TESTER

Today's reading: Jeremiah 1-6

"Jeremiah, I have made you a tester of metals, that you may determine the quality of my people." Jeremiah 6:27 NLT

Jeremiah, in his day, was the litmus test of God's people. He walked back and forth between them, lovingly and longingly speaking to the sins they were committing. Pleading with them to come back, wholeheartedly, to the Lord.

The 'tester of metals' today?

Might it be the political controversy our country endures? Could it be the gender issue? COVID-19? 

So many things occur that 'test the metal' of Christians.

Things that push the limits of their love.

Occurrences that stretch the extent of their love for fellow human beings.

Attitudes that push the buttons that should release grace.

So, how are you doing with these tests? Are you being found truly Christ-like?

 ONLY GOD

Today's reading: Job 25-26

"God is powerful and dreadful. He enforces peace in the heavens." Job 25:2 NLT

Powerful and dreadful?

Not like a money-hungry penthouse executive.

Or a crime boss.

Or even a vicious wild animal.

But powerful and dreadful (to be awed, to be respected, to be revered) like the wind.

Or the ocean.

Or the words out of our mouths.

 NO BOUNDARIES

Today's reading: Psalm 36-38

"Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds." Psalm 36:5 NLT

Scientists, with all their paraphenalia, have yet to reach the edges, or limits, of the universe.

They stand on the very, wobbly premises of their theories scratching their heads in wonder.

Their biggest rocket hasn't gone to the outermost border of all God's created.

Their most powerful telescope has yet to see all He has spoken into being.

Their expensive microscopes can only look so deeply into the cells and organisms that speak life.

Their most heated debates do nothing to downplay God.

Their intensely researched papers, theses and books have yet to discredit the Creator.

There is no limit to His love for us.

There is no boundary identified as the point at which 'He will go here and no farther.'

There is no plausible explanation of how great is our Father's love for us.

 STAND HERE

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 11-15

"Now stand here and see the great thing the Lord is about to do." 1 Samuel 12:16 NLT

I'm an impatient kind of gal.

I like to work towards an end.

I prefer to plan for all scenarios.

I don't do well sitting around when there's work to be done.

That being said, this verse caught my attention.

It doesn't tell me to be busy about the project of my heart.

It doesn't give instructions about what I need to attend to.

It doesn't even tell me a single command, other than to 'Stand'.

I forget that my great, big God has all things in His control.

He doesn't need me.

He doesn't require my strengths.

He doesn't have His majestic hands tied until I show up on the job.

I am being asked to stand and see what He is up to.

To watch from where I am.

To be still and watch for His power, might, strength and movement.

He knows this request will be hard for this fidgety, ants-in-her-pants, always racing to put out another fire kind of gal--but He knows that when I do stand still, when I do listen and obey, when I do pause my strivings long enough--He will amaze me!

And He will amaze you, too!

CHANGE THE WORLD

Today's reading: Genesis 48-50

"As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil..." Genesis 50:20 NLT

This single statement by Joseph brought peace to his family.

It soothed years and years of anguish.

It dissolved bitterness.

It broke down barriers.

It placed what was in the past firmly in the past--and posted a 'No Trespassing' sign at its boundaries.

Oh, what it might do today!

Stop wars.

End skurmishes.

Put a cease fire to all attempts at retaliation and revenge.

It would bring families back together around dinner tables.

It would heal the fissures in churches, in denominations, in the Church. 

But what, personally, might it do for you?

 SQUARE PEGS

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 9-10

"When I am with the Gentiles who do not have the Jewish law, I fit in with them as much as I can. In this way, I gain their confidence and bring them to Christ. But I do not discard the law of God; I obey the law of Christ." 1 Corinthians 9:21 NLT

I'm thinking to myself this morning about the places I'm called to 'fit in'.

God has sent me to specific 'mission fields' to be a light and to be salt--am I doing it?

Am I different, but approachable?

Am I set apart, but welcoming?

Am I a holy influence, but accessible to the people God sends my way?

Am I unfriendly to Satan's attacks, but friendly to the ones His light in me draws?

Am I a strong believer, but one who is cordial to those who are not?

This verse has certainly made me think about my life in the trenches.

 GOING TO THE MOUNTAIN
Today's reading: Mark 3-4

"Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came." Mark 3:14 NLT

Let me ask you this: Jesus is calling you into His presence, or up on the mountain, each day--are you going?

Are you quieting yourself and spending time in prayer--speaking to Him and listening for Him?

Are you pushing aside other things in order that you have your nose in His Word--not hours, but for at least a few minutes each day?

Are you gathering together with other believers--learning about Him, hearing His Word taught, fellowshipping with His people?

If you aren't, you must be satisfied not being on the mountain.

The valley is your choice?

Not being with Him is your choice?

 A GOD LIKE YOU

Today's reading: Isaiah 62-66

"For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him!" Isaiah 64:4 NLT

I've just Googled and found out that as of a 2021 survey, there are over 5,000 gods being worshiped around the world.

Five thousand.

Of those 5,000 gods, 4,999 are false.

They are lacking in ability to be gods at all.

They are fashioned out of wood, metal, stone, fantasy or hyped up abilities.

These gods need to be picked up and moved. They require human intervention for them to even be able to go with their followers.

That's a whole lot of wasted devotion, false hopes, of-no-use prayers, useless sacrificial acts, time thrown down the drain and lives led astray.

Because there is only one True God.

Only one Creator of the world.

Only one Father, who sent his Son to die for us all.

Only One who can form life, change lives, save lives, redeem lives and give eternal life.

Only one God.

Make absolutely sure you are serving Him alone.

As the studies show, there are a whole lot of imposters.

 I WOULD LISTEN

Today's reading: Job 23-24

"If only I knew where to find God, I would go to his throne and talk with him there. I would go and lay out my case and present my arguments. Then I would listen to his reply, and understand what he says to me." Job 23:3-5 NLT

Too few of us, after taking our needs/requests/complaints to God, stick around to hear what He has to say about them to us.

I'm all too guilty of it.

I lay out my desires.

I mutter list upon list of how I've been offended, disregarded, ignored.

I plead.

I beg.

I cry.

I shake my wimpy little fist at my powerful God.

But seldom, if ever, do I stick around to hear Him out.

To hear Him speak peace to my heart.

To listen while He whispers encouragement into my being.

To take note of how and why He needs me to wait patiently for Him to act.

To seek forgiveness for what it is He might hold against me.

To find out if there is anything He needs me to do--or stop doing.

To stop long enough to hear my Savior.

I would never go the the doctor, list to him all my complaints, aches, irritations and symptoms--and not stay around long enough to hear his diagnosis and treatment plan, and yet I do it to my Creator most every day.

 7,000 WORDS

Today's reading: Psalm 33-35

"I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises." Psalm 34:1 NLT

On average, Americans speak 7,000 words a day.

That's 291 words an hour over a 24 hours span.

Maybe you speak more than that, or like my husband--much less.

However many words you speak, are most of them praising the Lord?

Do you use your 7,000 allotment well?

Do your words encourage others to know your Savior?

Do your utterances promote godliness?

Are your offerings from your mouth honoring the God who created it?

Seven thousand words a day, that breaks down into 4 words a minute--just 4 words...

Lord, I praise You!

God, You are amazing!

I have been redeemed!

Jesus, I love you!

JUST A WHISPER

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 6-10

"Just as Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines arrived for battle. But the Lord spoke with a mighty voice of thunder from heaven, and the Philistines were thrown into such a confusion that the Israelites defeated them." 1 Samuel 7:10 NLT

There are things going on around me about which I wish God would boom His thunderous voice over and fix.

Things that are scary. Things that are hurtful. Things that the ungodly side of me would like to take revenge for.

Things I know, with the right tone of voice, the Lord could quickly and easily take care of.

But then there are things about which and to which I wish God would speak in His soft, loving whisper.

Hearts I would like to see turned back to Him.

Lives I would like to see redirected.

Attitudes I would like to see changed by the power and love of the Lord.

Really and truly, I just wish He would speak into each and every one of these situations--loudly or with a whisper.

A long speech or just the right word.

Aloud or to the heart and soul.

I just want Him to speak! 

 SELLING OURSELVES OUT

Today's reading: Genesis 44-47

"Why should we die before your very eyes? Buy us and our land in exchange for food; we will then become servants to Pharaoh. Just give us grain so that our lives may be saved and so our land will not become empty and desolate." Genesis 47:19 NLT

My mind is reeling from the thought of being placed in this predicament.

My heart is convicted because personally I have placed myself in this exact position too many times.

Too often we sell our souls, bodies, minds and hearts, to the highest bidder...or at the least the current bidder, or some days even the handiest bidder.

This verse and my time talking to God about it is going to make me reevaluate all my business dealings in regards to my life and soul.

 BE CAREFUL

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 7-8

"But you must be care with this freedom of yours. Do not cause a brother or sister with a weaker conscience to stumble." 1 Corinthians 8:9 NLT

Christian friend, be careful.

Be careful of how flippantly you disregard temptation--because there are others who it hounds unmercifully.

Be careful of how close you can walk to those 'gray areas'--because there are others who cannot be within a mile of their boundaries and not fall down a slippery slope.

Be care of how carelessly you discuss your ingrained Christian disciplines--because there are some who try hard every day and never reach their first and most heartfelt goal.

Just be careful, our ease at this walk may be a stumbling block for a new believer.

 THE BENEFIT OF THE SABBATH

Today's reading: Mark 1-2

"Then he said to them, The Sabbath was made to benefit people, and not people to benefit the Sabbath." Mark 2:27 NLT

Around here, it's preparing for Sunday-day.

A meal is planned out.

Alarms are set.

Clothes are laid out.

Sunday School lessons are gone over--again.

Schedules are glanced over so that we know where we are to be and how we are to serve.

But this verse, this verse stopped me in my tracks!

I had forgotten, or never thought about, or never knew that I wasn't doing the Sabbath any favors by my attention and attendance.

It's all there, all twenty-four hours of it, to benefit me.

That takes the pressure off.

So that I can take in all He has for me to experience, hear, feel, taste, touch and have as I worship Him on this Holy Day.

 DO WHAT YOU DO

Today's reading: Isaiah 56-61

"...Honor the Lord in everything you do, and don't follow your own desires or talk idly..." Isaiah 58:13 NLT

I don't know what you do.

You might be a doctor, a baker, a candlestick maker.

Me? I'm a secretary on a farm.

No matter your calling, or your retired position in life, this verse speaks to you.

And to me.

Honor God in everything we do--and don't follow our own desires or talk idly.

Everything covers, well, everything.

From standing behind a pulpit to washing dishes.

From holding a gavel in a courtroom to carrying trash out of an office.

From driving down the road to sitting beside the bed of a sick loved one.

Do everything to honor God--not yourself (own desires) and with few words (idle talk).

Smile on your way to work.

Make folks smile that work around you.

Consecrate your work to the Lord.

How you do what you do.

It will make a difference in your life--and it might make a difference in another's.

 YOU MUST HAVE

Today's reading: Job 21-22

This morning while reading the advice Job's friend, Eliphaz the Temanite, give him, I cringe. Especially the critiques he shares in 22:6-11.

I cannot believe he said, out loud AND to another, what we all think in our heads--about ourselves!

Maybe you haven't said those words, maybe your words sounded something like this...

Well, if you hadn't...

If you were a better person...

Do you really think you deserve better than...

Are you really that surprised 'this' happened to you...

However it sounded, you personally take majority of the blame and agree wholeheartedly with our enemy's lies that this is all your fault.

It's not the truth!

Sure, sins have consequences.

Sure, bad choices lead to unlovely endings.

Sure, we are a highly imperfect lot.

But God doesn't rain down curses on us based solely on us.

As in the case of Job.

Please, please remember that when you are demeaning yourself in regards to all that's going on around you.

Don't be a Eliphaz!

 HE HAS SEEN

Today's reading: Psalm 30-32

"I am overcome with joy because of your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul." Psalm 31:7 NLT

This is my life right now.

I'm praying--and having to believe.

I'm trusting--and having to depend.

I'm crying out--and having to rest on the assurance that He has heard.

Because there have been no quick fixes.

No immediate results.

No angelic choirs singing the 'Hallelujah Chorus' and arriving with instructions for our next step.

I'm praying with all I've got and trusting that God hears and cares!

 PRAYING FRIENDS

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 1-5

"As she was praying to the Lord, Eli watched her. Seeing her lips moving but hearing no sound, he thought she had been drinking." 1 Samuel 1:12-13 NLT

Lesson for this morning: Be very careful when in the presence of someone's prayer time you make no assumptions.

Firstly, the conversation is not between you and them, but between them and the Lord.

Secondly, prayer deals with matters of the heart--and none of us know the hearts of another.

Thirdly, remember what a sacred place you've entered. Whether it's praying at an altar, in a church or in a car driving down the road--conversations with God are holy. 

Eli made assumptions about Hannah's prayers. Wrong assumptions.

Once he placed his personal assessment aside, he was able to pray with and for this hurting heart.

Let's learn from Eli's mistake--and be a help to our praying friends.

 WATCH FOR IT

Today's reading: Genesis 40-43

"One night the cup-bearer and the baker each had a dream, and each dream had its own meaning. The next morning Joseph noticed the dejected look on their faces. Why do you look so worried today? he asked." Genesis 40:6 NLT

My prayer for myself this morning, and for you, is that today we will take notice of the people around us.

Joseph, even in his prison setting, had the opportunity to minister to another--and he realized the need by simply noticing the looks on the faces of those around him.

So let's slow down to notice.

Let's take time to see, really see.

Let's stop what we're doing in order to minister in the place God has us.

It will bless us, it will bless another and it will glorify God.

 CARRYING A CROSS

Today's reading: Matthew 26-28

As they were on the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and the forced him to carry Jesus' cross." Matthew 27:32 NLT

My thoughts this morning went to the difference between Simon being MADE to carry Jesus' cross and myself being ASKED to carry it.

There was a choice for me, not for him.

There was a reward for me, not for him.

Am I willingly taking up the cross of Christ each day?

 THE WINNER'S CIRCLE

Today's reading: Isaiah 51-55

"...Your enemies will always be defeated because I am on your side." Isaiah 54:15 NLT

Have you ever watched as a NASCAR driver, or a jockey on a fine steed, or a basketball team who has just won a championship, stands in a winner's circle?

Usually they are ecstatic from the win, exhausted from the race or game itself and emotionally spent from the hours it took in training, trying and testing their abilities.

But they were always standing as victors! As winners! As accomplished veterans!

So, are we, brothers and sisters!

We, because of God's love for us, stand in the winner's circle.

Our enemy stands outside that circle, luring us, taunting us, waiting for us to step outside the circle of God's presence, blessing, obedience and trust.

Stand.

Just stand in the winner's circle.

Enjoy all the peace. Rest from what all it took to get you there. Trust that God will keep you there.

STILL HE KNEW
Today's reading: Job 19-20

"God has blocked my way and plunged my path into darkness. He has stripped me of my honor and removed the crown from my head. He has demolished my on every side, and I am finished. He has destroyed my hope. His fury burns against me, he counts me as an enemy. His troops advance. They build roads to attack me. They camp all around my tent." Job 19:8-12 NLT

Interestingly, Job as defeated, discouraged, depressed and depleted as he feels, does not turn away from God!

He hurts, but continues to seek the One who heals.

He feels so alone, but continues to seek the Comforter.

He openly admits his questions, but does not stop turning to God for the answers.

He sits sorrowfully in his tent, surrounded by the enemy army, but still trusts and hopes and leans on and loves the God of Angel Armies!

Where ever we are. What ever situation we find ourselves in. Despite who has hurt us, ignored our pleas or has let us down--we can still, always, again and again turn to God.

 TEACH ME HOW TO LIVE

Today's reading: Psalm 27-29

"Teach me how to live, O Lord..." Psalm 27:11 NLT

David, the king, with all his resources, all his tangible comforts, all his servants--asks God to teach him how to live?

David, the mighty warrior, with all his might, with all his accomplishments, with his resume filled with victories--asks God to teach him how to live?

David, the simple shepherd boy, with all his soundness of mind, with his ability to praise in the green pasture or facing a lion--asks God to teach him how to live?

Maybe it's a lesson for us.

As automatic as breathing and a heart's pulse may be to us, there still is the need to ask God to teach us to live.

Not just exist.

Not just survive.

Not just have life--but live.

Because, friends, that kind of living will open all sorts of doors for us to introduce those around us to our Father!

 PLAN MAKERS
Today's reading: Ruth

"...Go back to your mothers' homes instead of coming with me..." Ruth 1:8 NLT

I'm sure Naomi had stayed up all night, packing and thinking, thinking and packing.

She had come up with a plan that would work. That would alleviate hardship. That would be generous and loving.

She gave her daughters-in law an 'out'. Permission to remain in their homeland. An excuse, if you would, for exempting themselves from the adventure ahead.

But...and this is where I see myself in Ruth's story...

Ruth's plans held only the things she thought she could control, the things she thought she had figured out and the things she thought would make sense.

Based on what she knew. Based on what she could see. Based on what she wanted to be held accountable for.

Her plans, however didn't encompass a Kinsman Redeemer, a rise in status--or a baby that would lead their family lineage to Jesus!

What about your plans? Want to stick with them, OR, go with what all God knows and has laid out for your story?

 MEANWHILE

Today's reading: Genesis 36-39

"His family all tried to comfort him, but it was no use. I will die in mourning for my son, he would say, and then being to weep. Meanwhile, in Egypt, the traders sold Joseph to Potiphar..." Genesis 37:35-36 NLT

I don't know what heartache you are healing from...

What storm you are riding out...

What dream has been shattered into a million pieces at your feet...

What promise you're clinging to with all your strength...

What prayer you're continuing to pray morning after morning, after morning, after morning...

But I do know this:

Meanwhile, God is at work.

We don't always see it.

We sure don't always know it.

We may not fully believe it.

We just have to trust it!

Jacob was heartbroken, sorrowful, wiped out over the news of Joseph's 'death'. God, however, was up to His godly ways--in circumstances, in people, in places beyond our eyesight, in specific happenings that would eventually lead to a reunion and a feast for a famine-hungry family.

I believe, because we are loved as much as God loved Jacob's family, we can trust in the 'meanwhiles'.

 YOUR OWN TIMOTHY

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 3-4

"That is the very reason I am sending Timothy--to help you do this. For he is my beloved and trustworthy child in the Lord. He will remind you of what I teach about Christ Jesus in all the church wherever I go." 1 Corinthians 4:17 NLT

Paul asked Timothy to be among the new believers as a sort of buddy, mentor, example and representative.

Paul wanted the new Christians to excel, to grow, to not waiver in their commitment or in their testimonies among the community.

Paul desired that these babies in Christ grew with fervor, with excitement and with a closer-than-a-brother friend beside them.

Paul knew he couldn't be everywhere, so he appointed fellas like Timothy to fill in the gap.

Do you have a Timothy? A great Christian friend who keeps you to task? Who prays for and with you? Who calls it like he/she sees it? Who spurs you on in your walk with the Lord?

Find a Timothy. Or a Timothea. Find a godly believer to grow with and beside.

 SPIT SHINE

Today's reading: Matthew 23-25

"...You are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy--full of greed and self-indulgence." Matthew 23:25 NLT

Saturday has arrived again.

On my list I see grocery shopping, housework, laundry and Sunday preparations.

How do I prepare for Sunday?

I do some day-ahead work on Sunday dinner.

I make sure my Sunday tote bag has everything in it I need--Sunday School book, pens, my Bible and my worship notebook (it may surprise you to know I am a doodler--and listen more intently if I have a pen in hand).

I also lay out clothes for Sunday morning on Saturday.

My Sunday preparations also include pre-worship.

Getting my heart and mind ready to focus on glorifying God.

I don't wait until I get there to let the work begin--that would, to me, be like arriving with the outside clean and shiny, but the inside being unclean.

Am I saying one must 'clean up their act' before coming to church--NO!

But Christians, those who proclaim the work of the cross being done in our lives, if we aren't gearing up for Sunday, what are we doing with our week?

Haven't we had our noses in the Word?

Haven't we spent time in the presence of the Lord?

Haven't we asked for a moving of the Holy Spirit when we gather together?

I believe, that's cleaning the inside of the cup or dish. It's getting our vessels ready for service, for filling, for use.

So make yourself a Sunday preparations list--the Lord will bless it!

 GOD KNOWS

Today's reading: Isaiah 45-50

"I know how stubborn and obstinate you are. Your necks are unbending as iron. You are as hardheaded as bronze." Isaiah 48:4 NLT

Please, before you immediately hit the forward button and refer this verse to someone you know to be stubborn, hardheaded, unmoving and down right set in their ways...read it again for yourself.

Think of the times you have decided to do things your own way, instead of how the Lord asked you to.

Think of the days when you distanced yourself from the Lord because you knew what He was asking of you.

Think of the moments when you, without saying it out loud, decided you knew better than the Lord.

It's during those times, having those specific moments, stinking with those attitudes, that the Lord loved you still.

He knew your tendencies--and loved you!

He knew your insubordination--and loved you!

He knew your inadequacies, your character flaws and your rough edges--and loved you!

He knows us, and still loves us!

Praise God!

 ONWARD AND FORWARD

Today's reading: Job 17-18

"The righteous will move onward and forward, and those with pure hearts will become stronger and stronger." Job 17:9 NLT

Onward and forward is what the Word says.

Growth and increase.

Improvement and gaining.

But sometimes, well, sometimes we believers feel as if we're spinning our wheels. As if we are stuck in a rut. We feel, well, we feel like we're attempting to run around in a vat of cold molasses!

How about a checklist, of sorts, to help us get unstuck?

1. Are you in the Word? God promises His Word will reveal, relieve, restore, revive, refresh, renew, bring about repentance and reinvigorate even the hardest of hearts--or the slowest of faith walks!

2. Are you plugged in a Bible teaching church? Now I'm not asking if you attend church. Are you plugged in? Are you arriving ready to worship? Are you participating in worship? Are you serving? Are you seeking out a ministry, a class, a study?

3. Are you spending time listening for God to speak to you? You probably won't hear an audible voice, but if you are in His Word and not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, you are probably hearing something. Something you need to begin. Something you need to stop. Something you might need help with. Someone you might reach out to. 

Take a few days to check your list off item by item.

Answer honestly.

Seek God's direction.

Then, with His guidance, pack up your bags--you'll be going onward and forward soon enough! 

 FRIENDLY REMINDER

Today's reading: Psalm 24-26

"Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, invincible in battle." Psalm 24:8 NLT

This is just a friendly reminder of Who it is fighting for you.

Our enemy would like for us to fall into the 'stinking thinking' category of believing God is far off, distant, set apart from our trials and troubles.

THAT IT NOT TRUE!

God is for us.

God is with us.

God--the strong, mighty and invicible One!