JOIN IN

Today's reading: Psalm 102-104

"Praise the Lord, everything he has created, everywhere in his kingdom. As for me--I, too, will praise the Lord." Psalm 103:22 NLT

Me, too! Me, too!

If the hills and hollows are praising God, I want to praise Him, too!

If the birds and bears are praising God, I want to praise Him, too!

If the morning glories, the dandelions and the rosebuds are praising God, I want to praise Him, too!

If the babbling brooks...

If the pink, soft smelling babies and the 'I-can-do-it myself', peanut butter and jelly smeared toddlers...

If the cumulus clouds...

If the swaying grasses...

If the chirping crickets...

If the dewy-diamond covered spiderwebs...

If the angelic choirs are praising God, I want to praise Him, too!

You'll join us, won't you?

NONE LIKE YOU

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

Every once in a while I stop long enough to remember to Whom it is I pray.

From Whom I have received all my blessings.

Just Who it is that has created me, saved me and redeemed me.

It does my heart, and my ego, good to have the reminder of God's greatness. His power. His abilities. His love. His bounty.

It puts me in my place.

It reminds me of who I am not, as well as who I am in Him.

Oh, that I would never forget who God is!

 BLOW YOUR HORNS!

Today's reading: Numbers 9-12

"When you arrive in your own land and go to war against your enemies, you must sound the alarm with these trumpets so the Lord your God will remember you and rescue you from your enemies. Blow the trumpets in times of gladness, too, sound them at your annual festivals and at the beginning of each month to rejoice over your burnt offerings and peace offerings. The trumpets will remind the Lord your God of his covenant with you. I am the Lord your God." Numbers 10:9-10 NLT

Are you blowing your own horn?

Announcing to your enemy that he is in your territory and that he will soon be leaving?

Celebrating all God has done for you?

Using it to praise God?

Reminding yourself, because God doesn't need reminding, of your faith in Him and His promises?

Bugle loudly!  Trumpet with all your lungs can hold! Reveille His praises!

 REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE

Today's reading: 2 Timothy 1-2

"Timothy, my dear son, be strong with the special favor God gives you in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 2:1 NLT

Are you standing strong in the identity you now have through Jesus?

Saved.

Forgiven.

Inheritance held in high places.

Powerful.

Heard.

Having a Friend who is always with you.

Today, I pray we all live in the knowledge of who we are in Jesus.

 ALWAYS CLAIMED TO BE

Today's reading: John 7-9

"Tell us who you are, they demanded. Jesus replied, I am the one I have always claimed to be." John 8:25 NLT

Ever demanded of God that He prove to you who He is?

Ever shook your fist and asked, Where in the world are You?

Ever questioned, for even a moment, who God is?

Then this verse is for you. And for me.

God/Jesus/Holy Spirit is exactly who He has always claimed to be.

Nothing has changed. Nothing is changing. Nothing will ever change.

 COME

Today's reading: Hosea 1-7

"Come, let us return to the Lord! He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds." Hosea 6:1 NLT

Christian brothers and sisters, let's turn back to God.

Wholeheartedly.

Intentionally.

Completely.

We've all wandered. We've all moved our lines in the sand. We've all fudged on dedication to the Lord.

Let's turn back to Him.

Come back as we are, bandaged, bruised, let down by the world.

 GIFT GIVER

Today's reading: Proverbs 19

"Many beg favors from a prince; everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts!" Proverbs 19:6 NLT

The last part of this morning's verse caught my eye--and punched me in the stomach.

'...everyone is a friend of a person who gives gifts...'

We love to have affection, attention and abilities.

We truly enjoy having our prayers answered, our problems solved and our pockets full.

So, I had to ask myself--Am I a friend of God, the kind who follows because of the gifts and the blessings? Or am I the kind of friend who is there through thick and thin, stormy times and desert seasons?

Am I a friend of God because of the blessings He can bestow--or because of the awe and wonder I have for who He is?

If every blessing stopped and no other prayer ever got answered, would I still be a friend of God's?

 WATCHING OUT

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

We're careful in our churches to greet visitors.

We're intentional in our congregations to lift up the sick and needy.

We're always watching for signs of disunity so that we can execute God's grace and patch up hurt feelings.

But what are we doing to encourage, uplift, strengthen and support the godly?

The ones who have stood the test of time. The souls who have never wavered or wandered. The hearts of those who know that they know that they know.

We have got to keep a close eye on the godly. We have got to list them in our prayers. We have got to watch them for examples in our own walks. We have got to help them continue. 

 DETERMINED

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 10-14

"These are the leaders of David's mighty men. Together with all Israel, they determined to make David their king, just as the Lord had promised concerning Israel." 1 Chronicles 11:10 NLT

God ordained David as king over Israel, but it took David's men and the children of God determining in their hearts that he was their king.

It makes me think of God being the king of our hearts and lives.

It can be said...

It can be decreed...

It can be ordered...

It can be requested...

But it takes a determination to make it personal.

It requires a marked decision.

It takes effort to keep Him in the throne room of our hearts and minds.

It means never allowing anyone or anything else to take His rightful place.

Are you that determined?

 FORWARD

Today's reading: Numbers 5-9

"The Lord said to Moses, Tell Aaron that when he sets up the seven lamps in the lampstand, he is to place them so their light shines forward." Numbers 8:1-2 NLT

The desert wanderings were part of their past.

Their lives in Egypt were a piece of their history.

The miracles they had witnessed were a snippet of their story.

But God wanted to do a new thing in the lives of the Israelites--so He wanted them looking forward.

Always forward.

I believe He wants the same thing of us.

Yes, He saved us. Yes, there is a good possibility that our testimony makes for a stimulating conversation. Yes, there are things to learn from the past.

But God wants us growing forward.

Moving closer to Him.

Leaning in, not leaning back.

 THE GIFT OF LIFE
Today's reading: 1 Timothy 4-6

"After all, we didn't bring anything with us when we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die." 1 Timothy 6:7 NLT

The truth of this verse reminds me to value each and every day, no matter how stress filled, hard to swallow or stormy it may be, as the gift it truly is.

We brought nothing into this world.

We will leave nothing to this world when we're gone.

We only get to make the impact each day that we make.

Make today's gift count!

 FOLLOWING JESUS

Today's reading: John 5-6

"And a large crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miracles as he healed the sick." John 6:2 NLT

These folks followed Jesus because they couldn't wait to see what He would do next.

Do we do the same?

Do we anticipate His moving in our church services, every one, every time we gather in His name?

Do we attend prayer meetings with the excitement of knowing He will answer, in His way and in His timeframe?

Do we bow our heads in prayer, but keep an eye open for His response--because we know it's coming?

Are we following Jesus to see what all He will do?

 THE RETURNING ENEMY

Today's reading: Daniel 7-12

"A few years later, the king of the north will return with a fully equipped army far greater than the one he lost." Daniel 11:13 NLT

While this morning's passage is referring to the king of Assyria and a literal army of horsemen, chariots and riders, I see another side...

When you defeat temptation. When you are able to 'just say no'. When you can successfully walk away from what would have brought you down in prior circumstances.

Celebrate!

But also know this: our enemy will try harder next time!

The very temptation will grow.

The lure will be more enticing.

The smell sweeter.

The perceived reward greater.

The army bigger!

So like I said, celebrate each and every victory over satan's tactics, but expect him to try harder next time.

AIR THEIR OWN OPINIONS

Today's reading: Proverbs 17-18

"Fools have no interest in understanding, they only want to air their own opinions." Proverbs 18:2 NLT

It's always a nice 'object lesson' when society, circumstances or events bring a verse to life. It leaves an indelible mark on my heart. It put it into my memory stores.

This verse for example.

This verse is lived out, fleshed out, laid out before us in the societal unrest our country is experiencing.

Everyone wants to air their own opinions.

It's not that they want to help.

It's not that they want to change laws.

It's not that they want to do good.

They just want their opinions aired.

They want to be heard. They want to be followed. They want to be liked on social media pages. They want a few minutes on the late night news. They want to stir up controversy.

Just to have their opinions aired. 

My favorite saying about opinions--Opinions are like armpits. Everyone has them--and some of them stink!

Let's be careful, believing brothers and sisters, that we share the love of God, the redeeming story of Christ and the helpful and hopeful role of the Holy Spirit in our lives--not just our opinions.

 RUSTLE WITH PRAISE

Today's reading: Psalms 96-98

"Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the fields and their crops burst forth with joy! Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise before the Lord!" Psalm 96:11-12 NLT

Just about every I take a short break from my farm-office duties and walk.

I go out the door of the barn office, and meander my way around any large tractors or implements parked and awaiting their turn to be tuned-up, geared up or torn up in the shop. I walk the gravel drive around the barns. I walk by the pastured cattle. I step by step make it by the horse and donkey residing on the farm.

I walk slowly past the large pine tree. And I always pause to listen to the sound of the wind in its branches.

Until this morning, I never knew how to explain the noise it made--even in the slightest of breezes.

It is the rustle of praise.

Never will I not notice it now. 

Never will I forget the words of these verses. 

Never will I not pause to praise with it!

 YOUR NAME

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 5-9

"Afterward Ephraim slept with his wife, and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. Ephraim named him Beriah (which means tragedy or misfortune) because of the tragedy his family had suffered." 1 Chronicles 7:23 NLT

Oh, friend, be careful--be very careful, of the name you give yourself.

Maybe you were a prodigal.

Maybe you were like the woman at the well who had several husbands.

Maybe you were an enemy of God.

Maybe you were brought low, broken and bitter.

But what are you now? What new place has God brought you to? What new name has He given you?

We're no longer referred to in past tense. God no longer sees who we were.

Our surname is no longer sinner, but grace!

 YOUR PASTOR
Today's reading: Numbers 1-4

"The area in front of the Tabernacle in the east toward the sunrise was reserved for the tents of Moses and of Aaron and his sons, who had the final responsibility for the sanctuary on behalf of the people of Israel..." Numbers 3:38 NLT

Maybe you didn't care for pastor's exegesis of Scripture yesterday.

Maybe you didn't like how well, or unwell, he paired his tie to his suit to his socks. Or, gasp, that he didn't wear a suit at all!

Maybe you didn't appreciate how he ended the service, that he chose to forego a song on the set list in order to follow the Spirit's leading--or that he didn't even shake your hand after service.

Newsflash: He has a whole lot more on his plate that pleasing you!

The final responsibility of your church rests solidly and heavily on his shoulders.

The souls, the growth of souls, the comfort and care of souls God has sent to his community of believers lay in his responsible hands.

So pray for him. Pray hard for him. 

And...pray for yourself, too.

 CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD

Today's reading: 1 Timothy 1-3

"...This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and support of the truth." 1 Timothy 3:15 NLT

Living, breathing child of God--are you attending worship with the remainder of your body today?

Are you walking into service with praise in your heart?

Are you leaning into the sermon with ears intent on grasping another treasure from God's Word?

Are you serving, in any capacity, with a heart full of gratefulness and awe of His saving you?

Are you greeting your fellow brothers and sisters with warmth and a smile that's a mile wide?

Be strong, be present, be involved, fellow pillars!

 YOUR CHOICE

Today's reading: John 3-4

"There is no judgement awaiting those who trust him. But those who do not trust him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God. Their judgement is based on this fact: The light from heaven came into the world, but they loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil." John 3:18-19 NLT

There is a whole lot of talk here lately about 'choice'.

A woman's choice.

A choice for life or a choice for convenience.

But doesn't it all boil down to the one choice mentioned in today's Scripture...light or dark?

 SANITY RETURNED

Today's reading: Daniel 1-6

"After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever." Daniel 4:34 NLT

Insanity is filling our nation. Our media. Our politics. Our schools. Our homes. Our churches.

Things are happening that are chaotic, ridiculous, amazing--in a very sad way, and down right wrong.

The news leaves us scratching our heads, with a sucker punch to the stomach and questioning all they say.

But if we would turn back to God...

Lift our faces to heaven...

Praise and worship our Creator...

Honor our Savior...

Would sanity be restored?

 OUR SMILING KING

Today's reading: Proverbs 16

"When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a gentle rain." Proverbs 16:15 NLT

When our King smiles, there is life...

The morning breaks through the dawn.

When our King shows His favor, it refreshes...

The summer rain shower on a parched, dry land.

As you rise and shine this morning, I challenge you to look for His smile.

In the dew on the grass.

In the shimmer on a farm pond.

In the formations of the clouded sky.

In the willows that bend onto the surface of the creek.

In the smile of your loved ones.

Look for His smile and be refreshed.

 PRAISE THE LORD
Today's reading: Psalm 93-95

"Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us give a joyous shout to the rock of our salvation! Let us come before him with thanksgiving. Let us sing the psalms of praise. For the Lord is a great God, the great King above all gods." Psalm 95:1-3 NLT

We're told to sing out God's praises not because of all He's done.

Or because as His we live lives free of burdens and fear.

Not even because every single one of our prayer requests are answered in timely fashion.

We are to praise Him because He is a great God!

No other reason. No other requirement. No other rationale.

He is good. 

Praise Him!

 THE ONE WHO PRAYED

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 1-4

"He was the one who prayed...And God granted him his request." 1 Chronicles 4:10 NLT

I'm picturing those words etched on a tombstone.

Marking the life of a loved one gone on to be with the Lord.

Memorializing a life well lived.

If God has answered you once, once ever in your entire life, those words could be spoken over you.

 IF

Today's reading: Leviticus 25-27

"If you keep my laws and are careful to obey my commands, I will send the seasonal rains..." Leviticus 26:3 NLT

If one were to stop right there, it wouldn't seem like such a blessed task to obey the Lord.

I mean, really, if obedience brings rain? Clouds? Thunder and lightning?

Oh, but one must read on to realize the extent, the depth, the multi-faceted blessing of obedience.

The rains will bring crops, trees that produce fruit, harvest seasons that lead one into the next.

I would consider a rainshower very worth it for those blessings.

Wouldn't you?

So each time today, as you consider giving up your own will in an effort to obey God, see it as a million-dollar rain on your walk with the Lord.

Watch for the sprouts of righteousness.

Expect to see a harvest of godliness.

Splash in the puddles of peace.

MEET YOU THERE

Today's reading: 2 Thessalonians

"...when He comes to receive glory and praise from his holy people. And you will be among those praising Him on that day, for you believed what we testified about Him." 2 Thessalonians 1:10 NLT

Our paths may never cross. Our lives may never intertwine with each other's apart from this blog. We may never worship in the same church house or eat around the same table of fellowship.

But one day, because I am a believer and I pray you are too, we will gather.

Gather to praise.

Gather to shout His accolades.

Gather to thank Him for allowing us the privilege of salvation.

So, I'll meet you there. I'll keep walking in that direction and I pray you, will too.

 

 THAT KIND OF FAITH

Today's reading: John 1-2

"...They have no more wine, she told him. How does that concern you and me? Jesus asked. My time has not come. But his mother told the servants, Do whatever he tells you." John 2:3-5 NLT

I want Mary's kind of faith.

The kind that gives the need to Jesus and knows it will be done.

The trust in His handling of it.

The belief that He is able--more than able.

The kind of faith that causes me to write the check...

Say 'yes' to the ministry...

Step out of the boat...

Prepare the prodigal's feast even before I see him walking up the road...

I want that kind of faith!

 SUDDENLY

Today's reading: Ezekiel 43-48

"Suddenly, the glory of the God of Israel appeared from the east." Ezekiel 43:2 NLT

Think about this...

God's glory didn't suddenly appear--it was always there. The 'suddenly' part happened in the peoples' vision of it.

Suddenly they saw what had been all along.

Maybe you need that today...I did.

His glory shines, am I seeing it?

In my day. In my circumstances. In my prayer requests. In my hopes.

Am I looking for His glory OR am I looking for my answers to my prayers?

 HELD BY THE GODLY

Today's reading: Proverbs 14-15

"Godliness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." Proverbs 14:34 NLT

Are you tired of watching our nation fall into the pits of depravity?

Does the news from our capital settle sourly in the pit of your stomach?

Do the slipping away of our rights and the exalting of unrighteous beliefs leave you more in prayer than in praise for our great nation?

Then pray.

For our nation, sure...but also for yourself.

Godly friends, we must be, if it's a term, godlier.

If godliness exalts a nation, as Solomon states it, then its up to godly people to be as godly as they can be!

Do your part, as the old draft notices once said.

Be prayed up, for your own needs, your family's needs and your country's needs.

Be studied in the Word, so you will know right from almost right.

Be godly.

 COMING HOME

Today's reading: Psalm 90-92

"Lord, through all generations you have been our home!" Psalm 90:1 NLT

Whether it was gathering with my sisters in our parents' ' fellowship hall' for a holiday weekend...

Or sitting with cousins on the stairs at my grandparents' house for a family meal, plates precariously balanced on our knees...

Or singing Christmas carols on the other Grandma's front porch until the windows fogged up whiling away the hours before 'Santa came'...

Or our intimate small table for three on our little farm with our nearest and dearest for a seldom-happening meal together...

There is nothing like 'coming home'.

And that's just what it feels like to fall into God's arms.

Either in celebration or exhaustion. In praise or in sobbing prayer. In abundance or in need.

He is our home. He is our place of respite. He is our centering compass point in a harried world.

 OUR CHOICES FOLLOW US

Today's reading: 2 Kings 21-25

I've read numerous times this morning this phrase...

"He did what was evil in the Lord's sight..."

It gives me pause to consider how it would be to have that statement sum up my life.

Not from just one or two bad choices, but a lifelong of turning away from God.

A lifestyle of not listening to Him as He speaks quietly to my heart.

A mindset that chooses my way over the way of my Creator.

The choices we make mark us. They label us. They determine how we'll be remembered.

Today, choose wisely. Tomorrow, do the same.

 RESTING IN HIM
Today's reading: Leviticus 22-24

The Scripture reading today ends with the list of festivals God appointed for the Jewish people to commemorate.

Passover, the Festival of First Fruits, the Festival of the Harvest, the Festival of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement and the Festival of Shelters.

On these God-ordained days, He asked one common thing of His people for each day--to stop.

To stop work. To stop all extra curricular activities and worship Him.

We would never make it at Jewish people. We're too busy. Too signed up, too scheduled out, too busy, too tired from being too busy. 

Oh now, you say, if it were in our traditions to do it we could.

Really?

How are we doing on Sundays? The Lord's Day?