GOD'S WAYS

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

You aren't wasting a lot of time and energy attempting to figure God out, are you?

Sleepless nights spent wondering what, or how, He will accomplish something?

Hours upon hours praying suggestions His way?

We cannot know God's ways. His will, yes, but not His ways.

How He goes about doing things is beyond our human comprehension.

His timetable far exceeds anything we could understand.

Who He might use in a particular situation or at a specific time exceeds our scope of anticipation.

Where He will choose to go to gather one of His back will often be much farther, deeper, longer than we ever would consider proper.

He is hard to discern only because He far exceeds anything we can fathom!

 TOO WONDERFUL FOR ME
Today's reading: Psalm 137-139

"Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to know!" Psalm 139:6 NLT

I sometimes sit in complete awe of the Lord.

His ways.

His mercy.

His love.

His forgiveness.

His creativity.

I am stunned to know how deeply He knows me, and still loves me.

I am gob-smacked to think of all He has control over and still cares for me.

I am staggered by the many ways He shows me He loves me.

I am astonished to watch Him orchestrate heaven and earth.

I am shaken in humility that He would bend an ear to me.

To think about the Lord, to really ponder Him in the fullness we can understand, it too wonderful!

 NAY SAYERS
Today's reading: Nehemiah 1-4

"But I replied, The God of heaven will help is succeed..." Nehemiah 2:20 NLT

How is it you respond when folks question, doubt or debate your belief in Christ?

How do you react when confronted with an inquiry as to your faith?

Nehemiah had some nay-sayers attempting to throw a wet blanket on the fire that burned within him to rebuild the wall surrounding Jerusalem. An idea set in his heart by God himself. A task that seemed wildly enormous, but spurred on by the fervor to honor God.

His rebuttal could have caused strife, turmoil, bloodshed or lack of respect, but it didn't. It pointed to what Nehemiah believed, what Nehemiah believed could happen, and more importantly, Who Nehemiah believed in. 

Our reply sets the tone for where the discussion will go, the 'temperature' the conversation will rise to and the open door the dialogue will leave for the next believer to walk through.

Our replies denote what's in our hearts. 

The replies can back up our love for Christ, our responses can build up our witnesses to a lost and dying world, our comments can be seeds planted for others to water, nurture and harvest.

It's so important, Christian friends, that our words mimic our Savior's in all aspects.

 YOURS AND MINE

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 20-22

"When you go out to fight your enemies and you face horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, do not be afraid. The Lord your God, who brought you safely out of Egypt, is with you!" Deuteronomy 20:1 NLT

Welcome to Monday. A new week. A new line on the calendar. A new 40 hours on the job.

Ready or not, here it is!

As you rise and shine, or as you caffeine-ate and hope for the best, know this...

Things are going to happen that you don't like.

The enemy is going to attempt to trip you up.

You are going to be faced with some temptations to sin.

You will probably face situations that seem far too large for you to handle on your own.

Do not be afraid.

God is with you.

The One who brought you safely through last week, is still God!

 REALITY CHECK

Today's reading: 1 John 1-3

"So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness. We are not living in the truth." 1 John 1:6 NLT

Okay, it's time for a reality check.

We've determined the world is in bad shape.

We can agree that government has spoilage within its walls.

We can attest that within our small towns, big cities and overpopulated metropolises Christianity is losing ground.

We have those very close to us who have turned their backs on the Truth they know.

We know all of that.

What's important in fighting it all is knowing exactly how we stand with the Lord.

How are our faith walks?

How much time are we spending in the Word?

How is our determination in fellow-shipping with other believers?

How closely are we living to the moral codes provided by God?

We can shake our heads and callous our knees in an effort to 'right' the world, but if our own hearts are filled with deceit, distrust, hopelessness and despair, then we are no better off than those we pray for.

Take some time to do a reality check of your spirit.

 ALWAYS LEARNING

Today's reading: Acts 17-18

"Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well,..However, he knew only about John's baptism." Acts 18:24-25 NLT

It's vitally important that no matter how well we believe we know the Scriptures, how smartly we can exegete upon them, how brilliantly we can debate them or even how well we can live them out, that we have someone who pushes us, urges us, helps us and challenges us to know more.

Always learning more.

Diving into the Word of God to a deeper level.

Seeking more understanding.

Wanting more of it in us.

We cannot remain on an elementary level of Bible knowledge when we are facing a world so desperately depraved, hungry and doubting.

 RISKS OF LIFE

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 9-10

"...Such are the risks of life." Ecclesiastes 10:9 NLT

Living in a fallen world has several downsides to it.

We all suffer at the hands of sin--our own, or that of others.

We all dwell where there is no peace, no real peace.

We all interact with folks who face the same temptations to sin that we face, we rub shoulders with folks who deal with conviction in various ways, we live life with folks who have the same disease most of us are infected with--'the it's-all-about-me' syndrome.

Knowing all this, we hesitate to take risks.

It's risky business to love. It's risky business to forgive. It's risky business to expose our vulnerable feelings. It's risky business to share our hopes and dreams.

My advice?

Take the risk.

This start of a beautiful holiday season, take the risk.

Love on the unloved, the unlovable and the unlovely.

Speak of your dreams.

Share your feelings with those you get to live life with.

Most of all?

Most of all tell the world about your Jesus.

Explain, in your own words, how you once were lost but now are found.

Spread the Good News that rescued you from the pits of hell.

Expose those placed within your hearing to God's love.

Hell is eternal, sharing what you have is worth the risk if you save someone from it.

 DO YOU KNOW?

Today's reading: Psalm 134-136

"I know the greatness of the Lord--that our God is greater than any other god." Psalm 135:5 NLT

Do you truly know the greatness of the Lord?

I mean, know it to your core? Deeper than deep? Without a doubt, without a waver in your belief?

Does what you know carry over into how you live?

Are you free of worries--because you know the greatness of the Lord?

Are you exempt from fears--because you know the greatness of the Lord?

Do you have no concern for the future--because you know the greatness of the Lord?

Are your concerns minimal or non-existent--because you know the greatness of the Lord?

Do you worship God alone--because you know the greatness of the Lord?

Does your life bear godly fruit--because you know the greatness of the Lord?

Is it showing?

Is it evident?

It is glaringly obvious that you know the greatness of the Lord?

 POLLUTED

Today's reading: Ezra 6-10

"...So the holy race has become polluted..." Ezra 9:2 NLT

The prophet Ezra had a problem.

He was attempting, through God's leading and with God's help, to restore godliness to the Jewish nation.

The nation had endured some tough times, deservedly tough, but tough none the less.

They had been captured, kidnapped, relocated, retrained and now returning back to their homeland.

But their godliness had not remained intact.

As a matter of fact, Ezra was having a hard time even finding enough men to be priests and Levites, or temple workers.

Time away from their country, miles away from their house of worship, circumstances away from their usual routines and generationally instilled religious rules--they had forgotten how to be godly.

They had crossed lines.

They had bent toward other gods.

They had allowed their hearts to be swayed by idols.

But now, now they returned.

And as polluted as they were, God still loved them!

It would be a tough row to hoe, but with God's help the nation would be restored--heart, mind and soul!

 CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 17-19

"...Sacrifice it there as the sun goes down on the anniversary of your exodus from Egypt." Deuteronomy 16:6 NLT

Do you know the date you received the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior?

What Sunday you went to the altar? What day you prayed in a Vacation Bible School? What date you became a child of the Most High God?

Do you celebrate the evening before that day each year?

That's what the Israelites were asked to do. They were asked to have a special time set apart every year to remember where they were and where God took them.

They once were slaves, now they owned the land the walked on.

They once were in bondage, now they were free men and women.

They once were governed by whips and chains, now they lived lived in grace and mercy.

So God asked them to remember once a year exactly who they once were and to celebrate who God had allowed them to become.

It's a good practice for us, don't you think?

To pause long enough to remember that moment when Jesus came into our hearts.

To stop and survey the path He had walked you along from that day to this.

To take a moment to think about where you might be today if it had not been for the Lord.

To sit with your thoughts long enough to realize the depths to which Christ came to find you, a sinner, a lost soul, a needy orphan.

As you pick up your new planners for 2024, be sure to mark this special date--and set aside time that day to celebrate the anniversary of when God unlocked the prison doors, released you from your servitude to sin, adopted you fully and wholly as His own.

And if you don't have a date--today could be the day!

Admit you are a sinner in need of a Savior.

Believe Christ died for you, for your sins, for your place in His family.

Confess that you prayed and asked Him to forgive you and to become your forever best friend to another believer--share your good news!

Then mark this day down as your new anniversary!

 PURPOSE OF GOD'S WORD

Today's reading: 2 Peter

"This is my second letter to you, dear friends, and in both of them I have tried to stimulate your wholesome thinking and refresh your memory." 2 Peter 3:1 NLT

Ever wondered what the Scriptures were truly for?

Well, there is the purpose of introducing us to God.

And the intent of showing us our sinfulness.

Then, there is the desire, with every word written to explain the gift of salvation.

But also, the Bible is used 'to stimulate wholesome thinking  and refresh your memory'.

Its words push us to think rightly, clearly, wholesomely and lovingly.

And...it's to remind us of all God's done, all He's enabled people to do and all He desires to do in us.

So keep your nose in it.

Keep your eyes peeled as to what it wants to give you.

Keep it often in your hands.

But more than that, keep it in your heart!

 APOLOGIES MADE

Today's reading: Acts 16-17

"When the police made their report, the city officials were alarmed to learn that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. They came to the jail and apologized..." Acts 16:38-39 NLT

I'd never noticed it before...

That the same folks who had imprisoned Paul and Silas had to make a public apology for their mistake.

Cool!

Makes me believe, even more wholeheartedly, that one day...

One day...

One glorious day, the world will also bow down before the God of the universe, the Creator of all things, the Lord of all lords, the King of all kings--and apologize.

Because they were wrong, and He was right--all along.

 DRESSED IN WHITE

Today's reading: Zechariah 1-7

"Then the angel showed me Jeshua[a] the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord. The Accuser, Satan,[b] was there at the angel’s right hand, making accusations against Jeshua. And the Lord said to Satan, “I, the Lord, reject your accusations, Satan. Yes, the Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you. This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire. Jeshua’s clothing was filthy as he stood there before the angel.  So the angel said to the others standing there, “Take off his filthy clothes.” And turning to Jeshua he said, “See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.” Then I said, “They should also place a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean priestly turban on his head and dressed him in new clothes while the angel of the Lord stood by." Zechariah 3:1-5 NLT

When I was in grade school we occasionally had the exciting thrill of going on a field trip. The announcement would come for weeks ahead of time. The anticipation would build. The rules were clearly and plainly spoken by the teacher for days ahead of the scheduled event.

And in the midst of the instruction? The teacher asked us to make sure we all wore a certain color of shirt. Maybe she picked red. Or blue. Or green.

She wanted us all to match, so that when she scanned the crowd, she immediately knew who was hers. The green shirt approaching the cannon re-enactment site was hers. The green shirt climbing on the monkey bars was one of hers. The green shirt sliding down the slide was one of hers. The green shirt sticking his arm through the bars of the lion's cage was hers. So on and so forth. A quick glance caused immediate recognition.

I think of that when I read this morning's Scripture passage and consider that since I asked Jesus to forgive my sins and live in my heart, I have been clothed in His righteousness.

He has placed His coverings over me.

He took my old, dirty, filthy rags and placed on me a white robe of His own perfection, redemption and salvation!

So when God looks across this entire world--He can spot who are His.

He sees us when we worship, when we witness, when we wobble in our faith.

He no longer sees who we once were, He now sees us clothed in Jesus!

 CEASELESS ACTIVITY

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 7-8

"In my search for wisdom, I tried to observe everything that goes on all across the earth. I discovered that there is ceaseless activity, day and night." Ecclesiastes 8:16 NLT

Solomon, even in his day and time, realized how much time people wasted.

And that was BEFORE computers, internet and video games!

He, I believe, was a people watcher. A notice-r of lifestyles, choices and personalities. A scholar of demographics.

And what he saw then, and what he would see today, is that we busy ourselves with things that are of no value.

We get to the ends of our lives and have spent far too many minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years on things that are not going to follow us into eternity.

Today I'm challenging myself to invest in eternal choices. To make the time to leave an impact. To choose meaningful activities to spend my time on.

What about you? Care to join me?

 STILL & QUIET

Today's reading: Psalm 131-133

"...I don't concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me. But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me." Psalm 131:1-2 NLT

What is it you are concerning yourself with?

Are your days filled with accomplishing all God's asked you to do?

Are your hours jammed pack with service opportunities?

Does your planner drip with outreaches, ministries, Bible studies and fellowship with other believers?

Or...

Or, are you concerning yourself with things that are 'above your pay grade'?

As a child, I do not remember ever, I mean EVER, concerning myself with what was for supper, how the bills would get paid or whether the house was 'clean enough' for company.

Those were grown up matters.

Issues beyond my scope of ability, concern or thought.

I had it made in the shade, and didn't realize it.

Like now.

God's got it.

All of it.

Who am I to think He needs my help, seeks my input or requires my direction.

I need to completely place more things in His always caring hands--and leave them there.

I need to stop concerning myself with matters that are too great or awesome for me.

 EVEN THOUGH

Today's reading: Ezra 1-5

"Even though the people were afraid of the local residents, they rebuilt the altar at its old site. Then they immediately began to sacrifice burnt offerings on the altar to the Lord. They did this each morning and evening." Ezra 3:3 NLT

When worshiping the Lord is what your heart leads you to do, you do it--no matter the surroundings you are in.

Even afraid.

Even in enemy territory.

Even if other things needs pushed aside.

Even when the surroundings aren't picture perfect.

Have you ever felt praise rise up so mightily in your soul that where you were became hallowed ground?

Have you ever had to stop everything just to bow in humble adoration of our God and King?

Have you ever been led to stand, completely and silently, in awe of Whose you were?

Even though circumstances weren't ideal.

Even though all your requests had not been answered.

Even though you weren't in a 'church building'.

Even though kind of worship is the most heart felt.

 SERVE, FEAR, OBEY, LISTEN & CLING

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 13-15

"Serve only the Lord your God and fear Him alone. Obey His commands, listen to His voice and cling to Him." Deuteronomy 13:4 NLT

Too many folks believe Christianity is hard.

A very extensive set of rules to follow and an even longer list of 'do-nots'.

Honestly, instruction for our God walks can be summed up in this single, solitary verse.

Serve. Fear. Obey. Listen. Cling.

Verbs that give us purpose, peace, instruction, hope and safety.

Tasks that are doable in momentary, individual choice after choice.

Life changing instructions from the God who believes we can do just what He asks of us.

 SOON

Today' s reading: 1 Peter 4-5

"The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers." 1 Peter 4:7 NLT

If you've been on the church scene for very long at all, you've heard that Jesus is coming soon.

Coming to judge.

Coming to claim His own. 

Coming to right the wrongs done by the sins we tend to gravitate towards.

He hasn't come yet, so we have to believe His return is closer.

Nearing its time.

Are you praying as such?

Are you seeking God earnestly in prayer for those who are lost?

Are you crying out to the Lord in these last days for souls that will not spend eternity with Him?

The end of the world is coming soon, let's pray like we believe it!

 ASKED TO RETURN AGAIN

Today's reading: Acts 13-14

"As Paul and Barnabas left the synagogue that day, the people asked them to return again and speak about these things the next week." Acts 13:42 NLT

When you speak about the Lord, the things God has done for you, the enthusiasm you have for your house of worship and the presence of the Lord in it--do people lean in and listen?

Do they hear the excitement in your voice?

Do they sense that you cannot wait to return?

Do they feel as if they are missing out from your words?

That's how Paul and Barnabas spoke about the Lord and all He was doing.

People were enthused, intrigued, invited into their speakers' eagerness.

Are we doing the same thing?

 NOT YET TIME

Today's reading: Haggai

"...The people are saying, The time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord's house--the Temple." Haggai 1:2 NLT

People thousands of years ago decided rebuilding the church was not at the top of their priority list.

Sound familiar?

Oh, people are busy. That's for certain.

People are busy running here and there. Throwing money at this cause and the next. Attending functions. Chairing committees. Getting kids from one place to the next. Advancing their careers. Getting together with friends.

Kids are being dropped off at training camps. Parents are taking self-help classes. Families are meeting once every month and a half, or so, for a meal around their dining room tables.

Grandparents are having to schedule, many days in advance, play dates with their grandkids. School. Practice. Gymnastics. 

But time for church?

No, no time for church.

 LISTEN BUT DON'T SPEAK

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 5-6

"As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut!.." Ecclesiastes 5:1 NLT

I'm going to try it this Sunday.

Really.

I'm going to my house of worship with the goal of listening and not speaking.

No, I'm not going to mime the Sunday School lesson I get to present.

I'm not going to refuse to speak to any and all that hug my neck and wish me a warm 'hello'.

I'm going to listen more than I usually do. I'm going to see if I can't hear of an opportunity to help out, to pray to lift up another.

And I'm going to keep my talking to a minimum.

No unnecessary comments. No unneeded complaints. No participation in gossip wrapped in the costume of prayer requests. 

I'm going to quieten down so I can listen more.

It's gonna be a hard task for this gal. One that will require determination, intention and God's help.

But as I enter the Lord's house, I want my ears open and my mouth shut--all for His glory!

 SHAMEFUL DEFEAT

Today's reading: Psalm 128-130

"May all who hate Jerusalem be turned back in shameful defeat." Psalm 129:5 NLT

I cannot tell you I am up to date on all current events.

I cannot always converse with you about the latest news or headlines.

What I do know is this: God has asked us to pray for Israel and Israel stands in desperate need of our prayers.

So I will agree with this unnamed psalmist in praying to the Lord...

Lord, 

In Your magnificence.

With a mere portion of Your unbridled power.

Because of Your unfailing love for the country that holds a special place in Your heart.

Please, to Your glory, turn the enemy back in shameful defeat!

Thwart their plans.

Cause division within their ranks.

Destroy their confidence.

Undo their well thought out strategies.

Step in and turn the tables, Lord of Israel!

Draw those who are on the fence about You over to Your side.

Let the Jewish people, let all people, see You as the conquering Messiah.

Praying all this in Your precious Son's name,

Amen

 DID NOT TURN ASIDE

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 33-36

"Josiah...did not turn aside from doing what was right." 2 Chronicles 34:1-2 NLT

Josiah, though a young man, chose to do what was right. What was godly. What was commanded by the Lord.

He did not lean towards comfort.

He did not bend towards popularity.

He did not bow to tolerance.

He did not twist the truths of God.

He heard what God asked of him.

He recalled what God's Word said he must do.

He sought the Lord in his leadership.

Can the same be said of us?

Are we setting our course towards obedience--no matter the cost?

Are we determining to follow the Lord--whether we go it alone or with others?

Are we putting blinders on ourselves so that we are not distracted by all the world offers?

We cannot turn from doing what is right.

 SAME WORDS
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 10-12

"...Return to me on the mountain, and I will write on the tablets the same words that were on the ones you smashed..." Deuteronomy 10:1-2 NLT

Friends and fellow believers,

God's Word has not changed.

We can re-write laws. We can vote in legislation. We can change by-laws within our doctrinal essays--but God's Word has not, and will not, change!

The two stone tablets broken by Moses in exasperation and desperation were not re-written to make life easier.

God wrote the exact same words again. 

The same words that stand today.

The same God that rules today.

To bring about the same Christlikeness in us today!

 WHAT IS YOUR LIFE SAYING?

Today's reading: 1 Peter 1-3

"...Your godly lives will speak to them better than any words. They will be won over by watching your pure, godly behavior." 1 Peter 3:1-2 NLT

What's your life saying to those around you?

Not your words.

Not your recitations of the Holy Scripture.

Not your sermonizing or preaching.

Your life.

What's your life saying to those you hope to reach for the Lord?

Is your life exhibiting steadfastness in what you believe, not necessarily what you see?

Is your life exemplifying Jesus in your waiting, in your handling of stressful situations, in your hope?

Is your life drawing people to the Lord or pushing them away?

Are you scattering seeds of the Gospel in every situation you find yourself in?

Our lives will speak better to them than any words--what a reminder!

 A SCARY PRAYER

Today's reading: Acts 11-12

"The power of the Lord was upon them, and large numbers of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord." Acts 11:18 NLT

Would it scare you to death to pray like this...

Lord, because I know You have not changed.

And because I know Your desire is still that ALL men come to You.

Would You, Lord, give me the power You provided the believers in Acts?

Would You allow me to reach people for You? The people in my home, across the street, keyboard strokes away.

Would You let me go forth and reach the lost, speak the Truth and speak the words that will turn people's hearts to You? Present Your Good News to a world so desperate for healing.

Would you do it for me? In me? Through me? With me?

-Amen

 THE PATIENCE OF THE LORD

Today's reading: Zephaniah

"Surely they will have reverence for me now!.." Zephaniah 3:7 NLT

If you look through the pages of time's history, you will undoubtedly see times when God's patience is the only thing that spared humankind from complete obliteration.

You will recall events that will have not doubt brought believers, and unbelievers alike, to their knees in desperation, in need, in awe or in fear.

Natural disasters. Man-induced attrocities. World-wide fears.

You will bring to mind wars or plights that left the strongest nations toppled, the most politically backed kings dethroned and the business world gasping for air.

Civil wars. World wars. Racial wars. Church disputes.

Opportunities God chose to use to send folks to their knees in reverence for Him, scurrying to find hope in Him and thirsting for Him.

Surely...He must have said on numerous occasions...Surely, they will turn to Me now.

 BACK-TO-BACK

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 3-4

"A person standing alone can be attached and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer..." Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT

I don't know how long I've know this verse.

Or heard it quoted.

Or even preached.

But this morning, I get it. I really get it.

It's not a matter of two folks conversing, talking, discussing the problems of the world.

It's not even stating here that they are praying, discussing the Bible or speaking God over each other.

These two people, men or women, are standing back to back.

They are not facing each other, they are facing the world.

They are looking for danger. They are looking for opportunity. They are looking for ways to help each other.

They are not focusing merely on each others' need.

They are not making eye contact with only the person standing in front of them.

They are looking outward--for ministry needs and for temptations that may be headed their way.

So, I ask you, who has your back? Whose back do you have?

Who are you helping help the world? Who is helping you?

 THE OTHER NATIONS

Today's reading: Psalm 125-127

"...And the other nations said, What amazing things the Lord has done for them." Psalm 126:2 NLT

I will not belittle or downsize the course of events going on in Israel by saying it's no more than a playground skirmish brought on by a bully that envies the attention Israel receives from the Lord, but...

They have to want what Israel has!

They have to be a little jealous of the wealth, prosperity and educational advances Israel has achieved!

They have to be envious of the draw this small, but powerful, piece of land has on the hearts of men and women around the world!

They have to have a desire, even in their wicked hearts, for the land of milk and honey and a place as special to the Lord as the apple of His eye!

So, while there are border disputes and centuries-old arguments over land ownership, there are heart issues that are much, much deeper.

It boils down to this: God took back from the enemy what God had created and the enemy had claimed as his own. God placed a special mark on the land and the people set aside as His, no doubt about the ownership. God set His hand on this place and made historical reference to it in His Word.

The enemy wants it, but he cannot have it. Then. Now. Ever.