OPPRESSION
Today's reading: Isaiah 29-30

"This is the reply of the Holy One of Israel: Because you despise what I tell you and trust instead in oppression and lies, calamity will come upon you suddenly. It will be like a bulging wall that bursts and falls. In an instant it will collapse and come crashing down." Isaiah 30:12-13 NLT

Oppression-unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power; a sense of being weighed down in body or mind.

God, when I choose not to believe in the power of your freedom, I am instead choosing to lived chained down.

When I refuse to walk from my prison cell in the light of Your promises, I am the one missing out.

In those times when I believe my enemy and his lies, instead of Your words of truth, I sit in the shackles Your Son has freed me from.

Why in the world would I ever do that? EVER?

And yet, You see me doing it-daily.

And You warn me--and remind me--and show me.

CORNERSTONE
Today's reading: Isaiah 26-28

"Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says, Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem. It is firm, a tested precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never run away again." Isaiah 28:16 NLT

Cornerstone-a  stone forming a part of a corner or angle in a wall; a basis element.

You've heard of the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.

You've seen ads for toothpastes recommended by the American Dental Association.

There are labels stating the opinion of the Surgeon General on most items.

The American Medical Association, the Better Business Bureau...the list goes on and on.

When you see these organizations and their applause for these items, you know they've been tested and tried and found true.

So why don't we trust the Word of God?

The actual God-breathed words of Scripture?

The promises of the Sovereign Lord and Savior of mankind?

He states, for the record, that Jesus is a firm rock to build upon. One that will not fail or fall, will not leave us wanting for anything.

Is He your cornerstone?

FIRM
Today's reading: Isaiah 22-25

"The Lord Almighty says, When that time comes, I will pull out the stake that seemed so firm. It will come out and fall to the ground. Everything it supports will fall with it. I, the Lord, have spoken!" Isaiah 22:25 NLT

Firm-securely or solidly fixed in place; not weak or uncertain; having a solid or compact structure that resists stress or pressure.

Maybe you've felt the earth-moving upheaval of your support being toppled.

The bank account that was a comfortable nest egg wiped out by unforeseen circumstances...

The job you had settled into absorbed into a cost-cutting downsizing...

The one you love, had loved for a long time, would love forever, taken--or worse, chose to leave...

All you had depended upon was gone.

Your 'tent stake' was removed and you were left standing underneath a crumpled, heavy canvas.

But that is when you found Him, wasn't it?

Your Rock.

Your Anchor.

Your Fortress.

Your God.

Strong. Unmoving. Unwavering. Solid. Certain. Consistent. Dependable. Unshakeable. Firm.

Just waiting for you to stop placing trust in everything and everyone else--and trust Him.

WATCHMAN
Today's reading: Isaiah 18-21

"Meanwhile, the Lord said to me, Put a watchman on the city wall to shout out what he sees." Isaiah 21:6 NLT

Watchman-a person who keeps vigil; one who is attentive; a guard; a close observer.

Dear Christian Friend,

I have a request of you.

It's a favor, really.

Something I need you to do for me.

Would you be a watchman for me?

Someone who observes my life, from whatever spot God has placed you in it.

Someone who checks and double-checks me.

Someone who is willing and available to call me on the carpet when my walk is less than godly, when my sinful nature rises up in my actions and attitude.

Someone who will warn me lovingly when my 'heart walls' are about to be invaded by the enemy.

It's a favor I cannot ask of my unbelieving friends.

They don't hold me to the same standards you will as fellow believers.

Be a watchman for me.

Please?

RESPECT
Today's reading: Isaiah 14-17

"Then at last the people will think of their Creator and have respect for the Holy One of Israel." Isaiah 17:7 NLT

Respect-an act of giving particular attention; high or special regard; the quality or state of being esteemed.

Maybe you've been taught to give up your seat for a woman or an older person when they enter the room.

Or to remove your hat as you enter a building.

Or to hold the door for a lady.

Or to stand as our nation's theme song is played.

What about your respect for God?

You're not saving it for Sunday, are you?

For when you step inside the doors of His house?

For when His words are being read from the pulpit?

God deserves our respect on a daily basis.

With each and every breath we take.

With each beat of our hearts.

We should honor Him with our living.

SALVATION
Today's reading: Isaiah 11-13

"See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2 NLT

Salvation-deliverance from the power and effects of sin; liberation from ignorance or illusion; preservation from destruction or failure; deliverance from danger or difficulty.

You don't have to be a 'word nerd' like myself to have something ignited within you as you read today's definition.

It sparks something down deep inside me.

It opens my eyes to the enormity of God's grace.

It sets my heart to pitter-pattering for Him.

You see, God is my salvation!

He is the One through whom I receive a pardon from death, hell and the grave.

He is the One who has released my captors' chains.

He is the One who has brought truth to my heart, not illusion.

He is the One who is preserving me for eternity with Him.

He is the One who walks with me through the valley of the shadow of death, where He tells me I needn't fear...and I don't feel afraid!

God is my salvation!

THINK
Today's reading: Isaiah 8-10

"The Lord has said to me in the strongest terms: Do not think like everyone else does." Isaiah 8:11 NLT

Think-to form or have in the mind; to have as an intention; to have as an opinion; to reflect or ponder on; to center one's thoughts on.

Are you a victim of 'stinkin thinkin'?

Okay, are those you are called to influence affected by your 'stinkin thinkin'?

We, as Christians, are not called to think in terms of the here and now, the visible, the probable. We are called to think in God terms.

To think of eternal significance.

To think through the veil of hope.

To think about what God is capable of doing.

And when we choose not to think like everyone else does, our faith grows.

And theirs does too.

DRAG
Today's reading: Isaiah 4-7

"Destruction is certain for those who drag their sins behind them, tied with cords of falsehood." Isaiah 5:18 NLT

Drag-to draw or pull slowly; to cause to move with slowness or difficulty.

Sure it's easy to see how difficult it might be to walk through life carrying around the weight of sins. The burdens of guilt. The heaviness of a wrong heart.

It's almost a reaction to see this verse in terms of the ungodly, the unsaved, the godless.

But what about those of us who have been saved, redeemed, washed clean--what in the world are we still doing dragging around the history of our sins?

Why are we allowing satan to lie to us about how free we really are?

Why do we keep who we once were, prior to Christ doing His mighty work in our lives, from doing what God asks of us now?

Even Christians are tied with cords of falsehoods, chained to the remembrances of sins. Unworthiness weighs us down. Regrets hold us back. Our pasts keep us from reaching our future because of the extra load our enemy puts on us.

Why when destruction is certain?

Who are we believing? God when He says we are freed and forgiven? Or satan, who says, are you really?

STAIN
Today's reading: Isaiah 1-3

"Come now, let us argue this out, says the Lord. No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool." Isaiah 1:18 NLT

Stain-a soiled or discolored spot; a taint of guilt; a dye or pigment capable of penetrating the pores of wood.

Do you realize the effort required to remove a stain?

Whether it be the scrubbing to get out a grass stain from the knees of jeans, a coffee spill on a white blouse or a dribble of spaghetti sauce on the tablecloth, stains require effort.

Think for a moment about the stain on a piece of old furniture.

Maybe you've attempted to refinish Grandma's sewing machine table or a Hoosier cabinet or an old end table?

You know the elbow grease needed to get through to the unstained wood, past where the stain has penetrated the top layer.

God's redeeming power goes deeper!

He gets out the stains left on us from rubbing up against the world.

He gets the stains out we receive from falling--again and again, against the hard ground.

He gets the stains out that we believe are too deep, too ugly, too much our nature.

He has decided we are worth His effort, His Son and His love.

"...Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool."

TOMORROW
Today's reading: James 1-5

"How do you know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like the morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone." James 4:14 NLT

Tomorrow-the next day; the day after the present.

Jim Elliott, missionary, once said, 'I want to live my life in such a way that when it comes my time to die, dying is all I have left to do.'

Imagine the peace of living in such a way as to never have to say...

Oh, I wish I had...

If only I had told them...

I should have...

I hope they know...

Tomorrow isn't promised us. Just take a glance across the obituary pages. All ages-children, teens, mid-20's, middle age, aged. All stages-just graduating, just becoming a mom/daddy, retired.

Do what you believe God is calling you to do today.

Don't put it off.

Don't assume tomorrow will arrive safe and sound with plenty of opportunity.

QUENCH
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 6-8

"Many waters cannot quench love; neither can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with everything he owned, his offer would be utterly despised." Song of Solomon 8:7 NLT

Quench-to put out the light or fire of; to cause to lose heat or warmth to bring to an end typically by satisfying, damping, cooling or decreasing.

I don't know what you believe you've done that would warrant God no longer loving you...

I am unaware of your grave mistake in life that causes you to think you are no longer worthy of His great love...

I cannot fathom your sin being so grand, so dark, so staining, that the love of Christ cannot clean it up...

God loves you.

Yes, you, messed up you!

Nothing you have done, are doing or will ever do could quench that love.

RIVAL
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 3-5

"...None can rival him." Song of Solomon 5:15 NLT

Rival-to be in competition with; to strive to equal or excel; to possess qualities or aptitude that approaches or equal.

What 'dog are you throwing into the ring'?

What skill do you possess that you're depending wholeheartedly upon?

What creature comfort are you leaning on as a security blanket?

What do you have today that you believe insures tomorrow?

If it's anything but God, it will fail the test.

It will soon be defeated.

It will be found lacking.

It will be come up short.

It will be down for the count before you know it!

God has no rival. There is nothing that can take His place. Nothing exists that can do what He does for you.

BANQUET
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 1-2

"He brings me to the banquet hall, so everyone can see how much he loves me." Song of Solomon 2:4 NLT

Banquet-a sumptuous feast; a meal held in recognition of someone, some occasion or achievement.

Guys, you'll have to excuse us gals for a moment.

Ladies, ever had the fantasy fulfilled of being the gal on the arm of a handsome fella at a grand ball, prom or a fancy dinner?

Ever walked in on his arm feeling beautiful? Chosen? Honored?

Ever took a stroll down the 'red carpet' into the hub-bub of festivities, had your name announced and all the room turn to look?

You have if you are a child of God!

Every morning God presents us with a red carpet to walk down.

Every opportunity God provides us the chance to wow folks with our actions, words or love.

Every time you walk by a mirror you are treated to the view of one of His most prized possessions, most beautiful creations and most amazing works!

Fellas, you, too.

God has invited us into this life, no matter how crazy or up-ended yours seems right now, as a guest of His.

He is showing us off to the world!

RISKS
Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 10-12

"When you work in a quarry, stones might fall and crush you! When you chop wood, there is danger with each stroke of your axe! Such are the risks of life." Ecclesiastes 10:9 NLT

Risks-possibilities of loss or injury; someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard.

I believe church folks are keeping quiet about the Good News of Jesus because of the risks involved.

-We might be laughed at.

-We might not have all the answers.

-We might not be received.

-We might be labeled right wing or as Bible-thumpers.

Know what? We just might.

That's what a risk is. It's a possibility.

But there is always another side to any risk...

-What if what you had to say is just what that person needs?

-What if they believe?

-What if your words offer them the ray of hope they are desperately needing?

-What if, right then and right there, they ask Jesus into their hearts?

Is it worth the risk?

Do you truly believe others need your Jesus, and will you take the risk to tell it to them straight?

REFINING
Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 7-9

"Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us." Ecclesiastes 7:3 NLT

Refining-a freeing from impurities or unwanted material; a freeing from moral imperfections; an improving by pruning or polishing.

It's true.

Well, every word in the Bible is true, but what King Solomon says here is a live-able truth. One that's played out in our every day lives.

It takes an empty chair at the holiday table to make realize the importance of that one.

It takes sickness to help us find out how valuable health is.

It takes a fire, flood or tornado to let us see the comforts of home.

It takes death for us to ascertain the shortness of life.

What is it God will use in each of our lives to refine us? To remove the fluff, the extras, to bring us to the full attention of all He has given us?

ALONE
Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 4-6

"A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back to back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT

Alone-separated from others.

You cannot handle life, and all it throws at you, alone.

Oh, sure, you can try.

But who is there to laugh with--or at?

Who is there to celebrate with --or for?

Who might be there to grieve with?

To pray with?

To grow with?

To battle satan with?

Don't stand off to the side. Don't attempt to be a loner. Don't sequester yourself and your problems.

Share your life, and your needs, with the group of people God has specifically chosen for your journey!

ETERNITY
Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 1-3

"God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT

Eternity-infinite time.

I can grasp the concept of a minute.

Of an hour, too.

I can even understand what a day is.

But eternity?

There isn't a planner printed that's big enough for eternity!

I cannot fathom eternity.

I cannot imagine living forever.

I cannot wrap my head around the idea of from now on.

But as a child of God...

As one who has accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior...

As a follower of Christ...

I need to, because He has planted it in my heart.

As a ray of hope.

As a prize I have won.

As a reward for enduring this world.

As a gift given to His loved ones.

EVIDENCE
Today's reading: Hebrews 11-13

"What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see." Hebrews 11:1 NLT

Evidence-an outward sign; something that furnishes proof.

I love reading the 11th chapter of  Hebrews with the picture of a court room in my mind.

I see the juror's galley.

I see the judges podium.

I see the desks for the defendants and for the prosecution.

And mostly I see the pieces of evidence provided...

Exhibit #1-Abel's choice lambs.

Exhibit #2-Noah's tool pouch.

Exhibit #3-Abraham's suitcase.

Exhibit #4-Sarah's crocheted baby blanket.

Exhibit #5-Abraham's killing knife.

Exhibit #6-Isaac's blessings for his boys.

Exhibit #7-Joseph's pile of bones, packed up and ready to leave Egypt.

Exhibit #8-Jochebed's woven basket.

Exhibit #9-Rocks from the bottom of the Red Sea.

Exhibit #9-Trumpets used outside the walls of Jericho.

Exhibit #10-Rahab's red rope.

Exhibit #11-A tuft of lion's hair.

Exhibit #12-Cinders from a fiery furnace.

Evidence for us to trust God for what we cannot yet see!

When it doesn't make sense.

When it doesn't seem the least bit likely--or possible.

When the world, the enemy, the people around us, tell us it just can't happen.

There is more evidence for us to have faith in God than there is not to, every thought of that?

OFFERED
Today's reading: Hebrews 8-10

"But our High Priest offered himself to God as one sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down at the place of highest honor at God's right hand." Hebrews 10:12 NLT

Offered-to have presented as an act of worship or devotion; to have presented for acceptance or rejection; to have made available.

Ever watched a TV infomercial?

For thirty, or sometimes sixty minutes, the hosts of the show tout all their product's best features. They showcase its qualities. They demonstrate the merchandise's abilities. They make it available to you for a one-time-only low price, or monthly payments. (At least until you find it in that 'aisle' at Wal-Mart.)

They spill their heart and soul into selling their product, then leave it in your hands as to whether you will purchase it or not.

Our Savior has done the same thing.

He offers.

Then He waits for us to decide to take Him up on what He wants to give us.

Eternal life.

Forgiveness.

Release.

Peace.

Joy.

Incomparable love.

What are you doing on a daily basis with His offer?

ANCHOR
Today's reading: Hebrews 5-7

"This confidence is like a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain of heaven into God's inner sanctuary." Hebrews 6:19 NLT

Anchor-a reliable or principal support; something that serves to hold an object firmly.

I remember a trip to Mobile, Alabama, a few years ago to the USS Alabama.

I was in awe that something so large, so long, so made of metal could ever float.

We had the opportunity to walk in and out of the small cabins. We toured the lower decks. We climbed down and up the tiny staircases. We viewed the galley, the bird's nest and saw the huge guns.

And we saw one of the anchors.

The enormous anchors.

The anchors they would drop when they wanted the ship to stay in one place.

The anchor they would use to steady the vessel.

The anchor they would use to stop the waves and current from moving the battleship where it didn't need to go.

It took a mighty large anchor!

Our faith does, too.

We cannot use our abilities as an anchor.

Or our wealth.

Or our health.

Or our ancestry.

Or our involvement in church committees.

Or our possession of several translations of the Bible.

Our anchor has to be Christ.

We have to set our affections, our hopes, our sights on Him, and Him alone.

Only He is strong enough to keep our faith from wavering. He is big enough to keep the waves of life from pushing us where we never intend to go. He is secure enough to keep us steady and floating where He needs us to be.

Investigate your anchor today.

Make sure it's Jesus.

UNDERSTANDS
Today's reading: Hebrews 1-4

"This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin." Hebrews 4:15 NLT

Understand-to grasp the meaning of; to have thorough or technical acquaintance with something another is experiencing.

The enemy would lead you to believe no one else is going through exactly what you are enduring.

That never in history has someone had the problems you seem to be having.

That you won't make it through.

The enemy is a liar!

God sent Jesus to walk, talk, eat and endure on this earth so He would know JUST what it's like to be human.

He knows what it's like to be tired. Bone tired. Exhausted. Worn out. Few of us could have walked a mile in His shoes, through the hills of Galilee, the paved streets of Jerusalem, the waves of a stormy, nighttime sea.

He knows what it's like to have loved ones turn their back on God. The ones closest to us. The ones who have been raised to know better. The ones who sat through Sunday School classes, VBS classes, memorized the verses and sang 'Jesus Loves Me'. Jesus gets it, His closest friend sold Him to the soldiers for 40 pieces of silver, ran when He was convicted falsely and hid when times got hard.

He knows what it's like to fight for the mustard seed-sized faith you have. To stand against supposedly wiser, older, more highly educated people. To cling to faith when all else falls away. To stand on faith when the only one standing is you.

Our High Priest knows.

So talk to Him about how you feel. I take it on trustworthy authority, my Bible, that He gets it and can lead you in the way He needs you to go in order to see Him more clearly!

DEFEND
Today's reading: Proverbs 30-31

"Every word of God proves true. He defends all who come to him for protection." Proverbs 30:5 NLT

Defend-to drive danger or attack away from; to maintain or support in the face of argument or hostile criticism.

God is on your side.

I know, I know, the enemy tells you other wise...but God is for you!

If you are His, He will go to the greatest lengths to uphold you, to back you, to lift you and to protect you.

If you aren't yet His, He will go to the greatest lengths to get you, to find you, to rescue you, to save you.

Nothing in your day ahead cannot be tackled with God on your side!

HEARTFELT
Today's reading: Proverbs 27-29

"The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense." Proverbs 27:9 NLT

Heartfelt-deeply felt; earnest; very sincere.

What is God leading you to tell a friend?

To witness to them?

To share your own testimony?

To warn them of a sin that's overtaking their life, a stronghold that's attempting to strangle them, an issue of bondage that's beginning to separate them from God?

COMPROMISE
Today's reading: Proverbs 24-26

"If the godly compromise with the wicked, it is like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring." Proverbs 25:26 NLT

Compromise-settlement of difference by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessions; something intermediate between or blending qualities of two different things; to make a shameful or disreputable concession.

I mix a lot of paint at the lumberyard I work at.

I know if you combine yellow and blue, you will get green.

If you mix blue and red, you will get a purple tint.

If you stir together white and black, you will get gray.

I think of compromising as a gray area.

A little of both sides of an argument give in, and gray is produced.

But as a Christian, should I be compromising anything?

Should I be allowing any bit of wickedness, sin, evil or wrong to 'muddy the water of my heart'?

Should I okay certain things because society has okayed it?

Should I waiver on my beliefs because 'times are changing'?

Should I ever think I can mix a little of God and a little of the world and think it's right?

Should I allow a little ungodliness into my life? How much godliness am I willing to give up in the compromise--do I have enough to get rid of? Because when I compromise, a concession is made. Something if given up on both sides.

Boy, oh boy, it's got me thinking this morning!

COMMON
Today's reading: Proverbs 21-23

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

Common-belonging to or shared by two or more individuals or things or by all members of a group.

We see what we want to see when we look at others.

It might be what they're wearing.

It might be how they are groomed.

It might be based upon the language they use.

The tone they take.

The demands they make.

But do we look deeper? Do we ask God to help us see them as He sees them? Do we take the time to see the commonalities we share, even in the ones with whom we would just as soon not associate with?

Rich or poor.

Nice or mean.

Young or old.

Saved or not--yet.

Ask God to allow you to put on His set of glasses, to have a new view, to be able to see a person's heart.

OPINION
Today's reading: Proverbs 18-20

"Fools have no interest in understanding, they only want to air their opinions." Proverbs 18:2 NLT

Opinion-a view, judgement or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter; belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge.

The popular saying goes like this, Opinions are like armpits. Everyone has them, some of them smell bad.

It's true!

We all have opinions.

We all believe ours are probably the best, or we wouldn't have them.

But here is the hold-up, our opinions are at best limited to what we know.

Want to provide someone with something better than our opinion? Quote the Word.

Offer God's words instead of your own.

Provide God's instruction instead of what you would do in a situation.

Premise your conversations with such beginnings as...

Well, the Bible says...

Let's see what God has to say about it...

According to God's Word...

The instruction God gives is...

See if giving His truths about a subject doesn't make you sound smarter, and definitely more godly--and who wants to smell your armpit!

AVOIDED
Today's reading: Proverbs 16-17

"Unfailing love and faithfulness cover sin; evil is avoided by fear of the Lord." Proverbs 16:6 NLT

Avoided-to have kept away from; to prevent the occurrence or effectiveness of; to have refrained from.

I've been thinking this morning...

I don't know of a single evil I've ever committed that was forced on me by another person.

I cannot place blame.

I cannot point fingers.

I cannot divert guilt to another.

It's been up to me.

Only me.

And according to this verse, it's because I don't fear the Lord.

I don't consider Him to be Who He says He is.

I don't believe, wholeheartedly, how very much He hates sin.

I don't avoid, a personal act, the evils that separate me from Him.

And...I don't think I'm the only one.

HUNGRY
Today's reading: Proverbs 13-15

"A wise person is hungry for truth, while the fool feeds on trash." Proverbs 15:14 NLT

Hungry-strongly motivated.

What motivates most of us?

Is it an actual hunger for food? Very doubtful.

Most of what moves us, pushes us, instigates us is the need to be wanted, to be useful, to be loved.

So let's think about our day...

Facebook doesn't do it.

Television doesn't do it.

Social clubs and ball teams don't  do it.

So, I guess, if it doesn't 'feed' us, it's trash.

DISASTER
Today's reading: Proverbs 9-12

"Disaster strikes like a cyclone, whirling the wicked away, but the godly have a lasting foundation." Proverbs 10:25 NLT

Disaster-a sudden calamitous event bringing great damage, loss or destruction; a sudden or great misfortune.

One of my favorite quotes, who the credit goes to is a mystery to me, goes something like this...

As you stand on the shore of the sea. As the storms of life shift the sands beneath your feet inch by inch. As the beautiful beach erodes before your very eyes, you'll see it--the solid rock upon which all the sands were resting on.

Isn't that true?

Whether it's dirt, sand or a pillar of accomplishments, they all rest on the bedrock of earth. Even the deepest oceans, if they were to become dried up, have a foundation of rock.

As is our faith!

When the cyclone takes all we thought was safe, secure and lasting, we are left with the Rock.

And the Rock you stand on is secure enough for whatever the storm brings.

REMINDER
Today's reading: Proverbs 5-8

"...Guard my teachings as your most precious possession. Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart." Proverbs 7:3 NLT

Reminder-something that calls a memory or thought to mind; something designed to prompt or aid the memory.

Maybe you are an index card user and have verses posted all around your house?

A special cross necklace kind of person?

A specific verse on the banner of your cell phone?

Have a string tied on your finger?

A rock from the Valley of Elah in your pocket? A rock from the Sea of Galilee in your purse?

What is it you do to remind yourself of God's promises to you? His history of caring for His own? His safety and strength?

Do something!

Do something to remind you of God's words.

Anything!

Don't expect your enemy to remind you.