IT'S ALL GOD

Today's reading: Exodus 17-20

"Word soon reached Jethro, the priest of Midian and Moses; father-in-law, about all the wonderful things God had done for Moses and his people, the Israelites. He had heard about how the Lord had brought them safely out of Egypt." Exodus 18:1 NLT

Don't you LOVE it when word of God's works makes the circuit of talk?

Chitter-chatter about His dealing, His miracles, His movings --override conversations and water cooler talk.

Discussions about 'how God' did this or that trump the latest political news or weather related issues.

Testimonies rise up higher and louder than shouts of outcry or attempts to divert attention.

The news circulating itself back to Jethro wasn't about Moses. It wasn't about the Egyptians. It wasn't about the enemy armies that the Israelites came up against.

The word on the street was, God.

Not God's man or woman.

Not God's people.

Not God's church.

All about God.

This morning I'm praying that this same 'talk' start up again! 

FACING JESUS

Today's reading: Mark 15-16

"When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he died, he exclaimed, Truly, this was the Son of God!" Mark 15:39 NLT

At that particular moment in time, this Roman office stood face-to-face with Jesus and gained a complete understanding of exactly who He was.

Someone spectacular.

Someone awe inspiring.

Someone powerful.

Someone whose presence impacted those around Him.

Someone who was exactly who He said He was.

For this soldier to make the statement, Truly, this was the Son of God, might very well have cost him his position, his job, his life. But he couldn't not state the facts his heart came to realize.

What about you?

Have you come to the moment in your life when you are so humbled before Jesus that you truly realize who He is?

 

 SMELL OF GRACE

Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 1-3

"To those who are perishing we are a fearful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life giving perfume." 2 Corinthians 2:16 NLT

One of the last bits of my morning routine is a quick spritz of perfume.

Red Door by Elizabeth Arden has been my go-to for several years. Most often it's a gift wrapped under the Christmas tree from my handsome husband. I've had many compliments on the fragrance. 

This morning, however, as I apply my scent before heading out the door to church, I'm going to pause and pray it's more than a lovely smell, but that it is the scent of life to those needing to be saved.

I want the fragrance of God's grace to so perfume my life that others ask about the scent.

I want my merciful and grace-filled life to cause others to ask about my hope.

I don't know what fragrance you choose--maybe yours is Chanel No.5, Happy or Oscar. I don't know how much you pay to smell good--there is quite a range of prices. I don't know how often you re-apply your perfume throughout the day. I don't know if you're the kind of person who likes the faintest of fragrance or the billowing cloud of scent. 

I pray the fragrance you choose to use is always outdone by the scent of God in your life! For your sake, but more importantly for the sake of those lives you might reach for Him.

SHEPHERDS

Today's reading: Jeremiah 22-26

"I will send disaster upon the leaders of my people--the shepherds of my sheep--for they have destroyed and scattered the very ones they were expected to care for, says the Lord." Jeremiah 23:1 NLT

You might not have a pasture full of fluffy, bleating sheep.

You might not have a congregation of needy, helpless lambs.

You might not have a circle of fresh, brand-spanking new believers.

But you have someone, some little lamb, which God has placed in your care.

Someone you can uplift.

Someone you can encourage.

Someone you can guide.

Someone you can mentor in godliness.

Someone you can pray for.

Someone you can hold accountable in their faith walk.

How do I know? Because we are all shepherds, following the example of our Good Shepherd.

Watch out for those in your flock--there is a prowling, roaring lion seeking to catch one of you with your backs turned! 

WHAT IS A TESTIMONY?

Today's reading: Job 33-34

"He will declare to his friends, I sinned, but it was not worth it." Job 33:27 NLT

Just this week a friends asked me what I thought a testimony was, how one might define it, what it might include.

I stumbled through my thoughts on it, praying the words were what she needed to hear, hoping it was Spirit led.

I have continued to think about it. Pondering it. Revisiting what I said in my mind.

Then I find this verse.

A verse that very simply and very succinctly sums up just what a testimony is...

I sinned, but it was not worth it.

I sinned--went against God's will, chose my own way, believed I knew better, rebelled, turned my back on faith, refused to admit I was wrong, thought I was good enough.

But it was not worth it--my choice led to hurts, my ways were dead ends, my ideas were all wet, my consequences hurt more, cost more, led me farther away than I had ever imagined they would., built a wall higher than I planned to build between God and I.

Isn't that what you would call a testimony?

 CALL OUT TO ME

Today's reading: Psalm 48-50

"Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory." Psalm 50:15 NLT

"And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." Psalm 50:15 KJV

Trust is a hard word to wrap one's head around.

It's one of those words that is going to vary in how it is applied to each believer's life and situation.

Trust comes in varying degrees of need, different levels of effort and continual refocusing of the task.

But 'calling upon' the Lord? That sounds a little more precise. A little more definitive. A little more specific in its requirements.

Strong's concordance defines 'call upon me' as the following:

To call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim.

We can all do that!

We can speak God's name. We can cry out God's name. We can recite Bible verses He has given us to remind us of His attributes and abilities. We can read His Word for comfort, for direction, for peace. We can cry out to Him in pain, in doubt, in fear and in worship. We can proclaim how wonderful His name truly is--when He answers and while we wait for Him to answer.

So, what are you doing during your times of trouble?

Me? I'm going to call out to God!

THE DETAILS OF WAITING

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 1-4

These first four chapters of Second Samuel give detailed accounts of the process by which David was finally put in the role of king.

It was a long drawn out wait for David.

Years passed between the time Samuel anointed a very young shepherd boy fresh out of the field.

A lot of time was spent David playing the harp for King Saul, soothing the spirits that plagued him.

Many battles were fought to prove David's prowess on the battlefield.

Occasions came and went in which David discovered his true friends and his deceiving enemies.

It was all worth the wait.

It was all in God's ordained time.

It was all necessary for David to step in as king, at the proper time, with the proper experiences under his belt and with the proper backing of godly, faithful friends.

Whatever it is you are waiting on is well within God's ordained time, too.

You cannot doubt that He is at work in situations you cannot see.

You cannot doubt that He has not heard.

He is working on the details while you wait. It will all be worth it!

LET'S GET OUT OF HERE

Today's reading: Exodus 13-16

"Their chariot wheels began to come off, making their chariots impossible to drive. Let's get out of here, the Egyptians shouted. The Lord is fighting for Israel against us!" Exodus 14:25 NLT

This verse makes me giggle!

Maybe you thought I was spiritually mature, stoic and pious...you were wrong.

Things tickle my funny bone, even in the Bible.

Imagine these burly, dressed in warrior garb soldiers, falling out of their chariots as the wheels fell off!

Imagine the looks on their faces as they turn from fierce battle scowls to eyebrow-raised doubt!

Imagine their horses running off ahead of them, high-tailing it from the turmoil that was about to ensue!

Then pause for a moment and notice what they say...

Let's get out of here, the Lord is fighting for the Israelites!

The realization.

The amazement.

The fear.

It makes me laugh to know that even the enemy realizes when God's at work.

That empowers my prayers!

That builds up my confidence in the Lord!

That allows my hope to rise to higher heights!

Does your enemy know God has heard you and is working all things out for your good and for His glory! 

NOT MY WILL

Today's reading: Mark 13-14

"Abba, Father, he said, everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine." Mark 14:36 NLT

I don't know what you're going through.

I can't imagine the pain you are enduring.

I won't begin to think I can understand your heartache.

But in the pitches of your storm, in the darkest of your night, in the bad dream you are living out--know this, God's will is what is best.

We won't always understand it.

We will think we cannot endure it.

We won't even like it.

But as Jesus examples before us, pushing our will/plan/dream/idea aside so that God's can play out and accomplish all it will--will be the best for us and for those His will can touch.

We can trust our Heavenly Father to walk with us through anything He asks us to experience.

MOST IMPORTANT

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 15-16

"I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me--that Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said." 1 Corinthians 15:3 NLT

For parents of newborns--start teaching them what's most important, that Christ died for the sins of all.

For parents of toddlers--raise your littles up in the knowledge of Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross.

For parents of young children--teach your kids about God and His wonderful gift of Jesus.

For parents of 'tween's--give your children a head start on life with the knowledge of God's plan for their life.

For the parents of teens--let your grace be deep and your love be deeper, like Jesus does for you.

For parents of adults, in the church or wandering away--know you've taught them what's most important, remember that where you were imperfect, Christ's perfection fills in the gaps, and He can love them more than you ever could.

 

 NOW

Today's reading: Jeremiah 17-21

"O Lord, you persuaded me, and I allowed myself to be persuaded. You are stronger than I am, and you overpowered me. Now I am mocked by everyone in the city." Jeremiah 20:7 NLT

If God ever 'persuaded' you to follow Him, you probably understand how Jeremiah felt as he wrote these words.

This persuasion of the Lord urged you to leave behind how you once lived.

This urging of God pressed you to give up what you once desired for all He offered.

This pressing of Christ led you to the point you confessed your sins, asked His forgiveness and told the world you were now His.

But then--tough times came along.

Stormy seas battered your little boat.

Mountains loomed on your path.

Dark days rested over you and all your attempts to serve Him.

Hear this, God has not changed! His power has not petered out. His love and mercy are just as strong, just as mighty, just as amazing as the day you gave in to His 'persuading power'.

Stick it out, friend.

Remain close to the Lord.

Don't give up, give in or give out.

God has a reason for the path you are currently on--either to strengthen your testimony, to meet another along the way who needs a helping hand or to showcase the might in His rescue.

Press on, weary pilgrim.

 WELL, HAVE I?

Today's reading: Job 31-32

"Have I put my trust in money or felt secure because of my gold? Does my happiness depend on my wealth and all that I own?" Job 31:24-25 NLT

While it shouldn't surprise me to have God 'pop' into my time with Him, it still does.

When and where I don't expect Him to be.

In regards to things I thought I 'had a handle on'.

And, like this morning, in passages I wouldn't expect to find Him.

Minding my own business as I read through the account of Job's life, He speaks. Not about the travails of Job, or Job's stellar testimony, or about Job's crummy friends.

He focuses my eyes and heart on this portion of Scripture, then He whispers--'Well, have you?'

Have I trusted what I have over Who gave it to me?

Am I happy only when things go my way, or do I have the joy of being the Lord's?

God blindsided me with these questions this morning.

Oh, not because I felt I am sinless and perfect, but in how/when/where He chose to bring up an area where He saw needed improvement.

Actually? 

Well, I'm not even surprised He showed up.

I'm not surprised at the questions.

I'm not surprised He found a need to address these issues.

What surprises me is that He loves me enough to 'talk' to me about it!

 OUR FORTRESS

Today's reading: Psalm 45-47

"The Lord Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress." Psalm 46:7 NLT

Ever stopped to consider that the same God who rescued the Israelites from the Egyptians watches over you?

The same God that brought Daniel out of the lions' den, without a tooth mark, cares for you?

The exact same God who brought three Hebrews boys out of a furnace, not even smelling like smoke, knows the path before you?

The exact same Mighty Warrior who has protected Israel across the years, spanning page after page of the Bible, who continues to intercept missiles today over the land He placed His name upon--also guards and protects you?

If you haven't, maybe you should think about it for a while. Ponder the love it takes for such devotion. Consider the level of strength and fortitude the Lord God has and uses for our benefit. 

He is here among us and He is our fortress!

 WHY ASK ME
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 26-31

"But Samuel replied, Why ask me if the Lord has left you and has become your enemy?" 1 Samuel 28:16 NLT

Saul wanted a mediator between he and the Lord.

While he had been chosen as king over Israel, Saul's spirit had changed. He no longer sought God first. He no longer leaned on God for strength. He no longer considered himself to be a servant of God, but one to be served.

In his final days Saul has a medium call up the spirit of Samuel. Saul hopes that this meeting would work as an intercession between he and God.

The truth is?

It wasn't a problem between God and Saul and Samuel.

It was a problem with Saul's heart.

Saul had chosen to allow walls to be built between he and God, choice by choice.

Do we think it easier to drag the pastor or deacon in to our faith walks when there is a problem, than to talk to the Lord--and then carry through with what He reveals needs changing in us?

Do we want to place blame on our Christian lives not flourishing--when we're the ones filling our bellies on the worship of our idols?

Do we want to drag a good friend or spouse into the fight--so that we will have someone to hold responsible when we forget we're the responsible party?

Talk directly to the Lord. Go to Him in prayer. Communicate and commune with the One who desires your devotion.

 LAND OF GOSHEN

Today's reading: Exodus 9-12

"The only spot in all Egypt without hail that day was the land of Goshen, where the people of Israel lived." Exodus 9:26 NLT

We're visiting the section of the Bible where God sent plagues to convince Pharoah to release the Hebrews from slavery.

This single verse caught my eye.

Imagine the stark contrast between Egyptian inhabited land and 'across the tracks' where the Hebrews lived.

Imagine the devastation in Egypt from the plagues--the stench, the carnage, the beaten, the bruised, the lifelessness.

Then pan your imagination to the land of Goshen. The place marked as the shepherd's hills when Joseph brought his father, Jacob, his brothers and all their families to the land of Egypt.

This very place was sheltered by God's hand during the plagues.

The grass remained green in Goshen. The trees retained their leaves in Goshen. The water never turned to blood in this neighborhood. The frogs never invaded the homes of God's people. The locusts never destroyed the crops of God's people. The flies never annoyed God's people. The boils never affected God's people.  

I don't know about you, but I've stood in Goshen before.

When chaos was swirling around me, I had God's peace in my heart.

When the world was seemingly upside-down and topsy-turvy, I had a strong anchor keeping my soul in a place of safety and security.

When I should have been frantic, I had a calm.

When I should have been broken, I retained God's strength.

When I could have been broken, God held me together.

If you've ever stood in the 'land of Goshen' you knew the hand of God was upon you--no doubt about it.

In the 'land of Goshen' you could breathe. You could think. You could make right decisions. You could trust what you didn't know, see or like, to your loving Father.

I pray that no matter what's going on around you today, you are in the 'land of Goshen' and you enjoy the view.

 WHERE IS JESUS IN YOUR PARADE?

Today's reading: Mark 11-12

"He was in the center of the procession, and the crowds all around him were shouting, Praise God! Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord!" Mark 11:9 NLT

Our little town hosts three parades each year.

The first, in early summer. The second, to celebrate football season for our local high school. The third, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving to light up the town with Christmas lights.

Each of the parades has a Grand Marshall selected to 'star' in the parade.

This special guest gets to ride in a convertible festooned with signage stating who he/she is.

When I read this morning's portion of Scripture, I was deeply convicted about how too often I am the center of my self-orchestrated parades, not Jesus.

I want the attention.

I want the accolades.

I want the focus to be on me--my accomplishments, my emotions, my needs, my wants.

I am aware of my tendency to push Jesus out of the way so the spotlight can be on me.

Shame on me.

What's it going to take to change my ways? Well, prayer. And a heart change that only God can do. And being intentional--making sure to step aside for God's glory to be revealed instead of my own.

What about you? Who is at the center of your parade?

 THE GIFT OF LOVE

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 13-14

"Let love be your highest goal, but also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives, especially the gift of prophecy." 1 Corinthians 14:1 NLT

Paul writes about spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12. He writes about love in 1 Corinthians 13. He restates and prioritizes both in 1 Corinthians 14.

Spiritual abilities are good.

Love is better.

What good does it do the unsaved world if we don't express love to them. A love that is an imperfect reproduction of the love Christ showed for them on the cross.

Desire to preach. Yearn to teach. Give as you are called to do. Counsel through God's Word. Heal, if healing is your gift.

But above and beyond these, love.

Love in your words.

Love in your actions.

Love in your attitude.

Love when in church.

Love when in the world.

Love on the pretty days.

Love harder on the rough days.

Love those who are lovely.

Love those who are unlovable.

Let love be your highest goal.

 WAIT WITH ANTICIPATION

Today's reading: Jeremiah 12-16

"Can any of the foreign gods send us rain? Does it fall from the sky by itself? No, it comes from you, the Lord our God! Only you can do such things. So we will wait for you to help us." Jeremiah 14:22 NLT

I don't know how long you've been waiting for an answer to your prayer.

I can't imagine, if you are anything like me, how many times you have attempted to help the Lord out in fulfilling your need.

I don't know the number of times you have knelt, cried out, whispered or moaned in prayer for that one single request.

Keep waiting.

Only God can answer in the way that will change hearts and lives.

Only God can answer in the way that will glorify Him.

Only God can answer in the way that will leave you testifying of His greatness.

So wait.

However long it takes, wait.

No matter how many times our lying enemy tells you God can't, won't, isn't going to do it for you--wait.

Keep praying and keep waiting.

It will be worth it.

 JOB'S SONG

Today's reading: Job 29-30

"My harp plays sad music, and my flute accompanies those who weep." Job 30:31 NLT

Job states that he is broken, discouraged, depressed and downright sad.

All he had been appointed to endure has left him weary from weeping.

At this point in his account, Job doesn't know it's merely a season he was passing through. We know the end of the story--how God chooses to restore all Job had lost, re-invest in Job's life and rejuvenate Job's faith.

Might I just say--it's the same for you.

What you are living through right now is a season.

The tough days will pass.

The storm will roll on.

The heartbreak will mend.

Eventually.

In time.

And maybe, just maybe, like Job, your faith walk through this season will strengthen and encourage another.

For them, for those who will follow you, for the testimony you are having written--keep leaning on God.

Keep trusting in His ways.

Keep believing in His promises.

Keep walking toward His truths.

As with Job, it might not be about you at all.

 WHY, INDEED

Today's reading: Psalm 42-44

"Why am I so discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again--my Savior and my God!" Psalm 42:5 NLT

Lord, 

Why is it I am so discouraged and so sad?

Why is it my 'little light' is so dim no one around me can see it?

Why is it my praise is merely a whisper?

Here's why--I have taken my eyes off of You.

I have placed within the brackets of my mind's viewfinder the problem I face--and not You.

I have focused on the situation, not on my Savior.

You are my only hope.

Lovingly place your hands on either side of my face and turn me, heart and mind, back to You.

Redirect what I'm looking at.

Realign my eyes with Your faithfulness and goodness.

Why am I so discouraged and sad when I have You?

 DAVID ASKED THE LORD

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 21-25

"David asked the Lord..." 1 Samuel 23:2 NLT

A simple phrase.

Four words.

Throughout the course of his life, David sought the Lord's wisdom, guidance and instruction.

He asked the Lord when to fight and when to hide.

He asked the Lord where to hole up and where to make a charge.

He asked the Lord when to do what he wanted to do and if he should do it at all.

He asked the Lord for blessing and he asked the Lord for forgiveness.

David, the man after God's own heart, kept an ongoing conversation with the Lord in regards to living the life the Lord had given him. He paused long enough to wait for an answer--expecting to hear each and every time he asked. He believed God heard his prayer and honored his asking.

Wouldn't it profit us to do the same?

NOT EVEN BEGUN
Today's reading: Exodus 5-8

"Since I gave Pharoah your message, he has been even more brutal to your people. You have not even begun to rescue them!" Exodus 5:23 NLT

Ever felt like Moses?

The Moses who began his ministry in a basket in the Nile River?

The Moses who was raised in luxury at the enemy's expense?

The Moses who did something bad, tried to hide and was found by God on the backside of the desert? 

The Moses who told God, THE GOD WHO MADE HIM, that he couldn't possibly do what God was asking him to do?

Or--and I'm afraid this is the 'Moses' I can relate to--the Moses that had the audacity to stand up to God and say, 'You've not even begun to answer my prayers!'

I don't see anything happening, Lord!

I can't see you stepping in yet!

Where are the answers You have promised me?

Sadly, that particular Moses is the one I most closely resemble. The Moses I can identify with. The Moses I could most easily be.

But God had been at work in the background of the Israelite dilemna--and He's in my problems, too.

God was orchestrating events for the perfect time and place in Egypt--and right here where I sit in my prayer chair.

There was an appointed time, place and way in which God would work to change Pharoah's heart--and an appointment with each and every request I have laid at His feet.

We might think God hasn't even begun to work, but friend, we don't see everything He is up to!

 STRAIGHT TO JESUS

Today's reading: Mark 9-10

"One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, Teacher, I have brought my son for you to heal him. He can't speak because he is possessed by an evil spirit that won't let him talk. And whenever this evil spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground and makes him foam at the mouth and grind his teeth and become rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn't do it." Mark 9:17-18 NLT

We carry our problems to the pastor.

We deliver our dilemnas to our friends.

We deposit our issues onto the laps of our prayer chain organizer.

We Google our goings-on.

We Facebook our roadblocks.

We bring up our messes to our coffee shop pals.

But do we, His very own children, take our burdens directly to the Lord?

Do we insist on getting some one-on-one time with our Father?

Do we pursue Him in our quiet devotions before the day begins?

Do we pick up His Word in order that we might hear His words?

Are we taking our problems to God?

Are we believing we have as close a contact with Him as a 'man of the cloth'?

Are we as confident in our ability to pray as the senior saints in our church?

Are we as assured of Him hearing us pray as we are of Him hearing someone else?

We can go straight to the Lord with our problems--every time, any day, how ever it is we deliver it to Him.

 YOUR GIFT

Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 11-12

"A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church." 1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT

What's your gift?

What special ability, talent, way of doing things, are you bringing to your church body?

What all have you tried in order to find your gift--your God-given gift?

How is your assembly of believers benefited from having you a part of it?

What all have you signed up for, volunteered to do, offered to lend a helping hand with in an effort to help your body?

You have something to do that no one else can do.

You have effort to give that no one else can give.

You have a mission field that no one else has.

You have opportunity that God has given no one else.

Please, for the sake of your church, the Church, yourself and God--use your gift.

 CIRCUMCISED

Today's reading: Jeremiah 7-11

"A time is coming, says the Lord, when I will punish all those who are circumcised in body but not in spirit--" Jeremiah 9:25 NLT

Circumcision is a cutting away.

Physically, for men in Jeremiah's time, it was a ceremonial procedure done to 'mark' men as followers of the Most High God.

Spiritually?

Spiritually it means there has been a 'cutting away' of sin in one's life. A decision to follow God's leading in all areas of one's life. A 'marking of the heart', of sorts.

As I am considering this morning the difference between physical circumcision and spiritual circumcision, I have to ask myself--Am I marked?

Am I marked as God's by how I live?

Am I marked as God's by how I speak?

Am I marked as God's by how quickly I obey what He asks of me?

Am I marked as God's by how I love those around me--the lovely and the unlovable?

Am I marked by God as I sing, allowing the words of worship to come from a heart of worship?

Am I marked by God as I choose to keep my nose in His Word so that I might grow to be more like Jesus?

Am I 'circumcised' in body and in spirit?

 MINING FOR WISDOM

Today's reading: Job 27-28

"People know how to tear apart flinty rocks and overturn the roots of mountains. They cut tunnels in the rocks and uncover precious stones. They dam up the trickling streams and bring light to hidden treasures. But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding?...And this is what he says to all humanity: The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding." Job 28:9-12, 28 NLT

I'm thinking this morning about the extent we all go to for convenience, for wealth, for comfort, for status, for love.

The lengths we'll go to find an easier route, true love, a better way.

The stack of bills we will rack up attempting to impress people we don't even really care for, to live in homes that are not 'homey' or wearing clothes that are not comfortable or functional.

The depths to which we will dig to find out something--anything--nothing.

The means by which we will try to gather as many material possessions as we can possibly gather--knowing when we die, nothing goes with us.

Do we seek out a fear and understanding of God with such intensity?

Do we strive to live for Him with the same level of determination we will hunt for a bargain?

Do we attempt to tell others about His saving grace with the same excitement we might have at a hockey game we have paid to get to attend?

We do a lot of hard things on a day to day basis, but are any of them of eternal value? Do any of them draw us closer to the Lord?

 HOPE

Today's reading: Psalm 39-41

"And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you." Psalm 39:7 NLT

I don't know when David wrote this psalm. 

Was he out under the stars as shadows grew bigger and scarier?

Was he on the battlefield and his arms and legs growing weary from the battle?

Was he in the palace determining what was best for the people God has placed him as king over?

Was he burying a child?

Was he processing what brave Nathan told him through the story of the poor man's lamb?

David had many opportunities to place his hope in places other than God--powerful places, rich places, secure places--and on a few occasions did just that.

But when it came down to it...

When an account of his life was presented...

When all was said and done...

David placed his hope, all of it, in the Lord--and the Lord rewarded it by calling him a man after His own heart.

Don't you want that for yourself?

 ANOINTED AND WAITING
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 16-20

"So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the olive oil he had brought and poured it on David's heads. And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah." 1 Samuel 16:13 NLT

The religious leader of Israel traveled about 20 miles to find a shepherd and his sons.

Upon inspection of all the boys Jesse had, God led Samuel to ask if there wasn't one more.

The youngest of the boys was brought from the field and God led Samuel to anoint him as the next king of Israel.

David had the oil poured on him signifying that he had been set apart by God for a monumental task.

But David didn't pick up his kingly robe and scepter that day.

No, he had to wait approximately 20 years to assume the role God was asking him to fill.

In the meantime?

In the waiting, David worked.

He served God by shepherding for his father.

He served God and King Saul as a musician.

He served the people of Israel as a mighty man of war.

He served us by putting pen to paper and scribing many of the psalms we love.

He served as friend to Jonathan.

He served.

While he waited for his appointed position, he served.

For twenty years he waited for his calling to be fulfilled--but he didn't just sit around.

Good example for us!

Waiting on the Lord is an active verb.

It's not the sitting around a room until your name or number is called--it's being up and preparing yourself for WHEN your time comes to serve in the maximum potential God has purposed you for.

Don't know what your 'calling' is? Serve.

Don't know where it is God wants you to minister for Him? Serve.

Don't know what your talent or gift might be? Serve in all areas, see what works, and what doesn't.

Don't just sit around--serve!

There's a whole lot needing done in this world by godly people...do something!

 AMAZING
Today's reading: Exodus 1-4

"Amazing! Moses said to himself. Why isn't that bush burning up? I must go over to see this." Exodus 3:3 NLT

All these years later, God still chooses to amaze us with how He chooses to catch our attention!

In things that aren't as they 'should be'.

In regards to happenings that never 'should have' happened.

In relation to meetings that were never planned, organized or orchestrated by the parties involved.

He catches our attention in things that we would never want to see happen as well...if we look hard enough for Him.

Each of these instances, where/when/how God chooses to show up, are seeds for our testimonies.

What seeds have you been given thus far? What seeds might He hand you today?

Watch for God to amaze you in some special way today.

 WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Today's reading: Mark 7-8

"Then Jesus asked, Who do you say I am?.." Mark 8:29 NLT

You probably attended church services and heard a pastor speak of Jesus yesterday.

Maybe you were raised in a home where Jesus was spoken of.

Quite possibly you have made the Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and church camp circuit as a child and heard many stories told about Jesus--some even on flannel graph.

It could be your car radio is tuned to your local Christian radio station and the DJ has a constant rotation of 'Jesus songs' playing in your ear.

But who do you say Jesus is? Who is He to you? What role does He play in your life?

Before you answer...pause.

I'm pretty sure that on the tip of your tongue is the answer you've been given by the pastor, your parents or the Sunday School teacher.

But what's your answer?