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!

OUR ONLY RESPONSE
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 6-10

"When all the people of Israel saw the fire coming down and the glorious presence of the Lord filling the Temple, they fell down on the ground and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying, He is so good! His faithful love endures forever!" 2 Chronicles 7:3 NLT

The folks gathered for the dedication of the Temple did what comes naturally to those created in His image.

They worshiped.

They fell down in awe.

Praise rolled off their tongues.

When the best happens, it points us to Him.

When the worst occurs, it draws us to Him.

When awe-inspiring events come about, it directs our eyes to Him.

When hard to understand things leave us in unknown surroundings, it brings us to face-to-face with Him.

His greatness and goodness are revealed in all things and those revelations leave us with nothing more to do than praise Him! It's a natural response. It's hard-wired into us by God Himself.

HARDEST WORDS TO HEAR
Today's reading: Numbers 25-28

"...you failed to demonstrate my holiness to them..." Numbers 27:14 NLT

As we labor among the souls that need our Savior...

As we attempt to wear robes of righteousness in a dark and dirty world...

As we speak the Good News in our highways and byways...

As we attempt to live out 'What (We Believe) Jesus Would Do'...

As we go about these things, with our hearts, minds, souls and strength...

What harder words could we hear?

That we've not, in the process, demonstrated His holiness.

Not His perfection. Not His power. Not His mercy or grace, but His holiness.

Are we demonstrating it? Are we showing it as we minister? As we speak? As we love? As we proclaim our Lord to the world?

DAY OF REST
Today's reading: Hebrews 1-4

"So God's rest is there for people to enter. But those who formerly heard the Good News failed to enter because they disobeyed God. So God set another time for entering his place of rest, and that time is today..." Hebrews 4:6-7 NLT

We rushed through the week.

We've scrambled to accomplish all that needs doing.

We have possibly met ourselves coming and going.

We've not chosen at any point this week to rest in Him.

Even for a few minutes.

To look deeply into His will for our lives.

To read His letter to us.

To know the peace He offers when we come to Him quietly and calmly.

So He gives us another chance--today.

IN THE DARK
Today's reading: John 19-21

"Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb..." John 20:1 NLT

We all go through dark times.

Long nights.

Eclipses of our spirits.

But when we approach the Tomb...

In those still dark morning hours...

While the sun still hasn't risen...

While the clouds cover the light source...

We'll find the stone is rolled away, the sunrise is just around the corner and the Tomb is empty!

He brings the light with Him.

Remembering His resurrection brightens our day and our way.

Recalling all He endured for us, His death and His triumph over the grave shines into our darkened souls!

LISTEN, CHURCH
Today's reading: Amos 5-9

"I hate all your show and pretense-the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies. I will not accept your burnt offerings and grain offerings. I won't even notice all your choice peace offerings. Away with your hymns of praise! They are only noise to my ears. I will not listen to your music, no matter how lovely it is. Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, a river of righteous living that will never run dry." Amos 5:21-24 NLT

If God, through Amos, had spoken this to the heathens, I'd yell, 'Yeah, Go get 'em, God!'

If these words to said to idol worshipers gathered around their little statues, I'd say, 'Sic 'em, Lord!'

If these words were penned to those who didn't know the One True God, I'd quietly pray, 'Lead them to you, Father.'

But they are written to the church go-ers. To the fellowship of believers. To the congregation. To the children of God.

Ouch.

What a reminder that we should be monitoring what we're doing and the heart attitude with which we're doing it. We shouldn't be 'playing church' for the sake of the crowd it will draw in. We shouldn't be disregarding the One we are gathering together to worship.

Church family, whether you attend the one I attend or not, let's not be this church. Let's be the church where God is alive, the Spirit leads and Jesus is recognized as the ONLY way to heaven!

THINKING FIRST
Today's reading: Proverbs 25

"Timely advice is as lovely as golden apples in a silver basket." Proverbs 25:11 NLT

Oh, that we would think before we speak.

We, as in myself, mostly.

What we say is important--when we say it may be even more important.

-A person reeling from a new diagnosis doesn't need to know your personal horror story in dealing with the same disease.

-A gal who is celebrating finding out she's expecting doesn't need to know the detailed account of your 37 hour labor sage.

-A friend who has just heard rumors about her employer falling on hard times doesn't need to hear about your cousin and their 16 month wait on the unemployment line.

-A mother of a very hard-to-handle two year-old doesn't need to know about your juvenile delinquent nephew.

And sometimes, and I sure hope this comes out with the love in which it's intended, sometimes a person who has just been handed tough news doesn't need a Bible verse quoted flippantly over their situation.

It's true.

Timely advice is just that, timely. It comes at 'the' time when it's most accepted, appreciated, understood, needed and digested.


At the wrong time even the best of advice or the greatest Bible verse isn't needed.

Let's, and yes, I'm still talking to myself, pray before we open our mouths and allow what's in our heads to come spilling out.

PONDERING
Today's reading: Psalm 111-113

"How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them." Psalm 111:2 NLT

As a child, even as an adult, I love learning about the stories from my family's past.

What my Great-Grandpa's did for their livings. What is was like going to Great-Grandma Browning's house for dinner in comparison to going to Great-Grandma Walker's house. About the time Grandpa Lawrence had to have an elephant pull his semi-truck out of the mud. How in the world Grandma Browning had the faith to raise a family, bury children and do it all without her hearing. To listen to the CD made for us grandchildren of Grandma Lawrence singing, she couldn't sing well but she always had a song on her lips.

I love discovering who I am today because of who they were and what they instilled in our family.

The same is true for my Heavenly Father.

I can find out so much about Him by spending time in His Word, reading the accounts of His faithfulness, knowing how His Son walked among people, loving them, healing them, calling their sins sin--and still embracing the sinner.

The more I find out, the more I want to be known for being part of His family by how I live.

It makes me think. It makes me pause. It makes me desire to apply what I know about Him to my own circumstances.

LEAVING THE HOLY PLACE
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 1-5

"Then the priests left the Holy Place..." 2 Chronicles 5:11 NLT

The construction was complete.

The furnishings were in place.

The curtains were hanging.

The lamp stands were lit.

The Ark now rested in its place.

So the priests leave.

They leave this holy place.

They leave this place where God has chosen to reside.

They leave this place where sacrifices are offered and atonement is given.

How many of the priests wanted to stay? To sit in His presence? To bask in the glory He brought to the sanctuary? To inhale the incense of His Spirit? To hear His scrolls read?

But they left the building. They went their separate ways. They walked to their homes. They conducted business in their neighborhood markets. The stood on nearby hills and looked over the glorious structure David and Solomon had built. The interacted with others.

I know this, they left as different people after having been in that Place.

And we should, too. Anytime we leave a worship service. Anytime we step away from our prayer chairs. Anytime we walk out of our prayer closets. We should be different.

And that difference should impact our world.

OUR TRUE ENEMY
Today's reading: Numbers 21-24

"King Balak flew into a rage against Balaam. He angrily clapped his hands and shouted, I called you to curse my enemies! Instead, you have blessed them three times. Now get out of here! Go back home! I had planned to reward you richly, but the Lord has kept you from your reward." Numbers 24:10-11 NLT

Never have I read this portion of Scripture and had my eyes so widely opened by the Holy Spirit.

Here's what I see from these two verses...

-Our true enemy will eventually tire of us serving our Lord and he will pitch a fit. I love the thought! I picture in my mind satan being so put off with our determination to serve the Lord that he stomps, yells, screams, clenches his fits and has a hissy fit because we have ruined his plans. I want to see that!

-Satan 'says' he wants to reward us. He wants to shower us with gifts, with comfort, with prestige, with power, with what ever it is we think we need--but he hasn't anything to give! His kingdom is dead and dying. His resources are limited to ashy, smoky, burning assets. He offers what he cannot back up.

-I love the phrase, 'The Lord has kept you from your reward'. Isn't it just like satan to turn the tables, to place blame, to look for a scape goat? What God keeps us from is our enemy and his traps. What God keeps us for is His glory and our wonderment of Him!

Thank you, Lord, for showing me these verse this morning. Satan attempts to trip me up, to blind me to truths, to offer me what he hasn't got--and You keep me from it. Thank you, God!

A FAVOR FOR GOD
Today's reading: Philemon

"Yes, dear brother, please do me this favor for the Lord's sake..." Philemon v20 NLT

I'd never really thought about it until this morning.

This entire book...

 All twenty-five verses of it...

This one, to two-page segment of the Holy Bible...

This ordained by God, written by the pen of man, portion of the Scriptures...

Is about one simple request:

Be kind and loving to another.

God finds His people being kind to others so important that He gave a book of His most prized words just to the topic.

Be kind.

To the people who have wronged you, the people who have hurt you, the people who don't deserve our kindness, the people who don't care if we like them or not.

He asks us to be kind--it's a favor we can do for Him.

WONDERFUL JOY
Today's reading: John 16-18

"...You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to a wonderful joy, when you see me again." John 16:20 NLT

Life is tough and full of grief.

Long nights.

Raging storms.

Diagnosis that stink.

Prodigals that stay away too long.

Friends and loved ones who let you down, and then do it again and again.

Pain that won't go away.

Emptiness that isn't filled by anything this world offers.

But when we see Jesus...

The grief of this world will in an instant be turned into a wonderful joy. A joy we've never experienced here on earth. A joy that won't end. A joy that won't wane. A joy that won't allow us to remember any of the grief held in our pasts.

BREAKING THE CYCLE
Today's reading: Amos 1-4

"...They have rejected the laws of the Lord, refusing to obey him. They have been led astray by the same lies that deceived their ancestors." Amos 2:4 NLT

Satan has no new tactics.

He doesn't come up with any new ideas.

He plays the same old cards, day in and day out, year after year, for generation after generation.

And we fall for every one of his lies.

And if we don't make some changes, real changes, life-changing, God-centered, no going back to our old ways, changes--our kids will fall for the same lies.

Our kids need to see us stopping and looking for and listening for truth, God's truth.

They need to see us choosing God's way.

They need to hear us speak of God in a present tense, not just us using words from the Bible or giving visionary statements about heaven--He's got to be in our waking hours.

We have the opportunity to break the cycle...or to continue it!

DISGUSTED WITH MYSELF
Today's reading: Proverbs 23-24

"If you fail under pressure, your strength is not very great." Proverbs 24:10 NLT

After the evening I had, I really didn't want to have this verse, of all verses, jump off the page at me. I didn't like its implications. I was pricked by it message. I was convicted of its words.

So, I did what any 'good Bible student' would do, I found another translation...

"If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!" Proverbs 24:10 NIV

And continued looking...

"If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small." Proverbs 24:10 NKJV

And looked some more...

"If you fall to pieces in a crisis, there wasn't much to you in the first place." Proverbs 24:10 MSG

So I stopped looking, and I cried.

Because it's true.

Because this facade is just a thin covering of who I guess I really am.

Because once again I failed to be the person I wanted to be, didn't do what I knew should have been done, chose not to exhibit the side of me covered by grace, washed in His blood, rescued by mercy.

So, no, there isn't much to me and my strength is small, minuscule I'm finding out--but praise God, He is enough and His strength is not small!

As I fall into His arms this morning, I find that ever so true. May you find it, too.

BEING CAREFUL
Today's reading: Psalm 108-110

"But deal well with me, O Sovereign Lord, for the sake of your own reputation!" Psalm 109:21 NLT

What I most like about David is his honesty in talking with the Lord. He puts it all out there. He leaves nothing to the imagination. He calls it as he feels it.

As in this chapter.

He is mad about his enemies, those who lie and slander him. And he wants God to take care of the matter.

Here are just a few of his requests of the Lord...

-arrange for an evil person to turn on him
-let him be pronounced guilty
-let his years be few
-may his children become fatherless
-may creditors seize his entire estate
-let no one be kind to him
-may all his offspring die
-curse him
-don't bless him

There is no doubt in our minds that David was seriously telling God, Sic 'em, Lord.

And to think these very thoughts were penned for history, for us to read all these years later. We hear his disgust. We feel his indignation. We root for him, knowing all he has went through because of these enemies.

But what I notice is when David says, But deal well with me.

I don't believe David would go so far as to share such deep, intimate thoughts with the Lord and not make a request for himself.

I take note of this because there are times I yell to God, Get 'em...You've seen their sins, Get 'em, God, but want Him to overlook my own sins or trespasses against others. I want justice when it's in my favor. I want revenge when it's rewarding me. I want God's help when I'm wronged, but not His attention when I am wrong.

Lots to think about this morning as I prepare to enter the world, bump into others, get my feelings hurt and my feet stomped on.

NO EXCUSES
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 25-29

"The musicians were appointed to their particular term of service by means of sacred lots, without regards to whether they were young or old, teacher or student." 1 Chronicles 25:8 NLT

What is it God is asking you to do?

A ministry?

A habit to break?

A person to witness to?

A stand to take?

What is it He is asking you to do for Him?

What are the excuses you are providing Him? How many reasons have you given God as to why you cannot? Should not? Will not?

Here's what today's verse says to me, When God asks me to do something--there are no viable excuses I can give as to why I shouldn't be doing it.

BELONGS TO ME
Today's reading: Numbers 17-20

"Whatever is specially set apart for the Lord also belongs to you." Numbers 18:14 NLT

In this portion of Scripture, God is speaking to the priests and Levites. He was giving them a run-down of their duties, the expectations He had for them and their benefits--perks, one might say.

One of these perks was that the things brought to the Temple, would, at least a portion of it, be theirs. It's how they would be provided for. It would be their support for serving the Lord.

I'm thinking this morning about the things we 'specially set apart for the Lord'. The things we ear-mark for Him. The things we give to Him that we give to no one else.

As much as we give it to Him, it is ours, too.

Our time--we give Him Sunday, at least I hope you do, and yet when we give it to Him, we are so greatly blessed by the time spent in church, the worship we give, the fellowship with believers.

Our money--we give Him our tithes, and yet when we give Him that portion, we can sit back and run out of fingers and toes counting all He gives back to us.

Our hearts--we give Him our hearts, the deepest darkest parts at times, and find that in giving it away, they are filled to overflowing!

It's true, what is His is ours.

A QUICK REVIEW
Today's reading: Titus

"Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live..." Titus 1:16 NLT

I'm making mental note of yesterday.

I know, I know, we cannot live in the past.

I'm not.

But I am attempting this morning to do a quick review of how I lived life yesterday.

To see if there were any indications, by what I said, by what I did, by the attitude I took while doing or saying, that I know God.

Because I claim to know Him as my personal Friend--but did my life prove it?

I've been given another opportunity with this unfolding day, I want to stay away from any potholes I fell into yesterday!

FULL EXTENT
Today's reading: John 13-15

"Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He now showed the disciples the full extent of his love." John 13:1 NLT

I really cannot imagine that the love Jesus showed his disciples could change from one day to the next.

I doubt He loved them more.

I doubt He showed them in  greater ways.

I doubt He hugged them tighter than usual, listened more intently or enjoyed their presence any more than He did any other day.

But it had to be different, none the less.

Firstly, my Bible tells me it was. The full extent of His love, it says. Nothing held back. Nothing left unsaid. No opportunity not used as one to teach them what He knew they'd need to know. If there wasn't a distinct difference, I don't believe God would have allowed those words to be written.

Secondly, He knew these last few days with Him would be what they remembered the most. He knew the intensity of emotion, the turmoil of the times, the heartache of what was to come would stay with them, so He knew love had to be blanketing the experience. He knew what He wanted them to remember.

And then He died on the cross for them. For us.

To the end, and beyond, He loved us more than anything!

THE DAY OF THE LORD
Today's reading: Joel

"...The day of the Lord is an awesome, terrible thing. Who can endure it? That is why the Lord says, Turn to me now, while there is time!.." Joel 2:11-12 NLT

We don't think about the day of the Lord being a terrible thing.

The hymns don't tell us that...

They have us singing about the sky splitting open, the Bridegroom returning, the end of wars, the end of death, the end of heartaches.

They include in their lyrics mention of streets of gold, gates of pearl and rivers of life.

And that's all fine and good...for the believers.

For His believers.

For the ones who have accepted Christ a their personal and saving Lord.

For the rest?

For the rest, it will be a terrible day. A day when their torment begins. A day when true separation starts. A day when they wish they would have died.

So God tells us, Turn to Him now.

We may not have the time to turn later.

We don't know when that day will come.

MADE BY GOD
Today's reading: Proverbs 22

"The rich and the poor have this in common: The Lord made them both." Proverbs 22:2 NLT

Can I just share what's running through my head with this verse?

Of course, I can--it's what I do every morning.

The nice and the mean are both made by the Lord.

The neighbor that is friendly and waves as we pass as well as the neighbor who never mows his yard are both made by God.

The friendly customer and the curmudgeon customer are both made by God.

The all-smiles, so-wants-to-please child and the child that tests your patience are both made by God.

The checker that chats and smiles as she rings us your groceries as well as the one who really doesn't acts like she wants to be there as she crams your loaf of bread in the grocery bag are both made by God.

I've got to remember what this verse says.

As I look into the eyes of every person I meet, I need to see my/our Creator.

UNTIL
Today's reading: Psalm 105-107

"Until the time came to fulfill his word, the Lord tested Joseph's character." Psalm 105:19 NLT

Maybe like Joseph you find yourself with family issues.

Or betrayed by who should be your nearest and dearest.

In a pit.

Sold out by another, or selling yourself, to the highest bidder--or to the fella that used the sweetest words.

Wrongfully, or correctly, accused by those standing around you--or by the one standing in the mirror.

In a prison.

Holding the fate of others in your hands...either by your words or your deeds.

Where ever have found yourself, you have on this side of each and every circumstance found God to be faithful.

You've found Him to be more than you needed.

More than you could have ever expected.

And you will again.

He is building you up into the person He created you to be.

SUCCESS
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 20-24

"For if you carefully obey the laws and regulations that the Lord gave to Israel through Moses, you will be successful. Be strong and couragaeous; do not be afraid or lose heart." 1 Chronicles 22:13 NLT

I don't know what your idea of 'success' might be, as it varies from person to person.

It might be you would/do consider yourself successful because of a title attached to your name.

You might have found your success in acquiring many things for your collection.

Maybe success to you is having all debts paid, owning more of your things than the bank owns or having a stockpile in your checking account.

Is success having landed the perfect job? Living in a home in a certain subdivision?

None of these things are not success.

But how many times in the pursuit of these things might we forego following God's example, rules, laws?

I don't think David was talking to Solomon about a successful kingdom, wealthy business ventures or an all-inclusive palace--I believe he was talking about eternal success.

The kind of success that allows one to lay their head down at night in peace.

The kind of success that influences others by example to follow God.

The kind of success that allows one to die, having nothing but dying left to do, at the end of a fruitful life.

The kind of success that leaves a lasting godly legacy to family and friends.

It takes guts, sweat and tears to live that kind of life. David knew that and knew Solomon would need to know it, too.

And He allowed us in on the conversation so we might seek success, the right kind, too.

GIANTS AND MOUNTAINS

Today's reading: Numbers 13-16

"This was their report to Moses: We arrived in the land you sent us to see, and it is indeed a magnificent country--a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is some of its fruit as proof. But the people there are powerful..." Numbers 13:27-28 NLT

Yesterday's sermon was based on Joshua 14:6-12 and Caleb claiming the mountain God has set aside for him.

It's no coincidence that today I'm back in the Israelite camp, awaiting news on the Promised Land, waiting to see what the next step will be.

You see I'm in the camp often.

I'm on the wrong side of the Jordan River quite frequently.

I'm admiring what He has for me, saying I know it's wonderful, beautiful and profitable for me--but I'm also held back by the obstacles looming over me.

I complain to God about the giants in my path.

I go on and on about what keeps me from the mountaintop and the Promised Land...when I should be talking more about how big my God is!

He is.

He is bigger than the mountains in my way.

He is stronger than the biggest giants I face.

He is just waiting for me to trust Him enough to cross the Jordan and take what's mine.

Okay, Lord, here we go today...

OPEN YOUR BIBLE
Today's reading: 2 Timothy 3-4

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right." 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT

You've read it before.

I'm sure you believe the truth contained in it.

You've probably heard it your entire life.

But have you read or studied deeply the verse that follows it?

"It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do." 2 Timothy 3:17 NLT

Our instructions for doing all He asks of us is within the pages of the Bible.

Our encouragement is there.

Our rewards are listed in its pages.

Our consequences are given in its chapters and verses.

So, have you opened your Word for the day?

LIGHT
Today's reading: John 10-12

"Only at night is there danger of stumbling because there is no light." John 11:10 NLT

There are some things I need to drag out into the light.

Things that would just as soon stay hidden in the corners, under the rug and behind the closed doors of my heart.

They scurry and retreat when they are exposed to the light.

That's just what I need them to do!

HUNGERING & THIRSTING
Today's reading: Hosea 8-14

"O people of Israel, do not rejoice as others do. For you have been unfaithful to your God, hiring yourselves out as prostitutes, offering sacrifices to other gods on every threshing floor. So now your harvests will be too small to feed you. The grapes you gather will not quench your thirst." Hosea 9:1-2 NLT

You've gone over your checklist...

-You work at least 40 hours a week.

-You sign up for just about every volunteer request there is at church, except for nursery--you just cannot handle the nursery.

-You attend every child's ball game and church's outreach project.

-You tote your kids back and forth to every extracurricular activity known to man.

-Your planner pages reveal you are far from lazy.

-You are civic minded, socially in touch, politically correct, you are a saint, an angel and a do-gooder...and emotionally drained.

Could it be, as Hosea so nicely puts it, prostituting yourself out to other gods?

Might it be you're wearing yourself thin attempting to be 'all that' when all God wants of you is to be still in His presence?

Does He need you in His Word, not just toting it from meeting to meeting?

Does He fall far down the list of priorities?

Because as busy as we all are tending to our 'farms', if God is not served through it all--we'll come up hungry and thirsty after all the work we put out.