NOT ALL AT ONCE
Today's reading: Proverbs 20-21

"An inheritance obtained early in life is not a blessing in the end." Proverbs 20:21 NLT

It could have happened this way...

That Easter Sunday at the altar where I asked Jesus to forgive my sins and save my soul, He could have filled me with every knowledge of Him I'd ever know.

He could have provided me with every insight into Him that there could ever be.

He could have inserted into my cerebral cortex every verse, the commentary that accompanied it and every Hebrew lexiconical breakdown there is within His Word.

But it didn't happen that way.

He chose to give me bits and pieces of my inheritance on a daily, hourly and sometime circumstance-by-circumstance basis.

He knew I couldn't handle it all at once.

He knew an inheritance of that proportion would not be appreciated in a lump sum.

So He has chosen to show me along the way how faithful He is.

He has decided to reveal verses here and there in amounts I can digest.

He has thought it necessary for me to realize Who He is in ways that allow me to really see Who He is.

He has opened up His Word in the morning for what I might need for that day.

He knew best about this inheritance He has for me.

FUTURE GENERATIONS
Today's reading: Psalm 102-104

"Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a nation yet to be created will praise the Lord. Tell them that the Lord looked down from his heavenly sanctuary. He looked to the earth from heaven to hear the groans of the prisoners, to release those condemned to die." Psalm 102:18-20 NLT

I hope my son wants to know the 'family recipe' for Mama's Vegetable Soup and Papa's Chicken Salad and Granny's--well, Granny doesn't cook, so we'll have to pass on that one, but cherish the time spent going with Granny out to eat.

I hope my son is interested in the rich family history our family has in our community.

I hope he remembers the Christmas Eves spent reading the Christmas story in the barn.

I hope he remembers seeing me daily at my 'prayer chair'--for him and for our family and for my heart's burdens.

I hope he considers being a part of a church family, church attendance and ministry participation to be of utmost importance.

Of all the things I hope to pass on to my son, may the Gospel message be at the top of the list!

That he hears from my lips how God has set me free. How God has heard my prayers. How God looked down from His sanctuary and saw us in need--and sent Jesus.

My son's own home, his own family, has yet to be created, but I pray the Gospel message is carried from this house to his.

SITTING
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 15-19

"Then King David went in and sat before the Lord ..." 1 Chronicles 17:16 NLT

With all he had to do...he sat with the Lord.

With all the dignitaries he had to see...he sat with the Lord.

With all the edicts he had to sign...he sat with the Lord.

With all the palace duties he had to attend to...he sat with the Lord.

Some days sitting in the Lord's presence is all we can do.

Sure there's lots we need to attend to, but sometimes, we just need to sit before the Lord.

To go away from the busyness of the world, to step away from the noise, to slip away from the blessings He has given us and just sit in His presence.

Quietly. Tearfully. Thankfully. Respectfully. Hopefully. Longingly. Attentively. Expectantly.

Just sit before the Lord.

WAIT HERE
Today's reading: Numbers 9-12

"Moses answered, Wait here until I have received instructions for you from the Lord." Numbers 9:8 NLT

Moses was having to deal with an issue that had arisen within the camp of Israelites.

He wanted to make the right choice, because he knew it would touch the lives of many.

He desired that he and the children of Israel be obedient in everything they did.

Deep down I would guess this group of two million wanted to get along with what God had instructed them to do, celebrate the Passover, but Moses asked them to wait--wait, just long enough to hear from the Lord.

I get that. Both sides. The wanting to get on with what one believes God is instructing one to do, and the wanting to make sure it's done in the God-way.

It's a struggle. I feel like a little kid who cannot sit still in her seat while I wait. I get fidgety. I get antsy. I get wiggly. I go back to that feeling of knowing the answer, having my hand raised and the teacher looking on the other side of the room at another student...Ooh, Ooh, Ooh!

"And Moses said unto them, Stand still, and I will hear what the Lord will command concerning you." Numbers 9:8 NKJV

Today I want to stand still and hear the Lord. I want to not rush headlong into anything. I want to know without a doubt it's Him and His way for me.

CLINICAL TESTING
Today's reading: 2 Timothy 1-2

"Avoid godless, foolish discussions that lead to more and more ungodliness." 2 Timothy 2:16 NLT

I'm in the middle of a clinical study.

No, not one monitored by doctors, nurses and lab-coated scientists.

It's one I'm doing myself, for today, for the purpose of acknowledging just what this verse asks me to do.

You see, I'm wondering, and I'm going to take note, log and record my conversations for one day, if I'm spending as much time talking about God as I do God-less things?

Are the majority of my words wrapped in eternal consequence?

Am I talking about important, really important, things?

Am I using every day conversation to allow me the opportunity to bring up God?

Am I wasting words or am I taking full advantage of every situation God places me in?

Yes, I'm involved in a clinical study of my words...want to join me?

FOR GOD'S GLORY
Today's reading: John 7-9

"...He was born blind so the power of God could be seen in him." John 9:3 NLT

I needed that this morning.

The reminder.

The re-focus.

The memo pointing me to the fact that my life was made to bring glory to God.

So, that 'thing' I deal with on a daily basis...

That 'disability' that keeps me humble...

That 'issue' I'm waiting for Him to rid me of...

That struggle that keeps me seeking His grace regularly...

That temptation that I must constantly be on guard against...

That 'tendency' I don't want but have...

That sin I keep falling back into...

That weak part of me that I have to lay at His feet daily...

...it's in me so that He will receive glory.

EVEN THOUGH
Today's reading: Hosea 1-7

"...Bring her back to you and love her, even though she loves adultery..." Hosea 3:1 NLT

Lord,

I know this entire account was written about me.

Sure, You've changed the names as not to point directly at me, but I know it's me.

I can hear You whisper those words to Jesus as He went to the cross.

'Yes, I know she likes to place other things ahead of Me. Sure, she would rather be in the number one spot than allow Me to be there. I know her heart gets distracted from Me...but bring her back to Me and allow Me to love her eternally.'

Thank You God for encouraging Your Son to die on the cross for me.

I know I wasn't worth it, but I also see where You receive all the glory for it!

Amen

WINNING THE LOTTERY
Today's reading: Proverbs 19

"Wealth makes many 'friends'; poverty drives them away." Proverbs 19:4 NLT

If I were to win the lottery...

Which would entail me purchasing a lottery ticket.

Which would require me to believe one should waste one's hard earned money on such as that.

Which would require me having will power to purchase only one, not 10,000, if I ever started.

Anyway...

If I were to win the lottery, I'd immediately come into possession of a boat-load of money and a whole new assortment of friends!

They'd come out of the woodwork.

Old acquaintances from high school...

Distant relatives I've not seen in years, if ever...

Close relatives who have chosen not to participate in our lives, or allow us into theirs...

Neighbors who occasionally wave as they tear past our house now stopping for a chat in the front yard swing...

Who ever it might be, would be drawn now to me due to my increase in bank account.

But where are they now?

I am rich...

I am holding keys to an inheritance...

I am a princess of the greatest King of all...

I hold power that can close lions' mouths, part the sea, walk me in and out of the flames, allow me to endure beatings and death.

I am loaded! I have a heavenly storehouse of wealth! I will live forever!

So where are those 'friends' that are drawn to wealth? They stay an arm's length away when I begin talking about my 'fortune', my Inheritance, my mansion.

They stay away for now, but God is at work--He will give them ears to hear, and one day--one day, they will accept His gift and be rich, too.

IN MY FOUR WALLS
Today's reading: Psalm 99-101

"...I will lead a life of integrity in my own home." Psalm 101:2 NLT

Swing by the house sometime and although you might catch me without make-up on, I want you to find the same gal you see in the pew on Sunday.

I want to be the same person behind the sales counter at work that I am sitting here at my prayer chair.

I want to smile at my son and husband the same way I'd smile at you if you came to our front door.

I want to never have to 'let my hair down' within the walls of my own home.

I don't want to talk about you at the dinner table in a way I wouldn't talk to you face-to-face.

I don't want a different set of values at home than in public.

I don't want to live separate lives throughout the week.

It would be exhausting. It would be hard. It would be hypocritical.

So what I want the world to see of me is what I'll be 24/7.

KILLED BY UNFAITHFULNESS
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 10-14

"So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord..." 1 Chronicles 10:13 NLT

Day in and day out I come in contact with people who are choosing death over life.

They may not wear the t-shirt that says as such, but their lives, their lack of peace and joy, the absence of fruit tell me their faith is not where is could be.

And so they are dying.

A slow, painful death.

Because real life, real living, really being alive ONLY comes through faith in God.

Running from God expends a lot of energy.

Willfully obeying God takes a lot of effort.

Refusing God requires more strength than most of us have.

Bucking one's Creator never ends well.

Attempting to live without God kills you slowly.

I believe Saul would tell you that...

YOUR ALTAR
Today's reading: Numbers 5-8

Numbers chapter 7 is about the twelve-day dedication of the altar of the Temple.

Each day for 12 days, a different leader of a different tribe would present an offering.

Judah. Isaachar. Zebulun. Reuben. Simeon. Gad. Ephraim. Manasseh. Benjamin. Dan. Asher. Naphtali.

This dedication process proves to me the personal nature of the altar. It could have been a community event. A large gathering. A great multitude there to 'pray it into God's service.'

But that wasn't God's plan.

It's individual.

It's intimate.

It's for us.

The altar in our church is used at all times. Before church you may see hearts praying at the altar. During song service we often have folks drawn to the altar. I've watched as at various times during the sermon folks move towards the altar. And, of course, during the invitation it's used.

I pray your altar is used at your church. I pray it's used by you. I pray you believe it's yours--because it is.

KEEP YOURSELF PURE
Today's reading: 1 Timothy 4-6

"...Keep yourself pure." 1 Timothy 5:22 NLT

Easier said than done, you mumble?

Sounds like a good plan, you whisper, but is it do-able?

Sure I can, you say, by staying in my home, in my bedroom, in my closet--forever!

It is possible to remain pure in this day and age, but it will take a little effort on our part.

We're going to have to do what uncommon.

We're going to have to stand out.

We're going to have to stand up.

We're going to have to refuse to participate at times.

We're going to be the only one participating at others.

We're going to have to say 'No' to some things.

We're going to need to say 'Yes' to others.

We're going to have to follow God's lead, even when we seem to be the only ones doing it.

It can be done. It must be done.

I love this quote--I think it sums up what God's done for us...

'The greatest miracle God can do is to take an unholy person out of an unholy world, make them holy, put them back into the unholy world and keep them holy.'     -Leonard Ravenhill

IGNORING THE ACHES AND PAINS
Today's reading: John 5-6

"But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, Now you are well; so stop sinning--or something even worse may happen to you." John 5:14 NLT

This man had spent 38 years of his life consumed by the physical ailments he had.

Now that he was up and going, able to live, on his two feet, Jesus reminds him that the heart issues are much more important.

I needed that reminder.

I needed to be told, in such a loving way, that this perishable body is just that--perishable.

But my heart? My heart is what's His. My heart is what will keep me from or get me into the Kingdom of God.

I've got to attend to it!

CARDBOARD BOXES
Today's reading: Daniel 7-11

"He will take refuge in his own fortresses but will stumble and fall, and he will be seen no more." Daniel 11:19NLT

We have a collection of cardboard boxes at the lumberyard where I work.

It's a tall one. It's a precariously stacked mountain, to say the least

It's an assortment of boxes we use to 'bag' up merchandise purchased by our customers that won't easily fit into a shopping bag.

We have made it a joke to state out loud to a fellow employee that we're going to the box pile, in case the pile falls upon us and we are found missing.

I immediately thought of this box pile when I read today's verse!

I try to build up safe places for myself. Places that I can run to. Places I can hide in. Places where I think the world cannot get to me.

What I try to build for myself is nothing stronger, grander, sturdier than our cardboard box pile at work.

I can keep using these 'fortresses' of mine if I so choose, God will allow me to do it, but one of these days, my 'fortresses' will tumble and I'll not be seen for the rubble.

That's a huge thing to think about as the sun rises on this new day. Which fortress will I run to--my own or to God?

CALLING ON HIM
Today's reading: Proverbs 17-18

"The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe." Proverbs 18:10 NLT

There is a peace that falls over me when I whisper the name of God.

When I speak the name of Jesus.

When I cry out, Lord.

Just calling out re-focuses me, refreshes me, reminds me of the power in the One to whom I speak.

I am safe in speaking His name. Completely safe. Surrounded by His love. Set apart from the world and its troubles.

He is my strong fortress.

LIGHT & JOY
Today's reading: Psalm 96-98

"Light shines on the godly, and joy on those who do right." Psalm 97:11 NLT

My mind goes to the long-eared, depressed donkey from Winnie the Pooh...

Eeyore sulked through the Hundred Acre Wood with a rain cloud usually hanging over him.

He spoke, in a slow and monotone voice, negatively about life, his circumstances and what he believed would happen next.

His pinned-on tail usually dragging the ground as often as his bottom lip.

Eeyore is who I don't want to be.

Even on my worst days. The days when I do want to throw a pity party and invite all my friends, well at least all the friends I have who would allow me to wallow in self pity and grumble and groan.

It's not who God wants me to be either, so He surrounds me with His light and His joy.

Others should see it.

The world should notice it.

BACKPACK PRAYER
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 5-9

Upon reading the genealogies in my Bible this morning, I realized I had yet to share our 'backpack prayer' for this school year.

"The children of your people will live in security." Psalm 102:28 NLT

I've written it down and will place this verse inside my boy's backpack as he heads out the door this morning.

He'll have it with him every day of this school year.

He'll have it prayed over him each day from the little spot I call my prayer chair.

He'll have a mom who places thoughts of unease and worry into its promise.

He'll be cared for by our Creator, our Sustainer, our Deliverer, our Redeemer.

He'll be watched over by One who sees all.

He'll be protected by the God of his heart, by the God of my heart, by the God who loves him even more than I can.

Okay, so maybe the backpack prayer is more for this momma's heart than it is for him--but that's all right.

CONSECRATED
Today's reading: Numbers 1-4

"They were anointed and set apart to minister as priests." Numbers 3:3 NLT

"...the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office..." Numbers 3:3 KJV

Consecrated, what a big word. A very serious sounding word.  A word I've heard and read, but had never really stopped to consider.

Consecrated means to be full of, to be filled, to have an abundance.

That's cool!

God placed in positions of importance in His work the very ones He had so filled with Him.

The ones who couldn't get enough of Him, because they knew how wonderful it was.

The ones who never quite fully understood Him, but were amazed by Him none the less.

The ones who desired such a filling of His Spirit, that they received it because they followed Him closely enough to get it.

I want to be that person. I want to be consecrated, filled to the brim with Him!

PILLARS & SUPPORT
Today's reading: 1 Timothy 1-3

"...This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and support of the truth." 1 Timothy 3:15 NLT

I really try to send cards to new visitors to our church.

I want them to know we appreciate them giving us a try.

I want them to know they were noticed.

I want them to know they are welcomed.

Most of all, and I put this in just about every note I send out, I want them to know we are a perfectly imperfect assortment of believers.

We are not perfect.

We have not 'made it'.

We don't have it all together.

So they'll see us mess up. They will see us slip. They will notice we aren't perfect, by any means.

But we love the Lord.

And our desire is that He be lifted up and glorified in all we do--whether we do it perfectly or not. We want to be a pillar and support of what the Bible says in this dark world.

WHERE EVER YOU ARE
Today's reading: Daniel 1-6

"God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for learning the literature and science of the time. And God gave Daniel special ability in understanding the meanings of visions and dreams." Daniel 1:17 NLT

One might easily have released these four young men from any ministry duties since they had been taken captive.

Because they were 500 miles away from home.

Because they were living in the palace of an idol worshiper.

Because they were so young.

Because they were considered slaves.

Because...

Because...

Because...

Maybe you're attempting to excuse yourself from duty because of where you are...

In a season you don't like.

Enduring a hardship you hadn't chosen.

Strapped for cash.

Lacking in excitement.

Not liking at all where He has you.

Hurting.

Not using the talents you thought He had given you.

For today, try living where He has you doing what He enables you to do.

Make the most of where you are with what you have doing what you can.

Who knows, you might surprise yourself--and bring honor to Him!

SWEET TOOTH
Today's reading: Proverbs 16

"Kind words are like honey--sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24 NLT

Do you have a sweet tooth?

Do your sugar cravings lean more to the chocolate side or to the sticky, brown sugar and cinnamon side of the dessert bar?

Are you the kind who would love to curl up on the couch with a huge slice of chocolate cake and a glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee and the largest, stickiest, sticky bun you could find?

Are you the center piece of cake or the corner piece--with all the decorative piping and extra frosting?

What about your words?

Are they always lovely, kind, encouraging, sweet?

You aren't one of those that always come across as critical, condemning, snarky or sarcastic are you?

You aren't one of those who use hurtful, hateful words, are you?

Check your words--are they as sweet as your sweet tooth?

HIS CREATION
Today's reading: Psalm 93-95

"He owns the depths of the earth, and even the mightiest mountains are his. The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too." Psalm 95:4-5 NLT

The Grand Canyon.

The Great Barrier Reef.

The Northern Lights.

Mount Everest.

When I read this verse and think about the beautiful things He has created in this world, I am comforted to know that my 'mountains' have been placed there by Him.

My 'valleys' are from His hands.

The 'winds' that rock my boat were blown by His breath.

The 'waves' that pound against me as I struggle to get through life are from Him.

The 'bright sun' on my most wonderful days and the 'moon' that is sometimes hidden by dark clouds on the longest of nights...all from His hand.

JUST FOR PRAYING
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 1-4

"There was a man named Jabez who was more distinguished than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel..." 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NLT

Jabez wasn't know for his heroic acts.

Jabez didn't lead a great army into a victorious battle.

Jabez didn't bring about a great revival in the land.

Jabez didn't get mentioned in the Bible in more than this particular place.

Jabez is noted for praying.

Praying.

Not a grand prayer.

Not a lengthy prayer.

Not a prayer spoken before thousands or at a special occasion.

Jabez spoke to God about God blessing him, enlarging his sphere of influence, walking with him and keeping him from the chains of temptation.

That is a heroic act. It was, and is, the battle cry for victory. It did bring revival to the land--if for no one else than Jabez.

Oh, that we would pray like Jabez.

Sidenote: Have you read/studied the book, The Prayer of Jabez, by Bruce Wilkinson? I would highly recommend you spend some time locating it and reading it--after, of course, you've spent time in the Word.

SEASONAL RAINS
Today's reading: Leviticus 25-27

"If you keep my laws and are careful to obey my commands, I will send the seasonal rains. The land will then yield its crops, and the trees will produce their fruit." Leviticus 26:3-4 NLT

I stood for the longest time at my full view storm door watching the rain yesterday.

A mist. Then a shower. A downpour. Then a steady drenching rain for the majority of the afternoon.

It completely changed the colors of the landscape.

What had begun drying out, browning and losing life, was washed clean, rejuvenated, revived.

The corn field across from our house changed color while I watched. It had begun to take on the color of tired, worn out August, but then changed back to the dark green of growth, of hope, of a desire to continue producing fruit.

The seasonal rains. The promise of God. The blessing of a Provider.

And then to read this verse this morning?

What a gift from God!

WHAT THINGS?
Today's reading: 2 Thessalonians

"With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on everything we taught you both in person and by letter." 2 Thessalonians 2:15 NLT

What things, Paul?

What things are you reminding us of that will tighten our grip on faith, that will make us continue taking steps with the Lord?

Oh, I see, they are in verses 13 and 14...

That I am loved by God and that I have been chosen to experience this salvation!

You're right, Paul--they are reasons to go on, reasons to share, reasons to remember.

THE VERY PERSON
Today's reading: John 1-2

"Philip went off to look for Nathanael and told him, We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth." John 1:45 NLT

The very Person Moses and the prophets had written about.

The very Messiah they had been waiting on for hundreds of years.

The very Peace, and Piece, they had been missing in their hearts all their lives.

The Healer they had been aching for.

The Savior they had needed all this time.

The Teacher their hearts had desired.

The Friend they had been desperately needing.

A DIFFERENT DAY
Today's reading: Ezekiel 43-48

"And the Lord said to me, Son of man, take careful notice; use your eyes and ears. Listen to everything..." Ezekiel 44:5 NLT

If I hadn't noticed, I'd have never see him. The boy with tears running down his face. The boy who covered up his face with his t-shirt in an effort to hide. The boy who had lived 8 of his 15 years waiting for his birth mom to 'come back' like she said she would. He spilled his guts out to me between sobs--and I'd have missed it had I not been using my eyes.

If I hadn't noticed, I'd have never seen her. The grown woman with tears running down her face. The woman who put on a brave face. The woman who continued with her volunteer duties, pushing her own issues aside. The woman who was losing her father to cancer. The woman who shared with me that hospice had given him only about 48 more hours. She needed a hug--and I'd have missed it had I not been using my eyes.

I don't want to walk past anyone today that might need Jesus. Or at least the Jesus He allows me to be today. I don't want to be so wrapped up in my own stuff that I fail to recognize another's hurts.

I don't want to be talking so much about my issued I fail to hear someone else's cries.

I don't want to be so busy looking ahead at my planner that I fail to see someone in need.

I don't want to be so busy listening to all I think I should that I fail to hear someone quietly sobbing on the back pew.

I want to take careful notice, using my ears, my eyes and my heart.

MY CHOICE
Today's reading: Proverbs 14-15

"The wise person makes learning a joy; fools spout only foolishness." Proverbs 15:2 NLT

I'm about to complete my second week of Vacation Bible School.

As much as I absolutely love the opportunities VBS brings a church for reaching kids, I'm growing weary...my alarm goes off much earlier than I'd like, my laundry is piling up and my guys are growing tired of PB&J sandwiches thrown at them as I head out the door.

So I needed this reminder as I prepare for these last two evenings of lessons.

I want the kids I'm standing before to catch a glimpse of the Gospel in a way that stirs their hearts, captures their imagination and changes their lives.

I don't want to 'spout foolishness'.

These kids don't need any more of that in their lives. They have televisions that do that for them. They have music icons who get paid to promote an easy life. They have the world attempting to lure them away from Truth and into trouble. They have unbelieving parents who model it in their homes.

So I desperately want to finish well the task before me.

I want to make the Bible come alive to them in a way that they'll never forget.

I want to teach them in a way that they don't even realize they're being taught!

HE WILL
Today's reading: Psalm 90-92

"When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. I will satisfy them with a long life and give them my salvation." Psalm 91:15-16 NLT

I needed these words of assurance this morning.

I needed to know that God hears a suffering friend of mine as she cries out, 'Why--and why so long?'

I needed to know that God is with my friend whose son's soul is being battled over by God and satan.

I needed to know that God will rescue my feeble attempts to serve Him and will be honored by them, regardless of how critical I am of my offering.

I needed to know that at the end of life, when I look over all that I've done, I've endured, I've accomplished, I've suffered through, that God's salvation is my reward!

SMASHING ALTARS
Today's reading: 2 Kings 21-25

"The king also tore down the altar at Bethel, the pagan shrine that Jeroboam son of Nebat had made when he led Israel into sin. Josiah crushed the stones to dust and burned the Asherah pole." 2 Kings 23:15 NLT

It wasn't enough in king Josiah's time to tear down the altar or just to say no one should visit it anymore, just like it's not now.

Pagan altars left as is draw us back.

They lure us to old ways, comfortable practices, same-seeking friends.

They hold spots of sentimentality in our hearts.

They are part of our tradition.

They take on many, many forms.

They are what we served, worshiped and bowed to--before we bowed our hearts and souls to God.

We don't need those old altars any more.

Altars to the little gods of our past need to be torn down, smashed to bits and completely destroyed, so they won't call out to us...drawing us from God.