REDEEMS
Today's reading: Jeremiah 49-52

"And now the Lord Almighty says this: The people of Israel and Judah have been wronged. Their captors hold them and refuse to let them go. But the one who redeems them is strong. His name is the Lord Almighty. He will defend them and give them rest again in Israel. But the people of Babylon-there will be no rest for them!" Jeremiah 50:33-34 NLT

Redeems-to free from what distresses or harms; to free from captivity; to extricate from or help to overcome something detrimental.

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

I don't feel your pain.

I don't carry your burdens.

But you and I can share this verse!

It should stir you up and ignite you for today's battle.

It should course through your veins, causing your heart to pump wildly!

The One who redeems us is strong!

Our Deliverer is mighty!

The One who rescues us is full of power!

If that doesn't light a fire underneath you, your wood's wet!

KEPT
Today's reading: Jeremiah 44-48

"But my people would not listen or turn back from their wicked ways. They kept right on burning incense to these gods." Jeremiah 44:5 NLT

Kept-to have continued on.

What happens within your heart when you personalize this verse?

'But Malinda would not listen or turn back from her wicked ways. She, Malinda, kept right on worshiping these idols of hers.'

Does sliding your own name into God's Word make it a little more intimate? A little more convicting? A little more real?

Does it, for today, shine a light on the little shelf of idols you yourself have set up to worship?

LATER
Today's reading: Jeremiah 40-43

"Ten days later, the Lord gave his reply to Jeremiah." Jeremiah 42:7 NLT

Later-at some time subsequent to a given time.

For a gal whose prayers end with 'amen' and an expectation for God to jump up and do for me what I've requested, this stopped me in my tracks.

Oh, it's not that He can't.

It's not that He doesn't, on occasion.

It is just a very black and white reminder that even for the greatest of God's folks, there is a waiting.

Yes, even for one for whom God has named a book of the Bible.

For one who is a prophet.

For one who is know for his praying skills.

I needed the reminder that God always hears--but that His answers come ONLY when He deems them ready to be presented, me ready to accept the answer and when He will be most glorified by them.

WRITING
Today's reading: Jeremiah 34-36

"Perhaps the people of Judah will repent if they see in writing all the terrible things I have planned for them. Then I will be able to forgive their sins and wrongdoings." Jeremiah 36:3 NLT

Writing-letters or characters that serve as visible signs of ideas, words or symbols.

What do you do with what you see written in your Bible?

Does is touch you in any way?

Does it prick your heart with conviction?

Encourage your weary soul?

Move you to act in a godly way?

Excite you to the extent that you share what you've seen in writing?

You've seen His thoughts in writing...it should stir us to do something!

HARD
Today's reading: Jeremiah 32-33

"I am the Lord, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?" Jeremiah 32:27 NLT

Hard-difficult to accomplish or resolve; requiring great or utmost effort or energy.

The enemy doesn't want you to know this, but...

There is a question you can ask of any situation that can relieve your head and heart of loads of worry.

It's a question that turns the tables on the enemy's lies. It exposes the deepest, darkest threats. It completely and utterly allows the truth to be seen in every circumstance.

The question?

Is anything too hard for God?

We know the answer!

We know there has never been a problem that has left Him wringing His hands.

There has never been a happening that left Him mystified or caught off guard.

There has never been a late-night phone call that tumbled the worlds He keeps in order.

And there won't be.

Is anything too hard for God?

SATISFY
Today's reading: Jeremiah 30-31

"I will supply the priests with an abundance of offerings. I will satisfy my people with my bounty. I, the Lord, have spoken!" Jeremiah 31:14 NLT

Satisfy-to make happy: please; to gratify to the full.

Man, oh man, what a question runs through my mind this morning.

Does God satisfy me?

You know I have to ask it of you, too.

To let you chew on the Word.

To allow you opportunity to correct yourself in the reflection of His mirror of truth.

To get your heart right in accordance to Him, not to the world.

Does He satisfy you?

RESTORE
Today's reading: Jeremiah 27-29

"I will be found by you, says the Lord. I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and bring you home again to your own land." Jeremiah 29:14 NLT

Restore-give back, return; to put or bring back into existence or use; to renew; to put again in possession of something.

God was speaking to the exiles who had been placed in captivity in Babylon for what would be a seventy year 'time out'.

He promised them that when they chose to return to Him, He would return to them. And return to them in a way they would not or could not fathom.

He told them He would also restore everything they had lost.

But not only lost.

Everything they had given away to idols.

Everything they had traded for sins.

Everything they had forfeited in order to be part of the crowd.

Everything they had allowed to slip through their fingers.

Everything they had previously owned but had never fully appreciated.

What a promise!

And it's one we can bank on, too.

Those things you gave away while you walked in sin--if they are truly intended to be yours, then He will restore them!

Those godly ways you disregarded as old-fashioned, grandfatherly or archaic, He will make new and valuable to you.

Those personal things you'd sold off to the highest bidder at the lowest point in your life, He is there to renew, remake and reward back to you.

When we turn back to Him.

FURIOUS
Today's reading: Jeremiah 24-26

"But you would not listen to me, says the Lord. You made me furious by worshiping your idols, bringing on yourselves all the disasters you now suffer." Jeremiah 25:7 NLT

Furious-exhibiting or goaded by anger; indicative of or proceeding from anger; giving a stormy or turbulent appearance.

Do you forget God can exhibit anger?

Even to the point of being furious?

Oh, there are those who would like us to believe it isn't in Him.

That He is only love.

That He is only mercy.

That He is only kindness.

That birds chirp, rainbows pop up and angels dance when He is around.

But the Bible tells us account after account of God's anger, against people-both His and those who go against His.

So why do we forget that?

Why do we choose to go against Him? To stir up His anger by ungodly choices? By making disobedient decisions?

To poke Him with a stick that we think is long enough for us to be safe from His fury?

ASKING
Today's reading: Jeremiah 22-23

"You should keep asking each other, 'What is the Lord's answer?' or 'What is the Lord saying?'" Jeremiah 23:35 NLT

Asking-calling on for an answer; questioning about.

I'm asking you to do me a favor.

Really, I need you to do it for me.

You need me to do it for you, too.

If you hear me begin a conversation with, 'Well, my opinion is...', stop me! Tell me to quit talking. Put your hand over my mouth. Duct tape my lips closed. Discontinue the conversation. Do not listen to me!

Stop me from offering my opinion.

But if you hear me say, 'This is what the Bible says...'

Or, 'God's Word tells us...'

Then listen up.

Listen closely.

Hang on every word.

But don't allow me to offer opinion--it's too emotionally based, personally flawed and lacking the wisdom God's advice would have.

DELIVERED
Today's reading: Jeremiah 19-21

"Now I will sing out my thanks to the Lord! Praise the Lord! For though I was poor and needy, he delivered me from my oppressors." Jeremiah 20:13 NLT

Delivered-to have been set free; to have been taken and handed over to or left for another.

It really doesn't matter how much you have in your bank account or how self-sufficient you believe you are.

It doesn't matter your opinion of your personal strengths, physical, mental, emotional or spiritual.

It doesn't matter how long it's been since your last fall from grace.

It doesn't matter how dark your past was and how brilliantly lit your present is.

We all need a Deliverer.

At all times.

For every step we take.

CURSED
Today's reading: Jeremiah 16-18

"This is what the Lord says: Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, on the salty flats where no one lives." Jeremiah 17:5-6 NLT

Cursed-being under or deserving a curse.

Curse-a prayer or invocation for harm or injury to come upon one.

Be very careful where you put your trust.

Where your assurance lies.

In what and in whom your comfort comes.

What gives you peace.

What makes you happy.

No one wants to be a 'stunted shrub living on salty flats'!

INFLUENCE
Today's reading: Jeremiah 13-15

"...You are to influence them; do not let them influence you!" Jeremiah 15:19 NLT

Influence-the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways; corrupt interference with authority for personal gain.

There is a great possibility that 'they' have already influenced you this morning.

Maybe in what you will wear?

How you will feel about what you see in the mirror?

About what you are dreading that's penciled in on your planner?

In regards to who might approach your sales counter?

About whether or not you will fall short, again, in comparison to another?

But that's not how we are supposed to be living.

We are to be the influencers.

The people who make a mark.

The ones who set the bar, encourage others and mark the course.

We have God living in our very souls, and to a world that's hungry for His peace, we have the opportunity to share Him with them...to be Him in flesh...to influence them for Him.

GREAT
Today's reading: Jeremiah 10-12

"Lord, there is no one like you! For you are great, and your name is full of power." Jeremiah 10:6 NLT

Great-notably large in size; remarkable in magnitude, degree or effectiveness; markedly superior in quality or character.

It's time we got back to basics.

God is great!

Sure He is merciful, kind, loving, gracious and just but let's remember what He is to His very core, and that is great.

It's elementary.

It's self-explanatory.

It's truth in the simplest of terms.

God is great.

God is great!

GOD IS GREAT!

SELF-DESTRUCTIVE
Today's reading: Jeremiah 7-9

"Then why do these people keep going along their self-destructive path, refusing to turn back, even though I have warned them?" Jeremiah 8:5 NLT

Self-destructive-acting or tending to harm or destroy oneself; suicidal.

Why do we make following God so hard?

When we know He has the best in store for us...

When we know His ways are perfect...

When we know the reward that awaits us as faithful followers of His...

When living for Him will make such an impact on those around us...

When we know, down deep we really know, that in disregarding Him, we're killing ourselves?

SUPERFICIAL
Today's reading: Jeremiah 4-6

"From the least to the greatest, they trick others to get what does not belong to them. Yes, even my prophets and priests are like that! They offer superficial treatments for my people's mortal wound. They give assurances of peace when all is war." Jeremiah 6:13-14 NLT

Superficial-of, relating to, or located near a surface; concerned only with the obvious or apparent; presenting only an appearance without substance or significance.

The simple fact is this: Sin is the problem.

In regards to the issues of gun violence, sin is the problem.

Human trafficking, sin is the problem.

Broken homes and a declining economy, sin is the problem.

Lack of respect and decency, sin is the problem.

Regarding the floundering and lifeless churches in our country, sin is the problem.

Politicians, media analysts and even some preachers will point to other issues causing the turmoil, but the reasons they present are only superficial, surface wounds.

The infection and infestation comes from hearts not in alignment with God and His Word.

The real problem is sin.

The real solution is not awaiting the right committee, the right party or the right amount of mind over matter--it is conviction, confession, repentance and salvation.

Sin is the problem. God is the answer!

GODS
Today's reading: Jeremiah 1-3

"Why don't you call on these gods you have made? When danger comes, let them save you if they can! For you have as many gods as there are cities and towns in Judah." Jeremiah 2:28 NLT

Gods- a being or object believed to have more than natural attributes and power as to require human worship.

Maybe you don't keep your little idols on a shelf in a prominent place in your house.

Or in a special niche of your closet.

Or carry them with you in your pocket or on a chain about your neck.

But you have them.

Sadly, we all have them.

For some it's money. What's in their wallet, in their bank account, in a jar buried in their back yard...

Or it's that slip of paper. The one that bestows a degree, shows your ownership of something, or states the doctor has found you to be in perfect health...

Or an ability. The outstanding singing talent, the organizational skills, the speaking gift, the friendliness factor you seem to have been given...

Or a membership somewhere. To the country club, to the town council, to the sorority, to the Bible study, to the church, to the prayer group...

Maybe your god is a scale sitting on the bathroom floor?

An ideal that involves a white gown and a tuxedo?

A baby wrapped in a receiving blanket?

A full schedule of events neatly penned into a well-kept planner?

Where are these gods of ours when trouble strikes? Which of these holders-of-our-faith come to our rescue when the bottom drops out of our world? What can these ideas, idols and icons do for us?

Nothing.

Nothing, at all.

And yet we serve them with our time, money and attention while God waits for us to turn to Him.

CONTROLS
Today's reading: 2 Peter 1-3

"...For you are a slave to whatever controls you." 2 Peter 2:19 NLT

Control-to have power over; to exercise restraining or directing influence over.

Worst case scenario: your enemy controls you.

Best case scenario: God controls you.

We choose.

We choose who, or Who, we give the reins of our life to.

We choose who, hopefully Who, guides our decisions.

We choose who/Who sets the tone of our day, the attitude we will have, the reactions we will permit, the responses we will spew, the actions we take.

So who, or Who, is controlling you?

DEVOUR
Today's reading: 1 Peter 1-5

"Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour." 1 Peter 5:8 NLT

Devour- to drink down, to swallow down; to swallow up, to destroy; to use up or destroy.

Some days I feel like the mouse a housecat has found and plays with...

Some days I allow the enemy to walk along beside me, like a pet...

Some days the enemy jumps out from around a corner and scares me to death...

Some days I 'put the enemy on a leash', allowing it a short romp about my mind...

Some days I barely get the cage door shut as the enemy lunges at me...

Every day he is out to destroy me.

Every action of his is in an attempt to suck the life, hope and peace out of me.

Every move he makes is in an effort to knock me down so he can kill my soul.

So I have to be careful. I have to be diligent in watching for him. I have to be consistent in keeping him at bay.

He isn't looking for me in order that he might help me in some way...he is out to take my life!

CONTRITE
Today's reading: Isaiah 64-66

"My hands have made both heaven and earth, and they are mine. I, the Lord, have spoken! I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word." Isaiah 66:2 NLT

Contrite-feeling or showing sorrow and remorse for a sin or shortcoming.

When was the last time you were truly sorry for a sin?

Not ashamed of being caught red-handed.

Not embarrassed by the label placed on you for committing it.

But sorry.

From-the-gut sorry you ever did what it was.

It's contriteness that ushers in blessing.

It's being broken by conviction and overwhelmed by the need for forgiveness from God that opens the door to our living in the abundance that He promises to His own.

So think about it.

Let the ramifications of your sins, even and especially, the ones you consider to be small and insignificant, settle in your heart--see if they settle well, or leave you with an upset.

HOLD
Today's reading: Isaiah 61-63

"The Lord will hold you in his hands for all to see--a splendid crown in the hands of God." Isaiah 62:3 NLT

Hold-to have possession of or ownership of or have at one's disposal; to have or maintain in the grasp; to support in a particular position or keep from falling or moving.

You may think, as God's special possession, that you're being stored in His pantry-out of sight and out of mind.

Or that, quite possibly, you're far too plain or common to be on display for Him.

Or maybe you have been told by the enemy that your imperfections and chinks are far to noticeable for Him to want to show the world.

Phooey!

Every day God has you on display in order to reveal His glory to the world.

He holds you carefully and securely in His strong, capable hands and presents you to His world.

As a cherished treasure of His.

As a spoil of a war He fought and funded by His heart.

As a precious masterpiece formed by His own hands.

As a prized creation.

As an adored child.

A crown wouldn't be stuffed away in the archives, hidden in the basement or carelessly tossed in the closet--it would be showed off, displayed, set out to be admired.

Go into the world, child of God...He's hold you!

PIOUS
Today's reading: Isaiah 58-60

"Yet they act so pious! They come to the Temple every day and seem delighted to hear my laws. You would almost think this was a righteous nation that would never abandon its God. They love to make a show of coming to me and asking me to take action on their behalf." Isaiah 58:2 NLT

Pious-marked by or showing reverence for deity and devotion to divine worship; marked by conspicuous religiosity; showing loyal reverence for a person or thing.

Yes, this portion of Scripture refers to the nation of Israel. God's chosen ones. The Holy Land. But couldn't it also, based upon news reports, history of events and media coverage, be the United States?

Conspicuous religiosity.

There is a majority of American citizens striving to be godly people.

(A larger majority than the media touts there to be.)

There is also a remnant of folks who act piously.

The act like they should when the cameras are on.

They go through the motions when the tape is running.

They loudly state their values before elections.

They walk into their churches on special occasions, like they are regular attenders.

'They love to make a show of coming to me and asking me to take action on their behalf.'

But what about their hearts?

Wait a minute, what about our own hearts?

EUNUCH
Today's reading: Isaiah 55-57

"For I say this to the eunuchs who keep my Sabbath days holy, who choose to do what pleases me and commit their lives to me: I will give them--in my house, within my walls--a memorial and a name far great than the honor they would have received by having sons and daughters. For the name I give them is an everlasting one. It will never disappear!" Isaiah 56:4-5 NLT

Eunuch-a castrated man placed in charge of a harem or employed as a chamberlain in a palace; one that lacks virility or power.

What a promise God gives to those of us who are 'lacking'!

Lacking anything, really.

A strong constitution against temptation.

A polished and spotless past.

A legacy of godliness in our families.

The neighbor's fancy house.

The testimony of the one sitting down the pew from us on Sunday.

Maybe what's 'missing' has been taken. Maybe what is gone was given freely at a time in life when it wasn't as valued as it should have been. Maybe what is absent is something that others possess but isn't intended for everyone to have.

This verse tells me God sees us as His. Even when we're 'lacking'.

It says He gives us a name, an everlasting name, that has NOTHING AT ALL to do with what is lost, mislaid or AWOL from our lives.

And all to do with Him!

PROTECT
Today's reading: Isaiah 52-54

"...For the Lord will go ahead of you, and the God of Israel will protect you from behind." Isaiah 52:12 NLT

Protect-to cover or shield from exposure, injury, damage or destruction; to guard or defend.

God's got us covered!

He protects us from what's behind--what sneaks up on us unaware, what creeps up on us, what lurks in the shadows of our pasts.

He protects us from what's ahead--what we don't see coming, what we cannot imagine might come, what the future holds and what it will do to our hearts and lives.

He has us.

Firmly. Securely. No doubt about it, God has us covered!

PRISONER
Today's reading: Isaiah 49-51

"Through you I am saying to the prisoners of darkness, Come out! I am giving you your freedom!.." Isaiah 9:9 NLT

Prisoner-a person deprived of liberty and kept under involuntary restraint, confinement or custody.

While Jesus and His blood are the keys to freedom, do you realize you have the privilege of pointing people to Him?

To release?

To freedom?

To a new life?

One without shackles, chains, addictions, bondage, burden?

Through you He works!

BOWED
Today's reading: Isaiah 46-48

"Both the idols and the ones carrying them are bowed down. The gods cannot protect the people, and the people cannot protect the gods. They go off into captivity together." Isaiah 46:2 NLT

Bowed-bent downward and forward; having the back and head inclined.

What a verse!

I mean, what a visual. A word picture. A perfect poster for reminding us that serving anyone but God is useless, worthless and harmful.

When we are bowed down in carrying our idols, we cannot see where we're going--and we tend to end up in worst places than we would ever imagine.

So ditch your idols!

Get rid of them!

Back straight. Chin up. Look forward. Relieved of the burden!

FOOL
Today's reading: Isaiah 43-45

"Who but a fool would make his own god--an idol that cannot help him a bit!" Isaiah 44:10 NLT

"The poor, deluded fool feeds on ashes. He is trusting something that can give him no help at all. Yet he cannot bring himself to ask, Is this things, this item I'm holding in my hand, a lie?" Isaiah 44:20 NLT

"...What fools they are who carry around their wooden idols and pray to gods that cannot save!" Isaiah 45:20 NLT

Fool-a person lacking in prudence or judgement; a harmlessly deranged person or one lacking in common powers of understanding; one who behaves thoughtlessly or ignorantly.

I would really never consider myself a foolish person--until reading today's portion of Scripture.

To find it three times?

To have the point driven home in my quiet time?

To have my eyes, and heart, directed to the words on the page?

My foolishness rises to the surface when I begin building my idols.

The things I believe will help me.

The items that bring me comfort, peace, joy and what I believe to be, love.

It can be material possessions. Things I take for granted will always be surrounding me. People I love--and people I dislike mightily.

Things that divert my attention, take up my time and give me more of a 'fuzzy-feeling' than the Lord does.

Yes, today's reading was for me.

The fool.

EVERYONE
Today's reading: Isaiah 40-42

"Everyone will see this miracle and understand that it is the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, who did it." Isaiah 41:20 NLT

Everyone-every person; everybody.

Miracles happen every single day. Several times a day.

Everyone sees them, but not everyone recognizes them for what they are.

Some folks see the hand of God and chalk it up to science.

Some experience a touch from the Lord and regard it as coincidence.

Others wait to see how the crowd responds to what's happened.

Still others choose not to acknowledge miracles at all.

Because in doing so, they must acknowledge God.

His power.

His abilities.

His sovereignty.

The honor He is due.

SPREAD
Today's reading: Isaiah 37-39

"After Hezekiah received the letter and read it, he went up to the Lord's Temple and spread it out before the Lord. And Hezekiah prayed..." Isaiah 37:14-15 NLT

Spread-to break into pieces; to open or expand; to stretch out; to become dispersed, distributed or scattered.

King Hezekiah had some heavy stuff written to him in this letter he now held in his hands.

Information that would touch not only his life, but the lives of all those around him.

News that might have kept him in bed, with the covers pulled up over his head.

But instead, he took what he knew and spread it all out before God.

He took it piece by piece and presented it to the One who could either fix it all, or calm his heart in regards to it.

He placed all the ugly parts of the current situation in front of God.

Nothing hidden.

Nothing withheld.

Nothing stuffed away until it looked better or sounded nicer.

Nothing kept from him because he thought it was what he deserved.

He spread it all out before God.

And spread out before God in 'little pieces' it seemed less heavy, less overwhelming, less impossible.

Maybe, just maybe, you have some things you need to spread out before God today.

NEWS
Today's reading: Isaiah 34-35

"With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees." Isaiah 35:3 NLT

News-a report of recent events; previously known information; something having a specified influence or effect.

Here is your mission if you choose to accept it: Share God's Good News to the world.

No, not the whole world, just the part of it you come in contact with today.

The Good News...

Not the news reported by CNN, FOX or NBC.

Not the news printed in the Times, the Sentinel or the Southern.

Not the news as it pertains to the cuddly kittens, cute kids and comical commercials found on Facebook.

I'm talking about the Good News of Jesus, His birth, life, death and resurrection. His saving power.

Talk about that.

About how it has changed you. About all you're finding out about Him as you study your Bible. About how it has a powerful influence in your own life.

Share the Good News as you have experienced it.

Our world needs it!

RUN
Today's reading: Isaiah 31-33

"But Lord, be merciful to us, for we have waited for you. Be our strength each day and our salvation in times of trouble. The enemy runs at the sound of your voice. When you stand up, the nations flee." Isaiah 33:2-3 NLT

Run-to go faster than a walk; to go rapidly or hurriedly; retreat, flee, depart, be chased away.

Maybe the enemy is up in your face already this Monday morning.

Has already taken potshots at your faith.

Already has your list of past failures, sins and mess-ups written out and presented to you.

Maybe he has filled your ears and mind with his lies.

This verse tells me, and you, that at the sound of God's voice our enemy runs.

So read His Word-out loud!

Read it really loudly!

Find a few of the verses written in red and read them out loud, to yourself and to your enemy.

The Scriptures have been written through Him, so use it as your weapon of choice today.

See how quickly the enemy tucks tail and runs!