YET

Today's reading: Mark 13-14

"He went a little farther and fell face down on the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. Abba, Father, he said, everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine. Then he returned and found the disciples sleeping..." Mark 14:37-39 NLT

Jesus sought in prayer.

He sought direction in prayer.

He sought clarity in prayer.

He sought to clear his mind and heart in prayer.

He sought out the One who loved him the most in prayer.

He sought salvation from the upcoming suffering in prayer.

He sought help in help.

He sought strength in prayer.

Then He got up and carried on.

A lesson for us. Pray. Believe. Get up and go about what God's called us to do.

Because, after all, we're seeking His will, not our own--right?

 POLICY CHANGE

Today's reading: Jeremiah 22-26

"When the officials of Judah heard what was happening, they rushed over from the palace and sat down at the New Gate of the Temple to hold court." Jeremiah 26:10 NLT

Let's set the record straight...

What had just happened that caused the leaders of Judah to hold court? The prophet Jeremiah had just pronounced judgement upon them in the name of the Lord.

In verses 4-6 of this same chapter, God told the people what the problem was, how long He had been enduring it and how it was time for consequences.

The people had turned their backs upon God, because the leaders of those people would not listen to Him.

So the officials, the same men charged with not listening to God? They chose to meet at the city gate and discuss 'policy changes'.

They mulled over what was said.

They interpreted the message.

They brought all the facts to the table.

And...instead of making heart changes, they voted to kill the messenger.

Oh, friends, are we like that?

We pray for our country. We send out letters to our officials regarding how they should vote in upcoming meetings of government. We condemn past laws. We either question policy changes or want policy changes.

But do we change our hearts?

 ELIHU

Today's reading: Job 33-34

"He repays people according to their deeds. He treats people according to their ways." Job 34:11 NLT

There isn't much information given to us about Job's friend, Elihu.

My Bible commentary says since he was the fourth man speaking, he was probably younger than Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar. Possibly a bystander drawn into the conversation around the ash pile. Maybe even partially right in his statements, partially.

Nothing tells us how old Elihu was. How tall he might have been. Which church he attended. His credentials or his lineage.

What I do know about Elihu is this...

In order for him to make this statement to Job, to believe it enough to make the words audible, to base any sort of advice or comfort on its basis--he must have never, ever tasted of God's amazing grace or sweet mercy.

Elihu must never have been blessed beyond what he deserved or granted forgiveness for all he had done.

He must have never looked into the eyes of his children and known, without a doubt, how very little he had done to be granted such a blessing.

He must have never known the depths of his sin and the vastness of God's saving love.

Because once you've experienced either of them, been showered with grace or mercy, been a receiver of more than God should have ever given and not received what you truly deserved...you don't know.

And I think Elihu didn't know.

FULFILL YOUR VOW

Today's reading: Psalm 48-50

"I don't need the bulls you sacrifice: I don't need the blood of goats. What I want instead is your true thanks to God; I want you to fulfill your vows to the Most High." Psalm 50:13-14 NLT

Thanks and follow-through is what God wants from us.

He wants us to thank Him for the opportunity to live and to live out our vows to Him.

What vows, you ask?

Well, it isn't necessarily the ones you make to your church.

To be on a committee. To fill a spot on the education team. To don your nametag and be greeter one Sunday of the month. To pray for the poor and needy. To give to the youth mission fund.

Oh, those things are important. And your fulfilling your commitment to them are important. It's a way to honor God with your abilities and your blessings.

But, I think, and this is just me thinking...

I think the vows He asks us to keep is what He talks about in the next verse...

"Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory." Psalm 50:15 NLT

Did you vow to trust Him when you asked Him to be your Lord and Savior?

Did you promise to follow Him, to the ends of the earth if necessary, when you were first saved?

Did you make a public profession of faith in God, in Jesus, in the Holy Spirit?

If you did, you are being asked in today's verses to put aside the other things and fulfill those vows.

Trust Him.

No matter what.

It will be our greatest sacrifice.

 PARALYZED OR PUSHED FORWARD

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 1-4

"When Ishbosheth heard about Abner's death at Hebron, he lost all courage, and his people were paralyzed with fear." 2 Samuel 4:1 NLT

Fear can do one of two things to our bodies and to our minds: paralyze us OR push us forward.

I'm sure you've seen it happen in your own life.

Have you come across a snake while gardening? What was your response? Did you run screaming or were you scared to the point you couldn't make a muscle move if you tried?

The Israelites moving through the desert could have pitched their tents permanently, but they chose to keep moving.

The disciples processing their missions after the Cross could have holed up and quieted down, but they chose to move forward--carrying the Gospel message eventually to us.

So today, you too, have a choice...

Whatever has blindsided you. Surprised you. Caught you completely off guard. Had to be added to the lovely plan you had written out. Knocked the props out from under you.

Whatever it is, you have a choice. Let it paralyze you OR let it push you forward into God's arms, God's will, God's purpose, God's plan.

 ARE YOU JUST SITTING THERE?

Today's reading: Exodus 13-16

"Then the Lord said to Moses, Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!" Exodus 14:15 NLT

If any verse given for us in the account of the exodus of God's people proves how very much like them we are--this is the verse!

God finds the Hebrew children sitting on their tail ends crying out to Him to help them.

Sitting and crying. Crying and sitting.

God's response? His answer? His instruction?

Get up and get moving!

It's one thing to cry out to God, which He asks us to do.

It's one thing to be faced with a trial, which He tells us we will be.

It's one thing to want to do His will, which we should all be seeking to do.

It's something completely different to get up and do something!

To fight your enemy. To make the best decision given the options available to you. To keep on going no matter how rough the path is. To trust Him while you put one foot in front of the other. To keep praying while you do your best.

Oh, that He wouldn't find any of us just sitting around crying out to Him.

Let's always be pray-ers on the move!

 A BIG PARADE

Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 1-3

"But thanks be to God, who made us his captives and leads us along in Christ's triumphal procession. Now where ever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet perfume." 2 Corinthians 2:14 NLT

Our little town loves a good parade!

The shiniest firetrucks come out. The spiffed up politicians running for the next office arrive. The school bands are practiced up. The football teams wash up their jerseys to ride on the back of a flatbed semi. The newest pageant contestants are dolled up and riding on the back of the local dealership's prettiest convertible. 

A parade is a great way to show off the best, the newest, the finest and the things one is most proud of.

So when I read today's verse, I thought about the very fact that God parades us around in this world as an example of His loving kindness, His saving grace and His immense mercy.

He says, through our redemption, through our living, through our striving, look at my best!

 BELONGING TO GOD

Today's reading: Mark 11-12

"Well, then, Jesus said, give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God. This reply completely amazed them." Mark 12:17 NLT

Just what were 'they' amazed at?

-That Jesus didn't complain and mumble and groan about paying taxes?

-That Jesus didn't side with them on the argument?

-That Jesus wouldn't stoop to their argumentative ways?

Or maybe, just maybe, they were amazed to think how very much is God's--and how very little was Caesar's.

It's something for us to think about today. How very much of our lives, our blessings, our comforts and our abilities belong to God.

And how very little, what the world hears us complain loudly about, belongs to anyone else.

What if 'they' heard more gratitude than grumbling, more thanks than protest, more appreciation than disgust?

Would they be amazed?

 HE WILL SPEAK

Today's reading: Jeremiah 17-21

"The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, Go down to the shop where clay pots and jars are made. I will speak to you while you are there." Jeremiah 18:1 NLT

Contrary to popular belief, God still speaks.

Even if your title isn't 'prophet', God still speaks to you.

Where ever you are, God will speak to you.

The issue isn't whether or not He will say something, it's whether or not we are willing to listen.

I want to hear Him on my drive to work.

I want to hear Him in the Christian songs I listen to on the radio.

I want to hear Him in the conversations around me.

I want to hear Him in the circumstances I find myself in.

I want to hear Him in the breezes blowing through the trees.

I want to hear Him in the sobs of a crying friend.

I want to hear Him in the morning birdsongs.

I want to hear Him in the quiet, darkness of a sleepless night.

I want to hear Him as I sit at my prayer chair and read His Word.

I want to hear Him.

He will speak--and I want to hear Him.

 FINAL PROTEST
Today's reading: Job 31-32

Job 31 is captioned, Job's Final Protest of Innocence, in my study Bible.

It's his last cry.

It's his ending prayer.

It's the chapter in the account of Job where I see more of myself than in any other chapter.

For most, Job is seen as upright. As patient. As longsuffering. Enduring. Steadfast. Faith-filled.

But in chapter 31, Job asks the questions I have asked, am asking, would ask...

What have I done to deserve this?

Where have I gone wrong in serving you, Lord?

Who have I wronged?

What puppy have I kicked?

Have I stolen a child's lollipop?

Why me?

He spends time reviewing his life. His choices. His walk with the Lord.

I honestly believe Job was repentant, if he had had anything to be repentant for.

He was looking for reasons for God's hand to rest so sorely upon his life--and came up with nothing.

It happens like that sometimes. There is no reason. There is no explanation. There is no understanding.

What we experience. What we endure. What we live through. What we are assigned in life.

Sometimes there is no explanation.

It all rests solidly, firmly, safely and securely in God's wise, broad, loving, caring hands.

Maybe, just maybe, when we get to heaven we will ask Him, 'Why?' and receive an answer. 

Maybe when we get to heaven, though, we won't think another thing about it.

 MORE THAN

Today's reading: Psalm 45-47

"You love what is right and hate what is wrong. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else." Psalm 45:7 NLT

Christian brother and sister,

Are you making a difference in your part of the world?

Are you bringing light to dark rooms?

Peace to chaotic situations?

Love to the unlovely?

Joy to circumstances that are dull, drear and devoid?

My Bible tells me, in this very verse, that we who are His, have been anointed.

Anointed for our individual missions--and our corporate mission.

Anointed to change the world--where we live and where we work.

Anointed to be a difference.

Our anointing makes us set apart. Unique. Odd, in the best of terms. Selected for service. 

As His, you are anointed. Are you living it out?

 WHERE DO I TURN?

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 26-31

"David was not in serious trouble because his men were very bitter about losing their wives and children, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God." 1 Samuel 30:6 NLT

Somedays the entire world turns against you.

Your reflection mocks you.

Your best friend doesn't return your call.

Your dog won't show you any affection unless you're holding a dog biscuit.

Your body doesn't work the way it used to.

Your family seems more distant than the miles between you.

Your Bible time is dry and silent.

So what do you do?

We turn to God. 

Every time.

In all situations.

For what we need.

And we will always find that He is with us, He provides, He is enough.

 NEVER SAW IT BEFORE

Today's reading: Exodus 9-11

"The court officials now came to Pharaoh and appealed to him, How long will you let these disasters go on? Please let the Israelites go to serve the Lord their God! Don't you realize that Egypt lies in ruins?" Exodus 10:7 NLT

This is my 21st year of reading through the entire Bible.

That's not said in a bragging sort of way, please know that--it's said to let you know that even after that many times, I'm still uncovering new and timely passages each and every time I open the pages of this Holy Book.

Like this morning.

I never noticed, or had revealed to me, that Pharaoh's own people urged him to 'bow' to God. That his nearest officials begged him to see that he was defeated. That those in his own personal counsel knew he couldn't win this battle against the God of the Israelites.

God works through anyone. And everyone.

That's exciting.

That's encouraging.

That's faith building.

 EASTER

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 15-16

"But the fact is that Christ has been raised from the dead..." 1 Corinthians 15:20 NLT

As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, I am also a believer in His virgin birth, perfect life, death on a cruel cross and resurrection from a sealed tomb.

I believe, no matter how I feel.

I believe, no matter what the world says.

I believe, no matter what you believe.

It is a fact, Jesus has been raised from the dead.

I believe.

HIS NAME

Today's reading: Mark 9-10

"When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, Tell him to come here..." Mark 10:49 NLT

The blind man shouted Jesus' name.

But I believe, Jesus would have stopped for a mere whisper.

A guttural cry.

A whimper.

Because when we speak His name...

When we ask Him into a situation...

When we call out to Him...

He hears.

He moves mountains to get to us.

He stops large processions.

He meets us where we are.

At the mere mention of His name.

Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. 

 E. P. S.

Today's reading: Job 29-30

"I thought, Surely I will due surrounded by my family after a long, good life." Job 29:18 NLT

Many of us are aware of the helpful travel assistant, G.P.S. It keeps us going in the right direction because it 'always' knows just where we are. You take a turn off the recommended path and it quickly 'recalculates' to direct you to the same destination.

This past week, and this morning's verse reminded me of it, I was introduced to a not so helpful system that several of us have self-installed--E.P.S. This Expectational Positioning System keeps our head and heart focused on the 'where we should be because of where we think we should be'.

Here is what the author Ann Voskamp says about it...

'Expectations can slay any relationship, especially with God. And an Expectational Positioning System has never failed to eventually position the soul in a bit of hell of its own making--with its expectation to at least keep pace with, or better yet surpass, someone else, anyone else. Strange, how you cannot feel content in your heart whenever it feel like you aren't where you feel you should be, wanted to be or expected to be.'

I have to constantly keep track of which positioning system I am allowing my feelings to follow. If I am trusting God completely, I can trust Him completely. If I am leaning towards how I think things should be, ought to be because of my diligent checklist of accomplishments or I have planned to be, I'm going to be sorely and surely let down.

 WHAT I TRUST

Today's reading: Psalm 42-44

"I do not trust my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. It is you who gives us victory over our enemies..." Psalm 44:6-7 NLT

I tend to be a 'do-er', not a 'have it done for me' kind of gal.

I'm resourceful. Determined. Strong willed. Tough as nails. A hard worker.

But a current set of events has left me more dependent upon others than I am comfortable being.

For the little things.

For the things I once considered menial.

For the every day things that I never considered a privilege to be able to do.

I'm realizing I've been trusting in my abilities.

In my well laid plans.

In my, well, in my self.

Good grief, what a set up for a let down!

My skill set is so lacking. My track record is so spotty. My strengths so anemic.

So I'm here face down, slowed down, sat down and brought down to the point I should have been all along--depending completely upon Him.

It is God who wills, who lets, who ordains, who orchestrates, who allows, who brings about, who blesses.

Not me. Not me, at all.

 A MAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 21-25

I've noticed something about David in reading these chapters this morning.

I see him as brave.

I see him as loyal.

I see him as determined to follow God's lead.

But most of all, I see him as a questioner of God.

Not of God's ways.

Or God's timing.

Or God's purpose.

I see David choose, in so many instances, to question God BEFORE HE EVER STEPS FORWARD TO DO A TASK!

Should I, Lord?

Will You, Lord?

Can I, Lord?

This brave, strong, make-things-happen shepherd turned king, made the time to seek God's will and direction.

A lesson for us all!

 WHAT THE LORD SAYS

Today's reading: Exodus 5-8

"After this presentation to Israel's leaders, Moses and Aaron went to see Pharaoh. They told him, This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Let my people go, for they must go out into the wilderness to hold a religious festival in my honor." Exodus 5:1 NLT

We can learn a whole lot from Moses and Aaron.

They give us a fine example of how to share 'what the Lord says' with others. Evangelize, if you want the church term.

They didn't tell Pharaoh what he wanted to hear.

They didn't explain to Pharaoh what they were led to believe.

They didn't appeal to Pharaoh's feelings.

They didn't base their obedience upon their understanding of what they were asked to share.

They said what the Lord told them to say.

Simply.

Obediently.

During the opportunity God provided them to do it in.

Yes, we all have a lot to learn from Moses and Aaron.

 BEING SILENT

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 13-14

"Women should be silent during the church meetings. It is not proper for them to speak. They should be submissive, just at the law says." 1 Corinthians 14:34 NLT

While many might take offense to this verse, claiming women's rights, equality and gender bias--I take comfort in its words!

When I get to church, after the rush of the week, the busyness of Sunday morning, the hustle and bustle of getting everyone up, dressed, to the church on time--I get to be quiet.

To be still.

To be present.

To be in God's house.

And not say a word.

To soak.

To absorb.

To take it all in.

Thank you, God, for putting it in writing for me to follow.

 CONFRONTING JESUS

Today's reading: Mark 7-8

"One day some Pharisees and teachers of religious law arrived from Jerusalem to confront Jesus." Mark 7:1 NLT

I couldn't read any farther this morning. One verse in and my heart was gob-smacked. My thoughts were lazered in. My mind reeling with ideas, words, funny quips...and conviction.

How often do you and I put on our best suit, gather up our legal pads, dust off our briefcases and head out to confront Jesus?

Our arguments are well rehearsed.

Our fact finding leaves no 'i' undotted or 't' uncrossed.

Our presentation spotless.

The 'why's' are ready to roll off our tongues.

The 'when's' are closely linked to actual times and events.

The 'how's' clearly spelled out.

Then we remember...it's Jesus we're confronting.

Who are we to be in His presence, let alone questioning a single of His plans, ways, timeframes or reasons?

So, unlike the Pharisees and teachers of religious law, we put down our briefcases. Hang our courtroom clothes back in the closet. Put aside our legal pads.

And we wait.

For Him to do what ONLY He can. When He will. How He will.

Because we've been reminded of Who we are attempting to confront.

 HURTING OURSELVES

Today's reading: Jeremiah 7-11

"Am I the one they are hurting? asks the Lord. Most of all, they hurt themselves, to their own shame." Jeremiah 7:19 NLT

We like to play the blame game with sin, but let's be perfectly clear--it's always about us.

Our choice.

Our decision.

Our reaction.

Our response.

Our letting a temptation get to us.

Sure we tend to blame the culture, the times, the media, the way of the world--but it always boils down to us.

Individually.

One on one.

Our heart held up to the scales only God holds.

 JOB'S VOW

Today's reading: Job 27-28

"Job continued speaking, I make this vow by the living God, who has taken away my rights, by the Almighty who has embittered my soul. As long as I live, while I have breath from God, my lips will speak no evil, and my tongue will speak no lies." Job 27:1-4 NLT

No matter what, Job says.

Despite all that's occurred.

I'll live for Him, no matter what He allows in my life!

 BUT...

Today's reading: Psalm 39-41

"As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord is thinking about me right now." Psalm 40:17a NLT

If I were to personalize this verse.

To re-write it, in a way.

To make it specifically mine--to the very dotted 'i' and crossed 't'.

It might read like this...

As for me, I have a laundry list of things needing done in my life. Mental breakthroughs. Physical touches. Emotional healing. Spiritual growth. A myriad of prayer requests. A heart full of burdens I keep taking to the Lord--and bringing back home with me. I have more I need than I could ever provide God.

BUT.

But God is thinking about me right now. This very moment. While I am who I am, in what I'm in, needing what I'm needing, failing where I'm failing--not waiting for me to clean up my act.

In the heavenlies.

While enthroned with cherubim, saints and prophets of old.

As He maintains the tilt of the world, the change of the seasons and the beating of every heart He has created.

He thinks of me.

That is what keeps me going. Encouraged. Uplifted.

Even though I lack in so many areas, God thinks about me.

WHAT I DO HAVE

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 16-20

"Saul countered by gathering his troops near the valley of Elah." 1 Samuel 17:2 NLT

I have been in the Valley of Elah. I have a stone from a dry creek bed there. I have pictures, taken with my very own camera, of my time in that specific area.

That arsenal alone doesn't keep my enemy at bay. He often reminds me of what I don't have...

I don't have David's faith.

I don't have David's calling to be king.

I don't have David's giant.

I don't have David's lineage.

With all I don't have, I'm tickled to share with you the commonalities David and I share...

"David shouted in reply, You come to me with sword, spear and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord Almighty--the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defiled." 1 Samuel 17:45 NLT

You see, I don't have David's smooth stone, his slingshot, his skill in the shepherd's fields or his timeslot in history--but I have, and this is where the tables turn, I have the Lord Almighty!

The same God.

The same victorious King.

The same Good Shepherd.

The same Savior of our souls!

 MAYBE THEY WON'T

Today's reading: Exodus 1-4

"But Moses protested again, Look, they won't believe me! They won't do what I tell them. They'll just say, The Lord never appeared to you." Exodus 4:1 NLT

Oh, Moses...

Having the privilege of knowing 'the rest of the story', I can tell you--it's not about you!

It's not about you being flamboyant in your presentation enough to sway them.

It's not about being charismatic to the point that everyone wants to follow in your footsteps.

It's not about them even believing you, or understanding you, or considering you less than crazy in your notions.

It's all about God.

Always has been.

Always will be.

How do I know? Because I use the same questions towards Him in an effort to get out of obeying what He's asked me to do.

Is it on the scale of that asked of you--goodness, no.

But is it the same God?

For the same purpose?

Is it obedience all the same?

No, Moses, it's not about us, at all!

 YOUR SPECIAL ABILITIES

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 11-12

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, I will write about the special abilities the Holy Spirit gibes to each of us, for I must correct your misunderstandings about them." 1 Corinthians 12:1 NLT

I'm sure the folks serving the church of Corinth are no different than we are.

They had questions about these God given gifts bestowed upon them, and Paul was hoping to clear them up.

In my own words, here is what he wanted them (and us) to know...

These special gifts are as unique as we are.

These gifts will only add to the growth of God's Kingdom--never distract or subtract.

These special abilities were never and will never be intended to be placed on pedestals or on stands to be judged as one more worthy than the other, or used to compare a believer's importance in the Kingdom to another's.

These abilities are intended to highlight the glory of God, not the glory of the individual bestowed with the gift.

Maybe those reminders help you, they do me. Our enemy likes to twist truths around in his hands and attempt sell us a poor bill of sale as to what truly God has given us.

 HER CHANCE

Today's reading: Mark 5-6

"Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out from him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, Who touched my clothes?" Mark 5:30 NLT

Jesus knew who had touched the tassels on His robe.

He knew all about her.

Her name.

Her story.

How many hairs were on her head.

How long she had been hemorrhaging.

He knew, and didn't need to ask--but He wanted to give her a change to tell the world her story!

He gives us the same change every single day we're alive.

To tell how He saved us, loves us, heals us, directs us, comforts us, keeps us.

It's our chance!

CHECK HIS RECORD

Today's reading: Jeremiah 1-6

"This is what the Lord says, What sin did your ancestors find in me that led them to stray to far? They worshiped foolish idols, only to become foolish themselves." Jeremiah 2:5 NLT

Go ahead, look back over God's track record--do you have any need what so ever not to trust Him?

Glance over creation--has He lost control of it?

The formation tiny babies in the womb--has anyone been able to successfully duplicate His art form?

Ever not found Him when you earnestly sought Him out?

Have the Scriptures ever left you anything but encouraged, convicted or directed?

We have not reason to depend upon our foolish idols, no reason what so ever!