WITH ALL
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 5:23-7:26, Luke 7:1-17, Psalm 64:1-5

"And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:5 NLT

All means, well, all.

It's not a portion of your heart, soul and strength.

It's not a fraction of your heart, soul and strength.

It's not a majority of your heart, soul and strength.

It's all.

All.

All your heart. All your soul. All your strength.

(All sure makes it easier on those of us like myself who don't do well with fractions and math anyway!)

MIND SHIFT
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 4:15-5:22, Luke 6:36-49, Psalm 63:6-11

"I like awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. I think how much you have helped me; I sing for joy in the shadow of your protecting wings." Psalm 63:6-7 NLT

I think I can speak for the majority of us...

The nights we lie awake thinking, unable to sleep, rest eluding us, it's not usually because we are pondering all God has done for us...but quite the opposite.

We're worrying about what's left on our prayer request list.

We're stewing over unpaid bills and unmet expectations.

We're fretting over hurt feelings, harsh words and highly exaggerated fears.

Don't you think it's time for a mind shift?

What if the very moment those thoughts come to mind, we immediately re-direct our mind to praise God?

What if we began listing His attributes--always there for us, constantly loving us, provider of our Savior...

What if we started recounting all the ways He has rescued us before?

What if we thought about a single account in the Bible where His power amazed?

What if we thanked Him for this trial--and for how He will be glorified through it?

It surely requires a mind shift. It's possible. It's going to take some effort and some practice. It's doable.

GLIMMERS OF HOPE
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 2:26-4:14, Luke 6:12-35, Psalm 63:1-5

"...O Sovereign Lord, I am your servant. You have only begun to show me your greatness and power. Is there any god in heaven or earth who can perform such great deeds as yours?" Deuteronomy 3:23 NLT

What you have seen God do, whether miraculous, a small blessing or for someone else, is just a glimpse of what He can do!

Our imaginations, as wild as they can be, cannot limit what God is capable of doing--in us, through us and for us.

So sit and think a moment or two about the things you've seen God do...

Ponder how amazed you were at His works...

Then get ready to see more, much more!

AGAIN AND AGAIN
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 1:1-2:25, Luke 5:33-6:11, Psalm 62:7-12

"But I said to you, Don't be afraid! The Lord your God is going before you. He will fight for you, just as you saw him do in Egypt. And you saw how the Lord your God cared for you again and again here in the wilderness, just as a father cares for his child. Now he has brought you to this place." Deuteronomy 1:29-31 NLT

Maybe you need to hear it...

Maybe you need the reminder...

Maybe you've never been told, but kind of figured...

Maybe you need to say it out loud...

God will be with you again today!

His track record is 100% reliable.

His promises are always fulfilled.

His word is trustworthy.

His abilities surmount our expectations.

His desire is to amaze you with His provisions.

God will be with you AGAIN today!

QUIETLY
Today's reading: Numbers 34-36, Luke 5:17-32, Psalm 62:1-6

"I wait quietly before God, for my salvation comes from him." Psalm 62:1 NLT

"I wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him." Psalm 62:5 NLT

If you know me at all, you know I'm not good at waiting or being quiet.

I like to get things done.

I like to check things off my to-do list.

I like to see progress.

And, usually, I like to make a lot of noise while I do it!

But I am daily learning that there are some things I cannot do. Some things I cannot change. Some progress I cannot move forward, no matter how hard I push.

So I wait for God to do it.

I'm also learning that while I wait, it's a very good time to listen.

To listen to what He might say to me.

To hear what His Word tells my heart.

To tune in to what He may have been saying all along, had I stopped long enough to acknowledge His voice.

To realize He doesn't need my suggestions, my recommendations or my commentary.

Waiting quietly is an Olympic-sized sport I am training myself to compete in.

For me it sometimes requires a large roll of duct tape for my mouth, to be tied to a chair so I won't be fiddling around, to be secluded in a dark room with no stimulation or distractions.

But when I wait quietly, I find Him. I hear His voice. I feel His presence. I see Him at work, around me and in me. I step into His peace.

Waiting quietly. It's not for the faint of heart.

PRESSING IN
Today's reading: Numbers 32-33, Luke 5:1-16, Psalm 61

"One day Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God." Luke 5:1 NLT

Here is where God took my heart this morning...

Can you imagine the effort these people went to in order to spend time with Jesus?

The miles they walked.

The energy they exerted.

The jobs they left behind.

The tasks they left undone.

The early hour at which they had to rise and shine and get on the road in order to reach the seashore.

The people they bumped in to.

The sack lunches they had to prepare for the journey.

The chores they had to accomplish around their homesteads before leaving for the revival service.

And all I do is get up to a chime-alarm, shower with hot water and line-dried towels of cotton, walk on carpet to my prayer chair, switch on the electric lights, open a Book and read His Word?

And still there are days I cannot find the time, do not have the desire, won't push aside a task, procrastinate or refuse to sit down to hear from Him?

They 'pressed in'--meaning they went to extremes, they stood shoulder to shoulder, they were crowded, they were not in a climate-controlled arena--they were sweating in the Middle East sunshine side-by-side. Just to hear Him.

Oh, friends, we have to make more of an effort!

WHAT POWER
Today's reading: Numbers 31, Luke 4, Psalm 60:6-12

"When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures...He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant and sat down. Everyone in the synagogue stared at him intently...All who were there spoke well of him and were amazed by the gracious words that fell from his lips..." Luke 4:16-22 NLT

It's Mrs. Morthland's fault. She planted the seed in third grade reading class. She could read a story in a way no one else I've come across can.

She could mesmerize you with her words. She could draw you into the storyline. She could make you feel as if you were living the account.

All with how she read.

She didn't use accents, different voices or sound effects. She just read from her heart.

If you were on a pirate ship, you could feel the salt spray on your face.

If you were in a desert, you could feel thirst creeping into your very being.

If you were riding the range with a cowboy, you would feel saddle sore by the time the tale ended.

If you were on the prairie walking alongside the covered wagon, you could practically feel the long blades of prairie grass brushing against your legs.

She was that good.

But imagine Jesus standing to read the Scriptures!

From the moment He opened the scroll to the handing of it over to the attendant, you would have been transported, literally transported from earth to the realms of heaven.

He read them with personal interest.

He read them with an impassioned knowledge.

He read them with the power they evoked.

He read them with the personal touch only the Son of God could.

He read them with a heart filled with the accounts, miracles and prophecies.

Imagine!

I want to allow Him to read His words to me.

Every day as I crack open my favorite book in the whole entire world, I want Him to read its words to me.

To put me in the account.

To draw me in to what's happening.

To show me new and exciting things.

To let me have a glimpse of how deep, wide, high and far this Book of Books can change me.

Let Him read them to you, too.

REFUGE
Today's reading: Numbers 29:12-30:16, Luke 3, Psalm 60:1-5

"But you have raised a banner for those who honor you--a rallying point in the face of attack." Psalm 60:4 NLT

I remember the first 5K I ran.

I had practiced for weeks. I had trained inside on the treadmill and outside on the track. I had mastered my breathing, determined which pace worked best for me and laced up my favorite running shoes.

The morning dawned crisp and cool. The starting gun sounded and we were off.

I plugged along, step after step.

It was going just as I had thought it would, and then I saw it--the water station.

The halfway mark.

The spot at which they handed us cups of water as we jogged through.

It wasn't a rest area. It wasn't a spot where they had set up couches for us to catch our breath. It didn't even have chairs for us to spell ourselves.

It was a drive-thru of sorts.

Kind of like the rallying points God provides for us.

We keep going through them.

We get what we need and we continue on.

We rest our minds and hearts, but we keep on the journey of faith.

He gives this place of peace as a respite. As a watering hole. As a refilling station. But it's not a place to camp out. It's not a final destination. It's not where we end our race.

Notice where His banner is flying and set that as a goal to reach today. Notice where He wants to comfort, refresh and revitalize you and go that direction. Find His moments of peace and encouragement in your day.

But just go through--just go through!

TURN ON THE LIGHT
Today's reading: Numbers 27:12-29:11, Luke 2:39-52, Psalm 59:9-17

"My enemies come out at night, snarling like vicious dogs as they prowl the streets. They scavenge for good but go to sleep and growl if they don't get enough." Psalm 59:14-15 NLT

There is nothing like a long, dark night or a black cloud kind of storm to bring out enemy out. He likes to trip us up when we are blinded by circumstances. He attempts to jump out from around every shadowy corner.

He is like a cockroach!

So what does one do with vermin like him? We expose them to the Light!

Open your Bible.

Allow God's Word to break through the darkness, to remove the blindfold, to brighten every corner of your life!

Let a verse offer the ray of hope you need to continue on.

Read an account in the Bible that brings light to your bleary, tear-filled eyes.

Scripture is like a flashlight, pick it up and turn it on!

BEING ON GUARD
Today's reading: Numbers 26:1-27:11, Luke 2:21-38, Psalm 59:1-8

"They have an ambush set for me. Fierce enemies are out there waiting..." Psalm 59:3 NLT

I don't want to scare you, but it's a jungle out there!

There is an enemy prowling around, not waiting to grab us up and play with us, but who wants to devour us.

There are potholes, areas of quicksand and traps set to make us stumble, stagnate and stay in the same place longer than intended.

There are people who don't know Jesus, want Jesus or are impressed by your relationship with Jesus-and they don't care about your feelings.

Yes, it's a jungle out there...

And maybe it's a jungle inside your home, too. Maybe there is controversy, unrest, differing beliefs, turmoil and stress inside your four walls.

Knowing there is an enemy out for us gives us an advantage!

We can be on the lookout for him. We can be ready. We needn't be caught off guard. We shouldn't expect anything less than him being out to get us. We can be prepared for his attacks.

So get ready, strong, God-filled Christian friend! Go about your day with Jesus in your heart, God's promises on your lips and the armor of faith enveloping your being.

This enemy has already been defeated, but he doesn't think you believe that. Show him you do!

LITTLE BY LITTLE
Today's reading: Numbers 24-25, Luke 1:57-2:20, Psalm 58

"While the Israelites were camped at Acacia, some of the men defiled themselves by sleeping with the local Moabite women. These women invited them to attend sacrifices to their gods, and soon the Israelites were feasting with them and worshiping the gods of Moab." Numbers 25:1-2 NLT

I will, with a personal guarantee, assure you the Israelite fellas who were led astray by the Moabite women never intended for things to go as far as they did.

They didn't leave their tents that morning with immorality and idolatry on their minds.

They didn't spend time formulating a plan on how to walk away from God.

They never considered themselves ones who could so easily be tempted and fall.

We don't either.

It's always gradual. Little things. Subtle changes. We are often separated from God by choices that turn us by fractional degrees rather than deliberate changes in our plans.

So we have to be very, very careful who we 'sleep with'.

We have to watch the thoughts we allow to grow in our minds.

We have to be very careful of the grudges we harbor.

We have to think through what we believe to be best, rather than what just feels tolerable or acceptable.

We have to limit the ungodly influences we let into our day.

We have to learn to say 'no' to the wrong things and 'yes' to the godly ones.

We have to determine that time with God is more important than other things.

We have to put aside our desire to place God-sized character traits on people, and in turn no longer be let down by humans.

Or we will, like these Israelite men, find ourselves seated at the banquet table of our enemy--and never realize how it was we even got there.

PROCESSING
Today's reading: Numbers 22:21-23:30, Luke 1:26-56, Psalm 57

"Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean." Luke 1:29 NLT

I'm not sure how you process events, circumstances, happenings or dilemnas, but here is what I do..

I think too much.

I try to figure it all out.

I attempt to understand it completely.

I allow it to completely overwhelm me at times.

And in writing all that, I notice the problematic denominator in all of it...I.

I have never been gifted with the wisdom that allows me to figure it all out, the foresight to understand it completely or been given a life that was ever intended by my Creator to be overwhelming.

Mary, the mother of our Savior, was flabbergasted by the news the angel brought to her. She, for a short time, had a tough time processing it. She tried to think of ALL the angel could possibly mean.

But then God allowed her to move from confusion and doubt to submission and willingness.

"Mary responded, I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true. And then the angel left." Luke 1:38 NLT

I want to live in a 'Mary mindset'. I desire to have a heart that so fully trusts what God allows to come into my life that I don't think, I let Him do the thinking for me.

I desire a submissive and willing heart that accepts all things given in my life with belief, not in my abilities to handle it all, but in His love for having given it to me.

I want to accept whatever He wants for my life.

I want to see everything as having been filtered through Him before it ever reaches me.

THIS I KNOW
Today's reading:  Numbers 21:1-22:20, Luke 1:1-25, Psalm 56:8-13

"...This I know: God is on my side." Psalm 56:9 NLT

What a shot in the arm this morning! What a reminder of the victories that are mine! What a note from my Father!

Maybe you needed it, too.

To know He is for you, not against you.

To be told, once again, that this fight for faith is worth every ounce of strength you muster for it.

That current struggles are temporary. That this world, and its troubles, is not our home.

To be encouraged by the Word.

To be able to press on one more day...one more hour...one more minute...one more breath.

If you are sure of nothing else, be sure of this: If you are His, God is on your side!

DISCUSSING THE PROBLEM
Today's reading: Numbers 19-20, Mark 16, Psalm 56:1-7

"On the way they were discussing who would roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb." Mark 16:3 NLT

Mary Magdalene, Salome and Mary (James' mother) were headed to the cemetery early that morning.

Being the organized gals they were, we are told they were carrying their basket full of anointing spices needed for Jesus' body.

They were prepared for their task at hand, except for that large stone.

What would they do with the stone?

Who would move the stone for them?

Oh, that stone, it caused such a problem.

But when they get to the tomb, they find their problem, and much, MUCH more, had been taken care of!

Isn't that just like God?

While we are discussing the problem, assessing the situation, fretting over the futile attempts we can make, worrying about the details--God jumps in and does for us what only He can do.

So here is what I want to do starting today: I want to begin anticipating His work.

Not in how He might do something.

Not in who He will use to fix the problem.

Not even in when He will do it.

I'm just wanting to start looking forward to what He will do about any and every problem I have...the large stones and the small pebbles!

I'm wanting to take my focus off the problem and put them on to the one deserving praise!

Join me, won't you?

REALLY HIM
Today's reading: Numbers 17-18, Mark 15:33-47, Psalm 55

"When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, Truly, this was the Son of God!" Mark 15:39 NLT

I am sure this officer of the court had heard of Jesus.

The accounts of healings.

The crowds who gathered just to hear Him speak.

The miracles He had performed.

The threat He was to the 'church'.

Maybe this gentleman was involved in Jesus' beatings, mocking and the games they played with Him.

Whatever he knew. Whatever he had heard. What little of Jesus he had experienced, it all came down to this moment--and the realization that He truly was who He said He was.

It will come down to that moment for you, too.

If you do not know Jesus as your Redeemer, your Eternity-Securer, your Savior, now is the time!

You've heard about Him. You've read about Him. You've possibly experienced Him in small doses since you were a child.

Is it settled in your head and heart that He is the Son of God?

The one who died on the cross for your sins?

The only one who could provide the sacrifice needed to save you from the grave, death and hell?

Truly, He is the Son of God--and the sooner we come to the realization, the better our lives will be.

Accept the fact that you are in desperate need of a Savior, someone to rescue you from you, from the drudgery of attempting to do enough, be enough, have enough.

Believe He was born from a virgin, lived a perfect life, died on the cross and rose again--just for you. In order that you could be made holy by His sacrifice. Holy enough to enter into a relationship with God.

Confess your sins. Tell God all about it. What you've done. What you've thought. What dreams have been crushed. What bad attitude you're harboring. He knows all about them, but wants you to share them with Him. Go ahead, tell Him. It's freeing.

Determine to live a changed life. One that has turned completely from the sins you had committed, from the life you had lived, from the wrong mindset you had carried around. Determine in your heart to find out more and more about Jesus and how to live like He did.

Experience life as you've never experienced it before!

UNDER ATTACK
Today's reading: Numbers 16, Mark 15:1-32, Psalm 54

"Come with great power, O God, and rescue me! Defend me with your might. O God, listen to my prayer. Pay attention to my plea. For strangers are attacking me; violent men are trying to kill me. They care nothing for God." Psalm 54:1-3 NLT

There are times we cry out to God to rescue us.  From those who like to push our buttons. To whisk us way from the folks who rub us the wrong way. From the people who hurt our feelings, bruise our self-esteem and throw sticks and stones our way.

But what do we pray when our enemy, the one we need rescuing from, is us?

When we look in the mirror and spew negative comments.

When we diss ourselves for mistakes.

When we belittle and bemoan our own feeble attempts.

Yes, sometimes, we are our own worst enemies.

We can pray the same prayer David prayed as armies surrounded him, defeat looked certain and he was feeling under attack...

'Come to me with great power, O God, and rescue me! Defend me with all your might. O God, listen to my prayer. For I am attacking myself! I am forgetting who I am in You. Who You created me to be. How great You believe I am. Do I care nothing for You?'

JUST PRAY
Today's reading: Numbers 15, Mark 14:32-72, Psalm 53

"And they came to an olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, Sit here while I go and pray." Mark 14:32 NLT

Jesus asked His friends to do Him a favor.

To pray with Him.

Not to offer advice on what He should do.

Or quote a Bible passage.

Not to give recommendations of good doctors.

Not to provide details of a friend's friend's aunt's veterinary's ordeal when they went through the same thing.

Not to hand them a new Christian t-shirt, pair of cross earrings or a new Bible devotion.

Not to bake them three 9x13 casseroles, a dozen cookies and a crock-pot full of tuna surprise.

He asked them to pray...just pray. (And I hesitate to even type, 'just pray', because it is such a powerful tool in our arsenal.)

Maybe you have a friend who needs you to do just that.

No advice. No counsel. No preaching. No patting them on the hand. No even coming over to their house.

They just need your prayers. Your heartfelt, intentional, powerful, God-believing prayers.

Can you do that for them?

MY OBITUARY
Today's reading: Numbers 14, Mark 14:1-31, Psalm 52

"She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. I assure you, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman's deed will be talked about in her memory." Mark 14:8-9 NLT

I often think about my obituary.

Not in a morbid way. Not in a 'hope to get to have one soon' way. But I think about it on occasion.

There are a few things I wonder...

-Will my name be spelled correctly?

This is a serious worry of mine. If you have an oddly spelled name, it's a concern of yours too. I've spent my entire life having to correct the spelling of my name and once I'm gone, well who will fix it? , Petty, perhaps, but a concern none the less.

-If my family chooses to mention that I was a regular church attender and list my church in the obituary, will someone be surprised when they read it?

I'm serious here. Have you ever read an obituary that stated the deceased was a member of the church of so-and-so, and you had no clue they even knew where the local church was located? Their life didn't reflect any affiliation with a church or godly beliefs? I don't want anyone saying that about me!

-Will there be anything nice to say about me in the write-up?

Honestly, will they be able to come up with a nice thought, a kind memory or an account of godliness on my behalf? Will they have to dig deep into the archives of my life to find something noteworthy, loving or decent about anything I did? Will they have to take a little poetic license in order to write a nice obituary? Will they choose to forget my sins, my failures, my cutting remarks, the fact that I ran into the Dairy Queen sign when I was 16? Will I be remembered for doing anything for the Lord?

The woman in today's story is still know for her act of service to Jesus all these years later. In a country far removed from her original land. From a time that most of us cannot even fathom the customs, traditions and hardships. In an act of love that we just wouldn't do in this day and age.

But she is still known for loving Jesus.

That's what I want for my obituary.

And since God has given me another day, I guess I get another opportunity to work on it!

NOT GONNA CHANGE
Today's reading: Numbers 12-13, Mark 13:9-37, Psalm 51:10-19

"Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever." Mark 13:31 NLT

A recent news article caught my attention. This article was asking the question, Why do so many ancient Egyptian statues have the nose missing?

I'd never thought about it, but the ones I've always seen, are missing their noses.

The archeologists claim it's mainly from erosion. The nose of the statue is the most vulnerable to the winds of time, the shifting sands and the monsoon rains some areas receive at certain times of the year.

The noses wear off first.

Hard to believe something made of rock can wear out. I'm almost sure the Egyptians, and their slaves, who built these monuments of human feat never thought they would change in any way, shape or form.

It didn't take this oddly interesting article to remind me that things change. One doesn't have to live very long, watch much television or live in southern Illinois to notice that what is today, probably won't be tomorrow.

Except for God's Word!

It has always been. It is. It will always be.

Time won't alter it.

Political powers cannot water it down.

Social norms cannot change it.

We cannot amend it, rationalize it, excuse it or twist it.

What the Bible says is what it will always say.

What God has declared as truth, right, holy and acceptable will not be affected by anything!

DIVIDED ATTENTION
Today's reading: Numbers 10-11, Mark 13:1-8, Psalm 51:1-9

"As Jesus was leaving the Temple that day, one of his disciples said, Teacher, look at these tremendous buildings! Look at the massive stones in the walls!" Mark 13:1 NLT

Can you imagine walking in Jesus' earthly presence--and noticing the stones in a wall?

Jesus.

God Incarnate.

Healer. Teacher. Miracle worker.

And they notice the stones?

Granted, I've seen some of the stones the walls of Jerusalem are currently made of, and yes, they are massive.

But compared to Jesus?

I don't want to walk through my day not noticing Him in it.

I don't want to have my attention divided between Him and the world I live in.

I don't want to be distracted from the work He is doing around me, in me and for me.

God walks with me throughout my day, oh how I want to keep that in the forefront of my mind and heart!

SACRIFICIAL THANKS
Today's reading: Numbers 8:5-9:23, Mark 12:28-44, Psalm 50:16-23

"But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me..." Psalm 50:23 NLT

When I think of sacrifices, I think of things that cost me dearly, take up some of my precious time and really and truly show God my devotion and love for Him.

But, giving thanks?

Telling God, 'Thank you'?

Being thankful?

A sacrifice?

Maybe I'm not doing it right. Or often enough. Or glossing over the things that should elicit a thanks-filled heart.

I want to sacrifice by giving thanks.

I want to thank God more than I ask of Him.

I want to make sure my conversation in regards to Him is filled with appreciation and thankfulness.

I want to stand before friends and family and them see a life of thanks.

I want to speak up about all God has done for me!

That will cost me. It will take my time and energy. It will reveal my heart.

I owe Him that much--and so much more!

TRUST ME
Today's reading: Numbers 7:48-8:4, Mark 12:1-27, Psalm 50:1-15

"Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory." Psalm 50:15 NLT

Life isn't fair.

If I said it the way I wanted to say it, with the emotion I wanted to say it with, using the voice I feel necessary to use in order to get the point across... I'd sound like a whiney child, clenching my fist, stomping my feet and pouting my bottom lip.

Life isn't fair!

Life...isn't...fair!

That being said, God is good.

He can be trusted.

He is aware of our situations, He is hearing our prayers, He is at work in ways we may never see.

He will rescue us. He will draw us out of the raging seas, shelter us during the hurricane-like storms, defend us against our enemy and He will never forget His own.

So I am going to praise Him now!

I'm going to glorify His name. I'm going to thank Him for all He is up to. I am going to honor Him with my life--the good parts, the not-so-good parts and the parts I wish had never come my way.

Life isn't fair, but my God is good!

ENTHUSIASTIC
Today's reading: Numbers 6:22-7:47, Mark 11, Psalm 49:10-20

"When the leading priests and teachers of religious law heard what Jesus had done, they began planning how to kill him. But they were afraid of him because the people were so enthusiastic about Jesus' teaching." Mark 11:18 NLT

Here is what my heart has been asked this morning: Would my testimony, my words, my zeal and enthusiasm about Jesus, His gift of salvation, His love for me, His grace, have been enough to have stopped the religious leaders?

Am I so in love with the Lord that people know it?

Do they even realize I am His?

Lots to think about this morning!

SHOUT LOUDER
Today's reading: Numbers 5:1-6:21, Mark 10:35-52, Psalm 49:1-9

"When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus from Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout out, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! Be quiet! some of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder..." Mark 10:47-48 NLT

Let me ask you something...

If you were in Bartimaeus' shoes...

If the Healer you had heard so much about was right there in front of you...

If you knew the One who could remove your blindness was within your reach...

If you had finally found the shaft of Light at the end of a long, dark tunnel...

Would anyone have been able to keep you quiet?

Would you have continued to cry out to Jesus until you felt you were heard? Until He responded? Until there was a change in your need or in your heart? Would you have only gotten louder?

CITY OF GOD

Today's reading: Numbers 4, Mark 10:1-14, Psalm 48:9-14

"Go, inspect the city of Jerusalem. Walk around and count the many towers. Take note of the fortified walls and tour all the citadels, that you may describe them to future generations. For that is what God is like. He is our God forever and ever, and he will be our guide until the end." Psalm 48:12-14 NLT

The authorship of this psalm is not given to David, but to the Korah family-the chief musicians of the Temple.

I can imagine one of the Korahites walking around the city of David one day and actually noticing the enormity and the solidness of the city itself. A city they had probably grown up in. A city they had known as their own for generations back.

But that day, they really noticed it. They 'saw' it for possibly the first time.

They noticed the number of lookout towers. The places that offered vantage points. The tall places that gave a view of miles and miles.

They noticed the thickness of the walls. The immovability of the stones, some as thick as ten feet and as long as twenty feet.

They noticed for the first time the things about Jerusalem that they had always known but had never seen with clarity.

Then they wrote this psalm about it.

And they wrote it to God.

And they mentioned the many attributes of Him that they had overlooked.

They related the protection of the city to the protection God always offers. His vantage point being much higher than ours. His unchanging ways. His rock-solid character.

There are days when who He is really gets our attention. Days when how protected we are by Him is brought to our mind. Days when we are stopped in our tracks with how big He is, how strong He is, how loving He is and how powerful He is.

And our notice of those things is our psalm to Him.

TO MEET WITH ME
Today's reading: Numbers 3, Mark 9:14-50, Psalm 48:1-8

"Leaving that region they traveled through Galilee. Jesus tried to avoid all publicity in order to spend more time with his disciples and teach them..." Mark 9:30-31 NLT

The large crowds didn't unnerve Jesus.

The cold, stony synagogues didn't unsettle Him.

The throngs of strangers didn't make Him nervous.

The overwhelming needs of the people didn't leave Him wringing His hands in contemplation.

It's just that He knew the disciples needed some one-on-one time with Him.

I guess that's why He meets with me each and every morning in my prayer chair.

He knows I need Him.

Sure, the stadiums can hold great speakers who present God's Word in amazing ways and God show up there--but in my prayer chair, it's just He and I.

The mega churches can invite God into their midst and He show up and do miraculous things--but in my prayer chair, He does those works, too.

At 5:00am in a small town in southern Illinois, before the rest of the world is up and going, God chooses to meet with me in my worn out with frayed upholstery and broken coils prayer chair.

So if He's going to make the effort, I'm going to listen! I'm going to dig into His Word! I'm going to present to Him all I can and lean in to see if He gives instruction, insight or peace while I wait.

All because He wants to spend more time with me and teach me.

LISTEN TO HIM
Today's reading: Numbers 1-2, Mark 9:1-13, Psalm 47

"Six days later Jesus took Peter, James and John up to the top of a mountain. No one else was there. As the men watched, Jesus' appearance changed and his clothing became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly process could ever make it. Then Elijah and Moses appeared and began talking with Jesus. Teacher, this is wonderful! Peter exclaimed. We will make three shrines--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah. He didn't really know what to say, for they were all terribly afraid. Then a cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, This is my beloved Son. Listen to him." Mark 9:2-7 NLT

I get how Peter felt.

Overwhelmed. Amazed. Utter disbelief. Awe. Reverence. Emotional. Willing to do anything.

Absolutely anything!

Build shrines. Construct cathedrals. Change the world. Spread the Gospel. Bake cookies for the entire community of lepers. Serve even in the nursery.

I have had times when being in the Lord's presence has moved me so that I feel as if I could accomplish anything and everything.

But as the voice from the cloud said to Peter, and often to me, what God wants me to do is listen.

Not do. Not organize. Not form a committee. Not get out a new binder and begin collecting information that I can present in a meeting. Not form a new Bible study class. Not call a special prayer meeting. Not provide meals for the homeless from the few pantry staples I have in the cupboard.

Listen.

I can't even write the words, just listen, because if you are anything like me, there is no JUST listening for me.

Listening seems like I'm not doing anything. Listening feels like inactivity. Listening is hard, doing something is easy, listening is hard. Really hard.

But it's what He asks us to do sometimes.

Listen.

ALREADY HIS
Today's reading: Leviticus 27, Mark 8, Psalm 46

"You may not dedicate to the Lord the firstborn of your cattle or sheep because the firstborn of these animals already belong to him." Leviticus 27:26 NLT

Hmmm, I'm thinking this morning about the things I attempt to give to the Lord that are already His.

Sundays.

My time.

Talents.

My life.

My health.

The future.

Maybe it's more about I'm attempting to give them back. I take them, attempt to control them, try to plan them around me...and all the while, they are His.

And when I realize they are His, I manage them much more open-handedly.

With more of a steward's heart.

More like the gift they are!

STINKING THINKING
Today's reading: Leviticus 26, Mark 7, Psalm 45:13-17

"And then he added, It is the thought-life that defiles you." Mark 7:20 NLT

You can blame your past.

Or your present circumstances.

You can blame your parents.

Or your spouse.

You can say all the blame lies on our government.

Or on your boss.

You can blame society.

Television.

Social media.

Global warming.

But it all comes down to this--if you are sinning, it's because of your thought-life.

Rein in your temptations by reining in where your thoughts go. Stop sinful ideas from growing into sinful actions. Refuse to feed and nurture the weed seeds of sin that stop in your head and heart.

Take responsibility for your thoughts.

CLIMBING OUT OF THE BOAT
Today's reading: Leviticus 25, Mark 6:30-56, Psalm 45:6-12

"When they arrived at Gennesaret on the other side of the lake, they anchored the boat and climbed out..." Mark 6:53-54 NLT

This boatful of disciples had just had the ride of their lives!

A long day of healings and teachings. A '12 baskets of leftovers' kind of miracle. Jesus walking on water. The winds and waves calming in His presence.

And as they pull up their boats to the docks at Gennesaret, they undoubtedly had to spend a minute or two regaining their sea-legs.

There is no way they stepped off the boat the same men they had been when they stepped on.

No way. No way in the world!

Maybe you've just been on the ride of your life with God.

A diagnosis. A round of treatments. A choice made by another that completely upended your world. A change in status. A move.

Something may have happened that is leaving you a completely different person than a year ago at this time.

You are not the same.

Your faith has been stretched. Your comfort zone has been enlarged. Your belief system has been uprooted, replanted and set firmly back into the ground.

You are stepping off the boat a different person.

You are 'exiting the ride' as someone new--someone who knows the depths, lengths and heights of God's love for you.

Can you say it's been worth the ride??

CARRYING MY SWORD
Today's reading: Leviticus 23-24, Mark 6:14-29, Psalm 45:1-5

"Put on your sword, O mighty warrior!.." Psalm 45:3 NLT

God,

You know I could get myself into a lot of trouble carrying around a sword, don't You?

It could be taken wrong. It might be offensive. I will, undoubtedly, at some point, use it when I shouldn't. Or be too afraid to use it at all.

I guess I like the verses better that say You will do the fighting for me.

It takes a lot of the stress off of me. I trust You a whole lot more. You are much stronger than I--and Your sword is much bigger!

But You call me a mighty warrior and ask me to arm myself.

So, it's really nothing to do with me, is it? Nothing to do with my strength. My agility. My skill.

It's all to do with You in me and You empowering me.

I'll strap on my sword, Lord, if you will be very clear and precise about what You want me to do with it.

I've got an idea--let's do some practice drills! Let's work together on my sword-work against one of the enemies I battle with daily...myself.

Let me use Your sword against the things I worry about. Against the things I fear. Against the unknowns of my future that overwhelm me. Maybe against the part of me that doubts You would ever be able to use someone like me. Or the part of my heart that fully believes You have saved me to the uttermost.

Instruct me on using this sword against myself before I ever wield it against another.