THEN
Today's reading: Psalm 63-65

"Then everyone will stand in awe, proclaiming the mighty acts of God, realizing all the amazing things he does." Psalm 64:9 NLT

Then...

It means to tell us something has happened prior, before, at the onset of the conversation.

For David, it was that his enemies were chasing him. That they were conspiring against him. That they wanted him dead.

For us, then may be...

After a bad test result from the doctor.

After a prayer has been answered miraculously.

After a very long time not hearing from a prodigal.

After word of the Bible preaching in your church has been talked about in the community.

After watching a saint patiently endure.

...what will it take in our lives for them to stand in awe, proclaiming the mighty acts of God, and realize all the amazing things He does?

Am I willing to accept anything and everything in my life that will point others to Him?

EXCEPT
Today's reading: 1 Kings 1-4

"Solomon loved the Lord and followed all the instructions of his father, David, except..." 1 Kings 3:3 NLT

If you were to pick up the newspaper this morning and read the following obituaries, what would you think...

John T. Money, age 73, church-goer, philanthropist, banker-extraordinaire, except for the time he...

Paul J. Husband, age 56, believer, father, faithful husband of 37 years, except for the time he...

Mary P. Talker, age 34, speaker of truth, faithful church attender, encourager, gifted at talking, except for when she...

The word 'except' leaves us questioning, doesn't it? It plants seeds of doubt and confusion as to what the people truly lived for, believed in and chose to honor above all else. It dirties a reputation.

It's certainly making me think this morning, because I have my own 'excepts'.

Which one/ones might be ruining my witness for the Lord?

PERSONALLY
Today's reading: Exodus 33-36

"And the Lord replied, I will personally go with you, Moses. I will give you rest--everything will be fine for you." Exodus 33:14 NLT

God is handling the matter Himself.

No substitutes.

No fill-ins.

God says in His own Word that He walks with Moses.

And He walks with me, too.

And He walks with you.

NEVER TOO OLD
Today's reading: Galatians 1-3

"I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who in his love and mercy called you to share the eternal life he gives through Christ. You are already following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but it is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who twist and change the truth concerning Christ." Galatians 1:6-7 NLT

Paul spoke to the hearts of the Galatian church about their faith walks.

Sure, they were new Christians.

Sure, the times they were living in were tough.

Sure, this was all foreign to them.

But he didn't want them to quit!

I get that.

If I lived to be 100, it's not long enough to serve the Lord.

If I lived to be as old as Methuselah, it wouldn't be long enough.

If, at any time in my life, I decided to throw in the towel, try another 'god', it would be too soon...especially in comparison to eternity.

We cannot quit, brothers and sisters.

No matter our age.

No matter our trial.

No matter our past.

No matter our success rate.

No matter what, we cannot quit!

WHAT ABOUT TODAY?
Today's reading: Luke 5-6

"One Sabbath..." Luke 6:1 NLT

"On another Sabbath..." Luke 6:6 NLT

I don't know about you, but I'm anticipating great things at church tomorrow.

A God-ordained crowd of attentive worshipers.

A God-sent sermon from the Word of God.

A message selected perfectly for me.

An opportunity for people to come to know my Savior and Best Friend.

Sundays are full of potential. Great things happen on Sabbath days.

But wait a minute, am I expecting the same great things to happen today?

They can and they will, you know!

A WALK IN THE CEMETERY
Today's reading: Jeremiah 42-46

"And today I have told you exactly what he said, but you will not obey the Lord your God any better now than you have in the past. So you can be sure that you will die from war, famine and disease in Egypt, where you insist on going." Jeremiah 42:21-22 NLT

I spent the afternoon in the cemetery.

Thank you, but no condolences are necessary, as I was just helping my Dad put flags on the graves of the veterans for this weekend.

I will say, there is nothing like a walk through an old country graveyard to remind you of what's really, and not really, important.

Old tombstones. Freshly dug graves. Markers which have been decorated to the hilt. Headstones that have long since been left on their own.

Each and every tombstone has a story, but they all fall into one or two categories--a tombstone that marks a death, or a tombstone that marks the beginning of an eternal life.

Jeremiah warned the people about obedience to God and the fate that would await them.

He re-stated the obvious, that God was giving them yet another chance to follow Him.

He plainly stated they, if they continued on the same path, would experience death.

He also let them know God would allow them to go exactly where they wanted to go, but where they wanted to go wasn't in their best interest.

Two verses like these and a walk in the graveyard, kind of sets your priorities back in to the right order.

WHAT I THOUGHT I KNEW
Today's reading: Job 41-42

"I had heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes." Job 42:5 NLT

I write in my Bible. I make small notes. I underline. I circle. I highlight. I draw small pictures. I date passages. I make it mine.

So when this verse caught my eye this morning, I saw scribbled beside it the date 05/26/16, I paused.

As of tomorrow it will be a year ago that this same verse jumped off the page at me. That tickles me, because a year ago I 'thought' I knew Him, knew all about Him, had experienced so much with Him, had allowed Him into everything I had to offer.

But now?

A year later?

Today?

I realize when I consider all I know about Him today, last year at this time I knew nothing!

And I'm going to guess that next year at this time, I'll be even more amazed at what I find out about Him.

PLEASE HELP
Today's reading: Psalm 60-62

"Oh, please help us against our enemies, for all human help is useless." Psalm 60:11 NLT

Lord, I need your help.

This morning the enemy feels as if it is encamped about me, lurking behind every shadow, throwing obstacles in my path, pushing me around and whispering unkind thoughts in my ear.

Sure, I have friends on whom I can call. Praying friends. Friends who have on many occasions grabbed hold of the gates of heaven with their prayers. Friends who have bent Your ear on my behalf for many and varied reasons. Friends who know how to get a hold of You.

And I appreciate them.

I consider my life to be fuller, more blessed and more powerful because of Your gift of them and their prayers.

But they are useless when compared to You.

I need You and I need Your help.

Above all else, I need You.

READING BACKWARDS
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 20-24

"I chased my enemies and destroyed them; I did not stop until they were conquered." 2 Samuel 22:38 NLT

I'm having to read my Bible backwards this morning.

You see, I came across this verse and thought to myself, 'Self, I'd love to be able to make such a statement--that I'd chased my enemies down and conquered them. That I'd not stopped.' At that point I had to look back a few verses to see if there was a clue or a key to doing just that...

"God is my strong fortress; he has made my way safe. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, leading me safely along the mountain heights. He prepares me for battle; he strengthens me to draw a bow of bronze. You have given me the shield of your salvation; your help has made me great. You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping." 2 Samuel 22:33-37 NLT

I see it now.

I can defeat my enemy, God has provided me the means, the ways and the weapons.

It just took a little backwards reading to remind me!

WHAT I PASS ON
Today's reading: Exodus 29-32

"Aaron's sacred garments must be preserved for his descendants who will succeed him, so they will be anointed and ordained in them." Exodus 29:29 NLT

I've got to pass on my 'garments of holiness' to my son.

I know they'll fit him...holiness fits everyone.

I know the times he will live in will need him to wear them...holiness is timeless.

I know they will only accentuate his naturals bents and gifts...holiness is like that.

I know to wear them will be his calling...holiness is desired for each and every one of us by God.

I know they'll last long enough for him, for his children, for his grandchildren...holiness is eternal because the God who gives it is eternal.

What I 'wear' today he will wear tomorrow. That's a very serious thought.

REALLY CHECK
Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 11-13

"Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you, it means you have failed the test." 2 Corinthians 13:5 NLT

The young man here on the farm has just finished the end of school year exams. Books have been turned in. Any and all extra credit points accounted for. His locker has even been cleaned out--and based upon his bedroom here, that was a feat in itself!

He passed his exams. He proved with his answers that he had learned the curriculum and was able to convey what he had learned to paper. He proved he had the knowledge required to move on to the next level of education.

And this morning God challenges me to do the same with the same thing.

Am I His?

Is there evidence of Him in my life?

Does my day point to Him?

Are my reactions based upon Whose I am?

Do my words convey my intimate knowledge of His power and grace?

Will I pass the test He has placed before me?

Will you?

DON'T JUST
Today's reading: Luke 3-4

"Prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God..." Luke 3:8 NLT

God and I spend time each morning going over my previous day and the day to come.

We discuss the plans I have and the plans He has, and attempt to change mine to match His.

We talk about what I did right the day before and what my intentions are for the next 24 hours.

He speaks and I listen as my sins are pointed out. The things I did wrong. The things I failed to do. The things I did for Him with a wrong attitude. The things I ignored Him about. The things I'm holding in my heart, where I should only be holding Him.

I ask forgiveness for those sins...and He forgives each and every one of them.

But this morning, through His Word, I'm reminded that I've got to show Him I've really turned from my sins and to Him.

Really turned.

Really sorry.

Really disgusted by the thought of them.

Really putting all effort into making better choices.

Especially in regards to those repeated sins I'm bringing to Him each and every morning.

I know which ones I'm talking about--and maybe you do, too. Maybe you have some of your own.

OBEY THE LORD
Today's reading: Jeremiah 37-41

"Jeremiah replied, You won't be handed over to them if you choose to obey the Lord. Your life will be spared, and all will go well for you." Jeremiah 38:20 NLT

Maybe the Christian life if requiring more of you than you think is worth it.

New friends.

New past times.

New reactions.

New words.

New routines.

New weekend plans.

You wonder if it's all worth it. You wonder if your attempts, even the ones you try but cannot follow through on, will be seen and rewarded. You wonder if this God-life is all it's cracked up to be.

It is.

It is worth it.

It will be rewarded.

It is everything it's been touted to be--and more!

You'll be kept from your enemy. Your life will be turned upside-down, shaken to remove what He feels is not the best for you. Your prize will be eternal life with Him!

Easy? No.

Worth it? Absolutely!

I DON'T, BUT HE DOES
Today's reading: Job 39-40

I tossed and turned last night.

Thoughts wouldn't settle. Ideas wouldn't stop. Plans kept rolling over and over in my mind.

I have several things on my 'plate' to get done and when I stop for the evening, they all crowd my mind for attention.

I don't know how I'll get it all done.

I don't know if I'm able to accomplish all that's asked of me.

I don't know how well any of it will be completed.

Methodically He asked questions of me...

Lovingly He set my mind at ease...

"Do you...Have you...Who makes...Will the...Are you...?"

I don't...I don't...I don't...but He does!

He reminded me of it with each and every verse of Psalm 39.

He has everything under His control, even and especially, the things I think I've been 'put in charge of'.

Oh, thank you, Lord, for the reminder!

GOD IS LAUGHING
Today's reading: Psalm 57-59

"But Lord, you laugh at them. You scoff at the hostile nations." Psalm 59:8 NLT

I tremble at the shadows in the night, but the Lord laughs knowing just what makes the images in the dark.

I shake at the thought of the unknown, but the Lord laughs knowing the next minute and the next hour and the next ten thousand years.

I attempt to run and hide from my enemy and his vicious attacks, but the Lord laughs knowing the enemy has no more power and no more victories left in him since the cross.

I begin to believe the lies, but the Lord laughs knowing He has placed the truth in me and with His help I will find it again.

I worry over what I have done, cannot imagine doing and what I might be asked to do, but the Lord laughs knowing that in Him and through Him and with Him, all things are possible.

I cry over my sins, the same ones I've repeated time and time again, the same ones that make me ashamed to come to His throne another time--but the Lord laughs, welcoming me into His arms with a smile and a heart full of forgiveness!

BUILDING A MONUMENT
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 15-19

"During his lifetime, Absalom had built a monument to himself in the King's Valley, for he said, I have no son to carry on my name. He named the monument after himself, and it is known as Absalom's Monument to this day." 2 Samuel 18:18 NLT

Lord, I hear you whisper this morning.

Kind, loving words.

Instructions for me to take to heart.

Gentle guidance.

'Be careful, dear child, what you attempt to build for yourself.'

You're right, Lord.

I've watched my towers fall block by block. I've seen my attempts tumble to the ground. I've stood beside many a pile of rubble that could have once been my best tries.

I want to build monuments in my life that honor You.

A life that points people to You.

A home that focuses on You.

A legacy that shines for You.

A testimony that has Your name written all over it!

DETAILS
Today's reading: Exodus 25-28

Specific details for the tabernacle.

Intricate measurements for the tables and altars.

Precise materials lists for the priests' clothing--right down to the underwear.

Set in concrete instructions for the courtyard.

One might think such a compiled list would be boring and unnecessary--but not for me.

For a gal like me I am assured and showered with peace as I read them.

You see, if God is so specific in plans of this type, think how much more so He is in the plans for my life!

Nothing happens to my day that isn't ordained by Him. No one passes my way that isn't directed by Him. No place will I go that isn't planned by Him.

I love that my God is in the details!

PLANTING
Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 9-10

"Remember this--a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop." 2 Corinthians 9:6 NLT

The anhydrous tanks, plows and planters have moved in and out of our neighborhood the past few days.

The ground has been enhanced, broken and inoculated with seed.

We should see tiny corn sprouts within the week...the littlest signs of hope, anticipation and promise.

Our farmers don't just throw one corn kernel out per field. They plant millions of them over the course of several acres. Kernels that will grow several ears per stalk and several more kernels per ear.

They want a big crop, so they plant accordingly.

I need to do that with my life.

I need to put out more smiles, in hopes of a good return.

I need to share more of the love of my Lord, in hopes of a bountiful harvest.

I need to pour more into the lives of others, in hopes of more fruit than I could gather.

Maybe, just maybe, you do too.

BLESSED
Today's reading: Luke 1-2

"You are blessed, because you believed that the Lord would do what he said." Luke 1:45 NLT

I'm not blessed because every prayer request has been answered.

I'm not blessed because I am surrounded by loving family and friends.

I'm not blessed because I posses a lot of worldly possessions.

I'm not blessed because I lead a carefree life.

I'm blessed because I believe what God says is what God will do!

In His time.

In His way.

That makes me blessed.

NEVER REJECTED
Today's reading: Jeremiah 32-36

"But this is the Lord's reply: I would no more reject my people than I would change my laws of night and day, of earth and sky." Jeremiah 33:25 NLT

A friend and I have just recently discussed the voices our enemy plants in our heads...

Voices of doubt. Of fear. Of loneliness. Of worthlessness. Of hopelessness. Of helplessness. Of disgust. Of regret.

Voices that tell us, and sometimes show us in the mirror, that we are not all God intended us to be yet.

Voices that loudly shout our mistakes, our weaknesses, our failures and our sins.

Voices that attempt to convince us we're not worth His effort, or sacrifice or love.

Voices that would lead us to believe we've sinned too greatly, fallen too far, stretched His grace too thinly or let Him down too many times.

But today's verse reminds me of His promise to me--I am His and He is with me.

I'm going to remember this verse, because it is the Lord's reply--His words, not the words of my enemy!

ALL FROM HIM
Today's reading: Job 37-38

"He causes things to happen on earth, either as a punishment or as a sign of his unfailing love." Job 37:13 NLT

What a relief to know that no matter what comes my way today, God is not caught off guard by it.

He has either, A.) warned me it was coming and given me convictions that could have steered me around it, or B.) allowed it as a way to point me straight to Him--for dependence, for guidance or for strength.

We can attempt to blame others, pat ourselves on the backs or consider it merely coincidence, but it's all happened through Him.

To.

Point.

Us.

To.

Him.

A SAFE PLACE
Today's reading: Psalm 54-56

"Oh, how I wish I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness." Psalm 55:6-7 NLT

My parents have some new pets.

Well, not really pets, but they have new wildlife residing at their home.

Beside their back door, on top of a storage cupboard, inside a garden hod, is nesting a pair of doves.

Within feet of their most-used doorway. Right up next to the house. Eye level with them as they step outside the door.

These birds had all of creation to build a nest, and they chose my parents' back stoop.

Funny isn't it, where we do and do not feel the safest?

Where we would run to and others would run away from?

What extremes we will go to to find a quiet spot?

Who we feel we need around us to make us content?

I'm so very glad that no matter where I feel I need to go, God is there!

YOU ARE THAT MAN
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 10-14

"Then Nathan said to David, You are that Man..." 2 Samuel 12:5 NLT

Nathan had a tough job to do.

God had asked him to be the one to confront King David about his sin with Bathsheba. Yikes!

To stand before the king and point out his shortcomings?

To go into the throne room and bring to light his sins?

To be in the presence of one who could have you killed on a whim, and point out his character flaws?

But Nathan did it, and this single sentence is where the weight of the 'story' Nathan told, was centered.

David was good and mad at the man in the story who had taken and killed the other man's little lamb. He was raging about the immensity of the crime. He was furious, even stating that the 'thief' should receive no mercy.

And he was a man of God, David accepted the truth, was truly repentant and confessed his sins before Nathan and God.

We will have things that rub us the wrong way today. Ideals that don't set well with us. Consequences of another's sins that make us mad. We will watch as people make poor choices. We will have opinions about their lifestyles and their ministries. We will quickly cast judgement upon what we know of the life story of others.

But what about when we are confronted with our own offenses against God? How will we react?

HIS LIFE FOR MINE?
Today's reading: Exodus 21-24

"If an eye is injured, injure the eye of the person who did it. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the person who did it. Similarly, the payment must be hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise." Exodus 21:24-25 NLT

I get the reasoning behind this 'eye for an eye' rule.

I believe it's an attempt to keep things fair and even.

Equality.

Establishing a basis for justice in the new land.

It makes sense to me, until...

Until I think of what Christ did for me on the cross.

None of that is fair.

His life for mine?

Why would He do that for me?

How could He ever have seen that I would be worth it?

OUR WEAPON
Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 6-7

"...We have righteousness as our weapon, both to attack and to defend ourselves." 2 Corinthians 6:7 NLT

I've always thought of righteousness as a godly characteristic to have.

A nice line in an obituary.

A lovely compliment to have someone speak over you.

I've always thought of a person declared righteous as being an amazing saint, a time-worn, sold-out believer, a knees-hardened prayer warrior.

But I've never thought about our righteousness as being a weapon.

What we need to get through this life.

A tool that catapults us over and above our enemy's obstacles and traps.

Righteousness is our weapon to attack what's wrong in our world and to defend ourselves from its influences.

You are geared up with it, aren't you?

NOT REQUIRED
Today's reading: Mark 15-16

"...They bound Jesus and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor." Mark 15:1 NLT

I cannot help but think...

It didn't require shackles, He knew I needed a Savior.

It didn't call for chains, He knew I couldn't do enough on my own to save myself.

The spears and swords used to move Him along weren't necessary, He knew I was helpless and hopeless without His sacrifice.

The ropes were only there to make the crowd think He was a hardened criminal, He wouldn't have bolted--He loved me too much.

He walked that road for me. He wasn't led down it. He wasn't corralled down it. He wasn't pushed down it. He wasn't ordered down it. He walked it willingly for me, because I needed what only He could offer.

He loved me that much.

WORTH IT?
Today's reading: Jeremiah 27-31

We've all read and are clinging to the popular verse in Jeremiah, 29:11...

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

This verse has been written on graduation cards, in letters of encouragement, printed on posters, inked on bookmarks, hung on walls, quoted in Bible studies, screen printed on t-shirts and found on Bible covers.

Like I said, it's a popular verse, but have you ever noticed the verse before it?

"The truth is that you will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again." Jeremiah 29:10 NLT

Do you think when Jeremiah spoke these words from God, the people heard the hope in them or were they focused on the SEVENTY years?

If you knew just how long God wanted you to walk through a valley, would it help?

If you were given a specific number of years you would suffer with that disease, that heartache, that stronghold, would it help?

If you were told when the hurt would end, would it help?

God is not required and we are not capable of understanding all that He allows, but He can be trusted to always, ALWAYS, be proven trustworthy, loving and gracious.

So, friends, let's continue waiting for the 'But then I will...' promise He has given each of His children!

It will be good, no matter how long He chooses it must take.

TURNING THE TABLES
Today's reading: Job 35-36

"...What could you possibly give him?" Job 35:7 NLT

How easily the words of this verse might derail anything good I have the intentions of doing.

How quickly my enemy could defeat all the encouragement I receive from believing brothers and sisters.

How many times before have I allowed negative thoughts, doubts and the truths about my own inadequacies to take a verse like this and ruin my day.

How often I've allowed the enemy to determine my attitude and feelings.

But not today.

I'm turning the tables on my enemy--and he will not win today!

Today I'm focusing on the simple fact that I have nothing to give my Savior.

I have nothing to give Him, and He still loves me!

I have nothing to give Him, and He still sent His Son to die for my sins!

I have nothing to give Him, and still He wants all of me!

I have nothing to give Him, and to the world that makes this a one-sided relationship...and they may be right, but His part is more than enough to make up for my lacking!

I have nothing to give Him, and that shows me the depth of His devotion to me!

I have nothing to give Him, and that's okay with me!

Simple truths like this remind me of who He is and who I am not.

GIVE IT ALL BACK
Today's reading: Psalm 51-53

"Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you." Psalm 51:12 NLT

I want it all back, Lord.

The excitement your salvation gave me.

The joy forgiveness flooded my heart with.

The thrill of an eternal life with You.

I've not intentionally allowed it to slip from my hands, it's just that things have crowded it out.

I know what it feels like to stand in Your presence unable to say a word.

I recall the deep-from-the-heart honor I've felt when You've spoken directly to my soul.

I've experienced the relief of laying all my sins before you, every one, and having You wash them as white as snow.

I want it again.

I open up every room of my heart to You. Step into each and every one, making changes where necessary for the joy of Your salvation to return to me.

I want the changes made in me that allows my heart to obey You completely!

GIANTS ON MY DOORSTEP
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 5-9

"After this, David subdued and humbled the Philistines by conquering Gath, their largest city." 2 Samuel 8:1 NLT

Years after putting down his slingshot.

Chapters after cutting off Goliath's head.

Pages after the account of the young boy defeating the giant.

We find David was still fighting the giants of Gath.

That to me is reassuring!

I thought I was the only one who would have a day of victorious giant slaying, only to find another one or two waiting on my doorstep as I headed out of the house--or standing at the foot of my bed when my eyes popped open in the morning.

Our giants can go down one at a time.

Our battles can be won one at a time.

Our small, determined, daily wins can add up to monumental, life-changing, our enemy is defeated lifestyles.

So go ahead, if you meet up with your giant today, tell him--You are going down, mister! Go ahead, point your little finger at that giant and say it out loud. It may be something you both need to hear.

TOO MUCH
Today's reading: Exodus 17-20

"You're going to wear yourself out--and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself." Exodus 18:18 NLT

Allow me to set the stage...

Moses and the Israelites were traveling.

In any instance where more than one person at a time travels, disagreements, varying opinions and squabbles occur. One person likes one thing, the other people like something completely different. One person wants McDonald's and the other is hungry for Cracker Barrel. One person thinks they're right, the other person knows they're not.

Moses had set up a booth where he 'helped' arguing parties.

And he was doing it all day long, every day. There were over two million people he was in charge of, after all.

Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, saw what Moses was attempting to handle on his own and made the statement found in today's verse.

Couldn't he have said it to the lot of us?

We take on too much.

We attempt to do our job, and every one else's.

We wear ourselves out--and it 'affects the people'. The people in our homes, the people in our committees, the people in our churches, the people within earshot, the people checking us out at Walmart, the people on the other end of the phone line. Need I continue?

So consider these words from a wise father-in-law. Look over your personal planner, your day's schedule, your calendar--are you doing too much? Are you carrying more than your weight? Are you attempting to do things on your own God never intended you to handle on a solo basis? Are you trying to make the world think you are Superman or Superwoman? Are you bent over with too much on your plate and on your heart?

Are you wearing yourself out?