NOT PROMISES

Today's reading: Proverbs 1

"Through these proverbs, people will receive instruction in discipline, good conduct, and doing what is right, just and fair." Proverbs 1:3 NLT

Let's get this out in the open as we begin on 'page one' of Proverbs--proverbs ARE NOT promises.

Proverbs, an accumulation of sage advice, wise counsel and information for good living, are probabilities.

Solomon, through the inspiration of God wrote to us about what will usually happen, things that are expected to occur and things that there is a very good chance one will see if done in a certain way.

But they are not promises.

Case in point, I found this in some 'Proverbs research...

'If a person fears the Lord and makes wise, moral choices, things will likely go well for them. If a person doesn't fear the Lord and acts foolishly, their life will more likely turn out poorly. Both of these statements are often true, but not always.'

So, be very careful to follow the advice given in the book of Proverbs, but don't lean as heavily on them as you might an actual promise from God.

Remember, that proverbs are statements of general truth that can be applied to various circumstances. When you apply them you will likely get the desired results, but not always. Not in this life, anyway. Especially when you need to factor in the free will of others who may or may not follow the leading of the Lord in their own lives--and thus affect yours.

SUNRISE TO SUNSET
Today's reading: Psalm 63-65

"...From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy." Psalm 65:8 NLT

There is no where you could go where God does not warrant praise!

One might reside in the most luxurious of palaces or the most destitute of slums, and He will still be seen and glorified!

One might hike to the highest mountain peak or be tethered to an IV pole in a hospital bed, and He will still be seen and glorified!

One might walk the fields of a newly planted crop that is sprouting and shouting with life or crawl through the driest, hottest, most uninhabited of deserts, and He will still be seen and glorified!

One might walk through the corridors of a nursery filled with pink, wrinkled newborns or through the hallways of a nursing home filled with gray, wrinkled veterans of life, and He will still be seen and glorified!

One might spend a lifetime on earth or an eternity in heavenly realms, and He will still be seen and glorified!

Where will you see Him today? In what environment will His presence bring about His glory and your praise?

EXCEPT

Today's reading: 1 Kings 1-4

"Solomon loved the Lord and followed all the instructions of his father, David, except that Solomon, too, offered sacrifices and burned incense at the local altars." 1 Kings 3:3 NLT

What's your 'except'?

You know what I'm talking about...

That one thing, aside from loving God and serving Him, you do.

Solomon served God and was in a position God ordained him to hold, but Solomon also chose to offer sacrifices at the altars of petty gods. Maybe he did it out of political peacemaking efforts. Maybe he did it to please his many wives. Maybe, just maybe, he did it thinking, 'If this God thing doesn't work out, I don't want to burn bridges with these others gods that could help me.'

Could the same be said of us?

Those sins we tend to like little lap dogs--are they done socially, in an effort to make and keep friends? Are they done because you've always done them, in an effort to calm the voices, the desires, the addictions you might have? Are they done because you just don't know if God is enough?

What's your 'except'?

I'm spending some time this morning listening to God in regards to mine. I pray you do the same.

With His help, our 'excepts' can be removed from our hearts. 

PERSONALLY GOING WITH US

Today's reading: Exodus 33-36

"Please, if this is really so, show me your intentions so I will understand you more fully and do exactly what you want me to do. Besides, don't forget that this nation is your very own people. And the Lord replied, I will personally go with you, Moses. I will give you rest--everything will be fine for you." Exodus 33:13-14 NLT

We are really no different from Moses.

-We have been given a monumental task.

-We have been selected to do what only we can do.

-We have been asked to work with some pretty imperfect folks.

-We are expected to obey God fully.

-We have limitations and we lack abilities.

-We wholeheartedly want all God has set aside for us.

-We want the entire plan laid out in front of us. Every detail. Every 15 minute time block. Every bit of information available.

But God told Moses--and He is telling us today--I'm going with you, that's all you need to know.

BEGGING JESUS TO GO AWAY

Today's reading: Luke 7-8

"Then those who had seen what happened told the others how the demon possessed man had been healed. And all the people in that region begged Jesus to go away and leave them alone, for a great wave of fear swept over them." Luke 8:36-37 NLT

Imagine watching Jesus perform a miracle in the life of someone you 'knew'--and then begging Him to leave town.

Seeing one who was once controlled by evil spirits, healed--then asking the Healer to exit the picture.

Knowing the 'before' and seeing the 'after'--and being scared of the changes to come.

What area of your life are you begging Jesus to step out of?

What changes are needing made in your heart and mind, but you're too afraid of what the difference will make in your comfort zone?

Who might Jesus ask you to steer clear of, link up with or listen to, that you really don't want to?

If we aren't inviting Jesus into a part of our life, we are in essence begging Him to go away. 

BOASTING ABOUT MY WEAKNESSES

Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 11-13

"...So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT

Is it where you are lacking that God has shown through?

Is it through the chinks in your armor where the Lord has been shown to be mighty?

Is it in the times when your strength was depleted, your efforts insufficient and your faith wavering, that the glory of your Creator was most highlighted?

Has it been when you couldn't, that He did?

Was it when you had more questions than answers, that God proved His all-knowing abilities to you once again?

That's what Paul was talking about.

When it was SO not Paul, it was SO much God.

I pray we all experience that today, this very day.

AGAIN AND AGAIN

Today's reading: Jeremiah 42-46

"Again and again I sent my servants, the prophets, to plead with them, Don't do these horrible things that I hate so much. But my people would not listen or turn back from their wicked ways. They kept right on burning incense to these gods." Jeremiah 44:4-5 NLT

How many times do we have to be told?

How often, and in how many different ways, do God's instructions need preached to us?

How frequently are we disregarding God's commands and promptings--thinking we know better than He?

Again and again, would be our answer.

Too often, would need to be our response.

Way, waayyyy, too many times, if we are completely honest.

God's patience is worn thin by our disregard for Him.

Wouldn't today be the right day to begin to listen to Him? 

NO ONE CAN STOP YOU

Today's reading: Job 41-42

"Then Job replied to the Lord: I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you." Job 42:1-2 NLT

Job got to the point.

The 'point'.

The point to which we all have come OR will come,

The point at which we realize, to the depths of our bones, who God is and who we are not.

He can do anything.

He has no limits to His abilities, His strength, His reach and His love.

He will complete His purpose--no one can stop Him.

Do you know that today? Are you fully, without a shadow of a doubt, aware of that truth?

The 'point' will either be your foundation stone, upon which you build from this moment forward, or it will be your line of demarcation, your AD or BC kind of line in your life. 

It might be a starting line. It could be an open door. It quite possibly will be the moment in time when you become completely His.

Have you gotten to that point?

USA

Today's reading: Psalm 60-62

"You have rejected us, O God, and broken our defenses. You have been angry with us; now restore us to your favor. You have shaken our land and split it open. Seal the cracks before it completely collapses. You have been very hard on us, making us drink wine that sent us reeling. But you have raised a banner for those who honor you--a rallying point in the face of attack." Psalm 60:1-4 NLT

While I know these words were penned by David in wartime in regards to Israel, I can't help but see my own homeland in the verses.

America, we are being rejected by God--and for good reason. We think we know better. We have disregarded His laws. Approved of what He disapproved of. We worship everything but our Creator. 

We are being shaken at the core of our beliefs. Our founding fathers roll over in their graves with each passing law and ruling. Tolerant views are opening up major fissures in our knowledge of right and wrong. 

We are facing the consequences of poor choices. Economically. Politically. Socially. Our homes are no longer safe places where future generations are being taught values and moral ethics.

And in all this?

In all this, God still provides a rallying point for our land: Himself.

Only in turning our faces, hearts, choices and land, to Him will we be honored and bring God honor. Only in following His ways will we prosper, succeed, grow and regain victory over our enemies.

Only in Him.

KNOWING OUR STRENGTH

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 20-24

"David sang this song to the Lord after the Lord had rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul. These are the words he sang: The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior, my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold, my high tower, my savior, the one who saves me from violence." 2 Samuel 22:1-3 NLT

David was one of the Lord's military leaders, appointed kings and 'a man after God's heart'.

David would have had reason to pat himself on the back for all his accomplishments, his obedience to the Lord and for his wisdom in leading a country the size of Israel.

David has been applauded throughout history for his military prowess, his accumulation of wealth and his literary genius.

But David, well, David knew his strength, his power, his abilities and his wisdom all came from the Lord--and he penned words to that effect.

David re-directed the spotlight of his stellar service to the One who had given him all he had.

Can we say the same for our lives? For anything good we have done? For the times when God has shown through our weaknesses and inabilities? 

WHAT'S YOUR WORTH?

Today's reading: Exodus 29-32

"When this offering is given to the Lord to make atonement for yourselves, the rich must not give more, and the poor must not give less." Exodus 30:15 NLT

In the specifics and details of the Old Testament sacrificial system, there comes this single verse that points us to Jesus.

One Savior for all.

One Lamb.

One Sacrifice enough to redeem rich and poor, young and old, Jew and Gentile.

I don't know whether you consider yourself to be rich, or poor or somewhere in between the two--your worth is the same as the person standing next to you.

Your worth is the same as the most godly person you might know, or have heard about.

Your worth is the same as the most heinous criminal, living or dead, walking free or serving a sentence.

Your worth is determined by the Lord and the expense required to atone for your sins is the same as everyone else's--Jesus.

The most sin-filled don't need Jesus 'plus' something.

The most righteous don't need just a 'smidge' of Jesus.

We ALL need Jesus--His perfect, atoning, saving and forgiving blood! 

OPEN YOUR EYES

Today's reading: Luke 5-6

"Then Jesus gave the following illustration: What good is it for one blind person to lead another? The first one will fall into a ditch and pull the other down also." Luke 6:39 NLT

Let's find ourselves in this account...

Knowing we aren't Jesus, we are either the blind man or the blind man's friend.

Which are you?

What determines whether we are one or the other depends upon whether we have chosen to spend time in God's Word.

Allowing it to open our eyes and hearts.

Giving it room in our minds to push out strongholds, sins and doubts.

If we're not in the Bible, regularly, we are blinded to opinion, emotion, social norms and personal preferences--all of which will lead ourselves and others down wrong paths.

I challenge you to pick up your Bible and take off your blinders--for your own sake, and for the sake of those you might be leading today.

APPLAUDED BY GOD

Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 9-10

"When people boast about themselves, it doesn't count for much. But when the Lord commends someone, that's different!" 2 Corinthians 10:18 NLT

I cannot help but think of Job when I read this verse.

Minding his own business.

Serving the Lord in the mundane.

Honoring God by living the way he should.

Doing nothing spectacular, but doing all in a godly manner.

And God boasts about him--to Satan, none the less!

That's something!

To have God say, Have you noticed...?

To have God's complete trust as to how one might react to problems.

To have God's faith so deep that though shaken, God knows one will not topple.

I want that.

Not that I can boast about having it, but that one day, in some way, God will say about me what He said about Job--Have you noticed my servant, Malinda? 

DO NOT FOOL YOURSELF

Today's reading: Jeremiah 37-41

"The Lord says: Do not fool yourselves that the Babylonians are gone for good. They aren't!" Jeremiah 37:9 NLT

Maybe you are wrenching your arm in an attempt to pat yourself on the back for resisting yesterday's temptation.

You resisted the slice of cake, you pushed away the cigarette, you declined an open door to walk through and share exactly how you felt--in no uncertain terms.

Maybe you turned the other cheek, denied your enemy a seat at your table or you smashed your finger with a hammer and your mouth only sang praises to the Lord.

Don't fool yourself into thinking that temptation is over and done with in your life.

It will return.

And when it does, it will probably bring friends. 

It will be a bigger lure, a glossier view and a greater attraction every time it returns.

It will arrive when your guard is down, when you are the hungriest you've ever been or when your last nerve is frayed and exposed.

Expect it.

Anticipate it.

Prepare for it.

But don't fool yourself into thinking it's gone for good.

 

ARGUING WITH THE ALMIGHTY

Today's reading: Job 39-40

"Then the Lord said to Job, Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but do you have the answers?" Job 40:1 NLT

This verse could be written as such...

Then the Lord said to Malinda, Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but do you have the answers?

Don't laugh. 

I'm sure you do it, too.

From our single dimensional view point, we question, doubt and critique God's timing, choices, ways and abilities.

From our self-built pedestals, we believe we know more than Him.

From the middle of our messes, most of them produced by our own choices, we doubt His goodness and His love for us.

We dole out advice to our Creator like we do the neighbor kids coming for Halloween treats.

But do we have all the answers?

Do we see everything, for all time, into the hearts of others OR with perfect vision?

Do we even have the capacity to know the things we only think we know?

I believe God can ask each of us the same questions He asked Job...

Do you still want to argue with Me?

Do you have all the answers?

 

THIS, TOO

Today's reading: Psalm 57-59

"For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds." Psalm 57:10 NLT

God's faithfulness reaches to the clouds--that's quite a distance!

But maybe, just maybe, you are wondering if it reaches far enough for your 'this'.

'This', that's heavy on your heart.

'This', that's got you awake at night, churning in your belly and distracted from all you are called to do.

Is His faithfulness enough to reach into, over, around and beside your 'this'?

Can He handle it?

Is He aware of it?

Will He do something about it?

Without even knowing what 'this' might be in your head and heart, I can say 'YES'!

Yes, His faithfulness will be seen in 'this'. If you look closely enough. If you determine to see it. If you keep your eyes focused on Him and not 'this'.

STEALING HEARTS

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 15-21

"So in this way, Absalom stole the hearts of all the people of Israel." 2 Samuel 15:6 NLT

Absalom, King David's rogue son, was setting up a coup to dethrone his father.

This young prince wanted everything his father was given by God--but didn't want to follow God in order to have it.

So he set about wine-ing and dine-ing the people of Israel. He sold them a bill of goods. He shook hands and kissed babies. 

And it says, according to Scripture, it worked. God's Word says he 'stole the hearts of all the people'.

Satan does the same with us, doesn't he?

He makes things look good. Disguises disobedience as a better idea. He offers what he cannot follow through on. He lures us away from the Lord one insignificant choice at a time.

Beware of his tactics. Guard your heart. Be on the lookout for all the ways he is attempting to steal your heart.

He is a liar, a thief and a murderer--don't expect anything less from him than evil!

BUILDING A SACRED RESIDENCE

Today's reading: Exodus 25-28

"I want the people of Israel to build me a sacred residence where I can live among them." Exodus 25:8 NLT

A sacred residence for the Lord to live in?

A place for Him to dwell--close to us, in us, around us?

A home in which He will reside?

Sounds great! Sounds fitting! Sounds like an honorable thing to do!

But the verses leading up to this charge speak of sacrifice.

Of giving up something.

Of donating to the process, the cause, the task.

Of gifting something to the Lord, for His use, for His glory, for His praise.

Of granting possession of that which you might hold dear.

Can you do that? Will you do that? Are you doing that?

It's not done by bringing gold, silver, ram skins, olive oil and spices to the house of the Lord. It's done choice by choice, decision by decision, act after act of seeking to live for Him in this world, as we prepare for the next.

Building a sacred residence is what we were placed here for.

EVEN EVIL SPIRITS OBEY HIM

Today's reading: Luke 3-4

"Amazed, the people exclaimed, What authority and power this man's words possess! Even evil spirits obey him and flee at his command!" Luke 4:36 NLT

Maybe, since it's Monday, you are pumped up from a God-filled worship service yesterday.

Possibly you are stoked from some time spent in prayer and contemplation.

It could be that you are excited about the new mercies God has granted you this beautiful morning.

Or--you are flailing, down, defeated and burdened because you've forgotten that 'even evil spirits obey Him'.

It's something very important to remember.

It's life giving, chain breaking, door opening and spirit filling!

It gives potential back to a life bogged down, it provides hope in very dark situations, it offers grace upon multiplied grace!

When we pause to remember exactly who Jesus is and the power He possesses, we can be amazed, awed and full of anticipation! 

WHAT HARMONY?

Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 6-8

"What harmony can there be between Christ and the Devil?" 2 Corinthians 6:15 NLT

I don't know if you are attempting to mix church and the world, or good with evil or godliness with ungodly behavior--how's it going for you?

Is it sitting well in your spirit?

Are you proud, at all times, of how you live?

Is it a lop-sided life you live? One side outweighing the other?

We cannot mix Christ and Satan in our lives. 

Satan continues to want more and more--and Jesus?

Jesus won't share a heart with another--He's that jealous for you.

Be very aware of the harmony you are attempting to maintain between two opposite forces.

It won't work out well for you!

 NOT AT ALL FOR HIM
Today's reading: Jeremiah 32-36

"They will be my people, and I will be their God. And I will give them one heart and mind to worship me forever, for their own good and for the good of all their descendants." Jeremiah 32:38-39 NLT

If you think the preparations, plans and pulling things together for tomorrow's worship is all to benefit God--you're wrong.

If you think the time and effort you put into getting to church is to honor the Lord--you're wrong.

If you think the moments you spend in your Bible, the minutes you spend in prayer and the times you choose a godly discipline over flying off the handle is to make our Savior look good to those around you--you're wrong.

It's not at all for Him.

It is all for us--and for the legacy we will leave our children and our children's children.

It's to get us through this tough life and into the next one.

it's to allow us the blessings He has afforded us and the privilege of sharing the Good News with others.

It's to participate in His love, receive His love and be fully aware of His love.

It's not at all for Him.

STORM WARNINGS
Today's reading: Job 37-38

"The clouds turn around and around under his direction. They do whatever he commands throughout the earth." Job 37:12 NLT

The last few days our radios, televisions and cell phones have been busy keeping up with the weather alerts issued for our area.

Thunderstorm warnings. Tornado watches. Flash flood warnings. Take shelter--take shelter.

The news programs now show the aftermath of the severe weather.

Trees down. Houses damaged. Creeks overflowing their banks.

Interviews with people who have witnessed funnel clouds and those who have lost homes to the winds.

And then this verse--that every cloud is at His command. 

That's hard to fathom, when it doesn't turn out well.

It's hard to fathom, when the clouds form the fluffy 'bunny rabbits' we lay on the grass and admire.

It's just hard to fathom that God, with all else He has going on, stirs the clouds with His fingers and send them where He wishes.

Hard to fathom.

Reassuring.

Amazing.

Awe inspiring.

WICKEDNESS WITHIN IN THE CITY

Today's reading: Psalm 54-56

"Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city." Psalm 55:10 NLT

Maybe, like me, you seemingly have fewer external faith battles to fight than others.

Folks look at you like nothing phases you, nothing distracts you from your commitment to the Lord, nothing knocks you off your path.

But maybe, just maybe, like me, you battle more internal wars than anyone would ever understand.

Your mind is, at times, your worst enemy.

Your thoughts invade your 'faith space'.

Your doubts wreak havoc on your peace.

You can agree with the psalmist who knows a little something about internal battles, or as he says it, 'wickedness within the city'.

The continual questioning, the constant reasoning, the incessant banter with my thoughts versus 'thus saith the Lord'.

Sure, I might look strong on the outside, with few things ruffling my feathers--but inside? Inside there is a constant war raging that keeps me bent low at God's throne, leaning heavily on my Savior and crying out for my Father at all times.

What's 'within the city' is, most days, harder than what's outside it.

WHEN IT IS YOU

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 10-14

"Then Nathan said to David, You are that man!.." 2 Samuel 12:7 NLT

Nathan risked life and limb to give God's message to David about David's sin with Bathsheba.

He could have been killed.

He could have been banished.

He could have disobeyed God and let this little issue of David's slide under the radar.

But he discussed the sin with David, in a loving manner--a manner in which brought David back into fellowship with God through forgiveness.

So, here's my question...

When you are 'that man', how do you respond?

When someone calls you out on a sin?

When a godly friend says they notice 'something'?

When the words of Scripture sear like a hot poker?

Do you get mad? Do you refuse to see? Do you lash out at the messenger? Do you unroll your long list of excuses?

Or do you take the sin to God for His cleansing and forgiveness--and thank the friend for their love and obedience in helping you to see? 

ENEMIES

Today's reading: Exodus 21-24

"But if you are careful to obey him, following all my instructions, then I will be an enemy to your enemies, and I will oppose those who oppose you." Exodus 23:22 NLT

You don't want God to be your enemy--and your enemies don't want God to be theirs!

Siding with God.

Obeying God.

Following closely to God.

Listening for God.

Being saved by God.

Those are ways in which we know God is always for us, and never against us.

It's when we do those things, wholeheartedly, we can rest assured God will give us success--and give our enemies defeat in every attack they try against us!

A LITTLE MORE STORING

Today's reading: Luke 1-2

"Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them; and his mother stored all these things in her heart." Luke 2:51 NLT

I believe we live in a day and a time when we could all do a little more 'storing in our hearts' and a little less sharing on social media.

Do we need near and dear friends to share prayer requests with--absolutely!

Do we need close personal confidantes with which to vent and resolve issues--we sure do!

Do we need godly members of our church family to lift us up in times of need--a resounding, Yes!

Do we need to air all our dirty laundry, day-to-day interactions and meaningless rants in regards to social injustices, social snubs and social faux paus--NO!

Store a few things in your heart, friends.

At least until you've thought them through...

Or cooled off from them happening...

Or given thought to the far-reaching ramifications of it being publicized...

Or until you are absolutely sure you know the entire story behind what's happened...

Or are in a better frame of mind...

Or evaluated who all will be involved in this fall out of your opinion...

Or if your comment, opinion or response is even really needed...

Or considered whether or not the whole wide world needs to know about it.

Store it in your heart a while so God can work on it--and work on you.

YOU DO YOU

Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 4-5

"For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in our bodies." 2 Corinthians 5:10 NLT

Heard the new catchphrase, You do you?

The meaning behind it is that we are all individual. We are all unique. We are all called to be someone, unlike anyone else.

It might also refer to the sins we will stand before God and give account of.

You will be judged for your sins. I will be judged for mine.

Individually. Personally. Uniquely.

I won't be standing in for the punishment you deserve and you won't be able to take on mine.

So, that being said, stop looking around at the goings-on of others. Cease and desist in the judgement of others. Resist from being judge, jury and executioner of those around you...

You do you.

DON'T DWINDLE AWAY

Today's reading: Jeremiah 27-31

"Marry, and have children. Then find spouses for them, and have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away!" Jeremiah 29:6 NLT

One might think these words from God through the prophet Jeremiah were given to people being blessed by God, found in favor of God's will and ways and people who God was proud of.

You would be wrong.

These words were spoken to the very people who had turned from God to idolatry. The very people who had thumbed their noses at the law of God and sought their own way. The same ones who quickly forgot that all they had, where they lived and who they were were because of God.

So they were headed into exile at the hands of a neighboring enemy nation. For a long time.

He asked them to settle in their hearts who the One True God truly was.

He asked them to settle where they were, Babylon.

He asked them to settle once and for all whose they were.

And then? After a while? Once they had learned the lesson God was attempting to teach them?

Then they would return to their homeland--and the plans God had for them at that point would be great!

Maybe your requests haven't all been answered. Maybe your prayers go seemingly unheard. Maybe you feel as if you are in a place of exile.

Make sure your heart is right with the Lord. Continue to turn to Him. Settle in your faith where you are while you wait for where He will take you from here.

BRIBED INTO SIN

Today's reading: Job 35-36

"But watch out, or you may be seduced with wealth. Don't let yourself be bribed into sin." Job 36:18 NLT

What's a bribe?

It's to persuade someone to act in one's favor, typically illegally or dishonestly, by a gift of money or other inducement. 

How many bribes do you accept in any given 24 hour period?

How many sell-outs does your enemy offer to you?

How often do you grab for what Satan offers, only to find it's merely a mirage?

Words like these, even spoken by an imperfect friend, should open our eyes to the truth of our enemy's tactics. This single verse should remind us that with every choice, there is a deeper decision being made. That there will be a consequence to pay for every action.

Our enemy has nothing to offer us. NOTHING.

It's sobering. It exposes the importance of being vigilant in our godliness.

Don't let yourself be bribed into sin...words for us all.

HIS WORK, NOT OURS

Today's reading: Psalm 51-53

"Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7 NLT

"Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean, scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life." Psalm 51:7 MSG

Been thinking the 'sin-ridding' is all up to you?

Dependent upon your determination?

Resting solely in your level of self-control?

Completely in your hands?

That's not what this verse says to me.

God's the one doing the purifying, the washing, the transforming.

God's the one doing the soaking, the scrubbing and the renewing.

Do we have a part in it? YES!

We have to want to give up our sins--to be so sick and tired of them and their havoc that we want change.

We have to seek the Lord--to look to Him for forgiveness and change.

We have to make Him our response and our reaction--turn to Him first.

We can stop attempting to do it on our own, because that's not how it's done successfully, completely or with eternal value.

THE LORD WHO BURSTS THROUGH

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 5-8

"So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. The Lord has done it! David exclaimed. He burst through my enemies like a raging flood! So David named that place Baal-perazim (which means 'The Lord who bursts through')." 2 Samuel 5:20 NLT

Every seen the Lord 'burst through'?

A situation?

A problem?

A need?

Have you witnessed Him showing up and setting things right? Barging in and bringing about the impossible? Appearing on the scene and bringing with Him the answers needed to completely settle the matters at hand?

Maybe you're needing to see Him do it.

Maybe you are in a spot that would be a prime place for Him to step in and 'show His stuff'.

Maybe you are sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to see just how He will answer your request.

Keep your eyes peeled!

God's answers won't always look like the ones we pray for. His ways won't always match up with what we believe He will do for us. The time frame God chooses to use may not fit into your schedule.

But when He moves...

When He chooses to do what only He can do...

When He 'bursts through'...

There will be absolutely no doubt about it being Him!