HAGAR AND HER GOD

Today's reading: Genesis 16-19

"Thereafter, Hagar referred to the Lord, who had spoken to her, as 'The God Who Sees Me", for she said, I have seen the One who sees me!" Genesis 16:13 NLT

I always love reading Genesis and the account of God finding Hagar on the roadside.

He found her broken. He found her alone. He found her cut off from anyone and everyone. He found her in a precarious position as a young, single woman.

So to think about the fact that from that day forth Hagar no longer calls Him Abram's God or Sarai's God or the God of the Israelite people, but THE GOD WHO SEES ME.

What a turning point in her life.

What a moment of revelation and discovery.

What a foundation to lay the stones of every other day of her life upon.

He sees us, too. Always. Where ever we are. What ever we are up to our necks in.

He is the GOD WHO SEES US!

FALLING SHORT

Today's reading: Romans 9-10

"Salvation that comes from trusting Christ--which is the message we preach--is already within easy reach.." Romans 10:8 NLT

I'm a short gal. Lacking in stature. Vertically challenged. Not able to reach things on the top shelf. Not quite tall enough for a lot of things.

But there are advantages...I seldom, if ever, bump my head on things. Or have to duck. 

Having this closer-to-the-earth position caused me to pause as I read and re-read this verse.

Salvation is within reach.

I get that.

So many things are not easily grasped. Even by tall folks.

Many things are not easily attained. Even by rich folks.

Many things are not easily captured. Even by the wisest.

But salvation? God's forgiveness? Assurance of eternity?

It's within our reach!

 HE KNOWS

Today's reading: Matthew 8-10

"Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, Why are you thinking such evil thoughts?" Matthew 9:4 NLT

Our thoughts are known to God.

Does that excite you or convict you?

 IN TIMES OF DESPERATION
Today's reading: Isaiah 18-22

"Judah's defenses have been stripped away. You run to the armory for your weapons. You inspect the walls of Jerusalem to see what needs to be repaired. You store up water in the lower pool. You check the houses and tear some down to get stone to fix the walls. Between the city walls, you build a reservoir for water from the old pool. But all your feverish plans are to no avail because you never ask God for help..." Isaiah 22:8-11 NLT

We are living in unprecedented times.

Worry is on the face of most every one you meet. Fear looms over us like Eeyore's cloud. Hateful words and act spill our of hearts consumed with 'what-ifs'.

We think we are prepared. We stock up on food. We take the recommended vaccines. We have enough toilet paper to last three lifetimes. We wash our hands. We mask up. We stay home when we are feeling sickly. We avoid crowds. 

But have we sought God?

Have we really and truly, personally and collectively, intentionally and consistently, sought after God?

 

 HARD KNOCK LIFE

Today's reading: Job 7-8

"...A person's life is long and hard, like that of a hired hand, like a worker who longs for the day to end, like a servant waiting to be paid." Job 7:1-2 NLT

Annie, of curly, red-headed musical fame, has told us 'it's a hard knock life'.

As believers we are clocking in each day, in blessed anticipation of our reward in heaven.

We meander through life with the constant reminder that this is not all there is.

We bump up against the blockades of the enemy, many of us bruised and beat down.

But this isn't it.

This isn't it by a long shot!

Heaven is in sight.

Our goal will be reached if we remain in Him and Him in us!

And, friends, it will be so very much worth it.

 WATCH OUT

Today's reading: Psalm 9-11

"Like lions they crouch silently, waiting to pounce on the helpless. Like hunters they capture their victims and drag them away in sin." Psalm 10:9 NLT

Before you head out the door this morning, may I offer a piece of advice?

WATCH OUT!

Our enemy awaits you.

He is hiding around dark corners.

He is readying himself to pounce--or to tempt you--or to allow you to lose your cool--or let you open your mouth when you should have kept it shut--or cause you to shut your mouth when you should have said something.

Our enemy is like that.

He lurks.

He waits.

He presents us with the wildest of circumstances.

He has his dirty, grubby hands in a lot of what's going on in this world.

So watch out!

Stay grounded in your faith. Stay prayed up. Remain sure of your salvation. Remind yourself of God's greatness, power and might.

It's a jungle out there...

 ALLOTMENT

Today's reading: Joshua 16-20

These chapters are recording the allotment of land to each tribe of Israel as they entered the new land.

Specific boundaries.

Indicative landmarks.

Quite specific in the descriptions and allocations.

What I don't see are any arguments. No grudges. No disputes over dispensation of acreage. No quarreling, or mumbling as these Israelites had been prone to do.

They were content with what God gave them.

Are we?

The path God chooses for us.

The abilities, or disabilities, God chooses for us.

The mission field.

The outreach.

The strongholds He assigns us to battle with until His perfect and good will is done in our lives.

Are we content with the allotment He has given us while here on this blue/green orb?

 ONE THING

Today's reading: Genesis 12-15

"...All the families of the earth will be blessed through you." Genesis 12:3 NLT

Abraham didn't bless the families of the earth by his great deeds.

Nor by his flowery speeches.

By his participation in spectacular miracles.

But by his obedience.

His obedience, to go, blessed generationally, internationally, socio-economically, denominationally, and eternally.

Just his obedience. His willingness to say 'yes' to God. His choice to choose God's way and not his own plans.

So...

Who can we impact by obeying God?

Our simple 'yes' can touch lives, impact families, change the future and deepen our own faith.

Will you say 'yes' to God?

 MY PRAYER

Today's reading: Romans 7-8

"I felt fine when I did not understand what the law demanded. But when I learned the truth, I realized I had broken the law and was a sinner, doomed to die." Romans 7:9 NLT

My prayer this morning, for myself--and for you, is that we are well aware of what sinners we are.

In knowing the depth of our depravity, we'll realize the goodness of God's mercy!

In realizing how bad we are, we'll be able to grasp how good God is!

In coming face-to-face with the penalty owed for our sins, we'll appreciate the price paid on Calvary!

In accepting how far from God our sins keep us, we'll value His ever calling us into salvation!

We have to know how sinful we are/were/will always be in order to know the depths of His love for us.

 MEASURES OF JUDGEMENT

Today's reading: Matthew 5-7

"...Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged." Matthew 7:2 NLT

Be very careful how you 'look down' upon another.

Tattooed, carrying a record, closets full of ghosts, lists of wrongdoings, coming from the wrong side of the tracks--you might be looking in a mirror!

We've all been marked with a label not of our choosing.

All of us have a 'rap sheet' of sins against God.

There are things in every one of our lives we would just as soon keep covered up, buried or undiscovered.

Few if any of us are Jewish born, having been given priestly lineage except by grace.

But God stepped in and showed us mercy.

He gave us His love.

Undeserved.

Unmerited.

Unable to repay His kindness.

Remember that when you judge another by their appearance, actions or words.

 TURNING POINT

Today's reading: Isaiah 12-17

"Then at last the people will think of their Creator and have respect for the Holy One of Israel. They will no longer ask their idols for help or worship what their own hands have made. They will never again bow down to their Asherah poles or burn incense on the altars they built." Isaiah 17:7-8 NLT

A brief mention was made to the thought of 'turning points' during our Sunday evening prayer group. And the words have stuck with me this whole week.

Saul's turning point was mentioned.

Ruth's turning point was mentioned.

The fishermen-turned-disciples turning point was mentioned.

Every one, at some time, will be given the opportunity to turn from themselves and to the Living God.

That's what today's verses remind me of. 

They give me hope. 

They remind me of His faithfulness.

They give me fuel for my prayer fires

 THE STRENGTH TO ENDURE

Today's reading: Job 5-6

"But I do not have the strength to endure. I do not have a goal that encourages me to carry on." Job 6:11 NLT

Job, hand-picked to display his faith, wavers in this chapter of his life.

He's lost it all. Financially. Emotionally. And now his spirit is feeling the ill effects of this time spent in in sorrow.

He says he can't do it.

Doesn't have the strength to go on.

Has no reason to continue.

And his so-called friends, well, they are of no help at all.

But friends, if you continue reading on...Job has God on his side!

Job's eyes and heart are brought around to focus on his Redeemer.

His hope is recalibrated.

His reason for living resurfaces amidst the grief and anguish.

Yours will, too.

Job's faith, God knew this--and Satan was finding it out--had nothing at all to do with health, wealth or even happiness.

It had everything to do with the fixation Job had in his heart for his Lord.

Has your focus wandered? Have your attentions veered off course? Has your heart taken on a lover? Are you distracted with the world and its baubles instead of God and His truth?

I suggest you read Job, with eyes wide open. You just might find yourself!

 HAS AND WILL

Today's reading: Psalm 6-8

"The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer." Psalm 6:9 NLT

I don't know if you have bouts of doubt? Fits of fear? Moments of misgivings? Maybe, like me, you are buffeted by the undulating waves of unbelief?

If so, this verse is as much for you as it is for me.

If you are a child of God, then He has heard your prayer.

If you are a child of God, He will answer your requests that line up with His will.

We can be sure of that!

I'm posting this verse around me for the next few days. Every time the doubts rise up or the fear decides to override my faith, I'm quoting it--out loud.

My God has--my God will!

 VICTORY

Today's reading: Joshua 11-15

As I read over these chapters, I am given a picture of a vast map dotted with conquests. Hill country taken. Cities defeated. Armies annihilated. Lands claimed in the name of the Lord.

All made possible by God.

Oh, the victories the Israelites saw as they stepped into their new, bountiful land.

Makes me take a spiritual inventory of my own life.

What have I conquered in Jesus' name since I've become His?

What have I laid claim to that He says is fully mine?

Where have I taken my faith?

What have I seen victory in because God was in me, with me, working through me and for me?

Success is ours, believing brother and sister.

Peace is ours to have. Rest is our to have. Joy is ours to have. Self-control is our to have. Godliness is ours to have.

Are we staking claim on what's ours--no matter the obstacles in our way?

There's victory in Jesus!

REMEMBERED

Today's reading: Genesis 8-11

"But God remembered Noah and all the animals in the boat..." Genesis 8:1 NLT

Let's get this straight, right here and right now...God had not forgotten Noah, as we might easily believe when we hear the words "God remembered".

The fact that King James's translators chose to use the word remembered for the ancient word they were attempting to put into the hands of the people, does not mean God had forgotten.

Noah's plight was brought to God's mind. His situation stirred God's heart. His circumstances moved God's hands because of His love for Noah.

God was completely aware of the entire situation.

Every drop of rain that fell. Every overflowing creek. Every wave of torrential rain gushing forth from the underground springs.

Every animal on the ark. Every kernel of grain stored in the ship's hull. 

Every person on the boat. Every name of every person. Even the number of hairs on each of their heads.

God had not forgotten.

And He has not forgotten you!

He will not. He cannot.

Do not ever buy into our enemy's lie that He might.

 

 ONE PERSON
Today's reading: Romans 5-6

"Because one person disobeyed God, many people became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many people will be made right in God's sight." Psalm 5:19 NLT

This particular verse is referring to Adam and Christ.

How Adam led to the downfall of our human race--yet Christ, in His obedience to his Father led to the redemption of those of us who accept His gift of salvation.

It made me think how the choice of one person makes all the difference.

There have been choices made that have made a change in every one of our lives.

Choices for good and possibly for bad.

But here is the truth I'm digesting this morning---

My choices will reach out and touch the lives of so many others who need to know my Lord.

Will I be obedient?

Will I do what He asks?

Will I follow where He leads?

So that one person may come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior?

So that maybe a family dynamics will change from unsaved to saved?

So that a ripple effect will begin with me that might possibly sweep the world?

 IF YOU ARE THINKING

Today's reading: Matthew 3-4

"Then the Devil came and said to him, If you are the Son of God..." Matthew 4:3 NLT

"...If you are the Son of God..." Matthew 4:6 NLT

Sorry to say, too many times in our prayer time we use the same words Satan used when tempting Jesus in the wilderness.

Oh, don't tell me you don't!

We all do.

If any of your prayers ever sound like this, then you do...

If You are really God...

If  You can really do all the Bible says you can...

If I'm really your child and all the promises You have given me are truly mine...

Our doubt prefaces our prayers, too many times.

It's time to change things up a bit!

What if you and I began, and ended, each prayer with the words, Because You are God...

Would it make a difference in your mindset?

In your faith?

In what you trust will come to pass?

In how you pray?

In what your prayers will do for the Kingdom and for you?

 IN HIS STRONGEST TERMS
Today's reading: Isaiah 7-11

"The Lord has said to me in the strongest terms: Do not think like everyone else does." Isaiah 8:11 NLT

Do you remember the old TV commercial for E F Hutton? If I'm correct in my memories, E F Hutton was a financial counselor of sorts. The catch phrase of the commercial was, 'When E F Hutton speaks, people listen.'

They considered this fella to be competent, trustworthy, helpful and on point with his advice.

Well, don't you think even more so we should heed the words of the Lord?

Those He speaks to us?

Especially those which He premises with the fact that He is stating them in the strongest of terms?

Don't think like everyone else does.

If worry crowds the minds of the population, if fears consume the thoughts of those around you, if doubt fills the news and bolsters the social media, if chaos seemingly rules the world--it shouldn't be what you're thinking!

Watch your thoughts. Carefully. Constantly. Critically.

If they wander into territory approved of by the world, you've let them out on too long of a leash!

 CONFIDENCE

Today's reading: Job 3-4

"Does your reverence for God give you no confidence? Shouldn't you believe that God will care for those who are upright?" Job 4:6 NLT

I'm fairly certain at one point in your Christian walk you have counseled a friend to be strong in the Lord. To not lose hope. To set their eyes, heart and mind on Christ. To believe the promises of His Word. To trust that God is with them, for them and working through them.

I'm pretty sure you have.

I'm confident your words were given in love. Provided with grace. Spoken with hope. Offered as encouragement.

But can I ask you this...

Those same words you have doled out as prescriptive, faith-boosting and with God's blessings--do you believe them for yourself?

There is a very good likelihood that our friends, as they minister to us in word and deed, are taking their cues from us.

They are saying what we have said to them.

They are speaking the truths we have spoken to them.

They are believing for us what we at one time or another believed for them.

They are encouraging us to stand on the promises we asked them to stand firmly upon.

So now, in the middle of this, are you taking your own advice?

SURETY

Today's reading: Psalm 3-5

"You can be sure of this: The Lord has set apart the godly for himself. The Lord will answer when I call to him." Psalm 4:3 NLT

The morning news program I catch on occasion has a segment called, 'Your World In 90 Seconds'. It gives a quick overview of the latest happenings, news blurbs and headlines. It's a short, lacking detail heads-up for the day.

The thing is, it's rarely--if ever--positive.

No feel good stories. No Good Samaritan sightings. No hope on the horizon kind of pieces. No firemen rescuing kittens out of trees kind of segments.

So when I came across this mornings verse, it was like a breath of fresh air. A cool breeze across my parched soul. A glimmer of hope in a dark world.

It's summation is simple.

It's words are helpful.

It's encouragement is straight to the point.

It's full of hope. It's full of anticipation. It's full of assurance.

It's our 'Christian Walk in Less Than 90 Seconds'!

We are His and He takes care of His own.

What a surety we are blessed with as we go about today.

 AFRAID

Today's reading: Joshua 6-10

"Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go in or out." Joshua 6:1 NLT

Let's put the obvious out front: The people of Jericho were not afraid of the Israelites, though many in number and industrious. The Jericho-ians were scared to death of the God these people served!

So they went on lock down. They battened down the hatches. They closed up shop. They put the 'Out Of Order' signs on all their city gates.

Here is what I thought when I read and re-read that verse...

The folks we are trying to reach for the Lord do the exact same thing.

For the same reason.

They shut down all relations with us that might lead to a conversation regarding God.

They cancel all plans that might put them in the car with us for any length of time, because they know our faith will at some point enter into the chit chat.

They walk around us on Monday because they know, they just know, we're been capped off on Sunday by one of those special services we so often talk about.

They walk on eggshells of conviction, not from us, but from God.

They are afraid. Of what might be required of them. Of what they might be asked to give up. Of how they might respond to this life changing gift--I mean, what if they talk about God even more than you and I do??!!

They are scared, so they lock down the gates to their hearts.

Never fear, God has the key needed to break into their lives and speak to them in ways that we never will.

Keep praying for them.

Keep talking about God to them.

Keep gushing about the Bible-teaching, Spirit led, Christian fellowship you share with other believers.

Keep at it.

Keep marching about them like the Israelites did around Jericho!

 BUT NOAH

Today's reading: Genesis 4-7

"And the Lord said, I will completely wipe out this human race that I have created. Yes, and I will destroy all the animals and birds, too. I am sorry I ever made them. But Noah found favor with the Lord." Genesis 6:7-8 NLT

In all the wickedness that surrounded him. In all the wrong things men were doing at the time. In all the ways people were sinning against their very Creator.

Noah stood out.

As a bright light.

As salt.

As a witness.

In his everyday living. I don't read where prior to building the ark Noah did any especially notable acts or deeds--he just lived for the Lord who made him.

Let's be a Noah!

In our homes, no matter what everyone else does.

In our workplaces, no matter the environment created by other co-workers.

In our churches, no matter how traditional, how charismatic, how structured.

In our shopping, no matter how the customer ahead of you treats the checkout gal.

In our driving, no matter how many times you're cut off in traffic.

In our quiet times, no matter if anyone knows, cares, sees or hears about it.

Let's be a Noah--one who has found favor with the Lord!

FAITH IS THE KEY

Today's reading: Romans 3-4

"So that's why faith is the key! God's promise is given to us as a free gift. And we are certain to receive it, whether or not we follow Jewish customs, if we have faith like Abraham's." Romans 4:16 NLT

Praise God!

Praise God, we don't have to have Jewish ancestry, worship only in a synagogue or follow the customs and traditions of the Talmud to be declared faithful by our loving God.

We have to believe.

We have to believe He is who He is.

We have to believe we were created by Him for specified purposes mainly bringing glory to His name.

We have to believe His love for us is wide enough and vast enough to send His only Son to live, die and live again to save us from our sins.

We have to believe on Jesus' name for salvation.

Our part of this wonderful relationship is to believe. Believe when we don't see. Believe when we don't understand. Believe when we don't feel like it's working out. Believe when we don't like it.

That's faith.

And faith is the key!

CHOOSING TO FOLLOW

Today's reading: Matthew 1-2

"...It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy." Matthew 2:9-10 NLT 

God leads us in mysterious ways.

For the wise men, it was a bright, shining star.

For us, it might be the knowledge of a Bible verse. A door being closed. An opportunity to choose godly over good.

The thing is, when those leadings occur--are we filled with joy?

Are we thrilled with His hand in our guidance? His direction in our lives? His love and concern for our futures?

Or are we put out? Disgruntled? Angry? Grumbly?

The wise men were beyond excited to be led to the feet of Jesus, shouldn't we be as well? 

 IF

Today's reading: Isaiah 1-6

"If you will only obey me and let me help you, then you will have plenty to eat. But if you keep turning away and refusing to listen, you will be destroyed by enemies. I, the Lord, have spoken!" Isaiah 1:19-20 NLT (emphasis mine)

Oh, what a loving God we have that allows us to choose!

If you will...

If you don't...

The ball falls solidly in our court.

What do we want more? 

What we believe to be fun, easy, comfortable, appealing, within our plans? 

Or what He desires for us--a future, a hope, a peace that passes all understanding, blessings piled so high and running over that the storehouses of heaven cannot contain, a relationship with our Creator, Redeemer, Shepherd and Friend?

Oh, that we could and would see every choice we make with the lenses of this very verse.

 STAYING AWAY

Today's reading: Job 1-2

"There was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless, a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil." Job 1:1 NLT

Job was blameless.

Job was a man of complete integrity.

Job feared God.

Job stayed away from evil.

I believe Job was blameless and full of integrity and feared God because he stayed away from evil. The lures of it. The lies of it. The lusts of it.

Think about all it took for Job to stay away from evil...

He would have to excuse himself from certain conversations.

He would need to refuse to enter certain establishments.

He would be required to know, fully well know, his personal triggers and refuse to cater to them.

His exercise of faith would be the extended path he would be required to walk around sin and its haunts.

A little extra work. A little time spent in personal reflection. A little standing out in the crowd.

But to be known as blameless, having complete integrity and fearing God--wouldn't it be entirely worth it!

 FEELING WITHER-Y

Today's reading: Psalm 1-2

"...Their leaves never wither, and in all they do they prosper." Psalm 1:3 NLT

Maybe, brother or sister in Christ, you aren't feeling very prosperous.

Or quite the opposite, you are feeling a little wither-y.

IF you are following your Lord and Savior...

IF you are obedient to His requests...

IF you believe in Him and His promises with all your heart, mind, soul and body...

THEN prosperity will occur. 

But maybe not with the fancy wrapping paper you might assume it will have.

It might not look like what you'd imagined.

It might not occur in ways you can see it.

Your prosperity, riches, rewards, blessings and answers to prayer might not even happen while you are still alive.

But God will come through!

 ESPECIALLY AROUND JERICHO

Today's reading: Joshua 1-5

"...He instructed them, Spy out the land on the other side of the Jordan River, especially around Jericho." Joshua 2:1 NLT

It never crossed my mind until this morning WHY God had the Israelites scope out the ominous obstacle of Jericho.

It wasn't so they could prepare weaponry.

It wasn't so they could strategize.

It wasn't so they could make plans on how to infiltrate the walls.

It was to let them know how big He was.

Only in knowing how tall the walls were, would they ever grasp the immensity of God.

Only in navigating the entire perimeter of this fortified city, would they catch a glimpse of God's magnitude.

Only in studying the gates of the walled city, making special note of how thick its walls were, would they realize how powerful God was/is/would be.

They needed to know how big their mountain was so that they would have a honest estimate of how much bigger their God needed to be!

My take on today's reading: Survey your mountain. See just how truly overwhelming it is. Take a long walk around it, in its entirety. 

Then pray. 

Then expect. 

Then praise God for being bigger, stronger, broader and higher!

 FEELING NO SHAME

Today's reading: Genesis 1-3

"Now, although Adam and his wife were both naked, neither of them felt any shame." Genesis 2:25 NLT

Shame is a thief and a murderer.

It steals one's identity. It robs one's dreams. It kills one's purpose and life.

Adam and Eve felt no shame at this point in their garden experience because they were living where God placed them, how God ordained them to live and in His presence at all times.

Tempting, isn't it?

To feel no shame for our walks.

To feel no shame what we have said.

To feel no shame because we are assured, wholeheartedly assured, of our identity.

To feel no shame for things outside our control.

It's possible! Garden of Eden or not, we can walk at all times in His presence and under His instruction. The Bible tells us how. The Holy Spirit guides us. The Cross makes it possible. God has created us for it.

 REAL REASON

Today's reading: Romans 1-2

"For I long to visit you so I can share a spiritual blessing with you that will help you grow strong in the Lord. I'm eager to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. In this way, each of us will be a blessing to the other." Romans 1:11-12 NLT

I truly enjoy getting together with friends.

Talking. Sharing. Praying. Eating. Laughing. Crying.

But this year, this brand new year, I want my gatherings to be about more--and Romans 1:11-12 sums it all up.

I want to share all God has blessed me with and I want to be blessed by all God has blessed you with.

No holding back.

No keeping it hidden.

No thinking my testimony isn't good enough or comes across as boastful.

I want God to enter into each and every interaction I have this year--so that I can use the gifts He has given me and you can use yours!

 NEW

Today's reading: Lamentations 3

"Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day." Lamentations 3:23 NLT

If God's mercies begin fresh every day...

Think how very fresh His mercies are this morning--the very first day of this new year!