REST ASSURED
Today's reading: Obadiah

"The day is near when I, the Lord, will judge the godless nations! As you have done to Israel, so it will be done to you. All your evil deeds will fall back on your own heads." Obadiah 15 NLT

It's more than a political statement...The nation that stand with Israel will itself stand.

It's more than a historical statement...History books verify this truth.

It's more than an Old Testament statement...As with every other word in this Book, it is relevant today.

It's more than just a story...It is trustworthy. It is factual. It is to be believed.

It is a statement of faith...God takes care of His own.

Israel, His chosen land.

Jews, His chosen people.

Christians, His sons and daughters purchased and adopted by the blood of Jesus!

LIVING WORD OF GOD
Today's reading: Proverbs 26-27

"As a door turns back and forth on its hinges, so the lazy person turns over in bed." Proverbs 26:14 NLT

Do not think for a moment that God's Word isn't alive and well!

Just this morning, this very morning, it has stepped into my head and heart and spoken to me in such a way as to address the very issue I was dealing with.

Laziness.

I could have stayed in bed this morning.

The alarm seemed to have gone off way too early. Yesterday's emotions and busyness had caught up with me. The turn of the seasons had cooled off the house and made the quilts toasty warm. The to-do list for today groans with excessive weight. The peace, quiet and comfort of my bed were difficult to leave.

I could've hit the snooze button...a few times...quite a few times, actually.

But I got up.

I got started with my day. My morning routines have begun. My time with God has been sweet, as I knew it would. My day will not be getting off to a slow or postponed start.

I needed the words from the Word.

The living, breathing, applicable Word of God.

WELL, WHAT?
Today's reading: Psalm 114-116

"What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me?" Psalm 116:12 NLT

I was a blubbering mess when I got up this morning.

More of one now.

May continue to be throughout the day.

What can I offer the Lord for all He has done for me?

IF I CANNOT
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 6-10

"But the Lord told him, It is right for you to want to build the Temple to honor my name, but you will not be the one to do it. One of your sons will build it instead." 2 Chronicles 6:8-9 NLT

Is it okay with you if the Lord uses your best friend to do the ministry you've seen sprout in your heart?

Is it all right with you if you are picked over for the solo part and get to be one of the back up singers?

Will it sit well with you if the gal you've been counseling, praying for and mentoring meets Jesus and prays the prayer of salvation with another lady in your church?

If you're not picked for the committee?

If your name is left off the program?

If your opinion isn't sought after?

How do we handle it when we're not in the spot light? Not chosen to be in front? Not 'picked for the team'?

When you're not the world changer, but you've raised the one who very well could be?

Solomon had the right attitude, because his father had the right attitude--Lord, if it cannot be me, please let it be someone!

If our grandest dreams, wildest hopes and greatest plans focus on bringing Him glory, then it shouldn't matter in the least if we're a part of it or not.

But it's hard. Real hard. Isn't it?

GIVE THEM SOMEONE
Today's reading: Numbers 25-28

"Then Moses said to the Lord, O Lord, the God of the spirits of all living things, please appoint a new leader for the community. Give them someone who will lead them into battle, so the people of the Lord will not be like sheep without a shepherd." Numbers 27:15-17 NLT

Give them someone, Moses pleads with God.

Someone to lead them after I'm gone.

Someone they'll listen to.

Someone they'll see You in.

Someone who will hold them accountable, love them and seek out the very best in them and for them.

Moses asks for the Israelite people. I ask the same things for my son.

This week marks the beginning of his being able to drive. A monumental time in his life--and mine.

His driver's license will take him one step further from my influence.

This new found privilege will take him places he will determine for himself.

I'm begging God to place in his path godly people who will steer him in the right direction.

Church family that will guide him.

Godly friends who will hold him accountable.

Christians who will love him enough to shepherd him.

Believers who will remind him that at all times God is with him.

Folks placed in his life for the sole purpose of showing him You.

Because Mom cannot be there all the time...sigh.

TUNE IN
Today's reading: Hebrews 1-4

"So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it." Hebrews 2:1 NLT

As you prepare for a day of worship, think about this...

It's not just about what you'll wear.

Where you'll sit.

Who you'll see.

What music they will choose.

What entertainment your kids might have.

Whether or not the pew will be packed.

It's all about God's Word being preached.

Are you preparing to listen for it?

To listen hard?

To actually carry your Bible with you, open it's pages and read for yourself what your pastor is sharing?

We must listen carefully. Words can be left out. Meanings can be changed. Context can be left out. Social preferences can be substituted for 'thus saith the Word of God'.

Are you ready to listen?

IN THE GARDEN
Today's reading: John 19-21

"The place of the crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before. And so, because it was the day of preparation before the Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there." John 19:41-42 NLT

Even seven months after my trip to Israel, I have a hard time pin-pointing which place might have been my favorite.

The sounds and waves of the Lake of Galilee will forever hold a place in my heart and mind.

I truly enjoyed En-Gedi.

I remember very well our service in the area of Gabbatha, or the pavement where Jesus would have suffered his worst beatings and scourgings.

I was intrigued by Masada.

I was baptized in the Jordan River.

But this morning when I read over the account of the crucifixion and the garden tomb, my mind stopped and recalled memories from that time of my trip.

It was a beautiful garden, well landscaped with walking paths for the tourists, like myself, to use safely. It is maintained by a British family that has had ownership of the piece of property since the late 1800's, there purpose in opening it to the public to announce the Gospel.

I don't know if it is the 'exact' spot where Jesus' tomb was. I don't think they can even tell us with 100% certainty, but it sure was a special place.

It was quieter there. It held an air of worship. It was a slower paced part of our break-neck speed tour. This was a place where we were no longer tourists, but international worshipers.

We were able to participate in a very special communion service within a few yards of the empty tomb. With the members our new family of friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. With a new sense of what the pages of the Bible held between its covers.

Then we were off to dinner and the plane that would take us back to our homes. Away from the Holy Lands. Back to life as we had known it--but with a completely different twist to it!

My faith walk has not been the same since the trip and the viewing of the empty tomb. I didn't have to go to Israel to be saved, but it sure has taken my relationship to a completely different level of belief. I believed, without seeing the emptiness of that cave, that Jesus had been killed, buried and resurrected for me...but seeing it? Touching the walls as we stooped to go into the burial chamber? Being reminded of what had happened, whether it happened in that spot or not?

The tomb is empty...Praise our Resurrected Lord!

A PLUMB LINE
Today's reading: Amos 5-9

"And the Lord said to me, Amos, what do you see? I answered, A plumb line. And the Lord replied, I will test my people with this plumb line. I will no longer ignore their sins." Amos 7:8 NLT

The plumb line we have in the lumberyard where I work sits with dust on its package.

The one widely used method of testing for straightness, or trueness, as some of the old-timers call it, has been replaced with new-fangled items.

What a lesson for the Christian community!

Our standards are being tweaked, re-arranged, modified and boundaries of right and wrong moved to convey a false sense of security.

Denominations, churches, pastors, parents and now children are no longer in tune, or in line, with what God's Word says is right and true.

We cannot base our living on what culture is okaying.

We cannot determine our righteousness based on what televised evangelists proclaim, unless it is directly from the Word of God.

We cannot trust politicians to lead us down the right paths. No, PATH, as there is only one.

We cannot depend upon what our families have done for generations.

Our plumb line is the Bible.

There are no other tools by which we can measure our lives.

AN INVITATION
Today's reading: Proverbs 25

"Don't demand an audience with the king or push for a place among the great. It is better to wait for an invitation than to be sent to the end of the line, publicly disgraced!.." Proverbs 25:6-7 NLT

I'm growing quite weary of the political campaign.

We have two highly visible candidates running for an office that will provide them with loads of esteem, large quantities of power and the opportunity to one day have their face on a piece of currency.

They are, as King Solomon jotted down from his time alone with God, pushing to be at the head of the line.

One of them will be publicly disgraced when the poll results are tallied. The other, well, the other will probably be publicly disgraced at some point in their term in office.

I wouldn't want the job. I couldn't handle the campaign. I shouldn't be in the public for much longer periods of time than I am, because I tend to get myself in trouble.

I can become quite discouraged, depressed and discontented when I view the campaign ads, or I can pause to think about this simple, life-changing fact--

I have been personally invited in to the presence of the King!

I am not having to push my way in or flash a winning smile that will catch His eye. Although I have a team of prayer warriors, I do not have an entourage of professional image consultants that make me out to be more appealing to the God of the universe than I am.

I am not worthy to be in His throne room, and yet an open, genuine, at-any-time invitation is mine. He asks for me. He calls me to Him. He leaves the door open for such a worm as I.

Let them fight it out for the position of President, I'll be content to have a constant, intimate audience with the King!

BURSTING IN
Today's reading: 111-113

"When darkness overtakes the godly, light will come bursting in..." Psalm 112:4 NLT

May you never experience a dark time, but if you do, know there is hope.

Dark times occur when our sins disrupt lines of communication between us and God.

Or when a season of life bears heavy on our hearts.

Or when a storm rages for what seems to be eternity.

Or when feelings are raw, emotions are damaged and friendships are broken.

Or when guidance, direction and answers seemingly go unanswered, even unheard.

Or when a diagnosis overrides heart knowledge.

Or when the end of the tunnel cannot be seen.

Or when it feels as if you're going under for the third time.

Hope will come bursting in, if you are His.

It may begin as the tiniest flicker of light. It may be a lighthouse on a wave tossed ocean. It might be a sun peeking through the clouds. It may be the tiniest hint of relief. Hope may come in the way of an apology. It may rise up from seemingly dead ashes into a blazing fire. It may glimmer softly through the words of Scripture. It may come from the hug of a friend.

You, child of God, are not without hope.

HE WILL GIVE IT
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 1-5

"That night God appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!" 2 Chronicles 1:7 NLT

What I've noticed this morning in this verse--

God speaks directly. To Solomon. To His children. To me. To you.

He seeks to know the desires of our hearts. It's no trick question. He already knows, but allows us to verbalize our dreams. He gives us a stage on which to uncover our deepest darkest desires.

He asks us to ask. He gives permission. He grants us a opportunity. He says, in a nutshell, Go ahead.

He says He will give it. His words, no one else's. From His unlimited resources. Not from our own. 

He ended the sentence with an exclamation point! He's excited. He anticipates great things. He cannot wait to answer our requests.

This single verse excites me and renews me. It jump starts my prayer life for the day.

Oh, what a gracious God we serve!

WHEN HE SEES HOW MANY
Today's reading: Numbers 21-24

"And when they saw how many Israelites there were, he and his people were terrified." Numbers 22:3 NLT

Sharing a prayer request is a very personal matter.

It opens up your life, your heart, your family and your deepest hurts to another.

It shows a problem, an area of bondage or a chink in your armor that the enemy is always attempting to worm his way in to.

It removes the 'super hero cape' from your shoulders and makes you feel more like a common citizen.

And it gets someone else praying for your heart's desires.

Or, quite possibly, several someones.

It surrounds you with an army of praying believers.

And your enemy sees that...and is afraid.

He becomes aware of the fact that you are believing in the power of prayer, in the One to whom you pray and that this battle is big enough and important enough to you to solicit help. He sees that you are no longer standing alone against him.

So, friend, keep your request to yourself or share it with your prayer warriors...what will it be?

WHAT DO THEY HEAR?
Today's reading: Philemon

"I always thank God when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing of your trust in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God's people." Philemon 4-5 NLT

It's always nice to know someone is praying for you.

It gives your spirit a lift.

It lightens your load.

It helps you conquer the day's battles with a renewed zeal.

What would be even nicer is that when they say they're praying for you, they say it because of all the good things they hear you're doing...

But that's not always the case, is it?

Sometimes they hear you're spouted your opinion in an unlovely way.

Sometimes they see your body language not speaking in godly ways.

Sometimes they are eye witnesses to your losing it completely.

Sometimes they see your burden is influencing your love of Christ and of others.

And they pray.

This morning I'm really thinking about what it is they might be hearing about be today--and why they are praying or not for me when they hear it.

NOT YET
Today's reading: John 16-18

"Oh, there is so much more I want to tell you, but you can't bear it now." John 16:12 NLT

Words written in red always catch my attention.

Words spoken by Jesus Himself catch my heart.

He is telling me in this verse that I don't have to understand ALL of it now.

I ask Him, Why? He send the Holy Spirit to comfort me while I wait.

I ask Him, How much longer? He speaks soothing words of peace and patience to my heart.

I ask Him, How in the world can this work into a plan that glorifies You? He gently reminds me that He is God, I am not.

I cannot bear the answers to some of my questions right now. Maybe ever.

WHEN HE HAS HAD ENOUGH
Today's reading: Joel 1-4

In reading this morning, I've come across a passage that has been repeated eight different times in two short chapters...

'...The people of ______ have sinned again and again, and I will not forget it. I will not let them go unpunished any longer!'

Amos tells us in his vision that God speaks this statement over the countries of Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab, Judah and Israel. In each of the eight verses, God fills in the names of each of these.

He had had enough.

Enough of their sin.

Enough of their insincere repentance.

Enough of their taking for granted all He blessed them with.

Enough of their thinking they could do what they wished, going against His orders, and not face the consequences.

I shudder to think--what about when He has had enough and puts our names in the blank?

DON'T GIVE IT TO ME
Today's reading: Proverbs 23-24

"My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways." Proverbs 23:26 KJV

"O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes delight in my ways of wisdom." Proverbs 23:26 NLT

Solomon is known to be the wisest man on earth. One whose leadership, kingship and knowledge were gifts to him from God. A king who was admired by his peers of the time and greatly quoted to this day.

 I will admit up front, I am no Solomon. I do not understand great things. I am not sought after for my wise sayings or decision making abilities. While I believe I have common sense, I haven't the mental acuity gifted to this king.

That being said, I disagree with this verse. Not theologically. Not radically. Not with a desire to disclaim Solomon's wisdom or cast any doubt upon the words of Scripture.

It's from a mother's heart.

When I think about speaking to my child, my boy, I don't think I can say what Solomon said to his, or is saying to us...

'Give me your heart.'

As much as I desire my boy's love, affection, respect and loyalty--I want him to give his heart daily to the Lord, not to me.

I want God's words ringing in his ears, not my own.

I want him to follow God's leading, not my own.

I want him to fashion his life after Jesus', not after mine.

I want him to honor, serve and love the Lord with his whole heart, not even giving me a part.

I want God to be his hero, not dear old Mom.

And while I'm admitting things--I'll admit it isn't easy to say. And mean. And live out. And pray for. And accept. And watch. And direct him towards doing.

To see my boy willingly give his entire life, heart, soul, mind and strengths, all his plans, dreams and ambitions, to the Lord, would be my crowning glory. 

MIGHTY THINGS
Today's reading: Psalm 108-110

"With God's help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes." Psalm 108:13 NLT

I don't know what's on your to-do list for today, but with God you will accomplish mighty things.

Things that amaze you.

Things that leave you scratching your head in wonderment.

Things that couldn't possibly, wouldn't usually and shouldn't feasibly get done.

Things that point directly to the God whom you serve.

Are you ready?

CAREFUL CARE
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 25-29

"Shelomoth and his relatives were in charge of the treasuries containing the gifts that King David, the family leaders, and the generals and captains and other officers of the army had dedicated to the Lord. These men dedicated some of the plunder they had gained in battle to maintain the house of the Lord. Shelomoth and his relatives also cared for the gifts dedicated to the Lord by Samuel the seer, Saul son of Kish, Abner son of Ner, and Joab son of Zeruiah. All the other dedicated gifts were in their care, too." 1 Chronicles 26:26-28 NLT

It's quite a long passage.

It's filled with names that are hard to pronounce.

It's from a portion of the Bible I sometimes have a hard time reading thoroughly.

But I needed what its words said today. I needed to be reminded of the privilege I have been given within the walls of His church. I needed the boost to my morale in regards to ministry opportunities that leave me exhausted and feeling like they make little impact.

You see, whether it's when I work with the littles or the adults, whether I am in charge of the church bank account or the church's toilet brush or vacuum, regardless of whether I am up front or behind the scenes, if I have a job within the church I have been given the responsibility of maintaining what's been dedicated to God--just like the men in this passage of Scripture.

I, too, am in charge of a portion of the treasuries that hold all the grand things placed into God's kingdom.

I hold the responsibility of caring for what's been entrusted to Him.

I get to administer grace and love to those who have been captured as plunder in great battles against our enemy. Battles for death and life. Wars waged in the hearts of men and women, boys and girls. Trophies of His greatness and encompassing mercy.

So I lift up my chin. I feel my backbone strengthen. I muster up the strength He provides for me to do it again today. I approach my post as child of God, member of His family, part of His local church and salt and light for the world with a renewed vigor and purpose. I can take careful care of His most prized possessions. 

I can do this. I can guard His treasures. I can show up for work. I can smile as I go about my Father's business!

ENOUGH TRUST
Today's reading: Numbers 17-20

"But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!" Numbers 20:12 NLT

If Moses, the Moses, the floated on the Nile, was used to release God's children, parted the Red Sea, watched manna float down from the sky, was given opportunity to speak to God in the Tabernacle, Moses, were sitting with me this morning and I took the time to interview him, this is how it might play out...

Me: Moses, if you had the opportunity to sum up your life in a short sentence or two, what might you say?

Moses: I would say to read Numbers 20:12.

Me: If you could wrap up your testimony into a neat little package, what might that package include?

Moses: It would contain the words of Numbers 20:12.

Me: If you could direct another's life according to what you have seen, heard and learned, what would tell them?

Moses: I would tell them to spend some time studying Number 20:12.

Me: Great man of God, leader of an entire nation, patriarch of faith, do you have a defining moment in your life?

Moses: Numbers 20:12.

I'm touched this morning by what all I might be missing out on because of my lack of faith. Where am I no longer allowed to go with God because of my faithlessness? At the end of my life, when I get to the point where I should be tying up my ministry with a neat little bow, what will be affected by my choice not to trust Him?

YOU, I MEAN, ME
Today's reading: Titus

"But as for you, promote the kind of living that reflects right teaching." Titus 2:1 NLT

I can quickly scan this verse and think of a whole lot of folks who need to take it to heart.

I can jot down a list of hypocritical people who need just what it says.

I can mentally vision just who I believe this section of Scripture was written for.

But that's not what He says in His Word...

He says, You, I mean, Me.

He is talking to me when I read it.

He is calling me into accountability when I open the Bible and pause to reflect upon what it says in this short verse.

He is speaking directly to my heart, if I allow it, about how He expects me to live, walk and talk.

He hasn't got His finger scanning the crowd pointing out everyone elses' faults...He is speaking to me, to my heart, to my very soul, about me.

It matters very, very little what everyone else does. You see, everyone else will not be standing beside me when I stand before Him. I'll have no witnesses. I'll not be allowed to use the crowd as my excuse. I'll have no jury of my peers to state my case.

It will be God and I.

And He knows I've read this verse.

ANYONE
Today's reading: Joel

"And anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved..." Joel 2:32 NLT

Lord,

This is such an exciting statement for You to make in Your Word.

A promise that is backed by Your ten-fold, no ten million-fold, trustworthiness.

Anyone.

Where ever they are.

No matter what they have done...or are doing.

Regardless of their track record, but solely based upon Yours.

When they call, You will save them.

Thank You for that promise, Heavenly Father.

CHOOSING WHICH ROUTE
Today's reading: Proverbs 22

"Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it." Proverbs 22:6 NLT

I was raised hearing this verse quoted.

I am raising our son while grasping firmly to the probabilities of this verse...not the promise of it, because it is not a promise, but a probability.

One that I am experiencing more and more personally as September 28th gets closer and closer.

The tall man-child in our home will get his driver's license on September 28th. All his hours behind the wheel, his hours with a driving instructor, his time studying the pages of his Rules Of The Road book will begin to be tested.

He will be choosing his own path.

I won't be chauffeuring him around any longer. I won't be taking him where he needs taken. I won't be completely in charge of him safely getting from Point A to Point B.

He will be making decisions that will impact himself and others.

He will be drawing on the experiences he has had with us in the vehicle. He will be making quick judgements about how we might handle decisions if in the circumstances he will find himself in.

And I know there will be mistakes made. Fender benders, of the heart, mind, soul and Camry.

But I know God will be with him. Guiding him. Directing him. Whispering in his ear. Reminding him of all he has heard, seen and watched.

So that my boy will choose the right road. At the right speed. Safely.

EVEN SO
Today's reading: Psalm 105-107

"Even so, he saved them--..." Psalm 106:8 NLT

Sitting in my prayer chair, pulled up beside God, discussing His Word, yesterday's happenings and today's plans, I am hit with the enormity of this verse.

He knows how very short I fall in being obedient. Even so, He saved me.

He knows what a mess I made of things yesterday. Even so, He saved me.

He already knows how I might run ahead of Him today, attempting to make my mark on the world, trying to mold the world and its inhabitants into the plans I have laid out. Even so, He saved me.

He knows I will allow my strongholds to override my seeking Him. Even so, He saved me.

He knows tomorrow I will repeat all that I've done. Even so, He saved me.

Even so, He saved me.

When the race is ended, and the play is either won or lost, and ye are in the utmost circle and border of time, and shall put your foot within the march of eternity, all the good things of your short night dream shall seem to you likes ashes of a blaze of thorns or straw.      - Samuel Rutherford

BEFORE YOU
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 20-24

"This is a desperate situation! David replied to God. But let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great. Do not let me fall into human hands." 1 Chronicles 21:13 NLT

David had made an arrogant mistake, and his countrymen were about to have to bear the consequences.

God was giving David three choices: three years of famine, three months of destruction by Israel's enemies or three days of severe plague at the hand of the angel of the Lord.

Let's sum it up to say none of the three were appealing. Good would not come from a single one of them. None of them were easy punishments.

But I'm like David in deciding that any punishment or discipline or learning I would be given, I certainly wanted from God's hands--from no one else.

You see, no one else loves me like God.

No one else knows the weaknesses I have.

No one else can show me mercy like my God.

No one else can discipline and comfort me as can my Lord.

I'll make mistakes against people. I'll screw up. I'll sin against them, and the Lord. I will need to be corrected, reproved and reformed--but let it be at the hand of my Father.

The One who loves me, cares for me, has a future and brilliant plans for me. The One who gave His Only Son for me!

TODAY
Today's reading: Numbers 13-16

"Please, Lord, prove that your power is as great as you have claimed it to be..." Numbers 14:17 NLT

Oh, it's not that I don't believe You are mighty. It's not that.

It's not even that I haven't seen Your hand work in ways that without a doubt are You. Because I have.

It's just that I have a list of prayers I have been praying that I really need to see You move in.

Today would be a good day.

Right now would be a good time.

Immediately, if that's not asking too much of Your greatness.

In the life of a friend and her family who are struggling with circumstances beyond their control...

In the health of a believer who is very dear to my heart...

In the life of a child who needs to settle things with You before life gets even more in the way...

In an issue I have been dealing with in my heart and do not want to move ahead on my own, but only with Your leadership and guidance...

Prove that Your power is as great as You say it is.

Please, Lord.

SELF-EXAMINATION
Today's reading: 2 Timothy 3-4

"They will act as if they are religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. You must stay away from people like that." 2 Timothy 3:5 NLT

I wonder, am I the kind of 'people' Paul warned folks about?

Am I religious, or am I godly?

There is a huge difference, you know.

It's got me thinking this morning...

Am I preparing for church today as one with religion, or one that desires to be godly?

Will I sit in the pew today as one who attends religiously, or as one who desires God?

Will I be performing duties of my religion, or worshipping the One True God?

Will I speak to, help out, listen to and love on those in my church family out of religious duty or out of a godly heart?

Will I minister in my roles today to fulfill the tenets of my religion or as an outpouring of the God that dwells in me?

RECOGNIZE
Today's reading: John 10-12

"They won't follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don't recognize his voice." John 10:5 NLT

"And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers." John 10:5 KJV

I don't know about you, but I have spent far too much time and energy training myself to recognize satan's lies, that I miss out on God's direction at times.

I don't want to follow satan. I want to follow my Good Shepherd.

I don't want to be lured by the innuendos satan scatters throughout my day. I want to hear God's truths in my ears, and feel them coursing through my veins.

Recognize means to know or remember because of previous knowledge or experience.

When I recognize God's role in my life, His mighty works, the times He has been revealed in my days, I will remember...and follow after His voice alone.

PLEASE DON'T FORGET
Today's reading: Hosea 8-14

"I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from your slavery in Egypt. You have no God but me, for there is no other savior. I took care of you in the wilderness, in that dry and thirsty land. But when you had eaten and were satisfied, you became proud and forgot me." Hosea 13:4-6 NLT

I pray for you what I pray for myself, for my own son, for my very dearest friends...just enough struggle in your life to keep your mind firmly on God.

Because I know how easy it is when things are going well to forget about Him.

I know when there are no struggles, one tends to coast on our own strengths and abilities.

On sunny days we have a tendency to forget Who has held our hands during the storms that rage at night.

When everyone is healthy we fail to speak to Him as often.

When there isn't a lot going on we push Him to the side.

When we are needy we are needy, when we are not, we are not.

So I pray you always need Him. Every day.

Lest we forget.

REAL GIFTS
Today's reading: Proverbs 20-21

"Ears to hear and eyes to see--both are gifts from the Lord." Proverbs 20:12 NLT

Just listen for the early morning birds and watch the sunrise begin to glow over the tree tops and you'll quickly realize how very much deserving of praise our Creator is.

Just watch a quick replay of your day or truly listen to what you have said through out it, and how you have said it, and you'll come to grips with why you desperately need a Savior.

Listen to the sounds of your family beginning to move as the alarms sound for the start of a new day and listen as they mumble a quiet, but heartfelt, 'Good morning, Mom', and you'll know without a doubt how truly thankful you should be of your great Provider.

Watch the news or listen, truly listen, to the heart of another and you'll be made aware of how prayer is an opportunity given to you by a Gracious and Loving God to be a part of a change that can take place.

Eyes and ears are truly gifts from our Father.