LOVE THEM

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 5-9

"...While knowledge may make us feel important, it is love that really builds up the church." 1 Corinthians 8:1 NLT

While I busy myself checking off Bible reading, church attendance, Scripture memorization and quiet time--am I remembering to love others?

While I quote Bible verses, state Biblical facts, tout moral rights and wrongs--am I remembering to love others?

While I condone and condemn specific behaviors, support good causes and let my voice be heard where I believe it needs to be--am I remembering to love others?

While I write my checks, drop my change in the red buckets and fill the shoeboxes with trinkets and toys--am I remembering to love others?

Am I remembering to love others...

YET

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 1-4

"I know very well how foolish the message of the cross sounds to those who are on the road to destruction. But we who are being saved recognize this message as the very power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18 NLT

Reading this verse reminds me of one of my absolute favorite words in the world...YET.

It's powerful.

It's potential-packed.

It's hope-filled.

This verse tells us that.

The message of the Gospel sounds like a crazy one until God opens the eyes, ears, minds and hearts of the one needing to hear it.

For those of us who have accepted this gift of salvation, we don't understand why anyone wouldn't want it. Why they wouldn't accept it for themselves.

It's only because God hasn't revealed it to them YET.

He hasn't broken their hearts to accept it YET.

He hasn't allowed all the puzzle pieces of their lives to fall into place so He will receive all the glory YET.

He hasn't broken down their proud minds YET.

He hasn't spoken to them personally and intimately YET.

So keep praying. Keep believing. Keep trusting. Your part in this is not over YET.

JUST A REMINDER

Today's reading: Romans 11-14

"Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are his riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods!" Romans 11:33 NLT

I don't know about you, but I needed this reminder.

Yes, just one day after Thanksgiving.

With the good dishes still waiting to be put away in their reserved cabinet...

With leftovers filling the fridge...

With my side aching from the laughter from yesterday's Zoom meeting with family...

With a still full belly from too many slices of pumpkin pie...

With turkeys and pumpkins to put away and Christmas trees and nativities to put out...

I needed the reminder that He is good!

He is always good.

His ways are perfect, whether or not they are perfectly understood by me.

His blessings pour into my life like a river, and not just in the month of November or just on a Thursday in late autumn.

Oh, what a wonderful God we have!

EVERYTHING

Today's reading: Romans 8-10

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28 NLT

Today I'm thankful for 'everything'.

'Everything' God understands and I don't.

'Everything' He understands and I won't.

'Everything' He sees and I can't.

He allows 'everything' to work together for my good when I continue to follow Him, trust Him, believe in Him and love Him.

Some of it may stink. Some of it may hurt. Some of it may inconvenience the stuffing out of me. But when I take 'everything' and carefully place it in His apt hands, He molds it, handles it and fashions it into something I will praise Him for.

(I was reminded of this verse as I was baking my pumpkin pies last night...and here it is in my reading this morning.

Ever tasted pumpkin on its own--ICK!

Evaporated milk separately--YUCK!

Ginger, cinnamon, cloves by the spoonful--EWWW!

A simple egg--BLAND!

Sugar--sure we can handle the sugar, but on its own it wouldn't make a very good pie.

Mix them all together, stir them vigorously, put them through the heat of a fiery furnace and let them cool--wait for them--and you have a grand dessert.)

NEVER WAVERED

Today's reading: Romans 4-7

"Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was absolutely convinced God was able to do anything he promised." Romans 4:20-21 NLT

The grayer Abraham's head got, the more he believed God was going to make him the father of many nations.

The more whispering and gossip there was around town about 'the old fool's crazy notions', the more Abraham trusted in God's plan to bring him a son.

The more months Sarah went knowing she wasn't expecting, the more he knew God could be trusted to fulfil His promise.

And in the waiting--and in the believing--Abraham brought glory to God by believing. By simply believing.

I want to do the same.

PRIVILEGE & AUTHORITY

Today's reading: Romans 1-3

"Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name." Romans 1:5 NLT

Paul could have mentioned any of the many perks Christianity provides in this verse...

The privilege of eternity?

The privilege of adoption?

The privilege of salvation?

A mansion in heaven?

The power to pray and have God's attention?

But he mentions in this verse the privilege and authority of telling the Good News.

And he mentions it because of the fruit it produces--more children to tell of the Good News.

Of all the benefits you have of being a child of God, do you consider being able to share your salvation story with another as one of your most prized? Most valuable? Most kingdom-promoting?

MAKING IT PERSONAL

Today's reading: Acts 27-28

"But we want to hear what you believe..." Acts 28:22 NLT

Paul stood before those who would condemn him or release him based upon his testimony.

You do, too.

The people you come in contact with today want to know what you know about Jesus.

Your personal story.

Not your pastor's words...or your Sunday School teacher's words...or your mom and dad's words...

They want to know what you believe He has done for you.

Because that gives them hope as to what He can do for them.

NEEDED THE REMINDER

Today's reading: Acts 24-26

"Two years went by in this way; then Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish leaders, he left Paul in prison." Acts 24:27 NLT

As I have recently been moaning and groaning my way through an unanswered prayer, I consider this portion on Scripture to be just the reminder I needed.

You see, I needed to be reminded that Paul, one appointed by the Lord...

One doing what God had asked...

One serving with all his ever-loving heart...

One who was attempting to do all he could for the right reasons...

One who had completely given his life over to the Way, to the One...

Was having to wait.

And not just for sun up.

Not just for a thunderstorm to pass.

Not just for the day to end.

Not just for a specific hour to come and go.

He was waiting for the Lord to act on his behalf--and in this instance, it was taking at least two years in a prison cell.

But if it was going to be what God wanted, when God wanted, touching the lives of who God wanted and be as big as God wanted it to be--it would require a wait.

So Paul waited.

And so will I.

BE ENCOURAGED

Today's reading: Acts 22-23

"That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, Be encouraged, Paul..." Acts 23:11 NLT

While in the fortress of his accusers, God spoke to Paul.

In the dark of night, God spoke to Paul.

In the middle of a storm brought on by serving the Lord, God spoke to Paul.

Don't think He won't speak to you--listen for Him--listen carefully!

A BETTER WORD

Today's reading: Acts 20-21

"On the first day of the week, we gathered to observe the Lord's Supper. Paul was preaching; and since he was leaving the next day, he talked until midnight. The upstairs room where we met was lighted with many flickering lamps. As Paul spoke on and on, a young man named Eutychus, sitting on the windowsill, became very drowsy. Finally, he sank into a deep sleep and fell three stories to his death below. Paul went down, bent over him, and took him into his arms. Don't worry, he said, he's alive! Then they all went back upstairs and ate the Lord's Supper together. And Paul continued talking to them until dawn; then he left. Meanwhile, the young man was taken home unhurt, and everyone was greatly relieved." Acts 20:7-12 NLT

Words intrigue me.

The power in them.

The definition of them.

The emotion that can be expressed through them.

And sometimes, as in this account--the lack of being able to find just the right word to convey the right tone.

Take the last word of today's text, for example...

...and everyone was greatly relieved.

I would say, in regards to most of the folks in that upper room, this summed up how they felt, if they didn't know young Eutychus. 'Relieved' young man hadn't lost his life. 'Relieved' their prayer meeting hadn't ended on a bad note. 'Relieved' their next day wouldn't be spent at a funeral, making the funeral casserole, wearing the scratchy funeral clothes. Yes, 'relieved', was probably the right word for them.

But was it the proper word in regards to Eutychus? How he was feeling? After the experience he'd just had? I mean, this was more than just falling out of bed. More than just rolling off the couch after a bad dream. Three stories? 'Relieved'? I don't think so! This young boy, even if he were a teenager who was going through the stage of refusing to express his emotions was ecstatic to be alive! Thrilled to not be dead! Over the moon to not be just a memory!

And from a momma's perspective? (Sorry, I just can not not go there--even if she isn't mentioned.) Imagine the boy's mom. Do you think 'relieved' summed up her emotions? Whether she was there or not, whether she witnessed the fall or heard about it second hand? Whether she watched helplessly or stood over his body as Paul prayed God's life back into it? 'Relieved' clearly would not have been the proper word to explain her feelings.

This boy was freed from death that evening.

Redeemed from eternity until a later time.

Liberated to continue in his God given talents for a while longer.

Rescued in a way that would point others to know more about God's power.

And the people were 'relieved'? 'Relieved'?

Sadly, it's kind of like us when we hear someone is saved/born again.

It's not celebrated. It's not applauded. It's not something that brings about joy and excitement and enthusiasm. It gives us...relief.

Shame on us!

Wow, these few verses have surely spoken to my heart and head this morning!

MORE

Today's reading: Acts 18-19

"Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had just arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. He had been taught the way of the Lord and talked to others with great enthusiasm and accuracy about Jesus. However, he knew only about John's baptism. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately." Acts 18:24-26 NLT

I believe these three verses might possibly sum up why I have so dearly fallen head over heels in love with the Word of God.

It's alive.

It's active.

It's far reaching.

In this passage alone we find that the Bible, when handled and explained correctly by godly men and women, can go more deeply, reach much higher and exceed our understanding.

Isn't that amazing?

No matter how many times we pick it up and crack open it's pages, we can be amazed!

No matter the number of times we hear of an account in we can be transformed!

No matter how often we read and re-read a Psalm it can calm us and set our minds more firmly the Lord!

No matter how many times we read through the account of the crucifixion we can still be stirred by the amount of love Jesus showed for us!

Are you getting into it often enough? Are you allowing it to seep into your pores? To change your heart and mind? To get under your skin? To upset your apple cart?

NOT UP TO ME

Today's reading: Acts 16-17

"On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we supposed that some people met for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had come together. One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. A she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. She was baptized along with other members of her household..." Acts 16:13-15 NLT

Paul and Silas followed the Holy Spirit's leading to a riverbank.

They followed God's directions in what to say.

They trusted in who God would have assembled that day to hear their words.

Then...and this is the lesson for us all...they trusted God to open up their hearts.

That part is not up to us!

It's not our presentation that will turn them around.

It's not our power point that will persuade them.

It's not our five-point message or perfectly timed jokes.

It's not how well we interlace short stories in to our road map down the Roman's road.

It's only, ONLY, up to God to open their hearts to hear, understand, believe and accept His Word.

Sure, we have a part to play.

We get to obey in speaking the Good News to whomever He asks us to present it to.

But what's not up to us is not up to us!

STRENGTHEN A BELIEVER

Today's reading: Acts 14-15

"After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned again to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch of Pisidia, where they strengthened the believers..." Acts 14:21 NLT

I'm not so sure this verse would have caught my eye had I not read the two verses preceding it.

I mean, I knew Paul and Barnabas preached the Good News.

I knew they traveled from town to town doing it.

I knew they were encouragers.

But here is what made this verse jump off the page at me...

"Now some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and turned the crowd into a murderous mob. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, apparently dead. But as the believers stood around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe." Acts 14:29-20 NLT

I know there may be a bit of a time lapse between verse 20 and 21, but let's be really honest here--would you have gone right back to where they had attempted to stone you?

To where they had wanted to kill you?

To where they thumbed their nose at the Good News you were bringing them--for their own good?

I can imagine Paul standing before the believers, in an effort to encourage them and strengthen their resolve, bruised and possibly still bandaged.

I can imagine him haltingly stepping up to the podium when it was his turn to speak, still sore from the beating he had taken.

I can imagine him possibly attempting to look at his speaker's notes through his swollen and blackened eyes.

All in an effort to encourage the believers.

And I have to ask myself--what am I doing to encourage another Christian in their walk?

Bruised, knocked down, bloodied, damaged, bumped around, banged up, no matter what I feel I am--am I attempting to strengthen another in their faith?

FREEDOM

Today's reading: Acts 12-13

"Brothers, listen! In this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is freed from all guilt and declared right with God--something the Jewish law could never do." Acts 13:38-39 NLT

As Paul stood speaking to this group of devout Jews this day in Antioch, he offered them a freedom none of them had ever tasted before.

A freedom some of them thought they had because they had shown up for service that day.

A freedom some of them thought they had earned by keeping all the traditions and practices written down for them to follow.

A freedom some of them thought they had inherited through DNA and ancestry.

A freedom some of them thought they had received upon sliding into the priestly garments and tassle-embellished robes their roles required them to wear.

But as they listened to Paul, they realized they were still chained. Locked up. Imprisoned. Held captive.

Only Jesus frees us from our sins.

Only His blood releases us from guilt.

Only the working of the Cross proves to be a pathway for us to have a right relationship with God.

Not deeds. Not traditions. Not specific acts of religion. Not inheritance. Not church membership.

Only Jesus.

Only Jesus.

AN INDEX CARD KIND OF VERSE

Today's reading: Acts 10-11

"Then Peter replied, I see very clearly that God doesn't show partiality." Acts 10:34 NLT

I joke with the gals in my class about my addiction to index/recipe cards.

I use them for just about everything.

Grocery lists. Phone messages. Book markers. Notes to my guys. Reminders.

But most importantly, I use them when I have a verse that I need to keep before me.

I write out the verse and post the index card in as many places as I can.

You may find an index card on my computer desk, above my kitchen sink, on the steering wheel of the car, on the scale, on the refrigerator--well, you get the picture!

This verse this morning, I'm deciding right now, needs put on my bathroom mirror.

It will be there for me to read when I'm feeling low and undeserving--God shows no partiality!

It will be there on the days when I'm feeling a little more than--God shows no partiality!

You see, I'm ONLY a child of God because of His grace.

I'm ONLY saved because of His mercy.

I'm ONLY redeemed from my sins because of His extraordinary love for me.

I'm ONLY living with hope because He shows no partiality.

And I need that daily reminder.

And if a little white index card can help me remember that, then that's what I'll use.

CELEBRATING

Today's reading: Acts 8-9

"When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing." Acts 8:39 NLT

Wait a minute...

You mean to tell me this new believer...

This new to Christianity...

This brand-new to the church guy didn't camp out where he was baptized, pull up a chair and refuse to budge from where he was because he didn't understand where in the world Philip went?

He didn't want all the answers explained to him, with chapter and verse reference cited?

He didn't want the fully annotated Bible study printed and in his hands before he would go any further in his faith walk?

He didn't.

He knew he believed in the words Philip shared with him. He knew what had been explained to him in the scrolls he had been reading. He knew the Lord had spoken to his heart. He knew he was different. So, regardless of the circumstances with Philip--the albeit unusual circumstances with Philip--he went away rejoicing in his salvation.

Even in the unknown and unexplained parts of it!

There are several hundred pages of my Bible that leave me scratching my head, but I stand and celebrate the pages I do understand-God created, God loves, God sent Jesus, Jesus lived, Jesus loved, Jesus died, Jesus rose again, Jesus lives and waits for me in heaven.

That's reason to celebrate and move forward.

The other stuff? The other stuff God and I can uncover bits and pieces at a time as I walk with Him--or while I am in heaven!

FOCUSED

Today's reading: Acts 6-7

"But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily upward into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing the place of honor at God's right hand." Acts 7:55 NLT

Stephen wasn't standing in a quiet, lovely Temple.

Or in a beautiful, contemplative prayer garden.

He wasn't calmly camped out in his prayer chair on an early morning.

Stephen was standing in the middle of an angry mob intent on stoning him for preaching the Good News.

He was being shouted at for proclaiming Jesus' birth, life, death and resurrection.

His life was in danger.

His ministry was being pulled apart by threads.

His testimony was being tested verse by verse.

And still he chose to see the Lord.

He made the effort to look for God.

He stepped over and above his circumstances just to keep his eyes on Jesus.

I'm ashamed to say I don't always do the same. I get bogged down by the goings-on around me. I get distracted by the happenings in my own little world. I allow myself to get overwhelmed by the here-and-now instead of overjoyed by the what's-to-come.

I've got to keep my eyes on Jesus--no matter what!

FROM ONE WHO TALKS A LOT

Today's reading: Acts 4-5

"So they called the apostles back in and told them never again to speak or teach about Jesus. But Peter and John replied, Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about the wonderful things we have seen and heard." Acts 4:18-20 NLT

If you think I'm word-y when it comes to what I type, you should be in a face-to-face conversation with me!

I'm a bit of a talker!

A chatterbox!

A discourser!

But this morning as I think about what Peter and John were told by the members of the religious high council, I'm given pause...

If I were told not to talk about Jesus.

About what He had done for me.

About the hope He holds.

About the salvation He offers.

About the light He gives for dark lives and dark paths.

I truly wonder if those listening to anything I have to say would hear anything different?

Could I keep quiet?

For the life of me, I don't think so!

THE BOOK OF ACTS

Today's reading: Acts 1-3

"Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church--about three thousand in all. They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord's Supper and in prayer." Acts 2:41-42 NLT

I've heard the book of Acts referred to as 'the book of the Acts of the apostles'.

I like that term.

I like the thought of tagging it with that title. 

The title stating all the power Jesus had left them with. The title giving the reader a glimpse into what they will get themselves into as they open the book. The title giving away all the action packed excitement the pages hold.

But this morning that title has me thinking.

If a story were written about my life, or about yours if you care to think about it with me, what might it be titled?

Would it be so grand?

Would it be filled with excitement?

Would it be filled with God-given miracles, God-led escapades, God-driven revivals, God-planted dreams that grew into fruition?

Would it titled 'the book of Acts of a child led by God'?

CONTINUE TO LOOK

Today's reading: John 20-21

"Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in." John 20:11 NLT

While she was crying, she continued to look for Jesus.

Still in mourning, she sought Him.

In grief, she searched for her Savior.

Do we do the same?

Or do we just sit and wait for Him to come to us?

Do we curl up in the fetal position and cry ourselves to sleep waiting for His rescue--again?

Maybe we should be grasping for Him with our last bit of hope.

Or fighting for Him with our ounce of energy.

Or looking earnestly for Him through our teary eyes.

Or running after Him even with our fists clenched and our minds clouded with questions.

No matter what, we should be looking for Him--because He promises to be found! 

QUESTIONS

Today's reading: John 18-19

"Jesus replied, Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?" John 18:34 NLT

Inquiring minds want to know.

In this instance, Jesus was asking Pilate if his questions were of personal nature or of political basis.

Jesus wanted to know if Pilate was seeking to know Him better or looking for a way to appease those wanting to trap Him.

You see, the Holy Trinity welcomes questions.

It's understood that questions are a part of the growing process. A part of the learning process. A part of the faith process. A part of a healthy relationship.

So ask God your questions--but carry on as you do. Trust Him.

Don't just refuse to budge until He gives you an answer because sometimes the answers are far too complicated for us to understand!

HE PRAYED FOR ME

Today's reading: John 16-17

"I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony." John 17:20 NLT

Jesus prayed for me.

In this portion of Scripture...

In the book of John...

Written in red so I'd know it was His words, no one else's...

I see that Jesus Himself prayed for me...

You see, I am one who came after His disciples.

One who believes because of His disciples.

Someone who has been saved by the grace of God because of the testimonies I have heard.

Jesus prayed for me.

And, child of God, He prayed for you, too.

TODAY'S GIFT

Today's reading: John 13-15

"I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27 NLT

I'm going to guess that you don't have a gift sitting around from Christmas that remains unopened.

A tinseled package that you haven't broken into.

A gift bag tagged with your name that hasn't been gotten into.

Of course not, gifts are made to be opened--and opened, usually, when they are presented to us.

So, why then, are you not opening up His gift of peace?

Why are you allowing the world events, current circumstances and things going on around you to rob you of the peace He gives you?

All while staring at the gift He gives His children. A gift the world cannot offer.

MORE

Today's reading: John 11-12

"Many people, including some of the Jewish leaders, believed in him. But they wouldn't admit it to anyone because of their fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God." John 12:42-43 NLT

I'm going to be so bold as to say I would insert any one of our names into this portion of Scripture and it ring true.

There is something each and every one of us is being asked to do, but we are hesitating because...

-It hasn't been done that way before.

-It might hurt someone's feelings.

-It could possibly leave someone out.

-It might go against what everyone else is doing.

-It might shake things up a bit.

-It might cause someone else to feel the slightest bit uncomfortable.

-It could be construed as being religious and not tolerant.

-It might not get an applause from the crowd.

WHERE IS HE?

Today's reading: John 9-10

"They asked, Who healed you? What happened? He told them, The man they call Jesus made mud and smoothed it over my eyes and told me, Go to the pool of Siloam and wash off the mud. I went and washed, and now I can see! Where is he now? they asked. I don't know, he replied." John 9:10-12 NLT

This man, who had been blind since birth.

Who had never seen the sun shine, his mother's face, the yellow of a dandelion or the cracks in the stone sidewalk at the front of his childhood home--could now see.

His life had completely changed. And with that change arose a problem.

The problem?

The problem wasn't the quizzical church leaders who were hounding him about the healing.

The problem wasn't the new life he would try to lead.

The problem wasn't even the nagging question as to whether or not the blindness would eventually return.

The problem was--he had already lost sight of the One who had healed him.

INSIDE A CIRCLE OF STONES

Today's reading: John 7-8

"Then Jesus stood up again and said to her, Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you? No, Lord, she said. And Jesus said, Neither do I. Go and sin no more." John 8:10-11 NLT

I don't know if it was because of the customs of the time, or because the other accused was one of their own, but only one of the guilty parties was dragged before Jesus that day and accused of adultery.

But if you will give me a bit of license here, I want to place us in the story in a way that quite possibly you have never seen/heard/felt/experienced it before.

Imagine you are the half-dressed woman standing beside a soft-spoken rabbi inside a circle of accusatory, finger-pointing religious men.

Imagine your hair mussed and out of place, outside of its customary veil, flowing wildly in the Jerusalem winds.

Imagine your eyeliner smeared all over your face from the tears you've cried out of fear and rage and embarrassment.

Imagine the stares that have seemingly bored holes all the way through to your soul from onlookers and accusers and passers-by.

Imagine the shouting, the unkind words, the derogatory comments, the labels she was being given by complete strangers who felt they had the right to pass judgement on the proceedings.

Imagine you finally opening your eyes and sweeping away the locks of hair to notice that in an awkward moment of silence you are standing inside a circle of stones.

Stones that have been dropped by your accusers as they quietly slipped away convicted by their own sins Stones they were unable to throw at you.

Do you think that picture etched a permanent place in that woman's mind? 

Is it possible she never ever forgot the ring of rocks that surrounded her and her Savior that day?

Would she have been a little like me and grabbed one of those stones as a tactile momento of what had happened for her as she headed home?

Do you think that moment changed her life? Her future? Her choices from that point on?

WHAT AM I FOLLOWING?

Today's reading: John 5-6

"After this, Jesus crossed over the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias. And a huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miracles as he healed the sick." John 6:1 NLT

Let me ask you the question I was 'asked' this morning in my heart and soul...

Not because I am being nosey...

Not because I am so proud of the answer I was able to give...

Not because I need to know your answer before we can continue in our friendship...

But because it really sparked a conversation between the Lord and myself and I pray it does the same with you and Him...

Are you following the miracles or the Man? 

Or to put it other ways--The blessings or the Bless-er?  The gifts or the Giver? The healing or the Healer?

I AM A SAMARITAN

Today's reading: John 3-4

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

I'm not Samaritan by race or nationality, but I get where this gal was coming from when she questioned Jesus' kindness towards her.

You see, He has been too kind to me--considering how very much He knows about me.

Some mornings when the moonbeams shine through the miniblinds onto the bedspread, I have to ask--Why would You do that for me, Lord? I did nothing but complain about yesterday--and now this blessing?

Some times while sitting in my prayer chair and He spreads open His Word and points out something grand and glorious and brilliant for me to see and ponder and write about. Why would He share that with me? Who am I that He would unwrap that gift? Wouldn't someone else be more eloquent? More educated? More understanding of its value?

Some days when I forget how very much He has forgiven me and I feel pressed and stretched and put out to forgive another of their minor infractions against me? Why would He have done all that for me

Some evenings when, only by His grace, I can stand and try to make the choice between what to cook for supper by what's bountifully filling my fridge? Why would He have blessed me so abundantly when I have forgotten too many times to thank Him?

Some days when I am paid a compliment of godly value and don't know how to respond. Because I know, boy do I know, how I've failed to mention my Father in my words of that day--or that week. Why would He still allow Himself to be seen in me?

I know how the Samaritan gal felt as she questioned the fact that He even spoke to her that day. I get it, I really and truly do!

Do you?

BENEFITS

Today's reading: John 1-2

"We have all benefited from the rich blessings he brought to us--one gracious blessing after another." John 1:16 NLT

I couldn't think of a better verse to start this November with than the one that jumped off the page this morning.

This month of thanks.

This season of gratitude.

This beginning of the holiday rush.

We have all benefited from the rich blessings God has brought to us--one gracious blessing after another!