ALL
Today's reading: Mark 9-10

"When we get to Jerusalem, he told them, the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die and hand him over to the Romans. They will mock him, spit on him, beat him with their whips and kill him, but after three days, he will rise again." Mark 10:33-34 NLT

So very like the disciples, we get hung up on part of what Jesus said--completely oblivious to His entire thought.

Jesus said He would be betrayed, they worried among themselves which of them would be doing it.

Jesus said He would be sentenced to die and handed over to the Romans, they wondered how He would remove Himself from that pickle.

Jesus said He would be mocked, spit on and beaten, his followers thought long and hard about at which point the fighting Messiah would step in and not allow it.

Jesus said He would be killed, the disciples heard it and immediately thought of themselves--would they be killed? What would happen to them? Was He really the One sent to rescue them from themselves?

Jesus said He would rise again after three days. Did they even hear Him say it? Did it cross their minds that He really meant 'rise again'? Did what He said even register in their heads as they worried over all the other statements Jesus had made?

We do the same thing.

We fret and fear over the statement that this world is not our home and that while here we will have trials and tribulations...but He has also said that at the right time and in the right way, we will be with Him.

Which part of that do we focus on?

WHEN IT IS ME
Today's reading: Jeremiah 12-16

"You may ask yourself, Why is all this happening to me? It is because of your many sins!.." Jeremiah 13:22 NLT

There are several reasons why bad things may be happening in my life.

Firstly, I have been chosen by God to live in an evil world.

Secondly, the sins of others touch my life.

Thirdly, God, yes a loving God, allows things into our life that hurt, that really stink and that we don't really like--all so His glory can be revealed.

But fourthly, and this is the one with which I seem to have to greatest problem, tend to deny with all that's in me, and hate to confess to, but some bad things happen because of my sins.

That, friend and fellow traveler, is a hard pill to swallow.

I, like so many others, like to play the blame game.

I don't like to accept responsibility.

I don't like how it feels to 'fess up'.

I don't like the time, effort or heartache required for me to do a thorough heart evaluation and find myself lacking.

But I will accept it, right here and right now, that there are times when the tough times I endure are all my fault.

Maybe it boils down to an infected, pus-filled attitude.

Maybe I didn't deny myself, how I wanted to respond, how I wanted to react, how I wanted to get my own plan to work out--and I was going to make sure it happened.

Maybe, and may this never happen in your own life, I stood before God with my arms crossed and shouted--Not that way, Lord! I don't want to do it that way!

So, there is a possibility that you have nothing of value in my time of confession, but maybe you've seen a bit of yourself--and have the same sin problem I suffer with.

All grace to our Father, He has promised to forgive us of each and every sin we lay at His feet!

SILENCE
Today's reading: Job 29-30

"I cry to you, O God, but you don't answer me. I stand before you, and you don't bother to look." Job 30:20 NLT

I can find 'when' they believe Job would have been written, but I cannot find how long this book might have lasted from the beginnings of chapter one to the end of chapter forty-two.

How long did Job have to endure feeling cut off from God?

How long did he live feeling like he was being deprived of oxygen?

How long was this 'semester of sorrow'?

Would I be surprised to know it was all over a period of just a few weeks?

Would Job tell me it seemed to drag on for years, centuries, eons?

Would God tell me it lasted just long enough for His glory to be revealed, His decision to be seen as one that touched the world and His ways higher, much higher than our own?

In The Waiting by Greg Long
Pain
The gift nobody longs for, still it comes
And somehow leaves us stronger
When it's gone away
Pray
I try and pray for Your will to be done
But I confess it's never fast enough for me
It seems
the hardest part is waiting on You
When what I really want
Is just to see Your hand move
I want a peace beyond my understanding
I want to feel it fall like rain
In the middle of my hurting
I want to feel Your arms as they surround me
And let me know that it's okay
To be here in this place
Resting in the peace that only comes
In the waiting
Time
Time to let it go and just believe
Trusting in what no one else but You can see
Free
Freedom from the fears that close me in
When I can't get beyond where I have been, but then
Again
The silence doesn't mean that I'm alone
As long as I can hear
That I am still Your own

LONGING FOR GOD
Today's reading: Psalm 42-44

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so I long for you, O God." Psalm 42:1 NLT

My mind runs wild with imaginative scenes as I ponder this verse. This common verse. This verse every believer has heard or read or have heard preached on.

So common, I believe I have allowed the imagery to fade and the thoughts intended by God and David to stir us, to move us, to change us...

Can you see the deer running for its life? From the hunter? From the enemy? From the very one who wants to take the life blood from it?

Can you see it running headlong into familiar thickets, dark forest shadows, craggy valleys only the sure-footed can climb?

Can you hear its breath? Heavy. Deep. Lungs overworked but desperately needing more air.

Can you sense the moment it determines it is in a safe place, the hunter is behind him enough that it can stop and rest?

At that moment, it doesn't need anything the enemy offers. The fear. The emotion. The adrenaline pumping excitement.

It needs water.

It needs re-fueling.

It needs the very thing its body was designed to function on, to crave, to thirst for.

It needs the water like we need God.

GO FIND THEM
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 21-25

"Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith to God." 1 Samuel 23:16 NLT

I find this verse to be convicting.

Sure Jonathan and David were very dear friend, but do you realize the odds Jonathan went against in order to strengthen David's walk with God?

-He went against his father, King Saul.

-He left the army of fighting men whose intention was to find and kill David.

-He went out into the wilderness to locate David. The wilderness, folks. Without GPS tracking, without cell phones, without an all terrain vehicle of any sort.

Just to encourage David in his faith.

And I can't make a phone call?

Or drop a note in the mailbox?

Or send an email?

Or walk across the church parking lot?

Or muster up enough nerve to introduce myself to a new Christian in our church?

I know, as I'm sure Jonathan knew, just what it's like to need and receive encouragement in your faith walk...how it can make all the difference, how it can push you forward, how it can re-ignite the spark, how it can turn a rough day into one that you just know if straight from God's hand.

I want to look for ways to encourage someone in their faith today!

NOW
Today's reading: Exodus 5-8

"So Moses went back to the Lord and protested, Why have you mistreated your own people like this, Lord? Why did you send me? Since I gave Pharaoh your message, he has been even more brutal to your people. You have not even begun to rescue them! Now you will see what I will do with Pharaoh, the Lord told Moses..." Exodus 5:22-6:1 NLT

Maybe, just maybe, this morning you are standing where Moses stood-shaking your fist at God, wondering what in the world He is up to, reminding Him of just what it is He has asked you to do, and pointing out to Him that you have done just that.

Maybe you stand there with your arms making a sweeping gesture of the circumstances He needs to be aware of. Things you may believe have slipped passed His radar.

Maybe you stand before Him tapping on your watch, reminding Him of just how long this trial, tribulation or test has been going on.

Maybe you are on your knees because you feel as if somewhere down the line you've misunderstood Him and have really and truly messed things up.

Maybe you really have, or maybe it's a lie satan has planted in your head.

Maybe now, right now, at this point of desperation, while your hands are off it and your heart is ready, is when God is going to show you something. Something big. Something that starts the ball of change rolling. Something that will make an impact on your life--and the lives of many others.

God knows what He is doing. Trust Him.

Either sin is with you, lying on your shoulders, or it is lying on Christ, the Lamb of God.  Now if it is lying on your back, you are lost; but if it is resting on Christ, you are free, and you will be saved.  Now choose what you want.                     - Martin Luther

OUR GIFTS
Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 13-14

"Since you are so eager to have spiritual gifts, ask God for those that will be of real help to the whole church." 1 Corinthians 14:12 NLT

I'm sure you've seen the 'spiritual gifts' tests that have circulated for many years.

Maybe you've even taken one.

Maybe you've taken each and every one that's floated past.

Maybe you're still hoping to take the one that will direct you to the 'gift' you are really wanting.

The gift that, in your thinking, fits more to you.

A gift that looks good on you and your personality?

A gift that makes you sound good to others?

A gift that makes sense of the past you've tried so hard to run from?

A gift that comes easy to you?

A gift that always brings applause your way because it's done effortlessly?

A gift that matches those little tests you've taken that assign you a certain color or a certain animal type, much like the mystic religions, insuring you needn't change anything at all about yourself?

I've been there, I've done that, I'm guilty as charged!

And yet our verse this morning states clearly that what I should be wanting with my whole heart is what will most impact the Church, not just my church, but the Church.

It has nothing to do with me really. Well, nothing besides my obedience in doing it. And the attitude of heart and mind I do it with.

To say with an honest heart that I most want the gift that will increase the Church is a hard prayer to pray considering I do not know where the growing of that gift inside me might lead.

TELLING
Today's reading: Mark 7-8

"Jesus told the crowd not to tell anyone, but the more he told them not to, the more they spread the news." Mark 7:36 NLT

The crowds couldn't keep it to themselves.

What they had seen and experienced, bubble up inside them until it had to come out.

The miracles they witnessed were not something they could just sit and ponder upon.

Seems to me that in giving the Great Commission, Jesus knew we, as believers and receivers of His grace, would have experienced so much of Him that we couldn't keep quiet either.

THE CHURCH
Today's reading: Jeremiah 7-11

"But do not be fooled by those who repeatedly promise your safety because the Temple of the Lord is here." Jeremiah 7:4 NLT

The Barna Reports give us statistics stating the 'church' is still prominent in our country. The number is lower than in history, but it is still a higher number than the media would lead us to believe.

Maybe that gives you a sense of hope.

It would me, if...

-I was assured that all the reporting congregations were Bible believing congregations.

-I knew for certain that the Gospel was preached and believed at every service held in every church filling out the questionnaire.

-I was sure each and every member of each and every congregation lived holy lives as their pastors hope they are and their membership tells the world they are.

-I could ascertain the mission of each church studied to reach the dying world and nurture them in godliness.

That's a lot to ask for, you say?

I don't think so.

Know how many people we're dealing with here, you ask?

Yes, I do--but it begins in the hearts and minds of individuals, like me and you.

When you and I decide that godliness far surpasses any and every desire to live carnally, when we believe what the Bible says, when we live according to what God asks us to do, when we come together to worship for His glory--our churches will thrive. Our churches will once again be what God intended His body of believers to be.

Then and only then will the walls of our churches no longer offer false hope and an even falser sense of security, they will reach out and touch our homes and our nations, and God's heart.

THIS
Today's reading: Job 27-28

"This is what the wicked will receive from God; this is their inheritance from the Almighty." Job 27:13 NLT

I will admit I have a very vivid imagination. I can picture things in my mind. I can draw pictures mentally to make up for what a printed page doesn't elaborate on.

This is one of those sections of Scripture.

In my mind's eye I see Job seated around a burning fire with his 'friends', quite possibly at the city square or at the gate into the city.

I imagine it is dusk, the smoke is slowly rising from the smoldering firepit.

The 'friends' are leaned back, proud of their presentations. Their smug expressions tell everyone around how very sure they are of what they've administered to a hurting friend.

Job sits hunched over, poking at the fire with a stick. Smudged with ashes. Scratched by the sackcloth. Scabs forming over the boils on his body. Dark circles around his eyes.

I can see Job lift up the stick, pointing it to all that is around them, and say the words of this verse...

'This(emphasis mine), is what the wicked will receive from God; this is their inheritance from the Almighty.'

The 'friends' stare at the shops, the markets, the buildings, the material possessions surrounding them. They see the fine robes hanging in the storekeeper's window. They look over the piles of pomegranates, figs and dates. They see the corral with camels and sheep for sale to the highest bidder. They gaze longingly at the two-story buildings.

In this moment, poor, pitiful Job makes me realize he is feeling sorry for someone other than himself.

He says, in a few words, that despite all he has lost, he is still rich because he is God's friend.

This world offers us nothing. God offers us eternity.

JUST PASSING THROUGH
Today's reading: Psalm 39-41

"Hear my prayer, O Lord! Listen to my cries for help! Don't ignore my tears. For I am your guest-a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before." Psalm 39:12 NLT

I don't guess I had ever thought of myself as God's guest on earth.

But He did place me here. He has provided for me here. He is showcasing one of His finest masterpieces, His creation, to me while I walk this earth.

Often one feels quite pampered while being a guest. The best dishes, nice fluffy towels, accommodations that impress and hosts who tend to your every need.

But being a guest sometimes has its down-side...You never feel like you are 'really' home. You never quite fit in. You never can truly 'unpack' and settle.

Visiting inhabitants.

Temporary inmates.

Resident aliens.

When I think about this earthly orb as the front yard of my home it sure makes it easier to keep traveling to the front door of Heaven, my true home! A place where I can completely unwind, rest 'in my own bed' and unpack all the baggage I may travel with...aaah, home!

There never was found in any age of the world, either philosopher or sect, or law or discipline which did so highly exalt the public good as the Christian faith.   - Francis Bacon

VALLEY OF ELAH
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 16-20

"Saul countered by gathering his troops near the valley of Elah. So the Philistines and Israelites faced each other on opposite hills, with the valley between them." 1 Samuel 17:2-3 NLT

It just so happened that it rained heavily on the eighth day of our trip to Israel. So heavily in fact that a few of the planned stops were shortened and left undone, but we were blessed by our tour guide and our bus driver to get an unplanned trip to the Valley of Elah.

We drove between the hills the fighting armies would have been camped upon.

We drove over the little creek in the valley where David very well may have picked up his five smooth stones.

We were able to view both sides of the battlefield from the comfort and dry of our tour bus.

We did not get to stop and pick up a few stones for our possession.

That kind of burst my bubble.

You see, the valley of Elah was the one place that was on the top of my list of where I most wanted to go when in the Holy Land. I wanted a rock from that area. A real Goliath-killing rock. A keepsake.

But this morning I'm thinking, it wasn't the rock that I really wanted...it was the courage David exhibited that day.

I want it for my valleys.

I want it for the times when my enemy faces me--and he looks very, very big.

I want David's kind of courage for when it's my turn to take a stand for my God.

I want it for when I'm given nothing more than 'a handful of stones' and the cowering watch to see just what I'm going to do.

Wait a minute, I have it!

God lives in me so no giant will overwhelm me, no battle will scare me, no impossible task exists with Him on my side...and I don't even need a rock!

NOW IT HAPPENED THAT
Today's reading: Exodus 1-4

"Now it happened that..." Exodus 2:16 NLT

This is probably one of my favorite phrases in the Word of God.

It causes me to pause.

It brings an air of anticipation to my reading.

It tells me that behind the scenes, without words on a page directing me to believe it, without my knowing or participating--God is at work!

I believe it's going to happen that certain people will be placed in my path today.

I believe, because of words like these, that this devotion will fall into the hands of folks needing it or maybe I will be able to share what I've read with another.

I believe that when I least expect it, God will show up in my day and prove His love for me. In ways I never imagined. In places I had written off as done for. In people I thought I had blown a chance with.

God is at work, and on those blessed days of my life He lets me in on just what it is He is up to.

THE LORD'S SUPPER
Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 11-12

"...Do this in remembrance of me." 1 Corinthians 11:24 NLT

When I read the account of the first communion, my mind goes a thousand places...

-To the first one I took as a new believer.

-The first one I took with my husband standing beside me.

-The first one my son took part in.

-The first one in our new church building.

-To the one I took in the garden, with an empty tomb only yards away.

But this morning, as I read it again, it speaks to my heart.

It's called the Lord's Supper.

The Lord's, not mine.

When I partake in it, it should be all about Him. My focus, my thoughts, my heart.

My mind should be centering on Him, not on other communions I have been a part of, where they were or what season of life I was in.

It should be all about Him, in remembrance of Him.

SAME STREET
Today's reading: Mark 5-6

"She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched the fringe of his robe." Mark 5:27 NLT

As I read this morning, my pulse quickens and my mind whirls--I was on the same street they believe the woman with the issue of blood very well may have touched Jesus' prayer shawl!

Centuries later.

Another world from her.

Different needs.

Same Deliverer.

But she and I both stood in the same spot--coming to Him because we had both heard about Him!

POOR EXCHANGE RATE
Today's reading: Jeremiah 1-6

"Has any nation ever exchanged its gods for another god, even though its gods are nothing? Yet my people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols!" Jeremiah 2:11 NLT

My fellow travelers and I spent a bit of our time in Israel ciphering the exchange rate between American dollars and Israeli shekels.

Most everything was priced in dollars and all the places we went to accepted American money, but we would come across an occasional gift shop that had everything marked in shekels. Our phones would come out and our calculator apps would glow brightly as we figured up the price based on the current rate of exchange.

Every one of us wanted the best bargain for our hard earned dollars, so we checked, and double-checked the figures.

If only I were so diligent in the warnings of today's verse.

I have been very guilty of exchanging my glorious God for meaningless, good for nothing idols.

I've made poor, very poor, exchanges in regards to my own way, my comfort, my strong will and my lack of self control.

But this morning, because of His grace, I've been given another chance to honor Him with my choices, with my worship and with my devotion.

You have, too.