WHAT I TELL MYSELF
Today's reading: Psalm 102-104

I tell myself a lot of things.

I tell myself this world is no longer a safe place.

I tell myself the electric bill should be arriving soon and it's been a long, hot month.

I tell myself I placed myself into this pickle, it's up to me to get out of it.

I tell myself not to trust that person again.

I tell myself that I can never accomplish that task.

I tell myself I don't have it in me to do it another Sunday.

I tell myself I'm a huge failure because I've failed in that area of sin again, and again, and again.

I tell myself a lot of things, but this morning I'm renewing my mind with what I believe God needs me to be saying to myself...

"Praise the Lord, I tell myself; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, I tell myself, and never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals my diseases. He ransoms me from death and surrounds me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things..." Psalm 103:1-5 NLT

JUST SITTING HERE
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 15-19

"Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed, Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?" 1 Chronicles 17:16 NLT

I know just how King David was feeling.

As I sit here in my prayer chair, in the quiet of the early morning, with nothing going on in the house, I am moved to tears at all God has chosen to allow into my life.

I can sit here before the Lord and hear the snore of a husband who is true and faithful and hard-working.

I have just successfully traversed the obstacle course of my son's room in order to kneel beside his bed and pray as I do each morning way before he rises.

I hear the bark of our furry companion outside as he guards the farm from intruders--or just a neighbor's cat or a bird or a leaf that flitters across the yard.

I have heard the hum of the air conditioner as it keeps us cool and comfortable.

I have glanced out the front door to see the security light on at my parents' home across the field and all seems well.

I've quickly thought over my day and the things planned and am certain God is going with me.

I have opened up the Word of the Living God and He has chosen to speak to me through it!

Who am I that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob would visit me this morning and awe me with His presence, peace and love?

Who is my family that we have been granted blessing upon blessing straight from His hand?

A FIERY CLOUD
Today's reading: Numbers 9-12

"Whether the cloud stayed above the Tabernacle for two days, a month or a year, they people of Israel stayed in camp and did not move on. But as soon as it lifted, they broke camp and moved on." Numbers 9:22 NLT

I have to admit, when I read about the cloud that guided the way for the children of Israel, I am a bit jealous.

You see, I am one who desires specific instruction from the Lord. I want direct guidance. I want black and white, not the grayed areas that I can think up on my own. I deeply want to do what is right the first time, every time.

And then I thought...

I've got something even better.

I've got the Lord with me. He speaks to my heart. He prepares the paths before me. He places in my day the people He needs me to experience, and who needs to experience me.

The Holy Spirit walking with me is more personal than a fiery cloud. It is more intimate than anything the Israelites had on their journey.

Because of my salvation experience, my dependence upon God and my daily walk with Him, I am not lost. I am not wandering aimlessly. I am but a traveler in a foreign country, headed home!

UNTIED
Today's reading: 2 Timothy 1-2

"Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. And as Christ's soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who enlisted you in his army." 2 Timothy 2:3-4 NLT

Before I finish up my hair and make-up.

Before I review my Sunday School lesson one more time.

Before I set the crockpot to have our lunch ready to go when we get home from church.

Before I gather up my Bible bag.

Before I head out the door and to my house of worship.

I have to become untied from a few things: People. Perceptions. Problems. Past.

I love how Paul put it, 'affairs of life'. The goings-on. The day-in day-out things that make being Christlike and consistently having the mind of Christ tough to do.

But when I hang on to these things. When I allow myself to remain tied down with them. When I refuse to face the facts and refuse turn them over to God, I am unable to worship Him, serve Him, shine for Him in the way He intended.

This soldier needs to spend some time on her knees allowing God to untie some things before she is called out for the next battle.

WHAT DOES HE SAY
Today's reading: John 7-9

"Teacher they said to Jesus, this woman was caught in the very act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?" John 8:5 NLT

Before I take a stand in regards to how I feel...

Before I Google to see what the popular opinion might be...

Before I read through the accounts of how the church has dealt with such a problem in the past...

Before I call up the 'ones who know' to get their take on it...

Before I side with the crowd...

Before I do something I will regret...

Before I even attempt to make an informed decision...

I want to ask you, Lord--What do you say?

YOUR REAL NAME
Today's reading: Hosea 1-7

"...And the Lord said to Hosea, Name your daughter Lo-ruhamah--'not loved'--for I will no longer show love to the people of Israel or forgive them." Hosea 1:6 NLT

If you've never read the book of Hosea, I urge you to invest your time and energy into doing it. It's power-packed. It's convicting. It's grace-filled. It's one of my favorite book in the Bible!

There are several verses, I have jotted down eight just this morning, that cause me to pause and think about God's love for me.

But this one? This one about Hosea's daughter and her name--it hit me...

Maybe satan is attempting to tell you your name is Lo-ruhamah.

Maybe he is leading you to believe you are unloved or your sins are beyond the realm of God's mercy.

Maybe you are surrounded by people who feed into your insecurity and keep your chained to old habits.

Let me tell you, at this bright and early time of the day, Lo-ruhamah is not your name!

You are loved by God!

You are more than loved by God--you have been given an opportunity to be His own child through the saving blood of Jesus on the cross!

You have not and cannot step outside of His love, forgiveness and grace. Not a one of your sins are above or below what He is willing and able to forgive you of. No stronghold has enough strength to hold you when it has been given to God. Your past has not ruined your future unless it keeps you from falling at His feet.

You are loved deeply by the Lord God Almighty and anyone telling you otherwise is leading you astray.

Your name is not Lo-ruhamah!

ANGRY AT GOD
Today's reading: Proverbs 19

"People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord." Proverbs 19:3 NLT

Maybe the conversation has gone like this...

'Lord, why in the world didn't you stop me?'

'God, how could You have let me do this--again?'

'Creator, couldn't You have wired me differently?'

'Lord, look at the mess You've allowed me to make of this!'

God has not created us to be robots.

It would have been easier for Him, I'm sure, if He had, but He has not.

Robots cannot choose to love Him.

They cannot choose to serve Him.

They cannot devote themselves to worshiping Him.

They are only wired to do what their programs will allow.

He has given us a free will. One that balks. One that disobeys. One that refuses to listen.

He loves the free will He has given us--even when we mess up, because it is what draws us to Him for comfort, for forgiveness, for peace.

Today I'm choosing to love God even more for allowing me to choose, albeit poorly, at times...it shows how very much He truly loves me!

ENOUGH
Today's reading: Psalm 99-101

"For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation." Psalm 100:5 NLT

I've probably read or heard this verse a thousand times in my life. I've probably quoted it to someone or jotted it in a card of encouragement.

But this morning?

This morning it has me by the heart.

It has be dripping tears onto my keyboard.

It has my mind jumping far past the hectic schedule of today, beyond my abilities, leaps and bound above what I can accomplish with my determination and strong will and into the future...

When God will be enough for my grown son as he steps out onto his own faith walk.

And his children as they seek and find God.

And their children who will experience the love of the Father.

More than enough.

As He has been for me.

And for my parents who raised me to know Him.

And for my grandparents who showed me the everyday workings of a faith-filled life.

And for my great-grandparents who established Christian homes.

And for my great-great grandparents who served this very same God.

And quite possibly beyond them.

"...his faithfulness continues to each generation."

NEVER GIVING UP
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 10-14

"When the Israelites in the Jezreel Valley saw that their army had been routed and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned their towns and fled. So the Philistines moved in and occupied their towns." 1 Chronicles 10:7 NLT

Maybe you 'know' people who give up easily?

Maybe you 'know' them quite well. So well in fact that some days it feels as if you are living in their skin?

If you 'know' that person well, you understand that clearly their heartfelt intention is not to give up, give in or throw in the towel.

But it gets hard. Real hard.

You, I mean they, don't feel like fighting anymore.

It takes longer than ever expected. A lot longer.

There is more intensity involved.

Other great Christians you, I mean they, know have turned tail and run. And I, I mean they, are left to fight it alone.

The enemy is bigger than you, I mean they, had ever imagined and the chains he has you, I mean them, chained with won't budge.

So I consider quitting. Stopping. Giving up. Abandoning my hopes. Okay, so maybe it is personal...

And my enemy moves right in. In full force. With all his baggage. With a very smug look on his face. Reminding me of my failure, my weakness and my once glowing zeal. He is a very close, too close, reminder of the white flag I waved in defeat.

But here's what I'm reminded of this morning, by God's grace, in His love, with His gentle whisper to my soul--my story doesn't have to end there. Satan has not won the battle for my soul, so I can continue. I can rest up, re-fortify and go at it again--and again--and again, if necessary.

I can pack my enemy up, throw his luggage to the curb and re-claim what's mine...who is with me???

PURITY IN THE CAMP
Today's reading: Numbers 5-8

The heading given for Numbers 5-8 in my Bible is, 'Purity In The Camp'.

This portion of Scripture goes on to list some rules and regulations God set forth to keep order, peace, safety and health among His children as He led them along towards the Promised Land.

These rules were necessary.

They were given to promote health and happiness.

They were rules provided to keep obstacles from getting between Himself and them.

They were governing rules, but they were also rules of the heart. Issues that would divide obedient from disobedient. Followers from spectators. The godly from the ungodly.

Heart rules.

Rules needed to insure a church is a church and not just a public gathering place.

Rules that distinguish a Christian home from a non-Christian home.

Rules that when followed set one apart as a Christ follower.

Rules, that when followed, show God our commitment to Him is more than lip service.

OVERPOWER
Today's reading: 1 Timothy 4-6

"...their physical desires will overpower their devotion to Christ..." 1 Timothy 5:11 NLT

I know, it's talking about the younger widowed women in line for charity.

I know, it's talking about their possible desire to re-marry.

I know, it's talking about their desires, their physical, like sexual, desires.

But it hits home.

How often do I put my own desires ahead of my devotion to Christ?

How often do I feel uncomfortable doing what He's asked?

How many times have I refused to stand or go up front because my physical being causes me embarrassment?

How many occasions have I defaulted to not worshiping God because of what I felt others would say--about me, about my manner of worship, about my past?

How many times have I been too tired to serve God, too tired from serving the world?

I don't think I'm the only one who allows my physical desires to overpower my devotion to Christ--and I'm not young or widowed?

INSTANTLY
Today's reading: John 5-6

"Jesus told him, Stand up, pick up your sleeping mat and walk!" John 5:8 NLT

That's what the man heard.

Maybe he felt some special tingling in his legs and feet. Maybe he immediately felt some strength come to his legs that he hadn't felt in over thirty years.

Maybe nothing felt different, at all.

"Instantly, the man was healed!.." John 5:9a NLT

"..He rolled up the mat and began walking!.." John 5:9b NLT

If I had a big arrow image I could copy and past at this moment, I'd place it right in between Part A and Part B of this verse.

We'll call it, Part Y.

Would it have said...

The lame man wiggled his toes?

The lame man immediately looked around to see who else had heard what he had heard?

The lame man threw back the corners of his robe to see if his legs looked any different?

The lame man immediately began regaling Jesus with every medical issue he had, along with doctors' diagnoses and treatment plans he had been involved in?

The lame man looked straight at Jesus, cocked his head and gave a 'Yeah, right.' look?

The lame man, broken and worn out from hoping, couldn't even raise his head to look at who was speaking to him?

The lame man's eyes sparkled with anticipation?

The lame man's mouth began to curve into a smile?

Truth is, it doesn't say anything between Jesus speaking, instant healing and the lame man walking.

Jesus spoke. A miracle happened. The man claimed what was his and gained abundant life.

Would I have done the same?

SO MERCIFUL
Today's reading: Daniel 7-12

"...We do not ask because we deserve help, but because you are so merciful." Daniel 9:18 NLT

I'm rejoicing with a dear friend over some answered prayers in her life. Some things she's been praying for for a while. Some prayer requests that were/are very near to her heart.

I was tickled when she let me know they had been heard, God was at work and lives were being changed. I could sense the excitement in her written words. I know the desires of her heart and the determination of her faith.

It makes me look over my prayer room wall with new anticipation!

Some names and situations have been there a long while. A long while. A long, dust-collecting while. A long, ink is beginning to fade on the paper, while.

Her report has renewed my hope and this morning's verse has reminded me of the power behind the prayers I pray.

It's nothing to do with me, my wall, my faith, my praying skills, my time on my knees or my wording...it's all about His mercy.

His mercy answers all the prayers we pray.

We are undeserving to even speak to Him and yet He hears and answers...and amazes us!

GIVE OR TAKE
Today's reading: Proverbs 17-18

"A cheerful heart is good medicine. but a broken spirit saps a person's strength." Proverbs 17:22 NLT

You've been around them.

The Debbie-Downers. The Eeyores. The Always-Raining-On-Your-Parade kind of people.

They suck the life right out of you. They are a dark cloud on your seemingly blue-skied day. They cast a dark shadow on all that's glowing in your own life.

So, I ask you--be honest here--are you one of them?

You can give life and joy or you can be a strength-sapper.

Which one are you?

Who do you choose to be today?

In my opinion, it has a lot less to do with your current circumstances than it does with the attitude you decide to have!

ALREADY DONE
Today's reading: Psalm 96-98

"Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. He has won a mighty victory by his power and holiness." Psalm 98:1 NLT

Go and grab your prayer request list.

No, I don't mind if it's written in the finest calligraphy or scribbled on a scrap of paper.

Ok, so maybe it's not in pristine condition--the page smudged and smeared.

Yes, I have time for you to drag all of it out. It's quite lengthy? That's fine.

Go ahead, bring it front and center. No, not for me to read, what's on it is none of my business. I just want you to have it firmly in your hand.

Got it? Ok, good.

Consider your requests, each and every one of them, done.

Oh, you may not see the answers when you turn around, but you can, by the power and holiness--and victory of God, consider them accomplished!

He has won a mighty victory. His work on the cross has accomplished mighty things. He defeated death and therefore, our every need can be considered completed. His saving blood that covers you gives you kings to a glorious kingdom. The adoption He completed on your behalf bends His heart and ear towards your every desire.

So, sing! From the tops of your lungs and the bottom of your heart, SING!

BACKPACK PRAYER
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 4-9

"He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young." Isaiah 40:11 NLT

Today is the first day of school here on the farm.

The August through May routine is getting back into full swing as I set the alarm a little earlier, whip up my best attempt at a healthy breakfast, pack a lunch and organize shower times so that all may smell clean and fresh as they ascend upon the schoolyard.

I have a new stack of brown paper lunch sacks. We've bought an assortment of pens, pencils and notebooks. I've purchased my student a new planner, although if like last year, it was a waste of money. I've also stocked my pantry with some healthy snack choices.

But my favorite thing to do each school year? It's the backpack prayer.

I found this school year's prayer back in June and I've been sitting on it ever since!

Isaiah 40:11 not only speaks to what my God will do for my 'little' boy, but also about what He will do for me! A momma's heart needs that.

He will care for my boy as he walks the halls of the high school. He will hold my student close to His heart as the world makes its jabs and strikes. He will carry my son's life in His arms, keeping him safe and sound while he is away from the farm.

And?

And, He will gently lead this momma sheep as she rears her young-from near or far.

That's assurance, friends.

I can do my very best, but after my very best is done, graded and found to be lacking--He steps in! His grace covers. His power amazes. His love astounds. His Word echoes in the heart of those who have heard it. His plans tickle us pink!

The momma sheep is letting her little lamb outside of the fold today, but I'm comforted by the fact that he is being guarded and guided by the Shepherd.

BACK OF THE PACK
Today's reading: Numbers 1-4

"So the total of all the troops on Dan's side of the camp is 157,600. They are to bring up the rear whenever the Israelites move to a new campsite." Numbers 2:31 NLT

Immediately my mind flashed back to our family vacation to the Yellowstone/Grand Teton area approximately five years ago.

We, Dale, Isaiah and I, took a several hour horseback ride up into the Grand Teton mountain range. There were about 20 of us total in the group that went up the trail that day. I was on the next to last horse.

Just like the tribe of Dan, I could have complained about seeing nothing but the backend of the horse in front of me, or I could celebrate the fact that I was involved in the experience.

I could have moaned about my position in the line, or I could look around and watch the beautiful scenery unfold at a slow, plodding pace.

I could have groaned about being the tail, or I could enjoy being one of the last left on the high ridge we visited. The quiet. The peace. The view.

Maybe, just maybe, you don't like where God has you right now. You may not be enjoying the role He has you playing. You may not appreciate the position He has you holding at this season in your life. You may have enviable feelings towards those ahead of you.

Maybe we should all be tickled we were invited along for the ride!

EVERYONE
Today's reading: 1 Timothy 1-3

"...for he wants everyone to saved and to understand the truth." 1 Timothy 2:4 NLT

I don't have to wonder if I am to share Christ with the checker at Walmart, He wants them to know and be saved. No, I'm not sure if they want to hear it, but they sure need it...as much as I did!

I don't have to wonder if I am to let my child's teacher know I'm praying for them, He wants them to know they are loved. No, I don't know their religious preference, but it doesn't matter.

I don't have to wonder if I am to bow my head in prayer at the restaurant, He wants all men and women, boys and girls, to be drawn to Him. And if for a brief moment they notice an act of Christlikeness, that's fine.

I spend more time thinking. 'Am I supposed to?' when I should be wrapping my head around the simple fact that He came for all, He desires all, He wants all.

WAITING TILL IT'S DARK
Today's reading: John 3-4

"After dark one evening, a Jewish religious leader named Nicodemus, a Pharisee, came to speak to Jesus..." John 3:1-2 NLT

We wait until it's dark...

We wait until the bottom drops out of everything we know...

We wait until the storm rages...

We wait until our strength is exhausted...

We wait until our health fails, our families fall apart and our lives are turned upside-down...

We wait to come to Jesus.

And before you whisper, 'Oh, not me, Malinda, I'm a church go-er.'

So was Nicodemus...so was Nicodemus.

FINDING FAULT
Today's reading: Daniel 1-6

"Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and princes. Because of his great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire. Then the other administrators and princes began to search for some fault in the way Daniel was handling his affairs, but they couldn't find anything to criticize. He was faithful and honest and always responsible." Daniel 6:3-4 NLT

I'll admit, I've thought for the majority of my time in the Word that Daniel was noted for being brave in the face of some hungry lions.

I'm reminded, as I read these verses, that his courage was probably more noticeable when he was at work among the 'guys in the office' than in the den of lions!

On a day-to-day basis.

Monday through Friday.

During office hours.

May be the same for you.

While you are in and among the world.

When you are away from home, church and Christian friends(and sadly, maybe when you are with your church family and Christian friends).

The whole time you are shining for God, there are those who want to snuff your little light out.

Let them find nothing to criticize. Allow them to always find you faithful, honest and responsibly handling this Truth you carry within you.

MAKING THE KING SMILE
Today's reading: Proverbs 16

"When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a gentle rain." Proverbs 16:15 NLT

Will I make God smile today?

In what I do?

In what I say?

In what I refrain from saying?

In how I choose to react?

In believing Him?

In trusting He is at work?

In spending time with Him, just Him?

MIGHTIER THAN THESE
Today's reading: Psalm 93-95

"The mighty oceans have roared, O Lord. The mighty oceans roar like thunder; the mighty oceans roar as they pound the shore. But mightier than the  breakers on the shore--the Lord above is mightier than these!" Psalm 93:3-4 NLT

My Bible tells me the author of this particular psalm is unknown.

What is known about the author is that he had at one time in his life stood on the shores of the ocean. He had heard the breaking tide. He had quite possibly been dampened by the seaspray. He had, in regards to what he writes here, heard the crashing waves. He had stood and watched the waves pummel the rocks along the beach.

He was possibly mesmerized.

Maybe even awed?

Perhaps overwhelmed?

Fearful?

Captivated?

Fascinated?

Whatever emotions is evoked, it all led this psalmist to praise.

Do the things that capture our attention lead us to praise our God?

Do we consider what stands before us as big, but our God even bigger?

Mightier than these, the psalm writer said.  Mightier than these.

ALL IN THE FAMILY
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 1-4

Today's reading was all about genealogies.

There were no specific verses that jumped off the page at me. No profound pearls of wisdom that I am chewing on. Nothing that spoke to me in a unique or spotlighted way.

What I did see, what I hope to share with you, is that in reading through the history of families, starting with Adam, I see God at work.

I see Him in the families.

I see Him working around the families.

I see Him touching the lives of the families.

I see Him influencing the families.

I see Him rescuing the families.

I see Him using the families for His purposes.

I see Him correct the families.

I see Him applauding the families.

I see Him.

That's very reassuring to me as I pray for my family.

God is as concerned, as broken, as in love, as distraught, as hopeful, as brokenhearted and as desperate for my family as I am!

LIVING SECURELY
Today's reading: Leviticus 25-27

"If you want to live securely in the land, keep my laws and obey my regulations." Leviticus 25:18 NLT

I believe I can make this blanket statement: We all want to live securely.

We want to feel secure.

We want to give security to our families.

We want to feel safe in our homes, in our churches, in our communities and in our country.

We don't want to constantly be uprooted, displaced, herded or shuffled off to a place that is not our home, or our comfortable place.

Security only comes from living according to God's laws, the Bible tells us.

It's an internal, not an external, matter.

It's a heart issue, not a location issue.

  

NO MATTER WHAT
Today's reading: 2 Thessalonians

"May the Lord of peace himself always give you his peace no matter what happens. The Lord be with you all." 2 Thessalonians 3:16 NLT

Peace.

No matter what happens.

Regardless of what the doctor's reports reveal.

Despite another's choice.

In spite of the circumstances you find yourself in.

May He give you peace, no matter what happens.

HIM TRUSTING US
Today's reading: John 1-2

"Because of the miraculous signs he did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many people were convinced that he was indeed the Messiah. But Jesus didn't trust them, because he knew what people were really like. No one needed to tell him about human nature." John 2:23-25 NLT

Ouch!

Guilty.

I've never once thought about the fact that God shouldn't trust us with anything valuable...

...like His Only Son.

...like the power available to us by the Holy Spirit.

...like building up His church.

...like sharing the Gospel.

...like being the visible sign of an invisible, but clearly with us God.

We waver back and forth. We throw in the towel too easily. We chase anything that is shiny. We are easily distracted. We are the most imperfect of all His created works. We fail in so many areas.

Yet, by His own choice, He has given us a free will. A will that can choose good or bad. A part of our mind, heart and soul that can choose to live out faith in Him, or not.

He cannot trust us, but He entrusted us with His most precious gift, Jesus.

CIRCUMCISED
Today's reading: Ezekiel 43-48

"So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: No foreigners, including those who live among the people of Israel, will enter my sanctuary if they have not been circumcised and do not love the Lord." Ezekiel 44:9 NLT

Lord,

If I am to enter Your presence, whether at my church or here in my prayer chair, I have to have had some things cut away--and love You.

Not one or the other. Both.

I can do all the rituals, know all the lingo, be able to quote all four verses of the hymn and carry a King James version Bible, but if I haven't allowed You to cut away the parts of my heart that are infected and festered by the world, then I am a stranger You cannot let into Your presence.

The thought of that scares me. Sickens me. Brings me to my knees.

What am I holding on to that You are wanting to cut away? What ties of the world am I clinging to? What trinkets and souvenirs from my old life am I hanging on to with both hands?

In what areas of my life am I proving by my actions that I love someone or something more than I love You? What's getting my time? My energy? My affection?

What bitterness am I guarding? What grudges might I be harboring? What hurts am I nursing, not in a healing fashion but in a 'if I keep this wound open and fresh, I'll keep myself from opening up to another in such a way as to allow it again' kind of manner?

You have done a lot of work in me, Lord, but I also see so much more needing done.

Cut away what keeps me from being in Your presence.

Amen.

SPOUTING
Today's reading: Proverbs 14-15

"The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words." Proverbs 15:28 NLT

"The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things." Proverbs 15:28 KJV

I'm a reforming 'spouter'. A work in progress. An incomplete, but under construction, project of God's.

I've seen huge strides made in my words, my mouth and my pouring out of evil things.

But I want to see more.

I want to be so far away from who I once was, and what I once said, that I don't even recognize myself.

I want what flows, pours out, gushes forth, springs up, bubbles out, ferments then rises from my heart into my words, to be completely under His control.

It's not a job I can do on my own. Not at all well, that is,

LET HIM, LORD
Today's reading: Psalm 90-92

"Let us see your miracles again; let our children see your glory at work." Psalm 90:16 NLT

Lord,

Let my child see your glory at work me.

Let him see faith in me that can move mountains, for him and for myself.

Let him witness trust that moves me deeper into a relationship with You, and intrigues him enough to want it himself.

Let him see a constant work in my life where You are improving, forgiving and refining me.

Let him see a forgiven, imperfect child of Yours attempting to make You proud and love him wholeheartedly.

Let him see Your hand guiding my life as I attempt to guide his.

Let him know, without a doubt, that my ambition in life is to stand before You and receive a 'Well done, my faithful servant', not from him.

Let him see joy, peace, love, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control in my life, knowing it's not anything I have done on my own, but gifts straight from You.

Let my boy see your glory at work in my life, Lord...please.

FINDING GOD'S WORD
Today's reading: 2 Kings 21-25

"Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the court secretary, I have found the Book of the Law in the Lord's Temple! Then Hilkiah gave the scroll to Shaphan and he read it. Shaphan returned to the king and reported, Your officials have given the money collected at the Temple of the Lord to the workers and supervisors at the Temple. Shaphan also said to the king, Hilkiah the priest has given me a scroll. So Shaphan read it to the king. When the king heard what was written in the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes in despair." 2 Kings 22:8-10 NLT

Within two verses we find the main ways people react to God's Word...

Like Hilkiah, excited! Notice the exclamation point? He called it specifically what it was. He was ready to share it with another. Couldn't keep it to himself.

Like Shaphan, oblivious to what it was and the power it held. He was given the scroll and it says he read it. That's all, that he read it. He then, in an afterthought, gave what he refers to as simply a 'scroll' to the king.

Like the king, convicted by its words. The king was immediately repentant. He was ever so sorry that his life didn't measure up to what these Words said. He immediately asked that prayer be made on his behalf and on behalf of the people.

So, this portion of Scripture leaves me to consider just how I am reacting to the Bible.

Am I excited about it?

Bored with it?

Changed by it?

And what about you?

HIS NAME
Today's reading: Leviticus 22-24

"Do not treat my name as common and ordinary..." Leviticus 22:32 NLT

God's instruction should flavor, color and affect each and every prayer I pray...

When I cry out in help, I should take in to consideration to Whom I am calling, the power He holds and the promises He has made to rescue me.

When I humble myself before Him in repentance, my heart should be broken over my sin, my mind willing to make the necessary changes required to not fall back into old ways, I should realize He knows--He knows my heart and the intentions behind anything I do.

When I praise Him. He is owed more praise than I could ever offer. He has created me for the purpose of praising Him. He is due praise more often than I could produce.

When I speak His name. The Holy Name of God. The Creator. The Great and Powerful God. The Jehovah.

There is nothing common or ordinary about His name, and I must bring that to memory each and every time I call out to Him.