BEING CAREFUL
Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 9-10

"If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin." 1 Corinthians 10:12 NLT

Have you ever considered we are all just one sin away from turning our back completely on the Lord?

One sin.

One decision.

One poor choice.

One unwise step.

Think of the 'great sinners'  you know--go ahead, you have some in mind...the ones who used to be great in the Lord...the ones who used to follow His ways...the ones who were on fire for Him...

One sin re-directed their paths.

One bad choice led to the next bad choice and to the next bad choice.

One step in the wrong way led them to where they are today.

Be careful if you think you are standing strong...maybe you are at the moment, but the next choice could be your downfall.

 BUDDING BRANCHES

Today's reading: Jeremiah 1-6

"Then the Lord said to me, Look, Jeremiah! What do you see? And I replied, I see a branch from an almond tree. And the Lord said, That's right, and it means I am watching, and I will surely carry out my threats of punishment." Jeremiah 1:11-12 NLT

Things are budding here on our little farm. 

Lilacs are bursting with color. Redbuds are pinking up. Almond bushes are bloomed. Wiegelia provide bursts of pink all over the yard. The daffodils have bloomed and are now drooping.

Spring is springing!

When Jeremiah saw the almond branch, I have a tendency to believe it was bloomed out as a marker for the next agricultural season Israel would enter.

A simple reminder to Jeremiah that God saw. That God was watching. That God remembered all He had promised--the blessings and the curses.

Are you seeing spring through those same kind of eyes?

Seeing that even after a long, cold winter, God remembered us?

Are you enjoying all spring has to offer as it is handed to you from our great, glorious and creative Creator?

 REVERENT FEAR

Today's reading: Job 25-26

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

'God is the one to fear, because God is in control and rules the heavens.' Job 25:2 Contemporary English Version

'Authority and awe are with him. He made peace in his high places.' Job 25:2 Aramaic Bible in Complete English

'God is sovereign, God is fearsome—everything in the cosmos fits and works in his plan.' Job 25:2 The Message Bible

While it's true Job's friends were there for him, said many things to him, they did not always have the right things to say nor did they factually represent God in their choice of words.

Bildad, the Shuhite, got close.

Bildad had a reverent fear of God.

He knew God to be powerful and dreadful. Majestic and to be respected. Sovereign and justice invoking. Controlled by none yet in control of all.

God, he said, enforces peace in heaven. He restrains the universe from imploding. He orders what might be chaos in the heavenlies into a cycle of years, months, weeks, days, hours and seasons.

God is to be acknowledged for His might, but also for His care of us.

All He orders in the wonders of creation are to remind us of His rank and our dependence upon Him.

Have you stopped to consider how powerful and dreadful God truly is?

 BLUE SKIES

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

There is nothing as beautiful as spring skies.

A shade of blue that is unmatched by any Crayola crayon dotted with varying sizes and shapes of cotton white clouds--wispy, fluffy, pillowy.

The kid in me wants to throw a blanket on the ground and spend some time lying there contemplating.

Like I used to when 'the small things caught my eye'.

When I 'had the time'.

When it didn't take as much to 'amaze' me.

This particular psalm was written by David.

I don't think he penned these words when he was the powerful king.

I don't believe he wrote these words when he was the strong warrior.

I think he wrote them when he was a shepherd boy.

A shepherd boy out in the field with his flocks.

Out away from distractions, discussions and discouragements.

Why do I think that? Well, it's because this single verse took me to that exact place.

When I sat in this verse, when I let it's words soak into my heart, when I chose to slow down and listen--I, too, was focused on the unfailing love and faithfulness of the Lord.

Not on my list of prayer needs.

Not on the status of the world around me.

Not on the many ways I have let the Lord down in my faith walk.

But that His love and faithfulness are vast enough that they reach from the clouds to me!

Notice the clouds today--and recall the immensity of this verse.

 NOT ENOUGH

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 11-15

"But when you were afraid of Nahash, the king of Ammon, you came to me and said that you wanted a king to reign over you, even though the Lord your God was already your king." 1 Samuel 12:12 NLT

Why isn't God enough for us?

How come having our Creator and Redeemer living in us, walking beside us, going before us and behind us, leaves us desiring a single thing more?

We want answers to prayer.

We want wet fleece--or dry fleece, like Gideon.

We want doors opened.

We want calm seas, cloudless days and rainshowers--but not storms.

We want diagnoses to be non-cancerous.

We want assurances plastered like billboards.

We want joy that bubbles out and over.

We want love that shows up in the form of roses and chocolates and peanut butter and jammy kisses.

We're never satisfied with having God.

As if He is not enough.

'...you wanted...even though the Lord your God was already your king.'

I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING

Today's reading: Genesis 48-50

"But Joseph was upset when he saw that his father had laid his right hand on Ephraim's head. So he lifted it to place it on Manasseh's head instead. No, Father, he said, this one over here is older. Put your right hand on his head. But his father refused. I know what I'm doing, my son, he said..." Genesis 48:17-19 NLT

I'm a Bible marker.

I have underlined portions in my daily study Bible. I have areas that are highlighted. I have notes written in the margins. I also have dates. Lots of dates.

For this very section of the Word, I've got two dates written down--and today's date is about to be logged alongside them.

Dates that I needed this reminder--Girl, I know what I am doing.

Times when I required God's words--No, take your hands off this, I've got it.

Moments when I had to have a fresh word of God--My dear child, it may not look at all like what you'd imagined in that wild-eyed imagination of yours, but you can trust Me.

Joseph attempted to help his daddy do what Joseph believed to be right, proper, appropriate and planned.

(I've been there and done that, Joseph!)

This third date alongside these scriptures will remind me, AGAIN, that everything is in God's perfectly planned control--God wants my complete trust and wholehearted obedience, He does not need my help.

 YOU FEED THEM

Today's reading: Mark 5-6

"But Jesus said, You feed them..." Mark 5:37 NLT

In the middle of nowhere, surrounded by a vast crowd, hearts full of the teachings of the Lord, but bellies growling with hunger, we find our friends the disciples.

They go to Jesus with a problem: it's getting late and the people are getting hungry.

Jesus presents them with a solution: You feed them.

I believe, based upon my own personal responses to Jesus's same commands to me, they were at first taken aback at his recommendation.

Us? How? With what?

Then they started looking around. They found the little fellas's lunch and brought it to Jesus for him to use however he might see fit.

Isn't that what we do?

We take what we have to Jesus...skills, as small as they might be; time, as busy as we might be; a few dollars; a few mustard seed grains of faith; a gift given to us by God that we in turn use to bless another; an opportunity only the Creator of time and space could have ever allowed us; words of hope, comfort, direction that were previously not in our vocabulary.

I'm challenged to watch for opportunities to 'feed them' during the day ahead. To see how and when and where Jesus will push me forward with what I have so I will see I have enough--and plenty to share.

 BRINGING HOLINESS

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 7-8

"For the Christian wife brings holiness to her marriage, and the Christian husband brings holiness to his marriage. Otherwise, your children would not have a godly influence, but now they are set apart for him." 1 Corinthians 7:14 NLT

Paul is reminding me that I bring something to the table of EVERY relationship I am privileged to be a part of.

As a wife.

As a mom.

As a daughter and sister.

As a church member and Sunday School teacher.

As a friend.

As a neighbor.

As an employee.

As a customer.

As a patient.

As a citizen.

As a world wide web contributor.

As a cheerleader to the one I see in the mirror each day.

Paul's words remind me of this quote by Zig Ziglar, 'Relationships are not meant to make us happy, but holy.' Some interactions will allow you to spread godliness easily, others will tax you and leave you stretched in attempting to portray the Lord.

Ask God to direct you in each role you play in the life of another.

 THE WAITING GAME

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

God works for those who wait for Him.

What an encouragement that is.

What a hope that is.

What a great promise that is.

What a reward that is.

It's not new news.

It's not based upon all we do to 'help' Him.

It's not about how long we're having to wait.

Are you waiting to see God answer a prayer in a way only He can? He's working on it!

 GROANING ALOUD

Today's reading: Job 23-24

"Then Job spoke again: My complaint today is still a bitter one, and I try hard not to groan aloud." Job 23:1-2 NLT

Job, in the middle of his hurt, pain and questions, determined that in all he said, he would honor God(Job 19:25).

Admirable.

But he also went so far as to state in this morning's verse, that he would even try not to groan aloud.

Could it be he was trying hard not to make others feel as bad as he felt? That he would attempt to not bring down the feel in the rooms he might walk into? That he would give his best in making sure his raincloud, his discomfort, his brokenhearted-ness didn't infect others?

It's not that Job kept his prayer requests to himself, people knew about them.

It's not that Job pretended to be thrilled with all that God had going on in his life.

It's not that Job didn't appreciate the consolations given him by godly friends.

It's just that Job decided his mumblings, grumblings, utterances and sighs were as much testimonies to his faith in God as anything at all he could ever say.

What about you?

Are your facial expressions telling the world about Who you believe in?

Are the tones you are setting with your body language telling the world in Whom you believe?

Are your gasps, snorts, sniffs and exhale in desperation of the situation or in expectation of God's hand moving?

Are you groaning aloud?

LOVED ONES

Today's reading: Psalm 33-35

"He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do." Psalm 33:15 NLT

I don't know who you have on your prayer list entitled, 'Needs To Know Jesus', but God knows their heart.

He is full aware of what it will take to get their attention.

He knows just how long to let them run away.

He knows the hurts and bitterness needing removed to make room for a Savior.

Trust your list to the One who knows their hearts.

 A ROCK NAMED EBENEZER
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 6-10

"Samuel then took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer--'the stone of help'--for he said, Up to this point the Lord has helped us!" 1 Samuel 7:12 NLT

Call me silly.

Consider me to be a simple minded gal.

Tell your friends about my antics.

Decide in your mind that I've totally lost it, but here is what I'm doing today...

I'm finding a nice rock in my landscaping.

I'm naming that rock, Ebenezer.

I'm placing that rock on my coffee table--a place I pass hundreds of times in each day. I will pick it up to dust it. There will be visitors ask about why I have a rock in my front room.

I want Ebenezer the rock to remind me that up to this point, to the very point at which the little stone catches my eye, the Lord has helped me. The Lord has been faithful. The Lord has followed through on all He has asked of me and all He has required of me. The Lord has never left me to my own devices.

And I'm believing Ebenezer will also remind me to trust God for what I'm wanting/needing to see happen.

Want to grab your own Ebenezer?

 RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU

Today's reading: Genesis 44-47

"I am Joseph! he said to his brothers. Is my father still alive? But his brothers were speechless! They were stunned to realize that Joseph was standing there in front of them." Genesis 45:3 NLT

The very same Joseph they hated, plotted against, beat up, threw in a pit AND sold to a caravan of gypsies, stood in front of them.

Speechless.

Stunned.

Did you notice those words?

They never expected to see Joseph outside of their nightmares every evening as they laid their heads down to try to sleep.

They just knew what they had done caused his demise.

But now? Now the object of their hatred, bullying, poor choices and despise stood in front of them!

What about you?

Are you holding a child that you had no right to have?

Are you working at a job you don't deserve?

Are you in a relationship with people you had spurned and broken?

Are you serving a God who you had turned your back on?

God has an amazing way of taking what we've ruined, stained, messed up and killed--and blessing us with it.

Joseph, these many years later, ended up being a God-sent blessing to his brothers and their families. He was placed in a position that would allow him to let them live. More than live, to prosper.

I'm not sure what you believe you have taken out of God's hands, crumpled up and thrown in the trash--seek His forgiveness, listen for His instructions, trust His ability to take our messages and make masterpieces and watch for what might soon be standing in front of you!

CALLED THE ONES
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 to him." Mark 3:13 NLT

Gotten an invitation in the mail lately?

To a birthday party? A baby shower? A wedding?

There is something nice in knowing you've been invited, isn't there?

You've been thought of. Your presence is requested. You are considered an important part of the life of who ever is being celebrated.

Jesus invited his select twelve to go with Him up on the mountain. By name. Specifically. Personally. 

They were the ones He had chosen to walk most closely with Him. The ones He knew would have His back. The fellas in which He saw the most potential. The very ones He felt comfortable in leaving His ministry with when He returned to heaven.

Friend, as believers, we have been invited up on this mountain, too!

Jesus has spoken to our hearts.

Jesus has drawn us to Him.

Jesus has caught a glimpse of what all He can do through us.

Jesus has invited us to talk intimately and personally and privately and corporately with Him in prayer.

We are the called ones, too.

All these years later He still calls us to be with Him, serve Him, walk closely enough to Him to be loved on and to show His love to others.

 THERE WAS A TIME
Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 5-6

"Don't you know that those who do wrong will have no share in the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, who are idol worshipers, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, abusers and swindlers--none of these will have a share in the Kingdom of God. There was a time when some of you were just like that, but now your sins have been washed away, and you have been set apart for God. You have been made right with God because of what the Lord Jesus Christ and the Spirit of our God has done for you." 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NLT

Did you find yourself in the list of the sinners listed?

Did what you once did remind you of just how far from God, how dirty and unholy you were?

Did how far you've come flash through your mind?

Did the lengths to which God sought you out bring tears to your eyes?

Did the very thought of having a share in the Kingdom of God make you giddy?

Oh, the things God has done for His children!

 GENTILES, TOO

Today's reading: Isaiah 56-61

"And my blessings are for Gentiles, too, when they commit themselves to the Lord. Do not let them think that I consider them second-class citizens." Isaiah 56:3 NLT

Just when I feel as if I'm opening up the Bible to once again 'read over the shoulder' of a Jewish friend...

Or when I step into the pages of an historical account of 'someone else's family'...

Or as I scan over pages that relate to a completely different time and space than the one I live in...

Just when I am struggling to know if His Word if for me, my issues, my needs, my good...

He pens these words.

He chooses to place in my line of vision this verse.

He leaves me, without a doubt, entirely loved by Him.

Because I'm the Gentile He refers to.

I'm the 'outsider' He has grafted in to His family.

I'm the adopted daughter of this Mighty King.

I'm the one to whom this love letter of Scripture is written!

 NOTHING TO DO 

Today's reading: Job 21-22

"But their prosperity is not of their own doing, so I will have nothing to do with that kind of thinking." Job 21:16 NLT

Job was attempting to sort out, to process if you will, all the horrible things going on in his life.

He had done some soul searching, he was 'counseled' by his friends, and now--well, now he was in the stage of his grief where he started to compare his testimony to that of others.

That's a very human thing to do, but it's also a very dangerous thing to do.

Job noticed the bad turn he was taking and corrected his attitude--so I will have nothing to do with that kind of thinking.

What brilliant words!

What life-changing words!

What path-redirecting words!

How often do we need to speak those words to our own minds and hearts?

Self, I will have nothing to do with that kind of thinking!

How many times in a single day do we need to look in the mirror and repeat Job's statement?

Hey you! Yes, you! Don't have anything to do with that kind of thinking!

How many times in the course of an hour's time should we make that same statement to our enemy?

Satan, I will have nothing to do with the kind of thinking you are suggesting to me!

Write out Job's words and put them in prominent places around your house--just as a reminder that you will have nothing to do with 'that' kind of thinking.

 SPRINGING THE TRAP

Today's reading: Psalm 30-32

"Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me, for I find protection in You alone." Psalm 31:4 NLT

I might be telling my age in this confession...

Upon reading this verse, my mind immediately conjures up a wooden Acme Corporation box propped up on a stick with a long rope tied to the stick. The long rope is held in the scrawny hands of Wile E Coyote who is hiding behind a rock in the desert. Under the edge of said box is a juicy carrot.

Isn't that exactly how our enemy attempts to trap us?

Something that catches our eye. Something that arouses our senses. Something that is not always sinful, but distracting, and perched right on the edge of a very slipper slope.

David, in this psalm, asks that God pull him from those exact situations. I pray it over us, too.

Maybe it's a matter of God opening up our eyes to see entire situations.

Maybe it takes the Lord highlighting the better option.

Maybe it will require we pausing long enough to listen for His instruction before the next step.

Maybe, just maybe, He will go as far as completely changing our wants--or what appeals to us.

Maybe He will speak tenderly to our hearts as to what traps we have been falling for--and why.

I'm going to guess that for the better part of us our traps will not be luring us in with a big, juicy carrot...but we all have traps set for us.

Be on the look out! Be prayerful!

THE SAFETY OF THE ARK OF GOD

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 1-5

"Eli was waiting beside the road to hear the news of the battle, for his heart trembled for the safety of the Ark of God..." 1 Samuel 4:13 NLT

One of my favorite quotes comes from Charles Spurgeon in regards to the Word of the Lord...

“The Word of God is like a lion. You don’t have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself.”

As I read about Eli this morning, and ponder the fact that too often we remain silent about the Lord in opportunities presented to us because we don't want to 'mess up'. We don't want it to be taken the wrong way. We don't want to let it fall into the wrong hands.

We, more specifically, I, am afraid I will make God look bad.

That I will quote the wrong verse.

That I won't have a rebuttal for every debate.

Friends, the Word of God, just like the Ark of the Lord, does not NEED us to defend it.

It does not NEED us to glorify it.

It does not NEED us to become scholars of it in order to share it at the grocery store, in our homes, on the playgrounds.

Let the 'lion' loose and see what it can do for itself!

 STANDING AROUND

Today's reading: Genesis 40-43

"When Jacob heard that there was grain available in Egypt, he said to his sons, Why are you standing around looking at one another? I have heard there is grain in Egypt. Go down and buy some for us before we all starve to death." Genesis 42:1-2 NLT

In this account Jacob was sending his sons out to find food to save the entire family. They were in the midst of a famine. A lack of provisions. Desperation.

Today, well, today we find ourselves in some what of the same dilemna: We have plenty, but the world is hungry.

They are needing a Savior.

They are thirsty for Living Water.

They hunger for the Bread of Life.

They desire a Friend.

They wander lacking a Shepherd.

They are comfortless seeking a Comforter.

We have what the world needs--Jesus.

Why are we standing around doing nothing? Not sharing Him? Keeping the Answer to ourselves?

 RIGHT RESPONSE

Today's reading: Mark 1-2

"And they left their nets at once and followed him." Mark 1:18 NLT

"He called them, too, and immediately they left their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men and went with him." Mark 1:20 NLT

"Simon's mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus about her right away." Mark 1:30 NLT

I'm convicted this morning about my personal response to Jesus.

About the times He asks me to do something.

In regards to the moments He whispers in my ear, Put that down.

Concerning the folks He may have placed in my path for a conversation about Him.

The disciples did it the right way...at once, immediately, right away.

I cannot admit that those adverbs describe my decision making process.

What might be more applicable? After much thinking, once it was pondered a great long time, when it was the only choice left.

Sound familiar?

Let's, you and I, determine that starting today we use the words that described the obedience of the disciples--at once, immediately and right away.

I can't believe it's going to make an impact (it did for them) on us and on those around us!

 BELIEVING

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 3-4

"...Through us God caused you to believe..." 1 Corinthians 3:5 NLT

We all have that someone we've been praying to the Lord.

Someone who is 'this' close.

Someone who is struggling and just won't give up.

Someone who has heard the Truth and the Truth is nestling itself deep into their hearts.

But they don't believe yet.

Not yet.

We'd like to rush the process.

We'd like to push them into a decision.

We'd like to drag them kicking and screaming into the Kingdom.

But God is the one who causes people to believe in Him.

Our words might help.

Our deeds might be noticed and taken into consideration.

Our lives might be road signs directing them to Him.

Our quoted verses and invitations to church might draw them a little closer.

But ONLY He brings about belief in the heart.

It's God who draws. It's God who reveals. It's God who saves!

We? We get to participate closely enough to watch what He does!

 WHO HE IS

Today's reading: Isaiah 51-55

"For I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea, causing its waves to roar. My name is the Lord Almighty. And I have put my words in your mouth and hidden you safely within my hand. I set all the stars in space and established the earth. I am the one who says to Israel, You are mine!" Isaiah 51:15-16 NLT

Ever just needed the reminder of who God is?

Had those moments when He placed His loving hand under your chin and raised it up to look squarely in His eyes so that He could remind you of all He has done, all He have given and how deeply He loves?

Experienced a time in your life when the words of this verse needed repeating--loudly and clearly to your own heart, and to your enemy?

Absolutely nothing has changed from the day He had Isaiah pen these words until this very moment in time. Nothing.

God is still ________. You fill in the blanks.

 WHEN NO ONE IS LEFT

Today's reading: Job 19-20

"My relatives stay far away, and my friends have turned against me. My neighbors and my close friends are all gone. The members of my household have forgotten me. The servant girls consider me a stranger. I am like a foreigner to them." Job 19:13-15 NLT

Job felt battered and bruised--and alone.

Sure people were around him, he did after all have three 'friends' sitting beside him in the ash pile where a majority of his mourning occurred--but he still felt alone.

He felt distanced from people, and honestly, people distanced themselves from him.

Like they do today--if you don't know what to say, you stay away. If you're afraid of saying the wrong thing, you stay away. If you can't say anything, you tend to stay away. If you can't say anything without crying alongside them, you tend to stay away.

It's nothing new under the sun.

Maybe, just maybe, you're experiencing it right now. You're going through a season when you feel alone. You are enduring some things that no one else can relate to. You are walking through a fire of your own soul.

Know what Job knew--your Redeemer lives!

"But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the earth at last." Job 19:25 NLT

Job, and maybe you, felt as if almost all he knew had flown out the window--but what he continued to know, in the depths of his heart, was that God was with him. God had never left him.

Your Redeemer lives, friend.

 MOVING IN WITH THE LORD

Today's reading: Psalm 27-29

"The one thing I ask of the Lord--the one thing I seek the most--is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord's perfections and meditating in his Temple." Psalm 27:4 NLT

I'm moving in with the Lord!

No, not in a heavenly sense, but in a heart, mind and soul sense.

I'm asking to be in His presence from the moment I wake in the morning, in each and every situation I find myself in and right up until I lay my head down for sleep at night.

I want to be that close to Him.

I want to be where He is. 

I want to 'be in the room' when He does His work.

I want to rise and shine with Him, sit at the table with Him, work right alongside Him throughout the list of the day's chores.

I want to rest with Him, minister with Him, hear Him, watch Him, follow Him and mimic His every move.

I want to be thinking what He's thinking. I want to be doing what He's doing.

Sure, I'll be residing in this world...

I'll still be inhabiting our little farmhouse on the prairie...

I'll be interacting with the people He sent His son to die for...

But deep down I know I'll be living with Him every moment of the day!

Want to join me? Don't worry--there's plenty of room at His place!

GIVING GOD YOUR SHOE

Today's reading: Ruth

"In those days it was the custom in Israel for anyone transferring a right of purchase to remove his sandal and hand it to the other party. This publicly validated the transaction." Ruth 4:7 NLT

Have you 'given your shoe' to the Lord?

Handed it over to Him privately and publicly?

Maybe you have asked Him to be your Lord and Savior--great!

Maybe you've been through the New Believer classes and got the award Bible for perfect attendance--wonderful!

Maybe you've even gotten wet in front of your new church family in baptism--super!

Maybe you've accepted a new role and validated your commitment to your house of worship--kudos!

But have you 'given the Lord your shoe'?

Have you mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually recognized this purchase by Him of your sins, your life, your future and your hopes?

Have you acknowledged that as of the moment of your salvation that nothing of yours is yours?

Your plans, are no longer yours.

Your body, is no longer yours.

Your desires, are no longer yours.

Your future, is no longer yours.

'Hand over your sandal' to God. He can be trusted with all you've sold to Him. And in return you will be wildly blessed!

 AGAINST GOD

Today's reading: Genesis 36-39

"No one here has more authority than I do! He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I ever do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God." Genesis 39:9 NLT

We're in the palace with Joseph and Potiphar's wife this morning.

No one else is around.

Mrs. Potiphar sidles up beside Joseph and makes her move. She offers her wares. She presents Joseph with a proposition that she believes he cannot and would not resist.

But he does resist.

And it's not because of her.

It's not because of Potiphar, his boss.

It's not even for himself.

He resists because it would be a great sin against God.

If we were to remember that each and every sin we are tempted to commit is fully and intimately against God, and God alone, would it keep us from sinning?

Our enemy has errantly convinced us that there are sins that ONLY effect ourselves, sins that ONLY effect the two people involved, sins that ONLY effects a small group of people.

But sin, every sin, is against the Lord.

Shouldn't that make us stop and think?

STARTING THE WEEK
Today's reading: Matthew 26-28

"...And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20 NLT

After giving the Great Commission to his disciples (and to us), there were so many things Jesus could have said to His followers.

-Reminders of all He had taught them.

-More instruction as to the 'hows and whys' of the ministry ahead of them.

-Points to ponder in their new walks.

But He told them He would be with them. Always.

Reassurance. Hope. Peace. Security.

Last words that empower, strengthen and guide.

 

 FAR WISER & FAR STRONGER

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 1-2

"This 'foolish' plan of God is far wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is far stronger than the greatest of human strength." 1 Corinthians 1:25 NLT

Maybe you can't debate with those who don't believe in your Jesus.

Quite possibly you haven't come to understand each and every passage in our Holy Scriptures.

There is a good chance you have not thoroughly understood, or liked, all God has done in you, for you and through you.

If so, you and I are riding along in the same boat!

Might I also add, based on what we've already agreed upon...

No matter what I can't converse in words in regards to God's greatness, or understood about God's ways, or have liked about His timing, or what remains hard for me to figure out in the pages of His Word...

His ways are what we can and will and need to rely upon!

His strengths, His choices, His ways far exceed our greatest imaginations!

Our God is far wiser.

Our God is far stronger.

 CARRYING YOUR IDOLS

Today's reading: Isaiah 45-50

"Gather together and come, you fugitives from surrounding nations. What fools they are who carry around their wooden idols and pray to gods that cannot save!" Isaiah 45:20 NLT

It's almost comical to think of carrying around my wooden idols and little gods.

Pockets full of trinkets. Large bags toting carved figurines. Baskets of baubles that bring me luck, insure my safety or keep me from harm. Little totems that calm me, relax me, whisper peace into my senses. Items I have purchased, borrowed, picked up along the way and some fashioned by my own hands.

(I guess because of the eras in which I was raised, I conjure up glimpses of mood rings and incense sticks, a keychain with a lucky rabbit's foot attached, primitively stitched voodoo dolls, or more currently--a vial of oil.)

I see myself falling down at the Lord's feet and all these 'things' spilling out of my pockets, hands, bags and baskets. I can mentally hear the clatter of my ornaments and graven images. I instantly feel a weight lift off my shoulders.

I see the Lord smiling as He looks lovingly into my eyes, grabs both my hands in His, and with one gentle swipe of His foot sweeps all those other things away without even glancing at them.

His eyes and smile say, Finally, dear child, you have come to the Source of help.

 DESIRES

Today's reading: Job 17-18

"...My heart's desires are broken." Job 17:11 NLT

When I think of Job I think of a stalwart saint.

An unbending believer.

A staunch Christ follower.

He did everything right. He never once cursed God for all the calamities that fell upon him. He never turned his back on the One from whom all he had ever came.

But to read this verse where Job says his heart's desires are broken--well, it makes me feel as if I might have more in common with Job than I ever thought!

You see, I've had my heart broken a time or two and I've had my desires changed, re-arranged, re-prioritized. So I have an idea of the turmoil Job was experiencing in his head, his soul and his heart.

But Job continued on in his faith walk.

He did not disavow his belief in God.

He carried on with his heart set on the Lord, the Lord's goodness and the Lord's provision for him.

So while his heart's desires were broken, maybe it's that they were shattered in order to make a beautiful mosaic.

He was given pieces of past wants and desires that God re-positioned into an exquisite masterpiece.

He was provided opportunity to trust the Lord on a deeper level, at a higher risk point and with more of his heart than ever.

Job discovered as his heart's desires were broken that God was good. Always good.