UNLESS

Today's reading: Psalm 125-127

"Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is useless. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good." Psalm 127:1 NLT

Where are you failing to invite God in? Or refusing to ask for godly help, mentorship, acountability or prayer?

A project? A relationship? A ministry? A challenge? A heartache?

Here are some reasons I choose to 'Lone Ranger' my way through life, see if any might apply to you...

-I got myself into this pickle, I need to get myself out!

-It's bad enough I'm struggling in the way I struggle, why let anyone else in on it!

-I really don't want to be a bother!

-In comparison to their issues, this seems so minor!

-I should be able to do this on my own!

-If I fail AGAIN, I don't want anyone else knowing about it!

-What will they think of me?

-What if they cannot be trusted?

Maybe that's more information about me than you ever wanted to know--but it's the truth. I carry loads on my heart and shoulders that God never intended I carry and others would gladly help me bear, but I don't invite God or them into it.

Unless God is in your mess, or His people in your life, your struggles will not end, your answers will not come, your success will not be achieved. 

 REVIVAL STARTS WITH PRAISE

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 29-32

"King Hezekiah then stationed the Levites at the Temple of the Lord..." 2 Chronicles 29:25 NLT

Think you can finish the above verse?

No, this is not a matter of testing your Scripture memorization skills--it's a question about what you believe would happen next.

King Hezekiah had just had his priests and Levites restore the Temple. It had been years since it had been used, years since the commands of the Lord had been followed, years since the people gathered in the name of the Lord.

So he 'cleaned house'. He set things to right. He offered the right sacrifices. And then he stationed the Levites at the Temple.

For what?

To shout condemnation upon all who passed?

To belittle and bemoan those who had sinned against God?

To debate other religions?

To hit the passers-by over the heads with their Torahs?

We're wrong.

Here is what happened...

"King Hezekiah then stationed the Levites at the Temple of the Lord with cymbals, harps and lyres." 2 Chronicles 29:25 NLT

He had the Levites in place so that praise could begin!

Any national revival...

Any city-wide revival...

Any church-wide revival...

Any personal revival...starts with praise!

Until we celebrate who God is, the immensity, scope, depths and heights, of who our Lord is--we cannot truly grasp our desperate need to repent before Him or our emptiness that can only be filled by Him.

Praise places us in the proper position.

Are you in position?

FRIENDLY REMINDER

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 7-9

"But I assure you of this: If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods, worshiping and bowing down to them, you will certainly be destroyed." Deuteronomy 8:19 NLT

God's wonderful book is jam-packed with promises for His children.

Peace. Success. Favor. Presence. Forgiveness. Eternity. Just a few of the blessings, or gifts, God chooses to pour into our lives as we give our lives over to Him.

In all the excitement and anticipation of the things God offers us, we can lose sight of the things He warns us against.

Like in today's verse.

Don't forget the Lord and don't follow after other gods.

Forget the Lord? How could we!

Worship other gods? Never! 

And yet, we do.

In good times, we tend to stray from the Lord's side.

In times of plenty, we lean heavily upon the very blessings the Blesser has provided us.

Forget Him? Do we do it when we fail to pick up our Bibles? When we choose not to spend some time in prayer? Do we forget Whose day Sunday is?

Other gods? Might it be our past-times? Our free time? Our children? Our social standings?

When we choose not to keep God in the proper place in our lives, we choose destruction.

Not my words, His!

MY TESTIMONY

Today's reading: Acts 11-12

"However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to Gentiles about the Lord Jesus Christ. The power of the Lord was upon them, and large numbers of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord." Acts 11:20-21 NLT

I've never been to the area of Antioch in Syria, or to the Libyan city of Cyrene, but my testimony of knowing Jesus began there. 

You see, when Jesus's earliest Jewish followers left Jerusalem, carrying the power of His life, death and resurrection with them, they became missionaries.

At first, they only spoke to other Jews about the new Messiah.

In their little gatherings. In their homes. In their workplaces.

But eventually, they started talking to their Gentile (non-Jewish) neighbors--and the topic of their hope, their joy, their peace and their love, came up.

That's how Jesus came into my life!

You see, I'm not Jewish. There is no relation between Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and myself--except that their mothers and my mother were mothers.

But these Christian Jews in Acts couldn't keep Him to themselves and many, many years later the Good News they shared traveled across Europe, over oceans, into the United States and eventually to a little church in a  deeply rural and unknown area of southern Illinois where I sat, at age 7,  and listened to the message, on an Easter Sunday, about saving grace!

(I know, I know--that was quite a long run-on sentence...but it's exactly how it happened.)

My thanks and appreciation to these Acts 11:20 believers for their role in me coming to know the Lord. My appreciation to the Lord for filling His people so full that they cannot keep Him to themselves. My gratitude for the Holy Spirit for knowing no boundaries.

And if you know Him, there's a very good likelihood that they have played a part in your testimony, too!

 LAW OF LOVE

Today's reading: James 1-3

"So whenever you speak, or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law of love, the law that set you free." James 2:12 NLT

Truth can hurt.

Criticism can be less than constructive.

You know, even a Bible verse can be spoken in hatred.

So, today, before you speak, ask God to give you a heart filled with love.

Love that draws people to Him.

Love that corrects, doesn't condemn.

Love that heals, not hurts.

Love that comforts, not repels.

Before offering an opinion, a suggestion or a comment, ask yourself this...Am I wanting to speak out of a heart filled with love and a life forgiven by love?

If the answer is, No--hold the thought until God has done His work in it!

WHAT HAVE YOU GAINED

Today's reading: Habakkuk

"What have you gained by worshiping all your man-made idols? How foolish to trust in something made by your own hands! What fools you are to believe such lies!" Habakkuk 2:18 NLT

While you might immediately think, 'Why, I don't have any little statues or trinkets to which I bow down!', consider this...

An idol is defined as 'a person or thing that is greatly admired, loved or revered'.

Ever placed all your eggs in the basket of another individual? Thinking they would provide all you would ever need in life--love, joy, peace? A purpose in life? A reason for living?

Ever pushed yourself hard to achieve a title/position/degree that would undoubtedly grant you the success you had always dreamed of, only to find it wasn't all it was cracked up to be?

Ever watched as everything you built with your own hands toppled to the ground? It wasn't as strong as you thought, it didn't have the foundation it needed, it wasn't dependable?

I believe that's the kind of idol Habakkuk was talking about when he asked today's question. 

We must be very careful to place our hopes and hearts into anything we have anything to do with. 

Only God is holy enough to hold the title of being worship-worthy.

 

WHAT THEY WILL REMEMBER

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 1-2

"We don't remember what happened in those former times. And in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now." Ecclesiastes 1:11 NLT

If I were to quiz you on all you studied in History class, would you make a passing grade?

Do you recall all of the facts, dates, charts and names?

Of course not!

If I were to ask you about the first time a friend betrayed you...

Your first crush...

A memory from a family Christmas...

Your mind and heart would immediately go back to that moment in time. The sights. The scents. The feel of the experience.

Why?

Because it was personal.

I believe what Solomon is saying in this verse is that unless we impact someone personally, we don't leave an impression.

A sweeping gesture, or a personal touch.

A general greeting, or a handshake and a smile.

A check written to the church, or a morning working with the children in their Sunday School class.

A prayer said over a prayer chain text, or a phone call to the one God places on your heart.

Folks will remember the things that touch their hearts, they can feel with their skin and boost their spirits. Make that memory in someone's life today! 

 LIFTING OUR EYES

Today's reading: Psalm 122-124

"I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven." Psalm 123:1 NLT

This psalm is part of a collection of songs written for the Jewish pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem. 

It's original purpose was to prepare each attender, heart and mind, on the privilege and worth of traveling to such an important place and standing as near to God as they could be.

It's quite possible this psalm was sung as the congregants walked solemnly and purposefully up each of the southern steps leading into the Temple grounds.

They literally had to look up, to gauge their next step, as each step varied in width and height.

In my mind's eye, I also believe they craned their necks to take in the enormity of the Temple itself.

For a people who lived in one, sometimes two, level homes of meager build, this massive structure must have awed them. The looming limestone walls. The gates. The cut stones possibly weighing between 2 and 5 tons each.

Have we lost that as we walk into our places of worship?

Whether your church house is a grand structure, a remodeled WalMart, a rented hotel ballroom or the living room of a dear believing family--is approaching where you meet with the Lord reminding you of the immensity of your task?

Is your travel to your house of worship preparatory for your praise?

Do you lift your eyes to take in the place God has provided you to meet with Him?

I challenge you, because I'm challenging myself, to make this week's trip to church more meaningful by remembering this verse.

FORTS IN THE WILDERNESS

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 25-28

"Uzziah built fortified towers in  Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, at the Valley Gate and at the angle of the wall. He also constructed forts in the wilderness and dug many water cisterns, because he kept great herds of livestock in the foothills of Judah and on the plains..." 2 Chronicles 26:9-10 NLT

Forts in the wilderness? Did you catch that? Forts in the wilderness.

I don't know about you, but I never intend to be in a 'wilderness', literally or spiritually, long enough to put up a permanent structure!

To me, a 'wilderness' is something you pass through. Something you trudge through as quickly as you can. Something you visit infrequently and for very short amounts of time. Something given as a punishment, discipline or tough love.

But in Uzziah's wilderness, he built forts, dug wells and kept flocks.

He didn't just disregard this barren place. He didn't just refuse to live while he was there.

He didn't lose his Jesus-ness while he was in this uncomfortable, less than civil place.

He didn't hold his breath and pretend where he was wasn't where he was!

He made the best of it. He used the resources provided to him. He left it better than he found it. So that the next person visiting the 'wilderness' would have a safe place to hole up and clean water to drink. Maybe he even put up some signs pointing those who followed him to the next watering hole or how many more miles to safety.

Uzziah made the wilderness work for him--and in turn for any who might follow in his footsteps.

Are you in a 'wilderness'?  What exactly are you doing while you're there?

DEAR USA

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 4-6

"If you obey them carefully, you will display your wisdom and intelligence to the surrounding nations. When they hear about these laws, they will exclaim, What other nation is as wise and prudent as this!" Deuteronomy 4:6 NLT

Dear USA,

Get out your Bibles!

Drag them out of the closets where you've stored them. Dust them off and crack open the pages. 

If we're going to elect a 'king' to govern our great land, a set of judges who can rule fairly, a Congress that represents our beliefs and the truth well, then we need to turn to our Bibles.

If we want to retain the title of greatest nation in the world and make other nations stand in awe of our land--we have to begin obeying the words of the Lord.

Not the laws of our land.

Not the rulings of a few courts.

Not the preferences of minorities living in sin and blindness.

We have to obey the laws of God in order to display our wisdom and intelligence to the world.

We've fallen into such a state that other countries are having to bail us out, what a shame!

We're being seen as a nation that has run amuck, so sad!

We've forgotten the godly principles our nation was founded upon, how dare we!

But we can make a comeback. We can regain face. We can restore our brokenness. We can mend party lines. We can grow and prosper and impact and rule.

We can open our Bibles and let its words govern our hearts!

 Then we can stand back and be applauded by those wanting to follow our lead--and follow our Leader!

 WHAT TO DO?

Today's reading: Acts 9-10

"But the Lord said, Go and do what I say..." Acts 9:15 NLT

Maybe your planner page is chock-full of things you don't want to do today.

Things that make you nervous, anxious, scared or down right mad that you're having to do them at all.

Things that you don't have time for, aren't ready to confront or cannot put off one day longer.

Fear. Apprehension. Anxiety.

Maybe you don't even know how to do what's needed. Or what to say. Or how to go about even beginning.

Take God's words to Ananias with you...

"Go and do what I say."

Spend a few minutes, before your big debut today, and ask God to speak through you.

Ask Him to place holy duct tape over your mouth, until the time to speak--and then ask that He rip it off!

Ask Him to give you words that are appropriate, timely and loving.

Ask Him to say through you what you'd never say yourself, but He would.

"Go and do what I say.", He is asking you today.

TAKE A NEW GRIP

Today's reading: Hebrews 11-13

"So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs." Hebrews 12:12 NLT

Maybe yesterday was an utter failure.

Quite possibly all you did in the past 24 hours you wish you could undo.

There's a likelihood that all the promises you made to God about living for Him yesterday morning you had broken before you left the house.

He still loves you.

He tells us to take a NEW grip.

That means another try today.

Another attempt.

Give it another shot.

No matter how many times you've had to start over, no matter how far back you've slidden, no matter how tired your hands are--take a new grip.

He will honor your attempts and meet you where you are!

MUSTER YOUR DEFENSES

Today's reading: Nahum

"...Muster your defenses, and keep a sharp watch for the enemy attack to begin!" Nahum 2:1 NLT

Do you live decked out in battle gear?

Are you always on guard for the enemy to attack?

Do you know an attack is no more than a thought away?

It's true.

I don't mean to burst your bubble or to make you think I am a overly pessimistic person, but our enemy is out to get us!

Stay on guard!

Remained 'prayed up'!

Walk closely to the Lord!

Our enemy wants to steal from us, destroy us and kill us. He will do whatever it takes. He will go to great lengths. He will use the smallest things to become our downfall--and he will laugh loudly as we topple to the ground.

So keep watch!

THE CONSEQUENCES OF LAZINESS

Today's reading: Proverbs 31

"She carefully watches all that goes on in her household and does not have to bear the consequences of laziness." Proverbs 31:27 NLT

A consequence is a result or effect of an action or condition. 

It's what is produced by or a result of a deed or of something undone.

The Proverbs 31 woman knows that in order to not have to deal with consequences, she must deal with a desire of laziness.

Laziness comes in all forms--inaction, disregard, overwhelm, ignoring, postponement and the all-too-popular issue--busyness.

We can be very busy with a lot of good things and completely miss the best things.

We can wear ourselves out doing, going, being and caring to the point at which we forget what's important.

I'm reminded with this verse that in order to enjoy all God's given me, I must pause--not in a lazy way, but in a way that honors Him, attends to all the blessings He has given me and in order that He knows how grateful I am for who He is!

TO THE LORD

Today's reading: Psalm 120-121

"I took my troubles to the Lord, I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer." Psalm 121:1 NLT

In a day and age where Wikipedia informs, Dr. Google diagnoses and Facebook determines lifestyle, going to the Lord is almost a lost art.

Taking polls among friends in regards to what to do is commonplace.

Instagramming a random # for advice is the norm. 

But prayer?

To some it's old fashioned, an ancient practice, for those who might live in a convent or a nunnery.

But for some of us, it's life-giving!

It's detrimental to our well being--mentally, emotionally and physically!

It's a learned response to the world's attempts at knocking us down!

It's vital to our sanity!

It's the only hope we have!

We take our troubles to the Lord. We cry out to Him. We watch as circumstance after circumstance He answers, moves, guides or provides--or completely hides from our watching eyes.

He answers our prayers!

A PERSONAL COVENANT

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 21-24

"Then Jehoida made a covenant between himself and the king and the people that they would be the Lord's people." 2 Chronicles 23:16 NLT

A covenant is a binding contract between two parties. In biblical terms, it's a binding contract between God and his people that establishes a relationship, sets conditions and promises blessings..

In covenants between us and God, let's be honest--God has the heavier role to play.

While we can agree to walk with Him, talk with Him, depend on Him and trust in Him, it's still all up to Him to do the blessing.

He is the reward center of our covenantal relationship.

Have you made a covenant with God?

Have you bowed your head, spent some time, prayerfully considered stepping into a relationship with Him that will honor the conditions He has set forth?

An actual covenant you take seriously? Make an effort? Sacrifice in order to carry out your end of the pact?

We never have to worry about Him being able to hold up His end--we're the weak link!

EVEN AFTER ALL HE DID

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 1-3

"But even after all he did, you refused to trust the Lord your God, who goes before you looking for the best places to camp, guiding you by a pillar of fire at night and a pillar of cloud by day." Deuteronomy 1:32-33 NLT

As verse one of Deuteronomy states, the entire book records the happenings during the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites.

Details. Documentation. An exhaustive list of places, people and powerful displays of God's power.

We have the blessed privilege of reading this book AFTER its occurrence. The Israelites lived it. Lived it out day by day, month by month, year after year for forty years.

It's a book that could be written about us.

This morning's verse says it all...

"But even after all he did, you refused to trust the Lord your God, who goes before you looking for the best places to camp, guiding you by a pillar of fire at night and a pillar of cloud by day." Deuteronomy 1:32-33 NLT

After all He did for the Israelites, they didn't trust Him.

Might we place our own names in there?

After all He did for us, we still don't trust Him--with everything, with this, in regards to, in dealing with, in the matter of...

The One who goes before us?

The One who leads us through the darkest nights? Past and present.

The One who shows up in our day-to-day? In expected places, but also in circumstances where He surprises us completely!

And we still don't trust Him?

 

GAZING STEADILY

Today's reading: Acts 7-8

"But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily upward into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God's right hand." Acts 7:55 NLT

Stephen was on the very edge of being stoned for his faith in God.

Within minutes of the actual deed.

Rage rose in the crowd surrounding him. Shouting drowned out his spoken testimony. Chaos and turmoil drew onlookers and incited people to join in.

But Stephen?

Stephen kept his eyes on the Lord.

On the Perfecter of his faith.

On the One for whom he would die, because He had died for him.

The entire account makes me pause long enough to think about where my focus is. Where are my eyes looking? What is my heart attentive to? What am I leaning towards in my deeds and actions?

Corrie ten Boom puts it like this...

If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest.

ONLY ONCE A YEAR

Today's reading: Hebrews 8-10

"But only the high priest goes into the Most Holy Place, and only once a year, and always with blood, which he offers to God to cover his own sins and the sins the people have committed in ignorance." Hebrews 9:7 NLT

Only once a year?

If, and praise God this is the old system, it were up to a priest to carry my sins  FOR THE YEAR to the altar--he would have a pack mule, a few loaded down trunks and a U-Haul to tow in behind him!

Can you imagine seeking forgiveness yearly?

Can you fathom only getting to step into God's presence once every 365 days?

Can you even perceive having someone else carry your dirty laundry to the Lord for you?

And again, only once a year?

God's plan, which included Jesus dying on the cross once and for all our sins, is the answer to this dilemna.

No priest needs to assist Him or us. No running tally needs kept over the course of four long seasons. No barrier between ourselves and the God who created, loves and wants us near Him.

LAST DAYS

Today's reading: Micah

"In the last days, the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem will become the most important place on earth. People from all over the world will go there to worship." Micah 4:1 NLT

From what I read, the 'last days' won't be a time of fun and fellowship. When all occurs that is prophesied in Revelation, the 'last days' will be filled with fear, wars, bloodshed and chaos.

So why, in this particular time period, will the Temple become so sought after?

It will be a place of peace. It will be a beacon of hope. It will be one of the only places where God can be found.

As time nears to an end, for us as individuals and for the world, we are drawn closer and closer to our Creator.

The One who made us. The One who will judge us. The One who will give us eternal life or eternal damnation.

The Church, whether it be in Jerusalem or in a small backroads community in the United States of America, there will come a time when people come in droves seeking Him.

As for right here and right now? Well, we mustn't wait to make Him our priority until the point at which we believe this world cannot get any worse. We shouldn't continue putting God off while we pursue activities that keep us out of fellowship with other believers. We cannot, for our sakes and the sakes of those we hope to introduce to our Savior, forfeit the assembling of ourselves together in worship, in hearing the Word of God and in growing in faith.

We can make the Lord's house the most important place on earth now, for ourselves.

HOLDING BACK

Today's reading: Proverbs 29-30

"A fool gives vent to anger, but a wise person quietly holds it back." Proverbs 29:11 NLT

Holding back our opinions, our emotions and our thoughts proves how wise we are.

The proverb doesn't say, stuff your anger down, or disregard it, deny it at all costs.

It says hold it back.

For a better time...

For a more prayed over time...

For a more opportune time...

For a time when all parties involved are in listening mode...

For a time when God ordains the issue to be let out in a godly way...

Hoover Dam 'holds back' a whole lot of water. The valley below its great reservoir is not unaware of the water, but in desperate need of its proper containment and controlled release through turbines.

A wise person is like Hoover Dam.

TURN MY EYES

Today's reading: Psalm 119

"Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word." Psalm 119:37 NLT

Through the words of this verse, I was quickly reminded of a recent eye doctor visit I had. 

As I sat in the special chair, peering through the special 'glasses', watching the little screen across the room, I recall hearing the doctor say (many times), Which is better, 1 or 2?

She would change the prescription of the lens with a quick flip, then repeat the question, Which is better, 1 or 2?

Which is better, 1 or 2? I recall wondering how many hundreds of times a day she asked her patients the same question after fiddling and adjusting the strength of the little glasses.

This morning I think about how many times a day God asks me the same thing.

As I look to the world for help, He reminds me of His ways and asks, Which is better, 1 or 2?

My ways or what the world offers?

Easy or godly?

The quick response or the high road?

Convenience or obedience?

Reaction or response?

Which is better--which will lead to freedom?

Which is better--which will lead to hearing the Lord say, Well done!?

Turn my eyes from worthless things, Lord!

GETTING OFF MY HIGH HORSE

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 16-20

"When the surrounding kingdom heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them." 2 Chronicles 20:29 NLT

Christian speakers would like me to believe that I am a God princess, a mighty warrior and have the power to name it and claim it on behalf of the Lord's promises.

Maybe.

But on the days I choose to fight the Devil, stand in my royal uprightness and rattle off Bible verses left and right--and still get my tail whipped, I am reminded that I need to get down off my high horse.

Why?

Because my enemy isn't afraid of me. Of my title as blood-bought child of God. Of how many Bible verses I have in my noggin.

He is afraid of God.

And when I let God do the fighting for me, my enemies scatter!

ACROSS FROM JERICHO

Today's reading: Numbers 33-36

"They left the mountains east of the river and camped on the plains of Moab beside the Jordan River, across from Jericho." Numbers 33:48 NLT 

Let's review...

An enslaved people, having just been granted freedom, set out on a very long journey to a land promised to them by God.

They grumble, they mumble, they complain and they mess up.

They sin, they repent, they sin some more, they repent--and still God keeps His hand of protection and possession on them. They are His and the land they are traveling towards is their gift.

They sojourn a long time and finally come to the promised land.

As they stand on the plains of Moab peering into their new home, they see two more obstacles--the Jordan River and Jericho.

One might think this river wouldn't throw up red flags to a crowd who watched God open up a path in the Red Sea, but it does.

How will they cross it? How will these land people, who probably cannot swim, ever make it over to the other side? How will they have the energy after 'all this' to cross a river?

And if and when they do, what will they do with Jericho?

A walled city. An armed city. An impending city. A looming city. 

Maybe, just maybe, you feel like they did...

You can almost see your prayers answered. You can almost taste victory over a sin that's held you captive for too long. You are on the cliff of truly believing and ready to take a jump into God's arms--

But a river of doubt and a fortress of impossibilities are staring you in the face.

Here is a single sentence that may very well help you continue on:

The river parted and the city fell.

God's not one who will only get us part way. He doesn't dangle our freedom and His gifts before us like a carrot, always just out of reach. 

God follows through on His promises, no matter what it takes to make it happen.

That's what He did for the Israelites, that's what He will do for you!

MESSAGE OF LIFE

Today's reading: Acts 5-6

"Go to the Temple and give the people this message of life!" Acts 5:20 NLT

In thinking about God's message to Peter and the other apostles, I'm at first taken aback...

Of all the places in the city where the message of Jesus should be shared, God send them to the Temple.

Not the bars.

Not the houses of ill repute.

Not the drug-infested neighborhoods.

Not to the Roman parliamentary buildings.

But to the church.

To the place where life should be constant, consistent, overflowing and outstanding.

To the people who should be full of life, filled with hope and loving.

To the congregation of folks who should know the Truth, the Life and the Way.

I pray you had life spoken into you at your worship service yesterday. I hope God's Word was spoken to you, over you and into you. I trust that when you gathered with your family of believers, your battery was recharged, your excitement was energized and your burdens were lifted.

Because if you were filled with light, you will be able to pour it out into another! 

SOLID FOOD

Today's reading: Hebrews 5-7

"Solid food is for those who are mature, who have trained themselves to recognize the difference between right and wrong and then do what is right." Hebrews 5:14 NLT

There are believers who love to devour the Word of God in order that they have file folder, after file folder of facts in their brain.

Then there are those who love to memorize Scripture in an effort to have ammunition in order to argue doctrinal points and denominational differences.

We also have church folks who like to believe that ONLY a certain translation is inspired and all others should be approached with a doubtful mind.

Then, there are those who feast on the Word...

Who hunger for the Scriptures...

Who use the Bible as intended, to know right from wrong--and then follow through in their actions and reactions.

You see, the Bible does us no good if it's only used for knowledge purposes, for debating fodder or to dismiss all others, it's available to us in order to change our lives!

What are you doing with the Word of the Lord? 

SECOND CHANCES

Today's reading: Jonah

"Then the Lord spoke to Jonah a second time: Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh, and deliver the message of judgement I have given them." Jonah 3:1 NLT

I can't speak for you, but I, for one, am SO very glad I serve, and am loved on, by a God of second chances!

And third chances...

And fourth chances...

Well, you get the idea.

What sins I committed yesterday, if I have asked His forgiveness of--are forgiven.

Where I messed up--He gives me opportunity to try again.

When I have blatantly, willfully and with the disdain of a toddler throwing a tantrum, told the Lord on no uncertain terms, "No"--He lovingly places me back in the position to say, "Yes".

He knows I am imperfect. He knows there are days when my imperfections shine more brightly than the godliness within me. He knows I have a will of my own. He knows how strong that will is.

And yet He speaks a second time.

To me.

The strong-willed, hand on her hips, shaking her finger, shouting 'Absolutely not!', me.

 

WHERE IS YOUR TRUST PLACED?

Today's reading: Proverbs 28

"Trusting oneself is foolish, but those who walk in wisdom are safe." Proverbs 28:26 NLT

I'm not sure why I trust myself somedays.

My abilities are limited, to say the least.

My skill set is finite, to be honest.

My knowledge of future events, is nonexistent.

My view of all that's going on, is severely dialed in to what's currently going on before my very eyes.

So, why do I trust myself? My feelings, my emotions, my opinions, my plans?

Why don't I lean harder, longer, and with more intent, into the Lord?

Who knows all.

Who has created all.

Who holds all in His grand hands.

Who formed the past, is orchestrating the present and who has written the future.

I'm a fool to trust me!

HIS FAITHFUL LOVE

Today's reading: Psalm 117-118

"...His faithful love endures forever..." Psalm 118

Psalm 118 repeats the phrase, no the statement, no the fact, that 'His faithful love endures forever', over and over.

Why? Because it's true.

Nothing about His love has ever, will ever, nor can ever change.

As surely as the sun will rise.

As dependably as the moon will take the sun's place at day's end.

As consistent as the tides ebb and flow.

As true as the changing of the seasons.

His faithful love endures forever.

 

COURAGE

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 11-15

"When Asa heard this message from Azariah the prophet, he took courage and removed all the idols in the land of Judah and Benjamin and in the towns he had captured in the hill country of Ephraim. And he repaired the altar of the Lord, which stood in front of the foyer of the Lords Temple." 2 Chronicles 15:8 NLT

Faith doesn't require the 'warm fuzzies'.

It doesn't come easily.

It isn't just poured on you like a summer rainshower.

It requires courage.

Courage to believe what God says when you cannot see it.

Courage to do the hard things not knowing what the outcome will be.

Courage to be the only one standing for what's right.

Courage to accept that God's ways won't always be appreciated or accepted.

Be courageous enough today to build up your faith muscles. 

NO MAN LEFT BEHIND

Today's reading: Numbers 29-32

"Then all the military commanders came to Moses and said, Sir, we have accounted for all the men who went out to battle under our command; not one of us is missing." Numbers 31:48-49 NLT

A motto that began during the French and Indian War among US Army Rangers states, No Man Left Behind.

Isn't it about time we took that motto to heart as we prayed, as we worshiped, as we progressed against the enemy's tactics?

No pray-er left behind.

No sojourner left behind.

No believer left behind.

It might mean we have to take more time from ourselves in order that we encourage and bolster the walk of another.

It might cost us some effort, some additional time on our knees and a few notes/texts/phone calls.

It might require us to think of ourselves less and fellow Christians more.

But in the end, it will be worth it! We will stand in heaven, singing praises to God, arm in arm with each and every brother and sister in Christ--because we chose to live out the phrase, No Man (Woman, Boy or Girl) Left Behind!