TO GO FORWARD WITH

Today's reading: Acts 27-28

"For the next two years, Paul lived in his own rented house. He welcomed all who visited him, proclaiming the Kingdom of God with all boldness and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him." Acts 28:30-31 NLT

As we wrap up this year, we find this verse.

Paul, although under house arrest, did not stop!

He didn't stop being Christlike.

He didn't stop telling the Good News.

He didn't stop placing his complete, absolute, undeniable and unending trust in the One he met on the Damascus Road.

So, friends, as this year ends and a new one lays like a fresh clean notebook before us--let's go forward with the boldness, love and zeal Paul had!

 COME

Today's reading: Revelation 18-22

"...Let the thirsty ones come--anyone who wants to. Let them come and drink the water of life without charge." Revelation 22:17 NLT

As I hear the rain hitting the windows of our little farmhouse this morning, I'm pulled deeply into this verse.

So many are thirsty.

They think they are living by rushing rivers of fresh water--and yet their lives are parched.

They think they are basing their lives upon oceans of accomplishments--and yet they lie down and wake up every single day dehydrated and wanting.

They are buying into the world's offer of 'free water'--and yet are bartering with the devil at the expense of their lives.

But with God, free water is living water. It provides satisfaction. It gives all that's needed. It fulfills.

Are you drinking from the Living Water?

 JEALOUS FOR US

Today's reading: Song of Solomon 7-8

"...For love is as strong as death, and its jealousy is as enduring as the grave..." Song of Solomon 8:6 NLT

When we hear about the emotion of jealousy, we rarely, if ever, associate it as a positive character trait.

We immediately go back to junior high when we were jealous of another's clothes, hair that wasn't frizzy or their name-brand tennis shoes.

Maybe our minds don't take us back historically at all. Quite possibly it's a matter of looking out the kitchen sink window to the neighbor's house. Maybe you're jealous of their greener lawn, their shiny sports car, their well-manicured shrubs and their always-behaved children.

Those feelings wear us down, drain us of all that's good and are not intended for the likes of those who are following after Jesus.

But today's verse talks about love not being jealous of another, but for another.

God is jealous for us. For our whole hearts. For all of our thoughts. For every ounce of strength we can muster. For our souls.

Not of, but for...makes a difference in how we view His jealous love!

 WHY WAIT?

Today's reading: Psalm 149-150

"Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song..." Psalm 149:1 NLT

Maybe you have a list of resolutions you're itching to begin for the New Year.

Changes to be made.

Habits to break--or start.

New disciplines to work into your daily schedule.

Maybe praise is one of those new things you're wanting to place into your daily routine.

Why wait?

Today's the best day to begin honoring God.

Right now is the right time to start following His commands.

This very moment is just right for starting to sing a new song!

 MUCH, MUCH MORE

Today's reading: Esther 6-10

"...the king again asked her, Tell me what you want, Queen Esther. What is your request? I will give it to you, even if it is half the kingdom." Esther 7:2 NLT

As I sit here thinking about Esther being given such a 'signed check' from King Xerxes, my mind spins.

All she could ask for.

All that suddenly became available to her.

All the conveniences she could now request.

I have to admit, for a short time-- I was jealous of her lot in life.

But then?

Then I remembered, I am in a similar, but grander situation than she ever was!

I can approach the King and ask for my heart's desire.

I can step into the throne room of the Most High God and He leans down to hear my requests.

I can request anything at all I can think of--and His hands are not tied by political borders, banking limits or physical abilities!

What do you want, God asks me...what is it you desire?

 REMEMBERING

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 32-34

"How blessed you are, O Israel! Who else is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your protecting shield, and your triumphant sword! Your enemies will bow low before you, and you will trample on their backs!" Deuteronomy 33:29 NLT

Maybe the holiday season was hard on you.

Alone.

First one without a loved one.

Your emotions were many, but peace and joy, were not clearly evident.

Maybe you have too many memories, hurts, empty places and brokenness to buy into the Hallmark saying that it's the 'most wonderful time of the year'.

Well, for you, it's over. We're now back to regular life. The trees are being stored in attics and closets. The wrapping paper has all be thrown in the trash. The dinners, parties, get-togethers and special services have ended.

No matter how the holidays made you feel, please remember the words of today's verse...

How blessed we are, believing friends.

To know we are saved by the Lord.

We are protected by Him.

We are triumphant because of Him.

We are able to stand over our enemies in victory--even those tricky emotions.

Maybe you don't believe it's been the most wonderful time of the year, but as a saved, born again child of God--it's the most wonderful life to live!

 MISSING ONE FIGURE

Today's reading: Luke 2

"Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple...She talked about Jesus to everyone who had been waiting for the promised King to come and deliver Jerusalem." Luke 2:36-38 NLT

I've always wondered why there isn't an Anna figure in our nativity scene sets?

Mary, Joseph and Jesus are represented.

The three kings, the shepherds and usually, a drummer boy, are included.

Most sets even have a camel, or two, some sheep and sometimes, a donkey.

But why not Anna?

I know she wasn't there 'the night', but she was at the Temple when Jesus was introduced to the world, a sacrifice made to 'pay for' his birth and his name legally stated for all to know.

And she talked about him, I believe, a whole lot!

To everyone coming into earshot. To all that she dined with. To any and all who passed by her spot at the Temple.

She talked about the Baby, the King, the Redeemer, the Messiah.

I believe she deserves a spot in the Christmas scene!

 GREATEST CHRISTMAS GIFT

Today's reading: Acts 25-26

"...that all must turn from their sins and turn to God--and prove they have changed by the good things they do." Acts 26:20 NLT

Want a Christmas that is set in the record books as the best?

Want to finally have a Christmas that's based on the real reason of the season?

Want to fulfil the prayers and wishes of believing grandmothers and mothers?

Turn from your sins and turn to God!

 ARE YOU READY?

Today's reading: Revelation 12-17

"Take note: I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are those who are watching for me, who keep their robes ready so they will not need to walk naked and ashamed." Revelation 16:15 NLT

Everywhere you go, people ask...Are you ready for Christmas?

They are wondering if your purchases are made, your fruitcakes baked and your extra chairs pulled out of storage for additional company around the table.

But, believing friend...Are you ready for Christ's return?

Are you His?

Have you prayed the prayer of salvation?

Are you attempting to walk in His ways, carry out His commands, love others as He loved you?

It's an important question, even and especially at this time of the year.

 NONE

Today's reading: Song of Solomon 5-6

"...None can rival him." Song of Solomon 5:15 NLT

As our minds wrap around the Baby this time of year, we cannot forget that God--even the God Who Came Down, has no rival!

He is not weak and innocent, but strong and just.

He is not meek and lowly, but present and in all.

His powerful traits are not dulled by whether or not our prayers are answered, but He is unchanging.

He has no rival.

None.

 WINTRY WEATHER

Today's reading: Psalm 146-148

"He sends the snow like white wool; he scatters frost upon the ground like ashes. He hurls hail like stones. Who can stand against his freezing cold? Then, at his command, it all melts. He sends his winds and the ice thaws." Psalm 147:16-18 NLT

Our rural region of the country is buckling down, preparing for a winter storm to hit over the next few days.

Warnings are posted on the television and radio.

Grocery stores are quickly being alleviated of all bread and milk.

Winter coats are flying off the racks at the department stores.

Even here on the farm, we're getting feed buckets and water buckets ready for -20 below temperatures.

So, when I came across these verses this morning--I was star struck!

The God who sends the cold, the snowflakes, the frost and the plummeting mercury--also sends the thaw. He sends winds to melt off what He's allowed.

What a reminder of His greatness!

Whatever season I am in, is temporary.

Where ever I am, I have not been left alone.

How I feel, and I have to watch the fickleness of feelings, needs to depend on what I know to be true about my God-not just what I see, what I understand, what I like.

I'm praying this winter storm reminds me of that, because my faith needs a nudge! 

 MOURNING CHRISTMAS

Today's reading: Esther 1-5

"When Mordecai learned what had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, crying with a loud and bitter wail." Esther 4:1 NLT

Mordecai mourned the political decision pushed into motion by Haman.

It would touch the lives of many. It would effect the people of God. It would harm and it would hinder for generations.

So he cried and wailed and displayed his sadness for all to see.

I thought as I read about Mordecai and his outward expression of deep-seated emotions, I thought of Christmas--and what's been done to it.

Should we as Christians mourn what it's become? Secular, sale-icious, seething with worldliness?

Should we cry out for other believers to return to the roots of this blessed holy season? The focus on the Messiah arriving, the Lamb born in the stable, the King lying lowly in a manger?

Should we be in tears over what we've rushed past, who we've rushed by, how we've rushed over what's the true meaning of Christmas? Jesus. Salvation. God with us.

As wonderful a season it is, it's lacking in its originally designed splendor...and that, Christian friends is something to mourn.

 WATCH YOUR IDOLS

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 29-31

"Surely you remember how we lived in the land of Egypt and how we traveled through the lands of enemy nations as we left. You have seen their detestable idols made of wood, stone, silver and gold." Deuteronomy 29:16-17 NLT

God warned the Israelites to watch their idols.

He asked them to remember how poor and pitiful the other nations looked bowing down to little handmade gods who could do absolutely nothing for them.

I think it's an important reminder for us, too. Today. Right now. In our lives of plenty, comfort and contentedness.

Because little gods never start out as anything but that--little.

Little gods, size wise, seldom disappoint--at first.

Handmade, self-manufactured, placed on pedestals of our own making idols will never give us a good return on the investment--of our hearts, our time, our efforts.

So, watch for the little gods.

Our lives have room for only one God--the one who created us!

 PROVE IT

Today's reading: 3 John

"...Remember that those who do good prove that they are God's children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God." 3 John 11 NLT

As you walk into your church this morning...

Or as you step inside yet another store this crazy, hectic week...

Or as you gather around another family member's table for a holiday meal...

Or as you clock in...

Remember to prove that you are God's!

By your attitude.

By your words.

By your actions.

By your love.

 FOR YOURSELF

Today's reading: Acts 23-24

"You can find out the truth of our accusations by examining him yourself." Acts 24:8 NLT

We find, in this portion of Scripture, Paul being falsely charged by the governmental and religious leaders of his time.

The lead council for the opposing side, Tertullus, says the above statement in his opening remarks.

It opened the doors for Paul to speak, for Paul's actions to speak for themselves, for our lives--even these centuries later, to be impacted.

You see, no matter what is said about us...

No matter what we hear about others...

No matter what accusations, gossip or slander is spoken in regards to us...

Our lives should offer proof that we are His, living for Him, honoring Him and producing fruit for Him.

God is our defense attorney, in all cases. And He allows our lives lived for Him and the witness of the Holy Spirit to back up our credentials as children of the Most High God!

 WITH US

Today's reading: Revelation 7-11

"That is why they are standing in front of the throne of God, serving him day and night in his Temple. And he who sits on the throne will live among them and shelter them." Revelation 7:15 NLT

Even in the book of Revelation we are reminded that the Baby born in the stable, is Emmanuel--God with us.

Not just God for us.

Not just God forgiving us.

Not just God asking a holy life of us.

But God with us, here on earth.

As we go about our days.

As we traverse our mountaintops and valleys.

As we seek Him like the wise men did!

 LOOK FOR HIM

Today's reading: Song of Solomon 3-4

"One night as I lay in bed, I yearned deeply for my lover, but he did not come. So I said to myself, I will get up now and roam the city, searching for him in all its streets and squares. But my search was in vain." Song of Solomon 3:1-2 NLT

The account is of a young Shunemite woman who was looking for her prince, or in this instance, King Solomon.

It tells of the lengths she was willing to go to just to find him.

The effort she would take.

The steps she would walk just to be with him.

But her search was in vain. He was no where to be found by her.

Oh friends, this reminds me of how easy it is to find our True Love.

Just call His name and He is with us.

Just whisper a cry to Him and He is near.

Not always with the answer we want or the remedy we think we so desperately need at the moment, but He is with us.

Emmanuel, God is with us!

 TELL THEM THE STORIES

Today's reading: Psalm 143-145

"Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts." Psalm 145:4 NLT

Tell them the stories of Jesus. 

Write on their hearts every word. 

Tell them the stories most precious, 

sweetest that ever was heard.

Did you grow up singing that song?

Did you grow up with flannelgraphs, Sunday School card classes, teachers who could bring the Bible to life in a little church basement on cold metal chairs?

Are you doing the same for your kids, or grandkids? The kids in your neighborhood?

Maybe you haven't. Maybe you haven't been given the opportunity. Maybe it's been too daunting a task.

Here's an easy way to start...

Tell them the real meaning of Christmas.

Tell them about the Baby born in a stable in Bethlehem.

Tell them about the simple fact that this Child was straight from God.

Tell them about the shepherds awed and amazed by a visit from the angels.

Tell them about the wise men and their precious gifts laid before a squiggling, squirming baby.

It's enough for the first try. It's enticing enough to cause them to ask more about Him at a later time.

Tell them the stories of Jesus!

 ACTIVE PARTICIPATION

Today's reading: Nehemiah 10-13

"...So we promise together not to neglect the Temple of our God." Nehemiah 10:39 NLT

Are you a church member?

Not just a name on the role. Not just a line to fill in on your obituary. Not just a personal attachment due to family history or your visits at Christmas and Easter.

Are you are participating member of God's church?

Do you support a local body with your presence during worship? Your tithes? Your time? Your prayers? Your interaction with other believers?

Okay, do you support your church by your words? Your complimentary mentions of your body of worshipers? Your out and out support of your ministers and programs?

As believers, we are called to worship with others. We are called to be active members of the Body.

Active believers don't sit at home.

Participating members don't just sit on the pew.

Is your church being blessed by your choice not to neglect?

 THEN

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 26-28

"Then all the nations of the world will see that you are a people claimed by the Lord, and they will stand in awe of you." Deuteronomy 28:10 NLT

In order to fully grasp the blessing God intends for His people, we must look back to the 'IF' of this promise of His,,,

"If you fully obey the Lord your God by keeping all the commands I am giving you today..." Deuteronomy 28:1 NLT

It's not church attendance that's going to get us applause from heaven.

It's not the size of the donation you give to the church that will heap blessings upon your life.

It's not that your church membership is mentioned in your obituary that will bring about God's welcome into His pearly gates.

What blesses our lives...

What causes His face to smile...

What fulfills the purpose we were created for...

What allows the world to take notice of our lives...

Is our obedience to God and His commands.

Nothing else.

 IN THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE

Today's reading: 2 John

"May grace, mercy and peace, which come from God our Father and from Jesus Christ his Son, be with us who live in truth and love." 2 John verse 3 NLT

Let's be sure, Christian friends, that as we maneuver the hustle and bustle of this high and holy season that grace, mercy and peace are clothing us!

While in the busy checkout lines...

While waiting on hold for a representative...

While being put in a 'time-out' by a slow driver ahead of us...

If this time of year should remind us of anything at all--it's that being Christlike is being inconvenienced, being put out for the sake of mankind and being asked to bow in servitude in an effort to remind us to be meek and lowly.

Jesus did all of that when He came to earth as a baby, didn't He?

 WATCH FOR THEM

Today's reading: Acts 21-22

"(For earlier that day they had seem him in the city with Trophimus, a Gentile from Ephesus, and they assumed Paul had taken him into the Temple." Acts 21:29 NLT

I have copied this verse as I found it in my Bible--parenthesis and all!

It seems, as noted, to be an addendum. A sidenote. A underthought needing noticed.

I take it as a warning. A challenge. A sin to watch for.

Assumptions.

There is no room for them in the church.

There is no room for them in God's family.

There is no room for them--period.

 HE IS

Today's reading: Revelation 1-6

"I am the Alpha and the Omega--the beginning and the end, says the Lord God. I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come, the Almighty One." Revelation 1:8 NLT

Sometimes, even though you know that you know--a reminder is necessary.

Consider this morning's verse such a reminder.

God always has been--Ancient of Days!

God is--Sustainer and Friend!

God will be--Eternal and Everlasting.

What we read of His goodness in the Bible tells us about who He has been, what we feel by way of the Holy Spirit bears witness to us as to who He is today and resting on the assurance that He holds every tomorrow in His hands gives us hope.

Was. Is. Will always be.

 HOW MUCH

Today's reading: Song of Solomon 1-2

"He brings me to the banquet hall, so everyone can see how much he loves me." Song of Solomon 2:4 NLT

I don't consider I have ever outgrown the gangly, awkward teens years, even at age 51. I seldom don't replay conversations in my head as to how I mis-spoke. I don't like walking into a crowded room, but choose to get there early so as to be in the audience as folks arrive. 

So for a gal like myself, who struggles with low self-esteem, I love this verse.

God adores me and brings me before the world as one of His favorites.

He lavishes gifts/blessings on me like I have won first prize in everything in His book--not just a consolation prize for having shown up.

He chooses to know exactly who I am and still speaks to me through His Word.

Oh, how I love this verse and the boost it gives my spirit!

 CONSTANT PRAYER

Today's reading: Psalm 140-142

"...But I am in constant prayer against the wicked and their deeds." Psalm 141:5 NLT

There are wicked people and evil happenings out there, I'm not discounting that fact.

But let me ask you this...

Are you praying as much as you are giving comment to their poor choices?

Are you praying as much as you are posting lengthy discourses about them on social media?

Are you praying as much as you are spending time placing signs in your yard stating your opinion?

Are you praying as much as you are writing letters to their headquarters?

Are we, truly are we, in constant prayer against the wicked and their deeds?

Or is it something we do as a hobby, as a side gig, as a Sunday-only act?

 THE WORD OF THE LORD

Today's reading: Nehemiah 5-9

"Then Ezra praised the Lord, the great God, and all the people chanted, Amen! Amen! as they lifted their hands toward heaven. Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground." Nehemiah 8:6 NLT

Had Ezra just presented a soul stirring sermon? Had the choir just sang a highly emotional hymn? Had the glory of God settled on those gathered like a cloud?

No. No. No.

What had occurred prior to the people falling down in praise was this...

Ezra opened the Bible. The scroll of law, to be exact, as all the Bible as we know it was yet to be written, compiled, printed.

Just at the sight of God's Holy Word being opened before them!

At the very thought of a message from the Lord being delivered to them!

In anticipation of all that God had to say to them!

It shames me to think of how flippant I am to open the cover of my Bible for my morning reading. Or how very much for granted I take my pastor standing before our congregation with God's Word open on the pulpit and speaking its words over me. Or how arrogant I am to believe it's me reading the Word, not Him revealing it to me.

It's given me a different perspective on this valued, honored, timeless and powerful Book I have on my lap.

 REMEMBERING

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 23-25

"When you are harvesting your crops and forget to bring in a bundle of grain from your field, don't go back and get it. Leave it for the foreigners, orphans and widows...Do not glean the vines after they are picked, but leave any remaining grapes for the foreigners, orphans and widows. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. That is why I am giving you this command." Deuteronomy 24:19-22 NLT

Leaving some for the less fortunate.

Giving to others out of our abundance.

Providing needs to the needy.

Perfect reminders of just what it is we are supposed to do this holy season.

But I love that God instructed on the 'why' of what He has asked us.

Because, and it's important to remember, we were once the needy, helpless, hopeless and fatherless...until Jesus came!

 LOVING EACH OTHER

Today's reading: 1 John 4-5

"We love each other as a result of his loving us first." 1 John 4:19 NLT

Having trouble loving someone?

Someone that's hurt your feelings? Hurt a loved one? Hurt your pride? Is as annoying as all get out?

Here's a challenge...and it's one I'm giving myself...

Think of how much God overlooks in loving you.

Compare the sins God forgave in regards to your life to the inconveniences, petty offenses and annoyances you are needing to overlook in the life of another.

See if that helps.

He has loved us so very much--the least we can do is extend that love to others!

 END OF YEAR

Today's reading: Acts 19-20

"But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus--the work of telling others the Good News about God's wonderful kindness and love." Acts 20:24 NLT

As you near the end of the year, gathering up important papers and such for tax purposes, pause.

As you look over your bank records and profit/loss reports, stop.

As you consider where you are this year in regards to a year ago, hang out there for just a moment.

Your worth...

Your net worth...

Your value...

Your purpose...

Has nothing at all to do with your bank accounts, your portfolio or your accumulated wealth, and all to do with whether or not you shared the Gospel with another.

Did you share Jesus with someone this year?

Did you tell someone the Good News of Jesus' work on the cross?

Did you let someone know how loved they are by the Lord?

There, my dear friends, is where your life's worth lies.

 A SAFE PLACE
Today's reading: Malachi

"Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and loved to think about him." Malachi 3:16 NLT

I was introduced to this verse earlier this year and, to be quite honest, I've chewed on it, leaned on it, practiced it and marked it in just about every Bible I own.

When those who fear the Lord spoke with each other--shared their victories, their burdens, their prayer requests, their strongholds, their honest needs--the Lord listened!

Church folks, if we're not making our prayer meetings, our small groups, our altars, our Sunday School classrooms or our kitchen tables safe places for other Christians to share, then we're doing our church family a huge disservice!

In order to build one another up, we need to know where foundations are crumbling, where walls need restored or torn down, where leaky roofs of faith need patching.

And if we cannot do it in our body of believers, we need not expect to be able to do it in the world.

Gather with a group of believers. Share your highs and lows. Pray for, over, with Christian friends.

You need--and they need it, too.

 A DIFFERENT KIND OF THINKING

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 11-12

"God's ways are as hard to discern as the pathways of the wind, and as mysterious as a tiny baby being formed in a mother's womb." Ecclesiastes 11:5 NLT

Believing friend, it all boils down to this: God thinks differently than we do!

And that's OK--wonderfully and perfectly OK!

He sees more than we ever will. He sees farther into the story than we possibly can. He sees deeper into hearts than we're allowed. He knows more than we will ever know. He loves more perfectly than we do. He has different motives, different desires, different facets of the definitions of grace and mercy than we will ever uncover.

Attempting to figure Him out will leave us worn out, embarrassed, dumbfounded and exasperated. But watching Him at work will leave us speechless and in awe.

Yes, God has a different way of thinking than we do--praise God!