COMFORT & ENCOURAGE
Today's reading: 1 Thessalonians 4-5

"So comfort and encourage each other with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:18 NLT

Too often the Word of God is used to beat folks about the head and neck.

It's used to point out faults and sins.

It's a line in the sand that separates.

But are we using it often enough to comfort and encourage?

Even those who aren't His yet?

EVIDENCE
Today's reading: Luke 23-24

"For the third time he demanded, Why? What crime has he committed? I have found no reason to sentence him to death..." Luke 23:22 NLT

I think Pilate got that the religious officials were jealous of Jesus.

The evidence of crimes committed fell far short of what was convincing enough for the Roman governor to be certain death was due Jesus.

Today's crime labs could have proved Him to be completely innocent.

Truthful witnesses, had they been brought before the jury would have proclaimed this trial to be bogus.

But as I read the passage this morning, I know, from the depths of my heart, that I am the reason He had to die.

Pilate knew nothing of me, nor cared. The religious elite weren't concerned with my future, or any one else's for that matter. The crowd yelling 'Crucify him!' were there for immediate gratification and had no desire to think of the consequences.

But I know the Messiah, the one long-awaited, had to die for me to live.

He had to die for my sins to be forgiven.

He had to give up His life for me to know Him eternally.

I'm standing here this morning, the reason Jesus had to die.

MOBILIZE YOUR ARMIES
Today's reading: Ezekiel 37-42

"Get ready; be prepared! Keep all the armies around you mobilized, and take command of them. A long time from now you will be called into action..." Ezekiel 38:7-8 NLT

Anticipation and urgency in one verse.

Expectation and immediacy in one place.

Future and present in one command.

As a Christian woman, I see the commands in this verse as a necessary part of my armament. Another piece of my armor. A portion of what is required of me to be a good soldier.

I need to have my prayer warriors in place at all times. I need to be prepared. I need to be ready.

You see, missions from God, don't always come with an itinerary. They aren't always preceded by an appointment. They don't necessarily happen when it's most convenient, scheduled or planned.

Sure last month I could have my dearest pray-ers on task for a surgery that was scheduled. And yes, I had them surrounding me for the privilege of VBS this week. But I need them on-call at all times.

A long time from now I will be, an assurance not an estimation, called into action and I want to be ready and surrounded by many prayers.

CONTROL
Today's reading: Proverbs 13

"Those who control their tongue will have a long life, a quick retort can ruin everything." Proverbs 13:3 NLT

To borrow Paul's phrase, my mouth is my 'thorn in the flesh'.

It's something I cannot do without, but daily suffer the consequences from it.

You see, my natural tendencies are to be outspoken, opinionated, brash and mouthy.

So this verse, which is underlined, highlighted and circled in my Bible, speaks to me.

Control of my tongue requires me to have a tightly-knitted relationship with my God. I depend upon Him to keep me and my words in check. I trust Him to allow me to speak up when needed, shut up when not. I follow His lead in conversations, looking for doors to open and doors to close. I need Him to guide my words, to make my life long--and happy.

Maybe you don't have trouble with your mouth--good for you! But if you are a fellow struggler, there is hope. His name is Jesus, our merciful, grace-giving Intercessor.

YOUNG AND OLD
Today's reading: Psalm 87-89

"I will sing of the tender mercies of the Lord forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness." Psalm 89:1 NLT

It's easy for me to make a fool of myself talking about Jesus to kids.

I can use crazy voices, make wild hand gestures, share stories about myself that leave them giggling or with those deep-down belly laughs.

I can explain Bible accounts to them in ways they understand, and at times leave them wanting to know more.

I can sing loud. I can encourage. I can cheer. I can direct most conversations with kids around to Jesus.

But with grown-ups...I tend to clam up.

I tend to think they don't have the time, the interest or the desire to get what I get about God in the simple terms with which I get Him.

Shame on me!

Starting today, young and old will hear about Your faithfulness, God, from me.

ALSO
Today's reading: 2 Kings 16-20

"But the people would not listen and continued to follow their old ways. So while these new residents worshiped the Lord, they also worshiped their idols. And to this day their descendants do the same." 2 Kings 17:40-41 NLT

Our days are spent attempting to juggle worship between God and gods.

Our hearts are torn between serving the One True God and the millions of gods vying for our attention.

Our minds flitter back and forth between Truth and lies.

It's not a new phenomenon.

It's not something this generation has come up with.

It's not anything we need to pass on to our children!

WHAT AM I NURSING?
Today's reading: Leviticus 19-21

"Do not nurse hatred in your heart for any of your relatives." Leviticus 19:17 NLT

The conversation in our Sunday School class yesterday turned to praying for our enemies.

The ones who hurt us--and more specifically, the ones who hurt our loved ones.

There was heartfelt discussion. There were brokenness. There was confession.

There was, for me, a time of self-evaluation.

Part of the definition of the verb 'nurse', is to give special care or attention to or to feed.

Am I harboring hatred?

Am I keeping it stirred up like one might a campfire?

Am I tending more to the hatred I have rather than attempting to replace it with love?

Am I keeping my hatred fed rather than cutting of its lifeline to my heart and thoughts?

Am I discussing, at length sometimes, the downfalls of another rather than attempting to build them up?

Boy, am I re-thinking some of my thoughts, this morning.

APPROVED AND READY
Today's reading: 1 Thessalonians 1-3

"For we speak as messengers who have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He is the one who examines the motives of our hearts." 1 Thessalonians 2:4 NLT

I've had my lessons plans for a few months now.

I've collected the props I'll use.

I've heard the room is decorated and ready.

I've enlisted my prayer warriors for the week.

I've made arrangements with the other teacher to meet for prayer each evening at 6:00.

I've been praying. I've been reading. I've been studying. I've been busy.

Vacation Bible School begins tomorrow evening and I have the awesome privilege of presenting the Bible lesson each evening to the kids!

So this verse, this verse about being approved and entrusted with the Good News, jumped off the page at me.

I consider my role this week to be no more valuable than any other, but I also consider it to be the main reason for the week at all--to present the Living Word to kids.

I have Good News to share, and share it I will!

BETRAYED
Today's reading: Luke 21-22

"So he began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him quietly when the crowds weren't around." Luke 22:6 NLT

We gasp at what Judas did.

We say we'd never do what he did.

We use his name synonymously to denote behavior unbecoming.

And yet we do just what he did.

To the same One he did it to.

We turn our backs on the Savior who can save us. We refuse to bow to the Creator who created us. We defer help from our great Helper. We remain quiet in regards to the Redeemer who has freed us from all we deserve.

We sell Him short. We disobey His instructions. We choose not to mention His name in casual conversation, as if what He has done for us is common, ordinary or plain.

We betray Him just as Judas did.

SCRAWNY SHEEP
Today's reading: Ezekiel 31-35

"Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will surely judge between the fat sheep and the scrawny sheep. For you fat sheep push and butt and crowd my sick and hungry flock until they are scattered to distant lands. So I will rescue my flock, and they will no longer be abused and destroyed. And I will judge between one sheep and another." Ezekiel 34:20-22 NLT

I read this portion of Scripture and think of the few years my son participated in the 4H animal fairs in our county...

The best of the best animals, rabbits, chickens, cattle, hogs, sheep and goats, are washed, brushed, combed, curried and presented to the judges for examination and judgement.

I think also of the animals left behind that fair night. The not-so-pretty specimens. The animals that never had a brush or comb taken to them. The animals that were fed, but not pampered.

I had never thought of it in regards to our churches. But it happens, doesn't it?

We so want to sit in on the worship service that we don't sign up to help with the kids--and another willing sheep goes unfed.

We so enjoy the music portion of the service that we don't want to take our turn with usher duties--so another willing sheep gets the job, and therefore misses out on the 'grooming'.

We don't see ourselves as having any gift or talent that could be useful anywhere but as audience participation--so another willing flock member serves again.

We find it easier to slip into service and sit on the pew than serving in the nursery, but another will, one that probably is in there three out of four Sundays--and another willing sheep from His flock goes another Sunday without being pampered.

I don't know about your church, but we have fat sheep and scrawny sheep in our church.

We have some sheep that are about worn out.

I've got to spend some time talking to God about which I am--and why.

FINDING LIFE
Today's reading: Proverbs 11-12

"Godly people find life; evil people find death." Proverbs 11:19 NLT

Deep thinkers in the church may determine this verse to speak about heaven and hell.

Maybe it does. Quite possibly the wise king was writing about life after death or about torment after death.

But what if he was speaking the truth of this proverb to the living. The breathing. The up and walking around. The workers. The church folks.

What if his intent was to stir us into looking for life each and every day?

Are you finding life in all you see?

Are you living the fullness of the life God has given you?

Are you determining to experience every valuable moment of your numbered days?

Are you thankful, grateful, appreciative?

Are you using your twenty-four hours each and every day to live, really live, where it is He has placed you? In the body He has placed you in? Surrounded by the other images of God He has placed you around?

I believe what he is saying is that the godly will find life in life...and then even more when we're in heaven!

THE LORD IS SAYING...
Today's reading: Psalm 84-86

"I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his people, his faithful ones..." Psalm 85:8 NLT

A text conversation with a friend yesterday went like this...

Me: Praying.

Her: I'm afraid!

Me: Has God told you to be afraid?

If only I listened to my own advice! How I wish I could tell you I never fear, never doubt, never worry.

He speaks peace to His people, the ones called by His name, the ones saved by His Son's blood, the ones who have claimed His gift of salvation. He speaks peace to His sheep. He speaks peace to His children. He speaks peace to His followers, His disciples, His servants.

Anything other than peace that is whispered into our ears, we should second guess.

When a fear comes to mind, realize it is not from Him.

When worry invades, acknowledge our enemy's attempt to distract our hearing.

When doubt creeps in to our thinking, know it has not been placed there by our Father.

Listen carefully to what He is saying.

BIBLE SCHOOL IS COMING
Today's reading: 2 Kings 11-15

"All his life Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight because Jehoida the priest instructed him." 2 Kings 12:2 NLT

Vacation Bible School is fast approaching.

The songs are being practiced with their actions, the scenery is being completed to entice the imaginations of the kids and the kitchen staff is preparing for some hungry visitors to our church.

And I'm preparing my heart and mind for the Bible lessons I will get to present.

And I'm taking it seriously.

And I'm honored for the privilege.

And I'm struck this morning with the words in 2 Kings about the roles we Bible School volunteers will get to play in the lives of these kids this coming week.

Kids who come from homes where God is not mentioned, unless in a derogatory or cursing way.

Kids who come from places where attending church and going to Sunday School are not commonplace.

Kids who don't know each evening whose house they'll sleep at, who will be sleeping at their home or who might be there to care for them.

Kids who don't know what real love is.

Kids who, for one week of the summer of 2016, will be enthralled with the effort our church has gone to to make them have a great time and tell them about God's love.

We, my fellow VBS workers and I, are priests this week to young men and women who will grow up to be preachers, deacons, Sunday School teachers, Christian parents, godly workers, defenders of our religious freedoms, future church members and the like.

We are being given a short season to instruct them in godliness...may we not take that privilege lightly.

THE BLOOD
Today's reading: Leviticus 16-18

"...It is the blood, representing life, that brings you atonement." Leviticus 17: 11 NLT

Blood-the fluid that circulates in the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins of a vertebrate animal carrying nourishment and oxygen to and bringing away waste products from all parts of the body

Atonement-the reconciliation of God and humankind through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ

Just definitions, or a reminder to us as to what Christ's blood did for us? Has what Jesus did on the cross become common? Memorized? Taken for granted?

Our hands were tied as to anything we could do to bridge the chasm between our lives and God's throne. We were, and are, completely incapable of approaching a Holy throne and making amends. We lack all required to be holy enough to speak to our Creator.

But Christ died. Shed His blood. Offered His life for ours. Redeemed. Bought back. Paid in full. Gave us life, eternal life!

Did you need the reminder?

It is true that we are sinners – but Christ has suffered for us. It is true that we deserve death – but Christ has died for us. It is true that we are guilty debtors – but Christ has paid our debts with His own blood. This is the real Gospel! On this let us lean while we live. To this let us cling when we die. Christ has been "lifted up" on the cross, and has thrown open the gates of heaven to all believers.- J. C. Ryle

IN YOUR CLOSET
Today's reading: Colossians 3-4

"Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12 NLT

If I could give you a small trinket for today's scripture, it would be a tiny coat hanger. A little one to wear as a pendant on your necklace chain or on a charm bracelet. A small one that you could carry with loose change in your pocket. A tiny one that could sit on the window sill where you wash dishes.

I would give it to remind you that as a child of His, you have in your closet what He desires you to wear.

It's not something lacking in your wardrobe.

It's not elusive.

It's not anything to do with your size or style.

It's not something you have to work to earn or work to own.

It's in your closet and when you choose to put it on, you then would have an empty coat hanger in your closet...and you will be wearing what He has designed you to wear.

COMING UP SHORT
Today's reading: Luke 19-20

"He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowds." Luke 19:3 NLT

"And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature." Luke 19:3 KJV Zaccheus came up short. I do, too. Short of good deeds. Short of good intentions. Short of good living. Short of a good lineage. Short of everything it might take to get up and close and personal with God. So Jesus came along. And now I rest in the Father's arms. I am thought of by Him, day in and day out. I have been adopted into His family and I can run into His throne room any time I want to--and He welcomes me. I came up short, until Jesus saved my soul! I'm

LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE
Today's reading: Ezekiel 25-30

"Yes, your wisdom has made you very rich, and your riches have made you very proud." Ezekiel 28:5 NLT

God stands and watches us puff up with pride over the good things we do.

He hears us list our accomplishments.

He sees us strut around like the biggest roosters in the chicken yard.

He views us looking down on others, others created in His image, too, with a look of disapproval and disdain.

And He says to us just what He said to the King of Tyre...

"Yes, your wisdom has made you very rich, and your riches have made you very proud."

And it makes us look quickly over what we have done and what we are staking claim to--and we find ourselves still desperately in need of a Savior, a Deliverer, a Chain-breaker and a Shepherd.

DOWNPOURS
Today's reading: Proverbs 10

"The godly are showered with blessings;.." Proverbs 10:6 NLT

The Hebrew word for 'blessing' is 'berekah'.

It has under it's definition words like prosperity and gifts.

What surprised me was that also listed under its definition I find these two words--

Liberal.

Pools.

God's blessing on His children is not a sprinkling or a fine mist, it's a downpour. It's a summer rain shower. It's a drencher. It's what they call around here, a gully washer!

Each believer's blessings vary, but they come from the same gracious hand, God's.

Each believer's view of their blessings may change depending upon where they are in proximity to their blessing--some we don't see up close, but only in our rear view mirrors.

Each believer's blessings shower us so much so that if we choose to stop and notice, we will see we're ending up standing in a pool of blessings! A puddle of God's overflow of love.

JUST BY LISTENING
Today's reading: Psalm 81-83

"But oh, that my people would listen to me! Oh, that Israel would follow me, walking in my paths! How quickly I would then subdue their enemies! How soon my hands would be upon their foes! Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him; their desolation would last forever. But I would feed you with the best of foods. I would satisfy you with honey from the rock." Psalm 81:13-16 NLT

Our part is listening and following God.

His part, according to His Word is to give us victory, success, freedom, admiration, provision, fullness, satisfaction, peace, joy, honor, acceptance, restoration.

Honestly, do we really have the hard part?

Is what God is asking us to do beyond our doing?

Wouldn't it behoove us to do just what He's asked?

LET ME SEE
Today's reading: 2 Kings 6-10

"...Ah, my lord, what will we do now? he cried out to Elisha. Don't be afraid! Elisha told him. For there are more on our side than on theirs! Then Elisha prayed, O Lord, open his eyes, and let him see!" 2 Kings 6:15-17 NLT

I want to see God's army surrounding me.

I want to see God's power at my fingertips.

I want to see God's love before me.

I want to see God's forgiveness washing my every sin cleaner than new snow.

But it will take God opening my eyes to it, because I tend to be distracted with the overwhelming obstacles in my path. I focus on the mountains before me, not on the Creator. I cower in fear as I look at my enemy standing in my way.

I want to see all He desires me to see--nothing less!

WHAT I READ
Today's reading: Leviticus 13-15

Yes, today I was reading in Leviticus.

About contagious skin diseases, the ceremonial cleansings required for said skin diseases and what Levitical law required in regards to bodily discharges.

Yes, I read, but, no, I don't have anything to share with you on what I've read.

So I'll share what I noticed yesterday during worship service...

The song that caught my attention was 'You Deliver Me' by Selah.

Our church has been singing it for years, probably since it came out in 2009, if I were to guess.

Here's Selah's lyric, according to the internet...

Deep as the ocean, Bright as rain
This powerful emotion lifts me up above the planes
It's taken me to places I never thought I'd go
Showing me a grace I never thought I'd know

Here's what I've always sang...

Deep as the ocean, Bright as rain

This powerful emotion lifts me up above the pain

It's taken me to places I never thought I'd go

Showing me a grace I never thought I'd know

Here's what was on our screen yesterday...

Deep as the ocean, Bright as rain
This powerful emotion lifts us up above the plain
It's taken me to places I never thought I'd go
Showing me a grace I never thought I'd know

My mind caught, hung and lingers on the words about being 'up above the plain'.

Above ordinary. Beyond common. Greater than average. Not merging into the crowd but standing out. Not just simple. Adorned with characteristics that make folks take notice.

As a Christian, I should be up above the plain. I should be different. I should be walking with my head held higher and my convictions should be of greater worth than the world's. I should be noticed for how I live and Who I serve.

I should be living as the child of God I am...delivered from this world and being prepared for the next.

LIFE-CHANGING
Today's reading: Colossians 1-2

"This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is changing lives everywhere, just as it changed yours that very first day you heard and understood the truth about God's great kindness to sinners." Colossians 1:6 NLT

If you're preparing to hear another ho-hum sermon...

Or looking over another Bible story that you've taught twenty times...

Or think you're about to sing the same old hymns...

You don't really know the power of this Good News we as Christians claim!

Expect your life to be changed by the sermon, the Bible account and/or the music.

Expect the Holy Spirit to show up in your place of worship.

Expect the love you have for God to be renewed by gathering with His people, in His house hearing His Word proclaimed.

Expect to be lifted up, turned around, convicted of a sin and/or become more aware of His greatness.

It's not just good news, it's Good News!!!

ALWAYS BE
Today's reading: Luke 17-18

"One day Jesus said to his disciples, There will always be temptations to sin..." Luke 17:1 NLT

I guess I have always thought there would come a morning, a church service or an 'Amen' that would be a breakthrough.

The defining moment of the end of everything that tempts me.

The line I could finally cross, spiritually, mentally and physically, that marked my complete turn from the lures of the world to Jesus.

But this morning I read, in red no less, that the temptations will never leave me.

With that information, I could bury my head under the covers and refuse to get out of bed.

I could throw in the towel.

I could give up completely.

I could just give in, raising a white flag before each and every one of the things that tempt me.

Or...

I could see it as daily opportunities to turn to Jesus.

...moment by moment instances when I can call out to God.

...boundless times I can depend upon the Holy Spirit.

...room set aside in my busy life to realize my inabilities and His abilities.

...shots at truly understanding my desperate need for a Savior.

Temptations will come my way today, but they will NEVER be any closer to me than God will be!

HAS HE FOUND SOMEONE?
Today's reading: Ezekiel 20-24

"I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn't have to destroy the land, but found no one." Ezekiel 22:30 NLT

For many years I've heard the 'stand in the gap' portion of this verse quoted.

Usually around this time of year.

When the flags are flying.

When patriotism is at its highest.

What I seldom hear, or never really noticed until today is the first portion of the verse...

"I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness..."

There's a vast difference between someone who 'stands' and someone who 'rebuilds'.

There is action involved.

There is motion required.

There is sweat equity to be invested.

I don't just want to stand, unless that's all He asks of me to do. I want to rebuild. Starting within me. Moving on to my home. Then to my church. Then to my community.

I want to be a rebuild-er, not just a stand-er.

WISDOM
Today's reading: Proverbs 8-9

"Those who love me (wisdom) inherit wealth, for I fill their treasuries." Proverbs 8:21 NLT

Our pockets may not be filled with jingling coins or folding money.

Our bank accounts may not bulge.

Our possessions may not be filling every barn, storage shed and closet we own.

Our neighbors may not know of our great inheritance.

Our attire may not shout wealth.

Wisdom doesn't always gift us like that.

Sometimes her gift is peace.

Or joy.

Or contentment.

Filled to overflowing treasuries of heart and mind.

NEVER FORGET
Today's reading: Psalm 78-80

"Again and again they tested God's patience and frustrated the Holy One of Israel. They forgot about his power..." Psalm 78:41-42 NLT

Oh, that I would never forget the mighty power in God's love for me.

The power that allowed a virgin to bring forth a Son.

The power that directed winds and waves to obey that same Son.

The power that enabled Him to be captured, beaten, whipped and scourged.

The power that overcame Him as He was nailed to a cross.

The power that allowed Him to give up His life for mine.

The power that raised Him from the tomb that Easter morning!

The power that enables me to speak up for Him.

The power that fills me when I stand before a temptation.

The power that strengthens me to walk the walk He has called me to enjoy.

The power that lets me defy satan's lies.

The power that gives confidence to the words I mutter in prayer.

Oh, that I would never forget!

WOULD THEY KNOW
Today's reading: 2 Kings 1-5

"She said to her husband, I am sure this man who stops in from time to time is a holy man of God. Let's make a little room for him..." 2 Kings 4:9-10 NLT

Elisha hadn't worn a name tag.

Posters promoting his visit to the area hadn't been stapled to each and every light pole in Shunem.

I'm sure he didn't carry with him the twelve translations of the Bible he used to study from.

Doubtful he even wore a Christian t shirt or a cross necklace.

Maybe he didn't quote Scripture in each and every conversation he was involved in.

But the woman knew he was a man of God.

She just knew it.

Do others know it about us?

If we're not in our cars bearing the church's name on a bumper sticker?

If we're not shopping at the Christian book store?

If we're not protesting abortion, gay rights, violence against Israel?

If we're not standing on street corners shouting out verses from memory?

If we're not sitting on the pew?

Would they know you are a man/woman of God?

WHAT WE MUST DO
Today's reading: Leviticus 10-12

"And you must teach the Israelites all the laws that the Lord has given through Moses." Leviticus 10:11 NLT

Dear preachers, Sunday School teachers, Bible study leaders, prayer group facilitators, Wednesday night kids' program workers,

Are you/we presenting God's Word?

Are you/we presenting the basics of doctrine, the tenets of faith, the road to godliness as mapped out in the Holy Bible?

Or are we delving off into things that are not God-ordained? Not really found in Scripture? Not directly, completely and directly, from His Word? Maybe Bible related, but not found in the pages of God's Book?

We must be careful.

As ordained 'Levites', blood bought and given the job of leading others to Christ, we have to be very careful not to stray, wander, ad lib or delve off into things that take our minds and hearts off His laws and commands. They, the Levites, had specific job descriptions, a certain path to walk, a detailed way of doing things...and it did not end well when they veered off the path.

Until we are busy, completely busy, doing all God's asked of us and are completely refraining from all He's asked us not to do--do we really have time or energy to be studying anything else? Can we risk it?

WHAT IT MEANS
Today's reading: Philippians 3-4

The New King James version puts it this way...

"Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord..." Philippians 3:1

The New International version says it like this...

"Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord!.." Philippians 3:1

The Message version says it this way...

"And that's about it, friends. Be glad in God!.." Philippians 3:1

But where I find my hope, what tells me I can do just what He asks me to do in His Word, is how it's put in the New Living Translation version...

"Whatever happens, dear brothers and sisters, may the Lord give you joy..." Philippians 3:1

I don't have to manufacture joy.

I don't have to look deep into my own resources and cough it up when life isn't pleasant.

I don't have to depend upon my exhaustible reserves.

...may the Lord give you joy...

From Him.

About Him.

Cannot happen apart from Him.

To His glory!

NOW AND THEN
Today's reading: Luke 15-16

"But Abraham said to him, Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted and you are in anguish." Luke 16:25 NLT

A song popped into my mind as I read this section of Scripture this morning. One that I hadn't thought of or heard in years...

I wouldn't take nothing for my journey now
Got to make it to heaven somehow
Though the devil tempts me and tries to turn me around
He's offered everything that's got a name
All the wealth I want and worldly fame
If I could, still I wouldn't take nothing for my journey now

I'll deny myself today in order that I might stand before Him blameless one day.

I'll accept the trials and tribulations of this world in order that one day all those things will pass away my eternity will be spent where there is no sadness, sickness, night or death.

I'll settle for not fitting in here in order that one day I hear God say, Well done, enter in.

I'll take discomfort and heartbreak today because I know one day, one glorious day, I'll rest in the presence of my Savior, whole, well, peace-filled and in need of nothing!

UNDER GOD
Today's reading: Ezekiel 13-18

"Then another message came to me from the Lord;..confront Jerusalem with her loathsome sins...When you were born, no one cared about you...But I came and saw you...I helped you thrive...You grew up and became a beautiful jewel...But you thought you could get along with out me...You used the lovely things I gave you to make shrines for idols, where you carried out your acts of prostitution..." Ezekiel 16:1-16 NLT

Do you see yourself in these verses, America?

Do you catch a glimpse of your past, your growth and your dependence upon your Savior, USA?

Do you realize that although Christ never walked on our paths or calmed the waves on any one of our millions of lakes, this land-from sea to shining sea-was created by and for God?

Do you, great nation, know that anything and everything made, set in place, given power or given audience has ONLY been given so to bring glory to God?

USA, you were once nothing and God allowed men of great faith in Him to grow us up, build us up, fill us up and lift us up among other nations...and now we use all that prestige and power and profit to prostitute ourselves before other nations.

We apologize, Lord, for using the beautiful things You have given us in this great land to make idols that distract us from worshipping You with our whole hearts.