FORSAKE
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 31-34

"Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The Lord your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT

Forsake-to renounce or turn away from entirely; to give up on or to leave.

God will never turn His back on us!

Oh, we will provide Him with many, many reasons why He should, but He won't.

He will not leave us to our own strengths.

He will not leave us to our own devices.

He will not leave us to our own sins.

That's comforting. That's reassuring. That's hope.

BECOME
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 25-27

"Then Moses and the Levitical priests addressed all Israel as follows, O Israel, be quiet and listen! Today you have become the people of the Lord your God." Deuteronomy 27:9 NLT

Become-to come into existence; to undergo change or development; to grow to be; to be made suitable to especially in a pleasing way.

Do you forget that at the moment you accepted God's gift of salvation you became a child of God?

I do.

I get awfully discouraged in my sins, my slip-ups, my failings and my feeble attempts.

I am embarrassed by my constant return to old ways, old habits and old paths.

I am loaded with guilt about my lack of confidence in His power in me.

I am overwhelmed with my inability to make Him proud of me.

But I forget, I have already become His!

He already claims me as His own!

He has made the changes in me that draw me farther and farther away from my old self and more and more into being who He desires me to be!

He has declared me a child of God!

I have become!

TASSELS
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 22-24

"You must put tassels on the four corners of your cloaks." Deuteronomy 22:12 NLT

"And the Lord said to Moses, Say to the people of Israel: Throughout the generations to come you must make tassels for the hems of your clothing and attach the tassels at each corner with blue thread. The tassels will remind you of the commands of the Lord, and that you are to obey his commands instead of following your own desires and going your own ways, as you are prone to do." Numbers 15:37-39 NLT

Tassel-a dangling ornament made by laying parallel a bunch of cords or threads of even length and fastening them at one end.

When did we stop wearing our 'tassels of remembrance'?

When did we find it unnecessary to be reminded of what God asks of us?

Why did we ever think we could remember on our own, and do what He asked of us?

When did we decided to clip our tassels off and look more like the society we live in?

We need tassels today.

Visual reminders of just how unruly, disobedient and untrustworthy we truly are.

Something we can see regularly and remember what we are to do, and not to do.

Ornaments of our every day life that tell others we live by a different set of standards--and that when they see us not living by those standards, they can correct us.

Oh, how we need to put our tassels back on our cloaks.

WITH
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 19-21

"When you go out to fight your enemies and you face horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, do not be afraid. The Lord your God, who brought you safely out of Egypt, is with you!" Deuteronomy 20:1 NLT

With-in the company of.

It gives me great comfort to know God is with me.

He hasn't shoved me off to do my dead-level best.

He hasn't dropped me in to the battle zone, leaving me to fend for myself.

He hasn't tossed me a sword and told me, 'Good luck, kid.'

He isn't watching from the sidelines waiting for me to crawl to the edge of the ring and 'tag' Him into the fight.

He hasn't just stood on the back row of the audience hoping I remember all He has taught me.

He isn't standing off in a distance waiting to see me wave a white flag.

He is with me.

Right beside me.

Fighting the fight.

Pinning my opponent.

Making victory mine!

ABLE
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 16-18

"All must give as they are able, according to the blessings given to them by the Lord your God." Deuteronomy 16:17 NLT

Able-having sufficient power, skill or resources to do something; having the freedom or opportunity to do something; having a quality or nature that makes something possible.

What are we giving to God?

Are we throwing money at Him as our paychecks allow?

Are we gifting Him with a service or two at our local church each month?

Are we signing up to deliver a pan of lasagna and a cake to a new mom?

Are we volunteering to work one Sunday morning a year in the nursery?

Are we saving toilet paper tubes for the upcoming Vacation Bible School?

Are we crying out a few prayers here and there as we need something?

Are we giving to God as we are able?

With what He has given us?

In the power He has enabled us to have?

With the hearts full of His love?

With sins forgive because of His mercy?

Are we doing what He has enabled us to do?

EXECUTE
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 13-15

"...Since they try to keep you from following the Lord your God, you must execute them to remove the evil from among you." Deuteronomy 13:5 NLT

Execute-to carry out fully; to put to death; to do what is provided or required.

The Israelites were going to have trouble with 'foreign religions' once they set foot in the Promised Land.

God already knew how fickle they were, how weak their faith was, how wishy-washy they were in their commitment to Him.

So He warned them about what would attempt to grab their attention.

And He instructed them as to what needed done in order that they not be detoured.

Execution.

Sounds a little harsh, doesn't it? Especially in a day and age where tolerance is the motto?

But He knew what had to be done and He knew the extent to which it needed carried out.

He asks the same of us today.

To 'annihilate' what drags us away from Him.

To cut the 'life cord' of the things that take our focus off of serving Him wholeheartedly.

To 'do away' with anything that causes our hearts to be torn between the world and our Creator.

To 'disallow' into our homes what He declares unfit for His bride.

It's time we apply His Words to our lives and get rid of what is stealing us from Him.

AWESOME
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 10-12

"The Lord your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords. He is the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and takes no bribes." Deuteronomy 10:17 NLT

Awesome-inspiring awe; causing wonder or astonishment.

Isn't He?

Well, isn't He?

Awesome! Great! Mighty! God of gods! Lord of lords!

Doesn't the mere thought of Him drop your jaw in amazement?

Hasn't what He's done left you speechless?

Can't the power in His pinky finger bring tears to your eyes and a 'Wow!' to your lips?

Our God is an awesome God!

PLENTY
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 7-9

"When you have eaten your fill, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations and laws." Deuteronomy 8:10-11 NLT

Plenty- a full or more than adequate amount or supply.

We all have plenty.

Plenty to eat.

Plenty to wear.

Plenty of roof over our heads.

Plenty of air to breathe.

Plenty of amenities to fill our lives with.

Plenty of blessings. Good health. Money to cover the bills. Great families. Lots of friends. A good Bible-believing church.

In our plenty we have no needs...

It is a precarious position to be in, one that causes us to forget how desperately we need our Provider.

STAY
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 4-6

"Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about the enter and occupy." Deuteronomy 5:33 NLT

Stay-to continue in a place or condition; to stand firm; to take up residence; to halt or delay proceeding or advancing.

The newest resident on our little farm has a lot to learn.

Scout, albeit only nine pounds now, has a few social and obedience skills to learn before she tops out at her estimated 120 pounds of canine fur and muscle.

She's learning to sit when commanded.

She's learning to walk only within the confines of our property's boundaries.

She's learning to come when called.

She's learning that just because she can put her mouth on it it doesn't necessarily need to be chewed on.

She's also learning the command, 'Stay'.

Which is hard for her.

She is told on occasion to 'stay'--when there are other things she'd rather be doing.

She is told to 'stay'--when she really wants to be else where.

She is asked to 'stay'--when her safety is at concern.

She is asked to 'stay'--when the simple act of her obedience will lead to her receiving a treat.

She is asked to 'stay'--when her hyper, furry body wants to run, pounce, jump and wiggle.

It's hard for us, too.

When God asks us to 'stay' committed to His ways when inconvenient, unpopular or hard to do.

When God asks us to 'stay' in a situation until He works it out and we become better Christians after it has passed.

When God asks us to 'stay' and we don't want to. We. Just. Don't. Want. To.

When God asks us to 'stay' and we want to run and hide.

The command to 'stay' is hard for puppies and for us!

REFUSED
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 1-3

"But even after all he did, you refused to trust the Lord your God, who goes before you looking for the best places to camp, guiding you by a pillar of fire at night and a pillar of cloud by day." Deuteronomy 1:32 NLT

Refuse- to express oneself as unwilling to accept; to show or express unwillingness to do or to comply with; to be unwilling to grant.

I'd never thought about my unwillingness to trust God as refusing Him.

I'd never seen my lack of faith as thumbing my nose at God, showing Him by my doubt and fear that I was unwilling to accept that He knew best.

I'd never thought about having the power to not allow God to do His best for me, in me or through me.

Until this morning.

He lets me refuse Him, knowing full well it won't be the wisest choice I could make. That's His gift to me of a free will.

He gives me reins to do with my own life what I choose. He did not wire me up as a robot whose drive and determination are governed by a switchboard or hard-drive.

He does and does and does for me and watches as I choose to trust more in my idols, my comfort and my earth-bound wisdom than in Him.

He loves me to the moon and back, more than is fathomable, to the extent that He gave His Son for me and still allows me to love Him through my words and actions--or not.

I see this morning, with eyes wide open, what I do when I refuse to trust Him.

POWER
Today's reading: John 19-21

"You won't talk to me? Pilate demanded. Don't you realize that I have the power to release you or to crucify you?" John 19:10 NLT

Power-the ability to act or produce an effect; possession of control, authority or influence over others; physical might.

Of all the things Pilate might have said to Jesus!

Pilate, from his grand throne...

While wearing his robe of royalty...

Holding his scepter of greatness...

As his servants bowed in fear of him...

And he tells Jesus he has power?

It's laughable.

It's ludicrous.

It's ridiculous.

Pilate held no power what so ever in this event in history. In no event in history, really.

If only he knew to Whom he spoke.

If only he realized the power held in the pinky-finger of the One he was talking to.

Pilate held no power that day over Jesus, the crucifixion, the crowds, the justice being served or the grace being offered. He held no power over what would occur, the events that would take place or the prophecies being fulfilled. He held no power over the life he believed he held in his hands.

No power at all.

OVERCOME
Today's reading: John 16-18

"...But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NLT

Overcome-to get the better of; to gain the superiority; to achieve victory over; to conquer.

I don't know about you, but I needed God's reminder this morning.

The sun's not even up yet, and the battle for my mind begins.

No one else in the house is stirring yet, and the struggles are looming.

I've not yet faced a temptation, but know they will be there.

So I need to hear Jesus' words, I have overcome the world.

He wins.

He always wins.

It's up to me to be on His side, on His team, to work alongside Him, to listen for His instruction...in order that I overcome the world, too.

ANGUISH
Today's reading: John 13-15

"Now Jesus was in great anguish of spirit, and he exclaimed, The truth is, one of you will betray me!" John 13:21 NLT

Anguish-extreme pain, distress or anxiety; a state of great suffering of body and mind.

It's easy for me to shame Judas for putting Jesus through this emotional distress.

Until...

Until I realize my own sins do the same thing to Him.

When I choose anything over Jesus, I betray Him.

When I opt to select an idol of my heart over Him, I betray Him.

When I turn to the world, or even worse, myself, to fix things for me, I betray Him.

When I betray Him, His heart breaks.

Breaks.

He hurts. He is miserable. He is tortured.

All because of my betrayal.

LOST
Today's reading: John 10-12

"Then the Pharisees said to each other, We've lost. Look, the whole world has gone after him." John 12:19 NLT

Lost-not made use of, won or claimed; no longer possessed; taken away or beyond reach or attainment.

The world has lost.

Sure, it has a tight grip. A strangling hold. A choking grasp on too many of our loved ones...but the world has lost.

It knows it's lost, but it still holds on like the last dog in a dog fight. It will until the end. Hoping for a last victory. Thinking it's going to make a come back.

Easter morning, spring re-birth, the sunrise each morning should remind of us Who has won! Of Who has sealed the fate of our enemy.

STUMBLING
Today's reading: John 7-9

"Jesus said to the people, I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." John 8:12 NLT

Stumble-to fall into sin or waywardness; to make an error; to become an obstacle to belief; to trip in walking or running; to walk unsteadily or clumsily; to fall or move carelessly.

I don't know about you, but the longer I live, the shorter life seems to be.

The end of life isn't reserved for only the aged. Only after all goals and dreams have been accomplished. Or families raised. Or bodies worn out from years and years and years of use for His kingdom.

Life is too short for me to want to stumble through it.

I want to make every single step count.

I don't want to get off track--and when I'm on track I want to take my steps carefully, methodically and each one led by God.

I want to place one foot in front of the other every day I'm given in order to make an impact for the Lord.

I want to walk proudly and not be an obstacle for another's faith walk.

God has lit up the path I need to take. He has removed the pot holes I might fall in. He has smoothed out the valleys and the high places. He has narrowed the path and given me His Spirit to guide me away from things that might divert my eyes.

Will I choose to walk in His light for the short while I'm on this earth?

TEST
Today's reading: John 4-6

"Jesus soon saw a great crowd of people climbing the hill, looking for him. Turning to Philip he asked, Philip, where can we buy bread to feed all these people? He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do." John 6:5-6 NLT

Test-to put to use or proof.

Jesus decided, while on this hill as the hungry crowds gathered to quiz Philip on his faith.

A simple question.

He does it to us, too.

As we stand with the enormous bill in our hand, He asks, 'Are you going to trust me to help you make ends meet?'

As we hang up the phone from speaking to the doctor who bore bad news, He asks, 'Are you ready to see how we will walk through this?'

As we continue to wait for the prodigals to come home, He asks, 'Won't it be worth the wait if we have to wait even one more day...one more week...one more month?'

As we step through an open door to share our faith with an unbeliever, He asks, 'Based upon what I've done in your life, am I worth sharing with another?'

 As we push aside hurt feelings in order to continue serving, He asks, 'Who are you doing it for--really?'

He tests us, not that we should fail, but that we come to find out how very large our faith is!

In testing us, we test Him-and He never fails the test.

GREATER
Today's reading: John 1-3

"He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. I am of the earth, and my understanding is limited to things of the earth, but he has come from heaven." John 3:31 NLT

Greater-notably larger in size; larger in number or measure; more remarkable in magnitude, degree or effectiveness; eminent.

It is said that one cannot fully understand the immensity of God until they realize the frailty of self.

I agree with that. Apparently John the Baptizer agreed with that, too.

John knew that what he could understand, see and figure out was limited to his feet being firmly planted on earth.

God doesn't have that handicap. His view is not blocked of future things. His hands are not tied with frivolities like time, space or abilities. His ways are not dependent upon who reigns, who owns or who acknowledges Him.

He is greater. Greater than we are. Greater than we tend to believe we are. Greater than the greatest humans we know or wish we'd known.

When we come to that realization, He opens up more and more about Himself to us!

Faith expects from God what is beyond all expectation.- Andrew Murray

BOUNDARIES
Today's reading: Numbers 34-36

"Give these instructions to the Israelites, When you come into the land of Canaan, which I am giving you as a special possession, these will be your boundaries." Numbers 34:2 NLT

Boundary-something that indicates or fixes a limit or extent; something that shows where an area ends and another area begins; a point or limit that indicates where two things become different.

The Lord and I have had quite the conversation this morning. I'll let you in on some of the less-personal details...

Good morning, Lord.

Morning, my beautiful daughter.

Thanks for the day.

You are most welcome, enjoy it.

I want to make the most of it, God. The absolute most! I'm going to need You to help me.

I'm always here for you.

It would be much easier, Lord, if you took away these issues I have. These temptations that get in my way. These desires to please myself before I want to please You. Much easier.

I could. Or you could begin noticing the boundaries I've set in place to help you do that same thing yourself.

Boundaries?

Yes, boundaries. The things I've drawn a line in the sand about. The things I've convicted your heart about. The things where I know good and well you hear me say, Stay away from.

Yes, I know those things.

And yet you choose to not listen? To presume you know better than I do?

Putting it that way certainly makes it looks much uglier than I'd ever dreamed.

No, it changes nothing--it only allows you to see it more clearly.

Thanks, Lord.

Any time, dear one--any time.

FULLY
Today's reading: Numbers 31-33

"We will cross the Jordan into Canaan fully armed to fight for the Lord..." Numbers 32:32 NLT

Fully-in a full extent or manner or degree; completely; totally; thoroughly; entirely.

The tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh declared their allegiance to conquering the 'giants' in the Promised Land even though they had decided not to live in it with the remainder of the twelve tribes.

They determined to go all out in helping their brothers and sisters.

They signed up for the fights of their lives, knowing they wouldn't gain anything they desired.

Maybe that's what God is asking you to do today.

To pray with all your heart for another, even though currently you are going through a great season of life?

To lift up another's needs, while you are basking in having more blessing than you ever imagined?

To fight alongside another against a 'giant', though your slingshot and rocks have long been in storage?

To be on your knees for the hearts and souls of a friend's family, like they were your own?

What might God be asking you to do fully on behalf of another?

ADDITION
Today's reading: Numbers 28-30

"You must present these offerings to the Lord at your annual festivals. These are in addition to the sacrifices and offerings you present in connection with vows, or as freewill offerings, burnt offerings, grain offerings, drink offerings or peace offerings." Numbers 29:39 NLT

Addition-to increase, to enlarge, to add to.

What will I do today to add to what I'm already doing for the Lord?

What additional step might I take?

What extra effort might I make to worship Him?

How might I increase in showing Him how very much I love and adore Him?

VICTORY
Today's reading: Numbers 19-21

"The Lord said to Moses, Do not be afraid of him, for I have given you victory..." Numbers 21:34 NLT

Victory-the overcoming of an enemy or antagonist.

My enemy looms already this morning.

Big. Intimidating. Fierce. Mocking.

But if I recall. If I take the time to remember. If I pause long enough to let what I know to be fact override what I'm feeling--I'll settle my mind on what God's told me...

Jesus gave me victory!

CLIMB
Today's reading: Numbers 25-27

"One day the Lord said to Moses, Climb to the top of the mountains east of the river, and look out over the land I have given the people of Israel." Numbers 27:12 NLT

Climb-to go upward with gradual or continual progress; to increase gradually.

God could have given Moses a vision of what the Israelites would be inheriting.

God could have transported Moses, in some God-ly way, to the top of the mountain for a look-see.

God could have, and this is what is one of the many cool things about God, moved the mountain out of the way and let Moses see into the Promised Land.

But God chose to allow Moses to make an effort.

To move.

To strive for the top of the mountain.

To break a sweat.

To have an opportunity to obey.

Just to see what God had in store.

Too many times I, count yourself in here if you need to, tend to think if God intends it for me it will come easily. With no effort. Without me having to lift a finger. Poof, and I have what I want/need. Blessings just raining down on me in buckets.

But I'm reminded with this morning's reading, that most times, He will instruct me to climb.

And sometimes He will ask me to climb in order that I might see just what I had missed out on.

CAUSED
Today's reading; Numbers 22-24

"Then the Lord caused the donkey to speak. What have I done to you that deserves your beating me these three times? it asked Balaam." Numbers 22:28 NLT

Caused-something brought about for an effect or result.

Imagine Balaam looking into the dark brown eyes of his long-eared equine servant...

Picture the donkey's mouth moving as more, much more than a long, creaky bray comes out...

Envision the look on your face as you hear words, not just sounds, come out of an animal...

Conceive the look on your face as you hear this beast of burden ask a question...

As you do, place in the forefront of your mind the biggest prayer request, heart's burden or fear you have...

If God can cause a donkey to speak, literally speak--then I know He can work out your issues, burdens and cares.

REVOLTING
Today's reading: Numbers 16-18

"The one you are really revolting against is the Lord.." Numbers 16:11 NLT

Revolting-renouncing allegiance or subjection; turning away with disgust.

Ever thought about sin?

Truly thought about it?

Murder, for example, is a crime against another, but is also turning one's back on what God has told us.

Adultery is not only a offense against a spouse, but is going against what God has declared to be lifelong.

Lying not only affects the one lied to, but turns our noses up at the truth God wants us to speak.

Sin is not about you and the person against whom you commit it.

It's about revolting against God.

It's saying you know better.

It's telling Him your way is easier, more comfortable and more profitable for you than His.

Sin is against the Lord--and the Lord alone.

TRIED
Today's reading: Numbers 13-15

"But Caleb tried to encourage the people as they stood before Moses. Let's go at once and take the land, he said. We can certainly conquer it!" Numbers 13:30 NLT

Tried-to have made an attempt at.

Estimates tell us there were over two million men, women and children traveling with Moses to the Promised Land.

Two million.

That's the same number of people some small countries have inhabiting them!

We find Caleb attempting to persuade that many scared, tired, homeless folks that the giants facing them were conquerable.

He tried.

He stated his opinion. He stood up for what he believed. He told them what was on his heart. He spoke his convictions. He shared his beliefs in the One True God and His powers.

He tried.

He didn't sway them or win them over.

Maybe you're in the same boat.

You are standing out in the crowd because of what you believe...or who you believe in.

Caleb was noted in the Bible for trying, not succeeding, because that would have entailed every one of the other two million Israelites believing as deeply as he did, but trying.

I want to be known for that.

When I stand before God, I want Him to know by how I lived, that I tried!

COMPLAIN
Today's reading: Numbers 10-12

"The people soon began to complain to the Lord about their hardships and when the Lord heard them, his anger blazed against them. Fire from the Lord raged among them and destroyed the outskirts of the camp." Numbers 11:1 NLT

Complain-to express grief, pain or discontent; to make a formal accusation or charge; to express dissatisfaction, pain or resentment usually tiresomely.

Bellyache. Fuss. Gripe. Grumble. Nag. Whine.

What does the Lord hear from me?

As He walks me on this journey towards my Promised Land, does He constantly hear my complaints? Am I often expressing my dissatisfaction towards His answers, His plans, His ways or His timing? Am I bellyaching over the blessings I don't have to the extent that I overlook all He has given me?

I want to watch my words today, more than ever. I want to be more of a praise-er than a complain-er.

GIFTS
Today's reading: Numbers 7-9

"...They each placed their gifts before the altar." Numbers 7:10 NLT

Gift-a notable capacity, talent or endowment; something voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation.

I want to place my gifts on the altar today.

What ever they may be.

How ever small I believe they are.

When I have the opportunity.

It won't be a show-y performance. A special part of the worship service. There won't be spotlights or applause.

No one else may ever know.

But I will.

And God will.

We will both know when I place all the abilities, skills, talents and capabilities I have before Him for His use, for His blessing, for His plans.

Only on His altar will they ever be used to their fullest capacity in the ways He created them for.

SMILE
Today's reading: Numbers 4-6

"May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you." Numbers 6:25 NLT

Smile-to look or regard with amusement or ridicule; to bestow approval; to appear pleasant or agreeable.

God's smile.

We feel it, don't we?

We sense the warmth. We perceive the acceptance. We experience the approval.

It settles us. It encourages us. It excites us. It invigorates us. It spurs us on. It makes us want more and more of it.

And when it is not there, we long for it. We ache for it. We desire it more than anything else.

MINISTER
Today's reading: Numbers 1-3

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

Minister-(verb) to function as a servant of religion; to give aid or service.

I don't care for the flippant definition of today's word.

As the royal priesthood, ones bought and paid for by Christ's blood, we, the saved, are ministers.

I am not, nor do I want to be, a servant of religion.

To give aid or service, yes, but I do not want to be a follower of a religious sect.

I want to function as a servant of a relationship. The relationship I have with God. The relationship  I have been allowed through the sacrifice of Jesus. The relationship led and brought to my soul by the Holy Spirit.

I can only give aid or service through that relationship. That will be the only true help I could give another.

TROUBLED
Today's reading: Luke 22-24

"And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?" Luke 24:38 KJV

Troubled-agitated; to cause one inward commotion, to take away calmness of mind; to disquiet, make restless.

He asks us simply, Why do we let things steal our joy?

What in this world is so enticing, attractive and shiny that we take our eyes and minds off of Him?

How could we ever doubt Him?