PREACHING EVERYWHERE
Today's reading: 2 Kings 10-11, Acts 7:54-8:8, Psalm 102:18-28

"But the believers who had fled Jerusalem went everywhere preaching the Good News about Jesus." Acts 8:4 NLT

Persecution had swept across Israel and the believers being scattered in an effort to maintain their lives.

But the believers didn't stop believing.

Or telling about Jesus!

So neither should we.

No matter if we are scattered in different directions, for different reasons--preach the Good News!

If circumstances have you in more doctor's offices than ever--talk about His peace!

If happenings have you waiting in line after line after line--talk about His goodness!

If a turn of events have you in a scary situation--talk about His faithfulness!

If what's going on in your life leaves you devastated, broken and bruised--talk about His healing power, His strength and His ability to restore!

If you are scattered--just consider it an opportunity to share about Jesus in more places.

DESTITUTE
Today's reading: 2 Kings 8:16-9:37, Acts 7:37-53, Psalm 102:8-17

"He will listen to the prayers of the destitute. He will not reject their please." Psalm 102:17

This single verse offered me enough hope to rise and shine and go forth this morning!

To trust Him with the impending requests.

To believe He is going to work things out.

To know, without that lingering doubt, that He has heard me.

Why?

Because I am the destitute.

I am the poor in spirit.

I am the gal who doesn't have any right to any single one of His blessings.

I am the child of God who has few, if any, resources when compared to His.

I am the one who has exhausted every single ounce of my own abilities.

I am the weak link in this relationship of our, God and I.

So to get up this morning with things on my mind and read specifically in his Word that He hears my poor, pitiful attempts at prayer--thrills the fear right out of me!

I pray it does the same for you, too!

SHEDDING SOME TEARS
Today's reading: 2 Kings 6:24-8:15, Acts 7:17-36, Psalm 102:1-7

"...Then the man of God started weeping." 2 Kings 8:11 NLT

When was the last time you shed a few tears?

Not over a skinned knee, losing a loved one or after watching a Hallmark commercial...but over sin?

As God-followers, shouldn't sin make us cry?

Make us sick?

Make our hearts ache for the ones committing the sin and the ones whom sin touches?

But how often have we allowed the depths, the depravity, the depressive nature of sin to break our hearts?

STALKING AWAY
Today's reading: 2 Kings 5:1-6:23, Acts 7:1-16, Psalm 101

"But Naaman became angry and stalked away." 2 Kings 5:11 NLT

No one hurt Naaman's feelings.

Naaman wasn't given bad news.

Naaman wasn't even rejected.

Naaman wasn't even asked to do a hard thing.

It's just, well, it's just that Naaman was instructions that didn't line up with his expectations.

Been there?

Ever asked God to grow your faith--then didn't like the circumstances He allowed to do it?

Ever sought God's answer--only to find it wasn't what you wanted to hear?

Ever needed God's direction--but then found it to rub roughly against your own plans?

Ever asked God to change circumstances for someone--only to be the one He asked to change?

We've all stalked away, like Naaman did, but our spiritual growth, the leap of faith, the solidifying of our relationship with God is when we come back--and do just what He asked.

And receive our healing.

IT IS FOUND IN HIM
Today's reading: 2 Kings 4, Acts 5:29-6:15, Psalm 100

"...they continued to teach and preach this message, The Messiah you are looking for is Jesus." Acts 5:42 NLT

So many believers don't share the Good News because we think it is too difficult to convey.

And yet, in this passage of Scripture, the disciples have put it in it's simplest form.

An example for us.

Don't you think you could insert Jesus into just about any conversation you might have today...

The answer you are looking for is Jesus.

The hope you are looking for is Jesus.

The direction you are hoping to find is Jesus.

The forgiveness you need is Jesus.

The healing you desire in Jesus.

The wholeness you so desperately want is Jesus.

The friend you need in your life is Jesus.

The strength you are going to have to have to get through this is Jesus.

The life you will be ecstatic to live is Jesus.

Go ahead, try it today--share the Good News.

He's all anyone needs...all...anyone!

JUST A SIMPLE THING
Today's reading: 2 Kings 2-3, Acts 5:12-28, Psalm 99

"But this is only a simple thing for the Lord,..." 2 Kings 3:18 NLT

The prophecy Elisha shared with the three kings was something that left them scratching their heads in wonder.

How in the world?

Is that even possible?

Really?

Elisha knew their doubts and reassured them with the words in today's verse.

"But this is only a simple thing for the Lord,.."

You can borrow them, you know.

When your circumstance leaves your stomach tied up in knots.

When your problem shadows all your efforts.

When your best efforts leave you emptier.

When the words of friends hurt.

When your prayers seem to hit the ceiling and bounce back.

You can remind yourself that whatever the size of the need, whatever the scope of the miracle desired, whatever the enormity of the problem you've found yourself in--it's a small thing for the Lord.

JUST A REMINDER
Today's reading: 1 Kings 18:20-19:21, Acts 2:22-41, Psalm 96:9-13

"Then call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by setting fire to the wood is the true God! And all the people agreed." 1 Kings 18:24 NLT

If you've ever had a prayer answered, you know.

If you're expecting a prayer to be answered because you are claiming the promises of the Lord, you know.

You know that God is the One True God.

The One who answers prayers.

The One who hears every whispered prayer.

The One who knows each and every situation, down to the most minute of details.

The One who knows the time and the way each and every prayer should be answered.

Our God is the One who hears and answers prayers!

RESCUE
Today's reading: 1 Kings 16:21-18:19, Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 96:1-8

"And anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Acts 2:21 NLT

I'm overwhelmed by the hope this verse offers this morning!

It includes us all.

It requires nothing more than a humbling of our hearts and a spoken need for Him.

It rescues us.

From the pits of hell.

From the sentence our sins bring upon us.

From the condemnation our enemy desires to keep us chained by.

From ourselves.

Just by calling on His name!

PRAYER
Today's reading: 1 Kings 15:1-16:20, Acts 1:12-26, Psalm 95

"They all met together continually for prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women and the brothers of Jesus." Acts 1:14 NLT

I always wondered how she did it.

Mary, that is. The mother of our Lord and Savior.

How she watched as He served, watched as He was condemned by nay-sayers, watched as He was convicted, crucified and killed.

I had always wondered how in the world she ever got through it all.

And this morning, I see.

She was surrounded by pray-ers.

She was a part of a God-believing prayer team.

She chose to go to prayer meeting rather than sit at home and think about the events.

What an example for us!

DISCIPLINE
Today's reading: 1 Kings 13:11-14:31, Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 94:12-23

"Happy are those whom you discipline, Lord, and those whom you teach from your law." Psalm 94:12 NLT

I'll let you in on a little secret about myself...I came from a generation, and a family, that agreed on the use of paddling...swatting...switching...fly-swatting...busting a behind, whichever you want to call it.

That being said, I don't remember ever thanking my parents for doing their job.

I don't recall ever appreciating the fact that they set me straight.

I don't think I ever called up a friend and celebrated the fact that I had been disciplined.

But now...

As a grown-up...

As a parent...

Knowing what I know now about the highs and lows of having been blessed with a 'mini-me'...

I am happy they chose to discipline me in love.

The same is true with my walk with God.

There are days I do not, a thousand times, do not, appreciate His discipline, but I know it comes from a loving heart.

A heart that desires I live in a holy way.

A heart that wants me to live an abundant life.

A heart that wants me free from regrets and free from sins.

HEART ENTRANCES
Today's reading: 1 Kings 10:14-11:43, John 20:19-31, Psalm 93

"That evening, on the first day of the week, the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them!" John 20:19 NLT

Maybe, just maybe, you are locked away with your fears this morning.

Doubts chain you down.

Worries incarcerate you.

The unknown looms like a security guard in a deep dark dungeon.

You feel as if you are locked down, shackled and sequestered.

Don't worry--God has a way of breaking into locked spaces!

He finds a way into the most hopeless of situations.

He steps into the darkest of moments and brings light and life.

He gains entrance to some of the hardest, most stringently locked down hearts.

Doors will not stop Him.

Locks will not hold Him back.

Circumstances will not bar Him from doing what He wants to do for His children.

No place, no matter how dark or joy-less, is off limits to Him!

CALLED BY YOUR NAME
Today's reading: 1 Kings 8:54-10:13, John 20:1-18, Psalm 92:10-15

"She glanced over her shoulder and saw someone standing behind her. It was Jesus, but she didn't recognize him. Why are you crying, Jesus asked her. Who are you looking for? She thought he was the gardener. Sir, she said, if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him. Mary! Jesus said. She turned to him and exclaimed, Teacher!" John 20:14-16 NLT

Has Jesus spoken your name?

I'm not asking if He has shown up at your church.

Or been an integral part of your family heritage.

I'm not even wanting to know if you know about Him.

Has He called your name?

On a personal basis. In an intimate relationship. Directly to your heart.

If He has you know it.

If He is, give in to it.

If He has yet to--expect it and turn towards it the minute it happens!

He knows your name.

He desires that you be His--heart, mind, soul and strength. And to start that relationship He will personally call your name.

There will be no doubt.

There will be no question about it.

He will speak your name and you will recognize Him!

STOPPED IN YOUR TRACKS
Today's reading: 1 Kings 8:1-53, John 19:25-42, Psalm 92:1-9

"The priests could not continue their work because the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple." 1 Kings 8:11 NLT

Have you ever been stopped in your tracks by God's presence?

Whether it's in a doctor's office...

Or in your car...

Or in the church pew...

Or walking with a friend down a country road...

Or sitting in your prayer chair in the wee hours of the morning...

Or while pouring over the Scriptures...

Or while staring at the night sky...

Or while serving another...

Or while lying in a sickbed...

When has His presence stopped you? Slowed you down? Given you pause?

ALL THE WEIGHT
Today's reading: 1 Kings 7, John 19:6-24, Psalm 91:11-16

"Carrying the cross by himself, Jesus went to the place called Skull Hill (in Hebrews, Golgotha)." John 19:17 NLT

A quick search of Google this morning tells me scholars believe Jesus' cross would have weighed between 200-400 pounds.

That is factual knowledge only.

You see, I know the cross He carried was weighed down with my sins.

Which are many.

So, not only did He carry the weight of the cross, its wooden beams, He carried the heaviness of my disobedience, my strong-will, my self-centeredness, my sin-filled attitude and my overly-opinionated personality.

How much would that have weighed?

It would weigh enough to keep me from being able to rescue myself...from the seas of doubt I normally swim in.

From walking safely through trials by fire.

From walking the narrow path.

From the pits of hell.

And yet, Jesus Christ carried it for me--by Himself.

Through the crowds.

With all the pain involved.

All the way to Calvary.

Until He spoke with a loud voice, It is finished!

SHIELDED BY HIS WINGS
Today's reading: 1 Kings 5-6, John 18:28-19:5, Psalm 91:1-10

"He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection." Psalm 91:4 NLT

The newest additions to our little farm are two grown Talouse geese and eight newly hatched goslings.

Percy and Maude corral the busy little fluff-balls all around the pasture, pointing them in the direction of the choicest bugs and most tender shoots of grass.

You can hear wild honks of warning as the little ones wander in and out of the pasture fence, the wire just the right size for gosling-adventurers, but too small for doting parents to follow through.

Percy and Maude look so serene and idyllic in the tall grass.

They look peaceful and calm.

Mother and Father goose almost look like a post card surrounded by their clan.

Until we approach their babies!

These kind, old-soul looking animals rise up with a vengeance!

Their wings spread open wide.

Their feathers ruffle up.

Their honks turn to hisses.

Their bug-eating beaks turn to weapons that can pinch a plug out of you if you get too close.

Percy and Maude are who I thought of when I read today's verse about God's care for me.

God is love.

God is peace.

God is mercy and grace and forgiveness.

But when you mess with one of His, He quickly reminds the enemy to step back.

His wings protect. His feathers shelter and comfort.

JUST ONE MORE THING
Today's reading: 1 Kings 3-4, John 18:1-27, Psalm 90:13-17

"Give me an understanding mind so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong..." 1 Kings 3:9 NLT

Solomon, known as the wisest man in all the earth, prayed this simple prayer to the Lord.

He asked God for wisdom in leading the people God has put him to reign over.

What a wise request!

What a prayer!

From the humble depths of my heart, because I am a nobody compared to him, I would add this small part to this great prayer...

And Lord, give me the gumption to do what You tell me is the right thing to do.

Can I have an 'Amen'?

I think most of us know what is right.

I believe most of us want to do what is right.

I truly believe we have, most of us, seen the blessings that come from doing what is right.

But we (sorry, I'm lumping you in with me this morning) seldom have the follow-through.

Oh, that we would have a deep down, burning desire to accomplish all He leads us to do.

OUR CONSTANT
Today's reading: 2 Kings 2, John 17:6-26, Psalm 90:1-12

"Before the mountains were created, before you made the earth and the world, you are God, without beginning or end." Psalm 90:2 NLT

Did you need the reminder this morning that God is, always has been and always will be?

Relationships change our hearts.

Diagnoses change our lives.

Pink slips change our dreams.

But God is our constant.

Disasters change our hopes.

Words change our minds.

Broken promises change our outlook.

But God is our constant.

News feeds change our focus.

Sins of others change our faith in humanity.

Pain changes our perspective.

But God is our constant.

God is our constant.

God. Is. Our. Constant.

DO YOU FINALLY BELIEVE?
Today's reading: 1 Kings 1, John 16:23-17:5, Psalm 89:38-52

"Jesus asked, Do you finally believe?" John 16:31 NLT

The disciples had watched blinded eyes be opened.

They had seen thousands fed from a little sack lunch.

They witnessed the seas and winds calm at His request.

They saw entire villages repent and turn to God.

They watched as the Word lived, breathed, touched and loved those around Him.

They, some of them at least, watched as He was transfigured.

They had had their feet washed by their Master.

They had watched as He loved his enemy.

And now, in this Upper Room, with only days left to be with Him, being told about the Comforter He would send...they finally believe?

Any single one of those moments should have 'sealed the deal' with their faith--and yet, they continued to wonder, question, doubt and fear whether or not He would be enough, on time, able.

Like us.

What exactly will it take for us to finally and fully, believe in Him?

NOT IN THE HANDS OF MAN
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 23:8-24:25, John 16:1-22, Psalm 89:30-37

"So Gad came to David and asked him, Will you choose three years of famine throughout the land, three months of fleeing from your enemies or three days of severe plague through your land? Think about it and let me know what answer to give the Lord.
This is a desperate situation! David replied to Gad. But let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great. Do not let me fall into human hands." 2 Samuel 24:13-14 NLT

David had made a wrong choice by measuring up his 'strengths' instead of depend upon God alone, and now he was facing the consequences.

A choice between three consequences.

And he got to choose which one:

-three years of famine
-three months being chased by enemies
-three days of severe plague

None of them pleasant. None of them ideal. None of them ever possibly finding themselves on a person's wish list.

But David chose the plague.

No, in all honesty, David chose God's hand.

Not a lingering, all-country-infecting famine.

Not a brutal chase brought on by surrounding enemy armies.

God's hand.

Three days of heartache, delivered from the hand of God, leaving seventy thousand people dead.

I believe it was at this point when David realized, fully and whole heartedly realized, that our sins never just touch us.

Seventy thousand families were infected by David's sin of disobedience.

Seventy thousand souls were ended because David chose to count his abilities instead of lean on God.

Seventy thousand lives.

His account should be constantly in our minds as we choose to obey or disobey God's requests.

Who and how many might be affected?

COMING OUT
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 22:1-23:7, John 14:18-15:27, Psalm 89:19-29

"The world would love you if you belonged to it, but you don't. I chose you to come out of the world, and so it hates you." John 15:19 NLT

Few days pass without a media blitz on someone who has 'come out' and embraced an alternative lifestyle.

These 'brave folk' are applauded, encouraged, patted on the back and raised up as heroes in our society.

They receive offer after offer to appear on talk shows and be interviewed about their decision.

Let me ask this...Do you, like me, think it's time more Christians 'came out'? That more of us admitted in Whom we believe? Confess to the world that we are forgiven and saved from eternal hell? That this world hasn't got a hold on us? That we are Christ-followers?

Would there be cheers? How many might be contacted to appear on their local news channel? Would social media blow up in celebration of the news? Would there be awe?

God chose us 'to come out of this world', Bible wording, not mine. So why aren't we?

Why is it we're keeping it under wraps when He asks us to be different?

Do the folks you spend time with each day even know you are His?

WHEN THE GIANTS RE-APPEAR
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 19:40-21:22, John 14:1-17, Psalm 89:14-18

"Once again the Philistines were at war with Israel..." 2 Samuel 21:15 NLT

"After this, there was another battle against the Philistines..." 2 Samuel 21:18 NLT

"In another battle with the Philistines..." 2 Samuel 21:22 NLT

Just when you thought David and his slingshot had rid the world of the evils of towering giants, they show up again.

And again.

And again.

Noticed it in your own life?

What you once believed to be defeated, rears up and confronts you?

What you once settled at the altar, shows up on your doorstep ready to tangle again?

What you believed God had removed from your heart, re-surfaces in an even uglier manner than ever before?

Giants sometimes return.

So does God's grace to conquer them. And His mercy to anoint you. And His love to wrap you up. And His strength to arm you. And His presence to comfort you. And His joy to keep you going as the battle rages day after day.

THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 18:19-19:39, John 13:21-38, Psalm 89:7-13

"Powerful is your arm! Strong is your hand! Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength." Psalm 89:13 NLT

I think of how simple the words of this childhood song truly are for a believer...

He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole wide world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands

Here is the problem...

I don't believe it like I did as a child.

I don't take its truth as matter-of-factly as I did at a young age.

My thought processes have matured and I have lost the sense of belief I once had in the simplest of God's truths.

Shame on me.

He still holds the whole world in His hands.

Even the parts I believe I am in control of.

Or the parts I think I can handle on my own.

Or the slots of time I consider to be under my charge.

My hands cannot handle it.

My abilities cannot manage it.

So I am left with the simple fact, He has still got the whole world in His hands.

And that's the best place for it to be!

DIRTY FEET
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 17:1-18:18, John 12:44-13:20, Psalm 89:1-6

"And since I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet." John 13:14 NLT

Garden season has begun.

The tiller is out along with the rake and the hoe and my favorite little spade. The old drumsticks have been brought out of the barn, we use them to mark rows.

My favorite pair of pink floral garden gloves have been brought out of storage, too.

The seed packets have been purchased along with the started plants, tomatoes and peppers.

I'm getting my hands dirty in an effort to have a autumn and winter full of summer's bounty.

But my hands aren't the only thing dirty--it's also my feet!

I came in last night from a day of garden work and I had what I thought was a very nice tan line where my shoes stopped. Funny thing is, the tan line washed away!

It took some effort to scrub it off. It was the kind of garden dirt that hangs on, gets in the all the nooks and crannies and hides in the creases.

My feet are cleaned up and ready for worship this morning.

Where maybe I'll get to 'wash another's feet'.

Oh, probably not in the literal sense, but I may be able to pass on a smile, encourage with a kind word or pray with another.

Maybe I'll 'wash their feet' by holding a squirming baby, handing them a tissue or just by asking how they are.

Maybe it will be in greeting a new-to-the-congregation visitor or by serving in an area of ministry where there is an absence.

Some time, some where, some how I'll be presented the opportunity to wash the feet of another...I want to jump on it!

You see Jesus got his hands dirty for His disciples and in the lives of every person He met, as an example for me.