GREATER
Today's reading: John 3

"He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less." John 3:30 NLT

It's doubtful there is a better verse I could use to sum up my past year--and usher me into a new one, than this verse.

My heart's desire is that there is less of me today than there was last year.

Less of my controlling, doubting, wandering from one useless idol to another, self. Less of the 'I can-do-it-by-myself' attitude than last year. Less of my self-centered sinful self.

And even less of me(spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically) is what I want to see over the course of this upcoming three-hundred, sixty-five days, too.

May I live this next year emptied of me, so that He can fill to overflowing my life!

ABOARD SHIP
Today's reading: Acts 27-28

Amidst the blustering winds, the waves that crashed over the bow, the jumbled plans, the detours.

Disregarding the seasickness, the snakebites, the shipwreck.

Pushing aside his fears, his doubts and his own plans.

Paul ministered.

Where ever he was.

What ever was going on.

Who ever would listen.

He shared the love of God with others.

What excuses do we have to not be doing the same?

THE LAMB IS THE LIGHT
Today's reading: Revelation 18-22

"And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light." Revelation 21:23 NLT

We all know people who bring something into the room the moment they step into it.

Some friends bring joy. Just being in their presence makes you smile. They are upbeat. They are encouraging. They are full of life.

Some friends bring comfort. Just having them near settles your heart. Anchors your soul. Reminds you that things will be all right.

Some friends bring you back down to reality. In a nice way. In a way that makes the impossible seem do-able, if done one small thing at a time. They help you sort out imagination and unreal fears from possibilities and truths.

Some friends bring energy to the square footage they inhabit. When they are around, things get done. Work is accomplished. Tasks are completed.

I thought of those types of people when my Bible referred to God being the Light of heaven. He is all those friend rolled into one--and He is so much more!

He completes us.

He secures us.

He is our heartbeat, our breath, our gravity.

To be in His presence will be to have all we need, all we ever hoped, all we could imagine and more than we ever could deserve.

FOR THE NEW YEAR

For those of you who might be interested, I'm including below a link to the Bible reading chart I'll be using this next year.

This is a stretch for me, as I've used the same reading plan for the past 12 years, and a gal like me doesn't care for change...but I'm excited to see what God has in store for me by stepping out of this box.

I'll be starting with this chart on January 1. I'd love for you to read along with me. Read as much as you can. Pick up where you left off if you fall behind. There's no grade going to be issued on how well you do it, just do your best.

I'll let you in on a little secret, too. I've asked God to grant me a favor each day of this upcoming year. I want a word a day from Him. One word. One single word every day that will snag my heart, catch my eye, change my focus, draw me deeper, cause the fire to blaze brighter or stir my soul. I'm believing Him for an exciting journey in 2018, one I hope to continue sharing with you.

Here is the link...

file:///C:/Users/malin/Downloads/chart.pdf

P.S. My 'computer guy' tells me that if you copy and paste this file to your address bar, you should be able to pull it up. I would suggest printing off a copy and keeping it in your Bible.

JEALOUS FOR ME
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 7-8

"Place me like a seal over your heart, or like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, and its jealousy is as enduring as the grave. Love flashes like fire, the brightest kind of flame." Song of Solomon 8:6 NLT

God is jealous for me.

He is not jealous of me.

Not jealous of my abilities to create universes, land, sea, stars or life. Not jealous of my all-knowing powers. Not jealous of my perfection and holiness. Not jealous of my skills at changing seasons, forming snowflakes or the design I came up with for our circulatory system.

He is jealous for me--for my attention, for my love, for my commitment, for my dedication to Him and to Him alone. For my eyes to be wholly on Him.

Knowing that, I want to be watchful today as to what He sees me drawn to other than Him. I want to keep an eye out for things that distract me, persuade me, give me a false sense of security. I want to be very sensitive as to when I feel His pull back to Him. The tug of my heart to my True Love.

He wants all of me, not part, but all. There is no room for spiritual adultery in our relationship

He desires the same of you.

SINGING FOR JOY
Today's reading: Psalm 148-150

"For the Lord delights in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Let the faithful rejoice in this honor. Let them sing for joy as they lie on their beds." Psalm 149:4-5 NLT

I have this habit of waking up just minutes before my alarm goes off. As a matter of fact, it's been months since the alarm has actually awoken me--as I'm up and turning it off before it blares.

Those moments before arising are when I offer my day to the Lord. I give it to Him before anyone or anything or any circumstance takes it away from me.  He and I discuss it, how desperately I want it to please Him, before I ever take the first step of the day.

Today's verse tells me the same thing...

God is tickled with me...

He has crowned me with salvation...

My honor won't come in anything I do throughout the day, but in being His...

I have a joyful song to sing...

Even while I lie in my bed...before the day starts...as His daughter!

VERY EVIDENT
Today's reading: Esther 6-10

There is no mention of God in the book of Esther.

Hard to believe, isn't it?

A book chosen by God, to be in God's Word, written by men of God, about acts of God, pointing straight to God, as God's story unravels page after page--and there is not mention of Him?

My prayer is that is the same for my day...

If I don't get the opportunity to speak His name to another--may He be in me so much that the other person knows there's something different.

If I don't have a door opened to speak excitedly about God's love--may it be very much seen in how I interact with others.

If I don't quote Scripture, walk someone down the Romans' Road or share with them the wordless book--may He allow me to love them, like He would!

I want God all over my day, all over me, all over my choices, all over my attempts!

AS A BABY
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 32-34

"There is no one like the God of Israel. He rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic splendor." Deuteronomy 33:26 NLT

And He lies in a straw-filled manger, a helpless baby, wrapped in scraps of cloth used to bind up newborn lambs.

What a thought this Christmas morning!

Our God, majestic, powerful, awe-inspiring, sent part of Himself to us as a baby.

A poor, fragile, dependent newborn.

My heart is full this morning as I consider how much God loved us that Christmas morning. How willing He was to give Himself for us. How deeply He considered us worthy of this Christmas gift.

Merry Christmas, friends--celebrate Him coming as a baby!

LOOK!
Today's reading: Jude

"Look, the Lord is coming..." Jude verse 14 NLT

I'm going to guess it was a couple thousand years ago today that the first twinges of labor began.

The tightening. The cramping. The contractions, first barely noticeable.

Were they still outside Bethlehem, looking for a place to rest? Was she still astride the donkey? Were they being pressed on every side by the crowds?

Either way, today in history, there is a very good likelihood that Mary knew the Lord was coming.

And today, we know He is coming back!

SOMEONE I KNOW
Today's reading: Acts 25-26

"A few days later King Agrippa arrived with his sister, Bernice, to pay their respects to Festus. During their stay of several days, Festus discussed Paul's case with the king. There is a prisoner here, he told him..." Acts 25:13-14 NLT

God had to have made an impact on Festus through Paul.

How he acted. The zeal he possessed. The way he handled himself. The faith he had.

I wonder, this beautiful, busy Christmas season, are others noticing how we are going about life?

There is this gal I know who really knows how to celebrate Christmas...

There is this lady from my church who has the best attitude despite her horrible circumstances...

There is this woman I know who never says bad words, doesn't gossip and doesn't criticize...

There is this family I know who love God with all that's in them...

There is this woman I work with who can make any day brighter just by her being around us...

Are we leaving people with something, good, to talk about?

FINDING MYSELF

Today's reading: Revelation 12-17

"Then I saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him were 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. And I head a sound from heaven like the roaring of a great waterfall or the rolling of mighty thunder. It was like the sound of many harpists playing together. This great choir sand a wonderful new song in front of the throne of God and before the four living beings and the twenty-four elders. And no one could learn this song except those 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. For they are spiritually undefiled, pure as virgins, following the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been purchased from among the people of the earth as a special offering to God and to the Lamb. No falsehood can be charged against them; they are blameless." Revelation 14:1-5 NLT

I've found myself in the Scripture this morning.

In a place I'd never expected to see me. In a book of the Bible several choose to shy away from.

-An ordinary gal with a wonderful Creator's stamp on her being! Not a hidden signature, but an upfront, advertisement!

-Singing a song only the blood-bought can sing, a song not even the angels know!

-A follower of the Lamb!

-A purchased wretch, a set-free captive, a life of purpose!

-A blameless child of the King!

Do you see yourself?

DRINKING DEEPLY
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 5-6

"...Oh, lover and beloved, eat and drink! Yes, drink deeply of this love!" Song of  Solomon 5:1 NLT

Thank you, Father, for not just giving me a sprinkling of Your love.

A dash.

A pinch.

A quick splash.

Thank You for pouring out Your love on me.

Bathing me in it.

Washing me over with it.

Spilling it out all over me.

Not just enough for today, and yet more than I can fathom.

Infinite.

Unlimited.

Never ending.

A heart-full.

A life-full.

An eternity-full.

BENT
Today's reading: Psalm 146-148

"...The Lord lifts the burdens of those bent beneath their loads." Psalm 146:8 NLT

"...The Lord raiseth them that are bowed down..." Psalm 146:8 KJV

My grandmother was an advocate of the 'No Slouching' rule of thumb.

If she saw you with slack shoulders, she would reprimand you.

If she saw you sitting hunched over, she would remind you of good posture.

If she saw you practicing the piano, at the kitchen table or watching TV with a slouch, she would have you stand, place your hands beside your hips, turn your palms outward, thus correcting your shoulder alignment and posture.

Grandma was like God in that aspect, many aspects, but especially this one.

God doesn't want us bent over. He wants us standing proud, strong and tall.

He wants those around us to know Whose we are by our posture.

He desires that we remember by Whose blood we have been ransomed by how we carry ourselves.

He reminds us to allow Him to carry the heavy loads that keep our hearts and minds weighed down and burdened. Loads we are not designed to carry.

Stand up straight, Grandma Lawrence would say.

Let me take that off your shoulders so you can stand tall, God says.

FAST FOR ME
Today's reading: Esther 1-5

"Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai, Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me..." Esther 4:15-16 NLT

Never have I noticed how seriously and desperately Esther desired to know God's will.

This morning it hit me--like a ton of bricks!

I even looked deeper into this verse with the help of Merriam Webster and blueletterbible.com.

She asked her uncle and her people to fast for her.

I thought I knew what fasting was all about, but here's what I uncovered...

Fast-to abstain from food.

I knew that, but when I went deeper...

The primary idea of fasting lies in the mouth being shut, according to the Arabic root word.

When I desperately need to hear from God, I will ask friends to fast--to keep their mouths shut about it, but to pray with their whole heart and their entire beings. I won't ask them to spread the word. I won't ask for advice. I won't desire to know their thoughts or feelings. I will ask them to close their mouths and use their soul relationship with God to plead on my behalf.

Fast for me, what a life changing challenge/request/favor. What a privilege.

REMEMBER
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 29-31

"Surely you remember how we lived in the land of Egypt and how we traveled through the lands of enemy nations as we left." Deuteronomy 29:16 NLT

Satan brings things to our mind in an effort to thwart all the good God is doing.

To derail our thoughts.

To distract our affections.

To draw us away from His presence.

God brings things to our minds, like Moses said to the children of Israel, in an effort to remind us of all He has done for us.

Where He brought us from.

What He saved us from .

Who we used to be.

How very much He loves us.

So remember today, only what God places in your thoughts!

GOD'S PEACE
Today's reading: 3 John

"May God's peace be with you..." 3 John 15 NLT

If I were to send you a Christmas card it may contain one of these wishes...

-Season's Greetings!

-Joyous Holidays!

-Great Christmas Cheer!

-May the Grinch not steal your Christmas tree!

Or I could wish to you what you need, what will sustain you, what will bring you the greatest help, what you can receive and pass along to the world--God's peace!

May God's peace be with you!

HIGH PRIEST
Today's reading: Acts 23-24

"Those standing near Paul said to him, Is that the way you talk to God's high priest? I'm sorry, brothers. I didn't realize he was the high priest, Paul replied..." Acts 23:4-5 NLT

Another reason why God sent His Son to be our High Priest.

There is no confusion about who He is.

No doubt in anyone's mind when they truly meet Him.

No question about it!

There will never be any controversy as to His credentials, abilities or service.

He is our High Priest--the only one who could go to God on our behalf presenting Himself as the sacrifice needed for our sins.

PRAYERS OF GOD'S PEOPLE
Today's reading: Revelation 7-11

"Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great quantity of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God's people, to be offered on the gold altar before the throne." Revelation 8:3 NLT

Incense was burned in the Temple for a reason. The smoke from the burning herbs/plants rose straight up...to God.

The intent was to draw the attention away from what was being burned, to the One to whom all prayer answers fell.

I thought of that this morning as I read this portion of Scripture.

My prayers mixed with incense.

My prayers burnt on an altar.

My prayers going up in smoke--not in vain asking or in hopelessness, but in smoke that directed my eyes off my circumstances, needs and heart desires and up.

Up to my God. My Deliverer. My Provider. My Sustainer. My Strong and Mighty Tower.

I FORGET
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 3-4

"You have ravished my heart, my treasure, my bride..." Song of Solomon 4:9 NLT

I forget that God adores me.

That He thinks the world of me.

That I am always on His mind.

That He orchestrates this life of mine to be filled to overflowing with blessings.

How can I forget it?

Really? How in the world can I forget that God loves me?

Because I get busy.

Because I give Him too many human characteristics.

Because I look in the mirror and believe the enemy's lies.

Because I mistakenly believe I am something, on my own.

Because I think His love has anything, anything at all, to do with what I can give Him.

I needed the reminder this morning that I am loved, to the uttermost, by my Father!

REACH
Today's reading: Psalm 143-145

"I reach out for you..." Psalm 143:6 NLT

The word 'reach', according to Merriam-Webster and his associates, is a verb that means to stretch, to extend or to strain after.

David is telling God that in the middle of his hopeless situation and even though he is feeling very much on the edge of depression, he was reaching out for Him.

Despite how he felt.

Regardless of the unchanged circumstances.

David chose to reach out for God.

To stretch...make a real effort.

To extend...beyond his usual routine or disciplines.

To strain after...to the point at which maybe there was pain.

I want that.

I want to reach out to God.

I want Him to draw close to me, but I also want Him to see me reaching out to Him. Making an effort to be in His presence. Going above and beyond in order to hear Him. Getting outside of my comfortable box as I crave Him.

I want to reach our for Him.

COULD I? HAVE I?
Today's reading: Nehemiah 10-13

"The rest of the people--the priests, the Levites, gatekeepers, singers, Temple servants, and all who had separated themselves from the pagan people of the land in order to serve God, and who were old enough to understand--now they heartily bound themselves with an oath. They vowed to accept the curse of God if they failed to obey the law of God as issued by his servant Moses." Nehemiah 10:28-29 NLT

It's one thing to say I'm a Christian or a member of a church, or to take a role in that church's ministry, or to agree to the terms of it's by-laws or treatise or covenant.

It's a far grander thing to vow to God to follow Him-where ever, honor Him-in what ever He places in my life, set myself apart for Him-even when it's just me and to obey Him-even when it's hard, so very hard.

To the point that I accept His curse when I fail to do so?

To agree to His consequences, up front?

To state that when I choose not to obey Him, I choose His wrath?

Could I have taken the oath those followers took that day with Nehemiah?

Would I have been on the back row of the crowd, just mumbling the words?

Have I accepted the fact of faith, that when I obey He blesses, when I don't--He can't?

OUR CHOICE
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 26-28

"If you refuse to obey all the terms of this law that are written in this book, and if you do not fear the glorious and awesome name of the Lord your God, then the Lord will overwhelm both you and your children with indescribable plagues. These plagues will be intense and without relief, making you miserable and unbearably sick." Deuteronomy 28:58-59 NLT

Is it worth the risk?

To you?

To your children?

To your future?

To disobey God?

To choose self over Creator?

To believe we know best?

To think getting what we want, right now, is better than all God has planned for our eternity?

God places the options before us...along with the blessings and consequences.

BELOVED
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 2:16 NLT

"My beloved is mine, and I am his..." Song of Solomon 2:16 KJV

I can mostly process the concept of being God's beloved one.

He made me.

He put His finest efforts, time and detail into me.

He chose me as His and He brought His Son into the world to save me from myself.

I kind of get it.

What I have a hard time wrapping my head around is this--He is mine, too.

Oh, I know He is my Savior. My Deliverer. My Friend. My Strong Tower.

But He is as much mine as I am His.

Doesn't seem fathomable.

Seems like a very unequally yoked relationship.

He has so much to offer me--and I'm, well, I'm just me.

But He is content with that. He is okay with it. He knew it would be this way and He knows it won't change, no matter how many good things I do.

My beloved is mine and I am His!

WITH A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR
Today's reading: Psalm 140-142

"Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they reprove me, it is soothing medicine. Don't let me refuse it..." Psalm 141:5 NLT

As my Bible commentary states, Nobody really likes criticism, but everybody can benefit from it.

Who better to be critiqued or observed by than our Christian brothers and sisters?

The ones who know how we should be living, speaking, working, ministering?

Who else would know, and hopefully carry out, how to speak with truth and love?

No, criticism isn't fun--but it is beneficial. And when a loving, godly friend points out where we are slacking, lacking, failing or flailing, we should be thankful--and ready to make some changes.

BUTTON-PUSHERS
Today's reading: Nehemiah 5-9

"They were hoping to intimidate me and make me sin by following his suggestion. Then they would be able to accuse and discredit me." Nehemiah 6:13 NLT

Button-pushers are not new to our century.

They can be found through out the ages, today in Nehemiah's life.

Nehemiah, in his wisdom, realized who his 'button-pushers' were , and refused to allow them to operate in his life.

We have the same opportunity.

We know the folks who find our last nerve and poke it.

We know the ones who can find our newest wound and pick off the scab.

We know who can say, in that tone, what they say to set us off.

So let's use the example Nehemiah has set for us--see the truth and counter-act accordingly: Change the subject. Tell them your testimony. Laugh it off. Bring up the weather. Smile.

They hope to make you sin, show them they don't have that power!

WHEN YOU GO
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 23-25

"When you go to war against your enemies, stay away from everything impure." Deuteronomy 23:9 NLT

Can I do a little 'verse mapping'?

When-meaning it's going to happen, sooner or later. It's inevitable.

You-it will be your blood, sweat and tears. No one else can do it for you.

Go-an action word that tells me it won't be 'just sitting around'.

Against-taking a stand, drawing a line, no longer going with the flow.

Your-possessive, personal, intimate.

Enemies-in this verse it's referring to the many tribes the children of Israel would have to fight. But for us? For us, there is one enemy, satan. Sure, he likes to attack us in different areas and in different ways, but he is the one we stand against.

Stay away-make up your mind, distance yourself, determine not to participate any longer.

Everything-anything tied in, related to, regarding, that might lead your mind or heart towards.

Impure-wicked, vile, dirty-ing, violating, sinful, disgusting, dark, ugly, shame-giving.

God, the time is coming when I will have to take a stand. Just me, with Your help. I'm going to have to cut ties with the sins that I've been entangled with. I'm going to have to no longer associate with the enemy, listen to his lies, believe his inuendos or believe his half-truths. I'm going to need your power to stay away from old habits, common pitfalls and regularly attended watering-holes of my mind. I want to stand before you holy and blameless. Amen

LOVE THEM
Today's reading: 1 John 4-5

"Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other." 1 John 4:11 NLT

That relative stole what was meant to be yours, love them anyway.

That person let you down--hard, love them anyway.

That friend betrayed your trust, love them anyway.

That spouse broke the vows, love them anyway.

That co-worker stabbed you in the back, love them anyway.

That sister -in-faith took credit for all your hard work, love her anyway.

That child broke your heart after all you'd done for them, love them anyway.

That pastor led a double life, love them anyway.

That church didn't support you when you needed supporting, love them anyway.

That co-parent hurt your child's heart--again, and this will be like having teeth pulled without anesthesia, love them anyway.

We broke God's heart, refused His love, re-nigged on our promises to Him, doubted His abilities, cheated on Him with another idol, refused to proclaim His name in public, let Him down with our actions, took lightly His sacrifice...and still He loves us.

How mighty is the love flowing into us--will we keep it to ourselves or allow it to flow out to others, deserving or not.

FOLLOW HIS LEAD
Today's reading: Acts 19-20

"When it was all over, Paul sent for the believers and encouraged them..." Acts 20:1 NLT

Sometimes in the middle of it all is not the best time to quote great Christian authors or pour out Bible verses.

Sometimes in the midst of heartache, turmoil and stormy weather, our best 'wanna-be-like Jesus' acts are not appreciated, tolerated or accepted.

Sometimes we have to wait until it is all over.

Oh, we don't stop praying.

We do not discontinue lifting up the needs we know about to our Father.

We do not cease in our intercession.

It's just that sometimes, we don't need to let it be known, offer advice or attempt to comfort.

We have to follow God's lead. Leaving the timing, and the words, up to Him.

WHAT I'M DOING
Today's reading: Malachi

"But you dishonor my name with your actions..." Malachi 1:12 NLT

Okay, so maybe I didn't allow myself to throw a cussing, screaming, fall down on the floor fit in the middle of the aisle of the store which sold the very last one of what I went in search of. But I wanted to!

And maybe I didn't tell the person off that I really wanted to--that really deserved it--that really could have used a piece of my mind--that really apparently needed a good tongue lashing. But I wanted to!

Maybe I didn't let my anger get the best of me and toss my stack of papers in the air with an exasperated 'hrumppphh'. But I wanted to!

Maybe, just maybe there were no outward signs of my dislike, distaste, disappointment, disgust--but God knows my attitude.

And my heart actions. The bitterness I'm hanging on to. The murmurings under my breath. The haughty puff of my heart. The things I'm doing to another in my heart and in my head.

And there is a very good possibility that He is not pleased with them.

Dishonored by them, actually.

WHOLEHEARTED

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 11-12

"Give generously, for your gifts will return to you later." Ecclesiastes 11:1 NLT

I've worked retail for almost 29 years of my life.

The assortment of customers approaching my counter over the years if quite eclectic and varied, to say the least.

Quite varied!

But I love it!

I truly enjoy making each person feel at home, welcomed and appreciated when they are in our store.

I get to 'love on them' as I sell them paint, nails or lumber.

I am afforded the opportunity to minister to them for the length of that transaction, even when God, the Bible or morality isn't mentioned in the conversation.

I have become a better customer because of my time behind the sales counter.

Same is true of my Christian walk.

This verse reminds me of it--that I will get what I sow--I will receive what I give--I will be served in the same way I choose to serve.

NEVER ALONE
Today's reading: Psalm 137-139

"You both precede and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head." Psalm 139:5 NLT

God walks before me.

God walks behind me.

God walks with His hand of blessing on my head, as a parent with a small child.

But what gives me the most comfort, what eases my soul and gives peace to my heart, is that God is in me. Never apart from me. His Spirit resides in me.

I am never alone.

BEGINNING
Today's reading: Nehemiah 1-4

"Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king. They replied at once, Good! Let's rebuild the wall! So they began the good work. But when Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem the Arab head of our plan, they scoffed contemptuously..." Nehemiah 3:18-19 NLT

The pastor spoke from Nehemiah on Sunday.

The radio personality mentioned Nehemiah yesterday in his drive-time devotion.

This morning, God reminded me, through Nehemiah, of how important the work is that He has for me--regardless of what goes on around me.

You see, my excitement can be contagious.  It can stir others. It can draw folks in. It can encourage. It can be a shining example. It can cause an influx of volunteers. It can spark interest and service.

Or it can be scoffed it.

It can be questioned.

It can be scrutinized, criticized or deflated with just a few words from the peanut gallery.

But when I remember how God's gracious hand is on me, how He softly and tenderly spoke to my heart about what it is He desires me to do, I push aside the scoffers and press on.

I get back to the 'wall', my portion of it, my area to which I've been assigned, my spot I can work on in a way no one else can.

BEFORE BATTLE
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 20-22

"Before you go into battle, the priest will come forward to speak with the troops. He will say, Listen to me, all you men of Israel! Do not be afraid as you go out to fight today! Do not lose heart or panic. For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!" Deuteronomy 20:2-4 NLT

I needed this pep talk.

I am pretty sure what will happen throughout the day laid out before me...

-Things might not go as I have planned and I will need the reassurance that God is with me!

-I will probably have to bite my tongue in an effort to maintain friendships, respect among others and a good witness to the lost world.

-Others may push my buttons. The very buttons that might cause me to react in ungodly ways, say unkind things or cast judgemental and unloving looks their way.

-My enemy will place obstacles in my path that keep me from walking an easy path.

-I'll become afraid. Vey afraid. And I'll need the words of these verses.

KEEP ON
Today's reading: 1 John 1-3

"So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will continue to live in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. And in this fellowship, we enjoy the eternal life he promised us." 1 John 2:24-25 NLT

I don't know how many years you have under your belt as a Christian.

It might be many. It might be few. It might be a brand new label you're wearing.

No matter how long, or how short, a time it's been--keep on!

Don't throw in the towel.

Don't give up on it.

Don't allow another's words or actions cause you to want to quit.

Don't hang it all up because of a church, a pastor or a tough time.

You must remain faithful--it's the only hope we have!

THIS JESUS
Today's reading: Acts 17-18

"...This Jesus I'm telling you about is the Messiah." Acts 17:3 NLT

Paul spoke to people who had been looking for a very long time.

Sons of lookers.

Grandsons of lookers.

Great-grandsons of lookers.

Generations of folks who had been waiting for the Messiah, the Deliverer, to show up on the scene and rescue them from bondage.

Paul told them, He has come.

But they didn't believe him.

They continued to look.

They continue to look today.

Dear friend, this Jesus I'm telling you about is the Messiah.

He is the Answer you've been searching for.

He is the Way you've wanted to find.

He is the One who will deliver you from bondage.

He is the Sacrifice yours sins need.

This Jesus.

ONLY HIM
Today's reading: Zechariah 8-14

"And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one Lord--his name alone will be worshiped." Zechariah 14:9 NLT

Little gods will be pushed aside.

Praises will no longer be spent on tiny figurines or grand statues.

Hearts will no longer be distant from their creator.

God will be the worshiped King.

Oh, what a day, glorious day, that will be!

STANDING BEFORE HIM
Today's reading: Ecclesiastes

"This, too, I carefully explored: Even though the actions of the godly and wise people are in God's hands, no one knows whether or not God will show them favor in this life." Ecclesiastes 9:1 NLT

If my blessings stopped right here and right now, I'd still have to testify that I have had a blessed life.

God has poured into my life loving people, wonderful opportunities, comfort and health.

And for that I am thankful.

It has absolutely nothing to do with my level of godliness or wisdom.

It has everything to do with His plans for my life.

I know that because I know great Christian people who have had rough lives.

Very rough.

Bad childhoods.

Poor health.

String after string of heart-breaking events.

Catastrophe.

Lives of struggle.

This is what is the hope for us both--this life is not all there is!

No matter what happens here, no matter the life we live, no matter the ease or discomfort of our time on earth, heaven awaits us.

So, no we don't know whether God will show us favor beyond offering us His Son for salvation or not, but we do know He offers that--and that's enough to be thankful for!

NIGHT SHIFT
Today's reading: Psalm 134-136

"Oh, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, you who serve as night watchmen in the house of the Lord." Psalm 134:1 NLT

That stirring in the middle of the night.

That thought that won't leave, even though the clock says it's time to be sleeping.

That person who is on your mind to the extent that sleep eludes you.

That burden that you carry for another, all through the day, and all through the night.

That heart desire that keeps you from closing your eyes and sleeping.

The night shift.

The time when our thoughts can rest completely on God, His abilities, His promises, His truths, His presence.

The span of our day when no other things jockey for attention, it can be just God and us.

The night shift.

How many things have been set into motion, prevented, prayed into reality or placed securely and peacefully in to the hands of God during this time? How many illness have been healed? How many prodigals kept safe? How many souls brought into His kingdom?

If you work the night shift, thank you.

If you've been touched by another working the night shift, thank God.

THANKSGIVING LIST
Today's reading: Ezra 6-10

The kids are writing what they are thankful for down on construction paper leaves.

The social media pages are filled with 'I'm grateful for...' threads.

Church billboards have cute little sayings about thankfulness on them.

Devotions are being written to direct our thoughts and minds towards all we have to thank God for.

And in the pages of this old book, named after an aged prophet (I really have no clue as to how old Ezra was--it's just I once knew an old, old man by the name of Ezra--I guess it takes my mind there), about a time in history, I find what we all need to be truly thankful for...

"For we were slaves, but in his unfailing love our God did not abandon us in our slavery. Instead, he caused the kings of Persia to treat us favorably. He revived us so that we were able to rebuild the Temple of our God and repair the ruins. He has given us a protective wall in Judah and Jerusalem." Ezra 9:9 NLT

I am thankful that I am not who I once was.

I am thankful He did not leave me in my slavery to sin.

I am thankful that not a day goes by I don't see His blessings poured into my life.

I am thankful that I live where life is good.

I am thankful for the Holy Spirit living in me that causes me to want to improve my Temple on a daily basis.

I am thankful for His protection!

MOVING IN
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 16-19

"The Lord your God will soon destroy the nations whose land he is giving you, and you will displace them and settle into their towns and homes." Deuteronomy 19:1 NLT

I won't speak for you, but here is what I have seen happen in my own life...

My enemy has had the audacity to occupy parts of my life that he has absolutely no right to occupy.

He has the tendency to step in to parts of my head.

He plants seeds in my thoughts.

He digs up buried, and forgiven, sins of my past.

He lies to me.

He leads me to believe I am not enough, I am not able, I am not worthy of God's love.

This verse tells me, as the Lord told the Israelites as they approached the Promised Land, what I'm giving you is yours--no one else's.

So I'm taking me, my thoughts, my heart, my head, over--relieving satan of the duties he had been performing.

I'm displacing him and moving in!

I'm going to allow God's Word, God's promises, God's truths and God's love to live in the secret rooms satan has been staying in.

I'm asking God to remove all evidence of this former inhabitant and make Himself right at home.

GOD KNOWS
Today's reading: 2 Peter

Peter is talking to the Christians leaned in listening as his letter is read.

He's wanting them to know without a doubt that God is for them--even though the world around them seems to be against them.

He's making doubly sure that he instructs them in how to live.

He recounts to them the saving of Noah and his family.

He reminds them of how Lot was rescued from the fall of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Then he says what I believe you and I need to hear today...

"So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while punishing the wicked right up until the day of judgement." 2 Peter 3:9 NLT

God knows how to take care of you!

GETTING TOGETHER
Today's reading: Acts 15-1

"So the apostles and church elders got together to decide this question." Acts 15:6 NLT

How many churches have split over mis-handled problems?

How many families are broken because of mis-interpreted actions?

How many Thanksgiving tables will be sparsely filled due to unintended hurts?

Get together, folks.

Get together and talk things over.

Get together and attempt to understand.

Get together and make amends.

Get together, because it's so lonely to be alone.

GIVEN A CHOICE
Today's reading: Zechariah 1-7

"...I will let you walk in and out of my presence..." Zechariah 3:7 NLT

Allow me to set the scene: The Jewish people had been in exile for many years. During their time away from home, they had had no priesthood in place. Now that they were being called back to their homes, back to their old ways of worship, a prophet stood before them proclaiming God's message: turn from sin and turn to Me.

Along with this pep talk, this re-organization of life, this re-grouping, they were also given a message of what was to come--a new High Priest (verse 1), Jeshua (verse 1), a Branch (verse 8), One who would be given free access to God (verse 7)--a wildly impossible freedom according to the old ways of the law.

All that to say this...

Zechariah proclaimed that Jesus (Jeshua) would be given this freedom, He would have this access to God no one else ever had, He would be sent from heaven to perform tasks only the most elite of God had ever been asked to do, and He would be opening doors to the Most Holy Place to the commoners.

To you and me.

Because of Jesus, you and I can choose to be in God's presence or not.

Who wouldn't you gasp? You and I.

God's presence is piercing. It is illuminating. It is eye-opening. It is wonderful. It is overwhelming. It is heart-breaking. It is awe-inspiring. It is convicting. It is comforting.

And it's our choice to be in it.

What will you and I choose today?

IMPACT
Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 7-8

"A good reputation is more valuable than the most expensive perfume. In the same way, the day you die is better than the day you were born." Ecclesiastes 7:1 NLT

I have a friend.

A godly friend.

A wise friend.

A loving friend.

A beautiful friend.

A long-time friend.

Who has cancer.

Doctors say there is nothing else they can do. Her body is betraying her. Her strength is leaving. But her heart remains strong. Her love for her family and friends remains fierce. Her reason for living has not changed since her diagnosis--she wants to see her family under the saving grace of Jesus' blood.

The impact she is making right now is greater, stronger, more driven and intensified by the fact that she has been told she has fewer days than she'd ever dreamed. She is touching more lives now than she ever has--in more specific and deeper ways. She has found a courage in these days to broach subjects that may have been swept under the rug years ago.

God had a purpose for her the day she was born. A grand purpose. A life-changing purpose. A purpose that would be hers until she draws her final breath. A purpose her parents had no clue about.

She's living that purpose and I'm thrilled to watch her doing it with grace and wisdom and love.

I'm watching her live out the truth in this verse, the day you die (or the days in which you've been told death is coming) is better than the day you were born.

I'M NOT DAVID
Today's reading: Psalm 131-133

"Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don't concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me." Psalm 131:1 NLT

I'm not David.

I'm not keen on sheep. I'm not musically talented. I'm not brave in the face of giants. I'm not a leader. I'm not a soldier. I'm not a person full of wisdom.

I'm not able to say I don't concern myself with matters too great for me.

That's the worst part.

I think about, stew over, ponder, fret, worry, focus on, allow to take over my mind, concentrate, give over to wild imaginations things that are above and beyond my ability to control or plan.

Like cancer. Or the future. Or understanding God's ways.

I want to be like David. Not the sheep-tending qualities, but the leave God's stuff in God's hands quality.

AS ONE PERSON
Today's reading: Ezra 1-5

"Now in early autumn when the Israelites had settled in their towns, all the people assembled together as one person in Jerusalem." Ezra 3:1 NLT

Oh, how I love this word picture.

I see a group of believers who have come home.

A group of followers who were committed to God.

Folks who had been many places, seen many things, committed many sins and had all had the precious grace of God poured out on them--so they gathered.

They came together with their scars from battle. Some healed over but very apparently there. Some with gaping wounds, from the enemy, from friendly fire and some self-inflicted.

They gathered as one team, all wearing the jerseys embroidered with "CHOSEN" across the back.

They came hobbling in, being carried by friends, in groups and some running as they had been for years. The hurt, the disabled, the never-gonna-quit.

They all had their stories. Their pasts. Their testimonies.

But they came together as one.

Oh, I love that!

TITHING
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 13-15

"...The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to fear the Lord your God." Deuteronomy 14:23 NLT

I'm believe wholeheartedly in the discipline of tithing. I've seen the blessings from it. I've watched as the 'mite' has been given and the 'storehouse' filled to overflowing. I've experienced, firsthand, the multiplication process God uses to bless the giving and the attitude behind it.

Where I struggle is tithing more than our paycheck.

When it goes beyond writing a check.

When it reaches farther into my heart and life than coins or currency can account for.

Like when I'm convicted about the time I tithe to Him.

Or the talents I choose to give a goodly portion of.

Or the space of my heart that He so desires to occupy.

Tithing means much more than the money, it's all about the life. Am I giving my appropriate portion to Him?

SHEPHERDING
Today's reading: 1 Peter 4-5

"Care for the flock of God entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly--not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God." 1 Peter 5:2 NLT

I don't know who you are called to 'shepherd' this morning as you go to your house of worship.

Maybe it's the babies in the nursery. The teenagers. The middle-schoolers. The retired folks of your church. The women.

Where ever He has you serving, serve well.

Shepherd well.

Not because 'shepherding' will make you rich or famous or important, but because you've been bought with a high price.

DIRECTING THEIR ATTENTION
Today's reading: Acts 13-14

"...We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them." Acts 14:15 NLT

Paul and Barnabas were in the city of Lystra healing the sick and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus' birth, death and resurrection.

The people were so very amazed at their ministry that they began to worship them. The men of God. Gods in human bodies.

Paul and Barnabas quickly put an end to their plans.

They had to direct these folks' attention to God. By how they acted, by how they received thanks, by how they lived before them.

We have to do the same.

How we are living, loving, thriving and surviving must point to God and not to our abilities, our strengths or our resources.

People need to know the Good News of Jesus, not the so-so intelligence they have gathered about us.

A SPARK
Today's reading: Haggai

"So the Lord sparked the enthusiasm of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, Jeshua son of Jehoadak, the high priest, and the whole remnant of God's people. They came and began their work on the house of the Lord Almighty, their God." Haggai 1:14 NLT

If you were deep into the church in the 1980's. you probably heard this song at least once--or then thousand times...

It only takes a spark
To get a fire going
And soon all those around
Will warm up with it's glowing

That's how it is with God's love
Once you experience it
You'll spread His love to everyone
You'll want to pass it on

This song comes to mind each and every time I read about the stirring Haggai and the people had towards doing the Lord's work.

I'm praying for a spark.

One that starts in me.

Moves in my home.

Spreads to my church.

Circulates into my town.

Catches my country off guard and stirs it to make changes.

I'm praying God sparks something in me--something little that turns into something huge.

"Pray as if everything depended upon your prayer." -William Booth

LISTENING MORE
Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 5-6

"The more words you speak ,the less they mean. So why over do it?" Ecclesiastes 6:11 NLT

I'm choosing to listen more today.

To use less words.

To allow God to slow me down to a speed that gives me a chance to hear the other person--and to hear Him.

People will probably think I'm mad...or sick. What I'm doing is attempting to make my fewer words mean even more.

HE OFFERS FORGIVENESS
Today's reading: Psalm 128-130

"Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you." Psalm 130:3 NLT

If I held up my 'rap sheet' against that of another's I might, for an instant, be led to believe my sins were less than theirs.

I would be wrong.

Very wrong.

What overwhelms me this morning is that no matter what is listed against me, what ever my enemy drags up from my past--or from my not so distant past, to present as a reason for hopelessness, Jesus' blood covers!

He offers forgiveness to me. He offers it to you. He offers it to the folks who believe they've done too much, sinned too greatly or wandered too far. He offers it to a world who doesn't even know they need it. He offers it to the one we would all write off. He offers it to the ones who believe they're good enough on their own. He offers it like He has always offered it--freely, lovingly, graciously and mercifully.

IGNORING HIS WARNINGS
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 33-36

"The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they ignored all his warnings. So the Lord sent the Assyrian armies, and they took Manasseh prisoner. They put a ring through his nose, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon." 2 Chronicles 33:10-11 NLT

Maybe you jump up and get done each and every thing the Lord speaks to your heart, as soon as He speaks it, with enthusiasm, zeal and love.

You quickly put aside what ever it is He asks you to leave. You promptly remove sinful things from your life and heart. You speedily tend to correcting wrong attitudes, wrong actions and wrong thoughts.

Maybe, just maybe, you are that quick to heed God's direction.

Maybe, though, like a majority of us, you've ignored His warnings.

Oh, not deliberately.

And yet you have.

And now you know what it's like to be held hostage by something He had warned you about. You are a prisoner to what you thought you could handle. You are being led around life with a ring in your nose, bound in chains that hurt and are heavy and most days find yourself in places you never wanted to go. Places that He never intended you to waste your time.

Did you know that just because you've not listened before doesn't mean He won't give you another chance?

He did it for Manasseh.

It's when we repent, when we realize what we've done, how it's wronged God and how much we want to turn from those old ways, that He hears us and helps us.

So listen to Him today.

Hear what He has to say.

Do what it is He's asking you to do...and be free.

SET APART
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 10-12

"At that time the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the Ark of the Lord's covenant, to minister before the Lord, and to pronounce blessings in his name. These are still their duties." Deuteronomy 10:8 NLT

I believe God spoke to my heart the Easter Sunday when I was seven. At that time I believe He accepted my prayer of repentance and bestowed upon me the gift of His salvation. He met me at that wooden altar.

I also believe at that time, for His reasons, He set me apart as His own. To do work for Him. To worship Him. To reach others for Him. To show my love to Him by obeying Him. To bless the world with my life as He blessed me with His. To be different.

These are still my duties.

No matter how many years separate me from that Easter morning--these are still my duties, because He has set me apart!

WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Today's reading: 1 Peter 1-3

"...They stumble because they do not listen to God's word or obey it..." 1 Peter 2:8 NLT

If I attend worship service today just for the music or just to be seen--I'll stumble through the week.

If I stand before a group of women and present a lesson on worshiping God with our lives in an order to be thought of as a great orator--I'm going to stumble and fall.

If I present the lesson about Samuel choosing David over all his brothers as king to the littles in our church just to fulfill a responsibility--I'll stumble through the whole thing and in turn possibly lend to the stumbling of these little ones.

But if I go intending to hear God's Word...

To allow it to soak in to my heart and mind...

To let it change me...

To obey what it tells me to do...

I'll be doing what He's asked. I'll be showing God by my obedience just how much I love Him.

BELIEVED AND TURNED
Today's reading: Acts 11-12

"The power of the Lord was upon them, and large numbers of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord." Acts 11:21 NLT

These power-filled Christians were not sitting on their church pews.

They were not comfortable and reclined in their prayer closets.

They didn't have the means and the material to canvas the neighborhoods they were called to reach.

They were not in positions of authority.

These Lord-enabling Christians were running for their lives, flushed from their homes, attempting to 'make it' in foreign lands learning new languages and tip-toeing around new temptations.

And yet they were impacting the Gentiles.

In the midst of their discomfort.

Amid their persecution.

Despite their inconveniences.

So why aren't we?

GATHER TOGETHER AND PRAY
Today's reading: Zephaniah

"Gather together and pray, you shameless nation." Zephaniah 2:1 NLT

Zephaniah, son of Cushi, wasn't writing to the United States of America.

Where the majestic purple mountaintops, waves of grain and crystal clear lakes are scattered from sea to shining sea.

Where our forefathers came to escape religious persecution.

Where we can gather freely to worship.

Where just about anything is possible with hard work and God's hand of guidance.

Where we've twisted and contorted His laws to make them fit our wills.

Where we've determined choice and comfort are more important than a life.

Where we've chosen to allow atrocities to sell products, television spots and our kids on freedom of speech.

Where 'wrong and right' are no longer politically correct.

Where disrespect is the new form of heroism.

Zephaniah is writing to the people of Judah--but it just might not hurt for us to pay attention to him!

ON MY OWN
Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 3-4

"If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble." Ecclesiastes 4:10 NLT

I cannot being to know what it is you're struggling with, how deep its influence goes or how far reaching this 'thing' may be in your life.

I do not know how many times you've placed it on the altar, at God's feet, in to His hands or turned your back on it altogether--only to have it back in your life within ten minutes.

I do not know how hard it is, how long you've fought against it or how embarrassing it may be.

Here's what I do know..God has not given it to you to handle alone.

He has given you godly friends to help you through it.

To pray.

To hold you accountable.

To listen.

To relate.

To remind you how very much God is for you.

To help you up when you fall again...and again...and again.

So continue to try it alone, if you want to--but it's not how God intends you to handle it.

PLANTING
Today's reading: Psalm 125-127

"Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest." Psalm 126:5-6 NLT

The Crying Farmer.

Maybe that's you.

Maybe that's been you.

Maybe that's going to be you in your very near future.

The tears flow as you present requests to God. As you lay burdens at His feet. As you give Him your heart's desires--and await His answers. As you name names, list hurts and seek His guidance.

He hears.

He promises, as our Heavenly Father, Sustainer, Provider, Deliverer, Comforter, Good Shepherd, Mighty Fortress, Friend and Savior--to answer with His best for each and every prayer seed you plant.

So prepare to sing!

Get your garden hods gathered up and your bushel baskets at the ready--a harvest is coming!

REFORMATION
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 29-32

Five hundred years ago today the Reformation began.

Martin Luther chose to nail his ninety-five theses (a long statement you can prove with evidence)  to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany.

Those theses began to undo chains of ritual, tradition and pomp surrounding religion. These ideas took the glamour and glory off the papal positions and back onto God.

It took religion back to its basics: God's glory alone, Jesus as our only mediator, the Bible as our basis, grace unmerited and faith in response to a Holy God.

Appropriate that on this auspicious day, I read about Hezekiah.

Hezekiah began his own reformation of sorts.

Here's what happens in chapter twenty-nine alone...

Hezekiah is named king at a young age.

Hezekiah chose to please God--not man, not political parties, not the people.

Heziekah re-opened the doors of the church.

Hezekiah made these statements: Our ancestors were...Our fathers have...But now I will...

He took a personal stand in serving God the way God should be served. He, too, was willing to buck tradition and push aside religious-ness for a personal relationship with God.

It's going to take a personal reformation of our own to do the same thing. We're going to have to stop some things, start some things, re-think some things, abandon some things, change some things, drop some things in order to have time for more important things, evaluate some things...on our own before we can ever change anything/or anyone else. Before we know it, we may have our own list numbering close to ninety-five!

Happy Reformation Day. May you make your own changes starting right now!

No one can believe how powerful prayer is and what it can effect, except those who have learned it by experience. Whenever I have prayed earnestly, I have been heard and have obtained more than I prayed for. God sometimes delays, but He always comes. - Martin Luther

OCCUPATION
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 7-9

"Hear, O Israel! Today you are about to cross the Jordan River to occupy the land belonging to nations much greater and more powerful than you. They live in cities with walls that reach the sky! They are strong and tall--descendants of the famous Anakite giants. You've heard the saying, Who can stand up to the Anakites? But the Lord your God will cross over ahead of you like a devouring fire to destroy them. He will subdue them so that you will quickly conquer them and drive them out, just as the Lord has promised." Deuteronomy 9:1-3 NLT

May I translate? Or at least share with you what God has spoken to my heart through this passage? Can I put it in 'Malinda-ese'?

Listen, my children. Today lies before you. A true gift from me. It's going to be a day full of beauty and full of temptation. You'll come across folks who instill your faith in mankind and folks who leave you scratching your head as to why I even created them.

You'll face giants today. Giant problems. Giant issues. Giant temptations. Giant conundrums. Giant heartache. Giant obstacles.

The world will tell you, It's over for you. You'll not make it through this. Just throw in the towel.

But here is what I say--I have given you this day to see me in all my glory!

I go before you today. I level the mountains too high for you to climb. I raise up the valleys too low for you to endure. I devour the enemies who could or would completely destroy you. I wipe out your sins through the power of my Son's blood on the cross.

I saw these next twenty-four hours millions of years before you did.

I have complete control over this day.

I promise.

So go on in. Conquer this day. Move into it. Settle in. Use it to do what I've created you to do for Me.

IT'S PROBABLY ME
Today's reading: James 4-5

"What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn't it the whole army of evil desires at war within you?" James 4:1 NLT

Um, thank You, Lord, for getting straight to the point.

For not beating around the bush.

For not using a dozen or so verses before getting my full attention.

The first verse stopped me in my tracks.

It's not always someone else.

It's not often someone else.

It's very seldom someone else.

The hurt feelings I get are usually self-centered.

I want the spot light. I want the thanks. I want the attention. I want to be noticed. I want my way--oh, that's a big one! I want what I believe I'm owed. I want the respect I believe is due me. I want...I want...I want.

Or at least the army of evil desires within me want.

I needed to be more aware of that tendency.

Thanks for bringing it to my attention, Lord.

STOPPING ME IN MY TRACKS
Today's reading: Acts 9-10

"Who are you, sir? Saul asked. And the voice replied, I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!" Acts 9:5 NLT

If only I heard that same truth when I lied...

I am Jesus, the one you are really lying to.

Or when I chose to bad-mouth another...

I am Jesus, the one you're talking bad about.

Or when I made an excuse...

I am Jesus, the one you're attempting to sell this to.

Or when I didn't feel like worshiping because of the music, those around me or the feel of the church...

I am Jesus, the one you're denying praise to.

If I hear Him speak to me. If I heard His truth in my heart. If I stopped for a moment and realized everything I do is done for Him, to Him, through Him or with His advertisement on my task, it would stop me in my tracks!

LOOK
Today's reading: Habakkuk

"The Lord replied, Look at the nations and be amazed! Watch and be astounded at what I will do! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it." Habakkuk 1:5 NLT

The newspapers do not print it up.

Television doesn't give much time to it.

Social media is far too interested in other things.

Even the talk around the water cooler deals more with political rather than 'astounding and amazing' things.

But today, today I'm looking for what God's up to.

If He says He is at work, I have to believe it.

I'm looking.

NOTHING REALLY CHANGES
Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 1-2

"Generations come and go, but nothing really changes." Ecclesiastes 1:4 NLT

Whether it was my great-grandfather's era or my son's, or any decade in between, nothing has changed.

Sure, we see new things invented, new fads tried, history giving us landmarks to guage time by--but nothing really changes.

That's most evident in my heart this morning in regards to Christ and His sacrifice on the cross for our salvation.

The men and women surrounding Golgotha needed a Savior...the men and women, boys and girls, a few hundred years later, needed a Savior...the families at the turn of our century needed a Savior...the folks who lived during the most profitable, peace-filled time in our country's history, needed a Savior...we need a Savior today.

No, nothing ever really changes.

RELEASED
Today's reading: Psalm 122-124

"We escaped like a bird from a hunter's trap. The trap is broken, and we are free! Our help is from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth." Psalm 124:7-8 NLT

Because of Jesus, His virgin birth, His perfect life, His miraculous living, His death on the cross and His glorious resurrection...we have been freed!

We've been let loose.

We've been released from our enemy's snare. The trap that held our souls. The device he once used to hold us captive. The ropes he would use to entangle and entrap us. His sticky web. His land mine. His quicksand.

And not only that--our enemy's trap has been broken!

Crushed!

Demolished!

Wrecked!

Undone!

Rendered useless!

Completely and utterly destroyed in Jesus' name and by Jesus' blood!

God knows it's been destroyed. Satan, for sure, knows it's been obliterated. Are you aware of it?

Are you keen on the fact that if you are His nothing in your past, nothing of your nature, no temptation, keeps you caged up any longer.

BATTLING ENEMIES
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 25-28

"God helped him not only with his wars against the Philistines, but also with his battles with the Arabs of Guur and in his wars with the Meunites." 2 Chronicles 26:7 NLT

A little background...

'Him' refers to King Uzziah, who started out serving the Lord, then his dedication and commitment to following God waned--and he died rebelling against the Lord.

'Where' is Judah, this all happened within the more southern area of divided Israel.

'Who', encompasses the Philistines, the Arabs of Gur-Baal and the Meunites.

Interesting facts about the enemies...

Philistines were big enemies. Strong. Intimidating. Gargantuan. They were neighbors across the border. A very real source of fear among the people of the time.

The Meunites were folks who intermingled with the people of Judah. They, from what I've read, were from one of the tribes the Israelites were to have run out of town when they entered the Promised Land. They were a daily sight, a common nuisance, a constant pain in the side of God's people.

The Arabs? The Arabs, from the commentaries I've read, are only ever mentioned here. Not much is known about them. No further information is given about them.

These three enemies sum up what you and I deal with on a daily basis...

The giants towering over us.

The issues we've allowed for far too long--issues God has probably spoken to us about time and time again.

The problems we deal with once in life and never have to deal with again.

God can help us. With each kind of enemy we face. Every day. To bring glory to Him!

JUST OBEY THEM
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 4-6

"Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you from the Lord your God. Just obey them." Deuteronomy 4:2 NLT

Don't heatedly discuss them, arguably debate them or philophocise them--just obey them.

Don't allow them to divide families, churches or denominations--just obey them.

Don't turn them into rituals, rotes or mere recitation--just obey them.

Don't put your own spin to them, attempt to shade black and white areas or look for fine print--just obey them.

Just obey them.

THINK IT'S ENOUGH?
Today's reading: James 1-3

"Do you still think it's enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror! Fool! When will you ever learn that faith that does not result in good deeds is useless?" James 3:19-20 NLT

I can proclaim that God is God.

I can shout it from the rooftops, on the mountain cliffs or on a busy street corner.

I can state my opinion of faith.

That I know there was a virgin birth, a perfect life, a senseless trial, a horrific death on a cross and a glorious resurrection.

I can tell who ever might listen what I believe, but they should see in my actions and reactions that I live on those beliefs.

Others should see what my faith in God stirs me to do, who it stirs me to be, who it enables me to reach out and share the Good News with.

LIVING A MIRACULOUS LIFE
Today's reading: Acts 7-8

"Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah. Crowds listened intently to what he had to say because of the miracles he did." Acts 8:5-6 NLT

God worked through Philip.

He did a work so big that in the midst of persecution, people saw God at work in Philip's life.

I want that for my life.

I want people to see me living a miraculous life.

Miraculous in the sense that they cannot believe how I handle tough situations.

Miraculous in the sense that they cannot understand how I can have such peace.

Miraculous in the sense that they are drawn to find out the secret to my success, the power behind my faith, the fuel I fill up on...and I can tell them all about my Messiah! 

MY ENEMY

Today's reading: Nahum

"I am your enemy! says the Lord Almighty..." Nahum 2:13 NLT

"No wonder I am your enemy! declares the Lord Almighty!.." Nahum 3:5 NLT

An enemy is one that is antagonistic towards another. One who seeks to injure, overthrow or confound an opponent.

The city of Ninevah had been given numerous chances to turn to God. Numerous ones. Prophets had come and gone. God's word had been preached from one end of town to the other. To no avail.

So God had to get their attention. He had warned them. He had given them ample opportunity. At this point, this very sad point, God stepped into the role of enemy.

In our culture of 'God is love...and only love', we tend to forget that God will stand against us at times. That He can become our enemy.

Like when we are going against His will for our lives.

Or when we choose to disobey Him.

Or when our will overrides His leadings.

I've felt God stand in my way before. I've been hurt, disciplined, by the Lord. I've had my thoughts and ideas turned topsy-turvy by my Creator. I've had doors closed. I've had times when He has felt distant--only because of the sin my heart held between us.

No one I know of, including myself, would ever willingly want God as their enemy.

So we must listen to Him. We must follow His leading. We need to find where He is and run towards Him!

DRESSED FOR SUCCESS
Today's reading: Proverbs 31

"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future." Proverbs 31:25 NLT

Anyone who knows me knows I am not fashion-plate.

I will probably have make-up on, my hair may look halfway decent--but my clothes? Well, I'm no fashionista. I don't pour over the fashion magazines, run out to buy the latest trends, need to color of the season, or attempt to mimic another's style.

But I want what this Proverbs 31 gal wears.

I want strength and dignity, I was assurance, I want peace.

I want to be known for who I am, not what I happen to wear.

I want to influence those around me with my faith and my hope, not my labels.

I want to make another gal want what I have--Jesus in my heart.

MY HELP
Today's reading: Psalm 120-121

"I look up to the mountains--does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth!" Psalm 121:1 NLT

My help doesn't come from obtaining the latest and greatest Christian bestseller.

My help doesn't come from the loving hearts around me on any given Sunday.

My help doesn't come from church membership, even if it is what I consider the greatest church around.

My help doesn't come from a legacy of believing ancestors.

My help doesn't come from owning several Bibles.

And what I needed reminding of most this morning, my help doesn't come from the one whose reflection I see in the mirror each morning.

Oh, I tend to think it does. I carry the weight on my heart of believing it does. I appear to others, on most days, to be one that would be capable of the job.

But my help comes from my Lord, and from my Lord alone.

DECIDING TO ACT
Today's reading; 2 Chronicles 21-24

"In the seventh year of Athaliah's reign, Jehoida the priest decided to act. He got up his courage and made a pact..." 2 Chronicles 23:1 NLT

You, Christian friend, probably will not have to take a stand against an evil regime.

Or plot a revolt.

Or conduct secret meetings to overthrow a wicked queen.

But it is time for us to act.

To muster up our courage.

To make a pact that involves us steering clear of sin and standing up for God.

It may take us leaving the break room when the insensitive jokes begin.

It might be that we refuse to go along with the crowd, even though we have for years, even though it's expected of us.

It may require us to take a stand in our homes in regards to what's watched on television, listened to on the radio or viewed on the internet.

It may be that our stand is to begin attending church on a regular basis, no more hit-and-miss for us.

Today is the day we must all decide to act...however it may look for each of us.

IT IS TIME
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 1-3

"...You have stayed at this mountain long enough. It is time to break camp and move on..." Deuteronomy 1:6 NLT

The same recurring sin.

The always there burden.

The right-beside-you-when-you-get-out-of-bed temptation.

The exact word-for-word prayer request you've given Him every day for the last, feels like one-hundred years.

And now He tell us to move on.

That it's time to go forward.

Appropriate for us to go.

So let's.

Let's go ahead and believe Him, trust Him, walk forward with Him.

Let's leave this mountain behind us as we go in to the Promised Land He is providing.

JEALOUSY
Today's reading: Acts 5-6

"Crowds came in from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed. The high priest and his friends, who were Sadducees, reacted with violent jealousy." Acts 5:16-17 NLT

Jealous of what God enabled the disciples to do?

Jealous of being able to help others?

Jealous of seeing the followers of Jesus provided what the people were needing?

Jealous of seeing people satisfied, peace-filled, with joy in their lives?

Yes.

Jealousy is probably still the guiding force behind all the enemies of the church today.

EVEN THOUGH
Today's reading: Micah

"Even though the nations around us worship idols, we will follow the Lord our God forever and ever." Micah 4:5 NLT

Oh, yes, we crowds of church go-ers, shout, we will follow the Lord no matter what!

No way, we chant, will we ever allow the 'world' to have us or our kids!

It's God and God alone, we say!

And yet, slowly and discreetly, the world is inching it's way into our hearts, lives and churches.

We are letting down our guards.

We are fudging a little here and there on what we will allow.

We are bending the rules so that we can be a little more inclusive, all in the name of love.

We are not standing out as we once were, as we should be, as we are instructed--we are part of it all. Part of the world.

I believe we, I, should once again take the stand that no matter what is occurring around us, we are going to worship God with our entire beings--and that will affect our impact on our communities, in our homes and in our hearts!

I KNOW, I KNOW
Today's reading: Proverbs 29-30

"Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is his name--and his son's name? Tell me if you know!" Proverbs 30:4 NLT

I feel like I'm in grade school again...

Sitting at my desk...

Sharpened #2 pencils in my pencil case...

Glue and crayons, with my name neatly printed on them, in my desk...

Right beside my big pink eraser...

With my pigtails pulling my hair back so tightly the world looks more narrow...

And I'm raising my hand. Way up high.

I know the answer...

Ooh, pick me, because I know the answer...

Come on, teacher, choose me...

I know it's God and I know it's Jesus!

I know, I know!!

SITTING AT NIGHT
Today's reading: Psalm 119

"I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord, and I obey your law because of this." Psalm 119:55 NLT

I've gotten up in the middle of the night to sit on the front stoop with God.

To give Him some things on my mind.

To listen to Him as He speaks things to my heart.

To hear the night sounds like the bullfrogs in the pond, the chorus of the cicadas, the wind rustling through the drying stalks of corn.

To see His nighttime creation such as the brightness of the full moon, the millions of stars hung one by one or the clouds blowing across the night sky.

Even night reminds me of who He is. How desperately I need Him. How truly amazing He and His works are.

Those quiet moments at night bolster my resolve and determination and faith in the daylight hours.

BUT FIRST
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 16-20

"Then Jehoshaphat added, But first let's find out what the Lord says." 2 Chronicles 18:4 NLT

That's my prayer today, to seek God's will first.

Before jumping head-long into great ideas.

Before falling all over myself attempting to fulfill my enthusiastic plans.

Before having to apologize.

Before saying what's on my mind.

Before giving advice that isn't from God.

Before doing what He may want me to do--but wants me to do another time.

I want to find out what God wants.

I want to be a Jehoshaphat.

NEW LAND
Today's reading: Numbers 33-36

**Due to internet issues, I've been off-line a few days. Hoping the problem is resolved soon. Until then, just this short thought...

I've read God's challenge to Moses and the Israelites in Numbers 33:50-56 in taking ownership of the new land.

I'm convicted.

When I compare this passage to the words I find in Colossians 3, about being a new creation, I'm finding myself still living in Egypt, in bondage, enslaved, under the thumb of a power-hungry king.

That's not what God has intended for me!

MAKING IT PERSONAL
Today's reading: Acts 3-4

"Now turn from your sins and turn to God, so you can be cleansed of your sins." Acts 3:19 NLT

Here's my problem...

And I hope it's only my problem...

That none of you struggle with it as well...

That you have no clue what I'm talking about...

That you have to live vicariously through me in this devotion...

I some back to the same sins over and over.

There, I've said it.

Seldom am I falling on my face before God asking forgiveness for sins that are 'new to me', sins that I've given a 'first try', sins that I accidentally 'slipped into'.

It's the same ones.

I repeat myself over and over in my times of confession--I've noticed it. I'm sure God has noticed it.

So here's what I've settled in my heart: I've not truly turned from my sins and turned to God.

I've mentioned my sins in prayer. I've talked about my friends with accountability partners. I've written about my sins in numerous journals that I keep. I am well aware of the temptations around me that lead me to sin.

But I've not turned away from my sins.

Turned my back on them.

Changed my path so not to walk with those sins any longer.

I want today to be the day. I want yesterday to be the last day God had to hear from me about 'those sins'. I want to set out on a new road...with God.

REASONS FOR OUR STORMS
Today's reading: Jonah

"...O Lord, you have sent this storm upon him for your own good reasons. Then the sailors picked Jonah up and threw him into the raging sea, and the storm stopped at once! The sailors were awestruck by the Lord's power, and they offered him a sacrifice and vowed to serve him." Jonah 1:14-16 NLT

I don't know what you're going through.

That being said, you don't know what I'm going through.

But let's agree on this...

God sent it our way.

For His reasons.

In order that we might trust Him more completely.

That we might depend upon Him more intently.

That we might learn more about His amazing power and ability.

That others might come to know Him because of our storm.

Yes, maybe our storms are for someone else.

The same ones who don't claim Him as their own--yet.

The ones who are standing under cloudless, sunny skies--today.

The ones who are living happy-go-lucky lives--from what we can see.

The ones who need to see Him work--in us, around us, through us and for us.

BENDABLE
Today's reading: Proverbs 28

"Blessed are those who have a tender conscience, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble." Proverbs 28:14 NLT

Lord,

I want a tender conscience.

I want to be broken over my sins, my dalliances from your path, my lack of love for others.

I want to be willing to be corrected, taught, to admit I am wrong.

I want a heart that is constantly being bent towards You, not one that's set in its way, takes on the 'my way or the highway' kind of thinking, one that will not be changed.

Only You can do this for me, God.

Only You.

Amen.

NOT AFRAID
Today's reading: Psalm 117-118

"The Lord is for me, so I will not be afraid..." Psalm 118:6 NLT

Storms bother me...but I remind myself, He's in charge of the winds and the waves.

Long, dark nights get to me...but I remind myself, He has sprinkled the night with a beautiful moon and millions of stars--and He has determined that the sun will rise each and every morning.

Sickness and disease scare me...but I remind myself, our bodies, our gloriously and creatively made bodies, were created by Him, He controls them, He allows what goes on inside them, He ordains doctors and scientists to discover more and more about them every single day.

Doubts disable me...but I remind myself, He's asked me not to doubt--He has never intended that for His daughter.

Fear steals my faith...but I remind myself, He invites my thoughts and heart back into His presence each and every time my worry takes over, my stomach gets tied up in knots, my mind swirls with 'what-ifs'.

The Lord is for me...that's all I need to remember!

FROM THE KITCHEN WINDOW

Oh, the things you can learn when you slow down.

When you stop and notice your surroundings.

When the TV and music are turned off, the windows open and the breeze gently ruffling the curtains.

When you stand at the kitchen counter, hands and forearms submerged in soapy dishwater, looking out the kitchen window.

You notice the neighbor's new puppy.

You see it playing on the porch stoop with it's assortment of puppy toys, small balls, stuffed animals, tug-ropes.

You go back to washing dishes. Noticing the rainbow of colors each soap bubble holds.

Then you hear they puppy bark. And bark again.

You glance up in time to see said puppy tearing across the yard, barking his little head off, attempting not to stumble over his long, floppy ears--towards a tree branch the wind has set to moving.

He grabs the branch. He twists his head, turns his little body, he attaches himself tightly to the little branch that's just his height.

That's when I see him and that's when I hear God...

Puppy begins to run back towards the safety of his front stoop--with the branch still clamped with his puppy teeth.

He gets about 3 feet from the tree and the branch flips him over backwards because that branch is still attached to the tree, which is still firmly rooted in the ground.

God says to me, 'You do that, little one. You do it more often that either of care to realize.'

Instead of staying and playing with what He's provided me, enjoying it, acknowledging my blessings and gifts, I run off after things that catch my eye or divert my attention.

I grab hold.

I determine in my heart and mind that I'm going to take it as my own.

And I take off.

Then I go a little ways and get my world up-ended trying to handle things not meant for me to handle, trying to do things not meant for me to do, trying to figure out tomorrow when my figuring out leads me to ignore today, trying to maintain sanity while my hands and mind are full of worries I've chosen to pick up and attempt to carry.

I laughed out loud at the little puppy, but I didn't laugh at what God showed me through him.

HUMILITY
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 11-15

"The king and the leaders of Israel humbled themselves and said, The Lord is right in doing this to us!" 2 Chronicles 12:6 NLT

On our knees looking up allows us a different vantage point to problems, situations and heartache.

It changes our focus.

It reminds us of exactly who we are in relationship to who God is--and wants to be in our lives.

It places the power and responsibility of our past, present and future squarely in His capable hands.

It allows us to look into His eyes and know, with out a shadow of a doubt, He is for us and whatever has come our way has been filtered through His heart before it ever reaches us.

PLUNDER
Today's reading: Numbers 29-32

"All the fighting men had taken some of the plunder for themselves." Numbers 31:53 NLT

Plunder is, according to Merriam-Webster, the goods of another that have been taken by force.

It's a reward for fighting.

It's the spoils of a battle.

It's the hard won and fought for treasures of war.

I needed that this morning.

I needed reminding that I'm in this battle and there are moments I can enjoy the plunder of one battle as I gear up for the next.

I can accept the rewards of having stayed committed, having kept the disciplines of faith, of doing what God is leading me to do.

Because there are battles every single day. There are moments of every day when I defeat satan with my faith. There are fights I do not back down from. There are wars I get up each and every morning knowing I will fight--again.

But there is also plunder.

Today I will begin noticing it more!

ALIVE AGAIN
Today's reading: Acts 1-2

"During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to his apostles from time to time and proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. On these occasions he talked to them about the Kingdom of God." Acts 1:3 NLT

How did Jesus 'prove' to the disciples that he was alive?

I mean, there is the actual, living, breathing, heartbeat kind of proof...but what did He do? How did He go about convincing them?

How do I?

To this world? To the people I come in contact with? To those I'm wanting to introduce to my Savior?

Because, you see, I once was dead, too.

Before knowing Him personally and intimately, I was dead. I had to hope. I had no heartbeat. I had no life in me.

But now I live!

Because I answered His call to enter my heart, I live. And will live eternally!

CROSSROADS
Today's reading: Obadiah

"You shouldn't have stood at the crossroads, killing those who tried to escape. You shouldn't have captured the survivors, handing them over to their enemies in that terrible time of trouble." Obadiah verse 14 NLT

The words today are spoken to the enemies of Israel. During their 'civil war', when brothers fought against brothers.

They were being told of their sins by the prophet Obadiah. And I, thousands of years later, have been shown mine through the same words.

I stand at the crossroads greeting people all day long.

People that walk up to my sales counter. Folks I speak to when I go to the bank. Souls I bump into at Walmart. Lives I am allowed to touch over the phone, through texts--or through this devotion.

For many I may be who greatly impacts the path they take.

At the crossroads where I stand, do I point them to Christ, or back to the world?

Do I offer hope or show them with the scowl on my face, the condemnation of my words or the effects of my body language that they're on their own?

Am I offering mercy at this crossroad? Mercy that's been poured all over me?

I don't think any of us fully realize the impact we may have on a stranger, an acquaintance, a close friend, a neighbor or our family members.

This 'crossroad' idea has really got me to thinking.

PASSING IT ON
Today's reading: Proverbs 26-27

I think about Solomon dictating his proverbs to his scribes.

Day after day. Sentence after sentence. Thought after thought.

I think about why he did it, why he had written down what he had learned or experienced or viewed as an outsider looking in.

He did it for his children, for his citizens, for posterity, for us.

He wanted us to be wiser and more prepared for life than we are.

He was led by God to teach with down to earth words about every day things.

MY TESTIMONY
Today's reading:  Psalm 114-116

"Death had its hands around my throat; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord; Please, Lord, save me! How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours! The Lord protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and then he saved me." Psalm 116:3-6 NLT

In the years I've read through the Bible, I really thought I'd found myself in the pages. In the accounts. In the lives of the men and women God chose to have men write about...

-I've seen myself as the lost sheep.

-I've associated with Paul when he spoke of doing what he didn't want to do and not doing what he knew he should.

-I've seen Judas-like qualities in my heart.

I've also seen through the pages of Scripture who I wasn't...

-Like the Proverbs 31 gal.

-Like brave Jael.

-Like Gideon, oh, somewhat like Gideon...I put out fleece after fleece after fleece.

I've finally found me in His Word. My story. My testimony.

I'm the one this psalmist writes about. The one who had death wrapping its hands around my throat. The one who was destined for trouble and sorrow. I'm the one who called on the name of the Lord. Standing there during the invitation in that little country church. The one who realized her need for a Savior after the pastor's Easter Sunday message. The one who came face-to-face with the fact that if I died, I'd not go to heaven.

I'm the one God showed special kindness to. Who He chose to be oh so good to. The one who has been showered with His mercy!

I'm the one with childlike faith. The one He is protecting. The one who He saved!

I've found me in the Scriptures and in finding me, I've found more about Him to celebrate and testify to!