OUR PART

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 20-24

"I have worked hard to provide materials for building the Temple of the Lord--Now begin the work..." 1 Chronicles 22:14-15 NLT

David gathered all his wealth could amass for the Temple of the Lord.

The gold, the iron, the workers, the stone, the fine fabrics, the wood and the money to back the construction process.

Now, well, now he had to leave it all in Solomon's hands.

What Solomon did with it was up to Solomon and God.

That's hard.

Real hard.

Because, in all honesty, there is a real likelihood, that as smart as Solomon was...he might not do things as David would do them. In the order his dad would get them done. In the same time frame the former king thought the current king should.

You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?

Ever had to leave something in someone else's hands? For them to take over? For them to take care of? For them to take charge of?

It's hard. It's real hard.

You hover. You watch closely. You monitor. You possibly even micro-manage, if not from a distance. 

The thing is, we also do it with the things we hand over to God.

 SOFT SPOTS
Today's reading: Numbers 13-16

"And your children will be like shepherds, wandering in the wilderness for forty years. In this way, they will pay for your faithlessness, until the last of you lies dead in the wilderness." Numbers 14:33 NLT

As much as God loved His people, His chosen people, He had had enough.

Their disobedience. Their complaining. Their doubt. Their wickedness.

He had disciplined them. He had shown them His power. He had attempted to sway them to His way of thinking. But, alas, nothing worked.

So He had to hit them in a soft spot.

Their children.

The punishment for their faithlessness, was that their children would wander...and wander...and wander, before ever getting into the Promised Land. And, if that weren't bad enough, none of them would ever see them enter into it.

That had to hurt.

It had to make the point God was wanting to make: sin and disobedience to God is a serious mistake.

Were they sickened to know what they had done to their children?

Do we think about what our faithlessness does to ours?

 LAST DAYS

Today's reading: 2 Timothy 3-4

"You should also know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and forgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control; they will be cruel and have no interest in what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act as if they are religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly..." 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT

All my life I've heard preachers, from the pulpit and on the street corner, telling us the last days are here.

They usually point to verses in Revelation and back up their prophecies with current headlines from recently printed newspapers or televised happenings.

But from what I read this morning, it's not just about listening for wars and rumors of wars. It's not just about peace or the lack of it. It's not just about keeping an eye on the Middle East and the country of Israel.

Telltale signs of the end times are closer than television, the worldwide web or printed/digital media. It's in the behaviors of men and women around us.

It tells us that in today's verses. 

In the last days, people will become self-centered and sin-filled.

The end is coming. Soon.  

 AS VILE AS THEY

Today's reading: Hosea 8-14

"...But then they deserted me for Baal-peor, giving themselves to that shameful idol. Soon they became as vile as the god they worshiped." Hosea 9:10 NLT

I've camped out on this portion of Scripture this week as our Sunday School lesson is in this same section of the Bible.

This same verse has leapt off the page at me on more than one occasion.

It has pricked my heart.

It has unsettled me.

It has given me pause.

It has made me stop and ask...

What/Who am I starting to look like? Act like? Mimic? Sound like? Quote often? Refer to in conversation to a great degree? Dress to impress?

Who is it people say I am starting to resemble? Take after? Sound like?

If God is the answer, all praise to Him!

If anything or anyone else, I am headed down a dark, slippery path that will lead to heartache, sinful choices, separation from God and disappointment.

 MISUNDERSTOOD

Today's reading: Proverbs 20-21

"How can we understand the road we travel? It is the Lord who directs our steps." Proverbs 20:24 NLT

Just when you think you have it all figured out...

When you believe you know just how it will end...

When you know, in your heart and head, just where the next curve will lead...

God surprises you!

Knocks your socks off!

Gob-smacks you!

Leaves you speechless, dazed, amazed and scratching your head wondering, 'Where did that come from?'

We have a Bible full of ways God has acted in the past. We have account after account of His provisions and miracles to reference. We have testimonies from saints past and present who can provide us with documentation of God's hand of guidance. We have annals of history recording the movements of His hands.

We could compile all evidence into an enormous literary reference book, and each and every one of us still have a new page to write each day of our lives as to how He has chosen to direct our individual steps.

Oh, the creative love of our Savior and Lord!

 ANONYMOUS

Today's reading: Psalm 102-104

"But you are always the same; your years never end." Psalm 102:27 NLT

The Bible doesn't tell us who penned the words of Psalm 102.

His, and we can go only on the assumption that it was a man, name is unknown.

His testimony remains a mystery to us.

What faith mountains he climbed, what doubt-filled valleys he might have camped out in, what moments of eye-opening God time he might have had are completely oblivious to us.

So what might possibly link us to an ancient these thousands of years later?

God.

The immutable, unchanging that means, ways of our God.

It assured the writer. It inspired him. It gave him pause. It encouraged and uplifted him.

And today? 

God remains the same!

We can celebrate that. We can stand on that. We can trust that. We can make plans with that in mind.

So, we don't need to know the author of this psalm--we just need to know the Subject!

 PRAISE

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 15-19

"O Lord, there is no one like you-there is no other God. We have never even heard of another god like you!" 1 Chronicles 17:20 NLT

Allow me to set the stage leading up to these kind words.

David had just settled into his palace and had proposed to the prophet Nathan his plans to build a grand 'home' for the Lord's ark of the covenant. He had been granted a quick 'go-ahead' from Nathan. and all was well. Until...

That same night, Scripture tells us, God spoke to Nathan and led him to tell David, 'Thank you, but no thank you. The idea is great. The plan is wonderful. The need is there. You, are not the man to do it. Not you. Not right now.'

David's response?

David's response wasn't to list all his prior accomplishments. Wartime victories. Political success stories.

David didn't begin a rebuttal by touting his many obedient and faithful acts.

David's didn't 'quote Scripture' and tell God he was a man after His own heart.

David said, O Lord, there is no one like You!

David praised God.

When the answer given wasn't what David wanted to hear, David praised.

When the time frame didn't match David's plans, David praised.

When what David wanted didn't match up with what God okayed, David praised.

When David was asked to sit and watch another live out his own dream to fruition, David praised.

While David was asked to wait, David praised.

Oh, that we would learn to respond in that way!

 WAITING

Today's reading: Numbers 9-12

"Whether the cloud stayed above the Tabernacle for two days, a month, or a year, the people of Israel stayed in camp and did not move on. But as soon as it lifted, they broke camp and moved on." Numbers 9:22 NLT

I usually sit on quiet Sunday afternoons and fill out my weekly planner for the upcoming days. I pencil in appointments, meal plans, to-do lists and goals I hope to accomplish in the upcoming week.

My planner and I are tight-knit friends. I rarely go anywhere without it. I make no cemented plans without it firmly in my hands!

Interesting fact, I noticed yesterday, it was a year ago this week, I purchased this particular year's planner. So, one might say, I have had in my possession, this particular week, for over a year.

Isn't that a funny thought?

August 23, 2021, has been on our calendars for as long as we can imagine--and yet, either it has seemingly surprised us by how quickly it has arrived, or for some of us has crept up slowly like it was bathed in cold molasses. 

We have never walked a moment in August 23, 2021. Any day, to be specific. And yet, we push God in regards to it. When will it arrive? What will it hold? Will it be all we hope it will be? Will it carry all the answers we are looking for? 

And we thought the Israelites were the impatient, complaining ones?

They were content to wait for His cloud to lead them from one place to the next. Days, weeks, months or years, just to know He was the one leading.

That's the attitude we need in regards to our days.

Whether or not we carry a floral planner in our purse!

AT TIMES BE QUIET

Today's reading: 2 Timothy 1-2

"Again I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. The Lord's servants must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone. They must be able to teach effectively and be patient with difficult people." 2 Timothy 2:23-24 NLT

Sometimes, Christian brother and sister, we don't need to say anything.

We needn't always speak out.

We don't always need to quote Scripture.

We shouldn't raise our voice in retaliation to theirs.

We, at times, just need to keep the peace.

Oh, for those of you thinking we need to 'stand up for God', well, that is admirable, but He doesn't need our help in every situation. In the words of St. Augustine of Hippo, "The truth is like a lion; you don't have to defend a lion. Let it loose; it will defend itself."

 NOT FROM HIS PRESENCE

Today's reading: John 7-9

"At that point they picked up stones to kill him. But Jesus hid himself from them and left the Temple." John 8:59 NLT

Confession time here.

Upon reading this verse the first time, I thought it said, Jesus 'hid himself from them in' the Temple.

Oh, my devotional-writing mind starting making its laps!

Then, I read it again.

It clearly and distinctly says, But Jesus hid himself from them and left the Temple.

You and I both know folks who are out of the church right now claiming that very verse for their mantra. Church people have hurt their feelings. Pastors have disregarded their families in one way or another. Lines of division were crossed that left people on one side of a church fence or another--leaving one group of people in the church and one group of people not in church.

But here this...

I don't believe Jesus stayed away from church completely!

I believe He left the Temple that day.

That moment.

At that that time.

Probably to pray for those who were against Him.

Quite possibly, and this is where I may be putting too much of a human-spin on Jesus, to keep from calling down lightning bolts on all those opposing Him.

The point is this: Jesus never left God's presence which will always lead us back into fellowship with God's people.

Please take that into consideration as you prepare for worship with your church family tomorrow.

 SAPPED OF STRENGTH

Today's reading: Hosea 1-7

"Worshiping foreign gods has sapped their strength, but they don't even know it..." Hosea 7:9 NLT

Ever come up to a 'faith mountain' and found that your faith gear was lacking? 

You didn't have it in you to do it again?

What worked last time wasn't going to power you through again?

The same ease with which you sailed over the last hurdle wasn't even going to get you up to this one?

Maybe, just maybe, like the words found in Hosea this morning, you had let your guard down. You had been coasting. You, like so many of us, had chosen to believe smooth seas allowed for 'vacation time' instead of boot camp?

It's so easy to let little gods come in and steal away time, attention, devotion and worship from the One True God. And when that happens, our strength is sapped away bit by bit and we don't even notice it until it's time to fight.

And we find out that in the smallest of skurmishes we tucker out too easily.

Way too easily.

So, let's all re-group. Let's re-focus. Let's re-enlist in God's boot camp and lace up our gear for a training session of the heart, mind and body. One that will prepare us for any battle!

 FEELINGS

Today's reading: Proverbs 19

"People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs." Proverbs 19:11 NLT

Feelings, nothing more than feelings...

I heard an speak say this week, Every emotion is a gift from God. Every single one. 

I believe the speaker was right.

God allows us to 'feel' life. To experience it to our soul.

Love wouldn't be love if we didn't 'feel' it.

Hate wouldn't truly be hate if it didn't boil inside us.

There would be no difference between the two if they didn't evoke different feelings.

And the speaker brought out this point, it's how, and if, we choose to act on those emotions that cause us to sin.

Christians can make a much bigger impact if we chose to love smarter than we do.

On the same note, Christians can make a much more Christ-like impact if we were to choose to hate sin as Christ did as continued to reach out and love the soul of the sinner committing the sin. 

To be angry and sin not, as Jesus did.

To be shunned, but not lash out, like our Savior did.

To be wrongly condemned like He was, but not lower Himself to another's standards in order to fight His way out of it.

What would Jesus do in regards to our emotions and dealing with them?

 PROTECTIVE EYE

Today's reading: Psalm 99-101

"I will keep a protective eye on the godly, so they may dwell with me in safety..." Psalm 101:6 NLT

The public service announcement for today is this: Check on your godly friends!

...Those who are up front during the worship service.

...Those who lead classes and Bible studies.

...Those who have been in the Christian trenches for as long as you can remember.

...Those who, you believe, have VIP seating in God's throne room.

...Those who seemingly live the godliest of lives and do it without a hitch.

...Those who could have their own books in the Bible named after them.

...Those who you look up to because they are so Christ-like in their behavior and love.

Support them in their walk with the Lord. Pray for them, and better yet, with them. Let them know you are there for them. Build them up in their faith. Tell them how appreciative you are for their walks. 

Keep a protective eye on the godly so they will continue to dwell with you, walk with you, minister to you, encourage you and be that example to you.

 MIGHTIEST MEN

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 10-14

I'm reading today about the exploits of David's 'secret service'. His nearest and dearest. His entourage. His mightiest men.

It tells me about their bravery, their feats, their valiant attempts to do their best for their king.

It portrays them as willing to do whatever it took to prove their love and loyalty to King David because they knew he was God's chosen.

I've decided after reading about men like Jashobeam, Eleazar, Abishia and Benaiah--I want to be known as one of God's mighty warriors!

I want to be fighting battles for God to prove my love and loyalty to Him.

I want to the first to raise my hand to head out to the battle front when He asks for volunteers from His ranks.

I want to near the end of my life worn out from serving Him rather than serving myself or the world!

 OUR LITTLE LIGHTS

Today's reading: Numbers 5-8

"Tell Aaron that when he sets up the seven lamps in the lampstand, he is to place them so their light shines forward." Numbers 8:2 NLT

The most detailed of instructions came with God's Tabernacle.

The recipes for the incense. The specific colors. The sizes, to the cubits, were given.

God knew what He wanted--provided guidance and had an expectation that those instructions would be followed.

Like with the lampstands.

He wanted the light shining forward.

Forward.

Sure, He could have focused the light on the past--what He had done, where He had brought His people from, all the miracles He had provided, but He knew what was coming. And He wanted them to see those new things clearly.

Very clearly.

He wanted their steps for the day well lit.

He wanted them looking ahead to a relationship with Him, not just past history.

History is a great pillow to rest on, but relationship is a better walking partner.

 UNTIL

Today's reading: 1 Timothy 4-6

"Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them." 1 Timothy 4:13 NLT

Paul is talking to Timothy here. Giving him instruction as to what he expects of him until they meet again.

But the same words are given to us from God. What He expects of us, while we wait for His return. As we gather in His house. As we fellowship in His name. As we assemble one with another.

Get in the Word, He tells us.

Build each other up.

Hold each other accountable in learning more and more about these Holy Scriptures.

Because--the more we learn about them, the more on fire we are for them, the more of them that are in us--the more the we will want to share them with the world, the more of Him the world will see in us, the more of the world will join us when He returns!

ASTONISHED

Today's reading: John 5-6

"For the Father loves the Son and tells him everything he is doing, and the Son will do far greater things than healing this man. You will be astonished at what he does." John 5:20 NLT

Just this week in our Wednesday night prayer meeting/Bible study, we discussed this very topic.

Not that 'what' God does amazes us, because we know He can do, and Has done amazing things--but that what He does for us amazes us. That He would choose to bless us. Far beyond what we ask for. Greater that what we expect. Graciously over and above what we could ever deserve.

Astounds us.

Leaves us astonished.

Captures our attention with marvel and awe.

Fills us with wonder.

 

 SMILE AGAIN

Today's reading: Daniel 7-12

"O our God, hear your servant's prayer! Listen as I plead. For your own sake, Lord, smile again on your desolate sanctuary." Daniel 9:17 NLT

Isn't that what we want--God's smile.

To know He has heard our hearts.

To be recognized as His workers in the field.

To see Him answering His own promises.

To see that even this small remnant gathering, with faith as minute as the mustard seed He tells us can accomplish the task, is enough to warrant His response.

O God, smile again on us!

 HIS NAME

Today's reading: Proverbs 17-18

"The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe." Proverbs 18:10 NLT

If you've whispered the name of Jesus at the bedside of a sick loved one...you know.

If you've prayed the name of the Lord over a desperate situation...you know.

If you've cried out to God in an emergency because He was all you had...you know.

If you raised your hands in praising the King of Kings...you know.

If you've hummed the elementary words to 'Jesus loves me, this I know'...you know.

If you've been up through the night with burdens too heavy to carry and prayer requests too big to see over just trusting that the Holy Spirit makes intercession on your behalf...you know.

If you've ever claimed a single promise written in red in your old King James Version bible...you know.

His name is a strong fortress we can run to and be safe!

 SUCH A TIME AS THIS

Today's reading: Psalm 96-98

"Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does." Psalm 96:3 NLT

Never has it been easier to share the Good News of God's greatness than it is now.

Livestreamed videos allow churches to reach into the homes of shut-ins and families quarantined by illness.

Facebook is an open forum for you to share your testimony with friends and family--and complete strangers.

Instagram allows you to post pictures of God's creation with verses attached that shout of His greatness.

Snail mail still carries notes of encouragement and hope to folks in the farthest away places for the price of a stamp or two.

The click of a button or two can get your thoughts and words into countries your little feet may never step.

A simple text message or phone call can lift the spirits of another who needs to know someone is praying for them--at any time.

Are you taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity? Are you seeing the technological advances as gifts from God? Are you using them to tell everyone about the amazing things He has done?

 GATEKEEPERS
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 5-9

"These gatekeepers and their descendants, by their divisions, were responsible for guarding the entrance to the house of the Lord, the house that was formerly a tent." 1 Chronicles 9:23 NLT

Imagine with me being the first generation of gatekeepers standing watch over the 'gates of a tent'.

Try as you might, it would have been hard to take your job seriously.

It might have taken all you could have mustered to imagine the importance of your post.

But as you watch your grandchildren and great-grandchildren standing guard at the walled gates of the Temple...

The solidly built house of God...

The hewn stone home of the Holy of Holies...

Wouldn't you be very glad you had taken your appointment with pride and commitment and carried it out with faithfulness?

 LOAD CARRIERS

Today's reading: Numbers 1-4

"Their duties at the Tabernacle will consist of carrying loads..." Numbers 4:31 NLT

There were actual teams of folks assigned to carry loads in the Bible. The Merarites were on hand to pack around the poles and pillars of the Tabernacle when it was moved from place to place.

It was their job. It was their purpose. It was their God-assigned task.

Because in their church family, some couldn't do it. For whatever reason. Due to the season they were in. Maybe due to the jobs God had them busy doing.

The same is true today.

Some of us are called to carry loads for others.

While they cannot.

In order to help them.

Because God has given us the privilege to do so.

 BELIEVE IT

Today's reading: 1 Timothy 1-3

"This is a true saying, and everyone should believe it: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--and I was the worst of them all." 1 Timothy 1:15 NLT

Yes, everyone should believe it--but everyone should also place their name in the verse.

Personalize it.

Claim it as their own testimony.

Profess it.

Because until we realize the depth to which He went to get us and the filthiness and price paid for our sins, we cannot truly understand the value of His sacrifice!

 AS HE HAD ALWAYS DONE

Today's reading: Daniel 1-6

"But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God." Daniel 6:10 NLT

What did I notice as I read this verse?

Two things...

One, as he had always done--the law didn't change Daniel's usual practice, nor did a change in policy stir Daniel into action. Daniel had his Christian disciplines firmly in place before this storm hit, and those same disciplines helped him weather the storm!

Two, Daniel thanked God--he didn't strike, riot, blame current or prior office holders or cause a scene worthy of being reported on CNN. He thanked God. Even for something that didn't seem godly. He knew, from his relationship with the Lord, that the Lord remained in charge and the Lord would handle it all--however the Lord saw fit!

Oh, that I would live like Daniel lived!

 

 HE SETS THE STANDARD

Today's reading: Proverbs 16

"The Lord demands fairness in every business deal; he sets the standard." Proverbs 16:11 NLT

No matter what transaction you are called to make today.

Despite who it is you are called to transact business with.

As His representative, you are called to do all things, ALL things, with integrity and fairness.

According to His standards.

The ones God has set.

Not the low standards society has allowed.

Or your neighbors think are okay.

Or politicians have declared as tolerant.

God's standards are our standards.

 PRESENT ACTIVE TENSE
Today's reading: Psalm 93-95

"The Lord is king! He is robed in majesty. Indeed, the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength. The world is firmly establish; it cannot be shaken." Psalm 93:1 NLT

Did you notice the statement of fact mentioned twice in today's verse?

The Lord is robed in majesty.

Those words are stated in the present active tense. As in, they are currently being carried out. 

How does that apply to us today?

Well, it's not a matter of...

Malinda is in trouble again...I need to put on My rob of majesty...

Malinda has gotten herself in another pickle of sin, I need to find My cape of righteousness and wrap it around My holy shoulders so I can get her out of her scrape...

It states very clearly that He stands clothed in majesty and armed with strength!

It is God's very nature that majesty and strength are His to wear, like clothing if He were human.

What a thrilling thing to know the One who loves us is shrouded with majesty and strength as He loves on us!

 GENEALOGIES

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 1-4

If you are reading along with me you have found yourself squarely in the 'begats' this morning.

Maybe you had hoped for a little more inspirational reading.

Something with a little more 'meat'.

Something a little more personal in nature.

Me, too...then God quickly and lovingly and in His very gentle way reminded me of this...

This summer our Vacation Bible School used the very elemental phrase Jesus Loves You as our theme. It was the premise for all our Bible lessons and the truth we hoped to convey to each and every child through every Bible account, song, craft, game and moment spent with them.

One of the lessons we chose for that week was the account of good, old Zaccheus.

We talked about his stature--he was a wee, little man.

We talked about his sins--he was a ruthless, purveyor of taxes.

We talked about his falling short--in making friends and in being able to see Jesus.

We also talked about his finding a tree that aided him in being able to see Jesus that day.

A tree that had to have begun growing at least 70-80 years prior to Zaccheus's need.

A tree whose branches were meticulously placed where a short man could have reached them.

A tree that was growing right alongside the path where Jesus would be walking.

Specifics. God ordained specifics.

Kind of like our own family trees...or genealogies.

You, and I, are only here, by God's grace, because He allowed our great-great-great-great grandparents to cross the paths He allowed them to cross at the time He chose for them to cross paths.

Ever thought of that?

You wouldn't be the Christian you are today, if not for the genealogy you own.

You wouldn't be in the church family you're in, if not for the genealogy you have been given.

You wouldn't have the testimony you have, if not for the genealogy He specifically wrote out for you.

Genealogies have taken on a different look to me!

 GOD HAS NOT FORGOTTEN

Today's reading: Leviticus 25-27

"I will remember my ancient covenant with their ancestors, whom I brought out of Egypt while all the nations watched. I, the Lord, am their God." Leviticus 26:45 NLT

Of all the things God has done, is doing and has to do--remembering is one thing we can trust He has a firm grip on!

He has not forgotten a single one of His promises to those who came before us, to us or to those who will come after we are gone.

 HANG ON
Today's reading: 2 Thessalonians

"With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on everything we taught you both in person and by letter." 2 Thessalonians 2:15 NLT

Paul is telling the believers in the church at Thessalonica to call on every memory, every sermon, every lesson given , every story told around the communal table, every parable explained, every verse quoted, every testimony shared, every single thing he had shared about God, Christ and living out the Gospel.

And he was asking them to grab on to those moments with both hands.

To keep them close to their hearts.

To keep them fresh on their minds.

To make sure their impacts were not watered down with current events or from re-telling.

He is telling us the same thing today!

Because we need the power those accounts provide us. The impact they have on our lives. The encouragement they provide. The excitement they stir up within us. The incentive they give us. The reason to go on they promote.

So hang on to them. Hang on to Him!