NEW

Today's reading: Revelation 20-22

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. nd the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a beautiful bride prepared for her husband." Revelation 21:1-2 NLT

If you are believing when the ball drops this evening at midnight all our earthly  problems will end, you, my dear friend, are sadly mistaken.

On January 1, COVID will still exist.

Political untruths will still remain to be uncovered.

Temptations will still lurk around most corners and down most grocery store aisles.

Trials of life, you might find, will not even notice a flip in the calendar page.

But to think of it--when we get to heaven--everything will be new--and better--and without problems!

If nothing else, a new year should remind us of all heaven holds in store for us when we get there. 

Anticipation. Excitement. Hope. 

LOUD HALLELUJAHS

Today's reading: Revelation 18-19

"Then I heard again what sounded like the shout of a huge crowd, or the roar of mighty ocean waves, or the crash of loud thunder: Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. Let us be glad and rejoice and honor him..." Revelation 19:6-7 NLT

What if from His people...

From His children...

From those washed in His Son's blood...

From the lips of those redeemed by Jesus' death on the cross... 

Instead of murmuring. Or complaining. Or griping. Or listing our woes. Or whining. Or providing God with our list of things we'd still like to see Him do.

What if He heard a mighty Hallelujah rise up from our lips?

One that shook the very earth we're standing on?

One that rivaled the breakers on the seashore?

One that outdid the thunderous summer storms?

One that started with the voice within you? 

WHAT I DO KNOW

Today's reading: Revelation 14-17

There is so much of the book of Revelation that I do not understand.

I cannot unravel all the imagery.

I have not uncovered all the intricacies to the prophetic timing it shares with us.

I will not ever admit to fully grasping all there is to glean from its pages.

But, I will tell you what I do know...what I get...what I can stand on...without a doubt...

God.

The Lamb.

Son of Man.

The Holy One.

Lord God Almighty.

King of the nations.

I may not know everything there is to know about the book of Revelation, but when those names are mentioned--I know without a doubt of Whom they are speaking!

VICTORY IN JESUS

Today's reading: Revelation 10-13

"Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, It has happened at last--the salvation and power and kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ! For the Accuser has been thrown down to earth--the one who accused our brothers and sisters before our God day and night. And they have defeated him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of their testimony. And they were not afraid to die." Revelation 12:10-11 NLT

We have victory in Jesus!

More victory than most of us are taking advantage of.

More victory than we can fathom!

Satan has no reign over us, no rule over us, no realm he holds us in.

Christ's blood shed on the cross and our testimony--proclaiming that we have accepted Him as Savior and Redeemer of our sins defeats him!

We have victory in Jesus!

BOWLS OF PRAYERS

Today's reading: Revelation 5-9

"And as he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense--the prayers of God's people!" Revelation 5:8 NLT

The idea of bowls full of prayers this morning has stuck in my mind.

Now to be quite honest, it says golden bowls--the only golden bowls I've ever come in contact with were the little gold finger bowls at fancy restaurants. Too tiny for very many prayers!

Then there were some bowls my grandma had when we were kids that had a gold rim on them. They were brought out for special occasions. Christmas and Easter. They were big enough to hold mounds of mashed potatoes or piles of green beans. Still too tiny for the prayers of a saint!

I remember, I believe, a mustard-yellow, gold, one might call it, dough bowl used to make a big batch of Mom's dishpan cookies. It was a large bowl which would hold all the ingredients for the recipe which would make a huge number of cookies. Still not large enough for the prayers required to get one through a storm of life!

I'm a pray-er. I'm talking to God constantly. I cannot imagine any of the afore mentioned bowls being large enough to hold the prayers I've prayed to Him so far--or to hold the ones I'll have prayed by the end of my life.

I've determined in my heart and mind that it's going to require that the elders man-handle a golden vat the size of a battleship to hold the prayers I'm sending up.

What about you? Do you pray? Do you listen for answers? Do you pray expectantly? Do you know, without a doubt your prayers are being heard, being collected, being answered at just the right time?

LITTLE STRENGTH

Today's reading: Revelation 1-4

"...You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me." Revelation 3:8 NLT

Just a reminder in Revelation that it takes a little bit of faith to stand strong in the Lord.

A little bit of determination in who He is.

A little bit of dedication to His plan for your life.

A little bit of trust in His will and His way--especially when you don't see the big picture or the next step.

A little bit of hope in a dark time that He will come through in a way that only He can.

A little bit of letting go--and falling completely into Him.

A little bit of obedience.

And a whole lot of reward!

THE LORD'S GLORY

Today's reading: Luke 2:1-20

"Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them..." Luke 2:9 NLT

Friend, the Lord's glory, in all its radiance, has not left this earth!

It came the night of His arrival.

It stayed with Him during His earthly ministry.

It survived the brutal attack and crucifixion of our Savior.

It continued after His re=visitation to this earth in body and spirit before His returning to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father.

It was and is in His followers. Those who have claimed His name and His salvation.

It is alive and well--in us!

So go out today and spread the radiance of the Lord's glory where ever you go.

Merry Christmas to you!

GOD'S PEACE

Today's reading: 2 John-3 John

"May God's peace be with you." 3 John 15 NLT

That's my wish for you this Christmas--God's peace to be with you!

Not the peace that comes from a pandemic being gone--although that would be a nice gift.

Not the peace that arrives when a new power steps in to office and is given the authority to fulfill all the promises made on the campaign trail--wouldn't that be pleasant.

Not the peace that comes from a syringe filled with a vaccination that will solve the world's problems--if only this world's problems might be so simple.

I pray for you and yours the peace of God.

Sure.

Steady.

Sufficient.

Steadfast.

Soul filling.

Safe.

Salvation giving.

Peace.

God's peace. Provided in the form of His Son being sent from heaven to a tiny manger bed for our soul's delights and saving.

Merry Christmas!

REALLY SHOW IT

Today's reading: 1 John 1-5

"Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other, let us really show it by our actions." 1 John 3:18 NLT

You won't know this if your only acquaintance of me is through this blog, but my face is a digital display of anything and everything I am feeling.

A literal digital display.

Nine times out of ten I will have complete control of my words and actions, but my facial expressions will completely divulge exactly how I feel in regards to any circumstance I find myself in.

That's where this verse hit me this morning.

For me to be Christlike, for me to love the world--the sinners and the saints--for me to show them God's love through me is going to have to be more than actions--it's going to also have to include this 'digital display' of mine.

What a challenge for me!

What a daunting task for one who is quickly approaching 50 years of having allowed her emotions to be expressed facially and thinking that it's okay!

What a job for God and I to tackle in an effort to really show His love flowing through me!

A GREAT REASON

Today's reading: 1 Peter-2 Peter

"...for you are a chosen people. You are a kingdom of priests, God's holy nation, his very own possession. This is so you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9 NLT

Want a reason to establish daily Bible reading and study as a routine? It's this verse right here!

I don't know about you, but not once yesterday, did anyone, not one single time, did anyone remind me of exactly who I am in Christ like this verse does.

Oh, they gave me other labels.

They pronounced other judgements on me.

They spoke other names upon me, either to my face or behind my back.

But to be called His chosen people, His priest, His nation, His very own possession? I needed that reminder.

I needed that nudge to keep on keeping on.

I needed that stimulation as to why He has called me such.

I needed that encouragement to my spirit when the other labels threaten to smother me.

I needed that lift when the waves of the world overwhelmed me.

It's not too late in this year to begin the practice of daily Bible reading. It's never too late! 

ROOT OF TEMPTATIONS

Today's reading: James 1-5

"Temptation comes from the lure of our own evil desires." James 1:14 NLT

Whether it's the desire for one more Little Debbie brownie, to speak my mind in the most unloveliest of terms or to give in to what society says is okay...temptations are around me all the time.

The thing is, as much as I would like to blame satan for all of them, my Bible tells me in this verse that the root of my issue is--me.

It's my deep seated desires.

It's my wanting to satisfy me at all costs.

It's my 'put me first' attitude rising to the surface.

It's my little idol need when I don't see my great, big God at work at the moment I think He should be clearly evident in my life.

Ouch!

So, from now on when that temptation shows up on the scene, I know where to start pointing the finger, where to begin judging, where to start getting to the bottom of the issue...with little ole me!

CONTINUE

Today's reading: Hebrews 11-13

"Continue to love each other with true Christian love." Hebrews 13:1 NLT

Continue-to keep on.

Love-more than like. More than tolerate. 

Christian-based solely upon what Christ Himself would have done.

No matter the circumstances.

No matter the length of time required.

No matter who it is, their quirks, their attitudes, their demeanors.

Continue!

WAITING

Today's reading: Hebrews 5-8

"Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised." Hebrews 6:15 NLT

Abraham waited a long time.

Eons, to you and me.

Twenty five years.

That's what we feel is an eternity.

With next day delivery, twenty four hour turn arounds and microwaves--waiting is not something we are accustomed to.

But he waited--patiently--and received what God promised.

A lesson for me, and maybe for you.

We can wait impatiently, and stir up ulcers and upset.

We can choose not to wait and stir up trouble in the form of Plan B and our own way.

Or we can go the same route Abraham chose and wait patiently and receive what God promised.

All that God promised.

Just what God promised.

In the proportions God promised.

ALL IN THE NAME

Today's reading: Hebrews 1-4

"So now Jesus can the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters." Hebrews 2:11 NLT

The strangest thing happened yesterday.

I was called by my maiden name--and I responded.

I haven't gone by my maiden in over thirty years, 10 months and 2 weeks.

But I still responded.

If only I would do that with the new name Christ gave me over forty-three years ago--holy.

I don't answer to that one as easily.

I don't feel as if I deserve the honor of that name, what so ever.

I cringe when I am called that--thinking of how unworthily I bear the title and the privilege.

And yet, that is what my Father calls me.

And Jesus is not ashamed to call me His sister.

This verse has me really thinking this morning about my name, the name God has given me as His child--holy.

WEHAT A WONDERFUL GIFT

Today's reading: Titus-Philemon

"This truth gives them the confidence of eternal life, which God promised them before the world began--and he cannot lie." Titus 1:2 NLT

Do you realize what a gift it is to serve, and be loved on, by a God who cannot lie?

Not that He chooses not to lie...

Or that He hasn't been caught in a lie...

God cannot lie.

Cannot.

What a world of blessings that opens up to us!

What a realm of eternity that provides us!

What a solid foundation that gives us to stand on!

What a mountain of faith that gives us to believe in!

What a reason that gives us to claim those promises for us--for our loved ones--for our future--for our present--for our pasts!

NOT MY JOB

Today's reading: 2 Timothy 1-4

"...Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will believe the truth." 2 Timothy 2:25 NLT

News flash: I've been spending a lot of time and energy attempting to be God in a few folks' lives.

I've been thinking I can change them.

I've been working my tail end off attempting to work out the kinks in their hearts.

I've been putting in overtime trying to change their minds, desires and attitudes.

And, well, it's not my job.

It's God's...and God's alone.

It's a monumental task requiring a monumental God.

Not me.

Definitely not me!

EVEN THOUGH

Today's reading: 1 Timothy 1-6

"How thankful I am to Christ Jesus our Lord for considering me trustworthy and appointing me to serve him, even though I used to scoff at the name of Christ..." 1 Timothy 1:12-13 NLT

I'll admit, I read no farther than these verses this morning.

Because they broke me.

They stopped me in my tracks.

They spoke to me.

They 'had my name written all over them'.

How truly thankful I am that God is choosing to use me, to love me, to even associate with me, even though I used to...

You probably don't know my used to's, but I do.

Personally.

 

All of them.

Every dark one of them.

And that makes me even more thanks filled that He considers me for this task each morning, to share His Word with others each day, to carry His Gospel in my heart, to bear His name, to be washed in His Son's blood.

How thankful I am!

NO MATTER WHAT

Today's reading: 2 Thessalonians 1-3

"But the Lord is faithful..." 2 Thessalonians 3:3 NLT

Found on page 1,923 of my Bible. Nestled in the shorter letters of the apostles. In some of the often overlooked books. On this 348th day of a rough year, I'm reminded...

The Lord is faithful!

No matter the headlines.

Or the political unrest.

Or the social distancing we're all tired of.

The Lord is faithful!

TIS THE SEASON

Today's reading: 1 Thessalonians 1-5

"Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You are doing this already, and we encourage you to do so more and more." 1 Thessalonians 4:1 NLT

Tis the season for the 'more and more', wouldn't you agree?

For more love...

For more peace...

For more joy...

For more kindness...

For more caring...

For more forgiveness...

For more overlooking one's faults...

For more Christlikeness...

Even if we are doing it already, let's do it more and more!

2020

Today's reading: Colossians 1-4

'Let your roots grown down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done." Colossians 2:7 NLT

I believe I have found the verse for 2020.

The verse God told us to prepare for.

The lifeline He knew we would need.

The words He knew we would need to heed.

The instruction He was sure would get us through what 2020 would hold for us.

Because amidst the turmoil, unrest, stress, inconvenience, fear, uncertainty, disarray, separation and disconnected worship--we had to depend upon our roots!

If your roots were not firmly anchored, you toppled this year.

If your truths were not secured in His Word, your foundation was unsettled this year.

If your world wasn't fixed completely on Him, your world was rocked this year...and not in a good way.

But in Him, we have stood.

In Him, we have continued to grow.

In Him, we have flourished.

Has it been tough? It sure has.

Has it been unlovely? I'll give that a hearty, Amen, it has!

But has He proven Himself faithful? YES!

Just like He had said He would.

That's going back to our roots.

CONSIDERATE

Today's reading: Philippians 1-4

"Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon." Philippians 4:5 NLT

What kind of difference might it make in your sphere of influence if you were considerate in all you did?

Kind in all your actions?

Nice in all your dealings?

Thought of others first in all your reactions?

Here's what I believe would happen...

People would notice.

Really notice!

Even if you are a nice person, they would notice a 'stepping up' of niceness.

Folks pay attention to these things.

It catches them off guard. They sometimes don't know what to do in response to nice things being done for them. They stop in their tracks to take note of it. 

But its in those times, those moments when you have their attention--you have the opportunity to plant a seed of godliness.

You might not share the Gospel with them, but you very well might leave the door open a crack for the next Christian who can.

Because--Jesus is coming soon!

MAKING ALLOWANCES

Today's reading: Ephesians 4-6

"Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love." Ephesians 4:2 NLT

The story goes like this...

A man rescued the runt pup from a large litter and raised it its entire life.

This dog depended upon this man for shelter, food, water and companionship. In return? In return, the dog gave this man all the love the dog's heart could muster.

They did everything together. 

They took walks. They took car rides. They hunted. They played in the park. The dog slept at the end of the man's bed. The dog had a special place beside the man's chair at the family's dinner table.

There was a love and a bond that was unspoken but very evident.

But one day, the dog didn't come when called.

The man looked for the dog and found that it had been hit by a car and was lying hurt in the road.

Their eyes met. The man could see that the dog was badly hurt and the dog could see the one he had depended upon for so many years.

The man's first response was to pick up the dog in an effort to rush him to the vet's office.

The dog's first response? The dog's first response was to snarl at the man and bite him.

Not out of anger. Not out of fear. But out of pain. A response to its own pain.

Pinterest puts it this way: Hurting people hurt people.

That's what our Scripture verse is telling us...

When we go to mingle amongst the crowd today, be careful, we don't know everyone's hurts. We don't know everyone's wounds. We don't know how deeply those standing next to us have been bruised.

Ask God to help you make allowance for everyone's faults, poor reactions and unkind words--out of your love for Him.

NOTICING THE COLON

Today's reading: Ephesians 1-3

"God's secret plan has now been revealed to us; it is a plan centered on Christ, designed long ago according to his good pleasure. And this is his plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ--everything in heaven and on earth." Ephesians 1:9-10 NLT

I believe God allowed me to slow down enough to notice it, but it is there.

The colon. The grammatical sign that says this to me...

And this is the plan: Wait for it!

And this is the plan: Are you sitting down?

And this is the plan: Hang on to your hats!

And this is the plan: It's gonna be good!

And this is the plan: Get ready for what's to come!

This is the plan: At the right time He will.

END OF HARVEST

Today's reading: Galatians 4-6

"But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control..." Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

The farmers in our area are wrapping up a tiring harvest season.

They are finishing up fields, cleaning up combines, doing end of the year maintenance on tractors and preparing for a much needed rest before planting season arrives in just a few short months.

They are gauging their success by the truckloads of corn and beans that they have been able to haul off, sell and store in their barns and silos. Tangible results of their hard work.

It's a good reminder for me, and for us, that's it's also a good time for us to take a quick stock on our Christian harvest, ...

Are we producing fruit that is godly?

Checked your relationships lately?

Our conversations?

Our work ethics?

Our dependability?

Our levels of self-control?

What are we known for?

REFUSED TO LISTEN

Today's reading: Galatians 1-3

"...They wanted to force us, like slaves, to follow their Jewish regulations. But we refused to listen to them for a single moment..." Galatians 2:4-5 NLT

I read that portion of Scripture over a few times--just to make sure I read it correctly.

Some church folks were hounding Paul, as to how he was living for the Lord--Paul! Paul?

They were questioning his Christian walk. Critiquing his religious integrity. 

Paul, of all people!

What did Paul do?

He refused to listen to them.

He knew his heart and life were right with the Lord, so he refused to listen to them.

He just, refused to listen to them.

What an example for me to follow.

POWER AMONG YOU

Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 10-13

"...Christ is not weak in his dealing with you; he is a mighty power among you." 2 Corinthians 13:3 NLT

Sure our Deliverer is in the stillness of a whisper and in the gentle touch of a breeze.

He is in the calming effects of a simple touch and in the stir of the heart.

But, in all reality, we need the reminder that He is powerful!

He is strong!

He is mighty!

He is a hurricane force wind. A roaring fire. A crashing wave. A thunderbolt. A mountain of the most monumental of proportions.

He is a mighty power. A life changing power. An eternal, heart saving power.

OUR TASK

Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 5-9

"...And God has given us the task of reconciling people to him." 2 Corinthians 5:18 NLT

Do you know what it means to reconcile?

I was sure I knew what it meant in regards to 'reconciling' my checkbook balance to the bank statement I receive each month, but wanted to make sure.

To 'reconcile' means to restore relations between two parties.

Interesting.

Quite interesting that Paul felt it necessary to remind us of what our real job was--then, and now.

You see, our job is not to fix people.

Our job is not to rid the world of injustices.

Our job is not to right every wrong in the name of the Lord.

Our job is not to shout from the rooftop every person's sin we are aware of.

Our job, our task, is to reconcile people to the Lord.

To restore their relationship with God.

To get them to talking again.

To get them back to the table together.

To reintroduce them.

To lovingly remind them of what they had as a created masterpiece of His.

Sadly, too many of us have taken on jobs that are not our own and are leaving our own tasks undone.

 

JOYFULLY FIRM

Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 1-4

"...We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy as you stand firm in your faith." 2 Corinthians 1:24 NLT

If you've walked this blue/green orb as long as I have you've surely noticed the same three types of folks that came to my mind as I read this verse...

1.  The Christian who is so happy go-lucky that they reek joy and burp bubbles of goodness where ever they go. They are almost too much to handle. Too blessed to be believed.

2.  The Christian who is so staunch in their faith that a smile would crack their religious fortitude and the last time they laughed was when they were 'walking down sin's highway'. They are Pharisaical in composure and 'Sad'-uccacal (not so sure that's a word, but it's in reference to the Sadducees) in demeanor. They gave up joy for salvation.

3.  The Christian who is joyfully firm in their walk with the Lord! The believer who has the most fun living the life of a Christ-follower. The kind of person who wants everyone to walk the faith walk, and is so inviting in nature that others follow Jesus from following them. Their talk and their walk are infectious--and I mean in the good way!

I want to be the third kind of Christian.

You see, I believe Christ laughed.

I believe He enjoyed life. He had friends.

He believed wholeheartedly in God--and in the joy knowing Him brought into a life.

So, friends, let's stand firm in our faith joyfully.

Like, I believe, Jesus did.

NOW AND THEN

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 14-16

"And if we have hope in Christ only for this life, we are the most miserable people in the world." 1 Corinthians 15:19 NLT

What a Christ we serve!

He is for us now...praise God!

And He is preparing us for an eternity with Him...Hallelujah!

But we, Christians, cannot focus entirely on one or the other at any given time.

We cannot live so wrapped up in today that our hopes and dreams of heaven don't spur us on, and yet we cannot be 'so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good'.

It's a balancing act for sure.

A teeter-totter we are riding while we await our eternal homes.

Are you enjoying the ride?

LOOK FOR IT

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 10-13

"But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

Boy, oh boy, did I need this reminder!

God's always got a way for me to step above, over and out of the way of temptations--I've just got to be looking for it.

When I want to speak my mind...He gently reminds me to pause, check to see if what I'm going to say is firmly and lovingly rooted in His truth.

When I want to cave back into old ways and old habits...He quietly brings to mind all the heartache He has walked me through shedding rusty chains of addiction and old behaviors.

When I want to give in to unhealthy choices for my temple...He lovingly reminds me that it isn't really mine, but His--one He is wanting to use for His purposes and His glory.

When I want to scream, cuss, fly off the handle, stomp my feet, react in worldly ways, respond to hurtful things, cry out in anger...He nods His head and says, 'I know just how you feel'...and I know He does...much more and much more intently than I will ever know...and I know He chose to honor His Father in His responses.

So when I look for it, He always provides a way out.

Always.