FIND YOUR STRENGTH
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 28-31

"...But David found strength in the Lord his God." 1 Samuel 30:6 NLT

I don't know if you have been watching the 'virus maps' on the news. They are the simulated models of the spread of COVID-19 throughout the US. What started as tiny red dots in New York has now grown like a rash across the states.

I don't think I was too concerned until the 'rash' spread to Illinois--and then in the past few days to the little county my quiet little farm rests in.

The illness is inching closer and closer to our little farmhouse. It's a problem that I once thought was everyone else's and is now approaching my doorstep. And it's been growing in size the longer it has run rampant.

David faced some big problems, too.

Problems that not only touched his life, but reached out and touched the lives of those around him--and their families.

He couldn't fix them. He couldn't undo them. He couldn't provide an answer. He couldn't stand up under the weight of it.

So he sought the Lord.

God was David's only hope--and He is our only hope, too.

Do you know Him?

Is He your strength?

Is He your Savior and Friend?

He can be more than a safety net or a life preserver, much more!

Don't wait until the biggest problem of your life rings your doorbell and steps inside the walls of your home to seek Him out.

Friend, don't wait!

LOSE NO TIME
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 25-27

"Abigail lost no time..." 1 Samuel 25:18 NLT

Abigail had to act fast in an effort to counter Nabal's ill-thought-out reaction to David's request.

She had to stand in the brink and save her family and servants.

She didn't have time to tele-conference with her Bible study group or send out a church prayer chain or take a quick poll on Facebook as to what it was she should do.

She had to act upon what she knew was right and what God was leading her--right then and right there with the information she had right in front of her.

There are times we get to prayerfully consider an issue before making a decision about it and then there are times we have to act quickly. Moments when time is of the essence.

It's in those times that a right relationship with God is absolutely necessary!

We've got to trust, in those moments, that He is in us and leading us.

But those times require that at all other times we are seeking Him out.

We don't want to have to quickly establish a relationship with God in the heat of the moment. We might not have, in those important times, the benefit of re-introducing ourselves to Him after a long season of not seeking Him out.

So we must always be prepared for those times. We must keep our relationship with God fresh, and new and vibrant. Daily. Hourly. Moment-by-moment.

HIDDEN
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 22-24

"David now stayed in the strongholds of the wilderness and in the hill country of Ziph. Saul hunted him day after day, but God didn't let him be found." 1 Samuel 23:14 NLT

I've been attempting to exercise my gratitude muscles during this 'shelter at home' quarantine. It's easier some days than others, to be quite honest. But this verse...this verse has put it into a perspective I cannot help but thank God for.

You see, I've forgotten to thank God for all He has kept me from.

Sure I ask of Him innumerable things.

I thank Him daily for my meals, for my health and for my family.

But I don't know if I've ever thanked Him for the times He has not let me be found by my enemy.

...The times He has hidden me and I had no clue anything was going on.

…The times He has sheltered me and I was oblivious to any danger what so ever.

...The times He has changed my plans and averted me from walking right into the trap satan had set for me.

...The times His strength welled up so mightily in me that an attack would not be wise for my foe to attempt.

...The times He has kept me from myself. (And if you don't get that one, I'm tickled for you...because there are days when I am my own worst enemy!)

God didn't allow Saul to find David on some occasions. He allowed it on others so that God's gory would be on display in the occurrences. David chose to thank God for both--I want to be like David!

ENTRUSTED
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 19-21

"At last Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, for we have made a pact in the Lord's name. We have entrusted each other and each other's children into the Lord's hands forever. Then David left, and Jonathan returned to the city." 1 Samuel 20:42 NLT

You probably tire of hearing about my church--but it's great!

You see not only is it Bible believing, Spirit led and loving...it is a place where a whole lot of families have gathered to entrust their kids, no matter their ages, to the Lord.

We are a family of God that lifts each other's children up in our prayers.

We are a community of believers who make the effort to teach God to our kids--ours or theirs.

We are a body of Christ who knows the importance of instilling godly beliefs in young minds and hearts.

My church family has my back as a momma, and I have theirs!

We pray together.

We cry.

We worship.

We praise.

We grow our kids up in the shadow of the cross. Together. With God as our Guide.

CALLED OUT
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 17-18

"Goliath stood and shouted across to the Israelites, Do you need a whole army to settle this! Choose someone to fight for you, and I will represent the Philistines. We will settle this dispute in single combat!" 1 Samuel 17:8 NLT

Goliath may have thought he was making a wise choice that day, but he was not.

He called out a challenge and it was met head on...but not by King Saul, or one of Saul's mighty warriors.

In all reality, he didn't even call out David, the young shepherd boy with a slingshot and a bag of smooth stones.

Goliath called out God that day in the Valley of Elah.

Someone who represented us.

Someone who was willing.

Someone who was more, much more than Goliath would realize, able.

Someone who would settle this argument in a single combat.

Goliath thought he was the big guy in the fight, until he called God out!

Friend, you have to take God with you into battle. Every battle. Each and every battle.

You won't win against your enemy. He's too conniving. He's too slick. He is too well-versed in your shortcomings and your weak areas. He twists words. He re-configures truths. He pokes at your scabbed over wounds.

So call out the One who stands bigger, stands stronger, stands mightier, stands longer than anything you will face.

Call God into your battle--and see if the giants don't come tumbling down!

BETTER THAN YOU
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 15-16

"As Samuel turned to go, Saul grabbed at him to try to hold him back and torn his robe. And Samuel said to him, See? The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to someone else--one who is better than you." 1 Samuel 15:28 NLT

I will tell you, I have read this passage  times now and am still trying to soak it all in.

You see, as a gal who deals on a daily basis with the temptation to compare herself with others, this is a hard read.

I've always been told that God loves us all the same.

I've understood God is no respecter of persons.

I've known that I am no more, or less, loved than the addict in the gutter or the king on his throne.

But then I read here that Samuel, using God's words, tells Saul that he is giving the kingdom to someone 'better' than him.

Ouch.

That's when I had to re-read it. And read it again.

The issue God had with Saul was obedience.

God was giving the kingdom to someone who was better at obeying.

Not better at being king.

Not taller.

Not a better orator.

Not a thinner person.

Not a person with a better pedigree.

Not a richer person.

Not a fella who had better talents.

But to someone who had a more obedient heart.

A character trait that each and every individual is responsible for cultivating in their own life.

Not a familial tendency.

Not a genetic predisposition.

Not a legacy handed out like an inheritance.

I want to be that 'better' person.

I want to be the one picked by God for the job at hand.

I want to be the one raising my hand for His mission.

I want to be the one who did what was asked with my whole heart and to the letter of His direction.

I want to be the one willing and excited to be used by God.

I don't want to take another's job, but I also don't want another having to do what God's asked of me either!

How about you?

MORE THAN EVER
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 13-14

"He announced that the Philistine garrison at Geba had been destroyed, and we warned the people that the Philistines now hated the Israelites more than ever. So the entire Israelite army mobilized again..." 1 Samuel 13:4 NLT

Church, I'm talking to you...

This is a tough time.

This is a hard time.

This is a time filled with questions, fear for the future and worry.

So we have to come together--while we are apart.

You see, satan is going to attack us now harder than ever because we have been 'separated from the herd'.

Our enemy sees our time away from the building as an opportune time to pick us off one by one.

He believes this is going to weaken us, to distract us, to harm us.

Let's show him otherwise!

Let's mobilize again, from where we are, and seek God.

Let's keep in touch. Let's continue to encourage one another. Let's keep our noses in the Word while we have this down time. Let's continue to worship God from our homes and with all our hearts. Let's grow stronger in the Lord while we are apart from each other.

Our enemy is after us more than ever...let's show him he hasn't got a chance!

I'm in...are you?

WHO IS YOUR KING?
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 8-12

"But when you were afraid of Nahash, the king of Ammon, you came to me and said that you wanted a king to reign over you, even though the Lord your God was already your king. All right, here is the king you have chosen. Look him over. You asked for him, and the Lord has granted your request." 1 Samuel 12:12-13 NLT

I don't know about you, but these quarantined, stay-at-home days make me think.

Really think.

About what's important.

About what's not.

This pandemic has slowed me down to a gear at which I can ponder.

The Israelites had all they needed, and still wanted more.

They had a King, who promised to lead them, be with them, provide for them, save them, keep them, establish them, one that would never, EVER, be defeated.

But the Israelites wanted more. They wanted their king to look like the kings of the surrounding countries. They wanted a king who, in all honesty, didn't want more than their service and their taxes.

Guilty.

I have asked for comfort. And it's made me soft.

I have asked for health. And now that it's at risk, I wish I had appreciated it more.

I have asked for a leader of my heart and my country. And now, with political leaders scrambling, fear running rampant and decisions being made that not only affect me, but will affect generations to come--I kind of wish I had let God lead. No matter what it was He asked of me.  Where it was He took me. What faith it would require for me to trust Him wholeheartedly.

I have been given time, sheltered in my home, to consider the kings I have chosen to put in place. Kings I have selected over God. Kings that are lacking in all areas. Kings are that incapable of saving my soul.

Maybe this pandemic is allowing me time to see. Really see.

BRING GOD INTO YOUR CAMP
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 4-7

"So they sent the men to Shiloh to bring back the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim. Hophni and Phineas, he sons of Eli, helped carry the Ark of God to where the battle was being fought. When the Israelites saw the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord coming into camp, their shout of joy was so loud that it made the ground shake!
What's going on? the Philistines asked. What's all the shouting about in the Hebrew camp? When they were told it was because the Ark of the Lord had arrived, they panicked. The gods have come into their camp! they cried. This is a disaster! We have never had to face anything like this before!" 1 Samuel 4:4-7 NLT

Read that short portion of Scripture again.

Now read it out loud.

Okay, now that you have read it once and have heard it with your own ears, I'll ask you an important question?

Have you brought God into your fight?

It says it takes effort to bring Him into it. Prayer. Turning from your sin. Humbling yourself before Him.

It says His presence will bring joy. Before the battle is over. Before victory is gained. Before there are any changes in your situation.

It says bringing God into the battle will strike fear in the heart of your enemy. Panic. Defeat. Dread.

Friend, we have to bring God into our camp!

I don't know about you, but I need Him. I need His joy. I need to hear my enemy shaking in his shoes.

BELIEVING WHAT YOU ARE TOLD
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 1-3

"In that case, Eli said, cheer up! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him. Oh, thank you, sir! she exclaimed. Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad." 1 Samuel 1:17-18 NLT

Hannah was given some great news by a man of God.

News good enough that it brought her out of her funk.

News good enough that she began to live again.

News good enough that it changed her mood.

She didn't hold her promise in her hands YET, but she knew it was coming. Some day. Some time. Some how.

You, friend, have been given promises as well.

Promises that guarantee you are not alone.

Promises that you won't be given more than you can bear with God's help.

Promises that this world is not your home.

Have His promises changed you?

Have His promises given you life?

Have His promises spurred you on, encouraged you and re-charged your hope?

Have His promises changed your mood?

Review His promises...they are powerful...and they are yours!

LEFT ALONE
Today's reading: Ruth

"...But about ten years later, both Mahlon and Kilion died. This left Naomi alone, without her husband or sons." Ruth 1:4-5 NLT

For a highly social gal, current times are sure putting a damper on things.

I haven't been able to reach out like I'd like to.

I have been warned against just going where ever I want to go.

I have been challenged to limit interaction with other.

Goodness, I can't even hug folks!

And now, I've been asked to 'shelter in place'?

The feeling of loneliness is already creeping in--and this is just the first few days of this effort to keep us all safe and sound.

Here is my only ray of hope: God is always with me!

When I shelter in place, He is there.

If I were to go into solitary confinement, He would be there.

If I were to climb to the highest mountain or scuba to the depths of the deepest sea, He would be there!

We are never alone!

And I'm going to spend my time remembering that instead of worrying or fretting or stressing about the future.

UNITED...AT A DISTANCE
Today's reading: Judges 20-21

"So all the Israelites were united, and they gathered together to attack the town." Judges 20:11 NLT

There is no greater time than now for Christians to unite in our God-assigned roles.

Even from a distance.

While we cannot, should not gather, for health and safety reasons, there is absolutely no need for us to become God-believing hermits.

We get to reach out in an new and exciting way...together.

It's an opportunity for us to use those phone trees/prayer request lines/Sunday School rosters/church directories.

Call up some believers and start a prayer meeting...set a time, choose a topic and pray in your individual homes for God's will to be done.

It's a laid-right-before-us chance to speak hope into a chaotic, scared world.

Speak peace when others are complaining. Speak joy when the inconveniences are overwhelming. Speak love when folks are hurting over illness, loss of loved ones, unemployment and having the symptoms of cabin fever.

How about sending a letter of encouragement?

Shooting off a text to check on another?

Calling someone up on the phone...people still do that these days...to see if anything in your pantry or freezer might be of help to another?

Might you challenge another believer to join with you in opening up the Word before the news is ever turned off every day?

We can unite. We have to unite. We are called to unite. And we can do it from a distance.

WHAT SEEMS RIGHT
Today's reading: Judges 17-19

"In those days Israel had no king, so the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes." Judges 17:6 NLT

I have to confess: If it were up to me and if I were to be basing all I did right now on 'what seemed right in my own eyes', I would be holed up somewhere remote with those I dearly love. Maybe in a self-dug bunker surrounded with 10 foot high fencing and stocked with my Bible, a couple months worth of Little Debbie's snack cakes, Germ-X...and toilet paper.

If my actions were based upon my feelings, it would reflect a very self-centered nature I would be owning up to.

I would be focusing on me and mine. A very small circle of people closest to me.

But I'm not called to do that. As a matter of fact, the Word of God shows me time and time again that my feelings cannot be trusted to rule my life or my deeds.

So I must act upon faith, instead of fear.

I must choose being safe over being scared.

I have to reach out with the Good News of Christ instead of distancing myself from others.

I have to be sensible, smart and led by God.

Right now, I cannot do 'whatever seems right in my own eyes', because my eyes aren't seeing the whole picture--and the part of the picture I'm seeing is a blurry mess!

Besides, I have a King!

PRAY IT
Today's reading: Judges 14-16

"Then Samson prayed to the Lord, Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me one more time..." Judges 16:28 NLT

Did you know it's okay to ask God 'to remember you again'?

Not that He would or could forget you, but that He would, one more time, be shown through your life, your actions or your words.

'Do it again, Lord', might be another way to put it.

'One more time, God'.

'It's me again, Lord'.

'Guess who is needing Your help, again?', you might say.

Just ask Him.

No matter how long it's been since the two of you have talked...

Or how needy you feel you are in regards to His blessings...

Despite the depth of your pit--or if you have dug it yourself...

Disregarding what your enemy, the big, fat liar, is telling you...

Putting aside whether or not you feel you deserve His help again...

Just ask Him. Today.

TAKING HOLD
Today's reading: Judges 11-13

"When her son was born, they named him Samson. And the Lord blessed him as he grew up. And in Mahaneh-dan, which is located between the towns of Zorah and Eshtaol, the Spirit of the Lord began to take hold of him." Judges 13:24-25 NLT

This morning, I've got to share that I'm so glad God doesn't let go once He takes hold!

He doesn't give up when we do.

He doesn't relent when we tire.

He doesn't allow for excuses when we give Him a list of them a mile long.

He doesn't see the obstacles we see.

He doesn't see our inabilities as we see them.

He doesn't let go of us even when we try to shake Him off our hearts, out of our minds or away from our lives.

God's hold on our lives remains for our entire lives.

And for us, that can be good or bad depending upon our response to Him. Comforting or convicting. Providing peace or a constant source or guilt. It can be a drawing to Him or we can spin our wheels in an effort to run away.

And it's not just for us, it is for the lives of those we love, too.

Once God takes hold, He doesn't let go!

SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO
Today's reading: Judges 9-10

"The Lord replied, Did I not rescue you from the Egyptians, the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines, the Sidonians, the Amalekites and the Maonites? When they oppressed you, you cried out to me, and I rescued you. Yet you have abandoned me and served other gods. So I will not rescue you anymore. Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen! Let them rescue you in your hour of distress!" Judges 10:11-14 NLT

I don't know what you have put before God, because we all have put something before Him at some time or another, but can it help you now?

There is no god you can carry around in your pocket to rub for good luck.

There is no special cheer or chant you can repeat that will change circumstances.

There is no diploma, bank statement or wad of cash you can wave over a situation to make it disappear.

There is nothing you can do, no matter how strong, smart, talented or smooth you are, that will compare with what God can do.

So, friends, let's push aside everything else and grab hold of God...we need Him, oh, we need Him!

A DIFFERENT NAME
Today's reading: Judges 6-8

"The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!" Judges 6:12 NLT

The angel of the Lord had been sent on a mission from heaven to find Gideon.

God told the angel where to find him. Hiding in the bottom of a winepress.

God told the angel what he would be doing. Threshing the little bit of wheat he had hid away from the marauding invaders who had been oppressing his people.

God told the angel his name. Mighty hero. Not, Gideon, son of Joash. Not, Gideon, from the clan of Abiezer. Mighty hero.

What a reminder to us that God calls each and every one of us by a much different name than the one our parents gave us, the kids on the school play ground gave us as nicknames or even the world has labeled us with.

The name He has given us even supercedes the name we have assigned ourselves due to our poor choices, bad decisions and monumental mess-ups and His name for us holds within it all the power, forgiveness and potential God's righteousness contains!

WHEN YOU ARE TIRED OF IT ALL
Today's reading: Judges 4-5

"Sisera, who had nine hundred iron chariots, ruthlessly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years. Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help." Judges 4:3 NLT

Did it really take twenty years for them to become tired of it all? Fed up with oppression? Worn out with being under unbearable circumstances?

Had they grown comfortable in their dilemma? Had they settled in to their sad situation?

Twenty years and then they decided to cry out to God for help?

How long would it have taken you?

How long has it taken you?

To ask Him to release you from whatever prison the enemy has you held in? Addiction he has you strapped to? Stronghold he thinks he has you tied down with? Unforgiveness he has allowed to grow in your heart and head?

It's been quite long enough, hasn't it?

LEARNING WARFARE
Today's reading: Joshua 1-3

"The Lord left certain nations in the land to test those Israelites who had not participated in the wars of Canaan. He did this to teach warfare to generations of Israelites who had no experience in battle." Joshua 3:1-2 NLT

I don't know about you, but there are days during which I feel as if God has me in His bootcamp--cramming for exams!

Yep, even this devotion-writing-early-bird has those days when every temptation she has camps out on her doorstep, stares her in the eye and crawls up in her lap the moment she sits down in her prayer chair.

I used to think it was because I was such a spiritual weakling.

My enemy whispers its because God wants me to fail and knows I will.

Upon reading today's portion of Scripture, I find the truth--it's because God wants me to be faithful!

God allows these 'testings' to strengthen my faith-muscles.

He knows the more times I say 'no', the easier it will get to say 'no'.

He knows the more times I refuse to let myself go to those places, either physically or in my mind, the less I will want to go.

He knows the more times I tune into Him and tune out the enemy, the better I will hear His still, quiet whispers.

God has left some 'nations in my land to test me'. To strengthen me. To make me a stronger Christian.

So, friend, I'm putting on my fatigues, lacing up my combat boots and going out on the obstacle course again today--quite possibly to face the exact same problems and temptations as yesterday, but this morning, well, this morning, I have a new mindset...and I'm using the experiences from yesterday to make today a better day!

AS YOU HAVE DONE
Today's reading: Joshua 23-24

"But be faithful to the Lord your God as you have done until now." Joshua 23:8 NLT

Keep at it, brother or sister.

No matter how hard the journey, how steep the climb or how rocky the path--keep at it.

Your faith walk is worth every single ounce of effort you put into it.

Every moment you determine to open your Bible instead of leaving it closed.

Every second you choose to seek God's presence in prayer instead of spending it in worry and doubt.

Every portion of time you opt to join in corporate worship instead of staying home.

It's worth it.

Be faithful.

Keep being faithful.

Be more faithful than you were yesterday.

THE LORD'S HELP
Today's reading: Joshua 21-22

"...None of their enemies could stand against them, for the Lord helped them conquer all their enemies." Joshua 21:44 NLT

We have dear friends heading out this morning for the first few steps in the medical fight of their lives.

They have, according to their team of doctors, a very tough road ahead of them.

They will encounter some hard days in the weeks ahead as his body adjusts to the process God has allowed the medical community to discover and tweak in an effort to ease his condition.

He will be poked, prodded, drained, depleted, injected and exhausted.

And he is going to win.

The enemy will try to keep him down, but he won't be able to because his strength doesn't come from the enemy.

The enemy will attempt to destroy him, but he can't because his hope never has, and never will, come from the enemy.

The enemy will try to discourage him when ever he can, but he won't do it because this friend of mine knows the enemy's tricks and is well aware that the enemy is a big, fat liar.

The enemy cannot stand against this friend of mine.

The enemy cannot stand against me.

The enemy cannot, if are a child of the Most High God, stand against you, either!

CHOOSING OUR BLESSINGS
Today's reading: Joshua 18-20

"Now that the land was under Israelite control, the entire Israelite assembly gathered at Shiloh and set up the Tabernacle. But there remained seven tribes who had not yet been allotted their inheritance...Select three men from each tribe, and I will send them out to survey the unconquered territory. They will return to me with a written report of their proposed divisions of the inheritance." Joshua 18:1-4 NLT

Could it be that we, with God's approval, get to pick some of our own blessings as the Israelites were allowed to pick out their parcels of land in Canaan?

That we get to survey all we see God do and step into some of those things with Him?

To ride His coat tails?

To step in and claim what He has already set aside for us to utilize, access, claim and possess?

I believe the answer is a resounding, YES!

All is His and as His children, that means all that is His is ours.

Will there still be times He tells us 'no'?...Yes, our hearts will some days not line up with His will.

Will there still be times when He tells us 'not yet?'...Absolutely, our finite bodies cannot handle everything we think we can when we think we can handle it.

Will He resent us asking? No!

Will He take back His offers because we ask too often? No!

Will He hold for us what's to be ours until we can handle it? Yes!

Look around at all His blessings. Choose which ones you want. Work towards receiving them with His help and to His glory.

GET WHAT YOU WANT
Today's reading: Joshua 14-17

"The descendants of Joseph came to Joshua and asked, Why have you given us only one portion of land when the Lord has given us so many people? Joshua replied, If the hill country of Ephraim is not large enough for you, clear out land for yourselves in the forest where the Perizzites and Rephaites live." Joshua 17:14-15 NLT

The date is marked in the side notes of my Bible, January 23, 2007, along with the words, MOVE THE ENEMY OUT!

I don't remember what battle I was facing at that time.

I don't recall what my enemy was holding over me, tying me up with or keeping me from--but that day the words in these verses spoke to my heart.

They still do.

There are still some areas in my life where the enemy believes he owns the deed. He is wrong.

There are still some strongholds in my heart that the enemy still thinks he holds the keys. He is sorely mistaken.

There are still some 'promised lands' the enemy believes he is holding just outside of my grasp. He is about to come to the end of his little game! You see, he doesn't own them, he isn't the giver of them, he owns no power in regards to them!

I'm deciding, again today, March 9, 2020, to move the enemy out and claim what's mine!

KEEP AT IT
Today's reading: Joshua 11-13

"When Joshua was an old man, the Lord said to him, You are growing old, and much land remains to be conquered." Joshua 13:1 NLT

Maybe Joshua was beginning to pick out a rocking chair for his retirement.

Maybe he had selected a nice cottage to settle in to for a deserved rest.

Maybe he had picked out some plaid shorts, a set of golf clubs and a green that was going to be his next conquest.

But God had other plans...continue to fight.

You are never too old. Never too tired. Never to used up to be still be used by God.

MAKING OUR ENEMIES WORK FOR US
Today's reading: Joshua 8-10

"Let them live. But we will make them chop the wood and carry the water for our entire community." Joshua 9:21 NLT

Here's the back story: A community of warring neighbors secretly made an oath with the Israelites that ensured their safety. It was a trick that would be a burr in the Israelites saddle for a long time to come.

But instead of bemoaning the fact. Instead of backing down on their before-the-Lord made oath, they made the best of it.

They put their enemy to work for them.

Any way you can do the same?

When he hounds you, can it be your call to dig deeper into the Word?

When he hurls that temptation at you, can it be your reminder to spend a little more time on your knees?

When he brings up your forgiven past, might it be your clue to praise a little louder?

Beat the devil at his own game!

WHAT'S HIS IS HIS
Today's reading: Joshua 5-7

"But Israel was unfaithful concerning the things set apart for the Lord..." Joshua 7:1 NLT

Our big, fluffy farm dog has a tendency to claim as his what may, or may not, given to him.

A boot left outside the door because it was muddy.

A bath towel that has blown off the laundry line.

A stick from the pile we're attempting to make in the yard after a storm.

A treat, or two, or three...or four if he finds the treat bucket.

We can tell him they are not his, but it's uncanny how at that moment, his hearing is diminished.

Severely diminished.

Lacking to the point that he takes said object and usually turns and lopes off in the opposite direction.

Don't we do the same thing? Like the people of Israel.

They took what wasn't theirs. They kept from God what was His all along--according to His own instructions.

What do we take that's His and claim as our own? I've made a list of what I'm guilty of--see if any of it fits your own life...

Power. I tend to think I have the power to change things, people, circumstances, what I've heard God speak to me.

Control. I errantly believe I am in control. Of myself. Others. My life.

Time. I mistakenly take the concept of time and attempt to twist it to accommodate me. When I want to see something done. When I want to see an answer to prayer. When I want a stormy season to pass.

My heart. I'm wrong to think I am the master of my own heart. I didn't form it. I didn't start it beating while still in my mother's womb. I didn't clean it up and remove all its sins. I don't have the ability to maintain it after this life and into  the heavenly realms.

So, this morning I'm praying that God would at least let me be more sound-minded than my farm dog and hand back over to God what is His. For His care. For His handling. For His will to be done in it all.

YOUR ENEMY IS AFRAID
Today's reading: Joshua 1-4

"Before the spies went to sleep that night, Rahab went up on the roof to talk to them. I know the Lord has given you this land, she told them. We are all afraid of you. Everyone is living in terror. For we have heard how the Lord made a dry path for you through the Red Sea when you left Egypt. And we know what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan River, who people you completely destroyed. No wonder our hearts have melted in fear! No one has the courage to fight after hearing such things. For the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below." Joshua 2:8-11 NLT

Would it make a difference in the battle against your enemy if you knew..

A). he was afraid
B). he knew you had already won
C). he knew there was no use in him going up against you
D). he knows exactly who God is and what He can do

It should.

It does, when you choose to re-focus your thinking, grab hold of your emotions and stand firmly on what you know God has already done.

Use your enemy's fear of God against him!

WHAT WILL HE DO THROUGH YOU?
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 33-34

"And it was through Moses that the Lord demonstrated his mighty power and terrifying acts in the sight of all Israel." Deuteronomy 34:12 NLT

Moses hadn't been out looking for the ministry when he stumbled across God's burning bush.

Moses didn't want the job--and listed reasons why he shouldn't be chosen..

Moses didn't come with a list of qualifications or a skillset that put him at the top of God's 'need-to-hire-list'.

Moses didn't think he could do it, especially do it justice.

Moses didn't have a clue as to the heartache, hassle and heavy weight this God-calling would have on his life.

But Moses said 'yes' and God used him in miraculous ways.

He allowed Moses to stand before Pharoah as the 10 plagues swirled about Egypt.

He let Moses position himself before the Red Sea as the wind from God parted it for a dry path.

He chose Moses to deliver His rules to His people before they arrived in His land.

He found Moses suitable to lead millions.

And He can do the same with you!

Say 'yes' and see what all God can accomplish to and through you.

BLESSINGS OR CURSES
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 28-29

"If you fully obey the Lord your God by keeping all the commands I am giving you today, the Lord your God will exalt you above all the nations of the world. You will experience all these blessings if you obey the Lord your God:.." Deuteronomy 28:1-2 NLT

"But if you refuse to listen to the Lord your God and do not obey all the command and laws I am giving you today, all these curses will come and overwhelm you." Deuteronomy 28:15 NLT

I don't know what your day holds, but I urge you, I implore you, to take the time to read over Deuteronomy chapter 28.

Sure it was written in an ancient time.

It's words are spoken to a race of folks we have no genetic attachment to.

At first reading, it contains informative tidbits that lend little application to our day-to-day walk in the 21st century.

But when you slow down and read it. When you remember it was written about the Israelites in order that we might grow and prosper and succeed, it will take on a whole new meaning.

It offers us a choice between blessings or curses.

Obedience or disobedience.

Life or death.

That is quite applicable to today!

TO THIS PLACE
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 26-27

"So the Lord brought us out of Egypt with amazing power, overwhelming terror, and miraculous signs and wonders. He brought us to this place..." Deuteronomy 26:8-9 NLT

I don't know what the story of your faith walk entails, but it's brought you to this place.

Maybe it's been smooth sailing...great!

Maybe it's been a love story of God seeking you out for years before you said 'Yes'...how romantic!

Maybe it's been based upon the script from a made-for-TV-movie where the hero saves the down-and out-kid from the gutter...wonderful!

Maybe it's been a tumultuous relationship, with you being fickle, unsure and immature as to what you thought you wanted or needed or deserved from God...very common!

No matter the story line, it all begins with the power of salvation, follows the pattern of miraculous opportunities for growth and development and ends with where you are right now, today.

Every page of every chapter of your story with God has been written for a reason. Every up and down, every happy moment and sad occurrence, every good day and every long, dark night--all for His glory and your growth.

He has brought you to this place...today.

What will you do with the gift?