BUT I CAME BY

Today's reading: Ezekiel 13-18

"No one had the slightest interest in you; no one pitied you or cared for you. On the day you were born, you were dumped in a field and left to die, unwanted. But I came by and saw you there..." Ezekiel 16:5-6 NLT

Broken and bruised by the world.

Dirtied and shamed by your choices.

Alone and hungry from the effects of sin.

Bitter and angry from broken promises.

Sad and afraid from the shadows of doubts and fears.

Hiding and masked from previous labels.

I don't know where Jesus found you, but I'm sure, like me, you are ever so glad He did.

 REMINDERS

Today's reading: Proverbs 7

"...Guard my teaching as your most precious possession. Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart." Proverbs 7:2-3 NLT

What do you do with what you know from God's Word?

Do you treasure it? 

Do you put reminders about it around you?

Do you memorize it, store it in your head and heart, think on it?

To know He loves us enough to share His teaching with us should make us desire to be very intentional about keeping those teachings in the forefront of our minds.

To know God speaks to us...

To know God wants to instruct in how to be who He desires we be...

To know if He asks it of us, He makes it possible for us to do it...

That makes all He says (or has written in His Word) worth remembering!

 SAY HE CAN'T

Today's reading: Psalm 75-77

"Human opposition only enhances your glory..." Psalm 76:10 NLT

There is nothing, nothing at all, like God showing up and showing off!

He did it when the door closed on an ark built on a desert plain.

He did it when Elijah called down fire on a water-logged altar.

He did it when the Red Sea split in two.

He did it when His Son, crucified and buried for three days, rose again.

Don't think our enemy, this messed-up world or any foe you have can stop Him.

**PS--nothing your past holds can stop Him either!

 LOOKING FOR GOD

Today's reading: 1 Kings 19-22

"...but the Lord was not in the wind...but the Lord was not in the earthquake...and the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper..." 1 Kings 19:11-13

Where is it you are looking to find God?

He won't always be found in the glorious, miraculous, highly advertised ways.

He won't be found in every church, simply because He isn't invited to every church.

He won't be found, in the way we'd like to see Him in every answer to every prayer.

But He will be found.

Maybe in the peace He leaves in your heart.

Maybe in the joy He provides despite the storm.

Maybe in the strength He gives to serve Him one more day.

Maybe in the gentle whisper of His voice in the ear of His child.

Maybe in the sunrise or the sunset.

Maybe in the pages of His Word.

He will be found when we search for Him--we just have to make sure we're not just looking for Him to appear in the way we would like.

 SACRIFICES

Today's reading: Leviticus 7-9

I'm reading this morning the chapters in Leviticus that give an account of the ordination of God's first priests, Aaron and his sons.

These chapters detail the sacrifices made, the hard work involved and the seriousness with which God asked it all be done.

My take-away is this...

True worship.

Heartfelt, life offering, genuine worship and praise aren't for the faint of heart!

Giving to God your life, offering to God your praise, living for God every moment of every day is not easy, is not always pretty and is tough if you are the least bit squeamish.

Because it gets dirty. It gets bloody. It gets sweaty. It might stink. It might hurt.

But, with all He's done for us, He deserves every ounce of effort we put into it.

It makes me want to worship harder than I have been. It gives me more reason to praise.

EASIER

Today's reading: Philippians 1-2

"I'm torn between two desires: Sometimes I want to live, and sometimes I long to go and be with Christ." Philippians 1:23 NLT

Wouldn't heaven be easier?

No news reports. No doctor's diagnosis. No bad news on the other end of the telephone.

Wouldn't heaven be more joy-filled?

No need for committees on race relations. No need for political parties. No need for denominational differences.

Wouldn't heaven be peaceful?

No bickering neighbors. No church hurts. No discussions on the tone of voice--or the intended tone from texts messages.

Oh, I understand Paul's desire for heaven while on earth, I think we've all had those same thoughts.

But we are here. For now. With a purpose, a mission, a charge--to present Christ to as many as we can. In hopes that when we go to heaven, we will take as many along with us as possible.

So yes, heaven would be easier--but we're not there yet, so keep at it!

 

 ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY

Today's reading: Luke 13-14

"...I've waited three years, and there hasn't been a single fig! Cut it down. It's taking up space we can use for something else. The gardener answered, Give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I'll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, you can cut it down." Luke 13:7-9 NLT

Have you recently audited your fruit production?

I mean, let's face it, we all get a little lax in remembering the real reason we're all here--to seek out, speak to and share the Gospel with those who don't know it.

So--if your fruit production were to be inspected by the Master Gardener, would the review look something like the verses I've posted for today?

Would the Holy Spirit be interceding on your behalf to the Lord saying, Give them another opportunity, God. I'll work harder on them--maybe they'll be more productive for you.

 WHAT GOD SAYS

Today's reading: Ezekiel 7-12

"...For what God says applies to everyone..." Ezekiel 7:13 NLT

There seems to be a bit of confusion these days about what is right and what is wrong, what should be tolerated and what should be punished, what is truth and what is a lie.

Well, God knew that would happen. He is not surprised, one bit, by this occurrence.

As a matter of fact, He made sure we would be well equipped when that exact thing happened...

He gave us His Word.

It's for all of us, believers or not.

In it He has set the standards.

With it He has drawn the lines.

Through it He has enabled us to accomplish what it asks and to refuse what He does not allow.

It's for me. It's for you. It's for them--even if they don't think it is.

 TIED UP

Today's reading: Proverbs 5-6

"An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him." Proverbs 5:22 NLT

I know several people who are currently tied up in sin.

They will boast they are in complete control of the situation, and yet from my viewpoint, what they believe they are in control of--actually controls them.

Sin is subtly sneaky like that.

It allows you to make the choice.

It lets you hold the reins for a while.

It slowly and steadily begins to change what you see, change what you tolerate, change who you are.

It manuevers its way from being led to doing all the leading.

It doesn't just happen to those who are oblivious, slow or unchurched--it can happen to us all.

So this morning, won't you join me in asking God to untie us, and our loved ones, from any sins that are entangling us?

 HE SEES

Today's reading: Psalm 72-74

"Does God realize what is going on? they ask. Is the Most High even aware of what is happening?" Psalm 73:11 NLT

If you are wondering the same questions about all the chaos, evil and downright meanness going on in the world, the answer is--YES. Yes, God sees.

It pains Him.

It offends Him.

It brings tears to His eyes.

He has given us, this world, so many opportunities to turn to Him.

Why does He let it all continue to happen?

Well, it's not the appointed time for Him to return and take us with Him to heaven, might be one answer.

He waits for every individual to have been given the invitation to repent, is another reason He might be waiting.

To allow His people to participate in a revival that could sweep the world, might be another reason it still is happening.

While we don't know the WHY of all that's going on, we can rest assured that He knows all about it. 

 SUBSTITUTES

Today's reading: 1 Kings 14-18

"He ransacked the Temple of the Lord and the royal palace and stole everything, including all the gold shields Solomon had made. Afterward Rehoboam made bronze shields as substitutes..."  1Kings 14:26-27 NLT

Did the people in the Temple know substitutes had been replaced? Did they notice a difference in the shine or in the glimmer? Had they even noticed the shields before or missed them now?

What about us?

If God's Word were substituted in our churches, would we notice?

If the preacher began quoting, say Benjamin Franklin, instead of the Bible--would we recognize the difference?

If godliness were substituted by service, would we catch on?

If commitment were dismissed and intention applauded, would we even see it?

Let's watch within our individual churches to make sure we, or anyone within its walls, are not attempting to make substitutes in the place of God's commands, desires and glory!

 AN OLD HYMN

Today's reading: Leviticus 4-6

"Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out." Leviticus 6:13 NLT

Did you grow up with the old hymns?

The ones I remember vividly came the the burgundy Baptist Hymnal found in the shelf on the back of each of our church pews in our little country church.

Certain hymns were always requested. Verses and choruses of some of those songs are still etched in my memory.

The verse this morning reminds me of those hymns.

Simple. Straight forward. Commanding. 

Keep the fire burning on the altar.

It doesn't instruct us to light the fire occasionally.

It gives us no directions for borrowing someone else's fire.

There are no allowances given as to vacations, sick days or time off.

Keep the fire burning on the altar.

 USING YOUR ARMOR

Today's reading: Ephesians 4-6

"Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all the strategies and tricks of the Devil." Ephesians 6:11 NLT

Child of God, are you using all God has given you to fight the good fight?

Is the belt of Truth been wrapped around you?

Is the body armor of Righteousness covering your heart because you are God's precious one?

Are the shoes of Peace on your feet and going with you where ever it is you go?

Do you have the shield of Faith held up to divert the arrows of the enemy?

Is the helmet of Salvation gracing your head, your mind, your thoughts?

What about the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God--is it in you?

One piece missing and the enemy has a chink in your armor--one he will attack mightily.

 WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH IT?

Today's reading: Luke 21-22

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to have all of you, to sift you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen and build up your brothers." Luke 22:31-32 NLT

Okay, let's get this out in the open: We have all failed. We have all sinned. We have all fallen short of the glory of God.

And, all praise to God, we've repented from those sins, we've turned our backs on what drew us in those sins, and we've come back to God.

Now what?

What are you doing with what you learned in that season? From that temptation and the ultimate fall it allowed to happen in your life? Who are you reaching out to with what you've gained in that experience?

...So that when you have repented and turned to Me again, strengthen and build up your brothers...

 LISTEN OR NOT

Today's reading: Ezekiel 1-6

"And whether they listen or not--for remember, they are rebels--at least they will know they have had a prophet among them." Ezekiel 2:5 NLT

Christian friends, does the world know a little Christ has been among them when you are out and about?

Do they recognize something different, or set apart, about your words, actions, attitude?

Whether they want what you have or not, do they know a Christian has been in their midst?

If not--well, if not, it's not their fault.

 TOP OF YOUR LIST

Today's reading: Proverbs 4

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do." Proverbs 4:23 NLT

We all have lists.

Whether they are penned in ink on a notepad, or a running list going on in our minds--we've all got lists.

Is guarding your heart at the top of your list?

Even above remembering your spouse's birthday or anniversary?

Above an upcoming doctor's appointment?

Or a meeting with your accountant?

Is guarding your heart such a high priority that you place it at the top of every list you have--every day you live?

If not, rearrange the things on your list. Re-write what's already on your pad of paper for today. Scratch everything else off until your heart is guarded--because it affects everything you do!

THE DIVIDED KINGDOM

Today's reading: 1 Kings 10-13

The subtitle my Bible gives chapter 12 is this: The Divided Kingdom.

What a sad thing to think about...

The God-sized miracles that allowed the Israelites to leave Egypt, the forty years of wilderness wanderings, the provisions God gave them as they approached the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey, enemy armies defeated at the sound of praise, a king who fought hard for the Lord, and then a king who loved the wisdom of the Lord--

And now?

All that was accomplished, all that was fought for, all that was given as a blessing from the Lord--

It lays split between sparring relatives.

Children gifted with an inheritance they cannot divide evenly or govern properly.

What a sad picture. What a disturbing object lesson for us to see in regards to how easily our hearts can be torn in two by all God has for us versus all the world offers.

Are you letting your kingdom be divided?

 SERIOUSNESS OF SIN
Today's reading: Leviticus 1-3

Verse after verse for three chapters I read about God's instructions to Moses and the people regarding the practices involved in providing, presenting and preparing the sin sacrifices.

God was very serious about it all.

God is very serious about the filth of sin, the impact of sin and the fact that sin separates us from Him.

 FLOODED

Today's reading: Ephesians 1-3

"I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people." Ephesians 1:18 NLT

Isn't that what you would want for yourself and for every Christian believer you know?

That they be flooded with the Light...

That they understand the wonderful future He has called us to...

They they would realize the rich and glorious gift salvation has placed with us...

Because, when we all as believers grasp these truths with both hands, live them out by our words and deeds, allow the fullness of that knowledge to rest on our faces in each and every circumstance we go through--then? 

Then, the world will want what we have!

 THE REASON FOR THIS BOOK

Today's reading: Luke 9-10

"...Then Jesus said, Yes, now go and do the same." Luke 10:37 NLT

Jesus had just finished giving the parable of the Good Samaritan.

It was a good story, one that I am sure was captivating in its presentation simply because it was Jesus narrating.

It would have been merely a feel-tale, if at the end of the discourse, Jesus hadn't said these words...

'Now go and do the same.'

Jesus didn't just want them to be entertained. To have just 'heard' His words. To have a great story to add to their next sermon series.

He wanted them to do the same.

Isn't that what the entire context of the Bible is--Doing what it asks.

WHERE AM I LOOKING?

Today's reading: Lamentations

"We looked in vain for our allies to come and save us, but we were looking to nations that could offer no help at all." Lamentations 4:17 NLT

How easily we think our comforts and conveniences can help us in times of trouble.

But our money lets us down when health fails...

Our fine homes become prisons when the world around us riots...

Our governments levy taxes and overstep our rights...

Our hobbies chain themselves to our lives...

Our useless gods jeer at us from their shelves...

It's then that we find we've been placing stock in the wrong things. Putting our trust in areas that were less than trustworthy. Depending on the wrong things the whole time.

God is our only hope.

 BUT DO WE DO IT

Today's reading: Proverbs 2-3

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5 NLT

A verse we all know.

We've got it as wall art in our homes.

Our daily planners are printed with it on every day of the year.

We've heard sermons preached on it.

We have offered it as advice to others.

But do we do it?

Do we truly trust the One who sees the future because He holds the future in His hands?

Or do we still try to figure it all out? Based upon what we know. With all the knowledge we have stored up in our own noggins. With the firm grasp we have on the things we have complete control over.

Almost laughable to think about it--if it weren't so true.

 CALLING ON YOU, LORD

Today's reading: Psalm 66-68

"Summon your might, O God. Display your power, O God, as you have in the past." Psalm 68:28 NLT

Lord, we are needing to see You rise up and rule.

We are desperate for your Spirit to fall on your churches, your people, in order that we make a difference in our day and time.

We're asking big--but we're asking of a big God!

 ONE THING TO ASK

Today's reading: 1 Kings 5-9

"May he give us the desire to do his will in everything and to obey all the commands, laws and regulations that he gave our ancestors." 1 Kings 8:58 NLT

What an ask!

As Solomon stood in front of the newly built Temple on its dedication day, he made this huge request of the Lord.

That He keep before them and in them a desire to please Him.

That's an ageless prayer.

That's a prayer of wholehearted devotion.

That's a prayer that God will surely grant, because it falls perfectly within His will.

 SEEING IT

Today's reading: Exodus 37-40

"The cloud of the Lord rested on the Tabernacle during the day, and at night there was fire in the cloud so all the people of Israel could see it..." Exodus 40:38 NLT

We couldn't hold all the people that would be drawn to our churches if the Spirit of the Lord hung over each of them every Sunday morning.

A cloud of His holy presence resting over each and every Bible believing, Bible preaching and Bible living house of God.

A visible sign of His working, His holiness, His glory.

The parking lots would be full.

The pews would be packed.

The altars would be in full use from one side of the sanctuaries to the other.

Because we all want to 'see it'.

We want a more visible God than He usually allows Himself to be.

We want sight, we don't want faith.

 WHAT'S CONTROLLING YOU?

Today's reading: Galatians 4-6

"But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control..." Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

With the checklist before us, let's do a quick survey to see what fruit we are allowing the Spirit of God to manifest in our lives.

Ask God to show you where you are barren in the fruit department.

Seek God's guidance in the areas where no one is seeing Him in your actions, your words or your responses.

Push aside any fear or doubt that this Holy Spirit can and will do a work in your heart and mind that will result in godly fruit.

 WHERE IS IT?

Today's reading: Luke 7-8

"Then he asked them, Where is your faith?" Luke 8:25 NLT

When Jesus asks you a question, the answer needs to come from deep down within us.

He's not asking for the Sunday School answer.

He's not asking for the theological thesis argument.

He's not asking for what your pastor told you.

He's asking you. Like he asked his disciples that day on the boat.

Where is your faith?

For them, their faith at that very moment wasn't in Jesus--but in the boat they were in.

Their faith was in their lifelong skills on the water.

Their faith was in the sturdy dock on the other side of the sea--their target.

What about us?

Is it our health we're trusting in?

Our accumulation of wealth that's keeping us settled?

Our lineage? Our upstanding reputation in the community? Our degrees and certifications?

If our faith isn't in our Savior, it's wobbly, weak and wasting our time.

When you get in the middle of the seas, with the waves crashing up against your little boat, and you hear Jesus ask, Where is your faith? You might as well confess it's been elsewhere than in Him...He knows it and wants you to be aware of it.

 STRONG

Today's reading: Jeremiah 47-52

"But the one who redeems them is strong. His name is the Lord Almighty. He will defend them and give them rest again in Israel..." Jeremiah 50:34 NLT

When the enemy pushes you around like a bully on a playground--remember, your Redeemer is strong.

When the weight of the world rests heavily upon your shoulders--remember, your Redeemer is strong.

When the prayer request list only grows and never shrinks--remember, your Redeemer is strong.

When injustice seems to flourish and evil looms--remember, your Redeemer is strong.

The Lord Almighty still reigns.

Still controls.

Still orchestrates the galaxies.

 JUST THE BEGINNING

Today's reading: Proverbs 1

"Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline." Proverbs 1:4 NLT

Fearing the Lord, reverent awe of Him, is just the beginning of knowledge.

Knowing who He is in comparison to you is the first step to acknowledging His ways are best, His timing is best and His scope of things is far greater than your own.

Realizing He holds the galaxies, the seasons, the winds and waves and your very heartbeat in His hands should amaze, astound and assign awe to Him.

But that's just the beginning.

Fearing Him in the proper way opens doors for us to be loved by Him immensely, to serve Him with whole hearts and to share Him with all we meet!