OVERBOARD
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 24:1-25:16, Acts 27:1-20, Psalm 115:1-10

"The next day, as gale force winds continued to batter the ship, the crew began throwing the cargo overboard." Acts 27:18 NLT

Boy, oh boy, has this verse got me to thinking.

Of all the things in my life...

The things I fret over. The things I allow to consume my time. The things I consider most valuable and worthy. The things I hold most dear.

Of all those things, what would I throw overboard when a life boat-rocking storm appears on my horizon?

What wouldn't deserve all the time and attention I had been paying it?

What wouldn't hold its value amidst the turmoil of life?

What wouldn't I need as waves crash onto the deck, water begins to fill the hull and the masts start to bend and bow in the wind?

And why, oh why, am I wasting any time on it now?

Are there some things I need to toss overboard on this still-as-glass day in preparation for the storms that will come?

INSTALLING A GUARD
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 22-23, Acts 26, Psalm 114

"He stationed gatekeepers at the gates of the Lord's Temple to keep those who were ceremonially unclean from entering." 2 Chronicles 23:19 NLT

Jehoida, being led by God, determined to take back his country for God--beginning with the Temple.

He installed a new king.

He set up a order of priests to serve.

He defied the current head of office, Athaliah.

He set in place guard, or gatekeepers.

He decided that nothing, and no one, unholy, was going infect God's place of worship.

It took effort.

It took determination.

It took guts.

It took consistency.

Is that why we don't do the same for our hearts?

Is there too much effort involved? Too many changes to instill? Too much time required to consistently make the necessary choices?

Here is the simple truth: If we don't guard the gates of our hearts and minds, anything can get in and poison us.

WHERE DID HE FIND YOU?
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 20-21, Acts 25:13-27, Psalm 113

"Who can be compared with the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high? Far below him are the heavens and the earth. He stoops down to look, and he lifts the poor from the dirt and the needy from the garbage dump." Psalm 113:5-6 NLT

Where did God find you?

He found me when I was a child.

Sitting on a pew with my family on an Easter Sunday.

Having heard but not heard the truths of His gospel for years.

Thinking I was enough to save myself.

Knowing I'd not done things as 'bad as others' had done.

He found me in the dirt and grunge of a seven-year old's sins and saved me--but not just from the years I'd accumulated, but also from the years to come.

He changed me--and is changing me.

He cleansed me--and is cleansing me.

He forgave me--and is forgiving me.

He set me apart for His work--and is setting me apart for His glory.

He saw me from His heavenly realm and chose to stoop down and rescue me.

He did it for you, too!

LOOKING FOR LIGHT
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 18-19, Acts 24:22-25:12, Psalm 112

"When darkness overtakes the godly, light will come bursting in..." Psalm 112:4 NLT

Enduring a long, dark night?

Tolerating an overcast season?

Stumbling through a shadow-filled valley?

Look for the light, child of God!

Because you are His...

Since He promises it...

On the account that He owns and governs the sun, moon and stars...

The morning is coming.

The season you are in will change.

The mountains will take you higher.

Light will, when He deems it the right time, come bursting through!

EVERYTHING
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 16-17, Acts 23:12-24:21, Psalm 111

"Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails." Psalm 111:3 NLT

Here is your challenge for the day, if you choose to accept it:

Look for Him.

In every thing that happens in this next 24 hours.

Every good thing.

Every bad thing.

Every mundane thing.

He reveals Himself in all the minutes of every hour of every single day He allows.

So, look for Him.

ARGUMENTATIVE
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 13-15, Acts 22:17-23:11, Psalm 110:4-7

"But Lord, I argued..." Acts 22:19 NLT

I'll tell you straight up that whatever it is you are arguing with the Lord over, you won't win.

Oh, for a while, you might get away with not doing what He's asked.

Or letting go of what it is He is asking you to give up.

You might even be able to hide it from others for a short time.

But arguing with the Lord isn't beneficial.

It isn't wise.

It isn't good for you.

WHEN HE SEES
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 9:29-12:16, Acts 21:33-22:16, Psalm 110:1-3

"When the Lord saw their change of heart, he gave..." 2 Chronicles 12:7 NLT

O God, I needed this reminder this morning!

I've not seen the circumstances I've been praying about change.

I've not seen the things set into motion that I've asked of You.

I've not seen one whisper of Your answer in regards to all of my prayer requests.

But I have noticed this...

My heart has changed.

Now I pray differently.

Now I believe more fully.

Now I expect with a greater anticipation.

Now I trust You to do what only You can do.

And I've come to this realization: If that's all You choose to do, then You have done a mighty work!

CHANGING MY PRAYER
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 7:11-9:28, Acts 21:15-32, Psalm 109:21-31

"Let them see that this is your doing, that you yourself have done it, Lord." Psalm 109:27 NLT

After reading this verse, I desire to change how I pray.

I want to remove from my conversations with the Lord all the things I see needing attended to...

All the things I wish for...

All the things that would make life easier and more sense of it all...

I want to get rid of any selfish requests...

Any self-gratifying desires...

Any self-guided missions I may want to see prosper...

I want my prayers to say what David's prayer said-

Let them see You in this, Lord. Just You. All You. No more and no less, You.

PLEASE HEAR ME
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 6:12-7:10, Acts 21:1-14, Psalm 109:1-20

"O my God, be attentive to all the prayers made to you in this place." 2 Chronicles 6:40 NLT

I received the rocking chair some 25 or so years ago. It had been in our family a long while before that, but it became mine then.

It became a prayer chair in October of 2000--and has remained as such since.

I pray over my ratty, tattered prayer chair the same thing Solomon prayed over his grand Temple--that God hear the prayers prayed there.

The prayers prayed in desperation.

The prayers prayed on behalf of another.

The prayers of repentance.

The prayers of thanksgiving.

The prayers that never quite form words but come from a heart full of worship.

The prayers of a momma hoping to leave a legacy of faith to her child.

The prayers of an inadequate, uneducated gal who has been placed in a position to influence to many others.

All the prayers.

Every single one of them.

Oh, that God would hear them all and be attentive to them each!

SO GOOD
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 4:1-6:11, Acts 20:17-38, Psalm 108

"...He is so good! His faithful love endures forever!" 2 Chronicles 5:13 NLT

I've just finished up two weeks straight of Vacation Bible School.

I've had a blast.

I've been given the privilege of sharing God's Word.

I've learned as I taught.

I am wiped out!

But this morning?

As my ''quiet week" begins, God reminds me...

He is so good!

That's the theme of the past two weeks, When life if wild...God is good!

He knew I needed it for what's coming.

He knew I could easily put the 'information' away.

He knew I needed the reminder of the depth of that truth.

He knew it went far beyond just being a kids' lesson.

He is good! His faithful love endures forever.

And I am ever so thankful for that this beautiful Monday morning!

HISTORY
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 1-3, Acts 20:1-16, Psalm 107:39-43

"Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord." Psalm 107:43 NLT

I know, I know.

Right now is the worst possible time for you to do it, but it needs done.

Go ahead...

Stop.

Take a deep breath.

Recall the history of God's faithfulness to you.

All the times He has stepped in.

All the times He has showed up.

All the times He has changed circumstances.

All the times He has amazed you with His attentive ear and far-reaching hand.

You need the reminder.

Right now.

REMINDERS
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 26-27, Acts 19:11-22, Psalm 107:17-32

"He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves." Psalm 107:29 NLT

It takes Vacation Bible School to remind me...

Watching the eyes of the little ones as they hear of God's miraculous ways...

Seeing how they lean into the Bible account...

The excitement of hearing 'what happens next'...

It takes those things to remind me that I should still be star-struck when I hear about the Lord.

Awed by His power.

Amazed by His grace.

Left speechless by His love.

Humbled to my core by His gift of salvation offered to me.

It took watching the little ones to remind me that He is still amazing!

SIMPLY PUT: IT'S JESUS
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 23-25, Acts 18:24-19:10, Psalm 107:10-16

"...Using the Scriptures, he explained to them, The Messiah you are looking for is Jesus." Acts 18:28 NLT

The only name your searching friends need know is Jesus.

The only rescue your lost friends need know is Jesus.

The only hope your dying friends need know is Jesus.

The only comfort your lonely friends need know is Jesus.

The only salvation your hell-bent friends need know is Jesus.

The only light your wandering-around-in-a-dark-world need know is Jesus.

The only way is to help your friends is to share Jesus.

Jesus.

BUILDING MATERIALS
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 21-22, Acts 18:1-23, Psalm 107:1-9

"...So David collected vast amounts of building materials before his death." 1 Chronicles 22:5 NLT

David knew, at this point in his life, that he was not going to be the one to build God a grand temple.

By God's choosing, David's son, Solomon, would take on the task.

But that didn't stop David from gathering supplies.

From stockpiling resources.

From banking the warehouses full of things that would be needed--gold, silver, wood, steel.

And he continued gathering these building supplies, I believe, until his last breath.

And that's what we should all be doing.

Stockpiling for the future faith of our children.

Gathering up goods for the future godly steps of those we love.

Keeping the highways of holiness smooth, swept clean of litter and well marked for those who will travel it later.

Making sure the deposit of our words, about His Word, into the heart and lives of others enrich their hearts and testimonies.

What we do with our lives and what we leave behind will be all that matters of our short time on earth.

TROUBLED BY THE IDOLS
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 18-20, Acts 17:15-34, Psalm 106:44-48

"While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city." Acts 17:16 NLT

Are you troubled by the idols surrounding you?

The things that distract your faith.

The little idols that have made room for themselves in your heart?

The things that eat away at your time to the extent God is short-changed.

The social occurrences that detour your growing in the Lord.

The schedules and calendars that no longer leave God's day as His.

Paul saw them in Athens, you can see them much closer than that.

EVERY DAY
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 16-17, Acts 17:1-14, Psalm 106:34-43

"Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Each day proclaim the good news that he saves." 1 Chronicles 16:23 NLT

Sure, it's David talking to the Jewish nation as they dedicate the special tent made to house the Ark of the Covenant--but we're included in the charge.

The charge to sing to the Lord.

The charge to proclaim the Good News--each day.

Each day.

Not just on Sunday when you sit before the littles and present the Bible lesson.

Not just on Wednesday evenings when you participate in the Bible study currently going on in your home church.

Not just in your Christian circles.

But to the world which so desperately needs to hear it.

Each day.

Over and over again.

And, honestly, not because He tells us to do it--but because we can't keep it quiet!

THEY'RE LISTENING
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 13-15, Acts 16:16-40, Psalm 106:28-33

"Around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening." Acts 16:25 NLT

At the darkest hour.

In the deepest jail cell.

At a point in time when no one would blame them.

When it seemed all hope was lost.

We find Paul and Silas singing.

Praising God.

Worshiping their Creator, their Sustainer, their Comforter.

And others were listening.

Others are always listening.

NOT TRUSTING ENOUGH
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 11:10-12:40, Acts 16:1-15, Psalm 106:13-27

"The people refused to enter the pleasant land, for they wouldn't believe his promise to care for them." Psalm 106:24 NLT

Wen I think about all God did for the Israelites, I am in awe.

Rescue from 400 years of slavery.

The miraculous parting of the Red Sea when the enemy was close on their heels.

Manna and quail each and every day.

A pillar of fire and a cloud to lead them.

A land flowing with milk and honey.

And still...after all that...after what they had seen God do...after watching His plan for them unfold...after living on His provision for 40 years...

They still didn't trust Him enough to conquer and claim Canaan as their own.

How easy it is for me to shame them, to wag my finger of condemnation towards them, to question their allegiance to the One who cared for thoroughly for them.

Then I think of myself.

And the promises of His I've yet to accept.

The habits He has told me we could put aside.

The victories He claims as mine, but I doubt enough to leave unclaimed.

I'm not trusting Him enough, friends, and I'm guessing maybe you aren't either.

WANTED: TRUSTED GATEKEEPERS
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 9:10-11:9, Acts 15:19-41, Psalm 106:1-12

"The four chief gatekeepers, all Levites, were in an office of great trust, for they were responsible for the rooms and treasuries at the house of God." 1 Chronicles 9:26 NLT

Policing what comes and goes is an important topic these days.

It's in the news.

It's a matter of heated debate.

It's talked about around all the water coolers.

It divides and it places people in separate 'parties'.

While the others talk about what needs to be done on our borders, let's talk about what needs done regarding what is allowed to go in and out of our hearts.

We need gatekeepers.

We need godly friends who will call us to task, hold us accountable and keep us from wandering off God's path.

We need filters that keep unlovely, God-less things from coming anywhere near our hearts.

We need extra sets of ears to hear what satan is saying to us and helping us remember that all he speaks is untruth.

Do you have such a team of trusted people in your life?

NO DISTINCTION
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 7:1-9:9, Acts 15:1-18, Psalm 105:37-45

"He made no distinction between us and them, for he also cleansed their hearts through faith." Acts 15:9 NLT

We have to be very careful how we look upon others who state their claim to having received Christ as their personal Savior.

Very careful.

We cannot look through lenses of skepticism.

We cannot peer through eyes of cynicism.

We cannot watch their every move with anticipation of failure.

We cannot be prejudiced as to what we know about their history, their background, their bringing up.

Because God made no distinction between us and them.

His sacrifice on the cross points squarely to the fact that He loved us all evenly.

With no distinction!

MANY TRIBULATIONS
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 5:11-6:81, Acts 14:11-28, Psalm 105:29-36

"...They encouraged them to continue in their faith, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations." Acts 14:22 NLT

We were never told it would be easy.

Ever.

We were never given the slightest inclination that this would be a cake walk.

Never.

We have been told from the beginning, by our Lord and Savior, that there would be tough times.

Hard times.

Trying times.

Times we don't want to endure.

But it's how we get into Heaven.

So endure, friend, endure!

LET GOD DO HIS PART
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 3:1-5:10, Acts 13:44-14:10, Psalm 105:16-28

"...The Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders." Acts 14:3 NLT

I'd never really thought about it until reading this verse.

I've kept from sharing God's Word with others because I couldn't 'back it up' with facts or grand provings.

I've chosen not to spread the Good News because I didn't know if I could continue through till the end--knowing the right verses to quote, the exact words for the prayer of salvation, the right handshake or having some water ready for the baptism.

In all reality, I'm not asked to do those things.

I'm asked to share the Good News, or 'throw the seed' as the preacher reminded us last night.

I'm not asked to make it 'stick'.

I'm not the one who is asked to do the miracle of germination.

I don't have it in me to cause any sprouting of the seed.

I don't have to be present for the seed to mature and produce fruit.

I'm asked to share the Good News.

So, that's what I will do.

ALWAYS
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 1-2, Acts 13:14-43, Psalm 105:8-15

"He always stands by his covenant--the commitment he made to a thousand generations." Psalm 105:8 NLT

What a heart-filling reminder this morning!

His promises remain.

His covenant stands.

Who is His continue to be His.

What He says He will do will be done.

WHO AM I TALKING ABOUT?
Today's reading: 2 Kings 24-25, Acts 12:18-13:13, Psalm 105:1-7

"Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done." Psalm 105:1 NLT

In thinking back over the conversations I participated in yesterday, I've come to realize I didn't talk about the Lord near enough!

I mentioned my accomplishments, my failures and my needs.

I spoke of the ways the enemy was attempting to destroy, detour and discourage me.

I talked a lot about what might be happening in the lives of those I know.

But when I think about it...

When I stop and consider it thoroughly...

I didn't go on and on and on about the greatness of the Lord.

Come to think about it, I've wasted a lot of words!

PROOF OF GOD'S FAVOR
Today's reading: 2 Kings 23, Acts 11:19-12:17, Psalm 104:31-35

"When he arrived and saw this proof of God's favor, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord." Acts 11:23 NLT

When you arrived at this gift of today, did you see proof of God's favor?

Whether the birds and sunshine through the blinds woke you up or the alarm blared at you with a jolting, 'Good Morning!'...

Whether you have grand plans for today, the usual ho-hum or nothing at all planned...

Whether the favor came in a morning when your body was free from pain...

Your mind eased of worry...

Your family safe, sound and healthy under your roof...

Or with an answered prayer...

Has the morning filled you with joy?

Giggling teenager kind of joy...

Peaceful, quiet, smiling on the inside joy...

Or shouting it from the rooftops excitedness…

As you unwrap today, folks will be watching. They will be seeing how it is you handle what the world throws at you. They will be monitoring this 'God-thing' you've been talking about and whether or not you maintain it as you ride the roller-coaster of life.

Other believers are watching, too.

I pray they are encouraged by how you do it!

NEW LIFE
Today's reading: 2 Kings 21-22, Acts 10:34-11:18, Psalm 104:24-30

"When you send your Spirit, new life is born to replenish all the living of the earth." Psalm 104:30 NLT

Haven't you seen it for yourself?

God chooses to amaze us with His provision, creativity and love in so many ways...

A pink, wrinkly baby to those told they'd never have one.

A new start after a catastrophic happening.

A clean bill of health after a roller coaster of sickness.

A beautiful dawn after a night of storms.

A tumor that disappeared from one scan to the next.

A cleaned and forgiven heart from a dark and hard one.

New life if beautiful!

WHEN I FORGET
Today's reading: 2 Kings 19:8-20:21, Acts 10:17-33, Psalm 104:10-23

"You made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun that knows when to set." Psalm 104:19 NLT

Lord, I needed this reminder of just who You are this morning.

Because things have been troubling my mind.

My thoughts have been weighed down with burdens for those I love. Those I am incapable of helping.

My head and heart are full of situations and circumstances that stretch my abilities. Push me to my limits. Exceed my level of faith.

But You.

You!

Nothing at all has changed about You.

You still determine nighttime by the arrival of the lightning bugs and stars and the setting sun.

You still hold in Your hands the very timing of dawn and the pink/orange of the morning sky.

You are still in control.

Still. In. Control.

TOUCHING OTHERS
Today's reading: 2 Kings 18:1-19:7, Acts 9:32-10:16, Psalm 104:1-9

"Peter traveled from place to place to visit the believers, and in his travels he came to the Lord's people in the town of Lydda. There, he met a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. Peter said to him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Get up and make your bed! And he was healed instantly. Then the whole population of Lydda and Sharon turned to the Lord when they saw Aeneas walking around." Acts 9:32-35 NLT

Maybe your 'thorn' is what it is going to take to get the attention of those around you.

How you walk with it.

How you trust Him while carrying it.

How you endure it.

How you praise God through it, while it remains, as it lingers heavily on your heart.

Maybe, just maybe, when the time comes for God to remove your burden, then and only then will you most impact the world to which you were called to minister.

BUT NOT AS MUCH
Today's reading: 2 Kings 16-17, Acts 9:17-31, Psalm 103:15-22

"He did what was evil in the Lord's sight, but not as much as the kings of Israel who ruled before him." 2 Kings 17:2 NLT

...but not as much...

This king stunk at being a king. But not as much as his predecessors.

Would that assure you? Make you feel better? Pat you on the back?

Isn't that what you're telling yourself?

Your sins are many...but not as many as 'hers'.

Your sins are bad...but not as bad as 'his'.

Your sins are smelly and decaying...but not as bad as 'theirs'.

Your sins required a Savior...but not as much as the ones in the heart of 'the least of these'.

Does that make you feel better?

Really?

It shouldn't.