REFORMATION
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 29-32

Five hundred years ago today the Reformation began.

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

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

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

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

Hezekiah began his own reformation of sorts.

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

Hezekiah is named king at a young age.

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

Heziekah re-opened the doors of the church.

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

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

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

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

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

OCCUPATION
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 7-9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I have complete control over this day.

I promise.

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

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

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

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

For not beating around the bush.

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

The first verse stopped me in my tracks.

It's not always someone else.

It's not often someone else.

It's very seldom someone else.

The hurt feelings I get are usually self-centered.

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

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

I needed to be more aware of that tendency.

Thanks for bringing it to my attention, Lord.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Or when I made an excuse...

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

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

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

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

LOOK
Today's reading: Habakkuk

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

The newspapers do not print it up.

Television doesn't give much time to it.

Social media is far too interested in other things.

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

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

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

I'm looking.

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

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

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

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

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

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

No, nothing ever really changes.

RELEASED
Today's reading: Psalm 122-124

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

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

We've been let loose.

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

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

Crushed!

Demolished!

Wrecked!

Undone!

Rendered useless!

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

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

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

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

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

A little background...

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

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

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

Interesting facts about the enemies...

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

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

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

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

The giants towering over us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just obey them.

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

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

I can proclaim that God is God.

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

I can state my opinion of faith.

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

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

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

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

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

God worked through Philip.

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

I want that for my life.

I want people to see me living a miraculous life.

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

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

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

MY ENEMY

Today's reading: Nahum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Or when we choose to disobey Him.

Or when our will overrides His leadings.

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

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

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

DRESSED FOR SUCCESS
Today's reading: Proverbs 31

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

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

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

But I want what this Proverbs 31 gal wears.

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

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

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

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

MY HELP
Today's reading: Psalm 120-121

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

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

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

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

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

My help doesn't come from owning several Bibles.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Or plot a revolt.

Or conduct secret meetings to overthrow a wicked queen.

But it is time for us to act.

To muster up our courage.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The same recurring sin.

The always there burden.

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

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

And now He tell us to move on.

That it's time to go forward.

Appropriate for us to go.

So let's.

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

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

JEALOUSY
Today's reading: Acts 5-6

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

Jealous of what God enabled the disciples to do?

Jealous of being able to help others?

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

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

Yes.

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

EVEN THOUGH
Today's reading: Micah

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

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

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

It's God and God alone, we say!

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

We are letting down our guards.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sitting at my desk...

Sharpened #2 pencils in my pencil case...

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

Right beside my big pink eraser...

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

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

I know the answer...

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

Come on, teacher, choose me...

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

I know, I know!!

SITTING AT NIGHT
Today's reading: Psalm 119

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

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

To give Him some things on my mind.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Before jumping head-long into great ideas.

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

Before having to apologize.

Before saying what's on my mind.

Before giving advice that isn't from God.

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

I want to find out what God wants.

I want to be a Jehoshaphat.

NEW LAND
Today's reading: Numbers 33-36

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

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

I'm convicted.

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

That's not what God has intended for me!

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

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

Here's my problem...

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

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

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

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

I some back to the same sins over and over.

There, I've said it.

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

It's the same ones.

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

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

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

But I've not turned away from my sins.

Turned my back on them.

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

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

REASONS FOR OUR STORMS
Today's reading: Jonah

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

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

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

But let's agree on this...

God sent it our way.

For His reasons.

In order that we might trust Him more completely.

That we might depend upon Him more intently.

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

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

Yes, maybe our storms are for someone else.

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

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

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

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

BENDABLE
Today's reading: Proverbs 28

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

Lord,

I want a tender conscience.

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

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

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

Only You can do this for me, God.

Only You.

Amen.

NOT AFRAID
Today's reading: Psalm 117-118

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FROM THE KITCHEN WINDOW

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

When you stop and notice your surroundings.

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

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

You notice the neighbor's new puppy.

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

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

Then you hear they puppy bark. And bark again.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I grab hold.

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

And I take off.

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

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

HUMILITY
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 11-15

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

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

It changes our focus.

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

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

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

PLUNDER
Today's reading: Numbers 29-32

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

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

It's a reward for fighting.

It's the spoils of a battle.

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

I needed that this morning.

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

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

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

But there is also plunder.

Today I will begin noticing it more!