PROMISE KEEPER

Today's reading: Obadiah

"But Jerusalem will become a refuge for those who escape; it will be a holy place. And the people of Israel will come back to reclaim their inheritance." Obadiah verse 17 NLT

Never has their been a coming back home as large in number as after the diaspora (the casting out) of Israel.

Yes, Israel was dispersed.

Yes, for a while their country was taken away from them--never from God.

Yes, the Jewish people spent a long time scattered among nations while their homeland was fought over.

But God.

God is drawing them back in waves.

With all they have learned in their foreign countries.

With the riches they have attained while away.

With a deep sense of 'home' still pulsing through their veins, even after many generations of being away.

This 'aliyah', or coming home, is a fulfillment of God's prophecy in this tiny book of Obadiah.

If, and I repeat, IF, our God chooses to fulfill this promise, what in the world makes you think He won't fulfill His promises to you?

Our promise-keeping God takes every one of His promises made seriously.

The ones to entire nations. The ones to whole races. The ones to those saved by his Son's precious blood.

 REFLECTING POOLS
Today's reading: Proverbs 26-27

"As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the person." Proverbs 27:19 NLT

Are you a good billboard for Christianity?

Do your facial expressions, body language and wordless innuendos sell Christ to the world you are called to reach?

Is the joy of your heart the least bit contagious?

Do the truths you believe permeate your conversations?

Would someone want to follow you to church because of your excitement in regards to it?

Would folks want what you have based on how you display it?

Solomon mentions this in today's proverb...How's the reflecting pool of your heart?

 ALL THE GLORY

Today's reading: Psalm 114-116

"Not to us, O Lord, but to you goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness." Psalm 115:1 NLT

I'm honored to be part of a church that has this verse as our 'theme'.

We have great ministers. We have outstanding musicians. We are blessed beyond measure with teachers who love the Word of God and use their gifts in sharing their knowledge with others. We have volunteers that serve with their whole hearts.

But every one of us knows and believes that ALL the glory goes to God!

We could meet.

We could 'pull off' a Sunday that would tick off all the boxes.

We could fill slots needed in different areas of the church.

But because we choose to glorify God in it all, we do it to the best of our abilities--conveying all applause and kudos to Him.

Are you part of such a church? Are you being fed in a house of worship that puts God in the forefront? Are you, yourself, serving to His glory?

Those kinds of churches are out there--they can be made, if enough of God's children seek His glory.

 HE IS SO GOOD!

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 6-10

"When all the people of Israel saw the fire coming down and the glorious presence of the Lord filling the Temple, they fell face down on the ground and worshiped and praise the Lord saying, He is so good! His faithful love endures forever!" 2 Chronicles 7:3 NLT

At the sight of God's presence, those at the Temple dedication ceremony couldn't ask for a thing.

They couldn't remember their prayer request lists for the life of them.

They were dumbstruck, filled with awe, unable to say anything but, He is so good!

That's how is should be each and every time we are allowed into His presence.

Awe.

Reverence.

Overflowing with a desire to praise.

 TAKE IT TO THE LORD

Today's reading: Numbers 25-28

"So Moses brought their case before the Lord." Numbers 27:5 NLT

Moses had some tough decisions to make on behalf of the people of Israel.

Decisions that involved property, in this instance, but also decisions that involved life and death and even banishment from the family of God.

In each of these, Moses sought the Lord.

When his feelings were hurt, he sought out God's decision on the matters, instead of relying on his own.

When his plans were dashed, he sought God's leading, instead of believing he knew it all, or knew best.

When his position, God appointed position, was questioned, he sought out God for validation.

When he was mad, and did he ever have reason to be with two million people to wrangle, he sought God for direction.

He brought each and every 'case' before the Lord for His judgement and guidance.

That's quite an example for us to follow.

Every day.

With every choice we're called to make.

 LIVING POWER

Today's reading: Hebrews 1-4

"For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are." Hebrews 4:12 NLT

As you enter the door of your house of worship today, keep this verse in mind.

When your pastor speaks, listen intently.

When the Word of God is read, expect to see lives changed.

Our Bible is full of living power.

It's promises are power-packed.

It's accounts are life-changing.

It's dependability through the ages is second to none.

Listen to it. Allow it to change you. Let it show you another facet of God's character.

 SECRET DISCIPLES

Today's reading: John 19-21

"Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take Jesus' body down. When Pilate gave him permission, he came and took the body away." John 19:38 NLT

I believe there is God-sized purpose for the secret disciples around the world today.

The people who are not loud with their faith.

The people who do not wear the Christian t-shirts.

The people who don't quote Bible verses with every breath.

God has them in place, in their homes and workplaces and communities, for moments like the one Joseph found himself in.

In an ungodly palace, surrounded by godlessness we find a man who had made enough of an impact on Pilate, or had chosen to not ruffle his feathers in any way. One fella who could ask this great request and it be granted.

For such a time as this.

Maybe you are a secret disciple. 

For now. 

 PLUMB LINE

Today's reading: Amos 5-9

"...And the Lord replied, I will test my people with this plumb line. I will no longer ignore all their sins." Amos 7:8 NLT

Church family, I believe this verse is written specifically and with pointed finger to us.

We are 'my people' to the Lord.

We are the ones who know better.

We are the shining, salty examples He has chosen to reach the world.

So why shouldn't our lives and hearts line up to His plumb line?

If your straight and narrow has begun to bend and weave, seek God to make corrections.

If your line in the sand has become blurred, seek God to make the changes needed to permanently mark that line.

If your witness has become silent, seek God to burn within you so much that you cannot help but speak out about Him.

Stand beside the plumb line of God's righteousness and see where you need to 'straighten up;.

 THE CONCEALED THINGS
Today's reading: Proverbs 25

"It is God's privilege to conceal things, and the king's privilege to discover them." Proverbs 25:2 NLT

I don't know where some of us have gotten the idea that God needs to give us explanations to things we don't understand.

Why something has happened.

When something will change.

How what He has done should make sense.

Our God, who knows more than we ever will, sees farther than we will ever see, understands more than we will ever comprehend, loves more than our hearts could ever love, has control of more than we ever need put in control of, has concealed some things from us for a reason.

His reason.

His majestic, mighty, omniscient, all knowing reason.

It's His privilege as God--and ours to trust.

 THEY

Today's reading: Psalm 111-113

"They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them." Psalm 112:7 NLT

'They' set the tone for rallies and initiatives.

"They' determine the latest fashions and trends.

'They' are the ones our kids reference in regards to what we should allow them to do.

'They', we've come to find out in today's society are the nameless, the faceless, the anonymous.

But in the Word of God, 'they' are the ones who fear the Lord.

'They' know who He is and who they are not.

'They' understand rank and file, realizing He is above all.

'They' are His children.

Are you one of them?

Can people say of you, 'They do not worry or doubt--they trust in the Lord!'

  

 SO GOOD

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 1-5

"...Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the Lord with these words: He is so good! His faithful love endures forever..." 2 Chronicles 5:13 NLT

We don't need a marching band.

We don't need an orchestra.

We don't need the brass, the wind instruments or the drums.

We need only to praise Him for how good He is!

He is so good!

 STOP ASKING PERMISSION

Today's reading: Numbers 21-24

"The Israelites now sent ambassadors to King Sihon of the Amorites with this message: Let us travel through your land...But King Sihon refused to let them cross his land..." Numbers 21:21-23 NLT

I'm scratching my head here.

Over two millions Israelites--and they are asking permission?

Was it a courtesy? Good manners? A polite way of doing business?

I'm afraid too many of us Christians today have taken after the Israelites in that manner.

We ask Satan to leave us alone.

We request that he 'get behind us'.

We get up of the morning seeking ways to 'go around him' so he won't bother us.

We are bigger than he is!

We are stronger than he is!

We are greater in power than He is!

All because we are God's!

Stop using your proper etiquette with the enemy--rebuke him in the name of the Lord!

 THE WORD ON THE STREET

Today's reading: Philemon

"I always thank God when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing of your trust in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God's people." Philemon v.4-5 NLT

What's the word on the street about you, Christian brother or sister?

What has your pastor heard about you?

Your Sunday School teacher?

Your small group leader?

What's the scoop?

Are people hearing about your good works, your godly character and your attempt to reach the world for Jesus--and are praying for you?

Or, are they hearing about your cussing, stomping fit at the WalMart customer service counter? Your spreading gossip in the church parking lot? Are they hearing things about you that give them reason to pray for you? I mean, pray for you, because you need the Lord!

 HIS JOB

Today's reading: John 16-18

"And when he comes, he will convince the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgement." John 16:8 NLT

Church, we've got differing thoughts on what's our job and what God himself will do.

We are not called to convince the world of its sins.

Nope, not our job.

We are called to live in the world. To love on the world. To spread the Good News to the world. To help the world. To impact the world. To be little Christ's in the world. To forgive the world. To not set up permanent roots in the world. To be joy filled while in this world. 

God is called to convince the world.

Just God. Not us.

Honestly, we've got the easy part!

 REMINDED

Today's reading: Amos 1-4

"Yet think of all I did for my people! I destroyed the Amorites before my people arrived in the land. The Amorites were as tall as cedar trees and strong as oaks, but I destroyed their fruit and dug out their roots." Amos 2:9 NLT

Maybe, just maybe, you needed the reminder today of just how big our God is!

Maybe your problem has taken root and is growing like kudzu.

Maybe your stormy night lingers and lasts...and lasts...and lasts.

Maybe you've been kicked so many times when you were down that you are struggling to get up.

Then you, beautiful friend, are just the one needing these words!

Think of all God has done for His people.

Think of the miracles ONLY He could have accomplished.

Think of how very loved His children are.

Trust this powerful, good, gift-giving, gracious, loving God one more day!

 THE PRESSURE COOKER OF LIFE

Today's reading: Proverbs 23-24

"If you fail under pressure, your strength is not very great." Proverbs 24:10 NLT

Tough times come our way.

Trying seasons hover over us.

Unlovely circumstances happen.

Unkind people cross our paths.

Our strength, better yet--our Strength, must remain the same.

If the world knows you are a Christian, remain Christlike in the pressure cooker of life.

As hard as it might be.

As much as you don't want to.

As easy as it would be to call it quits.

Do not give in.

Stand in faith. Rest in the Lord. Rise and shine in His glory.

 SPILLING THE BEANS

Today's reading: Psalm 108-110

I don't have a Bible verse to share this morning.

Something from my Bible, yes, but not a verse.

It's an addendum, a subtitle, a theme added to Psalm 109 by the Life Application Bible collaboration team.

Here is what it says...

Theme: Righteous indignation against liars and slanderers. We can tell God our true feelings and desires.

And Psalm 109 surely does that.

It shows us how David took every emotion he had and laid in prayerfully at God's feet.

We can do the same!

We don't have to give God only the 'church-y' feelings.

We don't need to powerwash our emotions before praying.

We can be heartfelt, heartbroken and wholehearted as we pray.

Let's not forget that. Ever.

 DO THE WORK

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 25-29

"Then David continued, Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail or forsake you..." 1 Chronicles 28:20 NLT

What is it God is asking you to do today?

Pick up your Bible?

Spend a few minutes listening to Him in prayer?

Share Sunday's sermon highlights with a coworker?

Phone a gal down the pew from you who seemed to cry during the entire worship service?

Maybe it's a bigger task--to tithe more, to sign up for that ministry opportunity, to say 'yes' to God's invitation to be His?

Whatever it is God is asking of you--may I offer David's words...

Be strong and courageous, and do the work! Don't be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, or how far outside your comfort zone it might take you, or that you might stumble in the completion of it. God is with you! He will not fail or forsake you. 

 MIRACLE UPON MIRACLE
Today's reading: Numbers 17-20

"...This should put an end to their complaints against me..." Numbers 17:10 NLT

God caused Aaron's staff, a withered and no telling how old branch, to burst out with buds.

Miracle!

A miracle right before their eyes.

And God's words about that miracle--it should put an end to their complaints against Me.

Think of the miracles upon miracles that we witness every day.

The answers to prayer requests.

The needs met.

The touches received.

The bodies healed.

The relationships restored.

The needs supplied.

The souls saved from a sinner's hell.

Miracle after miracle.

How dare we complain against our God?

How in the world can we question Him?

Doubt His goodness?

Wonder if He loves us?

Waver in our faith? 

 ENSLAVED

Today's reading: Titus

"This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to bring faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives." Titus 1:1 NLT

The very first verse of this morning's Bible reading...

The first nine words...

The challenge...

Am I a slave to God?

Does He govern my actions?

Does He set the tone of my attitude?

Am I attentive to His movings, His leadings, His guidance?

Do I consider myself to have been purchased by Him? Redeemed by Him? Rescued from death by Him?

Are my allegiances with Him, and with Him wholeheartedly?

 WE CAN DO HARD THINGS

Today's reading: John 13-15

"Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his rove, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel he had around him." John 13:3-5 NLT

Jesus washed the feet of his disciples--including the feet of Judas Iscariot.

Knowing Judas was going to betray him.

Knowing Peter would deny him.

Knowing the majority of them would run at the first sign of trouble.

He did the hard thing because He knew who He was.

He knew Whose he was.

He also knew where He was going.

We know the same things!

So why aren't we doing the hard things for our fellow humans?

 HE HAS

Today's reading: Joel

"...Surely the Lord has done great things! Don't be afraid, my people! Be glad now and rejoice because the Lord has done great things." Joel 2:20-21 NLT

I have a tendency to notice 'tense' in Bible wording.

Past tense. Present tense. Future tense.

It caught my eye this morning as I read the words in Joel.

Rejoice because God has done, past tense, great things.

We can praise Him, lift up His name in holy reverence, because of all He has done.

If He has saved you--rejoice!

If He has stayed beside you--praise Him!

If He has proven His track record over and over again--shout to the Lord!

And at the end of the day today, we'll have more reasons to do it tomorrow.

 STEP AWAY

Today's reading: Proverbs 22

"Keep away from angry, short-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul." Proverbs 22:24-25 NLT

Watch who pushes your buttons today.

Take a quick overview of every situation and conversation to see if it is leading you to be more like Christ--or more like the person to whom you are talking.

Step away when your soul is endangered by the topic, tone or tension in the words you are being led to say.

 NOT NEAR ENOUGH

Today's reading: Psalm 105-107

"Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise him half enough?" Psalm 106:1-2 NLT

I'm a numbers kind of gal.

I like my ledgers.

I like my bank statement to balance to my checkbook register.

I like clearance racks and percentages off.

I like statistics and probabilities.

That being said, I'm sorely convicted by today's verses.

Why?

Well, because I am one of those who could never praise Him half enough.

Or a quarter enough. Or a millisecond enough.

God has done way too much for me to ever thank Him enough.

God is to me more than I could ever praise Him for being.

Ever.

WHAT A DECISION

Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 20-24

"This is a desperate situation! David replied to God. But let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great. Do not let me fall into human hands." 1 Chronicles 21:13 NLT

David was on the horns of a dilemna. He faced a conundrum. He had to choose between hard, unlovely, severe, but deserved things.

So He chose God.

He chose God's hand of discipline over the hands of men.

Why?

We know why, men lack the love, the mercy and the grace God has.

Men function out of anger, pride, foolishness and bitterness.

As unlovely as the punishment would be...

As unwanted as the discipline was...

As hurtful as the consequences would be...

He leaned into God.

His good, loving, kind and merciful God.

 

 OBEY NOW

Today's reading: Numbers 13-16

"...Let's go, they said. We realize that we have sinned, but now we are ready to enter the land the Lord has promised us." Numbers 14:40 NLT

The Israelites had 'postponed' obeying God.

Put it off long enough that He had had enough.

But now? Now, they were ready to listen. To do. To follow instructions.

So they did what was asked of them, when they wanted to do it.

And the result? They were disciplined severely. They were defeated at what they attempted. They were whooped by the enemy.

Reading this portion of Scripture this morning I realize that WHEN He asks us to do something is as important and WHAT He asks us to do.

So let's not put off what He requests of us.

Let's not procrastinate.

Let's not hem-haw around until 'our hearts are in it'.

Let's do what He wants us to do, when He wants us to do it.

 LOOK BACK A VERSE

Today's reading: 2 Timothy 3-4

"It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do." 2 Timothy 3:17 NLT

What's 'it'?

What is going to prepare us?

What is going to equip us?

What is going to lead us into doing every good thing God wants us to do?

Well, to find the answer, you much go back a verse...it's the Scriptures!

God's Word is our guide book.

Our instruction manual.

It's our how to succeed in tome.

Are you reading it? 

 VOLUNTARILY

Today's reading: John 10-12

"No one can take my life from me. I lay down my life voluntarily..." John 10:18 NLT

I've heard it said that Pilate took Jesus' life.

I've sat under preaching where it was pontificated that the Romans killed Jesus.

I've listened to debates as to Judas' hand in the murder of Jesus.

But what I read this morning...

What I notice is written in red...

What I believe to be true...

Is that Jesus did it voluntarily for me.

For my sins.

For my eternal salvation.

For my place in heaven with Him.

No one made that choice for Him. No one forced the decision upon Him. No one coerced Him or pushed Him into it.

He did it for me.

And for you.

 WHAT ARE WE DOING?

Today's reading: Hosea 8-14

"How prosperous Israel is-a luxuriant vine loaded with fruit! But the more wealth the people got, the more they poured in on the altars of their foreign gods. The richer the harvests they brought in, the more beautiful the statues and idols they built." Hosea 10:1 NLT

I'm thinking this morning that the Church, yes us, brothers and sisters in Christ, could so very easily and truthfully have our names inserted in to this verse, instead of Israel.

Church, how prosperous we have become. Fancy buildings. Gathering when we choose. Abundant resources at our disposal.

Just what are we doing with the storehouse of blessings God has poured into us?

Are we putting it back in our communities?

Are we increasing our impact on the neighborhoods we're settled into?

Are we growing our children's programs, new believers studies, discipleship courses?

Are we using each and every dollar tithed to honor God--or to make sure we're comfortable?

Church, what are we doing with the abundance God has sent our way?

 BONUS

Today's reading: Proverbs 20-21

"Whoever pursues godliness and unfailing love will find life, godliness and honor." Proverbs 21:21 NLT

Are you a bargain shopper? Always looking for a sale, a discount, the clearance rack? Do falling prices perk you up?

Me? I like a good two-for-one sale.

I look at it like I'm getting one for free OR both items for half off. It's a winning math combination.

Today's verse, however, gives us an even better bargain...

Pursue godliness and love and get life, godliness and honor!

What a deal!

What a doorbuster!

What a bonus!

I'm going to spend more time looking for ways to implement godliness in my life and seeing God's unfailing love around me--and expect to see the additional perks of life, real life, and honor!