WORN OUT
Today's reading: Judges 17-21

"Now in those days Israel had no king. And the tribe of Dan was trying to find a place to settle, for they had not yet driven out the people who lived in the land assigned to them." Judges 18:1 NLT

Worn out from moving place to place.

Fighting for every scrap they had.

Bickering among themselves.

Unsettled.

Unsatisfied.

Incomplete.

The Danites were looking for a place to call 'home', wearing themselves out in the search, eeking out a living for themselves and their children--all the while, they had an assigned piece of prime property given to them by God.

My Bible commentary says, 'rather than fight for their allotted territory, they preferred to look for new land in the north where resistance from the enemy wouldn't be so tough.'

I have to ask myself, and since you're reading this ask you, what are we wearing ourselves out attempting to do that isn't what we're supposed to be doing?

Attempting to be someone He has not designed us to be?

Trying to accomplish something He has not ordained us to be involved in?

Working tirelessly in a ministry He has not called us to participate in?

Giving all we are and have to a lifestyle He never intended us to participate in?

Attempting to scratch out an existence while living in the darkness of sin that He never once wanted us involved in?

Exhausted from searching for things to fill us up, things that never will, things that never can?

Running from one enemy into another we've not been called to fight?

It's making me think this morning. It's causing me to evaluate what I'm doing, where I'm going, what battles I'm fighting and Who or who I am listening to.

Maybe these words will allow you that opportunity, too.

HOW JACOB FELT
Today's reading: Genesis 32-34

"...There is no reason for you to be so kind to me, Jacob insisted." Genesis 33:15 NLT

Jacob was afraid to return to his homeland because of all he had done as a young man.

He had cheated his brother.

He had lied to his father.

He had connived a plan to win a birthright and a blessing that wasn't his.

And now he was returning home.

He knew he deserved nothing from Esau. Nothing at all. Well, nothing except bitterness, anger, hatred and distrust.

And here we find Esau reaching out in love? Offering to help? Accepting Jacob and his family with open arms?

Jacob had a hard time accepting it.

We do too, don't we?

We are showered with blessings from the very hand of God, and we are afraid to enjoy them because we are so undeserving.

We are given grace upon grace to cover our sins, and we hesitate accepting it because we know the filth of our transgressions.

We are surrounded by people who need us and have been sent by God to help us walk this pilgrim's path, and we keep them at arm's length too scared they will find out about the real us--the real, faulty, as-far-from-a-super-hero-as-we-could-be us.

We are gifted with God's love, God's amazing, life-changing love, and we desire to stay in the shallow end of it rather than jump in with both feet because we know we don't deserve it.

We get how Jacob felt, don't we?

But what if, for today, we chose to gather all He gives us with both arms and hold it tight?

What if we accepted all He had to offer us?

What if we allowed fellow believers in to our lives and hearts?

What if we loved God back, yes even in our inadequate and imperfect way?

CHOSEN BY GOD
Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 1-2

"This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus..." 1 Corinthians 1:1 NLT

When I think of all Paul did, I'm amazed.

All he wrote. All the lives he touched. His testimony in general. His travels. His obedience. His devotion. His persecution. His determination. His love for the Lord.

I might easily become envious and jealous, if I didn't know for sure that God has a special calling for each and every one of us.

I easily slip into the sin of comparison.

I compare my singing abilities to a dear friend's--and come up very short and off key.

I place my creative skills against another friend's--and my abilities are quite pale and kindergarten-like.

I compare the abilities of great speakers I know--and quickly am reminded of my stumbling attempts before a crowd.

Satan loves it when I do this. 

He likes to distract me from God's call on my own life by looking around at the lives of others. He likes to make me feel small, inconsequential and lacking.

Paul was chosen by the will of God to be Paul, to do Paul things, to write as Paul wrote, to travel as Paul, to speak as Paul.

I have been chosen by God to be me...and do the things He has asked me to do with the flare only I can give it!

I needed the reminder.

The duty as well as the destiny of believers is to be conformed to the image of God's Son.- William Hendrickson

COMING UP SHORT
Today's reading: Matthew 20-22

"This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:38-39 NLT

When I go over my mental checklist about loving my neighbors, I like what I see.

The neighbors to the north of us, nice little family, are easy to love.

The neighbors across the field, my parents, are also easy to love.

The neighbor across the road from us, nice enough gal.

The neighbor to our south--well, I'd like to think if Jesus has known him, he might not have placed these words in the Bible.

But He did know all about him.

And loved him.

And died on the cross for him.

And expects me to accept that.

And follow through on His command.

LOOKING AT OUR IDOLS
Today's reading: Isaiah 40-44

"The person who made the idol never stops to reflect, Why, it's just a block of wood! I burned half of it for heat and used it to bake my bread and roast my meat. How can the rest of it be a god? Should I bow down to worship a chunk of wood?" Isaiah 44:19 NLT

Idol-an object of extreme devotion.

Don't have one you say?

Really?

Sadly, most of us do.

No, it's probably not a little figurine set up on a shelf.

Maybe it's not a formed image of gold, wood or metal that you bow down to and pray.

Maybe it's not even an image at all.

Maybe, just maybe, it's an emotion that is worshiped.

A perceived right we fight bravely to hold.

Might it be control? The desire to be in control. The need for control. The false sense of security control gives us.

Oh, don't think I'm talking to you--I'm talking to me.

I need to take a long hard look at my day. At how I use my time. At what gets the majority of my attention. At what I determine needs the best of me. At what my vocabulary says about my idols, or my God. At what others might say would be my driving force.

God, help me see the idols in my life for what they really are--sad, faulty, ridiculous replacements for You. Amen.

ASSURANCE
Today's reading: Job 15-16

"Even now my witness is in heaven. My advocate is there on high. My friends scorn me, but I pour out my tears to God." Job 16:19-20 NLT

I am a blessed woman to be surrounded by so many godly friends.

Friends who know Scripture and live it. Friends who pray not just to be praying, but to be heard by God. Friends who love me enough to hold me accountable in my Christian walk.

These friends of mine help me when they can. They listen when my heart cries out. They, in love, refuse to coddle me when tough things need addressed.

What amazes me the most about my straight-from-heaven friends is that they do not attempt to take God's place in my life. The point me to Him, but step aside so I might have time with Him. They quote His Word, but never do they take credit for it. They know their knowledge of me is limited, and His infinite.

I'm so thankful for these great friends, friends that are earthly examples of my One True Friend.

OUR PATH
Today's reading: Psalm 21-23

"He restores my soul; He leads me in the path of righteousness for His name's sake." Psalm 23:3 NKJV

The path we're called to walk as a Christian is said to be the straight and narrow.

Straight to God.

Narrow in its way.

We have been told the lie, sold the untruth, led to believe and determined for ourselves that our path should be, as His children, rosey, bright, easy and comfortable.

That's not what my Bible tells me!

He restores my soul--gives me strength, encourages me for a journey, issues me marching orders for which I'll need restoration.

He leads me in the path of righteousness--not ease, not without effort, not always uphill, but always toward righteousness.

For His glory--not our own. Not to showcase our strengths. Not to highlight our abilities. Not to allow us to boast. Not always what we think we can even handle.

So this morning I'm accepting His restoration. I'm soaking in His encouragement. I'm filling up on His promises. I'm allowing myself to be encouraged by His Words...and I'm walking, one step at a time in the direction I believe He has laid out before me. Straight towards Him!

OUR SECRET
Today's reading: Judges 12-16

"So Delilah said to Samson, Please tell me what makes you so strong and what it would take to tie you up securely." Judges 16:6 NLT

Delilah wanted to know Samson's secret.

The secret to his success. What made him tick. What gave him the advantage over other men.

People want to know the same things about us as Christians.

They want to know where our peace comes from.

They desire to love like we do.

They want the freedom we live in.

They want to be able to react in the ways we react.

They want to be led to reach out like they've seen us do.

But here's the thing, it should be no secret!

They should see God so clearly in us that there is no question as to what makes us who we are.

We should refer to Him often enough that the know He is our secret weapon.

A MIZPAH CHURCH
Today's reading: Genesis 28-31

"This place was also called Mizpah, for Laban said, May the Lord keep watch between us to make sure that we keep this treaty when we are out of each other's sight." Genesis 31:49 NLT

Laban and Jacob were parting ways after twenty years of a close working friendship and being in-laws.

Laban was watching as Jacob left his home country with Laban's two girls and grandchildren, going to a place where God was worshiped.

Laban was scrupulous in his business dealings but wanted to know, to know with no doubt in his mind what so ever, that his family would be cared for.

This place, this fork in the road, was re-named Mizpah as a reminder to both Laban and to Jacob of their agreement to care for each other's blessings even when parted by miles.

We need that in our churches.

We need to be held accountable to each other in regards to the requests we ask prayer for, the burdens we share and the help we admit we need on Sundays.

A family is a family whether or not we see each other every day...or just every Sunday and Wednesday night.

Mizpah reminds me of that, does it remind you, too?

READYING MYSELF
Today's reading: Romans 15-16

"May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other--each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other." Romans 15:5 NLT

I have my Bible and Sunday School book gathered up from my prayer closet.

I have my pens and glasses, a necessity any more.

I have an old notebook and colored pencils for any of the kiddos that might sit by me during church, they've come to expect it.

I have a few mints.

I have my planner.

I thought I was ready for church until I read this verse...about my attitude.

I take an attitude with me to church, too, but an attitude of Christ?

How quickly, in the rush of a Sunday morning, our attitudes sour.

They become rushed, put out and disgusted.

Our attitudes become impatient, impertinent and impossible to please.

But to attend our houses of worship with the attitude of Christ, oh what a difference it would make in our worship services, in our homes, in our lives!

LISTEN TO HIM
Today's reading: Matthew 17-19

"Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain. As the men watched, Jesus' appearance changed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothing became dazzling white. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. Peter blurted out, Lord, this is wonderful! If you want me to, I'll make three shrines, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah. But even as he said it, a bright cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, This is my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with him. Listen to him." Matthew 17:1-5 NLT

I have a lot of Peter in me.

I get excited and I rush into things--some good, some bad.

Like in this moment...

Peter was overwhelmed with all that he saw. He was moved to worship God in some way. He wanted to do something for the Lord. He wanted the moment to be preserved for all time. He had plans whirling in his head. Big plans. Monumental plans. He was excited. He was antsy. He was charged up.

And what did God ask him to do? What great act of service did He require of Peter? What ministry did God proclaim Peter was to jump in to with both feet at this point? What enormous undertaking did He plant in Peter's heart?

Listen to Jesus.

Sounds like such a small job--unless, you are like me, then you know it's a huge undertaking!

Today I want to listen. No, let's strike that...today I believe God is asking me to listen, instead of running hither and yon accomplishing much but hearing little.

I want to hear the words of my Lord.

LAYING IT BEFORE HIM
Today's reading: Isaiah 34-39

"After Hezekiah received the letter and read it, he went up to the Lord's Temple and spread it out before the Lord." Isaiah 37:14 NLT

King Hezekiah was in a pickle and the letter he received only confirmed it.

The evil king of Assyria, Sennacherib, was poised and ready to attack.

His troops were in place.

His chariot horses were chomping at the bit.

His spy-like liaisons had made the rounds spreading trash talk among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

And now this letter.

Hezekiah read it.

Then he took steps--not to bolster the morale of the soldiers nor put on his suit of armor nor fortify the city gates nor escape town before the first arrow was launched...

He went to church and laid it all out before the Lord.

Every page. Every word. Every threat. Every square inch of the parchment that so threatened.

What an object lesson!

It's just what we need to do when we receive threatening 'mail' from our enemy.

We needn't strive harder. We shouldn't attempt to clean up the mess. We must not think it's up to us. We shouldn't try to hide the most recent attack. We don't have to pretend everything is rosy.

We have to spread it all out before God.

Our broken hearts. Our dysfunctional families. Our wandering children. Our sins. Our doubts. Our fears. Our addictions. Our weaknesses. Our prideful character traits. Our past regrets.

Lay them all, no matter how ugly, out before God.

Then, step back and watch what He will do!

WHAT WILL SAVE ME
Today's reading: Job 13-14

"But this is what will save me: that I am not godless. If I were, I would be thrown from his presence." Job 13:16 NLT

Job knew what he had done, and not done, regardless of what his friends advised.

He knew that despite the tragic circumstances, he had not wandered from his faith, turned his back on God or failed to believe in the power of the Mighty One.

He also knew, as he sat penniless, family-less, might-as-well-have-been-friendless and sore, that nothing but God would ever save him.

Is that our assurance?

Are we trusting in our church attendance?

Are we believing in our heritage?

Are we banking on our jobs/paychecks/saving accounts?

Are we depending on our health?

Are we resting comfortably on our skills or talents or abilities?

Just ask Job, when you get to heaven, none of those things matter.

It's all hinging on whether or not you know God intimately.

God is Who will save you.

BLESSED BE THE LORD
Today's reading: Psalm 18-20

"He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters. He delivered me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me. They attacked me at a moment when I was weakest, but the Lord upheld me. He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me." Psalm 18:16-19 NLT

I don't know what your heart needs this morning, but I'm pretty sure Psalm 18 will do.

It's about victory in Jesus.

It's about the power of God.

It's about His love for us.

It's about His reign over heaven, earth, here, now, dark valleys and sun-warmed mountaintops.

It's about God's timing.

It's about our enemy's tactics.

It's about His strength.

It's about how very worthy of our praise God is!

I don't know what's going on in your life this morning, but I will almost guarantee you will find yourself somewhere in the verses of this psalm.

RESCUE US FROM US
Today's reading: Judges 7-11

"But the Israelites pleaded with the Lord and said, We have sinned. Punish us as you see fit, only rescue us today from our enemies." Judges 10:15 NLT

Been there?

Sunk so low, walked so far away, dug a pit so deep, become so entangled with sin? Sold yourself to the lowest bidder? Committed spiritual adultery? Prostituted yourself? Bowed before other gods? Turned your back on God? Done things you said you'd never ever do? Returned to your own vomit?

And yet when we consider the punishment we deserve from God, oh, the punishment we deserve--we'll take it, just to be brought near to Him?

Punish me, Lord, but rescue me, we cry out!

ANSWERED PRAYERS
Today's reading: Genesis 24-27

This morning as I re-read the account of Rebekah, I'm reminded it is one of the first 'cards' I remember from 'card class' at church when I was a child.

The teacher would read us the Bible account and then show us the big picture depicting the story. Most Sundays we also received a small playing card sized replica of the picture.

I remember the picture of Rebekah.

The intrigue of the nomadic bright clothing she wore. Her long, dark black hair. The camels gathered around the well. Her gold earrings, gold bangles and bright scarves.

My mind goes back to that picture, but my heart has noticed something else in the account...

I'm awed by all the prayers answered in this short re-telling of this portion of Scripture.

Abraham's prayer for his son to gain a wife was answered.

The servant's prayer for success was answered.

Those are the two easy to spot answers, but I'm thinking this morning there were more:

Isaac got a good, beautiful woman--don't you think that's what he was praying for? Down deep, don't you know he was a little concerned about who this aged servant of his father's might bring home for him?

Rebekah's mother saw her daughter married off to a good family--don't you know that's every mother's prayer?

Rebekah's grandparents found their family listed in the lineage of the Bible--can't you imagine that was their heart's dream, to leave a lasting legacy?

And there was Rebekah. Her prayer for a good husband was never mentioned, but don't you know she prayed it every day as she was surrounded by the shepherd boys she grew up around? In a culture where identity and worth was based upon whose you were?

It encourages my prayer life.

It reminds me that God hears.

It tells me He is involved in all aspects of my life.

I needed that reminder this morning!

CONTROL
Today's reading: Romans 13-14

"But let the Lord Jesus Christ take control of you, and don't think of ways to indulge your evil desires." Romans 13:14 NLT

One of my favorite children's Bible talks includes the words, 'God could have created us like robots, wired to obey, love and serve Him. But He didn't. He loved us too much to do that.'

It's true. He gives us a free will to love Him.

But let's be honest, some days, it would behoove us to be hard-wired instead of in control of ourselves!

Because we don't always even want to do what's right.

We don't want to follow the rules, even when we know for a fact they are what's best for us.

We don't like turning the other cheek, going the extra mile or taking up our cross.

And yet it's what He asks us to do.

It's what He enables us to do.

It's what makes the world around us know we are His!

WHERE IS MY HEART?
Today's reading: Matthew 14-16

"These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away. Their worship is a farce, for the replace God's commands with their own man-made teachings." Matthew 15:8-9 NLT

I'm already thinking about tomorrow.

The Lord's Day.

My Sunday School lesson.

Where each of us three are scheduled to be--Kings' Kids, greeter duty, ushering?

I've even laid out my outfit for tomorrow, it's pressed and ready to go.

I'm even planning ahead by putting everything in the crockpot today for Sunday lunch.

And then I read these words.

These words written in red.

These words that talk about where my heart might be.

Because if I'm already concerned about inconsequential things regarding tomorrow, where will my heart be when I gather with my church family to worship?

Will I worship or will I be mentally planning Monday?

Will I attend service but not be there in spirit?

Will I be thinking through my week or focusing on the Word of God presented by the pastor?

I want my heart to be involved in worship-today and tomorrow. I don't want it to be anywhere else!

To know how to speak to God is more important than knowing how to speak to men.- Andrew Murray

STANDING UP
Today's reading: Isaiah 29-33

"That is why the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, says to the people of Israel, My people will no longer pale with fear or be ashamed. For when they see their many children and material blessings, they will recognize the holiness of the Holy One of Israel. They will stand in awe of the God of Israel." Isaiah 29:22-23 NLT

I can easily and honestly say I am tired of weak, pale with fright, afraid to take a stand Christians.

I'm worn out with believers who don't believe.

I've had it up to 'here' with sisters and brothers of faith who show no faith at all.

How can you say such a thing, you gasp? How rude, you say? Unkind, you mutter?

I make this statement only because I am tired of seeing those same characteristics in my own faith walk!

I don't want to whimper like a child in front of my enemy--I want to stand and fight using the Lord's strength!

I don't want to run when I hear the thundering footsteps of my 'Goliath'--I want to grab my slingshot and five smooth stones as I run to the fight!

I don't want to hide behind my pastor--I want to brandish the Word of God in my own heart and mind!

I don't want to be intimidated by the flaming darts unbelievers aim at me--because I know Whose child I am!

I don't want to stay up night worrying about tomorrow--because I know the Creator of all time and space intimately!

I don't want to continue fighting the same battles, over and over and over again--because I know the work done at the Cross at inside the empty Tomb!

I don't want to lose anyone else to an eternity of hell--because I know the Gospel and it is my privilege, challenge, command, opportunity to share it with as many as I can--whether they ask for it or not!

Those reasons, dear friends, are why I can say I'm tired of pale and weak Christianity--in the lives of fellow Christians and in the mirror!

NO ESCAPE
Today's reading: Job 11-12

"But true wisdom and power are with God; counsel and understanding are his. What he destroys cannot be rebuilt. When he closes in on someone, there is no escape." Job 12:13-14 NLT

Have you ever sicced God on someone?

I mean really turned them over to Him?

Given Him full disclosure into their lives?

Stepped back and asked Him to do whatever it took to get their attention and their heart?

Quit trusting your own abilities and just lay them on an altar at His feet?

Took your hands off the situation, closed your plan book, quit offering your own advice and asked Him with all your heart to grab them up and away from the enemy?

Believed in God enough to trust Him with what will happen--to them and to you?

Stood firm on the fact that He came for everyone?

Trusted so fully in His abilities that you have changed your vocabulary from 'never, impossible and hopeless' to 'yet, possible and hope-filled'?

Made a statement like Job's, that when God closes in on someone, they will not escape, and believed it with your whole heart?

EVEN AT NIGHT
Today's reading: Psalm 15-17

"I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me." Psalm 16:7 NLT

It's one thing to worship the Lord with our whole hearts during the day...

When the sun is shining.

When the birds are singing.

When you can see the steps in front of you.

But at night?

When the shadows grow?

When the storms rage?

When the stars are even hidden?

When the enemy lurks behind every corner?

When our fears grow, our doubts swell and our faith hides?

Oh, what peace He gives when at night He whispers in our ear--It is well, child.

When we hear Him say--Rest now, I've got this.

When our hearts are told--I'm here and I'm all you need.

When our spirits get the sleep we need though the storm continues to rage.

I don't know about you, but I will bless the God who guides me--day and night!

"The wise counsel God gives when I'm awake is confirmed by my sleeping heart." Psalm 16:7 MSG

WHAT I HAVE
Today's reading: Judges 1-6

"Then the Lord turned to him and said, Go with the strength you have and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!" Judges 6:14 NLT

I am so very blessed to be surrounded by some amazing people!

Wise friends. Godly mentors. Beautiful ladies. Courageous men. Loving hearts. Wonderful parents. Talented artists. Thoughtful workers. Strong fighters. Faith-filled warriors.

There are days when the whispers of my enemy divert my attention off the blessing of having them and cause me to question myself. My inadequacies. My weaknesses. My faults. My character flaws.

I'm not them.

I'm not as smart as some.

I'm not as thin as some.

I'm not as courageous as some.

I'm not as godly as some.

My home is not as neat and tidy as some.

My child is not as well mannered as some.

I think that's why God said to Gideon what He said. For me. For this morning. For this time in my life.

'Go with the strength YOU have...I am sending YOU.

My great friends and acquaintances have not been called to be me, to fight the battles God has selected me to fight or to celebrate the victories He has gifted me with.

My strengths are not their strengths.

I can burden myself with comparisons or I can celebrate what He has specially ordained me to do and to be!

 Until a man is nothing God can make nothing of him. - Martin Luther

AN ALTAR FOR MY THINGS
Today's reading: Genesis 20-23

"Lay down the knife, the angel said. Do not hurt the boy in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have withheld even your beloved son from me." Genesis 22:12 NLT

Abraham was willing to lay Isaac on the altar he had built. He was willing to tie him, 'bind' in the Hebrew language, to this altar. He had his knife raised above his only son, his long-awaited for son. That's when God stopped him.

I think this morning about what it is God may be asking me to lay down on the altar.

Maybe it's the rights I believe I have?

Or the feelings I think I deserve to harbor?

Or the labels I've pasted upon myself, or allowed others to place upon me?

Or might it be the comforts I keep, seek, console myself with?

The sins I've become quite accustomed to hiding in my heart and life?

The very strengths I believe have carried me thus far in life?

Or the lies I've come to believe?

The hidden things satan has told me don't affect anyone else?

My own plans, the agenda I've written out, the schedule I expect my life to keep?

I have plenty of things to lay upon an altar of sacrifice. May He realize my love and fear of Him as I place each and every one of them upon it.

NEVER BEYOND
Today's reading: Romans 11-12

"Did God's people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not!.." Romans 11:11 NLT

Lord, did I ever need these words today.

I needn't recap yesterday, You, of course, know all about it.

My words were not seasoned with love.

My heart was not focused on you.

My choices did not reflect those of a God-seeking believer.

I dug a pit for myself most of the day, then wallowed in it like a little pig, until bedtime.

But this morning?

This morning You have shone the light of Your truth into my heart--yesterday is passed!

Your words assure me that I have not stumbled beyond recovery. I have not slipped out of Your reach. I have not wandered too far that You cannot find me. I have not done so much as to make You not love me!

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father...

HE REIGNS
Today's reading: Isaiah 23-28

"O Lord our God, others have ruled us, but we worship you alone." Isaiah 26:13 NLT

The protesters are still causing a scene.

The media remains at work spinning the information they've been given into questionable news coverage.

The life-long politicians are still shaken.

The election, almost three months behind us now, leaves a lot of things changed.

Maybe your guy was elected, maybe she was not.

This single verse settles it for me.

Yes, we have someone new in office who can make rules, go about enforcing rules or changing rules completely--but the One I worship remains the same!

A man sitting behind a desk wearing a suit and tie can do his very best to change the speed limit, the amount of taxes I pay and the way our democratic system of government behaves, but he has no control over my heart.

The one I worship sits on a throne!

AND THIS
Today's reading; Job 9-10

"You guided my conception and formed me in the womb. You clothed me with skin and flesh, and you knit my bones and sinews together. You gave me life and showed me your unfailing love. My life was preserved by your care." Job 10:10-12 NLT

Job reminds me this morning, Lord, of how vested you are in me.

How you have created me as one of your masterpieces.

How you formed me, built me and have loved me.

The words remind me that I am here, today, right now, for a reason.

So as I think over all that is heavy on my heart...and there are many things. I know.

Without a doubt I know...You have cared for me so far and you will continue to do so.

And this, Lord, gives me comfort, peace and strength.

REMEMBERING THE TENSE
Today's reading: Psalm 12-14

"O Lord, how long...How long..." Psalm 13:1 NLT

"How long...How long..." Psalm 13:2 NLT

" Turn and answer me..." Psalm 13:3 NLT

"Don't let my enemies..." Psalm 13:4 NLT

David pleads with God for help.

For rescue.

For relief.

He cries out for some help.

Then we find this...

"But I trust in your unfailing love, I will rejoice because you have rescued me." Psalm 13:5 NLT

Is David saying this because he believes God is at work?

Or is he making this statement in regards to what he knows God has done for him in the past?

Which tense might the words 'have rescued me' be written in?

Are they proclaiming past victories or are the words written in faithful expectation?

We need to claim both in our own pep talks to ourselves...belief for the future and solidity in the past.