HAVING A KING
Today's reading: Judges 17-21
"In those days Israel had no king, so the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes." Judges 21:25 NLT
Do you have a King in your life?
Does He reign over each and every part of you?
Does His strength, power, might and majesty leave you breathless, without a worry in the world?
Are you willing to go where He asks, do what He requests and believe all He says--because of who He is?
Do you have a King?
NOT LETTING GO
Today's reading: Genesis 32-35
"...But Jacob panted, I will not let you go unless you bless me." Genesis 32:26 NLT
Believer, are you wrestling with God over a blessing?
A blessing He has promised, but you've yet to see fulfilled?
A promise He has spoken to you, over you, through you, from His Word?
Don't let go! Don't give in! Don't leave His side!
No matter how long you've been in the 'ring'.
No matter how tired you are.
No matter how many others have already received their promises.
No matter how many times you've been pinned and wanted to cry 'uncle'.
Do not let go until God blesses you!
You can't. You see, He is the source of all blessings. He is the only one capable of fulfilling all His promises. He is the one who holds us closer than we could ever hold Him.
NO EYE HAS SEEN
Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 1-2
"... No eye had seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT
Christian friend, are you still believing in God's wonders?
Are you filled with anticipation for all the BIG answers He has coming your way?
Have you allowed your wildest imaginations to run loose in the pastures of your mind--with positive, life-giving and loving dreams?
If you cannot answer YES to these questions, let's get back to one single, solitary question than may be at the root of the problem...Do you still love God?
I've not asked if you still recognize Him, attempt to honor Him, acknowledge Him as Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer--Do you still love Him?
Do you still love Him more than anything else in the world, including answers to your prayers?
I was challenged with this quote this week, which I will leave with you...
'God started answering my prayers when I stopped worshiping the answers themselves.'
FEELING SORRY FOR US
Today's reading: Matthew 20-22
"Lord, they said, we want to see! Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! They followed him." Matthew 20:33 NLT
I'm wondering this morning...
Did Jesus feel sorry for the blind beggars because they couldn't see the beautiful day they were alive in?
Or did He feel sorry for the status their disability had placed them in?
Or how they struggled in the day to day of life?
Or did He, from the depths of His heart, feel sorry for them because when asked, What do want me to do for you?, replied--We want to see.
Instead of asking if they could honor Him?
Instead of asking if He would allow them an audience, just for a few minutes?
Instead of asking a request for another?
Instead of asking to know the Healer?
IDOLS
Today's reading: Isaiah 40-44
"...He makes an idol and bows down to it and praises it! He burns part of the tree to roast his meat and to keep himself warm. Then he takes what's left and makes his god: a carved idol! He falls down in front of it, worshiping and praying to it, Rescue me! he says. You are my god!" Isaiah 44:15-17 NLT
Oh friends, let's be careful of what we are making into idols in our lives.
The smallest of things.
The nicest of things.
The most comforting of things.
The handed to us from God kind of things.
It is to easy to stop worshiping the Giver and worship the gift.
Maybe it's a matter of considering this one statement...
Oh, I couldn't live without _________.
What is it that you live for. Breathe for. Get up every morning for. Talk about all the time. Spend your hard earned money on. Have a passion for.
If, by your own admission, by your actions, by your life lived before God and man, it's anything other than God, then you have begun worshiping an idol.
You've become a worshiper of something other than God.
CLOSER THAN A BROTHER
Today's reading: Job 15-16
"My friends scorn me, but I pour out my tears to God." Job 16:20 NLT
No matter how close your friends or family are, there is Someone closer.
Someone who knows your true intent, your inner motives, your heart's desire.
One who is with you at all times, in all seasons, through all storms.
One who can give advice based upon all He knows, all He has done, all the promises He has kept and all the worlds He has created.
Closer than the telephone, nearer than your next breath.
God is listening for you to pour out your tears, lift up your praise, make your requests and speak His name.
LOVING PURSUIT
Today's reading: Psalm 21-23
"Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life. and I will live in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:6 NLT
I do not believe it is a coincidence that yesterday's time in the Word had me pondering how far Samson had walked away from God and His calling on his life, today's message speaks of the fact that God constantly pursues us.
God's ultimate desire is that we turn to Him, honor Him with our lives, worship Him with our hearts and share Him with our testimonies.
It's so much a desire for Him that He will pursue us.
He will constantly and lovingly and insistently make sure we know He is with us.
Some days, His presence is a sense of peace washing over our troubled souls.
Other days? Well, other days it feels more like the tummy-troubling conviction that comes from knowing we are letting Him down by way of our actions, or inactions.
Either way, He makes His presence known in our hearts, minds and lives.
He loves us that much.
Enough to pursue us--to the ends of the earth!
HAS HE LEFT YOU?
Today's reading: Judges 12-16
"...When he woke up, he thought, I will do as before and shake myself free. But he didn't realize the Lord had left him." Judges 16:20 NLT
Samson had inched his way away from the Lord--and woke up bald, enslaved and alone.
He had chosen poorly one decision at a time.
He had his own way too often to be good for him.
He dabbled so often in the world that when it got hold of him, it really got hold!
What about us?
Where are we 'crossing lines' in our beliefs?
How are we dipping our toes into sinful habits, acts, thoughts?
Who are we allowing to distract us from our Lord and Savior?
Samson woke up one morning thinking he would 'do as he had done before and shake himself free'.
Thing is--the sin had imbedded itself into his life and wouldn't shake free of him.
Could the same be said of us?
HIS SABBATH
Today's reading: Genesis 28-31
"Tell the people of Israel to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you forever. It helps you to remember that I am the Lord, who makes you holy." Genesis 31:13 NLT
Let's do a Monday morning recap...
How did you do celebrating, better yet, honoring the Sabbath?
Did it have a peaceful, calming and energizing effect on you?
Did you feel an infilling of the Holy Spirit that will power you through this next week?
Did you rest in God's presence?
Or did it all fly by in a whirlwind?
Meetings, tasks, lists to check off?
Did you shuffle one conversation to the next in order to meet and greet everyone?
Today is the day you can begin planning to celebrate His Sabbath in the right way next week.
Being making plans, NO, begin cancelling plans that interrupt your Sabbath rest.
Reduce the number of things you do on this Holy Day of the week.
Make things simpler on you.
Enrich your Sabbath experience by laying a few things on the chopping block that need not be done.
Choose to spend time in His presence. Soaking up His Word. Listening for His voice.
It will make for a better week.
God promises.
CHURCH
Today's reading: Romans 15-16
"May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other--each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6 NLT
There should be contractual agreements at the entrance of every church stating this charge of Paul's.
A command.
A requirement.
A heavily suggested suggestion.
Because worship, true worship...
Revival, true revival...
Power, God's power...
Love, true love...
Can and will only happen when we each, individually, take on the attitude of Christ toward one another.
In a church there is no need for divisions on translation.
No need for disagreements on preferences.
No need for arguments on what's commanded versus what's traditional.
No need for disgruntled church folks.
No need for congregational schisms.
Because we all, each and every one of us, will be like Jesus.
Forgiving. Loving. Accepting. Kind. Encouraging.
Would you, could you, sign such an agreement?
CAUTION
Today's reading: Matthew 17-19
"But if anyone causes one of these little ones who trusts in my to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone around the neck." Matthew 18:6 NLT
I've just laid out clothes for church tomorrow. It's my Saturday morning routine that allows me less stress on Sunday as we head out the door to church.
As I do this small task, I always ask God to begin preparing me to worship Him with my church family.
This morning, He spoke to me through this verse.
This verse that I would usually 'write off' because I think I've got it.
But I was quite convicted.
You see, our church has been experiencing some great time in the Holy Spirit the past few Sundays. Hearts and minds have been renewed. The altar has been full. God has drawn people into our midst that would never have come on their own.
That's all well and good--but, I'm scheduled to work with the littles during worship service tomorrow.
As task I don't usually mind.
A turn I believe is mine to take.
A ministry that's very important.
BUT, I don't want to miss out on worship.
How dare I?!
My attitude, carried into that little class, will more than likely cause one of His littles to lose faith in the grown ups allowed mere moments to teach them about Him.
Ouch.
I have been in prayer about this 'stinking thinking'.
I have been corrected about this attitude of mine.
I have been seeking God's help in re-routing my mindset.
I have been praying God lead my time with the littles tomorrow, while He leads the worship service going on in the sanctuary.
You see, for a moment, I forgot He could, and promises, to be in all places at all times!
THE ANGEL OF THE LORD
Today's reading: Isaiah 34-39
"That night the angel of the Lord went out to the Assyrian camp and killed 185,000 Assyrian troops. When the surviving Assyrians woke up the next morning, they found corpses everywhere." Isaiah 37:36 NLT
The Assyrian army taunted, jeered, mocked and ridiculed the Israelites for believing in God.
They warned them of defeat.
They threatened to take them as captive.
They looked mighty in number, a rather intimidating force.
But God.
As scary as things looks. As big as problems seem. As loud as the enemy shouts...what we do not see, what's going on in the heavenly realms, what God is up to--we need not fear!
God is at work in our lives.
Even, and especially, in the things we don't see!
SMELL OF HOPE
Today's reading: Job 13-14
"If a tree is cut down, there is hope that it will sprout again and grow new branches. Though its roots have grown old in the earth and its stump decays, at the scent of water it may bud and sprout again like a new seedling." Job 14:7-9 NLT
Maybe, just maybe, your faith feels like a cut down tree.
Sawed off at the trunk.
Stripped branch by branch and twig by twig.
Divvied out into cords of firewood.
Sawdust lingering where it once stood.
But then you smell it...the scent of hope.
Something happens that stirs your soul.
A circumstance come to be that could ONLY be God-sent.
A glimmer sparkles in the darkness.
And there it is, the sprout of your faith rising up from its grave.
Awaking from hibernation.
Stirring at dawn.
Faith remains, even when cut off at the knees. Faith remains.
And at the scent of hope, it begins to grow again.
LATE WINTER MORNINGS
Today's reading: Psalms 18-20
"The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display His marvelous craftsmanship." Psalm 19:1 NLT
Make an effort to get up and catch a sunrise during these last few late winter mornings.
The ones here on the prairie have been breathtaking!
Pinks, oranges, reds, purples...splashes of color on the fresh canvas of the day.
Placed by our Father.
Handpicked by our Creator.
Assurance of power, reign, love and presence from our Savior.
You won't want to miss this message from Him!
BE VERY CAREFUL
Today's reading: Judges 7-11
"Gideon made a sacred ephod from the gold and put it in Ophrah, his hometown. But soon all the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping it, and it became a trap for Gideon and his family." Judges 8:27 NLT
Gideon, I believe, had the best of intentions.
He had accumulated spoils from the various conquests God had granted him victory over, and used those bits of gold to build a monument to God's faithfulness, dependability and love for His people.
That reminder would have served a great purpose--had it's purpose stayed intact.
You see, like God's people today, the people of Gideon's time chose to begin worshiping the gift rather than the Giver.
The healing instead of the Healer.
The salvation story instead of the Savior.
The blessing instead of the Blesser.
It can happen to all of us. We take our eyes off of God for a brief moment and our hearts waver.
Our focus catches the sight of something new and shiny and ours hearts follow its gaze.
Our worship quickly turns from One that cannot be seen, touched or inhaled, towards something tangible, touchable, that can be held in our hands.
This morning I'm challenged to watch what I'm worshiping.
BLESSING JEALOUSY
Today's reading: Genesis 24-27
"Esau pleaded, No one blessing left foe me? O my father, bless me, too! Then Esau broke down and wept." Genesis 27:38 NLT
Ever been plagued with 'blessing jealousy'?
Maybe on Sunday when testimonies are being given right and left--but your prayer requests remain firmly unanswered.
Maybe when you see a family restored and flourishing--but your own family still lies in dysfunctional ruins.
Maybe when you hear of a monumental answer to prayer--but your only 'piddly' ask is still on the top of your list of needs.
Isaac had only one birthright to give, and sadly through deceit, it was given to Jacob. Leaving Esau out of the 'blessing'.
But read this, dear friend: OUR GOD IS NOT LIMITED IN HIS BLESSINGS!
He does not ONLY have one to give Sister So-and-So.
He has no limit on what He can bestow on His children.
He does not work on a daily quota.
God has blessings for you. Do not ever doubt that.
Continue asking, seeking and knocking--because when He does answer, it will be worth it!
INTENDED
Today's reading: Romans 13-14
"Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid so they can keep on doing the work God intended them to do." Romans 13:6 NLT
Maybe you are a little like me in this: I have to make myself remember that there are good Christian people working in our government. People there for a God-ordained reason. People who are lights in their offices, work areas and office buildings. People who believe in the same God I believe, attend church like I do, read their Bibles regularly and live like Jesus.
Because, those aren't the people I think of first when it comes to government workers.
Those lifestyles aren't the one I usually apply to my country's political wheelhouse.
Those jobs I don't often associate with being 'God-jobs'.
But they are and our Christian brothers and sisters in these positions need our support--financial, through taxes, and spiritually.
Let's pray for our government as much as we complain about it!
YOU FEED THEM
Today's reading: Matthew 14-16
"That evening the disciples came to him and said, This is a desolate place, and it is getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves. But Jesus replied, That isn't necessary--you feed them." Matthew 14:15-16 NLT
As you are out and about, think about these words of Jesus: You feed them.
Too many times we are considering ourselves too unqualified to help another with their problems--and that isn't usually the case.
We don't need to always shuffle others off to the local ministerial alliance, food pantry or soup kitchen. We can buy them a meal.
We needn't always refer them to a local church, hand them our pastor's business card or point them in the direction of our favorite deacon. We can listen. We can pray with them. We can offer godly wisdom.
We don't have to wait until we're inside the walls of the church. We don't need a specific title in front of our name. We don't have to have all the answers and be able to fix all their problems--sometimes, we just need to pause and really hear them.
That being said, there are things we need to leave to the professionals. Situations that are harmful--to us and those involved. Times when counseling is needed on a much larger, more in depth scale. Be aware of those.
But don't always assume you cannot help, you cannot lend a hand up, you cannot feed them.
Pray. Obey. Try.
With God in you, you can do a whole lot more than you could ever imagine!
GREATLY BLESSED
Today's reading: Isaiah 29-33
"God will greatly bless his people. Wherever they plant seed, bountiful crops will spring up. Their flocks and herds will graze in green pastures." Isaiah 32:20 NLT
Just so you know, God's blessings might not look like the ones you have on your 'wish list'.
When He greatly blesses His people, it may not include health, wealth, comfort or answers.
He chooses to work in realms beyond our thinking. Beyond our comprehension. Beyond the conveniences and trappings of this world.
He has always gone above and beyond for His people. In ways that seem foreign, strange, misunderstood and way past our ability to see anything good coming from it.
That's how He chooses to bless sometimes.
But from His hand, for His children, there is always blessing.
LIGHT
Today's reading: Job 11-12
"He floods the darkness with light; he brings light to the deepest gloom." Job 12:22 NLT
Stumbling around in the dark just isn't safe.
Corners of couches meet little toes in the most awkward of introductions. Shadows loom heavy. Vision is limited to what's merely in front of you.
Darkness is also unhealthy for the spirit.
Valleys wear heavy on the heart and mind. Little grows, that's good, in dark places.
But in the light? In the full Sonshine? When our little lights brighten up rooms, circumstances and lives?
There is joy!
There is peace!
There is love!
There is growth!
There is a clear vision!
There is hope!
Today I choose to walk in the Light. I choose to turn my face toward the Son. I intend to shine light, His light, where ever I go.
What about you?
APPLICATION ISSUES
Today's reading: Psalm 15-17
"I said to the Lord, You are my Master! All the good things I have are from you." Psalm 16:2 NLT
While many like to argue over translation issues in regards to the Bible, I want us to think about application issues.
No matter how the Word has been translated from Hebrew/Greek/Aramaic...
No matter whether it's word-for-word, thought-for-thought, forma; equivalence or dynamic equivalence...
No matter the language, 727 different languages for the entire Bible as of 2022, and 1,617 languages for the New Testament...
If we do not and cannot apply what it tells us we have a problem. A very, big problem.
As in this morning's verse.
Too often our good things become our Master.
Not God, but the things God has blessed us with.
Family. Comfort. Stockpile of cash. Health.
Our application error comes in worshiping the things He has blessed up with to the point we find ourselves with less and less time for Him.
So, this morning's challenge is to check your heart and mind for any and all application issues you might be plagued with.
IN YOU
Today's reading: Judges 1-6
"And the Israelites served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and the leaders who outlived him--those who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel." Judges 2:7 NLT
Are people seeing the goodness of God in my life?
Not what I can do, which is limited.
Not what I have accomplished, which is faulty at best.
Not what I can promise, which is dependent solely upon God's blessings.
But are they seeing God in me?
Because, truly, I have seen the great things the Lord has done for me!
They should be hearing praise from my lips.
They should be experiencing the peace of God when in my presence.
They should be loved on with the love of the Lord when they are around me.
They should be blessed by my words and actions because I have been blessed by Him.
Am I extending to others the greatness of the Lord?
WITH YOU
Today's reading: Genesis 20-23
"About this time, Abimelech came with Phicol, his army commander to visit Abraham, It is clear that God helps you in everything you do, Abimelech said." Genesis 21:22 NLT
Abimelech saw something in Abraham that was 'other worldly'.
Something more.
Something greater.
Something that set Abraham apart from all the other men he had ever met.
Something, Abimelech decided, he wanted a part of.
Anyone ever said that about you?
Have they ever sensed God in your spirit, your reactions, your peace, your hope, your life?
Is He evident in your speech? Your mannerisms? Your responses?
Maybe you have nothing. Not even two coins to rub together. No fancy home. No garage-ful of fine vehicles. No bulging bank account.
But you have Something they want to know about. Something they want to get some of. Something they need in their life.
Abraham had it, I pray you do, too.
NEVER ALONE
Today's reading: Romans 11-12
"And do you remember God's reply? He said, You are not the only one left. I have seven thousand others who have never bowed down to Baal!" Romans 11:4 NLT
Maybe you feel as if you are the ONLY one in your family striving to lead a godly life.
Maybe you cannot count even count on one hand the number of believers in your workplace.
Maybe you feel like a single salmon swimming upstream in the world and its ploys to distract you from God's way.
Maybe you feel very much alone in your pew in regards to growing closer to the Lord.
Hear this, or in this instance, Read this...You are not alone!
God has others in place to reach out to you when you choose to step out in faith.
You will find others to walk beside you.
Others to lift your burdens off your shoulders and lay them at the feet of Jesus.
Others who believe His will and His way are the best.
You are not alone!
WHEN THE OPPORTUNITY PRESENTS ITSELF
Today's reading: Matthew 11-13
"Later that same day, Jesus left the house and went down to the shore, where an immense crowd soon gathered. He got into a boat, where he sat and taught as the people listened on the shore." Matthew 13:1-2 NLT
Where ever He was, Jesus spoke of his Father.
He wanted everyone to know Him. He desired that all would come to Him. He hoped that his words would spark an interest in heaven, godliness and eternity.
What about us?
Are we aware of and taking advantage of opportunities like that, when they are presented to us?
As we sit across the table from a friend?
As we stand in line at the grocery store?
In our Sunday School classrooms?
When we have the God-given opportunity to stand before many?
I am going to look for those chances today. God appointments, sent by Him, to share Him, with those He has created, to those He desires to become His!
ASKING WHY
Today's reading: Isaiah 23-28
"The earth staggers like a drunkard. It trembles like a tent in a storm. It falls and will not rise again, for its sins are very great." Isaiah 24:20 NLT
Watching the news, for me, causes a whole lot of questions to rise up in my head and heart.
I don't understand how so many people groups can be so filled with hate. Why can't we all just get along?
I cannot fathom how it works out that some folks have more than several generations of their family could ever spend, while another hasn't two cents to rub together.
I can't believe what is considered right, tolerable, what is given permission to continue.
But when I read this morning's verse, I figured out the 'why' of it all...
It's to point us towards a Savior!
Our sins, and are they heavy, are too, too much for us to carry.
They are more than we could ever dig ourselves out of.
They are punishable by death--just what Jesus did for us!
So many cannot see that yet.
But for those of us who do, we must continue praying that God be revealed in this world.
In the heartache. In the injustices. In the wrong being called right. In the lives that are destined for an eternal hell, when they were created for heaven.
For God so loved the world that He sent his one and only Son!
CHALLENGING GOD
Today's reading: Job 9-10
"For God is so wise and so mighty. Who has ever challenged him successfully?" Job 9:4 NLT
Stood up against God? No, of course you haven't.
But have you ever questioned Him?
Asked Him, in no uncertain terms, WHY?
Questioned His motives, His purposes, His ways?
Then, you daring friend, have challenged Him!
You've stepped into the throne room of grace, ONLY by His invitation...
You've called upon the very name Who spoke the worlds into being, ONLY because He allowed you the breath in your lungs..
You've assumed, wrongly so, that your ideas/plans/ways might leave Him with some pointers...
You've forgotten, if for a brief moment, who He is...
God is God.
God is wise.
God is mighty.
You--are not!
WILL HE SEE ME?
Today's reading: Psalm 12-14
"The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if there is even one with real understanding, one who seeks for God." Psalm 14:2 NLT
When God looks down from His lofty heights, scouring the world for those who are earnestly and honestly seeking to know Him, to please Him, to have Him guide their decisions, to desire to worship Him...
When He looks for such as these, will He find me?
Will He find me wanting, with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, to honor Him in everything I say, do or think?
Will He find me busy at His work for me?
Will He find me devouring His Word just to hear from Him in written form?
Because when He finds me looking for Him, He will allow Himself to be seen...
"If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me." Jeremiah 29:13 NLT
