TAKING COURAGE
Today's reading: Acts 27-28

"...When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage." Acts 28:15 NLT

The Roman Christians were a sight for Paul's sore eyes!

After false accusations, prison, shipwreck and probably beatings, he drew courage from their decision to seek him out.

Are you thankful for the Christians who bolster your faith?

The saints who pray you through?

The fellow believers who offer no more than a smile at times?

The weary soldiers marching alongside you on this pilgrim journey?

And are you an encouragement to them?

NO PLACE TO HIDE
Today's reading: Revelation 18-22

"And I saw a great white throne, and I saw the one who was sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide." Revelation 20:11 NLT

Nothing is beyond His seeing.

There is nothing He doesn't know.

That's an awe-inspiring thought this last day or so of the year.

Nothing I've done, nothing I've said, nothing I've thought is beyond His knowing.

Convicting, really.

But what the next verse holds cements my desperate need to be His...

"I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God's throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to the things written in the books, according to what they had done." Revelations 20:12 NLT

My name is written there as redeemed, bought and forgiven by Christ's blood. All I've done and will do is covered by His love. That brings a sense of inspiration to my heart as I attempt to make His purchase one that was very worth while.

Is your name written there?

REAL LOVE
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 7-8

"...If a man tried to buy love with everything he owned, his offer would be utterly despised." Song of Solomon 8:7 NLT

It takes a lot of burden off my shoulders knowing I don't have to win God's love.

He's given it to me, fully.

He's provided it for me, sacrificially.

He's proved it to me, perfectly.

He's reminded me of it, daily.

He's shown me what it looks like, in a holy way.

CROWNED
Today's reading: Psalm 149-150

"For the Lord delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory." Psalm 149:4 NKJV

"For the Lord delights in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation." Psalm 149:4 NLT

In my top dresser drawer I keep a small tiara.

Yes, a tiara.

A sparkling, glittery, plastic tiara with pink acrylic gems mounted in plastic settings.

It's quite a nice tiara, considering it was purchased at an area dollar-merchandise store many, many years ago.

It stays in my drawer--I don't wear it out in public, or even around the house.

It's a visual reminder to me of who I am...a daughter of the King of Kings.

Seeing it in my drawer each morning reminds me to dress as a princess, to act as a princess, to speak as a princess, to believe as a princess, to conduct myself as a princess and to walk (in faith and grace and mercy and love) as a princess should.

In my humility one Easter Sunday, lots of years ago, I knelt at His throne and sought His forgiveness--and He gave it to me. I am saved. I am set apart. I am no longer bound by sin's chains. I am delighted in.

I wear a tiara--inside my heart!

HE COMES TO ME
Today's reading: Esther 6-10

In re-reading Esther this morning, I see it...

She was torn between palace protocol and pleading for the lives of her people.

She was afraid of breaking throne room rules on behalf of herself and her kinfolk.

She feared for her life, all the while knowing she had to plead for her life.

Queen Esther feared approaching the king.

She was apprehensive in approaching his chambers.

It's there that I see it--

God knows there are times I am afraid to come before Him. I am unwilling to dirty His presence with my own self I am worried if there is enough grace to cover my life when I stand before Him.

So on many occasions, so very many occasions, He comes to me!

OUR ROCK
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 32-34

"But the rock of our enemies is not like our Rock, as even they recognize." Deuteronomy 32:31 NLT

The lost realize we believers have 'something'.

The unsaved tend to notice something is missing in their own lives.

Those staying away from church, for whatever reason or excuse, know they are shortchanging themselves in some way.

We have a Rock. They have rocks.

There is a huge difference!

AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME
Today's reading: Luke 2

"And it came to pass..." Luke 2:1 KJV

Ever thought about those five simple words?

How at just the right time...

In just the right place...

In just the right stable...

On just the right night...

To just the right man and his espoused wife...

When just the right ruler was seated on a throne...

Not too late.

Not a moment too early.

Not forgotten.

Not just a legend or a myth.

It happened just when God deemed it necessary--for us to appreciate, value, worship and honor today.

Merry Christmas!

PROCLAIMING MY FORGIVENESS
Today's reading: Acts 25-26

"On Paul's arrival in court, the Jewish leaders from Jerusalem gathered around and made many serious accusation they couldn't prove. Paul denied the charges, I am not guilty, he said..." Acts 25:7-8 NLT

My enemy gathers his minions around me and shouts accusations.

He brings up mistakes from my past.

He verbalizes every fault I have, every sin I've committed, every poor choice I've made.

He likes to remind me of all I've messed up, all the times I've given up and all the serious infractions I've been part of.

Some days those accusations leave me huddled and ashamed.

Some days they make me give up trying.

Some days, like today as I read Paul's accounts, my enemy's taunts give me reason to stand and face him--to rise up--to hold my head high--to shout to him, I'm no longer guilty...

Because of Jesus!

I AM HIS
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 5-6

"I am my beloved's and he is mine..." Song of Solomon 6:3 NKJV

I grew up in the age when identity bracelets were popular.

Whether they were silver or gold, they held upon them your name (spelled correctly, I might add)--your identity.

My identity is no longer tied up in my name engraved on a piece of metal that encircles my wrist...

Or the name passed down from my grandmother on Dad's side...

Or the name that comes from being a certain man's daughter...

Or a certain man's wife...

Or a certain boy's mom...

My identity no longer comes written out on a bracelet, but written into the words of Scripture.

I am God's--and He is mine!

I TELL MYSELF
Today's reading: Psalm 146-148

"Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, I tell myself." Psalm 146:1 NLT

A lot of thoughts creep into my mind...

I can't.

It won't do any good.

It's not worth it.

It's not in me.

Who will notice anyway?

Why even try?

Any one of those thoughts can disable me, discourage me or dissuade me from giving any further attempt.

I have to be careful what I allow myself to think, because it can very easily side-track me from what it is He has purposed me to do.

What I need to do on a daily, hourly, minute-by-minute basis is tell myself, Praise the Lord!

He deserves it!

It takes my focus off of me, my inabilities, my problems.

It is what I'm made to do.

Praise the Lord!

BUT YOU
Today's reading: Esther 1-5

"If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die." Esther 4:14 NLT

Esther has been made aware of Haman's wicked plan to annihilate the Jews.

Mordecai has asked her to speak to the king on behalf of her people.

She is afraid, but has given protocol as reason not to approach the king.

Mordecai tells her, thru Hathach, the words of this verse.

I'm asking myself this morning, am I listening to and following through with all that God is asking of me?

Am I believing my obedience to Him breathes real life into my life and the lives of those around me?

Am I willing to settle for being less than blessed by my decision not to obey what He asks?

What will die within me every time I choose my own path rather than His?

WHEN WE PROSPER
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 29-31

"For I will bring them into the land I swore to give their ancestors--a land flowing with milk and honey. There they will become prosperous; they will eat all the food they want and become well nourished. Then they will begin to worship other gods; they will despise me and break my covenant." Deuteronomy 31:20 NLT

I know you're not enjoying these tough, lean valley times.

They make you weary. They stretch your faith thinner than you'd like.

You feel very alone. Very afraid. Very dependent.

But you're closer to God now than you've ever been, aren't you?

Tough times have a way of clearing out the static and allowing us to focus on one main thing--God.

It's when things go well, we have plenty, we sit and count our prizes and we're feeling mighty independent that we wander from Him.

FACE TO FACE
Today's reading: 3 John

"I have much to tell you, but I don't want to do it in a letter. For I hope to see you soon, and then we will talk face to face." 3 John 13-14 NLT

We speak to God through prayer.

We hear Him whisper to our hearts through the Holy Spirit.

We imagine the heavenly home He has prepared for us.

But to speak to Him face to face?

Unimaginable!

Beyond comprehension!

Something to look forward to!

DIVIDED
Today's reading: Acts 23-24

"Paul realized that some members of the high council were Sadducees and some were Pharisees, so he shouted, Brothers, I am a Pharisee, as were all my ancestors! And I am on trial because my hope is in the resurrection of the dead! This divided the council--" Acts 23:6-7 NLT

When you speak of the Lord, you will cause divisions.

Sometimes between your self and another believer.

Sometimes between your self and a not-yet believer.

Jesus is a dividing line. You either believe in Him fully, or you don't. You either know Him intimately, or you don't. You either trust Him implicitly, or you don't. You either are washed in His blood, or you aren't. You either are His, or you aren't. You either have Him as your future hope, or you don't.

Paul knew upon which side of Christ he stood--do you?

ALL I CAN DO
Today's reading: Revelation 7-11

"...And they fell face down before the throne and worshiped God. They said, Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and forever. Amen!" Revelation 7:11-12

All I can do is praise Him today.

Sure, there are still unanswered requests in my heart. There are still loved ones in the hospital. There are still plenty of character flaws I desperately need Him to continue working on. There are still things I can request. Answers I still need. Problems I still need to lug to the foot of His throne.

But this morning?

This morning I feel like the Revelation angels--all I can do is bow at His throne and praise Him! I cannot ask for a thing. I've already had my knees on the floor, my hands in the air and my face and tears in the carpet.

God is SO good!

Because I am a sinner saved by an exorbitant amount of His grace!

Because my past is covered under His blood and my future rests securely in His hands!

Because I have been created by Him, for Him, to do His will!

Because my best attempts, though worthless, are deemed honorable in His eyes!

Because He sent His Son to save me!

Because I have never had moment in time when I didn't feel Him near me!

Because I haven't been able to thoroughly thank Him enough for all He's done up until now!

Because He knows me--and still loves me!

SEEKING CHRIST
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 3-4

"One night as I lay in bed, I yearned deeply for my lover, but he did not come. So I said to myself, I will get up now and roam the city, searching for him in all its streets and squares..." Song of Solomon 3:1-2 NLT

There are a lot of 'us' who believe our pastors should shower God on us as we sit in the pews.

Or that by listening to the Christian radio station we will be sprinkled with holiness.

Or that by wearing our church t-shirts we'll be doused in Christlikeness.

Or that by carrying our Bible around with us in the car (the one we keep forgetting to take in the house after church on Sundays) godliness will flow into us.

Here's a news flash: God wants us to seek Him out.

That shows Him how very much we desire to be near Him.

Make the effort to find Him. To look for Him. To search for Him in your everyday. To pour over the Scriptures to find His message personally penned for us.

WHAT AM I SAYING?
Today's reading: Psalm 143-145

"I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles." Psalm 145:5 NLT

"I will speak of the glorious honor of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works." Psalm 145:5 KJV

I will let you in on a little secret: What ever it is I am thinking, ends up coming out of my mouth.

Oh, don't judge--you have the same tendencies. I know you do.

When my heart bubbles over with joy, joy comes pouring out.

When my heart is being choked with doubt and fear, gloom and doom will be heard in my words.

When my heart is full of praise, praise is on my lips.

When I am overwhelmed with troubles, I'll sound a lot like Winnie-The-Pooh's equine friend.

When I am over taken with God's goodness, my eyes usually leak and my voice wavers--but you'll know in Whom I believe.

So, what are you thinking about this morning? On Whom are your thoughts dwelling? What will your conversation be?

ME, FIRST
Today's reading: Nehemiah 10-13

"The priests and Levites first dedicated themselves, then the people, the gates and the wall." Nehemiah 12:30 NLT

Before I can impact my world for Christ, I must first dedicate myself to Him.

Before any ministry I could be led to participate in would thrive, I must first dedicate myself to Him.

Before my home will be a godly one, I must first dedicate myself to Him.

Before my church will grow in godliness, I must first dedicate myself to Him.

Before anything I am involved in, love or desire to see placed firmly in God's hand will flourish--I must first dedicate myself to Him.

In this instance, it's quite alright to have a 'me first' attitude!

INCLUDING OTHERS
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 26-28

"And now, O Lord, I have brought you a token of the first crops you have given me from the ground. Then place the produce before the Lord your God and worship him. Afterward go and celebrate because of all the good things the Lord your God has given you and your household. Remember to include the Levites and the foreigners living among you in the celebration." Deuteronomy 26:10-11 NLT

I love to celebrate the Lord.

To sing His praises.

To worship His name.

To lift Him up as glorious.

To tout all His wonderful deeds.

To sit in my prayer chair and have a personal conversation with Him in His throneroom.

To bow at the altar and pour out my heart to Him knowing He hears.

But to include others in that praise?

To invite them into my celebration?

To speak aloud of His mercies in such a way as to draw them to Him?

To throw a party big enough for them to be involved or encouraged or brought into the festivities so that they can taste and see that the Lord is good?

That's a tall order--but I'm feeling up to the challenge today!

LOVE
Today's reading: 2 John

"And now I want to urge you, dear lady, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we had from the beginning." 2 John 5

I know, Lord, this was meant for me this morning.

Because I have been tolerating others, helping others, praying for others and being nice to others--but I've not been loving others as I should.

You know it's hard, and yet You still ask me to do it. Your first and most important commandment, really.

I guess loving others starts with seeing them through Your eyes. Instead of just my own. Warts, dirt, sin and all--before they are cleaned up by You. One of Your created masterpieces. One worthy of my time and effort.

Like, well, like You did for me!

WOULD THEY FIND ME?
Today's reading: Acts 21-22

"We went ashore, found the local believers,.." Acts 21:4 NLT

Fresh off the boat.

Just getting his land-lubber legs back under him.

Paul seeks out Christian fellowship.

And God points him in the right direction.

This morning I'm asking myself--and God...

Would they have found me? Would God have sent Paul my way? Would I have even registered as a local believer?

A NEW SONG
Today's reading: Revelation 1-6

"And they sang a new song with these words, You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were killed, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation." Revelation 5:9 NLT

A new song?

Not about me?

Not about my trials?

Not about what I cannot/would not/should not do?

Not about how hard it is?

Not about the mountains in front of me?

Not about what my past held or my present is lacking?

Not about the valley I am camped out in?

Not about the others who make walking a Christian walk hard?

A new song all about God. ALL about God.

About how worthy He is!

About all He has done!

About who He is!

About the far-reaching arms of His great love!

Maybe it's time we all start singing a new song!

You, God, are worthy!!!

HOW RIGHT
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 1-2

"...How right that the young women love you!" Song of Solomon 1:4 NLT

Lord,

My prayer is that more young women would hunger and thirst after You!

That they would set their sights on You, and settle for nothing less!

That they would measure the very idea of giving away a piece of their heart against whether or not You approve!

That all they say and do would honor You!

That the attentions they seek would be tempered by You!

Because I see young women settling for things far below Your intended best for them. I watch as they allow themselves into relationships that are beneath them. Relationships that dirty them, devalue them and stain them.

Oh, that all the young women I know would fall in love with You first and foremost--and judge every relationship past that by Your standards!

Amen

SURELY
Today's reading: Psalm 140-142

"Surely the godly are praising your name, for they will live in your presence." Psalm 140:13 NLT

'Surely', an adjective used to emphasize the speaker's firm belief that what they are saying is true and that they would be utterly surprised that anyone would doubt it. A word used to denote confidence and assurance in what is being spoken.

David believes and states here that he knows without a doubt that God's people are full of praise.

Would he be surprised to find that's not always the case?

Might he roll over in his grave to hear of the grumblings, squabbles and doubt that fills the minds of some Christians?

Because it does.

Praise is not always our first response, now is it?

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AN EXAMPLE FOR ME
Today's reading: Nehemiah 5-9

"When I heard their complaints, I was very angry. after thinking about the situations, I spoke..." Nehemiah 5:6 NLT

I've always preferred Nehemiah as my Bible role model over the Proverbs 31 woman.

Oh, they're both great examples, but something about Nehemiah catches my heart and resounds with my spirit.

Something about him links my heart to his, even these thousands of years after the fact.

I believe part of it has to do with what I see as Nehemiah's biggest asset and weakest link--his mouth.

I get that.

Boy, oh boy, do I get that!

He, and what an example he is to me, practiced self control in regards to what he said, the opinions he gave and the words he offered.

Today's verse is not the only reference to this man's discipline...

"The king asked, Well, how can I help you? With a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied..." Nehemiah 2:4-5 NLT

This man of God knew his words needed to be prayed over, thought about and considered in his heart before they ever left his mouth.

What an example for me to follow.

What a high bar set for me to reach as a goal.

What a godly characteristic I want to see in my spirit.

Thank You, God, for this example and this challenge!

WHEN YOU HAVE RESTED
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 23-25

"Never forget what the Amalekites did to you as you came from Egypt. They attacked you when you were exhausted and weary, and they struck down those of you who were lagging behind. They had no fear of God. Therefore, when the Lord your God has given you rest from all you enemies in the land he is giving you as a special possession, you are to destroy the Amalekites and erase their memory from under heaven. Never forget this!" Deuteronomy 25:17-19 NLT

I have to be very careful, and maybe you do too, that I don't overwhelm myself with too many things at once. When I do, something goes undone, half-done or falls into more ruin than it began in.

I think for the Israelites, and for me, God specifically told them that a time would come--would come, for them retaliate against the Amalekites.

When you are rested, He states.

At a certain time, He instructs.

Not right now, He tells them.

For them, and for me, there is importance in fighting the good fight against the enemy or to make a conquest of some sort, but as important is maintaining what I've already been given.

Satan wants to distract me with all that needs attended to in my life, the poor habits, the lack of commitment to some Christian disciplines, the ministries I could be a part of, how quickly someone might judge me as being lazy...and while he leads me this way and that, he steals what I had already been given--usually joy. Sometimes peace. Most always patience. Every time, contentment. And sorry to say, clouds my vision enough to take my focus off God and causes me to have trouble hearing the voice of Truth.

So I have to realize if it's my time to enjoy rest, I must rest.

Maybe you do, too.

LIVING IN HIM
Today's reading: 1 John 4-5

"And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgement, but we can face him with confidence because we are like Christ here in this world." 1 John 4:17 NLT

'And as we live in God...'

Living is not having a passing knowledge of someone.

Living is not an infrequent visit with someone.

Living is not a distant relationship with someone.

Living is not an occasional Sunday morning, if nothing else is going on, kind of fellowship.

I have to ask myself, and in turn ask you, am I living in God? Truly living?

My love for Him, my love for others, my love for myself and my purpose in His eyes, will not grow more perfect unless I am living in Him.

CARING FOR THE FLOCK
Today's reading: Acts 19-20

"And now beware! Be sure that you feed and shepherd God's flock--his church purchased with his blood--over whom the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders." Acts 20:28 NLT

Is it important to preach the Gospel and bring in the unsaved? Absolutely, it's our Great Commission.

Is it vital we seek out the wandering, back-sliding believers, bringing them back to the fold? Yes, a resounding yes!

Is it vital to our witness and to our fellowship and to our future that we care for the steadfast, committed sheep who continue to serve Sunday after Sunday, never missing a service or an opportunity to serve? It sure is, but few of us even think about that--including myself.

We have to continue to care for the healthy sheep.

We have to place opportunities before them that help in their continued growth.

We have to help shoulder burdens that could leave them lame or exhausted.

We have to provide them a safe place to rest, to work, to worship with all their hearts.

We have to be open and honest in our accountability to each other and to our Christian walks.

We have to remain true to the Word of God, never wandering from its truths, never straying from the path it leads us on, never twisting, never diluting, never using it improperly--in order that those in the care of the Great Shepherd continue to thrive so more and more will be reached.

LOVED DEEPLY
Today's reading: Malachi

"I have loved you deeply, says the Lord..." Malachi 1:2 NLT

Loved deeply.

Unfathomable for our minds.

An adjective of immensity. Not 'just' loved, but loved deeply! By God!!

Beyond our comprehension.

More than, much more than, we are capable of reciprocating.

Exceeding any human term, human example or human ability to fully grasp.

Loved deeply.

DON'T WAIT
Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 11-12

"If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done." Ecclesiastes 11:4 NLT

Waiting until you have just the right words and the proper verses memorized? What if they step off into eternity before that happens?

Waiting until you feel like it? What if God cares more about your obedience than your feelings?

Waiting until a sequence of events fall into place before answering His call? What if that happens one moment after He chooses another who is willing?

Waiting until they act sorry to forgive them? And if it never happens and your resentment grows into a cancer that eats away at your life?

Waiting to begin that Christian discipline until your life settles down? What if your 'settling' only happens when He is prioritized?

Waiting to make that change, turn from that sin, break that bad habit or begin that new habit until you can do it perfectly? What are the chances that will ever occur?

Waiting until you...

Go ahead, fill in the blank.