GREATER
Today's reading: John 3

"He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less." John 3:30 NLT

It's doubtful there is a better verse I could use to sum up my past year--and usher me into a new one, than this verse.

My heart's desire is that there is less of me today than there was last year.

Less of my controlling, doubting, wandering from one useless idol to another, self. Less of the 'I can-do-it-by-myself' attitude than last year. Less of my self-centered sinful self.

And even less of me(spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically) is what I want to see over the course of this upcoming three-hundred, sixty-five days, too.

May I live this next year emptied of me, so that He can fill to overflowing my life!

ABOARD SHIP
Today's reading: Acts 27-28

Amidst the blustering winds, the waves that crashed over the bow, the jumbled plans, the detours.

Disregarding the seasickness, the snakebites, the shipwreck.

Pushing aside his fears, his doubts and his own plans.

Paul ministered.

Where ever he was.

What ever was going on.

Who ever would listen.

He shared the love of God with others.

What excuses do we have to not be doing the same?

THE LAMB IS THE LIGHT
Today's reading: Revelation 18-22

"And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light." Revelation 21:23 NLT

We all know people who bring something into the room the moment they step into it.

Some friends bring joy. Just being in their presence makes you smile. They are upbeat. They are encouraging. They are full of life.

Some friends bring comfort. Just having them near settles your heart. Anchors your soul. Reminds you that things will be all right.

Some friends bring you back down to reality. In a nice way. In a way that makes the impossible seem do-able, if done one small thing at a time. They help you sort out imagination and unreal fears from possibilities and truths.

Some friends bring energy to the square footage they inhabit. When they are around, things get done. Work is accomplished. Tasks are completed.

I thought of those types of people when my Bible referred to God being the Light of heaven. He is all those friend rolled into one--and He is so much more!

He completes us.

He secures us.

He is our heartbeat, our breath, our gravity.

To be in His presence will be to have all we need, all we ever hoped, all we could imagine and more than we ever could deserve.

FOR THE NEW YEAR

For those of you who might be interested, I'm including below a link to the Bible reading chart I'll be using this next year.

This is a stretch for me, as I've used the same reading plan for the past 12 years, and a gal like me doesn't care for change...but I'm excited to see what God has in store for me by stepping out of this box.

I'll be starting with this chart on January 1. I'd love for you to read along with me. Read as much as you can. Pick up where you left off if you fall behind. There's no grade going to be issued on how well you do it, just do your best.

I'll let you in on a little secret, too. I've asked God to grant me a favor each day of this upcoming year. I want a word a day from Him. One word. One single word every day that will snag my heart, catch my eye, change my focus, draw me deeper, cause the fire to blaze brighter or stir my soul. I'm believing Him for an exciting journey in 2018, one I hope to continue sharing with you.

Here is the link...

file:///C:/Users/malin/Downloads/chart.pdf

P.S. My 'computer guy' tells me that if you copy and paste this file to your address bar, you should be able to pull it up. I would suggest printing off a copy and keeping it in your Bible.

JEALOUS FOR ME
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 7-8

"Place me like a seal over your heart, or like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, and its jealousy is as enduring as the grave. Love flashes like fire, the brightest kind of flame." Song of Solomon 8:6 NLT

God is jealous for me.

He is not jealous of me.

Not jealous of my abilities to create universes, land, sea, stars or life. Not jealous of my all-knowing powers. Not jealous of my perfection and holiness. Not jealous of my skills at changing seasons, forming snowflakes or the design I came up with for our circulatory system.

He is jealous for me--for my attention, for my love, for my commitment, for my dedication to Him and to Him alone. For my eyes to be wholly on Him.

Knowing that, I want to be watchful today as to what He sees me drawn to other than Him. I want to keep an eye out for things that distract me, persuade me, give me a false sense of security. I want to be very sensitive as to when I feel His pull back to Him. The tug of my heart to my True Love.

He wants all of me, not part, but all. There is no room for spiritual adultery in our relationship

He desires the same of you.

SINGING FOR JOY
Today's reading: Psalm 148-150

"For the Lord delights in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Let the faithful rejoice in this honor. Let them sing for joy as they lie on their beds." Psalm 149:4-5 NLT

I have this habit of waking up just minutes before my alarm goes off. As a matter of fact, it's been months since the alarm has actually awoken me--as I'm up and turning it off before it blares.

Those moments before arising are when I offer my day to the Lord. I give it to Him before anyone or anything or any circumstance takes it away from me.  He and I discuss it, how desperately I want it to please Him, before I ever take the first step of the day.

Today's verse tells me the same thing...

God is tickled with me...

He has crowned me with salvation...

My honor won't come in anything I do throughout the day, but in being His...

I have a joyful song to sing...

Even while I lie in my bed...before the day starts...as His daughter!

VERY EVIDENT
Today's reading: Esther 6-10

There is no mention of God in the book of Esther.

Hard to believe, isn't it?

A book chosen by God, to be in God's Word, written by men of God, about acts of God, pointing straight to God, as God's story unravels page after page--and there is not mention of Him?

My prayer is that is the same for my day...

If I don't get the opportunity to speak His name to another--may He be in me so much that the other person knows there's something different.

If I don't have a door opened to speak excitedly about God's love--may it be very much seen in how I interact with others.

If I don't quote Scripture, walk someone down the Romans' Road or share with them the wordless book--may He allow me to love them, like He would!

I want God all over my day, all over me, all over my choices, all over my attempts!

AS A BABY
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 32-34

"There is no one like the God of Israel. He rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic splendor." Deuteronomy 33:26 NLT

And He lies in a straw-filled manger, a helpless baby, wrapped in scraps of cloth used to bind up newborn lambs.

What a thought this Christmas morning!

Our God, majestic, powerful, awe-inspiring, sent part of Himself to us as a baby.

A poor, fragile, dependent newborn.

My heart is full this morning as I consider how much God loved us that Christmas morning. How willing He was to give Himself for us. How deeply He considered us worthy of this Christmas gift.

Merry Christmas, friends--celebrate Him coming as a baby!

LOOK!
Today's reading: Jude

"Look, the Lord is coming..." Jude verse 14 NLT

I'm going to guess it was a couple thousand years ago today that the first twinges of labor began.

The tightening. The cramping. The contractions, first barely noticeable.

Were they still outside Bethlehem, looking for a place to rest? Was she still astride the donkey? Were they being pressed on every side by the crowds?

Either way, today in history, there is a very good likelihood that Mary knew the Lord was coming.

And today, we know He is coming back!

SOMEONE I KNOW
Today's reading: Acts 25-26

"A few days later King Agrippa arrived with his sister, Bernice, to pay their respects to Festus. During their stay of several days, Festus discussed Paul's case with the king. There is a prisoner here, he told him..." Acts 25:13-14 NLT

God had to have made an impact on Festus through Paul.

How he acted. The zeal he possessed. The way he handled himself. The faith he had.

I wonder, this beautiful, busy Christmas season, are others noticing how we are going about life?

There is this gal I know who really knows how to celebrate Christmas...

There is this lady from my church who has the best attitude despite her horrible circumstances...

There is this woman I know who never says bad words, doesn't gossip and doesn't criticize...

There is this family I know who love God with all that's in them...

There is this woman I work with who can make any day brighter just by her being around us...

Are we leaving people with something, good, to talk about?

FINDING MYSELF

Today's reading: Revelation 12-17

"Then I saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him were 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. And I head a sound from heaven like the roaring of a great waterfall or the rolling of mighty thunder. It was like the sound of many harpists playing together. This great choir sand a wonderful new song in front of the throne of God and before the four living beings and the twenty-four elders. And no one could learn this song except those 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. For they are spiritually undefiled, pure as virgins, following the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been purchased from among the people of the earth as a special offering to God and to the Lamb. No falsehood can be charged against them; they are blameless." Revelation 14:1-5 NLT

I've found myself in the Scripture this morning.

In a place I'd never expected to see me. In a book of the Bible several choose to shy away from.

-An ordinary gal with a wonderful Creator's stamp on her being! Not a hidden signature, but an upfront, advertisement!

-Singing a song only the blood-bought can sing, a song not even the angels know!

-A follower of the Lamb!

-A purchased wretch, a set-free captive, a life of purpose!

-A blameless child of the King!

Do you see yourself?

DRINKING DEEPLY
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 5-6

"...Oh, lover and beloved, eat and drink! Yes, drink deeply of this love!" Song of  Solomon 5:1 NLT

Thank you, Father, for not just giving me a sprinkling of Your love.

A dash.

A pinch.

A quick splash.

Thank You for pouring out Your love on me.

Bathing me in it.

Washing me over with it.

Spilling it out all over me.

Not just enough for today, and yet more than I can fathom.

Infinite.

Unlimited.

Never ending.

A heart-full.

A life-full.

An eternity-full.

BENT
Today's reading: Psalm 146-148

"...The Lord lifts the burdens of those bent beneath their loads." Psalm 146:8 NLT

"...The Lord raiseth them that are bowed down..." Psalm 146:8 KJV

My grandmother was an advocate of the 'No Slouching' rule of thumb.

If she saw you with slack shoulders, she would reprimand you.

If she saw you sitting hunched over, she would remind you of good posture.

If she saw you practicing the piano, at the kitchen table or watching TV with a slouch, she would have you stand, place your hands beside your hips, turn your palms outward, thus correcting your shoulder alignment and posture.

Grandma was like God in that aspect, many aspects, but especially this one.

God doesn't want us bent over. He wants us standing proud, strong and tall.

He wants those around us to know Whose we are by our posture.

He desires that we remember by Whose blood we have been ransomed by how we carry ourselves.

He reminds us to allow Him to carry the heavy loads that keep our hearts and minds weighed down and burdened. Loads we are not designed to carry.

Stand up straight, Grandma Lawrence would say.

Let me take that off your shoulders so you can stand tall, God says.

FAST FOR ME
Today's reading: Esther 1-5

"Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai, Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me..." Esther 4:15-16 NLT

Never have I noticed how seriously and desperately Esther desired to know God's will.

This morning it hit me--like a ton of bricks!

I even looked deeper into this verse with the help of Merriam Webster and blueletterbible.com.

She asked her uncle and her people to fast for her.

I thought I knew what fasting was all about, but here's what I uncovered...

Fast-to abstain from food.

I knew that, but when I went deeper...

The primary idea of fasting lies in the mouth being shut, according to the Arabic root word.

When I desperately need to hear from God, I will ask friends to fast--to keep their mouths shut about it, but to pray with their whole heart and their entire beings. I won't ask them to spread the word. I won't ask for advice. I won't desire to know their thoughts or feelings. I will ask them to close their mouths and use their soul relationship with God to plead on my behalf.

Fast for me, what a life changing challenge/request/favor. What a privilege.

REMEMBER
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 29-31

"Surely you remember how we lived in the land of Egypt and how we traveled through the lands of enemy nations as we left." Deuteronomy 29:16 NLT

Satan brings things to our mind in an effort to thwart all the good God is doing.

To derail our thoughts.

To distract our affections.

To draw us away from His presence.

God brings things to our minds, like Moses said to the children of Israel, in an effort to remind us of all He has done for us.

Where He brought us from.

What He saved us from .

Who we used to be.

How very much He loves us.

So remember today, only what God places in your thoughts!

GOD'S PEACE
Today's reading: 3 John

"May God's peace be with you..." 3 John 15 NLT

If I were to send you a Christmas card it may contain one of these wishes...

-Season's Greetings!

-Joyous Holidays!

-Great Christmas Cheer!

-May the Grinch not steal your Christmas tree!

Or I could wish to you what you need, what will sustain you, what will bring you the greatest help, what you can receive and pass along to the world--God's peace!

May God's peace be with you!

HIGH PRIEST
Today's reading: Acts 23-24

"Those standing near Paul said to him, Is that the way you talk to God's high priest? I'm sorry, brothers. I didn't realize he was the high priest, Paul replied..." Acts 23:4-5 NLT

Another reason why God sent His Son to be our High Priest.

There is no confusion about who He is.

No doubt in anyone's mind when they truly meet Him.

No question about it!

There will never be any controversy as to His credentials, abilities or service.

He is our High Priest--the only one who could go to God on our behalf presenting Himself as the sacrifice needed for our sins.

PRAYERS OF GOD'S PEOPLE
Today's reading: Revelation 7-11

"Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great quantity of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God's people, to be offered on the gold altar before the throne." Revelation 8:3 NLT

Incense was burned in the Temple for a reason. The smoke from the burning herbs/plants rose straight up...to God.

The intent was to draw the attention away from what was being burned, to the One to whom all prayer answers fell.

I thought of that this morning as I read this portion of Scripture.

My prayers mixed with incense.

My prayers burnt on an altar.

My prayers going up in smoke--not in vain asking or in hopelessness, but in smoke that directed my eyes off my circumstances, needs and heart desires and up.

Up to my God. My Deliverer. My Provider. My Sustainer. My Strong and Mighty Tower.

I FORGET
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 3-4

"You have ravished my heart, my treasure, my bride..." Song of Solomon 4:9 NLT

I forget that God adores me.

That He thinks the world of me.

That I am always on His mind.

That He orchestrates this life of mine to be filled to overflowing with blessings.

How can I forget it?

Really? How in the world can I forget that God loves me?

Because I get busy.

Because I give Him too many human characteristics.

Because I look in the mirror and believe the enemy's lies.

Because I mistakenly believe I am something, on my own.

Because I think His love has anything, anything at all, to do with what I can give Him.

I needed the reminder this morning that I am loved, to the uttermost, by my Father!

REACH
Today's reading: Psalm 143-145

"I reach out for you..." Psalm 143:6 NLT

The word 'reach', according to Merriam-Webster and his associates, is a verb that means to stretch, to extend or to strain after.

David is telling God that in the middle of his hopeless situation and even though he is feeling very much on the edge of depression, he was reaching out for Him.

Despite how he felt.

Regardless of the unchanged circumstances.

David chose to reach out for God.

To stretch...make a real effort.

To extend...beyond his usual routine or disciplines.

To strain after...to the point at which maybe there was pain.

I want that.

I want to reach out to God.

I want Him to draw close to me, but I also want Him to see me reaching out to Him. Making an effort to be in His presence. Going above and beyond in order to hear Him. Getting outside of my comfortable box as I crave Him.

I want to reach our for Him.

COULD I? HAVE I?
Today's reading: Nehemiah 10-13

"The rest of the people--the priests, the Levites, gatekeepers, singers, Temple servants, and all who had separated themselves from the pagan people of the land in order to serve God, and who were old enough to understand--now they heartily bound themselves with an oath. They vowed to accept the curse of God if they failed to obey the law of God as issued by his servant Moses." Nehemiah 10:28-29 NLT

It's one thing to say I'm a Christian or a member of a church, or to take a role in that church's ministry, or to agree to the terms of it's by-laws or treatise or covenant.

It's a far grander thing to vow to God to follow Him-where ever, honor Him-in what ever He places in my life, set myself apart for Him-even when it's just me and to obey Him-even when it's hard, so very hard.

To the point that I accept His curse when I fail to do so?

To agree to His consequences, up front?

To state that when I choose not to obey Him, I choose His wrath?

Could I have taken the oath those followers took that day with Nehemiah?

Would I have been on the back row of the crowd, just mumbling the words?

Have I accepted the fact of faith, that when I obey He blesses, when I don't--He can't?

OUR CHOICE
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 26-28

"If you refuse to obey all the terms of this law that are written in this book, and if you do not fear the glorious and awesome name of the Lord your God, then the Lord will overwhelm both you and your children with indescribable plagues. These plagues will be intense and without relief, making you miserable and unbearably sick." Deuteronomy 28:58-59 NLT

Is it worth the risk?

To you?

To your children?

To your future?

To disobey God?

To choose self over Creator?

To believe we know best?

To think getting what we want, right now, is better than all God has planned for our eternity?

God places the options before us...along with the blessings and consequences.

BELOVED
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 2:16 NLT

"My beloved is mine, and I am his..." Song of Solomon 2:16 KJV

I can mostly process the concept of being God's beloved one.

He made me.

He put His finest efforts, time and detail into me.

He chose me as His and He brought His Son into the world to save me from myself.

I kind of get it.

What I have a hard time wrapping my head around is this--He is mine, too.

Oh, I know He is my Savior. My Deliverer. My Friend. My Strong Tower.

But He is as much mine as I am His.

Doesn't seem fathomable.

Seems like a very unequally yoked relationship.

He has so much to offer me--and I'm, well, I'm just me.

But He is content with that. He is okay with it. He knew it would be this way and He knows it won't change, no matter how many good things I do.

My beloved is mine and I am His!

WITH A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR
Today's reading: Psalm 140-142

"Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they reprove me, it is soothing medicine. Don't let me refuse it..." Psalm 141:5 NLT

As my Bible commentary states, Nobody really likes criticism, but everybody can benefit from it.

Who better to be critiqued or observed by than our Christian brothers and sisters?

The ones who know how we should be living, speaking, working, ministering?

Who else would know, and hopefully carry out, how to speak with truth and love?

No, criticism isn't fun--but it is beneficial. And when a loving, godly friend points out where we are slacking, lacking, failing or flailing, we should be thankful--and ready to make some changes.

BUTTON-PUSHERS
Today's reading: Nehemiah 5-9

"They were hoping to intimidate me and make me sin by following his suggestion. Then they would be able to accuse and discredit me." Nehemiah 6:13 NLT

Button-pushers are not new to our century.

They can be found through out the ages, today in Nehemiah's life.

Nehemiah, in his wisdom, realized who his 'button-pushers' were , and refused to allow them to operate in his life.

We have the same opportunity.

We know the folks who find our last nerve and poke it.

We know the ones who can find our newest wound and pick off the scab.

We know who can say, in that tone, what they say to set us off.

So let's use the example Nehemiah has set for us--see the truth and counter-act accordingly: Change the subject. Tell them your testimony. Laugh it off. Bring up the weather. Smile.

They hope to make you sin, show them they don't have that power!

WHEN YOU GO
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 23-25

"When you go to war against your enemies, stay away from everything impure." Deuteronomy 23:9 NLT

Can I do a little 'verse mapping'?

When-meaning it's going to happen, sooner or later. It's inevitable.

You-it will be your blood, sweat and tears. No one else can do it for you.

Go-an action word that tells me it won't be 'just sitting around'.

Against-taking a stand, drawing a line, no longer going with the flow.

Your-possessive, personal, intimate.

Enemies-in this verse it's referring to the many tribes the children of Israel would have to fight. But for us? For us, there is one enemy, satan. Sure, he likes to attack us in different areas and in different ways, but he is the one we stand against.

Stay away-make up your mind, distance yourself, determine not to participate any longer.

Everything-anything tied in, related to, regarding, that might lead your mind or heart towards.

Impure-wicked, vile, dirty-ing, violating, sinful, disgusting, dark, ugly, shame-giving.

God, the time is coming when I will have to take a stand. Just me, with Your help. I'm going to have to cut ties with the sins that I've been entangled with. I'm going to have to no longer associate with the enemy, listen to his lies, believe his inuendos or believe his half-truths. I'm going to need your power to stay away from old habits, common pitfalls and regularly attended watering-holes of my mind. I want to stand before you holy and blameless. Amen

LOVE THEM
Today's reading: 1 John 4-5

"Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other." 1 John 4:11 NLT

That relative stole what was meant to be yours, love them anyway.

That person let you down--hard, love them anyway.

That friend betrayed your trust, love them anyway.

That spouse broke the vows, love them anyway.

That co-worker stabbed you in the back, love them anyway.

That sister -in-faith took credit for all your hard work, love her anyway.

That child broke your heart after all you'd done for them, love them anyway.

That pastor led a double life, love them anyway.

That church didn't support you when you needed supporting, love them anyway.

That co-parent hurt your child's heart--again, and this will be like having teeth pulled without anesthesia, love them anyway.

We broke God's heart, refused His love, re-nigged on our promises to Him, doubted His abilities, cheated on Him with another idol, refused to proclaim His name in public, let Him down with our actions, took lightly His sacrifice...and still He loves us.

How mighty is the love flowing into us--will we keep it to ourselves or allow it to flow out to others, deserving or not.

FOLLOW HIS LEAD
Today's reading: Acts 19-20

"When it was all over, Paul sent for the believers and encouraged them..." Acts 20:1 NLT

Sometimes in the middle of it all is not the best time to quote great Christian authors or pour out Bible verses.

Sometimes in the midst of heartache, turmoil and stormy weather, our best 'wanna-be-like Jesus' acts are not appreciated, tolerated or accepted.

Sometimes we have to wait until it is all over.

Oh, we don't stop praying.

We do not discontinue lifting up the needs we know about to our Father.

We do not cease in our intercession.

It's just that sometimes, we don't need to let it be known, offer advice or attempt to comfort.

We have to follow God's lead. Leaving the timing, and the words, up to Him.

WHAT I'M DOING
Today's reading: Malachi

"But you dishonor my name with your actions..." Malachi 1:12 NLT

Okay, so maybe I didn't allow myself to throw a cussing, screaming, fall down on the floor fit in the middle of the aisle of the store which sold the very last one of what I went in search of. But I wanted to!

And maybe I didn't tell the person off that I really wanted to--that really deserved it--that really could have used a piece of my mind--that really apparently needed a good tongue lashing. But I wanted to!

Maybe I didn't let my anger get the best of me and toss my stack of papers in the air with an exasperated 'hrumppphh'. But I wanted to!

Maybe, just maybe there were no outward signs of my dislike, distaste, disappointment, disgust--but God knows my attitude.

And my heart actions. The bitterness I'm hanging on to. The murmurings under my breath. The haughty puff of my heart. The things I'm doing to another in my heart and in my head.

And there is a very good possibility that He is not pleased with them.

Dishonored by them, actually.