TRUSTING HIM WITH TOMORROW
Today's reading: Job 21-23, 1 Corinthians 7:1-16, Psalm 132

"For I have stayed in God's paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside. I have not departed from his commands but have treasured his word in my heart. Nevertheless, his mind concerning me remains unchanged, and who can turn him from his purposes. Whatever he wants to do, he does. He will do for me all he has planned. He controls my destiny." Job 23:11-14 NLT

If it hurts, will you trust Him?

If it is outside your plan, will you trust Him?

If it involves giving up your rights, will you trust Him?

If it is a matter of not understanding any of it, will you trust Him?

If it leads you on a completely different path than you've ever been on before, will you trust Him?

If it isn't fair, will you trust Him?

If it makes you look like 'one of those religious nuts', will you trust Him?

If it's taking every ounce of faith you own--and the borrowed faith of your most godly friends, will you trust Him?

Will you trust Him?

GUARD MY WORDS
Today's reading: Job 17-20, 1 Corinthians 6, Psalm 131

"Then Job spoke again, How long will you torture me? How long will you try to break me with your words?" Job 19:1 NLT

I've long admired Job's friends.

Not that they arrived on the scene after a friend's catastrophes.

Or that they would make the effort to travel to their friend's side.

Or that they were used by God to direct us.

Or that they were able to share Hallmark-worthy bits of advice.

But that when they first arrived on the scene, they said nothing for seven days and seven nights.

Seven days of silence.

Unimaginable to a gal like me!

But then they spoke...and they should have kept quiet.

I so don't want to be like Job's friends.

I don't ever want my words to add to the misery of another.

I don't ever want my advice to sound uncaring, unloving or insensitive.

I don't ever want to hurt another with my words.

But I am sure I have. I am doubly sure I have mis-spoke. I am positive I have communicated judgement on another's plight. I am guaranteed to have said words that cut deeply and inflicted pain.

And I give those instances to God.

For Him to right. To correct. To un-do. To heal.

And while He does that for me, I will practice sitting quietly.

BUT DON'T FORGET ME
Today's reading: Job 14-16, 1 Corinthians 4:14-5:13, Psalm 130

"I wish you would hide me with the dead and forget me there until your anger has passed. But mark your calendar to think of me again!" Job 14:13 NLT

Our women's Sunday School class took a 12 week journey into the book of Job a few months back.

We dug down deep. We uncovered gems. We unlocked passages that led us to a deeper understanding of this great God-written book.

Today's verse is probably one of my favorites.

The words of Job are spoken from the depths of his heart, from the pit of his pain and from the center of his very being.

He was afraid of what all God would do--especially after having lived through all God had done.

He was broken.

He was hurting.

He was surrounded by enemies dressed as dear, wanting-to-help friends.

So he begged God to leave him alone.

To step out of his life.

To be done with him.

But not for long!

Job, in the poor pitiful shape he was in, knew he would never make it without the Lord.

'Mark it on your calendar to return to me', he asked of God.

Don't we do the same? Don't we beg God to remove the burden He places on our hearts? Don't we ask Him to step in and take over what ever task He has asked us to participate in? Don't we beg Him to give us a different life?

Don't we, for very short moments of time, ask Him to step out of our lives so we can do what we want?

But don't forget about us, we plead.

Tie a string on Your heavenly finger to remember us.

Write our names down in Your planner.

Mark it on Your calendar to come back to us--because we do need You.

We desperately need You!

JUST A REMINDER
Today's reading: Job 10-13, 1 Corinthians 4:1-13, Psalm 128-129

"From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me--let Israel now say--from my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but they have never been able to finish me off. My back is covered with cuts, as if a farmer had plowed long furrows. But the Lord is good; he has cut the cords used by the ungodly to bind me." Psalm 129:1-4 NLT

I needed the reminder today that although I am not where I want to be on my Christian walk, I am a far piece from where I started.

I needed the reminder that although every one of my prayer requests have not been answered, I have a long list of ones that have been.

I needed the reminder that although the world errantly believes that the God-filled life is a life of ease, I know what my Savior said.

I needed the reminder that even when I feel as if my head is being held under the water, the burdens weigh heavily on my shoulders and the storm rages all night long and into the next day, that the Lord is good and He has held me safe this far.

Did you need the reminder too?

TAKE AN INVENTORY
Today's reading: Job 7-9, 1 Corinthians 3, Psalm 127-127

"Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is useless. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good." Psalm 127:1 NLT

God has asked me, through this verse, to take an inventory of where I'm spending my energies. What it is I'm giving my time to. Where my heart lies.

We have to do that on a regular basis--just to make sure we're in line with what He desires for us.

Because too many things can take our time, our attentions and our energy.

Too many good things.

Good things that leave us little room for godly things.

WOULD HAVE
Today's reading: Job 4-6, 1 Corinthians 1:26-2:16, Psalm 124-125

"...if the Lord had not been on our side...The waters would have engulfed us; a torrent would have overwhelmed us." Psalm 124:2-4 NLT

Ever paused to think about where you could have been had the Lord not been on your side?

Ever used that same thinking in regards to your current situation?

We have all been in situations that make us feel as if the circumstances were drowning us--and yet we are still here today.

We have all gone through storms which we knew would completely capsize our boats of faith--and yet we are still here today.

We have all endured long rainy seasons that have flooded our heads and hearts with 'what-ifs'--and yet we are still here today.

Yes the waters would have engulfed us and the torrents of fear and worry would have overwhelmed us-had it not been for the Lord on our side!

TAKING IT TO THE LORD
Today's reading: Esther 9-10, Romans 16, Psalm 120-122

"I took my troubles to the Lord..." Psalm 120:1 NLT

Taking your troubles to the Lord is a freeing exercise of faith.

To know He wants to hear all about them flies in the face of all our enemy is telling us to believe.

To know He is always ready to receive us grows our faith in His mercy and grace.

To know He isn't keeping track of how many times you bring the same 'trouble' to Him gives us boldness to continue until that stronghold is defeated.

To know it is sometimes a daily process we'll have to go through is a weight off our mind.

Take what ever it is to Him.

SIGNED AND SEALED
Today's reading: Esther 6-8, Romans 15:22-33, Psalm 119:169-176

"...But remember that whatever is written in the king's name and sealed with his ring can never be revoked." Esther 8:8 NLT

Esther and Mordecai have just revealed Haman's secret plot to annihilate the Jews.

King Xerxes was now on board with correcting the law he had inadvertently signed into effect, but there were some very special ways they had to go about it...because once a king put something in writing, it stood. Forever.

Kings can do that.

My King has done that!

He wrote my name in His ledger many years ago--and it cannot be erased!

I will be His from now on.

No one, no thing, no error on my part, no misdeed, no sin can separate me from being His.

Because He wrote my name down. He sealed it into His Book of Life with His own son's blood.

My adoption cannot be revoked!

JUST A REMINDER
Today's reading: Esther 2:19-5:14, Romans 15:14-21, Psalm 119:153-168

"I am fully convinced, dear brothers and sisters, that you are full of goodness. You know these things so well that you are able to teach others all about them. Even so, I have been bold enough to emphasize some of these points, knowing that all you need is this reminder from me..." Romans 15:14-15 NLT

Sometimes all we need is a reminder.

So here is what I give you this morning--a small string to tie around your finger.

Just plain string. The cotton-twiney kind they use for everyday things. Nothing fancy. Nothing grand.

But I give it with a purpose.

To remind you of God's goodness.

When your world seems topsy-turvy, be reminded by this string that God is still in control.

When your body hurts, your heart hurts, your mind hurts, be reminded that God knows and will heal all in His time.

When a loved one is far from God, be reminded that God draws the prodigals back to His side.

When you don't understand all that's happening around you, be reminded that God does.

When you need to know which direction to go, be reminded that He answers those who seek Him.

When your habits have got to change, be reminded by this little string that God does the impossible.

So, here's your string. Tie it around your finger and be reminded of what you already know.

GUARANTEED
Today's reading: Esther 1:1-2:18, Romans 14:13-15:13, Psalm 119:137-152

"Your decrees are perfect; they are entirely worthy of our trust." Psalm 119:138 NLT

"Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much." Psalm 119:140 NLT

The popular trend is to read 'reviews' before purchasing anything.

To find out the thoughts of previous purchases.

To get the low-down on how a product works, holds up, lasts.

To investigate the testimonials of folks who have purchased said item.

I dare you to do it with the Bible!

Go ahead...

Consider how long it's been in print. Do you really think any book not worth its weight in gold would still be a best seller after all these years?

Consider how it's been proved accurate--time and time again. Archeologists are consistently digging things up that verify what its words say.

Consider how it is continually used. You can't go anywhere without finding a reference to a Bible verse...hospital walls, Hallmark aisles, bumper stickers, t-shirts, wall art, restroom stalls.

Consider the comfort it brings in each and every situation. On death beds, during long nights of illness, in celebration, in grieving, in the search for the right path, comfort, peace, joy.

Consider all these things, then share your own testimonial about God's Word. Let someone know its value to you!

SICK OF SIN
Today's reading: Nehemiah 12:27-13:31, Romans 13:8-14:12, Psalm 119:129-136

"Rivers of tears gust from my eyes because people disobey your law." Psalm 119:136 NLT

When was the last time you cried over sin?

Your own?

Our country's?

Another's?

As believers, sin should break our heart.

It should make us sick.

It should be something we want no part of.

So, when was the last time you cried over what breaks God's heart?

STAND UP
Today's reading: Nehemiah 8:1-9:5, Romans 10:14-11:24, Psalm 119:89-104

"...Stand up and praise the Lord, your God, for he lives from everlasting to everlasting." Nehemiah 9:5 NLT

Maybe you didn't sleep well.

Quite possibly the fears and worries didn't calm, or better yet, disappear, over night.

You still hurt--physically or emotionally.

You haven't received an answer from God--or even a response that assures you He has heard.

That person hasn't asked for your forgiveness.

You haven't been allowed the opportunity to undo a wrong you had done.

Your addiction, temptation, weakness, recurring sin hasn't left you...or even subsided in intensity.

I get it. Truly, I do.

Might I suggest we do what the people of Nehemiah's time did--stand up and praise God!

In the midst of their struggle to rebuild. As they stood and head the Book of God read and they realized how very short they'd fallen of His standards. As their enemy camped around them wanting them to fail in their attempts.

They were asked to stand and praise God because He lives from everlasting to everlasting.

That fact has not changed.

That fact will never change!

So let's do it! Let's stand and lift our hands to His honor--because He deserves it. Because we owe it to Him. Because just sitting around and stewing over our lack doesn't help any of us at all!

LOOKING HARD
Today's reading: Nehemiah 5:14-7:73, Romans 10:1-13, Psalm 119:81-88

"My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. When will you comfort me?" Psalm 119:82 NLT

Like a lot of things in the Christian walk, there is some effort required in looking for God's promises.

A quick glance might not allow us to see them.

A passing glance may cause us to overlook them.

A half-hearted glance might make us not see them for what they really are.

It takes looking.

Straining.

Fixing our gaze.

Fine-tuning our focus.

Expectant watching.

Then we will see God's promises come true before our very eyes.

Every time...for we are His!

CAUSE FOR JOY
Today's reading: Nehemiah 3:17-5:13, Romans 9:19-33, Psalm 119:73-80

"May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word." Psalm 119:74 NLT

Is that your prayer as you head out in to your day?

That the godly will see Jesus in you--and rejoice because of it?

That the people you bump in to through out your day will be touched by God?

That your faith will be seen in your life, in your words, in your actions and in your reactions?

PRAYER AS A REACTION
Today's reading: Nehemiah 1:1-3:16, Romans 9:1-18, Psalm 119:65-72

"The king asked, Well, how can I help you? With a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied..." Nehemiah 2:4-5 NLT

How would it change your life if your first reaction, each time, every time, was prayer?

I've thought about that very thing this morning as I read about Nehemiah and his God-sent vision.

If I prayed instead of rolled my eyes, might I have a greater chance at evangelism?

If I prayed instead of worrying, might I have more peace than high blood pressure?

If I prayed instead of giving my opinion, might I have more friends?

If I prayed instead of telling them like it is, might I be more like Christ?

If I prayed instead of fulfilling the desire to be heard saying something wise and helpful, might I catch more of the 'men I'm to be fishing for'?

It will have to be a deliberate act on my part.

I will have to make intentional choices in order to not respond in my usual manners.

I will need to keep Nehemiah and his work and his example at the forefront of my heart and mind!

AM I IN IT ENOUGH?
Today's reading: Ezra 9:5-10:44, Romans 8:28-39, Psalm 119:41-64

"Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your law." Psalm 119:61 NLT

Like me, I am sure you won't have to go very far into your day before you are tempted to sin.

Either to do something you shouldn't.

To disregard something you should.

To comment inappropriately.

To not speak of God's goodness.

To harbor a bitter feeling.

To have no feeling at all.

Somewhere in our day, you and I will be tempted.

David speaks of being anchored in the Law and not allowing life to drag us into sin...

Am I? Are you?

Is there enough of God's Word in us to keep us strong against the attacks of satan?

To keep us from drifting off into a sin-filled day?

To know right from almost right?

Spend some time in the Bible today. Use it as a immunization against all the world will throw at you today.

AGAINST YOU
Today's reading: Ezra 4-5, Romans 6:1-7:6, Psalm 119:9-16

"The enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were rebuilding a Temple to the Lord, the God of Israel...Then the local residents tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work." Ezra 4:1, 5 NLT

Our enemy is waiting for us to step into this day.

He might meet us with the blare of the alarm clock. He might wait for us to stub our toe on the way to the shower. He might whisper unlovely thoughts in our heads as we stand before the mirror brushing our teeth.

Guaranteed, at some point during this day, he will attack.

He knows the potential of a God-child. What they have access to. What they hold the power to do. How far they can go. Just Who it is they can call on.

So he will attack.

When you are the weakest. When you think it's all fine. He will attack.

So, be prepared.

Have a verse or two in your head and heart that reminds you of his defeat.

Carry with you an index card on which you've written a verse that regales the attributes of the Lord, your protector.

Know a hymn that you can hum .

Have on speed-dial a friend who will set you straight when the enemy begins to derail your plans to live a godly life.

Enemy attacks are going to happen, be prepared!

NO LONGER A SLAVE
Today's reading: Ezra 1-3, Romans 5, Psalm 119:1-8

"The sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over us, but all who receive God's wonderful, gracious gift of righteousness will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ." Romans 5:17 NLT

If you are a child of God...

If you have received His gift of salvation...

If you admitted, believed and confessed...

If you prayed the Sinner's Prayer...

If you knelt at an altar and asked Jesus to come into your heart...

If you got saved...

You, friend, are no longer held by sin!

Sin doesn't own you anymore.

Sin can't guide you anymore.

Sin doesn't have its hooks in you anymore.

Sin doesn't control your life anymore.

Sin doesn't reign over your head and heart anymore.

Sin doesn't win anymore.

All because of this one man, Jesus Christ!

STRONGER FAITH
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 35:20-36:23, Romans 3:27-4:25, Psalm 118:24-29

"Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger and in this he brought glory to God." Romans 4:20 NLT

God told Abram that he would become the father of many nations.

And Abram believed Him.

He flat out believed God.

He just simply believed Him.

Every day he believed.

Every passing year he believed.

Every anniversary of the day on which God had made His promise, Abram believed.

Abram's belief only grew stronger as the years went by.

Does yours?

Hours after you've made a request, are you still expecting His answer?

Days after you have read one of His promises to you, are you still believing in it?

Months after?

Years after?

If we choose to believe, as Abraham did, our faith should only grow stronger and stronger the longer we wait for God to show up on the scene and do His mighty work.

It will be worth it--every moment of the waiting will be worth it!

OUR ONLY HOPE
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 34:8-35:19, Romans 3:1-26, Psalm 118:19-23

"For all have sinned, all fall short of God's glorious standard." Romans 3:23 NLT

If this were the only verse in the Bible...

And, if this were all you knew of the story of the Gospel...

And, if this was where the plan of salvation ended...

We would be a desperate people.

There would be no hope for us.

We might as well throw in the towel.

But this verse...

This revelation...

This truth...

Paves the way for Jesus!

It opens the door for Him to walk in and save the day--and the world--and you!

AS A PARENT
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 33:1-34:7, Romans 2, Acts 118:1-18

"He did what was evil in the Lord's sight, just as his father Manasseh had done. He worshiped and sacrificed to all the idols his father had made." 2 Chronicles 33:22 NLT

As a parent, this verse strikes fear in my heart.

If after all the times of taking my son to church...

If after all the summers of bringing him with me to Vacation Bible School...

If after all the picture Bibles, elementary Bibles and Bibles for teens I've provided for him...

If after attempting to set an example of what a good Christian looks like...

He chooses not to do what I've presented to him as a godly example to follow, but to pick up the idols I have worshiped, rebel by sinning the way I do or refuse to bend his heart to God's will as his mother has? I'll be heartbroken.

He is watching closer than I care to desire.

He sees me on Sunday in my cleaned up clothes, toting my Bible and mingling with the saints.

He also sees me sick with worry, giving the television too much of my time and hears me when my words about others are not spoken with love.

Only by the grace of God will my boy choose godliness.

NO EXCUSES
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 31-32, Romans 1:18-32, Psalm 117

"From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and the sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing him." Romans 1:20 NLT

No excuse whatsoever.

Nope... that excuse doesn't hold water.

No... that excuse doesn't cut it.

No... that reason with several excuses attached will not excuse you.

No excuse whatsoever.

MY DADDY
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 29:20-30:27, Romans 1:1-17, Psalm 116:6-19

"The Lord protects those of childlike faith;.." Psalm 116:6 NLT

Oh, to believe like a child again.

Simple truths.

Fundamental facts.

Life-altering beliefs.

Like these...

-That our Father is bigger and stronger than any of the 'monsters in our closet'.

-That our Dad can do and will do each and every thing He promises.

-That our Daddy loves us in a huge way!

Oh, to believe like that again.

BECAUSE
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 28:1-29:19, Acts 28:7-31, Psalm 116:1-5

"I love the Lord because he hears and answers my prayers." Psalm 116:1 NLT

When you love Him because He hears and answers your prayers...

You don't lose sleep over 'when' He will answer.

Or 'how' He will answer.

Or through 'what' means He will answer.

Or 'who' will He choose to work through in order to answer.

Or 'where' in your valley, storm, pit or gutter you might be when His answer comes.

You just know He hears and will answer.

Which is why you love Him so!

ONE COIN
Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 25:17-27:9, Acts 27:21-28:6, Psalm 115:11-18

"All you who fear the Lord, trust the Lord! He is your helper, he is your shield." Psalm 115:11 NLT

Fear God.

Trust God.

Two sides of the same coin.

Fear who He is. Revere Him. Bow in awe of Him. Remember how great and mighty He is. Always keep in your mind what He is capable of  doing.

And trust Him.

Because of who He is. Because of the reverence and awe due Him. Simply due to His greatness and might. Knowing all He can do.