THE FRAGRANCE OF WORSHIP
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 14:1-15:12, John 11:55-12:19, Psalm 88:1-9

"Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus' feet with it and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with fragrance." John 12:3 NLT

Imagine with me the smell that drifted through that little house in Bethany. The action, the act, the worship may have happened in the 'living room', but the effects of it extended to the four corners and out the front door.

That's what happens with worship. It reaches in and it reaches out.

And it has a fragrance that is as unique as the worshiper. Scents that bring about remembrance and honor to God.

The smell of peppermint reminds me of "Candy Man" from my childhood church. He always had peppermints in his pocket for us kids. He was dependable in his attendance and unswerving in his ministry to us, his sweet-toothed followers.

The smell of peonies reminds me of faithfulness. My Grandma grew peonies, hardy, returning year after year, showy for a short season but oh, so dependable...the peonies and Grandma's love and devotion.

The smell of newly plowed earth reminds me of hope as the farmers till the ground and await God's blessing on a harvest.

The smell of fresh bread reminds me of the act of service, getting one's hands dirty in an effort to provide for another.

The smell of peanut butter, yes, peanut butter, smeared on Ritz crackers and served with grape Kool-Aid, reminds me of Christian legacy. You see, it's what I was served at Vacation Bible School every year of my growing up. And those growing up years, surrounded by Christian people, a supportive church and accounts of Bible greats, are what have made me who I am today.

I'm thinking this morning about what my worship smells like to others.

Is it refreshing? Encouraging? Soothing? Hope-filled? Genuine?

What about yours?

REAL COMFORT
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 12:26-13:39, John 11:17-54, Psalm 87

"...and many people had come to pay their respects and console Martha and Mary on their loss. When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him, but Mary stayed at home." John 11:19-20 NLT

I'm sure Mary and Martha were surrounded by doting friend, piping hot casseroles and enough Hallmark sympathy cards to stock the card aisle in Walmart.

And yet, when Martha heard Jesus was near, she high-tailed it to Him.

She had questions for Him.

She wanted answers from Him.

She just had to be near Him.

Because she, like us, knows as much as our friends want to shower love on us, there is nothing like being with Jesus.

So here is what I ask of you...

In the craziness of your day, steal off to spend a few minutes with Him.

In the hustle and bustle of your schedule, seek a quiet corner and rest with Him.

With all you have to get done, make spending time with Him a priority.

He is what you need.

He is always what you need.

ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 11:1-12:25, John 10:31-11:16, Psalm 86:11-17

"Then he told them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And for you sake, I am glad I wasn't there, because this will give you another opportunity to believe in me. Come, let's go see him." John 11:14-15 NLT

Aah, opportunities for our faith to be stretched, mended, grown and tested.

They come every day. In various forms. Sometimes all at once, can I get an 'Amen'?

And when they come...better yet...when the test is over and we see how God has chosen to act, we are reminded, sometimes with awe in our eyes, that He is indeed the One True God!

Like yesterday at the mailbox.

Yes, a quiet country road on a warm sunny day.

I'd just finished a walk with a dear friend and we stopped by the mailbox for me to see what gifts our rural carrier had dropped off.

And there was the opportunity He had been waiting for.

A way to show me He indeed cared.

A pre-destined gift straight from His hand.

An appointed time for me to see how He had been at work.

As I, with shaking hands, opened the envelope and saw just how good He had been, my friend and I praised Him in the middle of the road.

For another opportunity to believe in Him had come to fruition.

He had proved Himself faithful--again.

He used a manila envelope and His timing to remind me again that every prayer I pray is heard--and answered when He believes the time is right.

So, if you are in the middle of an opportunity to believe in His promises, trust in His words and cling to the hope He offers...I urge you to do it!!!

And when He proves Himself to you, call me and we'll praise Him in the middle of the road together!

JUST SITTING BEFORE THE LORD
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 7:18-10:19. John 10:11-30, Psalm 86:1-10

"Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed, Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?" 2 Samuel 7:18 NLT

Lord,

I get how David felt as he sat before you.

Overwhelmed by Your presence.

Blessed by Your gifts.

Humbled by the spectrum of who You are.

Amazed by Your willingness to devote such love, mercy and grace on one such as him--on one such as me.

My prayer chair feels very much like a holy place this morning as I sit in Your presence.

Unable to ask.

Incapable of gathering enough words to thank You.

Embarrassed to even be in Your midst.

So, like King David, I sit here asking myself, and You--Who am I that You would do all this for me?

FULLNESS
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-7:17, John 9:35-10:10, Psalm 85:8-13

"The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness." John 10:10 NLT

When a glass is full, there is no room left to add anything else.

When your gas tank is full, you needn't stop by the station to add more.

When your heart is full, you have all you need.

When your life if full of Jesus, you have more than you ever imagined you would have, need less than you ever thought possible and have more to share with others than anyone would ever be able to contain!

Are you living the full life?

REVIVE US AGAIN
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 3-4, John 9:13-34, Psalm 85:1-7

"Won't you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you?" Psalm 85:6 NLT

Needing a revival in your heart, mind and soul?

Feeling a bit dry?

Dusty?

Empty?

Needing God to step in and stir you up again?

To remind you of His greatness and His favor?

Go ahead, ask Him--He will revive you again!

GOD'S DWELLING PLACE
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 30-31, John 8:12-47, Psalm 84:1-4

"How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty." Psalm 84:1 NLT

King David's temple assistants knew it.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of palace living, the spoils of living in the house of a king, the carefree life of a king's personal assistant...

They realized that only in God's presence is true peace and contentment found.

Maybe you've found yours sitting at an old hand-me-down prayer chair.

Or on a porch swing.

Or nestled in to your spot at the end of your couch.

Or in a tractor seat.

Or driving your car.

Or sitting on the church pew.

How lovely is that spot, where ever it is, where you meet with God.

Where, for a short while, you take off the weight of the world and set it aside just to talk to Him--and to listen to Him.

In those moments when you know you are loved with an everlasting love.

At the time of day when you are assured, doubly and triple-y, assured of your salvation and adoption in to His family.

How lovely is His dwelling place...where ever it is!

JUST TO MEET HIM
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 28-29, John 7:25-8:11, Psalm 83

"The Temple guards who had been sent to arrest him returned to the leading priests and Pharisees. Why didn't you bring him in? they demanded. We have never heard anyone talk like this! the guards responded." John 7:45-46 NLT

I'm going to wager a guess here and say the religious leaders did not send their 'new-to-the-force' soldiers to pick up Jesus. It's doubtful they sent the 'office guys' out for a mission of this magnitude.

I'm going to say they sent their 'Navy SEAL' team out to handle this matter quietly and quickly. Fellas who were hard-core, sold-out and on-point for a project of this nature.

They went out.

They found the 'target'.

They surveyed the situation and planned for a clandestine extraction.

They listened to what this 'Opponent of the Church' had to say.

And...they couldn't arrest Him. They couldn't bring Him in.

These men heard the Word of God spoken by the Son of God and were changed by God.

I'm not so sure they didn't lose their jobs over this...but didn't they gain SO much more?

PROVE IT TO ME, LORD
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 25:32-27:12, John 7:1-24, Psalm 82

"After this, Jesus stayed in Galilee, going from village to village. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death. But soon it was time for the Festival of Shelters, and Jesus' brothers urged him to go to Judea, for the celebration. Go where your followers can see your miracles! they scoffed. You can't become a public figure if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, prove it to the world!" John 7:1-4 NLT

Oh, how careful we must be at 'demanding' Jesus prove Himself by working grand and glorious miracles!

As if a changed heart isn't proof enough that He is Redeemer?

Or true repentance isn't evidence of His wonder working power?

Or a servile spirit emerging from a self-centered sinner isn't reason to believe in His mighty ways?

But we want something to cause fanfare, worldly acclaim, applause.

We want the fireworks.

We want the spotlight.

He wants the praise--and praise doesn't always come with public spectacles of feat.

True praise only comes from a heart personally touched by its Creator.

So, let's not ask God to prove Himself in any other way than our own changed hearts!

A FORK IN THE ROAD
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 24:1-25:31, John 6:43-71, Psalm 81:11-16

"At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him." John 6:66 NLT

I'm including a portion of one of the most widely quoted poems at this season's graduation ceremonies. It is by author/poet Robert Frost...

"I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference."

It talks about two roads. Two options. Two choices. Two paths in life.

In today's Scripture reading, Jesus watched as those closest to Him, His disciples, came to the realization that Jesus' ministry and life wasn't going to look like what they had thought it would.

No conquering king.

No political upheaval.

No reigning monarch.

No triumphal entry on a stallion of brilliant white.

So they chose to leave.

To take another path.

Which means they didn't see the battle fought on Calvary.

They didn't see the freedom unleashed at the tomb on Easter Sunday.

They didn't get a glimpse of the Risen Savior with nailprints in His hands and feet standing  in the crowded room.

Oh, what we can miss when we don't walk with Him!

OPEN UP
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 22-23, John 6:22-42, Psalm 81:1-10

"...Open up your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things." Psalm 81:10 NLT

Or...

Open up your hands, let go of the worldly things you're holding on to, and I will fill them with good things.

Or...

Open up your eyes, take your focus off dire circumstances, and I will show you amazing things I am up to.

Or...

Open up your heart, let go of hurts, let-downs, disappointments, bitterness and anger, and I will fill it with love and peace and joy and so many greater things.

Or...

Open up your ears, silence the world for a moment, and allow Me to tell you truths.

Or...

Open up your life, all parts of it, the secret rooms, the closets where skeletons are hidden, the basements where addictions are being held, and I will fill it to overflowing!

HE ALREADY KNOWS
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 20-21, John 6:1-21, Psalm 80:8-19

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

He already knows what He's going to do in your situation, too.

He isn't looking at the probabilities.

Or your combined resources.

Or how the numbers crunch.

Or the deadline.

He is looking at you.

To see if you are going to trust Him.

If you believe what He's telling you.

Because, friend, He already knows what He's going to do!

TURN ME, LORD
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 18-19, John 5:25-47, Psalm 80:1-7

"Turn us again to yourself, O God Almighty. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved." Psalm 80:7 NLT

Lord,

I remember when my little guy was much smaller and, in an effort to make sure he was hearing me clearly, I would sometimes have to take his little face in my hands and turn him towards me. When his eyes were on me, and nothing else, I knew he was listening intently.

God...I'm asking you to do that to me.

I've been distracted as of late.

Preoccupied with the goings-on around me.

My focus has been off You and on the things happening outside my ability to control.

So carefully and intentionally, turn my face back to You.

Place my gaze on You.

Grab my attention with Your powerful love and ability.

So much so that I feel your presence on me like shafts of sunlight beaming through a summer window.

Only then will I make it!

RUNNING TOWARDS HIM
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 17, John 5:1-24, Psalm 79:8-13

"As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him." 1 Samuel 17:48 NLT

I don't know about you, but running towards my enemy does not come naturally to me.

Away from, yes.

Hiding from, yes.

Running towards, heavens, no!

But maybe I should.

Like David.

With the power of the Living God inside me.

With His promises fueling me.

With the Holy Spirit guiding me.

With the knowledge in my heart and mind that my God is stronger, much, much stronger, than my enemy.

Wouldn't that surprise him?

Wouldn't that catch him off guard?

Wouldn't that thwart his plans?

Wouldn't that leave him wondering what to do next?

I think I might try it--just to see what he will do. After all, he has no new tricks up his sleeves, no new snarky condemnations to hurl at me, no good ideas in how he can defeat this daughter of the King!

CELEBRATE WITH THEM
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 15-16, John 4:39-54, Psalm 79:1-7

"So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the olive oil he had brought and poured it on David's head. And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah." 1 Samuel 16:13 NLT

I can imagine the scene.

The humble tent of a shepherd with a large family.

A visiting priest and the extra attention he deserved.

The hustle to find the young shepherd boy in the mountains.

The awe of watching the oil drip down through his curly locks (all I have here to imagine is the Sunday School picture card I remember as a child).

The Spirit being so thick in the place that all can feel it.

The Spirit so powerful it set a course for David's life.

The Spirit so assuring that it gave Samuel peace.

The Spirit so consuming that it allowed brothers, who had mocked and jeered David as he challenged Goliath, to stand there and celebrate with the youngest as he was chosen from among them all. To not become angered at the thought of birth order, which was very important in that day and time, to be re-arranged. To watch as the 'little brother' received more than any of them could ever hope or imagine.

That's a might that cannot be attributed to anyone but God.

Maybe, just maybe, you'll be allowed that chance today.

WHAT DRIVES ME
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 14, John 4:11-38, Psalm 78:67-72

"Then Jesus explained, My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work." John 4:34 NLT

Jesus told His disciples the secret to His success: having a desire to do what God asked of Him.

His drive was obedience.

His sole purpose was servitude.

His fuel was following the direction of God.

It's what got Him up in the morning.

It's what kept Him going through the day.

It's what allowed Him to lay His head down and sleep peacefully each night.

It's what gave Him the love required to deal with humankind.

It's what let Him do what made no sense, hurt and what wasn't understood.

It's what gave Him the strength to go to the Cross for us.

Oh, that our lives were fueled by the same desire!

WHY ME?
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 12-13, John 3:23-4:10, Psalm 78:56-66

"The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman, Why are you asking me for a drink?" John 4:9 NLT

I have stood countless times in this woman's shoes and wondered why God would choose me to be a part of the ministry at hand.

-To mom a deep thinking, strong-willed, full of heart young man.

-To live across the field from parents who will need my assistance more and more as the years pass.

-To stand before a roomful of gals each Sunday morning and open the pages of Scripture.

-To gather little ones around me during the weeks of Vacation Bible School each and every summer.

-To stand behind the lumber counter and smile at some of the darkest hearts the construction business has to offer.

-To have neighbors that test my patience, or more specifically to have neighbors' pets that test my patience.

-To have friends whose problems I cannot pray away of fix with a verse.

Because in all these instances, there are much more qualified individuals who could fulfil these roles.

There are gals who would excel at such tasks.

There are learned, educated, well-manicured women who have studied in these fields.

There are stronger Christians.

There are more faith-filled believers.

There are greater, much greater, ladies who would shine in these jobs.

But He has asked me.

Me!?.

NIGHTIME PRAYERS
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 9:27-11:15, John 3:1-22, Psalm 78:42-55

"After dark one evening, a Jewish religious leader named Nicodemus, a Pharisee, came to speak with Jesus..." John 3:1-2 NLT

Nighttime prayers are some of the best, most intimate prayers you can pray.

No distractions.

No interruptions.

No time schedule to align your heart and prayers to.

Just you and God...and the quiet house, or the nighttime sky, or the night sounds of loved ones sleeping, the frogs croaking in the neighbor's pond, the refrigerator humming...and being able to pour our thoughts to your Father.

Thoughts that may only come to mind as you try to sleep.

Thoughts that may awaken you from slumber.

Thoughts that keep you from rest and peace.

Thoughts that you can take to Him, whisper to Him, leave with Him and trust with Him.

Maybe Nicodemus was embarrassed to come to Jesus in the daytime. Or Jesus was surrounded with others. Or Nicodemus' schedule didn't allow for it. Or what Nicodemus had on his mind to discuss kept him from sleeping. Whatever the reason, he met with Jesus at night--and he met with Him personally.

Aah, nighttime prayer time!

TURNING TO HIM
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 8:1-9:26, John 2, Psalm 78:34-41

"Samuel was very upset with their request and went to the Lord for advice." 1 Samuel 8:6 NLT

When the world barrages you with questions and expects immediate answers, where do you turn for advice?

When you aren't sure how to respond to hurtful or questionable attacks, to whom do you go to seek help discerning?

It's not Facebook, is it?

Or Ann Landers? (Is she still living?)

Google or the World Wide Web?

How about God?

IN SPITE OF THIS
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 5-7, John 1:29-51, Psalm 78:25-33

"But in spite of this, the people kept on sinning. They refused to believe in his miracles." Psalm 78:32 NLT

What's it gonna take for you to believe God can and will and wants to?

More promises? He's given you a bookful of them.

More miracles? You've not fully believed the ones He's already sent your way.

NOT THE LIGHT
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 2:22-4:22, John 1:1-28, Psalm 78:17-24

"John himself was not the light, he was only a witness to the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was going to come into the world." John 1:8-9 NLT

NEWSFLASH:  You are not Jesus!

You have been saved by Jesus' blood.

You have been forgiven of your sins by Jesus' death on the cross.

You have been asked to act like Jesus.

You have been commissioned to tell the world about Jesus.

You have been told to tell about Jesus and what He's done for you.

But you, dear friend, are not Jesus.

You are not the Light of the World, no more than John the Baptist was.

Does that relieve you of some pressure?

Some stress?

Some performance anxiety?

It should.

We are called to present Jesus to all those we come in contact with, but we are not Him. We do not hold His perfect qualities in our hearts. We are not as loving, king, trustworthy or able to forgive as He can. We cannot sway them, change them or heal them of their sicknesses. We cannot make them fall in love with Jesus, we can just show them how in love with Him we are.

Our job is to expose them to Him, by our words and our actions.

We are to reflect His light within our hearts!

MY PRAYER FOR YOU
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 1:1-2:21, Luke 24:13-53, Psalm 78:9-16

"Whatever you think is best, Elkanah agreed. Stay here for now, and may the Lord help you keep your promises. So she stayed home and nursed the baby." 1 Samuel 1:23 NLT

Hannah's vow to God was a monumental momma vow.

She didn't vow to just raise her new son to know God...

Or to follow God...

Or to be godly...

But to give him to God.

To give him to the Tabernacle.

To give him to Samuel to raise in the ways and in the presence of God.

To completely give him up to the church.

And now that he was almost old enough, we find Elkanah praying for her to be able to keep that vow.

And what I notice is that he didn't state he was praying she had the self-control or the discipline or the moral fortitude to keep the vow...he stated he wanted to see God enable her to do it.

Too many times we depend upon ourselves for things ONLY God can do.

So my prayer for you today is the same as Elkanah's…

Lord, grant my friends, my fellow believers, my sisters and brothers, Your power to help them keep their promises to you. Whether it's a promise to spend more time in your presence. To pick up their Bible. To bend a knee on behalf of another. To change their words. To soften their temperament. To be more loving and kind. To tell the Good News to another. To seek out where you are at work and join You. God, help them keep the vows they have made in a way that honors You and draws them closer to your heart!

THAT'S OUR PROBLEM
Today's reading: Ruth 3-4, Luke 23:26-24:12, Psalm 78:5-8

"They forgot what he had done--the wonderful miracles he had shown them, the miracles he did for their ancestors in Egypt, on the plain of Zoan." Psalm 78:11 NLT

(I know, I know, the verse I've selected is outside the reading plan, only by a few verses--but outside none the less. I'm not usually a rule breaker, but my heart needed this verse's reminder...and maybe you did, too.)

Isn't that our problem? That we've forgotten what God has done?

We have misplaced our knowledge of His miraculous acts.

We have failed to remember He holds the galaxies, the seasons, the seconds of the day and the breath of our lungs within His hands.

We have allowed today's happenings and tomorrow's fears to fill us with dread instead of His history filling us with hope.

No, I don't know what all still remains on your prayer list.

What hasn't yet been done.

Who hasn't yet been healed.

Which prodigal still hasn't come home.

How in the world He will pull you out of this current mess you're in.

What specifically you are to do, if anything at all.

But this I know--He has done mighty and wonderful and miraculous and ALWAYS on time things before--and He will do it again!

Do not forget that.

DO IT YOUR WAY
Today's reading: Ruth 1-2, Luke 22:55-23:25, Psalm 78:1-4

"See, Naomi said to her, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same." Ruth 1:15 NLT

Reading in Ruth this morning has reminded me of something very important.

Something I'd pushed aside in my thoughts.

Something, maybe, you need to be reminded of, too...

Your walk with God is not going to look like anyone else's.

Isn't that freeing?

Does it do your heart good to know you don't have to do it like Grandma did it?

Or like your sister?

Or like the gal at the end of your pew every Sunday morning?

Oh sure, there are some foundational characteristics of Christianity that should be evident in your life--but you get to fulfil those traits in your skin, in your mission field, with your abilities, as you and God write your testimony.

Your testimony.

HOW CLOSELY
Today's reading:  Judges 20:24-21:25, Luke 22:31-54, Psalm 77:12-20

"So they arrested him and led him to the high priest's residence, and Peter was following far behind." Luke 22:54 NLT

Ever heard the quote, 'Distance decreases accuracy."?

Think about it...

The farther away from a basketball goal, the less likely you can make a shot.

The farther away from a hole, the less likely you can make a putt.

The farther away from a target, the less likely you'll make a bullseye.

And in reading today's Scripture passage and knowing how the account of Peter ends, it also applies to our walks with God.

The farther behind Him we follow, the less likely holiness will be our first response when trouble arises.

The farther behind Him we follow, the less likely self-control will be our choice.

The farther behind Him we follow, the less likely we will see the opportunity to share the Gospel, the love of God or the smile He might have given us for the situation at hand.

So today I'm asking you to do what I'm going to do myself--see how closely we're following Jesus!

QUESTIONING OURSELVES
Today's reading: Judges 19:1-20:23, Luke 22:7-30, Psalm 77:1-11

"Then the disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing." Luke 7:23 NLT

My Christian co-workers and I have been challenged this week by a 'to do list' of sorts for Christians.

It was written by John Wesley about 200 years ago in an effort to help his 'club' of fellow believers stay strong in their faith and to continue in their godly day-to-day disciplines.

Upon reading this list of self-evaluating questions, I feel a lot like the disciples had to feel as they sat around the table reviewing their actions and attitudes towards Jesus.

So much so, that I'm sharing them with you...

1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite? 
2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate? 
3. Do I confidentially pass on to another what was told to me in confidence? 
4. Can I be trusted? 
5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits? 
6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying or self-justifying? 
7. Did the Bible live in me today? 
8. Do I give it time to speak to me every day? 
9. Am I enjoying prayer? 
10. When did I last speak to someone else about my faith? 
11. Do I pray about the money I spend? 
12. Do I go to bed on time and get up on time? 
13. Do I disobey God in anything? 
14. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy? 
15. Am I defeated in any part of my life? 
16. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful? 
17. How do I spend my spare time? 
18. Am I proud? 
19. Do I thank God that I am not like other people? 
20. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment toward or disregard? 
21. Do I grumble or complain constantly? 
22. Is Christ real to me?

I pray to God these questions touch your hearts as they have mine!

HUMAN OPPOSITION
Today's reading: Judges 17-18, Luke 21:20-22:6, Psalm 76:8-13

"Human opposition only enhances your glory, for you use it as a sword of judgement." Psalm 76:10 NLT

Anyone ever told you that you couldn't do something?

Something you really thought you could do.

Something you really wanted to do.

Something you believed, with all you heart, you were supposed to do.

Most of us are one of two schools of thought:

1-Okay, maybe I shouldn't.

2-Stand back and watch me!

When it comes to living for Jesus, there are not a lot of folks out there rooting us on.

There are more opposition than cheerleaders.

There are more against us than for us.

So, in light of your current circumstances, in regards to how you are choosing to live for God, despite what you've been told by those on your enemy's side--what are you going to do?

Human opposition can stop you in your tracks...

Or, it can push you harder, farther, stronger and more assuredly towards a life lived for God!

YOU TRUSTED HER?
Today's reading: Judges 15-16, Luke 21:1-19, Psalm 76:1-7

"Finally, Samson told her his secret. My hair has never been cut, he confessed, for I was dedicated to God as a Narizite from birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as anyone else." Judges 16:17 NLT

He trusted her?

After tricking him with the new bowstrings?

And the brand new ropes?

And weaving his hair into a loom?

Really?

He didn't once think this girl he was courting might be out to get him? Had less than his best interest at heart? Might not really love him?

And still he trusted her? With his greatest secret? With knowledge that could lead to his demise and to his separation from the God he had vowed to love and serve?

Don't I do the same thing?

When satan tells me lies?

When he sells me on half-truths?

When he steals from me, deceives me, tricks me or trips me up--for the umpteenth time?

When I let him in, 'just a little', into that area of my life that holds sore, weak, painful parts?

And still I trust him?

AN END TO THE QUESTIONS
Today's reading:  Judges 12:8-14:20, Luke 20:27-47, Psalm 75:8-10

"Well said, Teacher! remarked some of the teachers of religious law who were standing there. And that ended their questions, no one dared to ask any more." Luke 20:40 NLT

Let's get to the nitty-gritty of these two verses...

The 'teachers of religious law' were Jesus' strongest opponents. They were out to catch Him in a slip-up. They wanted to end His following among the Jews. They were His enemies.

The question they had asked was intended to make Him look bad in front of the people. To prove He wasn't good or godly. To stump Him.

Jesus' answer caught them off guard.

He answered rightly.

He answered in a way that left them looking no farther.

Mostly, though, His response left them speechless.

Doesn't He do that to us?

When we ask the hard questions...

When we seek for the 'why'...

When we take all our emotions and feelings and throw them at His feet to sort out...

Doesn't He amaze us with His responses?

But it doesn't stop our questions, does it?

We will have others for the next set of circumstances we find ourselves in.

We will ask again when what we see doesn't line up with what we expected.

We will probe Him for answers when we don't enjoy the current season or the lesson we are to learn from it.

He doesn't mind us asking more.

As a matter of fact, if questions keep us coming to Him, He'll gladly field all we have!

ON GOD'S SCHEDULE
Today's reading: Judges 11:1-12:7, Luke 20:1-26, Psalm 75:1-7

"God says, At the time I have planned..." Psalm 75:2 NLT

I don't know where you are in your Christian walk.

Maybe you are new to the journey.

Quite possibly you've been walking in the Way for several years.

Or you are a saint, a 'lifer', as some might call it.

I will guess, what ever point you are on your walk with the Lord, you have at one time or another--maybe even as recently as five minutes ago, struggled with your faith in relation to God's timing.

I know I have.

Often.

Regularly.

May I say it, like clockwork!

But when I stop.

When I take my focus off the situation at hand.

When I close my planner.

When I remember who God is and who I am not.

My heart stills and my mind slows to a much more peaceful spin and I begin to trust Him again.

His plans far surpass mine in magnitude and grandeur.

His plans span a much longer, deeper and wider time frame than my plans for today and right now ever could.

His plans are for my best. For my good. For His glory in my life.

I'll wait for what He has planned--when ever it is He has it planned for!