LAST WORDS
Today's reading: 1 Kings 1-4

"As the time of King David's death approached, he gave this charge to his son Solomon: I am going where everyone on earth must some day go. Take courage and be a man. Observe the requirements of the Lord your God and follow all his ways. Keep each of the laws, commands, regulations and stipulations written in the law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and where ever you go." 1 Kings 2:1-3 NLT

Of all the advice King David could have given his son on his deathbed...

-He could have advised on military initiative.

-He could have talked about ways to continue to amass wealth.

-He could have given his son advice about women.

-He could have passed on keys to maintaining international relations.

He spoke of commitment to God.

He told his son seeking God would be his only hope of success.

He told his boy, his successor, his protégé, to obey the Lord.

What more could we, thousands of years later, pass on to those we love and hope to see again, to a world in need of salvation, to our churches as a legacy of faith?

NOT ME AGAIN
Today's reading: Exodus 33-36

"Please, if this is really so, show me your intentions so I will understand you more fully and do exactly what you want me to do..." Exodus 33:13 NLT

Of all the prayers I pray, this probably has to be one of most common.

Lord, let me know this is You, not me.

God, show me for sure this is the path You are choosing for me, not some road I am wanting to take on my own.

Father, speak louder and more clearly than the ideas and plans running through my head.

God, please, please, don't let me mess this up again!

I don't think I am one who struggles with self-esteem, probably quite the opposite, but I do know my tendency to come up with an idea, plan and organize to the last detail, rush forward with enthusiasm--and forget to check with God on it, leaving Him behind in the dust. I usually see Him there when the dust settles from the epic fail I've been a part of.

But even in good things, I want to check with Him.

Even in regards to the things I truly believe He has laid on my heart and placed in my hands, I want to make sure it's 'not me again'.

So I'll continue to pray the prayer Moses prayed, seeking clarity and direction and proper motivation of heart.

HERE'S YOUR SIGN
Today's reading: Galatians 1-3

"Oh, foolish Galatians! What magician has cast an evil spell on you? For you used to see the meaning of Jesus Christ's death as clearly as  though I had shown you a signboard with a picture of Christ dying on the cross." Galatians 3:1 NLT

I'm not sure I've ever noticed this verse.

Read it? Yes. Had it jump off the page at me and hit me in the stomach? No.

Written to the Galatian church many years ago, it could be applicable today, couldn't it?

Have we not forgotten the real meaning of Christ's death on the cross?

Has it become 'old hat'?

Is it now 'old news'?

Maybe a magician has not cast a spell on us, but has complacency set in?

Have we become too comfortable with the Good News?

Are there to many things vying for our attention when He should be first and foremost?

Have we become too accustomed to seeing the picture of Jesus on the cross, that it has become less than moving?

Have we forgotten He did it all for us?

Have I?

Have you?

Have we?

WELL, WOULD THEY?
Today's reading: Luke 5-6

"One Sabbath as Jesus was walking through some grain fields, his disciples broke off heads of wheat, rubbed off the husks in their hands, and ate the grains. But some Pharisees said, You Shouldn't be doing that! It's against the law to work by harvesting grain on the Sabbath." Luke 6:1-2 NLT

I can see Jesus and his 12 walking the dusty paths between the cities of the Sea of Galilee and Jerusalem.

But they are probably never alone.

I can picture the crowds of folks straggling along, the healed, the desiring to be healed, the worshippers.

I can imagine the group of Pharisees following with intent...not an intent to know this Son of God better, but with the intent to 'catch' Him, to condemn Him, to 'out' Him. They have their notebooks out and their pencils sharpened. They jot down all He says, everything He does, all He eludes to. They raise eyebrows, they make sure not to be touched by those seeking Him, they watch very closely how He handles all this popularity.

And I'm sure they report everything back to the Church.

They think they are helping. They think they are preventing widespread belief from springing up among the people. They think they are preserving their jobs.

I wonder, simply wonder, if I'm enough of a world changer, evangelist, a light in a very dark world for anyone at all to be watching me that closely?

Am I a threat to ungodly works? Does the difference I make me a threat?

What about you? Ever thought about it? Would they follow either of us?

Well, would they?

KILLING OURSELVES
Today's reading: Jeremiah 42-46

"And now the Lord God Almighty, the God of Israel, asks you: Why are you destroying yourselves?.." Jeremiah 44:7 NLT

Christians all over the world are facing persecution. The news is full of atrocities performed against God's people for various reasons. Wars, beheadings, bombings, mutilations, murder--all because the Gospel is offensive to some.

But the verse that jumped off the pages of the Bible this morning speaks to me of self-destruction.

The kind of destruction that is destroying us from the inside out...

-Like the strife we allow to separate us from the very body of believers God has ordained to bolster our faith.

-Like the sins we commit that absolutely and completely go against everything He commands of us.

-Like the confusion we are faced with because we don't spend enough time, or effort, studying the Bible.

-Like the bitterness too many of us allow to fester in our hearts like cancer.

-Like the busyness of life that pushes God farther an farther away from the centers of our lives.

-Like the health issues we overlook based upon the flippant premise that we'll receive a new body when we get to heaven.

So, why are we destroying ourselves?

BUT NOW
Today's reading: Job 41-42

"I had heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance." Job 42:5-6 NLT

Job knew God.

It stated it clearly in the first verse of the book named after him...

"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 served God. Job worshipped God. Job wanted to please God. Job attempted to raise his children in the fear and admonition of God.

But until the trials came, Job didn't really know God.

Not to the depths.

Not to the heights.

Not to the span.

Not to the extent he knew Him after walking through this season of his life.

Only then did he really and truly experience God.

Maybe, just maybe, that is why God has us where He has us today. With that intent in mind. With that desire on His heart.

For us to know Him.

MIGHTY THINGS
Today's reading: Psalm 60-62

"With God's help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes." Psalm 60:12 NLT

Lord,

Mighty things? Really?

Oh, not that You can't...it's not that, but me?

What have I got that You would even attempt to use?

It would be like giving Michaelangelo a set of the cheap crayons from the Dollar Tree.

Or like providing a Fisher Price set of kiddy tools to Henry Ford.

Or like, well, You get the picture.

Oh, it's not that I'm not in...goodness, no. I want in on everything You are wanting to do.

But with my track record? With my ability to hit mediocre at best? With my propensity to worry, doubt and attempt to reason out every little thing?

And You can still work through me?

I'm looking forward to it!

Sign me up!

Amen...and Amen!

THE COUSINS
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 20-24

"These four Philistines were descended from the giants of Gath, but they were killed by David and his warriors." 2 Samuel 21:22 NLT

I can imagine the battle scene.

David arrives and is briefed by his special ops director. David quickly prays asking God's guidance and favor, then he calls his soldiers into formation.

I can see David's face as they top the hill or maybe round the bend and he sees the four giants standing before him.

His mind flashes back to a valley in the Judean hills were as a young boy he was called upon to stand before a giant.

He can literally feel the smooth stones in the palm of his hands.

He is spurred on by the fact that God walked him through that battle, so he presses on.

How do I know that's how he felt?

Been there.

Few mornings do I wake up and not find cousins of yesterday's defeated temptations standing beside my bed or whispering in my ear the moment I rise for the day.

I realize, from time in the Word and from life experiences, that there are some battles that are fought and won once and for all--and there are some battles that carry on into the next day, and the next day and the next day.

Giants have cousins.

That fact does not surprise God!

THEY ARE WATCHING
Today's reading: Exodus 29-32

"When Moses saw that Aaron had let the people get completely out of control--and much to the amusement of their enemies--he stood at the entrance to the camp and shouted, All of you who are on the Lord's side, come over here and join me. And all the Levites came." Exodus 32:25-26 NLT

I don't know what you will do for the Lord today.

Maybe it will be a moment marked for time in history.

Maybe it will be a small gesture.

Maybe it you will serve Him from a stage before millions.

Maybe no one but the Lord will know what you've done.

Maybe it will come easily.

Maybe it will take every ounce of effort--and then some.

Maybe you will see immediate blessings from your offering of time and talent.

Maybe you will complete your mission and not see a single effect of it.

I don't know what you'll do. I don't know what I'll do.

Let's agree, though, that whatever we do, we do it wholeheartedly, we do it with Him in mind, we do it in a way that glorifies God--and does not, no matter what or how, does not amuse our enemies!

They are watching.

A TOUGHER JOB
Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 11-13

If you'll read with me this morning you'll find words from Paul about a day in his life...

He talks about meeting with some of the newly-planted churches.

He talks about his past--jail, beatings, shipwreck, miles of travel, hunger and sleeplessness.

He talks about comparison issues.

He talks about false prophets and warns the new believers about following them.

Then he says this...

"Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of how the churches are getting along." 2 Corinthians 11:28 NLT

Makes me appreciate my pastors even more this morning.

I've always thought about their study as they prepare to present God's Word. I've always thought about the counsel they provide, how it much be Bible-centered and true to God's leading. I've always thought about how it is to listen to everyone's problems, continue to provide hope and how not to gasp when someone shares with them more than they ever wanted to know.

But when Paul says what he says about how the church is getting along, my mind re-set.

My pastors have that job. That harrowing, never-able-to-please-everyone job.

They need more of my prayers.

And your pastor needs more of yours.

TRULY TURN
Today's reading: Luke 3-4

"Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had turned from their sins and turned to God to be forgiven." Luke 3:3 NLT

Folks are a little confused about what it means to be a Christian.

Some get that it means to be baptized, the outward sign of acceptance of His gift of grace.

Some get that it means to be saved, turning away from sins and yielding completely to Him.

Few realize it means both.

We have to turn away from sin and turn towards God. Turn our backs on one life and fully face another.

Two steps.

Not one step or another, but two steps.

SAFE
Today's reading: Jeremiah 37-41

"...The Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I will do to this city everything I have threatened. I will send disaster, not prosperity. You will see its destruction, but I will rescue you from those you fear so much. Because you trusted me, I will preserve your life and keep you safe. I, the Lord, have spoken!" Jeremiah 39:16-17 NLT

In this passage, Jeremiah was speaking to Ebed-melech, but I believe He is also speaking to us...

He's telling us bad things will happen. Some we bring upon ourselves, some we are exposed to because of this sin-filled world we live in.

He's giving us assurance. He will be near. He will not leave us. He will not allow us to endure it alone.

He will keep us safe. Maybe not our bodies. Maybe not our homes. Maybe not our checkbooks. Maybe it won't be evident in our circumstances. Maybe it won't be seen by everyone else. Maybe we won't even feel like it...

But the part of us He is most concerned with, our hearts and souls, He will keep safe.

When we trust Him.

I AM NOTHING
Today's reading: Job 39-40

"Then the Lord said to Job, Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but do you have the answers? Then Job replied to the Lord, I am nothing..." Job 40:1-3 NLT

Brace yourself...

I do not always like what God does.

Does that make me a bad Christian? Does that take me down off that pedestal you've placed me on? Does that make you want to cancel your subscription to this devotion and get a refund on your money?

Or does it show you how honestly real I am, because there are times you don't like all He does either?

I cannot tell you I understand God's choices, His methods or His timing.

I cannot tell you I enjoy everything I see Him do, all I watch Him wait on acting on or how desperate looking He allows a situation to get before stepping in.

I cannot tell you I relish His ways, His grand plan or His allotment of issues on certain folks that seem overwhelming to say the least.

I cannot tell you I 'get' God some days...but as Job was forced to come to terms with, I am nothing.

When I completely wrap my mind around exactly how little I am in comparison to the greatness of Who He is, I don't have to like it, understand it, see a purpose in it or 'get' it--I can trust that He is.

He is.

Period.

MORNING ROUTINE
Today's reading: Psalm 57-59

"But as for me, I will sing about your power. I will shout with joy each morning because of your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety in the day of distress." Psalm 59:16 NLT

My morning routine consists of fumbling for the alarm button, showering, dressing, drinking 16 ounces of water, praying at Isaiah's bedside and then time in my prayer chair for talking to God, reading my Bible and listening for Him to speak to me about what is on His mind. After my time with Him I'm off on a run to fix breakfast, make up lunches, get the high school-er up and into the shower before heading off to work.

I think I have in my routine what the psalmist lists as important--praise.

I will admit, some morning are more grocery lists of needs than worship of Him.

Some days I am more heart-focused on what's not been done than the greatness of Who He is.

There are times when I get to work, get to a point later in the day, get to the end of work day or before I go to bed before I allow myself to stop and just say, 'Wow!', in regards to Him.

About what awes me about His very being, that He loves me!

BARZILLAI
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 15-19

"³¹ Barzillai of Gilead had come down from Rogelim to escort the king across the Jordan. ³² He was very old—eighty years of age—and very wealthy. He was the one who had provided food for the king during his stay in Mahanaim. ³³ “Come across with me and live in Jerusalem,” the king said to Barzillai. “I will take care of you there.”
³⁴ “No,” he replied, “I am far too old to go with the king to Jerusalem. ³⁵ I am eighty years old today, and I can no longer enjoy anything. Food and wine are no longer tasty, and I cannot hear the singers as they sing. I would only be a burden to my lord the king. ³⁶ Just to go across the Jordan River with the king is all the honor I need! ³⁷ Then let me return again to die in my own town, where my father and mother are buried. But here is your servant, my son Kimham. Let him go with my lord the king and receive whatever you want to give him.”
³⁸ “Good,” the king agreed. “Kimham will go with me, and I will help him in any way you would like. And I will do for you anything you want.”  2 Samuel 19:31-38 NLT

I've always hovered over this section of Scripture each year when my reading plan takes me to it. I've probably written on it a half-dozen times, each time with a new focus or thought.

Like this morning.

I get, as a mother, wanting more for my child than what I'm offered.

I get, as a recipient of amazing grace, how much has been poured into my life and so want that for another.

I get, some days more than others, the enormity of His love for me in all that He has blessed me with.

What I see this morning, though? This is a problem I'm needing to address in my own life...

Barzillai didn't want to exhaust David's resources by asking his blessing on both himself and for his son. He didn't want to make a nuisance of himself or his son. He didn't know how much of a blessing David was willing to give.

I do the same thing with God.

I ask, thinking His resources are limited.

I ask quietly, thinking I am too forward with my requests.

I ask weakly, thinking I haven't the right.

I ask without expectation, thinking, no, knowing, I deserve absolutely nothing on my own merits.

But this morning I realize I'm asking of the One who created all there is. He has no limits. He has no boundaries. He has more love, grace, blessings and mercy to bestow on His asking children than we can fathom.

I don't have to cipher in my mind or heart how much He will or can give--I just have to ask!

HIS PATTERN
Today's reading: Exodus 25-28

"Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain." Exodus 25:40 NLT

God had specific plans and purpose for the sacred residence He was allowing Moses and the Israelites to build for Him.

Detailed instructions. He provided them with accurate sizes, specific materials and precise colors. He spoke, I believe, slowly and loudly to Moses as He gave direction for the project.

I think we, okay maybe it's just me, tend to forget His plans.

We, I, see a need, a ministry opportunity, a problem we can fix, a broken person, a fence needing mending, and we, I, rush right in with our own blueprints as to how to whip it all back into shape.

We, I, think we know just what God would want us to do, without even consulting Him about it.

We, I, have a penchant for taking over, moving Him aside, laying out our plans over the top of His, and determining a better course of action.

We, I, think we, I, know better--and we, I, don't.

Today as I look over my list of prayer requests, I want to begin presenting them to Him, then focusing on what it is He has to say I need to do about any or all of them. I don't want to rush in. I don't want to take over. I don't want to be the one heading up the team that, even with the best of intentions, gets in the way of His working.

We, I, need His specifically laid out plans.

PLANTING
Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 9-10

"Remember this-a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop." 2 Corinthians 9:6 NLT

Our garden is planted.

The tomatoes are out. The peppers are nestled into the soil. Okra seeds are settled in after an overnight soak. Zucchini and yellow squash are hilled in. Zinnias are sown. A cucumber plant sits quietly below it's trellis awaiting big things to happen.

And our 20 foot row of green beans is planted.

All 19 seeds of it.

One seed every foot.

Just like I've done for the past seven years.

We're planting a few seeds and expecting a small crop...for two reasons:

1. Green beans are not our favorite vegetable. Sure, we eat them, but on my family's list of garden-grown, it ranks lower than other things, thus a short row and small crop.

2. Blame it on my Dad. Dad used to plant what seemed to my young eyes a four-mile long row of green beans. It took days to weed, weeks to pick and months to help Mom can up. So I always plant a short row!

I don't expect a 10-acre bounty from my 20 foot row.

I don't plan on being able to provide DelMonte with enough green beans for their nearest canning factory.

I don't anticipate being overwhelmed with green beans, eating them for breakfast, lunch and dinner until the plants exhaust themselves.

I look forward to having enough for several 'messes' of beans for the table and several opportunities to share green beans with neighbors and friends.

Reminds me, with every green bean seed I plant, of what I expect out of the love I offer others, the grace I extend, the mercy I offer...if I give a little, I'll get a little.

LIKE MARY
Today's reading: Luke 1-2

"Mary responded...For he, the Mighty One, is holy, and he has done great things for me." Luke 1:46, 49 NLT

I don't know if I've ever truly been able to relate myself to Mary, the mother of Jesus.

I could not have taken on the task she gladly accepted.

I could not have watched what she was called upon to watch.

I could not have trusted God enough to endure all she saw her son live through.

I don't know if I could have continued on after the crucifixion.

I don't know how I would have contained my emotions after the resurrection.

But what she has said in her response to Elizabeth, I get.

I truly get what she is saying.

I've not been chosen for the job/life/story she was chosen for, but I agree with her wholeheartedly that the Mighty One has done great things!

WHAT THEY WILL SEE
Today's reading: Jeremiah 32-36

"...The people of the world will see the good I do for my people and will tremble with awe!" Jeremiah 33:9 NLT

We are being watched.

To see how we react.

To see how we respond.

To see if we retaliate, take revenge or re-nig on our stands.

The world is watching us, and not only will they see our imperfect lives, but they will see God shining through us!

They will see His blessings in our lives.

They will see His peace in our hearts.

They will see His love flow through us even in the toughest of situations.

They will see His hand of protection and favor on our lives.

And they will be impressed.

So impressed that they will ask about what we have.

They will seek out this Savior who sets us apart.

They will give us prayer requests to share with our churches.

They will lean on us when they go through a rough patch in their own lives.

They will see Him in us!

GOD SPEAKS
Today's reading: Job 37-38

"Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind: Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them." Job 38:1-3 NLT

If you've been reading along with me through Job, you'll find that Job has spoken and Job's friends have spoken. We come to chapter 38 where God finally speaks up.

I always thought God spoke harshly to Job. I took it as God was perturbed by Job's questioning and complaining. I figured He was a little fed up with Job's pity party.

Until this morning.

This morning, I can see God speaking to Job with a loving tone. I can hear Him speak softly. I can most certainly hear Him speaking with authority and intense purpose, but with love none the less.

You see, sometimes God wants to ask us questions like He asked of Job. He wants to return our thought process to who He is and who we are not. He wants us thinking less about ourselves and more about Him. He wants us to come face-to-face with the reality of just Who He is.

Some of those questions are theological, some of them we do have to answer for ourselves--out loud and clearly.

'Who do we think we are in comparison to Him?'

'Where was it we were when He laid out the plans for this world?'

'Who are we that we should be consulted as to anything He goes about doing?'

'Do we really think our plan would work better than His?'

'When you explain how you hang the stars and planets on nothing, then we'll talk about what I need to do differently about your situation, OK with you?'

Are you listening to Him? Are you hearing the questions He's asking of you? Are you realizing how very much He can be trusted with your life--even the parts you don't understand?

The weaker we feel, the harder we lean. And the harder we lean, the stronger we grow spiritually, even while our bodies waste away.  - J. I. Packer

WHAT I WILL DO
Today's reading: Psalm 54-56

"But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me. Morning, noon and night I plead aloud in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice. He rescues me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, even though many still oppose me." Psalms 55:16-18 NLT

I don't know what kind of day you're having, what season of life you are enduring, what circumstance has the wind knocked out of you, but I'm guessing you are needing this as much as I do...

It's a challenge.

It's a rallying cry.

It's a cheer.

You see, no matter what the enemy continues to do, no matter what circumstances continue, no matter what size the army is that is facing you head on, you have choices.

You can sit down and cry.

You can run away as fast as you can.

You can cover your face with your hands and pretend it doesn't exist.

Or you can continue to call on God.

You can keep crying out to Him.

You can press on in prayer.

You can hold on to His promises for one more day.

You can tell the enemy exactly what you know to be true about his lies and about God's truth.

What will you do?

HE NOTICED
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 10-14

"Late one afternoon David got out of bed after taking a nap and went for a stroll on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed..." 2 Samuel 11:2 NLT

Had the story stopped there, things would be a lot different.

But we know it didn't.

Lives were ruined. A family was destroyed. God was dishonored.

I think we all know things cannot be un-seen. Visions cannot be erased from our minds. We cannot blink and remove what we wish we hadn't seen.

We are only responsible for where we go from that point on.

I think of one of my favorite, most used with my imaginative mind, verse...

'We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.' 2 Corinthians 10:5 NLT

Capturing thoughts is a difficult task.

They become hard to handle. They elude the lassoes of right thinking. They run rampant. They grow faster than kudzu vine. They slip out of most ropes we could tie them with. They are experts at getting out of cages and cells.

But it can be done.

As Christians, we must do it.

Our own minds will lead us astray, so we have to harness or rein in those thoughts of ours...before someone is hurt. 

DOING WHAT WE SAY
Today's reading: Exodus 21-24

"When Moses had announced to the people all the teachings and regulations the Lord had given him, they answered in unison, We will do everything the Lord has told us to do." Exodus 24:3 NLT

I can see the crowd. Millions of Israelites, most Bible scholars agree. Even if in this instance, only the men were called upon to represent the masses, there was a very large number of folks standing there that day.

And it says they all agreed to follow God.

In unison, it says.

Knowing what we know about the Israelites' disobedience and propensity to seek their own ways, we also know how it progresses.

It progressed just as it does on Sundays.

We hear the Word of God preached. We agree, because we're holding our own Bibles in our hands, that it indeed says what the preacher says it says. We nod our heads, we say 'amen', we take the pastor's challenge to live for Jesus as we sit in our pews.

Then Monday rolls around.

Or a temptation becomes visible.

Or someone pushes our buttons.

Or we become too busy.

Or we re-think our commitment and decide we'll look like one of those Jesus freaks if we follow through with what we agreed to on Sunday.

Or...well, you get the picture. Before too many days, too many hours on some Sunday afternoons, we bail on what we agreed to do for the Lord.

In a sense, we become just like the Israelites.

So, as I sit here this morning, I'm thinking about what I agreed to yesterday and am desperately wanting to follow through.

What about you?

WEAPON
Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 6-8

"...We have righteousness as our weapon, both to attack and to defend ourselves." 2 Corinthians 6:7 NLT

What is righteousness?

According to the Bible dictionary, it is the state of him who is such as he ought to be, the condition acceptable to God.

It is useful in attacking our temptations and in defending our hearts and minds against satan's attacks.

It is given to us by God, through His Son's blood.

It is bestowed upon us at salvation, grown in us through sanctification and shared through us in witnessing.

It is our weapon as we travel this earth on our way to glory.

SAVING GRACE
Today's reading: Mark 15-16

"The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus, He saved others, they scoffed, but he can't save himself!" Mark 15:31 NLT

Little did they know...

What they couldn't understand...

How they missed the point entirely...

He didn't save Himself, so He could save others--so He could save me!

WHERE YOU ARE
Today's reading: Jeremiah 27-31

"The Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, send this message to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem. Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food you produce. Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them, and have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! And work for the peace and prosperity of Babylon. Pray to the Lord for that city where you are held captive, for if Babylon has peace, so will you." Jeremiah 29:4-7 NLT

Jeremiah, by God, is telling the Jews who were captured and taken away from Jerusalem how they should live while in captivity.

He tells them to 'live'.

He tells them to make homes. To have roots. To live life.

He tells them to pray for this pagan country who has taken them hostage.

Really?

While they are in a place they don't want to be? Doing things they probably don't want to do? Away from the land they love? Restricted?

Yes, pray, he tells them.

I believe that's what God is asking us to do while we are captives of Earth, too.

Live. Pray. Touch the lives of each and every one He places in your path.

We will only be here a while, then we will be home--make the most of every moment.

HE HEARS
Today's reading: Job 35-36

"Look, God is all-powerful..." Job 36:22 NLT

"Look, God is exalted beyond what we can understand..." Job 36:25 NLT

It struck me yesterday and the words of these voices confirm just what He said...

I'm not surprised that God speaks to me.

Not in a haughty, proud way, but because He is God. He can speak to whatever or whoever He has created. You get to do that when you are the Creator.

He can speak in a thunderous boom from the heavens or He can speak through the softest whisper to one's heart.

He is all-powerful and above all we can understand, so He is able to speak to us.

What humbles me...

What tears me up...

What fills my heart...

What catches my breath in my chest...

What really and truly allows me to know He loves me...

Is that He listens when I speak to Him.

Do you realize how astonishing it is to realize the One who created us and can speak galaxies into being, Who speaks through the lightning bolts and the dandelion's fluff blown about in the wind, bends His ear when we call out His name?

We are loved by the One who created us for His glory. We are the objects of His affection!

LIKE AN OLIVE TREE

Today's reading: Psalm 51-53

"But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I trust in God's unfailing love forever and ever." Psalm 52:8 NLT

This is a picture of the world's oldest olive tree. It's called the Olive Tree of Vouves and it lives with seven other old trees on the Greek island of Crete. This tree is believed to be over 3000 years old and still produces highly prized and sought after olives.

Three thousand years old!

No wonder David compared himself, and what he hoped to accomplish for God to the olive tree.

David knew as kings went, he may one day be forgotten.

David knew as business men went, his accomplishments may one day be surpassed.

David knew as a rich man, one day another may amass more wealth than he had.

David knew as life went, he would one day be forgotten.

But what he hoped, what we as Christians should hope, what we should strive for, what we should be doing all we are doing for, the things done for God will be eternal.

Like serving with the kids in church.

Like getting up and going one more Sunday, Sunday evening and Wednesday night.

Like trusting Him for one more answer to prayer.

Like raising our kids to know Him.

Only, only, what we do for Him will last after our lives are over...what we do for Him will live on, like the olive tree.

RAGING FLOOD
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 5-9

"So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. The Lord has done it! David exclaimed. He burst through my enemies like a raging flood! So David named that place Baal-perazim (which means 'the Lord who bursts through')." 2 Samuel 5:20 NLT

The little town I live in is named West Frankfort. It's so named because when the original community began to be built up, it was in a place to the west of Frank's (Frank Jordan's) Fort.

That being said, I love finding out the meaning of this town in Israel. I needed it this morning. Maybe you did, too.

You see, I have a few prayer requests that I've presented to God for a long time now. A long time. A very long time.

I will admit, I would be content to see Him moving in the slightest in regards to any of them. To see Him at work. To see that I am praying for the right thing. To see that I am praying towards the godly end.

Just a little movement. A quiver. A bare shaking. A tiny adjustment. A minuscule answer.

I was content until this morning.

Now I am energized and excited to ask Him to burst through like a raging flood!

It may not be pretty. It might not be how I had planned. It very well may be painful, on my part, and in the lives of those for whom I've been praying...but I am wanting it that badly.

No more praying for little showers, I want God's flood!

I want to see His power.

I want to be able to stamp my prayer list, the pages in my prayer closet, the desires of my heart with the name, Baal-perizim--My God burst through!

HIS AFFECTIONS
Today's reading: Exodus 17-20

"Do not make idols of any kind, whether in the shape of birds or animals or fish. You must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any other god!" Exodus 20:4-5 NLT

Lord,

Forgive me for ever thinking these rules of yours are anything less than just words chiseled into stone tablets.

I'm sorry for not taking them as seriously as I should.

I'm sorry for not realizing the love with which You gave them, the success with which You intend them and the obedience with which You expect them to be followed.

They are more than do's and don't's, they are Your formula for all things good in my life. They are the road map that will lead me to fellowship with You.

They have been given by You in order to keep my attention focused solely on You.

And I fail at keeping them.

Especially this one.

I put so many things before You. So many things vi for my attention. So many 'lovers' woo me away from You.

You desire my attention, my focus, my love, my life, my heart, my affection, my devotion...none of which You don't deserve!

NOT ME
Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 4-5

"We don't go around preaching about ourselves; we preach Christ Jesus, the Lord. All we say about ourselves is that we are your servants because of what Jesus has done for us." 2 Corinthians 4:5 NLT

I know a lot of you are servants in your church, and maybe your attendance today is less about worship and more about your duty to a roster or rotation schedule. Maybe it's your turn to be in the nursery, sit at a center with the toddlers or present a lesson to the older kids. Maybe you'll be at the piano or the keyboard. Maybe you are assigned to the door greeter position today.

I get that. Some Sundays are like that.

What I love, what this verse sums up, is that no matter what we do--and there are some days we do a lot of things we do for the church, we cannot save it.

We can wipe noses or bottoms.

We can provide coloring pages and crayons.

We can have the coolest attention-grabbing object lesson.

We can come in dressed the part of Moses, Daniel or Mary.

We can calm the most anxious child or discipline in a way that makes no doubt as to our love for any one.

We can meet and greet with enthusiasm and sincerity.

We can sign our names to each and every sign-up list.

We can serve again and again in the same position...but we cannot save.

And if our ministry is void of that simple truth, we're just serving, not ministering.

We have to present Jesus lifted up as the Savior of our souls, and smile while we're doing it, and love while we're doing it and enjoy every minute of doing it!